Steam laundry treatment apparatus

Abstract

The invention relates to a laundry treatment apparatus (1) comprising: a water tank (13) comprising a main storage chamber (14) and a main water outlet (16); a steam generator (6) comprising a steaming chamber (7); a treatment surface (11) provided with steam outlet holes (12); a steam distribution circuit (27) configured to supply steam to the steam outlet holes (12); an auxiliary storage chamber (18) configured to be supplied with water from the main storage chamber (14) and including an auxiliary water outlet (21); and a water supply device (22) configured to supply the steaming chamber (7), by gravity, with water from the main storage chamber (14) and from the auxiliary storage chamber (18).

Description

technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of steam laundry treatment devices, such as steam irons or steam garment steamers. State of the art

[0002] A laundry processing appliance includes, as is known: a gripping handle, a water tank including a storage chamber and a water outlet opening into the storage chamber, a steam generator including a vaporization chamber, such as an instant vaporization chamber, a processing surface provided with at least one steam outlet hole, a steam distribution circuit connected to the vaporization chamber and configured to supply steam to at least one steam outlet hole, a water supply device fluidly connected to the water outlet hole and configured to supply the vaporization chamber by gravity with water from the storage chamber.

[0003] Such a device allows for the continuous production of a maximum steam output, which is a function of the heating element's power. The higher the heating element's power, the greater the maximum steam output that can be produced by the vaporization chamber. However, increasing the heating element's power has the disadvantage of raising the device's manufacturing cost. Furthermore, such laundry steamers are usually intended for domestic use, so the heating element's power cannot exceed the maximum power supply of the household electrical outlet to which the device is connected.

[0004] Document EP3868952 discloses a laundry processing apparatus comprising a gripping handle, a water reservoir including a main storage chamber and a main water outlet opening into the main storage chamber. The apparatus also includes a steam generator comprising a vaporization chamber, a processing surface with at least one steam outlet, and a steam distribution circuit connected to the vaporization chamber and configured to supply steam to at least one steam outlet. The apparatus also includes a water supply device fluidly connected to the main water outlet and configured to supply, by gravity, water from the main storage chamber to the vaporization chamber.

[0005] It is known from the prior art, and in particular from patent EP1224349, a processing apparatus comprising a pump for supplying the vaporization chamber according to a predetermined configuration comprising a first phase of operation, during which the flow rate of the pump is higher than the vaporization capacity of the vaporization chamber in continuous operation, and a second phase of operation, during which the flow rate of the pump is lower than the vaporization capacity of the vaporization chamber in continuous operation.

[0006] Such a device has the advantage of momentarily providing a higher steam output than the continuous steaming chamber can supply, thanks to the use of energy stored in the steaming chamber's casting during inactive ironing phases. Indeed, during these inactive phases, the heat produced by the heating element is stored in the casting, and this energy is then used during the initial operating phase to produce the excess steam.

[0007] However, such a configuration significantly increases the manufacturing costs of such a laundry processing device, and also the mass of such a laundry processing device.

[0008] Furthermore, the presence of a feed pump, and the electronics necessary to control it, is likely to impair the reliability of the laundry processing device. Summary of the invention

[0009] The present invention aims to remedy this drawback.

[0010] The technical problem underlying the invention consists in particular of providing a laundry processing device which is simple in structure, economical and reliable (and in particular whose water supply device is free of electrical components), while exhibiting high ironing and / or wrinkle-removal efficiency.

[0011] To this end, the invention relates to a laundry processing apparatus comprising: a gripping handle, a water tank comprising a main storage chamber and a main water outlet opening into the main storage chamber, a steam generator comprising a vaporization chamber, such as an instant vaporization chamber, a water supply device fluidly connected to the main water outlet and configured to supply, by gravity, the vaporization chamber with water from the main storage chamber, a processing surface having at least one steam outlet hole, and a steam distribution circuit connected to the vaporization chamber and configured to supply steam to at least one steam outlet hole.

