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), 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, the fan (40) and the motor (41) being arranged in the gripping portion; and - a steam generation system arranged in the steaming head (2); - 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 air suction orifice (24) connected to the air suction circuit;The garment steamer is characterized in that the portable unit (3) forms, at the level of the steaming head (2), an upper air circulation channel allowing air to circulate around the steam generation system when the fan (40) is rotating. Figure for the abbreviation: Fig. 1;

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 openings for distributing steam generated by an internal steam system. By gliding the treatment surface over clothing or fabric, the steam helps to remove creases and has a cleaning, odor-removing, and antibacterial effect, for example. These devices offer an alternative to conventional irons by allowing for vertical steaming of fabric.

[0003] In order to further improve the efficiency of the garment steamer, steamers have been proposed that include a suction system at the level of the treatment surface. This ensures that the fabric is properly pressed against the heated surface, and allows for better steaming without changing the way the device is used.

[0004] Typically, the garment steamer is intended to be held by the user in one hand for several minutes. However, because of the heating elements that allow the treatment surface to reach an adequate temperature, generally above 100°C, and / or the heating elements of the steam generation system that allow it to reach a vaporization temperature, the external walls of the garment steamer may be at a high temperature, which presents a danger to the user. Description of the invention

[0005] One object of the invention is to provide a portable garment steamer that offers good garment steaming quality and reduces the risk of burns for the user.

[0006] 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 • an air intake circuit comprising a fan and a motor configured to drive the fan in rotation, the fan and motor being arranged in the gripping portion; and • a steam generation system arranged in the steamer head; • a treatment surface intended to be placed against a textile part to smooth out wrinkles and having 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;

[0007] the steaming device being characterized in that the portable housing forms at the level of the steaming head an upper air circulation channel allowing air circulation around the steam generation system, when the fan is rotating.

[0008] The proposed garment steamer advantageously includes an air circulation duct around the periphery of the steam generation system, allowing the heat produced by these elements to be dissipated by convection. When the device is in use, air is drawn in from the steaming head and serves both to press the fabric against the treatment plate and to cool the walls of the device formed by the upper portion of the portable unit. Thus, even if the user touches the periphery of the steaming head, there is no risk of burns.

[0009] The garment steamer may have the following advantageous and non-limiting characteristics, taken alone or in any technically feasible combination: • The air circulation channel allows air to circulate over most of the periphery of the steam generation system and preferably all around the steam generation system, i.e. over its entire periphery. • The gripping portion comprises a handle and a base, with the base positioned opposite the steamer head relative to the handle. The fan and motor are housed within the base. This design ensures good weight distribution of the functional components within the handheld unit, resulting in improved ergonomics. • The treatment side includes a heated treatment plate. Applying a treatment plate heated to the appropriate temperature improves the quality of the wrinkle removal and the time during which the textile item is ironed. • The steam generation system includes a vaporization chamber in steam communication with at least one steam distribution port, the vaporization chamber being in thermal contact with the treatment plate. This allows the treatment plate to be heated simultaneously using the high temperature of the vaporization chamber and increases the compactness of the device. The steam generation system includes a heating element configured to heat the vaporization chamber, and in which the vaporization chamber and the treatment plate are a single unit incorporating the heating element. This contributes to increasing the compactness of the device. The device also includes a liquid reservoir connected to the steam generation system, preferably mounted on the handheld unit against the rear face of the steamer head, opposite the treatment side. This allows for easy refilling of the liquid reservoir without having to disassemble the device. The device also includes a pump positioned between the reservoir and the steam generation system, in which the upper air circulation channel allows air to circulate around the pump's periphery when the fan is rotating. This enables easy injection of liquid into the vaporization chamber with a compact steaming head, and cools the pump, which is subjected to the high temperature near the vaporization chamber. The device further comprises a modular unit configured to support the treatment surface and the steam generation system. The portable unit includes an upper wall extending from the steaming head around the entire periphery of the steam generation system. This upper wall forms a cavity into which the modular unit is intended to be at least partially inserted. A portion of the upper air circulation channel is separated between the upper wall and the modular unit. This provides thermal insulation for the upper wall of the steam generation system and allows for convection cooling of the upper wall of the device, thus reducing the risk of burns during use. The device also includes a sealing gasket positioned between the upper wall and the modular unit. This gasket is configured to prevent air from escaping outside the upper air circulation channel. This ensures that all air drawn in through the appropriate opening circulates within the air intake circuit. It also prevents liquid from entering the device from outside, except for the steam generation system. The gripping portion includes a hollow volume that defines an intermediate airflow channel connected to the upper airflow channel. This increases the distance traveled by the airflow and expels the aspirated air from the steamer head, thus improving user comfort. The intermediate airflow channel is formed by a duct inserted inside the gripping portion. This facilitates assembly of the device and protects any electronic components located in the gripping portion outside the intermediate airflow channel. The extension duct is connected to the upper air circulation channel at its top end. The garment steamer also includes a sealing gasket on the upper end of the extension duct, creating an airtight connection between the intermediate air circulation channel and the upper air circulation channel. 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 channel. The gripping portion includes a base with a hollow volume defining a lower airflow channel connected to the intermediate airflow channel. This increases the distance traveled by the airflow and expels the aspirated air from the steamer head, thus improving user comfort. The base includes a lower surface on which the garment steamer can be placed in its resting position, the lower surface preferably being formed by a cover including at least one air exhaust vent connected to the lower air circulation channel. The air drawn in is thus expelled at the base, without being directed towards the user, which improves user comfort. The base includes a hollow volume defining a secondary lower air circulation channel in fluid communication with the lower air circulation channel. The motor is arranged within the secondary lower air circulation channel. The portable unit has a peripheral wall at the base with at least one cooling air inlet. The steamer further includes a cooling fan arranged within the secondary lower air circulation channel. The cooling fan is configured to be driven by the motor, so as to draw airflow into the secondary lower air circulation channel towards the motor when the cooling fan is rotating. This cools the motor and protects it from the steam-laden airflow from the air intake. • The portable case includes a one-piece shell, preferably made of a plastic material. This increases the device's resistance, particularly to drops. • The device also includes a filter grid covering at least one air intake opening to filter the airflow drawn through at least one air intake opening. This prevents the intake of solid particles, typically lint, which could clog the air intake system. 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] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a garment steamer according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0012] Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the garment steamer of Fig. 1.

