Clothes steamer head

Abstract

This steamer head includes a body enclosing a steam distribution circuit and an air distribution circuit which are separated by a dividing partition, the steam distribution circuit including at least one steam inlet orifice intended to be connected to a steam generator and at least one steam outlet for diffusing a stream of steam, the air distribution circuit including a blower, an air inlet orifice and an air outlet for diffusing a stream of air, the at least one steam outlet and the air outlet being arranged at the one same end of the body of the steamer head. The steamer head includes a shut-off member that can be moved between a shut-off position in which the shut-off member closes off the air outlet and an open position in which the shut-off member uncovers the air outlet.

Claims

1. A steamer head comprising: a body enclosing a steam distribution circuit and an air distribution circuit separated from one another, the steam distribution circuit comprising at least one steam inlet orifice configured to be connected to a steam generator and at least one steam outlet for diffusing a stream of steam, the air distribution circuit comprising a blower, an air inlet orifice and an air outlet for diffusing a stream of air, the at least one steam outlet and the air outlet arranged at a same end of the body of the steamer head, and a control system configured to cut the power supply to the blower when the air outlet is closed off by the shut-off member, wherein the steamer head comprises a shut-off member configured to be moved between a shut-off position in which the shut-off member closes off the air outlet and an open position in which the shut-off member uncovers the air outlet.

2. The steamer head according to claim 1, wherein the shut-off member is configured to close off the air outlet in a steam-proof manner when the shut-off member is in the shut-off position.

3. The steamer head according to claim 1, wherein the control system comprises a switch that can be actuated by a movement of the shut-off member, the switch being configured to cut the power supply to the blower when the air outlet is closed off by the shut-off member.

4. The steamer head according to claim 1, wherein the control system comprises a control button mounted such that the control button is moveable on the body of the steamer head between an operating position and an off position, and the steamer head being configured such that a movement of the control button from the operating position to the off position causes the shut-off member to move from the open position to the shut-off position, and such that a movement of the control button from the off position to the operating position causes the shut-off member to move from the shut-off position to the open position.

5. The steamer head according to claim 1, wherein the air distribution circuit comprises a heating device configured to heat the stream of air.

6. The steamer head according to claim 1, wherein the air inlet orifice and the air outlet are arranged at two opposite ends of the body of the steamer head.

7. The steamer head according to claim 1, wherein the shut-off member is mounted such that the shut-off member is pivotable between the shut-off position and the open position.

8. The steamer head according to claim 1, wherein the shut-off member is mounted such that the shut-off member is moveable in translation between the shut-off position and the open position.

9. The steamer head according to claim 1, wherein the shut-off member is a removable plug.

10. The steamer head according to claim 1, wherein the body comprises a dividing partition separating the steam distribution circuit and the air distribution circuit from one another.

11. A steam smoothing apparatus comprising a base unit provided with a steam generator and a steamer head according to claim 1.

12. A steamer head comprising: a body enclosing a steam distribution circuit and an air distribution circuit separated from one another, the steam distribution circuit comprising at least one steam inlet orifice configured to be connected to a steam generator and at least one steam outlet for diffusing a stream of steam, the air distribution circuit comprising a blower, an air inlet orifice and an air outlet for diffusing a stream of air, the at least one steam outlet and the air outlet arranged at a same end of the body of the steamer head, and a control system configured to cut the power supply to the blower when the air outlet is closed off by the shut-off member, wherein the control system is configured to cut the power supply to the heating device when the air outlet is closed off by the shut-off member, wherein the air distribution circuit comprises a heating device configured to heat the stream of air, and wherein the steamer head comprises a shut-off member configured to be moved between a shut-off position in which the shut-off member closes off the air outlet and an open position in which the shut-off member uncovers the air outlet.

13. The steamer head according to claim 12, wherein the shut-off member is configured to close off the air outlet in a steam-proof manner when the shut-off member is in the shut-off position.

14. The steamer head according to claim 12, wherein the air inlet orifice and the air outlet are arranged at two opposite ends of the body of the steamer head.

15. The steamer head according to claim 12, wherein the shut-off member is mounted such that the shut-off member is pivotable between the shut-off position and the open position.

