Garment steamer

Abstract

A garment steamer having a portable housing (3) comprising a garment steamer head (2) and a gripping portion (31) extending in a direction transverse to the garment steamer head (2), 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; - a steam generation system arranged in the garment steamer head (2); - a reservoir (5) intended to contain a liquid intended to be vaporized by the steam generation system; - a pump (25) configured to supply the steam generation system with the liquid contained in the reservoir (5); and - a treatment face intended to be brought into 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 suction orifice (24) connected to the air suction circuit;The garment steamer is characterized in that the pump (25) is arranged in a portion of the air intake circuit so as to be swept by an airflow when the fan (40) is rotating. Figure for the abbreviation: Fig. 4;

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 "steamer," 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 through which steam is projected. 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.

[0003] The device must include a pump connected to a liquid reservoir to supply the steam generation system. In addition, a heating element is required for steam generation and heating the processing plate.

[0004] 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.

[0005] Thus, the various functional elements of the device must be arranged in close proximity to one another. There is a risk that the heat emitted by the heating element may damage the elements adjacent to the steam generation system, particularly the pump.

[0006] Furthermore, it has been observed that the user does not stretch the garment sufficiently and does not press the steaming plate firmly against the fabric to be steamed. To address this misuse, steaming devices incorporating an air 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 wrinkle removal. However, these devices require new components, such as a fan or a motor, which makes them heavier and more difficult to handle. Description of the invention

[0007] One object of the invention is to provide a compact and ergonomic portable garment steamer, allowing efficient steaming of a piece of textile and with a long service life.

[0008] This objective is achieved by a garment steamer having a portable unit comprising a garment steamer head and a gripping portion extending transversely to the garment steamer head, the garment steamer further comprising

[0009] - an air intake circuit comprising a fan and a motor configured for set the fan in rotation;

[0010] - a steam generation system arranged in the steaming head;

[0011] - a reservoir intended to contain a liquid intended to be vaporized by the system of steam generation;

[0012] - a pump configured to supply the steam generation system with the liquid contained in the reservoir; and

[0013] - 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 suction port connected to the air suction circuit;

[0014] the garment steamer being characterized in that the pump is arranged in a portion of the air suction circuit, so as to be swept by an airflow, when the fan is rotating.

[0015] The garment steamer comprises all the elements necessary for the effective steaming of a textile garment, combining air intake at the treatment plate and steam projection. The steam generation system is located in the steaming head, forming a compact unit with the treatment surface. The pump is advantageously cooled by an airflow when the appliance is in operation, which reduces the temperature in the pump's vicinity. The pump can therefore be located near heated areas without reducing its lifespan.

[0016] The garment steamer may have the following advantageous and non-limiting characteristics, taken alone or in any technically possible combination: • The reservoir is mounted on the rear face of the steamer head, with the rear face opposite the treatment face relative to the steamer head. This ensures good weight distribution relative to the grip and provides a direct view of the liquid level in the reservoir when its wall is transparent or translucent. The reservoir is mounted on the steamer head in a removable manner. This allows for easy refilling of the liquid reservoir by removing the reservoir from the steamer head. The pump is positioned in the steamer head between the steam generation system and the reservoir. This means the liquid has to travel a short distance to reach its vaporization point, reducing pressure losses and the energy required by the pump to move the liquid from the reservoir. The pump is positioned close to the reservoir, with a distance of less than 2 cm between the pump and the reservoir. Therefore, the energy required by the pump to move the liquid from the reservoir is low. The pump has a liquid inlet port, and the reservoir has a liquid outlet port. When the reservoir is mounted on the steamer head, the liquid inlet port is directly connected to the liquid outlet port. This reduces pressure losses associated with liquid circulation through pipes and allows for a simple connection of the reservoir to the steamer head. The pump is configured to supply the steam generation system with a flow rate of 35 ml / min or less. This flow rate is sufficient to ensure effective steaming while minimizing the risk of hot liquid splashing onto the garment. The steam generation system includes a heating element with a power rating of 2000 W or less, preferably between 1200 W and 1400 W. This power is sufficient to allow heating of the treatment face and / or the steam generation system. The portion of the air intake circuit receiving the pump is formed between an upper wall of the portable housing and the steam generation system, allowing air to circulate around the steam generation system and the pump when the fan is rotating. This helps cool the pump, which can be subjected to the high temperature near the steam generation system. The portable unit includes a one-piece casing that encloses the portion of the air intake circuit that receives the pump. This increases the unit's resistance, particularly to drops, and protects the functional components housed within the portable unit. The gripping portion includes a handle and a base opposite the steamer head relative to the handle, and in which the fan and motor are arranged in the base, so that the air intake circuit The airflow extends from at least one suction port on the steamer head, through the handle, and to the base. This increases the distance the air travels and expels the extracted air away from the steamer head, improving user comfort. It also ensures a better distribution of weight for the functional components within the handheld unit, resulting in improved ergonomics. DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0017] 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:

