WO2021185572A1

WO2021185572A1 - Steam-smoothing apparatus having two independent steam distribution circuits

Info

Publication number: WO2021185572A1
Application number: PCT/EP2021/055225
Authority: WO
Inventors: Dominique Gelus
Original assignee: Seb S.A.
Priority date: 2020-03-19
Filing date: 2021-03-02
Publication date: 2021-09-23
Also published as: CN115298387A; FR3108340B1; EP4121592A1; FR3108340A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a smoothing apparatus (2), comprising a base (3) for resting stably on a horizontal support and a steamer head (4) which is supported by the base (3), the steamer head (4) comprising a treatment surface (5), on which a garment to be smoothed is intended to be arranged while the smoothing apparatus (2) rests on the base (3), the treatment surface (5) comprising at least one steam emission area (7.1, 7.2). According to the invention, the smoothing apparatus has a first steam distribution circuit (11) and a second steam distribution circuit (12) that is separate from the first steam distribution circuit (11), wherein the at least one steam emission area has at least one first steam outlet hole (8.1), which is fluidically connected to the first steam distribution circuit (11), and at least one second steam outlet hole (8.2) which is fluidically connected to the second steam distribution circuit (12). The smoothing apparatus (2) is configured in such a way that a smoothing of a garment to be smoothed is performed by manually applying the garment to be smoothed to the treatment surface (5) and by causing the garment to be smoothed to slide on said treatment surface (5).

Description

STEAM DEFROSTING UNIT WITH TWO INDEPENDENT STEAM DISTRIBUTION CIRCUITS

Technical area

The present invention relates to an anti-crease appliance configured to de-crease clothes or linens, and in particular to a steam anti-crease appliance.

State of the art

Document CA2279702 discloses a steam anti-crease apparatus comprising a base intended to rest stably on a horizontal support, and an anti-crease head supported by the base, the anti-crease head comprising a treatment surface on which a garment to be uncreased is intended to be used. be arranged, the treatment surface comprising at least one vapor emission zone provided with vapor outlet holes.

The steamer described in document CA2279702 is configured such that the steamer of a garment to be steamed is carried out by manually applying the garment to be steamed to the treatment surface while the steamer rests on the base. and sliding the garment to be smoothed over the treatment surface.

Such a configuration of the anti-crease apparatus makes it possible to uncrease a garment without a user having to manipulate and move the anti-crease head relative to the garment to be uncreased, which greatly facilitates the anti-crease operation, in particular for items of clothing. users who have difficulty handling a portable steamer head.

However, the quality of the anti-crease obtained with such a steam anti-crease device is unsatisfactory, since it does not allow all the folds present on a garment to be smoothed to be removed.

Summary of the invention

The present invention aims to remedy all or part of these drawbacks. The technical problem underlying the invention consists in particular in providing a smoothing device which is simple and economical in structure, while ensuring smoothing of increased quality.

To this end, the present invention relates to an anti-crease apparatus comprising a base intended to rest stably on a horizontal support, such as a table, and an anti-crease head supported by the base, the anti-crease head comprising a treatment surface on the base. which a garment to be smoothed out is intended to be placed, the treatment surface comprising at least one steam emission zone, the steaming apparatus being configured such that a smoothing of a garment to be stripped is carried out by manually applying the garment to be smoothed onto the treatment surface while the steamer rests on the base and sliding the garment to be smoothed over said treatment surface, characterized in that the steamer comprises a first circuit of vapor distribution and a second vapor distribution circuit which is separate from the first vapor distribution circuit, the at least one vapor emission zone A core comprising at least a first vapor outlet hole which is fluidly connected to the first vapor distribution circuit and at least one second vapor outlet hole which is fluidly connected to the second vapor distribution circuit. Such a configuration of the steaming apparatus makes it possible, when the garment to be smoothed out covers only part of the treatment surface, and for example only the first steam outlet hole, to ensure that a large quantity of steam s 'will flow through the first steam outlet hole and therefore through the garment to be smoothed out. Indeed, when all the steam outlet holes are connected to the same steam distribution circuit, the steam tends, during a smoothing operation, to flow mainly through the outlet hole (s). steam which are not covered by the garment to be smoothed, which adversely affects the quality of the smoothing obtained. Thus, the presence of two independent steam distribution circuits gives the anti-crease apparatus according to the invention a substantially increased quality of anti-crease. The steamer can also have one or more of the following characteristics, taken alone or in combination.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the smoothing device is configured such that the smoothing of a garment to be stripped is carried out by sliding the garment to be smoothed over the treatment surface in a back and forth movement. come.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the treatment surface comprises a heating plate, for example metallic, defining at least partially, and for example entirely, the at least one vapor emission zone, the first and second holes steam outlet being provided in said heating plate. The presence of such a heating plate prevents the formation of condensate on the treatment surface, and therefore excessive humidification of the garment to be smoothed and also the projection of drops of water on the garment to be smoothed. According to one embodiment of the invention, the anti-crease apparatus is configured such that, under conditions of use, the treatment surface has a temperature above 110 ° C at the heating plate. Such a configuration of the anti-crease apparatus ensures that no condensation forms on the treatment surface. According to one embodiment of the invention, the first steam generator and the second steam generator are in thermal contact with a resistive heating element of the hot plate. Such a characteristic makes it possible to limit the manufacturing cost by using the same resistive heating element to heat the first and second steam generators as well as the heating plate.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the heating plate is arranged in a middle part of the treatment surface. Such a configuration of the treatment surface makes it possible to limit the risk of burns to a user when handling the garment to be smoothed out. According to one embodiment of the invention, the heating plate is centered relative to a median plane, also called the median anteroposterior plane, of the treatment surface, and for example with respect to a median plane of the anti-crease head.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the heating plate is spaced from a peripheral edge of the steamer head. According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second vapor outlet holes extend substantially in the median plane of the treatment surface.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the first steam outlet hole is a first steam outlet slot, and the second steam outlet hole is a second steam outlet slot. Advantageously, the first and second vapor outlet slots extend substantially parallel to each other. The first and second vapor outlet slots can, for example, be substantially aligned with each other. According to one embodiment of the invention, each of the first and second steam outlet slits has a length of between 7 and 15 cm, and for example between 8 and 12 cm, and advantageously of the order of 10 cm, and has a width of between 1 and 10 mm and preferably of the order of 3 mm. According to one embodiment of the invention, the first steam outlet hole is disposed in a front half of the treatment surface and the second steam outlet hole is disposed in a rear half of the treatment surface. Such an arrangement of the first and second steam outlet holes allows a user to achieve optimum smoothing in particular of a sleeve of a garment, by moving it, from left to right and from right to left, above the sleeve. 'one of the first and second steam outlet holes, which greatly facilitates the user's gesture.

