Smoothing device

Abstract

A smoothing device having a portable housing, the portable housing comprising a steam circuit with a steam generator and an air intake circuit extending between an intake port and an air intake vent and designed to be rotated by a motor, the fan and the motor being further provided in the air intake circuit arranged within the smoothing head, the smoothing head comprising a treatment surface designed to be arranged facing the fabric product to be smoothed, the treatment surface comprising at least one steam vent connected to the steam circuit and at least one intake port forming an air intake of the air intake circuit, the smoothing head further comprising an air cooling circuit for the motor extending between at least one cooling air intake port and at least one cooling air vent arranged within the smoothing head, the cooling circuit being separate from and clearly distinguishable from the air intake circuit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of small household appliances, and more specifically, to smoothing devices.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, an iron has been used to iron clothes. Since there are restrictions on the use of an iron (for example, an ironing board is required), portable smoothing devices that do not require an ironing board and can be used quickly and easily have been developed. These devices are generally called "steamers". The smoothing device removes wrinkles by applying a hot smoothing surface to the clothes while the clothes are hanging on a hanger and releasing steam. When used correctly, the smoothing device can be used to remove wrinkles from clothes.

[0003] In practice, it has been observed that the effect of the device is limited because the user does not sufficiently stretch the clothes and does not firmly press the smoothing surface against the clothes. This means that even when ironing goes well if the device is used correctly, it may not. As a result, smoothing devices that suck in, heat, and release steam have been provided. In these improved devices, a motor is required to operate the suction, which can lead to overheating.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide a portable smoothing device that incorporates suction technology and is optimized to prevent damage to the device due to its operation.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] According to the first embodiment, there is provided a smoothing device having a portable housing including a handle and a smoothing head connected to the handle. The portable housing includes a steam circuit including a steam generator, an air intake circuit extending between at least one intake port and at least one air intake vent and designed to be rotated by a motor, the fan and the motor being disposed in the air intake circuit within the smoothing head, and further includes The smoothing head includes a treatment surface designed to be disposed opposite to the fabric product to be smoothed. The treatment surface includes at least one steam vent connected to the steam circuit and at least one intake port forming an air intake of the air intake circuit. The smoothing head includes an air cooling circuit for the motor extending between at least one cooling air intake port and at least one cooling air vent disposed within the smoothing head. The cooling circuit is separate and clearly distinguishable from the air intake circuit.

[0006] According to advantageous and non-limiting features, the following features may be mentioned, alone or in any combination.

[0007] The handle can be held with only one hand and has a shape that allows the device to be moved while facing the fabric product to be smoothed. Advantageously, the handle has an elongated shape and a circumference of less than 20 cm.

[0008] The weight of the smoothing device is less than 2 kg, preferably less than 1.5 kg.

[0009] The cooling circuit includes a propeller rotatably mounted to circulate air flowing in from the cooling air intake port toward the cooling air vent.

[0010] The propeller is axial, helico - centrifugal, or centrifugal.

[0011] The motor extends longitudinally along the axis from the first end to the second end, and the first end is closer to the processing surface than the second end, and the propeller is arranged at the second end of the motor.

[0012] The smoothing head includes a back surface on the opposite side of the processing surface and a side surface extending between the processing surface and the back surface, and a cooling air intake port is arranged on the side surface, and a cooling air vent is arranged on the back surface.

[0013] The air intake circuit includes at least one air intake vent arranged on the back surface.

[0014] At least one cooling air vent in the cooling circuit is an air intake vent in the air intake circuit and communicates with the air intake circuit.

[0015] The cooling circuit includes a plurality of cooling air intake ports and / or a plurality of cooling air vents.

[0016] The portable housing includes a receiving chamber defining a housing in which the motor is arranged, and the receiving chamber further includes blades extending from the inner wall. On the one hand, at least one air intake channel is formed between at least one intake port and the air intake vent, and on the other hand, it includes at least one cooling pipe that allows the cooling air entering from at least one cooling air intake port to flow into the housing.

