Garment steamer

Abstract

A garment steamer having a portable unit (3) comprising a steaming head (2) and a gripping portion extending in a direction transverse to the steaming head (2), - an air suction circuit comprising a fan (40) and a motor (41) configured to drive the fan (40) in rotation; - a steam generation system; and - a treatment face comprising a treatment plate (20) intended to be positioned against 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 garment steamer being characterized in that the treatment face (20) comprises a filter grid (9) arranged opposite at least one air intake orifice (24), the filter grid (9) being a grid flush with or projecting from a surface of the treatment face immediately adjacent to the filter grid (9), the filter grid (9) further being arranged on the treatment face so as to be in contact with the textile item to be steamed when the garment steamer (1) is used. 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 heating plate that is applied to the fabric. Nearby steam outlets allow steam to be ejected towards the fabric. By gliding the heating plate over the fabric, the steam helps to remove creases and has a cleaning, odor-removing, and antibacterial effect. Such devices offer an alternative to traditional irons by allowing vertical steaming of fabric without the need for a table, which is particularly advantageous when the user is traveling, for example.

[0003] To improve the efficiency of the garment steamer and ensure that the fabric is in good contact with the treatment plate when there is no ironing board or other rigid surface, the device may include an air suction circuit configured to draw air through openings located on the treatment plate. This ensures that the fabric is properly pressed against the heated surface, resulting in more effective garment steaming.

[0004] However, the suction function can lead to an increased risk of malfunction of the appliance. During fabric suction, fabric particles can also be drawn in. Conventional filter grids have passage areas that are too large to prevent the unwanted suction of textile fibers. Thus, fabric particles, such as lint, can enter the appliance and obstruct the air suction circuit. This can block the rotation of the motor that drives the blades which draw air from the opening near the treatment plate. In addition, textile fibers can quickly clog the filter, leading to a decrease in the suction performance of the garment steamer. Description of the invention

[0005] One object of the invention is to provide a portable garment steamer that allows for efficient steaming of fabric, and with a prolonged period of use for high suction performance.

[0006] This goal is achieved by the garment steamer having a portable unit comprising a garment steamer head and a gripping portion extending in a direction transverse to the garment steamer head, - an air intake circuit comprising a fan and a motor configured to drive the fan in rotation; - a steam generation system; and - a treatment face comprising a treatment plate intended to be placed opposite a piece of textile to be steamed and having at least one steam distribution orifice connected to the steam generation system and at least one air suction orifice connected to the air suction circuit;

[0007] the steaming device being characterized in that the treatment face comprises a filter grid arranged opposite at least one air intake orifice, the filter grid being a grid flush or protruding from a surface of the treatment face immediately adjacent to the filter grid, the flush grid being arranged on the treatment face so as to be in contact with the textile piece to be steamed when the steaming device is used.

[0008] Indeed, the proposed garment steamer includes various features enabling the efficient steaming of a textile item, notably through steam distribution combined with suction of the textile item to stretch it over the treatment plate. The filter grid prevents particles from passing from the air intake into the appliance. This reduces the risk of obstruction of the ducts and therefore premature malfunction of the appliance. Furthermore, the filter grid is flush with the surface, which allows it to clean itself automatically during use. The filter grid is located on the outside of the steaming head, and not in a cavity.Thus, when the garment is being steamed, the friction on the filter grid allows any textile fibers that might have accumulated to be removed as they are ejected. The user therefore does not need to clean the filter regularly, and suction performance remains high during use.

