Garment-steaming apparatus

Abstract

The invention relates to a garment-steaming apparatus having a portable housing (3) comprising a steamer head (2) and a portion to be gripped comprising a handle (31) and a base (4), the base (4) comprising a lower surface, the garment-steaming apparatus further comprising - an air suction circuit comprising a fan (40) and a motor (41); - a steam generating system; - a treatment face having at least one steam delivery opening (22) and at least one air suction opening (24); the air suction circuit comprising one or more air discharge openings (81) allowing an air flow flowing from the at least one air suction opening to be discharged out of the apparatus when the fan (40) is rotating, the garment-steaming apparatus being characterized in that the air discharge opening or openings are all arranged on the lower surface of the base (4).

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 surface that is applied to the garment. This heating surface is heated and often features steam vents. By gliding the steamer over clothing or fabric, the steam helps remove creases and provides a cleaning, odor-removing, and even antibacterial effect. These devices offer an alternative to traditional irons by allowing for vertical steaming of fabric.

[0003] In use, the garment steamer is designed to be held by the user in one hand for several minutes. Furthermore, it is particularly well-suited for use on the go and must be easily portable in luggage. Therefore, it must be lightweight, compact, and ergonomic.

[0004] However, it has been observed that users do not stretch the garment sufficiently or press the steamer surface firmly against it, thus limiting the effectiveness of the steamer. Consequently, steamers incorporating a suction system at the treatment surface have been proposed. This ensures that the fabric is properly pressed against the heated surface and helps improve garment steaming. Documents CN 113 389 029 A and FR 3 137 397 A1 describe such steamers. These improved devices, however, require new components, such as a fan or motor, making them heavier and more difficult to handle. Furthermore, venting the steam-laden airflow heated by the heating elements outside the device increases the risk of burns and can cause user discomfort.

[0005] One aim of the invention is to provide an ergonomic and efficient portable garment steamer with comfortable use and limiting the risk of burns when the device operates by sucking in steam-laden air.

[0006] This purpose is achieved by a garment steamer having a portable casing, comprising a steaming head and a gripping portion extending transversely to the steaming head, the gripping portion comprising a handle and a base, the base being opposite the steaming head with respect to the handle and comprising a lower surface on which the garment steamer is intended to be placed in its resting position, the garment steamer further comprising

[0007] - an air intake circuit comprising a fan and a motor configured to drive the fan in rotation around an axis of rotation;

[0008] - a steam generation system;

[0009] - a treatment surface intended to be placed in 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;

[0010] the air intake circuit comprising one or more air exhaust ports allowing the expulsion outside the device of an airflow flowing from at least one air intake port when the fan is rotating,

[0011] the garment steamer being characterized in that the said air exhaust orifice(s) are all arranged on the lower surface of the base.

[0012] The garment steamer offered features various functions for effectively steaming a piece of fabric. The handle and the distribution of the different functional components between the steaming head and the base ensure good weight distribution, thus improving the device's ergonomics. When not in use, the device can simply be placed on the base's underside. When in use, the device is held in a vertical position, typically for steaming a garment hanging on a hanger. Air drawn in at the steaming head circulates through the device before being expelled through the exhaust vent on the underside, which is oriented downwards. User comfort is also improved compared to devices where the outgoing airflow is directed towards the user.In addition, this helps reduce the risk of burns, as the expelled air could be heated as it passes through the device.

