Steam generation kit for domestic appliance

Abstract

The present invention relates to a steam generation assembly (1) for a domestic appliance, comprising a vaporization device for transforming liquid into vapor by the action of a heating element (10), the vaporization device comprising a housing (2) with an internal cavity forming a vaporization chamber (21), the housing (2) having at least one opening intended to be closed by a cap (3), characterized in that the cap (3) comprises a functional portion (31) extending into the interior of the vaporization chamber (21) and comprising a scale management element. Figure for the abstract: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: Steam generation unit for domestic appliance technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the general field of domestic steam appliances, and particularly to the vaporization chambers of portable appliances. PRIORITY OF THE TECHNOLOGY

[0002] Various portable household appliances are designed to produce steam. They generally include a steam generation unit with a vaporization device defining a vaporization chamber, in which a liquid, for example water, is transformed into steam by the action of a heating element. The steam thus formed is then distributed by the household appliance, for example to a treatment surface which may also be heated.

[0003] A first example of such a domestic steam appliance can be found in the field of laundry care appliances, such as garment steamers. Such portable devices generally include steam distribution holes directly on a treatment surface. By gliding the treatment surface over clothing or fabric, the steam projection removes creases and has a cleaning, odor-removing, and antibacterial effect, for example. These devices offer an alternative to conventional irons by allowing vertical steaming of fabric. They are designed to be easily transported in luggage, and in particular for use in quickly ironing a garment when a user is on the go.

[0004] A second example is found in the field of personal care devices, particularly hair care devices, such as steam straighteners or steam brushes. Such devices also include a heated treatment surface that is applied to the hair, and onto which steam is distributed. The vaporization chamber communicates with steam distribution orifices, allowing steam to be projected onto a strand of hair at the treatment surface during use. The steam projection makes styling easier for the user and improves the shaping of the hair.

[0005] These examples of household appliances are intended to be carried by the user in one hand for several minutes. To make their use practical and attractive, they must therefore be lightweight, compact, and ergonomic.

[0006] To improve the compactness of such steam appliances, it may be advantageous to reduce the volume of the entire steam generation unit. However, reducing the volume of the vaporization chamber negatively impacts the appliance's lifespan, as it will consequently be more susceptible to limescale buildup. Indeed, the rapid temperature change of the water in the vaporization chamber leads to the deposition of solid limescale particles. Excessive limescale buildup can clog the water inlet or steam outlet ports and cause the appliance to malfunction.

[0007] The problem of limescale buildup is all the more relevant for such devices intended to be used outside the home, as it is too restrictive for users to use only demineralized water as generally recommended.

[0008] A solution proposed by WO2020127851Al was to design vaporization chambers with an inner wall coated by a hydrophobic layer at the water inlet orifice. This prevents limescale buildup at this point. It was also proposed to place a baffle in the inner wall of the vaporization chamber to capture solid particles upstream of the distribution system.

[0009] However, both of these solutions generally require forming the vaporization chamber by assembling two molded parts. In particular, the coating is generally applied to one wall of a first molded shell, which is then assembled to a second shell, with the vaporization chamber being formed between the two shells. Assembling the molded parts requires providing attachment areas and therefore limits the compactness gain of the vaporization chamber. Description of the invention

[0010] One purpose of this disclosure is to propose a steam generation system for domestic appliances, enabling the presentation of various limescale reduction functionalities and thus increasing the lifespan of the domestic appliance.

[0011] This goal is achieved by a steam generation assembly for a domestic appliance, comprising a vaporization device for transforming liquid into vapor by the action of a heating element, the vaporization device comprising a housing with an internal cavity forming a vaporization chamber, the housing having at least one opening intended to be closed by a cap, characterized in that the cap comprises a functional portion extending inside the vaporization chamber and comprising a scale management element.

[0012] Indeed, the vaporization chamber of the assembly as claimed includes at least one functional cap incorporating scale protection functions typically found in molded vaporization chambers, the scale management elements usually located in the molded shells forming the vaporization chamber are now housed in the functional cap. This allows for easy modification of the functions depending on the intended use of the household appliance in which the vapor generation system will be integrated, while maintaining the same housing geometry.

