EP3418440B1 - Laundry treating apparatus comprising a flash steam generator - Google Patents

Laundry treating apparatus comprising a flash steam generator Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3418440B1
EP3418440B1 EP18177132.0A EP18177132A EP3418440B1 EP 3418440 B1 EP3418440 B1 EP 3418440B1 EP 18177132 A EP18177132 A EP 18177132A EP 3418440 B1 EP3418440 B1 EP 3418440B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
spray channel
appliance according
steam
water
channel
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EP18177132.0A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP3418440A1 (en
Inventor
Dominique Gelus
Thomas GHERBEZZA
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SEB SA
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SEB SA
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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F22—STEAM GENERATION
    • F22B—METHODS OF STEAM GENERATION; STEAM BOILERS
    • F22B1/00—Methods of steam generation characterised by form of heating method
    • F22B1/28—Methods of steam generation characterised by form of heating method in boilers heated electrically
    • F22B1/282—Methods of steam generation characterised by form of heating method in boilers heated electrically with water or steam circulating in tubes or ducts
    • 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
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24H—FLUID HEATERS, e.g. WATER OR AIR HEATERS, HAVING HEAT-GENERATING MEANS, e.g. HEAT PUMPS, IN GENERAL
    • F24H1/00—Water heaters, e.g. boilers, continuous-flow heaters or water-storage heaters
    • F24H1/0072—Special adaptations
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24H—FLUID HEATERS, e.g. WATER OR AIR HEATERS, HAVING HEAT-GENERATING MEANS, e.g. HEAT PUMPS, IN GENERAL
    • F24H1/00—Water heaters, e.g. boilers, continuous-flow heaters or water-storage heaters
    • F24H1/10—Continuous-flow heaters, i.e. heaters in which heat is generated only while the water is flowing, e.g. with direct contact of the water with the heating medium
    • F24H1/12—Continuous-flow heaters, i.e. heaters in which heat is generated only while the water is flowing, e.g. with direct contact of the water with the heating medium in which the water is kept separate from the heating medium
    • F24H1/14—Continuous-flow heaters, i.e. heaters in which heat is generated only while the water is flowing, e.g. with direct contact of the water with the heating medium in which the water is kept separate from the heating medium by tubes, e.g. bent in serpentine form
    • F24H1/16—Continuous-flow heaters, i.e. heaters in which heat is generated only while the water is flowing, e.g. with direct contact of the water with the heating medium in which the water is kept separate from the heating medium by tubes, e.g. bent in serpentine form helically or spirally coiled
    • F24H1/162—Continuous-flow heaters, i.e. heaters in which heat is generated only while the water is flowing, e.g. with direct contact of the water with the heating medium in which the water is kept separate from the heating medium by tubes, e.g. bent in serpentine form helically or spirally coiled using electrical energy supply
    • 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
    • D06F75/18—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 the water being fed slowly, e.g. drop by drop, from the reservoir to a steam generator