[0013] The garment steamer may have the following advantageous, but not limiting, features, taken alone or in any technically feasible combination: The lower surface of the base includes a removable cover for sealing an opening providing access to an internal cavity of the gripping portion, with the air exhaust vent formed through the cover. The device includes a plurality of air exhaust vents arranged around the periphery of the lower surface of the base. The presence of several vents reduces the risk of the air intake system becoming clogged or even blocked, which could lead to a malfunction of the device.The fan and motor are arranged in the base, and the air intake system comprises a central air circulation channel, in which the motor is located; and a peripheral air circulation channel, concentric with the central air circulation channel and in fluid communication with the air exhaust port. The fan is configured to drive an airflow from the air intake port to the air exhaust port, through the peripheral air circulation channel. This protects the motor from the airflow from the air intake port, which is laden with vapor. The base includes a side wall extending transversely across the lower surface, the side surface having at least one cooling air inlet port connected to the central air circulation channel. This allows the cooling airflow to be drawn in at the base, where the air is not laden with vapor.The base includes a cooling fan arranged within the central air circulation channel. The cooling fan is configured to be driven by the engine, allowing airflow from the cooling air inlet into the central air circulation channel towards the engine when the fan is rotating. This cools the engine with dry air. The lower surface of the base includes at least one cooling air outlet connected to the central air circulation channel. This prevents the cooling airflow from being directed towards the user, thus improving user comfort. The cooling air outlet is radially closer to the engine's axis of rotation than the exhaust air outlet.This allows the outlet ports to be directly connected to their corresponding channel, without intermediaries, and increases the device's compactness. The lower surface of the base includes a protruding portion upstream of the cooling air outlet, partially obstructing it to create a baffle at the outlet of the central air circulation channel. This diverts the airflow exiting the housing and reduces the risk of liquid entering the central air circulation channel from outside the device. The lower surface of the base includes multiple cooling air outlet ports evenly distributed around the motor's axis of rotation. The presence of several ports reduces the risk of the central air circulation channel becoming clogged or even blocked, which could lead to device malfunction.The steam generation system is housed within the steamer head, and the air intake system includes an upper airflow channel formed between the top wall of the handheld unit and the steam generation system. This allows the upper wall of the unit to be cooled by thermally insulating it from the steam generation system, thus reducing the risk of burns during use. The unit includes a conduit integrated into the handle and attached to the base, configured to connect the upper airflow channel and the air intake system at the base. This facilitates assembly of the unit and protects any electronic components located in the grip area outside the intermediate airflow channel.The extension duct is connected to the upper air circulation duct at its upper end. The duct includes a sealing gasket at this upper end to prevent air from passing through the junction between the extension duct and the upper air circulation duct. This ensures that all air drawn in through the appropriate opening circulates within the air intake system. It also prevents condensation from forming outside the intermediate air circulation duct. DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0014] 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:

[0015] This is a perspective view of a garment steamer according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0016] This is a cross-sectional view of the garment steamer.

[0017] This is a rear perspective view of the front tank assembly wrinkle-removal device.

[0018] This is a perspective view of a lid forming the lower surface of the steamer in another embodiment.

[0019] This is an exploded view of the garment steamer before assembly.

[0020] Across all figures, similar elements bear identical references. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] 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.

[0022] The gripping portion includes 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.

[0023] The base 4 includes a lower surface on which the garment steamer 1 can be placed in its resting position. Typically, the lower surface is substantially flat, so that the garment steamer 1 can be placed vertically on a flat surface S, for example a table or shelf, in its resting position when not in use.

[0024] When the garment steamer is in use, the handheld unit 3 is designed to be grasped by the user at the handle 31. It is intended to be operated with one hand. The handle 31 is then held by the user, with the steaming head 2 oriented towards the garment to be steamed. The handle 31 preferably has an ergonomic surface and shape to improve user comfort.

[0025] The garment steamer includes a treatment surface 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 approximately 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.

[0026] Wrinkle-removing head

[0027] The garment steamer 1 includes an air intake system. The air intake system is designed to draw air from the surface being steamed. To this end, the steamer head 2 includes at least one air intake port 24, allowing outside air to be drawn into the garment steamer 1 when it is in use, thus pressing the garment to be steamed against the surface being steamed.

[0028] The steaming head 2 includes a steam generation system. The steam generation system is adapted to allow steam to be emitted at the treatment surface. To this end, the treatment surface has at least one steam distribution orifice 22, designed to vent steam generated in the steaming head 2 onto the textile to be steamed. This at least one steam distribution orifice 22 is typically located in a central position on the treatment plate 20, so that the projected steam is distributed over the surface of the textile pressed against the treatment surface.

[0029] Preferably, the treatment face includes a plurality of steam distribution orifices 22 distributed over the surface of the treatment plate 20. The steam distribution orifices 22 may be in the form of holes or slots.

[0030] Typically, the steam generation system includes a vaporization chamber 21, in steam communication with the outside of the steamer 1 at the level of the treatment face, via the steam distribution port 22.

