EP3269873B1 - Ironing station with various steam levels - Google Patents
Ironing station with various steam levels Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP3269873B1 EP3269873B1 EP16382337.0A EP16382337A EP3269873B1 EP 3269873 B1 EP3269873 B1 EP 3269873B1 EP 16382337 A EP16382337 A EP 16382337A EP 3269873 B1 EP3269873 B1 EP 3269873B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- steam
- soleplate
- iron
- evaporation chamber
- ironing station
- 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
Links
- 238000010409 ironing Methods 0.000 title claims description 38
- XEEYBQQBJWHFJM-UHFFFAOYSA-N Iron Chemical compound [Fe] XEEYBQQBJWHFJM-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 164
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 93
- 230000008020 evaporation Effects 0.000 claims description 80
- 238000001704 evaporation Methods 0.000 claims description 80
- 229910052742 iron Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 78
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 claims description 36
- 238000001208 nuclear magnetic resonance pulse sequence Methods 0.000 claims description 15
- 230000003287 optical effect Effects 0.000 claims description 15
- 230000001105 regulatory effect Effects 0.000 claims description 9
- 230000003213 activating effect Effects 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000009825 accumulation Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000007921 spray Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000001276 controlling effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 150000002505 iron Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 235000000396 iron Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 238000005507 spraying Methods 0.000 description 1
- 210000003813 thumb Anatomy 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F75/00—Hand irons
- D06F75/08—Hand irons internally heated by electricity
- D06F75/10—Hand irons internally heated by electricity with means for supplying steam to the article being ironed
- D06F75/12—Hand irons internally heated by electricity with means for supplying steam to the article being ironed the steam being produced from water supplied to the iron from an external source
-
- 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
- D06F67/00—Details of ironing machines provided for in groups D06F61/00, D06F63/00, or D06F65/00
-
- 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
- D06F75/20—Arrangements for discharging the steam to the article being ironed
Definitions
- the present invention relates to an ironing station including a steam iron and a supply unit that can be connected to one another by fluid ducts and electrical ducts, and including a device selectively providing at least three steam flow levels through steam outlet holes formed in the soleplate of the iron.
- Steam irons include a soleplate provided with a plurality of steam outlet holes, an evaporation chamber, heating means heating the soleplate for ironing and the evaporation chamber for generating steam, and a water tank, wherein the water is introduced into the evaporation chamber and the generated steam is expelled through the steam outlet holes of the soleplate.
- the water tank installed in the iron has a limited capacity and entails a weight that is added to the weight a user must support when handling the iron while ironing
- separating the water tank from the iron and installing it in a stationary supply unit connected to the iron by a supply cord including a water conduit and an electric power supply cable is known.
- the evaporation chamber is installed in the supply unit and the water conduit is replaced with a steam conduit, such that the generated steam is supplied to the iron through the steam conduit.
- the assembly formed by the iron and the supply unit is known as "ironing station" or "ironing center”.
- Patent document FR 2523164 A1 discloses an ironing station including a steam iron and a separate water tank, where the iron comprises a soleplate provided with a plurality of steam outlet holes, an evaporation chamber independent of the soleplate, a first heater for heating the soleplate and a second heater for heating the evaporation chamber and generating steam.
- the water is supplied from the water tank to the evaporation chamber through a conduit and a pump.
- the steam is supplied through another conduit from the evaporation chamber to a steam distribution chamber located in the iron in communication with the steam outlet holes of the soleplate.
- the evaporation chamber is located above and in contact with the steam distribution chamber.
- Patent document US 5010664 A describes a steam iron comprising a soleplate provided with a plurality of steam outlet holes, an evaporation chamber partially demarcated by the soleplate, a water tank and a pump supplying water from the water tank to the evaporation chamber through a conduit.
- the steam is expelled from the evaporation chamber through the steam outlet holes of the soleplate.
- the pump is operated by an electric operating device, such as a solenoid, which can be activated according to different pulse sequences to provide different steam flow values.
- Patent document FR 2690932 A1 discloses a steam iron comprising a soleplate provided with a plurality of steam outlet holes, a pair of evaporation chambers independent of the soleplate, a first heater heating the soleplate and a second heater heating the evaporation chambers, a water tank and a pump supplying water from the receptacle to the evaporation chambers.
- a device consisting of conduits and valves controlled by manual push buttons allows selecting two different steam flow levels by simply conducting the water through two different conduits towards either of the evaporation chambers, or towards both, and the steam is conducted through other conduits from the evaporation chambers to a steam distribution chamber in communication with the steam outlet holes of the soleplate.
- this iron includes a device accumulating the hydraulic pressure of the water, and the pressurized water can be sprayed from a front spray nozzle by pressing another button.
- Patent document FR 2747403 A1 describes an ironing station including a steam iron and a supply unit.
- the iron comprises a soleplate provided with a plurality of steam outlet holes and a heater arranged for heating the soleplate.
- the supply unit includes a water tank and an evaporation chamber provided with a heater for generating steam.
- the water is supplied from the water tank to the evaporation chamber through a main water conduit and a first pump.
- the steam is conducted through a steam conduit from the evaporation chamber to a steam distribution chamber located in the iron in communication with the steam outlet holes of the soleplate.
- the water can additionally be supplied from the main water conduit, before the first pump, to the steam conduit through a diversion conduit and a second pump for providing wet steam.
- the iron includes an electric switch controlling the operation of the first pump and the second pump, which are both housed in the supply unit.
- Patent document FR 2785975 A1 discloses an ironing station comprising a steam iron and a supply unit.
- the iron includes a soleplate provided with a plurality of steam outlet holes and a heater heating the soleplate.
- the supply unit includes a water tank, an evaporation chamber and another heater heating the evaporation chamber for generating steam.
- the water is supplied from the water tank to the evaporation chamber through a main water conduit and a first pump.
- the steam is supplied through a steam conduit from the evaporation chamber to a steam distribution chamber located in the iron in communication with the steam outlet holes of the soleplate.
