Ironing and / or smoothing apparatus with steam diffusion by an iron

Abstract

This description relates to an ironing and / or steaming appliance comprising: - an iron (10) including a heated soleplate (13) having at least one steam outlet (100), - a board (30) for placing a garment (500), - a board support (40) coupled to the board (30), an opening (200) being provided in the board support (40), - a fastening device (50) for securing the iron (10) to the board support (40), the fastening device (50) being arranged so that, when the iron (10) is secured to the board support (40) by means of the fastening device (50), the steam outlet (100) of the iron (10) is positioned opposite the opening (200) of the board support (40), and - a diffuser element (300) allowing the passage from a fluid to the laundry (500) placed on the board (30),a diffusion conduit fluidly connecting the diffuser element (300) and the opening (200) of the board support (40), such that when the iron (10) is attached to the board support (40), the steam outlet (100) of the iron (10) is fluidly connected to the diffuser element (300) via the opening (200) of the board support (40).

Description

DOMAINE TECHNIQUE

[0001] This presentation concerns the general technical field of laundry care appliances, and more specifically ironing and / or steaming appliances comprising a steam generator and an iron. ETAT DE LA TECHNIQUE

[0002] Among laundry care appliances, irons remove wrinkles from clothing and linens through a combination of heat and pressure applied by the user. Some irons have a separate base on which the heating element rests when the appliance is not in use. These appliances may also include a steam generator to facilitate ironing. In this case, the appliance includes a reservoir to supply water to the steam generator. Such appliances are described, for example, in documents EP 2 933 372 and EP 4 242 370. However, regardless of the desired degree of wrinkle removal or ironing, these appliances necessarily require the user to manually iron the garments, which can be inconvenient.

[0003] Some garment care devices allow for the removal of wrinkles from clothing without the use of an iron. In particular, a steamer is a device designed to remove creases and wrinkles from clothing and linens without the need for a traditional ironing board. The user places the garment to be steamed inside the steamer and starts a steaming cycle. The steamer generates steam to smooth and relax the fabric, thus refreshing and smoothing clothes quickly and easily, without requiring ironing by the user. However, the steamer requires a dedicated evaporator, which increases the cost. US patent 11,384,477 describes a steamer that includes a steaming head operated manually by a user to remove wrinkles from clothing or to supply steam to a bag in which clothing can be placed.However, such a garment steamer does not allow for ironing and is limited to steaming clothes hung on a hook in the bag using the steaming head. Consequently, some creases may remain, and the final result may not be perfect. Therefore, after the steamer has steamed the clothes, the user may need to place them on an ironing board and finish ironing with an iron. This results in the user losing time handling the clothes and then ironing them after steaming. Furthermore, the user must have two separate garment care appliances to perform both steaming and ironing. EXPOSE GENERAL

[0004] One aim of this application is to remedy the aforementioned drawbacks by proposing a garment steamer and / or ironing device that allows both steaming and ironing of clothing.

[0005] Another objective of this application is to propose a garment steamer and / or ironing device that allows garments to be steamed and / or ironed simply and quickly.

[0006] In its first aspect, this application concerns an ironing and / or garment-steaming appliance, comprising: an iron comprising a heated soleplate having at least one steam outlet, a board for placing a garment on it, a board support coupled to the board, an opening being provided in the board support, a fastening device for securing the iron to the board support, the fastening device being arranged so that, when the iron is secured to the board support by means of the fastening device, the steam outlet of the iron is positioned opposite the opening in the board support, and a diffuser element allowing the passage of a fluid to the garment placed on the board, a diffusion conduit fluidly connecting the diffuser element and the opening in the board support, so that when the iron is secured to the board support,The steam outlet of the iron is fluidly connected to the diffuser element via the opening in the board support.

