Crease-removal smoothing apparatus

Abstract

Smoothing apparatus (1) comprising a handle (4) and a smoothing head (2) having a treatment face (20) intended to face a textile item from which creases are to be removed, the treatment face (20) comprising at least one steam outlet orifice (24) connected to a steam circuit comprising a steam generator (61) and at least one intake orifice (22) connected to an air intake circuit comprising a fan (21) intended to be driven in rotation by a motor (23), said apparatus (1) comprising control means (8) for controlling the emission of steam through the steam outlet orifice (24) and the intake of air through the intake orifice (22), characterized in that the control means (8) are configured to allow, according to a first mode of operation, only the emission of steam and, according to a second mode of operation, the emission of steam combined with the intake of air.

Description

[0001] Steaming device

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates to the field of small household appliances, more precisely to steaming appliances.

[0004] STATE OF THE ART

[0005] To iron a garment, an iron is traditionally used. Due to the constraints of using an iron (for example, the need for an ironing board), portable steaming devices have been developed that do not require the use of an ironing board and are quick and easy to use. These devices are commonly called "steamers." Steaming devices smooth by applying a hot steaming surface to the garment, while the garment is hung on a hanger, in combination with the release of steam. Steaming devices can smooth a garment provided they are used correctly.

[0006] In practice, it has been observed that the user does not stretch the garment sufficiently and does not press the steaming side sufficiently against the garment, so that the action of the device is limited. The garment is therefore less well ironed than if the device had been used correctly. As a result, steaming devices have been proposed that vacuum the garment in addition to heating it and releasing steam. However, the operation of such devices can be complex, particularly the control of the device. Furthermore, they are not effective on the entire piece of textile to be treated.

[0007] STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0008] An aim of the invention is to provide a steaming device, preferably portable, whose operation and handling are facilitated.

[0009] Another aim of the invention is to provide a steaming device, preferably portable, allowing better steaming while preserving the textile item to be steamed.

[0010] According to a first aspect, there is provided a steaming apparatus comprising a handle and a steaming head having a treatment face intended to come opposite a textile piece to be steamed, the treatment face comprising at least one steam outlet orifice connected to a steam circuit comprising a steam generator and at least one suction orifice connected to an air suction circuit comprising a fan intended to be driven in rotation by a motor, said apparatus comprising control means making it possible to control the emission of steam through the steam outlet orifice and the suction of air through the suction orifice, characterized in that the control means are configured to allow, according to a first operating mode, only an emission of steam and, according to a second operating mode, an emission of steam combined with an aspiration of air.

[0011] According to advantageous and non-limiting characteristics, taken alone or in any combination:

[0012] The handle is shaped to be held with one hand and to allow the appliance to be moved in relation to the piece of clothing to be steamed. Advantageously, the handle has an elongated shape and has a circumference of less than 20 cm.

