EP1486725B1 - Générateur de vapeur électrique à usage domestique - Google Patents

Générateur de vapeur électrique à usage domestique Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1486725B1
EP1486725B1 EP04101194A EP04101194A EP1486725B1 EP 1486725 B1 EP1486725 B1 EP 1486725B1 EP 04101194 A EP04101194 A EP 04101194A EP 04101194 A EP04101194 A EP 04101194A EP 1486725 B1 EP1486725 B1 EP 1486725B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
shell
lower half
water
boiler
heating means
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP04101194A
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German (de)
English (en)
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EP1486725A1 (fr
Inventor
Flavio Rigo
Massimo Baldo
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
De Longhi SpA
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De Longhi SpA
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    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F22—STEAM GENERATION
    • F22B—METHODS OF STEAM GENERATION; STEAM BOILERS
    • F22B1/00—Methods of steam generation characterised by form of heating method
    • F22B1/28—Methods of steam generation characterised by form of heating method in boilers heated electrically
    • F22B1/284—Methods of steam generation characterised by form of heating method in boilers heated electrically with water in reservoirs
    • F22B1/285—Methods of steam generation characterised by form of heating method in boilers heated electrically with water in reservoirs the water being fed by a pump to the reservoirs

Definitions

  • the present invention concerns an apparatus to generate steam able to be associated with an electric household appliance, such as an iron, a steam-cleaning device or suchlike.
  • the apparatus comprises a boiler into which cold water is introduced and is provided in the lower half-shell, made of aluminum, with an electric resistance in order to transform the water into steam.
  • a level thermostat is arranged outside the lower half-shell in order to detect when the water inside the boiler reaches a determinate threshold level.
  • An apparatus to generate steam is known, able to be associated with an electric household appliance for ironing, or cleaning, which comprises a boiler consisting of two metal half-shells, closed hermetically so as to define a watertight chamber. Cold water is introduced into the boiler and the water is heated until it is transformed into steam by means of an electric resistance, which is associated with the base wall of the boiler.
  • a first type of boiler wherein both the half-shells are made of stainless steel, made by molding and welded together.
  • the boiler in this first type has the disadvantage that, since the two half-shells are made of steel, the resistance cannot be drowned inside them, but can only be attached on one side thereof, either inside or out.
  • the steel boiler also has the disadvantage that it has a high heat inertia. This means that the structure adjusts slowly to the desired operating temperature, with the consequence that there is a high energy consumption in order to heat the water and form steam.
  • a second type of boiler is also known (see document CA 1060519 and US-A-299 076 ), wherein both the half-shells are made of aluminum, and the resistance is drowned in the lower half-shell.
  • This type of boiler although it has a low heat inertia which allows to reduce to a minimum the overall times needed to heat the water, has the disadvantage that it is very expensive and has a reduced mechanical resistance to the differences in pressure and temperature that occur inside the boiler itself. This is due above all to the presence of microbubbles, which can be created during the hot molding of the half-shells and which can cause fissures or breakages following the sudden changes in temperature and pressure to which the boiler is subjected during use.
  • a steam generator which comprises a water tank connected to a boiler by a water supply pipe which has inserted inside it an electric delivery pump which controls the supply of water, from the tank to the boiler, when necessary.
  • the boiler comprises moreover a single heating plate associated in a close-fitting manner on the outside thereof by means of pressure casting.
  • the bottom of the boiler is inclined so as to have at least two portions, a lower portion and an upper portion arranged at different heights and both heated by the heating plate.
  • the heating plate has mounted thereon a thermostatic switch located in the region of the upper portion, directly underneath an opening connected to the water supply pipe, so that the cold water enters into the boiler in such upper portion thereof.
  • This known steam generator has the disadvantage that the opening for the letting of cold water into the boiler is just in the upper portion thereof, which is the part more subjected to reach a high temperature when the level of water into the boiler decreases due to the supply of steam.
  • the direct contact of the cold water with the very hot internal surface of the boiler could cause cracks or breakages of the latter.
