Home appliance with evaporation device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a household appliance (100) comprising an evaporation device (1) for converting a liquid into a vapor, the evaporation device (1) comprising a housing (2) with an inner cavity forming an evaporation chamber (21), a treatment surface (92) extending mainly in a longitudinal direction Y, a first heating element (10a) and a second heating element (10b) arranged between the treatment surface (92) and a wall (29) of the housing (2) to simultaneously heat the evaporation chamber (21) and the treatment surface (92), the first heating element (10a) being arranged opposite a first area (A) of the treatment surface (92) and the second heating element (10b) being arranged opposite a second area (B) of the treatment surface (92), the first and second areas (A, B) forming two heating zones of the treatment surface (92) axially offset along the longitudinal direction Y, a temperature regulation system comprising a temperature sensor (11a), the household appliance (100) being characterized in that the temperature regulation system is configured to independently control the first heating element (10a) and the second heating element (10b) as a function of a temperature measurement made by the temperature sensor (11a) to uniformly heat the treatment surface (92).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates generally to the field of steam-powered household appliances, and more particularly to portable personal care and clothing care devices. Background Technology

[0002] Various portable household appliances require the use of steam, which is generated from liquid by an evaporator.

[0003] The first example of this type of steam appliance is found in the field of garment care equipment, such as garment steamers. These portable devices typically include steam distribution orifices located directly on the processing surface. By gliding across the garment or fabric on the processing surface, the steam jets can, for example, remove wrinkles and have cleaning, deodorizing, and antibacterial effects. These devices offer an alternative to traditional irons by allowing vertical ironing of fabrics. They are designed for easy packing and transport, especially for users to quickly iron clothes while traveling.

[0004] A second example can be found in the field of personal care devices, particularly hair care devices such as steam straighteners or steam brushes. Such devices also include a heated treatment surface applied to the hair and at which steam is distributed. An evaporation chamber communicates with a steam distribution orifice, allowing steam to be sprayed onto a strand of hair at the treatment surface during use. The steam spray helps the user style and improves hair shaping.

[0005] These examples of home appliances are designed to be held by a user with one hand for several minutes. To be practical and attractive, they must be lightweight, compact, and ergonomic.

[0006] To improve the compactness of this portable steam generator, reducing the volume of the evaporator, especially the volume of the evaporation chamber where steam is formed, may be relevant. However, this could lead to faster scaling of the evaporator, thus shortening the equipment's lifespan.

[0007] Another approach is to share the heating element used for evaporating the liquid in the evaporation chamber and the heating element for heating the treated surface. This reduces the number of required components, thus improving the compactness of the equipment. However, with this shared heating element, the equipment performance degrades. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to provide a compact, lightweight steam appliance with a heated processing surface without compromising operating performance, and in particular, to generate steam while ensuring uniform heating of the processing surface.

[0009] This objective is achieved by a household appliance, which includes: - An evaporation apparatus for converting liquid into vapor, the evaporation apparatus comprising a shell with an internal cavity forming an evaporation chamber. - The treated surface extends primarily along the longitudinal direction Y. A first heating element and a second heating element are disposed between the processing surface and the outer casing wall to simultaneously heat the evaporation chamber and the processing surface. The first heating element is disposed opposite a first region of the processing surface, and the second heating element is disposed opposite a second region of the processing surface. The first and second regions form two heating zones of the processing surface offset along the longitudinal Y-axis. - A temperature control system including a temperature sensor, The appliance is characterized in that the temperature control system is configured to independently control the first heating element and the second heating element based on temperature measurements taken by a temperature sensor, so as to uniformly heat the surface being treated.

[0010] In fact, the device according to the invention comprises two independently controllable heating elements, controlled based on measurements from temperature sensors. This enables the temperature control system to dynamically control the power supply to each heating element, thereby indirectly controlling the temperature of each heating element, particularly relative to a set temperature, and especially compensating for heat loss associated with liquid evaporation in the evaporation chamber.