[0013] The steaming apparatus has a weight of less than 2 kg and preferably less than 1.5 kg. The control means comprise a push button comprising a support head and configured to allow only the emission of steam when the support head is pressed on a first pressing stroke and to allow the emission of steam combined with the suction of air when the support head is pressed on a second pressing stroke; the second pressing stroke goes beyond the first pressing stroke;the push button comprises a steam emission switch comprising a first contactor and a second contactor adapted to, when brought into contact, activate the emission of steam and a suction switch comprising a third contactor and a fourth contactor adapted to, when brought into contact, activate the suction of air and in which the support head has contacting means adapted to, when the support head is pressed on the first pressing stroke, allow contact between the first contactor and the second contactor and, when the support head is pressed on the second pressing stroke, allow contact between the third contactor and the fourth contactor;the support head has an external face adapted to allow a user to press on the support head and an internal face opposite the external face, the contacting means projecting in a projection direction from the internal face and comprising a first part comprising a first face facing the first contactor and a second part comprising a second face facing the third contactor, each face being inclined so that, when the support head is pressed on the first pressing stroke, the first contactor is held in a pressed position by the first part so as to be in contact with the second contactor and when the support head is pressed on the first pressing stroke, the third contactor is held in a pressed position by the second part so as to be in contact with the fourth contactor;the push button comprises return means connected to the support head and adapted to allow the support head to be placed in the released position when no user is holding it in the pressed position; the control means comprise a first actuator configured to activate only the emission of steam and a second actuator configured to activate only the suction of air; the control means comprise a third actuator configured to activate a steam emission combined with an air suction and a fourth actuator configured to stop the suction of air; the control means are arranged on the handle of the appliance; the handle, the steaming head and the steam generator are integrated in a portable housing, said portable housing comprising a liquid reservoir and a pump configured to supply the steam generator with liquid;the steaming head is connected to an upper end of the handle and the portable housing comprises a base connected to a lower end of the handle, the steam generator, the liquid reservoir and the pump being arranged in the base; the apparatus comprises a base connected by a flexible conduit to the steaming head; the base comprises the steam generator; the base comprises a liquid reservoir and a pump configured to supply liquid to the steam generator.;

[0014] According to a second aspect, there is provided a method for smoothing a textile piece to be smoothed implemented by a smoothing apparatus comprising a handle and a smoothing head having a treatment face intended to come opposite a textile piece to be smoothed, the treatment face comprising at least one steam outlet orifice connected to a steam circuit and at least one suction orifice connected to an air suction circuit, in which the apparatus is moved by the user opposite the textile piece to be smoothed while being grasped by one hand by the handle, the method comprising: a) a positioning phase comprising the arrangement of the treatment face opposite a textile piece; b) a treatment phase implemented by the treatment face comprising at least one step of steam emission without air suction and a step of steam emission combined with air suction;(c) a shutdown phase comprising at least one suction shutdown step and one steam emission shutdown step;

[0015] According to advantageous and non-limiting characteristics, taken alone or in any combination: the treatment phase b) comprises at least the following sequence of successive steps: b10) the emission of steam without air suction; b20) the emission of steam combined with air suction; the treatment phase b) further comprises, successively to step b20): b30) the emission of steam; the treatment phase b) comprises at least the following sequence of successive steps: b10) the emission of steam combined with air suction; b20) the emission of steam without air suction; the stopping phase c) comprises the following sequence of successive steps: d) stopping suction; c2) stopping steam emission.

[0016] DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0017] Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will appear on reading the following description of a preferred embodiment. This description will be given with reference to the appended figures including:

[0018] Figure 1 shows a steaming device according to a certain embodiment;

[0019] Figure 2 is a sectional view of the steaming apparatus;

[0020] Figure 3 is a second sectional view of the steaming apparatus;

[0021] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a button of the steaming apparatus;

[0022] Figure 5 is a rear view of a button of the steaming apparatus in a depressed position; Figure 6 is a side view of a button of the steaming apparatus in a depressed position;

[0023] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a button of the steaming apparatus in a released position;

[0024] Figure 8 shows steps in a de-creasing process.

[0025] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] Device

[0027] It should be noted that in this document, the terms "vertical", "lower", "upper", "front", "rear" used to describe the steaming device refer to this device when it is resting flat on its base.

[0028] Figure 1 shows a steaming device 1 having a portable housing 10 comprising a handle 4 surmounted by a steaming head 2 comprising a treatment face 20 intended to come opposite a textile piece to be steamed. The side of the portable housing 10 where the treatment face 20 is arranged corresponds to the front part of the portable housing 10.

[0029] The steaming device has the particularity of further comprising a base 6 in the extension of the handle 4 on the opposite side of the steaming head 2.

[0030] With reference to Figure 2, the portable housing 10 further comprises an air suction circuit comprising a fan 21 intended to be driven in rotation by a motor 23. The fan 21 and the motor 23 are preferably arranged in the steaming head 2.

