EP3481992B1 - Steam iron comprising a device for holding back water droplets - Google Patents

Steam iron comprising a device for holding back water droplets Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3481992B1
EP3481992B1 EP17745824.7A EP17745824A EP3481992B1 EP 3481992 B1 EP3481992 B1 EP 3481992B1 EP 17745824 A EP17745824 A EP 17745824A EP 3481992 B1 EP3481992 B1 EP 3481992B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
steam
flow
retaining
duct
steam iron
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Application number
EP17745824.7A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP3481992A1 (en
Inventor
Xavier Chartoire
Cédric METAY
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SEB SA
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SEB SA
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Publication of EP3481992A1 publication Critical patent/EP3481992A1/en
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    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F75/00—Hand irons
    • D06F75/08—Hand irons internally heated by electricity
    • D06F75/10—Hand irons internally heated by electricity with means for supplying steam to the article being ironed
    • D06F75/12—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
    • 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 a steam iron, and more particularly to a steam iron provided with a device for retaining water droplets.
  • a steam iron comprises in known manner a sole delimiting a steam distribution circuit and comprising an ironing plate provided with an ironing surface and steam orifices opening into the ironing surface.
  • the documents DE102004032361 and EP2251482 disclose a steam iron comprising a steam distribution circuit provided with a retainer configured to retain water droplets entrained by the flow of steam flowing along the steam distribution circuit and to vaporize said droplets d water retained.
  • the retaining device comprises in particular an outer body delimiting a cyclonic chamber, a steam inlet opening into a lower portion of the cyclonic chamber and through which the flow of steam enters the cyclonic chamber, and a central duct arranged in the center of the chamber. cyclonic and provided with an upper vapor outlet through which the vapor flow leaves the cyclonic chamber.
  • the present invention aims to remedy these drawbacks.
  • the technical problem underlying the invention therefore consists in providing a steam iron which satisfactorily limits the quantity of water in liquid form which reaches the steam orifices, in particular when the steam iron is started.
  • Such a configuration of the retainer, and more particularly of the retainer, ensures effective separation of water droplets and water vapor, and therefore the retention, by the retainer, of an amount. large droplets of water entrained by the flow of steam. As a result, when the steam iron according to the invention is started up, only a small proportion of water in liquid form reaches the steam orifices of the steam iron.
  • the steam iron may further exhibit one or more of the following characteristics, taken alone or in combination.
  • the steam iron comprises an ironing plate on which it can rest horizontally in an ironing position, the ironing plate being advantageously provided with steam orifices.
  • the longitudinal axis of the duct extends substantially vertically when the steam iron occupies the ironing position.
  • the ironing plate comprises a substantially planar ironing surface and the longitudinal axis of the duct extending perpendicularly to the plane of the ironing surface.
  • the retaining member is removable.
  • the peripheral wall is tubular.
  • the at least one retaining element extends from the peripheral wall towards the interior of the duct, having at least one part inclined towards the lower inlet opening. Such an inclination makes it possible to promote the flow by gravity, in the direction of the lower inlet opening, of the water droplets condensing under the retaining element.
  • the at least one retaining element comprises a retaining surface comprising at least one surface portion inclined relative to the longitudinal axis of the duct.
  • the at least one retaining element extends across the duct.
  • the at least one retaining element covers, in a projection plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the duct, at least 60%, and preferably at least 70%, of the section passage of the duct.
  • the at least one retaining element and the peripheral wall delimit the intermediate passage opening.
  • the at least one retaining element has an edge which defines, with the peripheral wall, the intermediate passage opening, this edge constituting the part of the retaining element located at the bottom. closer to the lower duct inlet opening.
  • the steam iron comprises a sole, the sole comprising a support part on which the retaining member is mounted, the retaining member and the support part delimiting a vaporization chamber. disposed upstream of the at least one retaining element with respect to the direction of flow of the vapor flow.
  • the retaining device comprises a vapor inlet opening into the vaporization chamber and through which the flow of vapor enters the vaporization chamber.
  • the support part comprises a bottom wall and a side wall extending from the bottom wall and on which the retaining member is mounted.
  • the steam inlet is for example provided in the side wall.
  • the side wall of the support part and the peripheral wall of the duct are coaxial.
  • the steam inlet is partly delimited by the peripheral wall of the duct.
  • the retaining device comprises first angular indexing means configured to cooperate with second complementary angular indexing means provided on the support part.
  • the steam iron comprises a covering part delimiting at least in part the steam distribution circuit and covering the retaining member.
  • the sole comprises the covering part.
  • the sole comprises an ironing surface and at least one steam orifice opening into the ironing surface.
  • the covering part and the retaining member define at least in part a steam delivery chamber fluidly connected to the at least one steam orifice.
  • an upper edge of the peripheral wall comprises an upper notch defining at least in part the upper outlet opening.