[0009] The garment steamer may have the following advantageous and non-limiting characteristics, taken alone or in any technically feasible combination: • The treatment plate extends in a foreground plane and the filter grid extends in a second plane, set back from the foreground, with a distance between the foreground and second planes of less than 5 mm, preferably less than 2 mm. Thus, the filter grid is set back from the treatment plate. The textile is drawn in by the airflow. at the level of the air intake opening, this allows it to be pressed into the foreground, and improves the steaming performance. The filter grid is essentially in the same plane as the treatment plate. This ensures that the filter grid remains in contact with the textile surface against which the treatment plate is applied, even when there is no suction. The filter grid is thus cleaned. The filter grid is fixed to the treatment face, preferably in a removable manner. This allows the filter grid to be removed to access, for example, the air intake circuit, to remove functional components or solid particles. The device comprises multiple air intake vents arranged around the periphery of the treatment plate. The filter grid is formed by a single piece covering the periphery of the treatment plate. As the textile is drawn in by the airflow at the air intake vent, it is pressed against the treatment plate, under tension around the periphery, thus improving wrinkle removal performance. The filter grid is formed by assembling several pieces fixed to each other, for example by clipping. The filter grid is a grid overmolded onto a nozzle, the nozzle being designed to be attached to the steamer head and preferably made of plastic. This allows for easy assembly of the steamer head. The nozzle includes at least one reinforcing wall extending into the garment steamer, the reinforcing wall being configured to divide the air intake opening so as to support the overmolded grid. The device further comprises a modular unit configured to support the treatment face, and in which the portable housing includes an upper wall forming a cavity into which the modular unit is intended to be at least partially inserted, the treatment face obstructing the cavity, and a sealing gasket arranged between the upper wall and the modular unit, the sealing gasket being configured to prevent air from escaping outside the air circulation channel. This facilitates assembly of the device and protects any electronic components located in the steaming head from the steam-laden airflow. The sealing gasket ensures that all air drawn in through the air intake port circulates within the air intake circuit. This prevents also an introduction of liquid from outside into the device, outside of the vapor generation system. • The filter grid is a woven metal mesh or a metal plate perforated by laser. This type of grid allows for fine filtration, compared to grids made of molded plastic, for example. • The filter grid includes filtration orifices, with a cross-section of each filtration orifice being between 0.04 mm2 and 0.09 mm2. This prevents the passage of solid particles, typically lint, into the air intake circuit, while maintaining a sufficient passage cross-section for airflow. • The treatment surface has a substantially triangular shape comprising a base and two sides meeting at a vertex. The treatment plate includes an axis of symmetry passing through the vertex and substantially perpendicular to the base, and in which at least one air intake opening extends along the base for at least 80% of its length. The treatment surface also has an air intake opening forming an elbow and extending on either side of the vertex. The triangular shape is particularly well-suited for effective wrinkle removal, as the intake on several sides of the treatment surface ensures that the garment is held firmly against the surface during the airflow. DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0010] 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:

[0011] The [Fig. 1] is a perspective view of a garment steamer according to a certain embodiment;

[0012] Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the garment steamer;

[0013] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the garment steamer, before assembly of the steamer head.

[0014] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the steaming head in one embodiment.

[0015] Throughout the figures, similar elements are identified by identical reference numerals. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] With reference to [Fig. 1], the garment steamer has a portable housing 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) 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 can be orthogonal to axis P, or present a non-right angle with axis P, as in the illustrated embodiment.

[0017] 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.

[0018] 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 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 with the garment steamer.

[0019] The garment steamer comprises a treatment face including a treatment plate 20 intended to be positioned against a piece of fabric to be steamed, and more specifically to be placed against the piece of fabric to be steamed, typically hung on a hanger. The treatment face 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.

[0020] The garment steamer also includes a steam generation system for generating steam. The treatment surface has at least one steam distribution orifice 22 connected to the steam generation system. For example, at least one steam distribution orifice 22 passes through the treatment plate 20. Thus, the steam generated by the steam generation system is distributed to the textile piece via the treatment plate 20 and through the steam distribution orifice 22.

