Wrinkle stretching device

Abstract

A wrinkling device (1) comprising a handle (4) and a wrinkling head (2) having a treatment side (20) designed to face a wrinkled fabric product, wherein the treatment side (20) is connected to a steam circuit comprising a steam generator (61) and has at least one steam outlet (24), and is connected to an air intake circuit comprising a fan (21) designed to be rotated by a motor (23) and has at least one air intake (22), and the device (1) comprises control means (8) for controlling steam discharge through the steam outlet (24) and air intake through the air intake (22), and the control means (8) is configured to allow only steam discharge according to a first operating mode and to allow steam discharge combined with air intake according to a second operating mode.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Field of the Invention The present invention relates to the field of small household appliances, and more particularly to a wrinkle-stretching device.

Background Art

[0002] Prior Art Conventionally, an iron has been used for ironing clothes. Due to the limitations of using an iron (e.g., the need for an ironing board), portable wrinkle-stretching devices that do not require an ironing board and are quick and easy to use have been developed. These devices are generally referred to as "steamers". The wrinkle-stretching device removes wrinkles by applying a high-temperature wrinkle-stretching surface in combination with steam release while the clothes are hung on a hanger. The wrinkle-stretching device can be used to remove wrinkles from clothes provided that they are used correctly.

[0003] In practice, it has been observed that the operation of the device is limited because the user does not apply sufficient tension to the clothes and does not press the wrinkle-stretching surface firmly enough against the clothes. This means that the clothes are not ironed as they would have been if the device had been used correctly. As a result, there have been provided wrinkle-stretching devices that not only suck in the clothes but also heat the clothes and release steam. However, operating such devices can be complex, especially in terms of their control. Moreover, they are not effective for all fabric products to be processed.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] One object of the present invention is to provide a wrinkle-stretching device that is easy to operate and handle and is preferably portable.

[0005] Another object of the present invention is to provide a wrinkle-stretching device that is preferably portable and enables improved wrinkle-stretching while preserving the fabric product to be wrinkle-stretched.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0006] According to a first aspect, there is provided a wrinkling device comprising a handle and a wrinkling head having a processing side designed to be arranged opposite to a fabric product to be wrinkled. The processing side comprises at least one steam outlet connected to a steam circuit provided with a steam generator and at least one air inlet connected to an air suction circuit provided with a fan designed to be rotated by a motor. The device comprises control means for controlling the steam discharge from the steam outlet and the air suction from the air inlet. The control means is configured to enable only steam discharge according to a first operation mode and to enable steam discharge combined with air suction according to a second operation mode.

[0007] According to advantageous and non-limiting features, the following are adopted, alone or in any combination. - The handle can be gripped with only one hand and is shaped such that the device can be moved opposite to the fabric product to be wrinkled. Advantageously, the handle has an elongated shape and has a circumference of less than 20 cm. - The wrinkling device has a weight of less than 2 kg, preferably less than 1.5 kg. - The control means comprises a push button including a push button head. The push button is configured to enable only steam discharge when the push button head is pushed in over a first push stroke and to enable steam discharge combined with air suction when the push button head is pushed in over a second push stroke. - The second push stroke exceeds the first push stroke. - The push button includes a vapor release switch having a first contact and a second contact designed to activate vapor release when contacted, and an air intake switch having a third contact and a fourth contact designed to activate air intake when contacted. The push button head is designed such that contact can be made between the first contact and the second contact when the push button head is pushed over a first push stroke, and contact can be made between the third contact and the fourth contact when the push button head is pushed over a second push stroke, and has contact means. - The push button head has an outer side surface designed such that a user can push the push button head, and an inner side surface opposite to the outer side surface. The contact means includes a first portion having a first side surface protruding in a direction protruding from the inner side surface and facing the first contact, and a second portion having a second side surface facing the third contact. Each side surface is such that when the push button head is pushed over a first push stroke, the first contact is held in a position pushed by the first portion, and as a result, the first contact contacts the second contact; when the push button head is pushed over a second push stroke, the third contact is held in a position pushed by the second portion, and as a result, the third contact contacts the fourth contact, and is inclined. - The push button includes return means connected to the push button head and designed to allow the push button head to be released when the user does not hold the push button head in the depressed position. - The control means includes a first actuator configured to activate only vapor release, and a second actuator configured to activate only air intake. - The control means includes a third actuator configured to activate vapor release combined with air intake, and a fourth actuator configured to stop air intake. - The control means is arranged on the handle of the device. - The handle, the wrinkle-stretching head, and the steam generator are incorporated into a portable housing, which includes a liquid tank and a pump configured to supply liquid to the steam generator. - The wrinkle-stretching head is connected to the upper end of the handle, and the portable housing includes a base plate connected to the lower end of the handle. The steam generator, the liquid tank, and the pump are arranged within the base plate. - The device includes a base connected to the wrinkle-stretching head by a flexible pipe. - The base includes the steam generator. - The base includes a liquid tank and a pump configured to supply liquid to the steam generator.

