FR3160188A1 - Household appliance with vaporizing device - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a domestic appliance (100), comprising a vaporization device (1) for transforming liquid into vapor, the vaporization device (1) comprising a housing (2) with an interior cavity forming a vaporization chamber (21), a treatment surface (92) extending mainly in a longitudinal direction Y, a first heating element (10a) and a second heating element (10b), arranged between the treatment surface (92) and a wall (29) of the housing (2), so as to heat both the vaporization chamber (21) and the treatment surface (92), the first heating element (10a) being arranged opposite a first zone (A) of the treatment surface (92) and the second heating element (10b) being arranged opposite a second zone (B) of the treatment surface (92), the first and second zones (A, B) forming two heating zones of the treatment surface (92) axially offset in the direction longitudinal Y, a temperature control system, comprising a temperature sensor (11a), the domestic appliance (100) being characterized in that the temperature control system is configured to independently control the first heating element (10a) and the second heating element (10b) based on a temperature measurement made by the temperature sensor (11a), so as to heat the treatment surface (92) uniformly. Figure for abstract: Fig. 1

Description

Household appliance with vaporizing device

The present invention relates to the general field of domestic steam appliances, and particularly to portable personal care and laundry care appliances.

STATE OF THE ART

Various portable household appliances are designed to use steam, produced from liquid by a vaporizing device.

A prime example of such a domestic steam appliance is found in the field of laundry care appliances, such as garment steamers. Such portable devices typically include steam dispensing orifices directly onto a treatment surface. By sliding the treatment surface over clothing or fabric, the steam projection can remove crease marks and have a cleaning, anti-odor, and bacteria-killing effect, for example. These devices offer an alternative to conventional irons by allowing vertical steaming of fabric. They are designed to be easily transported in luggage, and in particular to be used to quickly iron a garment when a user is traveling.

A second example is found in the field of personal care appliances, particularly hair care, such as steam straighteners or steam brushes. Such appliances also include a heated treatment surface that is applied to the hair, and at which steam is distributed. The vaporization chamber communicates with steam distribution orifices, allowing, during use, steam to be projected towards a lock of hair at the treatment surface. The projection of steam makes it easier for a user to style their hair and improves hair styling.

These examples of home appliances are intended to be carried by the user in one hand for several minutes. To make their use practical and attractive, they must therefore be lightweight, compact and ergonomic.

In order to improve the compactness of such portable steam devices, it may be appropriate to reduce the volume of the vaporizing device, and in particular to reduce the volume of the vaporizing chamber where the steam is formed. However, this may lead to faster scaling of the vaporizing device, and therefore reduce the lifespan of the device.

Another solution is to share the heating element for vaporizing the liquid in the vaporization chamber and the heating element for the treatment surface. This reduces the number of components required and therefore improves the compactness of the device. However, the performance of the device is degraded when the heating element is shared in this way.

An aim of the present invention is to provide a compact, lightweight domestic steam appliance with a heated treatment surface, without degradation of operating performance, in particular which allows steam generation while guaranteeing uniform heating of the treatment surface.

• un dispositif de vaporisation pour transformer du liquide en vapeur, le dispositif de vaporisation comprenant un carter avec une cavité intérieure formant une chambre de vaporisation,
• une surface de traitement s’étendant majoritairement selon une direction longitudinale Y,
• un premier élément chauffant et un deuxième élément chauffant, disposés entre la surface de traitement et une paroi du carter, de sorte à chauffer à la fois la chambre de vaporisation et la surface de traitement, le premier élément chauffant étant disposé en regard d’une première zone de la surface de traitement et le deuxième élément chauffant étant disposé en regard d’une deuxième zone de la surface de traitement, les première et deuxième zones formant deux zones de chauffe de la surface de traitement décalées axialement selon la direction longitudinale Y,
• un système de régulation de température, comprenant un capteur de température,

This goal is achieved by a domestic appliance, comprising

• a vaporization device for transforming liquid into vapor, the vaporization device comprising a housing with an interior cavity forming a vaporization chamber,
• a treatment surface extending mainly in a longitudinal direction Y,
• a first heating element and a second heating element, arranged between the treatment surface and a wall of the casing, so as to heat both the vaporization chamber and the treatment surface, the first heating element being arranged opposite a first zone of the treatment surface and the second heating element being arranged opposite a second zone of the treatment surface, the first and second zones forming two heating zones of the treatment surface axially offset in the longitudinal direction Y,
• a temperature control system, comprising a temperature sensor,

the domestic appliance being characterized in that the temperature regulation system is configured to independently control the first heating element and the second heating element based on a temperature measurement carried out by the temperature sensor, so as to heat the treatment surface evenly.

Indeed, the apparatus according to the present invention comprises two heating elements which can be controlled independently, depending on a measurement made by a temperature sensor. This allows the temperature control system to dynamically control the power supply to each of the heating elements and therefore indirectly the temperature of each of the heating elements, in particular in relation to a set temperature and in particular to compensate for the loss of thermal energy linked to the vaporization of the liquid in the vaporization chamber.

