Household appliance

Abstract

The invention relates to a household appliance (1) comprising: a steam diffusion base (2) comprising a steam generator (21), a sensor and a processor; and a vapor diffusion accessory (3, 4, 5) comprising a connection member (8) configured to detachably connect the vapor diffusion accessory (3, 4, 5) to the vapor diffusion base (2), the connection member (8) comprising an electronic component (82251); wherein the sensor is configured to measure a resistance value of the electronic component (82251) once the vapor diffusion accessory (3, 4, 5) is connected to the vapor diffusion base (2) via the connection member (8), and the processor is configured to control operation of the vapor diffusion base (2) according to the measurement of the resistance value recorded by the sensor. The invention also relates to a method for controlling such a household appliance.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of household appliances. More precisely, the present disclosure relates to a steam diffusion household appliance. Background Art

[0002] Some household appliances use steam. Such appliances can include a base that generates steam, which is connected to an accessory capable of ejecting the steam generated by the base. Some accessories can be detachable relative to the base, so that the appliance is suitable for different uses, such as ironing or pressing. However, the operation of the base is not always adapted to the structure and operation of each accessory, which may limit the use and performance of the appliance. Summary of the Invention

[0003] An object of the present disclosure is to propose a household appliance suitable for different types of uses.

[0004] Another object of the present disclosure is to propose a household appliance with an economical and reliable structure, and simple and fast use.

[0005] To this end, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is proposed a household appliance, which includes:

[0006] A steam diffusion base, which includes a steam generator, a sensor, and a processor; and

[0007] A steam diffusion accessory, which includes a connecting member configured to detachably connect the steam diffusion accessory to the steam diffusion base, and the connecting member includes electronic components;

[0008] Wherein, the sensor is configured to measure the resistance value of the electronic components once the steam diffusion accessory is connected to the steam diffusion base via the connecting member, and the processor is configured to control the operation of the steam diffusion base according to the measurement of the resistance value recorded by the sensor.

[0009] Measuring the resistance is a simple, inexpensive, and effective way to detect the steam diffusion accessory. In addition, arranging electrical components within the connecting member allows for quick detection when the accessory is connected to the steam diffusion base. Finally, it facilitates the maintenance of the electrical components because only the connecting member needs to be disassembled, rather than the entire accessory.

[0010] The processor can be configured to control the operation of the steam diffusion base by changing the temperature in the steam generator, and / or by changing the pressure in the steam generator, and / or by changing the steam flow rate to be diffused from the steam diffusion base to the steam diffusion accessory, and / or by changing the flow rate of the steam to be diffused from the steam diffusion base to the steam diffusion accessory and / or by changing the current supply to be circulated from the steam diffusion base to the steam diffusion accessory.

[0011] The processor can be configured to control the operation of the steam diffusion base by changing the temperature within the steam generator according to a time series including temperature platforms.

[0012] The processor can be configured to control the operation of the steam diffusion base by changing the temperature within the steam generator to vary the steam flow rate diffusing from the steam diffusion base to the steam diffusion accessory.

[0013] The processor can be configured to control the operation of the steam diffusion base by varying the steam flow rate diffusing from the steam diffusion base to the steam diffusion accessory to place the flow rate within one of three different flow rate ranges.

[0014] The first of the three flow rate ranges can extend from 30 g / min to 55 g / min, the second of the three flow rate ranges can extend from 120 g / min to 180 g / min, and the third of the three flow rate ranges can extend from 120 g / min to 170 g / min.

[0015] The steam diffusion accessory can be an ironing accessory including a heated soleplate, and the processor is configured to control the operation of the steam diffusion base by changing the current supply to flow from the steam diffusion base to the steam diffusion accessory to vary the temperature of the heated soleplate.

[0016] The steam diffusion accessory can be an ironing accessory, and the processor is configured to control the operation of the steam diffusion base by changing the steam flow rate diffusing from the steam diffusion base to the ironing accessory to place the flow rate within the range of 120 g / min to 180 g / min.

[0017] The steam diffusion accessory can be a pressing accessory, and the processor is configured to control the operation of the steam diffusion base by changing the steam flow rate diffusing from the steam diffusion base to the pressing accessory to place the flow rate within the range of 120 g / min to 170 g / min.

[0018] The steam diffusion accessory can be a cleaning accessory, the processor is configured to control the operation of the steam diffusion base by changing the steam flow rate diffusing from the steam diffusion base to the cleaning accessory to place the flow rate within the range extending from 120 g / min to 180 g / min, and the connecting member includes a mechanical limiting element configured to reduce the flow rate to place the flow rate within the range extending from 30 g / min to 55 g / min once the cleaning accessory is connected to the steam diffusion base through the connecting member.

[0019] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method for controlling a household appliance is provided. The household appliance includes a steam diffusion base and a steam diffusion accessory. The steam diffusion base includes a steam generator, and the steam diffusion accessory includes a connection member configured to detachably connect the steam diffusion accessory to the steam diffusion base. The connection member includes electronic components. The method includes:

[0020] Once the steam diffusion accessory is connected to the steam diffusion base through the connection member, measuring the resistance value of the electronic components; and

[0021] Controlling the operation of the steam diffusion base according to the measurement result.

[0022] The control may include at least one of the following: changing the temperature in the steam generator, changing the pressure in the steam generator, changing the steam flow rate to be diffused from the steam diffusion base to the steam diffusion accessory, changing the steam velocity to be diffused from the steam diffusion base to the steam diffusion accessory, changing the current supply to flow from the steam diffusion base to the steam diffusion accessory.

[0023] The control may include changing the temperature in the steam generator according to a time series including a temperature plateau.

[0024] The control may include changing the steam flow rate to be diffused from the steam diffusion base to the steam diffusion accessory by changing the temperature in the steam generator.

[0025] The control may include changing the steam flow rate to be diffused from the steam diffusion base to the steam diffusion accessory to place the flow rate within one of three different flow rate ranges.

[0026] The first of the three flow rate ranges may extend from 30 g / min to 55 g / min, the second of the three flow rate ranges may extend from 120 g / min to 180 g / min, and the third of the three flow rate ranges may extend from 120 g / min to 170 g / min.

[0027] The steam diffusion accessory may be an ironing accessory including a heated soleplate, and the control includes changing the current supply to flow from the steam diffusion base to the steam diffusion accessory to change the temperature of the heated soleplate.

[0028] The steam diffusion accessory may be an ironing accessory including a heated soleplate, and the control includes changing the steam flow rate to be diffused from the steam diffusion base to the ironing accessory to place the flow rate within the range of 120 g / min to 180 g / min.

[0029] The steam diffusion accessory can be an ironing accessory, and the control includes modifying the steam flow rate to be diffused from the steam diffusion base to the ironing accessory so as to place the flow rate within the range of 120 g / min to 170 g / min.

[0030] The steam diffusion accessory can be a cleaning accessory, and the control includes modifying the steam flow rate to be diffused from the steam diffusion base to the cleaning accessory so as to place the flow rate within the range of 120 g / min to 180 g / min. The method can include arranging a restricting element within a connecting member, the mechanical restricting element being configured to reduce the flow rate once the cleaning accessory is connected to the steam diffusion base through the connecting member so as to place the flow rate within the range of 30 g / min to 55 g / min. Description of the Drawings

[0031] Other features, objectives, and advantages will become apparent from the following description, which is purely illustrative and non - restrictive and should be read with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0032] Figure 1 An appliance is shown.

[0033] Figure 2 An appliance including a steam diffusion accessory for ironing is shown, the steam diffusion accessory being arranged in a storage space.

[0034] Figure 3 An appliance including a steam diffusion accessory for ironing is shown, the steam diffusion accessory being held in a storage space.

[0035] Figure 4 An appliance including a steam diffusion accessory for ironing is shown, the steam diffusion accessory being held in a storage space.

[0036] Figure 5 An appliance including a steam diffusion accessory for ironing is shown, the steam diffusion accessory being suspended in a storage space.

[0037] Figure 6 An appliance including a steam diffusion accessory for cleaning is shown, the steam diffusion accessory being suspended in a storage space.

[0038] Figure 7 Is an enlarged view of a holding member and a hook element for cooperation.

[0039] Figure 8 Shows arranged in Figure 1 A steam generator within the steam diffusion base of an appliance, the base being partially shown in this figure so as to be able to present certain elements inside the base.

[0040] Figure 9 Is Figure 1Vertical plane cross-sectional view of the upper part of the steam diffusion base of the appliance.

[0041] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view similar to that of the steam diffusion base that cooperates with the connecting member Figure 9 of.

[0042] Figure 11 is with Figure 9 and Figure 10 Another cross-sectional view of the upper part of the steam diffusion base that cooperates with the connecting member in a cross-section parallel to the cross-section of.

[0043] Figure 12 Shows a steam diffusion attachment for ironing, which is connected to the steam diffusion base.

[0044] Figure 13 Shows part of a steam diffusion attachment for ironing as Figure 12 shown.

[0045] Figure 14 Shows various cleaning heads that can alternatively be coupled to a base connected to the steam diffusion base to form various steam diffusion members.

[0046] Figure 15 Is a cross-sectional view of the steam diffusion attachment when the base is coupled to a cleaning head for cleaning window glass.

[0047] Figure 16 Is another cross-sectional view of the steam diffusion member when the base is coupled to a cleaning head for cleaning window glass.

[0048] Figure 17 Is a cross-sectional view of a cleaning head for cleaning window glass.

[0049] Figure 18 Is an exploded perspective view of a cleaning head for cleaning window glass mounted on the base of the steam diffusion member.

[0050] Figure 19 Is another exploded perspective view of a cleaning head for cleaning window glass mounted on the base of the steam diffusion member.

[0051] Figure 20 Is another exploded perspective view of a cleaning head for cleaning window glass mounted on the base of the steam diffusion member.

[0052] Figure 21 Is a perspective view of a part of the connecting member in two different configurations.

[0053] Figure 22 Is Figure 21 An exploded perspective view of the connecting member partially shown in.

[0054] Figure 23 is Figure 21 Another exploded perspective view of the connecting member.

[0055] Figure 24 A perspective view of a part of the connecting member according to a variant embodiment.

[0056] Figure 25 is Figure 24 An exploded perspective view of the connecting member partially shown in

[0057] Figure 26 is Figure 21 A cross-sectional view of the connecting member of

[0058] Figure 27 is Figure 21 A cross-sectional view of the end piece of the steam diffusion pipe provided with the connecting member of

[0059] In all the figures, similar elements have the same reference numerals. Detailed Description

[0060] Household appliance

[0061] Figure 1 Shows a household appliance 1, i.e., an appliance that operates electrically and is used to meet household needs.

[0062] The household appliance 1 is capable of performing various functions, such as processing laundry, typically ironing and / or pressing clothes, and / or cleaning surfaces such as window panes. To achieve these functions, the household appliance 1 is configured to diffuse steam, preferably water vapor.

[0063] The household appliance 1 is portable as it is designed to be easily carried by a user.

[0064] The household appliance 1 includes a steam diffusion base 2 and steam diffusion attachments 3, 4, 5, which are removable relative to the steam diffusion base 2.

[0065] Steam diffusion base

[0066] As Figures 1 to 7 shown, the steam diffusion base generally takes the form of a substantially frustoconical box, although this is of course not restrictive as any form of the steam diffusion base 2 can be envisaged, such as a parallelepiped.

[0067] The steam diffusion base 2 includes a support surface 200 and a plurality of side surfaces 201, 202 extending from the support surface 200, and the support surface 200 is arranged to place the steam diffusion base 2 on a substantially horizontal and flat surface, typically on the ground.

[0068] In the present disclosure, the terms "horizontal" and "vertical" are used to refer to the usage of the household appliance 1, where the support surface 200 is placed flat on a plane, and an element is horizontal when it extends substantially parallel to the plane, and vertical when it extends substantially perpendicular to the plane. Similarly, the terms "lower" (or "bottom") and "upper" (or "top") respectively refer to the regions of the household appliance that are closer to or farther from the plane where the support surface 200 is located.

[0069] Furthermore, the steam diffusion base 2 is advantageously portable, and for this purpose, it may include a carrying handle 22 located at the upper end of the steam diffusion base (i.e., the end opposite to the support surface 200), and the carrying handle 22 is used to carry the steam diffusion base 2. The carrying handle 22 can take any suitable shape and size, and may even be provided with a hook member 220, for example, a surface having a higher roughness than the rest of the carrying handle 22, and this surface extends from the carrying handle 22 to facilitate the user's grasping, typically by preventing the user's hand from sliding on the carrying handle 22.