[0021] The garment steamer 1 further comprises an air intake circuit including a fan 40 and a motor 4L. The motor 41 is configured to drive the fan 40 in rotation about a shaft 42, along an axis of rotation X. The treatment surface has at least one air intake orifice 24, connected to the air intake circuit. An airflow is intended to circulate in the air intake circuit, from the air intake orifice 24, when the fan 40 is driven in rotation about the axis of rotation X by the motor 4L.

[0022] The garment steamer has the particularity that the treatment plate 20 includes a filter grid 9 arranged opposite at least one orifice air intake 24. More specifically, the filter grid 9 is a grid that is flush with, or protrudes outwards from, a surface of the treatment face immediately adjacent to the filter grid 9, and is arranged on the treatment face so as to be in contact with the textile to be steamed when the steamer is used. The term "opposite" means that the filter grid 9 is positioned upstream (in the direction of the intake airflow) of the air intake 24, so that an airflow drawn in by the air intake circuit passes through the filter grid 9 before entering the steamer head 2 through the air intake 24.The filter grid 9 prevents solid particles, typically lint, from passing from outside the device 1 into the inside of the device 1, thus limiting the risk of obstruction of the air intake circuit.

[0023] The filter grid 9 can be arranged on a support piece, the support piece being set back from the treatment face, but the filter grid 9 being flush.

[0024] The fact that the filter grid 9 is flush or protruding, and not recessed in a cavity of the treatment face, allows it to be self-cleaning. Indeed, during use, the device 1 is moved, for example up and down, against the textile. The friction between the filter grid 9 and the textile during this back-and-forth movement allows any textile residue to be expelled from the filter grid 9. The user does not need to clean the treatment face himself, which limits the risk of burns.

[0025] Processing plate

[0026] The treatment plate 20 can be a heating plate. It is preferably made of a metallic material, for example, aluminum. Applying a surface heated to a suitable temperature to the textile piece improves the wrinkle removal process. The treatment plate 20 can be heated by one or more heating elements 23 arranged in the steaming head 2 near the treatment plate 20.

[0027] The treatment plate 20 can have different shapes, such as, for example, a rectangular, circular, or triangular shape. In the illustrated embodiment, the treatment plate 20 has a substantially triangular shape comprising a base and two sides meeting at a vertex. Thus, the treatment plate 20 can include an axis of symmetry passing through the vertex and substantially orthogonal to the base. The vertex is preferably oriented downwards so as to improve contact with the textile during an up-and-down movement of the device 1. Preferably, at least one air intake orifice 24 extends around the periphery of the treatment plate 20. For example, the steaming head 2 includes two intake orifices 24, the first orifice extending over at least 80% of the length of the base, preferably along the entire length of the base, and a second suction port extending on either side of the top, forming an elbow.

[0028] Alternatively, in an embodiment where the treatment plate 20 has a circular or oval shape, the air suction orifice 24 can extend over all or part of the periphery of the treatment plate 20, or comprise several air suction orifices 24 extending on either side of the treatment plate 20.

[0029] Filter grid 9

[0030] The filter grid 9 can be positioned on the steaming head 2 recessed from the treatment plate 20. This ensures that the filter grid 9 is in contact with the textile piece to be steamed when the steaming device 1 is used.

[0031] Preferably, and in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the treatment plate 20 has a convex shape having a front end extending in a first plane PI and the filter grid 9 extending in a second plane P2 recessed from the first plane PI. Typically, the distance between the first plane PI and the second plane P2 is less than 5 mm, preferably less than 2 mm. The distance is measured here as the length of the shortest segment separating a point in the first plane PI and a point in the second plane P2, the segment being, for example, orthogonal to the first plane PL

[0032] As illustrated in [Fig.4], the treatment plate 20 is therefore upstream of the filter grid 9, but the filter grid 9 is not in a cavity of the plane P2 of the treatment face, it protrudes from the surface of the treatment face immediately adjacent to the filter grid 9. The air suction induced by the rotation of the fan 40 is intended to allow the textile piece to be pressed against the treatment plate 20 at the level of the plane PI and against the filter grid 9 at the level of the plane P2.