[0008] According to a second aspect, a method for ironing a fabric product to be ironed using an ironing device is provided. The device includes a handle and an ironing head having a treatment side designed to be arranged opposite the fabric product to be ironed. The treatment side includes at least one steam outlet connected to a steam circuit and at least one air inlet connected to an air intake circuit. The user moves the device opposite the fabric product to be ironed while holding the device by the handle with one hand. The method includes: a) a positioning step including arranging the treatment side opposite the fabric product; b) a treatment step performed using the treatment side, the treatment step including at least one steam discharge step without air intake and a steam discharge step combined with air intake; c) a stopping step including at least one air intake stop step and one steam discharge stop step.

[0009] According to advantageous and non-limiting features, the following are adopted, either alone or in any combination. - Treatment step b) includes at least b10) steam discharge without air intake, and b20) a continuous series of steps of steam discharge combined with air intake. - Treatment step b) further includes, following step b20, b30) includes steam release. - The treatment step b) includes at least b10) steam release combined with air intake, and b20) a continuous series of steps of steam release without air intake. - The stop step c) includes c1) stopping air intake, and c2) a continuous series of steps of stopping steam release.

[0010] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiments. This description will be provided with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Detailed Description of the Invention Device In this document, the terms "vertical", "lower", "upper", "front", and "rear" used to describe the ironing device should be noted to refer to the device when the ironing device is placed flat on its base plate.

[0013] Figure 1 shows an ironing device 1 having a portable housing 10, the ironing device 1 comprising a handle 4 carrying an ironing head 2 with a treatment side 20 designed to be moved relative to a fabric product to be ironed. The side of the portable housing 10 on which the treatment side 20 is arranged corresponds to the front of the portable housing 10.

[0014] The ironing device also has a special configuration comprising a base plate 6 extending from the handle 4 on the opposite side of the ironing head 2.

[0015] Referring to Figure 2, the portable housing 10 further comprises an air intake circuit including a fan 21 designed to be rotated by a motor 23. The fan 21 and the motor 23 are preferably arranged within the ironing head 2.

[0016] The portable housing 10 also comprises a steam circuit comprising a steam generator 61. Such a steam generator 61 is preferably arranged within the base plate 6. The steam circuit is designed such that steam can be discharged at the treatment side 20, and the air intake circuit is designed such that air can be drawn in at the treatment side 20.

[0017] Preferably, the portable housing is made of plastic. For example, the portable housing can be made of polypropylene or polycarbonate.

[0018] As its name indicates, the housing is portable. Thus, it is designed to be held by an individual, and the device is designed to be operated while being held in one hand, in particular by the handle 4. In addition, the handle 4 is designed to accommodate, for example, electrical wiring for supplying power to the motor 23.

[0019] Preferably, the handle 4 has a weight of about 50 g.

[0020] The base plate 6 has a flat outer surface 60 designed to allow the device to be placed on a substantially flat surface S in a "rest" position, as shown in FIG. 3. This outer surface 60 is preferably on the distal side of the base plate 6.

[0021] When the device 1 is in its rest position, the longitudinal axis P of the handle 4 (shown in FIG. 3) is preferably inclined slightly forward. Specifically, the portable housing 10 is configured such that the longitudinal axis P forms a non-zero angle, for example, an angle of about 15°, with the axis orthogonal to the outer surface 60 (corresponding to the surface S of the device).

[0022] According to another embodiment, the longitudinal axis P of the handle 4 is perpendicular to the outer surface 60.

[0023] Preferably, the base plate 6 has a back surface with a button for turning on the device.

[0024] Preferably, the base plate 6 also includes a power cord for connecting to a household power network. The cord may be removable.

