Ironing equipment

Abstract

Ironing apparatus (1) having a portable housing (10) comprising a handle (4) and an ironing head (2) connected to an upper end of the handle (4), the portable housing further comprising:-a steam circuit comprising a steam generator (61); -an air suction circuit comprising a ventilator (21) driven in rotation by a motor (23), the ventilator (21) and the motor (23) being arranged in the screed head (2); wherein the screed head (2) comprises a treatment face (20) intended to face a piece of fabric to be ironed, the treatment face (20) comprising at least one steam outlet hole (24) connected to a steam circuit and at least one suction hole (22) connected to an air suction circuit; characterized in that the portable housing comprises a base (6) connected to a lower end portion of the handle (4) opposite to the upper end portion, the steam generator (61) being arranged in the base (6).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of small household electrical appliances, more precisely ironing appliances. Background Art

[0002] In order to iron clothes, an iron is generally used. Due to the limitations of the use of irons (e.g., an ironing board is required), portable ironing devices that do not require the aid of an ironing board and are easy and quick to use have been developed. These devices are generally referred to as "steam ironing devices" or "steam ironers". The ironing device irons clothes by applying a hot ironing surface to the clothes while the clothes are hung on a hanger, combined with the release of steam. The ironing device allows clothes to be ironed if it is used correctly.

[0003] In practice, it has been noted that the user does not adequately stretch the garment and does not adequately press the ironing surface against the garment, so that the efficiency of the device is limited. As a result, the garment is not as well ironed as if the device were used correctly. Therefore, ironing devices have been proposed that, in addition to heating the garment and releasing steam, also extract the garment. However, these improved devices require new components, such as ventilators or motors, which make the device heavier and more difficult to handle. Summary of the invention

[0004] The object of the present invention is to propose a portable ironing device integrating suction technology combined with steam discharge, which portable ironing device is easy to use and maneuver and is therefore ergonomic.

[0005] According to a first aspect, an ironing device is proposed, which has a portable housing, the portable housing comprising a handle and an ironing head connected to an upper end of the handle, the portable housing further comprising:

[0006] - a steam circuit comprising a steam generator;

[0007] - an air suction circuit comprising a ventilator driven in rotation by a motor, said ventilator and said motor being arranged in said ironing head;

[0008] wherein the ironing head comprises a processing surface for facing the fabric piece to be ironed, the processing surface comprising at least one steam outlet hole connected to the steam circuit and at least one suction hole connected to the air suction circuit;

[0009] It is characterized in that the portable housing includes a base connected to a lower end portion of the handle opposite to the upper end portion, and the steam generator is arranged in the base.

[0010] According to the advantageous and non-limiting features used alone or in any combination:

[0011] - said handle has a shape suitable for grasping with one hand and allowing the device to be displaced facing the piece of fabric to be ironed. Advantageously, said handle has an elongated shape and has a circumference less than 20 cm;

[0012] - the ironing device has a weight of less than 2 kg and preferably less than 1.5 kg;

[0013] - the steam generator is a primary steam generator and the steam circuit comprises a secondary steam generator arranged in the ironing head;

[0014] - the secondary steam generator is in thermal contact with the treatment surface;

[0015] - the secondary steam generator is equipped with at least one resistance heating element;

[0016] - the treatment surface comprises a heating plate, preferably made of metal;

[0017] - the steam circuit comprises a liquid reservoir and a pump, the pump being arranged to cause liquid to flow from the liquid reservoir to the steam generator, the liquid reservoir and the pump being arranged in the base;

[0018] - the base comprises a flat outer surface, the flat outer surface being arranged to place the device on a substantially flat surface;

[0019] - the steam generator is equipped with a shielded heating element;

[0020] - the motor is arranged in the ironing head in the axial extension of the treatment surface;

[0021] - the handle extends along an axis passing through at least a portion of the motor;

[0022] the mass of the ironing head and the mass of the base are each between 35% and 45% of the total mass of the device;

[0023] - the device has a center of gravity located in the handle;

[0024] - The centre of gravity is located in the handle, regardless of the volume of liquid present in the reservoir. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent by reading the following description of the preferred embodiment. This description will be given with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0026] Figure 1 An ironing device according to a certain embodiment is shown;

[0027] Figure 2is a cross-sectional view of the ironing equipment;

[0028] Figure 3 It is a second cross-sectional view of the ironing equipment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] Please note that in this document, the terms "vertical", "lower", "upper", "front" and "rear" used to describe the ironing device refer to the device when it is lying flat on its base.