[0013] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the steaming device of Fig. 1 before assembly.

[0014] Throughout the figures, similar elements bear identical references. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] 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.

[0016] Typically, the gripping portion includes a handle 31 and a base 4 opposite the steaming head 2 with respect to the handle 31. The handheld case 3 can typically have a flared shape at the base 4, i.e. wider than at the handle 31.

[0017] 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.

[0018] 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.

[0019] Preferably, the treatment face comprises a heated treatment plate 20. The treatment plate 20 can be a metal plate, for example, made of aluminum. Applying a surface heated to a suitable temperature to the textile improves the wrinkle removal process. Such a heated treatment plate 20 can be heated by one or more heating elements 23 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.

[0020] When not in use, the garment steamer 1 can be placed on the base 4 in its resting position. As illustrated in [Fig. 2], the portable unit 3 may include a flat underside, allowing the garment steamer 1 to be positioned vertically on the surface S. Preferably, the base 4 includes a lower surface forming a support and allowing the user to place the garment steamer 1 vertically on a flat surface, for example a table or shelf, in a resting position when not in use. The flared shape of the base 4 advantageously provides stability to the unit in its resting position.

[0021] With reference to [Fig. 2], when the garment steamer 1 is in its resting 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 underside of the garment steamer.

[0022] With reference to [Fig.2], the steaming head 2 has a slender shape extending 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 face to the textile piece to be steamed.

[0023] Steam generation system

[0024] 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 connected to the steam generation system, and intended to vent steam formed in the steaming head 2 at the level of the textile item to be steamed.

[0025] For example, the treatment plate 20 is traversed by the steam distribution orifice 22. Preferably, the treatment plate 20 comprises 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.

[0026] Typically, the steam generation system comprises a vaporization chamber 21, in steam communication with at least one steam distribution port 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. The vaporization chamber 21 is in steam communication with the exterior of the garment steamer at the treatment face, via the steam distribution port 22.

[0027] 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. Alternatively or in addition, the heating element 23 of the steam generation system can be located near the treatment plate 20.

[0028] 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.

[0029] Preferably, the walls of the vaporization chamber 21 are made of a metal alloy, for example aluminum. The heating element 23 can be A heating element is positioned near the vaporization chamber 21, preferably inside the walls of the vaporization chamber 21. 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 efficiently heated to reach the appropriate temperature for vaporizing a liquid injected into the vaporization chamber 21, while simultaneously heating the treatment plate 20.

[0030] 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 cleaning solution diluted in water. The fluid communication can be conventionally achieved by a tube from the portable unit 3 connecting the vaporization chamber 21 to the reservoir 5.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] Typically, the liquid is injected into the vaporization chamber 21 by means of a pump 25. The pump 25 is arranged to circulate the liquid contained in the reservoir 5 towards the vaporization chamber 21. The pump 25 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.

