Steam ironing device having at least one suction orifice

Abstract

The present invention provides an ironing device (2) which includes a base (3) for stably resting on a horizontal support, and an ironing head (4) supported by the base (3). The ironing head (4) includes a treatment surface (5) on which the clothes to be ironed are intended to be placed when the ironing device (2) is resting on the base (3). The treatment surface (5) includes at least one steam discharge area (7.1, 7.2) provided with at least one steam outlet hole (8.1, 8.2), and at least one suction area (32, 33) provided with at least one suction orifice. The ironing device (2) is configured such that ironing of the clothes to be ironed is performed by manually applying the clothes to be ironed onto the treatment surface (5) and sliding the clothes to be ironed on the treatment surface (5).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an ironing device configured to iron clothes or household fabrics, and more particularly to a steam ironing device. Background Art

[0002] Document CA2279702 discloses a steam ironing device, which includes a base configured to be stably placed on a horizontal support (such as a table), and an ironing head supported by the base. The ironing head includes a treatment surface on which the clothes to be ironed are to be placed, and the treatment surface includes at least one steam discharge area provided with steam outlet holes.

[0003] The ironing device described in Document CA2279702 is configured such that the ironing of the clothes to be ironed is performed by manually applying the clothes to be ironed onto the treatment surface and sliding the clothes to be ironed on the treatment surface while the ironing device is placed on the base.

[0004] This configuration of the ironing device allows for ironing clothes without the user having to manipulate and move the ironing head relative to the clothes to be ironed, which greatly facilitates the ironing operation, especially for users who have difficulty manipulating a portable ironing head.

[0005] However, the ironing quality obtained with such a steam ironing device is unsatisfactory because it cannot remove all the wrinkles present on the clothes to be ironed.

[0006] Moreover, such an ironing device is prone to spraying steam towards the user, thus causing burns to the user. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The present invention aims to remedy all or part of these drawbacks.

[0008] The technical problem based on the present invention lies in particular in providing an ironing device that is simple and economical in structure and very safe to use, while ensuring an improved ironing quality.

[0009] To this end, the present invention relates to an ironing device, which includes a base configured to be stably placed on a horizontal support (such as a table), and an ironing head supported by the base. The ironing head includes a treatment surface on which the clothes to be ironed are to be placed, and the treatment surface includes at least one steam discharge area provided with at least one steam outlet hole. The ironing device is configured such that the ironing of the clothes to be ironed is performed by manually applying the clothes to be ironed onto the treatment surface and sliding the clothes to be ironed on the treatment surface while the ironing device is placed on the base. It is characterized in that the treatment surface further includes at least one suction area provided with at least one suction orifice.

[0010] This configuration of the treatment surface, in particular the presence of at least one suction orifice, makes it possible on the one hand to press and hold the item of clothing to be ironed against the treatment surface and on the other hand to stretch the item of clothing to be ironed. Thus, the particular configuration of the treatment surface of the ironing device according to the invention facilitates the ironing of the item of clothing to be ironed because the user only has to manipulate and move the clothing relative to the cleaning head while improving the quality of such ironing.

[0011] Furthermore, the presence of at least one suction orifice prevents the steam emerging from at least one steam outlet orifice from escaping towards the user and prevents a risk to the physical safety of the user when the clothing is not in contact with the steam outlet orifice. Thus, the particular configuration of the treatment surface of the ironing device according to the invention enhances the safety of use of the ironing device.

[0012] Furthermore, the presence of at least one suction orifice ensures that air passes through the item of clothing to be ironed during ironing, which on the one hand causes the item of clothing to be ironed to cool, which is conducive to the condensation of steam on the clothing, thus improving the quality of the ironing achieved, and on the other hand, dries the item of clothing to be ironed, which allows the user to be able to wear the ironed clothing immediately at the end of the ironing operation.

[0013] Thus, because the ironing device according to the invention simultaneously ensures the steam discharge through the item of clothing to be ironed and the air suction through the clothing during the ironing operation, the quality of the ironing of the clothing is significantly improved compared to ironing devices of the prior art.

[0014] The ironing device may also have one or more of the following features, individually or in combination.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the invention, the ironing device is configured such that the ironing of the item of clothing to be ironed is performed by sliding the item of clothing to be ironed back and forth on the treatment surface.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the invention, the treatment surface comprises a heating plate, such as a metal heating plate, which at least partially, for example completely, delimits at least one steam discharge area, and at least one steam outlet orifice of the at least one steam discharge area is provided in the heating plate. The presence of such a heating plate avoids the formation of condensate on the treatment surface, thus avoiding excessive wetting of the item of clothing to be ironed and the spraying of water droplets onto the item of clothing to be ironed.

[0017] A heating plate refers to a plate that is heated either directly by its own heating element or indirectly by heat conduction from a component that includes its own heating element, such that the temperature of the heating plate is higher than the temperature obtained by a simple steam cycle. Preferably, the heating element is of the resistive element type.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one steam discharge area is provided with a plurality of steam outlet orifices.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the ironing device is configured such that, under use conditions, the treatment surface has a temperature above 110 °C on the heating plate. This configuration of the ironing device ensures that no condensate forms on the treatment surface.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first steam generator and the second steam generator are in thermal contact with the resistive heating element of the heating plate. This feature allows the manufacturing cost to be limited by using the same resistive heating element to heat the first and second steam generators as well as the heating plate.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the heating plate is provided in the middle part of the treatment surface. This configuration of the treatment surface limits the risk of the user being burned when ironing the clothes to be ironed.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the heating plate is centered with respect to the middle plane of the treatment surface (also referred to as the middle front - back plane), for example centered with respect to the middle plane of the ironing head.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the heating plate is spaced apart from the peripheral edge of the ironing head. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the ironing device includes a first steam distribution circuit and a second steam distribution circuit separate from the first steam distribution circuit, and the at least one steam discharge area includes at least one first steam outlet hole fluidly connected to the first steam distribution circuit and at least one second steam outlet hole fluidly connected to the second steam distribution circuit. This configuration of the ironing device allows, when the clothes to be ironed cover only a part of the treatment surface, for example only cover the first steam outlet hole, to ensure that a large amount of steam will flow through the first steam outlet hole and thus through the clothes to be ironed. In fact, when all the steam outlet holes are connected to the same steam distribution circuit, during the ironing operation, the steam tends to mainly flow through the steam outlet holes not covered by the clothes to be ironed, which is not conducive to the ironing quality obtained.