[0030] Figure 1 An ironing device 1 is shown having a portable housing 10 comprising a handle 4 on which an ironing head 2 is arranged, the ironing head 2 comprising a treatment surface 20 for facing a piece of fabric to be ironed. The side of the portable housing 10 on which the treatment surface 20 is arranged corresponds to the front part of the portable housing 10.

[0031] The ironing device has the characteristic of also comprising a base 6 in the extension of the handle 4 on the opposite side of the ironing head 2 .

[0032] Reference Figure 2 The portable housing 10 further comprises an air suction circuit, which comprises a ventilator 21 driven to rotate by a motor 23. The ventilator 21 and the motor 23 are preferably arranged in the ironing head 2.

[0033] The portable housing 10 further comprises a steam circuit comprising a steam generator 61. Such a steam generator 61 is preferably arranged in the base 6.

[0034] The steam circuit is adapted to allow steam to be exhausted at the treatment surface 20 , and the air suction circuit is adapted to allow air to be sucked at the treatment surface 20 .

[0035] Preferably, the portable housing is made of plastic material. For example, the portable housing can be made of polypropylene or polycarbonate.

[0036] As the name implies, the housing is portable. Thus, the housing is arranged to be carried by an individual, and the device is arranged to be manipulated with one hand, in particular by being held by the handle 4.

[0037] The portable housing 10 preferably comprises control means 8 (e.g. in the form of buttons) which are configured to control steam discharge and air extraction. The control means 8 are preferably arranged on the handle 4. These control means 8 are preferably arranged to be actuated by the hand of a user using the portable housing for carrying the ironing device.

[0038] Furthermore, the handle 4 is provided to accommodate an electrical cable, for example for supplying power to the motor 23 .

[0039] The handle 4 preferably has a mass of approximately 50 grams.

[0040] The base 6 includes a flat outer surface 60 configured to allow the device to be placed on a substantially flat surface S. Figure 3 The so-called rest position is shown. This face 60 is preferably the distal face of the base 6 .

[0041] When the device 1 is in its rest position, the longitudinal axis P of the handle 4 (eg Figure 3 Specifically, the portable housing 10 is configured such that the longitudinal axis P forms a non-zero angle, such as about 15°, with an axis orthogonal to the outer surface 60 (corresponding to the placement surface S of the device).

[0042] According to another embodiment, the longitudinal axis P of the handle 4 is perpendicular to the outer surface 60 .

[0043] Preferably, the base 6 has a rear face provided with a button allowing the device to be powered on.

[0044] Preferably, the base 6 also comprises a power supply lead allowing it to be connected to the domestic electrical network. The lead may be detachable.

[0045] The conductor has a length preferably greater than 200 cm. When the device 1 is carried by a user at a height of about 1.5 meters relative to the ground, the conductor has a mass preferably of about 150 g.

[0046] As previously mentioned, the base 6 preferably comprises a steam generator 61 forming part of a steam circuit. The steam generator 61 is adapted to generate steam from a liquid from a liquid reservoir 62. The steam generator 61 defines a cavity arranged to receive the liquid, and the steam generator 61 preferably comprises at least one shielded heating element 65 which allows heating of the liquid from the reservoir 62 in the cavity. The steam generator 61 is preferably connected to a conduit 41 of the steam circuit, which is arranged to allow steam to flow from the steam generator 61 to the ironing head 2.

[0047] The steam generator 61 is usually made of a metal body such as aluminum and preferably has a mass of about 250 grams. This mass usually includes the mass of the aluminum structure, the shielding heating element 65, the electrical safety and thermal regulation elements and the concentrator, which are preferably included in the steam generator 61.