[0033] Alternatively, the filter grid 9 can be substantially in the same plane as the treatment plate 20. Thus, but in the absence of suction or when the suction of the airflow is weak, the filter grid 9 can self-clean by rubbing with the textile piece.

[0034] Preferably, the filter grid 9 is attached to the treatment plate 20 in a removable manner. This allows the grid to be changed, for example, to adapt the filter grid 9 to the type of fabric being ironed. Typically, a more delicate piece of fabric may require a finer filter grid 9. This also allows the user to remove the filter grid 9 to clean the air intake system or to use the appliance without the filter grid 9. In a particular embodiment, the filter grid 9 may also be made up of several parts assembled and fastened to each other, for example, by clipping.

[0035] Preferably, the treatment face has a plurality of suction ports 24. The suction ports 24 can be arranged around a periphery, i.e. around the treatment plate 20, for example around the entire circumference of the treatment plate 20. Alternatively, the air suction ports 24 can extend over several sides of the treatment plate 20. This makes it possible to increase the maximum air flow that can be drawn in by the device 1, and to properly press the textile piece against the treatment plate 20 by applying tension on both sides of the treatment plate 20.

[0036] The filter grid 9 can be formed by a single piece covering the periphery of the treatment plate 20. Alternatively, the filter grid 9 can comprise several independent grids, each filter grid 9 covering one or more air intake ports 24.

[0037] In the illustrated embodiment, the steaming device includes a modular unit intended to support the treatment face and to be assembled on the portable case 3 at the level of the steaming head 2, for example at an open front end of the portable case 3. In other words, the portable case 3 includes an upper wall forming a cavity into which the modular unit is intended to be at least partially inserted, the treatment face obstructing the cavity.

[0038] Advantageously, the modular unit can also be configured to support the steam generation system. Typically, the air intake circuit includes an upper air circulation channel delimited between the upper wall of the steaming head 2 and the modular unit, and extending around the steam generation system.

[0039] Preferably, the steaming head 2 includes a sealing gasket 28 disposed between the upper wall and the modular unit. The sealing gasket 28 is configured to prevent air from escaping outside the air intake circuit at the open front end. Thus, all the air drawn in through the air intake orifice 24 circulates within the air intake circuit, around the periphery of the steam generation system. This avoids pressure losses and reduces the power of the motor 41 required to achieve the same air intake flow rate.

[0040] Alternatively or complementarily, the steaming device 1 may include a nozzle 25 intended to be attached to the steaming head 2. The nozzle 25 may be part of the modular unit.

[0041] Preferably, the filter screen 9 can be a screen overmolded onto the nozzle 25. The nozzle 25 is, for example, made of plastic. The filter screen 9 can be formed by overmolding plastic onto the formed nozzle 25. Typically, the filter screen 9 is a metal screen overmolded in thermoplastic. This simplifies the manufacturing process of the device 1. For example, the screen is overmolded on the nozzle 25, before fixing the treatment plate 20 and the steam generation system on either side of the nozzle 25, and inserting the nozzle 25 into the portable housing 3 at the level of the steaming head 2, as illustrated in [Fig.3].

[0042] Preferably, the nozzle 25 includes at least one reinforcing wall or rib for the filter grid 9. The reinforcing wall extends below the filter grid 9, towards the inside of the steamer head 2, i.e., the device 1. For example, the reinforcing wall extends in a plane set back from plane P2, in a direction substantially orthogonal to the direction of the axis M along which the air intake orifice 24 extends, or diagonally between two opposite sides of the air intake orifice 24. The reinforcing wall is configured to divide the air intake orifice 24, so as to support the filter grid 9, particularly when air is drawn in through the air intake circuit. This helps to reduce the stresses to which the filter grid 9 is subjected, and to prevent it from deforming, in particular from bending towards the inside of the steaming head 2.Preferably, the nozzle 25 comprises a plurality of reinforcing walls, so as to divide the air intake orifice 24 into a plurality of intake zones of reduced cross-section.

