Classifications

• • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
  • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
  • D06F75/00—Hand irons
  • D06F75/08—Hand irons internally heated by electricity
  • D06F75/10—Hand irons internally heated by electricity with means for supplying steam to the article being ironed
  • D06F75/12—Hand irons internally heated by electricity with means for supplying steam to the article being ironed the steam being produced from water supplied to the iron from an external source

Definitions

• the invention relates to an ironing apparatus and method with steam generation.
• the central unit usually has a boiler, which allows good steam flow rates and greater autonomy than simple steam irons; the iron does not ensure the vaporization of the water flow, has on its soleplate a steam distribution chamber to ensure the desired distribution thereof.
• This chamber is generally obtained at least partially by forms from the sole, it is therefore heated, which allows the evaporation of the condensates which occur in the connection connecting the boiler to the distribution chamber.
• the invention overcomes these drawbacks. It thus relates to an ironing apparatus making it possible to obtain a very small amount of condensate arriving in the steam distribution chamber, in particular at the start of ironing, and therefore not requiring a high power installed in the ironing apparatus.
• the invention also relates to such an ironing device equipped with a spray, while being inexpensive and easy to use.
• the subject of the invention is also an ironing process with generation of steam, in which it is not necessary to heat the steam distribution chamber significantly to remedy the presence of condensate.
• the invention applies to an ironing apparatus comprising an iron, a steam generator and a tube connecting the generator to the iron and intended to supply the iron with steam.
• the iron comprises means for recovering condensates, comprising means for separating condensates from the steam, communicating with means for storing condensates, and a steam evacuation pipe, connected to the recovery means.
• the steam generated is water vapor, it is understood that it may contain impurities. In addition, it can also contain additives, entrained by priming.
• the condensates separated from the vapor and then accumulated in the storage means form a liquid mass which is available, which can be subsequently evacuated or used in various ways.
• the liquid mass is expelled from the iron by appropriate means. These means of expulsion are preferably controlled by a user.
• the liquid mass is slowly recycled in the steam circuit, which leads it to the steam distribution chamber of the iron where it is evaporated.
• this is accumulated in a reservoir, which can be removed by the user when it is full.
• the accumulated liquid mass is evaporated by heating.
• the required heating is then not continuous but can be carried out at times chosen by the user or determined automatically depending on the mass of liquid accumulated.
• the ironing apparatus comprises an automated system avoiding saturation of the recovery means.
• the recovery means cease to fulfill their function and are thus deactivated, the condensates then being entrained with steam as in known ironing appliances.
• a re-evaporation can in this case be carried out conventionally at the level of the iron vapor distribution chamber.
• the recovery means comprise a separation cavity, into which the tube opens and from which the evacuation pipe leaves, as well as a reservoir disposed under the cavity with which it is in communication.
• the simple cavity acts as a gas / liquid separator and the retained liquid accumulates in the tank while the gas escapes through the steam evacuation pipe.
• the tube advantageously opens into the cavity in a direction approximately orthogonal to the axis and tangentially to the cavity.
• the separating effect is thus accentuated by centrifugation against a wall of the cavity, accompanied by a capillary effect.
• the separation cavity comprises a cylindrical volume of revolution of vertical axis with in the lower extension a conical base narrowing downwards and communicating with the reservoir through an orifice located at the end.
• the cavity has a cylindrical volume of revolution with a vertical axis and in the lower extension a conical base narrowing downwards and two circular grooves at the top and bottom of the cylindrical part. It communicates with the tank through an orifice located at the lower end of the base, as well as through a conduit connecting the grooves.
• the ironing apparatus comprises another gas / liquid separator system.
• the recovery means comprise an inverted T-shaped cavity, the vertical bar of the T being connected to the steam evacuation pipe and the horizontal bar of the T having a first end connected to the supply tube the iron in steam and a second end opening into a tank. The shocks in the elbow of the T and the capillary effects make it possible to obtain the desired separating effect.
• the means of condensate recovery include a filtering system.
• the iron comprises means for expelling the condensates retained in the recovery means.
• expulsion means a dynamic rejection of condensates in the form of liquid mass, partial or total, which can be controlled by a user, both in its initiation as in its duration and intensity.
• expulsion is for example carried out in the form of a spray or a pressurized jet.