In the present text, the expression "front" relates to a front part of the steamer which is located near the user when the latter uses the steamer, and the expression "rear" is relative to a rear part of the steamer which is located away from the user when the latter uses the steamer.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the anti-crease apparatus comprises at least one steam generator which is configured to independently supply the first and second steam distribution circuits.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the anti-crease apparatus comprises a water tank, for example disposed in the base, and a supply circuit fluidly connected to the water tank and configured to supply the water to the water tank. at least one steam generator. According to one embodiment of the invention, the feed circuit comprises a feed pump, preferably electric, configured to feed at least one steam generator with water coming from the water tank. These arrangements make it possible to pressurize the first and second steam distribution circuits, and therefore promote the flow of steam through the first and second steam outlet holes.

According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one steam generator is disposed in the base. According to an alternative embodiment, at least one steam generator could however be placed in the anti-crease head.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the anti-crease apparatus comprises a first steam generator configured to supply steam to the first steam distribution circuit and a second steam generator configured to supply steam to the second steam distribution circuit. steam.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second steam generators respectively comprise a first and a second instantaneous vaporization chamber which are each configured to be supplied with water from a water tank.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second steam generators are formed by a heating body comprising the first and second instantaneous vaporization chambers. According to one embodiment of the invention, the heating body comprises a first water injection opening opening into the first chamber of instantaneous vaporization, and a second water injection opening opening into the second instantaneous vaporization chamber.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the heating body comprises at least one electric heating resistance. According to one embodiment of the invention, the anti-crease head comprises a heating element on which the heating plate rests, the first steam distribution circuit comprising a first steam flow channel which is delimited by the heating element and the heating plate and which is fluidly connected to the first steam generator, and advantageously to the first instantaneous vaporization chamber, the second vapor distribution circuit comprising a second vapor flow channel which is delimited by the heating element and the heating plate and which is fluidly connected to the second steam generator, and advantageously to the second instantaneous vaporization chamber. The first and second vapor flow channels provide vaporization of any drops of water present in the vapor streams flowing in the first and second vapor flow channels, and further prevent the projection of water drops on the garment to be smoothed.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the first vapor distribution circuit comprises a first vapor duct, for example flexible, fluidly connected to the first instantaneous vaporization chamber, and the second vapor distribution circuit comprises a second duct of vapor, for example flexible, fluidly connected to the second instantaneous vaporization chamber. According to one embodiment of the invention, the first vapor flow channel is fluidly connected to the first vapor conduit, and the second vapor flow channel is fluidly connected to the second vapor conduit.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the heating element comprises a first vapor injection opening opening into the first vapor flow channel, and a second vapor injection opening opening into the second vapor channel. steam flow. According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one vapor emission zone comprises at least a first vapor emission zone comprising the first vapor outlet hole, and a second vapor emission zone comprising the second vapor outlet hole, each of the first and second vapor emission zones having a width, measured in an anteroposterior direction, between 7 and 15 cm, and for example between 8 and 12 cm, and + advantageously of the order of 10 cm.

Advantageously, the width of each of the first and second steam emission zones corresponds substantially to the maximum width of a sleeve of a garment to be smoothed out.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the treatment surface further comprises at least one suction zone provided with several suction openings.

Such a configuration of the treatment surface, and in particular the presence of the suction openings, makes it possible on the one hand to press and hold the garment to be smoothed against the treatment surface and on the other hand to stretch the garment to smooth out. The specific configuration of the treatment surface of the steamer according to the present invention therefore facilitates the steaming of a garment to be straightened, since the user only has to manipulate and move the garment relative to the head of the garment. cleaning, while improving the quality of such smoothing.

In addition, the presence of the suction openings makes it possible to prevent the steam leaving the first and second steam outlet holes from escaping in the direction of the user, and from threatening the physical integrity of the user. when the garment is not applied against the vapor outlet holes. Thus, the specific configuration of the treatment surface of the anti-crease apparatus according to the present invention gives the latter increased safety of use.