[0024] Advantageously, each of the second and second steam outlet holes is provided in the heating plate.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first and second steam outlet holes extend substantially in the middle plane of the treatment surface.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first steam outlet hole is a first steam outlet groove and the second steam outlet hole is a second steam outlet groove. Advantageously, the first and second steam outlet grooves extend substantially parallel to each other. For example, the first and second steam outlet grooves may be substantially aligned with respect to each other.

[0027] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the length of each of the first and second steam outlet grooves is between 7 and 15 cm, for example between 8 and 12 cm, advantageously approximately 10 cm, and the width is between 1 and 10 mm, preferably approximately 3 mm.

[0028] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first steam outlet holes are provided in the front half of the processing surface, and the second steam outlet holes are provided in the rear half of the processing surface. This arrangement of the first steam outlet holes and the second steam outlet holes allows the user to perform optimal ironing of, in particular, the sleeves of clothes by moving the sleeves of the clothes from left to right and from right to left over one of the first steam outlet holes and the second steam outlet holes, which greatly facilitates the user's movements.

[0029] As used herein, the term "front" refers to the front part of the ironing device that is near the user when the user uses the ironing device, and the term "rear" refers to the rear part of the ironing device that is opposite the user when the user uses the ironing device.

[0030] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the ironing device includes at least one steam generator configured to supply the first and second steam distribution circuits independently.

[0031] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the ironing device includes, for example, a water tank provided in the base, and a supply circuit fluidly connected to the water tank and configured to supply water to at least one steam generator.

[0032] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the supply circuit includes a supply pump, preferably an electric supply pump, configured to supply water from the water tank to at least one steam generator. These arrangements allow the first and second steam distribution circuits to be pressurized, thus facilitating the flow of steam through the first and second steam outlet holes.

[0033] According to an embodiment of the present invention, at least one steam generator is provided in the base. However, according to an alternative embodiment, at least one steam generator may be provided in the ironing head.

[0034] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the ironing device includes a first steam generator configured to supply steam to the first steam distribution circuit and a second steam generator configured to supply steam to the second steam distribution circuit.

[0035] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first and second steam generators respectively include first and second instantaneous evaporation chambers, each of which is configured to be supplied with water from the water tank.

[0036] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first and second steam generators are formed by a heating body including the first and second instantaneous evaporation chambers.

[0037] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the heating body includes a first water injection port leading to a first instantaneous evaporation chamber and a second water injection port leading to a second instantaneous evaporation chamber.

[0038] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the heating body includes at least one heating resistor.

[0039] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the ironing head includes a heating element on which a heating plate is placed. The first steam distribution circuit includes a first steam flow channel defined by the heating element and the heating plate, and is fluidly connected to a first steam generator and advantageously connected to a first instantaneous evaporation chamber. The second steam distribution circuit includes a second steam flow channel defined by the heating element and the heating plate, and is fluidly connected to a second steam generator and advantageously connected to a second instantaneous evaporation chamber. The first and second steam flow channels ensure that any water droplets present in the steam flows flowing through the first and second steam flow channels can evaporate, and further prevent water droplets from splashing onto the clothes to be ironed.

[0040] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first steam distribution circuit includes a first steam conduit (e.g., flexible and having an inner diameter of approximately 5 mm) fluidly connected to the first instantaneous evaporation chamber, and the second steam distribution circuit includes a second steam conduit (e.g., flexible and having an inner diameter of approximately 5 mm) fluidly connected to the second instantaneous evaporation chamber.

[0041] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first steam flow channel is fluidly connected to the first steam conduit, and the second steam flow channel is fluidly connected to the second steam conduit.

[0042] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the heating element includes a first steam injection port leading to the first steam flow channel and a second steam injection port leading to the second steam flow channel.

[0043] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the at least one steam discharge area includes at least a first steam discharge area containing a first steam outlet hole and a second steam discharge area containing a second steam outlet hole. Each of the first and second steam discharge areas has a width measured in the front-rear direction, which is between 7 and 15 cm, e.g., between 8 and 12 cm, and advantageously approximately 10 cm.

[0044] Advantageously, the width of each of the first and second steam discharge areas substantially corresponds to the maximum width of the sleeves of the clothes to be ironed.

[0045] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the at least one suction area is provided with a plurality of suction orifices.

[0046] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the ironing device includes a first suction circuit and a second suction circuit separate from the first suction circuit. The suction orifices include at least one suction orifice fluidly connected to the first suction circuit and at least one suction orifice fluidly connected to the second suction circuit. When the garment to be ironed covers only a part of the treatment surface, for example only covers at least one suction orifice fluidly connected to the first suction circuit, this configuration of the ironing device ensures that a large amount of air will be drawn in through at least one suction orifice fluidly connected to the first suction circuit and thus through the garment to be ironed. In fact, when all the suction orifices are connected to the same suction circuit, during the ironing operation, air tends to be mainly drawn in through one or more suction orifices not covered by the garment to be ironed, which is not conducive to the flattening of the garment on the treatment surface and thus not conducive to the ironing quality obtained.