[0011] The proposed household appliance is advantageously complemented by the following features, either alone or according to any technically possible combination: - The appliance includes an additional temperature sensor, which enables the temperature control system to independently control the first heating element and the second heating element based on temperature measurements taken by both the temperature sensor and the additional temperature sensor. - The first heating element has a higher thermal power than the second heating element; - The evaporation chamber includes at least one liquid inlet orifice, and a temperature sensor is positioned near the liquid inlet orifice to measure the temperature change caused by the evaporation of the liquid entering the evaporation chamber; - A thermally conductive material (preferably flexible) is inserted between the first and / or second heating element and the outer casing wall; - The first and / or second heating elements are at least partially separated from the housing wall by a thermal insulator (preferably air); - The first and / or second heating element is a screen-printed metal plate; - The screen-printed metal sheet includes mounting holes for assembly to the housing wall, preferably by fixing screws; - The temperature sensor is a CMS type thermistor integrated into a screen-printed metal plate; - The first heating element and / or the second heating element are covered with an insulating layer, preferably a polyimide layer; - The thickness of the first and / or second heating elements is less than or equal to 1.5 mm; - The outer shell is a single piece, preferably obtained by extrusion; - The housing includes an additional internal cavity forming a distribution chamber that communicates with the vaporization chamber and includes one or more vapor distribution orifices; - The appliance includes a liquid tank in communication with the liquid in the evaporation chamber, such that the evaporator is configured to evaporate the liquid from the liquid tank.

[0012] The household appliances according to the present invention can be exemplarily selected from: - Garment care equipment, especially portable garment steamers. - Personal care devices, especially steam straighteners or steam brushes.

[0013] According to the second aspect, a method for controlling household appliances is also proposed, comprising the following steps: - Temperature is measured by a temperature sensor. - Control at least one of the first heating element and the second heating element based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor and the set temperature to uniformly heat the surface being treated. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following purely illustrative and not restrictive description, which should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 A cross-sectional perspective view of the evaporation device of a household appliance according to a specific embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Perspective view of the cross-section of the extruded profile of the equipment casing.

[0016] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Exploded view of the equipment.

[0017] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the evaporation device of a household appliance according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a steam straightener-type hair care device according to a specific embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a steam brush type hair care device according to a specific embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a garment steamer model garment care device according to a specific embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] In all the accompanying drawings, similar elements have the same reference numerals. Detailed Implementation

[0022] refer to Figure 1 According to the invention, the household appliance 100 includes a steam generating device 1, a plate 9 having a processing surface 92 extending mainly in the longitudinal direction Y, and two heating elements 10a and 10b.

[0023] Those skilled in the art will understand that the processed surface 92 is not limited to a rectangular plane and can have different geometries depending on the function being performed. Similarly, the household appliance 100 according to the invention may include multiple heating elements, particularly two or more independently controllable heating elements.

[0024] The steam generating device 1 includes a housing 2 with an internal cavity forming an evaporation chamber 21 that extends between a liquid inlet orifice and a steam outlet orifice.

[0025] In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 2 extends substantially in the longitudinal direction Y between the first end and the second end. The evaporation device 1 may include an inlet plug 3 and / or an outlet plug 6. The inlet plug 3 is intended to be inserted into a liquid inlet orifice at the first end and includes a portion 34 defining an inlet passage 41.

[0026] The inlet channel 41 is designed to allow liquid to enter the interior of the housing 2 from the outside of the housing 2, and more specifically, into the evaporation chamber 21.

[0027] The inlet plug 3 and the outlet plug 6 can be secured to the housing 2 by any means of fastening (e.g., screw 85).

[0028] Preferably, at least one of the inlet plug 3 and the outlet plug 6 may include a functional part intended to extend into the evaporation chamber 21, and includes a scale management element.

[0029] The so-called scale management element refers to the element used to manage the scale deposits that may exist in the evaporation chamber 21, whether to reduce scale deposits or to manage the location of scale deposits in the evaporation chamber 21, for example by transferring liquid from areas where it may naturally accumulate to areas where scale deposits will lessen the obstruction to the operation of the evaporation device 1.

[0030] The scale management elements in the functional section can be selected from hydrophobic layers, hydrophilic layers, solid particle filters, and walls that form baffles.

[0031] exist Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, both the inlet plug 3 and the outlet plug 6 include a scale management element. The inlet plug 3 includes a scale management element, which may be an external hydrophobic plate 50. The outlet plug 6 includes a scale management element, which may be a filter grille 51 for solid scale particles.

[0032] The presence of functional plugs 3 and 6 is optional. Alternatives can be used to improve the scale resistance of the appliance 100. For example, the housing 2 may include two molded housings that integrate scale-resistant features, such as baffles or hydrophobic or hydrophilic coatings.

