Steam cleaning device equipped with two rotating cleaning elements

Abstract

The floor cleaning device (2) comprises a main body (3); a gripping handle (4); a suction nozzle (6) comprising a nozzle body (18), a front suction inlet (22) and a rear suction inlet (23), a front cleaning element (27) and a rear cleaning element (28), a steam distribution circuit configured to supply steam to the front cleaning element (27) and the rear cleaning element (28); a suction motor (13); and a steam generator (14) fluidly connected to the steam distribution circuit and housed in the main body (3). Figure 5

Description

Title of the invention: Steam cleaning device equipped with two rotating cleaning elements technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of floor cleaning devices, for example of the broom type, allowing the vacuuming of dust and waste present on a surface to be cleaned, which can for example be tiles, parquet, laminate, carpet or rug, and simultaneously perform steam cleaning of the surface to be cleaned. State of the art

[0002] A floor cleaning device includes in a known manner a main body equipped with a suction nozzle, a gripping handle mechanically connected to the main body, a suction nozzle configured to rest on a surface to be cleaned and equipped with a front cleaning roller, a rear cleaning roller, and a suction motor housed in the main body and configured to generate an airflow through the suction nozzle.

[0003] In order to increase the cleaning performance of such a floor cleaning device, it is known to equip the suction nozzle of such a floor cleaning device with a steam generator and a steam distribution circuit fluidly connected to the steam generator and configured to supply steam to one of the cleaning rollers or possibly the floor to be cleaned.

[0004] However, such a suction nozzle has a relatively large vertical footprint due to the placement of the steam generator within the nozzle body, which impairs the nozzle's maneuverability and also prevents the cleaning of surfaces located under low furniture. Furthermore, this configuration of the vacuum nozzle requires equipping it with a specially shaped top cover to create an internal compartment suitable for housing the steam generator.

[0005] Furthermore, the presence of the steam generator within the suction nozzle, in addition to the drive motor capable of rotating the front and rear cleaning rollers, induces a high temperature within the suction nozzle, which can impair the operation of the drive motor and therefore the reliability of the floor cleaning device of the aforementioned type. Summary of the invention

[0006] The present invention aims to remedy all or part of these drawbacks.

[0007] The technical problem underlying the invention consists in particular of providing a floor cleaning device which is compact and reliable in structure, while exhibiting increased cleaning performance.

[0008] To this end, the present invention relates to a floor cleaning device comprising:

[0009] - a main body equipped with a suction nozzle,

[0010] - a gripping handle mechanically connected to the main body,

[0011] - a suction nozzle comprising: • a nozzle body comprising a sole with an underside configured to be oriented towards a surface to be cleaned, • a front suction inlet opening into a front part of the sole, for example into a front part of the underside of the sole, and a rear suction inlet opening into a rear part of the sole, for example into a rear part of the underside of the sole, • a front cleaning element, such as a front cleaning roller or a front cleaning brush, associated with the front suction inlet and configured to be in contact with the surface to be cleaned, and a rear cleaning element, such as a rear cleaning roller or a rear cleaning brush, associated with the rear suction inlet and configured to be in contact with the surface to be cleaned, the front cleaning element and the rear cleaning element being mounted to rotate respectively around a first axis of rotation and a second axis of rotation which are substantially parallel to each other, • a steam distribution circuit configured to supply steam to the front cleaning unit and the rear cleaning unit, and • a connecting sleeve that is fluidly connected to the front and rear suction ports and to which the suction nozzle of the main body is mechanically and fluidly connected,

[0012] - a suction motor housed in the main body and configured to generate a airflow through the suction nozzle and the suction tip, and

[0013] - a steam generator configured to supply steam to said circuit steam distribution, the steam generator being housed in the main body and configured to supply steam to the steam distribution circuit when the suction nozzle is connected to the connecting sleeve.

[0014] Relocating the steam generator to the main body, and therefore away from the suction nozzle, significantly reduces the overall height. of the suction nozzle and thus allow easy cleaning, especially of surfaces located under low furniture.

