EP2373843B1 - Ironing appliance comprising a piezoelectric pump - Google Patents

Ironing appliance comprising a piezoelectric pump Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2373843B1
EP2373843B1 EP09774721A EP09774721A EP2373843B1 EP 2373843 B1 EP2373843 B1 EP 2373843B1 EP 09774721 A EP09774721 A EP 09774721A EP 09774721 A EP09774721 A EP 09774721A EP 2373843 B1 EP2373843 B1 EP 2373843B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
pump
pumping chamber
outlet
inlet
ironing appliance
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.)
Not-in-force
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EP09774721A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP2373843A1 (en
Inventor
Andrea Lukas
Björn SCHEVE
Matthias Hahn
Franck Mandica
Dominique Gelus
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Rowenta Werke GmbH
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Rowenta Werke GmbH
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Publication date
Application filed by Rowenta Werke GmbH filed Critical Rowenta Werke GmbH
Priority to PL09774721T priority Critical patent/PL2373843T3/en
Publication of EP2373843A1 publication Critical patent/EP2373843A1/en
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Publication of EP2373843B1 publication Critical patent/EP2373843B1/en
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    • 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
    • D06F75/14—Hand irons internally heated by electricity with means for supplying steam to the article being ironed the steam being produced from water in a reservoir carried by the iron