[0007] Such an ironing and / or steaming device allows the iron to be used for either ironing or steaming, using a simple and inexpensive mechanism. Furthermore, the device offers the user the possibility of steaming and / or ironing clothes quickly and easily, without requiring any handling of the garment between steaming and ironing. Thus, the cost of the device and the steaming system is reduced, as the device does not require a dedicated steamer or steaming chamber, but only a board supported stably and reliably by a board stand. In addition, the fastening device allows the iron to be easily and securely attached to the board stand when not in use.

[0008] The ironing and / or steaming appliance may also include a steam generator fluidly connected to the steam outlet of the iron.

[0009] The ironing and / or steaming appliance may also include a base, with the board support extending from the base to the board. This board support provides stable and reliable support for the board.

[0010] The diffuser element may include at least one horizontal vent formed in the board, and / or at least one vertical vent formed in the board support. The diffuser element thus allows steam to be diffused between the board and the laundry placed on it, in order to achieve effective wrinkle removal in a short time.

[0011] The fastening device may also include a sealing gasket designed to ensure a tight seal between the steam outlet of the iron and the opening when the iron is attached to the board support. Such a sealing gasket improves the appliance's efficiency by preventing steam loss at the junction between the iron's steam outlet and the opening.

[0012] The fastening device can be designed to ensure a snap-on attachment of the iron. A snap-on attachment allows for precise positioning and reliable securing of the iron to the ironing board support.

[0013] The board support may also include a drain channel fluidly connected to the diffusion duct downstream of the board support opening. This drain channel helps prevent condensate from accumulating in the unit.

[0014] The ironing and / or steaming appliance may also include a fan, a drying vent allowing fluid to pass to the laundry placed on the board, and a ventilation duct connecting the drying vent and the fan. The drying vent is, for example, formed in the board or the board support. The fan and the drying vent allow the damp laundry to dry, for example, after steaming and / or ironing.

[0015] The board support may include a mast designed to extend vertically from the base towards the board, and in which the ventilation duct extends at least partially within the mast. The mast thus contributes to the smooth connection of the fan to the drying port, in addition to a possible structural role, as the mast may contribute to the stable support of the board.

[0016] According to a second aspect, the present application concerns a process implemented by an ironing and / or steaming device according to the first aspect, comprising the following steps: fixing the iron to the board support by means of the fixing device so as to fluidly connect the steam outlet and the diffuser element, launching a delegation cycle, and generating steam by a steam generator fluidly connected to the steam outlet, the steam then flowing from the steam generator to the diffuser element via the steam outlet, and through the diffuser element to a cloth placed on the board.

[0017] The process offers similar advantages to those described in relation to the ironing and / or steaming appliance under the first aspect. In particular, the process offers the same advantages of simple and quick steaming and / or ironing using a single appliance.

[0018] The process may further include a subsequent step of hot air ventilation by a fan of the ironing and / or steaming appliance fluidly connected to a drying orifice, the hot air then flowing from the fan to the drying orifice, and through the drying orifice to a cloth placed on the board. DESCRIPTION DES FIGURES

[0019] There figure 1 This represents a schematic perspective view of a garment steamer and / or ironing device according to a particular embodiment, with the iron fixed to the board support. figure 2 represents a schematic perspective view of the apparatus of the figure 1 the iron was not fixed to the board support. figure 3 represents a partial schematic side-section view of the device figure 1 the iron being fixed to the board support. figure 4 represents a partial schematic side-section view of the device figure 1 the iron was not fixed to the board support. figure 5 represents a partial schematic side-section view of a base of the device. figure 1 . There figure 6 represents a schematic perspective view of the iron of the appliance figure 1 .

[0020] Across all figures, similar elements bear identical references. DESCRIPTION DETAILLEE

[0021] An ironing and / or garment-steaming appliance, as illustrated by way of non-limiting example in figure 1 , in figure 2 and in figure 3 , understand : an iron 10 comprising a heated soleplate 13 having at least one steam outlet 100, a board 30 for placing a piece of laundry 500, a board support 40 coupled to the board 30, an opening 200 being provided in the board support 40, a fastening device 50 for securing the iron 10 to the board support 40, the fastening device 50 being arranged so that, when the iron 10 is fixed to the board support 40 by means of the fastening device 50, the steam outlet 100 of the iron 10 is positioned opposite the opening 200 of the board support 40, and a diffuser element 300 allowing the passage of a fluid to the laundry 500 placed on the board 30, a diffusion conduit fluidly connecting the diffuser element 300 and the opening 200 of the board support 40, so that when the iron 10 is attached to the board support 40,The steam outlet 100 of the iron 10 is fluidly connected to the diffuser element 300 via the opening 200 of the board support 40.

