Smoothing Appliance

Abstract

A smoothing appliance includes a handle and a smoothing head having a treatment side configured to be placed opposite a fabric item to be smoothed. The treatment side includes at least one steam vent connected to a steam circuit having a steam generator and at least one intake port connected to an air intake circuit having a fan configured to be rotated by a motor. The appliance includes a controller for controlling the steam release through the steam vent and the air intake through the intake port, wherein the controller is configured to enable steam release in a first operating mode and configured to enable steam release combined with air intake in a second operating mode.

Claims

1. A smoothing appliance comprising: a steam circuit, an air intake circuit, and a portable housing having a handle coupled to a smoothing head having a treatment side configured to be placed opposite a fabric item to be smoothed, wherein the treatment side comprises at least one steam vent connected to the steam circuit comprising a steam generator and at least one intake port connected to the air intake circuit comprising a fan configured to be rotated by a motor (23), the appliance including a controller for controlling steam release through the steam vent and air intake through the intake port, wherein the controller is configured to enable the steam release in a first operating mode and configured to enable steam release combined with air intake in a second operating mode.

2. The appliance according to claim 1, wherein the controller comprises a push button including a push button head configured to enable the steam release when the push button head is depressed over a first depression stroke and enables the steam release combined with the air intake when the push button head is depressed over a second depression stroke.

3. The appliance according to claim 2, wherein the second depression stroke extends beyond the first depression stroke.

4. The appliance according to claim 1, wherein the controller comprises a first actuator configured to activate the steam release, and a second actuator configured to activate the air intake.

5. The appliance according to claim 1, wherein the controller comprises a third actuator configured to activate the steam release combined with the air intake, and a fourth actuator configured to stop the air intake.

6. The appliance according to claim 1, wherein the controller is disposed on the handle of the appliance.

7. The appliance according to claim 1, wherein the handle, the smoothing head and the steam generator are incorporated into the portable housing, the portable housing comprising a liquid tank and a pump configured to supply liquid to the steam generator.

8. The appliance according to claim 7, wherein the smoothing head is connected to an upper end of the handle and the portable housing comprises a baseplate connected to a lower end of the handle, the steam generator, the liquid tank and the pump being disposed in the baseplate.

9. The appliance according to claim 1, wherein the appliance comprises a base connected to the smoothing head by a flexible pipe.

10. The appliance according to claim 9, wherein the base comprises the steam generator.

11. The appliance according to claim 9, wherein the base comprises a liquid tank and a pump configured to supply liquid to the steam generator.

12. A method for ironing out a fabric item to be pressed using a smoothing appliance having a steam circuit, an air intake circuit and a portable housing, the portable housing comprising a handle coupled to a smoothing head having a treatment side configured to be placed opposite a fabric item to be smoothed, wherein the treatment side comprises at least one steam vent connected to the steam circuit and at least one intake port connected to the air intake circuit, the method comprising: placing the treatment side opposite a fabric item; contacting the treatment side to the fabric item, the contacting step comprising at least one steam release step with no air intake and at least one steam release step combined with air intake; and stopping the appliance, the stopping step comprising at least one intake stop step and at least one steam release stop step.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0039] 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:

[0040] FIG. 1 shows a smoothing appliance according to a particular embodiment;

[0041] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the smoothing appliance;

[0042] FIG. 3 is a second cross-sectional view of the smoothing appliance;

[0043] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a button on the smoothing appliance;

[0044] FIG. 5 is a view from the rear of a button on the smoothing appliance in a depressed position;

[0045] FIG. 6 is a side view of a button on the smoothing appliance in a depressed position;

[0046] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a button on the smoothing appliance in a released position;

[0047] FIG. 8 shows the steps in a smoothing method.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Appliance

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] With reference to FIG. 2, the portable housing 10 further comprises an air intake circuit, including a fan 21 designed to be rotated by a motor 23. The fan 21 and the motor 23 are preferably arranged in the smoothing head 2.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] Preferably, the portable housing is made of plastic. For example, the portable housing can be made of polypropylene or of polycarbonate.