In addition, the presence of the suction openings ensures an air passage through the garment to be smoothed during its steaming, which induces on the one hand a cooling of the garment to be smoothed which promotes the condensation of steam on the latter and Thus improves the quality of the smoothing carried out, and secondly a drying of the garment to be smoothed which allows a user to be able to wear the wrinkled garment immediately after the smoothing operation. Therefore, since the steaming apparatus according to the present invention simultaneously ensures emission of steam through a garment to be steamed and air suction through the latter during a steaming operation, the quality of the steaming of the garment. this garment is appreciably increased compared to that obtained with steaming devices of the prior art.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the anti-crease appliance comprises a first suction circuit and a second suction circuit which is distinct from the first suction circuit, the suction openings comprising at least one orifice. suction which is fluidly connected to the first suction circuit and at least one suction port which is fluidly connected to the second suction circuit. Such a configuration of the steamer allows, when the garment to be steamed covers only part of the treatment surface, and for example only at least one suction port which is fluidly connected to the first circuit of suction, to ensure that a large amount of air will be drawn through the at least one suction port which is fluidly connected to the first suction circuit and therefore through the garment to be smoothed. In fact, when all of the suction openings are connected to the same suction circuit, the air tends, during a steaming operation, to be drawn mainly through the suction orifice (s) which are not covered by the garment to be smoothed, which is detrimental to the plating of the garment on the treatment surface and therefore to the quality of the smoothing obtained.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the suction ports comprise a first set of suction ports which are fluidly connected to the first suction circuit and a second set of suction ports which are fluidly connected to the first suction circuit. second suction circuit.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the suction ports of the first set of suction ports are arranged in a front half of the treatment surface, and the suction ports of the second set of suction ports. suction are disposed in a rear half of the treatment surface. According to one embodiment of the invention, the anti-crease apparatus comprises first depressurizing means configured to depressurize the first suction circuit, and second depressurizing means. depression which are distinct from the first means of depressurizing and which are configured to depressurize the second suction circuit.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the first vacuum-generating means comprise a first motor-fan and the second depressurization means comprise a second motor-fan.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the first vacuum means comprise a first fan and the second vacuum means comprise a second fan, the first and second fans being driven in rotation by the same motor. According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second suction circuits respectively comprise a first exhaust outlet and a second exhaust outlet which are provided on a rear face of the steamer. Thus, the air sucked in by the first and second suction circuits escapes at the rear of the steamer, and therefore against the user so as not to inconvenience the latter.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the suction openings have at least two suction openings which are arranged on either side of the at least one vapor emission zone. Such a configuration of at least one suction zone prevents the steam from burning the user's hands when handling the garment to be smoothed.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the first set of suction openings comprises a first sub-set of suction openings and a second sub-set of suction openings which are arranged on either side. the other of the at least one vapor emitting zone, and the second set of suction ports has a third sub-set of suction ports and a fourth sub-set of suction ports which are arranged on either side of the at least one vapor emission zone.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second subsets of suction ports are arranged on either side of the heating plate, and the third and fourth subsets of suction ports are arranged on either side of the hotplate. According to one embodiment of the invention, the first set of suction openings comprises a plurality of suction openings located near and along the heating plate, and for example along a first lateral edge. of the heating plate, and the second set of suction ports has a plurality of suction ports located near and along the heating plate, and for example along a second side edge of the heating plate .

According to one embodiment of the invention, the first set of suction openings comprises a first series of suction openings formed in the heating plate near, and for example along, the first vapor outlet hole. , and the second set of suction ports comprises a second series of suction ports formed in the heating plate near, and for example along, the second vapor outlet hole. Such an arrangement of the first and second series of suction openings makes it possible to ensure a suction of steam as close as possible to the steam outlet holes, and therefore to further improve the safety of use of the anti-crease apparatus according to the present invention.

Advantageously, the suction ports of the first set of suction ports are substantially aligned, and the suction ports of the second set of suction ports are substantially aligned.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second series of suction ports are arranged on either side of the median plane of the treatment surface.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the distance between the first vapor outlet hole and each suction orifice of the first series of suction orifices is less than 2 cm, and advantageously less than 1 cm and by example of the order of 3 mm, and the distance between the second steam outlet hole and each suction orifice of the second series of suction orifices is less than 2 cm, and advantageously less than 1 cm and by example of the order of 3 mm. Preferably, at least part, and advantageously all, of the suction openings of the first series of suction openings are inclined in the direction of the first outlet hole of steam. Preferably, at least part, and advantageously all, of the suction openings of the second series of suction openings are inclined in the direction of the second vapor outlet hole.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the first suction circuit comprises a pair of first suction chambers which are provided in the anti-crease head, and a pair of first suction ducts which are fluidly connected to the first means. vacuum and which each open into a respective first suction chamber, and the second suction circuit comprises a pair of second suction chambers which are provided in the steam head, and a pair of second ducts of suction which are fluidly connected to the second depressurizing means and which each open into a respective second suction chamber.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the first suction chambers are disposed on either side of the heating plate, and the second suction chambers are disposed on either side of the heating plate.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the first suction chambers are arranged in a front part of the steamer head and the second suction chambers are arranged in a rear part of the steamer head.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the suction ports of the first sub-set of suction ports are fluidly connected to one of the first suction chambers, the suction ports of the second sub-assembly suction ports are fluidly connected to the other of the first suction chambers, the suction ports of the third subset of suction ports are fluidly connected to one of the second suction chambers, and the suction ports of the fourth sub-set of suction ports are fluidly connected to the other of the second suction chambers. According to one embodiment of the invention, the suction ports of the first series of suction ports are fluidly connected to one of the first suction chambers, and the suction ports of the second series suction ports are fluidly connected to one of the second suction chambers.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the first suction circuit comprises a plurality of first connecting channels provided on the heating element and each configured to fluidly connect a respective suction port of the first series of orifices. suction with one of the first suction chambers, and a plurality of second connecting channels provided on the heating element and each configured to fluidly connect a respective suction port of the second series of suction ports with one of the second suction chambers.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one suction zone comprises a first suction zone and a second suction zone which are arranged on either side of the at least one suction zone. steam emission.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the sum of the passage sections of the suction ports corresponds substantially to the sum of the passage sections of the first and second suction ducts.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the anti-crease head is disposed prominently on the base.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the base comprises a base body on which the anti-crease head rests, the base body converging in the direction of the anti-crease head and the anti-crease head projecting laterally with respect to the body of the steamer. based. Such a configuration of the steamer head allows one shoulder of a steamer shirt to be threaded around the steamer head. Advantageously, the anti-crease head protrudes laterally over the entire periphery of the base body.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the treatment surface is substantially flat, that is to say flat or slightly convex.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the center of gravity of the steamer head and the center of gravity of the base are substantially aligned along a vertical axis when the base rests on a horizontal support. Such a configuration of the anti-crease device ensures great stability to the latter, in particular during anti-crease operations.