- Additional water can be supplied from the water tank to the steam conduit for providing wet steam by means of a secondary water conduit, which is a diversion of the main conduit, and a second pump. Both first and second pumps are housed in the supply unit and are controlled from a control located in the iron. The water can be returned from the main water conduit, after the first pump, to the water tank through a return conduit and a safety valve should there be any excess pressure in the evaporation chamber.
- Patent document FR 2853671 A1 describes an ironing station comprising a steam iron and a supply unit.
- the iron includes a soleplate provided with a plurality of steam outlet holes located in two different regions of the soleplate, a separate evaporation chamber, a first heater heating the soleplate, and a second heater heating the evaporation chamber for generating steam.
- the supply unit includes a water tank. The water is supplied from the water tank to the evaporation chamber of the iron through a water conduit and a pump.
- the ironing station offers the possibility of conducting the steam through two different steam conduits, from the evaporation chamber to two steam distribution chambers located in the iron in communication with the steam outlet holes of the two different regions of the soleplate.
- the steam conduits are selected by means of a valve operated by a manual push button.
- the iron includes another valve operated by another manual push button which diverts water from the water conduit to a front spray nozzle through an auxiliary water conduit for spraying water from the front nozzle.
- Patent document WO 2005080664 A1 discloses a steam iron including a soleplate provided with a plurality of steam outlet holes, a first evaporation chamber partially demarcated by a first region of the soleplate of the iron where there are side steam outlet holes, a second evaporation chamber partially demarcated by a second region of the soleplate of the iron where there are front steam outlet holes, a heater heating the soleplate and the first and second evaporation chambers, a water tank, a manual pump operated by a manual push button and a pressurized water accumulation receptacle.
- the water flows directly from the water tank to the first evaporation chamber through corresponding passages.
- the water is pumped by the manual pump from the water tank to the pressurized water accumulation receptacle and the pressurized water is injected from the pressurized water accumulation receptacle into the second evaporation chamber through corresponding conduits.
- Patent document WO 2013167692 A1 describes an ironing station comprising a steam iron and a supply unit.
- the iron includes a soleplate provided with a plurality of steam outlet holes and a supplementary water tank.
- the supply unit includes a water boiler acting like an evaporation chamber.
- the steam is conducted through a steam conduit from the boiler to a steam distribution chamber located in the iron in communication with the steam outlet holes of the soleplate.
- the boiler is at atmospheric pressure so a pump for driving the steam from the boiler to the steam distribution chamber is not necessary, and the passage of steam is controlled by a valve located in the supply unit and controlled by means of a manual push button located in the iron.
- a first pump manually operated by means of a push button obtaining water from the supplementary water tank located in the iron and conducting it directly to the steam distribution chamber, where the water evaporates upon contact with an inner surface of the soleplate, providing an additional steam function.
- a second pump manually operated by means of a second push button obtains water from the supplementary water tank located in the iron and conducts it to a front spray nozzle from which the water is sprayed.
- the present invention provides an ironing station comprising a steam iron and a supply unit connected to one another by a supply cord.
- the iron includes a soleplate having a first region in which there are located one or more first steam outlet holes and a second region in which there are located one or more second steam outlet holes, a first evaporation chamber in communication with the first steam outlet holes, and heating means heating the soleplate for ironing and the first evaporation chamber for generating steam.
- the supply unit includes a water tank.
- a first pump drives water from the water tank to the first evaporation chamber through a main water conduit.
- a second pump drives the water through a secondary water conduit from a diversion of the main water conduit located downstream from the first pump to a second evaporation chamber which is in communication with the one or more second steam outlet holes.
- first pump is installed in the supply unit and the second pump and the diversion are installed in the iron.
- both first and second pumps could be installed in the supply unit or in the iron, and the diversion could be arranged in the supply unit or between the supply unit and the iron.
- the first and second pumps are operated by respective first and second solenoids the operation of which is controlled by an electronic control unit through a pulse sequence
- the iron comprises one or more switches connected to the electronic control unit and actuated by one or more manual controls that allow selecting water flow rates towards the first and second evaporation chambers provided by said first and second pumps and obtaining different corresponding steam flows, i.e., operating the iron in a steam mode chosen from three or more pre-established steam modes.
- the one or more switches comprise a first switch activating the operation of the first solenoid operating the first pump according to a single pulse sequence for providing a continuous steam flow through the one or more first steam outlet holes, and an additional multi-position switch or a plurality of additional switches activating the operation of the second solenoid operating the second pump according to multiple pulse sequences for providing different multiple additional steam flows through the one or more second steam outlet holes.
- the one or more manual controls can comprise, for example, a first manual control actuating the first switch, and one or more additional manual controls actuating the additional multi-position switch or the additional switches.
- the first manual control and the one or more additional manual controls are preferably located in a handle of the iron.
- the iron includes a plastic shell fixed to the soleplate, and this shell defines the handle.
- the first manual control is a trigger, for example, located on a front lower side of the handle and the one or more manual controls are one or more push buttons or one or more capacitive or resistive touch sensors or one or more optical sensors located on a front upper side of the handle.
- the first and second pumps are operated by respective solenoids or electric motors the operation of which is controlled by an electronic control unit through frequency variation
- the iron comprises at least one variable frequency drive connected to the electronic control unit and actuated by a manual control that allows regulating a steam flow between a minimum flow level and a maximum flow level in a continuous or step-wise manner.
- the first and second pumps are operated by respective electric motors the operation of which is controlled by an electronic control unit through voltage variation
- the iron comprises at least one voltage variator connected to the electronic control unit and actuated by a manual control that allows regulating a steam flow between a minimum flow level and a maximum flow level in a continuous or step-wise manner.
- the manual control is a sliding mechanical control or a linear touch sensor or a linear optical sensor located in a handle of the iron.
- the linear touch sensor can be capacitive or resistive.
- the iron includes a plastic shell fixed to the soleplate, the handle is defined by the shell, and the sliding mechanical control or the linear touch sensor or the linear optical sensor is located on a front upper side of the handle.