[0012] The laundry processing apparatus further comprises an auxiliary storage chamber which is fluidly connected to the main storage chamber and which is configured to be supplied with water from the main storage chamber, the auxiliary storage chamber having an auxiliary water outlet port, and the water supply device being fluidly connected to the auxiliary water outlet port and being configured to supply, by gravity, the vaporization chamber with water from the auxiliary storage chamber.The laundry treatment device is configured to treat laundry according to a treatment cycle comprising at least a first laundry treatment phase during which the vaporization chamber is supplied with water, by gravity, with a first supply flow rate, and a second laundry treatment phase during which the vaporization chamber is supplied with water, by gravity, with a second supply flow rate which is lower than the first supply flow rate.

[0013] During the first phase of laundry processing (which is generally initiated after the appliance has reached its nominal operating temperature), the steaming chamber is supplied with water at a high flow rate, for example, exceeding the continuous water vaporization rate of the steaming chamber. This is because the steaming chamber is able to vaporize a larger quantity of water during the first phase of processing, thanks to the thermal energy stored in the mass of the steam generator's foundry.

[0014] During the second treatment phase, the vaporization chamber is supplied with water at a lower flow rate than during the first phase of laundry treatment, for example, less than the continuous water flow rate the vaporization chamber can deliver. Thus, the thermal power generated by the Joule effect from the electric heating element in the steam generator is sufficient to vaporize the amount of water injected into the vaporization chamber during the second treatment phase.

[0015] The laundry treatment apparatus according to the present invention therefore makes it possible to inject a maximum of water into the vaporization chamber at the beginning of the treatment of a garment, while limiting the risks of water splashing onto the garment being treated, and this with a water supply device of simple, reliable and inexpensive structure.

[0016] The laundry processing appliance may also have one or more of the following characteristics, taken alone or in combination.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first feed rate is greater than the water flow rate that the vaporization chamber is capable of continuously vaporizing, and the second feed rate is less than or equal to the water flow rate that the vaporization chamber is capable of continuously vaporizing. Such a configuration of the laundry treatment apparatus considerably limits the risk of saturation of the vaporization chamber, and therefore the risk of water splashing onto laundry during treatment.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the invention, the initial feed flow rate is less than or equal to the water flow rate that the vaporization chamber is capable of continuously vaporizing. Such a configuration of the laundry treatment apparatus further limits the risk of saturation of the vaporization chamber, and therefore the risk of water splashing onto laundry during treatment.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the invention, the laundry treatment device is configured such that, under normal conditions of use of the laundry treatment device, the main water outlet port allows a maximum main outlet flow rate and the auxiliary water outlet port allows a maximum auxiliary outlet flow rate which is greater than the maximum main outlet flow rate.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the invention, the water supply device comprises a first water supply conduit that is fluidly connected to the main water outlet and has a first cross-sectional area, and a second water supply conduit that is fluidly connected to the auxiliary water outlet and has a second cross-sectional area that is larger than the first cross-sectional area. These arrangements contribute to supplying the vaporization chamber with a higher flow rate during the first treatment phase.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first water supply conduit is configured to establish free fluidic communication between the main storage chamber and the auxiliary storage chamber.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the invention, the auxiliary storage chamber includes a water inlet, and the first water supply conduit has a first end portion that is fluidly connected to the main water outlet, and a second end portion that is fluidly connected to the water inlet of the auxiliary storage chamber. These arrangements ensure that, during the second treatment phase (i.e., after the majority of the water contained in the auxiliary storage chamber has flowed into the vaporization chamber, which occurred during the first treatment phase), the vaporization chamber is supplied with water flowing from the main storage chamber and through the auxiliary storage chamber and the water supply device, and therefore with a lower supply flow rate than during the first treatment phase.