[0031] 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. Preferably, the vaporization chamber 21 is in thermal contact with the treatment plate 20. This advantageously allows the treatment plate 20 to be heated via the vaporization chamber 21, which is brought to a temperature above 100°C, preferably between 140°C and 150°C. Thus, the garment steamer 1 can be more compact and lighter, which facilitates its use and reduces the risk of it being dropped.

[0032] The heating element 23 can be a heating resistor, typically powered when the steamer 1 is switched on. The heating element 23 typically has a power rating of 2000 W or less, preferably between 1200 and 1400 W. Preferably, the heating element 23 of the steam generation system is located near the treatment plate 20. Thus, the treatment plate 20 can be heated by the heating element 23. This allows the treatment plate 20 to be heated for more effective steaming when the treatment plate 20 is positioned in contact with a piece of fabric. The treatment plate 20 comprises a conductive material, preferably a metal alloy, for example, aluminum. It may be coated. The treatment plate 20 can have various shapes, such as, for example, a rectangular or triangular shape.

[0033] Preferably, the vaporization chamber 21 and the treatment plate 20 are a single unit, incorporating the heating element 23. In other words, the treatment plate 20 can be integral with the vaporization chamber 21; that is, the treatment plate 20 and the walls of the vaporization chamber 21 are made as a single piece, preferably from a conductive material such as a metal alloy, typically aluminum. This allows the treatment plate 20 and the vaporization chamber 21 to be heated simultaneously, further increasing the compactness of the garment steamer 1. Of course, in an alternative embodiment not shown, the treatment plate 20 may include its own heating element, independent of the heating element 23 of the steam generation system.

[0034] Preferably, a pump 25 is also located in the upper portion of the portable unit 3, in fluid communication with the steam generation system. The vaporization chamber 21 is connected to the pump 25. Typically, the liquid is injected into the vaporization chamber delimited by the vaporization chamber 21 via the pump 25. The pump 25 is arranged to circulate the liquid to be vaporized towards the vaporization chamber 21. The pump 25 is preferably located near the vaporization chamber 21, in the steaming head 2.

[0035] The steam generation system is in fluid communication with a liquid reservoir 5, in order to generate steam from the liquid stored in the reservoir 5. Preferably, the steaming head 2 may include a receiving wall for the reservoir 5, on which the reservoir 5 can be mounted. The receiving wall is, for example, a rear face of the steaming head 2, opposite the processing face. The receiving wall typically includes a liquid injection port 25, configured to allow liquid communication between the reservoir 5 and the steaming system. For example, the liquid injection port is in communication with a liquid inlet channel of the pump 25. For example, the pump 25 is disposed in the steaming head 2 between the steam generation system and the reservoir 5.

[0036] Since the reservoir 5 is located outside the portable 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. Alternatively or additionally, the reservoir 5 may be removably mounted on the portable unit 3. This allows for easy refilling of the garment steamer with liquid.

[0037] 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.

[0038] Preferably, the assembly head 2 includes a nozzle 26 attached to the open front end, the nozzle 26 being configured to support the treatment plate 20 and the steam generation system. This allows for simple assembly of the garment steamer head 2.

[0039] Preferably, the air intake system includes, at the steamer head 2, an upper airflow channel formed between an upper wall of the handheld unit 3 and the steam generation system. This allows air to flow around the steam generation system, confined within the handheld unit 3. This cools the walls of the steamer at the steamer head 2, reducing user discomfort caused by the hot surface.

[0040] The steaming head 2 may include a sealing gasket 27 located within the steaming head 2, behind the treatment face. The sealing gasket 27 is configured to prevent air from escaping outside the upper air circulation channel. Thus, all the air drawn in through the air intake port 24 can flow through the air circulation duct until it is expelled through the air exhaust port 81. The sealing gasket 27 advantageously prevents water from entering the air intake circuit from outside the appliance, which could damage the components.

[0041] Air intake system

[0042] With reference to the above, the air intake circuit comprises a fan 40 and a motor 41, intended to drive the fan 40 in rotation around an axis of rotation. The fan 40, forming part of the air intake circuit, is configured to generate an airflow between the air intake port 24 of the steamer head 2 and the base 4.

[0043] The device includes one or more air exhaust ports 81 connected to the air intake circuit. A distinctive feature of the device is that all the air exhaust ports 81 are located on the underside of the base 4. The arrangement of the air exhaust ports 81 allows the intake airflow to be expelled from the device at at least one of the intake ports 24 when the fan 40 is rotating. This ensures that no airflow is directed towards the user when the device 1 is held vertically. User comfort is thus improved. In particular, the device 1 does not include any air exhaust ports on the sides of the portable housing 3.

