Garment steamer

Abstract

A garment steamer having a portable case (3), comprising a steaming head (2) and a gripping portion extending in a direction transverse to the steaming head (2), the gripping portion comprising a handle (31) and a base (4), the base (4) being opposite the steaming head (2) with respect to the handle (31) and comprising a lower surface on which the garment steamer is intended to be placed in a resting position, the garment steamer further comprising: - an air suction circuit comprising a fan (40) and a motor (41) configured to drive the fan (40) in rotation about an axis of rotation; - a steam generation system;- a treatment face intended to be placed in contact with a piece of textile to be steamed and having at least one steam distribution orifice (22) connected to the steam generation system and at least one air intake orifice (24) connected to the air intake circuit; the air intake circuit comprising one or more air exhaust orifices (81) allowing the expulsion outside the apparatus of an airflow flowing from at least one air intake orifice when the fan (40) is rotating, the steaming apparatus being characterized in that the said air exhaust orifice(s) are all arranged on the lower surface of the base (4). Figure for the abbreviation: Fig. 3;

Description

Title of the invention: Wrinkle-steaming device FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of household appliances for laundry care, more specifically to steam ironing appliances. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] To iron or clean fabric, a portable garment steamer, commonly called a "steam iron" or "steamer" in English, can be used. Such portable devices generally include a treatment surface designed to be applied to the garment. The treatment surface is heated and advantageously includes steam distribution holes. By gliding the treatment surface over clothing or fabric, the steam jet 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.

[0003] In use, the garment steamer is intended to be held by the user in one hand for several minutes. Furthermore, it is particularly suitable for use by a user on the go and must be easily transportable in luggage. It must therefore be lightweight, compact, and ergonomic.

[0004] However, it has been observed that the user does not stretch the garment sufficiently and does not press the steaming surface firmly against the garment, thus limiting the effectiveness of the steamer. Consequently, steamers incorporating a suction system at the treatment surface have been proposed. This ensures that the fabric is properly pressed against the heated surface and helps to improve the garment's steaming. These improved devices, however, require new components, such as a fan or motor, making the devices heavier and more difficult to handle. Furthermore, the venting of the steam-laden airflow heated by the heating elements outside the device increases the risk of burns and can cause user discomfort. Description of the invention

[0005] One object of the invention is to provide an ergonomic and efficient portable garment steamer with comfortable use and limiting the risk of burns when the device operates by sucking up air charged with steam.

[0006] This objective is achieved by a garment steamer having a portable casing, comprising a steaming head and a gripping portion extending in a direction transverse to the steamer head, the gripping portion comprising a handle and a base, the base being opposite the steamer head relative to the handle and comprising a lower surface on which the steamer is intended to be placed in its resting position, the steamer further comprising

[0007] - an air intake circuit comprising a fan and a motor configured for to rotate the fan around an axis of rotation;

[0008] - a steam generation system;

[0009] - a treatment surface intended to be placed against a piece of textile to be steamed and featuring at least one steam distribution port connected to the steam generation system and at least one air intake port connected to the air intake circuit;

[0010] the air intake circuit comprising one or more air exhaust ports allowing the expulsion outside the device of an airflow flowing from at least one air intake port when the fan is rotating,

[0011] the garment steamer being characterized in that the said air exhaust orifice(s) are all arranged on the lower surface of the base.

[0012] The proposed garment steamer features various functionalities that allow for the effective steaming of a piece of fabric. The handle and the distribution of the different functional components between the steaming head and the base ensure good weight distribution, thus improving the ergonomics of the device. When not in use, the device can simply be placed on the lower surface of the base. When the device is in use, it is held in a vertical position, typically for steaming a garment hanging on a hanger. The air drawn in at the steaming head circulates through the device before being expelled through the air exhaust vent on the lower surface, which is oriented towards the floor. User comfort is also improved compared to devices in which the outgoing airflow is directed towards the user.Furthermore, this reduces the risk of burns, as the expelled air could be heated as it passes through the device.