[0047] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the suction orifices include a first suction orifice assembly fluidly connected to the first suction circuit and a second suction orifice assembly fluidly connected to the second suction circuit.

[0048] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the suction orifices of the first suction orifice assembly are arranged in the front half of the treatment surface, and the suction orifices of the second suction orifice assembly are arranged in the rear half of the treatment surface.

[0049] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the ironing device includes a first vacuum applying member configured to apply a vacuum to the first suction circuit, and a second vacuum applying member separate from the first vacuum applying member and configured to apply a vacuum to the second suction circuit.

[0050] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first vacuum applying member includes a first electric fan, and the second vacuum applying member includes a second electric fan.

[0051] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first vacuum applying member includes a first fan, the second vacuum applying member includes a second fan, and the first and second fans are driven to rotate by the same motor.

[0052] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first and second suction circuits respectively include a first exhaust outlet and a second exhaust outlet, which are arranged on the back of the ironing device. Therefore, the air drawn in by the first and second suction circuits escapes at the rear of the ironing device, thus away from the user, and thus does not cause inconvenience to the user.

[0053] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the suction orifices include at least two suction orifices arranged on either side of at least one steam discharge area. This configuration of at least one suction area can prevent the user's hand from being burned by steam when treating the garment to be ironed.

[0054] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first suction orifice assembly includes a first suction orifice sub-assembly and a second suction orifice sub-assembly disposed on both sides of at least one steam discharge area, and the second suction orifice assembly includes a third suction orifice sub-assembly and a fourth suction orifice sub-assembly disposed on both sides of at least one steam discharge area.

[0055] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first and second suction orifice sub-assemblies are disposed on both sides of the heating plate, and the third and fourth suction orifice sub-assemblies are disposed on both sides of the heating plate.

[0056] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first suction orifice assembly includes a plurality of suction orifices close to and positioned along the heating plate, such as along the first side edge of the heating plate, and the second suction orifice assembly includes a plurality of suction orifices close to and positioned along the heating plate, such as along the second side edge of the heating plate.

[0057] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first suction orifice assembly includes a first series of suction orifices disposed in the heating plate close to and, for example, along the first steam outlet hole, and the second suction orifice assembly includes a second series of suction orifices disposed in the heating plate close to and, for example, along the second steam outlet hole. This arrangement of the first and second series of suction orifices ensures that steam is sucked in as close as possible to the steam outlet hole, thereby further improving the use safety of the ironing device according to the present invention.

[0058] Advantageously, the suction orifices of the first series of suction orifices are substantially aligned, and the suction orifices of the second series of suction orifices are substantially aligned.

[0059] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first and second series of suction orifices are disposed on both sides of the middle plane of the processing surface.

[0060] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the distance between each suction orifice of the first steam outlet hole and the first series of suction orifices is less than 2 cm, advantageously less than 1 cm, such as about 3 mm, and the distance between each suction orifice of the second steam outlet hole and the second series of suction orifices is less than 2 cm, and advantageously less than 1 cm, such as about 3 mm. Preferably, at least a part, and advantageously all of the suction orifices in the first series of suction orifices are inclined in the direction of the first steam outlet hole. Preferably, at least a part, advantageously all of the suction orifices in the second series of suction orifices are inclined in the direction of the second steam outlet hole.

[0061] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first suction circuit includes a pair of first suction chambers provided in the ironing head, and a pair of first suction ducts fluidly connected to the first vacuum applying member and each leading to a corresponding first suction chamber, and the second suction circuit includes a pair of second suction chambers provided in the ironing head, and a pair of second suction ducts fluidly connected to the second vacuum applying member and each leading to a corresponding second suction chamber.

[0062] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first suction chambers are provided on both sides of the heating plate, and the second suction chambers are provided on both sides of the heating plate.

[0063] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first suction chambers are provided at the front of the ironing head, and the second suction chambers are provided at the rear of the ironing head.

[0064] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the suction orifices of the first suction orifice sub-assembly are fluidly connected to one of the first suction chambers, the suction orifices of the second suction orifice sub-assembly are fluidly connected to the other of the first suction chambers, the suction orifices of the third suction orifice sub-assembly are fluidly connected to one of the second suction chambers, and the suction orifices of the fourth suction orifice sub-assembly are fluidly connected to the other of the second suction chambers.

[0065] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the suction orifices of the first series of suction orifices are fluidly connected to one of the first suction chambers, and the suction orifices of the second series of suction orifices are fluidly connected to one of the second suction chambers.

[0066] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first suction circuit includes a plurality of first connection channels provided on the heating element, each first connection channel configured to fluidly connect a corresponding suction orifice of the first series of suction orifices to one of the first suction chambers, and a plurality of second connection channels provided on the heating element, each second connection channel configured to fluidly connect a corresponding suction orifice of the second series of suction orifices to one of the second suction chambers.

[0067] According to one embodiment of the present invention, at least one suction area includes a first suction area and a second suction area, which are provided on both sides of at least one steam discharge area.

[0068] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the sum of the through-sectional areas of the suction orifices substantially corresponds to the sum of the through-sectional areas of the first and second suction ducts.

[0069] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the ironing head is prominently provided on the base.

[0070] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the base includes a base body for placing the ironing head, the base body converges towards the ironing head, and the ironing head protrudes laterally from the base body. This configuration of the ironing head allows the shoulders of the shirt to be ironed to bypass the ironing head. Advantageously, the ironing head protrudes laterally over the entire circumference of the base body.