[0023] According to such an embodiment of the invention, the auxiliary storage chamber is located fluidly between the auxiliary storage chamber and the vaporization chamber.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the invention, the second water conveying conduit comprises a first end portion fluidly connected to the auxiliary water outlet orifice of the auxiliary storage chamber, and a second end portion fluidly connected to the vaporization chamber.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the invention, the main water outlet and the first water supply conduit are configured such that the auxiliary storage chamber is able to be filled, by gravity, with water from the main storage chamber in less than 20 seconds, and for example in about 15 seconds, when the water does not flow through the auxiliary water outlet into the vaporization chamber.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the invention, the water tank comprises the auxiliary storage chamber, the auxiliary storage chamber being fluidly connected to the main storage chamber.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the invention, the water supply device is configured to supply the vaporization chamber simultaneously with water from the main storage chamber and with water from the auxiliary storage chamber during the first treatment phase.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the invention, the water supply device is configured to supply the vaporization chamber only with water from the main storage chamber during the second treatment phase. In such an embodiment of the invention, the second treatment phase corresponds to a treatment phase during which the auxiliary storage chamber is empty.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the invention, the water tank includes a passage orifice configured to establish free fluidic communication between the auxiliary storage chamber and the main storage chamber.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the invention, the water tank includes a partition wall configured to separate the main storage chamber and the auxiliary storage chamber, the partition wall at least partially delimiting the passage opening.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the invention, the separating wall has an upper edge partially delimiting the passage opening.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the invention, the passage opening is delimited by the upper edge of the separating wall and by an external wall of the water tank.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the invention, the auxiliary storage chamber is configured to be at least partially filled with water from the main storage chamber when the laundry treatment unit is tilted, for example, backwards, from a first position, such as a main operating position in which the treatment surface extends substantially horizontally, to a second position, such as a resting position in which the treatment surface extends substantially vertically. These arrangements ensure easy and rapid filling of the auxiliary storage chamber by simply tilting the laundry treatment unit, for example, each time the latter is placed in a resting position (for example, in which the laundry treatment unit rests on its base or on a foot fitted to the laundry treatment unit).

[0034] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first water conveying conduit comprises a first end portion fluidly connected to the main water outlet of the main storage chamber, and a second end portion fluidly connected to the vaporization chamber.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the invention, the main storage chamber has a first storage volume, and the auxiliary storage chamber has a second storage volume smaller than the first storage volume. These arrangements further limit the risk of saturation of the vaporization chamber during the first treatment phase.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the invention, the auxiliary storage chamber, the auxiliary water outlet orifice and the water supply device are configured such that the auxiliary storage chamber is capable of being completely emptied, via the auxiliary water outlet orifice, in less than 5 seconds.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the invention, the auxiliary storage chamber is configured to be located below the main storage chamber when the laundry processing device is in a rest position.

[0038] According to one embodiment of the invention, the water supply device further comprises a movable shut-off member between a shut-off position in which the shut-off member prevents water from flowing through the water supply device, and thus into the vaporization chamber, and a release position in which the shut-off member allows water to flow through the water supply device, and thus into the vaporization chamber. These arrangements prevent unwanted water flow through the water supply device.

[0039] According to one embodiment of the invention, the sealing member is configured to prevent water from flowing through the second water supply conduit when the sealing member is in the sealing position, and to allow water to flow through the second water supply conduit when the sealing member is in the release position.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the invention, the laundry treatment apparatus includes a steam control element, such as a steam trigger, configured to be manually operated by a user. The steam control element is configured to move the shut-off element to the release position when the steam control element is operated by the user. Advantageously, the steam control element is located on the handle. These arrangements allow a user to easily control the steam generation only when desired.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the invention, the laundry processing apparatus further comprises: a steam emission head which is mechanically connected to an upper end of the gripping handle and which includes the processing surface, and a base mechanically connected to a lower end of the gripping handle, the base housing the steam generator.

[0042] According to one embodiment of the invention, the treatment surface is intended to come vertically opposite a garment to be steamed when the laundry treatment device is held in a vertical steaming position in which the gripping handle is located under the steam emission head.

[0043] According to one embodiment of the invention, the steam distribution circuit comprises a steam conduit fluidly connecting the vaporization chamber to at least one steam outlet hole.

[0044] According to one embodiment of the invention, the steam conduit extends at least partially into the gripping handle.

[0045] According to one embodiment of the invention, the water reservoir is disposed in the steam emission head.

[0046] According to one embodiment of the invention, the water tank has a main vent opening into an upper part of the main storage chamber.

[0047] According to one embodiment of the invention, the auxiliary storage chamber includes an auxiliary vent opening into an upper part of the auxiliary storage chamber.

[0048] According to one embodiment of the invention, the laundry processing apparatus comprises a housing consisting of first and second shells assembled one on top of the other. Advantageously, the gripping handle is formed by the assembly of the first and second shells.