[0070] At least one of the sides 201, 202 of the steam diffusion base 2 extends substantially vertically with respect to the support surface 200 and defines a storage space 2010, which is designed to receive the steam diffusion member 6 of the steam diffusion accessories 3, 4, 5, and the steam diffusion member 6 will be described in more detail below. Substantially vertical means that the angle between the side 201 and the support surface 200 is between 80° and 100°. Therefore, the steam diffusion base 2 provides a storage space 2010 in which the steam diffusion member 6 extends in a substantially vertical position, which facilitates the transportation of the household appliance 1, especially because the grasping of the carrying handle 22 of the steam diffusion base 2 is not hindered by the presence of the steam diffusion member 6. The side 201 provided with the storage space 2010 can be formed in a plate 2012, and the plate 2012 advantageously includes a material that can withstand temperatures above 250°C. The plate 2012 is attached and fixed to the steam diffusion base 2. As Figures 2 to 7 shown, the storage space 2010 is designed to receive the steam diffusion member 6, whether it is connected to the steam diffusion base 2 or not. The storage of the steam diffusion member 6 of the steam diffusion accessories 3, 4, 5 on the steam diffusion base 2 can be used, for example, between two consecutive uses of the steam diffusion accessories 3, 4, 5, or for transporting the household appliance 1.

[0071] To ensure the storage of the steam diffusion member 6 on the steam diffusion base 2, especially during the transportation of the household appliance 1, the retaining member 2011 is positioned at the side 201 of the steam diffusion base 2, which is provided with a storage space 2010, preferably positioned at the upper end of the side 201, i.e., at the end opposite to the support surface 200, so as to avoid the actuation of the retaining member 2011 being hindered by the presence of the ground when the steam diffusion base 2 is placed on the ground and the steam diffusion member 6 is arranged in the storage space 2010. The retaining member 2011 can actually move relative to the steam diffusion base 2 between Figure 1 and Figure 2 the retracted position visible in Figures 3 to 7 and the deployed position shown in Figures 3 to 7 . In the retracted position, the retaining member 2011 allows the steam diffusion member 6 to exit from the storage space 2010, and in the deployed position, the retaining member 2011 holds the steam diffusion member 6 fixed in the storage space 2010. This allows for simple and practical operation of the household appliance 1, which facilitates its transportation and storage. The retaining member 2011 is preferably rotatably movable relative to the steam diffusion base 2 and advantageously takes an arched shape. This is actually the mobility and structural form of the retaining member 2011, which is easy to use and has a low manufacturing cost. In its deployed position, the retaining member 2011 can cooperate with different parts of the steam diffusion accessories 3, 4, 5, as Figures 3 to 7 shown, especially with the attachment element 674 of the steam diffusion accessory described in more detail below.

[0072] Figure 7 It is also shown that the retaining member 2011 can include a suspension element 20111, which extends from the retaining member 2011, preferably projects, and is designed to hold the steam diffusion member 6 fixed in the Figure 5 and Figure 6 visible suspension position when the retaining member 2011 is in the deployed position. The suspension element 20111 can advantageously take the form of a hook projecting and extending from the retaining member 2011, preferably projecting from the free end of the arched member 2011 when the arched member 2011 is in the deployed position. The suspension element 20111 is particularly useful when the steam diffusion member 6 is temporarily arranged in the storage space 2010 (usually between two consecutive uses of the steam diffusion accessories 3, 4, 5). In this regard, Figure 5 shows the steam diffusion member 6 of the ironing accessory 5 in the suspension position, while Figure 6 shows the steam diffusion member 6 of the cleaning accessory 4 in the suspension position. This facilitates the operation of the household appliance 1.

[0073] To stabilize the steam diffusion members 6 of the steam diffusion accessories 4, 5 when they are in the suspension position, as Figure 7As shown, the holding member 2011 may include a fixing element 20112 configured to prevent the steam diffusing member 6 from tipping laterally relative to the vertical direction when the steam diffusing member 6 is in the hanging position. The fixing element 20112 may take the form of a rib protruding from the holding member 2011, for example protruding from the surface of the holding member 2011 that faces the steam diffusion base 2 when the holding member 2011 is in the retracted position. In the deployed position of the holding member 2011, the fixing element 20112 may cooperate with different parts of the steam diffusing member 6 of the steam diffusion accessories 3, 4, 5, as Figures 2 to 7 shown, and in particular cooperate with the guiding element 675 of the steam diffusing member 6 described in more detail below.

[0074] Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 It is shown that the steam diffusion base 2 may further include a stop 2013 extending from the side 201 equipped with the storage space 2010. The stop 2013 is designed to cooperate with the complementary hook recess 676 of the steam diffusion accessories 3, 4, 5 when the steam diffusing member 6 is arranged in the storage space 2010, as described in more detail below. As Figure 2 more precisely visible in, the stop 2013 can be used in particular to temporarily arrange the steam diffusing member 6 in the storage space 2010, usually to place the steam diffusing member 6 of the ironing accessory 3 on the steam diffusion base 2 between two consecutive uses. In addition, the stop 2013 can be used in particular to improve the retention of the steam diffusing member 6 in the storage space 2010, as Figure 4 shown, in which the steam diffusing member 6 of the ironing accessory 5 is arranged in the storage space 2010 and includes a gripping handle 67, a part of the gripping handle cooperating with the holding member 2011, and in which the hook recess 676 provided in the steam diffusion head 61 of the steam diffusing member 6 of the ironing accessory 5 cooperates with the stop 2013. Advantageously, the stop 2013 takes the form of an accessory protruding from the side 201 equipped with the storage space 2010, as Figure 4 shown. In addition, the stop 2013 is positioned closer to the support surface 200 than the holding member 2011. In other words, the holding member 2011 extends a first distance from the support surface 200, and the stop 2013 extends a second distance from the support surface 200, the second distance being less than the first distance. In this way, the steam diffusing member 6 has two hook points to be held in the storage space 2010, which ensures the conveyance of the household appliance 1.

[0075] Figure 1It is also shown that the steam diffusion base 2 may include a holding member 251 extending from the steam diffusion base 2, which advantageously takes the form of a flexible tongue provided with through-holes designed to cooperate with holding lugs 252 protruding from the steam diffusion base 2. The holding member 251 is designed to hook the cables 7 of the steam diffusion accessories 3, 4, 5, which will be described in more detail below, especially when the steam diffusion member 6 is arranged within the storage space 2010.

[0076] The steam diffusion base 2 further includes a housing 20 forming a jacket that allows for liquid splash-proof protection of the various components of the steam diffusion base 2. The housing 20 may include any suitable material, such as plastic or metal. When necessary, the plate 2012 that sets the storage space 2010 inside is attached and fixed to the housing 20. Alternatively, the housing 20 may include a side surface 201, and the storage space 2010 is arranged within the side surface 201. Similarly, the support surface 200 may be formed by one surface of the housing 20, or as Figure 1 shown, at least partially formed by the outer surface of a spacer 2000 protruding from the housing 20, the spacer 2000 being attached and fixed to the housing 20 or being integral with the housing 20. In addition, the delivery handle 22 of the steam diffusion base 2 may protrude from the upper end of the housing 20, that is, opposite to the support surface 200, being integral with the housing 20 or attached and fixed to the housing 20.

[0077] The steam diffusion base 2 is used to supply steam to the steam diffusion accessories 3, 4, 5.

[0078] For this purpose, as Figure 8 shown, the steam diffusion base 2 includes a steam generator 21 arranged within the housing 20. The steam generator 21 may have various structures and generally includes a tank 210 for generating steam under pressure, the tank 210 being supplied with liquid, preferably water, by a reservoir 211, which is generally removable relative to the steam diffusion base 2. The tank 210 may include steel, usually stainless steel, and may be equipped with an electric heating resistor for generating steam under pressure. The liquid may be transferred from the reservoir 211 to the tank 210 through a supply circuit 212 including a pump 213 (usually a high-pressure electromagnetic pump 213).

[0079] As Figure 9 、 Figure 10 and Figure 11 shown, the side surface 202 of the steam diffusion base 2 is defined by one surface of the housing 20, which surface includes a surface 202 that is penetrated to provide a connection opening 2021. The connection opening 2021 is designed to cooperate in a detachable manner with the connection member 8 of the steam diffusion accessories 3, 4, 5, as Figure 3 、 Figure 10 and Figure 11Particularly visible therein, the connecting member 8 is introduced into the connecting opening 2021 to connect the steam diffusion accessories 3, 4, 5 to the steam diffusion base 2, for diffusing steam from the steam generator 21 to the steam diffusion accessories 3, 4, 5, or removing it from the connecting opening 2021, for disconnecting the steam diffusion accessories 3, 4, 5 from the steam diffusion base 2.

[0080] To this end, the supply pipe 214 is advantageously connected to the steam generator 21 and is arranged to diffuse steam from the steam generator 21 to the connecting opening 2021. In this regard, the steam diffusion base 2 may include a solenoid valve 215 arranged at one end of the tank 210, and its operation controls the diffusion of steam from the tank 210 to the supply pipe 214.

[0081] In addition, as Figure 9 , Figure 10 and Figure 11 shown, the connection channel 2022 may extend from the connecting opening 2021 into the interior of the housing 20, connect to the supply pipe 214, and is designed to cooperate with the connecting member 8. On the side of the connection channel 2022 opposite to the connecting opening 2021, a connection element 2023 may be arranged, which on the one hand can connect the end piece 75 of the steam diffusion pipe 74 accommodated in the connecting member 8 to the supply pipe 214, and on the other hand can connect the end of the electric wire 730 accommodated in the connecting member 8 to a power source (not shown) and / or electronic components, such as the electronic card 232 described in more detail below, which is arranged within the housing 20. Therefore, the supply pipe 214 has a first end 2141 connected to the steam generator 21 and a second end 2142 leading into the connection channel 2022 and adapted to be connected to the end piece 75. Advantageously, the connection channel 2022 extends along a longitudinal axis X1-X1 that is substantially parallel to the support surface 200, which facilitates the introduction of the connecting member 8 through the connecting opening 2021.

[0082] To prevent steam from accidentally escaping from the steam diffusion base 2 through the connection opening 2021 when the steam diffusion accessories 3, 4, 5 are not connected to the base, and also to prevent liquid from entering the steam diffusion base 2 through the connection opening 2021, the closing plate 241 is pivotally mounted on the steam diffusion base 2 between an unfolded position and a retracted position. In the unfolded position, the plate closes the connection opening 2021, and in the retracted position, the plate extends within the housing 20. The pivotal mounting can be arranged, for example, on or inside the housing 20, typically on the wall defining the connection channel 2022. In this regard, in the retracted position, the closing plate 241 can advantageously retract into the connection channel 2022. The transition from the unfolded position to the retracted position is generally caused by the connection member 8 being inserted into the connection opening 2021. It is specified that in the retracted position, the closing plate 241 extends inside rather than outside the housing 20, providing additional safety in the case of accidental removal of the connection member 8. In fact, when the connection member 8 exits the connection opening 2021, the closing plate 241 transitions from the retracted position to the unfolded position, and with this transition, the possibility of steam escaping through the connection opening 2022 is reduced. Additionally, Figure 9 It is shown that the closing plate 241 includes a first part 2411 and a second part 2412 opposite the first part 2411. The first part 2411 is arranged to ensure the pivoting of the closing plate 241, and the second part 2412 is free. In the unfolded position, the first part 2411 is advantageously closer to the support surface 200 than the second part 2412. In other words, the panel retracts within the housing 20 towards the support surface 200 rather than towards the delivery handle 22, which facilitates the insertion of the connection member 8 into the connection opening 2021 because the closing plate 241 provides less resistance. However, this is not restrictive as it is perfectly conceivable for the plate to retract within the housing 20 such that the second part 2412 is away from the support surface 200. This latter configuration can be used especially when the transition of the closing plate 241 from the retracted position to the unfolded position is not controlled by a reset member 242 (which will be described in more detail below), but simply by gravity.

[0083] Advantageously, in the unfolded position, the closing plate 241 seals the connection opening 2021 in a sealed manner, which allows ensuring that the steam generated within the steam diffusion base 2 remains confined within the housing 20.

[0084] Figure 9 It is shown the presence of an advantageous stop member 243, which is designed to hold the closing plate 241 in the unfolded position. In this way, there is no risk of the plate accidentally extending outside the housing 20 in the unfolded position, which would endanger the sealing of the steam diffusion base 2. Preferably, the stop member 243 is formed by a rib that projects and extends within the connection channel 2022 and is positioned at the connection opening 2021.

[0085] In addition, the steam diffusion base 2 may include a reset member 242 configured to push the closing plate 241 towards the deployed position, and the connecting member 8 overcomes its action by being introduced into the connecting opening 2021. The reset member 242 acts as a safety device to ensure that, in the absence of stress on the connecting member 8, the steam diffusion base 2 remains substantially sealed, preventing any steam from escaping through the connecting opening 2021, and the closing plate 241 remains in the deployed position.