[0048] The liquid reservoir 62 is preferably comprised in the portable housing 10 and arranged in the base 6. According to one embodiment not shown, the reservoir 62 is removable.

[0049] according to Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, the reservoir 62 is disposed in a front portion of the portable housing 10 , or more specifically, a front portion of the base 6 .

[0050] The reservoir 62 preferably comprises a transparent casing defining the outer wall of the reservoir 62, the transparent casing being provided with a removable plug cover 620 allowing filling of the reservoir 62. The reservoir 62 is suitable for containing a liquid, typically water or a liquid solution diluted in water.

[0051] The reservoir 62 preferably has a capacity of about 100 mL. When empty, the reservoir preferably has a mass of about 50 g. For example, when the reservoir 62 contains about 100 g of water and the reservoir 62 is therefore filled to 100%, the reservoir 62 has a mass of about 150 g.

[0052] Also preferably, the steam circuit comprises a pump 63 arranged to make the liquid flow from the reservoir 62 to the steam generator 61 and which is advantageously provided in the base 6 .

[0053] The pump 63 preferably has a mass of approximately 50 g.

[0054] The ironing head 2 is connected to the upper end of the handle 4, and the base 6 is connected to the lower end of the handle 4 opposite to the upper end. Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the lower portion of the handle 4 has a flared shape, the cross section of which gradually increases as it approaches the base 6 .

[0055] The ironing head 2 comprises a front end provided with a treatment surface 20 for facing the piece of fabric to be ironed. The treatment surface 20 preferably comprises a treatment plate 200, preferably made of metal, for example of aluminium.

[0056] The treatment plate 200 may be, for example, a heating plate 200 for improving ironing, as described below. Such a heating plate 200 may be heated by one or more heating elements 26 arranged in the ironing head close to the treatment surface 20.

[0057] The treatment face 20 comprises at least one steam outlet opening 24 connected to a steam circuit and at least one suction opening 22 connected to an air suction circuit.

[0058] The treatment surface 20 may have different shapes, such as a rectangular or triangular shape. Preferably, the treatment surface 20 comprises a plurality of steam outlet holes 24 and a plurality of suction holes 22.

[0059] The various steam outlet openings and suction openings may be in the form of holes or slits. Figure 1 In the example shown, the steam outlet openings 24 are in the form of holes and the suction openings 22 are in the form of slits.

[0060] Advantageously, a secondary steam generator 25 is arranged in the ironing head 2. The secondary steam generator 25 forms part of the steam circuit. The secondary steam generator 25 is preferably connected to the conduit 41. In fact, the secondary steam generator 25 allows to evaporate again the liquid from the steam generator 61, i.e. the "primary steam generator", which has already flowed in the conduit 41. In fact, when the steam flows in the conduit 41, the steam can be cooled to the extent that a part of the steam condenses. Therefore, the steam condensate flows to the secondary steam generator 25. The secondary steam generator 25 preferably allows to evaporate these condensates so that no liquid is discharged via the steam outlet hole 24. It is particularly advantageous to avoid the discharge of liquid via the steam outlet hole 24, because this will wet the processed fabric piece and does not allow good ironing of the fabric piece. In order to evaporate the condensate, the secondary steam generator 25 preferably includes at least one PTC thermistor or a heating element 26 of the shielded heating element type. The secondary steam generator 25 can also be called a "evaporator" because it allows to reheat the steam that has been generated by the steam generator 61.

[0061] Preferably, the one or more heating elements 26 of the secondary steam generator 25 are in thermal contact with the treatment surface 20. Thus, the treatment surface 20, preferably more precisely the heating plate 200, can be heated by the one or more heating elements 26 of the secondary steam generator 25, which allows more effective ironing when the treatment surface 20 is arranged facing the fabric piece.

[0062] According to one embodiment not shown, the silicone piece is placed between the heating element or elements 26 of the secondary steam generator 25 and the treatment surface 20 so that the temperature of the treatment surface 20 does not exceed a certain temperature threshold, typically 150°C.

[0063] The secondary steam generator 25 is generally made of a metal body such as aluminum.