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to the field of apparatus for steaming laundry comprising a steam generator with instantaneous vaporization comprising a vaporization channel and an injection orifice in the vaporization channel, the vaporization channel comprising an end communicating with a steam distribution circuit having a steam outlet hole making it possible to diffuse the steam outside the appliance.
  • an iron comprising an instantaneous vaporization steam generator constituted by a spiral-shaped vaporization channel, this vaporization channel having a first end at which water is injected by means of a pump and a second end connected to a steam distribution circuit supplying steam outlet holes made on the soleplate of the iron.
  • the pump is controlled by means of a button located on the handle of the iron and steam is produced on demand, when the user actuates the button.
  • An iron equipped with such an instant vaporization steam generator has the advantage of being simpler and more economical to produce than the irons usually equipped with a tub for the generation of pressurized steam, while allowing the production continuous steam with a high flow rate.
  • an iron comprising a vaporization channel, means for heating the vaporization channel, and an orifice for injecting water into the vaporization channel, the vaporization channel comprising an end communicating with a vapor distribution circuit with steam outlet holes allowing the steam to be diffused outside the appliance.
  • an iron equipped with such a vaporization channel has the drawback of continuing to let steam out through the holes in the soleplate. several seconds after stopping the pump, which is badly perceived by the user and can lead to burns of the latter.
  • part of the water previously injected by the high pressure pump vaporizes rapidly in the vaporization channel and a small part of water accumulates in the circuit without being immediately vaporized. so that the steam escapes only slowly from the steam outlet holes since the steam is present in the vaporization channel and in the distribution circuit is then no longer immediately expelled from the iron by the production of a new flow of steam.
  • the invention which follows aims to overcome these drawbacks by proposing in particular an apparatus provided with an instantaneous vaporization steam generator in which the phenomenon of inertia of the vapor diffusion when the water injection is stopped is reduced. .
  • a domestic household appliance in particular for treating linen, comprising a steam generator comprising a vaporization channel, means for heating the vaporization channel and means for injecting water into the vaporizer channel.
  • the vaporization channel comprising at least one injection orifice opening into the vaporization channel, the vaporization channel comprising one end communicating with a vapor distribution circuit having at least one vapor outlet hole making it possible to diffuse the vapor to the 'exterior of the apparatus, characterized in that the vaporization channel comprises a blind part extending upstream of the injection orifice, the blind part forming an impasse in which air is trapped when the water is injected into the vaporization channel through the injection orifice.
  • Such a blind part of the vaporization channel, located upstream of the water injection orifice has the advantage of containing an air pocket which remains trapped in the vaporization channel during the steam generation process, this the latter taking place downstream of the water injection orifice, in the vaporization channel.
  • the air trapped in the blind part increases in pressure under the effect of heat and, when the injection of water into the vaporization channel is stopped, the steam present in the vaporization channel is expelled rapidly outside the device by the pressurized air stored upstream of the water injection orifice.
  • the blind part of the vaporization channel has a length greater than 5 cm.
  • This characteristic makes it possible to obtain a large volume of air trapped in the blind part of the vaporization channel and therefore to increase the expulsion effect of the steam by pressurized air.
  • the vaporization channel extends over a total length greater than 50 cm and advantageously has a spiral shape.
  • the blind part of the vaporization channel represents at least 10% of the total length of the vaporization channel.
  • the vaporization channel has a passage section of less than 50 mm 2 and preferably of the order of 25 mm 2 .
  • Such a characteristic makes it possible to reduce the volume of the vaporization channel and therefore the time taken for the vapor to leave the vapor generator. Such a characteristic also makes it possible to increase the speed of the flow of steam in the steam generator. A very low latency time is thus obtained between the moment when water is injected into the vaporization channel through the injection orifice and the moment when the vapor exits through the vapor outlet (s). .
  • the passage section of the vaporization channel is substantially constant.
  • Such a characteristic makes it possible to obtain a steam flow having a substantially constant speed in the steam generator.
  • the means for injecting water into the vaporization channel comprise a pump, advantageously electric.
  • Such a characteristic makes it possible to obtain a regular flow of water for the production of a substantially constant continuous flow of steam.
  • the use of an electric pump also makes it possible to inject pressurized water into the vaporization channel to obtain a greater flow of vapor.
  • the means for injecting the water comprise a flexible tube which provides a hydraulic connection between the pump and the injection orifice, the tube having a wall thickness adapted so that the passage section of the tube does not increase by more than 2% when it is subjected to the pressure of the liquid sent by the pump.
  • Such a characteristic makes it possible to prevent a significant additional volume of water, for example greater than 0.5 ml, from being injected into the vaporization channel when the pump is stopped, during the natural retraction of the tube after its elastic deformation under the effect of the pressure of the fluid.
  • the means for injecting water into the vaporization channel comprise a water reservoir.
  • the means for heating the vaporization channel comprise an electrical resistance with a power advantageously greater than 2000 W and preferably of the order of 2800 W.
  • Such a characteristic makes it possible to quickly heat the vaporization channel and to obtain a continuous vapor flow rate greater than 50 g / min.
  • the vaporization channel is provided in a heating body, advantageously produced by an aluminum foundry, which contains the electrical resistance.
  • the electrical resistance has a shape which follows the path of the vaporization channel.
  • Such a characteristic makes it possible to heat the vaporization channel in a homogeneous manner for optimized performance.
  • the blind part extends in the vicinity of the electrical resistance.
  • Such a characteristic allows a greater heating of the air present in the blind part and therefore a greater pressurization of the air.
  • the heating body is placed in an iron and has a lower face in thermal contact with a sole provided with steam outlet holes, the vaporization channel being provided on an upper face of the heating body.
  • the apparatus comprises a water tank carried by a base connected by a cord to the iron.
  • the apparatus comprises a device for the treatment of water prior to its injection into the steam generator in order to avoid the formation of scale, such as a resin exchange cassette of ions or a device for injecting a scale inhibiting agent, such as a polyphosphate compound.
  • a device for the treatment of water prior to its injection into the steam generator in order to avoid the formation of scale such as a resin exchange cassette of ions or a device for injecting a scale inhibiting agent, such as a polyphosphate compound.
  • the figure 1 shows an iron 1 comprising an ironing sole 2, flat, provided with steam outlet holes 20, the sole 2 being surmounted by a plastic housing 10 comprising a gripping handle 11.
  • the iron 1 is connected by a cord 3 to a base (not shown in the figure) containing a reservoir and an electric pump, of the solenoid type, the operation of which is controlled by a trigger 12 arranged on the gripping handle 11 iron, the actuation of the trigger 12 making it possible to send water from the reservoir through the bead 3 under a pressure of the order of 5 to 6 bars, in the direction of the iron 1.
  • the bead 3 is made in a flexible tube, the wall thickness of which is adapted so that the passage section of the tube does not increase by more than 2% when it is subjected to the water pressure sent by the pump.
  • the tube could be made of EPDM (ethylene-propylene-diene monomer) material and have a thickness of 3 mm for an internal diameter of 2 mm.
  • the EPDM tube could be reinforced with glass fibers or with an external textile.
  • the housing 10 contains a heating body 4 which is in thermal contact with the sole 2, the heating body 4 comprising an aluminum foundry having a mass of the order of 300 g and containing a shielded electrical resistance 40 with a power of around 2800W.
  • the electrical resistance 40 advantageously extends in a spiral shape and has a first end 40A which opens out substantially horizontally at the rear of the heating body 4 and a second end 40 B which opens out substantially vertically at the center of the sole 2, the power supply to the electric resistance 40 being regulated in a manner known per se by means of a thermostat, not shown in the figures, this thermostat possibly being constituted by an electromechanical assembly or by an electronic thermostat of the CTN probe type associated with an electronic module , and fixed on a stud 47.
  • the heating body 4 comprises a steam generator consisting of a spiral-shaped vaporization channel 41 which is closed in its upper part by a closure plate 42 attached to the heating body 4, the closure plate 42 being provided with a injection port 43 to which is connected cord 3.
  • the vaporization channel 41 comprises a first end 41A, called open, advantageously located near the front end of the heating body 4, this open end 41A communicating with a steam distribution circuit via a steam outlet orifice 45, visible on the figure 3 , provided in the closure plate 42.
  • the steam distribution circuit ensures the diffusion of steam in the direction of the steam outlet holes 20 of the sole 2 and for this purpose comprises a connecting duct 5 which connects the orifice 45 with a pipe 44 which passes vertically through the body.
  • heater 4 to open out at the level of a vapor diffusion chamber 46 formed on the underside of the heating body, the vapor diffusion chamber 46 supplying, in a manner known per se, the vapor outlet holes 20 of the sole.
  • the vaporization channel 41 has a closed end 41B through which the vapor cannot escape and the injection orifice 43 opens into the vaporization channel 41 at an injection point. A which is distant from the closed end 41B.
  • blind part 41C is non-opening and forms a dead end in which an air pocket is trapped when water is injected into the vaporization channel 41 through the injection orifice 43, this air being pressurized by the rise in pressure. vapor pressure which occurs during the vaporization of water in the vaporization channel 41 due to the small passage section and the large length of the vaporization channel 41.
  • the closed end 41B of the vaporization channel 41 is advantageously located in the immediate vicinity of the electrical resistance 40 so that the blind part 41C of the vaporization channel 41 is subjected to strong heating by the electrical resistance 40.
  • the closed end 41B of the vaporization channel 41 is located near the center of the sole 2, at the foot of the second end 40B of the electrical resistance 40, and the vaporization channel 41 extends in a spiral, forming three successive loops matching the shape of the contour of the sole 2.
  • the vaporization channel 41 has a length greater than 50 cm and the blind part 41C of the vaporization channel 41 has a length of at least 5 cm, the passage section of the vaporization channel 41 being advantageously less than 50 mm 2 .
  • the vaporization channel 41 has a length of the order of 90 cm and has a passage section of 25 mm 2 , this passage section advantageously having the shape of a square with a side of 5 mm.
  • the steam generator When the appliance is started up, the steam generator is cold and the thermostat controls the switching on of the heating resistor 40, an indicator then possibly being on on the appliance to signal the heating phase to the user.
  • the user can press the trigger 12 of the iron 1 to start the pump and therefore the injection of water into the vaporization channel 41 by the 'injection orifice 43.
  • the injected water is then immediately vaporized thanks to the thermal energy stored in the aluminum mass of the heating body 4.
  • the vapor produced cannot s 'escape in the direction of the blind part 41C of the vaporization channel 41 due to the fact that the vaporization channel 41 does not open out at the level of the closed end 41B and the presence of air in the blind part 41C.
  • the vapor produced therefore escapes instantly in the direction of the vapor distribution circuit, due to the small passage section of the vaporization channel 41, then through the vapor outlet holes 20 of the sole 2.
  • the air which is in the blind part 41C is heated during the initial heating phase before the injection of water and it is compressed during the vaporization phase by the vapor which increases in pressure in the vaporization channel 41.
  • the injection of water in the vaporization channel 41 is interrupted and the vapor, as well as the residual water in the vaporization channel 41, is expelled into the dry and overheated zones of the vaporization channel 41, then in the direction of the outlet holes of the vaporizer.
  • the iron provided with such a steam generator therefore has the advantage of having a reduced steam inertia when the pump is stopped, while having very good vaporization performance, such an iron making it possible to obtain a continuous steam flow of 50 g / min.
  • the vaporization channel may include a safety valve advantageously carried by the closing cover, and for example calibrated at 8 bars, to prevent the pressure in the vaporization channel from being excessive and risk of damaging the iron, especially in the event of excessive scaling of the steam distribution circuit.
  • the iron may have several water injection orifices distributed along the vaporization channel to increase the capacity of the steam generator to rapidly vaporize a large quantity of water.
  • the sole of the iron may include two separate vaporization channels, one of the vaporization channels being provided to produce continuous steam with a flow rate of 50 g / min, the other of the vaporization channels being intended to achieve pulses of steam for 5 seconds with a flow rate of more than 70 g / min.
  • these channels could have a passage section of 9 mm 2 , with a square section of 3 mm side, and each be supplied by a separate pump, each of these channels advantageously having a blind part upstream.
  • the injection port in which air is trapped when water is injected into the vaporization channel.
  • the two vaporization channels will be nested one inside the other to present greater compactness.
  • the water tank may advantageously contain a device for the treatment of water making it possible to avoid the formation of scale, such as an ion exchange resin cassette or a device ensuring the diffusion of a limestone inhibitor agent, for example a compound of the family of polyphosphates.
  • a device for the treatment of water making it possible to avoid the formation of scale
  • a device for the treatment of water making it possible to avoid the formation of scale
  • a device for the treatment of water making it possible to avoid the formation of scale
  • a device for the treatment of water making it possible to avoid the formation of scale such as an ion exchange resin cassette or a device ensuring the diffusion of a limestone inhibitor agent, for example a compound of the family of polyphosphates.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Textile Engineering (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Sustainable Development (AREA)
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Description