[0018] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a garment steamer according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0019] Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the garment steamer of Fig. 1.

[0020] Figure 3 is a rear perspective view of the garment steamer [Fig.1], before tank assembly.

[0021] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a modular unit showing the treatment face of the steaming device.

[0022] Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the steaming head of the steaming device, in the embodiment of Fig. 1.

[0023] Throughout the figures, similar elements bear identical references. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] 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.

[0025] The gripping portion may include a handle 31 and a base 4 opposite the steaming head 2 with respect to the handle 31. The portable case 3 may typically have a flared shape at the base 4, i.e. wider than at the handle 31.

[0026] When the garment steamer is in use, the handheld unit 3 is designed to be gripped by a user at the gripping portion, specifically at the handle 31 formed between the steaming head 2 and the base 4. It is designed to be operated with one hand. The handle 31 is then held by the user, with the steaming head 2 oriented towards the piece of fabric to be steamed. handle 31 preferably has an ergonomic surface and shape, in order to improve the comfort of using the garment steamer.

[0027] 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. Preferably, the garment steamer includes a heating plate 20 at the treatment surface. 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.

[0028] Preferably, the portable housing 3 is made of a plastic material. For example, the portable housing 3 can be made of polypropylene or polycarbonate.

[0029] With reference to [Fig. 2], when the steamer 1 is in its rest position, the longitudinal axis P of the handle 31 is preferably slightly inclined forward, i.e., in the direction of the treatment plate 20. For example, the handheld unit 3 is configured so that the longitudinal axis P makes a non-zero angle with an axis orthogonal to the outer face (corresponding to the flat surface S), for example, an angle of approximately 15°. According to another embodiment, the longitudinal axis P of the handle 31 is perpendicular to the outer face.

[0030] With reference to [Fig.2], the steaming head 2 has a slender shape extending along the axis M transversely to the handle 31, preferably forming an angle between 65° and 90° with respect to the longitudinal axis P of the handle 31. The front end of the steaming head 2 lies in a plane in front of the lower portion of the portable housing 3 forming the base 4. This ensures that the base 4 does not interfere with the application of the treatment plate 20 to the textile piece to be steamed.

[0031] Air intake

[0032] 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 treatment surface. To this end, the treatment surface has at least one air intake orifice 24, allowing outside air to be drawn into the garment steamer 1 when it is in use, and thus to press the textile item to be steamed against the treatment surface.

[0033] The air suction circuit includes a fan 40 and a motor 41, intended to drive the fan 40 in rotation around a shaft 42. The fan 40, forming part of the air suction circuit, allows air to be drawn from the air suction port 24 of the steaming head 2.

[0034] 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.

[0035] Preferably, the steaming head 2 comprises a plurality of suction ports 24. The suction ports 24 can be arranged around the treatment plate 20, for example on all or part of the circumference of the treatment plate 20. Alternatively, the air suction ports 24 can extend over several sides of the treatment plate 20. This improves the cooling of the pump by convection, as the aspirated air circulates around the pump.