[0013] The presence of the functional stopper also eliminates the need for a specific coating on the internal walls of the vaporization chamber, and thus, in particular, allows for the creation of a one-piece, and therefore more compact, vaporization chamber, notably one formed by extrusion. The vaporization chamber thus benefits from compactness while retaining the structural advantages of scale resistance inherent in a two-molded shell construction. After integration into a steam appliance, this results in a more compact and lighter unit without compromising its lifespan or performance.

[0014] The proposed steam generation assembly is advantageously complemented by the following features, taken individually or in any of their technically possible combinations: - the scale management element of the functional portion is chosen from a hydrophobic layer, a hydrophilic layer, a solid particle filter, or a baffle-forming wall; - the functional portion of the stopper is intended to expand by forming contact with an internal surface of the vaporization chamber, preferably with two internal surfaces of the vaporization chamber; - the functional portion of the stopper extends along a longitudinal direction, and includes a wall extending in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal direction, so as to divide the vaporization chamber; - the stopper is obtained by molding a metal alloy, preferably an aluminum alloy; - the steam generation assembly includes a heating element arranged to cover a wall of the casing, so as to heat the vaporization chamber; - the stopper includes a portion defining an inlet channel for the entry of liquid into the vaporization chamber; - the casing is obtained by extrusion; - the plug is positioned at one longitudinal end of the casing; - the steam generation assembly includes a first plug located at one longitudinal end of the casing and a second plug arranged at a second longitudinal end of the casing, opposite the first longitudinal end; - the first stopper includes a hydrophobic layer, preferably made of polytetrafluoroethylene; - the second cap includes a solid particle filter and / or a baffle-forming wall; - the first stopper and / or the second stopper includes a hydrophilic layer; - the casing includes an additional internal cavity forming a distribution chamber, the distribution chamber being in vapor communication with the vaporization chamber via an outlet channel, and comprising one or more vapor distribution orifices; - the vaporization chamber is an instant type vaporization chamber.

[0015] According to a second aspect, a domestic appliance is proposed comprising - a liquid reservoir, designed to contain a liquid, - a vapor generation assembly, in which the internal cavity forming the vaporization chamber is in liquid communication with the liquid reservoir, so that the vapor generation assembly is configured to vaporize the liquid from the liquid reservoir.

[0016] The proposed domestic appliance may further include a treatment surface, and the steam generation assembly may be configured to distribute steam on the same side as the treatment surface.

[0017] The proposed domestic appliance may, by way of illustration, be chosen from - a laundry care appliance, in particular a portable steam iron - a personal care device, including a steam hair straightener or a steam brush. DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0018] Other features, objectives and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, which is purely illustrative and not limiting, and which should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings on which:

[0019] Fig. 1 represents a perspective view of a cross-section of a steam generation assembly according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0020] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a first type of stopper, allowing the arrival of liquid in the embodiment of Fig. 1.

[0021] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a second type of stopper in the embodiment of Fig. 1.

[0022] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a section of the extruded profile forming the vaporization chamber in the embodiment of Fig. 1.

[0023] Fig. 5 is an exploded view of an assembly for a domestic steam appliance comprising the steam generation assembly of Fig. 1.

[0024] Fig. 6 is a schematic view representing the integration of a steam generation assembly according to the present invention, in a steam straightener type hair care device.

[0025] Fig. 7 is a schematic view representing the integration of a steam generation assembly according to the present invention, in a steam brush type hair care device.

[0026] Fig. 8 is a schematic view representing the integration of a steam generation assembly according to the present invention, in a garment steamer type garment care steamer.

[0027] Throughout the figures, similar elements bear identical references. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] The vapor generation assembly 1 according to the present invention comprises a vaporization device having a housing 2 having an internal cavity forming a vaporization chamber 21. The housing 2 has at least one opening 4 intended to be closed by a plug 3.

[0029] A liquid is intended to be injected into the vaporization chamber 21 and to be transformed into vapor during its circulation within the vaporization chamber 21, under the action of a heating element. The vaporization of the liquid in the vaporization chamber may lead to progressive scaling of the vaporization device.

[0030] The steam generation assembly 1 according to the present invention has the particularity that the cap 3 includes a functional portion extending inside the vaporization chamber 21 and comprising a scale management element.

[0031] By scale management element, it is understood that a scale management element is an element for managing a possible scale deposit in the vaporization chamber 21, whether to reduce the scale deposit, or to manage the location of the scale deposit in the vaporization chamber 21, for example by diverting the liquid from areas where it might tend to accumulate naturally, to areas where a scale deposit would less hinder the operation of the vaporization device.

