Smoothing Appliance

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001]This invention relates to the field of small household appliances, more specifically to smoothing appliances.

STATE OF THE ART

[0002]Irons are conventionally used to iron garments. Due to the constraints of using an iron (for example, the need for an ironing board), portable smoothing appliances have been developed that do not require the use of an ironing board and are quick and easy to use. These appliances are commonly referred to as “steamers.” Smoothing appliances remove wrinkles through the application of a hot smoothing side to the garment, while it is hanging on a hanger, in combination with steam release. Smoothing appliances can be used to remove wrinkles from garments, provided they are used correctly.

[0003]In practice, it has been observed that the user does not sufficiently tension the garment and does not press the smoothing side firmly enough against the garment, thereby limiting the action of the appliance. This means that the garment is not ironed as well as it would have been if the appliance had been used correctly. As a result, smoothing appliances have been provided that not only suction the garment, but also heat it and release steam. These improved appliances require a motor to activate the suction, which can lead to overheating.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0004]The invention aims to provide a smoothing appliance, preferably portable, incorporating suction technology and optimized to prevent damage to the appliance due to its operation.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0028]Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of a preferential embodiment. This description will be given in reference to the attached figures, in which:

[0029]FIG. 1 shows a smoothing appliance according to a particular embodiment;

[0030]FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view of the smoothing appliance;

[0031]FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional top view of the smoothing appliance;

[0032]FIG. 4 is a second cross-sectional view of the smoothing appliance;

[0033]FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional top view of the smoothing appliance and diagrams the air flow;

[0034]FIG. 6 is a side view of the smoothing appliance;

[0035]FIG. 7 is a partial C-C cross-sectional view of the smoothing appliance along the cross-sectional plane shown in FIG. 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0036]It will be noted that, in this document, the terms “vertical,” “lower,” “upper,” “front,” “rear” used to describe the smoothing appliance refer to this appliance when it is lying flat on its baseplate.

[0037]FIG. 1 shows a smoothing appliance 1 with a portable housing 10 comprising a handle 4 surmounted by a smoothing head 2 comprising a treatment side 20 designed to be moved opposite a fabric item to be smoothed. The side of the portable housing 10 on which the treatment side 20 is disposed corresponds to the front part of the portable housing 10.

[0038]The smoothing appliance also has the particular feature of comprising a baseplate 6 extending from the handle 4 on the opposite side of the smoothing head 2.

[0039]With reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, the portable housing 10 further comprises an air intake circuit including a fan 21 designed to be rotated by a motor 23 and comprising at least one air intake vent 201. The fan 21 and the motor 23 are preferably arranged in the smoothing head 2.

[0040]The portable housing 10 also comprises a steam circuit comprising a steam generator 61. Such a steam generator 61 is preferably arranged in the baseplate 6.

[0041]The steam circuit is designed to allow steam to be released on the treatment side 20 and the air intake circuit is designed to allow air to be drawn in on the treatment side 20.

[0042]Preferably, the portable housing is made of plastic. For example, the portable housing can be made of polypropylene or of polycarbonate.

[0043]As its name suggests, the housing is portable. Accordingly, it is designed to be held by an individual and the appliance is designed to be operated with one hand, in particular while being held by the handle 4.

[0044]The portable housing 10 preferably comprises control means 8 (such as buttons) configured to control the steam release and air intake. The control means 8 are preferably arranged on the handle 4. These control means 8 are preferably designed to be operated by the user with the hand used to hold the portable housing of the smoothing appliance.

[0045]In addition, the handle 4 is designed to contain electric wiring, for example to supply power to the motor 23.

[0046]Preferably, the handle 4 weighs around 50 grams.

[0047]The baseplate 6 comprises a flat outer side 60 designed to enable the appliance to be placed on a substantially flat surface S in a “resting” position, as shown in FIG. 4. This side 60 is preferably a distal side of the baseplate 6.

[0048]When the appliance 1 is in its resting position, the longitudinal axis P of the handle 4 (shown in FIG. 4) is preferably tilted slightly forward. Specifically, the portable housing 10 is configured so that the longitudinal axis P makes a non-zero angle with an axis orthogonal to the outer side 60 (corresponding to the surface S of the appliance), for example an angle of around 15°.

[0049]According to another embodiment, the longitudinal axis P of the handle 4 is perpendicular to the outer side 60.

[0050]Preferentially, the baseplate 6 has a rear side with a button for switching on the appliance.

[0051]Preferably, the baseplate 6 also comprises a power cord for connection to a household power supply network. The cord can be removable.