[0044] Preferably, the portable unit 3 is formed by a single piece of casing, preferably made of a plastic material. Typically, the base 4 is formed by a lower portion of the single piece of casing, extending from the handle 31. This increases the garment steamer's resistance to impacts, particularly drops.

[0045] Generally, the gripping portion can define an internal cavity within which functional elements of the garment steamer, typically a steam generation system or elements of the air intake circuit, can be arranged. Preferably, the lower surface of the base 4 includes an opening providing access to this cavity. This allows for easy assembly of the functional components of the base 4 inside the portable housing 3. For example, the opening is sized to allow insertion of the motor 41 and the fan 40 into the lower portion from outside the appliance. Typically, the lower portion of the portable housing 3 has a substantially cylindrical shape with an open base.

[0046] The garment steamer preferably includes a removable cover 8, intended to close the opening. In other words, the opening is closed after assembly of the garment steamer by the cover 8. The cover 8 can be attached to the plastic casing by any means, for example, by a screw or by a mechanical system holding it in position within the opening. Referring to Figures 3 and 4, the cover 8 is attached to the base 4 by means of a plurality of screws arranged in slots 83 provided for this purpose. Other mechanisms for attaching the cover 8 to the garment steamer can be considered, for example, a clip system or a thread on a wall of the base 4 designed to receive a corresponding thread on the cover 8.

[0047] Preferably, at least one air exhaust vent 81 passes through the cover 8. The presence of a separate cover advantageously allows for cleaning the air intake system, for example, removing particles or lint that may have been drawn into the appliance and could obstruct the rotation of the motor 41 around its shaft 42. The cover 8 also allows for the removal of faulty components after assembly and facilitates maintenance of the garment steamer. This contributes to increasing its service life.

[0048] The steaming head 2 may include a plurality of air intake ports 24. The air intake ports 24 may be arranged around the treatment plate 20, i.e., on the periphery of the treatment surface. For example, they may extend around the entire circumference of the treatment plate 20. Alternatively, the air intake ports 24 may extend along several sides of the treatment plate 20.

[0049] Preferably, the garment steamer includes a plurality of air exhaust vents 81 arranged around the periphery of the lower surface of the base 4. For example, the cross-sectional area through which the airflow passes at the treatment face can be identical to the cross-sectional area through which it passes at the lower surface. This avoids significant accelerations or decelerations of the airflow that could increase the noise emitted by the appliance and thus reduce user comfort.

[0050] In the embodiments shown, the air exhaust vents 81 have a slot shape along the periphery of a circle concentric to the cylindrical wall of the lower portion. Alternatively or additionally, the air exhaust vents 81 may have different shapes (circular, oblong) and different arrangements on the lower surface. Their number and area are configured to allow sufficient airflow from the device.

[0051] 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.

[0052] Preferably, the fan 40 and the motor 41 are arranged in the base 4. This allows the air intake circuit to circulate throughout the entire garment steamer. For example, the fan 40 and the motor 41 are assembled on a modular unit designed to be mounted in the portable case 3 by insertion through the opening in the lower surface of the base 4.

[0053] The air intake circuit can then extend into the handle 31 of the garment steamer 1. Typically, the handle 31 includes a hollow volume defining an intermediate air circulation channel in fluid communication with the air intake circuit at the steamer head 2. The intermediate air circulation channel allows air to circulate from the upper portion of the portable unit 3 to the lower portion in which the fan 40 is located. In other words, the intermediate air circulation channel is configured to connect the upper air circulation channel and the air intake circuit at the base 4. The intermediate air circulation channel can be formed by an added duct 32 inside the handle 31, and integral with the modular unit on which the motor 41 and the fan 40 are mounted, i.e., integral with the base 4.

[0054] The attached duct 32 is connected to the upper air circulation channel at its upper end. Preferably, a sealing gasket 33 is located at this upper end, at the junction between the intermediate air circulation channel and the steamer head 2. The sealing gasket 33 is configured to prevent air from escaping at the junction between the upper end of the attached duct 32 and the upper air circulation channel. In other words, the sealing gasket 33 prevents air from escaping the air intake circuit at the upper end of the attached duct 32. The airflow from the air intake port 24 thus passes through the intermediate air circulation channel without escaping from the steamer 1. This reduces pressure loss and improves suction efficiency, thereby enhancing the quality of the steaming.