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an ironing apparatus comprising a pump comprising a pumping chamber provided with an inlet orifice and an outlet orifice, the pumping chamber comprising a movable wall moving under the action of a piezoelectric actuator for moving the diaphragm to draw fluid through the inlet and then push it back through the outlet.
  • an iron comprising a piezoelectric pump supplying a vaporization chamber with water from a tank.
  • the piezoelectric pump is arranged vertically and comprises a pumping chamber comprising an inlet orifice and an outlet orifice arranged vertically one above the other, the outlet orifice being disposed below the inlet port.
  • such a piezoelectric pump has the disadvantage of not allowing rapid and easy evacuation of air bubbles introduced into the pumping chamber, for example during a vacuum operation of the pump in the absence of water in the tank.
  • the air bubbles tend to get stuck in the upper part of the pumping chamber and can not be evacuated.
  • a piezoelectric pump has the disadvantage of having a movable wall having only a very small clearance so that the performance of the pump is greatly degraded when bubbles are in the pumping chamber.
  • an object of the present invention is to overcome these disadvantages by providing an ironing apparatus in which the piezoelectric pump is arranged so as to promote the evacuation of any air bubbles present in the pumping chamber and thus obtain good performance of the pump, even after no-load operation.
  • the subject of the invention is an ironing apparatus comprising a pump comprising a pumping chamber provided with an inlet orifice and an outlet orifice, the pumping chamber comprising a movable wall comprising an external face. in contact with a piezoelectric actuator intended to move the movable wall by modifying the volume of the pumping chamber under the action of the piezoelectric actuator, characterized in that the pump is arranged in the ironing apparatus so that the outlet port of the pumping chamber is at a higher level than the inlet port in a normal operating position of the apparatus.
  • normal operating position of the device is meant a position of the device corresponding to a usual and preferred use of the device.
  • the normal operating position corresponds to the position in which the iron rests on its sole.
  • the pump comprises a support comprising the inlet and outlet orifices of the pumping chamber and the movable wall of the pumping chamber is oriented vertically.
  • the inlet orifice and the outlet orifice pass through the support, the latter having an inner face to the pumping chamber comprising a groove extending between the inlet orifice. and the outlet port.
  • the pumping chamber has a circular shape, the inlet opening opening near the center of the pumping chamber and the outlet orifice being disposed near the periphery of the pumping chamber. pumping chamber.
  • the pump comprises a film sandwiched between the support and a base, the latter comprising an intake duct and a discharge duct respectively in communication with the inlet orifice and the outlet orifice of the pumping chamber, the film comprising valves facing the inlet and outlet ports.
  • the film is made of silicone material, the valves being made by performing a cut in the form of a circular arc in the film.
  • the arcuate cutting extends over an angle of less than 180 °.
  • the apparatus is an iron comprising a reservoir and a vaporization chamber fed with water from the reservoir by means of the pump.
  • the pump is connected to a water accumulation tower disposed downstream of the pump.
  • a drip plug is interposed between the water accumulation tower and the vaporization chamber.
  • the pump is disposed vertically at the rear of the iron, outside the tank.
  • the pump is disposed at the bottom of the tank.
  • the figure 1 represents an iron with an ironing soleplate 1 surmounted by a body provided with a handle 2, the body enclosing a reservoir 3 of water and a piezoelectric pump 100 fed by the reservoir 3 whose operation is controlled by means of a control trigger, not visible in the figures, arranged under the handle 2.
  • the sole 1 of the iron is in thermal contact with a heating body 10 which integrates, in a manner known per se, a vaporization chamber 11 for the production of steam, the vaporization chamber 11 being closed by a cover 12 and being connected to a steam distribution circuit comprising steam outlet holes formed in the sole 1.
  • the heating body 10 is surmounted by a heat shield 4 comprising a central portion 40 defining the bottom of the tank 3 and a peripheral portion constituting a protective skirt 41 extending under the bottom of the tank 3 by marrying the contour of the sole 1 so as to laterally border the heating body 10.
  • the central portion 40 of the heat shield 4 is bordered by a groove 42 in which is engaged a wall, not visible in the figures, defining the upper part of the tank 3, this wall being carried by an upper box element 5
  • a groove 42 in which is engaged a wall, not visible in the figures, defining the upper part of the tank 3, this wall being carried by an upper box element 5
  • Such an assembly of a two-part reservoir is, for example, described more specifically in the patent application. FR 2,770,856 filed by the plaintiff.
  • the upper case member 5 comprises the handle 2 for gripping the iron and supports a cord guide device 6 for orienting the power cord of the iron.
  • the box element 5 also comprises a hatch 7 for access to a filling orifice of the tank 3, a button 8 of setting a thermostat associated with the heating body 10 and buttons 51, 52 respectively allowing the actuation of manual pumps for the emission of a water spray from a nozzle 53 disposed on the front face of the iron or the momentary sending of a volume of water into the vaporization chamber 11 for the creation of a surplus of steam.
  • the heat shield 4 comprises a rear portion supporting the piezoelectric pump 100, the latter being disposed outside the tank 3, substantially at the height of the bottom of the tank, and comprising an intake duct 131 and a discharge pipe 132 respectively connected to a first sleeve 91 and a second sleeve 92 for connecting a rubber gland 9 through a rear wall of the reservoir 3.
  • the first connecting sleeve 91 is connected to a tube 13 extending close to the bottom of the tank, this tube 13 enclosing a filter making it possible to prevent limestone particles from being sucked through
  • the second sleeve 92 is connected to a duct 14 extending along the tank 3 and having an end 14A opening vertically in the front part of the heat shield 4, at the bottom of the tank.
  • a bowl 15 carried by the upper end of a water accumulation tower 16, the bowl 15 being open at its upper end so as to form a weir for the return of an overflow of water to the tank 3.
  • the water accumulation tower 16 extends vertically to a height such that the bottom of the bowl 15 is approximately 4 cm above the level of the bottom of the tank 3, the bowl 15 having an orifice 15A in communication with a feeding circuit of a drip-shaped plug 17 disposed in the front part of the iron and opening classically above the vaporization chamber 11.
  • the water sent by the pump 100 to the bowl 15 can then flow by gravity through the orifice 15A in the accumulation tower 16 of water so as to feed the plug drop-in drop 17 for the production of steam.
  • the use of such an accumulation tower water 16 has the advantage of allowing to obtain a constant water column height upstream of the drip tray 17 for the production of a high steam flow, of the order of 40 to 50 g / min, whatever the level of filling of the tank 3.
  • the flow rate of the piezoelectric pump 100 is intended to be greater than the flow rate required for the steam production of 50 g / min so that the production of steam is not limited by the flow rate of the pump 100, the excess water sent by the pump 100 to the accumulation tower 16 flowing into the reservoir through the upper opening of the bowl 15.
  • the average flow rate of the bioelectric pump illustrated in FIGS. of the order of 100 ml / min.
  • the opening of the drip plug 17 is controlled automatically, by a mechanical control system not shown in the figures, as a function of the temperature of the thermostat of the heating body 10, so that the quantity of steam produced by the iron is automatically adjusted according to the temperature, or the type of textile, selected by the user by means of the button 8.
  • the Figures 4 to 6 illustrate in detail the piezoelectric pump fitted to the iron of Figures 1 to 3 .
  • the piezoelectric pump 100 comprises a pumping chamber 110 defined by a support 101 and a movable wall 111 disposed opposite, the support 101 having a circular central zone lined with a groove 112 receiving a gasket. sealing 113 on which rests the movable wall 111.
  • the movable wall is advantageously constituted by a brass membrane 111 having an outer face, facing outwardly of the pumping chamber 110, on which is fixed a piezoelectric actuator 111A ceramic .
  • Maintaining the membrane 111 against the seal 113 is made by means of a cover 102 attached to the support 101, the cover 102 having a circular rib 120 projecting against the face external of the membrane 111, opposite the seal 113.
  • the support 101 also receives a base 103 opposite the cover 102, this base 103 supporting the intake ducts 131 and discharge 132 of the pump.
  • the support 101, the cover 102 and the base 103 are made of a plastic material reinforced with glass fibers, such as a polyarylamide loaded with 30% glass fibers and are kept under stress against each other. the other by means of an elastic clip 104 having the shape of a metal strip with spring effect engaging between guide ribs 123, 134 formed respectively at the periphery of the cover 102 and the base 103.
  • the cover 102 comprises supply terminals 121, 122 which are electrically connected to the membrane 111 and to the piezoelectric actuator 111A, and which are fed, in a manner known per se, by an alternating electrical voltage causing a periodic deformation of the piezoelectric actuator 111A and the flexible membrane 111 in the direction of the increase and then the reduction of the volume of the pumping chamber 110.
  • a piezoelectric actuator supply circuit is for example described in the patent application. FR 08 01706 .
  • the lower face of the membrane 111 is covered with an insulating film 111B constituted by three films in polyester held together by means of an adhesive, as more specifically described in the patent application FR 08 03520 .
  • the intake ducts 131 and delivery ducts 132 open respectively facing an inlet orifice 114 and an outlet orifice 115 passing through the support 101, the pump 100 being arranged vertically in the so that the outlet port 115 of the pumping chamber 110 is placed above the level of the inlet port 114 when the iron is in a current operating position, i.e. to say lies on its sole 1.
  • the inlet orifice 114 is disposed substantially in the center of the pumping chamber 110 so as to be opposite the maximum deflection zone of the diaphragm 111, where the depression is the largest.
  • the outlet orifice 115 is in turn preferably disposed near the periphery of the pumping chamber 110, the pump 100 being placed vertically in the iron so that the outlet orifice 115 is substantially at the top of the pumping chamber 110 when the iron rests flat on its sole 1.
  • the dead volume of the pumping chamber 110 is reduced essentially to a groove 116, with a depth of about 1 mm, extending between the inlet and outlet openings 114 on the face of the support 101 opposite the cover 102, this groove 116 for channeling the air bubbles towards the outlet orifice.
  • the correct positioning of the cover 102 and the base 103 on the support 101 is provided by means of three centering tabs 117 carried by the support 101, these centering tabs 117 cooperating with the periphery of the cover 102 and with notches 103B at the periphery of the base 103.
  • a silicone film 105 is interposed between the support 101 and the base 103 to make valves 151, 152 facing the inlet orifice 114 and the outlet orifice 115, the positioning of the film 105 on the base 103 being provided by means of notches 150 formed at the periphery of the film, these notches 150 engaging around bosses 130 carried by the base 103.
  • the valve 152 facing the outlet orifice 115 is formed by means of a cutout 152A in the form of a circular arc forming a flexible cover facing a recess 133 formed in the circular base 103 , the valve 152 opening in the recess 133 when water is compressed in the pumping chamber 110 and closing when the piezoelectric actuator 111 A deforms in the direction of increasing the volume of the pumping chamber 110.
  • Such a construction combined with the presence of the accumulation tower water 16 downstream of the pump 100 has the advantage of allowing very simply the creation of a non-return valve, the presence of water in the conduit 14 creating a pressure downstream of the valve 152 generating a restoring force , depending on the height of the water column, tending to keep the valve 152 closed.
  • Such a characteristic is particularly interesting because it allows, when the pump 100 is stopped, to prevent the water downstream of the valve 152 from flowing by gravity through the pump 100 and the tank 3.
  • the valve 151 facing the inlet orifice 114 is also made by means of a cut 151A in the form of a circular arc forming a flexible cover facing a circular recess 118 formed in the support 101, the valve 151 is closing when the water in the pumping chamber 110 is compressed by the membrane 111 and opening when the piezoelectric actuator 111A deforms in the direction of increasing the volume of the pumping chamber 110.
  • the vertical position of the pump 100 in the iron, with the outlet orifice 115 disposed above the inlet orifice 114, has the advantage of allowing the formation of a column of water downstream of the valve 152. thus creating a pressure generating a restoring force tending to keep the valve 152 closed. Such a feature allows without using a return spring, to keep closed the valve 152 when the pump 100 is stopped.
  • the cutouts 151 A, 152A in the form of a circular arc extend angularly less than 180 ° and are oriented in the same direction so that a large strip of material extends between the cutouts 151A. , 152A.
  • Such a characteristic makes it possible to obtain a good stability of the film 105 at the edges of the cuts 151A, 152A by reducing in particular the risk of deformation of the valves 151, 152 in the direction of opening during the compression of the film 105 between the support 101 and the base 103.
  • the iron thus produced has the advantage of having a powerful piezoelectric pump capable of eliminating any air bubbles that can penetrate into the pumping chamber, the air bubbles naturally tend to be driven upwards. direction of the outlet orifice by the water coming from the reservoir. We thus obtain an iron allowing produce a large amount of steam for high ironing efficiency and having stable performance over time.
  • the shape of the pumping chamber or the assembly means of the pump elements can be modified.