[0015] In addition, such an arrangement of the steam generator makes it possible to limit the temperature increase within the suction body, and to preserve the integrity of the rotational drive mechanism of the front and rear cleaning organs.

[0016] The floor cleaning device may also have one or more of the following characteristics, taken alone or in combination.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the invention, the steam generator is disposed in a lower part of the main body.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the invention, the floor cleaning device is configured such that, when simultaneously the suction nozzle rests on a horizontal surface and the gripping handle extends substantially vertically, the steam generator is located between two vertical planes containing respectively the first axis of rotation and the second axis of rotation.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the invention, the front cleaning member and the rear cleaning member each extend substantially perpendicularly to a median vertical longitudinal plane of the suction nozzle.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the invention, the floor cleaning device is configured such that the first axis of rotation and the second axis of rotation are substantially horizontal when the suction nozzle rests on a horizontal surface.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the invention, the steam distribution circuit comprises a front steam projection member configured to project steam towards the front cleaning member and advantageously directly onto the front cleaning member, and a rear steam projection member configured to project steam towards the rear cleaning member and advantageously directly onto the rear cleaning member. Such a configuration of the steam distribution circuit increases the cleaning performance of the floor cleaning device according to the present invention (since the front and rear cleaning members are heated by the steam), while also allowing for faster drying of the front and rear cleaning members and enhanced disinfection and cleaning of the front and rear cleaning members by the steam directly projected onto them.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the invention, the front steam projection member and the rear steam projection member are located between the front cleaning member and the rear cleaning member. Such an arrangement of the front and rear steam projection members makes it possible to further reduce the overall height of the suction nozzle.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the invention, the front vapor projection member is oriented opposite to the rear vapor projection member.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the invention, the front steam projection member comprises at least one front steam projection nozzle, and the rear steam projection member comprises at least one rear steam projection nozzle.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the invention, the front steam projection member comprises a plurality of front steam projection nozzles distributed along the front cleaning member, and the rear steam projection member comprises a plurality of rear steam projection nozzles distributed along the rear cleaning member.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the invention, the front steam projection member is located directly opposite the front cleaning member, and the rear steam projection member is located directly opposite the rear cleaning member.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the invention, the suction nozzle is configured such that, when the suction nozzle rests on a horizontal surface, the front vapor projection member and the rear vapor projection member are located above a horizontal plane passing through the first axis of rotation and the second axis of rotation.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the invention, the front steam projection member and the rear steam projection member are configured to be oriented substantially horizontally when the suction nozzle rests on a horizontal surface.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the invention, the suction nozzle comprises a water distribution circuit configured to supply water to the front cleaning element and the rear cleaning element. These arrangements further enhance the cleaning performance of the floor cleaning device according to the present invention.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the invention, the water distribution circuit comprises a front water projection member configured to project water directly onto the front cleaning member and a rear water projection member configured to project water directly onto the rear cleaning member.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the invention, the front water projection member and the rear water projection member are located between the front cleaning member and the rear cleaning member.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the invention, the front water projection member is oriented opposite to the rear water projection member.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the invention, the front water projection member comprises at least one front water projection nozzle, and the rear water projection member comprises at least one rear water projection nozzle.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the invention, the front water projection member comprises a plurality of front water projection nozzles distributed along the front cleaning member, and the rear water projection member comprises a plurality of rear water projection nozzles distributed along the rear cleaning member.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the invention, the front water projection member is located directly opposite the front cleaning member, and the rear water projection member is located directly opposite the rear cleaning member.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the invention, the suction nozzle is configured such that, when the suction nozzle rests on a horizontal surface, the front water projection member and the rear water projection member are located above a horizontal plane passing through the first axis of rotation and the second axis of rotation.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the invention, the front steam spraying element is located above the front water spraying element, and the rear steam spraying element is located above the rear water spraying element. Such an arrangement of the front and rear steam spraying elements prevents, during simultaneous spraying of water and steam onto each of the front and rear cleaning elements, the steam sprayed onto each of the front and rear cleaning elements from being cooled by the water sprayed onto each of the front and rear cleaning elements.