[0086] In addition, Figure 9 and Figure 11 it is shown that the steam diffusion base 2 may include a first locking element 261 designed to cooperate with a second locking element 8220 of the connecting member 8, as described in more detail below, to prevent the connecting member 8 from exiting the steam diffusion base 2, typically by preventing the connecting member 8 from translating relative to the base along the longitudinal axis X1-X1 of the connecting channel 2022. The cooperation between the first locking element 261 and the second locking element 8220 also provides assurance of the correct coupling of the connecting member 8 to the steam diffusion base 2, typically by providing a tactile sensation, such as a click, to the user operating the household appliance 1. The first locking element 261 is preferably movable between a deployed position and a retracted position, in which a blocking portion 2610 of the first locking element 261 for cooperating with the second locking element 8220 extends within the connecting channel 2022, and in the retracted position, the blocking portion 2610 extends outside the connecting channel 2022. The first locking element 261 is advantageously movable by pivoting relative to the steam diffusion base 2, and a reset element 263 advantageously pushes the first locking element 261 towards the deployed position. In addition, the first locking element 261 may include an actuator 262 designed to be actuated by the user to shift the first locking element 261 from the deployed position to the retracted position, thereby allowing the connecting member 8 to exit the steam diffusion base 2. Figure 9 、 Figure 10 and Figure 11 it is shown that at least a portion of the actuator 262 may extend towards the exterior of the housing 20 to facilitate operation by the user.

[0087] Figure 8 it is shown that the wall defining the connecting opening 2021 and on which the closing plate 241 and the actuator 262 are mounted may be constituted by a component attached to the housing 20, which facilitates the manufacture of the steam diffusion base 2.

[0088] See Figure 3 , the steam diffusion base 2 is advantageously powered by a cable 271 connected to the base and designed to be connected to the domestic electrical grid. To facilitate the transport and storage of the household appliance 1, the steam diffusion base 2 may be equipped with a winder 272 on which the cable 271 is mounted. The winder 272 may be passive, asFigure 3 As shown, that is to say it can consist only of a hook around which the cable can be wound, or be active in a manner known per se, having means allowing the cable to be automatically wound into a cavity provided for this purpose in the steam diffusion base 2. Powering the steam diffusion base 2 via the cable 271 particularly allows the operation of the electric heating resistor of the tank 210, the pump 213 of the supply circuit 212, the electronic card 232 and / or the steam diffusion member 6, as described in more detail below. In addition, the steam diffusion base 2 can advantageously be provided with a switch (not shown) for controlling the switching on or off of the household appliance 1.

[0089] The steam diffusion base 2 can also include a processor, which is typically integrated in Figure 9 the electronic card 232 as shown, and this processor is configured to control the operation of the steam diffusion base 2 and operates due to the power supply to the steam diffusion base 2 via the cable 271.

[0090] For example, the processor can control the operation of the pump 213 of the supply circuit 212 connecting the tank 210 to the reservoir 211 of the steam generator 21, or even control the opening of a solenoid valve that controls the diffusion of steam from the steam generator 21 to the supply pipe 214. The control of the solenoid valve can generally be controlled by a switch located on the steam diffusion base 2, or formed by a trigger 671 provided on the steam diffusion accessories 3, 4, 5, as described in more detail below.

[0091] In addition, the processor can typically change the temperature and / or pressure inside the steam generator 21, more precisely the temperature and / or pressure inside the tank 210, by controlling the behavior of the electric heating resistor. The processor can also advantageously control various parameters of the supply of the steam diffusion accessories 3, 4, 5 via the steam diffusion base 2, in particular the steam flow rate, the steam velocity and / or the current supply to the steam diffusion accessories 3, 4, 5. When the steam diffusion accessory is an ironing accessory (usually the iron 3), regulating the supply current to the steam diffusion accessories 3, 4, 5 can be particularly useful because this current supply controls the temperature of the heating soleplate 65 of the iron 3. In this regard, the iron 3 can be equipped with a thermostat, which also applies when the steam diffusion accessory is a pressing accessory 5, and the pressing accessory 5 can also advantageously include a heating element operating using electrical energy. Thus, the processor is able to control the temperature of the heating soleplate 65, particularly taking into account the thermal inertia effect. The processor can modify the temperature inside the steam generator 21 according to a time series including a temperature plateau to prevent an excessive steam flow from suddenly diffusing to the steam diffusion accessories 3, 4, 5. In addition, by changing the temperature inside the steam generator 21, the processor is configured to change the steam flow rate to be diffused from the steam diffusion base 2 to the steam diffusion accessories 3, 4, 5.

[0092] Depending on the steam diffusion accessories 3, 4, 5 connected to the steam diffusion base 2, it may be crucial to vary the steam flow rate to be diffused from the steam diffusion base 2 to the steam diffusion accessories 3, 4, 5. This is why the processor is preferably configured to place this flow rate within one of three different flow rate ranges, where the first of the three flow rate ranges extends from 30 g / min to 55 g / min, which corresponds to the flow rate consumed by the cleaning accessory 4, the second of the three flow rate ranges extends from 120 g / min to 180 g / min, which corresponds to the flow rate consumed by the ironing accessory 3, and the third of the three flow rate ranges extends from 120 g / min to 170 g / min, which corresponds to the flow rate consumed by the flattening accessory 5. Advantageously, this adjustment of the flow rate can also be achieved by means of a restricting element 76, which is described in more detail below.

[0093] By means of the processor, the operation of the steam diffusion base 2 can be adjusted according to the steam diffusion accessories 3, 4, 5 connected to it. To this end, the steam diffusion base 2 includes a sensor (not shown), which is typically arranged within the housing 20, for example on the side of the connection channel 2022 opposite the connection opening 2021. The sensor is configured to measure the resistance value of the electronic component 82251 housed within the connection member 8, which will be described in more detail below. Once the steam diffusion accessories 3, 4, 5 are connected to the steam diffusion base 2 via the connection member 8, the sensor performs this measurement. The processor is then configured to control the operation of the steam diffusion base 2 based on the resistance value recorded by the sensor. In this regard, the sensor is adapted to communicate with the processor either wired or remotely, typically via an electromagnetic network of the WiFi or Bluetooth type. Thus, in a simple, inexpensive, safe and fast manner, multiple types of steam diffusion accessories with the same steam diffusion base 2 can be used.

[0094] Steam diffusion accessory

[0095] As Figure 1 shown, the steam diffusion accessories 3, 4, 5 include a steam diffusion member 6, a cable 7 and a connection member 8.

[0096] Steam diffusion member

[0097] The steam diffusion member 6 is designed to eject the steam generated by the steam diffusion base 2. In this regard, once the cable 7 is connected to the steam diffusion base 2 via the connection member 8, the steam passes through the cable 7.

[0098] In order to adapt the steam flow rate generated in the steam diffusion base 2 to the steam diffusion members 6 of the steam diffusion accessories 3, 4, 5, a restricting element 76 can be provided in the connecting member 8 of the steam diffusion accessory, as described in more detail below. When necessary, the household appliance 1 can include a plurality of steam diffusion accessories 3, 4, 5, at least one of which is equipped with such a restricting element 76 and at least another is not, or more precisely, its end piece 75 (described in more detail below) is not.

[0099] The steam diffusion accessories 3, 4, 5 are detachable as long as the connecting member 8 is designed to be coupled to or separated from the steam diffusion base 2. This is particularly useful for adapting the use of the household appliance 1 to the various uses sought. In fact, the use of the steam diffusion accessories 3, 4, 5 is determined by their steam diffusion members 6.

[0100] Generally, the steam diffusion member 6 includes a gripping handle 67, and a steam diffusion head 61 extends from the gripping handle. The gripping handle 67 can be integral with the steam diffusion head 61 or can be assembled and fixed to the steam diffusion head 61 by any suitable fixing element (such as a screw).

[0101] The gripping handle 67 allows the user to manipulate the steam diffusion member 6 and also allows the steam diffusion accessories 3, 4, 5 to be carried when necessary. In this regard, the gripping handle 67 can be equipped with a hook element 6770, as Figure 5 and Figure 6 and Figure 13 shown, for example, having a surface with a higher roughness than the rest of the gripping handle 67, which extends from the gripping handle 67 to facilitate gripping by the user, typically by preventing the user's hand from slipping on the gripping handle 67.

[0102] The gripping handle 67 can connect the cable 7 to the steam diffusion head 61 and, in some cases, for example for the cleaning accessory 4 and the ironing accessory 5, allows steam to diffuse from the cable 7 to the steam diffusion head 61. This is not actually restrictive, as the cable 7 can be connected to any part of the steam diffusion member 6 other than the gripping handle 67, and is typically connected to the body in the case of the iron 3.

[0103] In addition, the gripping handle 67 can be equipped with a switch, typically a trigger 671, which controls the opening of the solenoid valve of the steam diffusion base 2 to allow steam to pass through the cable 7 from the steam generator 21 to the steam diffusion member 6. The trigger 671 is movably (e.g., by pivoting) mounted on the gripping handle 67 and is connected to the electronic components, allowing the stress applied by the user to the trigger 671 to be transmitted to the processor of the steam diffusion base 2 through the wire 730 extending within the cable 7. When necessary, the trigger 671 can be monostable, that is, it can be manually moved into a pushed position that causes the solenoid valve to open and automatically return to the rest position when no pressure is applied to it.

[0104] In particular, as Figure 7 shown, the gripping handle 67 can be equipped with a hook element 674 and a guiding element 675, which are respectively used to cooperate with the fixing element 20112 and the holding member 2011 arranged at the storage space 2010 of the steam diffusion base 2. The hook element 674 typically takes the form of a ring extending from the end of the gripping handle 67 opposite to the steam diffusion head 61, which allows avoiding any collision between the steam diffusion head 61 and the holding member 2011 and facilitates storing the steam diffusion member 6 on the steam diffusion base 2. In addition, the guiding element 675 can take the form of a groove provided within the ring to cooperate with the rib of the fixing element 20112. This is indeed a simple, reliable and low-cost manufacturing means. Figure 5 and Figure 6 Typically, the steam diffusion member 6 is shown in the hanging position, where the holding member 2011 and the fixing element 20112 of the steam diffusion base 2 cooperate with the fixing element 20112 and the hook element 674 of the gripping handle 67 of the steam diffusion member 6 respectively.

[0105] The steam diffusion head 61 is designed to eject the steam generated by the steam diffusion base 2, and its structure is suitable for the desired use, such as ironing or pressing clothes or cleaning surfaces through ironing. Figure 1 、 Figure 4 and Figure 5 Show the steam diffusion member 6 when the steam diffusion accessory is an ironing accessory 5 for ironing clothes. Figure 2 、 Figure 3 、 Figure 12 and Figure 13 Show the steam diffusion member 6 when the steam diffusion accessory is an iron 3. Figure 6 、 Figure 14 、 Figure 15 、 Figure 16 、 Figure 17 、 Figure 18 、 Figure 19 and Figure 20 Show the steam diffusion member 6 when the steam diffusion accessory is a surface cleaning accessory 4.

[0106] When necessary, especially as Figure 2 and Figure 4 shown, the steam diffuser head 61 may be provided with a hook recess 676 complementary to the stop 2013 of the steam diffuser base 2. Figure 4 In the case of the steam diffusing member 6 of the ironing attachment 5 shown, the hook recess 676 takes the form of a groove formed in the surface of the steam diffuser head 61 opposite the gripping handle 67. The storage space 2010 provides a sub - space 20100 at the lower end of the storage space 2010, that is, at the end closest to the support surface 200 of the steam diffuser base 2. This sub - space is adapted to receive a part of the steam diffuser head 61 to limit its bulk.

[0107] Figure 2 、 Figure 3 、 Figure 12 and Figure 13 shown, the steam diffusing member 6 of the ironing attachment 3 includes a body forming the steam diffuser head 61 and a gripping handle 67 connected to the body.

[0108] The steam diffuser head 61 includes a heating base plate 65 for contacting the laundry to be treated (usually the clothes to be ironed). The heating base plate 65 includes a heat - conducting material, such as metal, and may also include a coating on its surface that comes into contact with the laundry. This coating is configured to improve the sliding on the laundry and / or avoid the deterioration of the laundry. A plurality of steam diffusion holes are provided through the heating base plate 65 ( Figure 12 not shown in). In this regard, the steam diffuser head 61 includes a diffusion circuit adapted to supply steam generated in the steam diffuser base 2 and transmitted through the cable 7 to the steam diffusion holes.

[0109] Figure 12 It is also shown that the steam diffuser head 61 includes a housing 66 defining an inner cavity 660. The heating base plate 65 is mounted on the steam diffuser head 61 so as to define a communication channel 6600 between the inner cavity 660 and the outside of the steam diffuser head 61 together with the housing 66. The housing 66 is designed to protect the components of the steam diffusing member 6. Typically, Figure 12 shown, the heating members 6630, 6631, 661 may be arranged in the inner cavity 660 and configured to heat the heating base plate 65. The heating members 6630, 6631, 661 are embedded in the base plate 65 and include a metal tubular element 6630 usually made of copper - containing steel, which defines the outer wall of the heating members 6630, 6631, 661, and a conductive element usually in the form of a resistance wire 661 extending within the tubular element 6630. In addition, the tubular element 6630 is filled with magnesium oxide 6631, which simultaneously ensures the electrical insulation of the tubular element 6630 relative to the resistance wire 661 and good heat conduction towards the substrate 65. In addition, as Figure 12As shown, at least a portion of the resistive wire 661 extends outside the tubular element 6630 and includes a free end 6610 that allows it to be electrically connected to a power cable extending through the cable 7.