La présente invention concerne le domaine des appareils pour le traitement du linge à la vapeur comportant un générateur de vapeur à vaporisation instantanée comprenant un canal de vaporisation et un orifice d'injection dans le canal de vaporisation, le canal de vaporisation comprenant une extrémité communiquant avec un circuit de distribution de vapeur présentant un trou de sortie de vapeur permettant de diffuser la vapeur à l'extérieur de l'appareil.The present invention relates to the field of apparatus for steaming laundry comprising a steam generator with instantaneous vaporization comprising a vaporization channel and an injection orifice in the vaporization channel, the vaporization channel comprising an end communicating with a steam distribution circuit having a steam outlet hole making it possible to diffuse the steam outside the appliance.

Il est connu, de la demande WO200227246 , un fer à repasser comprenant un générateur de vapeur à vaporisation instantanée constitué par un canal de vaporisation en forme de spirale, ce canal de vaporisation présentant une première extrémité au niveau de laquelle de l'eau est injectée au moyen d'une pompe et une deuxième extrémité reliée à un circuit de distribution de vapeur alimentant des trous de sortie de vapeur ménagés sur la semelle du fer à repasser. Dans ce document, la pompe est pilotée au moyen d'un bouton situé sur la poignée du fer à repasser et la vapeur est produite sur demande, lorsque l'utilisateur actionne le bouton.It is known, in demand WO200227246 , an iron comprising an instantaneous vaporization steam generator constituted by a spiral-shaped vaporization channel, this vaporization channel having a first end at which water is injected by means of a pump and a second end connected to a steam distribution circuit supplying steam outlet holes made on the soleplate of the iron. In this document, the pump is controlled by means of a button located on the handle of the iron and steam is produced on demand, when the user actuates the button.

Un fer à repasser muni d'un tel générateur de vapeur à vaporisation instantanée présente l'avantage d'être plus simple et économique à réaliser que les fers à repasser habituellement équipés de cuve pour la génération de vapeur sous pression, tout en permettant la production de vapeur en continu avec un débit important.An iron equipped with such an instant vaporization steam generator has the advantage of being simpler and more economical to produce than the irons usually equipped with a tub for the generation of pressurized steam, while allowing the production continuous steam with a high flow rate.

Il est connu, du brevet US 2263532 , un fer à repasser comprenant un canal de vaporisation, des moyens pour chauffer le canal de vaporisation, et un orifice d'injection d'eau dans le canal de vaporisation, le canal de vaporisation comprenant une extrémité communiquant avec un circuit de distribution de vapeur présentant des trous de sortie de vapeur permettant de diffuser la vapeur à l'extérieur de l'appareil.It is known, from the patent US 2263532 , an iron comprising a vaporization channel, means for heating the vaporization channel, and an orifice for injecting water into the vaporization channel, the vaporization channel comprising an end communicating with a vapor distribution circuit with steam outlet holes allowing the steam to be diffused outside the appliance.

Cependant, un fer à repasser muni d'un tel canal de vaporisation présente l'inconvénient de continuer à laisser sortir de la vapeur par les trous de la semelle plusieurs secondes après l'arrêt de la pompe, ce qui est mal perçu par l'utilisateur et peut conduire à des brûlures de ce dernier. En effet, lors de l'arrêt la pompe, une partie de l'eau précédemment injectée par la pompe haute pression se vaporise rapidement dans le canal de vaporisation et une petite partie d'eau s'accumule dans le circuit sans être immédiatement vaporisée de sorte que la vapeur ne s'échappe que lentement par les trous de sortie de vapeur étant donné que la vapeur présente dans le canal de vaporisation et dans le circuit de distribution n'est alors plus chassée immédiatement en dehors du fer à repasser par la production d'un nouveau flux de vapeur.However, an iron equipped with such a vaporization channel has the drawback of continuing to let steam out through the holes in the soleplate. several seconds after stopping the pump, which is badly perceived by the user and can lead to burns of the latter. In fact, when the pump is stopped, part of the water previously injected by the high pressure pump vaporizes rapidly in the vaporization channel and a small part of water accumulates in the circuit without being immediately vaporized. so that the steam escapes only slowly from the steam outlet holes since the steam is present in the vaporization channel and in the distribution circuit is then no longer immediately expelled from the iron by the production of a new flow of steam.

L'invention qui suit vise à pallier ces inconvénients en proposant notamment un appareil muni d'un générateur de vapeur à vaporisation instantanée dans lequel le phénomène d'inertie de la diffusion de vapeur à l'arrêt de l'injection d'eau est diminué.The invention which follows aims to overcome these drawbacks by proposing in particular an apparatus provided with an instantaneous vaporization steam generator in which the phenomenon of inertia of the vapor diffusion when the water injection is stopped is reduced. .