  • the upper notch is diametrically opposed to the intermediate passage opening with respect to the longitudinal axis of the duct.
  • the retaining member is made of plastic. These arrangements make it possible to avoid overheating the flow of steam passing through the retaining device, and therefore to prevent the flow of steam leaving the steam iron from being too dry.
  • the retaining device according to such an embodiment makes it possible to retain the major part of the water droplets entrained by the steam flow, while ensuring the ejection of a wet steam flow at the outlet of the steam orifices. steam iron.
  • the retaining member could be made of other materials, for example aluminum or copper.
  • the retaining member is in one piece.
  • the at least one retaining element comprises at least one retaining rib.
  • a retaining rib makes it possible to form a barrier for the water droplets retained under the element. retainer, preventing the latter from flowing along the surface of the retainer in the direction of the upper outlet opening of the duct.
  • the at least one retaining element is a retaining wall.
  • the intermediate passage opening is centered with respect to the longitudinal axis of the duct.
  • the intermediate passage opening is offset with respect to the longitudinal axis of the duct.
  • the peripheral wall comprises a succession of tubular peripheral sections extending along the longitudinal axis of the duct and having different internal diameters, the respective internal diameters of the successive tubular peripheral sections increasingly being smaller towards the top outlet opening.
  • each tubular peripheral section is cylindrical, and has a constant internal diameter.
  • each tubular peripheral section is frustoconical, and has an internal diameter which decreases in the direction of the upper outlet opening.
  • the retaining member comprises a plurality of retaining elements extending from the peripheral wall, each retaining element delimiting at least in part a respective intermediate passage opening having a passage section lower than the passage section of the lower inlet opening.
  • each retaining element extends from a respective connection zone situated between two respective adjacent tubular peripheral sections.
  • the respective passage sections of the successive intermediate passage openings are increasingly narrow towards the upper outlet opening.
  • the retaining elements are coaxial retaining ribs.
  • the steam distribution circuit further comprises an expansion chamber disposed upstream of the retaining device and configured to decrease the flow speed of the steam stream before the steam flow n 'reaches the retainer.
  • the expansion chamber is arranged such that the minimum passage section for the flow of the flow of steam through the expansion chamber is greater than 25 mm 2 .
  • the expansion chamber is arranged such that the flow speed of the flow of steam in the expansion chamber is less than 20 ms -1 .
  • the steam distribution circuit comprises a steam flow inlet intended to be connected to a steam delivery duct.
  • the steam flow inlet is provided on the covering part.
  • the steam distribution circuit comprises a single deflection partition arranged between the steam flow inlet and the retaining device.
  • the steam distribution circuit comprises a plurality of pins extending close to the steam flow inlet.
  • the expansion chamber is arranged upstream of the vaporization chamber, and more particularly upstream of the steam inlet.
  • the present invention further relates to an ironing appliance comprising a steam iron according to the invention, a steam generator and a steam supply duct connecting the steam generator to the steam iron and intended to supply the steam iron with steam.
  • the figure 1 shows an ironing appliance 2 comprising a base unit 3, a steam iron 4 and a steam supply duct 5 connecting the base unit 3 and the steam iron 4.
  • the base unit 3 comprises in particular a steam generator 6, a water tank 7 and a pump 8 configured to supply the steam generator 6 with water coming from the water tank 7, and the steam iron 4 comprises in particular a gripping part 10 and a sole 9 .
  • the sole 9 comprises a main body 11, a covering part 12 covering at least in part the main body 11, and an ironing plate 13 extending under the main body 11.
  • the ironing plate 13 comprises an ironing surface 14 substantially flat and steam orifices 15 opening into the ironing surface 14.
  • the main body 11 and the ironing plate 13 are made of thermally conductive materials.
  • the main body 11 and the covering part 12 define a steam distribution circuit 16 fluidly connected on the one hand to the steam generator 6 via the steam supply duct 5 and on the other hand to the steam orifices 15.
  • the steam distribution circuit 16 comprises in particular a steam flow inlet 16.1 connected to the steam delivery duct 5.
  • a steam flow is able to flow in the steam distribution circuit 16 and up to the orifices steam 15.
  • the steam iron 4 is provided with a heating device 17 integrated with the main body 11 of the sole 9, and configured to heat the ironing plate 13 and the main body 11.
  • the steam iron 4 also comprises a retaining device 18 disposed along the steam distribution circuit 16 and configured to retain water droplets entrained by the flow of steam flowing in the steam distribution circuit 16 and to vaporize retained water droplets.
  • the retaining device 18 comprises a retaining member 19 covered by the covering part 12.
  • the retaining member 19 is in one piece, and may for example be made of plastic.
  • the retaining member 19 comprises a duct 21 having a longitudinal axis A and comprising a peripheral wall 22.
  • the peripheral wall 22 comprises a lower inlet opening 23 through which the flow of steam can enter the duct 21 and an opening of upper outlet 24 through which the flow of steam can exit from the duct 21.
  • the peripheral wall 22 comprises a succession of tubular peripheral sections 25 extending along the longitudinal axis A of the duct 21 and having different internal diameters, and the respective internal diameters of the successive tubular peripheral sections 25 are increasingly smaller in size. direction of the upper outlet opening 24.
  • Each tubular peripheral section 25 may for example be frustoconical, and thus have an internal diameter which decreases in the direction of the upper outlet opening 24, or else be cylindrical, and thus have a constant internal diameter.