• l’appareil domestique comprend un capteur de température additionnel, de sorte que le système de régulation de température est configuré pour piloter de manière indépendante le premier élément chauffant et le deuxième élément chauffant en fonction de mesures de température réalisées à la fois par le capteur de température et par le capteur de température additionnel ;
• le premier élément chauffant a une puissance thermique plus élevée que le deuxième élément chauffant ;
• la chambre de vaporisation comprend au moins un orifice d’entrée de liquide, le capteur de température étant disposé à proximité de l’orifice d’entrée de liquide, de sorte à mesurer une variation de température causée par une vaporisation d’un liquide entrant dans la chambre de vaporisation ;
• un matériau thermo-conducteur, de préférence souple, est intercalé entre le premier et/ou le deuxième élément chauffant et la paroi du carter ;
• le premier et/ou le deuxième élément chauffant est séparé au moins partiellement de la paroi du carter par un isolant thermique, de préférence de l’air ;
• le premier et/ou le deuxième élément chauffant est une plaque métallique sérigraphiée ;
• la plaque métallique sérigraphiée comprend un orifice de fixation pour assemblage à la paroi du carter, de préférence par une vis de fixation ;
• le capteur de température est une thermistance de type CMS intégrée à la plaque métallique sérigraphiée ;
• le premier élément chauffant et/ou le deuxième élément chauffant est recouvert d’une couche d’isolant, de préférence une couche de polyimide ;
• le premier et/ou le deuxième élément chauffant a une épaisseur inférieure ou égale à 1.5mm ;
• le carter est monobloc, de préférence obtenu par extrusion ;
• le carter comprend une cavité intérieure additionnelle formant une chambre de distribution, la chambre de distribution étant en communication de vapeur avec la chambre de vaporisation, et comprenant un ou plusieurs orifices de distribution de vapeur ;
• l’appareil domestique comprend un réservoir de liquide en communication de liquide avec la chambre de vaporisation, de sorte que le dispositif de vaporisation est configuré pour vaporiser le liquide en provenance du réservoir de liquide.

The proposed domestic appliance is advantageously complemented by the following characteristics, taken individually or in any of the technically possible combinations:

• the domestic appliance comprises an additional temperature sensor, such that the temperature control system is configured to independently control the first heating element and the second heating element based on temperature measurements made by both the temperature sensor and the additional temperature sensor;
• the first heating element has a higher thermal power than the second heating element;
• the vaporization chamber comprises at least one liquid inlet, the temperature sensor being arranged near the liquid inlet, so as to measure a temperature variation caused by vaporization of a liquid entering the vaporization chamber;
• a heat-conducting material, preferably flexible, is interposed between the first and/or the second heating element and the wall of the casing;
• the first and/or the second heating element is separated at least partially from the wall of the housing by a thermal insulator, preferably air;
• the first and/or second heating element is a screen-printed metal plate;
• the screen-printed metal plate comprises a fixing hole for assembly to the wall of the housing, preferably by a fixing screw;
• the temperature sensor is a CMS type thermistor integrated into the silkscreened metal plate;
• the first heating element and/or the second heating element is covered with a layer of insulation, preferably a layer of polyimide;
• the first and/or the second heating element has a thickness less than or equal to 1.5 mm;
• the casing is a single piece, preferably obtained by extrusion;
• the housing comprises an additional interior cavity forming a distribution chamber, the distribution chamber being in vapor communication with the vaporization chamber, and comprising one or more vapor distribution orifices;
• the household appliance includes a liquid reservoir in liquid communication with the vaporization chamber, such that the vaporization device is configured to vaporize liquid from the liquid reservoir.

• un appareil de soin du linge, notamment un défroisseur vapeur portatif,
• un appareil de soin de la personne, notamment un lisseur vapeur ou une brosse vapeur.

The domestic appliance according to the present invention may, for illustration purposes, be chosen from:

• a laundry care appliance, including a portable steamer,
• a personal care device, including a steam straightener or steam brush.

• mesure d’une température par le capteur de température,
• pilotage d’au moins un parmi le premier élément chauffant et le deuxième élément chauffant, en fonction de la température mesurée par le capteur de température et d’une température de consigne, de sorte à chauffer la surface de traitement de manière homogène.

According to a second aspect, a method of controlling the domestic appliance is also proposed, comprising the steps of:

• measurement of a temperature by the temperature sensor,
• controlling at least one of the first heating element and the second heating element, as a function of the temperature measured by the temperature sensor and a set temperature, so as to heat the treatment surface evenly.

DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

Other characteristics, aims and advantages of the invention will emerge from the following description, which is purely illustrative and non-limiting, and which must be read in conjunction with the appended drawings in which:

There FIG. 1 represents a perspective view of a section of a vaporization device of a domestic appliance according to a particular embodiment of the invention.

There FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a section of the extruded profile of the housing of the device of the FIG. 1 .

There FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the device of the FIG. 1 .

There FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the vaporizing device of the domestic appliance in another embodiment of the invention.

There FIG. 5 is a schematic view representing a hair care appliance of the steam straightener type according to a particular embodiment of the invention.

There FIG. 6 is a schematic view representing a steam brush type hair care appliance according to a particular embodiment of the invention.

There FIG. 7 is a schematic view representing a garment care appliance of the steamer type according to a particular embodiment of the invention.

Throughout the figures, similar elements have identical references.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In reference to the FIG. 1 , the domestic appliance 100 according to the present invention comprises a steam generation device 1, a plate 9 having a treatment surface 92 extending mainly in a longitudinal direction Y and two heating elements 10a, 10b.

Those skilled in the art will understand that the treatment surface 92 is not limited to a rectangular flat surface, and may have different geometries depending on the function performed. Similarly, the domestic appliance 100 according to the present invention may comprise a plurality of heating elements, and in particular more than two heating elements, controlled independently.

The steam generating device 1 comprises a casing 2 with an interior cavity forming a vaporization chamber 21, extending between a liquid inlet and a steam outlet.

In the embodiment shown, the casing 2 extends substantially in the longitudinal direction Y between a first end and a second end. The vaporization device 1 may comprise an inlet plug 3 and/or an outlet plug 6. The inlet plug 3 is intended to be inserted into the liquid inlet orifice at the first end, and comprises a portion 34 delimiting an inlet channel 41.

The inlet channel 41 is intended to allow the entry of the liquid from the outside of the casing 2 to the inside of the casing 2, and more particularly into the vaporization chamber 21.

The inlet plug 3 and the outlet plug 6 can be fixed to the casing 2 by any fixing means, for example a screw 85.

Preferably, at least one of the inlet cap 3 and the outlet cap 6 may comprise a functional portion intended to extend into the vaporization chamber 21, and comprising a scale management element.

By scale management element is meant an element for managing possible limescale deposits in the vaporization chamber 21, whether to reduce the limescale deposit, or to manage the location of limescale deposits in the vaporization chamber 21, for example by moving the liquid from areas where it might tend to accumulate naturally, to areas in which a limescale deposit would be less of a hindrance to the operation of the vaporization device 1.

The scale management element of the functional portion may for example be chosen from a hydrophobic layer, a hydrophilic layer, a solid particle filter, and a wall forming a baffle.

In the embodiment illustrated in the FIG. 1 , the inlet cap 3 and the outlet cap 6 each comprise a scale management element. The inlet cap 3 comprises a scale management element which may be a hydrophobic insert plate 50. The outlet cap 6 comprises a scale management element which may be a filtration grid 51 for solid limestone particles.

The presence of functional caps 3,6 is optional. Alternative solutions for improving the scaling resistance of the domestic appliance 100 may be used. For example, the housing 2 may comprise two molded shells incorporating anti-scaling functionalities, for example the presence of baffles or hydrophobic or hydrophilic coatings.

The injected liquid is intended to circulate in the vaporization chamber 21 from the liquid inlet orifice, towards the vapor outlet orifice. The liquid is intended to transform into vapor under the action of the two heating elements 10a, 10b. Preferably, the heating elements 10a, 10b are configured to maintain a temperature inside the vaporization chamber 21 around a set temperature, typically a temperature greater than 100°C, and preferably 120°C.

The first heating element 10a and the second heating element 10b are arranged between the plate 9 and the casing 2, between a wall 29 of the casing 2 and the treatment surface 92. More precisely, the first heating element 10a and the second heating element 10b can be arranged centrally, between an outer surface of the wall 29 of the casing 2, and a surface of the plate 9 opposite the treatment surface 92.

This allows the two heating elements 10a, 10b to heat both the plate 9 and the wall 29 of the casing 2, and thus by conduction, to simultaneously heat the treatment surface 92 and the vaporization chamber 21. The sharing of the heating elements 10a, 10b makes it possible to reduce the size and weight of the domestic appliance.

The first heating element 10a is arranged opposite a first zone A of the treatment surface 92 and the second heating element 10b is arranged opposite a second zone B of the treatment surface 92, the first and second zones forming two heating zones of the treatment surface 92, preferably axially offset in the longitudinal direction Y.

There is preferably no axial overlap between the two heating zones in the longitudinal direction Y. In particular, the first and second heating elements 10a, 10b are preferably well separated from each other, and one heating element will not, for example, at least partially surround the other heating element.

Preferably, the first heating element 10a is closer to a vaporization zone of the vaporization chamber 21 than the second heating element 10b. In the embodiment shown, the first heating element 10a is closer to the liquid inlet and the inlet plug 3, while the second heating element 10b is closer to the steam outlet and the outlet plug 6.