• Such an apparatus makes it possible not only to remove the condensates from the vapor, but also to obtain a liquid reserve of water jointly and to use it in a controlled manner to improve the ironing conditions.
• the expulsion means constitute a spraying device, comprising a spraying nozzle, and a spraying line starting from the storage means and ending at the nozzle.
• the condensate recovery means participate in a spray system, without the need to add an additional tank. This results in economy and ease of use, since it suffices to ensure the water filling of the steam generator instead of having to, in addition, take care of filling a second tank which would be intended with spray.
• the spray device comprises a pump intended to propel the condensates retained in the recovery means towards the nozzle.
• the spraying device comprises means for temporarily closing the steam evacuation pipe, intended to cause a rise in pressure of the steam in the recovery means and thus a propulsion of condensates in the nozzle.
• I t is then advantageous that the closing means jointly cause a closing of the discharge pipe and an opening of the spraying pipe.
• the first embodiment with a pump for the spray, offers the advantages of allowing autonomous control, not using steam pressure, and of not requiring reinforcement of the connection tube between the steam generators and the iron. to redo.
• the second embodiment using vapor pressure for the spray, provides a very economical device.
• the third embodiment makes it possible to regulate the flow of condensates and to avoid a massive arrival of condensates in the steam chamber.
• the fourth embodiment makes it possible to have a higher flow rate of condensates, mainly after thermal stabilization of the device.
• the expulsion means comprise means for slowly recycling the condensates in the vapor.
• the device comprises means for cooling the steam which comprise a radiator whose circuit is arranged along or in the extension of the tube for the connection of the steam power station to the iron.
• the recovery means comprise a removable container.
• this removable container is preferably constituted by the reservoir.
• the invention also relates to an ironing process in which steam is generated with which an iron is supplied.
• the vapor carrying with it condensates in the iron, the condensates are recovered by recovery means comprising separation means and accumulation means and the steam is evacuated in an evacuation pipe from the separation means.
• FIG. 1 is a longitudinal section view showing a particular embodiment of the ironing apparatus according to the invention.
• Figure 2 is a detail view of Figure 1
• FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view showing another particular embodiment of the iron of an ironing apparatus according to the invention
• FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view showing another particular embodiment of the iron of an ironing device according to the invention
• Figure 5 is a detail view of Figure 4.
• FIG. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view showing another particular embodiment of the iron of an ironing apparatus according to the invention.
• an ironing apparatus comprises a steam generating unit 1 and a steam iron 2.
• the plant contains a boiler 101 closed by a filling plug 102 and electrically heated by a heating element 103 provided with pressure and temperature regulation. Steam escapes through tubing 104 to a flexible connecting tube 105 through a normally closed control solenoid valve 106.
• the tube 105 connects the power station to the iron 2.
• the steam line 203 directly connects the cavity 201 to the steam distribution chamber 204.
• the line 209 connects the reservoir 202 to a piston pump controlled by a trigger 400, the pump delivering water from the condensates to a spray nozzle 214.
• the pump is provided with a device ensuring the closing at rest of the line 209 on its arrival in the pump, comprising two seals 403 which define a closed annular chamber, around the piston 406, where the orifice of the pipe 209 opens when the piston is at rest.
• the piston 406 comprises a second annular chamber 405 where the line 209 opens when the trigger control 400 is actuated, and an inlet valve 402 connected by perforations to the chamber 405.
• the pump conventionally comprises a discharge valve 401 and a return spring 407 of the piston in the rest position.
• the condensates are taken up by an electric pump started when a button is pressed in place of the trigger 400.
• a trigger 21 1 located under the handle of the iron allows the user to actuate a contact 212, which controls the opening of the solenoid valve 106.
• the iron 2 is provided with a heating element, the sole 206 and its regulation .
• the boiler 1 01 and the sole 206 heat up and reach the set and set temperatures.
• the housewife can then grab the iron and iron.
• the solenoid valve 106 opens and allows the passage of steam.
• the tube 105 is then still cold and an appreciable quantity of water condenses. This water arrives with the vapor tangentially to the cavity 201, is deposits on the walls by centrifugation and flows into the tank 202.
• the vapor cannot escape through the tank 202 and takes the line 203 to distribute in the distribution chamber 204, and go to moisten the fabric via the holes 205 .
• the housewife pushes the trigger 400
• the piston 406 of the pump advances, the line 209 is then connected to the valve 402 closed, the liquid contained in the pump is expelled towards the nozzle of spraying 214.