[0064] The secondary steam generator 25 preferably also includes electrical safety and thermal regulation elements.

[0065] Thus, the assembly including the treatment surface 20 and the secondary steam generator 25 preferably has a mass of approximately 100 grams.

[0066] The ironing head 2 comprises a motor 23 forming part of the air suction circuit. Preferably, the motor 23 is arranged inside the ironing head 2 in the axial extension of the treatment surface 20. The motor 23 is arranged along Figure 3 A longitudinal axis M is shown extending.

[0067] according to Figure 3 The ironing head 2 has an elongated shape extending transversely to the handle 4, preferably forming an angle α of about 65° with respect to the longitudinal axis P of the handle. Preferably, the handle 4 extends along an axis passing through at least a part of the motor 23. The axis P and the axis M advantageously intersect.

[0068] The motor 23 is adapted to drive the ventilator 21 to rotate. The ventilator 21, which forms a part of an air suction circuit, allows air to be sucked from the air suction holes 22.

[0069] The assembly comprising the motor 23 and the ventilator 21 preferably has a mass of approximately 300 grams.

[0070] According to a certain embodiment, the portable housing 10 comprises a housing 29 comprising an inner wall defining a cavity in which the motor 23 is arranged. Therefore, the housing 29 is preferably included in the ironing head 2. The housing 29 comprises blades extending from the inner wall so as to form, on the one hand, at least one suction air flow channel between the air suction holes 22 and the suction air outlet holes, and, on the other hand, at least one cooling duct to allow the cooling air entering through the at least one cooling air inlet hole to flow into the cavity.

[0071] The storage element 29 preferably has a mass of less than 100 grams.

[0072] Preferably, the air suction circuit is configured to allow more than 10m 3 / h and less than 60m 3 / h air suction flow rate, more preferably greater than 20m 3 / h and less than 50m 3 / h air suction flow rate.

[0073] As mentioned above, the device 1 is designed to be easy to handle and is therefore arranged to have a balanced mass distribution. Therefore, the device 1 advantageously has a center of gravity located in the handle 4. For this mass distribution, it is appropriate that the mass of the wire is included in the mass of the portable housing 10, in particular in the mass of the base 6.

[0074] Furthermore, for this mass distribution, it is appropriate that the reservoir 62 is filled to 100%. Preferably, however, the center of gravity of the device 1 is located in the handle 4, regardless of the volume of liquid present in the reservoir 62.

[0075] Preferably, the mass of the ironing head 2 and the mass of the base 6 are each at least equal to 40% of the total mass of the device 1 .

[0076] In fact, taking into account all the masses mentioned above, the ironing head 2 preferably has a mass of about 500 grams (corresponding to the assembly comprising the motor 23, the ventilator 21 and the storage 29 with a mass of about 400 grams and the secondary steam generator 25 with a mass of about 100 grams).

[0077] The base 6 preferably has a mass of about 600 grams (corresponding to a mass of about 250 grams for the primary steam generator 61 , a mass of about 150 grams for the reservoir 62 , a mass of about 50 grams for the pump 63 and a mass of about 150 grams for the wire).

[0078] Preferably, the ironing device 1 has a total mass less than or equal to 1.4 kg.

[0079] Also preferably, the mass of the ironing head 2 and the mass of the base 6 are each between 35% and 45% of the total mass of the device 1. More preferably, the mass of the ironing head 2 and the mass of the base 6 are each about 40% of the total mass of the device 1.

[0080] This total mass takes into account the mass of the ironing head 2 , the base 6 and the handle 4 as well as the shell of the portable housing 10 and the mass of the thermal felt equally distributed in the portable housing 10 .

[0081] Thus, the ironing device 1 is easy to maneuver and ergonomic, since the masses of the ironing head 2 and the base 6 are substantially equal.

[0082] The operation of the device will now be described.

[0083] When the user wishes to use the device, he fills the reservoir 62 with liquid, preferably water, and then starts the device 1 by pressing a button for powering on the device 1. It is assumed that the device has previously been connected to the household power grid via a wire. The heating elements of the primary steam generator 61 and, if necessary, the secondary steam generator 25 are then powered to reach their operating temperature, which is advantageously regulated by means of a thermostat.