More generally, the positioning of the evaporation zone within the vaporization chamber 21 depends on the location of a liquid injection point in the vaporization chamber 21, and on the presence of surface treatments on internal walls of the vaporization chamber 21. For example, the presence of the inlet cap 3 comprising a scale management element, and in particular a hydrophobic layer, can lead to the vaporization zone being moved away from the liquid inlet orifice.

Preferably, the first heating element 10a and the second heating element 10b may be arranged to cover more than 50%, or even entirely, the wall 29 of the casing 2 outside the vaporization chamber 21.

The household appliance 100 comprises a temperature control system, comprising a temperature sensor 11a.

The domestic appliance 100 has the particularity that the temperature regulation system is configured to independently control the first heating element 10a and that of the second heating element 10b according to a temperature measurement carried out by the temperature sensor 11a, so as to maintain a uniform temperature over all of the two zones of the treatment surface 92. To this end, it will be possible, for example, to independently control the electrical supply of the first and second heating elements 10a, 10b.

Indeed, the introduction and vaporization of the liquid in the vaporization chamber 21 causes a drop in temperature in an area where the liquid is vaporized. When the treatment surface 92 is heated by an element also heating the housing 2, this has the consequence of making the temperature at the treatment surface 92 heterogeneous. This heterogeneity must be avoided, because it can degrade the quality of the hair care or laundry care when using the device 100.

The temperature sensor 11a can advantageously be arranged close to the vaporization zone of the vaporization chamber 21, in which the vaporization of the liquid takes place, so as to measure a temperature representative of the temperature of the vaporization chamber 21 at the vaporization zone.

For example, the temperature sensor 11a can be attached to the wall 29, at the point of the vaporization chamber 21 where the liquid is intended to be vaporized. This advantageously makes it possible to measure a temperature variation, and in particular a drop in temperature, caused by the vaporization of the liquid in the vaporization chamber 21.

The temperature control system can also ensure safe use of the appliance 100, in particular by preventing the water from being completely vaporized and consequently, by limiting a risk of scalding by splashing hot water. For example, the control system can be configured to block a liquid inlet under particular conditions, for example if the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 11a is too high. On the contrary, the control system can also be configured to block the liquid inlet if the temperature of the vaporization chamber 21 is below a threshold temperature allowing vaporization, in particular during preheating of the domestic appliance 100.

The temperature sensor 11a can advantageously be arranged close to one of the two heating elements 10a, 10b, so as to measure a temperature representative of the temperature reached by the heating element 10a, 10b.

The presence of the temperature regulation system makes it possible to advantageously achieve, using an algorithm, a control of the power supply to the heating element and in particular makes it possible to dynamically compensate for thermal energy losses linked to the vaporization of the liquid in the vaporization chamber 21, in order to obtain a homogeneous temperature of the treatment surface 92.

The thermal regulation system may comprise an electronic card capable of storing set temperatures, the algorithm for controlling the electrical power supply to the heating elements 10a, 10b and of executing a method for controlling the device 100.

• mesure d’une température par le capteur de température 11a,
• pilotage de l’alimentation électrique d’au moins un parmi le premier élément chauffant 10a et le deuxième élément chauffant 10b, en fonction de la température mesurée et d’une température de consigne, de sorte à chauffer la surface de traitement (92) de manière homogène

The method for controlling the domestic appliance 100 comprises the following steps:

• measurement of a temperature by the temperature sensor 11a,
• controlling the electrical power supply of at least one of the first heating element 10a and the second heating element 10b, as a function of the measured temperature and a set temperature, so as to heat the treatment surface (92) homogeneously

More specifically, the temperature control system can transmit a setpoint so that the two heating elements 10a, 10b reach a setpoint temperature, in the absence of external disturbance. When the device 100 is in operation, the vaporization of the liquid in the vaporization chamber 21 can cause a heat loss, so that one of the heating elements 10a, 10b does not reach the setpoint temperature for example.

The temperature sensor 11a can perform a temperature measurement at regular intervals, preferably at a frequency between 10 Hz and 300 Hz, for example a frequency of 250 Hz. The measured temperature can be transmitted to the control system, which compares it with the set temperature and accordingly controls the power supply of at least one of the first heating element 10a and the second heating element 10b.

For example, if the set temperature is higher than the measured temperature, the algorithm can control the stopping of the power supply and turn off one of the heating elements 10a, 10b. The power supply of the heating elements 10a, 10b can be controlled according to the set temperature.

The algorithm for controlling the power supplies of the heating elements 10a, 10b as a function of the measured temperature relative to the set temperature depends on the hardware configuration. The set temperature can be defined in particular relative to an objective temperature of the plate 9, which can be predefined, or defined by the user.

Preferably, the first heating element 10a has a higher thermal power than the second heating element 10b.

Since the first heating element 10a is closer to the vaporization zone of the vaporization chamber 21 than the second heating element 10b, the first heating element 10a can be more affected by the loss of thermal energy, and advantageously has a higher thermal power than the second heating element 10b.