[0013] The garment steamer may have the following advantageous and non-limiting characteristics, taken alone or in any technically feasible combination: • The lower surface of the base includes a removable cover intended to close an opening allowing access to an internal cavity of the gripping portion, the air exhaust orifice being formed through the cover. • The device includes multiple air exhaust vents arranged around the periphery of the lower surface of the base. The presence of several vents reduces the risk of clogging the suction circuit. air, or even obstruction, could cause the device to malfunction. The fan and motor are arranged in the base, and the air intake system comprises a central air circulation channel, in which the motor is located; and a peripheral air circulation channel, concentric with the central air circulation channel and in fluid communication with the air exhaust port. The fan is configured to drive an airflow from the air intake port to the air exhaust port, through the peripheral air circulation channel. This protects the motor from the airflow from the air intake port, which is laden with vapor. The base includes a side wall extending transversely across the lower surface, the side surface having at least one cooling air inlet connected to the central air circulation channel. This allows the cooling airflow to be drawn in at the base, where the air is not laden with vapor. The base includes a cooling fan arranged within the central air circulation channel. The cooling fan is configured to be driven in rotation by the engine, allowing airflow from the cooling air intake into the central air circulation channel towards the engine when the cooling fan is rotating. This enables the engine to be cooled with dry air. The lower surface of the base includes at least one cooling air outlet connected to the central air circulation channel. This prevents the cooling airflow from being directed towards the user, thus improving user comfort. The cooling air outlet is radially closer to the engine's axis of rotation than the exhaust air outlet. This allows the outlets to be directly matched to their corresponding duct, without intermediaries, and increases the device's compactness. The lower surface of the base includes a protruding portion upstream of the cooling air outlet, partially obstructing the outlet to create a baffle at the exit of the central airflow channel. This diverts the airflow exiting the case and reduces the risk of liquid entering the central airflow channel from outside the device. • The lower surface of the base includes multiple cooling air outlets evenly distributed around the motor's axis of rotation. The presence of several outlets reduces the risk of the central airflow channel becoming clogged or even blocked, which could lead to device malfunction. • The steam generation system is housed within the steamer head, and the air intake system includes a top airflow channel formed between the upper wall of the handheld unit and the steam generation system. This cools the upper wall of the unit by thermally insulating it from the steam generation system, thus reducing the risk of burns during use. • The device includes a conduit integrated into the handle and attached to the base, configured to connect the upper air circulation channel and the air intake circuit at the base with fluid. This facilitates assembly of the device and protects any electronic components located in the gripping portion outside the intermediate air circulation channel. • The extension duct is connected to the upper air circulation duct at its upper end. The duct includes a sealing gasket at this upper end to prevent air from passing through the junction between the upper end of the extension duct and the upper air circulation duct. This ensures that all air drawn in through the appropriate opening circulates within the air intake system. It also prevents condensation from forming outside the intermediate air circulation duct. DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0014] 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:

[0015] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a garment steamer according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0016] Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the garment steamer of Fig. 1.

[0017] Fig. 3 is a rear perspective view of the garment steamer in Fig. 1. before tank assembly.

[0018] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a lid forming the lower surface of the garment steamer in another embodiment.

[0019] Figure 5 is an exploded view of the steaming device of Figure 1 before assembly.

[0020] Throughout all the figures, similar elements bear identical references. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] With reference to [Fig. 1], the garment steamer has a portable unit 3 comprising a steaming head 2 and a gripping portion extending in a direction transverse to the steaming head 2. By "transverse," it is understood that the steaming head 2 extends in a direction (axis M) that is not parallel to the principal direction (axis P) along which the gripping portion extends. Thus, axis M forms a non-zero angle with axis P, and axis M may be orthogonal to axis P, or may have a non-right angle with axis P, as in the illustrated embodiment.

[0022] The gripping portion includes a handle 31 and a base 4 opposite the steaming head 2 with respect to the handle 31. The portable case 3 can typically have a flared shape at the base 4, i.e. wider than at the handle 31.

[0023] The base 4 includes a lower surface on which the garment steamer 1 can be placed in its resting position. Typically, the lower surface is substantially flat, so that the garment steamer 1 can be placed vertically on a flat surface S, for example a table or shelf, in its resting position when not in use.

[0024] When the garment steamer is in use, the handheld unit 3 is designed to be grasped by the user at the handle 31. It is intended to be operated with one hand. The handle 31 is then held by the user, with the steaming head 2 oriented towards the garment to be steamed. The handle 31 preferably has an ergonomic surface and shape to improve user comfort when operating the garment steamer.

[0025] The garment steamer includes a treatment surface intended to be placed against a piece of fabric to be steamed, and more specifically to be pressed against the fabric, typically hung on a hanger. The treatment surface is considered to correspond to a "front" end of the steamer head 2. The garment steamer 1 is then held substantially vertically. "Vertically" means that the steamer head 2 is above the gripping portion of the handheld unit 3, or that the base 4 is below the handle 31.