[0071] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the treatment surface is substantially flat, that is, flat or slightly arched.

[0072] According to an embodiment of the present invention, when the base is placed on a horizontal support, the center of gravity of the ironing head and the center of gravity of the base are substantially aligned along the vertical axis. This configuration of the ironing device ensures that the ironing device is very stable, especially during the ironing operation.

[0073] According to an embodiment of the present invention, when the base is placed on a horizontal support, the normal line of the treatment surface or each normal line faces upward, or is inclined at an angle between 0° and 45° with respect to the vertical axis in the direction towards the front of the ironing device, preferably about 20°. This configuration of the treatment surface makes it possible to limit the diffusion of steam towards the user while ensuring that the ironing device is more ergonomic.

[0074] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the ironing head has a generally triangular profile.

[0075] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the treatment surface has a generally triangular profile. Advantageously, one of the vertices of the generally triangular profile of the treatment surface faces towards the back of the ironing device.

[0076] According to an embodiment of the present invention, at least one steam outlet hole of at least one steam discharge area is located at a distance less than 3 cm from the vertex of the generally triangular profile of the treatment surface, and the treatment surface faces towards the back of the ironing device.

[0077] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the maximum width of the ironing head is between 10 and 35 cm, and advantageously is about 20 cm.

[0078] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the maximum width of the base is between 15 and 40 cm, and advantageously is about 30 cm.

[0079] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the base has a generally square profile.

[0080] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the height of the ironing device is between 20 and 40 cm. When the base is placed on the horizontal support, the treatment surface is advantageously more than 20 cm above the bearing surface of the horizontal support.

[0081] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the base includes a handle located near the lower surface of the base. These arrangements greatly limit the risk of the user being burned, especially when manipulating the ironing device after an ironing operation, for example, in order to store the ironing device.

[0082] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the ironing device includes at least one condensate recovery device. These arrangements make it possible to avoid the accumulation of condensate in the various internal components of the ironing device, which accumulation would have an adverse effect on the operation of the ironing device.

[0083] According to an embodiment of the present invention, at least one condensate recovery device is configured to reinject the recovered condensate into a water tank that supplies water to at least one steam generator.

[0084] According to an embodiment of the present invention, at least one condensate recovery device includes a condensate recovery chamber that is provided with a condensate discharge port leading to the water tank.

[0085] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first suction circuit includes a first condensate recovery device configured to recover the condensate formed in the first suction circuit, advantageously formed upstream of the first condensate recovery device, and for example formed in the first suction conduit and / or the first suction chamber, and the second suction circuit includes a second condensate recovery device configured to recover the condensate formed in the second suction circuit, advantageously formed upstream of the second condensate recovery device, and for example formed in the second suction conduit and / or the second suction chamber.

[0086] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first suction circuit includes a first connection conduit connecting the first suction conduit to the first condensate recovery chamber of the first condensate recovery device, and a second connection conduit connecting the first condensate recovery chamber to the first vacuum application member, and the second suction circuit includes a third connection conduit connecting the second suction conduit to the second condensate recovery chamber of the second condensate recovery device, and a fourth connection conduit connecting the second condensate recovery chamber to the second vacuum application member.

[0087] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the ironing head is inclined towards the front direction of the ironing device.

[0088] According to an embodiment of the present invention, when the base is resting on a horizontal support, the ironing head extends substantially in an extended plane that is inclined at an angle between 5° and 45° with respect to the horizontal plane, advantageously between 10° and 30°, and preferably approximately 20°.

[0089] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the ironing head is firmly fixed to the base, for example, to the base body.

[0090] The present invention also relates to a method for ironing clothes using the device as described above, wherein the ironing of the clothes is performed by manually applying the clothes to be ironed onto the processing surface while the ironing device is stably placed on the base, and sliding the clothes to be ironed on the said processing surface. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0091] The present invention will be well understood with the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of non-limiting examples, embodiments of the ironing device.

[0092] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the ironing device according to the present invention.

[0093] Figure 2 is Figure 1 the front view of the ironing device of

[0094] Figure 3 is Figure 1 the side view of the ironing device of

[0095] Figure 4 is Figure 1 the partial top perspective view of the ironing device of

[0096] Figure 5 is Figure 1 the partial top perspective view of the ironing device of

[0097] Figure 6 is Figure 1 the partial rear perspective view of the ironing device of

[0098] Figure 7 is Figure 1 the partial longitudinal cross-sectional view of the ironing device of

[0099] Figure 8 is Figure 1 the partial perspective view of the ironing device of

[0100] Figure 9 is Figure 1 the partial top view of the ironing device of

[0101] Figure 10 is Figure 1 the exploded perspective view of the heating element of the ironing device of

[0102] Figure 11 is Figure 1 the rear perspective view of the ironing device of

[0103] Figure 12 is Figure 1 the partially truncated perspective view of the ironing device of DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0104] Figures 1 to 12 Shows an ironing device 2 configured to iron clothes or household fabrics to be ironed.

[0105] The ironing device 2 includes a base 3 and an ironing head 4. The base 3 is intended to be stably placed on a horizontal support, and the ironing head 4 is supported by the base 3 and includes a treatment surface 5. When the ironing device 2 is placed on the base 3, the clothes to be ironed are intended to be placed on the treatment surface 5.

[0106] The ironing device 2 is configured such that the ironing of the clothes to be ironed is performed by manually applying the clothes to be ironed onto the treatment surface 5 and sliding the clothes to be ironed on the treatment surface 5 (e.g., back and forth movement).

[0107] According to the embodiment shown in the figure, the base 3 has a generally square contour, and the ironing head 4 and the treatment surface 5 each have a generally triangular contour. Advantageously, the vertex of each generally triangular contour of the ironing head 4 and the treatment surface 5 faces the back of the ironing device 2. The treatment surface 5 can be generally flat or arched.