[0110] Figure 12 Also shown is a hook recess 676 provided within the steam diffusing member 6, more precisely within the steam diffusing head 61, and cooperating with a stop 2013 of the steam diffusing base 2. The hook recess 676 is formed at a portion of the steam diffusing head 61 that extends facing the ground when the steam diffusing member 6 is in a vertical position. However, this is not restrictive as the hook recess 676 can be provided at other portions of the steam diffusing head 61.

[0111] In addition, as Figure 3 shown, a holding portion 610 is formed at a portion of the steam diffusing head 61 opposite the hook recess 676 and is adapted to cooperate with a holding member 2011 of the steam diffusing base 2. The shape of the holding portion 610 is actually designed to match the shape of the inner surface of the holding member 2011 in the deployed position of the holding member 2011, and the blocking of the vertical position of the steam diffusing member 6 within the storage space 2010 is caused by the inclination of the outer surface of the steam diffusing head 61 at the holding portion 610 relative to the vertical direction.

[0112] As Figure 13 shown, the gripping handle 67 is hollow. In other words, the gripping handle 67 includes a wall that defines a cavity 678 extending within the gripping handle 67. The cavity 678 is particularly for accommodating mechanical and / or electronic components that allow the stress from the trigger 671 to be transmitted to the processor of the steam diffusing base 2 through the cable 7. The cavity 678 is closed by a cover 677 that is designed to cooperate with the wall defining the cavity 678. As Figure 13 shown, the cover 677 can be provided with a hook element 6770 to facilitate gripping of the gripping handle 67 by the user.

[0113] Figure 13 Also shown is that, particularly due to the possible structural vulnerability caused by the presence of the cavity 678 within the gripping handle 67, reinforcing ribs 673 can be provided that extend within the cavity 678 and connect different portions of the wall defining the cavity 678 to each other to strengthen the structure of the gripping handle 67. The reinforcing ribs 673 can also be used to hold all or part of the mechanical and / or electronic components, enabling the stress of the trigger 671 movably mounted on the gripping handle 67 to be transmitted to the processor of the steam diffusing base 2.

[0114] When the iron 3 is arranged within the storage space 2010 and while another steam diffusion accessory 4, 5 is connected to the steam diffusion base 2 and in an operating state, steam may be ejected onto the iron 3, condense and enter the iron 3, which is harmful to its lifespan.

[0115] For example, there is a risk that liquid may enter the inner cavity 660 of the steam diffusion head 61 through the communication channel 6600 between the inner cavity 660 and the outside of the body. That's why, as Figure 12 shown, in particular, an insulating sheath 662 is provided around at least a part of the free portion of the resistance wire 661 extending outside the tubular element 6630. In this way, the free end 6610 of the resistance wire 661 is electrically insulated from the tubular element 6630. Thus, if liquid flows at the free end 6610 of the resistance wire 661, there is no risk of droplets establishing an electric arc between the free end 6611 and the tubular element 6630 made of a conductive material, which defines the outer wall of the heating members 6630, 6631, 661. The insulating sheath 662 may comprise any suitable electrically insulating material, such as plastic. Additionally, the insulating sheath 662 may have any shape and any size suitable for insulating the resistance wire 661, thereby preventing it from establishing an electric arc with the liquid that accidentally circulates within the inner cavity 660.

[0116] Furthermore, a drainage system may be provided that is configured to drain liquid from the inner cavity 660 to the outside of the steam diffusion head 61 by gravity when the steam diffusion member 6 is arranged within the storage space 2010, or more generally when the steam diffusion component 6 is in a vertical position, that is, in a position where the steam diffusion head 61 extends substantially vertically with respect to the ground. This drainage system provides additional safety by preventing a large amount of liquid from accumulating in the steam diffusion member 6 when the steam diffusion member 6 is stored in the storage space 2010.

[0117] Similarly, liquid may penetrate into the inner cavity 678 of the grip handle 67, for example, through the gap separating the cover 677 from the rest of the grip handle 67, or through the gap separating the trigger 671 from the rest of the grip handle 67. Therefore, the lifespan of moisture-sensitive components extending within the inner cavity 678 is crucial. That's why, as Figure 13 shown, the grip handle 67 includes a drainage system 672 that is configured to drain liquid from the inside of the grip handle 67 to the outside of the grip handle 67 by gravity when the steam diffusion member 6 is arranged within the storage space 2010, or more generally when the steam diffusion member 6 is in a vertical position, that is, in a position where the grip handle 67 extends substantially perpendicular to the ground.

[0118] As Figure 13As shown, the discharge system 672 of the gripping handle 67 may include various components. First, the discharge system 672 of the gripping handle 67 may include at least one discharge hole 6720, preferably two discharge holes 6720, which are provided through a discharge wall 6721 of the gripping handle 67, and the discharge wall extends towards the support surface 200 when the steam diffusion member 6 is disposed within the storage space 2010. Thus, once the gripping handle 67 is vertically positioned, the liquid accumulated within the inner cavity 678 can be advantageously discharged from the inner cavity. In addition, as Figure 13 shown, at least one channel recess 6730 may be provided through at least one of the reinforcing ribs 673 to allow the liquid to flow through the reinforcing ribs 673. Thus, the liquid cannot accumulate in the different compartments formed within the inner cavity 678 between the reinforcing ribs 673.

[0119] Figure 14 、 Figure 15 and Figure 16 show the steam diffusion member 6 of the cleaning accessory 4 for cleaning a surface. However, the content described below with reference to these figures may be applied to the steam diffusion member 6 of the ironing accessory 5, for example Figure 1 、 Figure 4 and Figure 5 the steam diffusion member shown.

[0120] Figure 15 and Figure 16 show that the steam transmission hole 670 is provided at one end of the gripping handle 67, and once the steam diffusion accessory 4 is connected to the steam diffusion base 2, the steam can diffuse from the steam diffusion base 2 to the steam transmission hole 670. In fact, in this case, the gripping handle 67 constitutes an extension of the cable 7 for transmitting the steam generated within the steam diffusion base 2 to the steam diffusion head 61. Thus, the steam transmission hole 670 is generally formed by the end of the steam diffusion pipe 74 extending within the cable 7 (and described in more detail below), and the gripping handle 67 is designed to hold this end of the steam diffusion pipe 74. As can be seen more precisely from Figures 17 to 20 the steam transmission hole 670 is also provided at the end of the gripping handle 67 opposite to the hook element 674.

[0121] Figure 14 、 Figure 15 and Figure 16 also show that the steam diffusion head 61 extending from the end of the gripping handle 67 equipped with the steam transmission hole 670 includes a base 62 and a steam diffusion component 64, and the steam diffusion component is advantageously constituted by different types of cleaning heads.

[0122] In particular, as Figure 15 and Figure 16 shown, the base 62 extends from the gripping handle 67 at the end of the gripping handle 67 equipped with the steam transmission hole 670.

[0123] Figure 14 It is shown that the base 62 further includes a coupling surface 6310, a main hole 6311, and two secondary holes 6312 provided in the coupling surface 6310. The secondary holes 6312 are provided on both sides of the main hole 6311. In addition, in Figure 14 , the main hole 6311 and the secondary holes 6312 are preferably aligned along an axis transverse to the axis of the gripping handle 67, and even aligned in a plane transverse to the gripping handle 67. However, this is not restrictive, because the secondary holes 6312 can also be aligned in a first plane transverse to the gripping handle 67, and the main hole 6311 extends in a second plane transverse to the handle, and the second plane is farther from the gripping handle 67 than the first plane. As described in more detail below, the relative positioning of the main hole 6311 and the secondary holes 6312 is set to ensure error-proof installation of the cleaning head 64 on the base 62.

[0124] Figure 15 It is shown that the main channel 6321 extends from the main hole 6311 towards the interior of the base 62 and is connected to the steam transmission hole 670. Due to the main channel 6321, steam can diffuse from the steam transmission hole 670 to the main hole 6311. Advantageously, as Figure 16 shown, the main channel 6321 has a frustoconical section 63211 located at the main hole 6311, and the section 63211 expands towards the main hole 6311. As described in more detail below, this expansion allows for stable fixing of the cleaning head 64 on the base 62.

[0125] In addition, two secondary channels 6322 respectively extend from the two secondary holes 6312 towards the interior of the base 62. The main channel 6321 and the secondary channels 6312 extend in the same axial direction corresponding to the coupling / separation direction of the cleaning head 64 on the base 62. The secondary channels 6322 are used for error-proofing during the assembly of the cleaning head 64, but also allow for ensuring mechanical coherence, which will be described in more detail below. In this regard, Figure 14 it is shown that the anti-rotation groove 63221 leads to at least one of the secondary channels 6322, and as described in more detail below, it is also useful for the mechanical coherence of the steam diffusion head 61.

[0126] Figure 15 and Figure 16 It is shown that the base 62 may include an intermediate coupling member 63, which can be removed relative to the base 62 and includes a coupling surface 6310 and a plurality of walls defining the main channel 6321 and the secondary channels 6322. Figure 16It is also shown that the main channel 6321 of the intermediate coupling member 63 extends from the hollow coupling boss 63212 which is designed to be inserted into the end of the steam diffusion pipe 74, and at least one seal 63210 can be arranged at the interface between the steam diffusion pipe 74 and the coupling boss 63212, preferably an O-ring around the coupling boss 63212. The end of the coupling boss 63212 can be provided with a protrusion which is designed to cooperate with the inner surface of the steam diffusion pipe 74 once the coupling boss 63212 is inserted into the steam diffusion pipe 74 to prevent the intermediate coupling member 63 from being pulled out of the base 62. Providing the intermediate coupling member 63 reduces the manufacturing complexity of the steam diffusion head 61 without increasing the installation complexity of the steam diffusion member 6. However, this is not restrictive as the main channel 6321 and the secondary channel 6322 can be integral with the base 62.

[0127] It can be seen more precisely in Figure 15 and Figure 16 that the intermediate coupling member 63 advantageously includes a plate 631 forming a coupling surface 6310 and three ridges 632 extending from the plate 631, each ridge 632 respectively including a wall defining one of the main channel 6321 and the secondary channel 6322. Figure 15 It is also shown that the ridge 632 forming the secondary channel 6322 can be designed to fix the intermediate coupling member 63 to the base 62. In this regard, attachment holes 6322 can be provided at the ends of each ridge 632 forming the secondary channel 6322 opposite to the plate 631 and can be designed to face other attachment holes 633 of the base 62 to receive attachment means (not shown), such as screws.

[0128] Figure 14 It is shown that various cleaning heads 64 are designed to be detachably coupled to the base 62 according to the desired cleaning function and / or the surface to be cleaned. Figure 14 The cleaning head 64 shown at the far left in Figure 14 is for cleaning windows or mirrors and will be described in more detail below. Figure 14 The cleaning head 64 shown in the center is for cleaning any type of flat surface, such as an induction hob or a worktop.

[0129] The cleaning head 64 shown at the far right in Figure 14It can also be seen that it may be advantageous to provide at least one seal 640 arranged between the connecting element 641 and the wall of the main channel 6321, preferably an O-ring surrounding the connecting element 641. Further, as Figure 16 shown, the connecting element 641 has a cross-section transverse to its extension axis X2-X2, which is wider at the connection between the connecting element 641 and the cleaning head 64. This widening is designed to cooperate in a complementary manner with the expansion of the frustoconical section 63211 of the main channel 6321. In this way, the torque stress that may be applied in this cooperation due to the use of the cleaning head 64 is better absorbed, which improves the robustness of the cleaning head 64.

[0130] Each of the two pins 642 projects from the cleaning head 64 on both sides of the connecting element 641 and is respectively inserted into the two secondary channels 6322 to prevent rotational movement of the cleaning head 64 relative to the base 62 once the cleaning head 64 is coupled to the base 62. In this way, the pins 642 allow for mechanical coherence of the cleaning head 64 on the base 62. Further, once the installation is complete, the pins 642 ensure the mechanical coherence of the steam diffusing member 6. Preferably, the pins 642 are designed to prevent the cleaning head 64 from rotating relative to the base 62 about the main channel 6321 once the cleaning head 64 is coupled to the base 62. In this regard, the pins inserted into the secondary channels 6322 equipped with anti-rotation grooves 63221 are advantageously equipped with anti-rotation ribs 6422, which are designed to cooperate with the anti-rotation grooves 63221 to prevent such rotation of the cleaning head 64 relative to the base 62 about the main channel 6321 once the pins are inserted into the secondary channels 6322. Further, as Figure 14 shown, at least one of the pins 642 (if not both pins 642) includes at least one anchoring element 6421, such as a longitudinal rib extending radially from the pin 642, which is designed to cooperate with the wall defining the secondary channel 6322 (into which the pin 642 is inserted) to prevent accidental withdrawal of the cleaning head 64 from the base 62 through the cleaning head 64 and the base 62 along the secondary channel 6322, preferably by friction against the wall of the secondary channel 6322. Preferably, each of the two pins 642 has an external shape that is not complementary to the shape of the secondary channel 6322 into which the pin 642 is to be inserted, so as to allow the pin 642 to be forcedly inserted into the secondary channel 6322. In other words, the external transverse dimension of the pin 642 is larger than the internal transverse dimension of the secondary channel 6322, where the concept of transverse is understood as a plane orthogonal to the main extension direction of the pin 642. Thus, the pins 642 are designed to be forcedly inserted into the secondary channels 6322, which enhances the mechanical coherence and robustness of the steam diffusing member 6, although it includes multiple components.