[0026] Wrinkle-removing head

[0027] The garment steamer 1 includes an air intake circuit. The air intake circuit is adapted to allow air to be drawn in at the level of the surface being treated. To this end, the steamer head 2 includes at least one air intake orifice 24, allowing outside air to be drawn in to the garment steamer. 1 when it is in use, and thus to press the piece of textile to be steamed against the treatment face.

[0028] The steaming head 2 includes a steam generation system. The steam generation system is adapted to allow steam to be emitted at the level of the treatment face. To this end, the treatment face has at least one steam distribution orifice 22, intended to vent steam formed in the steaming head 2 onto the textile piece to be steamed. The at least one steam distribution orifice 22 is typically located in a central position on the treatment plate 20, so that the projected steam is distributed over the surface of the textile piece pressed against the treatment face.

[0029] Preferably, the treatment face includes a plurality of steam distribution orifices 22 distributed over the surface of the treatment plate 20. The steam distribution orifices 22 may be in the form of holes or slots.

[0030] Typically, the steam generation system includes a vaporization chamber 21, in steam communication with the outside of the steaming device 1 at the level of the treatment face, via the steam distribution orifice 22.

[0031] The vaporization chamber 21 is heated by a heating element 23. The heating element 23 is configured to heat the walls of the vaporization chamber 21, so that a liquid injected into the vaporization chamber 21 is vaporized. Preferably, the vaporization chamber 21 is in thermal contact with the treatment plate 20. This advantageously allows the treatment plate 20 to be heated via the vaporization chamber 21, which is brought to a temperature above 100°C, preferably between 140°C and 150°C. Thus, the garment steamer 1 can be more compact and lighter, which facilitates its use and reduces the risk of it being dropped.

[0032] The heating element 23 can be a heating resistor, typically powered when the steamer 1 is switched on. The heating element 23 typically has a power rating of 2000 W or less, preferably between 1200 and 1400 W. Preferably, the heating element 23 of the steam generation system is located near the treatment plate 20. Thus, the treatment plate 20 can be heated by the heating element 23. This allows the treatment plate 20 to be heated to achieve more effective steaming when the treatment plate 20 is positioned in relation to a piece of fabric. The treatment plate 20 comprises a conductive material, preferably a metal alloy, for example, aluminum. It may be coated. The treatment plate 20 may have various shapes, such as, for example, a rectangular or triangular shape.

[0033] Preferably, the vaporization chamber 21 and the treatment plate 20 are a single unit and incorporate the heating element 23. In other words, the treatment plate 20 can be integral with the vaporization chamber 21; that is, the treatment plate 20 and the walls of the vaporization chamber 21 are made in one piece, preferably from a conductive material such as a metal alloy, typically aluminum. This allows the treatment plate 20 and the vaporization chamber 21 to be heated simultaneously, further increasing the compactness of the garment steamer 1. Of course, in an alternative embodiment not shown, the treatment plate 20 may include its own heating element, independent of the heating element 23 of the steam generation system.

[0034] Preferably, a pump 25 is also disposed in the upper portion of the portable housing 3, in fluid communication with the steam generation system. The vaporization chamber 21 is connected to the pump 25. Typically, the liquid is injected into the vaporization chamber delimited by the vaporization chamber 21 via the pump 25. The pump 25 is arranged to circulate the liquid to be vaporized towards the vaporization chamber 21. The pump 25 is preferably disposed near the vaporization chamber 21, in the steaming head 2.

[0035] The steam generation system is in fluid communication with a liquid reservoir 5, in order to generate steam from the liquid stored in the reservoir 5. Preferably, the steaming head 2 may include a receiving wall for the reservoir 5, on which the reservoir 5 can be mounted. The receiving wall is, for example, a rear face of the steaming head 2, opposite the processing face. The receiving wall typically includes a liquid injection port 25, configured to allow liquid communication between the reservoir 5 and the steaming system. For example, the liquid injection port is in communication with a liquid inlet channel of the pump 25. For example, the pump 25 is disposed in the steaming head 2 between the steam generation system and the reservoir 5.

[0036] Since the reservoir 5 is located outside the portable unit 3, it is not necessary to disassemble the device to fill the reservoir 5. The reservoir 5 preferably has a capacity of approximately 100 mL. The reservoir 5 may include a filling opening closed by a cap. The reservoir 5 preferably includes a transparent casing, defining the outer wall of the reservoir 5, equipped with a removable cap allowing the reservoir 5 to be filled. Alternatively or additionally, the reservoir 5 may be removably mounted on the portable unit 3. This allows the garment steamer to be easily refilled with liquid.