[0052]The cord preferably has a length greater than 200 cm. Preferably, the cord weighs around 150 grams when the appliance 1 is held by a user at a height of around 1.5 meters from the floor.

[0053]According to one embodiment not shown, the smoothing appliance 1 does not comprise a baseplate 6. Thus, for example, the power button can be arranged on the portable housing 10, and more specifically on the smoothing head 2. The cord can also be connected to the portable housing 10, and more specifically to the smoothing head 2.

[0054]The smoothing appliance 1 preferably comprises a steam generator 61 that is part of the steam circuit. The steam generator 61 is suitable for generating steam from liquid from a liquid tank 62. The steam generator 61 defines an enclosure designed to hold liquid, and the steam generator 61 preferably comprises at least one shielded heating element 65 enabling liquid from the tank 62 to be heated in the enclosure. Preferably, the steam generator 61 is connected to a pipe 41 in the steam circuit that is arranged to allow steam to flow from the steam generator 61 to the smoothing head 2.

[0055]The steam generator 61 is typically produced in a metal body, for example aluminum, and preferably weighs around 250 grams. This weight typically includes the weight of the aluminum structure, of the shielded heating element 65, of the electrical safety and temperature control elements, and of a concentrator, which are preferably comprised in the steam generator 61.

[0056]The liquid tank 62 is preferably comprised in the portable housing 10 and arranged in the baseplate 6. According to one embodiment not shown, the tank 62 is removable.

[0057]According to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the tank 62 is arranged in the front part of the portable housing 10, or more specifically the front part of the baseplate 6.

[0058]The tank 62 preferably comprises a transparent shell defining the outer wall of the tank 62, fitted with a removable cap 620 enabling the tank 62 to be filled. The tank 62 is suitable for holding a liquid, typically water or a liquid solution diluted in water.

[0059]The tank 62 preferably has a capacity of approximately 100 mL. When empty, the tank preferably weighs around 50 grams. For example, when the tank 62 contains approximately 100 grams of water and is therefore filled 100%, it weighs around 150 grams.

[0060]Also preferably, the steam circuit comprises a pump 63 designed to circulate liquid from the tank 62 to the steam generator 61, and this pump 63 is advantageously arranged in the baseplate 6.

[0061]The pump 63 preferably weighs around 50 grams.

[0062]According to one possible embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the steam generator 61, the tank 62 and the pump 63 are comprised in the portable housing 10 and more specifically in the baseplate 6.

[0063]According to another embodiment not shown, the steam generator 61, the tank 62 and the pump 63 are not comprised in the portable housing 10 but are comprised in a base that is offset relative to the portable housing 10. This base is preferably connected to the portable housing 10 via a hose that allows steam to flow from the steam generator 61 to the smoothing head 2.

[0064]The smoothing head 2 is connected to an upper end of the handle 4 and the baseplate 6 is connected to a lower end of the handle 4 opposite the upper end. According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the lower part of the handle 4 has a flared shape with a cross-section that increases progressively as it gets closer to the baseplate 6.

[0065]The smoothing head 2 comprises a front end with the treatment side 20 designed to be moved opposite a fabric item to be smoothed. The smoothing head 2 also preferably has a rear end opposite the front end and a rear side opposite the treatment side 20. The smoothing head 2 also preferably has a lateral side extending between the rear side and the treatment side 20.

[0066]The treatment side 20 preferably comprises a treatment plate 200, preferably metallic, for example an aluminum treatment plate 200.

[0067]This treatment plate 200 can, for example, be a soleplate 200 to improve smoothing as explained below. Such a soleplate 200 can be heated by one or more heating elements 26 arranged in the smoothing head near the treatment side 20.

[0068]The treatment side 20 comprises at least one steam vent 24 connected to the steam circuit and at least one intake port 22 connected to the air intake circuit.

[0069]The treatment side 20 can have various shapes, for example a rectangular or triangular shape. Preferably, it comprises a plurality of steam vents 24 and a plurality of intake ports 22.

[0070]The various steam vents and intake ports can be in the form of holes or slits. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the steam vents 24 are in the form of holes and the intake ports 22 are in the form of slits.