According to one embodiment of the invention, when the base rests on a horizontal support, the or each normal to the treatment surface is oriented upwards or is inclined at an angle of between 0 ° and 45 ° with respect to a vertical axis, and preferably of the order of 20 °, in the direction of a front face of the steam stripper. Such a configuration of the treatment surface makes it possible to limit the diffusion of steam towards the user, while ensuring increased ergonomics for the steamer. According to one embodiment of the invention, the anti-crease head has an outline of substantially triangular shape.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the treatment surface has a substantially triangular outline. Advantageously, one of the vertices of the substantially triangular contour of the treatment surface is oriented towards a rear face of the steamer.

According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one vapor outlet hole of the at least one vapor emission zone is located at a distance of less than 3 cm from the top of the substantially triangular contour of the treatment surface. which is oriented towards the rear face of the steamer. According to one embodiment of the invention, the anti-crease head has a maximum width of between 10 and 35 cm, and advantageously of the order of 20 cm.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the base has a maximum width of between 15 and 40 cm, and preferably of the order of 30 cm. According to one embodiment of the invention, the base has an outline of substantially square shape.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the smoothing device has a height of between 20 and 40 cm, the treatment surface advantageously being more than 20 cm away from the bearing surface of a horizontal support when the base rests on said horizontal support. According to one embodiment of the invention, the base comprises handles located in the vicinity of a lower surface of the base. These arrangements greatly limit the risk of burns for a user, in particular when handling the anti-crease appliance after a steaming operation, for example for storing the latter.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the anti-crease apparatus comprises at least one condensate recovery device. These provisions prevent the accumulation of condensate in various internal parts of the steamer, which could affect the operation of the latter.

According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one condensate recovery device is configured to reinject the collected condensate into the water tank supplying the at least one steam generator.

According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one condensate recovery device comprises a condensate recovery chamber provided with a condensate discharge opening opening into the water tank.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the first suction circuit comprises a first condensate recovery device configured to recover condensates formed in the first suction circuit, advantageously formed upstream of the first condensate recovery device and for example in the first suction ducts and / or the first suction chambers, and the second suction circuit comprises a second condensate recovery device configured to recover the condensates formed in the second suction circuit, advantageously formed upstream of the second condensate recovery device and for example in the second suction ducts and / or the second suction chambers.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the first suction circuit comprises a first connecting duct connecting the first suction ducts to a first condensate recovery chamber of the first condensate recovery device, and a second condensate collection duct. link connecting the first condensate recovery chamber to the first means of depressurizing, and the second suction circuit comprises a third connecting duct connecting the second suction ducts to a second condensate recovery chamber of the second condensate recovery device, and a fourth connecting duct connecting the second condensate recovery chamber to the second depressurizing means.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the anti-crease head is inclined towards a front face of the anti-crease apparatus.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the anti-crease head extends substantially in an extension plane which is inclined at an angle of between 5 ° and 45 ° relative to a horizontal plane, advantageously between 10 ° and 30 ° and preferably of the order of 20 °, when the base rests on a horizontal support.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the anti-crease head is firmly fixed to the base, and for example to the base body. The invention also relates to a method of smoothing a garment using the apparatus as described above, in which the garment is smoothed out by manually applying the garment to be smoothed onto the treatment surface while The steamer rests stably on the base and sliding the garment to be steamed over said treatment surface.

Brief description of the figures

The invention will be clearly understood with the aid of the description which follows with reference to the appended schematic drawings showing, by way of non-limiting example, one embodiment of this anti-crease apparatus. [Fig 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an anti-crease apparatus according to the present invention.

[Fig 2] Figure 2 is a front view of the steamer of Figure 1.

[Fig 3] Figure 3 is a side view of the steamer of Figure 1.

[Fig 4] Figure 4 is a partial perspective view from above of the steamer of Figure 1. [Fig 5] Figure 5 is a partial perspective view from above of the steamer of Figure 1.

[Fig 6] Figure 6 is a partial rear perspective view of the steamer of Figure 1. [Fig 7] Figure 7 is a partial longitudinal sectional view of the steamer of Figure 1.

[Fig 8] Figure 8 is a partial perspective view of the steamer of Figure 1.

[Fig 9] Figure 9 is a partial top view of the steamer of Figure 1.

[Fig 10] Figure 10 is an exploded perspective view of a heater belonging to the steamer of Figure 1.