[0017] Each blade is hollow so as to define at least one cooling pipe.

[0018] At least one air intake channel is defined between two blades.

[0019] Each blade is curved so as to direct the intake air flowing between at least one intake port and the air intake vent.

[0020] The air intake circuit and the cooling circuit are designed such that the intake air flows in a direction perpendicular to the flow direction of the cooling air in the chamber.

[0021] The portable housing includes a base plate connected to the lower end of the handle, and the steam generator is disposed within the base plate.

[0022] The steam circuit includes a liquid tank and a pump arranged to circulate liquid from the liquid tank to the steam generator, and the liquid tank and the pump are disposed within the base plate.

[0023] The base plate has a flat outer surface, and the outer surface is designed to place the appliance on a substantially flat surface.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0024] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiments. This description is made with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0025]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0026] Note that in this document, the terms "vertical", "down", "up", "front", and "back" used to describe the smoothing device refer to the situation when the device is placed flat on the base plate.

[0027] Figure 1 shows a smoothing device 1 comprising a portable housing 10 with a handle 4 disposed at the upper part. The smoothing head 2 is provided with a processing surface 20 designed to move relative to the fabric product to be smoothed. The side surface of the portable housing 10 where the processing surface 20 is disposed corresponds to the front part of the portable housing 10.

[0028] The smoothing device also has a special feature of comprising a base plate 6 extending from the handle 4 on the opposite side of the smoothing head 2.

[0029] Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the portable housing 10 further comprises an air intake circuit including a fan 21 designed to be rotated by a motor 23 and having at least one air intake vent 201. The fan 21 and the motor 23 are preferably disposed within the smoothing head 2.

[0030] The portable housing 10 also comprises a steam circuit including a steam generator 61. Such a steam generator 61 is preferably disposed within the base plate 6.

[0031] The steam circuit is designed such that steam is released onto the processing surface 20, and the air intake circuit is designed such that air is drawn onto the processing surface 20.

[0032] Preferably, the portable housing is made of plastic. For example, the portable housing can be made of polypropylene or polycarbonate.

[0033] As the name implies, the housing is portable. Therefore, it is designed to be held by an individual, and the device is designed to be operated with one hand, particularly while holding the handle 4.

[0034] The portable housing 10 preferably comprises control means 8 (such as buttons) for controlling the release of steam and the intake of air. The control means 8 is preferably arranged on the handle 4. These control means 8 are preferably designed to be operable by the hand used to hold the portable housing of the smoothing device.

[0035] Furthermore, the handle 4 is designed to include, for example, electrical wiring for supplying power to the motor 23.

[0036] Preferably, the weight of the handle 4 is about 50 grams.

[0037] The base plate 6 has a flat outer surface 60 designed so that the device can be placed on a substantially flat surface S in the "rest" position, as shown in FIG. 4. This surface 60 is preferably the distal side of the base plate 6.

[0038] When the device 1 is in the rest position, the longitudinal axis P of the handle 4 (see FIG. 4) 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 perpendicular to the outer surface 60 (corresponding to the surface S of the device).

[0039] According to another embodiment, the longitudinal axis P of the handle 4 is perpendicular to the outer surface 60.

[0040] Preferably, the base plate 6 has a button on the back for turning on the device.

[0041] Preferably, the base plate 6 further includes a power cord for connecting to a household power network. The cord is removable.

[0042] The length of the cord is preferably 200 cm or more. Preferably, when the user holds the device 1 at a height of about 1.5 meters from the floor, the weight of the cord is about 150 grams.

[0043] According to an embodiment not shown, some smoothing devices 1 do not include a base plate 6. Thus, for example, the power button can be arranged in the portable housing 10, and more specifically, can be arranged on the smoothing head 2. Also, the cord can be connected to the portable housing 10, and more specifically, can be connected to the smoothing head 2.