[0031] The portable housing 10 also comprises a steam circuit comprising a steam generator 61. Such a steam generator 61 is preferably arranged in the base 6.

[0032] The steam circuit is adapted to allow the emission of steam at the treatment face 20 and the air suction circuit is adapted to allow air suction at the treatment face 20.

[0033] Preferably, the portable housing is made of a plastic material. For example, the portable housing may be made of polypropylene or polycarbonate.

[0034] As its name suggests, the case is portable. Accordingly, it is intended to be carried by an individual and the device is intended to be handled with one hand, in particular by being held by the handle 4.

[0035] Furthermore, the handle 4 is provided to contain electrical cables, for example to electrically power the motor 23. The handle 4 preferably has a mass of the order of 50 grams.

[0036] The base 6 comprises a flat external face 60 provided for placing the device on a substantially flat surface S in a so-called rest position, illustrated in FIG. 3. This face 60 is preferably a distal face of the base 6.

[0037] When the device 1 is in its rest position, the longitudinal axis P of the handle 4 (illustrated in FIG. 3) is preferably slightly inclined forward. Specifically, the portable housing 10 is configured so that the longitudinal axis P makes a non-zero angle with an axis orthogonal to the external face 60 (corresponding to the surface S of the device), for example an angle of the order of 15°.

[0038] According to another embodiment, the longitudinal axis P of the handle 4 is perpendicular to the external face 60.

[0039] Preferably, the base 6 has a rear face equipped with a button for switching on the device.

[0040] Preferably, the base 6 also includes an electrical power cord allowing its connection to a domestic electrical network. The cord may be removable.

[0041] The cord has a length preferably greater than 200 cm. The cord has a mass preferably of the order of 150 grams when the device 1 is carried by a user at a height of approximately 1.5 meters above the ground.

[0042] According to an embodiment not illustrated, the steaming device 1 does not include a base 6. Thus, the power button can be arranged, for example, on the portable housing 10 and more precisely on the steaming head 2. Similarly, the cord can be connected to the portable housing 10 and more precisely to the steaming head 2.

[0043] The steaming apparatus 1 preferably comprises a steam generator 61 forming part of the steam circuit. The steam generator 61 is adapted to generate steam from liquid coming from a liquid reservoir 62. The steam generator 61 defines an enclosure intended to receive liquid, and the steam generator 61 preferably comprises at least one shielded heating element 65 for heating the liquid coming from the reservoir 62 in the enclosure. The steam generator 61 is preferably connected to a conduit 41 of the steam circuit arranged to allow the circulation of steam from the steam generator 61 to the steaming head 2.

[0044] The steam generator 61 is typically made of a metal body, for example aluminum, and preferably has a mass greater than 250 grams. This mass typically includes the mass of the aluminum structure, the shielded heating element 65, electrical safety and thermal regulation elements as well as a concentrator which are preferably included in the steam generator 61. The liquid reservoir 62 is preferably included in the portable housing 10 and arranged in the base 6. According to an embodiment not shown, the reservoir 62 is removable.

[0045] According to the embodiment illustrated in Figure 2, the reservoir 62 is arranged in the front part of the portable housing 10, or more specifically the front part of the base 6.

[0046] The reservoir 62 preferably comprises a transparent envelope, defining the external wall of the reservoir 62, provided with a removable cap 620 allowing the reservoir 62 to be filled. The reservoir 62 is adapted to contain a liquid, typically water or a liquid solution diluted in water.

[0047] The reservoir 62 preferably has a capacity of approximately 100 mL. When empty, the reservoir preferably has a mass of the order of 50 grams. For example, the reservoir 62, when it contains approximately 100 grams of water and is therefore 100% full, has a mass of the order of 150 grams.

[0048] Also preferably, the steam circuit comprises a pump 63 arranged to circulate liquid from the reservoir 62 to the steam generator 61 and this pump 63 is advantageously arranged in the base 6.

[0049] The pump 63 preferably has a mass of the order of 50 grams.