[Fig 11] Figure 11 is a rear perspective view of the steamer of Figure 1. [Fig 12] Figure 12 is a partial cutaway perspective view of the steamer of Figure 1.

detailed description

Figures 1 to 12 show a steamer 2 configured to smooth a garment or a laundry to be smoothed. The steamer 2 comprises a base 3 which is intended to rest stably on a horizontal support, and a steamer head 4 which is supported by the base 3 and which comprises a treatment surface 5 on which a garment to be steamed is intended. to be arranged while the steamer 2 rests on the base 3. The steamer 2 is configured such that a steamer of a garment to be smoothed is performed by manually applying the garment to be smoothed on the treatment surface 5 and by sliding the garment to be smoothed over the treatment surface 5, for example in a back and forth movement. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the base 3 has an outline of substantially square shape, and the smoothing head 4 and the treatment surface 5 each have an outline of substantially triangular shape. Advantageously, one apex of each of the substantially triangular contours of the steamer head 4 and of the treatment surface 5 is oriented towards a rear face of the steamer 2. The treatment surface 5 may be substantially flat or convex. .

As shown more particularly in Figures 1 to 3, the steamer head 4 is disposed prominently on the base 3. Advantageously, the base 3 comprises a base body 6 on which the steamer head 4 rests, and the base body 6 converges in the direction of the anti-crease head 4 so that the anti-crease head 4 protrudes laterally with respect to the base body 6. Such a configuration of the anti-crease head 4 makes it possible to easily thread a shoulder d '' a steamer shirt around the steamer head 4.

The steamer 2 can for example have a height of between 20 and 40 cm, and the treatment surface 5 can advantageously be more than 20 cm from the bearing surface of a horizontal support when the base 3 rests. on the horizontal support. The anti-crease head 4 can for example have a maximum width of between 10 and 35 cm, and advantageously of the order of 20 cm, and the base 3 can for example have a maximum width of between 15 and 40 cm, and advantageously of the order of 30 cm.

According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the center of gravity of the steamer head 4 and the center of gravity of the base 3 are substantially aligned along a vertical axis when the base 3 rests on a horizontal support.

According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the anti-crease head 4 is inclined in the direction of a front face of the anti-crease apparatus 2, and extends substantially in an extension plane Pe (see FIG. 3) which is inclined at an angle of between 5 ° and 45 ° relative to a horizontal plane, and preferably of the order of 20 °, when the base 3 rests on a horizontal support. Advantageously, when the base 3 rests on the horizontal support, the or each normal to the treatment surface 5 is oriented upwards or is inclined at an angle of between 0 ° and 45 ° relative to a vertical axis, and preferably of the order of 20 °, in the direction of a front face of the steamer 2.

As shown more particularly in FIGS. 1 and 2, the treatment surface 5 comprises a first vapor emission zone 7.1 comprising a first vapor outlet hole 8.1, and a second vapor emission zone 7.2 comprising a second hole steam outlet 8.2. Advantageously, the first steam outlet hole 8.1 is disposed in a front half of the treatment surface 5, and the second steam outlet hole 8.2 is disposed in a rear half of the treatment surface 5.

According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the first steam outlet hole 8.1 is a first steam outlet slot, and the second steam outlet hole 8.2 is a second steam outlet slot. Advantageously, the first and second steam outlet slits are aligned with respect to each other and extend in the median plane of the treatment surface 5, and also in the median plane of the anti-crease head. 4. Each of the first and second steam outlet slits may have a length of between 7 and 15 cm, and for example between 8 and 12 cm, and advantageously of the order of 10 cm. Advantageously, the length of each of the first and second steam outlet slits corresponds substantially to the maximum width of a sleeve of a garment to be smoothed out.

According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the treatment surface 5 comprises a heating plate 9 which defines the first and second vapor emission zones 7.1, 7.2, and which may for example be metallic. The first and second steam outlet holes 8.1, 8.2 are advantageously formed in the heating plate 9.

The heating plate 9 is disposed in a middle part of the treatment surface 5, and is spaced from a peripheral edge of the steamer head 4. Advantageously, the heating plate 9 is centered with respect to the median plane P of the steamer head. treatment surface 5. The steamer 2 is advantageously configured such that, under conditions of use, the treatment surface 5 has a temperature above 110 ° C at the level of the heating plate 9, and this so as to avoid the formation of condensate on the treatment surface 5. The anti-crease head 4 advantageously comprises a heating element 10 on which the heating plate 9 rests. The heating element 10 is more particularly configured to heat the heating plate 9. The heating element 10 can advantageously integrate a resistive heating element 10.1.

The steam iron 2 further comprises a first steam distribution circuit 11 which is fluidly connected to the first steam outlet hole 8.1 and which is configured to supply steam to the first steam outlet hole 8.1, and a second circuit distribution of vapor 12 which is fluidly connected to the second vapor outlet hole 8.2 and which is configured to supply vapor to the second vapor outlet hole 8.2, the second vapor distribution circuit 12 being separate from the first vapor distribution circuit steam 11.

The anti-crease apparatus 2 also comprises at least one steam generator which is configured to independently supply the first and second steam distribution circuits 11, 12. Advantageously, the anti-crease apparatus 2 comprises a first steam generator 13. which is configured to supply steam to the first steam distribution circuit 11 and a second steam generator 14 which is configured to supply steam to the second steam distribution circuit 12. The first and second steam generators 13, 14 are arranged in the base 3. However, according to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the first and second steam generators 13, 14 could be placed in the anti-crease head 4.

The steamer 2 further comprises a water tank 15, for example disposed in the base 3, and a supply circuit 16 which is fluidly connected to the water tank 15 and which is configured to supply the water to the water. first and second steam generators 13, 14. Advantageously, the supply circuit 16 comprises a supply pump 17 configured to supplying the first and second steam generators 13, 14 with water from the water tank 15.