Description

La présente invention se rapporte à un appareil de repassage comportant une pompe comprenant une chambre de pompage munie d'un orifice d'entrée et d'un orifice de sortie, la chambre de pompage comprenant une paroi mobile se déplaçant sous l'action d'un actionneur piézoélectrique pour déplacer la membrane afin d'aspirer du fluide au travers de l'orifice d'entrée puis le refouler au travers de l'orifice de sortie.The present invention relates to an ironing apparatus comprising a pump comprising a pumping chamber provided with an inlet orifice and an outlet orifice, the pumping chamber comprising a movable wall moving under the action of a piezoelectric actuator for moving the diaphragm to draw fluid through the inlet and then push it back through the outlet.

Il est connu, de la demande de brevet JP 62142597 , un fer à repasser comportant une pompe piézoélectrique alimentant une chambre de vaporisation avec de l'eau en provenance d'un réservoir. Dans ce document, la pompe piézoélectrique est disposée verticalement et comprend une chambre de pompage comportant un orifice d'entrée et un orifice de sortie disposés verticalement l'un au dessus de l'autre, l'orifice de sortie étant disposé en dessous de l'orifice d'entrée.It is known from the patent application JP 62142597 , an iron comprising a piezoelectric pump supplying a vaporization chamber with water from a tank. In this document, the piezoelectric pump is arranged vertically and comprises a pumping chamber comprising an inlet orifice and an outlet orifice arranged vertically one above the other, the outlet orifice being disposed below the inlet port.

Cependant, une telle pompe piézoélectrique présente l'inconvénient de ne pas permettre une évacuation rapide et aisée des bulles d'air introduites dans la chambre de pompage, par exemple lors d'un fonctionnement à vide de la pompe en l'absence d'eau dans le réservoir. En particulier, avec un tel agencement de la pompe piézoélectrique, les bulles d'air ont tendance à se coincer dans la partie supérieure de la chambre de pompage et ne peuvent pas être évacuées.However, such a piezoelectric pump has the disadvantage of not allowing rapid and easy evacuation of air bubbles introduced into the pumping chamber, for example during a vacuum operation of the pump in the absence of water in the tank. In particular, with such an arrangement of the piezoelectric pump, the air bubbles tend to get stuck in the upper part of the pumping chamber and can not be evacuated.

Or, une pompe piézoélectrique présente l'inconvénient de posséder une paroi mobile ne présentant qu'un très faible débattement de sorte que les performances de la pompe se trouvent fortement dégradées lorsque des bulles se trouvent dans la chambre de pompage.However, a piezoelectric pump has the disadvantage of having a movable wall having only a very small clearance so that the performance of the pump is greatly degraded when bubbles are in the pumping chamber.

Aussi, un but de la présente invention est de remédier à ces inconvénients en proposant un appareil de repassage dans lequel la pompe piézoélectrique est agencée de telle sorte à favoriser l'évacuation des éventuelles bulles d'air présentes dans la chambre de pompage et obtenir ainsi de bonnes performances de la pompe, même après un fonctionnement à vide.Also, an object of the present invention is to overcome these disadvantages by providing an ironing apparatus in which the piezoelectric pump is arranged so as to promote the evacuation of any air bubbles present in the pumping chamber and thus obtain good performance of the pump, even after no-load operation.

A cet effet, l'invention a pour objet un appareil de repassage comportant une pompe comprenant une chambre de pompage munie d'un orifice d'entrée et d'un orifice de sortie, la chambre de pompage comprenant une paroi mobile comportant une face externe au contact d'un actionneur piézoélectrique prévu pour déplacer la paroi mobile en modifiant le volume de la chambre de pompage sous l'action de l'actionneur piézoélectrique, caractérisé en ce que la pompe est disposée dans l'appareil de repassage de telle sorte que l'orifice de sortie de la chambre de pompage se trouve à un niveau plus élevé que l'orifice d'entrée dans une position de fonctionnement normal de l'appareil.For this purpose, the subject of the invention is an ironing apparatus comprising a pump comprising a pumping chamber provided with an inlet orifice and an outlet orifice, the pumping chamber comprising a movable wall comprising an external face. in contact with a piezoelectric actuator intended to move the movable wall by modifying the volume of the pumping chamber under the action of the piezoelectric actuator, characterized in that the pump is arranged in the ironing apparatus so that the outlet port of the pumping chamber is at a higher level than the inlet port in a normal operating position of the apparatus.

Par position de fonctionnement normal de l'appareil, on entend une position de l'appareil correspondant à un usage habituel et privilégié de l'appareil. Ainsi dans le cas d'un fer à repasser muni d'une semelle chauffante, la position de fonctionnement normal correspond à la position dans laquelle le fer repose sur sa semelle.By normal operating position of the device is meant a position of the device corresponding to a usual and preferred use of the device. Thus, in the case of an iron with a heating soleplate, the normal operating position corresponds to the position in which the iron rests on its sole.

Selon une autre caractéristique de l'invention, la pompe comporte un support comprenant les orifices d'entrée et de sortie de la chambre de pompage et la paroi mobile de la chambre de pompage est orientée verticalement.According to another characteristic of the invention, the pump comprises a support comprising the inlet and outlet orifices of the pumping chamber and the movable wall of the pumping chamber is oriented vertically.

Selon encore une autre caractéristique de l'invention, l'orifice d'entrée et l'orifice de sortie traversent le support, ce dernier comportant une face interne à la chambre de pompage comprenant une rainure s'étendant entre l'orifice d'entrée et l'orifice de sortie.According to yet another characteristic of the invention, the inlet orifice and the outlet orifice pass through the support, the latter having an inner face to the pumping chamber comprising a groove extending between the inlet orifice. and the outlet port.