[0108] As Figures 1 to 3 more specifically shown, the ironing head 4 is prominently provided on the base 3. Advantageously, the base 3 has a base body 6, the ironing head 4 is placed on the base body 6, and the base body 6 converges towards the ironing head 4 such that the ironing head 4 protrudes laterally from the base body 6. This configuration of the ironing head 4 allows the shoulders of the shirt to be ironed to easily bypass the ironing head 4.

[0109] The ironing device 2 can, for example, have a height between 20 and 40 cm, and when the base 3 is placed on a horizontal support, the treatment surface 5 can advantageously be more than 20 cm above the bearing surface of the horizontal support.

[0110] The ironing head 4 can, for example, have a maximum width between 10 and 35 cm, and advantageously be approximately 20 cm, and the base 3 can, for example, have a maximum width between 15 and 40 cm, and advantageously be approximately 30 cm.

[0111] According to the embodiment shown in the figure, when the base 3 is placed on a horizontal support, the center of gravity of the ironing head 4 and the center of gravity of the base 3 are substantially aligned along a vertical axis.

[0112] According to the embodiment shown in the figure, the ironing head 4 is inclined towards the front direction of the ironing device 2 and substantially extends in an extension plane Pe (see Figure 3 ), when the base 3 is placed on a horizontal support, the extension plane Pe is inclined at an angle between 5° and 45° with respect to the horizontal plane, preferably approximately 20°.

[0113] Advantageously, when the base 3 is resting on a horizontal support, the normal to the treatment surface 5 or each normal surface faces upwards, or is inclined at an angle between 0° and 45°, preferably approximately 20°, with respect to the vertical axis towards the front direction of the ironing device 2.

[0114] As Figure 1 and Figure 2 More specifically shown in, the treatment surface 5 includes at least one steam discharge area provided with at least one steam outlet hole. According to the embodiment shown in the figure, the treatment surface 5 includes a first steam discharge area 7.1 having a first steam outlet hole 8.1 and a second steam discharge area 7.2 having a second steam outlet hole 8.2. Advantageously, the first steam outlet hole 8.1 is provided in the front half of the treatment surface 5, and the second steam outlet hole 8.2 is provided in the rear half of the treatment surface 5.

[0115] According to the embodiment shown in the figure, the first steam outlet hole 8.1 is a first steam outlet groove, and the second steam outlet hole 8.2 is a second steam outlet groove. Advantageously, the first and second steam outlet grooves are aligned with each other and extend in the middle plane of the treatment surface 5 and also in the middle plane of the ironing head 4. The length of each of the first and second steam outlet grooves can be between 7 and 15 cm, for example between 8 and 12 cm, and advantageously approximately 10 cm. Advantageously, the length of each of the first and second steam outlet grooves substantially corresponds to the maximum width of the sleeve of the garment to be ironed.

[0116] According to the embodiment shown in the figure, the treatment surface 5 includes a heating plate 9 that defines the first and second steam discharge areas 7.1, 7.2 and can be, for example, metallic. The first and second steam outlet holes 8.1, 8.2 are advantageously provided in the heating plate 9.

[0117] The heating plate 9 is provided in the middle of the treatment surface 5 and is spaced apart from the peripheral edge of the ironing head 4. Advantageously, the heating plate 9 is centered with respect to the middle plane P of the treatment surface 5.

[0118] Advantageously, the ironing device 2 is configured such that under the operating conditions, the treatment surface 5 has a temperature above 110 °C at the heating plate 9, thereby avoiding the formation of condensate on the treatment surface 5.

[0119] Advantageously, the ironing head 4 includes a heating element 10 on which the heating plate 9 rests. More specifically, the heating element 10 is configured to heat the heating plate 9. Advantageously, the heating element 10 can incorporate a resistive heating element 10.1.

[0120] The ironing device 2 further comprises a first steam distribution circuit 11 and a second steam distribution circuit 12. The first steam distribution circuit 11 is fluidly connected to the first steam outlet hole 8.1 and is configured to supply steam to the first steam outlet hole 8.1. The second steam distribution circuit 12 is fluidly connected to the second steam outlet hole 8.2 and is configured to supply steam to the second steam outlet hole 8.2. The second steam distribution circuit 12 is separate from the first steam distribution circuit 11.

[0121] The ironing device 2 further comprises at least one steam generator, which is configured to supply the first and second steam distribution circuits 11, 12 independently. Advantageously, the ironing device 2 comprises a first steam generator 13 configured to supply steam to the first steam distribution circuit 11 and a second steam generator 14 configured to supply steam to the second steam distribution circuit 12. The first and second steam generators 13, 14 are arranged in the base 3. However, according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the first and second steam generators 13, 14 may be arranged in the ironing head 4.

[0122] The steam device 2 further comprises, for example, a water tank 15 arranged in the base 3 and a supply circuit 16. The supply circuit 16 is fluidly connected to the water tank 15 and is configured to supply water to the first and second steam generators 13, 14. Advantageously, the supply circuit 16 comprises a supply pump 17, which is configured to supply water from the water tank 15 to the first and second steam generators 13, 14.

[0123] As Figure 10 shown, the first and second steam generators 13, 14 respectively comprise a first instantaneous evaporation chamber 13.1 and a second instantaneous evaporation chamber 14.1, each of which is configured to supply water from the water tank 15, and each of which is configured to supply steam to the first and second steam distribution circuits 11, 12.

[0124] According to the embodiment shown in the figure, the first and second steam generators 13, 14 are formed by a heating body 18 comprising the first and second instantaneous evaporation chambers 13.1, 14.1.