[0049] According to one embodiment of the invention, the laundry treatment device is portable.

[0050] According to one embodiment of the invention, the treatment surface is an ironing and / or steaming surface.

[0051] According to one embodiment of the invention, the laundry treatment device is a steam ironing device or a steam iron. Brief description of the figures

[0052] The aims, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will be better understood from the following description of a particular embodiment of the invention, presented by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: There figure 1 is a perspective view of a laundry processing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the invention; The figure 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the laundry processing apparatus of the figure 1 ; There figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the laundry processing apparatus of the figure 1 ; There figure 4 is a schematic view of a laundry processing apparatus according to a second embodiment of the invention showing the laundry processing apparatus in a rest position; The figure 5 is a schematic view of the laundry processing apparatus of the figure 4 showing the laundry processing appliance in a position of use.

[0053] Only the elements necessary for understanding the invention have been shown. To facilitate reading the drawings, the same elements bear the same reference numbers from one figure to another.

[0054] It should be noted that in this document, the terms "horizontal", "vertical", "lower", "upper", "top", "bottom", "front", "back", "longitudinal", "transverse", used to describe the portable garment steamer refer to the device when it is lying flat on its base.

[0055] There figure 1 represents a laundry treatment device 1, such as a steam iron, according to a first embodiment of the invention. The laundry treatment device 1 comprises a portable housing 2 made of plastic. The housing 2 includes a handle 3, a base 4 mechanically connected to a lower end of the handle 3, and a steam emission head 5 mechanically connected to an upper end of the handle 3.

[0056] Advantageously, the base 4 includes a flat underside on which the laundry processing unit 1 can rest stably in a resting position, illustrated in the figure 1 in which the longitudinal axis of the gripping handle 3 is slightly inclined forwards, on the order of 15°.

[0057] As can be seen on the figure 3 The housing 2 comprises a first shell 2A, such as a front shell, and a second shell 2B, such as a rear shell, which are made of plastic material and are assembled together. The first and second shells 2A, 2B form a hollow body in which various components of the laundry processing apparatus 1 are arranged.

[0058] The laundry treatment unit 1 further comprises a steam generator 6 housed in the base 4, and advantageously an electrical power cord, not shown in the figures, allowing connection of the laundry treatment unit 1 to a domestic electrical network. The steam generator 6 more specifically comprises a vaporization chamber 7, such as an instantaneous vaporization chamber, formed in an aluminum casting conventionally containing an electrical resistance 8 whose power supply is regulated by means of a thermostat.

[0059] According to the embodiment shown in figures 1 to 3 , the steam emission head 5 has a slender shape extending transversely to the gripping handle 3, preferentially forming an angle α between 45° and 90° with respect to the longitudinal direction of the gripping handle 3.

[0060] The steam emission head 5 has a front end fitted with an end plate 9, advantageously metallic, having a treatment surface 11, and more particularly an ironing and / or steaming surface, which is intended to be positioned vertically opposite a garment to be steamed. Advantageously, the treatment surface 11 is flat. The treatment surface 11 has several steam outlet holes 12 advantageously distributed along the periphery of the treatment surface 11.

[0061] As shown more particularly in the figure 3 The laundry treatment appliance 1 includes a water reservoir 13 disposed in the steam emission head 5, and preferably in a rear part of the steam emission head 5. Advantageously, at least a part of the external wall of the water reservoir 13 is transparent to allow a user to view the water level in the water reservoir 13.

[0062] The water reservoir 13 includes a main storage chamber 14 which has a first storage volume and is configured to hold water. The water reservoir 13 further includes a filling port 15 opening into an upper portion of the main storage chamber 14 and allowing the latter to be filled, and a calibrated main water outlet 16 opening into a lower portion of the main storage chamber 14 and allowing water to be discharged from the main storage chamber 14 into the vaporization chamber 7. Advantageously, the water reservoir 13 is equipped with a removable cap 17 configured to removably close the filling port 15.

[0063] The water tank 13 also has a main vent orifice (not visible in the figures) opening into an upper part of the main storage chamber 14, in order to prevent a depression from being created in the main storage chamber 14 when water flows through the main water outlet orifice 16.