- a linear touch sensor can be capacitive or resistive, and can comprise, for example, an elongated touch-sensitive surface provided with first and second opposite ends, and calibrated such that it gives a 0% response when the first end is touched, a 100% response when the second end is touched, and a 0%-100% response when an intermediate point is touched, this 0%-100% response being proportional to the distance from the point touched to the first end.
- a linear optical sensor can comprise, for example, a plurality of optical sensors adjacent to and aligned with one another, protected by a transparent cover, and calibrated such that it gives a 0% response when light is allowed to reach all the optical sensors, a 100% response when light is prevented from reaching each and every one of the optical sensors, and a 0%-100% response when light is allowed to reach only some of the optical sensors, this 0%-100% response being proportional to the number of optical sensors prevented from receiving light.
- the first evaporation chamber is separated from the soleplate and the second evaporation chamber is partially formed by the soleplate.
- the heating means comprise a first heating element heating the soleplate and a second heating element heating the first evaporation chamber.
- the first heating element comprises a first electrical resistance embedded in the soleplate and the second heating element comprises a second electrical resistance embedded in the first evaporation chamber.
- the iron includes a thermostat actuated by a manual control that allows regulating the temperature of the first heating element.
- the electronic control unit only allows operating the first and second pumps if the temperatures of the first evaporation chamber and of the soleplate and/or of the second evaporation chamber are above a predetermined threshold assuring evaporation of the water.
- the soleplate has an inner surface separated from the first evaporation chamber by an empty space.
- an ironing station which comprises a steam iron 40 and a supply unit 50 connected to one another by a supply cord 30.
- the iron 40 comprises a metal soleplate 1 and a plastic shell 23 fixed to the soleplate 1.
- the shell 23 defines a handle 10 by means of which the iron 40 can be gripped and handled.
- the soleplate 1 schematically shown in Figure 2 , has a plurality of first steam outlet holes 2 located in a first region of the soleplate 1 and a second steam outlet hole 3 located in a second region of the soleplate 1. Variations in the number and arrangement of the first steam outlet holes and second steam outlet holes 2, 3 and in the location and extent of the first and second regions of the soleplate 1 are within the scope of the present invention.
- the shell 23 of the iron 40 houses a first evaporation chamber 4 comprising a body 26 and a cover 27.
- the body 26 is fixed to the soleplate 1 such that there is a gap 25 between the first evaporation chamber 4 and an inner surface of the soleplate 1.
- a first electrical resistance 5 constituting a first heating element which, when activated, heats the soleplate 1 for ironing
- a second electrical resistance 6 constituting a second heating element which, when activated, heats the first evaporation chamber 4 for generating steam.
- the first evaporation chamber 4 has several compartments communicated with one another and with a steam distribution chamber 11 formed in the soleplate 1, and this steam distribution chamber 11 is in turn in communication with the first steam outlet holes 2 located in the first region of the soleplate 1.
- a second evaporation chamber 14 closed at the top by a cover 28 is formed in the soleplate 1. This second evaporation chamber 14 is in communication with the second steam outlet hole 3 located in the second region of the soleplate 1.
- the supply unit 50 includes a water tank 7.
- a main water conduit 8 having a first end connected to the water tank 7 and a second end connected to the first evaporation chamber 4 is included in the mentioned supply cord 30.
- a secondary water conduit 12 having a first end connected to a diversion 13 of the main water conduit 8 located downstream from the first pump 9 and a second end connected to the second evaporation chamber 14.
- the first and second pumps 9, 15 are operated by respective first and second solenoids (not shown).
- This electronic control unit 22 controls the operation of the first and second solenoids through a start/stop pulse sequence.
- the iron 40 further comprises one or more switches connected to the electronic control unit 22 and the switches are actuated by one or more manual controls whereby it is possible to select one steam mode from three steam modes providing different steam flow levels, namely: a "normal steam” mode providing a continuous steam flow, an "extra steam” mode providing an additional steam flow, and a "super steam” mode providing an enhanced additional steam flow.
- the one or more switches of the first, second and third switches 19, 20, 21 installed in the printed circuit board 25 and the one or more manual controls comprise a first manual control 16 actuating the first switch 19, a second manual control 17 actuating the second switch 20 and a third manual control 18 actuating the third switch 21.
- the first manual control 16 is a trigger located on a front lower side of the handle 10 and has a first end connected to the shell 23 by means of a connecting pin 24 and a second end adjacent to the first switch 19, which is a microswitch, for example. Therefore, when the trigger is pressed it pivots around the connecting pin 24 and actuates the first switch 19.
- the second and third manual controls 17, 18 are push buttons located on a front upper side of the handle 10.
- the first switch 19 activates the operation of the first solenoid operating the first pump 9 according to a single start/stop pulse sequence P (shown in Figure 3 ) for providing the continuous steam flow through the one or more first steam outlet holes 2 located in the first region of the soleplate 1 according to the "normal steam" mode.
- the second switch 20 activates, through the electronic control unit 22, the operation of the second solenoid operating the second pump 15 according to a first start/stop pulse sequence PI (shown in Figure 4 ) for providing a first additional steam flow through the one or more second steam outlet holes 3 located in the second region of the soleplate 1 according to the "extra steam" mode.
- PI start/stop pulse sequence
- the third switch 21 activates, through the electronic control unit 22, the operation of the second solenoid operating the second pump 9 according to a second start/stop pulse sequence P2 for providing a second additional steam flow that is greater than the first one through the one or more second steam outlet holes 3 located in the second region of the soleplate 1 according to the "super steam" mode.
- the operation of the solenoid operating the second pump 15 can be activated by means of more than two additional switches or by means of an additional multi-position switch, which allows selecting one pulse sequence from more than two pre-established pulse sequences for providing more than two different additional steam flows through the one or more second steam outlet holes 3.
- the manual controls can include more than two additional manual controls for actuating the more than two additional switches, or a single additional manual control for actuating the additional multi-position switch.
- the one or more additional manual controls can be, for example, one or more push buttons, or one or more capacitive or resistive touch sensors, or one or more optical sensors.