This allows the control system to easily regulate the temperature by delivering more power to the side where vaporization causes the temperature to drop the most. The thermal energy required to vaporize the liquid can be compensated by the control system in real time by an input of electrical energy.

Preferably, the domestic appliance 100 may comprise an additional temperature sensor 11b, so that the temperature regulation system is configured to control the electrical supply of the two heating elements 10a, 10b independently, based on the temperature measurements taken by the two temperature sensors 11a, 11b.

This allows for a more precise method of controlling the domestic appliance 100, since the modification of the temperature control takes into account several measurements taken at different locations of the vaporization device 1.

In the embodiment shown in the FIG. 1 , the temperature regulation system advantageously comprises a first temperature sensor 11a associated with the first heating element 10a, and a second temperature sensor 11b, associated with the second heating element 10b.

By "associated" is meant that the temperature sensor is placed close to the associated heating element, so as to measure a temperature representative of the temperature of the associated heating element.

For example, the temperature control system can perform temperature control of the vaporization chamber 21, by controlling the electrical supply of the first and second heating elements 10a, 10b independently, based on a temperature measurement of each associated temperature sensor 11a, 11b.

The temperature sensor 11a may be arranged in the vicinity of the liquid inlet orifice, near the point of injection of liquid into the vaporization chamber 21, or alternatively at a more distant point, depending on the vaporization zone.

Typically, heating elements can be of the positive temperature coefficient (PTC) or metal ceramic (MCH) resistance type.

The temperature sensors 11a, 11b may be negative temperature coefficient (NTC) thermistors, i.e. passive temperature probes.

Advantageously, the first heating element 10a and/or the second heating element 10b may be a screen-printed metal plate (TFH or “thick film heater” in English terminology).

The screen-printed metal plate generally comes in the form of a substrate on which a current-conducting but resistive circuit is screen-printed. The screen-printed conductive circuit is protected by layers of insulation.

The screen-printed heating element may be powered by power wires connected to terminal blocks and connected to the temperature control system. The terminal blocks may be electrically insulated, for example by a layer of silicone, and/or by an attached plastic part.

The use of a screen-printed heating element makes it possible in particular to improve the compactness and reduce the weight of the domestic appliance 100.

Preferably, the screen-printed metal plate may comprise a fixing orifice allowing the assembly of the metal plate to the wall 29 of the casing 2, preferably by a fixing screw.

Indeed, a fixing means can be directly integrated into the screen-printed metal plate. For example, holes can be arranged to receive screws for fixing the metal plate to the upper wall of the housing 2. Unlike other heating elements, such as PTC heating elements, it is not necessary to use a pressure plate to hold the screen-printed metal plate in position. This makes it possible to construct a compact vaporization device 1, without adding mechanical or electrical constraints.

Preferably, the first heating element 10a and/or the second heating element 10b has a thickness of less than 1.5 mm. Generally, a screen-printed heating element has a smaller thickness than a PTC type heating element. In particular, the screen-printed metal plate may have a thickness of less than or equal to 1.5 mm, while a PTC resistor may typically have a thickness of between 2.5 mm and 3.5 mm.

The resistive screen-printed circuit is sized to obtain the desired power by Joule effect. The thermal power (or thermal capacity) of each heating element can be adapted according to the need. This makes it easy to obtain a first heating element 10a and a second heating element 10b with different thermal powers.

The screen-printed heating element may include a temperature sensor directly integrated into the metal plate. For example, a negative temperature coefficient thermistor may be integrated directly onto the screen-printed plate along with the resistive track. The thermal sensor may be a surface-mounted device (SMD) type.

The casing 2 may be made of a material that is resistant to high temperatures and allows good thermal conduction. For example, the material used may be a metal alloy, and in particular an aluminum alloy.

The casing 2 can be monobloc, i.e. made as a single part. Thus, the vaporization device 1 is not formed by assembling two shells and does not require additional fixing areas. This makes it possible to increase the compactness of the vaporization device 1.

The casing 2 can be obtained in particular by extrusion, and take the form of a profile extending in the longitudinal direction Y. The FIG. 2 represents a perspective view of a section in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal direction Y of the vaporization chamber 21 according to this embodiment.

The vaporization chamber 21 is formed between a lower wall 20 and the wall 29 of the profile of the casing 2. The walls of the casing 2 may be thin in order to increase the compactness of the vaporization device 1.

Preferably, the vaporization device 1 further comprises a distribution chamber 22, in vapor communication with the vaporization chamber 21. For example, the housing 2 may comprise an additional interior cavity forming the distribution chamber 22. The vaporization chamber 21 may be separated from the distribution chamber 22 by a wall. For example, the wall may comprise orifices allowing the passage of vapor from the vaporization chamber 21 to the distribution chamber 22.

When the casing 2 is obtained by extrusion, the vaporization chamber 21 and the distribution chamber 22 extend over the entire length of the casing 2 and are delimited by the profile of the casing 2. The vaporization chamber 21 and the distribution chamber 22 are separated by a wall which does not allow fluid communication. Fluid communication can advantageously be ensured by an outlet channel delimited by the outlet plug 6.