[0038] According to one embodiment of the invention, the front water projection member and the rear water projection member are configured to be oriented substantially horizontally when the suction nozzle rests on a horizontal surface.

[0039] According to one embodiment of the invention, the front cleaning member is housed at least partly in the body of the nozzle and is located opposite the front suction mouth, and the rear cleaning member is housed at least partly in the body of the nozzle and is located opposite the rear suction mouth.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the invention, the suction body comprises a top cover including at least one steam outlet opening leading into a top face of the top cover.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the invention, the front suction mouth is located near a front edge of the suction body and the rear suction mouth is located near the rear edge of the suction body.

[0042] According to one embodiment of the invention, the suction nozzle comprises a rotational drive mechanism configured to rotate the member of The front cleaning element rotates around the first axis of rotation in a first direction of rotation, and the rear cleaning element rotates around the second axis of rotation in a second direction of rotation opposite to the first. This reverse rotation of the front and rear cleaning elements cancels out the front and rear traction forces generated by the front and rear cleaning elements, respectively, thus improving the maneuverability of the suction nozzle according to the present invention.

[0043] According to one embodiment of the invention, the suction nozzle is configured to rest on the floor solely by means of the front and rear cleaning elements. In other words, the suction nozzle is configured such that its mass is supported only by the front and rear cleaning elements. Due to this configuration of the suction nozzle, the forces applied to the front and rear cleaning elements are high, resulting in increased cleaning performance and, in particular, ensuring effective cleaning of ingrained stains in the floor.

[0044] According to one embodiment of the invention, the front cleaning member and the rear cleaning member protrude from the underside of the sole respectively through the front suction opening and the rear suction opening.

[0045] According to one embodiment of the invention, the suction body has an overall quadrangular shape, and for example an overall rectangular shape.

[0046] According to one embodiment of the invention, the rotation drive mechanism is housed in the suction body.

[0047] According to one embodiment of the invention, the rotational drive mechanism comprises a drive motor which is rotationally coupled to the front cleaning member and the rear cleaning member.

[0048] According to another embodiment of the invention, the rotational drive mechanism could comprise a first drive motor which is rotationally coupled to the front cleaning member and a second drive motor which is rotationally coupled to the rear cleaning member.

[0049] According to one embodiment of the invention, the steam distribution circuit comprises a first steam flow conduit, for example flexible, which is fluidly connected to the front steam projection member and a second steam flow conduit, for example flexible, which is fluidly connected to the rear steam projection member. Advantageously, each of the first and second steam flow conduits is configured to be fluidly connected to a steam delivery conduit provided in the main body when the connecting sleeve is connected to the suction nozzle.

[0050] According to one embodiment of the invention, the water distribution circuit comprises a first water flow conduit, for example flexible, which is fluidly connected to the front water spraying element, and a second steam flow conduit, for example flexible, which is fluidly connected to the rear water spraying element. Advantageously, each of the first and second water flow conduits is configured to be fluidly connected to a water delivery conduit provided in the main body when the connecting sleeve is connected to the suction nozzle.

[0051] According to one embodiment of the invention, the floor cleaning device comprises a water tank and a supply circuit fluidly connected to the water tank and configured to supply water to the steam generator, and more particularly to a vaporization chamber of the steam generator.

[0052] According to one embodiment of the invention, the water tank is positioned in the main body, preferably above the steam generator.

[0053] According to one embodiment of the invention, the water tank is mounted removably on the main body and accessible from a rear face of the main body.

[0054] According to one embodiment of the invention, the supply circuit comprises a supply conduit fluidly connecting the water tank to the steam generator.

[0055] According to one embodiment of the invention, the supply circuit includes a feed pump configured to supply the steam generator with water from the water tank. Advantageously, the feed pump is integrated into the main body.

[0056] According to one embodiment of the invention, the floor cleaning device includes an additional feed pump fluidly connected to the water tank and configured to supply the water supply line with water from the water tank.

[0057] According to one embodiment of the invention, the floor cleaning device includes a waste collection container which is mounted, for example in a removable manner, on the main body and which is configured to collect wastewater and waste sucked up via the front suction mouth and the rear suction mouth.