[0032] The scale management element of the functional portion can, for example, be chosen from a hydrophobic layer, a hydrophilic layer, a solid particle filter, and a baffle-forming wall.

[0033] The presence of the plug 3, which includes a functional portion, allows the anti-scale functions of the steam generation assembly 1 to be modified without altering the structure of the housing 2. In this respect, it is sufficient to modify the plug 3 by using different scale management elements. This can also be useful for removing any limescale deposits retained by the scale management element.

[0034] The functional portion 31 is intended to extend inside the vaporization chamber 21 in a longitudinal direction Y.

[0035] Preferably, the functional portion 31 of the stopper 3 is intended to extend by forming contact with an internal surface of the vaporization chamber 21, preferably with two internal surfaces of the vaporization chamber 21.

[0036] For example, the functional portion 31 of the stopper 3 can form a protruding plate comprising a face oriented towards the inside of the vaporization chamber 21, and a face forming contact with an internal surface of the vaporization chamber 21. This advantageously allows the stopper 3 to be centered and held in position in the vaporization chamber 21.

[0037] The functional portion 31 can allow the liquid to be in contact with the housing 2 at a more central injection point of the vaporization chamber 21. The injection point is advantageously placed in an area of ​​the vaporization chamber 21 where there is a maximum temperature and away from the internal walls of the housing 2, in order to improve the vaporization of the liquid.

[0038] The functional portion 31 may include a portion 34 delimiting an inlet channel 41 of the liquid into the vaporization chamber 21, for the entry of liquid into the vaporization chamber 21. In this case, the plug 3 may be referred to as a liquid inlet plug.

[0039] In an embodiment not shown, the cap 3 may include a functional portion extending the portion 34 inside the vaporization chamber 21 in order to form an injection tube, having for example a beveled end at the injection point.

[0040] The cap 3 improves the resistance to scaling of the steam generation assembly 1. In particular, the functional portion of the cap 3 can limit a deposit of limescale at the opening 4.

[0041] Preferably, the functional portion 31 of the stopper 3 makes it possible not to generate evaporation at the point of injection of the liquid by pushing the evaporation further into the vaporization chamber 21, so as to limit scaling at the point of injection.

[0042] To this end, the functional portion 31 of the cap 3 may include a scale management element which is a hydrophobic layer. For example, the functional portion 31 can be covered before assembly on the housing 2 by a coating comprising a material to which scale adheres poorly.

[0043] Alternatively or complementarily, the functional portion 31 can serve as a support for an added element. The added element can be a plate of hydrophobic material 50, covering the face of the functional portion 31 oriented towards the interior of the vaporization chamber 21.

[0044] Typically, the hydrophobic layer is made of a hydrophobic material, such as silicone or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE, also known by the registered trademark Teflon®), for example. Polytetrafluoroethylene has the advantage of excellent non-stick properties while being very heat resistant.

[0045] With reference to [Fig.2], the functional portion 31 may include a groove 35 forming a channel intended to extend along the longitudinal direction Y from the portion 34 towards the interior of the vaporization chamber 21. The groove 35 may also serve to hold in position the added element, assembled on the plug 3 before insertion into the vaporization chamber 21. The added element may be, for example, an injection tube or the hydrophobic layer 50.

[0046] Advantageously, the plug 3, or at least the functional portion 31 of the plug 3, includes a scale management element, which is a hydrophilic layer. The presence of a hydrophilic layer with an anti-scaling effect allows the liquid to spread and diffuse easily in the vaporization chamber 21 at the level of the walls of the housing 2. This prevents liquid from splashing outside the vapor generation assembly 1. This also contributes to managing scale buildup in the housing 2 by controlling the location of the scale deposit.

[0047] The anti-heating effect can be achieved by treating the functional portion 31, in particular by spraying an anti-heating coating or by applying it with a brush. For example, application WO9502787A1 mentions anti-heating coatings comprising sodium silicate or solutions of ceramics, silicate, or silica. Alternatively, the anti-heating effect can be achieved by a mineral or synthetic fiber fabric placed on the functional portion 31.

[0048] In an embodiment not shown, the functional portion 31 of the plug 3 can extend along the longitudinal direction Y, and include a scale management element which is a separating wall extending in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal direction Y, so as to divide the vaporization chamber 21.