[0064] The laundry processing unit 1 further includes an auxiliary storage chamber 18 which has a second storage volume and is configured to hold water. As shown in the figure 2 , the auxiliary storage chamber 18 is configured to be located below the main storage chamber 14 when the laundry processing unit 1 is in the rest position.

[0065] According to the embodiment shown on the figures 1 to 3The auxiliary storage chamber 18 has a water inlet port 19, which is calibrated, configured to be fluidly connected to the main water outlet port 16 of the main storage chamber 14, and an auxiliary water outlet port 21, which is calibrated, configured to be fluidly connected to the vaporization chamber 7. Thus, the auxiliary storage chamber 18 is more particularly configured to be supplied with water from the main storage chamber 14, and to supply water to the vaporization chamber 7.

[0066] The auxiliary storage chamber 18 further includes an auxiliary vent orifice (not visible in the figures) opening into an upper part of the auxiliary storage chamber 18, in order to prevent a depression from being created in the auxiliary storage chamber 18 when water flows through the auxiliary water outlet orifice 21.

[0067] Advantageously, the laundry processing unit 1 is configured such that, under normal operating conditions, the main water outlet 16 has a maximum main flow rate and the auxiliary water outlet 21 has a maximum auxiliary flow rate that is higher than the maximum main flow rate, and preferably at least 25% higher. For example, if the maximum main flow rate is 40 g / min, then the auxiliary flow rate is greater than 50 g / min.

[0068] The laundry processing unit 1 further includes a water supply device 22 configured to supply, by gravity, the vaporization chamber 7 with water from the main storage chamber 14 and the auxiliary storage chamber 18.

[0069] According to the embodiment shown on the figures 1 to 3The water supply device 22 comprises: a first water conveying conduit 23 having a first passage section, and comprising a first end portion fluidly connected to the main water outlet 16 of the main storage chamber 14, and a second end portion fluidly connected to the water inlet 19 of the auxiliary storage chamber 18, and a second water conveying conduit 24 having a second passage section which is greater than the first passage section, and comprising a first end portion fluidly connected to the auxiliary water outlet 21 of the auxiliary storage chamber 18, and a second end portion fluidly connected to the vaporization chamber 7.

[0070] As shown on the figure 2, each of the first and second water supply conduits 23, 24 extends at least partially into the gripping handle 3. According to the embodiment shown in the figures 1 to 3 , the first water supply conduit 23 is configured to establish free fluidic communication between the main storage chamber 14 and the auxiliary storage chamber 18.

[0071] The main water outlet 16 and the first water supply conduit 23 are advantageously configured such that the auxiliary storage chamber 18 can be filled by gravity with water from the main storage chamber 14 in less than 20 seconds, for example, in approximately 15 seconds. Advantageously, the auxiliary storage chamber 18, the auxiliary water outlet 21, and the water supply device 22 are configured such that the auxiliary storage chamber 18 can be completely emptied via the auxiliary water outlet 21 in less than 5 seconds.

[0072] The laundry treatment unit 1 is specifically configured to treat laundry according to a treatment cycle comprising at least a first laundry treatment phase during which the vaporization chamber 7 is supplied with water at a first feed rate that is higher than the water flow rate that the vaporization chamber 7 is capable of continuously vaporizing, and a second laundry treatment phase during which the vaporization chamber 7 is supplied with water at a second feed rate that is lower than the water flow rate that the vaporization chamber 7 is capable of continuously vaporizing. Advantageously, the first feed rate is higher than the second feed rate and is at most equal to three times the second feed rate.

[0073] As shown more specifically on the figure 2The water supply device 22 further includes a shut-off member 25, such as a shut-off valve, movable between a shut-off position in which the shut-off member 25 prevents water from flowing through the second water supply conduit 24, and a release position in which the shut-off member 25 allows water to flow through the second water supply conduit 24. Thus, the shut-off member 25 is configured to control the passage of water through the second water supply conduit 24.

[0074] According to the embodiment shown on the figures 1 to 3 The laundry processing appliance 1 includes a steam control element 26, such as a steam control trigger, provided on the handle 3 and configured to be manually operated by a user. Advantageously, the steam control element 26 is located on a front face of the handle 3.