[0055] Preferably, the air intake circuit comprises, at the base 4, two separate air circulation channels separated from each other by partitions:

[0056] - a central air circulation channel, in which the engine 41 is arranged; and

[0057] - a peripheral air circulation channel, concentric with the central air circulation channel and in fluid communication with the air exhaust port 81.

[0058] The fan 40 is configured to drive the airflow from the air intake port 24 of the steamer head 2 to the air exhaust port 81, through the peripheral air circulation channel. Thus, the air from the air intake port 24 does not pass through the central air circulation channel where the motor 41 is located. Indeed, the air drawn in at the air intake ports 24, situated near the steam distribution ports 22, can draw in a flow of air laden with water vapor. Condensation can therefore form in the air intake circuit, and the droplets will then be expelled through the air exhaust ports 81, without passing through the motor 41. This prevents condensation from forming in the internal cavity where the motor 41 is located and prevents moisture from damaging the electronic components and mechanical parts included in the base 4.

[0059] In addition, the central air circulation channel can serve as the engine cooling circuit 41. Typically, the central air circulation channel includes separate air inlets and outlets from the air intake port 24 and the air exhaust port 81.

[0060] For example, the base 4 includes a side wall extending transversely across the lower surface, comprising at least one cooling air inlet 44 connected to the central air circulation channel. Dry air at ambient temperature can be drawn in through the cooling air inlet 44 and circulate around the periphery of the motor 41 to cool it.

[0061] Preferably, the cooling airflow is accelerated by mechanical means. Typically, the base 4 includes a cooling fan 43 disposed in the central air circulation channel. The cooling fan 43 is configured to be driven in rotation by the motor 41, around the shaft 42. This allows a cooling airflow to be drawn into the central air circulation channel towards the motor 41, from the cooling air inlet port 44, when the cooling fan 43 is rotating.

[0062] Preferably, the lower surface of the base 4 has at least one cooling air outlet 82 connected to the central air circulation channel. The air drawn in through the cooling air inlet 44 when the cooling fan 43 is rotating is expelled from the steamer 1 through the cooling air outlet 82.

[0063] The cooling air outlet 82 can pass through the cover 8 closing the opening of the base 4.

[0064] Typically, the cooling propeller (or fan) 43 is positioned below the motor 41, i.e., between the motor 41 and the lower surface of the base 4. This helps to protect the motor 41 from accidental liquid splashes from the cooling air outlet 81, typically if the device 1 is placed on a wet surface.

[0065] In the illustrated embodiment, the cooling air outlet 82 is radially closer to the axis of rotation of the motor 41 than the air exhaust outlet 81. The outlets are thus directly aligned with the axis of their respective airflow channels. This minimizes pressure losses and simplifies the assembly of the garment steamer 1.

[0066] Preferably, the lower surface of the base 4 comprises a plurality of cooling air outlets 82 distributed regularly around the axis of rotation of the motor 41. In the embodiment of the, the plurality of cooling air outlets 82 are small diameter circular orifices arranged around the axis of rotation 42 in two concentric circles.

[0067] In the embodiment of the, the plurality of cooling air outlet orifices 82 are wider oblong orifices, substantially trapezoidal in shape, with rounded corners.

[0068] Preferably, the lower surface of the base 4 includes a protruding portion 84 that partially obstructs the cooling air outlet 82. Typically, the protruding portion is located upstream of the cooling air outlet 82, inside the cover 8. The term "upstream" is used in the direction of airflow from the air intake 24. In other words, the protruding portion 84 is opposite the cooling air outlet 82, with the airflow being deflected by the protruding portion before exiting the steamer 1 through the cooling air outlet 82.

[0069] The protruding portion is arranged to form a baffle just upstream of the outlet of the central air circulation channel. By "baffle" we mean that the cooling air outlet 82 is covered by a flat portion extending in a plane substantially parallel to the lower surface, the cooling airflow then escaping through the space formed between the two planes.

[0070] With reference to the [reference to the reference ...]In addition, the protruding portion, partially blocking the cooling air outlet 82, helps to protect the functional elements of the base 4 from liquid splashes from outside the device.