[0071]Advantageously, a secondary steam generator 25 is arranged in the smoothing head 2. The secondary steam generator 25 is part of the steam circuit. The secondary steam generator 25 is preferably connected to the pipe 41. In fact, the secondary steam generator 25 is used to re-vaporize liquid from the steam generator 61, known as the “primary steam generator”, which has flowed through the pipe 41. Indeed, as it flows through the pipe 41, the steam can cool to the point at which part of it condenses. Thus, steam condensate flows to the secondary steam generator 25. The secondary steam generator 25 preferably vaporizes this condensate so that no liquid is released via the steam vents 24. It is particularly advantageous to keep liquid from being released through the steam vents 24, as this would wet the fabric item being treated and prevent it from being properly smoothed. To vaporize the condensate, the secondary steam generator 25 preferably comprises at least one PTC thermistor or shielded heating element 26. The secondary steam generator 25 can also be referred to as an “evaporator” since it reheats the steam generated by the steam generator 61.

[0072]Preferably, the heating element or elements 26 of the secondary steam generator 25 are in thermal contact with the treatment side 20. Thus, the treatment side 20, preferably more specifically the soleplate 200, can be heated by the heating element or elements 26 of the secondary steam generator 25, allowing for more effective smoothing when the treatment side 20 is positioned opposite a fabric item.

[0073]According to an embodiment not shown, a silicone piece is placed between the heating element or elements 26 of the secondary steam generator 25 and the treatment side 20 so that the temperature of the treatment side 20 does not exceed a certain temperature threshold, typically 150° C.

[0074]The secondary steam generator 25 is typically produced in a metal body, for example aluminum.

[0075]The secondary steam generator 25 also preferably comprises electrical safety and temperature control elements.

[0076]The assembly comprising the treatment side 20 and the secondary steam generator 25 thus preferably weighs around 100 grams.

[0077]The smoothing head 2 comprises the air intake circuit that extends between the intake ports 22 and the air intake vent 201. The air intake flow in the air intake circuit is shown with solid arrows in FIG. 5. The air intake circuit also comprises the fan 21 and the motor 23. The fan 21 and the motor 23 are arranged in the smoothing head 2.

[0078]Preferably, the motor 23 is arranged inside smoothing head 2 in the axial extension of treatment side 20. The motor 23 extends along a longitudinal axis M illustrated in FIG. 4.

[0079]In accordance with FIG. 4, the smoothing head 2 has a slender shape extending transversely to the handle 4, preferentially at an angle α of around 65° relative to the longitudinal axis P of the handle. Preferably, the handle 4 extends along an axis that runs through at least part of the motor 23. The P and M axes advantageously intersect.

[0080]The motor 23 is suitable for rotating the fan 21. The fan 21, which is part of the air intake circuit, draws air from the air intake ports 22.

[0081]The assembly comprising the motor 23 and the fan 21 preferably weighs around 300 grams.

[0082]Preferably, the air intake circuit is configured to allow an air intake flow rate greater than 10 m3/hr and less than 60 m3/hr and, even more preferably, an air intake flow rate greater than 20 m3/hr and less than 50 m3/hr.

[0083]The air intake vent 201 is preferably arranged on the rear side. By “on the rear side”, it is understood that the air intake vent 201 is arranged on the rear side or on the lateral side near the rear side. If the air intake vent 201 is arranged on the lateral side, it is preferably arranged at a distance of less than 9 cm from the rear side.

[0084]The smoothing head 2 comprises an air cooling circuit for the motor 23 extending between at least one cooling air inlet port 203 and at least one cooling air vent 202 arranged in the smoothing head 2. The flow of cooling air in the cooling circuit is shown with dotted arrows in FIG. 5. The air cooling circuit for the motor 23 is used to cool the motor 23, which heats up when running. If the motor 23 reaches a certain critical temperature threshold, it may malfunction and should be cooled. Preferably, the smoothing head 2 comprises at least two primary cooling air inlet ports 203 and at least two cooling air vents 202.

[0085]The cooling circuit is separate and distinct from the air intake circuit, as shown in FIG. 5. According to this advantageous arrangement, the motor 23 is cooled efficiently and damage to the motor is prevented by the flow of steam-laden air into the motor.

[0086]As shown in FIG. 5, the cooling air inlet port 203 is preferably arranged on the lateral side of the smoothing head 2. The cooling air vent 202 is also preferably arranged on the rear side. If the cooling air vent 202 is arranged on the lateral side, it is preferably arranged at a distance of less than 8 cm from the rear side. It is also preferably arranged at a distance of more than 1 cm from the rear side.

[0087]According to one embodiment not shown, the cooling air vent 202 of the cooling circuit opens into the air intake circuit at the air intake vent 201 in the air intake circuit. By “at the air intake vent”, is understood that the cooling air vent 202 is arranged near the air intake vent 201, for example at a distance of less than 2 cm from the air intake vent 201. This makes it possible to generate a Venturi effect and increase the flow speed of the intake air and of the cooling air (and thus optimize cooling within the appliance).

