EP1248877B1 - Steam iron with pressurised hot water refill - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention concerns an ironing device comprising a base plate (2) generating pressurised hot water, means for fast hydraulic and electrical connection (3) of a cordless iron to the base plate when the iron is set on the base plate. The invention is characterised in that the cordless iron comprises a soleplate and an internal steam generator thermally independent of each other and respectively equipped with their own heating and regulating means.

Description

The present invention relates to electric steam irons to iron without having to be connected by a power cord electric.

Such irons, hereinafter called cordless, are generally associated with a pedestal connected to the sector by a power cord, and on which the user comes to regularly deposit the iron. Connection means are provided for connecting the rear part of the iron to the cord power supply connected to the base, so that the iron, in particular its sole, can heat when placed on the base. So when the iron is sufficiently hot, the user can remove it from the base and proceed to ironing without being disturbed by the power cord.

During ironing breaks, the sole stores energy necessary for ironing and spraying water. The energy needed to vaporization during the ironing time is far superior to that which would be needed for a simple dry ironing. The heating power and the thermal capacity of the sole must be adapted.

The thermal capacity of the sole must be sufficient for the temperature does not drop too much during ironing. But to satisfy completely to this requirement leads to thick and heavy soles whose cost is prohibitive. Attempts were made to use heat latent fusion of complex bodies included in the sole but these bodies can become dangerous in the event of a leak.

The power of the base must be high to provide for the only time of pause the necessary energy. However we are limited by the power contracted or available from the user facility.

In addition, the irons have a tank of water of vaporization of capacity relatively low, leading to frequent manual fills, during which it is not recommended to turn on the iron because of overflow risks.

WO97 / 21866 discloses a cordless iron in which the cooldown in heating energy is somewhat diminished. In the basement, the energy is produced and accumulated in a heated liquid which is then quickly transferred into the iron at the level of the sole during the break times of ironing, this heated liquid being exchanged with the cooled liquid of the previous sequence. But this sole heater requires a very important circulation of hot liquid that can only be obtained with a special pump or by a delicate pressure balancing of several tanks, and two hydraulic fittings from the iron to the base, which increases the risk of breakdowns. In addition, the device does not have a power supply iron in spray water or steam.

Patent DE3538544 describes the accumulation of thermal energy in the base, this energy being transferred to the iron by conduction during the times of ironing break. But this device requires a warm base that can be dangerous to use.

US5315773 discloses a cordless iron in which the water recharge of Spraying is done automatically when the iron is on its base. But this device does not solve the problems of speed of energy transfer of the base on an iron.

Besides, we know the steam irons whose generator of integrated steam is thermally independent of the sole, but these appliances do not allow ironing without a power cord.

The purpose of the invention below is to provide a cordless steam iron the autonomy of the active ironing phase is increased compared to classic cordless irons, with automatic water refill vaporization so as not to require the intervention of the user. Design Such an iron must also be relatively simple to ensure its reliability.

The object of the invention is achieved by an ironing device comprising a pedestal generator of hot water under pressure, means of connection fast hydraulic and electric of a cordless iron to the base when the iron is laid on the base, remarkable in that the cordless iron has a sole and a internal steam generator thermally independent of each other and respectively equipped with their own means of heating and regulation.

This arrangement allows ironing at a sole temperature which can be adjusted on demand, as steam is not produced by heat stored by the sole. On the one hand the sole stores enough energy for cordless dry ironing and does not cool anymore when the iron vaporizes because on the other hand the internal generator to the cordless iron is independently comprises as an accumulator, stores and restores another energy sufficient to produce the vaporization of the water during the ironing.

Compared to a conventional cordless iron, all the energy stored by the outsole is used for ironing off energy vaporization, which allows to lighten the sole so that it is more economical, or for a same cost to have preferably a significantly increased autonomy.

Preferably, the internal generator of the iron is a boiler composed of a pressure-resistant tank connected to the hydraulic connection means fast iron with the base, equipped with an electric heating element and a steam outlet valve.

Preferably, the iron being on its base, the internal steam generator is filled with pressurized hot water previously produced and stored in the base generator.

The filling of the boiler is done by balancing the pressures between the generator of the base and that of the iron. Iron being cold or having lost some heat during ironing, the pressure of the iron boiler is low while that that of the base generator is kept permanently high. The water contained in the base flows quickly from the base to the iron boiler through the hydraulic connection means and fills the boiler completely except in the first cycle where there is some air left. This air is driven by the steam at the next ironing cycles.

The filling water mixes with the residual water of the boiler in quickly bringing a large amount of heat and warming it. In lowering the pressure one could provoke the evaporation of a part of this water and get steam.

Preferably, while the iron is on its base, the heating of the generator internal steam is in operation and warms the water, producing steam, increasing the pressure beyond that of the pedestal generator, this pressure pushing back into the base part of the boiler water up to the mouth of a water intake duct in the boiler.