As shown in Figure 10, the first and second steam generators 13, 14 respectively comprise a first instantaneous vaporization chamber 13.1 and a second instantaneous vaporization chamber 14.1 which are each configured to be supplied with water from the water tank. 15, and which are respectively configured to supply steam to the first and second steam distribution circuits 11, 12.

According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the first and second steam generators 13, 14 are formed by a heating body 18 comprising the first and second instantaneous vaporization chambers 13.1, 14.1.

The heating body 18 has a first water injection opening 19 opening into the first instantaneous vaporization chamber 13.1, and a second water injection opening 21 opening into the second instantaneous vaporization chamber 14.1. The first and second water injection openings 19, 21 are connected to the supply circuit 16. The heating body 18 further comprises an electric heating resistance 22.

The heating body 18 also has a first vapor discharge opening 23 fluidly connected to the first instantaneous vaporization chamber 13.1, and a second vapor discharge opening 24 fluidly connected to the second instantaneous vaporization chamber 14.1.

According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the heating body 18 comprises a foundry 25 in which the electric heating resistance 22 is integrated, and a closure plate 26 which rests on the foundry 25. The foundry 25 and the closure plate 26 delimit the first and second instantaneous vaporization chambers 13.1, 14.1.

According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the first vapor distribution circuit 11 comprises a first vapor flow channel 27 which is delimited by the heating element 10 and the heating plate 9, and a first vapor duct ( not visible in the figures), for example flexible and with an internal diameter of the order of 5 mm, which fluidly connects the first flow channel steam 27 to the first instant vaporization chamber 13.1. The first vapor duct is more particularly configured to connect the first vapor discharge opening 23 to a first vapor injection opening 28 provided on the heating element 10 and opening into the first vapor flow channel 27.

As shown in Figure 9, the first vapor flow channel 27 has a first vapor flow portion 27.1 having a plurality of baffles and a second vapor flow portion 27.2 which is substantially straight and which is located at the bottom. sight of the first steam outlet hole 8.1. The first steam injection opening 28 more particularly opens into an upstream part of the first steam flow channel 27.

The second vapor distribution circuit 12 comprises a second vapor flow channel 29 which is delimited by the heating element 10 and the heating plate 9, and a second vapor duct (not visible in the figures), for example flexible. and with an internal diameter of the order of 5 mm, which fluidly connects the second vapor flow channel 29 to the second instantaneous vaporization chamber 14.1. The second vapor duct is more particularly configured to connect the second vapor discharge opening 24 to a second vapor injection opening 31 provided on the heating element 10 and opening into the second vapor flow channel 29.

Advantageously, the second vapor flow channel 29 comprises a first vapor flow portion 29.1 comprising a plurality of baffles and a second vapor flow portion 29.2 which is substantially rectilinear and which is located opposite the second steam outlet hole 8.2. The second steam injection opening 31 opens more particularly into an upstream part of the second steam flow channel 29. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the treatment surface 5 further comprises at least one suction zone. provided with at least one suction opening. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the treatment surface 5 comprises a first suction zone 32 and a second suction zone 33 which are arranged on either side of the median plane P of the treatment surface 5, and more precisely on either side of the two zones d 'steam emission 7.1, 7.2, and which are each provided with several suction openings. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the anti-crease apparatus 2 comprises a first suction circuit 34 which is fluidly connected to a first set 35 of suction openings provided on the treatment surface 5, and a second suction circuit 36 which is separate from the first suction circuit 34 and which is fluidly connected to a second set 37 of suction openings provided on the treatment surface 5. Advantageously, the suction openings of the first The set 35 of aspiration ports are disposed in a front half of the treatment surface 5, and the aspiration ports of the second set 37 of aspiration ports are disposed in a rear half of the treatment surface 5. The separation between the first and second sets 35, 37 is shown schematically in Figure 2 by the separation axis S.

The anti-crease apparatus 2 also comprises first depressurizing means configured to depressurize the first suction circuit 34, and second depressurizing means which are distinct from the first depressurizing means and which are configured. in order to depressurize the second suction circuit 36. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the first depressurization means comprise a first motor-fan 38 which is arranged in the base 3 and the second actuation means. depression comprise a second motor-fan 39 which is also arranged in the base 3.

According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the first suction circuit 34 comprises a pair of first suction chambers 41.1, 41.2 which are provided in the anti-crease head 4 and which are arranged on either side of the heating plate 9, and a pair of first suction ducts 42.1, 42.2 which are fluidly connected to the first depressurization means and which open respectively into the first suction chambers 41.1, 41.2, and the second suction circuit 36 has a pair second suction chambers 43.1, 43.2 which are provided in the anti-crease head 4 and which are arranged on either side of the heating plate 9, and a pair of second suction ducts 44.1, 44.2 which are fluidly connected to the second depressurizing means and which open out respectively into the second suction chambers 43.1, 43.2.

Advantageously, the first suction chambers 41.1, 41.2 are arranged in a front part of the anti-crease head 4, and the second suction chambers 43.1, 43.2 are arranged in a rear part of the anti-crease head 4. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the treatment surface 5 comprises (see figure 4) two side plates 45.1,

45.2, advantageously made of plastic material, remaining cold and not dangerous, which are arranged on either side of the heating plate 9, each of the side plates 45.1, 45.2 partially delimiting one of the first suction chambers 41.1, 41.2 and one of the second suction chambers 43.1, 43.2.