Selon encore une autre caractéristique de l'invention, la chambre de pompage présente une forme circulaire, l'orifice d'entrée débouchant à proximité du centre de la chambre de pompage et l'orifice de sortie étant disposé à proximité de la périphérie de la chambre de pompage.According to yet another characteristic of the invention, the pumping chamber has a circular shape, the inlet opening opening near the center of the pumping chamber and the outlet orifice being disposed near the periphery of the pumping chamber. pumping chamber.

Selon une autre caractéristique de l'invention, la pompe comporte un film pris en sandwich entre le support et une embase, cette dernière comportant un conduit d'admission et un conduit de refoulement respectivement en communication avec l'orifice d'entrée et l'orifice de sortie de la chambre de pompage, le film comportant des clapets en regard des orifices d'entrée et de sortie.According to another characteristic of the invention, the pump comprises a film sandwiched between the support and a base, the latter comprising an intake duct and a discharge duct respectively in communication with the inlet orifice and the outlet orifice of the pumping chamber, the film comprising valves facing the inlet and outlet ports.

Selon une autre caractéristique de l'invention, le film est en matériau silicone, les clapets étant réalisés en effectuant une découpe en forme d'arc de cercle dans le film.According to another characteristic of the invention, the film is made of silicone material, the valves being made by performing a cut in the form of a circular arc in the film.

Selon une autre caractéristique de l'invention, la découpe en arc de cercle s'étend sur un angle inférieur à 180°.According to another characteristic of the invention, the arcuate cutting extends over an angle of less than 180 °.

Selon une autre caractéristique de l'invention, l'appareil est un fer à repasser comportant un réservoir et une chambre de vaporisation alimentée en eau du réservoir au moyen de la pompe.According to another characteristic of the invention, the apparatus is an iron comprising a reservoir and a vaporization chamber fed with water from the reservoir by means of the pump.

Selon une autre caractéristique de l'invention, la pompe est reliée à une tour d'accumulation d'eau disposée en aval de la pompe.According to another characteristic of the invention, the pump is connected to a water accumulation tower disposed downstream of the pump.

Selon encore une autre caractéristique de l'invention, un boisseau goutte-à-goutte est interposé entre la tour d'accumulation d'eau et la chambre de vaporisation.According to yet another characteristic of the invention, a drip plug is interposed between the water accumulation tower and the vaporization chamber.

Selon une autre caractéristique de l'invention, la pompe est disposée verticalement à l'arrière du fer, à l'extérieur du réservoir.According to another characteristic of the invention, the pump is disposed vertically at the rear of the iron, outside the tank.

Selon une autre caractéristique de l'invention, la pompe est disposée à hauteur du fond du réservoir.According to another characteristic of the invention, the pump is disposed at the bottom of the tank.

On comprendra mieux les buts, aspects et avantages de la présente invention, d'après la description donnée ci-après d'un exemple de réalisation de l'invention présenté à titre d'exemple non limitatif, en se référant aux dessins annexés dans lesquels :

  • La figure 1 est une vue en perspective d'un fer à repasser selon un mode particulier de réalisation de l'invention ;
  • la figure 2 est une vue en perspective partiellement éclatée du fer à repasser de la figure 1 ;
  • la figure 3 est une vue de côté du fer à repasser de la figure 1 démunie de sa partie supérieure, de manière à laisser apparaître les éléments disposés à l'intérieur du réservoir ;
  • la figure 4 est une vue en perspective de la pompe piézoélectrique équipant le fer de la figure 1 ;
  • La figure 5 est une vue en coupe de la pompe de la figure 4 ;
  • La figure 6 est une vue en perspective éclatée de la pompe de la figure 4.
The aims, aspects and advantages of the present invention will be better understood from the following description of an exemplary embodiment of the invention given by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the appended drawings in which: :
  • The figure 1 is a perspective view of an iron according to a particular embodiment of the invention;
  • the figure 2 is a partially exploded perspective view of the iron from the figure 1 ;
  • the figure 3 is a side view of the iron from the figure 1 lacking its upper part, so as to reveal the elements arranged inside the tank;
  • the figure 4 is a perspective view of the piezoelectric pump equipping the iron of the figure 1 ;
  • The figure 5 is a sectional view of the pump of the figure 4 ;
  • The figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of the pump of the figure 4 .

Seuls les éléments nécessaires à la compréhension de l'invention ont été représentés. Pour faciliter la lecture des dessins, les mêmes éléments portent les mêmes références d'une figure à l'autre.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.

La figure 1 représente un fer à repasser comportant une semelle 1 de repassage surmontée d'un corps muni d'une poignée 2, le corps renfermant un réservoir 3 d'eau et une pompe 100 piézoélectrique alimentée par le réservoir 3 dont le fonctionnement est contrôlé au moyen d'une gâchette de commande, non visible sur les figures, disposée sous la poignée 2.The figure 1 represents an iron with an ironing soleplate 1 surmounted by a body provided with a handle 2, the body enclosing a reservoir 3 of water and a piezoelectric pump 100 fed by the reservoir 3 whose operation is controlled by means of a control trigger, not visible in the figures, arranged under the handle 2.

Conformément à la figure 2, illustrant le fer en vue éclatée, la semelle 1 du fer est en contact thermique avec un corps chauffant 10 qui intègre, de manière connue en soi, une chambre de vaporisation 11 pour la production de vapeur, la chambre de vaporisation 11 étant fermée par un couvercle 12 et étant reliée à un circuit de distribution de vapeur comprenant des trous de sortie de vapeur ménagés dans la semelle 1.In accordance with the figure 2 , illustrating the iron in exploded view, the sole 1 of the iron is in thermal contact with a heating body 10 which integrates, in a manner known per se, a vaporization chamber 11 for the production of steam, the vaporization chamber 11 being closed by a cover 12 and being connected to a steam distribution circuit comprising steam outlet holes formed in the sole 1.

Afin de limiter la diffusion de chaleur vers la poignée 2 du fer, le corps chauffant 10 est surmonté d'un écran thermique 4 comportant une partie centrale 40 définissant le fond du réservoir 3 et une partie périphérique constituant une jupe de protection 41 s'étendant sous le fond du réservoir 3 en épousant le contour de la semelle 1 de manière à venir border latéralement le corps chauffant 10.In order to limit the diffusion of heat towards the handle 2 of the iron, the heating body 10 is surmounted by a heat shield 4 comprising a central portion 40 defining the bottom of the tank 3 and a peripheral portion constituting a protective skirt 41 extending under the bottom of the tank 3 by marrying the contour of the sole 1 so as to laterally border the heating body 10.