[0033] The injected liquid is intended to flow from the liquid inlet orifice to the steam outlet orifice within the evaporation chamber 21. The liquid is intended to be converted into steam by the heating elements 10a and 10b. Preferably, the heating elements 10a and 10b are configured to maintain the temperature inside the evaporation chamber 21 at a set temperature, typically above 100°C, and preferably 120°C.

[0034] The first heating element 10a and the second heating element 10b are disposed between the plate 9 and the outer casing 2, and between the wall 29 of the outer casing 2 and the processing surface 92. More precisely, the first heating element 10a and the second heating element 10b may be centrally disposed between the outer surface of the wall 29 of the outer casing 2 and the surface of the plate 9 opposite to the processing surface 92.

[0035] This allows the two heating elements 10a and 10b to simultaneously heat the plate 9 and the wall 29 of the outer casing 2, thereby simultaneously heating the processing surface 92 and the evaporation chamber 21 through conduction. The shared use of heating elements 10a and 10b enables a reduction in the size and weight of the appliance. The first heating element 10a is positioned opposite a first region A of the processing surface 92, and the second heating element 10b is positioned opposite a second region B of the processing surface 92. The first and second regions form two heating zones on the processing surface 92, preferably offset along the longitudinal direction Y-axis.

[0036] Preferably, there is no axial overlap between the two heating zones in the longitudinal direction Y. In particular, the first and second heating elements 10a and 10b are preferably well separated from each other, for example, the heating elements do not at least partially surround the other heating element.

[0037] Preferably, the first heating element 10a is closer to the evaporation zone of the evaporation chamber 21 than the second heating element 10b. In the illustrated embodiment, the first heating element 10a is closer to the liquid inlet orifice and the inlet plug 3, while the second heating element 10b is closer to the vapor outlet orifice and the outlet plug 6.

[0038] More generally, the location of the evaporation zone within the evaporation chamber 21 depends on the location of the liquid injection point within the evaporation chamber 21 and the presence of surface treatments on the inner wall of the evaporation chamber 21. For example, the presence of the inlet plug 3 (which includes scale management elements, especially a hydrophobic layer) may cause the evaporation zone to be located away from the liquid inlet orifice.

[0039] Preferably, the first heating element 10a and the second heating element 10b can be arranged to cover more than 50% or even completely cover the wall 29 of the outer casing 2 outside the evaporation chamber 21.

[0040] The household appliance 100 includes a temperature control system, which includes a temperature sensor 11a.

[0041] The unique feature of the appliance 100 is that its temperature control system is configured to independently control the first heating element 10a and the second heating element 10b based on temperature measurements taken by the temperature sensor 11a, in order to maintain a uniform temperature across two areas of the processing surface 92. For this purpose, the power supply to the first and second heating elements 10a and 10b can be controlled independently, for example. In practice, the introduction and evaporation of liquid in the evaporation chamber 21 causes a temperature drop in the area where the liquid evaporates. This results in temperature non-uniformity on the processing surface 92 when the processing surface 92 is heated by heating elements that also heat the housing 2. This non-uniformity must be avoided, as it can reduce the quality of care when the appliance 100 is used for hair care or clothing care.

[0042] Temperature sensor 11a may be advantageously positioned near the evaporation zone of evaporation chamber 21 (where liquid evaporation occurs) to measure the temperature representing the temperature of evaporation chamber 21 at the evaporation zone.

[0043] For example, temperature sensor 11a can be attached to wall 29 at the point in evaporation chamber 21 where the liquid is intended to evaporate. This advantageously makes it possible to measure temperature changes caused by the evaporation of the liquid in evaporation chamber 21, especially temperature drops.

[0044] The temperature control system also ensures the safe use of the device 100, especially by preventing water from not evaporating completely, thereby limiting the risk of scalding from hot water jets. For example, the temperature control system can be configured to block the liquid supply under certain conditions, such as assuming that the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 11a is too high. Conversely, the temperature control system can also be configured to block the liquid supply if the temperature of the evaporation chamber 21 is below a threshold temperature that allows evaporation (especially during the preheating of the appliance 100).

[0045] Temperature sensor 11a may be advantageously positioned near one of the two heating elements 10a, 10b in order to measure the temperature representing the temperature reached by the heating element 10a, 10b.