[0058] According to one embodiment of the invention, the waste collection container is accessible from a front face of the main body.

[0059] According to one embodiment of the invention, the waste collection container and the suction motor are positioned in a front part of the main body while that the water tank and steam generator are located in a rear part of the main body.

[0060] According to one embodiment of the invention, the front suction mouth and the rear suction mouth are elongated and each extend transversely, and for example perpendicularly, to a direction of movement of the suction nozzle.

[0061] According to one embodiment of the invention, the front cleaning member and the rear cleaning member each have a generally cylindrical shape. Brief description of the figures

[0062] The invention will be better understood with the aid of the following description with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings representing, by way of non-limiting example, one embodiment of this floor cleaning device.

[0063] [Fig-1] is a front perspective view of a floor cleaning device according to the present invention;

[0064] [Fig.2] is a rear view of the floor cleaning device of [Fig.1];

[0065] [Fig.3] is a top view of the floor cleaning device of [Fig.1];

[0066] [Fig.4] is a view from below of the floor cleaning device of [Fig.1];

[0067] [Fig.5] is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the floor cleaning device of the [Fig.l];

[0068] [Fig.6] is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a suction nozzle belonging to the floor cleaning device of the [Fig.l];

[0069] [Fig.7] is a partial front view of the suction nozzle of [Fig.6];

[0070] [Fig.8] is a partial view of the suction nozzle of [Fig.6];

[0071] [Fig.9] is a partial rear view of the floor cleaning device of [Fig.1]. Detailed description

[0072] In this document, the terms "front", "rear", "upper", "lower", "above" and "below" are defined with respect to use of the floor cleaning device during which the suction nozzle rests on a horizontal surface, and the user holds the floor cleaning device by its grip handle, and a front edge of the suction nozzle is located opposite the user.

[0073] In this document, a "median vertical longitudinal plane" is a plane which divides the element to which it refers, for example the suction nozzle, into a right part and a left part.

[0074] Unless otherwise stipulated, the term "substantially" means, in this document, "exactly or to within 10% or to within 10°".

[0075] Figures 1 to 9 represent a floor cleaning device 2, and more particularly a steam mop vacuum cleaner, comprising a main body 3, a A handle 4 mechanically connected to the main body 3 and equipped, in particular, with a handle 5 at its upper end, and a suction nozzle 6 configured to make contact with the floor to be cleaned. Advantageously, the floor cleaning device 2 includes a power cord configured to be connected to a wall outlet.

[0076] The main body 3 includes in particular a housing 7 and a suction nozzle 8 which is advantageously disposed at a lower end of the housing 7 and to which the suction nozzle 6 is attached. The main body 3 further includes a suction conduit 9 disposed in the housing 7 and fluidly connected to the suction nozzle 8.

[0077] The floor cleaning device 2 further comprises a waste collection container 11 which is removably mounted on the main body 3, and which is configured to collect wastewater and waste drawn in via the front suction inlet and the rear suction inlet. The waste collection container 11 more specifically comprises an air inlet opening 12 which is configured to be fluidly connected to the suction duct 9.

[0078] As shown in [Fig. 4], the floor cleaning device 2 also includes a suction motor 13, also called a motor-fan, configured to generate an airflow through the suction nozzle 6, the suction nozzle 8, the suction duct 9, and the waste collection container 11. The suction motor 13 is particularly situated within the housing 7. As is known, the suction motor 13 comprises a fan and an electric motor configured to drive the fan. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the suction motor 13 has a motor shaft that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the handle 4.

[0079] Furthermore, the floor cleaning device 2 includes a steam generator 14 housed in a lower part of the casing 7, a water tank 15 which is removably mounted on the casing 7, and a supply circuit fluidly connected to the water tank 15 and configured to supply water to the steam generator 14, and more particularly to a vaporization chamber of the steam generator 14. The supply circuit includes in particular a supply conduit 16 fluidly connecting the water tank 15 to the steam generator 14, and a supply pump 17 housed in the casing 7 and configured to supply the steam generator 14 with water from the water tank 15.

