Garment-steaming apparatus

Abstract

The invention relates to a garment-steaming apparatus having a portable housing (3) comprising • - a steamer head (2), • - an air suction circuit comprising a fan (40) and a motor (41); • - a steam generating system; and • - a treatment face comprising a treatment plate (20) having at least one steam delivery opening (22) and at least one air suction opening (24); • - an end piece (25) intended to be attached to the steamer head (2); the garment-steaming apparatus being characterized in that the treatment face (20) comprises a filtering grate (9) arranged opposite the at least one air suction opening (24), the filtering grate (9) being a grate overmoulded onto the end piece (25) and being flush with or protruding in relation to a surface of the treatment face immediately adjacent to the filtering grate (9), the filtering grate (9) also being arranged on the treatment face so as to be in contact with the textile item to be steamed when the garment-steaming apparatus (1) is being used.

Description

Garment steamer FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of household laundry care appliances, more specifically steam ironing appliances. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] To iron or clean fabric, a portable garment steamer, commonly called a "steam iron" or "steamer," can be used. These portable devices typically include a heating plate that is applied to the fabric. Nearby steam vents allow steam to be directed towards the fabric. By gliding the heating plate over the fabric, the steam helps to remove creases and provides a cleaning, odor-removing, and antibacterial effect. Such devices offer an alternative to traditional irons by allowing for vertical steaming of fabrics without the need for a table, which is particularly advantageous when the user is on the go, for example.

[0003] To improve the efficiency of the garment steamer and ensure that the fabric is in good contact with the treatment plate when an ironing board or other rigid surface is not available, the appliance may include an air suction system configured to draw air through openings located on the treatment plate. This ensures that the fabric is properly pressed against the heated surface, resulting in more effective steaming.

[0004] However, the suction function can increase the risk of appliance malfunction. During fabric suction, fabric particles can also be drawn in. Conventional filter grids have openings that are too large to prevent unwanted suction of textile fibers. As a result, fabric particles, such as lint, can enter the appliance and clog the air intake. This can block the motor's rotation, which drives the blades that draw air from the opening near the treatment plate. Furthermore, textile fibers can quickly clog the filter, leading to a decrease in the garment steamer's suction performance.

[0005] One aim of the invention is to provide a portable garment steamer that allows for efficient steaming of fabric, with a prolonged usage time for high suction performance.

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

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

[0008] Indeed, the garment steamer offered includes various features for the efficient steaming of textiles, notably through steam distribution combined with suction to hold the garment taut on the steaming plate. The filter grid prevents particles from entering the appliance through the air intake. This reduces the risk of clogging the ducts and thus premature malfunction. Furthermore, the filter grid is flush with the surface, allowing it to clean itself automatically during use. The filter grid is located on the outside of the steaming head, not inside a cavity. Therefore, as the garment is being steamed, the friction on the filter grid continuously removes any textile fibers that may have accumulated on it.Therefore, the user does not need to clean the filter regularly, and suction performance remains high during use.