[0046] The presence of the temperature control system enables the servo control of the power supply to the heating element using algorithms, and in particular, it enables dynamic compensation of heat loss associated with the evaporation of liquid in the evaporation chamber 21 to obtain a uniform temperature on the processed surface 92.

[0047] The thermal control system may include an electronic card capable of storing servo control algorithms for setting the temperature and power supply to the heating elements 10a and 10b, and executing the control method of the device 100.

[0048] The control method of the household appliance 100 includes the following steps: measuring the temperature by a temperature sensor 11a, and controlling the power supply of at least one of the first heating element 10a and the second heating element 10b according to the measured temperature and the set temperature to uniformly heat the treatment surface 92.

[0049] More precisely, the temperature control system can send commands to cause the two heating elements 10a and 10b to reach the set temperature without external disturbance. When the device 100 is running, the evaporation of liquid in the evaporation chamber 21 may cause heat loss, resulting in the heating elements 10a and 10b failing to reach the set temperature, for example.

[0050] Temperature sensor 11a is capable of measuring temperature at regular intervals, preferably at a frequency between 10 Hz and 300 Hz, such as 250 Hz. The measured temperature can be transmitted to a temperature control system, which compares it with a set temperature and accordingly controls the power supply to at least one of the first heating element 10a and the second heating element 10b.

[0051] For example, if the set temperature is higher than the measured temperature, the algorithm can command the power supply to be stopped and one of the heating elements 10a and 10b to be turned off. The power supply to the heating elements 10a and 10b can be servo-controlled according to the set temperature.

[0052] The algorithm for servo-controlling the power supply to heating elements 10a and 10b based on the measured temperature relative to a set temperature depends on the hardware configuration. The set temperature can be defined, in particular, relative to a target temperature on board 9, which can be predefined or user-defined.

[0053] Preferably, the first heating element 10a has a higher thermal power than the second heating element 10b.

[0054] Since the first heating element 10a is closer to the evaporation zone of the evaporation chamber 21 than the second heating element 10b, the first heating element 10a is more affected by heat loss and has an advantage in having a higher thermal power than the second heating element 10b.

[0055] This allows the temperature control system to easily adjust the temperature, providing more power to the side where evaporation causes the greatest temperature drop. The heat energy required for liquid evaporation can be compensated for in real time by the temperature control system via electrical input.

[0056] Preferably, the appliance 100 may include an additional temperature sensor 11b, such that the temperature control system is configured to independently control the power supply to the two heating elements 10a and 10b based on temperature measurements taken by the two temperature sensors 11a and 11b.

[0057] This makes the control method of the appliance 100 more precise, because the modification of the temperature command takes into account multiple measurements taken at different locations of the evaporator 1.

[0058] exist Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the temperature control system advantageously includes a first temperature sensor 11a associated with a first heating element 10a and a second temperature sensor 11b associated with a second heating element 10b.

[0059] The term "associated" refers to a temperature sensor being positioned near its associated heating element in order to measure the temperature representing the associated heating element.

[0060] For example, the temperature control system can perform servo control on the temperature of the evaporation chamber 21 by independently controlling the power supply of the first and second heating elements 10a and 10b based on the temperature measurements of each associated temperature sensor 11a and 11b.

[0061] Temperature sensor 11a can be located near the liquid inlet orifice, close to the point where the liquid is injected into the evaporation chamber 21, or alternatively at a more distant point, depending on the evaporation zone.

[0062] Typically, the heating element can be a positive temperature coefficient resistor (CTP) type or a metal ceramic (MCH) type.

[0063] Temperature sensors 11a and 11b can be negative temperature coefficient (CTN) thermistors, i.e., passive temperature probes.

[0064] Advantageously, the first heating element 10a and / or the second heating element 10b may be a screen-printed metal plate (TFH or "thick film heater").

[0065] Screen-printed metal sheets are typically in the form of a substrate on which conductive but resistive circuitry is screen-printed. The screen-printed conductive circuitry is protected by an insulating layer.

[0066] The screen-printed heating element can be powered by a power supply wire connected to the terminal block and then to the temperature control system. The terminal block can be electrically insulated, for example, through a silicone layer and / or an additional plastic component.

[0067] Using screen-printed heating elements can particularly improve the compactness of the appliance 100 and reduce its weight.