Le but de l'invention est atteint par un appareil électroménager domestique, notamment pour le traitement du linge, comportant un générateur de vapeur comprenant un canal de vaporisation, des moyens pour chauffer le canal de vaporisation et des moyens pour injecter de l'eau dans le canal de vaporisation comprenant au moins un orifice d'injection débouchant dans le canal de vaporisation, le canal de vaporisation comprenant une extrémité communiquant avec un circuit de distribution de vapeur présentant au moins un trou de sortie de vapeur permettant de diffuser la vapeur à l'extérieur de l'appareil, caractérisé en ce que le canal de vaporisation comporte une partie borgne s'étendant en amont de l'orifice d'injection, la partie borgne formant une impasse dans laquelle de l'air est emprisonné lorsque l'eau est injectée dans le canal de vaporisation par l'orifice d'injection.The object of the invention is achieved by a domestic household appliance, in particular for treating linen, comprising a steam generator comprising a vaporization channel, means for heating the vaporization channel and means for injecting water into the vaporizer channel. the vaporization channel comprising at least one injection orifice opening into the vaporization channel, the vaporization channel comprising one end communicating with a vapor distribution circuit having at least one vapor outlet hole making it possible to diffuse the vapor to the 'exterior of the apparatus, characterized in that the vaporization channel comprises a blind part extending upstream of the injection orifice, the blind part forming an impasse in which air is trapped when the water is injected into the vaporization channel through the injection orifice.

Une telle partie borgne, du canal de vaporisation, située en amont de l'orifice d'injection d'eau présente l'avantage de renfermer une poche d'air qui reste prisonnière du canal de vaporisation lors du processus de génération de vapeur, ce dernier s'effectuant en aval de l'orifice d'injection d'eau, dans le canal de vaporisation. Ainsi, lors de la production de vapeur, l'air prisonnier de la partie borgne monte en pression sous l'effet de la chaleur et, lors de l'arrêt de l'injection d'eau dans le canal de vaporisation, la vapeur présente dans le canal de vaporisation est expulsée rapidement en dehors de l'appareil par l'air sous pression emmagasiné en amont de l'orifice d'injection d'eau.Such a blind part of the vaporization channel, located upstream of the water injection orifice has the advantage of containing an air pocket which remains trapped in the vaporization channel during the steam generation process, this the latter taking place downstream of the water injection orifice, in the vaporization channel. Thus, during the production of steam, the air trapped in the blind part increases in pressure under the effect of heat and, when the injection of water into the vaporization channel is stopped, the steam present in the vaporization channel is expelled rapidly outside the device by the pressurized air stored upstream of the water injection orifice.

Selon une autre caractéristique de l'invention, la partie borgne du canal de vaporisation présente une longueur supérieure à 5 cm.According to another characteristic of the invention, the blind part of the vaporization channel has a length greater than 5 cm.

Cette caractéristique permet d'obtenir un volume d'air important prisonnier de la partie borgne du canal de vaporisation et donc d'augmenter l'effet d'expulsion de la vapeur par l'air sous pression.This characteristic makes it possible to obtain a large volume of air trapped in the blind part of the vaporization channel and therefore to increase the expulsion effect of the steam by pressurized air.

Selon une autre caractéristique de l'invention, le canal de vaporisation s'étend sur une longueur totale supérieure à 50 cm et présente avantageusement une forme en spirale.According to another characteristic of the invention, the vaporization channel extends over a total length greater than 50 cm and advantageously has a spiral shape.

Une telle caractéristique permet d'obtenir de très bonnes performances de vaporisation tout en conservant un encombrement réduit.Such a characteristic makes it possible to obtain very good vaporization performance while retaining reduced bulk.

Selon une autre caractéristique de l'invention, la partie borgne du canal de vaporisation représente au moins 10% de la longueur totale du canal de vaporisation.According to another characteristic of the invention, the blind part of the vaporization channel represents at least 10% of the total length of the vaporization channel.

Selon une autre caractéristique de l'invention, le canal de vaporisation présente une section de passage inférieure à 50 mm2 et préférentiellement de l'ordre de 25 mm2.According to another characteristic of the invention, the vaporization channel has a passage section of less than 50 mm 2 and preferably of the order of 25 mm 2 .

Une telle caractéristique permet de diminuer le volume du canal de vaporisation et donc le temps que met la vapeur pour sortir du générateur de vapeur. Une telle caractéristique permet également d'augmenter la vitesse du flux de vapeur dans le générateur de vapeur. On obtient ainsi un très faible temps de latence entre le moment où de l'eau est injectée dans le canal de vaporisation par l'orifice d'injection et le moment où la vapeur sort par le ou les trou(s) de sortie de vapeur.Such a characteristic makes it possible to reduce the volume of the vaporization channel and therefore the time taken for the vapor to leave the vapor generator. Such a characteristic also makes it possible to increase the speed of the flow of steam in the steam generator. A very low latency time is thus obtained between the moment when water is injected into the vaporization channel through the injection orifice and the moment when the vapor exits through the vapor outlet (s). .

Selon encore une autre caractéristique de l'invention, la section de passage du canal de vaporisation est sensiblement constante.According to yet another characteristic of the invention, the passage section of the vaporization channel is substantially constant.

Une telle caractéristique permet d'obtenir un flux de vapeur présentant une vitesse sensiblement constante dans le générateur de vapeur.Such a characteristic makes it possible to obtain a steam flow having a substantially constant speed in the steam generator.

Selon encore une autre caractéristique de l'invention, les moyens pour injecter de l'eau dans le canal de vaporisation comprennent une pompe, avantageusement électrique.According to yet another characteristic of the invention, the means for injecting water into the vaporization channel comprise a pump, advantageously electric.

Une telle caractéristique permet d'obtenir un débit d'eau régulier pour la production d'un flux de vapeur en continu sensiblement constant. L'utilisation d'une pompe électrique permet également d'injecter de l'eau sous pression dans le canal de vaporisation pour l'obtention d'un plus grand débit de vapeur.Such a characteristic makes it possible to obtain a regular flow of water for the production of a substantially constant continuous flow of steam. The use of an electric pump also makes it possible to inject pressurized water into the vaporization channel to obtain a greater flow of vapor.

Selon une autre caractéristique, les moyens pour injecter l'eau comprennent un tube flexible qui effectue une liaison hydraulique entre la pompe et l'orifice d'injection, le tube présentant une épaisseur de paroi adaptée pour que la section de passage du tube n'augmente pas de plus de 2% lorsqu'il est soumis à la pression du liquide envoyé par la pompe.According to another characteristic, the means for injecting the water comprise a flexible tube which provides a hydraulic connection between the pump and the injection orifice, the tube having a wall thickness adapted so that the passage section of the tube does not increase by more than 2% when it is subjected to the pressure of the liquid sent by the pump.