[0037] The reservoir 5 preferably includes a ball valve, configured to close when the reservoir 5 is disconnected from the portable housing 3, in order to prevent water from flowing out of the reservoir 5. Preferably, the reservoir 5 includes a vent configured to allow air to enter when the water level drops in the reservoir 5 and to prevent the reservoir 5 from being under negative pressure. Advantageously, the vent is also configured to allow air contained in the reservoir 5 to be expelled when the pressure in the reservoir 5 increases.

[0038] Preferably, the assembly head 2 includes a nozzle 26 fixed at the open front end, the nozzle 26 being configured to support the treatment plate 20 and the steam generation system. This allows for simple assembly of the garment steamer head 2 of the appliance.

[0039] Preferably, the air intake circuit includes, at the steaming head 2, an upper air circulation channel formed between an upper wall of the handheld unit 3 and the steam generation system. Thus, air can flow around the steam generation system, being confined within the handheld unit 3. This cools the walls of the steaming device at the steaming head 2. This reduces user discomfort caused by the hot surface.

[0040] The steaming head 2 may include a sealing gasket 27 disposed within the steaming head 2, behind the treatment face. The sealing gasket 27 is configured to prevent air from escaping outside the upper air circulation channel. Thus, all the air drawn in through the air intake port 24 can flow through the air circulation duct until it is expelled through the air exhaust port 81. The sealing gasket 27 advantageously prevents water from entering the air intake circuit from outside the appliance, which could damage the components.

[0041] Air suction circuit

[0042] With reference to [Fig. 2], the air intake circuit comprises a fan 40 and a motor 41, intended to drive the fan 40 in rotation about an axis of rotation. The fan 40, forming part of the air intake circuit, is configured to generate an airflow between the air intake port 24 of the steamer head 2 and the base 4.

[0043] The device includes one or more air exhaust ports 81 connected to the air intake circuit. The device is characterized in that all the air exhaust ports 81 are located on the lower surface of the base 4. The set of air exhaust ports 81 allows the intake airflow, drawn in at least at one air intake port 24, to be expelled from the device when the fan 40 is rotating. This ensures that no airflow The air is not directed towards the user when the device 1 is held vertically. This improves user comfort. In particular, the device 1 has no air exhaust vents on the sides of the portable housing 3.

[0044] Preferably, the portable unit 3 is formed by a one-piece casing, preferably a casing made of a plastic material. Typically, the base 4 is formed by a lower portion of the one-piece casing, extending from the handle 31. This increases the garment steamer's resistance to impacts, particularly drops.

[0045] Generally, the gripping portion may define an internal cavity within which functional elements of the garment steamer, typically a steam generation system or elements of the air intake circuit, may be arranged. Preferably, the lower surface of the base 4 includes an opening providing access to said cavity. This allows for simple assembly of the functional components of the base 4 inside the portable housing 3. For example, the opening is sized to allow insertion of the motor 41 and the fan 40 into the lower portion from outside the device. Typically, the lower portion of the portable housing 3 has a substantially cylindrical shape with an open base.

[0046] The garment steamer preferably includes a removable cover 8, intended to block the opening. In other words, the opening is closed after assembly of the garment steamer by the cover 8. The cover 8 can be attached to the plastic casing by any means, for example by a screw or by a mechanical system holding it in position within the opening. With reference to Figures 3 and 4, the cover 8 is attached to the base 4 by means of a plurality of screws arranged in locations 83 provided for this purpose. Other mechanisms for attaching the cover 8 to the garment steamer can be considered, for example, a clip system or a thread on a wall of the base 4 designed to receive a corresponding thread on the cover 8.

[0047] Preferably, at least one air exhaust port 81 passes through the cover 8. The presence of a separate cover advantageously allows for cleaning the air intake circuit, for example, removing particles or lint that may have been drawn into the appliance and could obstruct the rotation of the motor 41 around its shaft 42. The cover 8 also allows for the removal of faulty components after assembly and facilitates maintenance of the garment steamer. This contributes to increasing its service life.

[0048] The steaming head 2 may include a plurality of air intake ports 24. The air intake ports 24 may be arranged around the treatment plate 20, that is, on the periphery of the treatment surface. For example, they can extend over the entire circumference of the treatment plate 20. Alternatively, the air suction ports 24 can extend over several sides of the treatment plate 20.