[0036] Steam generation

[0037] The garment steamer includes a steam generation system arranged in the steaming head 2. The steam generation system is adapted to allow steam to be emitted at the level of the treatment surface. To this end, the treatment surface has at least one steam distribution orifice 22, intended to vent steam formed in the steaming head 2 onto the textile to be steamed. Typically, at least one steam distribution orifice 22 is located in a central part of the treatment plate 20, in order to efficiently combine the steam distribution functions with the application of the heated surface.

[0038] Preferably, the treatment face has a plurality of steam distribution orifices 22 distributed over its surface. The steam distribution orifices 22 may be in the form of holes or slots.

[0039] Typically, the steam generation system comprises a vaporization chamber 21, in steam communication with at least one steam distribution orifice. 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 can be more compact and lighter.

[0040] 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. It is thus positioned near the steam generation system, typically in a wall of the vaporization chamber 21. The vaporization chamber 21 is in steam communication with the outside of the garment steamer at the level of the treatment plate 20, via the steam distribution port 22.

[0041] The heating element 23 may be a heating resistor. Preferably, the heating element has a power rating less than or equal to 2000 W, preferably between 1200 and 1400 W. This allows the walls of the vaporization chamber 21 to be heated efficiently in order to reach the appropriate temperature inside to vaporize a liquid injected into the vaporization chamber 21, while simultaneously heating the treatment plate 20.

[0042] The garment steamer 1 further comprises a reservoir 5 designed to contain a liquid intended to be vaporized by the steam generation system. Thus, the steam generation system is in fluid communication with the reservoir 5, in order to generate steam from the liquid stored in the reservoir 5.

[0043] The garment steamer 1 further includes a pump 25 configured to supply the steam generation system with the liquid contained in the reservoir 5. In other words, the liquid is injected into the chamber 21 via the pump 25. The pump 25 is arranged to circulate the liquid contained in the reservoir 5 to the vaporization chamber 21.

[0044] The garment steamer has the distinctive feature that the pump 25 is arranged in an upstream portion of the air intake circuit, so as to be swept by an airflow when the fan 40 is rotating. This cools the pump 25 and prevents premature damage to its various components, typically irreversible deformation of plastic parts due to the high heat near the pump 25.

[0045] Advantageously, the air circulation circuit includes an upper air circulation channel formed in the steaming head 2. For example, the upper portion of the portable housing 3 forms a duct allowing air circulation around the periphery of the steam generation system when the fan 40 is rotating. This air circulation thus allows heat to be dissipated around the steam generation system, in particular from the vaporization chamber 21 and the pump 25.

[0046] Heating plate

[0047] The treatment plate 20 is preferably metallic, for example made of aluminum. Applying a surface heated to a suitable temperature to the textile improves the wrinkle removal process. Such a heating plate can be heated by one or more heating elements arranged in the steaming head 2 near the treatment plate 20. The treatment plate 20 can have various shapes, such as, for example, a rectangular or triangular shape.

[0048] The treatment plate 20 can be mounted on the steaming head 2, for example by means of a nozzle 9, shown in [Fig.4].

[0049] Preferably, the vaporization chamber 21 and the treatment plate 20 are one-piece and incorporate the heating element 23. In other words, the treatment plate 20 can be integral with the vaporization chamber 21, i.e., that the 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. This allows the treatment plate 20 and the vaporization chamber 21 to be heated simultaneously, and further increases 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.

[0050] Pump and reservoir

[0051] Preferably, the reservoir 5 is mounted on the handheld unit 3 against a rear face of the steaming head 2, the rear face being opposite the treatment face with the treatment plate 20, and corresponding to a receiving wall. In other words, the reservoir 5 is mounted on a receiving wall. This allows the steaming head 2 to be balanced, improving the balance of the appliance when in use or in its resting position. User comfort is thus improved.