[0025] The cord preferably has a length of 200 cm or more. Preferably, the cord has a weight of about 150 g when the device 1 is held by the user at a height of about 1.5 m from the floor.

[0026] According to an embodiment not shown, the ironing device 1 does not include the base plate 6. Thus, for example, the power button may be arranged on the portable housing 10, more specifically, on the ironing head 2. The cord may also be connected to the portable housing 10, more specifically, to the ironing head 2.

[0027] The wrinkling device 1 preferably includes a steam generator 61 that is part of a steam circuit. The steam generator 61 is suitable for generating steam from a liquid from a liquid tank 62. The steam generator 61 defines a housing designed to hold a liquid, and the steam generator 61 preferably includes at least one shielded heating element 65 that enables the liquid from the tank 62 to be heated within the housing. Preferably, the steam generator 61 is connected to a pipe 41 within the steam circuit that is arranged such that steam can flow from the steam generator 61 to the wrinkling head 2.

[0028] The steam generator 61 is typically made of a metal body, such as aluminum, and preferably has a weight of 250 g or more. This weight typically includes the weight of the aluminum structure, the shielded heating element 65, the electrical safety elements and temperature control elements, as well as the concentrator, which are provided in the steam generator 61.

[0029] The liquid tank 62 is preferably provided within the portable housing 10 and is arranged within the base plate 6. According to one embodiment not shown, the tank 62 is removable.

[0030] According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the tank 62 is arranged at the front of the portable housing 10, more specifically at the front of the base plate 6.

[0031] The tank 62 preferably includes a transparent shell that defines the outer wall of the tank 62, and a removable cap 620 is attached that enables the tank 62 to be filled. The tank 62 is suitable for holding a liquid, typically water or a liquid solution diluted with water.

[0032] The tank 62 preferably has a capacity of about 100 mL. When empty, the tank preferably has a weight of about 50 g. For example, if the tank 62 contains about 100 g of water and is thus 100% filled, it has a weight of about 150 g.

[0033] Also preferably, the steam circuit comprises a pump 63 designed to circulate liquid from the tank 62 to the steam generator 61, and this pump 63 is preferably arranged on the base plate 6.

[0034] The pump 63 preferably has a weight of about 50 g.

[0035] According to one possible embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the steam generator 61, the tank 62, and the pump 63 are provided within the portable housing 10, more specifically, within the base plate 6.

[0036] According to another embodiment (not shown), the steam generator 61, the tank 62, and the pump 63 are not provided within the portable housing 10 but are provided within a base offset with respect to the portable housing 10. This base is preferably connected to the portable housing 10 via a hose that allows steam to flow from the steam generator 61 to the ironing head 2.

[0037] The ironing head 2 is connected to the upper end of the handle 4, and the base plate 6 is connected to the lower end of the handle 4 opposite the upper end. According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the lower part of the handle 4 has a flare shape with a cross-section that increases gradually as it approaches the base plate 6.

[0038] The ironing head 2 comprises a front end portion having a treatment side surface 20 designed to be moved opposite the fabric product to be ironed. The treatment side surface 20 preferably comprises a treatment plate 200 made of metal, for example, an aluminum treatment plate 200.

[0039] This treatment plate 200 can be, for example, a sole plate 200 for improving ironing as described below. Such a sole plate 200 can be heated by one or more heating elements 26 arranged on the ironing head in the vicinity of the treatment side surface 20.

[0040] The processing side surface 20 includes at least one steam discharge port 24 connected to the steam circuit and at least one air intake port 22 connected to the air intake circuit.

[0041] The processing side surface 20 can have various shapes, such as a rectangular or triangular shape. Preferably, it includes a plurality of steam discharge ports 24 and a plurality of air intake ports 22.

[0042] The various steam discharge ports and air intake ports can be in the form of holes or slits. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the steam discharge port 24 is in the form of a hole and the air intake port 22 is in the form of a slit.