[0049] Preferably, the garment steamer comprises a plurality of air exhaust vents 81 arranged around the periphery of the lower surface of the base 4. For example, the cross-section through which the airflow passes at the treatment face may be identical to the cross-section through which it passes at the lower surface. This avoids significant accelerations or decelerations of the airflow that could increase the noise emitted by the device, and thus reduce user comfort.

[0050] In the embodiments shown, the air exhaust vents 81 have a slot shape along the periphery of a circle concentric to the cylindrical wall of the lower portion. Alternatively or additionally, the air exhaust vents 81 may have different shapes (circular, oblong) and different arrangements on the lower surface. Their number and surface area are configured to allow sufficient airflow from the device.

[0051] 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, even more preferably, an air suction flow rate greater than 20 m3 / h and less than 50 m3 / h.

[0052] Preferably, the fan 40 and the motor 41 are arranged in the base 4. This allows the air intake circuit to pass through the entire steamer. For example, the fan 40 and the motor 41 are assembled on a modular unit intended to be mounted in the portable case 3 by insertion through the opening in the lower surface of the base 4.

[0053] The air intake circuit can then extend into the handle 31 of the garment steamer 1. Typically, the handle 31 includes a hollow volume defining an intermediate air circulation channel in fluid communication with the air intake circuit at the steamer head 2. The intermediate air circulation channel allows air to circulate from the upper portion of the portable unit 3 to the lower portion in which the fan 40 is arranged. In other words, the intermediate air circulation channel is configured to connect the upper air circulation channel and the air intake circuit at the base 4. The intermediate air circulation channel can be formed by an added duct 32 inside the handle 31, and integral with the modular unit on which the motor 41 and the fan 40 are assembled, i.e., integral with the base 4.

[0054] The added duct 32 is connected to the upper air circulation channel at one upper end. Preferably, a sealing gasket 33 is disposed on The upper end is located at the junction between the intermediate air circulation channel and the steamer head 2. The sealing gasket 33 is configured to prevent air from passing through the junction between the upper end of the attached duct 32 and the upper air circulation channel. In other words, the sealing gasket 33 prevents air from escaping outside the air intake circuit at the upper end of the attached duct 32. The airflow from the air intake port 24 thus passes through the intermediate air circulation channel without escaping from the steamer 1. This limits pressure losses and improves suction efficiency, and therefore the quality of the steaming.

[0055] Preferably, the air intake circuit comprises, at the base 4, two distinct air circulation channels separated from each other by partitions:

[0056] - a central air circulation channel, in which the motor 41 is arranged; and

[0057] - a peripheral air circulation channel, concentric with the air circulation channel central and in fluid communication with the air exhaust port 81.

[0058] The fan 40 is configured to drive the airflow from the air intake port 24 of the steaming head 2 to the air exhaust port 81, through the peripheral air circulation channel. Thus, the air from the air intake port 24 does not pass into the central air circulation channel where the motor 4L is located. Indeed, the air drawn in at the air intake ports 24, situated near the steam distribution ports 22, can draw in a flow of air laden with water vapor. Condensation can therefore form in the air intake circuit, and the droplets will then be expelled through the air exhaust ports 81, without passing through the motor 4L. This prevents condensation from forming in the internal cavity where the motor 41 is located and prevents moisture from damaging the electronic components and mechanical parts included in the base 4.

[0059] In addition, the central air circulation channel can serve as a cooling circuit for the 4L engine. Typically, the central air circulation channel includes separate air inlets and outlets from the air intake port 24 and the air exhaust port 81.

[0060] For example, the base 4 includes a side wall extending transversely across the lower surface, comprising at least one cooling air inlet 44 connected to the central air circulation channel. Dry air at ambient temperature can be drawn in through the cooling air inlet 44 and circulate around the periphery of the motor 41 in order to cool it.

[0061] Preferably, the cooling airflow is accelerated by mechanical means. Typically, the base 4 includes a cooling fan 43 disposed in the central air circulation channel. The cooling fan 43 is configured to be driven in rotation by the motor 41, around the shaft 42. This allows a cooling airflow to be drawn into the central air circulation channel towards the motor 41, from the cooling air inlet port 44, when the cooling propeller 43 is rotating.

[0062] Preferably, the lower surface of the base 4 has at least one cooling air outlet 82 connected to the central air circulation channel. The air drawn in through the cooling air inlet 44 when the cooling fan 43 is rotating is expelled from the steamer 1 through the cooling air outlet 82.

[0063] The cooling air outlet 82 can pass through the cover 8 closing the opening of the base 4.