[0022] Such an ironing and / or steaming device allows the iron 10 to be used either for ironing or for steaming, using a simple and inexpensive mechanism. Furthermore, the device offers the user the possibility of steaming and / or ironing their laundry 500 quickly and easily, without requiring any handling of the garment 500 between steaming and ironing. Thus, the cost of the device and the steaming system is reduced, as the device does not require a dedicated steamer or steaming chamber, but only a board 30 supported stably and reliably by a board support 40. In addition, the fastening device 50 allows the iron 10 to be easily and securely attached to the board support 40 when the iron 10 is not in use.

[0023] When the appliance is used for steaming, as illustrated by way of non-limiting example in figure 1 and in figure 3 The user can simply place the garment 500 on the board 30, attach the iron 10 to the board support 40 using the fastening device 50, and start a steaming cycle. The steam outlet 100 of the iron 10 is then fluidly connected to the diffuser element 300, so that the steam outlet 100 of the iron 10 supplies fluid to the diffuser element 300. Thus, the garment 500 placed on the board 30 can be steamed, the iron 10 being used to conduct the steam to the garment 500.

[0024] When the appliance is used for ironing, as illustrated by way of non-limiting example in figure 2 The iron 10 is not attached to the board support 40, so the steam outlet 100 of the iron 10 does not supply fluid to the diffuser element 300. The user can simply place the garment 500 on the board 30 and use the iron 10 by hand to iron the garment 500 placed on the board 30. If the user is not satisfied with the steaming result, at the end of the steaming cycle, they can take hold of the iron 10, detach it from the attachment 50, and finish ironing the garment 500 on the board 30.

[0025] The iron 10, as illustrated by way of non-limiting example in figure 6 The iron 10 may include a head 11, a heating soleplate 13 attached to and fixed onto the head 11, and a handle 12 extending from the head 11 and intended for the user to grip the iron 10. The handle 12 has a front end connected to the head 11 of the iron 10 and a rear end opposite the front end.

[0026] The head 11 and the handle 12 of the iron 10 can be attached and fixed to each other, or be formed from a single block, for example they can be made from a single one-piece plastic casing obtained by molding.

[0027] The handle 12 can be offset from the heating sole 13. Offset means that the handle 12 extends at least partially beyond the heating sole 13 and not opposite the heating sole 13. For example, at least part of the handle 12 can extend backwards from the heating sole 13. The offset handle 12 allows for a good grip on the iron 10 and improved ergonomics for the user.

[0028] The heated soleplate 13 may include a substantially flat ironing surface. The heated soleplate 13 may include one or more steam outlets 100 passing through the ironing surface and adapted for vaporizing steam. The steam outlet(s) 100 may be arranged in any conceivable pattern on the heated soleplate, for example, only on the front part of the heated soleplate, or for example, in a semicircle on the front part of the heated soleplate. The heated soleplate 13 may be made of stainless steel. The heated soleplate 13 may include a pointed front end and a rounded rear end that is wider than the front end, for improved ironing ergonomics.

[0029] The iron 10 includes a heating element integrated into the iron head 11. The heating element may be a casting, for example made of aluminum, attached to the heating soleplate 13 and comprising a heating element arranged to allow heat exchange with the heating soleplate 13. In particular, the heating element may include an electrical resistance regulated by means of a thermostat. The heating element may further include a vaporization chamber.