- the iron includes a thermostat-based temperature control device, or an NTC with its TRIAC- or relay-type associated power electronics or the like (not shown) actuated by a manual control (not shown) that allows regulating the temperature of the first electrical resistance 5 heating the soleplate 1.
- a thermostat-based temperature control device or an NTC with its TRIAC- or relay-type associated power electronics or the like (not shown) actuated by a manual control (not shown) that allows regulating the temperature of the first electrical resistance 5 heating the soleplate 1.
- temperature detectors (not shown) connected to the electronic control unit 22 are arranged in the first evaporation chamber 4 and in the soleplate 1 and/or in the second evaporation chamber 14, and the electronic control unit 22 only allows operating the first and second pumps 9, 15 if the temperatures detected in the first evaporation chamber 4 and in the soleplate 1 and/or in the second evaporation chamber 14 are above a predetermined threshold for assuring evaporation of the water.
- the diversion 13 of the main water conduit 8 from where the secondary water conduit 12 takes water to conduct it to the second evaporation chamber 14 is located downstream from the first pump 9, in order to activate the "extra steam” and “super steam” modes provided by the second pump 15, the "normal steam” mode provided by the first pump 9 must also be activated.
- a main power supply unit 29 connected to a power grid through an electric power supply cable 32 is installed in the supply unit 50.
- a secondary power supply unit 31 comprising, for example, a printed circuit board 34, from which electric current is supplied to the first and second electrical resistances 5, 6 and to the electronic control unit 22 from which the first and second electric operating devices of the first and second pumps 9, 15 are powered and controlled.
- the main power supply unit 29 and the secondary power supply unit 31 are connected to one another by an electrical cable 33 included in the supply cord 30.
- the supply cord 30 can be connected to and disconnected from the supply unit 50 by means of a connector 36 including a fluid connector for the main water conduit 8 and an electrical connector for the electrical cable 33.
- FIG. 6 shows an ironing station according to another embodiment of the present invention, which is similar to the one described above in relation to Figure 1 except that the operation of the solenoids operating the first and second pumps 9, 15 is controlled by the electronic control unit 22 through frequency variation instead of through pulses.
- the iron 40 comprises a variable frequency drive (not shown) connected to the electronic control unit 22 and the variable frequency drive is actuated by a manual control that allows regulating a steam flow between a minimum flow level and a maximum flow level in a continuous or step-wise manner.
- the manual control actuating the variable frequency drive is a linear touch sensor 35 located on a front upper side of the handle 10 of the iron 40 such that a user can regulate steam flow by sliding their thumb on the hand gripping the handle 10 along the linear touch sensor 35.
- the linear touch sensor 35 can be capacitive or resistive.
- the manual control actuating the variable frequency drive can be a sliding mechanical control or a linear optical sensor.
- the first and second pumps 9, 15 are operated by respective electric motors (not shown) the operation of which is controlled by the electronic control unit 22 through frequency variation or through voltage variation.
- the iron 40 includes a variable frequency drive connected to the electronic control unit 22, and when the electric motors are controlled by voltage variation the iron 40 includes a voltage variator connected to the electronic control unit 22.
- a manual control such as a sliding mechanical control, or a capacitive or resistive linear touch sensor, or a linear optical sensor preferably located in the handle 10 of the iron 40, which allows regulating a steam flow between a minimum flow level and a maximum flow level in a continuous or step-wise manner.
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Description
- The present invention relates to an ironing station including a steam iron and a supply unit that can be connected to one another by fluid ducts and electrical ducts, and including a device selectively providing at least three steam flow levels through steam outlet holes formed in the soleplate of the iron.
- Steam irons include a soleplate provided with a plurality of steam outlet holes, an evaporation chamber, heating means heating the soleplate for ironing and the evaporation chamber for generating steam, and a water tank, wherein the water is introduced into the evaporation chamber and the generated steam is expelled through the steam outlet holes of the soleplate.
- Given that the water tank installed in the iron has a limited capacity and entails a weight that is added to the weight a user must support when handling the iron while ironing, separating the water tank from the iron and installing it in a stationary supply unit connected to the iron by a supply cord including a water conduit and an electric power supply cable is known. In some cases, the evaporation chamber is installed in the supply unit and the water conduit is replaced with a steam conduit, such that the generated steam is supplied to the iron through the steam conduit. The assembly formed by the iron and the supply unit is known as "ironing station" or "ironing center".
- Patent document
FR 2523164 A1 - Patent document
US 5010664 A describes a steam iron comprising a soleplate provided with a plurality of steam outlet holes, an evaporation chamber partially demarcated by the soleplate, a water tank and a pump supplying water from the water tank to the evaporation chamber through a conduit. The steam is expelled from the evaporation chamber through the steam outlet holes of the soleplate. The pump is operated by an electric operating device, such as a solenoid, which can be activated according to different pulse sequences to provide different steam flow values. - Patent document
FR 2690932 A1 - Patent document
FR 2747403 A1 - Patent document
FR 2785975 A1 - Patent document
FR 2853671 A1 - Patent document
WO 2005080664 A1 discloses a steam iron including a soleplate provided with a plurality of steam outlet holes, a first evaporation chamber partially demarcated by a first region of the soleplate of the iron where there are side steam outlet holes, a second evaporation chamber partially demarcated by a second region of the soleplate of the iron where there are front steam outlet holes, a heater heating the soleplate and the first and second evaporation chambers, a water tank, a manual pump operated by a manual push button and a pressurized water accumulation receptacle. The water flows directly from the water tank to the first evaporation chamber through corresponding passages. Optionally, the water is pumped by the manual pump from the water tank to the pressurized water accumulation receptacle and the pressurized water is injected from the pressurized water accumulation receptacle into the second evaporation chamber through corresponding conduits. - Patent document
WO 2013167692 A1 describes an ironing station comprising a steam iron and a supply unit. The iron includes a soleplate provided with a plurality of steam outlet holes and a supplementary water tank. The supply unit includes a water boiler acting like an evaporation chamber. The steam is conducted through a steam conduit from the boiler to a steam distribution chamber located in the iron in communication with the steam outlet holes of the soleplate. The boiler is at atmospheric pressure so a pump for driving the steam from the boiler to the steam distribution chamber is not necessary, and the passage of steam is controlled by a valve located in the supply unit and controlled by means of a manual push button located in the iron. In the iron there is a first pump manually operated by means of a push button obtaining water from the supplementary water tank located in the iron and conducting it directly to the steam distribution chamber, where the water evaporates upon contact with an inner surface of the soleplate, providing an additional steam function. A second pump manually operated by means of a second push button obtains water from the supplementary water tank located in the iron and conducts it to a front spray nozzle from which the water is sprayed. - The present invention provides an ironing station comprising a steam iron and a supply unit connected to one another by a supply cord. The iron includes a soleplate having a first region in which there are located one or more first steam outlet holes and a second region in which there are located one or more second steam outlet holes, a first evaporation chamber in communication with the first steam outlet holes, and heating means heating the soleplate for ironing and the first evaporation chamber for generating steam. The supply unit includes a water tank.