[0064] Typically, the cooling propeller (or fan) 43 is arranged below the motor 41, i.e. between the motor 41 and the lower surface of the base 4. This helps to protect the motor 41 from accidental liquid splashes from the cooling air outlet 81, typically if the device 1 is placed on a wet surface.

[0065] In the illustrated embodiment, the cooling air outlet 82 is radially closer to the axis of rotation of the motor 41 than the air exhaust outlet 81. The outlets are thus directly aligned with the axis of their respective air circulation channel. This reduces pressure losses and simplifies the assembly of the garment steamer 1.

[0066] Preferably, the lower surface of the base 4 comprises a plurality of cooling air outlet orifices 82 distributed regularly around the axis of rotation of the engine 4L. In the embodiment of [Fig.3], the plurality of cooling air outlet orifices 82 are small diameter circular orifices arranged around the axis of rotation 42 in two concentric circles.

[0067] In the embodiment of [Fig.4], the plurality of cooling air outlet orifices 82 are wider oblong orifices, substantially trapezoidal in shape, with rounded corners.

[0068] Preferably, the lower surface of the base 4 includes a protruding portion 84 partially obstructing the cooling air outlet 82. Typically, the protruding portion is located upstream of the cooling air outlet 82, inside the cover 8. The term "upstream" is used in the direction of airflow from the air intake 24. In other words, the protruding portion 84 is opposite the cooling air outlet 82, the airflow being deflected by the protruding portion before exiting the steamer 1 through the cooling air outlet 82.

[0069] The protruding portion is arranged to form a baffle just upstream of the outlet of the central air circulation channel. By "baffle" is meant that the cooling air outlet 82 is covered by a flat portion extending in a plane substantially parallel to the lower surface, the cooling airflow then escaping through the space formed between the two planes.

[0070] With reference to [Fig. 4], the cover 8 comprises four cooling air outlets 82, each arranged on a quarter of a circle centered on the axis of rotation 42. Each cooling air outlet 82 is covered by a protruding portion 84 forming a baffle, extending inside the cover 8 in a plane substantially parallel to the surface of the outlet, i.e., in a plane substantially parallel to that of the lower surface. The intermediate space formed between the lower surface of the base 4 and the cooling air outlet 82 allows the airflow to flow out of the device collinear with the lower surface and not in a direction orthogonal to the lower surface. The deflection of the airflow and the presence of the protruding portion 84 reduce the noise at the motor outlet 41 and thus improve user comfort.In addition, the protruding portion, partially blocking the cooling air outlet 82, helps to protect the functional elements of the base 4 from liquid splashes originating outside the device.

[0071] Assembly of the device

[0072] Preferably, the handheld unit 3 comprises a one-piece plastic shell such that the upper portion, the handle 31, and the lower portion of the handheld unit 3 are formed by the one-piece shell. For example, the handheld unit 3 may be made of polypropylene or polycarbonate. The one-piece shell forming the handheld unit is preferably made of plastic in order to limit the weight of the device and thus its ease of use. This also reduces the manufacturing cost of the device and can facilitate its production. The one-piece plastic shell is, for example, obtained by molding.

[0073] The air intake circuit, comprising the motor 41 and the fan 40, are assembled by insertion into the lower portion of the portable housing 3. The base 4 is typically integral with the added duct 32. The added duct 32 is then configured to mechanically join the steaming head 2. This allows for increased mechanical strength of the components after assembly.

[0074] The garment steamer 1 is designed for easy handling and is therefore intended to have a balanced mass distribution between the steaming head 2 and the base 4. Thus, the garment steamer 1 advantageously has a center of gravity located in the handle 31, regardless of the fill level of the reservoir 5. This helps to reduce the risk of the appliance falling when it is in the resting position.

[0075] Preferably, the mass of the steaming head 2 and the mass of the base 4 are each at least equal to 40% of the total mass of the steaming device 1, typically less than or equal to 1.4 kg. The steaming device 1 is thus easy to handle and ergonomic in that the masses of the steaming head 2 and the base 4 are substantially equivalent.

[0076] Device control

[0077] Preferably, the base 4 includes control means configured to control steam emission and air intake. The control means 7 are preferably located on the handle 31, so that they can be operated by the user with the hand used to hold the garment steamer 1. This makes the garment steamer 1 more ergonomic and easier to use.

[0078] Typically, the handle 31 has a substantially cylindrical shape, with an internal diameter greater than the diameter of the attached duct 32. Thus, a void is defined between the wall of the attached duct and the plastic housing at the handle 31. This allows for the passage of connectors linking the device's control means to an electronic board. Advantageously, the void is confined outside the air circulation circuit, which prevents the electronic components from being in a humid environment, as the intake air circulating in the device is laden with vapor. The electronic board can be placed in the base 4, within this hollow space.

