Crease-smoothing apparatus

Abstract

A crease-smoothing apparatus (1) having a portable housing (10) comprising a handle (4) and a smoothing head (2) connected to an upper end of the handle (4), the portable housing further comprising: - a steam circuit comprising a steam generator (61); - an air intake circuit comprising a fan (21) intended to be rotated by a motor (23), the fan (21) and the motor (23) being arranged in the smoothing head (2); wherein the smoothing head (2) comprises a treatment face (20) intended to face a textile item that is to to have its creases smoothed out, 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, characterized in that the portable housing comprises a base (6) connected to a lower end of the handle (4) opposite the upper end, the steam generator (61) being arranged in the base (6).

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 effectiveness 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, these improved devices require new components, such as a fan or a motor, which makes the devices heavier and difficult to handle.

[0007] STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0008] One aim of the invention is to provide a portable steam-removing device incorporating suction technology combined with steam emission, which is easy to use and handle and therefore ergonomic.

[0009] According to a first aspect, there is provided a steaming apparatus having a handheld housing comprising a handle and a steaming head connected to an upper end of the handle, the handheld housing 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, the fan and the motor being arranged in the steaming head; in which the steaming head comprises 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 the steam circuit and at least one suction orifice connected to the air suction circuit, characterized in that said portable housing comprises a base connected to a lower end of the handle opposite the upper end, the steam generator being arranged in the base.

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

[0013] - the handle has a shape suitable for being grasped with one hand and allowing the appliance to be moved in relation to the piece of textile to be steamed. Advantageously, the handle has an elongated shape and has a circumference of less than 20 cm.

[0014] - the steaming device weighs less than 2 kg and preferably less than 1.5 kg.

[0015] - the steam generator is a primary steam generator and the steam circuit comprises a secondary steam generator arranged in the steaming head;

[0016] - the secondary steam generator is in thermal contact with the treatment face;

[0017] - the secondary steam generator is equipped with at least one resistive heating element;

[0018] - the treatment face comprises a heating plate, preferably metallic;

[0019] - the steam circuit comprises a liquid reservoir and a pump arranged to circulate liquid from the liquid reservoir to the steam generator, the liquid reservoir and the pump being arranged in the base;

[0020] - the base has a flat external face, said flat external face being intended to place the device on a substantially flat surface;

[0021] - the steam generator contains a shielded heating element;

[0022] - the motor is arranged inside the steaming head in the axial extension of the treatment face;

[0023] - the handle extends along an axis which passes through at least part of the motor;

[0024] - the mass of the steaming head and the mass of the base are each between 35% and 45% of the total mass of the device;

[0025] - the device has a center of gravity located in the handle; - the center of gravity is located in the handle regardless of the volume of liquid present in the tank.

[0026] DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0027] 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:

[0028] Figure 1 shows a steaming device according to a certain embodiment;

[0029] Figure 2 is a sectional view of the steaming apparatus;

[0030] Figure 3 is a second sectional view of the steaming apparatus.

[0031] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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 piece of textile 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] Preferably, the portable housing is made of a plastic material. For example, the portable housing may be made of polypropylene or polycarbonate. As the name suggests, the housing is portable. Accordingly, it is intended to be carried by an individual and the apparatus is intended to be handled with one hand, in particular by being held by the handle 4.

[0039] 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. The control means 8 are preferably 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.

[0040] Furthermore, the handle 4 is provided to contain electrical cables, for example to electrically supply the motor 23.

[0041] The handle 4 preferably has a mass of the order of 50 grams.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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°.

[0044] According to another embodiment, the longitudinal axis P of the handle 4 is perpendicular to the external face 60.

[0045] Preferably, the base 6 has a rear face equipped with a button for switching on the device.

[0046] Preferably, the base 6 also includes an electrical power cord allowing its connection to a domestic electrical network. The cord may be removable.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] The pump 63 preferably has a mass of the order of 50 grams.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] Preferably, the 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] The secondary steam generator 25 is typically made of a metal body, for example aluminum.

[0066] The secondary steam generator 25 also preferably includes electrical safety and thermal regulation elements.

[0067] The assembly comprising the treatment face 20 and the secondary steam generator 25 thus preferably has a mass of the order of 100 grams.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] The assembly comprising the motor 23 and the fan 21 preferably has a mass of the order of 300 grams.