Une telle caractéristique permet d'éviter qu'un volume d'eau additionnel significatif, par exemple supérieur à 0,5 ml, ne soit injecté dans le canal de vaporisation à l'arrêt de la pompe, lors de la rétractation naturelle du tube après sa déformation élastique sous l'effet de la pression du fluide.Such a characteristic makes it possible to prevent a significant additional volume of water, for example greater than 0.5 ml, from being injected into the vaporization channel when the pump is stopped, during the natural retraction of the tube after its elastic deformation under the effect of the pressure of the fluid.

Selon une autre caractéristique de l'invention, les moyens pour injecter de l'eau dans le canal de vaporisation comprennent un réservoir d'eau.According to another characteristic of the invention, the means for injecting water into the vaporization channel comprise a water reservoir.

Selon une autre caractéristique de l'invention, les moyens pour chauffer le canal de vaporisation comprennent une résistance électrique d'une puissance avantageusement supérieure à 2000 W et de préférence de l'ordre de 2800 W.According to another characteristic of the invention, the means for heating the vaporization channel comprise an electrical resistance with a power advantageously greater than 2000 W and preferably of the order of 2800 W.

Une telle caractéristique permet de chauffer rapidement le canal de vaporisation et d'obtenir un débit de vapeur en continu supérieur à 50 gr/min.Such a characteristic makes it possible to quickly heat the vaporization channel and to obtain a continuous vapor flow rate greater than 50 g / min.

Selon encore une autre caractéristique de l'invention, le canal de vaporisation est ménagé dans un corps chauffant, avantageusement réalisé par une fonderie en aluminium, qui renferme la résistance électrique.According to yet another characteristic of the invention, the vaporization channel is provided in a heating body, advantageously produced by an aluminum foundry, which contains the electrical resistance.

Selon une autre caractéristique de l'invention, la résistance électrique présente une forme qui épouse le parcours du canal de vaporisation.According to another characteristic of the invention, the electrical resistance has a shape which follows the path of the vaporization channel.

Une telle caractéristique permet de chauffer de manière homogène le canal de vaporisation pour des performances optimisées.Such a characteristic makes it possible to heat the vaporization channel in a homogeneous manner for optimized performance.

Selon une autre caractéristique de l'invention, la partie borgne s'étend au voisinage de la résistance électrique.According to another characteristic of the invention, the blind part extends in the vicinity of the electrical resistance.

Une telle caractéristique permet un plus grand échauffement de l'air présent dans la partie borgne et donc une mise sous pression de l'air plus importante.Such a characteristic allows a greater heating of the air present in the blind part and therefore a greater pressurization of the air.

Selon encore une autre caractéristique de l'invention, le corps chauffant est disposé dans un fer à repasser et comporte une face inférieure en contact thermique avec une semelle munie de trous de sortie de vapeur, le canal de vaporisation étant ménagé sur une face supérieure du corps chauffant.According to yet another characteristic of the invention, the heating body is placed in an iron and has a lower face in thermal contact with a sole provided with steam outlet holes, the vaporization channel being provided on an upper face of the heating body.

Selon encore une autre caractéristique de l'invention, l'appareil comporte un réservoir d'eau porté par une base reliée par un cordon au fer à repasser.According to yet another characteristic of the invention, the apparatus comprises a water tank carried by a base connected by a cord to the iron.

Une telle caractéristique permet d'avoir un réservoir d'eau déporté du fer à repasser de sorte que ce dernier est plus léger et donc plus maniable.Such a feature makes it possible to have a water tank remote from the iron so that the latter is lighter and therefore more manageable.

Selon une autre caractéristique de l'invention, l'appareil comporte un dispositif pour le traitement de l'eau préalablement à son injection dans le générateur de vapeur afin d'éviter la formation de tartre, telle qu'une cassette de résine échangeuses d'ions ou un dispositif pour l'injection d'un agent inhibiteur de tartre, tel qu'un composé polyphosphate.According to another characteristic of the invention, the apparatus comprises a device for the treatment of water prior to its injection into the steam generator in order to avoid the formation of scale, such as a resin exchange cassette of ions or a device for injecting a scale inhibiting agent, such as a polyphosphate compound.

On comprendra mieux les buts, aspects et avantages de la présente invention, d'après la description donnée ci-après d'un mode particulier 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 du corps chauffant et de la semelle équipant le fer à repasser de la figure 1 ;
  • la figure 3 est une vue en coupe du corps chauffant de la figure 2 selon son axe longitudinal ;
  • la figure 4 est une vue du corps chauffant de la figure 2 démuni de sa plaque de fermeture ;
  • la figure 5 est une vue de dessus du corps chauffant de la figure 4.
The aims, aspects and advantages of the present invention will be better understood from the description given below of a particular embodiment of the invention presented by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which :
  • the figure 1 is a perspective view of an iron according to a particular embodiment of the invention;
  • the figure 2 is a perspective view of the heating body and the sole fitted to the iron of the figure 1 ;
  • the figure 3 is a sectional view of the heating body of the figure 2 along its longitudinal axis;
  • the figure 4 is a view of the heating body of the figure 2 without its closing plate;
  • the figure 5 is a top view of the heating body 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 understanding the invention have been shown. To facilitate reading of the drawings, the same elements bear the same references from one figure to another.

On notera que dans ce document, les termes "horizontal", "vertical", "inférieur", "supérieur", "avant", "arrière" employés pour décrire le fer à repasser font référence à cet appareil lorsqu'il repose à plat sur sa semelle de repassage.It will be noted that in this document, the terms "horizontal", "vertical", "lower", "upper", "front", "rear" used to describe the iron refer to this appliance when it lies flat. on its ironing sole.

La figure 1 représente un fer à repasser 1 comportant une semelle 2 de repassage, plane, munie de trous de sortie de vapeur 20, la semelle 2 étant surmontée d'un boîtier 10 en matière plastique comprenant une poignée de préhension 11.The figure 1 shows an iron 1 comprising an ironing sole 2, flat, provided with steam outlet holes 20, the sole 2 being surmounted by a plastic housing 10 comprising a gripping handle 11.

Le fer à repasser 1 est relié par un cordon 3 à une base (non illustrée sur la figure) renfermant un réservoir et une pompe électrique, de type à solénoïde, dont le fonctionnement est commandé par une gâchette 12 disposée sur la poignée de préhension 11 du fer à repasser, l'actionnement de la gâchette 12 permettant d'envoyer de l'eau du réservoir au travers du cordon 3 sous une pression de l'ordre de 5 à 6 bars, en direction du fer à repasser 1.The iron 1 is connected by a cord 3 to a base (not shown in the figure) containing a reservoir and an electric pump, of the solenoid type, the operation of which is controlled by a trigger 12 arranged on the gripping handle 11 iron, the actuation of the trigger 12 making it possible to send water from the reservoir through the bead 3 under a pressure of the order of 5 to 6 bars, in the direction of the iron 1.