[0125] The heating body 18 comprises a first water injection port 19 leading to the first instantaneous evaporation chamber 13.1 and a second water injection port 21 leading to the second instantaneous evaporation chamber 14.1. The first and second water injection ports 19, 21 are connected to the supply circuit 16. The heating body 18 further comprises a heating resistor 22.

[0126] The heating body 18 further comprises a first steam discharge port 23 fluidly connected to the first instantaneous evaporation chamber 13.1 and a second steam discharge port 24 fluidly connected to the second instantaneous evaporation chamber 14.1.

[0127] According to the embodiment shown in the figure, the heating body 18 includes a casting 25 integrated with a heating resistance 22, and a closing plate 26 resting on the casting 25. The casting 25 and the closing plate 26 define first and second instantaneous evaporation chambers 13.1, 14.1.

[0128] According to the embodiment shown in the figure, the first steam distribution circuit 11 includes a first steam flow channel 27 defined by a heating element 10 and a heating plate 9, and a first steam conduit (not visible in the figure), which is, for example, flexible and fluidly connects the first steam flow channel 27 to the first instantaneous evaporation chamber 13.1. More specifically, the first steam conduit is configured to connect a first steam discharge port 23 to a first steam injection port 28, which is provided on the heating element 10 and leads to the first steam flow channel 27.

[0129] As Figure 9 shown, the first steam flow channel 27 includes a first steam flow portion 27.1 and a second steam flow portion 27.2. The first steam flow portion 27.1 has a plurality of baffles, and the second steam flow portion 27.2 is substantially straight and opposite to the first steam outlet hole 8.1. More specifically, the first steam injection port 28 leads to the upstream portion of the first steam flow channel 27.

[0130] The second steam distribution circuit 12 includes a second steam flow channel 29 defined by a heating element 10 and a heating plate 9, and a second steam conduit (not visible in the figure), which is, for example, flexible and fluidly connects the second steam flow channel 29 to the second instantaneous evaporation chamber 14.1. More specifically, the second steam conduit is configured to connect a second steam discharge port 24 to a second steam injection port 31, which is provided on the heating element 10 and leads to the second steam flow channel 29.

[0131] Advantageously, the second steam flow channel 29 includes a first steam flow portion 29.1 and a second steam flow portion 29.2. The first steam flow portion 29.1 has a plurality of baffles, and the second steam flow portion 29.2 is substantially straight and opposite to the second steam outlet hole 8.2. More specifically, the second steam injection port 31 leads to the upstream portion of the second steam flow channel 29.

[0132] As Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, the treatment surface 5 further includes at least one suction area provided with at least one suction orifice. According to the embodiment shown in the figure, the treatment surface 5 includes a first suction area 32 and a second suction area 33, which are arranged on both sides of the middle plane P of the treatment surface 5, more precisely, on both sides of the two steam discharge areas 7.1, 7.2, and each is provided with a plurality of suction orifices.

[0133] According to the embodiment shown in the figure, the ironing device 2 includes a first suction circuit 34 and a second suction circuit 36. The first suction circuit 34 is fluidly connected to a first suction orifice assembly 35 provided on the processing surface 5. The second suction circuit 36 is separate from the first suction circuit 34 and is fluidly connected to a second suction orifice assembly 37 provided on the processing surface 5. Advantageously, the suction orifices of the first suction orifice assembly 35 are provided in the front half of the processing surface 5, and the suction orifices of the second suction orifice assembly 37 are provided in the rear half of the processing surface 5. The spacing between the first assembly 35 and the second assembly 37 is schematically shown by a spacing axis S in Figure 2 the figure.

[0134] The ironing device 2 further includes a first vacuum applying member configured to apply a vacuum to the first suction circuit 34, and a second vacuum applying member separate from the first vacuum applying member and configured to apply a vacuum to the second suction circuit 36. According to the embodiment shown in the figure, the first vacuum applying member includes a first electric fan 38 provided in the base 3, and the second vacuum applying member includes a second electric fan 39 also provided in the base 3.

[0135] According to the embodiment shown in the figure, the first suction circuit 34 includes a pair of first suction chambers 41.1, 41.2 and a pair of first suction ducts 42.1, 42.2. The first suction chambers 41.1, 41.2 are provided in the ironing head 4 and are arranged on both sides of the heating plate 9. The first suction ducts 42.1, 42.2 are fluidly connected to the first vacuum applying member and lead to the first suction chambers 41.1, 41.2 respectively. And the second suction circuit 36 includes a pair of second suction chambers 43.1, 43.2 and a pair of second suction ducts 44.1, 44.2. The second suction chambers 43.1, 43.2 are provided in the ironing head 4 and are arranged on both sides of the heating plate 9. The second suction ducts 44.1, 44.2 are fluidly connected to the second vacuum applying member and lead to the second suction chambers 43.1, 43.2 respectively.

[0136] Advantageously, the first suction chambers 41.1, 41.2 are arranged at the front of the ironing head 4, and the second suction chambers 43.1, 43.2 are arranged at the rear of the ironing head 4. According to the embodiment shown in the drawing, the processing surface 5 includes (see Figure 4 ) two side plates 45.1, 45.2, which are advantageously made of plastic, are always cool and not dangerous, and are arranged on both sides of the heating plate 9. Each of the side plates 45.1, 45.2 partially defines one of the first suction chambers 41.1, 41.2 and one of the second suction chambers 43.1, 43.2.

[0137] Advantageously, the first and second suction circuits 34, 36 respectively include a first row of outlets 46 and a second row of outlets 47, which are provided on the back surface of the ironing device 2, more specifically on the back surface of the base body 6.