[0080] The steam generator 14 is advantageously positioned in the main body 3, behind the waste collection container 11 and under the water tank 15.

[0081] Advantageously, the steam generator 14 is positioned near the connection point between the power cord and the main body 3. Such The layout helps to limit the space taken up in the main body 3 by the electrical power cables of the steam generator 14.

[0082] As shown in [Fig. 1] and 6, the suction nozzle 6 comprises a nozzle body 18 configured to be moved over a surface to be cleaned. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the nozzle body 18 has a generally rectangular shape.

[0083] The nozzle body 18 includes a sole 19, for example made of plastic, having an underside 21 configured to be oriented towards the surface to be cleaned.

[0084] The nozzle body 18 further comprises a front suction opening 22 located near a front edge 18.1 of the nozzle body 18 and opening into the lower face 21 of the sole 19, and a rear suction opening 23 located near a rear edge 18.2 of the nozzle body 18 and opening into the lower face 21 of the sole 19. Advantageously, each of the front and rear suction openings 22, 23 is elongated and extends along an extension direction DI which extends perpendicularly to a direction of movement D2 of the suction nozzle 6.

[0085] The nozzle body 18 advantageously comprises, at the inlet of each of the front and rear suction nozzles 22, 23, a respective flap 20 extending perpendicularly to the direction of travel D2 of the suction nozzle 6. Each flap 20 improves suction performance and is configured to be positioned at a distance from the floor to be cleaned so as not to generate resistance to forward movement. Each flap 20 is advantageously made of rubber.

[0086] The suction body 18 further comprises a central suction channel 24 which is fluidly connected to each of the front and rear suction ports 22, 23. Advantageously, the central suction channel 24 extends substantially in a median vertical longitudinal plane of the suction nozzle 6.

[0087] The suction nozzle 6 also includes a connecting sleeve 25 which is fluidly connected to the central suction channel 24 (and therefore to the front and rear suction outlets 22, 23) and to which the suction nozzle 8 is intended to be mechanically and fluidly connected. Advantageously, the suction nozzle 6 includes an articulation device 26 mechanically connecting the connecting sleeve 25 to the nozzle body 18, so as to allow the nozzle body 18 to pivot forward and backward when the suction nozzle 6 is moved along the direction of travel D2.

[0088] The suction nozzle 6 further comprises a front cleaning element 27, such as a front cleaning roller or a front cleaning brush, associated with the front suction nozzle 22 and configured to be in contact with the surface to be cleaned, and a rear cleaning element 28, such as a rear cleaning roller or a rear cleaning brush, associated with the rear suction mouth 23 and configured to be in contact with the surface to be cleaned.

[0089] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the front cleaning member 27 and the rear cleaning member 28 each have a generally cylindrical shape, and can for example be provided with bristles on their external surfaces or be formed by a foam cleaning sleeve.

[0090] The front cleaning member 27 and the rear cleaning member 28 are housed at least in part in the nozzle body 18, and are located respectively opposite the front suction mouth 22 and the rear suction mouth 23. Advantageously, the front cleaning member 27 and the rear cleaning member 28 protrude from the lower face 21 of the sole 19 respectively through the front suction mouth 22 and the rear suction mouth 23.

[0091] The front cleaning element 27 and the rear cleaning element 28 are mounted to rotate respectively around a first axis of rotation Al and a second axis of rotation A2 which are parallel to each other and which extend parallel to the direction of extension DI. The floor cleaning device 2 is more particularly configured such that the first axis of rotation Al and the second axis of rotation A2 are horizontal when the suction nozzle 6 rests on a horizontal surface.

[0092] The suction nozzle 6 includes a rotating drive mechanism 29 configured to rotate the front cleaning member 27 around the first axis of rotation A1 and in a first direction of rotation SI and to rotate the rear cleaning member 28 around the second axis of rotation A2 and in a second direction of rotation S2 which is opposite to the first direction of rotation SL. Advantageously, the rotating drive mechanism 29 is housed in the nozzle body 18, and includes a drive motor 31 which is rotationally coupled to the front cleaning member 27 and the rear cleaning member 28.