Le cordon 3 est réalisé dans un tube flexible dont l'épaisseur de paroi est adaptée pour que la section de passage du tube n'augmente pas de plus de 2% lorsqu'il est soumis à la pression d'eau envoyée par la pompe. A titre d'exemple, le tube pourra être réalisé en matériau EPDM (éthylène-propylène-diène monomère) et présenter une épaisseur de 3 mm pour un diamètre interne de 2 mm. Dans une variante de réalisation le tube en EPDM pourra être renforcé de fibres de verre ou par un textile externe.The bead 3 is made in a flexible tube, the wall thickness of which is adapted so that the passage section of the tube does not increase by more than 2% when it is subjected to the water pressure sent by the pump. By way of example, the tube could be made of EPDM (ethylene-propylene-diene monomer) material and have a thickness of 3 mm for an internal diameter of 2 mm. In an alternative embodiment, the EPDM tube could be reinforced with glass fibers or with an external textile.

Conformément aux figures 2 à 5, le boîtier 10 renferme un corps chauffant 4 qui est au contact thermique de la semelle 2, le corps chauffant 4 comprenant une fonderie en aluminium présentant une masse de l'ordre de 300 g et renfermant une résistance électrique 40 blindée d'une puissance de l'ordre de 2800W.In accordance with figures 2 to 5 , the housing 10 contains a heating body 4 which is in thermal contact with the sole 2, the heating body 4 comprising an aluminum foundry having a mass of the order of 300 g and containing a shielded electrical resistance 40 with a power of around 2800W.

La résistance électrique 40 s'étend avantageusement selon une forme de spirale et présente une première extrémité 40A qui débouche sensiblement horizontalement à l'arrière du corps chauffant 4 et une deuxième extrémité 40 B qui débouche sensiblement verticalement au centre de la semelle 2, l'alimentation électrique de la résistance électrique 40 étant régulée de manière connue en soi au moyen d'un thermostat, non représenté sur les figures, ce thermostat pouvant être constitué par un ensemble électromécanique ou par un thermostat électronique de type sonde CTN associé à un module électronique, et fixé sur un plot 47.The electrical resistance 40 advantageously extends in a spiral shape and has a first end 40A which opens out substantially horizontally at the rear of the heating body 4 and a second end 40 B which opens out substantially vertically at the center of the sole 2, the power supply to the electric resistance 40 being regulated in a manner known per se by means of a thermostat, not shown in the figures, this thermostat possibly being constituted by an electromechanical assembly or by an electronic thermostat of the CTN probe type associated with an electronic module , and fixed on a stud 47.

Le corps chauffant 4 comporte un générateur de vapeur constitué par un canal de vaporisation 41 en forme de spirale qui est fermé dans sa partie supérieure par une plaque de fermeture 42 rapportée sur le corps chauffant 4, la plaque de fermeture 42 étant munie d'un orifice d'injection 43 au niveau duquel est raccordé le cordon 3.The heating body 4 comprises a steam generator consisting of a spiral-shaped vaporization channel 41 which is closed in its upper part by a closure plate 42 attached to the heating body 4, the closure plate 42 being provided with a injection port 43 to which is connected cord 3.

Comme on peut le voir sur les figures 2 et 5, le canal de vaporisation 41 comporte une première extrémité 41A, dite ouverte, avantageusement située à proximité de l'extrémité avant du corps chauffant 4, cette extrémité ouverte 41A communiquant avec un circuit de distribution de vapeur par un orifice 45 de sortie de vapeur, visible sur la figure 3, ménagé dans la plaque de fermeture 42.As can be seen from the figures 2 and 5 , the vaporization channel 41 comprises a first end 41A, called open, advantageously located near the front end of the heating body 4, this open end 41A communicating with a steam distribution circuit via a steam outlet orifice 45, visible on the figure 3 , provided in the closure plate 42.

Le circuit de distribution de vapeur assure la diffusion de la vapeur en direction des trous de sortie de vapeur 20 de la semelle 2 et comporte à cet effet un conduit de liaison 5 qui relie l'orifice 45 avec une canalisation 44 qui traverse verticalement le corps chauffant 4 pour déboucher au niveau d'une chambre de diffusion de vapeur 46 ménagée sur la face inférieure du corps chauffant, la chambre de diffusion de vapeur 46 alimentant, de manière connue en soi, les trous de sortie de vapeur 20 de la semelle.The steam distribution circuit ensures the diffusion of steam in the direction of the steam outlet holes 20 of the sole 2 and for this purpose comprises a connecting duct 5 which connects the orifice 45 with a pipe 44 which passes vertically through the body. heater 4 to open out at the level of a vapor diffusion chamber 46 formed on the underside of the heating body, the vapor diffusion chamber 46 supplying, in a manner known per se, the vapor outlet holes 20 of the sole.

Plus particulièrement selon l'invention, le canal de vaporisation 41 comporte une extrémité fermée 41B par laquelle la vapeur ne peut s'échapper et l'orifice d'injection 43 débouche dans le canal de vaporisation 41 au niveau d'un point d'injection A qui est distant de l'extrémité fermée 41B.More particularly according to the invention, the vaporization channel 41 has a closed end 41B through which the vapor cannot escape and the injection orifice 43 opens into the vaporization channel 41 at an injection point. A which is distant from the closed end 41B.

Ainsi, il résulte en amont de l'orifice d'injection A une partie du canal de vaporisation 41, dite partie borgne 41C, illustrée par des ondulations sur la figure 5. Cette partie borgne 41C est non débouchante et forme une impasse dans laquelle une poche d'air est emprisonnée lorsque de l'eau est injectée dans le canal de vaporisation 41 par l'orifice d'injection 43, cet air étant pressurisé par la montée en pression de la vapeur qui se produit lors de la vaporisation de l'eau dans le canal de vaporisation 41 du fait de la faible section de passage et de la longueur importante du canal de vaporisation 41.Thus, upstream of the injection orifice A, there results a part of the vaporization channel 41, called the blind part 41C, illustrated by undulations on the figure 5 . This blind part 41C is non-opening and forms a dead end in which an air pocket is trapped when water is injected into the vaporization channel 41 through the injection orifice 43, this air being pressurized by the rise in pressure. vapor pressure which occurs during the vaporization of water in the vaporization channel 41 due to the small passage section and the large length of the vaporization channel 41.

L'extrémité fermée 41B du canal de vaporisation 41 est avantageusement située au voisinage immédiat de la résistance électrique 40 de manière à ce que la partie borgne 41C du canal de vaporisation 41 soit soumise à un fort échauffement de la part de la résistance électrique 40.The closed end 41B of the vaporization channel 41 is advantageously located in the immediate vicinity of the electrical resistance 40 so that the blind part 41C of the vaporization channel 41 is subjected to strong heating by the electrical resistance 40.