[0009] The garment steamer may have the following advantageous, but not limiting, features, taken individually or in any technically feasible combination: The treatment plate extends in a foreground plane, and the filter grid extends in a second plane, set back from the foreground, with a distance between the foreground and second planes of less than 5 mm, preferably less than 2 mm. Thus, the filter grid is set back from the treatment plate. Since the textile is drawn in by the airflow at the air intake, this allows it to be held in the foreground, improving steaming performance. The filter grid is substantially in the same plane as the treatment plate. This ensures that the filter grid remains in contact with the textile surface against which the treatment plate is applied, even when there is no suction.The filter grid is thus cleaned. The filter grid is attached to the treatment surface, preferably in a removable manner. This allows the filter grid to be removed to access, for example, the air suction circuit, to remove functional components or solid particles. The device includes a plurality of air suction openings arranged around the periphery of the treatment plate, the filter grid being formed by a single piece covering the periphery of the treatment plate. As the textile is drawn in by the airflow at the air suction opening, this allows it to be pressed against the treatment plate, under tension at the periphery, and improves the steaming performance. The filter grid is formed by assembling several pieces fixed to each other, for example, by clipping.The filter grid is a grid overmolded onto a nozzle, the nozzle being intended to be attached to the steamer head and preferably made of plastic. This allows for simple assembly of the steamer head. The nozzle includes at least one reinforcing wall extending inwards towards the steamer, the reinforcing wall being configured to divide the air intake opening so as to support the overmolded grid. The device further includes a modular unit configured to support the treatment face, and in which the portable housing includes an upper wall forming a cavity into which the modular unit is intended to be at least partially inserted, the treatment face obstructing the cavity, and a sealing gasket arranged between the upper wall and the modular unit, the sealing gasket being configured to prevent air from escaping outside the air circulation channel.This facilitates assembly of the device and protects any electronic components located in the steamer head from the steam-laden airflow. The sealing gasket ensures that all air drawn in through the air intake circulates within the air intake system. This also prevents liquid from entering the device from outside, outside the steam generation system. The filter grid is a woven metal mesh or a laser-perforated metal plate. This type of grid provides fine filtration compared to grids made of molded plastic, for example. The filter grid includes filtration holes, each with a cross-section of 0.04 mm. 2 and 0.09 mm 2This prevents solid particles, typically lint, from entering the air intake system, while maintaining a sufficient cross-section for airflow. The treatment surface has a substantially triangular shape comprising a base and two sides meeting at a vertex. The treatment plate includes an axis of symmetry passing through the vertex and substantially perpendicular to the base, and in which at least one air intake opening extends along the base for at least 80% of its length. The treatment surface also features an air intake opening forming an elbow and extending on either side of the vertex. The triangular shape is particularly well-suited for effective wrinkle removal, as the suction on multiple sides of the treatment surface ensures that the garment is held firmly against the surface during airflow extraction. DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0010] Other features, purposes 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] Laest is a perspective view of a garment steamer according to a certain embodiment;

[0012] This is a cross-sectional view of the garment steamer;

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

[0014] This is a cross-sectional view of the steamer head in one embodiment.

[0015] Across all figures, similar elements bear identical references. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] With reference to the figure, the garment steamer has a portable unit 3 comprising a steaming head 2 and a gripping portion extending transversely 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 it may have a non-right angle with axis P, as in the illustrated embodiment.

[0017] The gripping portion may include a handle 31 and a base 4 opposite the steaming head 2 with respect to the handle 31. The handheld unit 3 may typically have a flared shape at the base 4, i.e. wider than at the handle 31.

[0018] When the garment steamer is in use, the handheld unit 3 is designed to be gripped by the user at the designated gripping area, specifically at the handle 31 formed between the steaming head 2 and the base 4. It is intended for one-handed operation. 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.

[0019] The garment steamer includes a treatment surface comprising a treatment plate 20 designed 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 grip portion of the handheld unit 3, or that the base 4 is below the handle 31.

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

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

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

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

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

[0025] Treatment plate

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

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

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

[0029] Filtration grid 9

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

[0031] Preferably, and in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the treatment plate 20 has a convex shape with a front end extending into a first plane P1, and the filter grid 9 extends into a second plane P2, recessed from the first plane P1. Typically, the distance between the first plane P1 and the second plane P2 is less than 5 mm, preferably less than 2 mm. The distance is measured here as the length of the shortest segment separating a point in the first plane P1 and a point in the second plane P2, the segment being, for example, orthogonal to the first plane P1.

[0032] As illustrated, the treatment plate 20 is therefore upstream of the filter grid 9, but the filter grid 9 is not in a cavity of the plane P2 of the treatment face, it protrudes from the surface of the treatment face immediately adjacent to the filter grid 9. The air suction induced by the rotation of the fan 40 is intended to allow the textile piece to be pressed against the treatment plate 20 at the level of the plane P1 and against the filter grid 9 at the level of the plane P2.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0044] Preferably, the air intake system is configured to allow an air intake flow rate greater than 10 m 3 / h and less than 60 m 3 / h and, preferably, an air intake flow rate greater than 20 m 3 / h and less than 50 m 3 / h.