[0049] This means that the separating wall can delimit several distinct vaporization chambers in fluid communication within the casing 2. This makes it possible to effectively retain an undesirable limescale deposit, and to improve the resistance to limescale buildup of the device and therefore its service life.

[0050] For example, the separating wall of the functional portion 31 of the stopper 3 can separate a first vaporization chamber, located on the side of the opening 4 corresponding to a liquid inlet orifice 4, from a second vaporization chamber. The volume occupied by the first vaporization chamber can be greater than the volume occupied by the second vaporization chamber, or even at least twice as large, so as to allow a certain amount of any upper scale deposit in the first vaporization chamber, without reducing the compactness of the vapor generation assembly 1.

[0051] Once inserted into the opening of the housing 2, the plug 3 is intended to be held in position by any fastening means, for example a screw. In the embodiment shown, the plug 3 comprises an external portion 32 intended to extend outside the vaporization chamber 21, and comprising one or more orifices 33, 37, allowing the passage of screws 83, 84.

[0052] The external portion 32 may have a solid shape in order to butt against an external surface of the housing 2, and have a hollow portion 34 coinciding with the opening 4 of the housing 2.

[0053] Advantageously, the external portion 32 of the plug 3 may include a recess in a wall designed to abut against an external wall of the housing 2 at the opening of the housing 2. The recess is designed to receive a sealing gasket 36, ensuring a watertight closure of the opening 4. For example, the plug 3 may prevent liquid from passing anywhere other than through the inlet channel 4L

[0054] Preferably, the stopper 3 is obtained by molding. This makes it possible to obtain complex shapes by hot injection of a solidifying liquid material.

[0055] The stopper 3 can be made of a lightweight and resistant material. The functional portion 31 must, in particular, withstand the high temperature prevailing in the vaporization chamber 21.

[0056] Preferably, the material composing the stopper 3 can be a metal alloy, for example an aluminum alloy. The use of a metal alloy allows good heat conduction between the walls of the housing 2 and the interior of the vaporization chamber 21. Thus, the presence of the functional portion 31 of the stopper 3 does not prevent heat transfer from the heating element 10 to the vaporization chamber 21. This also prevents the functional portion 31 from degrading inside the vaporization chamber 21 under the effect of heat.

[0057] Preferably, the heating element 10 is arranged opposite a wall of the housing 2 outside the vaporization chamber 21, preferably covering this wall of the housing 2. The heating element is configured to maintain a suitable temperature at inside the vaporization chamber 21, typically a temperature above 100°C, and preferably 120°C.

[0058] Advantageously, the housing 2 is made of a material resistant to high temperatures and allowing good thermal conductivity. For example, the material used may be a metal alloy, and in particular an aluminum alloy.

[0059] Preferably, the vaporization chamber 21 is an instantaneous type vaporization chamber. This means that the liquid injected into the vaporization chamber 21 is intended to be vaporized almost instantaneously, for example by coming into contact with a wall of the housing 2 or the functional portion 31 of the cap 3. The vaporization chamber 21 is therefore not intended to contain a large quantity of liquid.

[0060] Preferably, the steam generation assembly 1 may further include a distribution chamber 22, in steam communication with the vaporization chamber 21. For example, the housing 2 may include an additional internal cavity forming the distribution chamber 22. The steam formed by vaporization of the liquid in the vaporization chamber 21 is then intended to be distributed to the outside of the steam generation assembly 1 through distribution ports present in the distribution chamber 22.

[0061] Advantageously, the housing 2 can be monobloc, i.e., made as a single piece. Thus, the vaporization device is not formed by the assembly of two shells and does not require additional attachment areas. This increases the compactness of the vapor generation assembly 1.

[0062] The housing 2 can in particular be obtained by extrusion, and take the form of a profile extending along the longitudinal direction Y.

[0063] The vaporization chamber 21 can be formed between a lower wall 20 and an upper wall 29 of the extruded housing profile 2. The walls of the extruded housing 2 can be thin in order to increase the compactness of the vapor generation assembly 1.

[0064] The vaporization chamber 21 can be separated from the distribution chamber 22 by a wall. For example, the wall may include openings allowing the passage of vapor from the vaporization chamber 21 to the distribution chamber 22.

[0065] In the embodiment of [Fig.4], the vaporization chamber 21 and the distribution chamber 22 are delimited by the profile of the housing 2.