Dans l'exemple illustré sur les figures, l'extrémité fermée 41B du canal de vaporisation 41 est située à proximité du centre de la semelle 2, au pied de la deuxième extrémité 40B de la résistance électrique 40, et le canal de vaporisation 41 s'étend en spirale en formant trois boucles successives épousant la forme du contour de la semelle 2.In the example illustrated in the figures, the closed end 41B of the vaporization channel 41 is located near the center of the sole 2, at the foot of the second end 40B of the electrical resistance 40, and the vaporization channel 41 extends in a spiral, forming three successive loops matching the shape of the contour of the sole 2.

De manière préférentielle, le canal de vaporisation 41 présente une longueur supérieure à 50 cm et la partie borgne 41C du canal de vaporisation 41 présente une longueur d'au moins 5 cm, la section de passage du canal de vaporisation 41 étant avantageusement inférieure à 50 mm2.Preferably, the vaporization channel 41 has a length greater than 50 cm and the blind part 41C of the vaporization channel 41 has a length of at least 5 cm, the passage section of the vaporization channel 41 being advantageously less than 50 mm 2 .

A titre d'exemple, le canal de vaporisation 41 présente une longueur de l'ordre de 90 cm et possède une section de passage 25 mm2, cette section de passage présentant avantageusement la forme d'un carré de 5 mm de côté.By way of example, the vaporization channel 41 has a length of the order of 90 cm and has a passage section of 25 mm 2 , this passage section advantageously having the shape of a square with a side of 5 mm.

Le fonctionnement de l'appareil ainsi réalisé va maintenant être décrit.The operation of the apparatus thus produced will now be described.

Lors du démarrage de l'appareil, le générateur de vapeur est froid et le thermostat commande la mise en marche de la résistance chauffante 40, un voyant étant alors éventuellement allumé sur l'appareil pour signaler la phase de chauffage à l'utilisateur.When the appliance is started up, the steam generator is cold and the thermostat controls the switching on of the heating resistor 40, an indicator then possibly being on on the appliance to signal the heating phase to the user.

Lorsque le voyant signalant la phase de chauffage est éteint, l'utilisateur peut appuyer sur la gâchette 12 du fer à repasser 1 pour provoquer la mise en marche de la pompe et donc l'injection d'eau dans le canal de vaporisation 41 par l'orifice d'injection 43. L'eau injectée est alors immédiatement vaporisée grâce à l'énergie thermique emmagasinée dans la masse d'aluminium du corps chauffant 4. Lors de cette phase initiale de production de vapeur, la vapeur produite ne peut pas s'échapper en direction de la partie borgne 41C du canal de vaporisation 41 du fait que le canal de vaporisation 41 est non débouchant au niveau de l'extrémité fermée 41B et de la présence d'air dans la partie borgne 41C.When the light indicating the heating phase is off, the user can press the trigger 12 of the iron 1 to start the pump and therefore the injection of water into the vaporization channel 41 by the 'injection orifice 43. The injected water is then immediately vaporized thanks to the thermal energy stored in the aluminum mass of the heating body 4. During this initial phase of vapor production, the vapor produced cannot s 'escape in the direction of the blind part 41C of the vaporization channel 41 due to the fact that the vaporization channel 41 does not open out at the level of the closed end 41B and the presence of air in the blind part 41C.

La vapeur produite s'échappe donc instantanément en direction du circuit de distribution de vapeur, du fait de la faible section de passage du canal de vaporisation 41, puis au travers des trous de sortie de vapeur 20 de la semelle 2.The vapor produced therefore escapes instantly in the direction of the vapor distribution circuit, due to the small passage section of the vaporization channel 41, then through the vapor outlet holes 20 of the sole 2.

L'air qui se trouve dans la partie borgne 41C est chauffé durant la phase initiale de chauffage avant l'injection d'eau et il se trouve comprimé durant la phase de vaporisation par la vapeur qui monte en pression dans le canal de vaporisation 41. Ainsi, lorsque l'utilisateur relâche la gâchette 12, l'injection d'eau dans le canal de vaporisation 41 est interrompue et la vapeur, ainsi que l'eau résiduelle se trouvant dans le canal de vaporisation 41, se trouvent chassées dans les zones sèches et surchauffées du canal de vaporisation 41, puis en direction des trous de sortie de vapeur 20 de la semelle par l'air sous pression présent dans la partie borgne 41C, ce qui permet de diminuer fortement le phénomène d'inertie de la vapeur à l'arrêt de l'actionnement de la gâchette 12, c'est-à-dire la propension du fer à repasser à diffuser encore de la vapeur par les trous de sortie de vapeur 20 de la semelle après que l'utilisateur ait cesser d'actionner la gâchette 12.The air which is in the blind part 41C is heated during the initial heating phase before the injection of water and it is compressed during the vaporization phase by the vapor which increases in pressure in the vaporization channel 41. Thus, when the user releases the trigger 12, the injection of water in the vaporization channel 41 is interrupted and the vapor, as well as the residual water in the vaporization channel 41, is expelled into the dry and overheated zones of the vaporization channel 41, then in the direction of the outlet holes of the vaporizer. steam 20 of the sole by the pressurized air present in the blind part 41C, which makes it possible to greatly reduce the phenomenon of inertia of the steam when the actuation of the trigger 12 is stopped, that is to say say the propensity of the iron to still diffuse steam through the steam outlet holes 20 of the soleplate after the user has stopped actuating the trigger 12.

Le fer à repasser muni d'un tel générateur de vapeur présente donc l'avantage de posséder une inertie de vapeur réduite à l'arrêt de la pompe, tout en présentant de très bonnes performances de vaporisation, un tel fer à repasser permettant d'obtenir un débit de vapeur de 50 g/min en continu.The iron provided with such a steam generator therefore has the advantage of having a reduced steam inertia when the pump is stopped, while having very good vaporization performance, such an iron making it possible to obtain a continuous steam flow of 50 g / min.

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 in no way limited to the embodiment described and illustrated which has been given only by way of example. Modifications remain possible, in particular from the point of view of the constitution of the various elements or by substitution of technical equivalents, without thereby departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

Ainsi, dans une variante de réalisation non représentée, le canal de vaporisation pourra comporter une soupape de sécurité avantageusement portée par le couvercle de fermeture, et par exemple tarée à 8 bars, pour éviter que la pression dans le canal de vaporisation ne soit excessive et risque d'endommager le fer à repasser, notamment dans le cas d'un entartage excessif du circuit de distribution de vapeur.Thus, in an alternative embodiment not shown, the vaporization channel may include a safety valve advantageously carried by the closing cover, and for example calibrated at 8 bars, to prevent the pressure in the vaporization channel from being excessive and risk of damaging the iron, especially in the event of excessive scaling of the steam distribution circuit.

Ainsi, dans une autre variante de réalisation non représentée, le fer à repasser pourra comporter plusieurs orifices d'injection d'eau répartis le long du canal de vaporisation pour augmenter la capacité du générateur de vapeur à vaporiser rapidement une forte quantité d'eau.Thus, in another variant embodiment not shown, the iron may have several water injection orifices distributed along the vaporization channel to increase the capacity of the steam generator to rapidly vaporize a large quantity of water.

