EP1910604B1 - Household appliance comprising a steam generator connected by several cords to different accessories - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention concerns a household appliance comprising a steam generator connected by several cords (20, 30) to different accessories (2, 3), such as an iron and a travel steamer, characterized in that at least one of the accessories (2, 3) comprises a heating element (21, 31) provided with a vaporizing chamber (22, 32) enabling condensates possibly present in the supply cord (20, 30) of the accessory to vaporized and in that the appliance includes a control module (100) which prevents steam from being emitted towards said accessory (2, 3) when the vaporizing chamber (22, 32) of the accessory is at a temperature insufficient to vaporize the condensates present in the cord (20, 30).

Description

The present invention relates to a household appliance comprising a steam generator connected by several cords to various accessories, such as an iron or a steam brush.

It is known from the document FR 2,714,401 filed by the applicant, an ironing apparatus comprising a steam generator connected by a first cord to an accessory constituted by an iron, the generator also comprising steam bypass means, mounted on the water filling orifice of the generator tank, which can be connected by a second cord to another accessory, such as a steam brush. Such an apparatus proves very practical in use because the two accessories can be permanently connected to the tank of the generator, which allows them to be used alternately without waiting time or complex maneuvering.

However, when these accessories are occasionally fed with steam, condensates can form in the power cords during cooling phases accompanying periods of nonuse of the accessory. Thus, with such an apparatus easily allowing an alternative use of the accessories, there is a significant risk that the condensates, formed following a previous session of use of the accessory, be carried away by the new flow of steam and projected through the holes. steam outlet of the accessory with risk of burns for the user.

Also, an object of the present invention is to overcome this disadvantage by providing a household appliance comprising a steam generator connected by several cords to different accessories in which the safety of use is greatly improved.

For this purpose, the subject of the invention is a household appliance comprising a steam generator connected by several cords to various accessories, such as a iron and a steam brush, characterized in that at least one of the accessories comprises a heating body provided with a vaporization chamber for vaporizing any condensates present in the power cord of the accessory and in that the apparatus comprises a control module which prevents the emission of steam towards said accessory when the vaporization chamber of the accessory is at a temperature insufficient to ensure the evaporation of the condensates present in the cord.

According to another characteristic of the apparatus according to the invention, the control module authorizes the emission of steam towards the accessory after a determined operating time of the heating body which varies as a function of the cumulative operating time of the heating body. since the start of the device and the time elapsed since the end of the previous session of use of said accessory.

According to yet another characteristic of the invention, the control module authorizes the emission of steam to the scrubbing brush only when the cumulative operating time of the heating body since the start-up of the apparatus has exceeded a predetermined threshold.

Such a characteristic makes it possible to take into account the preheating time required for the vaporization chamber of the accessory to have reached a temperature sufficient to ensure the evaporation of the condensates.

According to another characteristic of the invention, when the user wishes to use an accessory which has been used previously since the start-up of the apparatus, the control module authorizes the emission of steam only after a delay Ts of heating additional depending on the time elapsed since the end of the previous session of use of the accessory.

Such a characteristic makes it possible to compensate for the cooling of the spray chamber of the accessory when the latter is not in use.

According to another characteristic of the invention, the apparatus comprises a steam switching device and electricity for selectively powering the various accessories.

Such a characteristic makes it possible to avoid excessive electrical power is requested by the device by preventing the simultaneous operation of the accessories.

According to another characteristic of the invention, the switching device comprises a manual selector allowing the user to indicate the accessory he wishes to use.

According to yet another characteristic of the invention, the control module comprises a microprocessor which manages the opening of a solenoid valve arranged upstream of a steam distribution valve for directing the vapor towards one of the accessories, the microprocessor controlling the power supply of the heating bodies of the accessories according to the information received from the selector allowing the user to indicate which accessory he wishes to use.

According to another characteristic of the invention, a light is activated during the phase of prohibition of the emission of steam by the control module to warn the user.

According to another characteristic of the invention, the apparatus is an ironing apparatus which comprises a first accessory constituted by an iron and a second accessory constituted by a steam brush.

According to another characteristic of the invention, the cord of the steaming brush is mounted on a winder.