[0075] The steam control member 26 is more particularly configured to move the closing member 25 towards the release position when the steam control member 26 is operated by the user, i.e. when pressure is manually exerted on the steam control member 26. Advantageously, the laundry processing apparatus 1 includes a excitation member (not visible in the figures) configured to excitation the steam control member 26 in the closing position.

[0076] The laundry treatment apparatus 1 further comprises a steam distribution circuit 27 connected to the vaporization chamber 7, and configured to supply steam to the steam outlet holes 12. Advantageously, the steam distribution circuit 27 comprises a steam conduit 28 connecting the vaporization chamber 7 to a steam diffusion chamber 29 formed in a body disposed in thermal contact with the end plate 9, the steam diffusion chamber 29 being fluidly connected to the steam outlet holes 12.

[0077] Advantageously, the steam conduit 28 is connected to a steam outlet 31 provided on an upper face of the vaporization chamber 7, and runs vertically through the gripping handle 3, then under the water reservoir 13 to be connected to an inlet of the steam diffusion chamber 29.

[0078] The operation of the laundry processing device 1 will now be described.

[0079] When the user wishes to use the laundry treatment unit 1, they fill the water tank 13 with water and then connect the laundry treatment unit 1 to the electrical network. The electric heating element 8 of the steam generator 6 is then powered so that its temperature quickly reaches a set temperature defined by the thermostat.

[0080] When the user wishes to steam-dry a garment, they press the steam control element 26, which moves the sealing element 25 into the release position and allows a rapid flow of water contained in the auxiliary storage chamber 18 through the second water supply conduit 24 (due in particular to the high passage cross-section of the auxiliary water outlet orifice 21 and the second water supply conduit 24) and towards the vaporization chamber 7. The steam produced by the vaporization chamber 7 then escapes through the steam conduit 28 towards the steam diffusion chamber 29 provided in the steam emission head 5, and then exits through the steam outlet holes 12 provided on the treatment surface 11.

[0081] Such a configuration of the laundry processing apparatus 1 according to the present invention ensures a significant flow of steam through the steam distribution circuit 27 during an initial processing phase of a piece of laundry.

[0082] If the user maintains pressure on the steam control device 26 beyond the time required to completely empty the auxiliary storage chamber 18, the vaporization chamber 7 will then be supplied with water from the main storage chamber 14 (this water flowing respectively through the first water supply conduit 23, the auxiliary storage chamber 18 and the second water supply conduit 24) with a lower supply flow rate than during the initial treatment phase (due in particular to the fact that the passage cross-sections of the main water outlet orifice 16 and the first water supply conduit 13 are respectively smaller than those of the auxiliary water outlet orifice 21 and the second water supply conduit 24).Thus, during this second phase of laundry treatment, the steam flow rate through the steam distribution circuit 27 is lower, for example, three times lower, than during the initial treatment phase. These measures prevent the vaporization chamber 7 from becoming flooded by exceeding its vaporization capacity and prevent water droplets from being projected through the steam outlet holes 12.

[0083] When the user releases the steam control member 26, the shut-off member 25 is moved into the shut-off position, and the auxiliary storage chamber 18 slowly fills until the next actuation of the steam control member 26.

[0084] THE Figures 4 and 5represent a laundry treatment device 1 according to a second embodiment of the invention which differs from the first embodiment essentially in that the laundry treatment device 1 is a steam iron, and in that the water tank 13 includes the auxiliary storage chamber 18 and a passage orifice 32 configured to establish free fluidic communication between the auxiliary storage chamber 18 and the main storage chamber 14.

[0085] Advantageously, the water tank 13 includes a partition wall 33 configured to separate the main storage chamber 14 and the auxiliary storage chamber 18, and which has an upper edge at least partially delimiting the passage opening 32. According to the embodiment shown in the Figures 4 and 5 , the passage opening 32 is delimited by the upper edge of the separating wall 33 and by the external wall of the water tank 13.

[0086] According to the embodiment shown on the Figures 4 and 5 , the main water outlet 16 and the auxiliary water outlet 21 are each provided on a bottom wall of the water tank 13 which is for example configured to extend substantially horizontally when the laundry processing unit 1 rests on its processing surface 11.