[0066] The distribution chamber 22 may include as a distribution orifice a slot 23 forming a linear nozzle extending along the longitudinal direction Y, for example on the upper wall 29 of the housing 2.

[0067] Advantageously, the housing 2 may include a wall extending outwards from the upper wall 29, in an orthogonal direction to the plane of the upper wall 29. This advantageously allows a receiving surface 28 of the heating element 10 to be defined. In [Fig.4], the receiving surface 28 is formed between two opposite walls.

[0068] Preferably, the housing 2 may include a wall extending outwards from the upper wall 29 by forming a hook 24. More specifically, in the embodiment shown in the figures, the housing 2 includes a first hook 24 and a second hook 25.

[0069] Preferably, the wall of the housing 2 may include at least one hollow shape intended to receive the means for fixing the plug 3 to the housing 2, for example the screws 83, 84, 85, 86.

[0070] On the extruded housing section 2 illustrated in [Fig.4], the housing wall 2 may include a lower fixing zone 27 located at the level of the lower wall 20, and a lateral fixing zone 26. The fixing zones 26, 27 may be U-shaped.

[0071] In the embodiment shown in [Fig.1], the housing 2 extends substantially along the longitudinal direction Y between a first end and a second end, and includes a liquid inlet orifice 4 at the first end, and a vapor outlet orifice 7 at the second end.

[0072] Although it appears from the above that the presence of the single plug 3 makes it possible to solve the technical problem, the steam generation assembly 1 shown in the figures for illustrative purposes may also include a second plug, in particular a functional plug.

[0073] More specifically, the steam generation assembly 1 may include a first plug 3 disposed at a first longitudinal end of the housing 2 and a second plug 6 disposed at a second longitudinal end of the housing 2, opposite the first longitudinal end.

[0074] The second stopper 6 and the first stopper 3 may have characteristics as described above. The second stopper 6 preferably comprises a functional portion 61 extending inside the vaporization chamber 21 and a scale management element.

[0075] In the embodiment illustrated in [Fig.1], the first cap 3 includes a scale management element which is a hydrophobic attached plate 50, and the second cap 6 includes a scale management element which is a solid limestone particle filtration grid 51.

[0076] The second plug 6 may include an external portion 62 intended to extend outside the housing 2.

[0077] For example, the second stopper 6 has a portion delimiting an outlet channel allowing the vapor formed in the vaporization chamber 21 to exit the Vaporization chamber 21. In this case, the second plug 6 can be described as a vapor outlet plug. The outlet channel could, however, be located directly on the housing 2, with the second plug 6 then being intended to completely seal the second end of the housing 2.

[0078] When the housing 2 is obtained by extrusion, the vaporization chamber 21 and the distribution chamber 22 extend over the entire length of the housing 2, and the wall separating the vaporization chamber 21 from the distribution chamber 22 does not have an orifice.

[0079] With reference to Figures 1 and 3, the external portion 62 can be used to cover the second end of the housing 2 in a sealed manner, while delimiting the vapor outlet channel outside the vaporization chamber 21. To this end, the external portion 62 of the second plug 6 can include a recess in a wall intended to abut against the second end of the housing 2. The recess is intended to receive a sealing gasket 66, ensuring a sealed obstruction of the outlet orifice 7, i.e. preventing the passage of liquid through the second end of the housing 2.

[0080] Once inserted into the vaporization chamber 21, the second plug 6 is intended to be held in position by any means of fastening, for example screws 85, 86. Preferably, the external portion 62 of the second plug 6 includes one or more orifices 63, 64, allowing the passage of a screw.

[0081] Advantageously, the face of the functional portion 61 of the second plug 6 oriented towards the interior of the vaporization chamber 21 may include a scale management element allowing to limit the scaling of the vapor generation assembly 1, in particular at the outlet channel.

[0082] The functional portion 61 may include a lug 65 extending along the longitudinal direction Y into the vaporization chamber 21. In the embodiment shown, the lug 65 may hold in position a scale management element having, for example, an anti-scale function. For example, the solid limescale particle filter 51 may be inserted onto the lug 65 before the second plug 6 is assembled with the vaporization device.

[0083] Like the first stopper 3, the second stopper 6 may include a scale management element which is a hydrophilic layer. For example, the second stopper 6, or only the functional portion 61 of the second stopper 6, may be coated with an anti-scale coating after the manufacture of the second stopper 6 and before its assembly with the vaporization device.