[0071] Assembling the device

[0072] Preferably, the handheld unit 3 comprises a one-piece plastic shell such that the upper portion, the handle 31, and the lower portion of the handheld unit 3 are formed by the one-piece shell. For example, the handheld unit 3 can be made of polypropylene or polycarbonate. The one-piece shell forming the handheld unit is preferably made of plastic to limit the weight of the device and thus its ease of use. This also reduces the manufacturing cost of the device and can simplify its production. The one-piece plastic shell is, for example, obtained by molding.

[0073] The air intake circuit, including the motor 41 and the fan 40, is assembled by insertion into the lower portion of the portable housing 3. The base 4 is typically attached to the added duct 32. The added duct 32 is then configured to mechanically join the steaming head 2. This helps to reinforce the mechanical strength of the components after assembly.

[0074] The garment steamer 1 is designed for easy handling and is therefore intended to have a balanced mass distribution between the steaming head 2 and the base 4. Thus, the garment steamer 1 advantageously has a center of gravity located in the handle 31, regardless of the fill level of the reservoir 5. This helps to reduce the risk of the appliance falling when it is in the resting position.

[0075] 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 steamer 1, typically less than or equal to 1.4 kg. The steamer 1 is thus easy to handle and ergonomic, as the masses of the steaming head 2 and the base 4 are substantially equivalent.

[0076] Device control

[0077] Preferably, the base 4 includes control means configured to control steam emission and air intake. The control means 7 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. This makes the garment steamer 1 more ergonomic and easier to use.

[0078] Typically, the handle 31 has a roughly cylindrical shape, with an internal diameter larger than the diameter of the attached duct 32. This creates a void between the wall of the attached duct and the plastic housing at the handle 31. This allows for the passage of connectors linking the device's control means to an electronic board. Advantageously, this void is confined outside the air circulation circuit, preventing the electronic components from being in a humid environment, as the intake air circulating within the device is laden with vapor. The electronic board can be placed in the base 4, within this hollow space.

[0079] The garment steamer 1 may include, for example, a power button 74, allowing the garment steamer 1 to be switched on.

[0080] The garment steamer 1 may include a steam trigger 72, configured to allow targeted steam dispensing from at least one steam dispensing orifice 22. For example, pressing the steam trigger 72 by the user can activate the pump 25 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 an airflow is drawn in through the air intake port 24 when the device is in suction operating mode.

[0081] 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.

[0082] The garment steamer 1 may include, for example, a suction control button 73. This suction control button 73 typically allows the user to select an operating mode for the garment steamer 1. The suction control button 73 can control, via the electronic board, the power supply to the motor 41 in order to modulate the rotation speed of the fan 40 and thus the flow rate of the suctioned air. Preferably, the garment steamer 1 can also operate in a mode without suction. This allows the device to be adapted to the type of textile item being steamed.

[0083] Powering the device

[0084] 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. In particular, it provides power to the electronic board, the motor 41, and the heating element 23.

[0085] Preferably, the power cord 6 can be fixed to the base 4. The power cord 6 can be detachable. Typically, the cover 8 can include an opening 61 on a side surface, and the base 4 can include a complementary opening, near the bottom surface, so as to form an opening sufficient to connect the base 4 to the power cord 6.

[0086] The power cord 6 is preferably between 100 cm and 300 cm long. This allows a user to advantageously apply the treatment plate 20 to a garment hanging on a hanger at a height of more than 1.5 meters from the floor. The power cord 6 is of limited length to reduce the risk of unbalancing the device.

[0087] Using the garment steamer

[0088] 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.

[0089] The heating element 23 of the steam generation system is then supplied with electrical current to reach its operating temperature. Preferably, the treatment plate 20 is also heated.

[0090] 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 25 and allowing the flow of liquid from the reservoir 5 to the vaporization chamber 21.

[0091] The steam produced in the vaporization chamber 21 then escapes through the steam distribution orifices 22. The steam is then diffused onto the textile piece which, combined with the heating and drying action of the treatment plate 20, allows for effective wrinkle removal.