  • the retainer 19 further comprises one or more retainers 26 extending from the peripheral wall 22 and configured to retain water droplets entrained by the flow of steam flowing in the circuit. steam distribution 16.
  • each retaining element 26 comprises a retaining surface 27 oriented towards the outside and inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis A of the duct 21, and more particularly inclined from the outside to the inside and from top to bottom.
  • Each retaining element 26 delimits a respective intermediate passage opening 28 disposed downstream of the lower inlet opening 23 and upstream of the upper outlet opening 24 with respect to the direction of flow of the vapor flow.
  • Each intermediate passage opening 28 has a passage section smaller than the passage section of the lower inlet opening 23 and greater than the passage section of the upper outlet opening 24.
  • the passage sections respective successive intermediate passage openings 28 are increasingly narrow towards the upper outlet opening 24.
  • each retaining element 26 is constituted by a retaining rib extending in the direction of the lower inlet opening 23.
  • each retaining element 26 may extend in the extension of the tubular peripheral section 25 located in downstream.
  • the retaining elements 26 are arranged coaxially, and each intermediate passage opening 28 is centered with respect to the longitudinal axis A of the duct 21.
  • the retaining device 18 further comprises a support part 29 formed on the sole 9, and more particularly on the main body 11.
  • the support part 29 comprises a bottom wall 29.1 and a side wall 29.2 extending from the wall. 29.1 bottom and on which is mounted the retaining member 19.
  • the retaining member 19 may for example include a bearing flange 31 extending around a lower edge of the peripheral wall 22 and bearing on the side wall 29.2 of the support part 29.
  • the retaining member 19 and the support portion 29 delimit a vaporization chamber 32 disposed upstream of the retaining elements 26 with respect to the direction of flow of the vapor flow, and more particularly below the retaining elements 26.
  • a vaporization chamber 32 disposed upstream of the retaining elements 26 with respect to the direction of flow of the vapor flow, and more particularly below the retaining elements 26.
  • the retainer 18 also has a steam inlet 33 (see figure 4 ) formed in the side wall 29.2 and through which the steam flow enters the vaporization chamber 32. According to the embodiment shown in the figures 4 to 9 , the steam inlet 33 is partly delimited by the pipe 21.
  • the main body 11 is made of a thermally conductive material, part of the heat produced by the heater 17 is transferred to the vaporization chamber 32, so that the water droplets which have fallen by gravity into the vaporization chamber 32 are vaporized and thus can be entrained out of the vaporization chamber 29 and towards the vapor ports 15 by the flow of steam.
  • the retaining device 18 further comprises first angular indexing means configured to cooperate with second complementary angular indexing means provided on the support portion 29, in order to ensure angular immobilization of the retaining device 18 in a position predefined angular.
  • first angular indexing means could comprise an immobilizing rib 34 extending from the lower edge of the peripheral wall 22, and the second angular indexing means could be formed by the portions of the side wall. 29.2 delimiting the steam inlet 33.
  • the steam distribution circuit 16 comprises an expansion chamber 35 disposed upstream of the retainer 18 and configured to decrease the flow velocity of the steam stream before the steam flow reaches the retainer 18 and more particularly the retaining member 19.
  • the expansion chamber 35 comprises a single deflection wall 35.1 extending between the steam flow inlet 16.1 and the retaining device 18.
  • the steam distribution circuit 16 further comprises a steam delivery chamber 36 delimited by the cover portion 12 and the retaining member 19.
  • the steam delivery chamber 36 is disposed downstream of the upper outlet opening. 24 and is fluidly connected to the steam ports 15.
  • the steam distribution circuit 16 further comprises a plurality of pins 40 extending close to the steam flow inlet 16.1.
  • the presence of these pins 40 makes it possible to increase the exchange surface between the vapor flow and the vapor distribution circuit 16, and therefore to promote the separation of the water droplets from the vapor flow flowing through the steam distribution circuit 16.
  • the figures 10 to 15 show a retaining device 18 according to a second embodiment of the invention which differs from the first embodiment essentially in that the retaining member 19 comprises a single retaining element 26 which consists of a retaining wall s' extending across the duct 11 and in the direction of the lower inlet opening 23, and in that the respective intermediate passage opening 28 is offset with respect to the longitudinal axis A of the duct 21 and is bounded by the retaining element 26 and the peripheral wall 22 which in this embodiment is tubular.
  • the retaining element 26 covers, in a projection plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A of the duct 21, at least 60%, and preferably at least 70%, of the passage section of the duct 21.
  • the upper edge of the peripheral wall 22 comprises an upper notch 37 partially defining the upper outlet opening 24.
  • the upper notch 37 is diametrically opposed to the upper outlet. 'intermediate passage opening 28 with respect to the longitudinal axis A of the duct 21.
  • the circulation of the vapor flow through the retaining member 19 according to the second embodiment of the invention is shown diagrammatically by arrows in solid line on the figure 15 , while the circulation of water droplets retained by said retaining member 19 is shown schematically by points on the figure 15 .
  • the invention is not limited to the sole embodiments of this steam iron described above by way of examples, it embraces on the contrary all the variant embodiments thereof.
  • the vaporization chamber located upstream of the retaining element can be replaced by a water storage area from which a pump can draw to supply water to a spray nozzle. 'a spray carried by the steam iron.