[0055] 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 handle 4.

[0056] In addition, the handle 4 is designed to contain electric wiring, for example to supply power to the motor 23.

[0057] Preferably, the handle 4 weighs around 50 grams.

[0058] 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. 3. This side 60 is preferably a distal side of the baseplate 6.

[0059] When the appliance 1 is in its resting position, the longitudinal axis P of the handle 4 (shown in FIG. 3) 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.

[0060] According to another embodiment, the longitudinal axis P of the handle 4 is perpendicular to the outer side 60.

[0061] Preferentially, the baseplate 6 has a rear side with a button for switching on the appliance.

[0062] Preferably, the baseplate 6 also comprises a power cord for connection to a household power supply network. The cord can be removable.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] The steam generator 61 is typically produced in a metal body, for example aluminum, and preferably weighs more than 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.

[0067] The liquid tank 62 is preferably comprised in the portable housing 10 and arranged in the baseplate 6. According to one embodiment not shown, tank 62 is removable.

[0068] According to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, tank 62 is arranged in the front part of the portable housing 10, or more specifically the front part of the baseplate 6.

[0069] Tank 62 preferably comprises a transparent shell defining the outer wall of tank 62, fitted with a removable cap 620 enabling the tank 62 to be filled. Tank 62 is suitable for holding liquid, typically water or a liquid solution diluted in water.

[0070] Tank 62 preferably has a capacity of approximately 100 mL. When empty, the tank preferably weighs around 50 grams. For example, when tank 62 contains approximately 100 grams of water and is therefore filled 100%, it weighs around 150 grams.

[0071] Also preferably, the steam circuit comprises a pump 63 designed to circulate liquid from tank 62 to steam generator 61, and this pump 63 is advantageously arranged in the baseplate 6.

[0072] The pump 63 preferably weighs around 50 grams.

[0073] According to one possible embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the steam generator 61, tank 62 and pump 63 are comprised in the portable housing 10 and more specifically in the baseplate 6.

[0074] According to another embodiment not shown, steam generator 61, tank 62 and 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 steam generator 61 to the smoothing head 2.

[0075] Smoothing head 2 is connected to an upper end of handle 4 and the baseplate 6 is connected to a lower end of handle 4 opposite the upper end. According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the lower part of handle 4 has a flared shape with a cross-section that increases progressively as it gets closer to baseplate 6.

[0076] Smoothing head 2 comprises a front end with the treatment side 20 designed to be moved opposite a fabric item to be smoothed. Treatment side 20 preferably comprises a treatment plate 200, preferably metallic, for example an aluminum treatment plate 200.

[0077] 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 treatment side 20.

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] Advantageously, a secondary steam generator 25 is arranged in the smoothing head 2. Secondary steam generator 25 is part of the steam circuit. Secondary steam generator 25 is preferably connected to pipe 41. In fact, secondary steam generator 25 is used to re-vaporize liquid from steam generator 61, known as the primary steam generator, which has flowed through pipe 41. Indeed, as it flows through 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. 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, secondary steam generator 25 preferably comprises at least one PTC thermistor or shielded heating element 26. Secondary steam generator 25 can also be referred to as an evaporator since it reheats the steam generated by steam generator 61.

[0082] Preferably, the shielded heating element or elements 26 of the secondary steam generator 25 are in thermal contact with treatment side 20. Therefore, treatment side 20, preferably more specifically soleplate 200, can be heated by the heating element or elements 26 of secondary steam generator 25, allowing for more effective smoothing when treatment side 20 is positioned opposite a fabric item.

[0083] 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.

[0084] The secondary steam generator 25 is typically produced in a metal body, for example aluminum.

[0085] Secondary steam generator 25 also preferably comprises electrical safety and temperature control elements.

[0086] The assembly comprising treatment side 20 and secondary steam generator 25 therefore preferably weighs around 100 grams.