Such a feature greatly improves the ergonomics and safety of use of the device by preventing the cord from dropping and may cause a fall if it is inadvertently hooked.

• la figure 1 est une vue en perspective d'un appareil de repassage selon un mode particulier de réalisation de l'invention ;
• La figure 2 représente une vue en perspective partiellement éclatée du fer à repasser de l'appareil de la figure 1;
• la figure 3 est une vue en perspective partiellement éclatée de l'appareil de la figure 1, l'enrouleur de cordon de la brosse de défroissage étant démonté de la base de l'appareil ;
• La figure 4 représente une vue en perspective partiellement éclatée de la brosse de défroissage de l'appareil de la figure 1;
• les figures 5a et 5b sont respectivement des vues en perspective du générateur de vapeur de la figure 1 lors de l'utilisation du fer et de la brosse de défroissage ;
• les figures 6a et 6b sont respectivement des vues en perspective du dispositif de commutation lors de l'alimentation en vapeur de la brosse de défroissage et du fer à repasser;
• les figures 7a et 7b sont respectivement des vues en coupe longitudinale de la vanne d'alimentation des figures 6a et 6b ;
• La figure 8 représente l'algorithme de fonctionnement du module de contrôle du générateur de vapeur de l'appareil.

The aims, aspects and advantages of the present invention will be better understood from the description given below of a particular embodiment of the invention presented by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which :

• the figure 1 is a perspective view of an ironing apparatus according to a particular embodiment of the invention;
• The figure 2 represents a partially exploded perspective view of the iron of the apparatus of the figure 1 ;
• the figure 3 is a partially exploded perspective view of the device from the figure 1 , the cord winder of the steaming brush being removed from the base of the apparatus;
• The figure 4 represents a partially exploded perspective view of the scrub brush of the apparatus of the figure 1 ;
• the Figures 5a and 5b are respectively perspective views of the steam generator of the figure 1 when using the iron and the steam brush;
• the Figures 6a and 6b are respectively perspective views of the switching device during the steam supply of the steam brush and the iron;
• the Figures 7a and 7b are respectively longitudinal sectional views of the feed valve of the Figures 6a and 6b ;
• The figure 8 represents the operating algorithm of the control module of the steam generator of the device.

Only the elements necessary for the understanding of the invention have been represented. To facilitate the reading of the drawings, the same elements bear the same references from one figure to another.

The figure 1 represents an ironing apparatus comprising a steam generator conventionally constituted by a tank for the production of pressurized steam, not shown in the figures, integrated in a portable base 1, the tank being supplied with water by a removable reservoir 10 disposed on the back of the base 1.

The base 1 is advantageously electrically powered by a cable 12 mounted on a winder disposed behind the front face of the base 1, the cable 12 opening into a cavity 13 of the front face of the base 1 and winding automatically when the user presses a button 14 disposed near the cavity. A general switch 15 is also provided on the front face of the base 1 to control the start or stop of the device.

The steam generator integrated in the base 1 is permanently connected to an iron 2 by a first connecting bead 20 advantageously having a length of the order of 1.8 m and comprises an inclined plane 11 for laying the iron 2 .

In accordance with the figure 2 , the iron is provided with a heating soleplate 21 comprising a vaporization chamber 22 and superheating of the steam, disposed upstream of the steam outlet holes of the soleplate, allowing the vaporization of any condensates present in the binding cord 20. In a manner known per se, the bead 20 incorporates a conduit for supplying the iron 2 with the pressurized steam from the generator tank and an electric cable for supplying the electric heating resistance of the generator. the heating sole 21 of the iron. The iron 2 also includes a trigger 23 for controlling the sending of steam through the steam outlet holes of the heating soleplate 21.

The steam generator of the base 1 is also permanently connected to a scrub brush 3 by a second cord 30 advantageously having a length of the order of 1.6 m, the cord 30 incorporating a conduit for feeding the brush 3 with steam under pressure from the generator and incorporating an electric cable for electrically feeding the steam brush 3.