La partie centrale 40 de l'écran thermique 4 est bordée d'une gorge 42 dans laquelle vient s'engager une paroi, non visible sur les figures, définissant la partie supérieure du réservoir 3, cette paroi étant portée par un élément de boitier supérieur 5 rapporté sur l'écran thermique 4. Un tel montage d'un réservoir en deux parties est, par exemple, décrit plus précisément dans la demande de brevet FR 2 770 856 déposée par la demanderesse.The central portion 40 of the heat shield 4 is bordered by a groove 42 in which is engaged a wall, not visible in the figures, defining the upper part of the tank 3, this wall being carried by an upper box element 5 Such an assembly of a two-part reservoir is, for example, described more specifically in the patent application. FR 2,770,856 filed by the plaintiff.

L'élément de boitier supérieur 5 comporte la poignée 2 pour la préhension du fer et supporte un dispositif guide cordon 6 permettant d'orienter le cordon d'alimentation électrique du fer. L'élément de boitier 5 comporte également une trappe 7 d'accès à un orifice de remplissage du réservoir 3, un bouton 8 de réglage d'un thermostat associé au corps chauffant 10 et des boutons 51, 52 permettant respectivement l'actionnement de pompes manuelles pour l'émission d'un spray d'eau à partir d'une buse 53 disposée sur la face avant du fer ou l'envoi momentané d'un volume d'eau dans la chambre de vaporisation 11 pour la création d'un surplus de vapeur.The upper case member 5 comprises the handle 2 for gripping the iron and supports a cord guide device 6 for orienting the power cord of the iron. The box element 5 also comprises a hatch 7 for access to a filling orifice of the tank 3, a button 8 of setting a thermostat associated with the heating body 10 and buttons 51, 52 respectively allowing the actuation of manual pumps for the emission of a water spray from a nozzle 53 disposed on the front face of the iron or the momentary sending of a volume of water into the vaporization chamber 11 for the creation of a surplus of steam.

Conformément aux figures 3 et 4, l'écran thermique 4 comporte une partie arrière supportant la pompe 100 piézoélectrique, cette dernière étant disposée à l'extérieur du réservoir 3, sensiblement à hauteur du fond du réservoir, et comportant un conduit d'admission 131 et un conduit de refoulement 132 reliés respectivement à un premier manchon 91 et un second manchon 92 de connexion d'un presse-étoupe 9 en caoutchouc traversant une paroi arrière du réservoir 3.In accordance with figures 3 and 4 , the heat shield 4 comprises a rear portion supporting the piezoelectric pump 100, the latter being disposed outside the tank 3, substantially at the height of the bottom of the tank, and comprising an intake duct 131 and a discharge pipe 132 respectively connected to a first sleeve 91 and a second sleeve 92 for connecting a rubber gland 9 through a rear wall of the reservoir 3.

A l'intérieur du réservoir 3, le premier manchon 91 de connexion est raccordé à un tube 13 s'étendant à proximité du fond du réservoir, ce tube 13 renfermant un filtre permettant d'éviter que des particules de calcaires ne soient aspirées au travers de la pompe 100. Le second manchon 92 est quant à lui raccordé à un conduit 14 s'étendant le long du réservoir 3 et comportant une extrémité 14A débouchant verticalement dans la partie avant de l'écran thermique 4, au niveau du fond d'une cuvette 15 portée par l'extrémité supérieure d'une tour d'accumulation d'eau 16, la cuvette 15 étant ouverte à son extrémité supérieure de manière à former un déversoir permettant le retour d'un trop plein d'eau vers le réservoir 3.Inside the tank 3, the first connecting sleeve 91 is connected to a tube 13 extending close to the bottom of the tank, this tube 13 enclosing a filter making it possible to prevent limestone particles from being sucked through The second sleeve 92 is connected to a duct 14 extending along the tank 3 and having an end 14A opening vertically in the front part of the heat shield 4, at the bottom of the tank. a bowl 15 carried by the upper end of a water accumulation tower 16, the bowl 15 being open at its upper end so as to form a weir for the return of an overflow of water to the tank 3.

La tour d'accumulation d'eau 16 s'étend verticalement sur une hauteur telle que le fond de la cuvette 15 se trouve environ 4 cm au dessus du niveau du fond du réservoir 3, la cuvette 15 comportant un orifice 15A en communication avec un circuit d'alimentation d'un boisseau goutte-à-goutte 17 disposé dans la partie avant du fer et débouchant classiquement au dessus de la chambre de vaporisation 11.The water accumulation tower 16 extends vertically to a height such that the bottom of the bowl 15 is approximately 4 cm above the level of the bottom of the tank 3, the bowl 15 having an orifice 15A in communication with a feeding circuit of a drip-shaped plug 17 disposed in the front part of the iron and opening classically above the vaporization chamber 11.

De cette manière, l'eau envoyée par la pompe 100 vers la cuvette 15 peut s'écouler ensuite par gravité au travers de l'orifice 15A dans la tour d'accumulation 16 d'eau de manière à alimenter le boisseau goutte-à-goutte 17 pour la production de vapeur. L'utilisation d'une telle tour d'accumulation d'eau 16 présente donc l'avantage de permettre l'obtention d'une hauteur de colonne d'eau constante en amont du boisseau goutte-à-goutte 17 permettant la production d'un fort débit de vapeur, de l'ordre de 40 à 50 g/min, quel que soit le niveau de remplissage du réservoir 3.In this way, the water sent by the pump 100 to the bowl 15 can then flow by gravity through the orifice 15A in the accumulation tower 16 of water so as to feed the plug drop-in drop 17 for the production of steam. The use of such an accumulation tower water 16 has the advantage of allowing to obtain a constant water column height upstream of the drip tray 17 for the production of a high steam flow, of the order of 40 to 50 g / min, whatever the level of filling of the tank 3.

De manière préférentielle, le débit de la pompe 100 piézoélectrique est prévu pour être supérieur au débit nécessaire pour la production de vapeur de 50 g/min de manière à ce que la production de vapeur ne soit pas limitée par le débit de la pompe 100, le surplus d'eau envoyée par la pompe 100 vers la tour d'accumulation 16 se déversant dans le réservoir par l'ouverture supérieure de la cuvette 15. A titre d'exemple, le débit moyen de la pompe bioélectrique illustrée sur les figures est de l'ordre de 100 ml/min.Preferably, the flow rate of the piezoelectric pump 100 is intended to be greater than the flow rate required for the steam production of 50 g / min so that the production of steam is not limited by the flow rate of the pump 100, the excess water sent by the pump 100 to the accumulation tower 16 flowing into the reservoir through the upper opening of the bowl 15. By way of example, the average flow rate of the bioelectric pump illustrated in FIGS. of the order of 100 ml / min.