16. The steamer head according to claim 12, wherein the shut-off member is mounted such that the shut-off member is moveable in translation between the shut-off position and the open position.

17. The steamer head according to claim 12, wherein the shut-off member is a removable plug.

18. The steamer head according to claim 12, wherein the body comprises a dividing partition separating the steam distribution circuit and the air distribution circuit from one another.

19. A steam smoothing apparatus comprising a base unit provided with a steam generator and a steamer head according to claim 12.

Description

(1) The invention will be more fully understood with the assistance of the following description in reference to the attached schematic drawings representing, as non-restrictive examples, two forms of execution of this steamer head.

(2) FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a steam apparatus according to this invention comprising a steamer head according to a first embodiment of the invention and a base unit provided with a steam generator.

(3) FIGS. 2 and 3 are rear and front perspective views of the steamer head in FIG. 1.

(4) FIG. 4 is a side view, partially in cross section, of the steamer head in FIG. 1, showing a shut-off member in the open position.

(5) FIG. 5 is a partial perspective view, partially in cross section, of the steamer head in FIG. 1, showing the shut-off member in the open position.

(6) FIG. 6 is a partial longitudinal cross-sectional view of the steamer head in FIG. 1, showing the shut-off member in the open position.

(7) FIG. 7 is a side view, partially in cross section, of the steamer head in FIG. 1, showing a shut-off member in the shut-off position.

(8) FIG. 8 is a partial perspective view, partially in cross section, of the steamer head in FIG. 1, showing the shut-off member in the shut-off position.

(9) FIGS. 9 and 10 are partial perspective views of a steamer head according to a second embodiment of the invention, showing the shut-off member in the open position and in the shut-off position, respectively.

(10) FIG. 11 is a partial longitudinal cross-sectional view of the steamer head in FIG. 8, showing a shut-off member in the shut-off position.

(11) FIGS. 1 to 8 represent a steam smoothing apparatus 2 comprising a base unit 3 and a steamer head 4 according to a first embodiment of the invention. The base unit 3 comprises in particular a steam generator 5 and a water reservoir 6 configured to supply the steam generator 5 with water. The base unit 3 could possibly comprise a pump 7 configured to supply the steam generator 5 with water from the water reservoir 6. However, such a pump is optional.

(12) As shown in FIG. 6, the steamer head 4 comprises a body 8 enclosing a steam distribution circuit 9 and an air distribution circuit 11, and comprising a dividing partition 12 separating the steam distribution circuit 9 and the air distribution circuit 11 from one another. The body 8 comprises more particularly a support shell 13 comprising the dividing partition 12, and a first protective cover 14 and a second protective cover 15 attached to the support shell 13, such as by screwing.

(13) According to the embodiment represented in FIGS. 1 to 8, the first protective cover 14 partially encloses the steam distribution circuit 9, and the second protective cover 15 partially encloses the air distribution circuit 11. However, according to an embodiment variant, the first protective cover 14 could partially enclose the air distribution circuit 11, and the second protective cover 15 could partially enclose the steam distribution circuit 9.

(14) As shown more particularly in FIGS. 4 to 8, the steam distribution circuit 9 comprises a steam delivery conduit 16 fluidically connected to the steam generator 5 and extending at least partially into the body 8, and a steam diffusion chamber 17 integrated in the body 8 and intended to be supplied with steam by the steam delivery conduit 16. The steam diffusion chamber 17 comprises more particularly a steam inlet orifice 17.1 fluidically connected to the steam delivery conduit 16, and an outlet orifice 17.2 opposite the steam inlet orifice 17.1.

(15) According to the embodiment represented in FIGS. 1 to 8, the steam distribution circuit 9 further comprises a plurality of steam outlets 18 fluidically connected to the outlet orifice 17.2 of the diffusion chamber 17, and configured to diffuse a stream of steam. However, the steam distribution circuit 9 could comprise a single steam outlet 18.

(16) Advantageously, the steam outlets 18 are aligned and are arranged on a steam diffusion soleplate 19 comprising a contact surface 21 to which the steam outlets 18 discharge.

(17) According to the embodiment represented in FIGS. 1 to 8, the steam diffusion chamber 17 is joined to the steam diffusion soleplate 19 with interposition of a gasket 22.