[0050] According to a possible embodiment shown in Figure 2, the steam generator 61, the tank 62 and the pump 63 are included in the portable housing 10 and more precisely in the base 6.

[0051] According to another embodiment not illustrated, the steam generator 61, the reservoir 62 and the pump 63 are not included in the portable housing 10 but are included in a base offset from the portable housing 10. This base is preferably connected to the portable housing 10 via a flexible conduit which allows steam to circulate from the steam generator 61 to the steaming head 2.

[0052] The steaming head 2 is connected to an upper end of the handle 4 and the base 6 is connected to a lower end of the handle 4 opposite the upper end. According to the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the lower part of the handle 4 has a flared shape, the cross-section of which increases progressively as it approaches the base 6.

[0053] The steaming head 2 comprises a front end provided with the treatment face 20 intended to come opposite a textile piece to be steamed. The treatment face 20 preferably comprises a treatment plate 200, preferably metallic, for example an aluminum treatment plate 200.

[0054] This treatment plate 200 may for example be a heating plate 200 to improve the smoothing as explained later. Such a heating plate 200 may be heated by one or more heating elements 26 arranged in the smoothing head near the treatment face 20.

[0055] The treatment face 20 comprises at least one steam outlet orifice 24 connected to the steam circuit and at least one suction orifice 22 connected to the air suction circuit.

[0056] The treatment face 20 may have different shapes, such as, for example, a rectangular or triangular shape. Preferably, it comprises a plurality of steam outlet orifices 24 and a plurality of suction orifices 22.

[0057] The various steam outlet orifices and suction orifices may have the shape of holes or slots. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the steam outlet orifices 24 take the shape of holes and the suction orifices 22 take the shape of slots.

[0058] Advantageously, a secondary steam generator 25 is arranged in the steaming head 2. The secondary steam generator 25 is part of the steam circuit. The secondary steam generator 25 is preferably connected to the conduit 41. In fact, the secondary steam generator 25 makes it possible to vaporize again liquid coming from the steam generator 61, called the “primary steam generator”, having circulated in the conduit 41. Indeed, during its circulation in the conduit 41, the steam can cool to the point that a portion of the steam condenses. Thus, steam condensates circulate to the secondary steam generator 25. The secondary steam generator 25 preferably makes it possible to vaporize these condensates so that no liquid is emitted via the steam outlet orifices 24.It is particularly advantageous to avoid liquid being emitted via the steam outlet orifices 24 since this would wet the treated textile piece and would not allow it to be properly smoothed. To vaporize the condensates, the secondary steam generator 25 preferably comprises at least one heating element 26 of the PTC thermistor type or shielded heating element. The secondary steam generator 25 can also be called an “evaporator” since it makes it possible to reheat the steam generated by the steam generator 61.

[0059] Preferably, the shielded heating element(s) 26 of the secondary steam generator 25 are in thermal contact with the treatment face 20. Thus, the treatment face 20, preferably more precisely the heating plate 200, can be heated by the heating element(s) 26 of the secondary steam generator 25, which allows more effective smoothing when the treatment face 20 is arranged opposite a piece of textile.

[0060] According to an embodiment not shown, a silicone part is placed between the heating element(s) 26 of the secondary steam generator 25 and the treatment face 20 so that the temperature of the treatment face 20 does not exceed a certain temperature threshold, typically 150°C.

[0061] The secondary steam generator 25 is typically made of a metal body, for example aluminum.

[0062] The secondary steam generator 25 also preferably includes electrical safety and thermal regulation elements.

[0063] The assembly comprising the treatment face 20 and the secondary steam generator 25 thus preferably has a mass of the order of 100 grams.

[0064] The steaming head 2 comprises a motor 23 forming part of the air suction circuit. Preferably, the motor 23 is arranged inside the steaming head 2 in the axial extension of the treatment face 20. The motor 23 extends along a longitudinal axis M illustrated in FIG. 3.