Advantageously, the first and second suction circuits 34, 36 respectively comprise a first exhaust outlet 46 and a second exhaust outlet 47 which are provided on a rear face of the steamer 2, and more particularly on a rear face of the base body 6.

According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the first set 35 of suction openings comprises a first sub-assembly 48 of suction openings and a second sub-assembly 49 of suction openings which are arranged in different positions. on either side of the first vapor emission zone 7.1, and more precisely on either side of the heating plate 9, and the second set 37 of suction openings comprises a third sub-assembly 51 d 'suction ports and a fourth sub-assembly 52 of suction ports which are arranged on either side of the second vapor emission zone

7.2, and more precisely on either side of the heating plate 9. Advantageously, the suction openings of the first sub-assembly 48 and of the third sub-assembly 51 are formed in the side plate 45.1, and the orifices suction of the second sub-assembly 49 and of the fourth sub-assembly assembly 52 are provided in the side plate 45.2. The suction openings of the first sub-assembly 48 open into the first suction chamber 41.1 and the suction openings of the second sub-assembly 49 open into the first suction chamber 41.2, while the suction openings of the third sub-assembly 51 open into the second suction chamber

43.1, and the suction ports of the fourth sub-assembly 52 open into the second suction chamber 43.2.

According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the second sub-assembly 49 comprises a plurality of suction openings located near and along the heating plate 9, and advantageously along a first lateral edge 9.1 of the heating plate 9, and the third sub-assembly 51 comprises a plurality of suction openings located near and along the heating plate 9, and advantageously along a second lateral edge 9.2 of the heating plate 9. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the first assembly 35 further comprises a first series 53 of suction ports formed in the heating plate 9 near and along the first vapor outlet hole

8.1, and the second set 37 of suction ports comprises a second series 54 of suction ports formed in the heating plate 9 near and along the second steam outlet hole 8.2. Advantageously, the suction ports of the first series 53 are substantially aligned, and the suction ports of the second series 54 are also substantially aligned. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the first and second series 53, 54 are arranged on either side of the median plane P of the treatment surface 5.

The distance between the first steam outlet hole 8.1 and each suction port of the first series 53 is advantageously less than 1 cm and for example of the order of 3 mm, and the distance between the second steam outlet hole 8.2 and each suction orifice of the second series 54 is also advantageously less than 1 cm and for example of the order of 3 mm.

The suction ports of the first series 53 are fluidly connected to the first suction chamber 41.1, while the suction ports of the second series 54 are fluidly connected to the second suction chamber 43.2.

According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the first suction circuit 34 comprises a plurality of first connecting channels 55 provided on the heating element 10 and each configured to fluidly connect a respective suction port of the first series 53 with the first suction chamber 41.1, and a plurality of second connecting channels 56 provided on the heating element 10 and each configured to fluidly connect a respective suction port of the second series 54 with the second suction chamber 43.2 .

Advantageously, the sum of the passage sections of all the suction openings provided on the treatment surface 5 corresponds substantially to the sum of the passage sections of the first and second suction ducts 42.1, 42.2, 44.1, 44.2, and substantially to the sum of the passage sections of the first and second suction chambers 41.1, 41.2, 43.1, 43.2.

As shown in particular in Figures 7 to 9, the first suction circuit 34 further comprises a first condensate recovery device 57 configured to recover condensates formed in the first suction circuit 34, and for example in the first conduits 42.1, 42.2 and / or the first suction chambers 41.1, 41.2, and the second suction circuit 36 further comprises a second condensate recovery device 58 configured to recover condensates formed in the second circuit of suction 36, and for example in the second suction ducts 44.1, 44.2 and / or the second suction chambers 43.1, 43.2.

Advantageously, each of the first and second condensate recovery devices 57, 58 is configured to reinject the condensed collected in the water tank 15 configured to supply water to the first and second steam generators 13, 14. For this purpose , the first condensate recovery device 57 comprises a first condensate recovery chamber 59 provided with a first condensate discharge opening 61 opening into the water tank 15, and the second condensate device condensate recovery 58 comprises a second condensate recovery chamber (not visible in the figures) provided with a second condensate discharge opening (not visible in the figures) opening into the water tank 15. The first and / or or second condensate recovery devices can advantageously include a filter, preferably extractable, to prevent the hole from becoming clogged and the water in the reservoir from being soiled by tissue fibrils.

According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the first suction circuit 34 comprises a first connecting duct 62 connecting the first suction ducts 42.1, 42.2 to the first condensate recovery chamber 59, and a second connecting duct 63 connecting the first condensate recovery chamber 59 to the first depressurization means, and the second suction circuit 36 comprises a third connecting duct 64 connecting the second suction ducts 44.1, 44.2 to the second vacuum recovery chamber. condensate, and a fourth connecting duct 65 connecting the second condensate recovery chamber to the second depressurization means.

The steam iron 2 further comprises a control unit 66 which is configured in particular to control the operation of the first and second steam generators 13, 14, of the first and second motor fans 38, 39, of the heating element 10. and the feed pump 17.

A procedure for smoothing a garment to be smoothed using the anti-crease apparatus 2 according to the present invention will now be described. Such a smoothing process comprises the following steps: - positioning the base 3 on a stable horizontal support,

- turn on the steamer 2 for example by pressing a power button 67 provided on the base 3,

- wait until the heating plate 9 reaches a predefined operating temperature and possibly until the heating body 18 reaches a temperature sufficient to generate steam in the first and second steam distribution circuits 11, 12 (the device of steamer 2 could, for example, emit an audible signal or a light signal in order to inform the user that the steamer 2 is ready to be used,

- control the generation of steam through the first and second steam outlet holes 8.1, 8.2, for example by pressing a steam control button 68 provided on the base 3,

- automatically control the operation of the first and second motor-fans 38, 39 so as to cause air suction through the various suction openings provided on the treatment surface 5, - manually apply the garment to be smoothed onto the surface treatment 5, and

- Slide the garment to be smoothed over the treatment surface 5 in a back and forth movement.