[0084] Preferably, the functional portion 31 of the first plug 3 and the functional portion 61 of the second plug 6 may have complementary lengths so as to extend over the entire length of the chamber of vaporization 21. This allows for several scale management elements to be distributed throughout the volume of the vaporization chamber 21.

[0085] In an embodiment not shown, the functional portion 61 of the second plug 6 may include scale management elements in the form of walls extending into the vaporization zone so as to form a baffle inside the vaporization chamber 21. A baffle is understood to mean any obstacle creating uneven vapor movement, for example in a zigzag pattern.

[0086] Advantageously, the functional portion 61 of the second plug 6 can comprise several walls arranged parallel, in a staggered pattern.

[0087] The presence of a baffle increases the distance traveled by the vapor in the vaporization chamber 21 and therefore its time spent in the casing 2. Thus, any remaining liquid droplets are completely vaporized before reaching the outlet channel.

[0088] Moreover, this advantageously allows solid particles to be retained in the baffle by trapping the scale homogeneously in the vaporization chamber 21, and prevents solid particles from clogging the outlet channel.

[0089] In an embodiment in which the steam generation assembly 1 comprises only a plug 3, the plug 3 may have a functional portion having all the aforementioned scale management elements, individually or in combination.

[0090] Steam generation assembly 1

[0091] As explained previously, the steam generation assembly 1 is intended to be integrated into a domestic steam appliance, in particular a portable appliance.

[0092] Fig. 5 represents an exploded view of an assembly 100 comprising the steam generation assembly 1 according to the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, intended to be integrated into a steam straightener jaw.

[0093] The assembly 100 comprises a plate 9 having a processing surface 92 fulfilling a specific function, as illustrated in the following examples. Those skilled in the art will understand that the processing surface 92 is not limited to a flat rectangular surface, and may have different geometries depending on the function performed.

[0094] The plate 9 can be heated by the heating element 10 used to heat the vaporization device with the vaporization chamber 21, which makes it possible to reduce the size of the vapor generation assembly 1. The heating element 10 can be arranged between the plate 9 and the housing 2, and can extend along the longitudinal axis Y over the entire length of the housing 2.

[0095] Alternatively, the plate 9 and the housing 2 can be heated by separate heating elements.

[0096] As illustrated in [Fig. 5], the hook 24 allows the housing 2 to be assembled with the plate 9 by hooking. The plate 9 comprises a first portion designed to engage directly with the first hook 24, and a second portion designed to engage with the second hook 25 by means of a spring blade 91. Screws 85, 86 secure the second plug 6 to the housing 2 at the U-shaped mounting area. This hook system allows for easy assembly and disassembly of the assembly 100.

[0097] The household appliance preferably includes a liquid reservoir 12, capable of containing the liquid intended to be vaporized in the vaporization chamber 21 of the vapor generation assembly 1.

[0098] The household appliance may include a pump, in particular a peristaltic pump, and at least one hose, intended to allow the liquid to be conveyed from the liquid reservoir 12 into the interior of the vaporization chamber 21.

[0099] The steam is then intended to be distributed from the steam generation assembly 1 to the treatment surface 92. For example, the steam can pass through steam distribution ports 23 located in the vaporization chamber 21 or in the optional distribution chamber 22. Alternatively, the steam can pass through the outlet channel provided in the second plug 6.

[0100] The cap 3 can be connected to a nozzle 43 allowing the inside of the housing 2 to be connected to the liquid reservoir 12. Alternatively, the liquid reservoir 12 can be in liquid communication with the inside of the vaporization chamber 21 without going through the cap 3.

[0101] The heating element 10 heats the liquid contained in the vaporization chamber 21, so that the liquid is transformed into vapor. Typically, the heating element 10 can be an electrical resistance with a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) or a metal-ceramic heating element (MCH).

[0102] Advantageously, the heating element 10 can be arranged between an outer surface of the upper wall 29 of the vaporization chamber 21, and a surface of the plate 9 opposite the treatment surface 92. This allows the heating element 10 to simultaneously heat the plate 9 and the vaporization chamber 21, and to reduce the size of the device in which the assembly is integrated.

[0103] The heating element 10 can be regulated by a temperature controller comprising a temperature sensor 11 for measuring a temperature of the heating element 10. The temperature sensor 11 can be a passive sensor or a thermistor, for example with a negative temperature coefficient (NTC).