[0138] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the first suction orifice assembly 35 includes a first suction orifice sub - assembly 48 and a second suction orifice sub - assembly 49, which are arranged on both sides of the first steam discharge area 7.1, more precisely on both sides of the heating plate 9. The second suction orifice assembly 37 includes a third suction orifice sub - assembly 51 and a fourth suction orifice sub - assembly 52, which are provided on both sides of the second steam discharge area 7.2, more precisely on both sides of the heating plate 9. Advantageously, the suction orifices of the first sub - assembly 48 and the third sub - assembly 51 are arranged in the side plate 45.1, and the suction orifices of the second sub - assembly 49 and the fourth sub - assembly 52 are arranged in the side plate 45.2. The suction orifices of the first sub - assembly 48 lead to the first suction chamber 41.1, the suction orifices of the second sub - assembly 49 lead to the first suction chamber 41.2, while the suction orifices of the third sub - assembly 51 lead to the second suction chamber 43.1, and the suction orifices of the fourth sub - assembly 52 lead to the second suction chamber 43.2.

[0139] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the second sub - assembly 49 includes a plurality of suction orifices located near the heating plate 9 and along the heating plate 9, and advantageously along the first side edge 9.1 of the heating plate 9. The third sub - assembly 51 includes a plurality of suction orifices located near the heating plate 9 and along the heating plate 9, and advantageously along the second side edge 9.2 of the heating plate 9.

[0140] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the first assembly 35 further includes a first series 53 of suction orifices provided in the heating plate 9 near and along the first steam outlet hole 8.1. The second suction orifice sub - assembly 37 includes a second series 54 of suction orifices provided in the heating plate 9 near and along the second steam outlet hole 8.2. Advantageously, the suction orifices of the first series 53 are substantially aligned, and the suction orifices of the second series 54 are also substantially aligned. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the first and second series 53, 54 are arranged on both sides of the middle plane P of the processing surface 5.

[0141] The distance between the first steam outlet hole 8.1 and each suction orifice of the first series 53 is advantageously less than 1 cm, for example about 3 mm, and the distance between the second steam outlet hole 8.2 and each suction orifice of the second series 54 is also advantageously less than 1 cm, for example about 3 mm.

[0142] The suction orifices of the first series 53 are fluid - connected to the first suction chamber 41.1, while the suction orifices of the second series 54 are fluid - connected to the second suction chamber 43.2.

[0143] According to the embodiment shown in the figure, the first suction circuit 34 includes a plurality of first connection channels 55 and a plurality of second connection channels 56. The plurality of first connection channels 55 are provided on the heating element 10, and each first connection channel 55 is configured to fluidly connect the corresponding suction orifice of the first series 53 to the first suction chamber 41.1. The plurality of second connection channels 56 are provided on the heating element 10, and each second connection channel 56 is configured to fluidly connect the corresponding suction orifice of the second series 54 to the second suction chamber 43.2.

[0144] Advantageously, the sum of the passage cross-sections of all the suction orifices provided on the treatment surface 5 substantially corresponds to the sum of the passage cross-sections of the first and second suction ducts 42.1, 42.2, 44.1, 44.2, and substantially corresponds to the sum of the passage cross-sections of the first and second suction chambers 41.1, 41.2, 43.1, 43.2.

[0145] In particular, as Figures 7 to 9 shown, the first suction circuit 34 further includes a first condensate recovery device 57, which is configured to recover the condensate formed in the first suction circuit 34, such as the condensate formed in the first suction ducts 42.1, 42.2 and / or the first suction chambers 41.1, 41.2. The second suction circuit 36 further includes a second condensate recovery device 58, which is configured to recover the condensate formed in the second suction circuit 36, such as the condensate formed in the second suction ducts 44.1, 44.2 and / or the second suction chambers 43.1, 43.2.

[0146] Advantageously, each of the first and second condensate recovery devices 57, 58 is configured to re-inject the recovered condensate into the water tank 15, and the water tank 15 is configured to supply water to the first and second steam generators 13, 14. To this end, the first condensate recovery device 57 includes a first condensate recovery chamber 59 provided with a first condensate discharge port 61 leading to the water tank 15. The second condensate recovery device 58 includes a second condensate recovery chamber (not visible in the figure) provided with a second condensate discharge port (not visible in the figure) leading to the water tank 15. The first and / or second condensate recovery device may advantageously include a filter, preferably a removable filter, to prevent the pores from being blocked and the water in the water tank from being contaminated by fabric fibers.

[0147] According to the embodiment shown in the figure, the first suction circuit 34 includes a first connecting conduit 62 connecting the first suction conduits 42.1, 42.2 to the first condensate recovery chamber 59, and a second connecting conduit 63 connecting the first condensate recovery chamber 59 to the first vacuum applying member, and the second suction circuit 36 includes a third connecting conduit 64 connecting the second suction conduits 44.1, 44.2 to the second condensate recovery chamber and a fourth connecting conduit 65 connecting the second condensate recovery chamber to the second vacuum applying member.

[0148] The ironing device 2 further includes a control unit 66 which is particularly configured to control the operation of the first and second steam generators 13, 14, the first and second electric fans 38, 39, the heating element 10 and the supply pump 17.

[0149] A method of ironing clothes to be ironed using the ironing device 2 according to the present invention will now be described. Such an ironing method includes the following steps:

[0150] - Place the base 3 on a stable horizontal support.

[0151] - Turn on the ironing device 2, for example by pressing the power button 67 provided on the base 3.

[0152] - Wait until the heating plate 9 reaches a predetermined operating temperature and possibly until the heating body 18 reaches a sufficient temperature to generate steam in the first and second steam distribution circuits 11, 12 (the ironing device 2 can for example emit a sound signal or a light signal to notify the user that the ironing device 2 is ready for use).