(18) As shown more particularly in FIG. 6, the air distribution circuit 11 comprises an air inlet orifice 23 arranged opposite the steam outlets 18, a nozzle 24 comprising an inlet opening 24.1 fluidically connected to the air inlet orifice 23 and an outlet opening 24.2 opposite the inlet opening 24.1, and a blower 25 arranged in the nozzle 24. The blower 25 comprises a propeller 25.1 situated next to the air inlet orifice 23 and an electric motor 25.2 configured to drive the propeller 25.1 in rotation.

(19) The air distribution circuit 11 further comprises a heating device 26 attached to one end of the nozzle 24 and configured to heat the stream of air generated by the blower 25. The heating device 26 may comprise a resistive heating element (not represented in the figures) and a support 27 on which is arranged, and, for example, wound, the resistive heating element. The support 27 is advantageously made of insulating material, and may, for example, be made of Samicanite® (registered trademark).

(20) According to the embodiment represented in FIGS. 1 to 8, the support 27 is elongated and has a cross section in the shape of a cross, and the heating device 26 further comprises a tubular guide wall 28 extending around the support 27 and in line with the nozzle 24 so as to guide the stream of air along the support 27. The tubular guide wall 28 is advantageously made of insulating material, and for example may be formed of a sheet of Samicanite® (registered trademark).

(21) The air distribution circuit 11 also comprises an air outlet grille 29 arranged at the end of the tubular guide wall 28 which is opposite the nozzle 24.

(22) Advantageously, the air outlet grille 29 can be configured to cooperate with a stop provided on the support shell 13 and/or a stop provided on the second protective cover 15 in order to keep the heating device 26 and the nozzle 24 in position, and thus to avoid the translation of the latter toward the front of the steamer head 4.

(23) The air distribution circuit 11 further comprises an air outlet 31 configured to diffuse the stream of air.

(24) Advantageously, the steam outlets 18 and the air outlet 31 are arranged at the same end of the body 8 of the steamer head 4, and advantageously opposite the air inlet orifice 23.

(25) According to the embodiment represented in FIGS. 1 to 8, the air outlet 31 is oblong and extends substantially parallel to the direction of alignment of the steam outlets 18.

(26) The steamer head 4 also comprises a shut-off member 32 housed in the body 8 and able to be moved between a shut-off position (see FIGS. 7 and 8) in which the shut-off member 32 closes off the air outlet 31 in a steam-proof manner, and an open position (see FIGS. 4 to 6) in which the shut-off member 32 uncovers the air outlet 31.

(27) Advantageously, the steamer head 4 comprises a gasket extending around the air outlet 31, and the shut-off member 32 is configured to cooperate with the gasket when the shut-off member 32 is in the shut-off position.

(28) According to the embodiment represented in FIGS. 1 to 8, the shut-off member 32 comprises a shut-off part 33 configured to close off the air outlet 31, and an actuating part 34 connected to the shut-off part 33 and mounted such that it can pivot around a joint pin A. The actuating part 34 comprises, for example, two substantially parallel lateral flanges 34.1 that each extend from a respective end of the shut-off part 33.

(29) The steamer head 4 further comprises a control system configured to control the electrical power supply of the heating device 26 and of the blower 25 depending on the position of the shut-off member 32. More particularly, the control system is configured to cut the power supply to the blower 25 and to the heating device 26 when the air outlet 31 is closed off by the shut-off member 32, and to supply electrical power to the blower 25 and to the heating device 26 when the air outlet 31 is at least partially uncovered by the shut-off member 32.

(30) The control system comprises a control button 35 mounted such that it can move, for example by sliding, on the body 8 of the steamer head 4, for example on the second protective cover 15, between an operating position (see FIGS. 4 to 6) and an off position (see FIGS. 7 and 8).

(31) According to the embodiment represented in FIGS. 1 to 8, the control system comprises a connecting device housed in the body 8 and connecting the control button 35 and the shut-off member 32. The connecting device is more particularly configured such that a movement of the control button 35 from the operating position to the off position causes the shut-off member 32 to move from the open position to the shut-off position, and such that a movement of the control button 35 from the off position to the operating position causes the shut-off member 32 to move from the shut-off position to the open position.