[0043] Preferably, the filter grid 9 is a woven metal grid or a laser-perforated metal plate. Using a metal filter grid 9 allows for finer filtration of solid particles on the surface of the textile by reducing the size of the grid's orifices. Laser perforation allows the filter grid 9 to be easily adapted to the particle sizes to be filtered.

[0044] 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.

[0045] Preferably, the filter grid 9 thus comprises filter orifices. The filter orifices have a cross-section between 0.04 mm² and 0.09 mm², preferably less than 0.06 mm². The through-section of the filter grid 9 must be sufficient to allow an airflow, while sufficiently obstructing at least one air intake orifice 24 to prevent any textile fibers or particles from entering the air intake circuit.

[0046] Steam generation system

[0047] The steam generation system is adapted to allow the emission of steam at the level of the treatment plate 20, through at least one steam distribution orifice 22.

[0048] Preferably, the treatment face comprises a plurality of steam distribution ports 22. The steam distribution ports 22 are, for example, distributed over the surface of the treatment plate 20, or arranged around its periphery. The steam distribution ports 22 may be in the form of circular holes, as in the illustrated embodiment, or of slots or any other shape allowing steam distribution from the steam generation system.

[0049] Typically, the steam generation system includes a vaporization chamber 21, in steam communication with the outside of the steamer 1 via at least one steam distribution orifice 22. 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.

[0050] Preferably, the vaporization chamber 21 is in thermal contact with the treatment plate 20. For example, the vaporization chamber 21 and the treatment plate 20 are a single unit, i.e., the treatment plate 20 and the walls of the vaporization chamber 21 are made of a single piece, preferably of a conductive material such as a metal alloy. 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.

[0051] Alternatively or additionally, the heating element 23 is arranged near the treatment plate 20. 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. For example, the heating element 23 may be an electric heating element arranged near the vaporization chamber 21, for example between the treatment plate 20 and the vaporization chamber 21, or in a side wall of the vaporization chamber 21, with a portion of the element located near the treatment plate 20, typically at a distance of less than 0.5 cm from the treatment plate 20. Preferably, the heating element 23 is arranged inside a metal body forming the vaporization chamber 21 and the treatment plate 20.

[0052] Preferably, the heating element 23 has a power rating of 2000 W or less, 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 for vaporizing a liquid injected into the vaporization chamber 21, while simultaneously heating the treatment plate 20.

[0053] 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, typically water or a diluted cleaning liquid solution. Fluid communication can be conventionally achieved via a tube from the portable unit 3 connecting the vaporization chamber 21 to the reservoir 5.

[0054] Preferably, the reservoir 5 is mounted on the portable housing 3 against a rear face of the steaming head 2 opposite the treatment face. In other words, the reservoir 5 is mounted against a rear face of the steaming head 2, opposite the front face of the steaming head 2 which has the treatment plate 20.

[0055] 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. This allows the user to visually assess the water level available in the reservoir 5. 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.

[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 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.

[0057] Typically, the steaming head 2 includes a receiving wall for the reservoir 5 having a liquid injection orifice 26 configured to connect the reservoir 5 to the steam distribution system, when the device 1 is assembled.

[0058] Typically, the liquid is injected from the liquid injection port 26 into the vaporization chamber 21 by means of a pump 27. The pump 27 is arranged to circulate the liquid contained in the reservoir 5 to the vaporization chamber 21. The pump 27 is preferably located near the vaporization chamber 21, in the steaming head 2, for example in a central area of ​​the upper portion of the portable housing 3, between the steam generation system and the reservoir 5.

[0059] Preferably, the steam generation system includes electrical safety and thermal control elements. For example, the steam control system may include a thermostat configured to cut off the power supply to the heating element 23 if the temperature exceeds a setpoint temperature.