[0087] The smoothing head 2 comprises a motor 23 that is part of the air intake circuit. Preferably, 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. 3.

[0088] In accordance with FIG. 3, the smoothing head 2 has a slender shape extending transversely to handle 4, preferentially at an angle of around 65 relative to the longitudinal axis P of the handle. Preferably, handle 4 extends along an axis that runs through at least part of motor 23. The P and M axes advantageously intersect.

[0089] The motor 23 is suitable for rotating fan 21. Fan 21, which is part of the air intake circuit, draws air from the air intake ports 22.

[0090] The assembly comprising motor 23 and fan 21 preferably weighs around 300 grams.

[0091] 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.

[0092] Appliance 1 preferably comprises control means 8 configured to control the steam release and air intake. This control means 8 is preferably designed to be operated by the user with the hand used to hold the portable housing of the smoothing appliance.

[0093] The control means 8 therefore makes it possible to control the steam release through steam vent 24 and the air intake through intake port 22. The control means 8 is configured to enable, according to a first operating mode of the appliance 1, steam release only and, according to a second operating mode of the appliance 1, a steam release combined with an air intake. Preferably, control means 8 is arranged on handle 4 of the appliance 1.

[0094] According to an embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 7, control means 8 comprises a push button 8 comprising a push button head 81. The push button head 81 has an outer side designed to enable a user to depress the push button head 81. Preferably, push button 8 comprises return means 83 connected to the push button head and designed to allow the push button head 81 to be released when no user is holding it in the depressed position. The released position of push button head 81 is illustrated in FIG. 7 and corresponds to a position in which push button head 81 is not depressed.

[0095] Push button 8 is configured to enable steam release only when push button head 81 is depressed over a first depression stroke, and to enable steam release combined with air intake when push button head 81 is depressed over a second depression stroke. Preferably, the second depression stroke goes beyond the first depression stroke. Thus, a user simply needs to depress the push button 8 more or less to control the first or the second operating mode.

[0096] Advantageously, with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, the push button 8 comprises a steam release switch 85 comprising a first contactor 87 and a second contactor (not shown) designed to activate the steam release when brought into contact. The push button 8 further comprises an air intake switch 86 comprising a third contactor 88 and a fourth contactor designed to activate the air intake when brought into contact. Push button head 81 has contact means 89 designed so that, when push button head 81 is depressed over the first depression stroke, contact is made between the first contactor 87 and the second contactor and, when the push button head is depressed over the second depression stroke, contact is made between the third contactor 88 and the fourth contactor. Simply put, when the push button head 81 is depressed over the first depression stroke, the first and second contactors are brought into contact. As a result, appliance 1 operates according to the first operating mode in which only the steam release is controlled. When the push button head 81 is depressed over the second depression stroke, the third and fourth contactors are brought into contact. As a result, appliance 1 operates according to the second operating mode in which the steam release and air intake are controlled in combination.

[0097] More specifically with regard to a potential push button 8 architecture, the push button head 81 has an inner side 82 opposite the outer side and the contact means 89 protrude from the inner side 82. With reference to FIG. 5, the contact means 89 comprise a first part 890 comprising a first side opposite the first contactor 87 and a second part 891 comprising a second side opposite the third contactor 88. Preferably, each of the first and second sides is sloped so that, when push button head 81 is depressed over the first depression stroke, the first contactor 87 is held in a depressed position by the first part 890 so that it is in contact with the second contactor and when the push button head 81 is depressed over the first depression stroke, the third contactor 88 is held in a depressed position by the second part 891 so that it is in contact with the fourth contactor.

[0098] According to a non-illustrated embodiment, the control means 8 comprises a first actuator configured to activate the steam release only and a second actuator configured to activate the air intake only. By activating both actuators simultaneously, the user can control the air intake and the steam release at the same time.

[0099] Control means 8 can also comprise a third actuator configured to activate a steam release combined with air intake, and a fourth actuator configured to stop the air intake.