(32) The connecting device comprises a connecting member 36 connected to the control button 35 in order to move therewith. The connecting member 36 may, for example, be in the general shape of a “U” and have a central section attached to the control button 35 and two lateral connecting branches connected respectively to the two lateral flanges 34.1 of the actuating part 34.

(33) According to the embodiment represented in FIGS. 1 to 8, each lateral flange 34.1 of the actuating part 34 comprises a semi-circular actuating slot 37, and the connecting device further comprises at least one actuating element 38, such as an actuating spindle or an actuating pin, configured to cooperate with a respective semi-circular actuating slot 37 or with the two semi-circular actuating slots 37, such that a movement of the control button 35 between the operating position and the off position causes the shut-off member 32 to pivot around the joint pin A and between the open position and the shut-off position. It should be noted that the joint pin A may, for example, extend transversally to the direction of movement of the control button 35.

(34) Finally, the control system comprises a switch 39, such as a lever switch or a microswitch, configured to cut the power supply to the blower 25 and to the heating device 26 when the air outlet 31 is closed off by the shut-off member 32, and to control the power supply to the blower 25 and the heating device 26 when the air outlet 31 is at least partially uncovered by the shut-off member 32. According to the embodiment represented by FIGS. 1 to 8, the switch 39 is configured to be actuated by the connecting device, and more particularly by the connecting member 36, when the shut-off member 32 is moved between the shut-off position and the open position.

(35) Advantageously, the steamer head 4 further comprises a gripping section 41 in order to facilitate gripping of the steamer head 4 by a user, and a hanging element 42 arranged on the first protective cover 14 and configured to allow the steamer head 4 to hang on a support.

(36) The steamer head 4 could further comprise an elongated adhering element 43, preferably elastically deformable, extending close to the steam diffusion soleplate 19, and configured to generate friction on a garment to be smoothed, which favors the smoothing of the latter.

(37) A process for smoothing a garment or similar item using the smoothing apparatus 2 will now be described, assuming that initially the shut-off member 32 of the steamer head is in the shut-off position. Such a smoothing process includes the following steps: supply electrical power to the base unit 3 so as to generate steam and to supply steam to the steamer head 4, move the steam diffusion soleplate 19 on or along a garment or similar item, so as to smooth it, move the control button 35 to the operating position, such that the connecting member 36 releases the switch 39 and, for example, stops exerting pressure on the lever of the switch 39, and such that the shut-off member 32 uncovers the air outlet 31, supply electrical power to the heating device 26 and to the blower 25 so as to generate a stream of hot air which is diffused by the air outlet 31, move the steamer head 4 on or along the garment so as to dry it, move the control button 35 to the off position, such that the connecting member 36 actuates the switch 39, and for example exerts pressure on the lever of the switch 39, and such that the shut-off member 32 closes off the steam outlet 31, cut the power supply to the heating device 26 and to the blower 25.

(38) FIGS. 9 to 11 represent a steamer head 4 according to a second embodiment of the invention which differs from the first embodiment essentially in that the control button 35 is directly connected to the shut-off member 32, and in that the switch 39 is configured to be actuated by the shut-off member 32, for example by the actuating part 34, when the shut-off member 32 is moved between the shut-off position and the open position.

(39) According to this second embodiment of the invention, the steamer head 4 comprises two biasing members 44, such as helical springs, configured to bias the shut-off member 32 toward the shut-off position, and two guide elements 45, such as two guide rods, configure to guide the shut-off member 32 when it is moved between the shut-off position and the open position. Each biasing member 44 may, for example, be mounted on a respective guide element 45, and each guide element 45 may, for example, be attached to the body 8 and extend close to a respective end of the shut-off part 33.

(40) According to other embodiments of the invention not represented in the figures, the shut-off member 32 could be mounted such that it can move in translation between the shut-off position and the open position, or could even be a removable plug.

(41) As goes without saying, the invention is not limited only to the forms of execution of the steamer head described above as an example. On the contrary, it encompasses all embodiment variants. Thus, in particular, the control button could be arranged at another location on the body, the connecting device and the heating device could have different structures, the positions of the steam distribution circuit and of the air distribution circuit could be reversed.