Crease-smoothing apparatus

Abstract

A crease-smoothing apparatus (1) comprising a handle (4) and a smoothing head (2) connected to the handle (4), the apparatus further comprising: - a steam circuit comprising a steam generator (61); - an air intake circuit comprising a fan intended to be rotated by a motor (23); wherein the smoothing head (2) comprises a treatment face (20) intended to face a textile item that is to have its creases smoothed out and a rear face opposite the treatment face (20), the smoothing head (2) extending in a longitudinal direction between the treatment face (20) and the rear face, the treatment face (20) comprising at least one steam outlet orifice (24) connected to the steam circuit and at least one intake orifice (22) connected to the air intake circuit, wherein the treatment face (20) is non-planar and an external plane orthogonal to the longitudinal direction and passing through an outermost point on the treatment face (20) with respect to the longitudinal direction is at least 1 mm away from an internal plane parallel to the external plane and passing through the at least one intake orifice (22) in the treatment face (20).

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, sometimes the suction causes creases, which is particularly undesirable. In addition, in use, despite the suction, the garment is not perfectly pressed against the treatment side, which does not allow for optimal steaming.

[0007] STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0008] One aim of the invention is to propose a portable steam removal device incorporating suction technology combined with steam emission, which allows optimal steam removal.

[0009] According to a first aspect, there is provided a steaming apparatus comprising a handle and a steaming head connected to the handle, the apparatus further comprising:

[0010] - a steam circuit comprising a steam generator;

[0011] - an air suction circuit comprising a fan intended to be driven in rotation by a motor; in which the steaming head comprises a treatment face intended to come opposite a textile piece to be steamed and a rear face opposite the treatment face, the steaming head extending in a longitudinal direction between the treatment face and the rear face, the treatment face comprising at least one steam outlet orifice connected to the steam circuit and at least one suction orifice connected to the air suction circuit, in which the treatment face is non-planar and where an external plane orthogonal to the longitudinal direction and passing through an outermost point of the treatment face relative to the longitudinal direction is at least 1 mm apart from an internal plane parallel to the external plane and passing through the at least one suction orifice of the treatment face.

[0012] According to advantageous and non-limiting characteristics, taken alone or in any combination:

[0013] 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.

[0014] The steaming apparatus has a weight of less than 2 kg and preferably less than 1.5 kg. the external plane is at least 2 mm apart from the internal plane; the external plane is at least 4 mm apart from the internal plane; the at least one suction orifice is positioned at a peripheral point of the treatment face; the apparatus comprises at least two suction orifices positioned at two peripheral points of the treatment face, opposite one another; the suction orifices of the treatment face are positioned only at the periphery of the treatment face; the apparatus comprises a plurality of suction orifices positioned at the periphery of the treatment face, the suction orifices being grouped according to two peripheral zones of the treatment face opposite one another; the at least one suction orifice has a slot shape or a hole shape;the at least one suction port(s) extend along at least one straight or curved suction path; the treatment face has a curved profile; the at least one suction port is separated from the at least one steam outlet port by a distance in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of at least 15 mm; the at least one steam outlet port is positioned in the external plane orthogonal to the longitudinal direction; the air suction circuit is configured to allow an air suction flow rate greater than 10 m; 3 / h and less than 60 m 3 / h; the air suction circuit is configured to allow an air suction flow rate greater than 20 m 3 / h and less than 50 m 3 / h; the treatment face comprises a heating plate in which the at least one steam outlet orifice is arranged, the at least one suction orifice being arranged around the heating plate; the treatment face has a substantially rectangular shape and comprises several suction orifices arranged along two large sides of said rectangular shape; the treatment face has a substantially triangular shape and comprises several suction orifices arranged along one side of said triangular shape; the apparatus further comprises at least one suction orifice arranged at an angle opposite to said side of the triangular shape.

[0015] DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0016] 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:

[0017] Figure 1 shows a steaming device according to a certain embodiment;

[0018] Figure 2 is a sectional view of the steaming apparatus;

[0019] Figure 3 is a second sectional view of the steaming apparatus;

[0020] Figure 4 is a sectional view of the head of the steaming apparatus.

[0021] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] Preferably, the portable housing is made of a plastic material. For example, the portable housing may be made of polypropylene or polycarbonate.