[0035] The liquid reservoir 5 is preferably an added part to the vaporization head 2. For example, it is fixed on a rear face of the steaming head 2, on a face opposite to the treatment plate 20. Preferably, the reservoir 5 is removably mounted on the portable housing 3.

[0036] 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 value.

[0037] Air suction circuit

[0038] 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 connected to the air intake circuit. This allows 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 plate 20.

[0039] The air intake circuit comprises a fan 40 and a motor 41 configured to rotate the fan 40 around a shaft 42. The fan 40 and the motor 41 are arranged in the gripping portion. The fan 40, forming part of the air intake circuit, draws air from the air intake port 24 at the level of the processing face. Preferably, the fan 40 and the motor 41 are arranged in the base 4.

[0040] The garment steamer 1 is characterized by the fact that the handheld unit 3 forms an upper air circulation channel at the steaming head 2, allowing air to circulate around the steam generation system when the fan 40 is rotating. The upper air circulation channel is visible in the cross-sectional view of [Fig. 2]. Typically, an upper wall of the handheld unit 3 forms a duct allowing air to circulate around the periphery of the steam generation system. This air circulation allows heat to be dissipated around the steam generation system, particularly from the vaporization chamber 21, which reaches a high temperature. This helps to limit the risk of burns to a user, as the handheld unit 3 is thus considerably cooled.

[0041] Preferably, the garment steamer further includes a filter grid covering the air intake orifice 24 to filter an airflow drawn through the air intake orifice 24.

[0042] Preferably, the treatment face comprises a plurality of air intake ports 24. The air intake ports 24 may be arranged around the treatment plate 20, for example, around the entire circumference of the treatment plate 20. Alternatively, the air intake ports 24 may extend over several sides of the treatment plate 20. This improves the cooling of the steam generation system by convection, as the aspirated air circulates around the entire periphery of the steam generation system. The filter grid can then cover all the air intake openings 24. Preferably, it is not placed in a cavity, but is in contact with the textile during the operation of the device. This prevents it from becoming quickly clogged by particles.

[0043] Preferably, the pump 25 is also located in the upper air circulation channel. Typically, the pump 25 is arranged between the reservoir 5 and the vapor generation system. Thus, air circulation also occurs around the periphery of the pump 25 when the fan 40 is rotating. This helps to cool the pump 25, which can be subjected to high temperatures if it is located near the vaporization chamber 21.

[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 steaming device further comprises a modular unit configured to support the treatment face and the steam generation system, and the portable housing 3 comprises a top wall extending at the level of the steaming head 2 over the entire periphery of the steam generation system.

[0046] For example, the upper wall of the portable housing 3 may be substantially cylindrical and extend around the entire periphery of the steam generation system, with an open front end corresponding to a base of the cylinder, the steam generation system being disposed inside the cylindrical wall. More generally, the upper wall forms a cavity into which the modular unit is intended to be at least partially inserted, a portion of the upper air circulation channel being delimited between the upper wall and the modular unit. Preferably, the upper air circulation channel thus extends all the way around the steam generation system.

[0047] For example, the modular unit includes an end cap 26 fixed to the open front end of the upper wall of the portable housing 3. The end cap 26 is configured to support the processing plate 20 and the steam generation system. The upper air circulation channel is delimited by the cylindrical wall and the end cap 26.

[0048] Alternatively, the modular unit can be formed by the treatment plate 20 and the vaporization chamber 21 formed from the same monobloc conductive material and incorporating a heating element 23, typically a heating resistance integrated into the conductive material.

[0049] Preferably, the steaming head 2 includes a sealing gasket 27 disposed between the upper wall and the modular unit. Typically, the sealing gasket is arranged between the open front end of the upper wall and the nozzle 26. The sealing gasket 27 is configured to prevent air from escaping outside the upper air circulation channel, particularly at the open front end. Thus, all the air drawn in through the air intake orifice 24 circulates in the air intake circuit around the steam generation system. The sealing gasket 27 is preferably also watertight. The space provided between the nozzle 26 supporting the treatment plate 20 and the upper wall of the portable housing 3 is visible in the exploded view of [Fig. 3].

[0050] Preferably, the gripping portion includes a hollow volume defining an intermediate air circulation channel in fluid communication with the upper air circulation channel. For example, the air suction circuit extends into the handle 31 of the steamer 1. The intermediate air circulation channel allows air to circulate from the steamer head 2 to the gripping portion in which the fan 40 is arranged.

[0051] Alternatively or complementarily, the intermediate air circulation channel can be formed by an added duct 32 inside the gripping portion, for example over the entire height of the handle 31.