[0093] Advantageously, the suction nozzle 6 is configured to rest on the floor only by means of the front cleaning member 27 and the rear cleaning member 28. In other words, the suction nozzle 6 is configured such that the mass of the suction nozzle 6 is supported only by the front cleaning member 27 and the rear cleaning member 28.

[0094] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the suction nozzle 6 further comprises a front scraper 270 and a rear scraper 280 located in the nozzle body 18 and configured to scrape the front cleaning member 27 and the rear cleaning member 28, respectively. The front scraper 270 and the rear scraper 280 are more particularly configured to guide, when the front cleaning member 27 and the rear cleaning member 28 are driven in rotation, the waste / dirt / dirty water present on them respectively towards the front and rear suction outlets 22, 23 and the central suction channel 24.

[0095] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the floor cleaning device 2 is configured such that, when simultaneously the suction nozzle 6 rests on a horizontal surface and the gripping handle 4 extends vertically, the steam generator 14 is located between two vertical planes containing respectively the first axis of rotation Al and the second axis of rotation A2.

[0096] The suction nozzle 6 further comprises a steam distribution circuit 32 (see in particular [Fig. 9]) configured to supply steam to the front cleaning element 27 and the rear cleaning element 28. The steam distribution circuit 32 is configured to be fluidly connected to the steam generator 14, and more particularly to a steam delivery conduit 33 (see [Fig. 9]) provided in the main body 3 and fluidly connected to a steam outlet of the steam generator 14. The steam generator 14 is thus configured to supply steam to the steam distribution circuit 32 when the suction nozzle 8 is connected to the connecting sleeve 25.

[0097] As shown in [Fig. 6], the steam distribution circuit 32 includes a front steam spray member 34 which is located directly opposite the front cleaning member 27 and which is configured to spray steam directly onto the front cleaning member 27, and a rear steam spray member 35 which is located directly opposite the rear cleaning member 28 and which is configured to spray steam directly onto the rear cleaning member 28. Advantageously, the front steam spray member 34 and the rear steam spray member 35 are located between the front cleaning member 27 and the rear cleaning member 28, and the front steam spray member 34 is oriented opposite to the rear steam spray member 35.

[0098] Advantageously, the suction nozzle 6 is configured such that, when the suction nozzle 6 rests on a horizontal surface, the front vapor projection member 34 and the rear vapor projection member 35 are oriented horizontally and are located above a horizontal plane passing through the first axis of rotation Al and the second axis of rotation A2.

[0099] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the steam distribution circuit 32 comprises a first steam flow conduit 36, for example flexible, which is fluidly connected to the front steam projection member 34 and a second steam flow conduit (not shown in the figures), for example flexible, which is fluidly connected to the rear steam projection member 35. Advantageously, each of the first and second flow conduits steam is configured to be fluidly connected to the steam delivery conduit 33 provided in the main body 3 when the connecting sleeve 25 is connected to the suction nozzle 8.

[0100] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the front steam projection member 34 comprises (see [Fig. 7]) upper and lower walls 340, 341 defining a front steam circulation channel 342 configured to direct the steam towards the front cleaning member 27. Similarly, the rear steam projection member 35 comprises upper and lower walls (not visible in the figures) defining a rear steam circulation channel configured to direct the steam towards the rear cleaning member 28. Such a configuration of the front steam projection member 34 and the rear steam projection member 35 ensures a maximum steam temperature at the point of contact between the steam and the corresponding cleaning member.The upper and lower walls of each of the steam projection devices form, in particular, a space for containing and guiding the steam towards the corresponding cleaning device.

[0101] The front steam spraying element 34 may, for example, comprise a plurality of front steam spray nozzles 34.1 distributed along the front cleaning element 27 (and advantageously opening into the front steam circulation channel 342), and the rear steam spraying element 35 may, for example, comprise a plurality of rear steam spray nozzles (not visible in the figures) distributed along the rear cleaning element 28 (and advantageously opening into the rear steam circulation channel). However, according to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the front steam spraying element 34 could comprise a single front steam spray nozzle, and the rear steam spraying element 35 could comprise a single rear steam spray nozzle.