[0104] The temperature sensor 11 can be disposed near the heating element 10, and preferably arranged above the plug 3, for example near the point of liquid injection into the vaporization chamber 21.

[0105] The presence of the temperature controller makes it advantageous to regulate the temperature inside the vaporization chamber 21. This ensures safe operation of the device and prevents the water from being completely vaporized, thereby limiting the risk of burns from splashes of hot liquid. It can also block the liquid supply under specific conditions, for example, if the measured temperature is too high. Alternatively, it can block the liquid supply if the temperature of the vaporization chamber 21 is below a threshold temperature that allows vaporization, particularly during the preheating of the device.

[0106] Integration of the assembly into a hair care device

[0107] The steam generation assembly 1 can advantageously be integrated into a personal care device producing steam, especially in a hair care device such as a hair styling device.

[0108] A first example of such a hair styling device is a steam straightener 101. By way of illustration, [Fig.6] is a schematic representation of such a device.

[0109] The steam straightener 101 comprises two opposing jaws articulated to form a clamp, into which a strand of hair to be styled can be placed. Assembly 100 is integrated into jaw M, which also includes the liquid reservoir 12. Alternatively, the liquid reservoir 12 can be located separately from the styling appliance 101.

[0110] The liquid contained in the liquid reservoir 12 may consist solely of water or include a cosmetic agent, for example.

[0111] During use of the device, the liquid is intended to enter the casing 2 by passing through the inlet channel delimited by the first stopper 3. The liquid is intended to be transformed into vapor under the action of the heating element 10 inside the vaporization chamber 21.

[0112] Typically, the heating element 10 can reach a suitable temperature to obtain a temperature in the vaporization chamber 21 of between 100°C and 150°C, or according to a reduced temperature range, of between 120°C and 140°C.

[0113] The vapor is intended to escape from the vaporization chamber 21 through distribution orifices (not shown), in order to be distributed at the level of the treatment surface 92. This means that the vapor escapes from the same side as the treatment surface 92, near the treatment surface 92, or through orifices passing through the treatment surface 92 for example.

[0114] For example, in assembly 100 of the embodiment illustrated in [Fig.5], the steam is intended to escape along the plate 9 through the slot-shaped distribution orifice 23.

[0115] Typically, the steam generation assembly 1 intended for integration into a hair styling appliance 101 of the straightener type can generate a steam flow rate of between 0.4 g / min and 2.2 g / min, preferably between 0.4 g / min and 1.2 g / min. The steam flow rate depends on the size of the vaporization chamber 21 and the power of the heating element 10.

[0116] The anti-heating function of the cap 3.6 is particularly advantageous. It allows for better vaporization of the liquid, resulting in a reduction of unwanted liquid splashing on the treatment surface 9.

[0117] In the embodiment shown schematically in [Fig.6], the vapor generation assembly 1 includes the second stopper 6, the functional portion of which has a wall 52 delimiting two distinct spaces in the vaporization chamber 21.

[0118] A second example of such a hairdressing device is a steam brush 102 shown schematically in [Fig.7].

[0119] The steam brush 102 comprises a liquid reservoir 12 and a steam generation assembly 1 according to the present invention. The heating element 10 and the temperature sensor 11 are arranged between the housing 2 and the plate 9.

[0120] The treatment surface 92 of the plaque 9 may include a plurality of teeth, bristles, or bristles for brushing, combing, or shaping hair. The teeth may have distribution orifices at their base, communicating with the interior of the vaporization chamber 21. Alternatively, the distribution orifices may be arranged between the teeth.

[0121] In the schematically represented embodiment, the steam generation assembly 1 includes the second plug 6, the functional portion of which has several walls 53 forming a baffle.

[0122] Integration of the assembly into a laundry care device

[0123] The steam generation assembly 1 can also be advantageously integrated into A garment care appliance, for example a portable garment steamer. Figure 8 is a schematic representation of such a household appliance.

[0124] The garment steamer 103 includes the plate 9 having the treatment surface 92, intended to be applied to, or directed towards, a fabric during the use of the appliance. The treatment surface 92 may have several geometries, for example a circular, oval, triangular, or rectangular shape, with rounded edges.