De manière connue en soi, l'ouverture du boisseau goutte-à-goutte 17 est contrôlé automatiquement, par un système de commande mécanique non représenté sur les figures, en fonction de la température du thermostat du corps chauffant 10, de sorte que la quantité de vapeur produite par le fer est ajustée automatiquement en fonction de la température, ou du type de textile, sélectionnée par l'utilisateur au moyen du bouton 8.In a manner known per se, the opening of the drip plug 17 is controlled automatically, by a mechanical control system not shown in the figures, as a function of the temperature of the thermostat of the heating body 10, so that the quantity of steam produced by the iron is automatically adjusted according to the temperature, or the type of textile, selected by the user by means of the button 8.

Les figures 4 à 6 illustrent en détail la pompe piézoélectrique équipant le fer à repasser des figures 1 à 3.The Figures 4 to 6 illustrate in detail the piezoelectric pump fitted to the iron of Figures 1 to 3 .

Conformément aux figures 5 et 6, la pompe 100 piézo-électrique comporte une chambre de pompage 110 définie par un support 101 et une paroi mobile 111 disposée en vis-à-vis, le support 101 présentant une zone centrale circulaire bordée d'une rainure 112 recevant un joint d'étanchéité 113 sur lequel vient reposer la paroi mobile 111. La paroi mobile est avantageusement constituée par une membrane 111 en laiton comportant une face externe, orientée vers l'extérieur de la chambre de pompage 110, sur laquelle est fixé un actionneur piézoélectrique 111A en céramique.In accordance with figures 5 and 6 , the piezoelectric pump 100 comprises a pumping chamber 110 defined by a support 101 and a movable wall 111 disposed opposite, the support 101 having a circular central zone lined with a groove 112 receiving a gasket. sealing 113 on which rests the movable wall 111. The movable wall is advantageously constituted by a brass membrane 111 having an outer face, facing outwardly of the pumping chamber 110, on which is fixed a piezoelectric actuator 111A ceramic .

Le maintien de la membrane 111 contre le joint d'étanchéité 113 est réalisé au moyen d'un couvercle 102 rapporté sur le support 101, le couvercle 102 comportant une nervure circulaire 120 en saillie s'appliquant contre la face externe de la membrane 111, en regard du joint d'étanchéité 113. Le support 101 reçoit également une embase 103 à l'opposé du couvercle 102, cette embase 103 supportant les conduits d'admission 131 et de refoulement 132 de la pompe.Maintaining the membrane 111 against the seal 113 is made by means of a cover 102 attached to the support 101, the cover 102 having a circular rib 120 projecting against the face external of the membrane 111, opposite the seal 113. The support 101 also receives a base 103 opposite the cover 102, this base 103 supporting the intake ducts 131 and discharge 132 of the pump.

De manière avantageuse, le support 101, le couvercle 102 et l'embase 103 sont réalisés dans un matériau plastique renforcé de fibres de verre, tel qu'un polyarylamide chargé à 30 % de fibres de verre et sont maintenus sous contrainte l'un contre l'autre au moyen d'une agrafe élastique 104 présentant la forme d'une bande métallique à effet ressort s'engageant entre des nervures de guidage 123,134 formées respectivement à la périphérie du couvercle 102 et de l'embase 103.Advantageously, the support 101, the cover 102 and the base 103 are made of a plastic material reinforced with glass fibers, such as a polyarylamide loaded with 30% glass fibers and are kept under stress against each other. the other by means of an elastic clip 104 having the shape of a metal strip with spring effect engaging between guide ribs 123, 134 formed respectively at the periphery of the cover 102 and the base 103.

Le couvercle 102 comporte des bornes d'alimentation 121, 122 qui sont reliées électriquement à la membrane 111 et à l'actionneur piézoélectrique 111 A, et qui sont alimentées, de manière connue en soi, par une tension électrique alternative provoquant une déformation périodique de l'actionneur piézoélectrique 111A et de la membrane 111 souple dans le sens de l'augmentation puis de la réduction du volume de la chambre de pompage 110. Un circuit d'alimentation de l'actionneur piézoélectrique est par exemple décrit dans la demande de brevet FR 08 01706 .The cover 102 comprises supply terminals 121, 122 which are electrically connected to the membrane 111 and to the piezoelectric actuator 111A, and which are fed, in a manner known per se, by an alternating electrical voltage causing a periodic deformation of the piezoelectric actuator 111A and the flexible membrane 111 in the direction of the increase and then the reduction of the volume of the pumping chamber 110. A piezoelectric actuator supply circuit is for example described in the patent application. FR 08 01706 .

Afin d'assurer l'isolation électrique entre les parties de la pompe 100 soumise à un potentiel électrique et le liquide compris dans la chambre de pompage 110, la face inférieure de la membrane 111 est recouverte d'un film isolant 111B constitué par trois films en polyester maintenus l'un sur l'autre au moyen d'un adhésif, tel que cela est décrit plus précisément dans la demande de brevet FR 08 03520 .In order to ensure the electrical insulation between the parts of the pump 100 subjected to an electrical potential and the liquid included in the pumping chamber 110, the lower face of the membrane 111 is covered with an insulating film 111B constituted by three films in polyester held together by means of an adhesive, as more specifically described in the patent application FR 08 03520 .

Plus particulièrement selon l'invention, les conduits d'admission 131 et de refoulement 132 débouchent respectivement en regard d'un orifice d'entrée 114 et d'un orifice de sortie 115 traversant le support 101, la pompe 100 étant disposée verticalement dans le fer de manière à ce que l'orifice de sortie 115 de la chambre de pompage 110 soit placé au dessus du niveau de l'orifice d'entrée 114 lorsque le fer se trouve dans une position de fonctionnement courante, c'est-à-dire repose sur sa semelle 1.More particularly according to the invention, the intake ducts 131 and delivery ducts 132 open respectively facing an inlet orifice 114 and an outlet orifice 115 passing through the support 101, the pump 100 being arranged vertically in the so that the outlet port 115 of the pumping chamber 110 is placed above the level of the inlet port 114 when the iron is in a current operating position, i.e. to say lies on its sole 1.