[0029] 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.

[0030] The portable housing 10 preferably comprises control means 8 (for example in the form of a button) configured to control the emission of steam and the suction of air. Preferably, the control means 8 are arranged on the handle 4. 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 appliance.

[0031] Furthermore, the handle 4 is provided to contain electrical cables, for example to electrically supply the motor 23.

[0032] The handle 4 preferably has a mass of the order of 50 grams.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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°. According to another embodiment, the longitudinal axis P of the handle 4 is perpendicular to the external face 60.

[0035] Preferably, the base 6 has a rear face equipped with a button for switching on the device.

[0036] Preferably, the base 6 also includes an electrical power cord allowing its connection to a domestic electrical network. The cord may be removable.

[0037] 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.

[0038] As explained previously, the base 6 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.

[0039] The steam generator 61 is typically made of a metal body, for example aluminum, and preferably has a mass of the order of 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.

[0040] The liquid reservoir 62 is preferably part of the steam circuit, preferably included in the portable housing 10 and arranged in the base 6. According to an embodiment not shown, the reservoir 62 is removable.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] The pump 63 preferably has a mass of the order of 50 grams.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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 steaming head 2 also comprises a rear end provided with a rear face opposite the treatment face 20. Thus, the steaming head 2 extends in a longitudinal direction T shown in FIG. 3 between the treatment face 20 and the rear face.

[0048] The treatment face 20 preferably comprises a treatment plate 200, preferably metallic, for example an aluminum treatment plate 200.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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. Preferably, it comprises a plurality of steam outlet orifices 24 and a plurality of suction orifices 22.

[0051] The various steam outlet orifices 24 and suction orifices 22 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.

[0052] Preferably, the various steam outlet orifices 24 and suction orifices 22 extend along at least one straight or curved path. Thus, if an orifice has a slot shape, the slot can extend along a straight or curved path. In another case envisaged, a set of orifices each have a hole shape and can be arranged so as to extend along a straight or curved path. The orifices of this set of orifices are then arranged close to each other, that is to say that, preferably, each orifice is arranged at a distance of less than 5 mm from a consecutive orifice arranged on the path. Advantageously, the set of orifices mentioned comprises only orifices of the same type, for example suction orifices 22, and it will be said that they extend along a suction path.

[0053] The treatment face 20 is preferably generally non-planar. For example, the treatment face 20 may have a curved profile. Preferably, the treatment face 20 has a concave profile. According to a certain embodiment, the treatment face 20 may be defined in several planes and its profile is not linear and has different consecutive segments, each segment defining an angle different from 0° and 180° with a consecutive segment. As another example, the treatment face 20 may for example have a partially curved profile which includes one or more curved segments and one or more linear segments.

[0054] The treatment plate 200 may be planar as illustrated in the figures or may be non-planar (e.g., concave).

[0055] With reference to Figure 4, the distance between an external plane P1 orthogonal to the longitudinal direction T and passing through an outermost point of the treatment face 20 relative to the longitudinal direction T and an internal plane P2 parallel to the external plane P1 and passing through at least one suction orifice 22 of the treatment face 20 is non-zero, preferably at least 1 mm. Preferably, the external plane P1 is distant from the internal plane P2 by at least 2 mm and more preferably at least 4 mm. The distance between the external plane P1 and the internal plane P2 is preferably less than or equal to 10 mm, more preferably less than or equal to 6 mm. In other words, at least one suction orifice 22 is arranged set back from the plane P1. Thus, when the treatment face 20 is approached opposite a textile piece, the at least one recessed suction orifice 22 will not be a first point of contact between the treatment face 20 and the textile piece.The fact that the at least one suction orifice 22 is recessed therefore implies that the treatment face 20 is generally non-planar.

[0056] Advantageously, at least one steam outlet orifice 24 is positioned in the external plane P1 orthogonal to the longitudinal direction T. In other words, a steam outlet orifice 24 is separated from a suction orifice 22 by a non-zero distance in the longitudinal direction T. Preferably, a steam outlet orifice 24 is separated from a suction orifice 22 by a distance greater than or equal to 1 mm, more preferably greater than or equal to 2 mm and more preferably greater than or equal to 4 mm. Preferably, a steam outlet orifice 24 is separated from a suction orifice 22 by a distance less than or equal to 10 mm, more preferably less than or equal to 6 mm. Preferably, at least one steam outlet orifice 24 is positioned on the treatment plate 200.