[0043] Advantageously, the secondary steam generator 25 is arranged in the ironing head 2. The secondary steam generator 25 is part of the steam circuit. The secondary steam generator 25 is preferably connected to the pipe 41. In fact, the secondary steam generator 25 is used to re-evaporate the liquid that has flowed through the pipe 41 from a steam generator 61 known as the "primary steam generator". In fact, since the steam flows through the pipe 41, it can cool until a part of it condenses. Therefore, the condensed water of the steam flows to the secondary steam generator 25. The secondary steam generator 25 preferably vaporizes this condensed water and no liquid is discharged through the steam discharge port 24. Preventing the liquid from being discharged from the steam discharge port 24 is particularly advantageous because the liquid would wet the fabric product being processed and prevent the fabric product from being properly ironed. To evaporate the condensed water, the secondary steam generator 25 preferably includes at least one PTC thermistor or a shielded heating element 26. The secondary steam generator 25 can also be referred to as an "evaporator" because it reheats the steam generated by the steam generator 61.

[0044] Preferably, the shielded heating element or elements 26 of the secondary steam generator 25 are in thermal contact with the processing side 20. Thus, the processing side 20, preferably, more specifically, the sole plate 200 can be heated by the heating element or elements 26 of the secondary steam generator 25, enabling more effective wrinkle removal when the processing side 20 is disposed opposite the fabric article.

[0045] According to an embodiment not shown, a silicon piece is disposed between the heating element or elements 26 of the secondary steam generator 25 and the processing side 20, such that the temperature of the processing side 20 does not exceed a certain temperature threshold, typically 150 °C.

[0046] The secondary steam generator 25 is typically made of a metal body, such as aluminum.

[0047] The secondary steam generator 25 also preferably includes electrical safety elements and temperature control elements.

[0048] Thus, the assembly including the processing side 20 and the secondary steam generator 25 preferably has a weight of about 100 g.

[0049] The wrinkle removal head 2 includes a motor 23 that is part of the air intake circuit. Preferably, the motor 23 is disposed inside the wrinkle removal head 2 along the axial extension line of the processing side 20. The motor 23 extends along the longitudinal axis M shown in FIG. 3.

[0050] According to FIG. 3, the wrinkle removal head 2 has an elongated shape that extends laterally with respect to the handle 4, preferably at an angle α of about 65° with respect to the longitudinal axis P of the handle. Preferably, the handle 4 extends along an axis passing through at least a part of the motor 23. Advantageously, the axis P and the axis M intersect.

[0051] The motor 23 is suitable for rotating the fan 21. The fan 21, which is part of the air intake circuit, draws air in from the air inlet 22.

[0052] The assembly comprising the motor 23 and the fan 21 preferably has a weight of about 300 g.

[0053] Preferably, the air intake circuit is 10 m 3 greater than / hr and less than 60 m 3 / hr of air intake flow rate, more preferably, greater than 20 m 3 greater than / hr and less than 50 m 3 / hr of air intake flow rate. The device 1 preferably comprises control means 8 configured to control steam release and air intake. This control means 8 is preferably designed to be operated by the user's hand used to hold the portable housing of the wrinkling device.

[0054] Accordingly, the control means 8 enables the control of steam release from the steam outlet 24 and air intake from the air inlet 22. The control means 8 is configured to enable only steam release according to the first operating mode of the device 1 and to enable steam release combined with air intake according to the second operating mode of the device 1. Preferably, the control means 8 is arranged on the handle 4 of the device 1.

[0055] According to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4-7, the control means 8 comprises a push button 8 having a push button head 81. The push button head 81 has an outer surface designed to enable the user to push in the push button head 81. Preferably, the push button 8 is connected to the push button head and comprises a return means 83 designed such that the push button head 81 is released when the user does not hold the push button head 81 in the pushed-in position. The release position of the push button head 81 is shown in FIG. 7 and corresponds to the position where the push button head 81 is not pushed in.

[0056] The push button 8 is configured to enable steam release only when the push button head 81 is pushed in over a first pushing stroke, and to enable steam release combined with air inhalation when the push button head 81 is pushed in over a second pushing stroke. Preferably, the second pushing stroke extends beyond the first pushing stroke. Thus, the user only needs to push the push button 8 more or less to control the first or second operating mode.

[0057] Advantageously, referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the push button 8 comprises a steam release switch 85 having a first contact 87 and a second contact (not shown) designed to activate steam release when contacted. The push button 8 further comprises an air inhalation switch 86 having a third contact 88 and a fourth contact designed to activate air inhalation when contacted. The push button head 81 has contact means 89 designed such that when the push button head 81 is pushed in over a first pushing stroke, contact is made between the first contact 87 and the second contact, and when the push button head is pushed in over a second pushing stroke, contact is made between the third contact 88 and the fourth contact. Briefly, when the push button head 81 is pushed in over a first pushing stroke, the first and second contacts are brought into contact. As a result, the device 1 operates according to a first operating mode in which only steam release is controlled. When the push button head 81 is pushed in over a second pushing stroke, the third and fourth contacts are brought into contact. As a result, the device 1 operates according to a second operating mode in which steam release and air inhalation are controlled in combination.