[0125] According to a preferred embodiment, the steam generation assembly 1 is integrated into the steam iron 103 so that the vaporization chamber 21 extends substantially parallel to the plate 9 having the treatment surface 92. Such an assembly makes it possible to gain in the compactness of the device, in particular in that it is possible to use a common heating element 10 to heat the steam generation assembly 1 and the plate 9.

[0126] When the steam generation assembly 1 is integrated into the garment steamer 103, the temperatures reached by the heating element 10 and the vaporization chamber 21 may be lower than when integrated into a hair styling appliance as previously described. For example, the temperature of the vaporization chamber 21 when the appliance is in operation is between 100°C and 180°C, preferably between 110°C and 150°C.

[0127] Therefore, the cap 3.6 can be made of a material other than a metal alloy, for example plastic.

[0128] The garment steamer 103 also includes a liquid reservoir 12, intended to hold a liquid, for example water or preferably demineralized water. A pump can convey the liquid from the liquid reservoir 12 to the vaporization chamber 21.

[0129] In the illustrated embodiment, the liquid reservoir 12 communicates with the vapor generation assembly 1 through the first plug 3. The second plug 6 obstructs the outlet orifice of the vaporization chamber, but the vaporization chamber 21 and the distribution chamber 22 are in fluid communication through the outlet channel delimited by the second plug 6.

[0130] The steam is intended to be distributed at the level of the treatment surface 92 through a plurality of distribution orifices 23, passing through the plate 9 and opening onto the treatment surface 92.

[0131] Typically, the steam generation assembly 1 integrated into the portable steam iron 103 can provide in operation a steam flow rate of between 5 g / min and 40 g / min, preferably between 20 g / min and 35 g / min.

Claims

Demands

1. Steam generation assembly (1) for a domestic appliance, comprising a vaporization device for transforming liquid into vapor by the action of a heating element (10), the vaporization device comprising a housing (2) with an internal cavity forming a vaporization chamber (21), the housing (2) having at least one opening intended to be closed by a plug (3), the steam generation assembly (1) being characterized in that it comprises a first plug (3) disposed at a first longitudinal end of the housing (2) and a second plug (6) disposed at a second longitudinal end of the housing (2), opposite the first longitudinal end, the first plug (3) comprising a functional portion (31) extending inside the vaporization chamber (21) and comprising a scale management element.

2. Steam generation assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein the scale management element of the functional portion (31) is selected from: - a hydrophobic layer (50), - a hydrophilic layer, - a solid particle filter (51), - a baffle wall (53).

3. Vapor generation assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the functional portion (31) of the first stopper (3) is intended to extend by forming contact with an internal surface of the vaporization chamber (21), preferably with two internal surfaces of the vaporization chamber (21).

4. Vapor generation assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the functional portion (31) of the first plug (3) extends along a longitudinal direction, and includes a wall extending in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal direction, so as to divide the vaporization chamber (21).

5. Steam generation assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first plug (3) is obtained by molding a metal alloy, preferably an aluminum alloy.

6. Steam generation assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising a heating element (10) arranged to cover a wall of the housing (2), so as to heat the vaporization chamber (21).

7. Vapor generation assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first stopper (3) has a portion delimiting an inlet channel (41) for liquid inlet into the vaporization chamber (21).

8. Steam generation assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the casing (2) is obtained by extrusion.

9. Steam generation assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the second plug (6) comprises a solid particle filter (51) and / or a baffle wall (53).

10. Vapor generation assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first stopper (3) comprises a hydrophobic layer (50), preferably of polytetrafluoroethylene.

11. Steam generation assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the first plug (3) and / or the second plug (6) comprises a hydrophilic layer.

12. Steam generation assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the casing (2) includes an additional internal cavity forming a distribution chamber (22), the distribution chamber (22) being in steam communication with the vaporization chamber (21) via an outlet channel, and comprising one or more steam distribution orifices (23).

13. Vapor generation assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the vaporization chamber (21) is an instantaneous type vaporization chamber.

14. Domestic appliance comprising - a liquid reservoir (12), intended to contain a liquid, - a vapor generation assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, in which the inner cavity forming the vaporization chamber (21) is in liquid communication with the liquid reservoir (12), so that the vapor generation assembly (1) is configured to vaporize the liquid from the liquid reservoir (12).

15. Domestic appliance according to claim 14, comprising a processing surface (92), and wherein the steam generation assembly (1) is configured to distribute steam on the same side as the processing surface (92).

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