[0065] According to Figure 3, the steaming head 2 has a slender shape extending transversely to the handle 4, preferably forming an angle α of the order of 65° relative to the longitudinal axis P of the handle. Preferably, the handle 4 extends along an axis which passes through at least part of the motor 23. The axes P and M are advantageously intersecting.

[0066] The motor 23 is adapted to drive the fan 21 in rotation. The fan 21, forming part of the air suction circuit, allows air to be sucked in from the air suction ports 22.

[0067] The assembly comprising the motor 23 and the fan 21 preferably has a mass of the order of 300 grams.

[0068] Preferably, the air suction circuit is configured to allow an air suction flow rate greater than 10 m3 / h and less than 60 m3 / h and, more preferably, an air suction flow rate greater than 20 m3 / h and less than 50 m3 / h.

[0069] The apparatus 1 preferably comprises control means 8 configured to control the emission of steam and the suction of air. These control means 8 are preferably designed to be actuated by the user with the hand used to carry the portable housing of the steaming apparatus.

[0070] The control means 8 therefore make it possible to control the emission of steam through the steam outlet orifice 24 and the suction of air through the suction orifice 22. The control means 8 are configured to allow, according to a first operating mode of the appliance 1, only an emission of steam and, according to a second operating mode of the appliance 1, an emission of steam combined with an aspiration of air. Preferably, the control means 8 are arranged on the handle 4 of the appliance 1. According to an embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 7, the control means 8 comprise a push button 8 comprising a support head 81. The support head 81 has an external face adapted to allow a user to press on the support head 81 and thus to depress it.Preferably, the push button 8 comprises return means 83 connected to the support head and adapted to allow the support head 81 to be placed in the released position when no user is holding it in the pressed position. The released position of the support head 81 is illustrated in FIG. 7 and corresponds to a position in which the support head 81 is not pressed.

[0071] The push button 8 is configured to allow only the emission of steam when the support head 81 is pressed on a first pressing stroke and to allow the emission of steam combined with the suction of air when the support head 81 is pressed on a second pressing stroke. Preferably, the second pressing stroke goes beyond the first pressing stroke. Thus, a user only needs to press the push button 8 more or less to control the first or second operating mode.

[0072] Advantageously, with reference to Figures 4 and 5, the push button 8 comprises a steam emission switch 85 comprising a first contactor 87 and a second contactor (not visible) adapted to, when they are brought into contact, activate the emission of steam. The push button 8 further comprises a suction switch 86 comprising a third contactor 88 and a fourth contactor adapted to, when they are brought into contact, activate the suction of air. The support head 81 has contacting means 89 adapted to, when the support head 81 is pressed on the first pressing stroke, allow contact between the first contactor 87 and the second contactor and, when the support head is pressed on the second pressing stroke, allow contact between the third contactor 88 and the fourth contactor.In short, when the support head 81 is pressed on the first pressing stroke, the first and second contactors are brought into contact. As a result, the apparatus 1 operates according to the first operating mode, i.e., only the steam emission is controlled. When the support head 81 is pressed on the second pressing stroke, the third and fourth contactors are brought into contact. As a result, the apparatus 1 operates according to the second operating mode, i.e., the steam emission and the air suction are controlled in combination.

[0073] More specifically concerning a possible architecture of the push button 8, the support head 81 has an internal face 82 opposite the external face and the contacting means 89 protrude from the internal face 82. With reference to FIG. 5, the contacting means 89 comprise a first part 890 comprising a first face opposite the first contactor 87 and a second part 891 comprising a second face opposite the third contactor 88.Preferably, each of the first and second faces are inclined so that, when the bearing head 81 is depressed on the first depressing stroke, the first contactor 87 is held in a depressed position by the first portion 890 so as to be in contact with the second contactor and, when the bearing head 81 is depressed on the second depressing stroke, the third contactor 88 is held in a depressed position by the second portion 891 so as to be in contact with the fourth contactor.