- A first pump drives water from the water tank to the first evaporation chamber through a main water conduit. A second pump drives the water through a secondary water conduit from a diversion of the main water conduit located downstream from the first pump to a second evaporation chamber which is in communication with the one or more second steam outlet holes.
- In one embodiment, the first pump is installed in the supply unit and the second pump and the diversion are installed in the iron. Alternatively, both first and second pumps could be installed in the supply unit or in the iron, and the diversion could be arranged in the supply unit or between the supply unit and the iron.
- In one embodiment, the first and second pumps are operated by respective first and second solenoids the operation of which is controlled by an electronic control unit through a pulse sequence, and the iron comprises one or more switches connected to the electronic control unit and actuated by one or more manual controls that allow selecting water flow rates towards the first and second evaporation chambers provided by said first and second pumps and obtaining different corresponding steam flows, i.e., operating the iron in a steam mode chosen from three or more pre-established steam modes.
- Preferably, the one or more switches comprise a first switch activating the operation of the first solenoid operating the first pump according to a single pulse sequence for providing a continuous steam flow through the one or more first steam outlet holes, and an additional multi-position switch or a plurality of additional switches activating the operation of the second solenoid operating the second pump according to multiple pulse sequences for providing different multiple additional steam flows through the one or more second steam outlet holes.
- The one or more manual controls can comprise, for example, a first manual control actuating the first switch, and one or more additional manual controls actuating the additional multi-position switch or the additional switches. The first manual control and the one or more additional manual controls are preferably located in a handle of the iron. In one embodiment, the iron includes a plastic shell fixed to the soleplate, and this shell defines the handle. In this case, the first manual control is a trigger, for example, located on a front lower side of the handle and the one or more manual controls are one or more push buttons or one or more capacitive or resistive touch sensors or one or more optical sensors located on a front upper side of the handle.
- In another embodiment, the first and second pumps are operated by respective solenoids or electric motors the operation of which is controlled by an electronic control unit through frequency variation, and the iron comprises at least one variable frequency drive connected to the electronic control unit and actuated by a manual control that allows regulating a steam flow between a minimum flow level and a maximum flow level in a continuous or step-wise manner.
- In yet another embodiment, the first and second pumps are operated by respective electric motors the operation of which is controlled by an electronic control unit through voltage variation, and the iron comprises at least one voltage variator connected to the electronic control unit and actuated by a manual control that allows regulating a steam flow between a minimum flow level and a maximum flow level in a continuous or step-wise manner.
- In any of these last two embodiments, the manual control is a sliding mechanical control or a linear touch sensor or a linear optical sensor located in a handle of the iron. The linear touch sensor can be capacitive or resistive. Optionally, the iron includes a plastic shell fixed to the soleplate, the handle is defined by the shell, and the sliding mechanical control or the linear touch sensor or the linear optical sensor is located on a front upper side of the handle.
- A linear touch sensor can be capacitive or resistive, and can comprise, for example, an elongated touch-sensitive surface provided with first and second opposite ends, and calibrated such that it gives a 0% response when the first end is touched, a 100% response when the second end is touched, and a 0%-100% response when an intermediate point is touched, this 0%-100% response being proportional to the distance from the point touched to the first end.
- A linear optical sensor can comprise, for example, a plurality of optical sensors adjacent to and aligned with one another, protected by a transparent cover, and calibrated such that it gives a 0% response when light is allowed to reach all the optical sensors, a 100% response when light is prevented from reaching each and every one of the optical sensors, and a 0%-100% response when light is allowed to reach only some of the optical sensors, this 0%-100% response being proportional to the number of optical sensors prevented from receiving light.
- In one embodiment, the first evaporation chamber is separated from the soleplate and the second evaporation chamber is partially formed by the soleplate. Preferably, the heating means comprise a first heating element heating the soleplate and a second heating element heating the first evaporation chamber. For example, the first heating element comprises a first electrical resistance embedded in the soleplate and the second heating element comprises a second electrical resistance embedded in the first evaporation chamber.
- Optionally, the iron includes a thermostat actuated by a manual control that allows regulating the temperature of the first heating element. The electronic control unit only allows operating the first and second pumps if the temperatures of the first evaporation chamber and of the soleplate and/or of the second evaporation chamber are above a predetermined threshold assuring evaporation of the water. In one embodiment, the soleplate has an inner surface separated from the first evaporation chamber by an empty space.