Ainsi, dans une variante de réalisation non représentée, la semelle du fer à repasser pourra comporter deux canaux de vaporisation séparés, l'un des canaux de vaporisation étant prévu pour produire de la vapeur en continu avec un débit de 50g/min, l'autre des canaux de vaporisation étant destiné à réaliser des impulsions de vapeur pendant 5 secondes avec un débit de plus de 70 g/min. A titre d'exemple, ces canaux pourront présenter une section de passage de 9 mm2, en présentant une section carrée de 3 mm de côté, et être alimentés chacun par une pompe séparée, chacun de ces canaux présentant avantageusement une partie borgne en amont de l'orifice d'injection dans laquelle de l'air est emprisonné lorsque l'eau est injectée dans le canal de vaporisation. De manière préférentielle, les deux canaux de vaporisation seront imbriqués l'un dans l'autre pour présenter une plus grande compacité.Thus, in an alternative embodiment not shown, the sole of the iron may include two separate vaporization channels, one of the vaporization channels being provided to produce continuous steam with a flow rate of 50 g / min, the other of the vaporization channels being intended to achieve pulses of steam for 5 seconds with a flow rate of more than 70 g / min. By way of example, these channels could have a passage section of 9 mm 2 , with a square section of 3 mm side, and each be supplied by a separate pump, each of these channels advantageously having a blind part upstream. the injection port in which air is trapped when water is injected into the vaporization channel. Preferably, the two vaporization channels will be nested one inside the other to present greater compactness.

Ainsi, dans encore une autre variante de réalisation non représentée, le réservoir d'eau pourra avantageusement renfermer un dispositif pour le traitement de l'eau permettant d'éviter la formation du tartre, tel qu'une cassette de résine échangeuse d'ions ou un dispositif assurant la diffusion d'un agent inhibiteur de calcaire, par exemple un composé de la famille des polyphosphates.Thus, in yet another variant embodiment not shown, the water tank may advantageously contain a device for the treatment of water making it possible to avoid the formation of scale, such as an ion exchange resin cassette or a device ensuring the diffusion of a limestone inhibitor agent, for example a compound of the family of polyphosphates.

Claims (12)

  1. Domestic household appliance, for example for the treatment of laundry, comprising a steam generator comprising a spray channel (41), means (40) for heating the spray channel (41), and means for injecting water into the spray channel (41) comprising at least one closure plate (42) equipped with an injection port (43) opening into the spray channel (41), the spray channel (41) comprising an end (41A) communicating with a steam distribution circuit having at least one steam outlet hole (20) for diffusing steam to the outside of the appliance, characterised in that the spray channel (41) has a blind portion (41C) extending upstream of the injection port (43), said blind portion (41C) forming a dead end in which air is trapped when water is injected into the spray channel (41) through the injection port (43).
  2. Appliance according to claim 1, characterised in that the blind portion (41C) of the spray channel (41) has a length greater than 5 cm.
  3. Appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterised in that the spray channel (41) extends over a total length greater than 50 cm and advantageously has a spiral shape.
  4. Appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the blind portion (41C) of the spray channel is at least 10% of the total length of the spray channel (41).
  5. Appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the spray channel (41) has a passage section less than 50 mm2 and preferably in the order of 25 mm2.
  6. Appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the passage section of the spray channel (41) is substantially constant.
  7. Appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the means for injecting water into the spray channel (41) comprises a pump, preferably electric.
  8. Appliance according to claim 7, characterised in that the means for injecting water comprise a flexible tube (3) which makes a hydraulic connection between the pump and the injection port (43), the tube (3) having a wall thickness adapted so that the passage section of the tube (3) does not increase by more than 2% when subjected to the pressure of the water sent by the pump.
  9. Appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the means for heating the spray channel comprises an electrical resistance of a power advantageously greater than 2000 W and preferably in the order of 2800 W.
  10. Appliance according to claim 9, characterised in that the spray channel (41) is formed in a heating body (4), preferably made by an aluminium foundry, which contains the electrical resistance (40).
  11. Appliance according to claim 10, characterised in that the heating body (4) is arranged in an iron (1) and has a lower face in thermal contact with a soleplate (2) provided with steam outlet holes (20), the spray channel (41) being provided on an upper face of the heating body (4).
  12. Appliance according to claim 11, characterised in that it comprises a water tank carried by a base connected by a cord (3) to the iron (1).
EP18177132.0A 2017-06-19 2018-06-11 Laundry treating apparatus comprising a flash steam generator Active EP3418440B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR1755580A FR3067725B1 (en) 2017-06-19 2017-06-19 APPARATUS FOR THE TREATMENT OF LAUNDRY COMPRISING AN INSTANTANEOUS VAPORIZATION STEAM GENERATOR

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EP3418440A1 EP3418440A1 (en) 2018-12-26
EP3418440B1 true EP3418440B1 (en) 2021-04-21

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EP18177132.0A Active EP3418440B1 (en) 2017-06-19 2018-06-11 Laundry treating apparatus comprising a flash steam generator

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Families Citing this family (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR3067725B1 (en) * 2017-06-19 2019-07-05 Seb S.A. APPARATUS FOR THE TREATMENT OF LAUNDRY COMPRISING AN INSTANTANEOUS VAPORIZATION STEAM GENERATOR
CN110205789A (en) * 2019-07-03 2019-09-06 深圳汉明威智能设备有限公司 A kind of steam iron and its heating device
EP3786344A1 (en) 2019-08-29 2021-03-03 Koninklijke Philips N.V. Garment care device with compartment containing a chemical compound adapted to reduce the deposition of scale

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2263532A (en) * 1939-11-22 1941-11-18 Sussman Arthur Steam iron
DE3513508A1 (en) * 1985-04-16 1986-10-16 Dipl.-Ing. Riba Gmbh & Co Kg, 5450 Neuwied HIGH PRESSURE STEAM IRON
ITPD20030051A1 (en) * 2003-03-14 2004-09-15 Euroflex Srl STEAM IRON WITH SEPARATE BOILER WITH CHAMBER
EP1756349A1 (en) * 2004-06-02 2007-02-28 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Steam generator having at least one spiral-shaped steam channel and at least one flat resistive heating element
FR2947892B1 (en) * 2009-07-10 2012-08-10 Seb Sa HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCE COMPRISING A STEAM GENERATOR
FR3067725B1 (en) * 2017-06-19 2019-07-05 Seb S.A. APPARATUS FOR THE TREATMENT OF LAUNDRY COMPRISING AN INSTANTANEOUS VAPORIZATION STEAM GENERATOR

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CN208815319U (en) 2019-05-03
CN109137438B (en) 2020-12-25
FR3067725B1 (en) 2019-07-05
FR3067725A1 (en) 2018-12-21
EP3418440A1 (en) 2018-12-26
CN109137438A (en) 2019-01-04

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