In accordance with the figure 3 , the second cord 30 is preferably mounted on a cord winding device 4 taking place in a cavity provided for this purpose under the base 1, behind the winding of the electric cable 12. This cord winding device 4 comprises return means allowing the automatic winding of the cord 30 inside a drum when the user presses a button 41 disposed laterally to the winder. This cord winder 4 is identical to that described in the patent application FR 05 03125 filed by the Applicant and therefore will not be described in more detail in this patent application.

Advantageously, the base 1 comprises, on one of its sides, a holding clamp 16 in which the body of the steaming brush 3 can be inserted, such an arrangement allowing to have a steam brush 3 which remains very accessible once stored while maintaining a compact device.

The retaining clip 16 is preferably disposed on the side of the base 1 where the cord 30 exits the reel 4, so that the length of the cord 30, remaining outside the reel 4 when the dewaxing brush 3 is stored in the clamp 16, is very limited, of the order of 20 cm, such a feature to reduce the risk of attachment of the cord 30.

In order to allow the evaporation of any condensates present in the bead 30, the steaming brush 3, shown in greater detail on the figure 4 , encloses a heating body 31 having a chamber 32 for steaming and overheating of the steam closed by a lid 31 ', this vaporization chamber 32 being heated by an electrical resistance disposed under the heating element 31 and supplied by the electric cable integrated in the connecting cord 30. The vaporization chamber 32 opens onto steam outlet holes 32 ', visible only on the figure 5b , allowing to obtain powerful jets of steam for the vertical steaming of the linen. The steaming brush 3 is provided with a trigger 33 controlling the sending of steam to the steaming brush 3.

Preferably, the front face of the base 1 of the generator is provided with a rotary selector 17 that the user can maneuver between a first position, illustrated in FIG. figure 5a , corresponding to the use of the iron 2 and a second position, illustrated in FIG. figure 5b , corresponding to the use of the steam brush 3.

In accordance with Figures 6a and 6b the selector 17 is connected by a rod 5 to a steam and electricity switching device comprising a steam distribution valve 6 having a steam inlet 60 connected upstream to a solenoid valve 7 disposed at the outlet of the tank of the generator and two steam outlets 61, 62 respectively connected to the conduits of the cords 20, 30 for feeding the iron 2 and the steaming brush 3.

The valve 6 comprises a sleeve 63 rotated by the rod 5 and connected to the body of the valve 6 by a screw-type connection, the outer surface of the body of the valve comprising a helical rib 64 engaging in a helical groove formed inside the sleeve 63, so that the rotation of the sleeve 63 is accompanied by a translational movement of the latter.

The switching device also comprises two switches 66a, 66b actuated by bosses 65a, 65b disposed on the outer surface of the sleeve 63, the bosses 65a, 65b being arranged in such a way that the first switch 66a is actuated only when the selector 17 is in the position of use of the iron 2 illustrated in the figure 6a while the second switch 66b is operated only when the selector 17 is in the position of use of the steam brush 3 illustrated in FIG. figure 6b .

These two switches 66a, 66b are connected to a control module 100, shown schematically on these Figures 6a and 6b , comprising a microprocessor which deduces from the operating state of the switches 66a, 66b the position of the valve 6 and therefore of the selector 17.

In accordance with the figure 7a , which represents a sectional view of the valve 6 when the selector 17 is in the position of use of the iron 2, the inlet orifice 60 of the valve opens into a cylindrical steam distribution chamber 67 which is extends at each of its ends by a bore 68a, 68b of smaller diameter, the first bore 68a being in communication with the outlet orifice 61, connected to the connecting cord 20 of the iron, and the second bore 68b being in communication with the outlet port 62, connected to the cord 30 of the steam brush 3.

The sleeve 63 is integral with a sliding piston 69 having a first lip seal 69a which is in the distribution chamber 67 when the sleeve 63 is in the position of use of the iron 2, so that the steam can passing around the seal 69a and escape to the iron, and a second seal 69b which is then introduced into the second bore 68b to prevent the passage of steam to the steam brush 3. The piston 69 is also provided with a third seal 69c disposed in the first bore 68a downstream of the outlet to prevent vapor leakage through the orifice of the body traversed by the axis of the piston 69.