• the trigger 400 is released, the spring 407 moves the piston back, the inlet valve 402 opens and the condensates are sucked through the line 209 until the rest position is reached where the seals 403 close the passage of the orifice in line 209.
• the pump is then ready for a new spraying.
• the housewife then has an excellent spray to spray on her laundry.
• the recovered water does not re-evaporate on the soleplate, which is particularly sensitive to starting the iron, and one can have a lower installed power on the iron without prejudice to ironing.
• This saved power can be installed on the boiler 101 to increase performance.
• the use of a pump makes it possible to dose and spray without using the vapor pressure, and does not require the reinforcement of the connecting tube 105.
• a distributor 207 which drawer 208 normally leaves free passage for steam.
• Water collects at the base of the reservoir 202 from which a pipe 209 leaves towards a spray nozzle 214 located at the front of the iron.
• the passage of water is normally interrupted by the distributor 207, a circuit of which is along the line 209.
• a spring 210 recalls the drawer 208 in this position.
• a trigger 21 1 located under the handle of the iron allows the user to actuate a contact 212, which controls the opening of the solenoid valve 106.
• the iron 2 is provided with a heating element, the sole 206 and its regulation .
• the drawer 208 of the distributor 207 can be controlled by the user by pressing a button 213.
• the water condenses under the same conditions as in the first embodiment.
• This water arrives with the steam tangentially to the cavity 201, is deposited on the walls by centrifugation and flows into the tank 202.
• the steam cannot escape through the tank 202 and takes the line 203 via the distributor 207, open , to distribute in the distribution chamber 204, and go to moisten the fabric via the holes 205.
• the distributor 207 closes the passage of steam to the holes 205 and ensures the continuity of the line 209 from the reservoir 202 to the nozzle 214.
• the steam being unable to s the escape rises in pressure in the reservoir 202, which propels the water into the nozzle.
• the housewife then has an excellent spray to spray on her laundry.
• the recovered water does not re-evaporate on the soleplate, which is particularly sensitive to the starting of the iron, and one can have a lower installed power on the iron without prejudice to ironing. This saved power can be installed on the boiler 101 to increase performance.
• the pipe 209 is a rigid tube extending from the bottom of the reservoir 202 to the top of the cavity 201 along the axis 21 5.
• This tube comprises in opposite the start orifice of the pipe 203 in a low pressure area 214 an orifice 217 and at its base a wire 218 introduced into the tube and bent outside which limits the passage section thereof.
• the water condenses under the same conditions as in the first embodiment. This water arrives with the vapor tangentially to the cavity 201, is deposited on the walls by centrifugation and flows into the reservoir 202. The vapor cannot escape through the reservoir 202 and borrows the line 203, to be distributed in the distribution chamber 204, and go to moisten the fabric via the holes 205.
• the iron preferably according to the first or second embodiment comprises a radiator placed on the heel.
• This radiator consists of a metal plate 300 which a plastic grid 302 protects from contact with the outside without hampering the convection of air against the plate and a duct 301 thermally secured to the plate 300, constituting a circuit steam extending the tube 105.
• the connecting tube 105 is preferably connected to the inlet of the tube 301, the outlet of which is connected to the cavity 201.
• the solenoid valve 106 opens and allows the passage of steam. This passes through the connection tube 105 then in its extension 301 of the radiator 300 where an additional quantity of water cools, condenses and is added to the existing condensates. This water arrives with the vapor tangentially to the cavity 201, is deposited on the walls by centrifugation and flows into the tank 202.
• the operation is identical to that of the first or second embodiment, but there is more water available. for spraying, which is especially noticeable when the tube 105 has reached thermal equilibrium.
• the invention finds its application in the technical field of ironing apparatus and methods with generation of steam.

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• Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
• Public Health (AREA)
• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Textile Engineering (AREA)
• Irons (AREA)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Publications (1)

Family

ID=9513729

Family Applications (1)

Country Status (7)

Families Citing this family (8)

Family Cites Families (7)

• 1997
  • 1997-11-19 FR FR9714743A patent/FR2771110B1/fr not_active Expired - Fee Related
• 1998
  • 1998-11-19 CA CA002310115A patent/CA2310115A1/fr not_active Abandoned
  • 1998-11-19 JP JP2000521270A patent/JP2001523498A/ja active Pending
  • 1998-11-19 AU AU12444/99A patent/AU1244499A/en not_active Abandoned
  • 1998-11-19 EP EP98955692A patent/EP1032730A1/fr not_active Ceased
  • 1998-11-19 WO PCT/FR1998/002466 patent/WO1999025915A1/fr not_active Application Discontinuation
• 2000
  • 2000-04-28 NO NO20002300A patent/NO20002300L/no not_active Application Discontinuation

Non-Patent Citations (1)

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