[0057] Preferably, the suction orifices 22 are separated from the steam outlet orifices 24 by a distance in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal direction T of at least 10 mm. Preferably, the suction orifices 22 are separated from the steam outlet orifices 24 by a distance in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal direction T of less than or equal to 50 mm. More preferably, the suction orifices 22 are separated from the steam outlet orifices 24 by a distance in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal direction T of between 15 mm and 35 mm.

[0058] It should be noted that when mention is made of distance between orifices or in relation to an orifice, it is understood that one is placed between the centers of the orifices or in relation to the center of an orifice.

[0059] Advantageously, at least one suction orifice 22 is positioned at a peripheral point of the treatment face 20. By "peripheral" is meant that the point is close to an edge of the treatment face 20. Preferably, the peripheral point is separated from an edge of the treatment face 20 by a distance in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal direction T less than or equal to 10 mm, more preferably less than or equal to 7 mm and more preferably less than or equal to 5 mm. Preferably, the peripheral point is separated from an edge of the treatment face 20 by a distance in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal direction T greater than or equal to 1 mm, more preferably greater than or equal to 3 mm and more preferably greater than or equal to 5 mm.

[0060] Preferably, the suction orifices 22 are arranged in the upper or lower parts of the treatment face 20. The lower part of the treatment face 20 is an end of the treatment face 20 located on the side of the handle 4. The upper part of the treatment face 20 is an end of the treatment face 20 opposite the lower part. In other words, when the device 1 is in its rest position, the upper part is higher (further from the ground) than the lower part of the treatment face 20.

[0061] In fact, it is preferred that the suction ports 22 are not arranged on lateral portions of the treatment face. Therefore, it is preferred that the suction ports 22 are arranged in the upper and / or lower portions of the treatment face 20. In other words, the treatment face 20 is devoid of lateral suction ports, that is to say devoid of suction ports placed laterally.

[0062] Preferably, the treatment face 20 comprises at least two suction orifices 22 positioned at two peripheral points of the treatment face 20, opposite one another. Advantageously, a first suction orifice 22 is arranged in the upper part of the treatment face 20 and a second suction orifice 22 is arranged in the lower part of the treatment face 20. According to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the treatment face 20 comprises a first suction orifice 22A in the form of a slot arranged in the upper part and a second suction orifice 22B in the form of a slot arranged in the lower part.

[0063] Preferably, the treatment face 20 comprises a plurality of suction orifices 22 positioned at the periphery of the treatment face 20 and the suction orifices 22 are grouped according to two peripheral zones of the treatment face opposite one another, typically the upper part and the lower part of the treatment face 20.

[0064] According to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the suction ports 22A, 22B are arranged around the treatment plate 200. In other words, the suction ports 22 are not arranged on the treatment plate 200.

[0065] The treatment face 20 may have different shapes, such as, for example, a rectangular or triangular shape. According to a certain embodiment, the treatment face 20 has a substantially rectangular shape and comprises several suction orifices 22 arranged along two long sides of the rectangular shape. By "long sides" is meant the two sides of the rectangular shape among the set of sides which have the greatest length.

[0066] According to another embodiment, the treatment face 20 has a substantially triangular shape and comprises a plurality of suction ports 22 arranged along one side of the triangular shape. Furthermore, preferably, at least one suction port 22 is arranged at the corner opposite this side of the triangular shape.

[0067] According to this embodiment, advantageously, when the apparatus 1 is in its rest position, the treatment face 20 is arranged so that one side, called the main side, of the triangular shape is parallel to the ground. Preferably, the triangular shape is an isosceles triangle and the base of this isosceles triangle (the side which has a different length from the two sides of equal length) is the main side. Also advantageously, several of the suction orifices 22 are arranged along the main side. Furthermore, preferably, at least one suction orifice 22 is arranged at the angle opposite the main side.

[0068] The architecture of the treatment face 20 presented makes it possible to better press a textile piece against the treatment face 20 during smoothing. Indeed, the textile piece is attracted by the suction orifices 22 and, these orifices being arranged “set back” as defined above, the textile piece is pressed more firmly against the treatment face 20 than according to an embodiment in which the treatment face 20 would be flat.