[0068] Preferably, the screen-printed metal sheet may include mounting holes that allow the metal sheet to be assembled onto the wall 29 of the housing 2, preferably by fixing screws.

[0069] In practice, the fixing device can be directly integrated into the screen-printed metal plate. For example, an aperture can be provided to receive fixing screws for securing the metal plate to the upper wall of the housing 2. Unlike other heating elements (such as CTP type), a pressure plate is not required to hold the screen-printed metal plate in place. This allows for the construction of a compact evaporation unit 1 without increasing mechanical or electrical constraints.

[0070] Preferably, the thickness of the first heating element 10a and / or the second heating element 10b is less than 1.5 mm. Generally, screen-printed heating elements have a smaller thickness than CTP-type heating elements. In particular, the thickness of the screen-printed metal plate can be less than or equal to 1.5 mm, while the thickness of the CTP resistor is typically between 2.5 mm and 3.5 mm.

[0071] The dimensions of the screen-printed resistive circuits are designed to achieve the desired power through the Joule effect. The thermal power (or heat capacity) of each heating element can be adjusted as needed. This makes it easy to obtain a first heating element 10a and a second heating element 10b with different thermal powers.

[0072] Screen-printed heating elements may include temperature probes directly integrated into a metal plate. For example, a negative temperature coefficient thermistor can be directly integrated onto the screen-printed board while maintaining a resistive trace. The thermal sensor may be surface-mount ('CMS') type.

[0073] The outer casing 2 can be made of a material that is resistant to high temperatures and allows for good thermal conductivity. For example, the material used can be a metal alloy, especially an aluminum alloy.

[0074] The outer casing 2 can be a single piece, meaning it is manufactured as a single unit. Therefore, the evaporator 1 is not formed by assembling two casings, nor does it require an additional mounting area. This allows for increased compactness of the evaporator 1.

[0075] The outer shell 2 can be obtained by extrusion and is in the form of a profile extending in the longitudinal direction Y. Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing a cross-section of the evaporation chamber 21 taken in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal direction Y according to this embodiment.

[0076] Evaporation chamber 21 is formed between the lower wall 20 and wall 29 of the outer casing 2 profile. The walls of the outer casing 2 can be relatively thin to increase the compactness of the evaporation device 1.

[0077] Preferably, the evaporation apparatus 1 further includes a distribution chamber 22 in steam communication with the evaporation chamber 21. For example, the housing 2 may include an additional internal cavity forming the distribution chamber 22. The evaporation chamber 21 may be separated from the distribution chamber 22 by a wall. For example, the wall may include an orifice allowing steam to flow from the evaporation chamber 21 to the distribution chamber 22.

[0078] When the housing 2 is obtained by extrusion, the evaporation chamber 21 and the distribution chamber 22 extend along the entire length of the housing 2 and are defined by the profile of the housing 2. The evaporation chamber 21 and the distribution chamber 22 are separated by walls that do not allow fluid communication. Fluid communication can be advantageously ensured by an outlet passage defined by an outlet plug 6.

[0079] The distribution chamber 22 includes one or more steam distribution orifices 23, which are designed to distribute the steam generated in the evaporation chamber 21 to the outside of the evaporation device 1.

[0080] The distribution chamber 22 may include, for example, a slit serving as a steam distribution orifice 23, forming a linear nozzle extending along the longitudinal direction Y on the wall 29 of the housing 2.

[0081] The housing 2 may include a wall extending outward from the wall 29 in a direction orthogonal to the wall 29. This advantageously allows for defining the receiving surface 28 of the heating element 10. Figure 2 In the middle, the receiving surface 28 is formed between two opposing walls 25a, 25b.

[0082] Preferably, the housing 2 may include a wall extending from the wall 29 outwards to form a hook 24. More specifically, in Figures 1 to 4 In the embodiment shown, the outer casing 2 includes a first hook 24a and a second hook 24b.

[0083] Preferably, the wall of the housing 2 may include at least one concave shape 26a, 26b for receiving the fixing means of the inlet plug 3 and the fixing means of the outlet plug 6 on the housing 2, such as screws. Figure 2 In the cross-section of the extruded housing 2 shown, the wall of the housing 2 includes a lower fixing area 26a located at the lower wall 20 and a U-shaped lateral fixing area 26b.