[0092] Simultaneously, the control means can activate an air intake in conjunction with the steam distribution. Typically, the pressure of the steam trigger 72 drives the motor 41. Consequently, the fan 40 rotates around the shaft 42, drawing air in through the air intake 24. This intake presses the textile piece onto the treatment plate 20. The steam emission combined with the intake thus optimizes the wrinkle removal process. Furthermore, the air intake 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.

[0093] 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.

[0094] In another embodiment, the control means allow the user to control the suction independently of the steam distribution control. Thus, the user could control the steam distribution alone or in combination with the suction.

[0095] 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 air is expelled downwards, minimizing any risk of burns or discomfort to the user. 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. Preferably, in this mode of use, the suction is deactivated.

[0096] The invention is not limited to the embodiment described and illustrated in the accompanying figures. Modifications to non-essential features of the garment steamer remain possible, particularly with regard to the composition of the various technical characteristics or by substitution of technical equivalents, without departing from the general principles of the invention.

Claims

1. 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), the gripping portion comprising a handle (31) and a base (4), the base (4) being opposite the steaming head (2) with respect to the handle (31) and comprising a lower surface on which the garment steamer is intended to be placed in a resting position, the garment steamer further comprising: - an air suction circuit comprising a fan (40) and a motor (41) configured to drive the fan (40) in rotation about an axis of rotation; the fan (40) and the motor (41) being arranged in the base (4); - a steam generation system;- a treatment face intended to be placed in contact with a piece of textile to be steamed and having at least one steam distribution orifice (22) connected to the steam generation system and at least one air suction orifice (24) connected to the air suction circuit; the air suction circuit comprising one or more air exhaust orifices (81) allowing the expulsion outside the apparatus of an airflow flowing from at least one air suction orifice when the fan (40) is rotating, the steaming apparatus being characterized in that the air suction circuit comprises: - a central air circulation channel, in which the motor (41) is arranged;and- a peripheral air circulation channel, concentric with the central air circulation channel and in fluid communication with the air exhaust port (81), the fan (40) being configured to drive an airflow from the air intake port (24) to the air exhaust port (81), through the peripheral air circulation channel and in that the said air exhaust port(s) are all disposed on the lower surface of the base (4), the lower surface of the base (4) comprising at least one cooling air outlet port (82) connected to the central air circulation channel.; 2.Wrinkle-sewing device according to claim 1, wherein the lower surface of the base (4) includes a removable cover (8) intended to close an opening allowing access to an internal cavity of the gripping portion, the air exhaust orifice (81) being formed through the cover. 3.Wrinkle-smoothing device according to any one of claims 1 and 2, comprising a plurality of air exhaust orifices (81) arranged around the periphery of the lower surface of the base (4).

4. Wrinkle-removing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the base (4) comprises a side wall extending transversely to the lower surface, the side surface having at least one cooling air inlet orifice (44) connected to the central air circulation channel.

5. A garment steamer according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the base (4) comprises a cooling fan (43) arranged in the central air circulation channel, the cooling fan (43) being configured to be driven in rotation by the motor (41), to permit the circulation of an airflow from the cooling air inlet orifice (44) into the central air circulation channel towards the motor (41), when the cooling fan (43) is rotating. 6.Wrinkle-drying device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the cooling air outlet orifice (82) is radially closer to the axis of rotation of the motor (41) than the air exhaust orifice (81).

7. Wrinkle-removing device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the lower surface of the base (4) comprises a protruding portion (84) upstream of the cooling air outlet orifice (82), and partially obstructing the cooling air outlet orifice (82) so as to form a baffle at the outlet of the central air circulation channel. 8.Wrinkle-drying device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the lower surface of the base (4) comprises a plurality of cooling air outlet orifices (82) distributed regularly around the axis of rotation of the motor (41).

9. Garment steamer any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the steam generation system is arranged in the steamer head (2), and wherein the air suction circuit includes an upper air circulation channel formed between an upper wall of the portable housing (3) and the steam generation system. 10.Wrinkle-steaming device according to claim 9, comprising a conduit added (32) inside the handle (31) and integral with the base (4), configured to connect the upper air circulation channel and the air suction circuit at the base (4) with fluid. 11.Wrinkle-steaming device according to claim 10, wherein the added duct (32) is connected to the upper air circulation channel at an upper end, the duct comprising a sealing gasket (33) disposed on the upper end, to prevent air passage at the junction between the upper end of the added duct (32) and the upper air circulation channel.

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