[0069] Advantageously, the suction orifices 22 comprise a filter. 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] The secondary steam generator 25 is typically made of a metal body, for example aluminum.

[0073] The secondary steam generator 25 also preferably includes electrical safety and thermal regulation elements.

[0074] The assembly comprising the treatment face 20 and the secondary steam generator 25 thus preferably has a mass of the order of 100 grams.

[0075] 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. According to FIG. 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 a portion of the motor 23. The axes P and M are advantageously intersecting.

[0076] 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.

[0077] The assembly comprising the motor 23 and the fan 21 preferably has a mass of the order of 300 grams.

[0078] 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.

[0079] The operation of the device will now be described.

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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.

[0082] The steam produced in the primary steam generator 61 then escapes through the conduit 4 towards the possible secondary steam generator 25 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.

[0083] Simultaneously, the control means 8 may be provided to activate an air suction coming in combination with the emission of steam. For example, pressing on the control means 8 may make it possible to supply the motor 23 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 makes it possible in particular to press the textile piece against the treatment face 20. The pressing of the textile piece against the treatment face 20 is also made possible by the architecture of the treatment face 20. The emission of steam combined with the suction thus makes it possible to optimize the smoothing. 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 the steam.It has been found that this particular process allows the smoothing effect to be maintained for longer after treating the textile item.

[0084] According to another embodiment, 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 could control the steam emission only or combined with the suction.

[0085] 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.

[0086] 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.

[0087] 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. Steaming apparatus (1) comprising a portable housing (10) comprising a base (6), a handle (4) and a steaming head (2) connected to the handle (4), the steaming head (2) surmounting the handle (4) and the base (6) being in the extension of the handle (4) on the opposite side of the steaming head (2), the apparatus further comprising: - a steam circuit comprising a steam generator (61); - 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) being arranged in the steaming head (2);wherein the steaming head (2) comprises a treatment face (20) intended to come opposite a textile piece to be steamed and a rear face opposite the treatment face (20), the steaming head (2) extending in a longitudinal direction between the treatment face (20) and the rear face, 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, in which an external plane (P1) orthogonal to the longitudinal direction and passing through an outermost point of the treatment face (20) relative to the longitudinal direction is at least 1 mm apart from an internal plane (P2) parallel to the external plane and passing through the at least one suction orifice (22) of the treatment face (20).; 2. Apparatus according to claim 1, in which the external plane (P1) is at least 2 mm apart from the internal plane (P2).

3. Apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the external plane (P1) is at least 4 mm apart from the internal plane (P2).

4. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one suction orifice (22) is positioned at a peripheral point of the treatment face (20).

5. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising at least two suction orifices positioned at two peripheral points of the treatment face (20), opposite one another.

6. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising a plurality of suction orifices positioned at the periphery of the treatment face (20), the suction orifices being grouped according to two peripheral zones of the treatment face (20) opposite one another.

7. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the at least one suction port (22) has a slot shape or a hole shape.

8. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the suction orifice(s) (22) extend along at least one straight or curved suction path.

9. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the treatment face (20) has a curved profile.

10. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the at least one suction orifice (22) is separated from the at least one steam outlet orifice (24) by a distance in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of at least 10 mm, preferably at least 15 mm.

11. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the at least one steam outlet orifice (24) is positioned in the external plane orthogonal to the longitudinal direction.

12. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11 wherein the air suction circuit is configured to allow an air suction flow rate greater than 10 m 3 / h and less than 60 m 3 / h.

13. Apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the air suction circuit is configured to allow an air suction flow rate greater than 20 m 3 / h and less than 50 m 3 / h.

14. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the treatment face (20) comprises a heating plate (200) in which the at least one steam outlet orifice (24) is provided, the at least one suction orifice (22) being arranged around the heating plate (200).

15. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the treatment face (20) has a substantially rectangular shape and comprises a plurality of suction ports arranged along two long sides of said rectangular shape.

16. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the treatment face (20) has a substantially triangular shape and comprises a plurality of suction ports (22) arranged along one side of said triangular shape.

17. Apparatus according to claim 16, further comprising at least one suction port (22) arranged at an angle opposite said side of the triangular shape.

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