- The foregoing and other features and advantages will be better understood based on the following merely illustrative and non-limiting detailed description of several embodiments in reference to the attached drawings, in which:
-
Figure 1 is a schematic side view of an ironing station according to one embodiment of the present invention; -
Figure 2 is a schematic top view of a soleplate of a steam iron that is part of the ironing station ofFigure 1 ; -
Figure 3 is a voltage/time diagram of a pulse sequence according to which a first pump included in the ironing station works; -
Figure 4 and 5 are voltage/time diagrams of first and second pulse sequences, respectively, according to which a second pump included in the ironing station can selectively work; and -
Figure 6 is a schematic side view of an ironing station according to another embodiment of the present invention. - First in reference to
Figure 1 , there is shown an ironing station according to one embodiment of the present invention, which comprises asteam iron 40 and asupply unit 50 connected to one another by asupply cord 30. - The
iron 40 comprises ametal soleplate 1 and aplastic shell 23 fixed to thesoleplate 1. Theshell 23 defines ahandle 10 by means of which theiron 40 can be gripped and handled. - The
soleplate 1, schematically shown inFigure 2 , has a plurality of first steam outlet holes 2 located in a first region of thesoleplate 1 and a secondsteam outlet hole 3 located in a second region of thesoleplate 1. Variations in the number and arrangement of the first steam outlet holes and second steam outlet holes 2, 3 and in the location and extent of the first and second regions of thesoleplate 1 are within the scope of the present invention. - The
shell 23 of theiron 40 houses afirst evaporation chamber 4 comprising abody 26 and acover 27. Thebody 26 is fixed to thesoleplate 1 such that there is agap 25 between thefirst evaporation chamber 4 and an inner surface of thesoleplate 1. There is embedded in the soleplate 1 a firstelectrical resistance 5 constituting a first heating element which, when activated, heats thesoleplate 1 for ironing, and there is embedded in thebody 26 of the first evaporation chamber 4 a secondelectrical resistance 6 constituting a second heating element which, when activated, heats thefirst evaporation chamber 4 for generating steam. - The
first evaporation chamber 4 has several compartments communicated with one another and with asteam distribution chamber 11 formed in thesoleplate 1, and thissteam distribution chamber 11 is in turn in communication with the first steam outlet holes 2 located in the first region of thesoleplate 1. Asecond evaporation chamber 14 closed at the top by acover 28 is formed in thesoleplate 1. Thissecond evaporation chamber 14 is in communication with the secondsteam outlet hole 3 located in the second region of thesoleplate 1. - The
supply unit 50 includes awater tank 7. Amain water conduit 8 having a first end connected to thewater tank 7 and a second end connected to thefirst evaporation chamber 4 is included in the mentionedsupply cord 30. Afirst pump 9, which is housed in thesupply unit 50, is interposed in themain water conduit 8. Therefore, the water in thewater tank 7 is supplied to thefirst evaporation chamber 4 through themain water conduit 8 driven by thefirst pump 9, and the steam generated in thefirst evaporation chamber 4 is supplied to thesteam distribution chamber 11, from where it is expelled through the first steam outlet holes 2 located in the first region of thesoleplate 1. - Inside the
shell 23 of theiron 40 there is asecondary water conduit 12 having a first end connected to adiversion 13 of themain water conduit 8 located downstream from thefirst pump 9 and a second end connected to thesecond evaporation chamber 14. Asecond pump 15, which is housed in theshell 23 of theiron 40, is interposed in thesecondary water conduit 12. Therefore, the water in thewater tank 7 is supplied to thesecond evaporation chamber 14 through thesecondary water conduit 12 driven by thesecond pump 15, and the steam generated in thesecond evaporation chamber 14 is expelled through the secondsteam outlet hole 3 located in the second region of thesoleplate 1. - The first and
second pumps electronic control unit 22, which is installed, for example, in a printedcircuit board 25, to which the first and second solenoids are connected, is housed in theshell 23. Thiselectronic control unit 22 controls the operation of the first and second solenoids through a start/stop pulse sequence. Theiron 40 further comprises one or more switches connected to theelectronic control unit 22 and the switches are actuated by one or more manual controls whereby it is possible to select one steam mode from three steam modes providing different steam flow levels, namely: a "normal steam" mode providing a continuous steam flow, an "extra steam" mode providing an additional steam flow, and a "super steam" mode providing an enhanced additional steam flow. - In the embodiment illustrated in
Figure 1 , the one or more switches of the first, second andthird switches circuit board 25 and the one or more manual controls comprise a firstmanual control 16 actuating thefirst switch 19, a secondmanual control 17 actuating thesecond switch 20 and a thirdmanual control 18 actuating thethird switch 21. The firstmanual control 16 is a trigger located on a front lower side of thehandle 10 and has a first end connected to theshell 23 by means of a connectingpin 24 and a second end adjacent to thefirst switch 19, which is a microswitch, for example. Therefore, when the trigger is pressed it pivots around the connectingpin 24 and actuates thefirst switch 19. The second and third manual controls 17, 18 are push buttons located on a front upper side of thehandle 10. - The
first switch 19 activates the operation of the first solenoid operating thefirst pump 9 according to a single start/stop pulse sequence P (shown inFigure 3 ) for providing the continuous steam flow through the one or more first steam outlet holes 2 located in the first region of thesoleplate 1 according to the "normal steam" mode. - The
second switch 20 activates, through theelectronic control unit 22, the operation of the second solenoid operating thesecond pump 15 according to a first start/stop pulse sequence PI (shown inFigure 4 ) for providing a first additional steam flow through the one or more second steam outlet holes 3 located in the second region of thesoleplate 1 according to the "extra steam" mode. - The
third switch 21 activates, through theelectronic control unit 22, the operation of the second solenoid operating thesecond pump 9 according to a second start/stop pulse sequence P2 for providing a second additional steam flow that is greater than the first one through the one or more second steam outlet holes 3 located in the second region of thesoleplate 1 according to the "super steam" mode. - This embodiment allows for multiple variants. For example, the operation of the solenoid operating the
second pump 15 can be activated by means of more than two additional switches or by means of an additional multi-position switch, which allows selecting one pulse sequence from more than two pre-established pulse sequences for providing more than two different additional steam flows through the one or more second steam outlet holes 3. Accordingly, the manual controls can include more than two additional manual controls for actuating the more than two additional switches, or a single additional manual control for actuating the additional multi-position switch. The one or more additional manual controls can be, for example, one or more push buttons, or one or more capacitive or resistive touch sensors, or one or more optical sensors. - As is conventional, the iron includes a thermostat-based temperature control device, or an NTC with its TRIAC- or relay-type associated power electronics or the like (not shown) actuated by a manual control (not shown) that allows regulating the temperature of the first