[0044] The smoothing device 1 preferably includes a steam generator 61 that is part of the steam circuit. The steam generator 61 is suitable for converting the liquid from the liquid tank 62 into steam. The steam generator 61 defines an enclosure designed to hold the liquid and preferably includes at least one shielded heating element 65 to enable heating the liquid from the tank 62 within the enclosure. Preferably, the steam generator 61 is connected to a pipe 41 within the steam circuit arranged to allow steam to flow from the steam generator 61 to the smoothing head 2.

[0045] The steam generator 61 is typically manufactured from a metal body, such as aluminum, for example, and preferably has a weight of about 250 grams. This weight includes the weight of the aluminum structure, the shielded heating element 65, the electrical safety and temperature control elements, and the concentrating device, which are preferably provided in the steam generator 61.

[0046] The liquid tank 62 is preferably provided in the portable housing 10 and is arranged on the base plate 6. According to an embodiment not shown, the tank 62 is removable.

[0047] According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the tank 62 is arranged at the front of the portable housing 10, or more specifically, at the front of the base plate 6.

[0048] The tank 62 preferably comprises a transparent container defining the outer wall of the tank 62, and a removable cap 620 is attached so that the tank 62 can be filled. The tank 62 is suitable for holding a liquid, usually water or a liquid solution diluted in water.

[0049] The capacity of the tank 62 is preferably about 100 mL. In the empty state, the tank preferably weighs about 50 grams. For example, when the tank 62 contains about 100 grams of water and is 100% filled, it has a weight of about 150 grams.

[0050] Also preferably, the vapor circuit comprises a pump 63 designed to circulate liquid from the tank 62 to the vapor generator 61, and this pump 63 is preferably arranged on the base plate 6.

[0051] The weight of the pump 63 is preferably about 50 grams.

[0052] According to one possible embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the vapor generator 61, the tank 62, and the pump 63 are provided in the portable housing 10, and more specifically, are included in the base plate 6.

[0053] According to another embodiment (not shown), the steam generator 61, the tank 62, and the pump 63 are not provided in the portable housing 10, but are provided on an offset base 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 smoothing head 2.

[0054] The smoothing head 2 is connected to the upper end of the handle 4, and the base plate 6 is connected to the lower end on the side opposite to the upper end of the handle 4. According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the lower part of the handle 4 has a flare shape with a gradually increasing cross-section as it approaches the base plate 6.

[0055] The smoothing head 2 includes a front processing surface 20 designed to move facing the fabric product to be smoothed. The smoothing head 2 preferably has a rear end on the side opposite to the front end and a back surface on the side opposite to the processing surface 20. The smoothing head 2 preferably has side surfaces extending between the back surface and the processing surface 20.

[0056] The processing surface 20 preferably includes a processing plate 200, and is preferably made of metal such as a processing plate 200 made of aluminum.

[0057] This processing plate 200 can be, for example, a sole plate 200 for improving smoothing as described below. Such a sole plate 200 can be heated by one or more heating elements 26 arranged in the smoothing head near the processing surface 20.

[0058] The processing surface 20 includes at least one steam vent 24 connected to the steam circuit and at least one intake port 22 connected to the air intake circuit.

[0059] The processing surface 20 can have various shapes, such as rectangular or triangular. Preferably, it includes a plurality of steam vents 24 and a plurality of intake ports 22.

[0060] The various steam vents and inhalation ports can be in the form of holes or slits. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the steam vent 24 is in the form of a hole and the inhalation port 22 is in the form of a slit.

[0061] Advantageously, the secondary steam generator 25 is arranged in the smoothing 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 from the primary steam generator 61 (referred to as the "primary steam generator") that has flowed through the pipe 41. Certainly, when flowing through the pipe 41, the steam can cool and partially condense. Thus, the steam condensate flows to the secondary steam generator 25. The secondary steam generator 25 preferably evaporates this condensate so as to prevent the liquid from being released through the steam vent 24. Preventing the release of the liquid is particularly advantageous because if the liquid is released through the steam vent 24, the fabric product to be treated will get wet and will not be properly smoothed. To evaporate the condensate, the secondary steam generator 25 preferably comprises at least one PTC thermistor or a shielded heating element 26. Since the secondary steam generator 25 reheats the steam generated by the steam generator 61, it may also be referred to as an "evaporator".