[0052] The receiving wall generally includes a liquid injection port 26, configured to allow a fluid connection between the reservoir 5 and the vaporization system. For example, the liquid injection port 26 is in communication with a liquid inlet channel of the pump 25.

[0053] 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, fitted with a removable cap allowing the reservoir 5 to be filled.

[0054] Alternatively or additionally, the reservoir 5 can be mounted removably on the steaming head 2. This allows the steaming device to be easily refilled with liquid.

[0055] The reservoir 5 can be held in position on the steamer head 2 by a suitable mechanical system. For example, the upper portion of the handheld unit may have a substantially cylindrical shape, in which the steamer head 2 is mounted. The inner wall of the cylindrical shape may include a thread for connecting to a corresponding thread of the reservoir 2. Alternatively, the inner wall may include a groove into which an element of the reservoir 5 is designed to fit, or a clipping system.

[0056] 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 tank 5 and to prevent tank 5 from being under negative pressure. Advantageously, the vent is also configured to allow the air contained in tank 5 to be expelled when the pressure in tank 5 increases.

[0057] Preferably, the pump 25 is located in a central area of ​​the steaming head 2, between the steam generation system and the reservoir 5. This allows for a more compact steaming head 2.

[0058] Preferably, when the garment steamer is assembled, the pump 25 is positioned close to the reservoir 5, at a distance of less than 2 cm from the reservoir 5. For example, the distance between a liquid outlet of the reservoir, connected to the liquid injection port 26, and the pump 25, measured along the axis M along which the garment steamer head 2 extends, is less than 1 cm. Thus, the garment steamer head 2 is compact. The liquid inlet channel of the pump 25 is therefore short, preferably less than 2 cm in length.

[0059] Preferably, the pump 25 includes a liquid inlet port 27 directly connected to the liquid outlet port of the reservoir 5 when the reservoir 5 is mounted on the steaming head 2. The liquid injection port 26 advantageously includes a tube allowing a mechanical connection of the reservoir 5 to the steaming head 2 and the establishment of a fluidic connection between the pump 25 and the reservoir 5, ensuring the alignment of the liquid inlet port 27 of the pump 25 and the liquid outlet port of the reservoir 5.

[0060] 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 to reduce the risk of liquid being sprayed outside the appliance, which could cause burns or damage to the textile item.

[0061] Air intake circuit arrangement

[0062] Preferably, the portable unit 3 comprises a one-piece casing, typically made of a plastic material. The upper portion of the portable unit 3, formed by the plastic casing, can thus delimit the portion of the air intake circuit surrounding the pump 25 and the steam generation system. The portion of the air intake circuit receiving the pump 25 corresponds to an upstream portion of the air intake circuit, closer to a downstream portion at which the airflow is expelled from the device. Furthermore, the outer surface of the garment steamer 1 is thus a single piece. This increases the device's resistance to impacts, for example, in the event of a fall, and therefore its service life.

[0063] Preferably, the assembly head 2 includes the nozzle 9 fixed to the open front end of the upper portion of the portable housing 3. The nozzle 9 is configured to support the treatment face, the pump 25, and the generation system of steam. The upper air circulation channel can be delimited by a cylindrical wall of the one-piece shell and the nozzle 9, i.e. the cylindrical wall forms the air circulation duct around the periphery of the pump 25.

[0064] Preferably, the steaming head 2 includes a sealing gasket 29. Typically, the sealing gasket 29 is arranged at the open front end of the steaming head 2, for example, positioned between an open base of the cylindrical wall and the nozzle 9. The sealing gasket 29 is configured to prevent air from escaping from the upper air circulation channel at the open front end. Thus, all the air drawn in through the air intake orifice 24 flows into the air circulation duct around the periphery of the pump 25. The sealing gasket 29 is also watertight.