[0153] - Control the generation of steam through the first and second steam outlet holes 8.1, 8.2, for example by pressing the steam control button 68 provided on the base 3.

[0154] - Automatically control the operation of the first and second electric fans 38, 39 such that air is drawn in through the respective suction orifices provided on the treatment surface 5.

[0155] - Manually apply the clothes to be ironed onto the treatment surface 5, and

[0156] - Slide the clothes to be ironed back and forth on the treatment surface 5.

[0157] According to an alternative embodiment of the ironing method, the operation control of the first and second electric fans 38, 39 can be performed by pressing the suction control button provided on the base 3.

[0158] According to an alternative embodiment of the ironing device 2, the treatment surface 5 may include one or more presence sensors configured to automatically detect the presence of the garment to be ironed on the treatment surface 5, and the control unit 66 may be configured to control the operation of the first and second steam generators 13, 14 and the first and second electric fans 38, 39 based on the detection of the presence of the garment on the treatment surface 5.

[0159] According to another alternative embodiment, the ironing device 2 may include user presence detection, for example for an energy-saving mode, to activate the steam and suction only when the user is present.

[0160] According to another alternative embodiment of the ironing device 2, the ironing device 2 may include a steam control pedal that will be actuated by the user's foot when the user wishes to eject steam through the first and second steam outlet holes 8.1, 8.2.

[0161] Of course, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described and illustrated, which are provided only by way of example. In particular, there may be some modifications in terms of the constitution of the various elements or by the substitution of equivalent techniques, which do not depart from the scope of protection of the present invention. Thus, it is obvious that the first and second steam generators 13, 14 may be formed by two heating bodies separated from each other.

Claims

1. An ironing device (2), which includes at least one steam generator, and includes a base (3) for stably resting on a horizontal support, and an ironing head (4) supported by the base (3), the ironing head (4) includes a treatment surface (5) on which the clothes to be ironed are intended to be placed, the treatment surface (5) includes at least one steam discharge area provided with at least one steam outlet hole (8.1, 8.2), the ironing device (2) is configured such that the ironing of the clothes to be ironed is performed by manually applying the clothes to be ironed onto the treatment surface (5) and sliding the clothes to be ironed on the treatment surface (5) when the ironing device (2) is resting on the base (3), the treatment surface (5) further includes at least one suction area (32, 33) provided with at least one suction orifice and a heating plate (9), characterized in that, The heating plate (9) at least partially defines at least one steam discharge area, at least one steam outlet hole of the at least one steam discharge area is provided in the heating plate (9), the ironing head (4) includes a heating element (10) different from the heating body (18) of at least one steam generator, the heating element (10) is configured to heat the heating plate (9), which includes a first steam distribution circuit (11) and a second steam distribution circuit (12) separate from the first steam distribution circuit (11), the first steam distribution circuit (11) includes a first steam flow channel (27) defined by the heating element (10) and the heating plate (9), the second steam distribution circuit (12) includes a second steam flow channel (29) defined by the heating element (10) and the heating plate (9), the at least one steam discharge area at least includes a first steam outlet hole (8.1) fluidly connected to the first steam distribution circuit (11) and a second steam outlet hole (8.2) fluidly connected to the second steam distribution circuit (12).

2. The ironing device (2) according to claim 1, wherein, The heating plate (9) is provided in the middle of the processing surface (5).

3. The ironing device (2) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The first steam outlet hole (8.1) is provided in the front half of the processing surface (5), and the second steam outlet hole (8.2) is provided in the rear half of the processing surface (5).

4. The ironing device (2) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one steam generator is configured to supply the first and second steam distribution circuits (11, 12) independently.

5. The ironing device (2) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The at least one suction area (32, 33) is provided with a plurality of suction orifices.

6. The ironing device (2) according to claim 5, which includes a first suction circuit (34) and a second suction circuit (36) separate from the first suction circuit (34), the suction orifices include at least one suction orifice fluidly connected to the first suction circuit (34) and at least one suction orifice fluidly connected to the second suction circuit (36).

7. The ironing device (2) according to claim 6, wherein, The suction orifices include a first suction orifice assembly (35) fluidly connected to the first suction circuit (34) and a second suction orifice assembly (37) fluidly connected to the second suction circuit (36).

8. The ironing device (2) according to claim 7, wherein, The suction orifices of the first suction orifice assembly (35) are provided in the front half of the processing surface (5), and the suction orifices of the second suction orifice assembly (37) are provided in the rear half of the processing surface (5).

9. The ironing device (2) according to claim 8, which includes a first vacuum application member configured to apply a vacuum to the first suction circuit (34), and a second vacuum application member separate from the first vacuum application member and configured to apply a vacuum to the second suction circuit (36).

10. The ironing device (2) according to claim 6, wherein, The first and second suction circuits (34, 36) respectively include a first exhaust port and a second exhaust port provided on the back of the ironing device.

11. The ironing device (2) according to claim 5, wherein, The suction orifices include at least two suction orifices, and the at least two suction orifices are arranged on both sides of the at least one steam discharge area.

12. The ironing device (2) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, When the base (3) is resting on a horizontal support, the centers of gravity of the ironing head (4) and the base (3) are substantially aligned along a vertical axis.

13. The ironing device (2) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The ironing device includes at least one condensate recovery device (57, 58).

14. A method of ironing clothes using the device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, Ironing of the item of clothing is performed by manually applying the item of clothing to be ironed onto the treatment surface (5) and sliding the item of clothing to be ironed on the treatment surface (5) when the ironing device (2) is stably resting on the base (3).

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