[0062] Preferably, the heating element 26 of the secondary steam generator 25 is in thermal contact with the treatment surface 20. Thus, the treatment surface 20, more specifically the sole plate 200, can be heated by the heating element 26 of the secondary steam generator 25, enabling more effective smoothing when the treatment surface 20 is arranged facing the fabric product.

[0063] According to an embodiment not shown, a silicon component is arranged between the heating element 26 of the secondary steam generator 25 and the treatment surface 20 to prevent the temperature of the treatment surface 20 from exceeding a specific temperature threshold of usually 150 °C.

[0064] The secondary steam generator 25 is typically manufactured with a metal body, such as aluminum for example.

[0065] The secondary steam generator 25 preferably also includes electrical safety and temperature control elements.

[0066] Therefore, the assembly including the treatment surface 20 and the secondary steam generator 25 preferably has a weight of about 100 grams.

[0067] The smoothing head 2 includes an air intake circuit extending between the intake port 22 and the air intake vent 201. The air intake flow within the air intake circuit is indicated by the solid arrows in FIG. 5. The air intake circuit also includes a fan 21 and a motor 23. The fan 21 and the motor 23 are arranged in the smoothing head 2.

[0068] Preferably, the motor 23 is arranged within the smoothing head 2 along the axial extension of the treatment surface 20. The motor 23 extends along the longitudinal axis M shown in FIG. 4.

[0069] According to FIG. 4, the smoothing head 2 preferably has an elongated shape extending laterally with respect to the handle 4 and has an angle α of about 65° with respect to the longitudinal axis P. Preferably, the handle 4 extends along an axis passing through at least a part of the motor 23. The P-axis and the M-axis advantageously intersect.

[0070] The motor 23 is suitable for rotating the fan 21. The fan 21 is part of the air intake circuit and takes in air from the intake port 22.

[0071] The assembly including the motor 23 and the fan 21 preferably has a weight of about 300 grams.

[0072] Preferably, the air intake circuit is configured to allow an air intake flow rate greater than 10 m 3 / h and less than 60 m 3 / h, and more preferably greater than 20 m 3 / h and less than 50 m 3configured to allow an air intake flow rate of less than / hour.

[0073] The air intake vent 201 is preferably arranged on the back. "On the back" is understood to mean that the air intake vent 201 is arranged on the back or on a side surface near the back. When the air intake vent 201 is arranged on the side surface, it is preferably arranged at a distance of less than 9 cm from the back.

[0074] The smoothing head 2 is provided with an air cooling circuit for the motor 23 that extends between at least one cooling intake port 203 and at least one cooling air vent 202 arranged within the smoothing head 2. The flow of cooling air within the cooling circuit is indicated by the dotted arrows in FIG. 5. The air cooling circuit for the motor 23 is used to cool the motor 23 when it is operating. When the motor 23 reaches a specific critical temperature threshold, there is a possibility of failure and cooling is required. Preferably, the smoothing head 2 is provided with at least two main cooling air intake ports 203 and at least two cooling air vents 202.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 5, the cooling circuit is separate from and clearly distinguishable from the air intake circuit. This advantageous arrangement efficiently cools the motor 23 and prevents damage caused by air containing vapor flowing into the motor.

[0076] As shown in FIG. 5, the cooling air intake port 203 is preferably arranged on the side surface of the smoothing head 2. The cooling air vent 202 is also preferably arranged on the back. When the cooling air vent 202 is arranged on the side surface, it is preferably arranged at a distance of less than 8 cm from the back. Also, it is preferably arranged at a distance of 1 cm or more from the back.