[0131] The respective bases of the coupling element 641 and the pin 642 are preferably aligned along the transverse axis of the cleaning head 64. However, since each of the coupling element 641 and the pin 642 has free ends 6410, 6420 opposite to their bases, the free end 6410 of the coupling element 641 advantageously extends beyond the free end 6420 of the pin 642 relative to the cleaning head 64. This, in combination with the relative positioning of the main hole 6311 and the secondary hole 6312 already described, ensures that when the cleaning head 64 is mounted on the base 62, it is the coupling element 641 that comes into contact with the main channel 6321 before the pin 642 comes into contact with the secondary channel 6322. In this way, the mechanical coherence of the cleaning head 64 on the base 62 is gradually achieved by means of the pin 642, which contributes to the assembly of the steam diffusion member 6.

[0132] Figures 17 to 20 The steam diffusion member 6 of the steam diffusion accessory 4 equipped with the cleaning head 64 is shown in more detail, the cleaning head 64 being for cleaning a surface, more precisely a windowpane.

[0133] In particular as Figure 17 shown, the cleaning head 64 for cleaning a windowpane comprises a scraping element 643, a cleaning element 644 and a diffusion channel 645.

[0134] The scraping element 643 extends at the end of the cleaning head 64 opposite to the gripping handle 67 and allows the surface to be cleaned to be scraped. Furthermore, the scraping element 643 extends at one end of the steam diffusion member 6, this end being opposite to the end of the gripping handle 67 connected to the cable 7. As Figure 17 shown, the scraping element 643 comprises at least one rigid support blade 6431 and a flexible blade 6432, the rigid support blade preferably being made of metal and advantageously of aluminium, and the flexible blade advantageously comprising silicone. According to Figure 17 the arrangement shown, the support blade 6431 preferably surrounds at least a part of the flexible blade 6432, where it can be seen that the part of the flexible blade 6432 opposite to the end of its scraping surface can take the form of a bulb 64320. The bulb 64320 is designed to fix the flexible blade 6432 to the support blade 6431 by being forced into a fixing groove 64310 formed by the end of the support blade 6431 fixed to the cleaning head 64. This arrangement improves the scraping efficiency by allowing the flexible blade 6432 to provide greater bending strength due to its being held by the support blade 6431 while having a simple and practical structure. Figure 18 It is shown that the support blade 6431, the flexible blade 6432, the bulb 64320 and the fixing groove 64310 are designed to extend substantially transversely to the gripping handle 67 and over the entire length of the cleaning head 64 in order to maximise the surface being scraped.

[0135] The cleaning element 644 that comes into contact with the surface to be cleaned can be wetted. In fact, the steam ejected by the cleaning head 64 onto the surface to be cleaned condenses when it comes into contact with the surface, the scraping element 643 scrapes the liquid thus formed, and the cleaning element 644 dries the liquid while rubbing against the surface to clean the surface. Thus, the cleaning of the surface is improved. In this regard, the cleaning element 644 comprises an effective, inexpensive and lightweight microfiber fabric material.

[0136] As Figure 17 shown, the diffusion channel 645 is connected to the steam transmission hole 670 and opens only between the scraping element 643 and the cleaning element 644. The diffusion channel 645 is actually designed to diffuse the steam from the transmission hole to the surface to be cleaned without ejecting the steam through the cleaning element 644. Thus, during operation, the cleaning element 644 is wetted only by the liquid condensed on the window glass rather than by the ejected steam, which improves its absorption efficiency.

[0137] Figures 18 to 20 It is shown that the cleaning head 64 advantageously comprises a lateral body 646 and a support 647, which facilitates the manufacture and installation of the cleaning head 64.

[0138] The lateral body 646 extends from the gripping handle 67, more precisely from the base 62, preferably transversely to the main extension direction of the gripping handle 67 in order to maximize the surface to be cleaned. The lateral body 646 can be integral with the gripping handle 67 or form a separate part removable relative to the gripping handle 67, typically via the base 62. Typically, the lateral body 646 includes the above-mentioned coupling element 641 and pin 642. In addition, as Figure 18 shown, the lateral body 646 advantageously includes a wall 6460 that defines a first part of the diffusion channel 645 and surrounds the end of the coupling element 641 that opens into the steam diffusion head 61. This first part of the diffusion channel 645 extends the coupling element 641 in a straight line within the cleaning head 64. Figure 18 and Figure 19 It is also shown that the scraping element 643 is removable on the steam diffusion head 61, that is to say the scraping element 643 is configured to be attached and fixed to the lateral body 646. Preferably, fixing members 6463, such as elastic hooks molded with the lateral body 646, allow the scraping element 643, more precisely the support blade 6431, to be fixed to the steam diffusion head 61 in order to absorb the forces exerted on the scraping element 643 during operation. If necessary, the support 647 can be configured to cooperate with the fixing members 6463 in order to participate in fixing the scraping element 643 to the steam diffusion head 61.

[0139] The support member 647 is configured to be removably mounted on the transverse body 646. In this regard, a locking member 6471 can be provided, which is configured to fix the support member 647 to the transverse body 646. As Figure 19 shown, the locking member 6471 preferably includes a resilient tongue equipped with a hook. The transverse body 646 can include a complementary member 6461, such as a snap groove, which is designed to couple to the locking member 6471 so as to keep the support member 647 fixed relative to the transverse body 646 once the support member 647 and the transverse body 646 are coupled to each other. In addition, the support member 647 is provided to hold the cleaning element 644. More precisely, the cleaning element 644 is preferably removable and is configured to be advantageously attached and fixed to the support member 647 by an elastic member (not shown) provided on the periphery of the cleaning element 644. In this regard, particularly as Figure 16 and Figure 17 shown, the cleaning element 644 is designed to be fixed to the support member 647 so as to isolate the diffusion channel 645 from the exterior of the cleaning head 64. More precisely, the cleaning element 644 and the support member 647 are designed such that the diffusion opening 649, which is described in more detail below, is the only steam escape path, and all other gaps of the cleaning head 64, particularly the interface between the cleaning element 644 and the support member 647, are steam-tight. In this way, the liquid generated by the condensation of steam within the cleaning head 64 cannot be ejected from the cleaning head 64, particularly during the operation of the steam diffusion member 6. In addition, as Figure 20 shown, the support member 647 advantageously includes a wall 6470 that defines a second part of the diffusion channel 645, and the wall 6460 is designed to abut against the wall 6470 once the support member 647 is coupled to the transverse body 646. This wall 6470 is advantageously arranged such that once the cleaning head 64 is assembled to the gripping handle 67, the steam flowing within the diffusion channel 645 diffuses substantially over the entire length of the cleaning head 64 in the main extension direction of the cleaning head 64, i.e., in a direction transverse to the gripping handle 67, preferably between 60% and 90% of this length, such as 80% of this length. Thus, once the support member 647 is mounted on the transverse body 646, the transverse body 646 and the support member 647 define a diffusion chamber 648 and a diffusion opening 649, which define the terminal part of the diffusion channel 645, and the diffusion opening 649 allows communication between the diffusion chamber 648 and the exterior of the cleaning head 64 so as to diffuse the steam from the transfer hole towards the diffusion opening 649.

[0140] Cable

[0141] Figures 1 to 7 The cable 7 is shown in the form of a tube, preferably a flexible tube. The cross-section of the cable 7 in a plane transverse to the main extension direction of the stationary cable 7 can be of any suitable shape, such as circular or oval, and the shape of the cable 7 is adapted to the elements that the cable 7 is to accommodate.

[0142] The cable 7 can include any suitable material, preferably a material impervious to liquids and gases, such as plastic. However, this is not restrictive as the cable 7 can also include fabric materials, preferably woven, braided, and / or knitted materials.

[0143] As Figure 1 shown, the cable 7 includes a first end 71 designed to be coupled to the steam diffusion member 6 and a second end 72 designed to be coupled to the connection member 8. In this regard, the steam diffusion accessories 3, 4, 5 can be equipped with an attachment element 78 designed to prevent the cable 7 of the steam diffusion member 6 from being pulled out. The attachment element 78 is also adapted not to restrict the movement of the cable 7 relative to the steam diffusion member 6 to facilitate the operation of the steam diffusion accessories 3, 4, 5 by the user. As Figures 1 to 7 and Figure 12 shown, the attachment element 78 can take the form of a flexible sleeve around the first end 71 of the cable 7. One end of the flexible sleeve is inserted into the steam diffusion member 6 through a ball-and-socket joint, and the other end remains free. The wall of the flexible sleeve is provided with a plurality of through holes to increase the flexibility of the flexible sleeve.

[0144] In addition, the cable 7 is hollow and designed to accommodate at least one electrical sheath 73 and at least one steam diffusion duct 74.

[0145] The preferably flexible electrical sheath 73 is designed to surround and hold at least one electric wire 730 extending within the cable 7 to isolate it from the rest of the cable 7, especially to electrically isolate it in a liquid- and gas-impervious manner. In this regard, the electrical sheath 73 can include plastic. The electrical sheath 73 is preferably flexible and has substantially the same flexibility as the cable 7 to accommodate the movement of the cable 7 during the operation of the steam diffusion accessories 3, 4, 5. If necessary, the electrical sheath 73 also allows multiple electric wires 730 within the cable 7 to be held together. The electric wires 730 are designed to allow current to flow between the steam diffusion base 2 and the steam diffusion member 6. The electric wires 730 themselves can also be surrounded by an insulating sheath, especially an electrical insulating sheath. The current flowing through the electric wires 730 can be associated with a control signal, which usually comes from a trigger 671 to control the opening of a solenoid valve, or with electric power, which usually goes from the steam diffusion base 2 to a conductive element 661 to supply power to a heating base plate 65.

[0146] The steam diffusion duct 74 is designed such that steam generated within the steam diffusion base 2 flows via the connecting member 8 to the steam diffusion member 6. In this regard, the steam diffusion duct 74 has a first end 741 designed to be connected to the steam diffusion member 6. The steam diffusion duct 74 may take the form of a flexible tube having substantially the same flexibility as the cable 7 in order to accommodate the movement of the cable 7 during operation of the steam diffusion accessories 3, 4, 5, and comprises a liquid- and gas-impermeable material, in particular a steam-impermeable material, typically plastic.

[0147] As Figures 21 to 27 shown, the end piece 75 is designed to be coupled to a second end 742 of the steam diffusion duct 74 opposite the first end 741 so as to removably connect the steam diffusion duct 74 to the steam diffusion base 2. Thus, the steam diffusion duct 74 allows steam to diffuse from the steam generator 21 to the steam diffusion member 6. More precisely, as Figure 12 shown, the end piece 75 is designed to extend within the connection channel 2022 when the cable 7 is coupled to the steam diffusion base 2 via the connecting member 8. Moreover, in this configuration where the end piece 75 is inserted into the steam diffusion base 2 through the connection opening 2021, the end piece 75 is designed to be coupled to a connection element 2023 arranged on the side of the connection channel 2022 opposite the connection opening 2022 so as to be able to receive steam generated by the steam generator 21 via the supply duct 214. In this regard, in particular as Figure 10 shown, at least one seal 753, preferably an O-ring, may be arranged around the end piece 75, preferably received in a groove 750 provided at the outer surface of the end piece 75, and the seal 753 is designed to cooperate with one of the connection elements 2023 in the configuration where the end piece 75 is inserted into the steam diffusion base 2, this being to prevent steam leakage within the connection channel 2022.

[0148] The end piece 75 extends substantially along the longitudinal axis X3-X3 and generally has a cylindrical outer shape, for example a rotationally cylindrical shape centered on the longitudinal axis X3-X3. Moreover, the end piece 75 is hollow to allow steam to flow from the steam diffusion base 2 to the steam diffusion duct 74. More precisely, the end piece 75 comprises a wall defining a steam channel 763 that extends along the longitudinal axis X5-X5 and passes through the end piece 75. Thus, Figure 27 it is shown that the channel 763 extends from a first end 751 of the end piece 75 to a second end 752 of the end piece 75, the first end being designed to be connected to the steam diffusion base 2 and the second end being designed to be connected to the cable 7. Except for a restricting element 76 described in more detail below, the channel 763 has a circular cross-section over its entire length, the diameter of which is preferably greater than 4.2 mm and advantageously between 4.2 and 5.2 mm.