[0030] The board 30 may include an ironing surface. When the user places the heated soleplate 13 of the iron 10 onto the fabric 500 to iron it, the fabric 500 is pressed against the ironing surface of the board 30. The ironing surface may be covered with a heat-resistant material to protect the board 30 during ironing. The board 30 may include two parallel ironing surfaces extending from either side of the board 30.

[0031] The board 30 can be a vertical board 30. In a reference position of the appliance, the ironing surface of the board 30 extends mainly vertically in front of the user who wishes to iron a piece of laundry 500 placed on the board 30.

[0032] The ironing board 30 can be tilted, meaning its orientation can be changed from its vertical position. For example, the board 30 can be tilted between a vertical and a horizontal position. Alternatively, the board 30 can be tilted by plus or minus 30° from the vertical position. A tiltable ironing board 30 offers the user a wider variety of ironing positions.

[0033] The board support 40 may include a base 41 adapted to rest on a horizontal surface such as the floor, an upper part 43, and at least one arm 42 adapted to extend vertically between the base 41 and the upper part 43, so as to connect the base 41 to the upper part 43 of the board support 40. The arm 42 may be telescopic. Thus, the device allows the height of the board 30 to be adjusted to the user.

[0034] The board 30 can be attached to the upper part 43 of the board support 40 at one of the board's feet, which corresponds to one of the lower ends of the board 30, using any conceivable method of attachment. This attachment could, for example, allow the board 30 to be tilted relative to the board support 40. This configuration provides stable support for the board 30, with the upper part 43 of the board support 40 positioned directly beneath the board 30. The foot of the board 30 could, for example, be inserted into an additional recess formed in the upper part 43 of the board support 40, or be screwed to the upper part 43 of the board support 40.

[0035] The ironing and / or steaming appliance may further include a steam generator 80 fluidly connected to the steam outlet 100 of the iron 10. The steam generator 80 may include an instant vaporization chamber, a boiler or a tank for the production of pressurized steam.

[0036] The ironing and / or steaming appliance may also include a base 20. The board support 40 can extend from the base 20 to the board 30, so as to provide stable and reliable support for the board 30. The base 20 is connected to the domestic electrical network via a power cable 21. The base 20 may include a tank 85 and a pump 90. The tank 85 is fluidly connected to the steam generator 80 and supplies water to the steam generator 80.

[0037] The ironing and / or steaming appliance may also include a cord 60 connecting the base 20 and the iron 10. The cord 60 allows the iron 10 to be supplied with electricity when the base 20 is connected to the domestic electrical network, so as to allow heating of the heating element located in the head 11 of the iron 10, and therefore of the heating sole 13.

[0038] The cord length 60 can be between 1 and 3 m, in particular can be approximately 1.8 m. Such cord lengths 60 allow sufficient maneuverability of the iron 10 to cover the entire surface of the board 30 and thus allow ironing of the laundry 500 placed on the board 30, including in particular in the upper part 43 of the board 30, which may extend for example in front of the face of the user standing in front of the board 30.

[0039] The cord 60 may include a tube allowing the passage of a fluid, in particular water or steam, from the base 20 to the iron 10.

[0040] The steam generator 80 can be housed in the base 20, as illustrated by way of non-limiting example in figure 5 The pump 90 is designed to inject water from the reservoir 85 into the vaporization chamber of the steam generator 80. The steam produced by the vaporization chamber of the steam generator 80, housed in the base 20, is conveyed to the iron 10 via the cord hose 60. The vaporization chamber integrated into the iron 10 allows for the vaporization of any condensation that may form as the steam cools during its passage through the cord hose 60. This integrated steam generator 80 within the base 20 results in a more compact iron 10.

[0041] Alternatively, the steam generator 80 can be housed in the iron 10. Then, the pump 90 is intended to inject water from the reservoir 85 into the vaporization chamber located in the iron 10, the device comprising a single vaporization chamber supplied via the hose of the cord 60, and the water is vaporized directly by the vaporization chamber included in the iron 10.

[0042] The water tank located in the base allows for a more compact and lightweight iron. The tank ideally has a capacity between 300 ml and 3000 ml. This provides sufficient water to supply the steam generator, generating enough steam to remove wrinkles from the clothes placed on the ironing board.