  • the purpose of the invention is to achieve an apparatus to generate steam, able to be associated with an electric household appliance, such as an iron or a steam-cleaning device or suchlike, with which it is possible to reduce to a minimum the waiting times needed to heat the water in the boiler, so as not to create discontinuity in the formation of the steam, and which has limited costs and also an optimum mechanical resistance to differences in pressure and temperature.
  • an electric household appliance such as an iron or a steam-cleaning device or suchlike
  • Another purpose of the present invention is to achieve an apparatus to generate steam wherein, while always ensuring a minimum quantity of water, it is possible to exploit to the utmost the heat of the electric resistance and of the walls of the boiler in order to heat the water.
  • Applicant has devised, tested and embodied the present invention to achieve these and other purposes, to overcome the shortcomings of the state of the art and to obtain other advantages.
  • An apparatus to generate steam comprises a boiler formed by a lower half-shell having a base wall able to be arranged during use substantially horizontal, and by an upper half-shell coupled with the lower half-shell in order to form a tank to contain water.
  • Heating means are arranged inside and in contact with the lower half-shell and are able to heat the water contained inside the boiler in order to transform it into steam.
  • the lower half-shell is made of aluminum, while the upper half-shell is made of steel.
  • the half-shell associated with the heating means is made of aluminum so as to accelerate as much as possible, thanks to its high heat conductivity, the heating of the water;
  • the upper half-shell being made of steel, ensures not only that the costs of production are reduced, but also that the possible tensions due to the high variations in temperature and pressure which occur inside the boiler are absorbed. In this way the risk of possible breakages to the walls of the aluminum half-shell is minimized.
  • the heating means are arranged mostly along the inner periphery of the lower half-shell, to optimize the heat exchange therewith.
  • a plurality of elements such as fins, ribs or suchlike are associated with the base wall of the lower half-shell made of aluminum; they rise vertically from the base wall and are in contact with the heating means, in order to increase the usable surface for the heat exchange between the heating means and the water.
  • the vertical elements are also made of aluminum.
  • the heating means are at least partly inclined with respect to the base wall of the lower half-shell so that, when the water reaches a determinate minimum threshold level, at least a portion of the heating means emerges from the water, determining a consequent increase in temperature of the lower half-shell.
  • Another advantage is that when, after the minimum threshold level has been reached and more water is added, it progressively covers only the uncovered portion of the heating means, and acquires the heat thereof directly and gradually. This allows to exploit to the utmost the heat of the heating means and the latter, at the same time, are not subject to any sudden cooling.
  • sensor means are also provided to detect the threshold level of the water in the boiler.
  • Such sensor means are of the heat sensitive type and are able to detect the aforesaid increase in temperature of the lower half-shell in order to generate a corresponding electric signal to indicate that said threshold level has been reached.
  • an apparatus 10 to generate steam, able to be associated with an electric household appliance, comprises: a watertight boiler 12 to contain the water; an electric resistance 20 arranged inside the boiler 12 to heat the water and transform it into steam; a pump 25 able to feed cold water into the boiler 12, through a lateral aperture 30 and a first pipe 24; and a second pipe 26 through which the steam emerges and with which an electro-valve 27 and a thermostat 31 are associated.
  • a valve 29 is also associated with the first pipe 24, which prevents the depression generated in the boiler 12, when the water heating is not functioning, from making water flow in through the main pipe.
  • the boiler 12 consists of an upper half-shell 16 and a lower half-shell 18, in this case both cylindrical in shape.
  • the upper half-shell 16 and the lower half-shell 18 are made of different materials.
  • the upper half-shell 16, the main function of which is to close the boiler 12 is made of stainless steel, while the lower half-shell 18, with which the electric resistance 20 is associated, and the main function of which is to contain the water and to conduct the heat, is made of aluminum.
  • the two half-shells 16, 18 are joined together by means of bolts 32, and between them there is a packing to ensure a watertight seal, for example of the silicone type, not shown in the drawings.
  • the boiler 12 By making the boiler 12 of two different materials it is possible, compared with known boilers, to combine in an optimum manner the advantages of an aluminum half-shell, which has a high overall heat mass and allows to drown the electric resistance 20, with the advantages of a steel half-shell, which allows to reduce the production costs and ensures that the boiler 12 has a high mechanical resistance.