According to an alternative embodiment of the anti-crease method, the operation of the first and second motorized fans 38, 39 could be controlled by pressing a suction control button provided on the base 3.

According to an alternative embodiment of the steamer 2, the treatment surface 5 could include one or more presence sensor (s) configured to automatically detect the presence of a garment to be smoothed on the treatment surface 5. , and the control unit 66 could be configured to control the operation of the first and second steam generators 13, 14 and of the first and second motor-fans 38, 39 according to the detection of the presence of a garment on the treatment surface 5. According to another variant, the steamer 2 could include a detection of the presence of the user, for example for an energy-saving mode, to activate the steam and the suction only in the presence of the user. .

According to another variant embodiment of the anti-crease apparatus 2, the latter could comprise a steam control pedal intended to be actuated by the foot of a user when the latter wishes a projection of steam through the first and second holes. steam outlet 8.1, 8.2. Of course, the present invention is in no way limited to the embodiment described and illustrated which has been given only by way of example. Modifications remain possible, in particular from the point of view of the constitution of the various elements or by substitution of technical equivalents, without thereby departing from the scope of protection of the invention. Thus, in particular, the first and second steam generators 13, 14 could be formed by two heating bodies distinct from one another.

Claims

1. Steaming apparatus (2) comprising a base (3) intended to rest stably on a horizontal support, and a steaming head (4) supported by the base (3), the steaming head (4) comprising a surface of treatment (5) on which a garment to be smoothed is intended to be placed, the treatment surface (5) comprising at least one steam emitting zone, the steaming apparatus (2) being configured such that a steaming of a garment to be smoothed is carried out by manually applying the garment to be smoothed onto the treatment surface (5) while the steamer (2) rests on the base (3) and by sliding the garment to be smoothed out on said treatment surface (5), characterized in that the anti-crease apparatus comprises a first steam distribution circuit (11), a second steam distribution circuit (12) which is distinct from the first steam distribution circuit (11) and at least one steam generator which is configured to independently supply the first and second vapor distribution circuits (11, 12), the at least one vapor emission zone having at least a first vapor outlet hole (8.1) which is fluidly connected to the first steam distribution circuit (11) and at least one second vapor outlet hole (8.2) which is fluidly connected to the second vapor distribution circuit (12).

2. Steaming apparatus (2) according to claim 1, which comprises a first steam generator (13) configured to supply steam to the first steam distribution circuit (11) and a second steam generator (14) configured to supply steam. steam the second steam distribution circuit (12).

3. Steaming apparatus (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the treatment surface (5) comprises a heating plate (9) at least partially defining the at least one vapor emission zone. , the first and second vapor outlet holes being formed in said heating plate (9).

4. Steaming apparatus (2) according to claim 3, wherein the heating plate (9) is disposed in a middle part of the treatment surface (5).

5. Steaming apparatus (2) according to claim 3 or 4 in combination with claim 2, wherein the steaming head (4) comprises a heating element (10) on which the heating plate (9) rests, the first circuit. steam distribution channel (11) comprising a first steam flow channel (27) which is delimited by the heating element (10) and the heating plate (9) and which is fluidly connected to the first steam generator (13) , the second steam distribution circuit (12) comprising a second steam flow channel (29) which is delimited by the heating element (10) and the heating plate (9) and which is fluidly connected to the second steam generator. steam (14).

6. Steaming apparatus (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the treatment surface (5) further comprises at least one suction zone (32, 33) provided with several suction openings. .

7. Steaming appliance (2) according to claim 6, which comprises a first suction circuit (34) and a second suction circuit (36) which is separate from the first suction circuit (34), the orifices of suction comprising at least one suction port which is fluidly connected to the first suction circuit (34) and at least one suction port which is fluidly connected to the second suction circuit (36).

8. Steaming apparatus (2) according to claim 7, wherein the suction ports comprise a first set (35) of suction ports which are fluidly connected to the first suction circuit (34) and a second set. (37) suction ports which are fluidly connected to the second suction circuit (36).

9. Steaming apparatus (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the steaming head (4) is disposed prominently on the base (3).

10. The steamer (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the base (3) comprises a base body (6) on which the steamer head (4) rests, the base body ( 6) converging in the direction of the steam head (4) and the steam head (4) projecting laterally with respect to the base body (6).

11. A steamer (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the center of gravity of the steamer head (4) and the center of gravity of the base (3) are substantially aligned along an axis. vertical when the base (3) rests on a horizontal support.

12. The steamer (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein, when the base (3) rests on a horizontal support, the or each normal to the treatment surface (5) is oriented towards the side. high or is inclined at an angle of between 0 ° and 45 ° relative to a vertical axis, in the direction of a front face of the steamer (2).

13. Steaming apparatus (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the base (3) has handles located in the vicinity of a lower surface of the base (3).

14. Anti-crease apparatus (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the anti-crease apparatus comprises at least one condensate recovery device (57, 58).

15. A method of smoothing a garment using the apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the garment smoothing is carried out by manually applying the garment to be smoothed onto the treatment surface ( 5) while the steamer (2) rests stably on the base (3) and sliding the garment to be smoothed over said treatment surface (5).