[0043] The base 41 of the board support 40 may include a suitable housing to accommodate the base 20, the base 20 being placed on the base 41 of the board support 40.

[0044] The base 20 can include ballast to stabilize the device.

[0045] The diffuser element 300 may include at least one horizontal vent formed in the board 30, and / or at least one vertical vent formed in the board support 40. The diffuser element 300 thus allows steam to be diffused between the board 30 and the linen 500 placed on the board 30, in order to obtain effective wrinkle removal in a short time.

[0046] When the diffuser element 300 includes a horizontal vent formed in the board 30, the vent 300 is formed directly in one of the ironing surfaces of the board 30. In the reference position, the vent 300 is horizontal, passing through the ironing surface of the board 30 so as to direct the steam perpendicularly to the ironing surface of the board 30, directly onto the garment 500 to be steamed placed on the board 30. It is understood that in the case of an inclined board 30, when the board 30 is inclined relative to the vertical, the vent is inclined accordingly relative to the horizontal. The diffuser element 300 may include several horizontal vents distributed across the ironing surface of the board 30 so as to ensure a substantially even distribution of steam over the board 30, thereby improving steaming efficiency. Each of the vents is fluidly connected to the diffusion duct.

[0047] When the diffuser element 300 includes a vertical vent formed in the board support 40, the vent 300 may be formed at the foot of the board 30, below the ironing surface of the board 30, in a position adjacent to the ironing surface of the board 30, as illustrated by way of non-limiting example in figure 3 Thus, the steam passing through the vertical vent 300 exits beneath the garment to be steamed and runs along the ironing surface of the board 30, between the ironing surface of the board 30 and the garment 500 to be steamed, thereby optimizing ironing efficiency. The board 30 can be sealed, allowing all the steam to be distributed throughout the garment 500 to be steamed, ensuring optimal humidification of the garment 500 placed on the board 30. A sealed board 30 also prevents condensation of the steam inside the board 30. The diffuser element 300 can include several vertical vents 300 distributed on each side of the board 30, so as to distribute the steam more evenly over the garment 500 to be steamed. Each vent 300 is fluidly connected to the diffusion duct. figure 3 illustrates a non-limiting example in which the diffuser element 300 includes at least two vertical vents 300 arranged on either side of the board 30, below each of the two ironing faces of the board 30, so that the steam which passes through these orifices opens between the board 30 and the garment 500 to be steamed.

[0048] The fastening device 50 can be attached to the upper part 43 of the board support 40. The opening 200 can be formed in the upper part 43 of the board support 40, specifically in a substantially vertical face of the board support 40 located below the board 30, so that a user facing the board 30 also faces the fastening device 50, which can typically be positioned above their waist. Thus, the user can ergonomically attach or detach the iron 10 from the board support 40 and proceed directly to ironing once the iron 10 is detached, without having to change position.

[0049] The opening 200 can have a surface area sufficient to cover the entire steam outlet 100 of the iron 10 when the iron 10 is attached to the ironing board support 40. This minimizes steam loss as it passes from the steam outlet 100 to the opening 200 and then to the diffuser element 300. The opening 200 can be triangular, annular, or any other conceivable shape. The shape of the opening 200 can substantially correspond to an arrangement of the steam outlets 100 of the iron 10. For example, if the steam outlets 100 of the iron are arranged substantially in an inverted V on the front part of the heating sole 13, the opening 200 can be substantially triangular and arranged so as to extend opposite the front part of the heating sole 13 when the iron 10 is fixed to the board support 40.

[0050] The fixing device 50 may further include a sealing gasket 53 intended to ensure a seal between the steam outlet 100 of the iron 10 and the opening 200 when the iron 10 is fixed to the board support 40. Such a sealing gasket 53 improves the efficiency of the appliance by preventing steam loss at the junction between the steam outlet 100 of the iron 10 and the opening 200.