De manière préférentielle, l'orifice d'entrée 114 est disposé sensiblement au centre de la chambre de pompage 110 de manière à se trouver en regard de la zone de débattement maximum de la membrane 111, où la dépression est la plus importante. L'orifice de sortie 115 est quant à lui préférentiellement disposé à proximité de la périphérie de la chambre de pompage 110, la pompe 100 étant placée verticalement dans le fer de telle sorte que l'orifice de sortie 115 se trouve sensiblement au sommet de la chambre de pompage 110 lorsque le fer repose à plat sur sa semelle 1.Preferably, the inlet orifice 114 is disposed substantially in the center of the pumping chamber 110 so as to be opposite the maximum deflection zone of the diaphragm 111, where the depression is the largest. The outlet orifice 115 is in turn preferably disposed near the periphery of the pumping chamber 110, the pump 100 being placed vertically in the iron so that the outlet orifice 115 is substantially at the top of the pumping chamber 110 when the iron rests flat on its sole 1.

Afin de faciliter l'évacuation d'éventuelles bulles d'air présentes dans la chambre de pompage, le volume mort de la chambre de pompage 110 est réduit essentiellement à une rainure 116, d'une profondeur de l'ordre de 1 mm, s'étendant entre les orifices d'entrée 114 et de sortie 115 sur la face du support 101 en regard du couvercle 102, cette rainure 116 permettant de canaliser les bulles d'air en direction de l'orifice de sortie.In order to facilitate the evacuation of any air bubbles present in the pumping chamber, the dead volume of the pumping chamber 110 is reduced essentially to a groove 116, with a depth of about 1 mm, extending between the inlet and outlet openings 114 on the face of the support 101 opposite the cover 102, this groove 116 for channeling the air bubbles towards the outlet orifice.

Conformément à la figure 6, le positionnement correct du couvercle 102 et de l'embase 103 sur le support 101 est assuré au moyen de trois pattes de centrage 117 portées par le support 101, ces pattes de centrage 117 coopérant avec la périphérie du couvercle 102 et avec des encoches 103B à la périphérie de l'embase 103.In accordance with the figure 6 , the correct positioning of the cover 102 and the base 103 on the support 101 is provided by means of three centering tabs 117 carried by the support 101, these centering tabs 117 cooperating with the periphery of the cover 102 and with notches 103B at the periphery of the base 103.

Un film 105 en silicone est interposé entre le support 101 et l'embase 103 pour réaliser des clapets 151, 152 en regard de l'orifice d'entrée 114 et de l'orifice de sortie 115, le positionnement du film 105 sur l'embase 103 étant assuré au moyen d'échancrures 150 formées à la périphérie du film, ces échancrures 150 s'engageant autour de bossages 130 portés par l'embase 103.A silicone film 105 is interposed between the support 101 and the base 103 to make valves 151, 152 facing the inlet orifice 114 and the outlet orifice 115, the positioning of the film 105 on the base 103 being provided by means of notches 150 formed at the periphery of the film, these notches 150 engaging around bosses 130 carried by the base 103.

De manière préférentielle, le clapet 152 en regard de l'orifice de sortie 115 est réalisé au moyen d'une découpe 152A en forme d'arc de cercle formant un opercule flexible en regard d'un renfoncement 133 circulaire formé dans l'embase 103, le clapet 152 s'ouvrant dans le renfoncement 133 lorsque de l'eau est comprimée dans la chambre de pompage 110 et se fermant lorsque l'actionneur piézoélectrique 111 A se déforme dans le sens de l'augmentation du volume de la chambre de pompage 110.Preferably, the valve 152 facing the outlet orifice 115 is formed by means of a cutout 152A in the form of a circular arc forming a flexible cover facing a recess 133 formed in the circular base 103 , the valve 152 opening in the recess 133 when water is compressed in the pumping chamber 110 and closing when the piezoelectric actuator 111 A deforms in the direction of increasing the volume of the pumping chamber 110.

Une telle construction combinée avec la présence de la tour d'accumulation d'eau 16 en aval de la pompe 100 présente l'avantage de permettre très simplement la création d'un clapet anti-retour, la présence d'eau dans le conduit 14 créant une pression en aval du clapet 152 générant une force de rappel, fonction de la hauteur de colonne d'eau, tendant à maintenir le clapet 152 fermé. Une telle caractéristique est particulièrement intéressante car elle permet, lorsque la pompe 100 est arrêtée, d'éviter que l'eau en aval du clapet 152 ne s'écoule par gravité au travers de la pompe 100 et du réservoir 3.Such a construction combined with the presence of the accumulation tower water 16 downstream of the pump 100 has the advantage of allowing very simply the creation of a non-return valve, the presence of water in the conduit 14 creating a pressure downstream of the valve 152 generating a restoring force , depending on the height of the water column, tending to keep the valve 152 closed. Such a characteristic is particularly interesting because it allows, when the pump 100 is stopped, to prevent the water downstream of the valve 152 from flowing by gravity through the pump 100 and the tank 3.

Le clapet 151 en regard de l'orifice d'entrée 114 est également réalisé au moyen une découpe 151A en forme d'arc de cercle formant un opercule flexible en regard d'un renfoncement 118 circulaire formé dans le support 101, le clapet 151 se fermant lorsque l'eau dans la chambre de pompage 110 est comprimée par la membrane 111 et s'ouvrant lorsque l'actionneur piézoélectrique 111A se déforme dans le sens de l'augmentation du volume de la chambre de pompage 110.The valve 151 facing the inlet orifice 114 is also made by means of a cut 151A in the form of a circular arc forming a flexible cover facing a circular recess 118 formed in the support 101, the valve 151 is closing when the water in the pumping chamber 110 is compressed by the membrane 111 and opening when the piezoelectric actuator 111A deforms in the direction of increasing the volume of the pumping chamber 110.

La position verticale de la pompe 100 dans le fer, avec l'orifice de sortie 115 disposé au dessus de l'orifice d'entrée 114, présente l'avantage de permettre la formation d'une colonne d'eau en aval du clapet 152 créant ainsi une pression générant une force de rappel tendant à maintenir le clapet 152 fermé. Une telle caractéristique, permet sans faire appel à un ressort de rappel, de maintenir fermé le clapet 152 lorsque la pompe 100 est arrêtée.The vertical position of the pump 100 in the iron, with the outlet orifice 115 disposed above the inlet orifice 114, has the advantage of allowing the formation of a column of water downstream of the valve 152. thus creating a pressure generating a restoring force tending to keep the valve 152 closed. Such a feature allows without using a return spring, to keep closed the valve 152 when the pump 100 is stopped.