[0045] Preferably, the filter grid 9 includes filter holes. The filter holes have a cross-section between 0.04 mm 2 and 0.09 mm 2 , preferably less than 0.06 mm 2 The through-section of the filter grid 9 must be sufficient to allow an airflow to pass through, while sufficiently obstructing at least one air intake orifice 24 to prevent any textile fibers or particles from entering the air intake circuit.

[0046] Steam generation system

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

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

[0049] Typically, the steam generation system includes a vaporization chamber 21, in steam communication with the outside of the steamer 1 via at least one steam distribution orifice 22. The vaporization chamber 21 is heated by a heating element 23. The heating element 23 is configured to heat the walls of the vaporization chamber 21, so that a liquid injected into the vaporization chamber 21 is vaporized.

[0050] Preferably, the vaporization chamber 21 is in thermal contact with the treatment plate 20. For example, the vaporization chamber 21 and the treatment plate 20 are a single unit, meaning that the treatment plate 20 and the walls of the vaporization chamber 21 are made from a single piece, preferably of a conductive material such as a metal alloy. This advantageously allows the treatment plate 20 to be heated via the vaporization chamber 21 to a temperature above 100°C, preferably between 140°C and 150°C. Thus, the garment steamer 1 can be more compact and lighter.

[0051] Alternatively or in addition, the heating element 23 is positioned near the treatment plate 20. This allows the treatment plate 20 and the vaporization chamber 21 to be heated simultaneously, further increasing the compactness of the garment steamer 1. For example, the heating element 23 can be an electric heating element positioned near the vaporization chamber 21, for example between the treatment plate 20 and the vaporization chamber 21, or in a side wall of the vaporization chamber 21, with a portion of the element positioned near the treatment plate 20, typically at a distance of less than 0.5 cm from the treatment plate 20. Preferably, the heating element 23 is located inside a metal body forming the vaporization chamber 21 and the treatment plate 20.

[0052] Preferably, the heating element 23 has a power rating of 2000 W or less, preferably between 1200 and 1400 W. This allows the walls of the vaporization chamber 21 to be heated efficiently to reach the appropriate temperature for vaporizing a liquid injected into the vaporization chamber 21, while simultaneously heating the treatment plate 20.

[0053] The steam generation system is connected via a fluid connection to 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. This fluid connection can be achieved conventionally via a tube from the portable unit 3 connecting the vaporization chamber 21 to the reservoir 5.

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

[0055] Since the reservoir 5 is located outside the handheld unit 3, it is not necessary to disassemble the device to refill the reservoir 5. The reservoir 5 preferably has a capacity of approximately 100 ml. The reservoir 5 may include a filling opening closed by a cap. The reservoir 5 preferably includes a transparent casing, defining the outer wall of the reservoir 5, fitted with a removable cap for refilling the reservoir 5. This allows the user to visually assess the water level in the reservoir 5. Alternatively, the reservoir 5 may be removably mounted on the handheld unit 3. This allows for easy refilling of the garment steamer with liquid.

[0056] The reservoir 5 preferably includes a ball valve, configured to close when the reservoir 5 is disconnected from the portable housing 3, 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 becoming under negative pressure. Advantageously, the vent is also configured to allow air contained in the reservoir 5 to be expelled when the pressure in the reservoir 5 increases.

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

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

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

[0060] Air intake system

[0061] The fan 40 and the motor 41 can be arranged in the base 4. The fan 40, part of the air intake system, draws air from the air intake port 24 of the steamer head 2. The air intake system then extends into the handle 31 of the steamer 1. Typically, the handle 31 includes a hollow section defining an intermediate air circulation channel in fluid communication with the upper air circulation channel. This intermediate air circulation channel allows air to flow from the upper portion of the handheld unit to the base 4 where the fan 40 is located.