[0102] According to one embodiment of the invention, the nozzle body 18 could comprise an upper cover including one or more steam outlet openings (not shown in the figures) opening into an upper face of the upper cover. The presence of such steam outlet openings allows a user to easily verify, by simple visual inspection, that steam is indeed being projected onto the front cleaning element 27 and the rear cleaning element 28.

[0103] As shown in [Fig.9], the suction nozzle 6 also includes a water distribution circuit 38 configured to supply water to the front cleaning member 27 and the rear cleaning member 28.

[0104] The water distribution circuit 38 includes, in particular, a front water spraying member 39 which is located directly opposite the front cleaning member 27 and which is configured to spray water directly onto the front cleaning member 27, and a rear water spraying member 41 which is located directly opposite the rear cleaning member 28 and which is configured to project water directly onto the rear cleaning member 28. Advantageously, the front water projection member 39 and the rear water projection member 41 are located between the front cleaning member 27 and the rear cleaning member 28, and the front water projection member 39 is oriented opposite to the rear water projection member 41.

[0105] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the suction nozzle 6 is configured such that, when the suction nozzle 6 rests on a horizontal surface, the front water spray member 39 and the rear water spray member 41 are oriented horizontally and are located respectively below the front steam spray member 34 and the rear steam spray member 35. Advantageously, the front water spray member 39 and the rear water spray member 41 are configured to be located above a horizontal plane passing through the first axis of rotation Al and the second axis of rotation A2, when the suction nozzle 6 rests on a horizontal surface.

[0106] The lower walls of the steam projection devices prevent water from the water projection devices from coming into direct contact with the steam and in particular the steam projection nozzles.

[0107] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the water distribution circuit 38 comprises a first water flow conduit 40, for example flexible, which is fluidly connected to the front water spraying element 39 and a second steam flow conduit (not shown in the figures), for example flexible, which is fluidly connected to the rear water spraying element 41. Advantageously, each of the first and second water flow conduits is configured to be fluidly connected to a water delivery conduit 44, provided in the main body 3, when the connecting sleeve 25 is connected to the suction nozzle 8. Advantageously, the floor cleaning device 2 comprises an additional feed pump 45 fluidly connected to the water reservoir 15 and configured to supply the water delivery conduit 44, and thus the water distribution circuit 38, with water from the water reservoir. 15.

[0108] The front water spraying member 39 may, for example, comprise a plurality of front water spraying nozzles 39.1 distributed along the front cleaning member 27, and the rear water spraying member 41 may, for example, comprise a plurality of rear water spraying nozzles (not visible in the figures) distributed along the rear cleaning member 28. However, according to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the front water spraying member 39 could comprise a single front water spraying nozzle, and the rear water spraying member 41 could comprise a single rear water spraying nozzle.

[0109] During a surface cleaning operation, a user can, for example, order a water spray on the front cleaning member 27 and the rear cleaning member 28, and / or order a steam spray on the front cleaning member 27 and the rear cleaning member 28 by activating respectively the first and second control buttons provided on the grip handle 5.

[0110] According to an embodiment of the invention not shown in the figures, the suction nozzle 6 could be devoid of a water distribution circuit configured to supply water to the front cleaning member 27 and the rear cleaning member 28.

[0111] According to an embodiment of the invention not shown in the figures, the suction nozzle 6 could further be provided with a steam projection device fluidly connected to the steam distribution circuit 32 and configured to project steam directly onto the floor to be cleaned.