In accordance with the figure 7b when the selector 17 is turned to the position corresponding to the use of the wrinkle brush 3, the sleeve 63 rotates back on the body of the valve 6, thereby causing the piston 69 to move and the first seal 69a to be pushed through the first bore 68a so that the steam can no longer pass towards the iron 2. Conversely, the second seal 69b is then moved into the distribution chamber 67 of larger diameter so that the vapor can pass on the periphery of the second seal 69b and escape through the orifice 62 to the steaming brush 3.

More particularly according to the invention, the control module 100 controls the solenoid valve 7 disposed at the outlet of the generator tank to prohibit the steam supply of the iron 2 or the steaming brush 3 for a certain period of time. the period during which the selected accessory, namely the iron 2 or the steaming brush 3, has not been supplied with electricity. Such a security makes it possible to avoid any projection of condensates by ensuring that the vaporization chamber 22 of the iron or the steaming chamber 32 of the steaming brush is at a temperature sufficient to allow the evaporation of any condensates present in the cords 20,30.

By way of example, the microprocessor of the control module 100 can control the authorization of the opening of the solenoid valve 7 of the generator tank according to the algorithm illustrated in FIG. figure 8 .

According to this figure, the control module 100 detects in a first step E1 which accessory is selected by the user between the iron 2 and the scrub brush 3. This determination of the selected accessory is simply made from information communicated by the switches 66a, 66b.

The control module 100 then measures, in a second step E2, the time Tm that has elapsed since the end of the previous session of use of the selected accessory 2,3. Per session of use of the accessory means a session where the ironing appliance is running and the selector 17 is in the position corresponding to the accessory.

In a third step E3, the control module 100 checks whether the time of Tc _s-1 preheating cumulated during previous sessions of use of the accessory was sufficient to allow a preheating of the accessory for a total time of 120 seconds.

If the preheating time Tc _s-1 accumulated during previous sessions is less than 120 seconds, then the control module 100 completes the preheating of the accessory in a step E3 'during which the accessory is heated for a corresponding time Tc at the preheating time missing to reach the total of 120 seconds preheating. During this preheating time Tc, a diode 18 flashes on the front face of the base 1 to indicate to the user that the selected accessory is in the heating period. At the end of this additional preheating period, the control module 100 goes to step E4.

Conversely, if the preheating time of 120 seconds has already been reached during the previous sessions of use of the accessory, then the control module 100 goes directly to the step E4 in which it compares the time Tm elapsed since the previous session of the accessory with a threshold that is set at 5 minutes in the example shown.

If the time Tm is less than 5 minutes, the control module authorizes the immediate opening of the solenoid valve in a step E5 when it receives the command signal of the trigger 23,33 of the accessory 2, 3.

On the other hand, if the cumulative time Tm is greater than 5 minutes, then the control module goes to a step E4 'of additional heating of the accessory to compensate for the cooling of the accessory by thermal losses during the period of non-use of the accessory.

During this step E4 'the accessory is heated for an additional time Ts which is equal to the number of minutes Tm beyond the threshold of 5 minutes multiplied by a coefficient K _A corresponding to the number of additional heating seconds to be performed for each stop of the accessory beyond the threshold of 5 minutes.

However, if the time Ts obtained by this calculation is greater than 120 seconds, then the additional heating time will be limited to Ts = 120s corresponding to the initial warm-up time required when the accessory is cold. During this additional heating period, the diode 18 on the front face of the base 1 flashes to indicate to the user that the selected accessory is in the heating period. At the end of this additional heating period, the control module 100 goes to step E5 where it allows the opening of the solenoid valve 7 on the trigger 23,33 of the accessory.

Of course, the coefficient K _A depends on the thermal mass and the heating power of the selected accessory. By way of example, the coefficient K _A will have the value K _A = 1 s / min for the steaming brush 3 and K _A = 1.25 s / min for the iron 2.

Thus, if the selected accessory is the scrub brush 3 and the time Tm elapsed since the previous session of use of the scrub brush 3 is 9 minutes, then the time Ts additional preheating will be 4 seconds before the control module 100 allows the sending of steam through the cord 30.