[0088]Advantageously, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the cooling circuit comprises a rotatably mounted propeller 27 for circulating air entering through the cooling air inlet port 203 towards the cooling air vent 202. The propeller 27 makes it possible to guide the air along the path illustrated by the dotted arrows in FIG. 5. The propeller 27 can be axial, helical-centrifugal or centrifugal.

[0089]The propeller 27 can be arranged in various positions relative to the motor 23. The motor 23 extends longitudinally along an axis from a first end to a second end. The first end is closer to the treatment side 20 than the second end. For example, the propeller 27 can be arranged at the first end or at the second end of the motor 23, in other words at the front or at the rear of the motor 23. However, it is preferable for the propeller to be positioned at the rear of the motor 23, which makes it possible to optimize the flow of air circulating in the cooling circuit. In particular, positioning the propeller at the rear of the motor part 23 reduces pressure loss.

[0090]Preferably, the portable housing 10 comprises a receiving chamber 29 comprising an inner wall defining an enclosure in which the motor 23 is arranged. This receiving chamber 29 is therefore preferably comprised in the smoothing head 2. The receiving chamber is illustrated in FIG. 7, showing a partial C-C sectional view of the appliance 1, the sectional plane of which is shown in FIG. 6. The receiving chamber 29 comprises blades 204 extending from the inner wall form, on one hand, at least one air intake flow channel between the at least one air intake port 22 and the air intake vent 201 and, on the other hand, at least one cooling pipe to enable cooling air entering through the at least one cooling air inlet port to flow into the enclosure 203. The receiving chamber 29 is thus ingeniously designed to provide a separate and distinct cooling circuit and air intake circuit. Furthermore, the receiving chamber 29 enables cooling air to flow past the motor 23, while preventing (steam-laden) intake air from flowing past the motor 23. Advantageously, as shown in FIG. 5 and in FIG. 7, the air intake circuit and the cooling circuit are designed so that the intake air flows in a direction orthogonal to the cooling air flow direction in the chamber.

[0091]Preferably, each blade 204 is hollow so as to define the at least one cooling pipe. Also preferably, the air intake flow channel is defined between two blades 204.

[0092]Preferentially, the receiving chamber 29 acts as an air director. More specifically, each blade 204 is preferably curved to direct the intake air flowing between the at least one air intake port 22 and the air intake vent 201. Thus, the intake air is guided and flows faster.

[0093]The operation of the appliance will now be described.

[0094]When the user wishes to use the appliance, he or she fills the tank 62 with liquid (preferably water) and then switches the appliance 1 on by pressing the power button. The appliance is assumed to have been connected to the household power supply network via the power cord. The heating element of the primary steam generator 61 and of the secondary steam generator 25 if any is then powered up to its operating temperature, which is advantageously controlled by a thermostat.

[0095]When the user wishes to use the appliance in a vertical smoothing position, he or she moves the treatment side 20 vertically towards the fabric item to be smoothed, then presses the control means 8 (in this case, preferably a button), which activates the pump 63 and allows liquid to flow from the tank 62 to the primary steam generator 61.

[0096]The steam produced in the primary steam generator 61 then escapes through the pipe 4 towards the secondary steam generator 25, if any, and then through the steam vents 24. The steam is then diffused onto the fabric item, which, combined with the heating and drying action of the treatment plate 200, smooths it.

[0097]Simultaneously, the control means 8 can be set to activate an air intake in combination with the steam release. For example, pressing on the control means 8 can power up the motor 23, which then starts running. As a result, the fan 21 is rotated and air is drawn in through the intake ports 22. In particular, the air intake helps press the fabric item against the treatment side 20. The steam release combined with the air intake thus optimizes smoothing. Moreover, the air intake also helps dry the portion of the fabric item that has just been steamed. It has been found that this particular process enables the smoothing effect to be sustained longer after the fabric item has been treated.

[0098]According to another embodiment, the control means 8 enable the user to control the intake in a way that is uncorrelated with the control of the steam release. Thus, the user can control the steam release alone or combined with the air intake.

[0099]During the treatment, the user can move the appliance 1 in a vertical direction, for example from top to bottom, to treat all or part of the fabric item.

[0100]The appliance 1 can also be occasionally used in a horizontal smoothing position, for example to smooth a fabric item arranged horizontally against a table, by moving the treatment side 20 horizontally above the fabric item.

[0101]The invention is not limited to the embodiment described and shown in the appended figures. Changes can still be made, particularly with regard to the constitution of the various technical elements or by substituting technical equivalents, without departing from what is taught overall.