The distribution chamber 22 comprises one or more steam distribution orifices 23, intended to distribute the steam produced in the vaporization chamber 21 to the outside of the vaporization device 1.

The distribution chamber 22 may comprise, for example, as steam distribution orifice 23 a slot forming a linear nozzle extending in the longitudinal direction Y on the wall 29 of the casing 2.

The casing 2 may comprise a wall extending towards the outside of the casing 2 from the wall 29, in a direction orthogonal to the wall 29. This advantageously makes it possible to delimit a receiving surface 28 of the heating element 10. On the FIG. 2 , the receiving surface 28 is formed between two facing walls 25a, 25b.

Preferably, the casing 2 may comprise a wall extending towards the outside of the casing 2 from the wall 29 forming a hook 24. More precisely, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the casing 2 comprises a first hook 24a and a second hook 24b.

Preferably, the wall of the casing 2 may comprise at least one hollow shape 26a, 26b intended to receive the means for fixing the inlet plug 3 and the means for fixing the outlet plug 6 on the casing 2, for example screws. On the extruded section of casing 2 illustrated in FIG. 2 , the wall of the casing 2 comprises a lower fixing zone 26a located at the level of the lower wall 20, and a lateral fixing zone 26b, in the shape of a U.

As illustrated in the FIG. 3 , the hook 24a makes it possible to assemble the casing 2 with the plate 9 by hooking. The plate 9 comprises a first portion intended to be in direct engagement with the first hook 24a, and a second portion intended to be in engagement with the second hook 24b by means of a spring blade 91. The screws 85, 86 (respectively the screws 83, 84) make it possible to hold the outlet plug 6 (respectively the inlet plug 3) on the casing 2 at the level of the U-shaped fixing zone. Such a system of hooks allows simple assembly and disassembly of the device 100.

The domestic appliance 100 preferably comprises a liquid reservoir 12, capable of containing the liquid intended to be vaporized in the vaporization chamber 21 of the vaporization device 1. The liquid contained in the liquid reservoir 12 can be conveyed to the vaporization chamber 21 by means of a pump, for example a peristaltic pump. The liquid reservoir 12 can be connected to the interior of the vaporization chamber 21 by a pipe. The steam is then intended to be distributed from the vaporization device 1 to the treatment surface 92, through the steam distribution orifices or the outlet orifice.

The inlet plug 3 can be connected to a nozzle 43 making it possible to connect the interior of the casing 2 to the liquid reservoir 12.

The heating elements 10a, 10b are intended to be controlled to uniformly heat the plate 9, despite the energy taken by the evaporation of the liquid, thanks to the individual control of their respective electrical power supply carried out by the temperature regulation system.

In the first embodiment shown, the two heating elements 10a, 10b extend along the longitudinal direction Y, forming contact with the surface 29 of the casing 2, partially delimiting the vaporization chamber 21.

In a preferred embodiment, the two heating elements 10a, 10b may not have the same contact surface with the plate 9 and with the wall 29 of the casing 2.

According to a first example, the two heating elements 10a, 10b may simply have a different surface. According to a second example, illustrated in the sectional view of the FIG. 4 , the first heating element 10a and/or the second heating element 10b may not be in direct contact with the wall 29 of the casing 2, but rest on portions extending from the wall 29, so as to leave a space 12 between the heating element 10a, 10b and the wall 29 of the casing 2.

More specifically, the thermal conduction between a portion of the first heating element 10a and/or the second heating element 10b and the wall 29 of the casing 2 can be improved by adding a thermal conduction layer in the space 12 between the first and/or the second heating element 10a, 10b and the wall 29 of the casing 2, so as to completely fill the space 12.

More specifically, a thermally conductive material can be interposed between the first and/or the second heating element 10a, 10b and the wall 29 of the casing 2. Preferably, the thermal conduction can be improved for the second heating element 10b, further from the vaporization zone than the first heating element 10a.

The presence of the thermally conductive material advantageously makes it possible to reduce the dynamics of the temperature regulation system, for example in an area far from the evaporation zone, less impacted by thermal losses linked to the vaporization of the liquid in the vaporization chamber 21.

The thermal conduction layer is preferably flexible to ensure good contact with the wall 29 of the casing 2 and the first and/or second heating element 10a, 10b. The layer arranged in the space 12 may comprise, for example, silicone or flexible graphite.

Alternatively or additionally, the first heating element 10a and/or the second heating element 10b may be partially isolated from the vaporization chamber 21. For example, the heat exchange between the wall 29 of the casing 2 and the first and/or second heating element 10a, 10b may be limited by filling the space 12 with a thermal insulator, reducing the direct thermal conduction between the first and/or second heating element 10b and the wall 29. The thermal insulator may simply be air.