[0077] According to an embodiment not shown, the cooling air vent 202 of the cooling circuit opens into the air intake circuit at the air intake vent 201 of the air intake circuit. "Into the air intake vent" is understood to mean that the cooling air vent 202 is arranged near the air intake vent 201, for example, at a distance of less than 2 cm from the air intake vent 201. Thereby, it is possible to generate a Venturi effect and increase the flow velocity of the intake air and the cooling air (thus optimizing the cooling within the device).

[0078] As shown in FIG. 3, the cooling circuit comprises a rotatable propeller 27 for circulating the air flowing in through the cooling air intake port 203 towards the cooling air vent 202. By means of this propeller 27, it is possible to direct the air along the path indicated by the dotted arrow shown in FIG. 5. The propeller 27 can be axial, helical - centrifugal, or centrifugal.

[0079] The propeller 27 can be arranged at various positions relative to the motor 23. The motor 23 extends longitudinally along the axis from a first end to a second end. The first end is closer to the processing surface 20 than the second end. For example, the propeller 27 can be arranged at the first end or the second end of the motor 23, in other words, at the front or the rear of the motor 23. However, it is preferable to arrange the propeller at the rear of the motor 23 in order to optimize the air flow within the cooling circuit. In particular, arranging the propeller at the rear of the motor 23 reduces the pressure loss.

[0080] Preferably, the portable housing 10 includes a receiving chamber 29 having an inner wall that defines an enclosure in which the motor 23 is disposed. Thus, this receiving chamber 29 is preferably provided inside the smoothing head 2. The receiving chamber is shown in FIG. 7, which shows a partial C-C cross-sectional view of the device 1 shown in FIG. 6. The receiving chamber 29 includes blades 204 extending from the inner wall, which on the one hand form an air intake flow path between at least one intake port 22 and the air intake vent 201, and on the other hand form at least one cooling pipe through which cooling air flowing into the enclosure from at least one cooling air intake port 203 can flow. Thus, the receiving chamber 29 is cleverly designed to provide a separate and clearly distinct cooling circuit and air intake circuit. Further, the receiving chamber 29 allows the flow of cooling air through the motor 23 while preventing the intake air (including vapor) from passing through the motor 23. Advantageously, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, the air intake circuit and the cooling circuit are designed such that the intake air flows in a direction orthogonal to the direction of the flow of the cooling air within the chamber.

[0081] Preferably, each blade 204 is hollow so as to define at least one cooling pipe. Also preferably, the air intake flow path is defined between two blades 204.

[0082] Preferably, the receiving chamber 29 functions as an air director. More specifically, each blade 204 is preferably bent so as to direct the intake air flowing between at least one intake port 22 and the air intake vent 201. Thus, the intake air is directed and flows faster.

[0083] The operation of the device is described as follows.

[0084] When the user wants to use this device, fill the tank 62 with a liquid (preferably water), and then press the power button to turn on the device 1. Assume that the device is connected to the household power supply via a power cord. The heating elements of the primary steam generator 61 and the secondary steam generator 25 (if any) are then heated to an appropriate temperature controlled by a thermostat.

[0085] When the user wants to use the device in the vertical smoothing position, move the processing surface 20 vertically towards the fabric product to be smoothed, and then press the control means 8 (in this case, a button is preferred) to activate the pump 63 and allow the liquid to flow from the tank 62 to the primary steam generator 61.

[0086] The steam generated in the primary steam generator 61 travels through the pipe 4 towards the secondary steam generator 25 (if any), and then escapes through the steam vent 24. The steam is diffused onto the fabric product and, combined with the heating and drying action of the processing plate 200, smooths the fabric product.