Thanks to this characteristic, it is ensured that the resulting mixture is at a suitable temperature to ensure evaporation of water in quantity sufficient during all the active ironing. In addition, it is ensured that the valve of Steam outlet is out of water, to allow evacuation of steam.

The steam outlet valve is then always clear. A volume of steam is available and, the iron being out of the base in the ironing position, you can act on the outlet valve to get steam. The pressure of the water and the steam are balanced, causing the water to boil, even not being heated, and cools slowly.

In this operation most of the vaporization energy has been provided at the moment of rapid filling of the boiler during the break time of the ironing, with additional energy provided by the heating element of the inner boiler with cordless iron. At the same time the sole requiring much less energy has been heated independently.

In addition, during each filling cycle, during the break, the water level is always adjusted to the height of the mouth of the water intake duct hot in the boiler so that the filling level of the iron into water Spraying is automatically maintained and does not require any user intervention.

Advantageously, the fast connection means belonging to the iron are located on the heel of the iron and the inlet level of hot water in the boiler on its base is defined by the end of a cannula whose other end is connected to the hydraulic connection means.

Usefully, the cannula is internal to the boiler.

This constructive arrangement allows easy adjustment of the level of filling and space saving by easily accommodating the piping incorporated by the cannula.

Usefully the heating element of the internal generator at the iron heats the boiler on a wall or part of a wall that is below the mouth the water intake duct when the iron is on its base.

The heated wall is thus constantly in contact with the water and no Overheating of the heating element can not occur.

Advantageously, the steam outlet valve is also an opening valve in case of abnormal overpressure in the boiler.

If the discharge of water in the boiler could not take place thus a security.

Preferably, the hot water generator contained in the base comprises a heating vessel containing saturated steam surmounting the water kept warm at substantially constant level.

The volume of steam is on the one hand compressible and on the other hand condensable under a pressure higher than the saturation vapor pressure. The presence this volume of steam allows the discharge of the iron water to this tank, the volume discharged being less than the volume of vapor contained in the tank.

In a preferred version the hot water generator of the base comprises a water tank at ambient pressure and a pump filling the tank from this tank.

The water filling of the ironing system can be done at any time.

La figure 1 est une section schématique par un plan vertical longitudinal d'un dispositif de repassage selon l'invention, le fer étant sur son socle.

La figure 2 est une section schématique par un plan vertical longitudinal d'un fer selon l'invention dans une position de repassage sur un plan horizontal.

The invention will be better understood from the example described below and the accompanying drawings.

Figure 1 is a schematic section through a longitudinal vertical plane of an ironing device according to the invention, the iron being on its base.

Figure 2 is a schematic section through a longitudinal vertical plane of an iron according to the invention in an ironing position on a horizontal plane.

In a preferred version represented in FIG. ironing includes an iron 1 and a base 2.

The base 2 connected to the electrical sector by means not shown contains a hot water generator under a relative pressure of the order of 2.5 bars and part of the hydraulic connection means 3 and electrical provided to supply iron 1 with hot water and electricity. The generator includes a water tank at room temperature 201 with a filling orifice 202, an electric pump 203 preferably electromagnetic vibrating capable of completing the level of water 205 in a heating tank 204 water, from the water tank 201. The pump 203 comprises an anti-tamper valve return of the water. The tank 204 is heated by an electric heating element 206 embedded in a plate 207. Sensors 208 allow the regulation of the level 205 and the temperature of the water in the tank 204. A pipe 209 connects the base of the tank 204 to the connection means 3 to allow hot water samples. The regulation of the tank 204 is such that it remains permanently a volume of saturating vapor 210 above the water level 205.

The iron 1 is placed on a face 211 of the base in an angular position which is closer to the vertical. This iron is connected by the heel to the base via the hydraulic connection means 3 and electrical. The inclined position of the iron facilitates connection to the base. The structure of iron is better detailed in Figure 2 where it is shown in horizontal ironing position.

The soleplate 101 of the iron 1 is in thermal connection with a heating body 102, constituting a thermal accumulation mass, provided with a heating element 103. Regulation specific to the sole is not shown. of the holes 104 allow the passage of steam on the laundry. A room and / or distribution channels 105 allow the steam to be distributed to the holes 104.

Iron 1 has an internal steam generator which is a boiler constituted by a tank 110, of about 220 cubic centimeters in this example, equipped with a heating element 111 for heating and cooling. vaporization of the water when the iron is on its base. The temperature of the boiler is regulated by a thermostat 112. A valve 113 allows the spray on the laundry by releasing the boiler steam 110 to the chamber 105. A button 114 provided with a return spring 115 allows the control of the valve 113. Advantageously the return spring 115 is calibrated to allow the valve 113 to open in case of overpressure in the boiler 110. The boiler 110 has a filling mouth 117 formed by the end of a cannula 116 connected at its other end to the part 31 clean to the iron of the hydraulic connection means 3.