[0084] When the user wishes to use the device in the vertical ironing position, the user places the treatment surface 20 vertically facing the fabric piece to be ironed and then presses the control device 8 (preferably a button here), which has the effect of activating the pump 63 and allowing liquid to flow from the reservoir 62 to the primary steam generator 61.

[0085] The steam generated in the primary steam generator 61 then escapes through the duct 4 in the direction of a possible secondary steam generator 25 and then through the steam outlet openings 24. The steam then diffuses onto the fabric piece, which, in combination with the heating and drying action of the treatment plate 200, allows the fabric piece to be ironed.

[0086] At the same time, the control device 8 can be arranged to activate air suction in combination with steam discharge. For example, pressing the control device 8 can allow the motor 23 to be powered, thus starting the motor 23. Thus, the ventilator 21 is driven in rotation and air is sucked through the suction holes 22. Suction allows in particular to place the fabric piece against the treatment surface 20. Steam discharge in combination with suction thus allows optimized ironing. In addition, air suction also allows to promote the drying of the part of the fabric piece that has just been subjected to steam. It has been shown that this particular method allows to maintain the ironing effect for a longer time over time after the fabric piece has been treated.

[0087] According to another embodiment, the control means 8 allows the user to control the puffing in a manner independent of the steam emission control. Thus, the user can control the steam emission alone or in combination with the puffing.

[0088] During treatment, the user may displace the device 1 in a vertical direction, for example from high to low, to treat all or part of the textile piece.

[0089] The device 1 may also be used occasionally in a horizontal ironing position, for example to iron a piece of fabric which is placed horizontally against a workbench, by positioning the treatment surface 20 horizontally above the piece of fabric.

[0090] The invention is not limited to the embodiments described and shown in the drawings. Modifications can be made without departing from the general teaching, in particular from the point of view of the composition of the various technical features or by substituting technical equivalents.

Claims

1. An ironing device (1) having a portable housing (10), the portable housing (10) comprising a handle (4) and an ironing head (2) connected to the upper end of the handle (4), the portable housing further comprising: - a steam circuit comprising a steam generator (61); - an air suction circuit comprising a ventilator (21) driven in rotation by a motor (23), said ventilator (21) and said motor (23) being arranged in said ironing head (2); The ironing head (2) comprises a processing surface (20) facing the fabric piece to be ironed, and the processing surface (20) comprises at least one steam outlet hole (24) connected to the steam circuit and at least one suction hole (22) connected to the air suction circuit; It is characterized in that the portable housing comprises a base (6) connected to a lower end portion of the handle (4) opposite to the upper end portion, and the steam generator (61) is arranged in the base (6).

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The steam generator (61) is a primary steam generator (61), and the steam circuit comprises a secondary steam generator (25) arranged in the ironing head (2).

3. The device according to claim 2, wherein: The secondary steam generator (61) is in thermal contact with the treatment surface (20).

4. The device according to any one of claims 2 and 3, wherein: The secondary steam generator (25) is equipped with at least one resistance heating element.

5. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The treatment surface (20) comprises a heating plate (200) which is preferably made of metal.

6. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The steam circuit comprises a liquid reservoir (62) and a pump (63), the pump (63) being arranged to make liquid flow from the liquid reservoir (61) to the steam generator (61), the liquid reservoir (62) and the pump (63) being arranged in the base (6).

7. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The base (6) comprises a flat outer surface arranged to place the device (1) on a substantially flat surface.

8. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The steam generator (61) contains a shielded heating element (26).

9. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: The motor (23) is arranged inside the ironing head (2) in the axial extension of the processing surface (20).

10. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein: The handle (4) extends along an axis passing through at least a portion of the motor (23).

11. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein: The mass of the ironing head (2) and the mass of the base (6) are each between 35% and 45% of the total mass of the device.

12. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein: The device has a centre of gravity located in the handle (4).

13. The device according to claims 6 and 12, wherein: The center of gravity is located in the handle regardless of the volume of liquid present in the reservoir (62).

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