[0149] According toFigure 26 and Figure 27 , the end piece 75 includes a restricting element 76 which is preferably mechanical and is configured to reduce the flow rate of the steam from the steam diffusion base 2 and / or to change the flow velocity of the steam. The mechanical restricting element 76 has the advantages of being simple and inexpensive to manufacture. However, this is not restrictive since the restricting element 76 can equally well be electrical or electronic, for example in the form of a diaphragm with an electrically controlled variable opening. The restricting element 76 allows the flow rate and / or the flow velocity of the steam generated by the steam generator 21 to be adjusted according to the steam diffusion member 6 coupled to the steam diffusion base 2. More precisely, the restricting element 76 is configured to reduce the steam flow rate from a flow rate between 150 and 200 g / min to a flow rate between 30 and 55 g / min. In this regard, it is advantageous that its end piece 75 includes the cleaning attachment 4 with the restricting element 76. In fact, in this way, when the processor detects a change in the steam diffusion attachments 3, 4, 5, it is not necessarily necessary to change the steam flow rate diffused from the steam generator 21 to the connection opening 2021, which simplifies the installation, manufacture and operation of the steam diffusion base 2. In addition, it is provided that the restricting element 76 is arranged at the end piece 75, that is to say at the second end 742 of the steam diffusion duct 74, rather than at the first end 741 of the steam diffusion duct 74 or arranged within the steam diffusion member 6, allowing the overpressure within the steam diffusion duct 74 to be restricted. In any case, this restricting element 76 also improves user safety.

[0150] Advantageously, particularly as Figure 26 and Figure 27 shown, the restricting element 76 extends within the channel 763 and has an external shape complementary to the channel 763. More precisely, the restricting element 76 can have a frustoconical first part 761 which extends with an expansion towards the first end 751 of the end piece 75 and a linear second part 762 which extends towards the second end 752 of the end piece 75. This shape is simple and inexpensive to manufacture while allowing an effective reduction in the flow rate. The restricting element 76 is advantageously integral with the end piece 75, the walls of the channel 763 then forming the external shape of the restricting element 76, which contributes to the manufacture of the end piece 75 and limits the risk of the restricting element 76 being expelled from the end piece 75 under the steam diffusion pressure. However, this is not restrictive since the restricting element 76 can equally well be attached within the channel 763, generally in the form of a ring with an external shape complementary to the shape of the channel 763 and designed to be attached and fixed to the channel 763, generally by gluing.

[0151] To ensure a reduced flow rate through the restriction element 76, the steam advantageously passes through the restriction element 76 via the through-hole 760, preferably passing through the restriction element 76 from one side to the other, so as to communicate with the channel 763. The through-hole 760 extends along a longitudinal axis X4-X4, which is preferably parallel to the longitudinal axis X5-X5 of the channel 763, and leads on the one hand to an opening at the first frustoconical part 761 and on the other hand to an opening at the straight second part 762. Furthermore, the through-hole 760 has a cross-section transverse to the longitudinal axis X4-X4 of the through-hole 760, which cross-section is smaller than the cross-section of the channel 763. More precisely, the cross-section of the through-hole 760 has the shape of a disc with a diameter between 1.2 mm and 1.7 mm.

[0152] Figure 27 It is also shown that the restriction element 76 is preferably positioned at an equal distance from the first end 751 of the end-piece 75 and the second end 752 of the end-piece 75, which facilitates the manufacture of the end-piece 75 by moulding by reducing the risk of bending of the restriction die (which actually includes a weakness at the restriction element 76). Furthermore, once the connecting member 8 is coupled to the steam diffusion base 2, the restriction element 76 is designed to be preferably positioned within the steam diffusion base 2, typically within the connecting channel 2022, to ensure that the steam is restricted in the event of rupture of the restriction element 76.

[0153] Figures 21 to 23 And Figure 26 it is shown that a strengthening member 77 may be provided to be arranged around the second end 72 of the cable 7. Of course, the presence of the strengthening member 77 is not always mandatory and generally depends on the type of steam diffusion attachments 3, 4, 5. The strengthening member 77 can be used in particular to prevent the connecting member 8 from being pulled out from the second end 72. In particular as Figure 21 and Figure 26 shown, the strengthening member 77 extends along a longitudinal axis X6-X6 and has at least one first anti-pull-out extension 7710 projecting radially outwards from the strengthening member 77. For structural reasons of anti-pull-out, the first anti-pull-out extension 7710 is preferably made of metal and the first anti-pull-out extension 7710 co-operates with a complementary second anti-pull-out extension 81102 of the connecting member 8, as described in more detail below. Furthermore, as Figure 21As shown, the reinforcement member 77 includes at least one turn, preferably multiple turns, which are connected to each other in a helical member 771 extending along the longitudinal axis X6-X6 of the reinforcement member 77. In this case, at least a part of the turns forms a first anti-pull-out extension 7710. The helical member 771 provides the advantage of providing multiple turns 7710 in a single component, namely multiple first anti-pull-out extensions distributed along the extension axis of the helical member 771. The reinforcement member 77 is preferably in the form of a tube which is designed to be fitted around the second end 72 with a normal force. If necessary, the reinforcement member 77 includes a sheath 772, preferably made of a plastic material, which surrounds and holds the entire turn 7710.

[0154] Connecting member

[0155] The connecting member 8 is shown in more detail in Figures 21 to 26 The connecting member 8 allows the steam diffusion accessories 3, 4, 5 to be detachably coupled to the steam diffusion base 2, thereby allowing steam to diffuse from the steam generator 21 to the steam diffusion member 6 through the cable 7, preferably by inserting the connecting member 8 through the connection opening 2021 of the steam diffusion base 2.

[0156] In this regard, the connecting member 8 may include a second locking element 8220 which is designed to cooperate with the first locking element 261 of the steam diffusion base 2, as already referred to Figure 9 as described. As Figure 11 shown, the second locking element 8220 may generally take the form of a groove provided on the outer surface of the connecting member 8 which will face and extend along the first locking element 261 once the connecting member 8 is inserted into the connection opening 2021.

[0157] The connecting member 8 includes a coupling element 81, preferably including connecting elements 821, 822.

[0158] The coupling element 81 is designed to couple the connecting member 8 to the cable 7, preferably by clamping the second end 72 of the cable 7.

[0159] In a variant (not shown), the coupling element 81 is also designed to couple the connecting member 8 to the steam diffusion base 2, typically by inserting it through the connection opening 2021. If necessary, the coupling element 81 includes the second locking element 8220.

[0160] Generally, the coupling element 81 has an elongated shape and extends along the longitudinal axes X7-X7, X8-X8. In addition, particularly as Figure 22 and Figure 25 shown, the coupling element 81 advantageously includes a clamping member 811 and a sleeve 812.

[0161] The clamping member 811 includes at least two complementary portions 8110 that form jaws, and the jaws are designed to clamp at least a portion of the cable 7 at the second end 72. The complementary portions 8110 are elongated and extend along the longitudinal axis X7-X7. In this regard, at least one of the complementary portions 8110 advantageously includes at least one protrusion 81101, such as Figure 24 the pin 81101 or the clamping rib 81101 visible in Figure 21 and Figure 24 shown, to strengthen the clamping of the cable 7, and the protrusion 81101 extends from its effective surface facing the cable 7. Preferably, as also shown in Figure 21 In one embodiment, the clamping member 811 includes three complementary portions 8110, while Figure 24 In an alternative embodiment, the clamping member 811 includes two complementary portions 8110.

[0162] Figure 21 It is also shown that the clamping member 811 can be designed to clamp the reinforcement member 77. For this purpose, the effective surface of at least one complementary portion 8110 includes at least one second anti-pull-out extension 81102 that protrudes from the effective surface and extends, and the effective surface faces the reinforcement member 77. The second anti-pull-out extension 81102 of the clamping member 811 is designed to cooperate with the first anti-pull-out extension 7710 of the reinforcement member 77 that has been described when the complementary portion 8110 clamps the reinforcement member 77. This allows the coupling element 81 to be prevented from translating along the longitudinal axis X6-X6 of the reinforcement member 77 relative to the reinforcement member 77 once the clamping member 811 is attached to the reinforcement member 77. The second anti-pull-out extension can advantageously take the form of a blocking rib 81102, which can extend along or transverse to the longitudinal axis X7-X7 of the complementary portion 8110. Figure 21It is shown that the clamping member 811 may include a plurality of blocking ribs 81102 distributed along the complementary portion 8110, some of which are transverse blocking ribs 81102 that extend transversely to the longitudinal axis X7-X7 of the complementary portion 8110 and are designed to prevent the clamping member 811 from translating relative to the reinforcing member 77, and others are longitudinal blocking ribs 81102 that extend along the longitudinal axis X7-X7 and are designed to prevent the clamping member 811 from rotating relative to the reinforcing member 77. Considering the presence of the helical member 771 on the reinforcing member 77, this also prevents the clamping member 811 from translating relative to the reinforcing member 77. The blocking ribs 81102 advantageously have dimensions adapted to the dimensions of the helical member 771 in order to effectively prevent the connecting member 8 from being pulled out of the cable 7. Thus, the transverse blocking ribs 81102 have a radial height substantially the same as the radial depth of the space between two successive turns 7710 of the helical member 771, while the longitudinal length of the longitudinal blocking ribs 81102 is greater than or equal to the longitudinal pitch between two successive turns 7710 of the helical member 771. In this way, once the complementary portion 8110 is in the clamping position of the reinforcing member 77, a plurality of turns 7710 of the helical member 771 abut against the blocking ribs 81102.

[0163] Figure 21 It is also shown that the clamping member 811 may further include a holding portion 8112 that extends from at least one of the complementary portions 8110 along the longitudinal axis X7-X7 of the complementary portion 8110. The holding portion 8112 is designed to hold the electrical sheath 73, more precisely, the end of the electrical sheath 73 is designed to extend facing the steam diffusion base 2 when the connecting member 8 is coupled to the steam diffusion base 2. In addition, the holding portion 8112 is designed to keep the steam diffusion pipe 74 free, more precisely, to keep the end piece 75 free. In this way, the sealing performance of the connecting member 8 is improved. In addition, in the case where the connecting member 8 is pulled out of the cable 7, the holding portion 8112 helps to protect the electrical sheath 73 and thus the wires 730 accommodated therein. As Figure 21 shown, the holding portion 8112 preferably includes a wall defining a holding channel 81120, and a portion of the electrical sheath 73 is designed to extend within the holding channel. In addition, the holding channel 81120 advantageously includes a bend 81121 that is designed to hold the electrical sheath 73 fixed relative to the clamping member 811, especially in the case where the connecting member 8 is pulled out of the cable 7.

[0164] Figure 25It is shown that the clamping member 811 may further include a first fixing element 81103, which is designed to cooperate with a second fixing element 8121 of the sleeve 812, as described in more detail below, to keep the sleeve 812 fixed to the clamping member 811. The first locking element 261 may take the form of a lug protruding and extending from the outer surface of the clamping member 811, which outer surface is the surface opposite to the effective surface of the complementary part 8110 of the clamping member 811, so as to cooperate with the second fixing element 8121 by snap fit. In this regard, as Figure 25 shown, the second fixing element 8121 may take the form of a flexible tongue extending from the outer surface of the sleeve 812, which outer surface is the surface radially opposite to the surface of the sleeve 812 and which surface comes into contact with the clamping member 811, and the tongue is designed to cooperate with the lug of the clamping member 811 by snap fit.

[0165] As Figure 22 、 Figure 23 and Figure 25 shown, the sleeve 812 is designed to be assembled on the clamping member 811 so as to surround the clamping member 811 by clamping the clamping member 811 and keep the complementary part 8110 fixed on a part of the cable 7. Therefore, the sleeve 812 has a generally elongated shape along the longitudinal axis X8-X8.

[0166] As Figure 22 and Figure 23 shown, as an alternative or supplement to snap fixing, the sleeve 812 may be designed to be force-fitted around the clamping member 811 so as to remain fixed relative to the clamping member 811. In this case, the sleeve 812 and the clamping member 811 may advantageously dispense with the fixing elements 81103, 8121.

[0167] As Figures 9 to 11 shown, the connecting elements 821, 822 cooperate with the connecting opening 2021 and extend within the connecting channel 2022 so as to couple the connecting member 8 to the steam diffusion base 2.

[0168] In this regard, the connecting elements 821, 822 are designed to be assembled to the coupling element 81 so as to surround the sleeve 812 and be detachably coupled to the steam diffusion base 2. Therefore, the connecting elements 821, 822 are generally elongated members extending along the longitudinal axes X9-X9, X10-X10.