[0079] The garment steamer 1 may include, for example, a power button 74, allowing the garment steamer 1 to be switched on.

[0080] The garment steamer 1 may include a spray trigger 72, configured to allow targeted steam distribution from at least one steam distribution orifice 22. For example, pressing the spray trigger 72 by the user can activate the pump 25 and inject liquid from the reservoir 5 into the steaming chamber 21. Water in liquid and / or vapor form can then be sprayed onto the garment to be steamed opposite the treatment plate 20, thus improving steaming efficiency. Preferably, steam is sprayed outside the garment 1 as long as the spray trigger 72 is held down by the user.Pressing the vaporization trigger 72 can also activate the motor 41, thereby rotating the fan 40 so that an airflow is drawn in through the air intake orifice 24 when the device is in suction operating mode.

[0081] Preferably, the pump 25 is configured to supply the steam generation system with a flow rate of 35 ml / min or less. This flow rate is sufficient to allow steam distribution to the textile item to be steamed. The flow rate must be limited in order to reduce the risk of liquid splashing outside the device, which could cause a burn or damage to the textile part.

[0082] The garment steamer 1 may include, for example, a suction control button 73. The suction control button 73 typically allows the user to select an operating mode for the garment steamer 1. The suction control button 73 can control, via the electronic board, the power supply to the motor 41 so as to modulate the rotational speed of the fan 40 and thus the flow rate of the suctioned air. Preferably, the garment steamer 1 can also operate in a mode without suction. This allows the device to be adapted to the type of textile item to be steamed.

[0083] Powering the device

[0084] The garment steamer 1 can be powered by a power cord 6, designed to be plugged into a standard electrical outlet to connect the garment steamer 1 to a domestic electrical network. The power cord 6 operates the components of the steam generation system and the air suction circuit. In particular, it provides power to the electronic board, the motor 41, and the heating element 23.

[0085] Preferably, the power cord 6 may be fixed to the base 4. The power cord 6 may be removable. Typically, the cover 8 may include an opening 61 on a lateral surface, and the base 4 may include a complementary opening, near the lower surface, so as to form an opening sufficient to connect the base 4 to the power cord 6.

[0086] The power cord 6 preferably has a length between 100 cm and 300 cm. This advantageously allows a user to apply the treatment plate 20 to a garment hanging on a hanger at a height greater than 1.5 meters from the ground. The power cord 6 has a limited length so as to reduce the risk of unbalancing the device.

[0087] Use of the garment steamer

[0088] The operation of the garment steamer 1 will now be described. When the user wishes to use the garment steamer 1, they fill the reservoir 5 with liquid, typically water. They connect the garment steamer 1 to the household electrical supply via the power cord 6 and then switch on the garment steamer 1 by pressing the power button 74.

[0089] The heating element 23 of the steam generation system is then supplied with electrical current so as to reach its operating temperature. Preferably, the treatment plate 20 is also heated.

[0090] When the user wishes to use the device 1 in a vertical steaming position, he brings the treatment plate 20 vertically in front of the textile piece to be steamed and then presses on the control means, for example on the vaporization trigger 72, which has the effect of operating the pump 25 and allowing the flow of liquid from the reservoir 5 to the vaporization chamber 21.

[0091] The steam produced in the vaporization chamber 21 then escapes through the steam distribution orifices 22. The steam is then diffused onto the textile piece which, combined with the heating and drying action of the treatment plate 20, allows for effective wrinkle removal.

[0092] Simultaneously, the control means can activate an air intake in combination with the steam distribution. Typically, the pressure of the steam trigger 72 drives the operation of the motor 4L. Consequently, the fan 40 is driven to rotate around the shaft 42, so that air is drawn in through the air intake orifice 24. The intake allows the textile to be pressed against the treatment plate 20. The steam emission combined with the intake thus optimizes the wrinkle removal. Furthermore, the air intake also promotes the drying of the portion of the textile that has just been steamed. It has been found that this particular process allows the wrinkle removal effect to be maintained for a longer period after the textile has been treated.

[0093] Advantageously, the suction control button 73 can be used to change the rotation speed of the motor 41, and thus adapt the flow of air sucked up to the textile piece to be steamed.

[0094] According to another embodiment, the control means allow the user to control the suction independently of the steam distribution control. Thus, the user could control the steam distribution alone or in combination with the suction.