[0060] Air suction circuit

[0061] The fan 40 and the motor 41 can be arranged in the base 4. The fan 40, which is part of the air intake circuit, draws air from the air intake port 24 of the steamer head 2. The air intake circuit then extends into the handle 31 of the 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. This intermediate air circulation channel allows air to circulate from the upper portion of the portable unit to the base 4 where the fan 40 is located.

[0062] The fan 40 and the motor 41 are typically arranged in the hollow volume forming a lower air circulation channel. The airflow thus circulates in the lower air circulation channel when the fan 40 is rotating.

[0063] The garment steamer 1 includes at least one air exhaust port 81 in fluid communication with the air suction circuit, and in particular with the lower air circulation channel, in order to allow the evacuation of the air sucked in by the air suction port 24 outside of the device 1.

[0064] Preferably, the garment steamer comprises a cover 8, through which passes at least one air exhaust orifice 81. For example, the device 1 comprises a lower surface on which it is intended to be placed in its resting position when not in use. The lower surface may form a lower face of the base 4 and have an opening, closed by the cover 8.

[0065] 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 may prevent the rotation of the motor 41 around the shaft 42 by obstruction.

[0066] Power supply and control of the device

[0067] The garment steamer 1 can be powered by a power cord 6, intended to be plugged into a standard electrical outlet to connect the garment steamer 1 to a domestic electrical network. The power cord 6 allows the components of the steam generation system and the air suction circuit to operate, for example the heating element 23, the pump 27, and the motor 4L

[0068] The power cord 6 may be attached to the portable unit 3, for example at the base 4, or may be detachable. The power cord 6 preferably has a length greater than 200 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 preferably has a mass of approximately 150 grams when The garment steamer 1 is carried by the user at a height of approximately 1.5 meters above the ground.

[0069] The portable unit 3 preferably includes control means configured to control steam emission and air intake. The control means are preferably arranged on the handle 31 so that they can be operated by the user with the hand used to carry the garment steamer 1.

[0070] 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 on which the unit 1 can be placed, as illustrated in [Fig. 1]. Alternatively, it may be located on a side wall of the handheld unit 3, preferably at the handle 31.

[0071] The garment steamer 1 may include, for example, a steam trigger 72. The steam trigger 72 is configured to allow for targeted steam distribution from at least one steam distribution orifice 22. For example, pressing the steam trigger 72 by the user can activate the pump 27 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 steam trigger 72 is held down by the user. Pressing the vaporization trigger 72 can also activate the motor 41, thus rotating the fan 40 so that a flow of air is drawn in through the air intake orifice 24.

[0072] 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.

[0073] The garment steamer 1 may include 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 around the axis of rotation X. 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.

[0074] Device assembly

[0075] The portable housing 3 can be made of a plastic material. For example, the portable housing 3 can be made of polypropylene or polycarbonate. Preferably, the portable housing 3 comprises a one-piece shell. Thus, the outer surface of the garment steamer 1 is a single unit. This increases the appliance's resistance to impacts, for example, in the event of a fall, and therefore its lifespan.

[0076] Typically, the components of the base 4 are inserted into the portable housing 3 through the opening in the lower surface, which is then closed by the cover 8, and the modular unit is inserted into the steaming head 2 to form the treatment face. The reservoir 5 can then be mounted on the portable housing 3, with the fluid connected to the steam generation system via the liquid injection port 26.

[0077] 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.

[0078] Use of the garment steamer

[0079] When not in use, the garment steamer 1 can be placed on the base 4 in its resting position, with the flat lower surface forming a support resting on a surface S, for example a table or shelf. The garment steamer 1 can thus be positioned vertically on the flat surface S when not in use.

[0080] 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.

[0081] The heating element 23 of the steam generation system is then supplied with electrical current so as to reach its operating temperature. The treatment plate 20 is also heated, preferably by the same heating element 23.