  • the upper half-shell 16 absorbs the sudden differences in pressure and temperature to which the boiler 12 is subject during use and allows to reduce to a minimum the risk of breakages of the lower half-shell 18.
  • the pressure in the boiler 12 varies between about 1 and 3.5 bar.
  • the lower half-shell 18 ( fig. 3 ) comprises a base wall 35, substantially plane, and a side wall 34, substantially circular in shape. On the outer side of the latter a first thermostat 23 and a second safety thermostat 28 are attached ( fig. 4 ).
  • the aperture 30 for the letting of cold water into the boiler 12 is realised in the peripheral zone of the lower half-shell 18, in order to avoid that the supply of cold water could contact the upper part of the boiler 12 which is subjected to a sudden rise in temperature.
  • the first thermostat 23 is able to detect the level of the water in the boiler 12, according to which, as will be explained hereafter in detail, the activation of the pump 25 is commanded, or not, by means of a corresponding electric signal.
  • the lower half-shell 18 comprises inside a plurality of vertical fins 36, which are made in a single piece with the base wall 35 and with the side wall 34, and in each of which the electric resistance 20 is partly drowned.
  • the vertical fins 36 are arranged in a spoke-like manner in the peripheral zone of the lower half-shell 18 and ensure that the electric resistance 20 comes into contact with a large surface of heat exchange, in order to ensure and further improve the heating of the water.
  • the vertical fins 36 advantageously define with the base wall 35 a free surface that is large enough to accommodate possible calcium deposits.
  • the electric resistance 20 is arranged inclined inside the lower half-shell 18 and in this case lies substantially on a plane I which forms an angle ⁇ of about 10° with a plane P, substantially horizontal, on which the base wall 35 lies ( fig. 3 ).
  • the electric resistance 20 has at least a lower segment 20a which is substantially drowned in the base wall 35 and at least an upper segment 20b which is drowned in the side wall 34.
  • the inclined arrangement of the electric resistance 20 advantageously allows to exploit to the utmost the heat which it generates, since every partial segment thereof, before being progressively covered by the water, is at a high temperature and is immediately able to heat the water with which it comes into contact, with minimum waiting time.
  • the first thermostat 23 is arranged in correspondence with the upper segment 20b of the electric resistance 20 and is able to detect a variation in temperature of the side wall 34 when, in correspondence with a maximum water level M, the upper segment 20b is completely covered by the water and is cooled.
  • the first thermostat 23 is configured so as to block the functioning of the pump 25, by means of a corresponding electric signal, when it detects a first limit temperature of the side wall 34, at about 146°C, with a tolerance of more or less 5°C, and the upper segment 20b is completely covered.
  • the same thermostat 23 is also able to detect when the water level diminishes, partly uncovering the electric resistance 20 and causing it to overheat.
  • the first thermostat 23 detects when, in correspondence with a minimum level S of the water in the boiler 12, the lower half-shell 18, and in particular the side wall 34, is subjected to a sudden rise in temperature caused by the overheating of the electric resistance 20.
  • the first thermostat 23 activates the pump 25 by means of a corresponding electric signal.
  • the sudden increase in temperature is ensured by the high heat mass of the aluminum and allows to detect the minimum and maximum levels of the water by the first thermostat 23 in a short time.
  • the internal volume of the lower half-shell 18 is high enough to ensure that, when the first thermostat 23 detects the minimum level S, there is in any case a quantity of water inside the boiler 12 sufficient to prevent an excessive reduction in the pressure and a consequent discontinuity in the delivery of steam from the boiler 12.
  • the second thermostat 28 detects whether the temperature increases beyond a third limit value of about 180°C, with a tolerance of more or less 5°C, and blocks the functioning of the apparatus 10.
  • the boiler 12 can be of the type where the cold water is loaded manually, so that instead of the pipe 24 to introduce water through the lateral aperture 30 and the pump 25, a mouth is made on the upper half-shell 16 to load the water from above, in correspondence with the lower portion of the boiler 12.
  • the electric resistance 20 can be attached in a relative seating made in the fins 36, and not drowned in the lower half-shell 18.
  • the electric resistance 20 can be drowned or applied on the inner side of the side wall 34, so as to be able to heat the whole lower half-shell 18.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Sustainable Development (AREA)
  • Sustainable Energy (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Devices For Medical Bathing And Washing (AREA)
  • Heat-Pump Type And Storage Water Heaters (AREA)
  • Air Humidification (AREA)
  • Hydrogen, Water And Hydrids (AREA)