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  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
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Description

La présente invention concerne un fer à vapeur, et plus particulièrement un fer à vapeur pourvu d'un dispositif de retenue de gouttelettes d'eau.The present invention relates to a steam iron, and more particularly to a steam iron provided with a device for retaining water droplets.

Un fer à vapeur comporte de façon connue une semelle délimitant un circuit de distribution de vapeur et comportant une plaque de repassage pourvue d'une surface de repassage et d'orifices de vapeur débouchant dans la surface de repassage.A steam iron comprises in known manner a sole delimiting a steam distribution circuit and comprising an ironing plate provided with an ironing surface and steam orifices opening into the ironing surface.

Les fers à vapeur ont une problématique récurrente liée au fait qu'au démarrage ou au redémarrage, une importante quantité de gouttelettes d'eau est expulsée par les orifices de vapeur.Steam irons have a recurring problem related to the fact that when starting or restarting, a large amount of water droplets are expelled through the steam orifices.

Les documents DE102004032361 et EP2251482 divulguent un fer à vapeur comportant un circuit de distribution de vapeur muni d'un dispositif de retenue configuré pour retenir des gouttelettes d'eau entraînées par le flux de vapeur s'écoulant le long du circuit de distribution de vapeur et pour vaporiser lesdites gouttelettes d'eau retenues.The documents DE102004032361 and EP2251482 disclose a steam iron comprising a steam distribution circuit provided with a retainer configured to retain water droplets entrained by the flow of steam flowing along the steam distribution circuit and to vaporize said droplets d water retained.

Le dispositif de retenue comprend notamment un corps extérieur délimitant une chambre cyclonique, une entrée de vapeur débouchant dans une portion inférieure de la chambre cyclonique et par laquelle le flux de vapeur entre dans la chambre cyclonique, et un conduit central disposé au centre de la chambre cyclonique et pourvu d'une sortie de vapeur supérieure par laquelle le flux de vapeur sort de la chambre cyclonique.The retaining device comprises in particular an outer body delimiting a cyclonic chamber, a steam inlet opening into a lower portion of the cyclonic chamber and through which the flow of steam enters the cyclonic chamber, and a central duct arranged in the center of the chamber. cyclonic and provided with an upper vapor outlet through which the vapor flow leaves the cyclonic chamber.

Bien qu'un tel dispositif de retenue assure la retenue et la vaporisation d'une partie importante des gouttelettes d'eau entraînées par le flux de vapeur s'écoulant dans le circuit de distribution de vapeur, une quantité non négligeable de gouttelettes d'eau atteint encore les orifices de vapeur au démarrage d'un tel fer à vapeur.Although such a retaining device ensures the retention and vaporization of a significant portion of the water droplets entrained by the flow of steam flowing in the steam distribution circuit, a non-negligible quantity of water droplets still reaches the steam ports when starting such a steam iron.