[0065] Preferably, the fan 40 and the motor 41 are arranged in the base 4, so that the air intake circuit extends from at least one intake port 24 of the steamer head 2 to the base 4. Typically, the base 4 includes a hollow volume delimiting a lower air circulation channel in fluid communication with the upper air circulation channel through the handle 31. The fan 40 and the motor 41 are then arranged in the hollow volume, so as to allow circulation of the air drawn in through the air intake port 24.

[0066] Preferably, the air intake circuit extends 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 upper air circulation channel. The intermediate air circulation channel allows air to circulate from the upper portion of the portable unit to the lower portion in which the fan 40 is located.

[0067] Alternatively or additionally, the intermediate air circulation channel can be formed by an added duct 32 inside the handle 31. Typically, the added duct 32 is connected to the upper air circulation channel at its upper end. Preferably, the duct includes a sealing gasket 33 disposed at its upper end to prevent air from escaping outside the air intake circuit at the upper end of the duct. The airflow from the air intake orifice 24 in the upper air circulation channel thus passes through the intermediate air circulation channel without escaping from the garment steamer 1. This limits pressure losses and improves suction efficiency and therefore the quality of the steaming.

[0068] The added duct 32 can be integral with the base 4. The lower air channel can thus be formed in the extension of the added duct 32.

[0069] The garment steamer 1 preferably includes at least one air exhaust port 81 in fluid communication with the air suction circuit, allowing the air drawn in through the air intake port 24 to be expelled from the apparatus, after its circulation around the periphery of the steam generation system. At least one air exhaust port 81 is typically connected to the lower air circulation channel.

[0070] Preferably, the lower air circulation channel includes a lower end closed by a cover 8, through which is at least one air exhaust orifice 81. For example, the lower end is located at the level of the external face 40 of the lower portion of the portable housing 3. The presence of a separate cover 8 advantageously allows the cleaning of the lower air circulation channel, for example to remove particles or lint which may have been sucked into the device and which could prevent the rotation of the motor 41 around its axis 42 by obstruction.

[0071] Power supply and control of the device

[0072] 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, and ignites the heating element of the heating plate.

[0073] Preferably, the power cord 6 can be fixed to the base 4. The power cord 6 can be detachable. The power cord 6 preferably has a length greater than 200 cm. This advantageously allows a user to apply the treatment surface to a garment hanging on a hanger at a height greater than 1.5 meters from the ground.

[0074] The portable unit 3 preferably includes control means configured to control the heating of the treatment plate 20, the steam emission, and the 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.

[0075] The garment steamer 1 may include, for example, a power button 74. The power button 74 allows the garment steamer 1 to be switched on and off. It may be located on a wall of the handheld unit 3 forming an upper surface of the base 4, opposite the lower surface, as illustrated in [Fig. 1]. Alternatively, it may be located on a side face of the handheld unit 3, preferably at the handle 31.

[0076] The garment steamer 1 may include, for example, a steam trigger 72. The steam trigger 72 is configured to allow a localized steam delivery from at least one steam delivery orifice 22. For example, pressure on the steam trigger 72 by the user The pump 25 can be activated and inject liquid from the reservoir 5 into the vaporization 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 appliance 1 as long as the steam trigger 72 is held down by the user. Pressing the steam trigger 72 can also activate the motor 41, thereby rotating the fan 40 so that an airflow is drawn in through the air intake 24 when the appliance is in suction mode.

[0077] 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. Typically, the suction control button 73 can rotate the motor 41 so as to modulate the rotational speed of the fan 40 and / or the cooling fan around the axis of rotation. 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.

[0078] Assembly of the device

[0079] Typically, the components of the base 4 are inserted into the portable housing 3 through the opening formed at the lower surface of the base 4, and the steaming head 2 is assembled onto the portable housing 3 via the nozzle 9. The steaming head 2 is held securely to the portable housing 3 by means of fastening means, typically screws arranged in holes 28. The reservoir 5 can then be mounted on the steaming head 2, in fluid connection with the steam generation system.