electrical resistance 5 heating thesoleplate 1. Given that thesecond evaporation chamber 14 is integrated in thesoleplate 1 and is heated by the same firstelectrical resistance 5 heating the soleplate, in order to activate the "extra steam" and "super steam" modes, thesoleplate 1 must be heated to a relatively high temperature to evaporate the water in thesecond evaporation chamber 14. - Preferably, temperature detectors (not shown) connected to the
electronic control unit 22 are arranged in thefirst evaporation chamber 4 and in thesoleplate 1 and/or in thesecond evaporation chamber 14, and theelectronic control unit 22 only allows operating the first andsecond pumps first evaporation chamber 4 and in thesoleplate 1 and/or in thesecond evaporation chamber 14 are above a predetermined threshold for assuring evaporation of the water. - Likewise, given that the
diversion 13 of themain water conduit 8 from where thesecondary water conduit 12 takes water to conduct it to thesecond evaporation chamber 14 is located downstream from thefirst pump 9, in order to activate the "extra steam" and "super steam" modes provided by thesecond pump 15, the "normal steam" mode provided by thefirst pump 9 must also be activated. - A main
power supply unit 29 connected to a power grid through an electricpower supply cable 32 is installed in thesupply unit 50. Inside theshell 23 of theiron 40 there is a secondarypower supply unit 31 comprising, for example, a printedcircuit board 34, from which electric current is supplied to the first and secondelectrical resistances electronic control unit 22 from which the first and second electric operating devices of the first andsecond pumps power supply unit 29 and the secondarypower supply unit 31 are connected to one another by anelectrical cable 33 included in thesupply cord 30. - The
supply cord 30 can be connected to and disconnected from thesupply unit 50 by means of aconnector 36 including a fluid connector for themain water conduit 8 and an electrical connector for theelectrical cable 33. -
Figure 6 shows an ironing station according to another embodiment of the present invention, which is similar to the one described above in relation toFigure 1 except that the operation of the solenoids operating the first andsecond pumps electronic control unit 22 through frequency variation instead of through pulses. To that end, theiron 40 comprises a variable frequency drive (not shown) connected to theelectronic control unit 22 and the variable frequency drive is actuated by a manual control that allows regulating a steam flow between a minimum flow level and a maximum flow level in a continuous or step-wise manner. - In
Figure 6 , the manual control actuating the variable frequency drive is alinear touch sensor 35 located on a front upper side of thehandle 10 of theiron 40 such that a user can regulate steam flow by sliding their thumb on the hand gripping thehandle 10 along thelinear touch sensor 35. Thelinear touch sensor 35 can be capacitive or resistive. Alternatively, the manual control actuating the variable frequency drive can be a sliding mechanical control or a linear optical sensor. - According to an embodiment variant shown in
Figure 6 , the first andsecond pumps electronic control unit 22 through frequency variation or through voltage variation. When the electric motors are controlled by frequency variation theiron 40 includes a variable frequency drive connected to theelectronic control unit 22, and when the electric motors are controlled by voltage variation theiron 40 includes a voltage variator connected to theelectronic control unit 22. In both cases, whether it is the variable frequency drive or the voltage variator, it is actuated by a manual control, such as a sliding mechanical control, or a capacitive or resistive linear touch sensor, or a linear optical sensor preferably located in thehandle 10 of theiron 40, which allows regulating a steam flow between a minimum flow level and a maximum flow level in a continuous or step-wise manner.
Claims (16)
- An ironing station with various steam levels comprising a steam iron (40) and a supply unit (50) connected to one another by a supply cord (30), wherein the iron (40) includes:a soleplate (1) provided with one or more first steam outlet holes (2) located in a first region of the soleplate (1) and one or more second steam outlet holes (3) located in a second region of the soleplate (1);a first evaporation chamber (4) in communication with the first steam outlet holes (2);heating means heating the soleplate (1) for ironing and the first evaporation chamber (4) for generating steam;wherein the supply unit (50) includes a water tank (7);and wherein the water in the water tank (7) is supplied to the first evaporation chamber (4) through a main water conduit (8) driven by a first pump (9),characterized in that the iron (40) includes:a second evaporation chamber (14) which is in communication with the one or more second steam outlet holes (3); anda second pump (15) driving the water through a secondary water conduit (12) from a diversion (13) of the main water conduit (8) located downstream from the first pump (9) to the second evaporation chamber (14).
- The ironing station according to claim 1, wherein the first and second pumps (9, 15) are operated by respective first and second solenoids the operation of which is controlled by an electronic control unit (22) through a pulse sequence, and the iron (40) comprises one or more switches connected to the electronic control unit (22) and actuated by one or more manual controls that allow selecting one steam mode from three or more pre-established steam modes providing different steam flow levels.
- The ironing station according to claim 1, wherein the first and second pumps (9, 15) are operated by respective solenoids or electric motors the operation of which is controlled by an electronic control unit (22) through frequency variation, and wherein the iron (40) comprises at least one variable frequency drive connected to the electronic control unit (22) and actuated by a manual control that allows regulating a steam flow between a minimum flow level and a maximum flow level in a continuous or step-wise manner.
- The ironing station according to claim 1, wherein the first and second pumps (9, 15) are operated by respective electric motors the operation of which is controlled by an electronic control unit (22) through voltage variation, and wherein the iron (40) comprises at least one voltage variator connected to the electronic control unit (22) and actuated by a manual control that allows regulating a steam flow between a minimum flow level and a maximum flow level in a continuous or step-wise manner.
- The ironing station according to claim 2, wherein the one or more switches comprise a first switch (19) activating the operation of the first solenoid operating the first pump (9) according to a single pulse sequence (P) for providing a continuous steam flow through the one or more first steam outlet holes (2), and an additional multi-position switch or a plurality of additional switches (20, 21) activating the operation of the second solenoid operating the second pump (15) according to multiple pulse sequences (P1, P2) for providing different multiple additional steam flows through the one or more second steam outlet holes (3).