La présente invention vise à remédier à ces inconvénients.The present invention aims to remedy these drawbacks.

Le problème technique à la base de l'invention consiste donc à fournir un fer à vapeur qui limite de manière satisfaisante la quantité d'eau sous forme liquide qui atteint les orifices de vapeur notamment au démarrage du fer à vapeur.The technical problem underlying the invention therefore consists in providing a steam iron which satisfactorily limits the quantity of water in liquid form which reaches the steam orifices, in particular when the steam iron is started.

A cet effet, la présente invention concerne un fer à vapeur comportant un circuit de distribution de vapeur dans lequel est destiné à s'écouler un flux de vapeur, et un dispositif de retenue disposé le long du circuit de distribution de vapeur et configuré pour retenir des gouttelettes d'eau entraînées par le flux de vapeur et éventuellement vaporiser lesdites gouttelettes d'eau retenues, le dispositif de retenue comprenant un organe de retenue comportant au moins :

  • un conduit comprenant une paroi périphérique et présentant un axe longitudinal, la paroi périphérique comportant une ouverture d'entrée inférieure par laquelle le flux de vapeur pénètre dans le conduit et une ouverture de sortie supérieure par laquelle le flux de vapeur sort du conduit, et
  • au moins un élément de retenue s'étendant à partir de la paroi périphérique et configuré pour retenir des gouttelettes d'eau entraînées par le flux de vapeur, l'au moins un élément de retenue délimitant au moins en partie une ouverture de passage intermédiaire disposée en aval de l'ouverture d'entrée inférieure et en amont de l'ouverture de sortie supérieure par rapport au sens d'écoulement du flux de vapeur, l'ouverture de passage intermédiaire présentant une section de passage inférieure à la section de passage de l'ouverture d'entrée inférieure, et l'au moins un élément de retenue s'étend depuis la paroi périphérique vers l'intérieur du conduit en présentant au moins une partie inclinée vers l'ouverture d'entrée inférieure.
To this end, the present invention relates to a steam iron comprising a steam distribution circuit in which a flow of steam is intended to flow, and a retaining device disposed along the steam distribution circuit and configured to retain water droplets entrained by the vapor flow and optionally vaporize said retained water droplets, the retaining device comprising a retaining member comprising at least:
  • a duct comprising a peripheral wall and having a longitudinal axis, the peripheral wall comprising a lower inlet opening through which the flow of steam enters the duct and an upper outlet opening through which the flow of steam leaves the duct, and
  • at least one retaining member extending from the peripheral wall and configured to retain water droplets entrained by the vapor flow, the at least one retaining member at least in part defining an intermediate passage opening disposed downstream of the lower inlet opening and upstream of the upper outlet opening with respect to the direction of flow of the vapor flow, the intermediate passage opening having a passage section smaller than the passage section of the lower inlet opening, and the at least one retaining member extends from the peripheral wall towards the interior of the duct having at least a portion inclined towards the lower inlet opening.

Une telle configuration du dispositif de retenue, et plus particulièrement de l'organe de retenue, assure une séparation efficace des gouttelettes d'eau et de la vapeur d'eau, et donc la retenue, par le dispositif de retenue, d'une quantité importante des gouttelettes d'eau entraînée par le flux de vapeur. Il en résulte qu'au démarrage du fer à vapeur selon l'invention seulement une faible proportion d'eau sous forme liquide atteint les orifices de vapeur du fer à vapeur.Such a configuration of the retainer, and more particularly of the retainer, ensures effective separation of water droplets and water vapor, and therefore the retention, by the retainer, of an amount. large droplets of water entrained by the flow of steam. As a result, when the steam iron according to the invention is started up, only a small proportion of water in liquid form reaches the steam orifices of the steam iron.

Le fer à vapeur peut en outre présenter une ou plusieurs des caractéristiques suivantes, prises seules ou en combinaison.The steam iron may further exhibit one or more of the following characteristics, taken alone or in combination.

Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, le fer à vapeur comporte une plaque de repassage sur lequel il peut reposer horizontalement dans une position de repassage, la plaque de repassage étant avantageusement munie d'orifices de vapeur.According to one embodiment of the invention, the steam iron comprises an ironing plate on which it can rest horizontally in an ironing position, the ironing plate being advantageously provided with steam orifices.

Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, l'axe longitudinal du conduit s'étend sensiblement verticalement lorsque le fer à vapeur occupe la position de repassage.According to one embodiment of the invention, the longitudinal axis of the duct extends substantially vertically when the steam iron occupies the ironing position.

Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, la plaque de repassage comprend une surface de repassage sensiblement plane et l'axe longitudinal du conduit s'étendant perpendiculairement au plan de la surface de repassage.According to one embodiment of the invention, the ironing plate comprises a substantially planar ironing surface and the longitudinal axis of the duct extending perpendicularly to the plane of the ironing surface.

Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, l'organe de retenue est amovible.According to one embodiment of the invention, the retaining member is removable.

Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, la paroi périphérique est tubulaire.According to one embodiment of the invention, the peripheral wall is tubular.

Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, l'au moins un élément de retenue s'étend depuis la paroi périphérique vers l'intérieur du conduit en présentant au moins une partie inclinée vers l'ouverture d'entrée inférieure. Une telle inclinaison permet de favoriser l'écoulement par gravité, en direction de l'ouverture d'entrée inférieure, des gouttelettes d'eau se condensant sous l'élément de retenue.According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one retaining element extends from the peripheral wall towards the interior of the duct, having at least one part inclined towards the lower inlet opening. Such an inclination makes it possible to promote the flow by gravity, in the direction of the lower inlet opening, of the water droplets condensing under the retaining element.

Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, l'au moins un élément de retenue comporte une surface de retenue comprenant au moins une portion de surface inclinée par rapport à l'axe longitudinal du conduit.According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one retaining element comprises a retaining surface comprising at least one surface portion inclined relative to the longitudinal axis of the duct.

Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, l'au moins un élément de retenue s'étend en travers du conduit.According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one retaining element extends across the duct.

Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, l'au moins un élément de retenue recouvre, dans un plan de projection perpendiculaire à l'axe longitudinal du conduit, au moins 60%, et de préférence au moins 70%, de la section de passage du conduit.According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one retaining element covers, in a projection plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the duct, at least 60%, and preferably at least 70%, of the section passage of the duct.

Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, l'au moins un élément de retenue et la paroi périphérique délimitent l'ouverture de passage intermédiaire.According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one retaining element and the peripheral wall delimit the intermediate passage opening.

Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, l'au moins un élément de retenue présente un bord qui délimite, avec la paroi périphérique, l'ouverture de passage intermédiaire, ce bord constituant la partie de l'élément de retenue se trouvant la plus proche de l'ouverture d'entrée inférieure du conduit. Une telle caractéristique permet de limiter la remontée de gouttelettes d'eau, formées sur l'élément de retenue et entrainées par le flux de vapeur, vers l'intérieur de l'ouverture de passage intermédiaire.According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one retaining element has an edge which defines, with the peripheral wall, the intermediate passage opening, this edge constituting the part of the retaining element located at the bottom. closer to the lower duct inlet opening. Such a characteristic makes it possible to limit the rise of water droplets, formed on the retaining element and entrained by the flow of steam, towards the interior of the intermediate passage opening.

Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, le fer à vapeur comprend une semelle, la semelle comportant une partie de support sur laquelle est monté l'organe de retenue, l'organe de retenue et la partie de support délimitant une chambre de vaporisation disposée en amont de l'au moins un élément de retenue par rapport au sens d'écoulement du flux de vapeur.According to one embodiment of the invention, the steam iron comprises a sole, the sole comprising a support part on which the retaining member is mounted, the retaining member and the support part delimiting a vaporization chamber. disposed upstream of the at least one retaining element with respect to the direction of flow of the vapor flow.

Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, le dispositif de retenue comporte une entrée de vapeur débouchant dans la chambre de vaporisation et par laquelle le flux de vapeur entre dans la chambre de vaporisation.According to one embodiment of the invention, the retaining device comprises a vapor inlet opening into the vaporization chamber and through which the flow of vapor enters the vaporization chamber.

Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, la partie de support comporte une paroi de fond et une paroi latérale s'étendant depuis la paroi de fond et sur laquelle est monté l'organe de retenue. L'entrée de vapeur est par exemple ménagée dans la paroi latérale.According to one embodiment of the invention, the support part comprises a bottom wall and a side wall extending from the bottom wall and on which the retaining member is mounted. The steam inlet is for example provided in the side wall.

Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, la paroi latérale de la partie de support et la paroi périphérique du conduit sont coaxiales.According to one embodiment of the invention, the side wall of the support part and the peripheral wall of the duct are coaxial.

Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, l'entrée de vapeur est en partie délimitée par la paroi périphérique du conduit.According to one embodiment of the invention, the steam inlet is partly delimited by the peripheral wall of the duct.

Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, le dispositif de retenue comporte des premiers moyens d'indexage angulaire configurés pour coopérer avec des deuxièmes moyens d'indexage angulaire complémentaires prévus sur la partie de support.According to one embodiment of the invention, the retaining device comprises first angular indexing means configured to cooperate with second complementary angular indexing means provided on the support part.

Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, le fer à vapeur comporte une partie de recouvrement délimitant au moins en partie le circuit de distribution de vapeur et recouvrant l'organe de retenue.According to one embodiment of the invention, the steam iron comprises a covering part delimiting at least in part the steam distribution circuit and covering the retaining member.

Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, la semelle comporte la partie de recouvrement.According to one embodiment of the invention, the sole comprises the covering part.

Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, la semelle comporte une surface de repassage et au moins un orifice de vapeur débouchant dans la surface de repassage.According to one embodiment of the invention, the sole comprises an ironing surface and at least one steam orifice opening into the ironing surface.

Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, la partie de recouvrement et l'organe de retenue définissent au moins en partie une chambre de refoulement de vapeur reliée fluidiquement à l'au moins un orifice de vapeur.According to one embodiment of the invention, the covering part and the retaining member define at least in part a steam delivery chamber fluidly connected to the at least one steam orifice.

Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, un bord supérieur de la paroi périphérique comporte une encoche supérieure définissant au moins en partie l'ouverture de sortie supérieure. Une telle caractéristique permet d'avoir une ouverture de sortie supérieure disposée latéralement à la direction d'écoulement du flux de vapeur dans le conduit, ce qui permet de générer un changement brutal de la direction d'écoulement du flux de vapeur favorable à la rétention des gouttelettes d'eau dans le conduit.According to one embodiment of the invention, an upper edge of the peripheral wall comprises an upper notch defining at least in part the upper outlet opening. Such a characteristic makes it possible to have an upper outlet opening disposed laterally to the direction of flow of the vapor flow in the duct, which makes it possible to generate a sudden change in the flow direction of the vapor flow favorable to retention. water droplets in the duct.

Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, l'encoche supérieure est diamétralement opposée à l'ouverture de passage intermédiaire par rapport à l'axe longitudinal du conduit.According to one embodiment of the invention, the upper notch is diametrically opposed to the intermediate passage opening with respect to the longitudinal axis of the duct.

Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, l'organe de retenue est en matière plastique. Ces dispositions permettent d'éviter de surchauffer le flux de vapeur traversant le dispositif de retenue, et donc d'éviter que le flux de vapeur sortant du fer à vapeur ne soit trop sec. Ainsi, le dispositif de retenue selon un tel mode de réalisation permet de retenir la majeure partie des gouttelettes d'eau entraînées par le flux de vapeur, tout en assurant l'éjection d'un flux de vapeur humide à la sortie des orifices de vapeur du fer à vapeur. Néanmoins, l'organe de retenue pourrait être réalisé en d'autres matériaux et par exemple en aluminium ou en cuivre.According to one embodiment of the invention, the retaining member is made of plastic. These arrangements make it possible to avoid overheating the flow of steam passing through the retaining device, and therefore to prevent the flow of steam leaving the steam iron from being too dry. Thus, the retaining device according to such an embodiment makes it possible to retain the major part of the water droplets entrained by the steam flow, while ensuring the ejection of a wet steam flow at the outlet of the steam orifices. steam iron. However, the retaining member could be made of other materials, for example aluminum or copper.

Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, l'organe de retenue est monobloc.According to one embodiment of the invention, the retaining member is in one piece.

Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, l'au moins un élément de retenue comporte au moins une nervure de retenue. Une telle nervure de retenue permet de former un barrage pour les gouttelettes d'eau retenue sous l'élément de retenue, évitant que ces dernières ne s'écoulent le long de la surface de l'élément de retenue en direction de l'ouverture de sortie supérieure du conduit.According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one retaining element comprises at least one retaining rib. Such a retaining rib makes it possible to form a barrier for the water droplets retained under the element. retainer, preventing the latter from flowing along the surface of the retainer in the direction of the upper outlet opening of the duct.

Selon un autre mode de réalisation de l'invention, l'au moins un élément de retenue est une paroi de retenue.According to another embodiment of the invention, the at least one retaining element is a retaining wall.

Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, l'ouverture de passage intermédiaire est centrée par rapport à l'axe longitudinal du conduit.According to one embodiment of the invention, the intermediate passage opening is centered with respect to the longitudinal axis of the duct.