[0169] Figure 22 、 Figure 23 and Figure 24 show that the connecting elements 821, 822 may have multiple components and include a longitudinal body 821 and a cover 822. However, this is not restrictive, as the connecting elements 821, 822 may be formed entirely of a single component.

[0170] The longitudinal body 821 has a first end 8211 through which the cable 7 passes at the channel opening 8210. In addition, the longitudinal body 821 is designed to be assembled to the coupling element 81 by a forced fit, preferably along the longitudinal axes X7-X7, X8-X8 of the coupling element 81, so as to at least partially and preferably completely surround the coupling element 81, more precisely at least partially, preferably completely surround the sleeve 812, and extend beyond the coupling element 81 in a direction opposite to the cable 7. More precisely, the longitudinal body 821 has an elongated shape and extends along the longitudinal axis X9-X9. In this way, the coupling element 81 is held fixed on the cable 7 and is protected by the longitudinal body 821 from any external protrusion.

[0171] In addition, the longitudinal body 821 may include a sealing flange 8214 located at the first end 8211 of the longitudinal body 821. The sealing flange 8214 extends radially towards the longitudinal axis X9-X9 and is designed to cooperate with the sealing edge 8120 of the sleeve 812 once the longitudinal body 821 is assembled around the coupling element 81, thereby forming a seal between the coupling element 81 and the longitudinal body 821. In this way, there is no risk of liquid and / or gas entering the connecting member 8 via the interface between the longitudinal body 821 and the sleeve 812. As Figure 26 shown, once the coupling element 81 is clamped around the second end 72, the sealing edge 8120 is positioned at the end of the coupling element 81 closest to the steam diffusion member 6.

[0172] In addition, as Figure 26 shown, the longitudinal body 821 includes a second end 8212 opposite to the first end 8211, and the second end includes a sealing lip 8213 that extends over the entire perimeter of the longitudinal body 821 and protrudes from the radial outer edge of the longitudinal body 821. Of course, a plurality of sealing lips may be provided on the outer edge. The sealing lip 8213 is designed to cooperate with at least one complementary sealing groove 8222 provided at the cover 822, as described in more detail below.

[0173] As Figures 9 to 11 shown, the cover 822 is designed to connect the connecting member 8 to the steam diffusion base 2, that is, after being introduced through the connecting opening 2021, it is usually detachably coupled to the steam diffusion base 2 by cooperating with the connecting channel 2022. In this regard, the cover 822 is designed to be assembled to the longitudinal body 821 by being fitted along the longitudinal axis X9-X9 of the longitudinal body 821, such that at least a part of the cover 822 surrounds at least a part of the longitudinal body 821. In addition, the cover 822 has an elongated shape and extends along the longitudinal axis X10-X10. In addition, if necessary, the cover 822 includes a second locking element 8220 which Figure 11cooperates with the first locking element 261 of the steam diffusion base 2 in the manner shown.

[0174] Figure 26 It is shown that the cover 822 includes an outer wall 8221, and the outer wall has an end in contact with the sealing lip 8213, and a sealing groove 8222 is formed at this end. Figure 23 and Figure 25 The sealing groove 8222, which is also visible in and, extends along the entire periphery of the cover 822 and is designed to cooperate with the sealing lip 8213 once the cover 822 is assembled onto the longitudinal body 821, thereby forming a seal between the cover 822 and the longitudinal body 822. In this way, there is no risk of liquid and / or gas entering the connecting member 8 through the interface between the longitudinal body 821 and the cover 822. If necessary, multiple sealing grooves can be provided.

[0175] Figure 25 and Figure 26 It is also shown that the cover 822 can include a partition wall 8223 that defines a steam chamber 8224 and an electrical chamber 8225.

[0176] The steam chamber 8224 is designed to accommodate one end of the steam diffusion pipe 74, in particular the end piece 75, and the end piece 75 is designed to extend within the steam chamber 8224 when the connecting member 8 is coupled to the second end 72. Therefore, the connecting member 8, more precisely the cover 822, is designed to hold the end piece 75 when the connecting member 8 is introduced into the connecting opening 2021 of the steam diffusion base 2. In this regard, Figure 26 It is shown that the holding hole 82240 can be designed to pass through the wall of the cover 822 that faces the connecting element 2023 arranged at the bottom of the connecting channel 2022. In addition, the end piece 75 is designed to extend through the holding hole 82240 so as to be able to cooperate with at least one of the connecting elements 2023 to connect the steam diffusion pipe 74 to the supply pipe 214 of the steam diffusion base 2. Figure 10 It is shown that at least one seal 82241, such as an O-ring, can surround the end piece 75 at the part where the end piece 75 extends facing the holding hole 82240. The seal 82241 has the advantage of allowing slight lateral displacement of the end piece 75 in the holding hole 82240, which allows the end piece 75 to be automatically aligned in the connecting element 2023 connected to the steam pipe 74, and at the same time has the advantage of forming an additional sealing barrier, which in particular allows prevention of steam from entering the connecting member 8 in the case of leakage occurring at the seal 753 when the connecting member 8 is coupled to the steam diffusion base 2.

[0177] In the same way, the electrical chamber 8225 is designed to accommodate at least one end of the wire 730 that protrudes and extends from one end of the electrical sheath 73, for example Figure 24in the manner shown. When the connecting member 8 is coupled to the second end portion 72, the ends of each electric wire 730 are actually designed to extend within the electric chamber 8225. In addition, the electric chamber 8225 is designed to accommodate terminals 82250 for holding the electric wires 730, as Figures 21 to 23 and Figure 25 and Figure 26 shown. Figures 21 to 23 It is also shown that an electronic component 82251 can generally be arranged at the terminal 82250, the resistance of which is measured by the sensor of the vapor diffusion base 2 to determine which type of vapor diffusion attachments 3, 4, 5 are coupled to the vapor diffusion base 2. In addition, a sealing sleeve (not shown) can also be accommodated within the electric chamber 8225, between the terminal 82250 and the ends of the electric sheath 73. The sealing sleeve can surround the electric wires 730 and abut against the cover 822 so as to hold the electric wires 730 therebetween and also prevent contact between the electric wires 730 and the vapor that has been introduced into the connecting member 8. In addition, the holding holes 82240 can be designed to pass through the cover 822, more precisely through the wall of the cover 822 that faces the connecting element 2023 arranged at the bottom of the connecting channel 2022, and the ends of the electric wires 730 are designed to extend through the holding holes 82240 so as to be able to cooperate with at least one of the connecting elements 2023 to connect the electric wires 730 to the circuit of the vapor diffusion base 2.

[0178] To ensure the mechanical coherence of the connecting member 8 and improve its sealing performance, a fixing system is provided for aligning the longitudinal axes X7-X7, X8-X8 of the coupling element 81, the longitudinal axis X9-X9 of the longitudinal body 821, and the longitudinal axis X10-X10 of the cover 822 during the assembly of the coupling element 81, the longitudinal body 821, and the cover 822. In this way, the only support between the different components of the connecting member 8 is achieved axially, which limits the risk of liquid and / or gas radially penetrating into the connecting member 8. The fixing system is also designed to hold the coupling element 81, the longitudinal body 822, and the cover 822 fixed relative to each other once the coupling element 81, the longitudinal body 821, and the cover 822 are assembled.

[0179] In this regard, the fixing system can include a support element 831, such as Figure 22 、 Figure 23 and Figure 26It can be seen that the support element 831 projects and extends from the cover 822 in a direction opposite to one end of the cover 822, and this end is designed to cooperate with the steam diffusion base 2. Preferably, the support element 831 extends the partition wall 8223 of the cover 822. In addition, the support element 831 is designed to cooperate with the sleeve 812 to ensure axial support of the cover 822 on the coupling element 81 once the coupling element 81, the longitudinal body 821, and the cover 822 are assembled. Therefore, the support element 831 can include two pawls 831, and the pawls are designed to apply an axial force on the sleeve 812 and / or the clamping member 811 once the connecting member 8 is assembled, and this axial force is transmitted to the longitudinal body 821 via the sealing edge 8120 of the sleeve 812 and the sealing flange 8214 of the longitudinal body 821, and then returns to the cover 822 through the cooperation of the sealing lip 8213 and the sealing groove 8222. This stress loop improves the mechanical coherence and sealing of the connecting member 8.

[0180] Figure 26 It is also shown that the fixing system can include a plurality of rods 832, and the rods project and extend from the longitudinal body 821 in a direction opposite to the channel opening 8210. Each rod is preferably integral with the longitudinal body 821 and is designed to cooperate with one of the end pieces 75 of the steam pipe and the terminal 82250 for holding the wire 730 so as to hold the end piece 75 and / or the terminal 82250 in place relative to the longitudinal body 821. Therefore, the structural coherence of the connecting member 8 is strengthened.

[0181] In addition, as Figure 23 shown, the fixing system can also include a first threaded support 8341, for example in the form of a hollow cylinder with threads, and this first threaded support projects and extends from the longitudinal body 821 towards the cover 822 so as to be positioned facing the first hole provided in the cover 822, and the first threaded support 8341 receives the first fixing screw 835, as Figure 25 shown, and this first fixing screw is designed to fix the cover 822 to the longitudinal body 821. In the same way, a second threaded support 8342 can project and extend from the longitudinal body 821 in the direction of the cover 822 so as to be positioned facing the second hole provided in the cover 822, and the second threaded support 8342 receives the second fixing screw 835, and this second fixing screw is designed to fix the cover 822 to the longitudinal body 821. Figure 26 It is also shown that a third orifice 8333 can be provided through the cover 822 to communicate the electrical chamber 8225 with the outside of the cover 822. A third threaded support 8343 can also be provided within the terminal 82250 so as to be positioned facing the third hole 8333 provided in the cover 822, and the third threaded support 8343 receives the third fixing screw 835, as Figure 25 shown, and this third fixing screw is designed to fix the terminal 82250 to the cover 822.

[0182] Assembly of Connecting Member

[0183] Figures 21 to 25 Shows the assembly method of various components of the connecting member 8.

[0184] As Figures 21 to 23 shown, when present, the reinforcing member 77 is first assembled at the second end 72 opposite to the steam diffusion member 6.

[0185] Whether or not there is a reinforcing member 77, as Figure 21 and Figure 24 shown, the steam diffusion pipe 74 and the electrical sheath 73 are arranged within the cable 7 so as to have ends extending beyond the second end 72. The electric wire 730 is pre-accommodated within the electrical sheath 73.

[0186] The longitudinal body 821 is assembled on the second end 72 of the cable 7 and then offset towards the first end 71 of the cable 7, awaiting further assembly. Then, as Figure 22 and Figure 25 shown, the same operation is performed on the sleeve 812. In fact, these components 821, 812 must first be arranged on the cable 7 because once the end piece 75 and the terminal 82250 are respectively assembled to the steam pipe and the electric wire 730, considering their dimensions, it is no longer possible to arrange the longitudinal body 821 and the sleeve 812 around the steam diffusion pipe 74 and the electrical sheath 73.

[0187] Once the longitudinal body 821 and the sleeve 812 are arranged around the cable 7, the end piece 75 is fixed at the end of the steam diffusion pipe 74 extending beyond the second end 72, and each end of the electric wire 730 is fixed to the terminal 82250.

[0188] The clamping member 811 is mounted on the second end 72 of the cable 7 and, if necessary, on the reinforcing member 77. For this purpose, the complementary part 8110 forming the jaws is brought to the second end 72 and then manipulated to clamp the second end 72. As Figure 21 shown, when there is a holding part 8112, the free end of the electrical sheath 73 is arranged in the holding part 8112 so as to be held before the complementary part 8110 is manipulated to clamp the second end 72.

[0189] As Figure 23 shown, the sleeve 812 then slides along the cable 7 so as to be assembled around the clamping member 811, thereby holding it fixed by forced fitting or by snap-fitting of locking elements.

[0190] Subsequently, particularly as Figure 25As shown, the longitudinal body 821 and the cover 822 are manipulated to face and contact each other along their respective longitudinal axes X9-X9, X10-X10. The rod 832 of the longitudinal body 822 cooperates with the terminal 82250, the end piece 75 and the cover 822. The sealing lip 8213 cooperates with the sealing groove 8222, and the sealing flange 8214 cooperates with the sealing edge 8120.

[0191] Finally, the fixing screw 835 is introduced through the cover 822, and all the components of the connecting member 8 are fixed to each other by tightening the fixing screw 835 in each of their threaded supports 8341, 8342, 8343.

[0192] Operation of the household appliance

[0193] Once the steam diffusion base 2 is assembled on one side and the respective components of the steam diffusion accessories 3, 4, 5 are assembled on the other side, the household appliance 1 is ready to operate.

[0194] For this purpose, the steam diffusion base 2 is connected to a power supply, usually a household power supply, through its cable 271. The reservoir 211 is filled with water by the user.

[0195] The steam diffusion base 2 is powered on, usually by actuating a switch, and steam is generated inside the tank 210.