[0051] The sealing gasket 53 can be arranged around the opening 200 of the fixing device 50, in an annular groove of the fixing device 50, the heating sole 13 of the iron 10 being compressed against the sealing gasket 53 when the iron 10 is fixed on the fixing device 50.

[0052] The fixing device 50 can be provided to ensure a snap-on fixing of the iron 10. The iron 10 is then clipped onto the fixing device 50. A snap-on fixing allows precise positioning and reliable fixing of the iron 10 to the board support 40.

[0053] There figure 3 and the figure 4 illustrates a non-limiting example of snap-on fastening of the iron 10. The fastening device 50 includes a front retaining element 51 provided for gripping the front end of the heating sole 13 and the head 11 of the iron 10, and a rear retaining element 52 provided for gripping the rear end of the heating sole 13 and the head 11 of the iron 10, so as to retain the iron 10 against the fastening device 50 and to keep the heating sole 13 in contact with the fastening device 50 when the iron 10 is fixed to the board support 40 by the fastening device 50.The fastening device 50 further includes a spring-loaded latch 54 designed to retract to allow the insertion of the iron head 11 of the iron 10 into the front retaining element 51 and the rear retaining element 52, and then to advance to lock the iron head 11 of the iron 10 in place by means of the front retaining element 51 and the rear retaining element 52. To attach the iron 10 to the board support 40, the user pulls on the protruding part of the rear retaining element 52 to move it against the spring 54, inserts the front end of the iron head 11 of the iron 10 into the front retaining element 51 of the fastening device 50, and then tilts the iron 10 to insert the rear end of the iron head 11 of the iron 10 into the fastening device 50. The spring-loaded latch 54 then advances, to lock the head 11 of the iron 10.To release the iron 10 from the board support 40, the user can perform the reverse steps, i.e., pull back the lock so as to release the rear end of the iron 10 head 11 from the rear retaining element 52, the lock then automatically moving forward, and then release the front end of the iron 10 head 11 from the front retaining element 51.

[0054] Alternatively, the device may include any suitable alternative or additional device for fixing the iron 10 to the board support 40, for example magnetic fixing means comprising two magnets of opposite polarity, one housed in the iron 10 and the other in the board support 40, other types of mechanical fasteners, etc.

[0055] The board support 40 may further include a drainage channel 600 fluidly connected to the diffusion duct downstream of the opening 200 of the board support 40, as illustrated by way of non-limiting example in figure 3 The 600 drain channel helps to prevent the accumulation of condensate in the device.

[0056] The device may include a recovery tank, not shown in the figures. One upstream end of the drain channel 600 opens into the diffusion duct, and one downstream end of the drain channel 600 opens into the recovery tank, or directly into the reservoir 85. Thus, the condensate discharged into the drain channel 600 can be collected in the recovery tank. The recovery tank may be removable so that it can be easily emptied by the user. The recovery tank can be housed in the board support 40, for example in the upper part 43 of the board support 40, or in the base 20. The recovery tank may have a capacity of between 100 ml and 1000 ml. This capacity is sufficient to collect the condensate while maintaining the compactness of the recovery tank.

[0057] The drain channel 600 can have any suitable shape, for example, straight, vertical, angled, or curved. The collection tank can be located lower than the diffusion duct. The upstream end of the drain channel 600 corresponds to a high end opening into the diffusion duct, and the downstream end of the drain channel 600 corresponds to a low end opening into the collection tank. Thus, during operation of the garment care appliance, water condensate and / or limescale fall by gravity into the collection tank, while steam rises in the diffusion duct until it passes through the diffuser element 300. The drain channel 600 allows for the collection of unvaporized water condensate and / or limescale particles when the iron 10 is attached to the board support 40 by means of the fastening device 50.

[0058] In the case where the steam generator 80 is included in the base 20, the recovery tank can essentially recover water condensates generated by the cooling of the steam when it passes through the cord 60 during the delegation cycle.