Method for Using the Smoothing Appliance

[0100] The operation of the appliance will now be described.

[0101] When the user wishes to use the appliance, he or she fills tank 62 with liquid (preferably water) and then switches 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 the secondary steam generator 25 is then powered up to its operating temperature, which is advantageously controlled by a thermostat.

[0102] When the user wishes to use the appliance in a vertical smoothing position, he or she moves the treatment side 20 vertically opposite the fabric item to be smoothed, then presses control means 8 (in this case, preferably a button), which activates pump 63 which allows liquid to flow from tank 62 to primary steam generator 61.

[0103] Steam produced in primary steam generator 61 then escapes through pipe 4 towards the secondary steam generator 25, if any, then through steam vents 24. The steam is then diffused onto the fabric item, which, when combined with the heating and drying action of treatment plate 200, smoothes it.

[0104] Control means 8 is provided to activate an air intake in combination with the steam release. For example, pressing on the control means 8 can power up motor 23, which then starts running. As a result, fan 21 is rotated and air is drawn in through the intake ports 22. The air intake in particular helps press the fabric item against treatment side 20. Steam release combined with air intake therefore optimizes smoothing. Moreover, air intake also helps dry the portion of the fabric item that has just been steamed. It has been discovered that this particular method enables the smoothing effect to be sustained longer after the fabric item has been treated.

[0105] As described in more detail below, control means 8 enables the user to control the intake in a way that is uncorrelated with the control of the steam release. Therefore the user can control the steam release alone or combined with the air intake.

[0106] During the treatment, the user can move appliance 1 in a vertical direction, for example from top to bottom, to treat all or part of the fabric item.

[0107] 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 treatment side 20 horizontally above the fabric item.

[0108] With reference to FIG. 8, a specific method is provided for smoothing a fabric item to be smoothed using smoothing appliance 1 such as the one described above.

[0109] The method comprises a set-up phase a) comprising placing the treatment side 20 opposite a fabric item.

[0110] Once the treatment side 20 has been positioned opposite a fabric item, a treatment phase b) is carried out using the treatment side 20. Phase b) comprises at least one steam release step with no air intake and a steam release step combined with air intake. According to a certain embodiment, phase b) comprises at least the following sequence of successive steps: [0111] b10) steam release with no air intake; [0112] b20) steam release combined with air intake.

[0113] Also preferably, the treatment phase b) further comprises, successively to step b20), a steam release step b30).

[0114] According to another embodiment, phase b) comprises at least the following sequence of successive steps: [0115] b10) steam release combined with air intake; [0116] b20) steam release with no air intake.

[0117] The combination of steam release and air intake optimizes smoothing. In fact, due to the air intake, the fabric item is pressed against the treatment side 20, so that the fabric item is effectively smoothed. Moreover, the air intake also helps dry the portion of the fabric item that has just been steamed. It has been discovered that this particular method enables the smoothing effect to be sustained longer after the fabric item has been treated.

[0118] However, it is desirable to be able to stop the air intake and use the steam release only, particularly in certain situations in which air intake is not desired. For example, when treatment side 20 is opposite a button sewn onto the fabric item, it may be preferable not to activate the air intake so as not to suck in the button and potentially loosen the stitches. Likewise, when treatment side 20 reaches the edge of a pocket opening in a garment, it may be preferable not to activate the air intake so that treatment plate 200 does not get snagged in the pocket opening.

[0119] Lastly, the method comprises a stop phase c) comprising at least one intake stop step and one steam release stop step. According to a preferred embodiment, the stop phase c) comprises the following sequence of successive steps: [0120] c1) intake stop; [0121] c2) steam release stop.

[0122] To this end, for example in the case in which control means 8 is in the form of a push button illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 7, the user partially releases the push button head 81 of push button 8 so that push button head 81 is depressed only over the first depression stroke. The air intake is therefore stopped. The user then fully releases push button head 81, thereby cutting off the steam release.

[0123] 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.