This advantageously makes it possible to reduce the impact on the insulated heating element 10a, 10b of a temperature drop at the evaporation zone. Preferably, the first heating element 10a, closer to the vaporization zone, is thus thermally insulated from the wall 29 of the vaporization chamber 21. This also allows the first zone A of the treatment surface 92, located opposite the evaporation zone, to undergo less temperature drop during evaporation of the liquid.

Advantageously, the first heating element 10a and/or the second heating element 10b may have a layer of thermal insulation on a face opposite the face in contact with the wall 29 of the casing 2. Preferably, the layer of insulation may be a layer of polyimide, in particular of the Kapton® type.

This makes it possible to limit thermal losses by conduction or radiation, and to transmit more thermal energy to the vaporization chamber 21.

It will be understood that the vaporization device 1 is not limited to the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 4. In particular, the number of heating elements and thermal sensors may vary. The arrangement and shape of the various components of the domestic appliance 100 may also vary.

Example of a hair care device

The domestic appliance 100 may advantageously be a personal care appliance producing steam, in particular a hair care appliance such as a hairdressing appliance.

A first example of such a hairdressing appliance is a steam straightener 101, a schematic view of which is shown in the FIG. 5 .

The steam straightener 101 comprises two jaws arranged opposite each other and articulated so as to form a clamp, in which a lock of hair to be styled can be placed. The housing 2, the plate 9, the heating elements 10a, 10b and the liquid reservoir 12 are schematically represented in the jaw M. Alternatively, the liquid reservoir 12 can be offset from the steam straightener 101.

The liquid contained in the liquid reservoir 12 may be composed solely of water or include a cosmetic agent for example.

The steam straightener 101 may comprise a pump system, for example a peristaltic pump (not shown here) making it possible to convey the liquid to be vaporized in the vaporization chamber 21 to the injection point via a pipe.

When using the domestic appliance 101, the liquid is intended to enter the casing 2 by passing through the inlet channel, which can be delimited by the inlet cap 3 or directly integrated into the appliance. The liquid is then intended to transform into vapor under the action of the first heating element 10a and the second heating element 10b inside the vaporization chamber 21.

Typically, the temperature control system is configured so that the temperature measured by the two temperature sensors 11a, 11b is similar. Generally, the two heating elements 10a, 10b can reach a temperature of up to 280°C and preferably between 190°C and 220°C to obtain a temperature in the vaporization chamber 21 of between 100°C and 150°C, or else according to a reduced temperature range, between 120°C and 140°C.

The control method implemented by the temperature regulation system of the domestic appliance 101 makes it possible to maintain a uniform temperature over the entire treatment surface 92 of the plate 9 and in particular over the first and second zones. This makes it possible to have effective straightening of a lock of hair, regardless of the position of the lock applied to the treatment surface 92.

The steam is then intended to escape from the vaporization chamber 21 through distribution orifices (not shown in the diagram), in order to be distributed at the level of the treatment surface 92. This means that the steam escapes from the same side as the treatment surface 92, close to the treatment surface 92, or through orifices passing through the surface 92.

For example, in the domestic appliance 100 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3 and integrated in the jaw M, the steam is intended to escape along the plate 9 through the slot-shaped distribution orifice 23. Alternatively, the wall 29 of the casing 2 may comprise a plurality of steam distribution orifices.

Typically, the vaporization device 1 intended to be integrated into the hair straightener type hairdressing appliance 101 can generate a steam flow rate of between 0.4g/min and 2.2g/min, preferably 0.4g/min and 1.2g/min. The steam flow rate depends on the size of the vaporization chamber 21 and the power of the heating elements 10a, 10b.

A second example of such a hairdressing appliance is a steam brush 102 shown schematically in the FIG. 6 .

The steam brush 102 comprises a liquid reservoir 12 and a vaporization device 1. The two heating elements 10a, 10b and the two temperature sensors 11a, 11b are arranged between the casing 2 and the plate 9. A pump and pipe system (not shown) can allow the liquid to be conveyed from the liquid reservoir 12 to the inside of the vaporization chamber 21.

The treatment surface 92 of the plate 9 may comprise a plurality of teeth for brushing the hair. The teeth may have dispensing orifices, in communication with the interior of the vaporization chamber 21. Alternatively, the dispensing orifices may be arranged between the teeth.

Example of a laundry care appliance

The household appliance 100 may be a laundry care appliance, for example a handheld steamer. The FIG. 7 is a schematic representation of such a household appliance.

The steam iron 103 may comprise the plate 9 having the treatment surface 92, intended to be applied to, or directed towards, a fabric when using the apparatus 103. The treatment surface 92 may have several geometries, for example an oval, triangular, or rectangular shape, with rounded edges.

According to a preferred embodiment, the vaporization device 1 is integrated into the steam straightener 103 so that the vaporization chamber 21 extends substantially parallel to the plate 9 having the treatment surface 92. Such an assembly makes it possible to make the device more compact, in particular in that it is possible to use the common heating elements 10a, 10b to heat the casing 2 and the plate 9.