De manière préférentielle, les découpes 151 A, 152A en forme d'arc de cercle s'étendent angulairement sur moins de 180° et sont orientées dans un même sens de sorte qu'une importante bande de matière s'étende entre les découpes 151 A, 152A. Une telle caractéristique permet d'obtenir une bonne stabilité du film 105 en bordure des découpes 151A, 152A en réduisant notamment le risque de déformation des clapets 151, 152 dans le sens de l'ouverture lors de la compression du film 105 entre le support 101 et l'embase 103.Preferably, the cutouts 151 A, 152A in the form of a circular arc extend angularly less than 180 ° and are oriented in the same direction so that a large strip of material extends between the cutouts 151A. , 152A. Such a characteristic makes it possible to obtain a good stability of the film 105 at the edges of the cuts 151A, 152A by reducing in particular the risk of deformation of the valves 151, 152 in the direction of opening during the compression of the film 105 between the support 101 and the base 103.

Le fer à repasser ainsi réalisé présente l'avantage de posséder une pompe-piézoélectrique performante capable d'éliminer les éventuelles bulles d'air pouvant pénétrer dans la chambre de pompage, les bulles d'air ayant naturellement tendance à être chassées vers le haut en direction de l'orifice de sortie par l'eau provenant du réservoir. On obtient ainsi un fer permettant de produire une grande quantité de vapeur pour une grande efficacité de repassage et possédant des performances stables dans le temps.The iron thus produced has the advantage of having a powerful piezoelectric pump capable of eliminating any air bubbles that can penetrate into the pumping chamber, the air bubbles naturally tend to be driven upwards. direction of the outlet orifice by the water coming from the reservoir. We thus obtain an iron allowing produce a large amount of steam for high ironing efficiency and having stable performance over time.

Bien entendu, l'invention n'est nullement limitée au mode de réalisation décrit et illustré qui n'a été donné qu'à titre d'exemple. Des modifications restent possibles, notamment du point de vue de la constitution des divers éléments ou par substitution d'équivalents techniques, sans sortir pour autant du domaine de protection de l'invention.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.

Ainsi dans une variante de réalisation de l'invention, la forme de la chambre de pompage ou les moyens d'assemblage des éléments de la pompe pourront être modifiés.Thus in an alternative embodiment of the invention, the shape of the pumping chamber or the assembly means of the pump elements can be modified.

Claims (12)

  1. An ironing appliance comprising a pump (100) that includes a pumping chamber (110) provided with an inlet (114) and an outlet (115), the pumping chamber (110) including a movable wall (111) that comprises an outer surface contacting a piezoelectric actuator (111 A) provided to move said movable membrane (111) while changing the volume of the pumping chamber (110) by means of said piezoelectric actuator (111 A), characterised in that said pump (100) is placed in the ironing appliance such that the outlet (115) of the pumping chamber (110) is located at a higher level than the inlet (114) in a normal position for operating the appliance.
  2. An ironing appliance according to claim 1, characterised in that the pump (100) includes a support (101) that contains the inlet (114) and the outlet (115) of the pumping chamber (110) and in that the pumping chamber (110) is oriented vertically, with the outlet (115) placed above the inlet (114) when the appliance is in its normal operating position.
  3. An ironing appliance according to claim 2, characterised in that the inlet (114) and the outlet (115) pass through the support (101) and in that the support (101) includes a surface internal to the pumping chamber (110) containing a groove (116) extending between the inlet (114) and the outlet (115).
  4. An ironing appliance according to any one of claims 2 to 3, characterised in that the pumping chamber (110) has a circular shape and in that the inlet (114) opens out in the vicinity of the centre of the pumping chamber (110), the outlet (115) being placed in the vicinity of the periphery of the pumping chamber (110).
  5. An ironing appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that said pump (100) contains a film (105) sandwiched between said support (101) and a base (103), said base (103) comprising an admission duct (131) and a discharge duct (132) respectively communicating with the inlet (114) and the outlet (115), said film (105) including valves (151, 152) opposite the inlet (114) and the outlet (115).
  6. An ironing appliance according to claim 5, characterised in that the film (105) is made of silicone and in that the valves (151, 152) are created by making a cut (151A, 152A) in the form of a semi-circle in said film (105).
  7. An ironing appliance according to claim 6, characterised in that said semi-circular cut (151A, 152A) extends at an angle lower than 180°.
  8. An ironing appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that said appliance is an iron comprising a tank (3) and a vaporisation chamber (11) supplied with water from the tank by means of said pump (100).
  9. An ironing appliance according to claim 8, characterised in that the pump (100) is connected to a water storage tower (16) arranged downstream of said pump (100).
  10. An ironing appliance according to claim 9, characterised in that a drop-by-drop body (17) is interposed between said water storage tower (16) and the vaporisation chamber (11).
  11. An ironing appliance according to any one of claims 8 to 10, characterised in that the pump (100) is arranged at the rear of the iron, outside the tank (3).
  12. An ironing appliance according to any one of claims 8 to 11, characterised in that the pump (100) is arranged level with the bottom of the tank (3).
EP09774721A 2008-12-11 2009-11-30 Ironing appliance comprising a piezoelectric pump Not-in-force EP2373843B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PL09774721T PL2373843T3 (en) 2008-12-11 2009-11-30 Ironing appliance comprising a piezoelectric pump

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR0806960A FR2939809B1 (en) 2008-12-11 2008-12-11 IRONING APPARATUS COMPRISING A PIEZOELECTRIC PUMP
PCT/IB2009/007608 WO2010067158A1 (en) 2008-12-11 2009-11-30 Ironing appliance comprising a piezoelectric pump

Publications (2)

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EP2373843A1 EP2373843A1 (en) 2011-10-12
EP2373843B1 true EP2373843B1 (en) 2013-01-16

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EP09774721A Not-in-force EP2373843B1 (en) 2008-12-11 2009-11-30 Ironing appliance comprising a piezoelectric pump

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US (1) US8484869B2 (en)
EP (1) EP2373843B1 (en)
CN (1) CN102224290B (en)
ES (1) ES2400043T3 (en)
FR (1) FR2939809B1 (en)
PL (1) PL2373843T3 (en)
PT (1) PT2373843E (en)
WO (1) WO2010067158A1 (en)

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FR2932822B1 (en) * 2008-06-24 2010-08-20 Seb Sa HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCE COMPRISING A PIEZOELECTRIC PUMP

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US8484869B2 (en) 2013-07-16
ES2400043T3 (en) 2013-04-05
US20110296723A1 (en) 2011-12-08
CN102224290B (en) 2013-01-09
PT2373843E (en) 2013-03-04
FR2939809A1 (en) 2010-06-18
PL2373843T3 (en) 2013-06-28
EP2373843A1 (en) 2011-10-12
CN102224290A (en) 2011-10-19
FR2939809B1 (en) 2011-01-14
WO2010067158A1 (en) 2010-06-17

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