[0052] Typically, the attached duct 32 is connected to the upper air circulation channel at its upper end. Preferably, the garment steamer includes a sealing gasket 33 located on the upper end of the attached duct 32, so as to prevent air from escaping outside the air intake circuit, particularly at the upper end of the attached duct 32. The airflow from the air intake port 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. Furthermore, the sealing gasket 33 is configured to ensure a tight connection between the intermediate air circulation channel and the upper air circulation channel. It is preferably also watertight.This prevents condensate from flowing towards the steaming head 2, which could cause short circuits.

[0053] Preferably, the base 4 comprises a hollow volume defining a lower air circulation channel in fluid communication with the intermediate air circulation channel. The fan 40 and the motor 41 are typically arranged within the hollow volume so as to allow circulation of the air drawn in through the air intake port 24.

[0054] The lower air channel is typically formed as an extension of the added duct 32. The lower air channel can be offset from the intermediate air circulation channel, i.e. the channels can extend along distinct axes, a bent portion being able to connect for example the two channels.

[0055] The steaming device 1 includes at least one air exhaust port in fluid communication with the air intake circuit, allowing the air drawn in through the air intake port 24 to be discharged from the device after circulating around the periphery of the steam generation system. At least one air exhaust port is typically connected to the lower air circulation channel.

[0056] Preferably, the lower face is formed by a cover 45 comprising at least one air exhaust orifice, i.e., through which at least one air exhaust orifice passes. The presence of a separate cover 45 advantageously allows for cleaning of the lower air circulation channel, for example, to remove particles or lint that may have been drawn into the device and could prevent the rotation of the motor 41 around its shaft 42 by obstruction.

[0057] Preferably, the base 4 further includes a hollow volume defining a secondary lower air circulation channel in fluid communication with the lower air circulation channel. The motor 41 can be arranged within the secondary lower air circulation channel. For example, the secondary lower air channel can be concentric with the lower air channel, but of smaller diameter. Preferably, the majority of the air from at least one air intake port 24 flows from the intermediate air circulation channel to the lower air circulation channel. The secondary lower air circulation channel allows for a separate airflow, in particular to ensure the cooling of the motor 4L

[0058] Advantageously, the garment steamer has at the base 4 a peripheral wall comprising at least one cooling air inlet 44. The peripheral wall may correspond to a lateral wall extending transversely with respect to the flat lower face on which the garment steamer can be placed in a rest position, and may include at least one air exhaust orifice connected to the lower air circulation channel.

[0059] In this embodiment, the base 4 may include a cooling fan 43 arranged in the secondary lower air circulation channel. The cooling fan 43 is configured to be driven in rotation by the motor 41, so as to draw an airflow into the secondary lower air circulation channel towards the motor 41 when the cooling fan 43 is rotating. Typically, the cooling fan 43 is arranged around the shaft 42, below the motor 41, that is, between the motor 41 and the flat underside of the portable housing 3.

[0060] Preferably, the lower portion of the portable unit 3 includes at least one cooling air outlet. The cooling air outlet is connected to the secondary lower air circulation channel. 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. The cooling air outlet typically passes through the lower face, or through the cover 45 closing the lower end of the lower air circulation channel, if the cover 45 also covers the secondary lower air circulation channel.

[0061] Power supply and control of the device

[0062] 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.

[0063] Preferably, the power cord 6 can be attached to the handheld unit 3, for example at the base, near the underside. This improves the balance and ergonomics of the device. The power cord 6 can also 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 steamer 1 is carried by the user at a height of about 1.5 meters from the ground.

[0064] The portable unit 3 preferably includes control means configured to control steam emission and air intake. The control means 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.

[0065] 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 one face of the handheld unit 3 forming an upper face of the base 4, opposite the lower face, as illustrated in [Fig. 1]. Alternatively, it may be located on a side wall of the handheld unit 3, preferably at the handle 31.

[0066] 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 side, 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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 drive the motor 41 so as to modulate the rotational speed of the fan 40 and / or the cooling fan 43 around the shaft 42. 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.

[0069] Assembly of the device

[0070] Preferably, the portable unit 3 comprises a one-piece casing. Preferably, the one-piece casing is made of a plastic material. For example, the portable unit 3 can be made of polypropylene or polycarbonate. Thus, the outer surface of the garment steamer 1 is a single piece. This increases the device's resistance to impacts, for example, in the event of a fall, and therefore its lifespan.