[0087] At the same time, the control means 8 can be set to activate air intake in combination with steam release. For example, when the control means 8 is pressed, power can be supplied to the motor 23 and the motor can start operating. As a result, the fan 21 rotates and air is drawn in through the intake port 22. In particular, the air intake helps to press the fabric product against the processing surface 20. By combining steam release and air intake, smoothing is optimized. Furthermore, the air intake also helps to dry the portion of the fabric product immediately after the steam is applied. It has been confirmed that the smoothing effect after the fabric product is processed lasts longer with this specific process.

[0088] According to another embodiment, the control means 8 enables the user to control the intake independently of the control of steam release. Thus, the user can control only the steam release or control it in combination with air intake.

[0089] During processing, the user can move device 1 vertically, for example, move it up and down to process the whole or part of the fabric product.

[0090] By horizontally moving the processing surface 20 over the fabric product, for example, to smooth a horizontally placed fabric product with respect to a table, device 1 can also be used at times in the horizontal smoothing position.

[0091] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown and described in the accompanying drawings. Without departing from the content taught as a whole, it is possible to make changes, particularly with regard to the configuration of various technical elements or by substituting technical equivalents.

Claims

1. A smoothing device (1) having a portable housing (10) comprising a handle (4) and a smoothing head (2) connected to the handle (4), wherein the portable housing (10) comprises a steam circuit comprising a steam generator (61); an air intake circuit extending between at least one intake port (22) and at least one air intake vent (201) and designed to be rotated by a motor (23), the air intake circuit comprising a fan (21), the fan (21) and the motor (23) being arranged in the smoothing head (2); the smoothing head (2) comprises a treatment surface (20) designed to be arranged opposite a fabric product to be smoothed, the treatment surface (20) comprising at least one steam vent (24) connected to the steam circuit and at least one intake port (22) forming the intake of the air intake circuit; the smoothing head (2) further comprises an air cooling circuit for the motor (23) extending between at least one cooling air intake port (203) and at least one cooling air vent (202) arranged in the smoothing head (2), the cooling circuit being separate from and clearly distinguishable from the air intake circuit, characterized in that the smoothing device (1).

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the cooling circuit comprises a propeller (27) rotatably mounted to circulate air flowing in through the cooling air intake port (203) towards the cooling air vent (202).

3. The device according to claim 2, wherein the propeller (27) is axial, helico - centrifugal or centrifugal.

4. The device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the motor (23) extends longitudinally along the axis from a first end to a second end, the first end being closer to the treatment surface (20) than the second end, and the propeller (27) is arranged at the second end of the motor (23).

5. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the smoothing head (2) comprises a back surface on the opposite side of the treatment surface (20), a side surface extending between the treatment surface (20) and the back surface, the cooling air intake port (203) being arranged on the side surface and the cooling air vent (202) being arranged on the back surface.

6. The device according to claim 5, wherein the air intake circuit comprises at least one air intake vent (201) disposed on the back surface.

7. The device according to claim 6, wherein the at least one cooling air vent (202) in the cooling circuit opens into the air intake circuit at the air intake vent (201) in the air intake circuit.

8. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the cooling circuit comprises a plurality of cooling air intake ports (203) and / or a plurality of cooling air vents (202).

9. The portable housing (10) comprises a receiving chamber (29) having an inner wall defining an enclosure in which the motor (23) is disposed, and the receiving chamber (29) further comprises blades (204) forming at least one cooling pipe extending from the inner wall, on the one hand, forming at least one air intake flow path between the at least one intake port (22) and the air intake vent (201), and on the other hand, enabling the cooling air flowing in through the at least one cooling air intake port (203) to flow to the enclosure. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The device according to claim 9, wherein each blade (204) is hollow so as to define the at least one cooling pipe.

11. The device according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the at least one air intake flow path is defined between two blades (204).

12. The device according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein each blade (204) is curved to direct the intake air flow flowing between the at least one intake port (22) and the air intake vent (201).

13. The device according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the air intake circuit and the cooling circuit are designed such that the intake air flow flows in a direction orthogonal to the flow direction of the cooling air within the receiving chamber (29).

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