In known manner the hydraulic connection means 3 establish the continuity of the circuit between the cannula 116 and the pipe 209 when the iron is on its base and close the corresponding ends when the iron is removed from its base. In the part 31 of the means 3 a valve 32 is recalled against his seat by a spring and by the pressure of the boiler 110 when the connection is not performed, while the same valve 32 is open mechanically in the other case. A similar device is on the part of the means 3 belonging to the base.

To use the device, the user fills the reservoir 201 with water through the orifice 202, places the iron 1 on the base against the face 211 and thereby performs the connection by the heel of the iron on the base. It connects the base to the mains electric. The pump sets level 205 in vessel 204 and the elements heaters 207, 103, 111 are heated under control of different regulations. The sole 101 and the thermal mass 102 warm up to the set temperature set by the user.

The pressure increasing in the tank 204 to about 2.5 bars, the water flows through the means 3 into the boiler 110 that it fills almost completely except for a residual air volume 118 now a high level 119. The heating element 111 then increases the pressure in the iron boiler 1 a little beyond the pressure of the tank 204. This overpressure delivers the water via the means 3 into the tank 204. When the level of water in the boiler 110 reaches the filling mouth 117 at the end of the cannula 116, the excess pressure of vapor produced in the boiler 110 escapes and stops repressing the water. The position of the mouth 117 is such that there remains a significant amount of water in the tank 110 while releasing the valve 113 in sufficient space so that it does not cause drops of water that can spit iron. To this last end of the deflectors 120 located in the environment of the valve 113 can advantageously complete the device. In this example, it remains about 150 grams of water in the boiler 110. She has accumulated a maximum energy, free steam is available, valve 113 is out of water, the iron is then ready to be used in the best conditions.

The discharged water returns to the boiler 204 by compressing it, which causes condensation of part of the saturated vapor volume 210 located above the level 205 and leaves room for the repressed water.

The user takes iron 1 and can iron. The sole 101 and the mass 102 being hot, it can iron dry, which consumes relatively little energy provided by the sensible heat of the sole 101 and the mass 102. When it presses the button 114 the steam contained in the boiler 110 escapes with residual air to the steam holes 104. The pressure drops in the boiler, and the water boils in order to restore the balance of liquid pressure steam, although the heating element 111 is disconnected from any source electricity. The steam is produced by the enthalpy of the water of the tank 110 without consuming the heat of the sole. The temperature and the pressure drop slowly in the boiler with the amount of steam produced until the user puts the iron back on its base. As example of a typical use case, the user will have sprayed his clothes for 20 seconds at an average flow rate of the order of 50 g / min while the pressure in the boiler will have dropped from 2.6 to 1 bar.

At this moment the iron being cooled the pressure is relatively low in the boiler that fills up completely since the residual air has escaped, the water warmth mixes with the residual water by warming it up and then a new repression occurs through additional warming by the element 111. Many tests have shown that the heating time supplement does not exceed 15 seconds. Water levels and temperature are restored and new ironing cycles can then be resume.

Claims (9)

1. An ironing device comprising a base (2) that generates hot water under pressure, with fluid and electrical connection means (3) for quickly connecting a cordless iron (1) to the base when the iron is placed on the base, said ironing device being characterized in that the cordless iron (1) comprises a soleplate and an internal steam generator that are thermally independent from each other, each being provided with its respective heating and regulating means.
2. An ironing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the internal steam generator of the iron is a boiler (110) consisting of a reservoir that withstands pressure, being connected to the fluid quick connection means (31) for connecting the iron with the base, and being fitted with an electrical heater element (111) and with a steam outlet valve (113)
3. An ironing device according to claim 2, characterized in that while the iron (1) is on its base (2), the internal steam generator (110) is filled with pressurized hot water, which has previously been produced and stored in the generator in the base.
4. An ironing device according to claim 3, characterized in that while the iron (1) is on its base (2), the heating system in the internal steam generator in the iron is in operation and heats the water, thereby producing steam, which increases pressure to above the level of pressure in the generator in the base, so that said pressure forces some of the water in the boiler (110) back into the base (2) down to the outlet (117) of a water admission duct in the boiler.
5. An ironing device according to claim 4, characterized in that the quick connection means (31) belonging to the iron (1) are situated in the heel of the iron and the hot water admission level in the boiler (110) on its base is defined by the end (117) of a dip tube (116) having another end connected to the fluid connection means (31).
6. An ironing device according to claim 5 characterized in that the dip tube (116) is inside the boiler (110).
7. An ironing device according to any one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that the valve (113) serving as the steam outlet is also a valve that opens in the event of an abnormal rise in the pressure in the boiler (110).
8. An ironing device according to any preceding claim characterized in that the generator of hot water contained in the base comprises a heater tank (204) containing saturated steam (210) overlying the hot water that is kept at a substantially constant level.
9. An ironing device according to any preceding claim characterized in that the hot water generator comprises a water reservoir (201) at ambient pressure and a pump (203) for filling the tank (204) from the reservoir (201).

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