[0084] like Figure 3 As shown, hook 24a allows the housing 2 to be assembled with plate 9 by hooking. Plate 9 includes a first portion designed to engage directly with the first hook 24a, and a second portion designed to engage with the second hook 24b via leaf spring 91. Screws 85 and 86 (screws 83 and 84, respectively) allow the outlet plug 6 (and inlet plug 3, respectively) to be held on the housing 2 at the U-shaped fixing area. This hook system allows for easy installation and removal of device 100.

[0085] The appliance 100 preferably includes a liquid tank 12 capable of holding liquid intended to be evaporated in the evaporation chamber 21 of the evaporation device 1. The liquid contained in the liquid tank 12 can be delivered to the evaporation chamber 21 by a pump (e.g., a peristaltic pump). The liquid tank 12 can be connected to the interior of the evaporation chamber 21 via a hose. Steam is then intended to be distributed from the evaporation device 1 to the processing surface 92 through a steam distribution orifice or outlet orifice.

[0086] The inlet plug 3 can be connected to the connecting nozzle 43, allowing the interior of the housing 2 to be connected to the liquid tank 12.

[0087] Heating elements 10a and 10b are designed to be servo-controlled to uniformly heat plate 9, although energy is consumed by liquid evaporation, which is achieved through independent control of their respective power supplies by the temperature regulation system.

[0088] In the first embodiment shown, two heating elements 10a and 10b extend in the longitudinal direction Y and contact the surface 29 of the housing 2, which partially defines the evaporation chamber 21.

[0089] In a preferred embodiment, the two heating elements 10a and 10b may have different contact areas with the plate 9 and the wall 29 of the outer casing 2.

[0090] According to the first example, the two heating elements 10a and 10b can simply have different areas. According to the second example, as... Figure 4 As shown in the cross-sectional view, the first heating element 10a and / or the second heating element 10b may not be in direct contact with the wall 29 of the housing 2, but may be placed on the portion extending from the wall 29, so that a space 12 is left between the heating elements 10a, 10b and the wall 29 of the housing 2.

[0091] More precisely, the thermal conduction between a portion of the first heating element 10a and / or the second heating element 10b and the wall 29 of the housing 2 can be improved by adding a thermally conductive layer to the space 12 so as to completely fill the space 12.

[0092] More specifically, a thermally conductive material may be inserted between the first and / or second heating elements 10a, 10b and the wall 29 of the housing 2. Preferably, for the second heating element 10b, which is further away from the evaporation zone than the first heating element 10a, thermal conductivity can be improved.

[0093] The presence of thermally conductive material advantageously allows for a reduction in the dynamics of the temperature control system, for example, in areas far from the evaporation zone, where there is less impact from heat loss associated with the evaporation of liquid in the evaporation chamber 21.

[0094] The thermally conductive layer is preferably flexible to ensure good contact with the wall 29 of the housing 2 and the first and / or second heating elements 10a, 10b. The layer disposed in the space 12 may include, for example, silicone or flexible graphite.

[0095] Alternatively or additionally, the first heating element 10a and / or the second heating element 10b may be partially thermally isolated from the evaporation chamber 21. For example, heat exchange between the wall 29 of the housing 2 and the first and / or second heating elements 10a, 10b may be limited by reducing direct heat conduction between the first and / or second heating elements 10b and the wall 29 by filling the space 12 with a thermal insulator. The thermal insulator may simply be air.

[0096] This advantageously allows for a reduction in the impact of temperature drops in the evaporation zone on the isolated heating elements 10a, 10b. Preferably, the first heating element 10a, which is closer to the evaporation zone, is thermally insulated from the wall 29 of the evaporation chamber 21 in this manner. This also allows the first region A of the processing surface 92, located opposite the evaporation zone, to experience a smaller temperature drop during liquid evaporation.

[0097] Advantageously, the first heating element 10a and / or the second heating element 10b may have an insulating layer on the surface opposite to the wall 29 of the contact housing 2. Preferably, the insulating layer may be a polyimide layer, especially of the Kapton® type.

[0098] This allows for limiting heat loss through conduction or radiation and transferring more heat energy to the evaporation chamber 21.

[0099] It should be understood that the evaporation device 1 is not limited to Figures 1 to 4 The illustrated embodiment. In particular, the number of heating elements and thermal sensors can be varied. The arrangement and shape of the various components of the household appliance 100 can also be varied.