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

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

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

[0065] The presence of a separate cover 8 advantageously allows the cleaning of the lower air circulation channel, for example to remove particles or lint which may have been sucked into the device and which may prevent the rotation of the motor 41 around the shaft 42 by obstruction.

[0066] Power supply and device control

[0067] 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 household electrical network. The power cord 6 operates the components of the steam generation system and the air suction circuit, for example, the heating element 23, the pump 27, and the motor 41.

[0068] The power cord 6 may be attached to the handheld unit 3, for example at the base 4, or it may be detachable. The power cord 6 preferably has a length greater than 200 cm. This advantageously allows a user to apply the treatment plate 20 to a garment hanging on a hanger at a height greater than 1.5 meters from the ground. The power cord 6 preferably has a mass of approximately 150 grams when the steamer 1 is held by the user at a height of about 1.5 meters from the ground.

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

[0070] The garment steamer 1 may include, for example, a power button 74. The power button 74 allows the garment steamer 1 to be switched on and off. It may be located on a wall of the portable case 3 forming an upper surface of the base 4, opposite the lower surface on which the device 1 can be placed, as illustrated in the figure. Alternatively, it may be located on a side wall of the portable case 3, preferably at the handle 31.

[0071] The garment steamer 1 may include, for example, a steam trigger 72. The steam trigger 72 is configured to allow for targeted steam distribution from at least one steam outlet 22. For example, pressing the steam trigger 72 by the user can activate the pump 27 and inject liquid from the reservoir 5 into the steaming chamber 21. Water in liquid and / or vapor form can then be sprayed onto the garment to be steamed opposite the treatment plate 20, thus improving steaming efficiency. Preferably, steam is projected outside the garment 1 as long as the steam trigger 72 is held down by the user. Pressing the vaporization trigger 72 can also activate the motor 41, thus rotating the fan 40 so that a flow of air is drawn in through the air intake orifice 24.

[0072] Preferably, 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 distribute steam to the garment being steamed. The flow rate must be limited to reduce the risk of liquid splashing outside the appliance, which could cause burns or damage the garment.

[0073] The garment steamer 1 may include a suction control button 73. The suction control button 73 typically allows the user to select an operating mode for the garment steamer 1. Typically, the suction control button 73 can rotate the motor 41 to modulate the rotational speed of the fan 40 around the axis of rotation X. Preferably, the garment steamer 1 can also operate in a mode without suction. This allows the garment to be adapted to the type of textile being steamed.

[0074] Assembling the device

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

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

[0077] The garment steamer 1 is designed for easy handling and is therefore intended to have a balanced mass distribution between the steaming head 2 and the base 4. Advantageously, the garment steamer 1 has its center of gravity located in the handle 31, regardless of the fill level of the reservoir 5. Preferably, the mass of the steaming head 2 and the mass of the base 4 are each at least 40% of the total mass of the garment steamer 1, typically less than or equal to 1.4 kg. The garment steamer 1 is thus easy to handle and ergonomic, as the masses of the steaming head 2 and the base 4 are substantially equivalent.

[0078] Using the garment steamer

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

[0080] The operation of the garment steamer 1 will now be described. When the user wishes to use the garment steamer 1, they fill the reservoir 5 with liquid, typically water. They connect the garment steamer 1 to the household electrical supply using the power cord 6 and then switch the garment steamer 1 on by pressing the power button 74.

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

[0082] When the user wishes to use the device 1 in a vertical steaming position, he brings the treatment plate 20 vertically opposite the piece of textile 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 27 and allowing the flow of liquid from the reservoir 5 to the vaporization chamber 21.

[0083] The steam produced in the vaporization chamber 21 then escapes through the steam distribution orifice 22. The steam is then diffused onto the textile piece which, combined with the heating and drying action of the treatment plate 20, allows for effective wrinkle removal.