[0074] According to a non-illustrated embodiment, the control means 8 comprise a first actuator configured to activate only the emission of steam and a second actuator configured to activate only the suction of air. By activating the two actuators simultaneously, the user can control an air suction at the same time as the emission of steam.

[0075] The control means 8 may also comprise a third actuator configured to activate a steam emission combined with an air suction and a fourth actuator configured to stop the air suction.

[0076] Method of using the steaming device

[0077] The operation of the device will now be described.

[0078] When the user wishes to use the appliance, he fills the tank 62 with liquid (preferably water) and then turns on the appliance 1 by pressing the button to turn it on. It is assumed that the appliance has previously been connected to a domestic electrical network via the cord. The heating element of the primary steam generator 61 and of the secondary steam generator 25 is then supplied with current so as to reach its operating temperature, advantageously regulated by means of a thermostat.

[0079] When the user wishes to use the appliance in a vertical steaming position, he brings the treatment face 20 vertically opposite the textile piece to be steamed and then presses the control means 8 (here preferably a button), which has the effect of operating the pump 63 and allowing the flow of liquid from the reservoir 62 to the primary steam generator 61.

[0080] The steam produced in the primary steam generator 61 then escapes through the conduit 4 towards the possible secondary steam generator 25 and then through the steam outlet orifices 24. The steam is then diffused onto the textile piece which, combined with the heating and drying action of the treatment plate 200, allows it to be smoothed. The control means 8 are provided to activate an air suction coming in combination with the emission of steam. For example, pressing on the control means 8 can allow the motor 23 to be supplied with electricity which thus starts to operate. Consequently, the fan 21 is driven in rotation and air is sucked in via the suction orifices 22. The suction allows in particular to press the textile piece against the treatment face 20. The emission of steam combined with the suction thus allows the smoothing to be optimized.Furthermore, the air suction also helps to promote the drying of the portion of the textile item that has just been steamed. It has been found that this particular process allows the smoothing effect to be maintained for longer after the textile item has been treated.

[0081] As described in more detail below, the control means 8 allow the user to control the suction in a manner decorrelated from the control of the steam emission. Thus, the user can control the steam emission only or combined with the suction.

[0082] During treatment, the user can move the apparatus 1 in a vertical direction, for example from top to bottom, to treat all or part of the textile piece.

[0083] The device 1 may also be used occasionally in a horizontal steaming position, for example to steam a piece of textile placed horizontally against a table, by bringing the treatment face 20 horizontally above the piece of textile.

[0084] With reference to figure 8, a specific method is proposed for smoothing a textile piece to be smoothed, implemented by a smoothing device 1 as presented previously.

[0085] The method comprises a phase a) of placement comprising the arrangement of the treatment face 20 opposite a textile piece.

[0086] After positioning the treatment face 20 opposite a textile piece, a treatment phase b) implemented by the treatment face 20 follows. Phase b) comprises at least one step of steam emission without air suction and one step of steam emission combined with air suction. According to a certain embodiment, phase b) comprises at least the following sequence of successive steps: b10) steam emission without air suction; b20) steam emission combined with air suction.

[0087] More preferably, the treatment phase b) further comprises, successively to step b20), a step b30) of vapor emission.

[0088] According to another embodiment, phase b) comprises at least the following sequence of successive steps: b10) the emission of steam combined with the suction of air; b20) the emission of steam without the suction of air.

[0089] The combination of steam emission and air suction makes it possible to optimize the smoothing. Indeed, thanks to the air suction, the textile piece is pressed against the treatment face 20 so that the textile piece is effectively smoothed. Furthermore, the air suction also makes it possible to promote the drying of the portion of the textile piece which has just been subjected to steam. It has been found that this particular process makes it possible to maintain the smoothing effect for a longer period of time after having treated the textile piece.