[0100] Hair care device examples Household appliance 100 can advantageously be a steam-generating personal care device, especially a hair care device, such as a hair styling device. A first example of such a hair styling device is a steam straightener 101, the schematic diagram of which is shown below. Figure 5 As shown.

[0101] The steam straightener 101 includes two opposing jaws hinged to form clamps in which a strand of hair to be styled can be placed. The housing 2, plate 9, heating elements 10a, 10b, and liquid tank 12 are schematically shown in the jaws M. Alternatively, the liquid tank 12 may be offset from the steam straightener 101.

[0102] The liquid contained in liquid tank 12 may consist of water alone or include, for example, cosmetic agents.

[0103] The steam straightener 101 may include a pump system, such as a peristaltic pump (not shown), which allows the liquid to be evaporated to be delivered from the liquid tank 12 to the evaporation chamber 21 and up to the injection point via a hose.

[0104] During use of the appliance 101, the liquid is intended to enter the housing 2 through an inlet channel, which may be defined by an inlet plug 3 or directly integrated into the appliance. The liquid is then intended to be converted into vapor inside the evaporation chamber 21 under the action of a first heating element 10a and a second heating element 10b.

[0105] Typically, the temperature control system is configured such that the temperatures measured by the two temperature sensors 11a, 11b are similar. Generally, the two heating elements 10a, 10b can reach temperatures up to 280°C, preferably between 190°C and 220°C, to obtain a temperature in the evaporation chamber 21 between 100°C and 150°C, or a reduced temperature range between 120°C and 140°C.

[0106] The control method implemented by the temperature regulation system of the appliance 101 allows for maintaining a uniform temperature across the entire processing surface 92 of the plate 9, particularly in the first and second regions. This allows for the effective straightening of hair strands regardless of their location on the processing surface 92.

[0107] The steam is intended to subsequently escape from the evaporation chamber 21 through a distribution orifice (not shown in the schematic diagram) for distribution at the processing surface 92. This means that the steam escapes from the same side as the processing surface 92, near the processing surface 92, or through an orifice passing through the surface 92. For example, in Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown in the household appliance 100 integrated into the gripper M, steam is intended to escape along the plate 9 through the slit-shaped distribution orifice 23. Alternatively, the wall 29 of the housing 2 may include a plurality of steam distribution orifices.

[0108] Typically, the evaporation unit 1, designed for integration into a hair straightener-type hair styling device, can generate a steam flow rate between 0.4 g / min and 2.2 g / min, preferably between 0.4 g / min and 1.2 g / min. The steam flow rate depends on the size of the evaporation chamber 21 and the power of the heating elements 10a and 10b.

[0109] A second example of this hair styling device is a steam brush 102, which is schematically shown in Figure 6 .

[0110] The steam brush 102 includes a liquid tank 12 and an evaporation unit 1. Two heating elements 10a and 10b and two temperature sensors 11a and 11b are disposed between the housing 2 and the plate 9. A pump and hose system (not shown) allows liquid to be delivered from the liquid tank 12 into the evaporation chamber 21.

[0111] The processing surface 92 of plate 9 may include a plurality of teeth for combing hair. The teeth may have dispensing orifices communicating with the interior of evaporation chamber 21. Alternatively, the dispensing orifices may be disposed between the teeth.

[0112] Examples of garment care equipment Home appliance 100 can be a garment care device, such as a portable steam iron. Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of this type of home appliance.

[0113] The garment steamer 103 may include a plate 9 having a treatment surface 92, designed to be applied to or directed onto fabric when the device 103 is in use. The treatment surface 92 may have a variety of geometries, such as elliptical, triangular, or rectangular, with rounded corner edges.

[0114] According to a preferred embodiment, the evaporation device 1 is integrated into the garment steamer 103 such that the evaporation chamber 21 extends substantially parallel to the plate 9 having the treatment surface 92. This assembly allows for a compact design, especially since the housing 2 and the plate 9 can be heated using common heating elements 10a, 10b. The garment steamer 103 may include three heating elements 10a, 10b, 10c, allowing for both evaporation of liquid in the evaporation chamber 21 and uniform heating of the treatment surface 92. The temperature control system utilizes the temperature measured by two temperature sensors 11a, 11b.