[0084] Simultaneously, the control means, particularly the suction control button 73, can be provided to activate air suction in conjunction with the steam distribution. Typically, pressure from the steam trigger 72 drives the motor 41. Consequently, the fan 40 is driven to rotate around the X-axis via the shaft 42, so that air is drawn in through the air suction port 24. The suction forces the textile piece onto the treatment plate 20 and the filter grid 9. The steam emission combined with the suction thus optimizes the wrinkle removal process. Furthermore, the air suction also promotes drying of the portion of the textile piece 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 piece has been treated.

[0085] Advantageously, the suction control button 73 can be used to change the rotation speed of the motor 41, and thus adapt the suction airflow to the textile item to be steamed.

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

[0087] During treatment, the user can move the steamer 1 vertically, for example, from top to bottom, to treat all or part of the garment. The steamer 1 can also be used occasionally in a horizontal steaming position, for example, to steam a garment placed horizontally by bringing the treatment surface 20 horizontally above the garment. For example, the garment might be placed against a table, such as a tablecloth, or be part of a piece of furniture, such as an armchair.

[0088] The invention is not limited to the embodiment described and shown in the accompanying figures. Modifications remain possible, particularly with regard to the constitution of the various technical features or by substitution of technical equivalents, without departing from the general principles of the invention.

Claims

A garment steamer having a portable case (3) comprising a steaming head (2) and a gripping portion extending in a direction transverse to the steaming head (2), - an air suction circuit comprising a fan (40) and a motor (41) configured to drive the fan (40) in rotation; - a steam generation system; - a treatment face comprising a treatment plate (20) intended to be placed against a piece of textile to be steamed and having at least one steam distribution orifice (22) connected to the steam generation system and at least one air suction orifice (24) connected to the air suction circuit; and - a nozzle (25) intended to be fixed onto the steaming head (2);the garment steamer being characterized in that the treatment face (20) comprises a filter grid (9) arranged opposite at least one air intake orifice (24), the filter grid (9) being a grid overmolded onto the nozzle (25) flush with or protruding from a surface of the treatment face immediately adjacent to the filter grid (9), the filter grid (9) further being arranged on the treatment face so as to be in contact with the textile piece to be steamed when the garment steamer (1) is used, and in that the nozzle (25) comprises at least one reinforcing wall extending into the garment steamer (1), the reinforcing wall being advantageously configured to divide the air intake orifice (24) so ​​as to support the overmolded grid. A garment steaming device according to claim 1, wherein the treatment plate (20) extends in a first plane (P1) and wherein the filter grid (9) extends in a second plane (P2) set back from the first plane (P1), a distance between the first plane (P1) and the second plane (P2) being less than 5 mm, preferably less than 2 mm. Wrinkle-removing device according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the filter grid (9) is substantially in the same plane as the treatment plate (20). A garment steaming device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the filter grid (9) is fixed to the treatment face, preferably in a removable manner. Wrinkle-removing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising a plurality of air intake orifices (24) arranged on a periphery of the treatment plate (20), the filter grid (9) being formed by a single piece covering the periphery of the treatment plate (20). A garment steamer according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the nozzle (25) is made of plastic material. A garment steamer according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a modular unit configured to support the treatment face, and in which the portable housing (3) comprises an upper wall forming a cavity in which the modular unit is intended to be at least partially inserted, the treatment face obstructing the cavity, and a sealing gasket arranged between the upper wall and the modular unit, the sealing gasket being configured to prevent air from escaping outside the air circulation channel. A garment steaming device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the filter grid (9) is a woven metal grid or a laser-perforated metal plate. A garment steaming device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the filter grid (9) comprises filter orifices, a cross-section of each filter orifice being between 0.04 mm 2 and 0.09 mm 2 . A garment steaming device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the treatment face has a substantially triangular shape comprising a base and two sides meeting at a vertex, the treatment plate (20) comprising an axis of symmetry passing through the vertex and substantially orthogonal to the base, and wherein at least one air suction orifice (24) extends along the base, over at least 80% of the length of the base, the treatment face further having an air suction orifice forming a bend and extending on either side of the vertex.

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