[0090] It is however desirable to be able to stop the air suction and only use the steam emission particularly in certain cases where the air suction is not desired. For example, when the treatment face 20 is opposite a button sewn onto the textile piece, it may be preferable not to activate the air suction so as not to suck up the button and potentially unsew it. Similarly, when the treatment face 20 reaches the edge of a pocket opening of a garment, it may be preferable not to activate the air suction so as not to end up with the treatment plate 200 stuck in the pocket opening.

[0091] Finally, the method comprises a stop phase c) comprising at least one suction stop step and one steam emission stop step. According to a preferred embodiment, the stop phase c) comprises the following sequence of successive steps: c1) suction stop; c2) steam emission stop.

[0092] For this, for example in the case where the control means 8 take the form of the push button illustrated in figures 4 to 7, the user partially releases the support head 81 of the push button 8 so that the support head 81 is only pressed on the first pressing stroke. The suction is thus stopped. Then, the user completely releases the support head 81 and the emission of steam is thus stopped.

[0093] The invention is not limited to the embodiment described and shown in the attached figures. Modifications remain possible, in particular from the point of view of the constitution of the various technical characteristics or by substitution of technical equivalents, without departing from the general teaching.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A steam removing apparatus (1) comprising a steam circuit, an air suction circuit and having a portable housing (10) comprising a handle (4) surmounted by a steam removing head (2) having a treatment face (20) intended to face a textile piece to be steamed, the treatment face (20) comprising at least one steam outlet orifice (24) connected to the steam circuit comprising a steam generator (61) and at least one suction orifice (22) connected to the air suction circuit comprising a fan (21) intended to be driven in rotation by a motor (23), said apparatus (1) comprising control means (8) making it possible to control the emission of steam through the steam outlet orifice (24) and the suction of air through the suction orifice (22),characterized in that the control means (8) are configured to allow, in a first operating mode, only an emission of steam and, in a second operating mode, an emission of steam combined with an aspiration of air., 2. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control means (8) comprise a push button comprising a support head (81) and configured to only allow the emission of steam when the support head (81) is pressed on a first pressing stroke and to allow the emission of steam combined with the suction of air when the support head (81) is pressed on a second pressing stroke.

3. Apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the second depression stroke goes beyond the first depression stroke.

4. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control means (8) comprise a first actuator configured to activate only the emission of steam and a second actuator configured to activate only the suction of air.

5. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the control means (8) comprise a third actuator configured to activate a steam emission combined with an air suction and a fourth actuator configured to stop the air suction.

6. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the control means (8) are arranged on the handle (4) of the apparatus (1).

7. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the handle (4), the steaming head (2) and the steam generator (61) are integrated in the portable housing (10), said portable housing (10) comprising a liquid reservoir (62) and a pump (63) configured to supply liquid to the steam generator.

8. Apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the steaming head (2) is connected to an upper end of the handle (4) and the portable housing comprises a base (6) connected to a lower end of the handle (4), the steam generator, the liquid reservoir (62) and the pump (63) being arranged in the base (6).

9. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the apparatus comprises a base connected by a flexible conduit to the steaming head (2).

10. Apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the base comprises the steam generator.

11. Apparatus according to any one of claims 9 and 10, wherein the base comprises a reservoir (62) of liquid and a pump (63) configured to supply liquid to the steam generator.

12. A method of smoothing a textile piece to be smoothed implemented by a smoothing apparatus comprising a steam circuit, an air suction circuit and having a portable housing (10) comprising a handle (4) surmounted by a smoothing head (2) having a treatment face (20) intended to come opposite a textile piece to be smoothed, the treatment face (20) comprising at least one steam outlet orifice (24) connected to the steam circuit and at least one suction orifice (22) connected to the air suction circuit, the method comprising: a) a positioning phase comprising the arrangement of the treatment face (20) opposite a textile piece; b) a treatment phase implemented by the treatment face (20) comprising at least one step of steam emission without air suction and a step of steam emission combined with air suction;(c) a shutdown phase comprising at least one suction shutdown step and one steam emission shutdown step;

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