[0059] If the steam generator 80 is housed within the iron 10, the recovery tank can collect primarily condensate, which includes unvaporized water and, where applicable, limescale particles. Limescale forms in the steam chamber of the iron 10 during the vaporization of water, and these limescale particles can be dislodged from the walls of the steam chamber, for example, during a cleaning cycle. During such a cleaning cycle, the steam chamber is superheated, and then a flow rate exceeding the maximum vaporization rate is injected into the chamber. This injection creates a thermal shock that causes the injected water to vaporize rapidly and partially, thus dislodging the limescale particles adhering to the chamber walls.The scale particles are then removed by being transported by the unvaporized liquid to the recovery tank.

[0060] The ironing and / or steaming appliance may further include a fan, a drying port 400 allowing the passage of a fluid to the laundry 500 placed on the board 30, and a ventilation duct fluidly connecting the drying port 400 and the fan. The fan and the drying port 400 allow the damp laundry 500 to dry, for example, after steaming and / or ironing.

[0061] The drying orifice 400 is for example formed in the board 30 or in the board support 40. The drying orifice 400 allows hot air to be diffused between the board 30 and the laundry 500 placed on the board 30, which makes it possible to achieve the desired drying efficiency in a short time.

[0062] The drying orifice 400 can correspond to the diffuser element 300. In this case, the hot air generated by the fan is sent through the diffuser element 300, while the unit does not produce steam. Alternatively, the drying orifice 400 can be a separate orifice from the diffuser element 300.

[0063] The board support 40 may include a mast 45 designed to extend vertically from the base 20 towards the board 30. The ventilation duct may extend at least partially into the mast 45. The mast 45 thus contributes to fluidly connecting the fan to the drying orifice 400, in addition to a possible structural role, the mast 45 being able to contribute to the stable support of the board 30.

[0064] The mast 45 can connect the base 20, in particular a hot air outlet formed in the base 20, and the upper part 43 of the board support 40. The mast 45 can be telescopic, so as to be able to adjust the height of the device.

[0065] As illustrated, for example, in figure 3 The board support 40 may include two telescopic vertical arms 42, each connecting the base 41 to the upper part 43 of the board support 40, with the mast 45 extending vertically between the two vertical arms 42. The diffuser element 300 includes at least two vertical vents located on either side of the two vertical vents of the drying orifice 400, the hot air being diffused closer to the ironing surface of the board 30 than the steam.

[0066] The device may include one or more tensioners 70 adapted to be attached to the linen 500 to be steamed so as to stretch the linen 500 placed on the board 30 and to increase the efficiency of steaming or ironing.

[0067] A process implemented by an ironing and / or steaming appliance as described above includes the following steps: fixing the iron 10 on the board support 40 by means of the fixing device 50, so as to fluidly connect the steam outlet 100 and the diffuser element 300, launching a delegation cycle, and generating steam by a steam generator 80 fluidly connected to the steam outlet 100, the steam then flowing from the steam generator 80 to the diffuser element 300 via the steam outlet 100, and through the diffuser element 300 to a cloth 500 placed on the board 30.

[0068] The process offers similar advantages to those described in relation to the ironing and / or steaming appliance described above. In particular, the process offers the same advantages of simple and quick steaming and / or ironing using a single appliance.

[0069] The delegation cycle includes a steam generation step to remove wrinkles from a 500g piece of fabric placed on board 30, and / or a drying step. The user thus delegates the wrinkle removal to the appliance.

[0070] The user can place the linen 500 on the board 30 before or after the step of fixing the iron 10 on the board support 40. The user can, before starting the delegation cycle, position one or more tensioners 70 on the linen 500 so as to stretch the linen 500 in preparation for steaming or ironing.

[0071] Steam generation can take between 3 and 7 minutes.

[0072] The process may further include a subsequent step of hot air ventilation by a fan of the ironing and / or steaming appliance fluidly connected to a drying orifice 400, the hot air then flowing from the fan to the drying orifice 400, and through the drying orifice 400 to a piece of laundry 500 placed on the board 30. The appliance may also be used for a pure drying cycle, the process then not including the initiation of a delegation cycle or the generation of steam, but rather the initiation of a drying cycle and the ventilation of hot air.