[0080] 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. Advantageously, the garment steamer 1 has its center of gravity located in the handle 31, regardless of the fill level of the reservoir 5. Preferably, the mass of the steaming head 2 and the mass of the base 4 are each at least 40% of the total mass of the garment steamer 1, typically less than or equal to 1.4 kg. The garment steamer 1 is thus easy to handle and ergonomic in that the masses of the steaming head 2 and the base 4 are substantially equivalent.

[0081] Use of the garment steamer

[0082] The operation of the garment steamer 1 will now be described. When the user wishes to steam a piece of fabric with the garment steamer 1, they fill the reservoir 5 with liquid, typically water. They plug in the device. connect the steamer 1 to the domestic electrical network via the power cord 6 and then switch on the steamer 1 by pressing the power button 74 to turn on the power.

[0083] 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.

[0084] 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.

[0085] The steam produced in the vaporization chamber 21 then escapes through the steam distribution orifice 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.

[0086] Simultaneously, the control means can be provided to 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.

[0087] Advantageously, the suction control button 73 can be used to change the rotation speed of the motor 41, and thus adapt the suction airflow to the textile piece to be steamed.

[0088] 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.

[0089] During treatment, the user can move the steamer 1 in a vertical direction, for example from top to bottom, to treat all or part of the textile item. The steamer 1 can also be used occasionally in a horizontal steaming position, for example to steam a textile item laid flat, such as a tablecloth on a table or a upholstery fabric, by bringing the treatment face 20 horizontally above the textile piece.

[0090] 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 casing (3) comprising a steamer head (2) and a gripping portion (31) extending in a direction transverse to the steamer head (2), 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; - a steam generation system arranged in the steamer head (2); - a reservoir (5) intended to contain a liquid intended to be vaporized by the steam generation system; - a pump (25) configured to supply the steam generation system with the liquid contained in the reservoir (5); and - a treatment face intended to come into 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 suction orifice (24) connected to the air suction circuit;the garment steamer being characterized in that the pump (25) is arranged in a portion of the air intake circuit, so as to be swept by an airflow when the fan (40) is rotating.;

2. A garment steaming device according to claim 1, in which the reservoir (5) is mounted on a rear face of the steaming head (5), the rear face being opposite the treatment face relative to the steaming head (2).

3. A garment steamer according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the reservoir is mounted on the steamer head (5) in a removable manner.

4. Wrinkle-steaming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the pump (25) is arranged in the steaming head (2) between the steam generation system and the reservoir (5).

5. A garment steaming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the pump (25) is arranged near the reservoir (5), the distance separating the pump (25) from the reservoir (5) being less than 2 cm.

6. A garment steamer according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the pump (25) comprises a liquid inlet orifice (27), and the reservoir (5) comprises an outlet orifice liquid, the liquid inlet port (27) being directly connected to the liquid outlet port of the reservoir (5) when the reservoir (5) is mounted on the steamer head (2).

7. Garment steaming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the pump (25) is configured to supply the steam generation system with a flow rate less than or equal to 35 ml / min.

8. Garment steamer according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the steam generation system comprises a heating element with a power rating of less than or equal to 2000 W, preferably between 1200 W and 1400 W.

9. A garment steamer according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the portion of the air intake circuit receiving the pump (25) is formed between an upper wall of the portable housing (3) and the steam generation system, so as to allow air circulation around the steam generation system and the pump (25), when the fan (40) is rotating.

10. Garment steaming device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the portable housing (3) comprises a one-piece shell delimiting the portion of the air suction circuit receiving the pump (25).

11. A garment steamer according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the gripping portion comprises a handle (31) and a base (4) opposite the steamer head (2) relative to the handle (31), and wherein the fan (40) and the motor (41) are arranged in the base (4), such that the air suction circuit extends from at least one suction port (24) of the steamer head (2), in the handle (31) and to the base (4).

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