[0082] When the user wishes to use the device 1 in a vertical steaming position, they bring the treatment plate 20 vertically opposite the piece of textile to be steamed and then press the control means, for example on the trigger of vaporization 72, which has the effect of operating the pump 27 and allowing the flow of liquid from the reservoir 5 to the vaporization chamber 21.

[0083] 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.

[0084] Simultaneously, the control means, in particular the suction control button 73, can be provided to activate air suction in combination with the steam distribution. Typically, the pressure of the steam trigger 72 drives the motor 4L. Consequently, the fan 40 is driven in rotation around the X-axis by means of the shaft 42, so that air is drawn in through the air suction port 24. The suction allows the textile to be pressed against the treatment plate 20 and the filter grid 9. The steam emission combined with the suction thus optimizes the wrinkle removal. Furthermore, the air suction 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.

[0085] 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.

[0086] Alternatively, the control means may allow the user to control the suction independently of the steam distribution. Thus, the user could control the steam distribution alone or in combination with the suction.

[0087] 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 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.

[0088] 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 housing (3) comprising a steaming head (2) and a gripping portion extending in a direction transverse to the steaming head (2), - an air suction circuit comprising a fan (40) and a motor (41) configured to drive the fan (40) in rotation; - a steam generation system; and - a treatment face comprising a treatment plate (20) intended to be positioned against 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 garment steamer being characterized in that the treatment face (20) comprises a filter grid (9) arranged opposite at least one air intake orifice (24), the filter grid (9) being a grid flush with or protruding from a surface of the treatment face immediately adjacent to the filter grid (9), the filter grid (9) further being arranged on the treatment face so as to be in contact with the textile piece to be steamed when the garment steamer (1) is used.

2. A garment steaming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the treatment plate (20) extends in a first plane (PI) and wherein the filter grid (9) extends in a second plane (P2) set back from the first plane (PI), a distance between the first plane (PI) and the second plane (P2) being less than 5 mm, preferably less than 2 mm.

3. Wrinkle-sewing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the filter grid (9) is substantially in the same plane as the treatment plate (20).

4. A garment steaming device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the filter grid (9) is fixed to the treatment face, preferably in a removable manner.

5. Wrinkle-free device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising a plurality of air intake orifices (24) arranged on a periphery of the treatment plate (20), the filter grid (9) being formed by a single piece covering the periphery of the treatment plate (20).

6. A garment steamer according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the filter grid (9) is a grid overmolded onto a nozzle (25), the nozzle (25) being intended to be fixed onto the garment steamer head (2) and preferably made of plastic material.

7. Garment steamer according to claim 6, wherein the nozzle (25) includes at least one reinforcing wall extending into the inside of the garment steamer (1), the reinforcing wall being configured to divide the air intake orifice (24) so ​​as to support the overmolded grid.

8. A garment steamer according to any one of claims 6 and 7, further comprising a modular unit configured to support the treatment face, and in which the portable housing (3) comprises an upper wall forming a cavity into which the modular unit is intended to be at least partially inserted, the treatment face obstructing the cavity, and a sealing gasket arranged between the upper wall and the modular unit, the sealing gasket being configured to prevent air from escaping outside the air circulation channel.

9. A garment steaming device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the filter grid (9) is a woven metal grid or a laser-perforated metal plate.

10. A garment steaming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the filter grid (9) comprises filter orifices, a cross-section of each filter orifice being between 0.04 mm2 and 0.09 mm2.

11. A garment steaming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the treatment face has a substantially triangular shape comprising a base and two sides meeting at a vertex, the treatment plate (20) comprising an axis of symmetry passing through the vertex and substantially orthogonal to the base, and wherein at least one air suction orifice (24) extends along the base, over at least 80% of the length of the base, the treatment face further having an air suction orifice forming a bend and extending on either side of the vertex.

Images