Claims (13)

  1. Appareil pour générer de la vapeur pour un appareil domestique électrique comprenant une chaudière (12) formée par une demi-coque inférieure (18), possédant une paroi de base (35) capable d'être agencée de façon sensiblement horizontale au cours de l'utilisation, et par une demi-coque supérieure (16) couplée avec ladite demi-coque inférieure (18) afin de former un réservoir contenant de l'eau, et des moyens chauffants (20) agencés à l'intérieur de et en contact avec ladite demi-coque inférieure (18) et capables de chauffer l'eau contenue à l'intérieur de ladite chaudière (12) afin de la transformer en vapeur, caractérisé en ce que ladite demi-coque inférieure (18) est faite d'aluminium et en ce que ladite demi-coque supérieure (16) est faite d'acier.
  2. Appareil selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que lesdits moyens chauffants (20) sont au moins partiellement inclinés par rapport à ladite paroi de base (35), de sorte que, lorsque l'eau atteint un premier niveau de seuil (S), au moins une partie desdits moyens chauffants (20) sorte de l'eau, entraînant une augmentation conséquente de la température de ladite demi-coque inférieure (18).
  3. Appareil selon la revendication 1 ou 2, dans lequel des moyens capteurs (23) sont prévus pour détecter au moins ledit premier niveau de seuil (S) de l'eau dans ladite chaudière (12), caractérisé en ce que lesdits moyens capteurs (23) sont du type sensible à la chaleur et sont capables de détecter ladite augmentation de température afin de générer un signal électrique correspondant pour indiquer que ledit premier niveau de seuil (S) a été atteint.
  4. Appareil selon une quelconque revendication précédente, caractérisé en ce que lesdits moyens chauffants (20) sont agencés dans une zone périphérique de ladite demi-coque inférieure (18).
  5. Appareil selon une quelconque revendication précédente, dans lequel ladite demi-coque inférieure (18) comprend au moins une paroi latérale (34), caractérisé en ce que lesdits moyens chauffants (20) comportent au moins un segment supérieur (20b) agencé en contact avec une partie correspondante de ladite paroi latérale (34), et au moins un segment inférieur (20a) agencé en contact avec une partie correspondante de ladite paroi de base (35).
  6. Appareil selon les revendications 3 et 5, caractérisé en ce que lesdits moyens capteurs (23) sont agencés sur un côté extérieur de ladite paroi latérale (34).
  7. Appareil selon les revendications 3 et 5, caractérisé en ce que lesdits moyens capteurs (23) sont agencés sur un côté extérieur de la partie de ladite paroi latérale (34) avec laquelle ledit segment supérieur (20b) est en contact, afin de détecter, en correspondance avec un second niveau de seuil (M), une variation de température de ladite paroi latérale (34) lorsque ledit segment supérieur (20b) est mouillé par ladite eau ou non.
  8. Appareil selon une quelconque revendication précédente, caractérisé en ce que, à l'intérieur de ladite demi-coque inférieure (18), il comprend une pluralité d'éléments verticaux (36) capables d'augmenter la surface d'échange de chaleur entre l'eau et lesdits moyens chauffants (20).
  9. Appareil selon la revendication 8, caractérisé en ce que lesdits éléments verticaux (36) sont réalisés de façon monobloc avec ladite paroi de base (35).
  10. Appareil selon la revendication 8 ou 9, caractérisé en ce que lesdits moyens chauffants (20) sont au moins partiellement associés auxdits éléments verticaux (36).
  11. Appareil selon la revendication 8, 9 ou 10, caractérisé en ce que lesdits éléments verticaux (36) sont agencés de manière similaire à des rayons de roue à l'intérieur de ladite demi-coque inférieure (18).
  12. Appareil selon une quelconque revendication précédente, caractérisé en ce que lesdits moyens chauffants (20) se trouvent sensiblement sur un plan (I) qui forme un angle (α) d'environ 10° avec un plan sensiblement horizontal (P) et sur lequel se trouve ladite paroi de base (35).
  13. Appareil selon une quelconque revendication précédente, caractérisé en ce qu'une ouverture (30) pour l'entrée d'eau froide dans ladite chaudière (12) est réalisée dans la zone périphérique de ladite demi-coque inférieure (18).
EP04101194A 2003-06-12 2004-03-23 Générateur de vapeur électrique à usage domestique Expired - Lifetime EP1486725B1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
ITUD20030130 2003-06-12
IT000130A ITUD20030130A1 (it) 2003-06-12 2003-06-12 Apparecchiatura per generare vapore utilizzabile in un elettrodomestico.