The steam straightener 103 may comprise three heating elements 10a, 10b, 10c allowing simultaneous vaporization of the liquid in the vaporization chamber 21 and homogeneous heating of the treatment surface 92. The temperature control system may use temperatures measured by the two temperature sensors 11a, 11b.

When the vaporization device 1 is integrated into the steam straightener 103, the temperatures reached in the vaporization chamber 21 may be lower than when integrated into a hairdressing appliance as previously described. For example, a temperature of the vaporization chamber 21 when the appliance 103 is in operation is between 110°C and 180°C, preferably between 110°C and 150°C. Consequently, the inlet cap 3 and/or the outlet cap 6 may be made of a material in a metal alloy or plastic.

The steam straightener 103 also comprises a liquid reservoir 12, intended to contain a liquid, for example water or preferably demineralized water. A pump can allow the liquid to be conveyed from the liquid reservoir 12 to the vaporization chamber 21.

In the illustrated embodiment, the liquid reservoir 12 communicates with the vaporization device 1 through the inlet plug 3. The outlet plug 6 obstructs the outlet orifice of the vaporization chamber 21, but the vaporization chamber 21 and the distribution chamber 22 are in fluid communication thanks to the outlet channel delimited by the outlet plug 6.

The steam is distributed at the treatment surface 92 through a plurality of distribution orifices 23, passing through the plate 9 and opening onto the treatment surface 92.

Typically, the vaporization device 1 integrated in the portable steam straightener 103 can provide in operation a steam flow rate of between 5g/min and 40g/min, preferably between 20g/min and 35g/min.

Claims (15)

Domestic appliance (100), comprising

• a vaporization device (1) for transforming liquid into vapor, the vaporization device (1) comprising a housing (2) with an interior cavity forming a vaporization chamber (21),
• a treatment surface (92) extending mainly in a longitudinal direction Y,
• a first heating element (10a) and a second heating element (10b), arranged between the treatment surface (92) and a wall (29) of the casing (2), so as to heat both the vaporization chamber (21) and the treatment surface (92), the first heating element (10a) being arranged opposite a first zone (A) of the treatment surface (92) and the second heating element (10b) being arranged opposite a second zone (B) of the treatment surface (92), the first and second zones (A, B) forming two heating zones of the treatment surface (92) axially offset in the longitudinal direction Y,
• a temperature control system, comprising a temperature sensor (11a),

the domestic appliance (100) being characterized in that the temperature regulation system is configured to independently control the first heating element (10a) and the second heating element (10b) as a function of a temperature measurement carried out by the temperature sensor (11a), so as to heat the treatment surface (92) homogeneously. Domestic appliance according to claim 1, comprising an additional temperature sensor (11b), and in which the temperature control system is configured to independently control the first heating element (10a) and the second heating element (10b) as a function of temperature measurements made by both the temperature sensor (11a) and the additional temperature sensor (11b). A domestic appliance according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the first heating element (10a) has a higher thermal power than the second heating element (10b). Domestic appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the vaporization chamber (21) comprises at least one liquid inlet, the temperature sensor (11a) being arranged close to the liquid inlet, so as to measure a temperature variation caused by vaporization of a liquid entering the vaporization chamber (21). Domestic appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 4, in which a heat-conducting material, preferably flexible, is interposed between the first and/or the second heating element (10a, 10b) and the wall (29) of the casing (2). Domestic appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first and/or the second heating element (10a, 10b) is separated at least partially from the wall (29) of the housing (2) by a thermal insulator, preferably air. Domestic appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 6, in which the first and/or the second heating element (10a, 10b) is a screen-printed metal plate. Domestic appliance according to claim 7, in which the screen-printed metal plate comprises a fixing hole for assembly to the wall (29) of the casing (2), preferably by a fixing screw. Domestic appliance according to any one of claims 7 and 8, in which the temperature sensor (11a) is a CMS type thermistor integrated into the screen-printed metal plate. Domestic appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first heating element (10a) and/or the second heating element (10b) is covered with a layer of insulation, preferably a layer of polyimide. Domestic appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 10, in which the first and/or the second heating element (10a, 10b) has a thickness less than or equal to 1.5 mm. Domestic appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 11, in which the casing (2) is in one piece, preferably obtained by extrusion. Domestic appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the housing (2) comprises an additional interior cavity forming a distribution chamber (22), the distribution chamber (22) being in steam communication with the vaporization chamber (21), and comprising one or more steam distribution orifices (23). A domestic appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 13 comprising a liquid reservoir (12) in liquid communication with the vaporization chamber (21), such that the vaporization device (1) is configured to vaporize liquid from the liquid reservoir (12). Method for controlling a domestic appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 14, comprising steps of:

• measurement of a temperature by the temperature sensor (11a),
• controlling at least one of the first heating element (10a) and the second heating element (10b), as a function of the temperature measured by the temperature sensor (11a) and a set temperature, so as to heat the treatment surface (92) homogeneously.