- The ironing station according to claim 5, wherein the one or more manual controls comprise a first manual control (16) actuating the first switch (19), and one or more additional manual controls (17, 18) actuating the additional multi-position switch or the additional switches (20, 21), the first manual control (16) and the one or more additional manual controls (16, 17, 18) being located in a handle (10) of the iron (40).
- The ironing station according to claim 6, wherein the iron (40) includes a plastic shell (23) fixed to the soleplate (1), the shell (23) defines the handle (10), and the first manual control (16) is a trigger located on a front lower side of the handle (10), and the one or more manual controls (17, 18) are one or more push buttons or one or more capacitive or resistive touch sensors or one or more optical sensors located on a front upper side of the handle (10).
- The ironing station according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the manual control is a sliding mechanical control, or a capacitive or resistive linear touch sensor (35), or a linear optical sensor located in a handle (10) of the iron (40).
- The ironing station according to claim 8, wherein the iron (40) includes a plastic shell (23) fixed to the soleplate (1), the shell (23) defines the handle (10), and the sliding mechanical control or the capacitive or resistive linear touch sensor (35) or the linear optical sensor is located on a front upper side of the handle (10).
- The ironing station according to claim 1, wherein the first evaporation chamber (4) is separated from the soleplate (1) and the second evaporation chamber (14) is partially formed by the soleplate (1).
- The ironing station according to claim 10, wherein the heating means comprise a first heating element heating the soleplate (1) and a second heating element heating the first evaporation chamber (4).
- The ironing station according to claim 11, wherein the first heating element comprises a first electrical resistance (5) embedded in the soleplate (1) and the second heating element comprises a second electrical resistance (6) embedded in the first evaporation chamber (4).
- The ironing station according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the iron (40) includes a thermostat actuated by a manual control that allows regulating the temperature of the first heating element.
- The ironing station according to claim 11, 12 or 13, wherein the soleplate (1) has an inner surface separated from the first evaporation chamber (4).
- The ironing station according to claim 1, wherein the first pump (9) is installed in the supply unit (50) and the second pump (15) and the diversion (13) are installed in the iron (40).
- The ironing station according to claim 1, wherein the first evaporation chamber (4) is in communication with a steam distribution chamber (11) located in the soleplate (1), which is in communication with the one or more first steam outlet holes (2).
Priority Applications (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
ES16382337T ES2715125T3 (en) | 2016-07-15 | 2016-07-15 | Ironing station with various steam levels |
EP16382337.0A EP3269873B1 (en) | 2016-07-15 | 2016-07-15 | Ironing station with various steam levels |
RU2017124599A RU2667136C1 (en) | 2016-07-15 | 2017-07-11 | Ironing station with different steam levels |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP16382337.0A EP3269873B1 (en) | 2016-07-15 | 2016-07-15 | Ironing station with various steam levels |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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EP3269873A1 EP3269873A1 (en) | 2018-01-17 |
EP3269873B1 true EP3269873B1 (en) | 2018-12-12 |
Family
ID=56740988
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Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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EP16382337.0A Not-in-force EP3269873B1 (en) | 2016-07-15 | 2016-07-15 | Ironing station with various steam levels |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
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EP (1) | EP3269873B1 (en) |
ES (1) | ES2715125T3 (en) |
RU (1) | RU2667136C1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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CN108149461B (en) * | 2018-03-09 | 2023-10-27 | 广东美的环境电器制造有限公司 | Steaming device |
DE102020131329A1 (en) * | 2020-11-26 | 2022-06-02 | Miele & Cie. Kg | Steam ironing device and method of its operation |
Family Cites Families (12)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
FR2523164A1 (en) | 1982-03-12 | 1983-09-16 | Seb Sa | Manual steam iron with separate heater for steam generation - so that sole plate may run cool enough to smooth heat sensitive fabrics |
US5010664A (en) | 1988-11-18 | 1991-04-30 | Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. | Steam iron having a solenoid driven pump and heated evaporation chamber for providing steam and operable for further providing extra steam at specified intervals |
DE4133295A1 (en) * | 1991-10-08 | 1993-04-15 | Braun Ag | Steam iron - has spraying unit with second evapn. chamber to permit goods to be sprayed with additional steam current |
DE4214564C1 (en) | 1992-05-08 | 1993-09-02 | Rowenta-Werke Gmbh, 6050 Offenbach, De | |
DE19614511C1 (en) | 1996-04-12 | 1997-01-23 | Rowenta Werke Gmbh | Steam iron station |
FR2785975B1 (en) | 1998-11-17 | 2001-02-02 | Seb Sa | FAST PURGE STEAM GENERATOR |
EP1613806A1 (en) * | 2003-03-25 | 2006-01-11 | Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. | Steam ironing device |
FR2853671B1 (en) | 2003-04-14 | 2005-09-16 | Kai Tung Augustine Fung | IRON IRON WITH STEAM GENERATOR |
WO2005080664A1 (en) | 2004-01-29 | 2005-09-01 | Euro-Pro Operating, Llc | Steam iron fitted with an extra steam chamber |
DE102005062641A1 (en) * | 2005-12-23 | 2007-07-05 | Braun Gmbh | Iron |
ES2350144B1 (en) * | 2008-07-30 | 2011-11-16 | Bsh Krainel, S.A | STEAM IRONING SOLE AND STEAM IRONING DEVICE |
ITGE20120050A1 (en) | 2012-05-10 | 2013-11-11 | Longhi Appliances S R L Divi Sione Commerci De | "IRONING SYSTEM WITH IRON IRON PROVIDED WITH ADDITIONAL WATER TANK" |
-
2016
- 2016-07-15 EP EP16382337.0A patent/EP3269873B1/en not_active Not-in-force
- 2016-07-15 ES ES16382337T patent/ES2715125T3/en active Active
-
2017
- 2017-07-11 RU RU2017124599A patent/RU2667136C1/en active
Non-Patent Citations (1)
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RU2667136C1 (en) | 2018-09-14 |
EP3269873A1 (en) | 2018-01-17 |
ES2715125T3 (en) | 2019-05-31 |
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