[0058] More specifically, regarding the possible structure of the push button 8, the push button head 81 has an inner surface 82 facing the outer surface, and the contact means 89 protrudes from the inner surface 82. Referring to FIG. 5, the contact means 89 includes a first portion 890 having a first side facing the first contact 87 and a second portion 891 having a second side facing the third contact 88. Preferably, each of the first and second sides is held in a position pushed by the first portion 890 such that when the push button head 81 is pushed over the first push stroke, the first contact 87 contacts the second contact, and when the push button head 81 is pushed over the second push stroke, the third contact 88 contacts the fourth contact, and is inclined so as to be held in a position pushed by the second portion 891.

[0059] According to an embodiment not shown, the control means 8 includes a first actuator configured to operate only steam release and a second actuator configured to operate only air inhalation. By operating both actuators simultaneously, the user can control air inhalation and steam release simultaneously.

[0060] The control means 8 may also include a third actuator configured to operate steam release in combination with air inhalation and a fourth actuator configured to stop air inhalation. Method of using a wrinkle-stretching device Next, the operation of the device will be described.

[0061] If the user wishes to use the device, the user fills the tank 62 with a liquid (preferably water) and then presses the power button to turn on the device 1. It is assumed that the device is connected to a household power grid via a power cord. Thereafter, the heating elements of the primary steam generator 61 and the secondary steam generator 25 are powered up to their operating temperatures, which are preferably controlled by a thermostat.

[0062] If the user wishes to use the device in the vertical ironing position, the user positions the processing side 20 perpendicular to the fabric product to be ironed, and then presses the control means 8 (in this case, preferably a button), which activates the pump 63 and allows the liquid to flow from the tank 62 to the primary steam generator 61.

[0063] The steam generated in the primary steam generator 61 then travels through the pipe 41 towards the secondary steam generator 25 (if any), and then escapes through the steam outlet 24. The steam then diffuses into the fabric product, which, when combined with the heating and drying action of the processing plate 200, removes the wrinkles from the fabric product.

[0064] The control means 8 is provided to activate air intake in combination with steam release. For example, pressing the control means 8 can power on the motor 23, which then starts operating. As a result, the fan 21 is rotated and air is drawn in through the air inlet 22. In particular, the air intake helps to press the fabric product against the processing side 20. Thus, steam release combined with air intake optimizes ironing. Additionally, the air intake also helps to dry the part of the fabric product that has just been steamed. It has been discovered that this special method enables the ironing effect to last longer after the fabric product has been processed.

[0065] As detailed below, the control means 8 enables the user to control the air intake amount in a way that is independent of the control of steam release. Thus, the user can control only the steam release or the steam release in combination with the air intake.

[0066] During processing, the user can move the device 1 vertically, for example from top to bottom, to process all or part of the fabric product.

[0067] The device 1 can also be used from time to time in the horizontal ironing position by horizontally moving the processing side 20 above the fabric product, for example to iron a fabric product placed horizontally on a table.

[0068] Referring to FIG. 8, a specific method of ironing a fabric product to be ironed using an ironing device 1 such as the one described above is provided.

[0069] The method includes a preparation step a) that includes disposing the treatment side 20 opposite to the fabric product.

[0070] When the treatment side 20 is disposed opposite to the fabric product, a treatment step b) is performed using the treatment side 20. Step b) includes at least one of a steam release step without air inhalation and a steam release step combined with air inhalation. According to a specific embodiment, step b) includes at least b10) steam release without air inhalation, and b20) a series of consecutive steps of steam release combined with air inhalation.

[0071] Also preferably, the treatment step b) further includes a steam release step b30) following the step b20).

[0072] According to another embodiment, step b) includes at least b10) steam release combined with air inhalation, and b20) a series of consecutive steps of steam release without air inhalation.