[0071] Typically, the components of the base 4 are inserted into the portable housing 3 through the lower end of the lower air circulation channel, at the level of the base 4. The modular unit carrying the steam generation system can be arranged in the steaming head 2, i.e. assembled on the upper wall of the portable housing 3. The tank 5 can then be mounted on the rear face of the steaming head 2, in fluid connection with the steam generation system.

[0072] 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. 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 steamer 1, typically less than or equal to 1.4 kg. The steamer 1 is thus easy to handle and ergonomic because the masses of the steaming head 2 and the base 4 are essentially equivalent.

[0073] Use of the garment steamer

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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.

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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.

[0078] 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 surface. 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 observed that this particular process allows the wrinkle removal effect to be maintained for a longer period after the textile has been treated.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 item to be steamed.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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 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.

[0081] 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), 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, the fan (40) and the motor (41) being arranged in the gripping portion; and - a steam generation system arranged in the steaming head (2); - 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 air suction orifice (24) connected to the air suction circuit;the garment steamer being characterized in that the portable unit (3) forms at the level of the steamer head (2) an upper air circulation channel allowing air to circulate around the steam generation system when the fan (40) is rotating.;

2. Garment steaming device according to claim 1, wherein the gripping portion comprises a handle (31) and a base (4), the base (4) being opposite the steaming head (2) relative to the handle (31), and wherein the fan (40) and the motor (41) are arranged in the base (4).

3. A garment steamer according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the treatment face comprises a heated treatment plate (20).

4. Wrinkle-steaming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the steam generation system comprises a vaporization chamber (21) in steam communication with at least one steam distribution orifice (22), the vaporization chamber being in thermal contact with the treatment plate (20).

5. A garment steamer according to any one of claims 3 and 4, wherein the steam generation system comprises a heating element (23) configured to heat the vaporization chamber (21), and wherein the vaporization chamber (21) and the treatment plate (20) are one piece and integrate the heating element (23).

6. A garment steamer according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a liquid reservoir (5) in communication with the steam generation system, the reservoir (5) preferably being mounted on the portable housing (3) against a rear face of the steamer head (2) opposite the treatment face.

7. A steaming apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising a pump (25) arranged between the reservoir (5) and the steam generation system, and in which the upper air circulation channel allows air to circulate around the periphery of the pump (25), when the fan (40) is rotating.

8. A garment steamer according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a modular unit configured to support the treatment face and the steam generation system, and in which the portable housing (3) comprises an upper wall extending at the level of the steaming head (2) over the entire periphery of the steam generation system, the upper wall forming a cavity into which the modular unit is intended to be at least partially inserted, a portion of the upper air circulation channel being delimited between the upper wall and the modular unit.

9. A garment steamer according to claim 8, further comprising a sealing gasket (27) disposed between the upper wall and the modular unit, the sealing gasket (27) being configured to prevent air from escaping outside the upper air circulation channel.

10. A steaming device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the gripping portion comprises a hollow volume delimiting an intermediate air circulation channel in fluid communication with the upper air circulation channel.

11. A garment steaming device according to claim 10, wherein the intermediate air circulation channel is formed by a conduit added (32) inside the gripping portion.

12. A garment steamer according to claim 11, wherein the added duct (32) is connected to the upper air circulation channel at an upper end, the garment steamer (1) comprising in addition a sealing gasket (33) disposed on the upper end of the added duct (32), so as to have a sealed connection between the intermediate air circulation channel and the upper air circulation channel.

13. A steaming device according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the gripping portion (31) comprises a base (4) including a hollow volume delimiting a lower air circulation channel in fluid communication with the intermediate air circulation channel.

14. A garment steamer according to claim 13, wherein the base (4) comprises a lower face on which the garment steamer (1) can be placed in a rest position, the lower face preferably being formed by a cover (45) comprising at least one air exhaust orifice connected to the lower air circulation channel.

15. A steaming device according to any one of claims 13 and 14, wherein - the base (4) comprises a hollow volume delimiting a secondary lower air circulation channel in fluid communication with the lower air circulation channel, the motor (41) being arranged in the secondary lower air circulation channel; - the portable housing (3) has at the base (4) a peripheral wall having at least one cooling air inlet orifice (44); - the steaming device further comprises a cooling fan (43) arranged in the secondary lower air circulation channel, the cooling fan (43) being configured to be driven in rotation by the motor (41), so as to cause an aspiration of an airflow in the secondary lower air circulation channel towards the motor (41), when the cooling fan (43) is rotating.

16. A garment steamer according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the portable unit (3) comprises a one-piece shell, preferably made of a plastic material.

17. A garment steamer according to any one of claims 1 to 16, further comprising a filter grid covering at least one air intake orifice (24) to filter an airflow drawn through at least one air intake orifice (24).

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