The ironing apparatus thus produced has the advantage of having a vapor emission control module which greatly improves the safety of use of the apparatus, significantly reducing the risk of user burns by condensate spraying. burning through the steam outlet holes of the iron soleplate or steam brush. Indeed, the control module of the generator prevents the sending of steam through the newly selected accessory when the spray chamber of this accessory has not had time to reach a temperature sufficient to ensure the evaporation of the condensates present in the bead. Thus, if the user presses the trigger of the selected accessory, the control module will annihilate the opening order of the solenoid valve until the expiry of the additional heating time calculated by the control module and the LED will flash on the base to warn the user that a wait time is required.

On the other hand, if the accessory has been used recently, for less than 5 minutes in the previously described example, then the control module opens immediately the solenoid valve for sending steam when pressing the trigger.

Finally, the apparatus also has the advantage of great ease of use of the accessories constituted by the iron and ironing brush, the latter being constantly connected to the base of the generator and can therefore be used without complex handling . The presence of a winder on the cord of the iron thus greatly improves the safety and ergonomics of use of the device by avoiding the cord is dragged and is hooked during the ironing session or the transport of the device.

Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiment described and illustrated which has been given by way of example. Modifications are possible, particularly from the point of view of the constitution of the various elements or by substitution of technical equivalents, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

Thus, the algorithm for preheating and heating has been given only as an example. This algorithm may notably be modified to take into account the advantages of parameters.

Claims (11)

1. A household electrical appliance comprising a steam generator connected via a plurality of cords (20, 30) to various accessories (2, 3), such as a smoothing iron and a steam brush, said household electrical appliance being characterized in that at least one of the accessories (2, 3) has a heater body (21, 31) provided with a steam generation chamber (22, 32) making it possible to transform into steam any condensates present in the feed and power cord (20, 30) for feeding and powering the accessory, and in that the appliance further comprises a control module (100) that prevents steam from being transmitted to said accessory (2, 3) when the steam generation chamber (22, 32) of the accessory is at a temperature that is insufficient to guarantee that any condensates present in the cord (20, 30) evaporate.
2. An appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that the control module (100) allows steam to be transmitted to the accessory (2, 3) only after the heater body (21, 31) has been operating for a determined operating time, which time varies as a function of the cumulative operating time for which the heater body (21, 31) has been operating since the appliance was switched on, and as a function of the time that has elapsed since the end of the preceding session of use of said accessory.
3. A smoothing appliance according to claim 2, characterized in that the control module (100) allows steam to be transmitted to the steam brush (3) only when the cumulative operating time for which the heater body (21, 31) has been operating since the appliance was switched on exceeds a predetermined threshold.
4. A smoothing appliance according to claim 2 or claim 3, characterized in that, when the user wishes to use an accessory (2, 3) that has been used previously since the appliance was switched on, the control module (100) allows steam to be transmitted only after an additional heating time Ts that is a function of the time that has elapsed since the end of the preceding session of use of the accessory (2, 3).
5. An appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the appliance further comprises a steam and electricity switch device making it possible to feed and power the various accessories (2, 3) selectively.
6. An appliance according to claim 5, characterized in that said switch device includes a manual selector (17) enabling the user to indicate which accessory (2, 3) said user wishes to use.
7. A smoothing appliance according to claim 6, characterized in that the control module (100) includes a microprocessor that manages opening of a solenoid valve (7) disposed upstream from a steam dispenser valve (6) making it possible to direct the steam towards one of the accessories (2, 3), said microprocessor controlling electrical powering of the heater bodies (21; 31) of the accessories (2, 3) as a function of information received from the selector (17) enabling the user to indicate which accessory (2, 3) said user wishes to use.
8. An appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that an indicator light (18) is activated for the period during which steam transmission is disabled by the control module (100) so as to inform the user.
9. An appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the appliance is a smoothing appliance that includes a first accessory (2) constituted by a smoothing iron, and a second accessory (3) constituted by a steam brush.
10. A smoothing appliance according to claim 9, characterized in that the cord (30) of the steam brush (3) is mounted on a reel (4).
11. A smoothing appliance according to any one of claims 9 to 10, characterized in that it is provided with a holder clamp (16) for stowing the steam brush (3).

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