[0073] The combination of steam release and air inhalation optimizes ironing. In fact, due to air inhalation, the fabric product is pressed against the treatment side 20, and as a result, the fabric product is effectively ironed. Further, air suction also helps to dry the portion of the fabric product that has just been subjected to steam. It has been discovered that this specific method makes it possible for the ironing effect to last longer after the fabric product has been treated.

[0074] However, particularly in certain situations where air inhalation is not desired, it may be desirable to stop air inhalation and use only vapor release. For example, when the treatment side 20 faces a button sewn onto a fabric product, it may be desirable not to activate air inhalation so as not to suck in the button and potentially loosen the stitches. Similarly, when the treatment side 20 reaches the edge of a pocket opening in a piece of clothing, it may be desirable not to activate air inhalation so that the treatment plate 200 does not get caught in the pocket opening.

[0075] Finally, the method includes a stopping step c) that includes at least one air inhalation stopping step and one vapor release stopping step. According to a preferred embodiment, the stopping step c) c1) stopping air inhalation, and c2) includes a series of consecutive steps of stopping vapor release.

[0076] For this purpose, for example, if the control means 8 is in the form of a push button as shown in FIGS. 4 - 7, the user partially releases the push button head 81 of the push button 8, and the push button head 81 is only pushed in over a first push stroke. Thus, air inhalation is stopped. Thereafter, the user fully releases the push button head 81, thereby interrupting vapor release.

[0077] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In particular, with regard to the configuration of various technical elements, or by substituting technical equivalents, changes may still be made without departing from what is generally taught.

Claims

1. A wrinkle-removing device comprising a steam circuit and an air intake circuit, and having a portable housing (10), wherein the portable housing (10) comprises a handle (4) on which a wrinkle-removing head (2) is mounted, the wrinkle-removing head (2) has a processing side (20) designed to be positioned opposite to the fabric product to be wrinkle-removed, the processing side (20) comprises at least one steam outlet (24) connected to the steam circuit comprising a steam generator (61), and at least one air intake (22) connected to the air intake circuit comprising a fan (21) designed to be rotated by a motor (23), the device (1) comprises control means (8) for controlling steam discharge through the steam outlet (24) and air intake through the air intake (22), the control means (8) is configured to enable steam discharge only according to a first operating mode, and to enable steam discharge combined with air intake according to a second operating mode.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control means (8) comprises a push button having a push button head (81) configured to enable only steam release when the push button head (81) is pressed over a first pressing stroke, and to enable steam release combined with air intake when the push button head (81) is pressed over a second pressing stroke.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the second pushing stroke exceeds the first pushing stroke.

4. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control means (8) includes a first actuator configured to operate only for steam discharge and a second actuator configured to operate only for air intake.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control means (8) comprises a third actuator configured to operate vapor discharge combined with air intake, and a fourth actuator configured to stop air intake.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control means (8) is located on the handle (4) of the apparatus (1).

7. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the handle (4), the wrinkle-smoothing head (2), and the steam generator (61) are incorporated into the portable housing (10), and the portable housing (10) comprises a liquid tank (62) and a pump (63) configured to supply liquid to the steam generator.

8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the wrinkle-smoothing head (2) is connected to the upper end of the handle (4), the portable housing comprises a base plate (6) connected to the lower end of the handle (4), and the steam generator, the liquid tank (62), and the pump (63) are arranged within the base plate (6).

9. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus comprises a base connected to the wrinkle-smoothing head (2) by a flexible pipe.

10. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the base comprises the steam generator.

11. The apparatus according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the base comprises a liquid tank (62) and a pump (63) configured to supply liquid to the steam generator.

12. A method for ironing a fabric product to be pressed using a wrinkle-removing device, wherein the wrinkle-removing device comprises a steam circuit, an air intake circuit, the wrinkle-removing device has a portable housing (10), the portable housing (10) comprises a handle (4) on which a wrinkle-removing head (2) is mounted, the wrinkle-removing head (2) has a processing side (20) designed to be positioned opposite the fabric product to be wrinkle-removed, the processing side (20) comprises at least one steam outlet (24) connected to the steam circuit, and at least one air intake (22) connected to the air intake circuit, and the method is: a) A preparation step including positioning the processing side (20) opposite the fabric product, b) A processing step performed using the processing side (20), wherein the processing step includes at least one vapor release step without air intake and one vapor release step combined with air intake, c) A method characterized by comprising a stopping step including at least one air intake stopping step and one vapor release stopping step.

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