[0196] Before or without powering on the steam diffusion base 2, the connecting member 8 is introduced through the connecting opening 2021 until the user feels that the first locking element 261 and the second locking element 8220 have cooperated well to fix the connecting member 8 in the connecting channel 2022, and the end piece 75 and the wire 730 are connected to the connecting element 2023 arranged at the bottom of the connecting channel 2022. In this way, the steam diffusion accessories 3, 4, 5 are connected to the circuit and the supply pipe 214 of the steam diffusion base 2.

[0197] If necessary, the type of the steam diffusion accessories 3, 4, 5 is detected by the steam diffusion base 2 in order to adjust its operation accordingly.

[0198] For this purpose, once the steam diffusion accessories 3, 4, 5 are connected to the steam diffusion base 2 through the connecting member 8, the resistance value of the electronic component 82251 is measured. This measurement is advantageously carried out by a sensor of the steam diffusion base 2, and the sensor transmits the measurement result to the processor. Thereby, the processor implements the control of the operation of the steam diffusion base 2 according to the measurement result.

[0199] This control mainly allows adapting the flow rate and / or velocity of the steam to be diffused from the steam diffusion base 2 to the steam diffusion member 6. In this regard, the control advantageously includes modifying the steam flow rate to be diffused from the steam diffusion base 2 to the steam diffusion accessories 3, 4, 5 so as to place the flow rate within one of three different flow rate ranges. The first of the three flow rate ranges extends from 30 g / min to 55 g / min, the second of the three flow rate ranges extends from 120 g / min to 180 g / min, and the third of the three flow rate ranges extends from 120 g / min to 170 g / min. Thus, when the detected accessory is the iron 3, the control includes adjusting the flow rate of the steam diffused from the steam diffusion base 2 so as to place the flow rate within the range of 120 g / min to 180 g / min. In addition, when the detected accessory is the ironing accessory 5, the control includes adjusting the flow rate of the steam diffused from the steam diffusion base 2 so as to place the flow rate within the range of 120 g / min to 170 g / min. When the detected accessory is the steam diffusion accessory 4 for cleaning, the control may include adjusting the flow rate of the steam diffused from the steam diffusion base 2 so as to place the flow rate within the range extending from 30 g / min to 55 g / min. However, preferably, when the cleaning accessory 4 is detected, the adjustment of the steam flow rate is not modified, and the restriction element 76 present in the connection member 8 itself ensures the modification of the steam flow rate to be diffused from the steam diffusion base 2 to the cleaning accessory 4, thereby placing the flow rate within the range of 30 g / min to 55 g / min. In this way, the operation of the steam diffusion base 2 is simplified, and the cleaning accessory 4 is immediately available after its connection without having to wait for the tank 210 to cool down.

[0200] To implement this modification of the steam flow rate to be diffused from the steam diffusion base 2 to the steam diffusion accessories 3, 4, 5, it may be necessary to modify the pressure and / or temperature parameters within the steam generator 21 (more precisely within the tank 210). This change in the steam flow rate and / or pressure is achieved in a manner known per se by controlling the power supply to the resistor of the tank 210. In addition, to prevent an excessive steam flow rate from suddenly diffusing to the steam diffusion accessories 3, 4, 5, the control may include modifying the temperature within the steam generator 21 according to a time series including a temperature plateau.

[0201] As an auxiliary, the control allows adapting the behavior of the steam diffusion accessories 3, 4, 5, more precisely the behavior of the steam diffusion member 6.

[0202] In this regard, the control may include modifying the current supply to the steam diffusion accessories 3, 4, 5. In fact, the current flowing through the wire 730 to supply power to the resistance wire 661 may be interrupted or not interrupted according to the signal emitted by the temperature sensor carried by the base plate 65 so as to adjust the temperature of the base plate 65 near the set point temperature.

[0203] Between two successive uses of the steam diffusing attachments 3, 4, 5, or before the connecting member 8 is removed from the steam diffusing base 2, the steam diffusing member 6 can be arranged in the storage space 2010. In this regard, the steam diffusing member 6 can be suspended from the holding member 2011, as Figure 5 shown for the ironing attachment 5 or Figure 6 shown for the cleaning attachment 4. Similarly, the steam diffusing member 6 can cooperate with the stop 2013 and extend substantially vertically, as Figure 2 shown for the iron 3. In this position, if liquid is sprayed onto the iron 3 and enters the iron 3, the drainage system 672 allows ensuring that the liquid does not remain in the iron 3, especially not in the grip handle 67, thus maintaining the good operation of the iron 3.

[0204] As Figure 3 and Figure 4 shown, the steam diffusing member 6 can be held more firmly in the storage space 2010, especially on the one hand by the cooperation between the hook recess 676 of the steam diffusing member 6 and the stop 2013 of the steam diffusing base, and on the other hand by the deployment of the holding member 2011.

[0205] Of course, once the connecting member 8 is separated from the steam diffusing base 2, the steam diffusing member 6 can remain in the storage space 2010 even if another steam diffusing attachment 3, 4, 5 is connected to the steam diffusing base 2, or even if the household appliance 1 is transported. To prevent the cable 7 from hindering the transportation, the cable 7 can be folded with the help of the tongue 251 and stored on the steam diffusing base 2.

[0206] To separate the connecting member 8 from the steam diffusing base 2 by removing the connection opening 2021, the first locking element 261 is manipulated so that the user feels that the connecting member 8 is no longer firmly held in the connection channel 2022 and the connecting member 8 can be removed from the steam diffusing base 2. Then the closing plate 241 is deployed to close the connection opening 2021 and maintain the sealing of the steam diffusing base 2. Thus, another steam diffusing attachment 3, 4, 5 can be coupled to the steam diffusing base 2 through its connecting member 8, this another steam diffusing attachment 3, 4, 5 can be detected, and the operation of the steam diffusing base 2 is adapted accordingly by the processor.

[0207] The steam diffusing attachments 3, 4, 5 are actuated by the stress of the trigger 671 in order to spray steam onto the element to be treated (the clothing or surface to be cleaned). In the case of a surface such as a window glass, the steam is sprayed evenly along the entire cleaning head 64, condensed, scraped by the scraping element 643, and then wiped dry by the cleaning element 644.

Claims

1. Household appliance (1), comprising: a steam diffusion base (2) including a steam generator (21), a sensor, and a processor; and a steam diffusion accessory (3, 4, 5) including a connecting member (8) configured to detachably connect the steam diffusion accessory (3, 4, 5) to the steam diffusion base (2), the connecting member (8) including an electronic component (82251); wherein the sensor is configured to measure the resistance value of the electronic component (82251) once the steam diffusion accessory (3, 4, 5) is connected to the steam diffusion base (2) via the connecting member (8), and the processor is configured to control the operation of the steam diffusion base (2) based on the measurement of the resistance value recorded by the sensor.

2. The household appliance (1) according to claim 1, wherein the processor is configured to control the operation of the steam diffusion base (2) by changing the temperature within the steam generator (21) and / or by changing the pressure within the steam generator (21) and / or by changing the steam flow rate to be diffused from the steam diffusion base (2) to the steam diffusion accessory (3, 4, 5) and / or by changing the steam flow velocity to be diffused from the steam diffusion base (2) to the steam diffusion accessory (3, 4, 5) and / or by modifying the current supply to be circulated from the steam diffusion base (2) to the steam diffusion accessory (3, 4, 5).

3. The household appliance (1) according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the processor is configured to control the operation of the steam diffusion base (2) by changing the temperature within the steam generator (21) according to a time series including a temperature plateau.

4. The household appliance (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the processor is configured to control the operation of the steam diffusion base (2) by changing the temperature within the steam generator (21) to change the steam flow rate to be diffused from the steam diffusion base (2) to the steam diffusion accessory (3, 4, 5).

5. The household appliance (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the processor is configured to control the operation of the steam diffusion base (2) by changing the steam flow rate to be diffused from the steam diffusion base (2) to the steam diffusion accessory (3, 4, 5) to place the flow rate within one of three different flow rate ranges.

6. The household appliance according to claim 5, wherein the first of the three flow rate ranges extends from 30 g / min to 55 g / min, the second of the three flow rate ranges extends from 120 g / min to 180 g / min, and the third of the three flow rate ranges extends from 120 g / min to 170 g / min.

7. The household appliance (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein The steam diffusion accessory (3, 4, 5) is an ironing accessory (3) including a heating base plate (65), and the processor is configured to control the operation of the steam diffusion base (2) by changing the current supply flowing from the steam diffusion base (2) to the steam diffusion accessory (3, 4, 5) to change the temperature of the heating base plate (65).

8. The household appliance (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, the steam diffusion accessory (3, 4, 5) is an ironing accessory (3), and the processor is configured to control the operation of the steam diffusion base (2) by changing the steam flow rate diffusing from the steam diffusion base (2) to the ironing accessory (3) to place the flow rate within the range of 120 g / min to 180 g / min.

9. The household appliance (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, the steam diffusion accessory (3, 4, 5) is a smoothing accessory (5), and the processor is configured to control the operation of the steam diffusion base (2) by changing the steam flow rate diffusing from the steam diffusion base (2) to the smoothing accessory (5) to place the flow rate within the range of 120 g / min to 170 g / min.

10. The household appliance (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, the steam diffusion accessory (3, 4, 5) is a cleaning accessory (4), the processor is configured to control the operation of the steam diffusion base (2) by changing the steam flow rate diffusing from the steam diffusion base (2) to the cleaning accessory (4) to place the flow rate within the range of 120 g / min to 180 g / min, and the connecting member (8) includes a mechanical limiting element (76), and the mechanical limiting element is configured to reduce the flow rate once the cleaning accessory (4) is connected to the steam diffusion base (2) through the connecting member (8) to place the flow rate within the range of 30 g / min to 55 g / min.

11. A method for controlling a household appliance (1), the household appliance including a steam diffusion base (2) and a steam diffusion accessory (3, 4, 5), the steam diffusion base (2) including a steam generator (21), the steam diffusion accessory (3, 4, 5) including a connecting member (8), the connecting member being configured to detachably connect the steam diffusion accessory (3, 4, 5) to the steam diffusion base (2), the connecting member (8) including an electronic component (82251), the method comprises: measuring the resistance value of the electronic component (82251) once the steam diffusion accessory (3, 4, 5) is connected to the steam diffusion base (2) through the connecting member (8); and controlling the operation of the steam diffusion base (2) according to the measurement result.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The control includes at least one of the following: changing the temperature within the steam generator (21), changing the pressure within the steam generator (21), changing the steam flow rate to be diffused from the steam diffusion base (2) to the steam diffusion accessories (3, 4, 5), changing the steam flow velocity to be diffused from the steam diffusion base (2) to the steam diffusion accessories (3, 4, 5), changing the current supply to be passed from the steam diffusion base (2) to the steam diffusion accessories (3, 4, 5).

13. The method according to any one of claims 11 and 12, wherein, the control includes changing the temperature within the steam generator (21) according to a time series including a temperature plateau.

14. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein, the control includes changing the steam flow rate to be diffused from the steam diffusion base (2) to the steam diffusion accessories (3, 4, 5) by changing the temperature within the steam generator (21).

15. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein, the control includes changing the steam flow rate to be diffused from the steam diffusion base (2) to the steam diffusion accessories (3, 4, 5) to place the flow rate within one of three different flow rate ranges.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein, the first of the three flow rate ranges extends from 30 g / min to 55 g / min, the second of the three flow rate ranges extends from 120 g / min to 180 g / min, and the third of the three flow rate ranges extends from 120 g / min to 170 g / min.

17. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 16, wherein, the steam diffusion accessory (3, 4, 5) is an ironing accessory (3) including a heating base plate (65), and the control includes changing the current supply to be passed from the steam diffusion base (2) to the steam diffusion accessory (3, 4, 5) so as to change the temperature of the heating base plate (65).

18. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 17, wherein, the steam diffusion accessory (3, 4, 5) is an ironing accessory (3) including a heating base plate (65), and the control includes changing the steam flow rate to be diffused from the steam diffusion base (2) to the ironing accessory (3) to place the flow rate within a range from 120 g / min to 180 g / min.

19. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 17, wherein, the steam diffusion accessory (3, 4, 5) is a flattening accessory (5), and the control includes changing the steam flow rate to be diffused from the steam diffusion base (2) to the flattening accessory (5) to place the flow rate within a range from 120 g / min to 170 g / min.

20. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 17, wherein, The steam diffusion accessory (3, 4, 5) is a cleaning accessory (4), and the control includes varying the steam flow rate to be diffused from the steam diffusion base (2) to the cleaning accessory (4) so as to place the flow rate within the range of 120 g / min to 180 g / min, wherein the method includes arranging a restricting element (76) within the connecting member (8), the mechanical restricting element (76) being configured to reduce the flow rate once the cleaning accessory (4) is connected to the steam diffusion base (2) via the connecting member (7) so as to place the flow rate within the range extending from 30 g / min to 55 g / min.

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