[0087] According to such an embodiment of the invention, the auxiliary storage chamber 18 is configured to be filled with water from the main storage chamber 14 when the laundry processing device 1 is tilted, for example backwards, from a main operating position in which the processing surface 11 extends substantially horizontally, to a resting position in which the processing surface 11 extends substantially vertically or is slightly inclined with respect to the vertical, i.e. a position in which the laundry processing device 1 rests on its heel.

[0088] According to the embodiment shown on the Figures 4 and 5The first water supply conduit 23 comprises a first end portion fluidly connected to the main water outlet 16 of the main storage chamber 14, and a second end portion fluidly connected to the vaporization chamber 7. The first and second water supply conduits 23, 24 may, for example, each open directly into the vaporization chamber 7, or else open into a collection chamber having a lower orifice opening into the vaporization chamber 7, and, for example, into an upper face of the vaporization chamber 7.

[0089] The operation of the laundry processing device 1 according to the second embodiment will now be described.

[0090] When the user wishes to use the laundry treatment unit 1, they fill the water tank 13 with water, position the laundry treatment unit 1 in its resting position (so that the auxiliary storage chamber 18 is filled with water from the main storage chamber 14), and then connect the laundry treatment unit 1 to the electrical supply. The electric heating element 8 of the steam generator 6 is then energized so that its temperature quickly reaches a setpoint temperature defined by the thermostat.

[0091] When the user wishes to steam iron a garment, he moves the garment treatment unit 1 into the main operating position, which has the effect of allowing a rapid flow of the water contained in the auxiliary storage chamber 18 through the second water supply conduit 24 and into the vaporization chamber 7, as well as a flow of the water contained in the main storage chamber 14 through the first water supply conduit 23 (according to a supply flow rate defined by the position occupied by the plug) and into the vaporization chamber 7.

[0092] The laundry processing device 1 according to the second embodiment thus ensures a significant flow of steam through the steam distribution circuit 27 during a first phase of laundry processing.

[0093] When the auxiliary storage chamber 18 is empty, the vaporization chamber is then continuously supplied only with water from the main storage chamber 14 and flowing through the first delivery conduit 23, so that the steam flow through the steam distribution circuit 27 is greatly reduced during a second phase of laundry processing.

[0094] When a user returns the laundry processing unit 1 to the rest position, for example to handle the laundry, this causes the auxiliary storage chamber 18 to fill with water from the main storage chamber 14. Thus, when the user switches the laundry processing unit 1 to the main operating position to continue the ironing operation, they again benefit from a higher steam flow through the steam distribution circuit 27 during an initial phase of laundry processing.

[0095] According to such an embodiment of the invention, the water supply device 22 may be devoid of a steam control member, and the shut-off member 25 may, for example, be a plug, such as a drip plug, configured to allow a user to adjust the flow rate of water through the first water supply conduit 23 between a minimum flow rate value, for example zero, and a maximum flow rate value corresponding to the maximum steam flow rate that the vaporization chamber is capable of vaporizing continuously.

[0096] According to an embodiment of the invention not shown in the figures, the laundry treatment apparatus 1 could include an additional movable sealing element between a closed position in which the additional sealing element prevents water from flowing through the first water supply conduit 23, and an open position in which the additional sealing element allows water to flow through the first water supply conduit 23.

[0097] According to such an embodiment of the invention, the laundry processing apparatus 1 could be configured to operate according to: a first mode of operation in which the sealing element 25 and the additional sealing element occupy respectively the open position and the closed position so as to allow filling of the auxiliary storage chamber 18, a second mode of operation in which the sealing element 25 and the additional sealing element occupy respectively the closed position and the release position so as to allow a flow of water from the auxiliary storage chamber 18 towards the vaporization chamber 7, while fluidly isolating the auxiliary storage chamber 18 from the main storage chamber 14,and a third mode of operation in which the sealing element 25 and the additional sealing element occupy respectively the open position and the release position so as to allow a flow of water from the main storage chamber 14 towards the vaporization chamber 7.

[0098] Of course, the invention is by no means limited to the embodiments described and illustrated, which have been given only by way of example. Modifications remain possible, particularly with regard to the composition of the various elements or by substitution of technical equivalents, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention, which is defined by the attached claims.