[0072] According to a certain embodiment, the portable housing 10 comprises a receiving part 29 comprising an internal wall defining an enclosure in which the motor 23 is arranged. This receiving part 29 is therefore preferably included in the steaming head 2. The receiving part 29 comprises blades extending from the internal wall to form, on the one hand, at least one suction air circulation channel between an air suction orifice 22 and a suction air outlet orifice and, on the other hand, at least one cooling duct to allow circulation into the enclosure of cooling air entered by at least one cooling air inlet orifice.

[0073] The receiving part 29 preferably has a mass of less than 100 grams.

[0074] 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.

[0075] As explained above, the device 1 is designed to be easily handled and is thus intended to have a balanced mass distribution. Thus, the device 1 advantageously has a center of gravity located in the handle 4. For this mass distribution, it is agreed that the mass of the cord is included in the mass of the portable housing 10, in particular included in the mass of the base 6.

[0076] Furthermore, for this mass distribution, it is agreed that the tank 62 is 100% filled. However, preferably, the center of gravity of the device 1 is located in the handle 4 regardless of the volume of liquid present in the tank 62.

[0077] Preferably, the mass of the steaming head 2 and the mass of the base 6 are each at least equal to 40% of the total mass of the device 1.

[0078] Indeed, if we take all the masses presented above, the steaming head 2 preferably has a mass of the order of 500 grams (corresponding to the assembly comprising the motor 23, the fan 21 and the receiving part 29 with a mass of the order of 400 grams and to the secondary steam generator 25 with a mass of the order of 100 grams).

[0079] The base 6 preferably has a mass of the order of 600 grams (corresponding to the primary steam generator 61 with a mass of the order of 250 grams, to the reservoir 62 with a mass of the order of 150g, to the pump 63 with a mass of the order of 50 grams and to the cord with a mass of the order of 150 grams).

[0080] Preferably, the steaming device 1 has a total mass less than or equal to 1.4 kilos.

[0081] Also preferably, the mass of the steaming head 2 and the mass of the base 6 are each between 35% and 45% of the total mass of the appliance 1. Also preferably, the mass of the steaming head 2 and the mass of the base 6 are each of the order of 40% of the total mass of the appliance 1.

[0082] This total mass takes into account the masses of the steaming head 2, the base 6 and the handle 4 as well as the masses of the shells of the portable housing 10 and of the thermal felts distributed equally in the portable housing 10.

[0083] The steaming device 1 is thus easy to handle and ergonomic in that the masses of the steaming head 2 and the base 6 are substantially equivalent.

[0084] The operation of the device will now be described.

[0085] When the user wishes to use the appliance, he fills the reservoir 62 with liquid (preferably water) and then starts 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, if applicable, is then supplied with current so as to reach its operating temperature, advantageously regulated by means of a thermostat. 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.

[0086] 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.

[0087] 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 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 method makes it possible to maintain the smoothing effect for a longer time after having treated the textile piece.

[0088] 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.

[0089] 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.

[0090] 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.

[0091] 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 steaming apparatus (1) having a portable housing (10) comprising a handle (4) and a steaming head (2) connected to an upper end of the handle (4), the portable housing 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, 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, characterized in that said portable housing comprises a base (6) connected to a lower end of the handle (4) opposite the upper end, the steam generator (61) being arranged in the base (6).

2. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the steam generator (61) is a primary steam generator (61) and the steam circuit comprises a secondary steam generator (25) arranged in the steaming head (2).

3. Apparatus according to claim 2, in which the secondary steam generator (61) is in thermal contact with the treatment face (20).

4. Apparatus according to any one of claims 2 and 3, wherein the secondary steam generator (25) is equipped with at least one resistive heating element.

5. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the treatment face (20) comprises a heating plate (200), preferably metallic.

6. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the steam circuit comprises a liquid reservoir (62) and a pump (63) arranged to circulate liquid from the liquid reservoir (62) to the steam generator (61), the liquid reservoir (62) and the pump (63) being arranged in the base (6).

7. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, in which the base (6) comprises a flat external face, said flat external face being provided for placing the apparatus (1) on a substantially flat surface.

8. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the steam generator (61) contains a shielded heating element (26).

9. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, in which the motor (23) is arranged inside the steaming head (2) in the axial extension of the treatment face (20).

10. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the handle (4) extends along an axis which passes through at least part of the motor (23).

11. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the mass of the steaming head (2) and the mass of the base (6) are each between 35% and 45% of the total mass of the apparatus.

12. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11, having a center of gravity located in the handle (4).

13. Apparatus according to claims 6 and 12, wherein the center of gravity is located in the handle regardless of the volume of liquid present in the reservoir (62).

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