[0095] During treatment, the user can move the steamer 1 vertically, for example, from top to bottom, to treat all or part of the textile item. The air is expelled downwards, limiting any risk of burns or discomfort to the user. The steamer 1 can also be used occasionally in a horizontal steaming position, for example, to steam a horizontally placed textile item by bringing the treatment surface 20 horizontally above the textile item. For example, the textile item may be placed against a table, such as a tablecloth, or be part of a piece of furniture, such as an armchair. Preferably, in this mode of use, the suction is deactivated.

[0096] The invention is not limited to the embodiment described and shown in the accompanying figures. Modifications remain possible, particularly with regard to the constitution of the various technical features or by substitution of technical equivalents, without departing from the general principles.

Claims

Demands

1. A garment steamer having a portable case (3), comprising a steamer head (2) and a gripping portion extending in a direction transverse to the steamer head (2), the gripping portion comprising a handle (31) and a base (4), the base (4) being opposite the steamer head (2) with respect to the handle (31) and comprising a lower surface on which the garment steamer is intended to be placed in a resting position, the garment steamer further comprising: - an air intake circuit comprising a fan (40) and a motor (41) configured to drive the fan (40) in rotation about an axis of rotation; - a steam generation system;- a treatment face intended to be placed in contact with a piece of textile to be steamed and having at least one steam distribution orifice (22) connected to the steam generation system and at least one air suction orifice (24) connected to the air suction circuit; the air suction circuit comprising one or more air exhaust orifices (81) allowing the expulsion outside the apparatus of an airflow flowing from at least one air suction orifice when the fan (40) is rotating, the steaming apparatus being characterized in that the said air exhaust orifice(s) are all arranged on the lower surface of the base (4).

2. A garment steamer according to claim 1, wherein the lower surface of the base (4) includes a removable cover (8) for closing an opening allowing access to an internal cavity of the gripping portion, the air exhaust orifice (81) being formed through the cover.

3. Wrinkle-smoothing device according to any one of claims 1 and 2, comprising a plurality of air exhaust orifices (81) arranged around the periphery of the lower surface of the base (4).

4. A garment steamer according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the fan (40) and the motor (41) are arranged in the base (4), and wherein the air intake circuit comprises: - a central air circulation channel, in which the motor (41) is arranged; and - a peripheral air circulation channel, concentric with the central air circulation channel and in fluid communication with the air exhaust port (81), the fan (40) being configured to drive an airflow from the air intake port (24) to the air exhaust port (81), through the peripheral air circulation channel.

5. Wrinkle-sweating device according to claim 4, wherein the base (4) comprises a side wall extending transversely to the lower surface, the side surface having at least one cooling air inlet orifice (44) connected to the central air circulation channel.

6. A garment steaming apparatus according to any one of claims 4 and 5, wherein the base (4) comprises a cooling fan (43) arranged in the central air circulation channel, the cooling fan (43) being configured to be driven in rotation by the motor (41), to permit circulation of an airflow from the cooling air inlet port (44) in the central air circulation channel towards the motor (41), when the cooling fan (43) is rotating.

7. Wrinkle-free device according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the lower surface of the base (4) includes at least one cooling air outlet orifice (82) connected to the central air circulation channel.

8. Wrinkle-sweating device according to claim 7, wherein the cooling air outlet orifice (82) is radially closer to the axis of rotation of the motor (41) than the air exhaust orifice (81).

9. Wrinkle-smoothing device according to any one of claims 7 and 8, wherein the lower surface of the base (4) comprises a protruding portion (84) upstream of the cooling air outlet orifice (82), and partially obstructing the cooling air outlet orifice (82) so as to form a baffle at the outlet of the central air circulation channel.

10. A garment steamer according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the lower surface of the base (4) comprises a plurality of cooling air outlet ports (82) distributed regularly around the axis of rotation of the engine (41).

11. Wrinkle-steaming device any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the steam generation system is arranged in the steaming head (2), and wherein the air intake circuit includes an upper air circulation channel formed between an upper wall of the handheld casing (3) and the steam generation system.

12. Garment steaming device according to claim 11, comprising a conduit (32) attached inside the handle (31) and integral with the base (4), configured to connect the upper air circulation channel and the air suction circuit at the base (4) with fluid.

13. A garment steaming device according to claim 12, wherein the added duct (32) is connected to the upper air circulation channel at an upper end, the duct comprising a sealing gasket (33) disposed on the upper end, to prevent air from passing through at the junction between the upper end of the added duct (32) and the upper air circulation channel.

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