[0115] When the evaporation device 1 is integrated into the steam iron 103, the temperature reached in the evaporation chamber 21 can be lower than the temperature when integrated into the aforementioned hair styling equipment. For example, when the equipment 103 is running, the temperature of the evaporation chamber 21 is between 110°C and 180°C, preferably between 110°C and 150°C. Therefore, the inlet plug 3 and / or the outlet plug 6 can be made of metal alloy or plastic material.

[0116] The garment steamer 103 also includes a liquid tank 12 designed to hold liquids, such as water or preferably softened water. A pump allows the liquid to be delivered from the liquid tank 12 to the evaporation chamber 21.

[0117] In the illustrated embodiment, the liquid tank 12 is connected to the evaporation device 1 via the inlet plug 3. The outlet plug 6 blocks the outlet orifice of the evaporation chamber 21, but the evaporation chamber 21 and the distribution chamber 22 are in fluid communication through the outlet channel defined by the outlet plug 6.

[0118] Steam is distributed at the processing surface 92 through multiple distribution orifices 23, which pass through the plate 9 and lead to the processing surface 92.

[0119] Typically, the evaporation device 1 integrated in the portable garment steamer 103 can provide a steam flow rate between 5 g / min and 40 g / min during operation, preferably between 20 g / min and 35 g / min.

Claims

1. A household appliance (100), comprising: - An evaporation device (1) for converting liquid into vapor, the evaporation device (1) including a shell (2) with an internal cavity forming an evaporation chamber (21). - The processed surface (92) mainly extends along the longitudinal direction Y. - A first heating element (10a) and a second heating element (10b) are disposed between the processing surface (92) and the wall (29) of the outer casing (2) to simultaneously heat the evaporation chamber (21) and the processing surface (92). The first heating element (10a) is disposed opposite to a first region (A) of the processing surface (92), and the second heating element (10b) is disposed opposite to a second region (B) of the processing surface (92). The first and second regions (A, B) form two heating zones of the processing surface (92) offset along the longitudinal direction Y-axis. - A temperature control system including a temperature sensor (11a), The appliance (100) is characterized in that the temperature control system is configured to independently control the first heating element (10a) and the second heating element (10b) based on temperature measurements taken by the temperature sensor (11a) to uniformly heat the treated surface (92).

2. The household appliance according to claim 1, comprising an additional temperature sensor (11b), wherein the temperature regulation system is configured to independently control the first heating element (10a) and the second heating element (10b) based on temperature measurements taken by both the temperature sensor (11a) and the additional temperature sensor (11b).

3. The household appliance according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the first heating element (10a) has a higher thermal power than the second heating element (10b).

4. The household appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the evaporation chamber (21) includes at least one liquid inlet orifice, and a temperature sensor (11a) is disposed near the liquid inlet orifice to measure the temperature change caused by the evaporation of liquid entering the evaporation chamber (21).

5. The household appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a thermally conductive material is inserted between the first and / or second heating element (10a, 10b) and the wall (29) of the housing (2), wherein the thermally conductive material is preferably flexible.

6. The household appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first and / or second heating elements (10a, 10b) are at least partially separated from the wall (29) of the housing (2) by a thermal insulator, preferably air.

7. The household appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first and / or second heating elements (10a, 10b) are screen-printed metal plates.

8. The household appliance according to claim 7, wherein the screen-printed metal plate includes a fixing hole for assembly to the wall (29) of the housing (2), preferably by fixing screws.

9. The household appliance according to any one of claims 7 and 8, wherein the temperature sensor (11a) is a CMS type thermistor integrated into a screen-printed metal plate.

10. The household appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first heating element (10a) and / or the second heating element (10b) are covered with an insulating layer, preferably a polyimide layer.

11. The household appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the thickness of the first and / or second heating element (10a, 10b) is less than or equal to 1.5 mm.

12. The household appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the housing (2) is integral, preferably obtained by extrusion.

13. The household appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the housing (2) includes an additional internal cavity forming a distribution chamber (22) in steam communication with an evaporation chamber (21) and includes one or more steam distribution orifices (23).

14. The household appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 13, comprising a liquid tank (12) in liquid communication with the evaporation chamber (21), such that the evaporation device (1) is configured to evaporate liquid from the liquid tank (12).

15. A method for controlling a household appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 14, comprising the following steps: - Temperature is measured by temperature sensor (11a). - Control at least one of the first heating element (10a) and the second heating element (10b) based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor (11a) and the set temperature to uniformly heat the treated surface (92).

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