[0073] Once the delegation cycle is complete, the user can release the iron 10 from the fixing device 50, so that the iron 10 is no longer fixed to the board support 40.

[0074] The user can then, if they wish, manually iron the 500 garment with the iron 10, for example to iron areas that require more precise ironing, such as the collar and sleeves of a shirt.

[0075] The user, having finished the laundry care 500, can reattach the iron 10 to the board support 40 using the fixing device 50, in order to store the ironing and / or steaming appliance.

[0076] Although this presentation has been made with reference to specific embodiments, modifications and changes can be made to these examples without departing from its general scope. In particular, individual features of the various embodiments illustrated / mentioned can be combined in additional embodiments.

Claims

1. Ironing and / or steaming appliance, comprising: - an iron (10) including a heated soleplate (13) having at least one steam outlet (100), - a board (30) for holding a garment (500), the board (30) having an ironing surface which, in a reference position of the appliance, extends mainly vertically facing a user who wishes to iron the garment (500) placed on the board (30), - a board support (40) coupled to the board (30), an opening (200) being provided in the board support (40), - a fastening device (50) for securing the iron (10) to the board support (40), the fastening device (50) being arranged so that, when the iron (10) is secured to the board support (40) by means of the fastening device (50),The steam outlet (100) of the iron (10) is positioned opposite the opening (200) of the board support (40), and - a diffuser element (300) allowing the passage of a fluid towards the laundry (500) placed on the board (30), a diffusion conduit fluidly connecting the diffuser element (300) and the opening (200) of the board support (40), so that when the iron (10) is attached to the board support (40), the steam outlet (100) of the iron (10) is fluidly connected to the diffuser element (300) via the opening (200) of the board support (40).

2. Ironing and / or steaming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a steam generator (80) fluidly connected to the steam outlet (100) of the iron (10) and a base (20), the board support (40) extending from the base (20) to the board (30).

3. Ironing and / or steaming apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the diffuser element (300) comprises at least one horizontal vent formed in the board (30), and / or at least one vertical vent formed in the board support (40).

4. Ironing and / or steaming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the fixing device (50) further comprises a sealing gasket (53) provided to ensure a seal between the steam outlet orifice (100) of the iron (10) and the opening (200) when the iron (10) is fixed to the board support (40).

5. Ironing and / or steaming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the fastening device (50) is provided to ensure snap-on fastening of the iron (10).

6. Ironing and / or steaming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the board support (40) further comprises an evacuation channel (600) fluidly connected to the diffusion conduit downstream of the opening (200) of the board support (40).

7. Ironing and / or steaming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a fan, a drying orifice (400) allowing the passage of a fluid to the laundry (500) placed on the board (30), and a ventilation duct fluidly connecting the drying orifice (30) and the fan, and wherein the drying orifice is for example formed in the board (30) or in the board support (40).

8. Ironing and / or steaming apparatus according to claim 2 taken in combination with claim 7, wherein the board support (40) comprises a mast (45) designed to extend vertically from the base (20) towards the board (30), and wherein the ventilation duct extends at least partly into the mast (45).

9. Method implemented by an ironing and / or steaming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising the following steps: - fixing the iron (10) on the board support (40) by means of the fixing device (50) so as to fluidly connect the steam outlet orifice (100) and the diffuser element (300), - starting a delegation cycle, and - generating steam by a steam generator (80) fluidly connected to the steam outlet orifice (100), the steam then flowing from the steam generator (80) to the diffuser element (300) via the steam outlet orifice (100), and through the diffuser element (300) to a cloth (500) placed on the board (30).

10. Method according to claim 9, further comprising a subsequent step of hot air ventilation by a fan of the ironing and / or steaming appliance fluidly connected to a drying orifice (400), the hot air then flowing from the fan to the drying orifice (400), and through the drying orifice (400) to a cloth (500) placed on the board (30).

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