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1486725A1 EP1486725A1 (fr) 2004-12-15
EP1486725B1 true EP1486725B1 (fr) 2009-05-13

Family

ID=33187405

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP04101194A Expired - Lifetime EP1486725B1 (fr) 2003-06-12 2004-03-23 Générateur de vapeur électrique à usage domestique

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1486725B1 (fr)
AT (1) ATE431527T1 (fr)
DE (1) DE602004021064D1 (fr)
IT (1) ITUD20030130A1 (fr)

Families Citing this family (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB201017461D0 (en) * 2010-10-15 2010-12-01 Strix Ltd Electric steam generation
EP2876367B1 (fr) * 2012-07-20 2017-08-30 Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd. Dispositif de génération de vapeur et dispositif de cuisson avec dispositif de génération de vapeur
JP6010764B2 (ja) * 2013-03-13 2016-10-19 パナソニックＩｐマネジメント株式会社 蒸気発生装置
WO2018075192A1 (fr) 2016-10-19 2018-04-26 Spectrum Brands, Inc. Base de production de vapeur portative pour fer à repasser

Family Cites Families (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CA1060519A (fr) * 1976-10-15 1979-08-14 Maurice C. Allen Sauna portable
GB8909510D0 (en) * 1989-04-29 1989-06-14 Earlex Ltd Steam generator
IT1297843B1 (it) * 1997-05-06 1999-12-20 Imetec Spa Generatore elettrodomestico di vapore a livello acqua di caldaia stabilizzato, particolarmente per ferri da stiro.
IT248014Y1 (it) * 1999-03-10 2002-12-09 Euro Star Srl Involucro per generatore di vapore per apparecchielettrodomestici
US6299076B1 (en) * 2000-03-10 2001-10-09 Jeffrey E. Sloan Steam cleaning system

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE602004021064D1 (de) 2009-06-25
ITUD20030130A1 (it) 2004-12-13
ATE431527T1 (de) 2009-05-15
EP1486725A1 (fr) 2004-12-15

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