Claims

1. Laundry treatment apparatus (1) comprising: - a gripping handle (3), - a water tank (13) comprising a main storage chamber (14) and a main water outlet (16) opening into the main storage chamber (14), - a steam generator (6) comprising a vaporization chamber (7), - a water supply device (22) fluidly connected to the main water outlet (16) and configured to supply water by gravity from the main storage chamber (14) to the vaporization chamber (7), - a treatment surface (11) provided with at least one steam outlet hole (12), and - a steam distribution circuit (27) connected to the vaporization chamber (7) and configured to supply steam to the at least one steam outlet hole (12), the laundry treatment apparatus (1) further comprising an auxiliary storage chamber (18) fluidly connected to the main storage chamber (14) and configured to be supplied with water from the main storage chamber (14), the auxiliary storage chamber (18) having an auxiliary water outlet (21); the water supply device (22) is fluidly connected to the auxiliary water outlet (21) and is configured to supply water by gravity from the auxiliary storage chamber (18) to the vaporization chamber (7), the laundry treatment apparatus (1) being configured to treat laundry according to a treatment cycle comprising at least a first phase of laundry treatment during which the vaporization chamber is supplied by gravity with a first feed rate greater than the water flow rate that the vaporization chamber (7) is capable of continuously vaporizing, and a second phase of laundry treatment during which the vaporization chamber is supplied by gravity with a second feed rate that is less than or equal to the water flow rate that the vaporization chamber (7) is capable of continuously vaporizing.

2. Laundry treatment apparatus (1) according to claim 1, wherein the water supply device (22) comprises a first water conveyance conduit (23) fluidly connected to the main water outlet (16) and having a first passage cross-section, and a second water conveyance conduit (24) fluidly connected to the auxiliary water outlet (21) and having a second passage cross-section greater than the first passage cross-section.

3. Laundry treatment apparatus (1) according to claim 2, wherein the auxiliary storage chamber (18) comprises a water inlet (19), and the first water conveyance conduit (23) comprises a first end portion fluidly connected to the main water outlet (16), and a second end portion fluidly connected to the water inlet (19).

4. Laundry treatment apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the water tank (13) comprises the auxiliary storage chamber (18), the auxiliary storage chamber (18) being fluidly connected to the main storage chamber (14).

5. Laundry treatment apparatus (1) according to claim 4, wherein the water tank (13) comprises a passage opening (32) configured to establish free fluid communication between the auxiliary storage chamber (18) and the main storage chamber (14).

6. Laundry treatment apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 5, wherein the auxiliary storage chamber (18) is configured to be at least partially filled with water from the main storage chamber (14) when the laundry treatment apparatus (1) is tilted from a first position to a second position.

7. Laundry treatment apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the main storage chamber (14) has a first storage volume, and the auxiliary storage chamber (18) has a second storage volume less than the first storage volume.

8. Laundry treatment apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the auxiliary storage chamber (18), the auxiliary water outlet (21), and the water supply device (22) are configured such that the auxiliary storage chamber (18) can be completely emptied via the auxiliary water outlet (21) in less than 5 seconds.

9. Laundry treatment apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the auxiliary storage chamber (18) is configured to be located below the main storage chamber (14) when the laundry treatment apparatus (1) is in a rest position.

10. Laundry treatment apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the water supply device (22) further comprises a closure member (25) movable between a closure position in which the closure member (25) prevents water flow through the water supply device (22) and a release position in which the closure member (25) allows water flow through the water supply device (22).

11. Laundry treatment apparatus (1) according to claim 10, wherein it comprises a steam control member (26) configured to be manually actuated by a user, the steam control member (26) being configured to move the closure member (25) to the release position when the steam control member (26) is actuated by the user.

12. Laundry treatment apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising: - a steam emission head (5) mechanically connected to an upper end of the gripping handle (3) and comprising the treatment surface (11), and - a base (4) mechanically connected to a lower end of the gripping handle (3), the base (4) housing the steam generator (6).

13. Laundry treatment apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, which is portable.

14. Laundry treatment apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, which is a steam fabric de-wrinkling device or a steam iron.

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