[0112] Of course, the present invention is in no way limited to the embodiment described and illustrated, which has been given only by way of example. Modifications remain possible, particularly with regard to the composition of the various elements or by substitution of technical equivalents, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims

1. Demands Floor cleaning device (2) comprising: - a main body (3) equipped with a suction nozzle (8), - a gripping handle (4) mechanically connected to the main body (3), - a suction nozzle (6) comprising: • a nozzle body (18) comprising a sole (19) having an underside (21) which is configured to be oriented towards a surface to be cleaned, • a front suction inlet (22) opening into a front part of the sole (19) and a rear suction inlet (23) opening into a rear part of the sole (19), • a front cleaning element (27) associated with the front suction nozzle (22) and configured to be in contact with the surface to be cleaned, and a rear cleaning element (28) associated with the rear suction nozzle (23) and configured to be in contact with the surface to be cleaned, the front cleaning element (27) and the rear cleaning element (28) being mounted to rotate respectively around a first axis of rotation (A1) and a second axis of rotation (A2) which are substantially parallel to each other, • a steam distribution circuit (32) configured to supply steam to the front cleaning unit (27) and the rear cleaning unit (28), and • a connecting sleeve (25) which is fluidly connected to the front suction port (22) and to the rear suction port (23) and to which the suction nozzle (8) of the main body (3) is mechanically and fluidly connected, - a suction motor (13) housed in the main body (3) and configured to generate an airflow through the suction nozzle (6) and the suction tip (8), and - a steam generator (14) configured to supply steam to the steam distribution circuit (32), characterized in that the steam generator (14) is housed in the main body (3) and is configured to supply steam to the steam distribution circuit (32) when the suction nozzle (8) is connected to the connecting sleeve (25).

2. Floor cleaning device (2) according to claim 1, wherein the steam generator (14) is disposed in a lower part of the main body (3).

3. Floor cleaning device (2) according to claim 1 or 2, which is configured such that, when simultaneously the suction nozzle (6) rests on a horizontal surface and the gripping handle (4) extends substantially vertically, the steam generator (14) is located between two vertical planes containing respectively the first axis of rotation (A1) and the second axis of rotation (A2).

4. Floor cleaning device (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the steam distribution circuit (32) comprises a front steam projection member (34) configured to project steam directly onto the front cleaning member (27) and a rear steam projection member (35) configured to project steam directly onto the rear cleaning member (28).

5. Floor cleaning device (2) according to claim 4, wherein the front steam projection member (34) and the rear steam projection member (35) are located between the front cleaning member (27) and the rear cleaning member (28).

6. Floor cleaning device (2) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the front steam projection member (34) and the rear steam projection member (35) are configured to be substantially horizontally oriented when the suction nozzle (6) rests on a horizontal surface.

7. Floor cleaning device (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the suction nozzle (6) has a water distribution circuit (38) configured to supply water to the front cleaning member (27) and the rear cleaning member (28).

8. Floor cleaning device (2) according to claim 7, wherein the water distribution circuit (38) comprises a front water projection member (39) configured to project water directly onto the front cleaning member (27) and a member rear water projection (41) configured to project water directly onto the rear cleaning member (28).

9. Floor cleaning device (2) according to claims 4 and 8, wherein the front steam projection member (34) is located above the front water projection member (39), and the rear steam projection member (35) is located above the rear water projection member (41).

10. Floor cleaning device (2) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the front water projection member (39) and the rear water projection member (41) are configured to be substantially horizontally oriented when the suction nozzle (6) rests on a horizontal surface.

11. Floor cleaning device (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the front cleaning member (27) is housed at least partly in the nozzle body (18) and is located opposite the front suction mouth (22), and the rear cleaning member (28) is housed at least partly in the nozzle body (18) and is located opposite the rear suction mouth (23).

12. Floor cleaning device (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the nozzle body (18) comprises a top cover including at least one steam outlet opening into an upper face of the top cover.

13. Floor cleaning device (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the suction nozzle (6) comprises a rotating drive mechanism (29) configured to rotate the front cleaning member (27) around the first axis of rotation (A1) and in a first direction of rotation (S1) and to rotate the rear cleaning member (28) around the second axis of rotation (A2) and in a second direction of rotation (S2) which is opposite to the first direction of rotation (S1).

14. Floor cleaning device (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the suction nozzle (6) is configured to rest on the floor only by means of the front cleaning member (27) and the rear cleaning member (28).