Selon un autre mode de réalisation de l'invention, l'ouverture de passage intermédiaire est décalée par rapport à l'axe longitudinal du conduit.According to another embodiment of the invention, the intermediate passage opening is offset with respect to the longitudinal axis of the duct.

Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, la paroi périphérique comporte une succession de tronçons périphériques tubulaires s'étendant selon l'axe longitudinal du conduit et ayant des diamètres internes différents, les diamètres internes respectifs des tronçons périphériques tubulaires successifs étant de plus en plus petits en direction de l'ouverture de sortie supérieure.According to one embodiment of the invention, the peripheral wall comprises a succession of tubular peripheral sections extending along the longitudinal axis of the duct and having different internal diameters, the respective internal diameters of the successive tubular peripheral sections increasingly being smaller towards the top outlet opening.

Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, chaque tronçon périphérique tubulaire est cylindrique, et présente un diamètre interne constant.According to one embodiment of the invention, each tubular peripheral section is cylindrical, and has a constant internal diameter.

Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, chaque tronçon périphérique tubulaire est tronconique, et présente un diamètre interne qui varie de manière décroissante en direction de l'ouverture de sortie supérieure.According to one embodiment of the invention, each tubular peripheral section is frustoconical, and has an internal diameter which decreases in the direction of the upper outlet opening.

Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, l'organe de retenue comporte une pluralité d'éléments de retenue s'étendant à partir de la paroi périphérique, chaque élément de retenue délimitant au moins en partie une ouverture de passage intermédiaire respective présentant une section de passage inférieure à la section de passage de l'ouverture d'entrée inférieure.According to one embodiment of the invention, the retaining member comprises a plurality of retaining elements extending from the peripheral wall, each retaining element delimiting at least in part a respective intermediate passage opening having a passage section lower than the passage section of the lower inlet opening.

Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, chaque élément de retenue s'étend à partir d'une zone de liaison respective située entre deux tronçons périphériques tubulaires adjacents respectifs.According to one embodiment of the invention, each retaining element extends from a respective connection zone situated between two respective adjacent tubular peripheral sections.

Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, les sections de passage respectives des ouvertures de passage intermédiaires successives sont de plus en plus étroites en direction de l'ouverture de sortie supérieure.According to one embodiment of the invention, the respective passage sections of the successive intermediate passage openings are increasingly narrow towards the upper outlet opening.

Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, les éléments de retenue sont des nervures de retenue coaxiales.According to one embodiment of the invention, the retaining elements are coaxial retaining ribs.

Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, le circuit de distribution de vapeur comprend en outre une chambre de détente disposée en amont du dispositif de retenue et configurée pour diminuer la vitesse d'écoulement du flux de vapeur avant que le flux de vapeur n'atteigne le dispositif de retenue. Ces dispositions permettent d'augmenter la durée de passage du flux de vapeur dans la semelle du fer à vapeur, et donc de favoriser d'une part la vaporisation d'une partie plus importante de gouttelettes d'eau en amont du dispositif de retenue et d'autre part d'améliorer l'efficacité du dispositif de retenue.According to one embodiment of the invention, the steam distribution circuit further comprises an expansion chamber disposed upstream of the retaining device and configured to decrease the flow speed of the steam stream before the steam flow n 'reaches the retainer. These arrangements make it possible to increase the duration of the passage of the steam flow in the soleplate of the steam iron, and therefore to promote, on the one hand, the vaporization of a larger portion of water droplets upstream of the retention device and on the other hand, to improve the efficiency of the retainer.

Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, la chambre de détente est agencée de telle sorte que la section de passage minimale pour l'écoulement du flux de vapeur au travers de la chambre de détente est supérieure à 25 mm2.According to one embodiment of the invention, the expansion chamber is arranged such that the minimum passage section for the flow of the flow of steam through the expansion chamber is greater than 25 mm 2 .

Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, la chambre de détente est agencée de telle sorte que la vitesse d'écoulement du flux de vapeur dans la chambre de détente est inférieure à 20 m.s-1.According to one embodiment of the invention, the expansion chamber is arranged such that the flow speed of the flow of steam in the expansion chamber is less than 20 ms -1 .

Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, le circuit de distribution de vapeur comprend une entrée de flux de vapeur destinée à être reliée à un conduit d'acheminement de vapeur. Avantageusement, l'entrée de flux de vapeur est prévue sur la partie de recouvrement.According to one embodiment of the invention, the steam distribution circuit comprises a steam flow inlet intended to be connected to a steam delivery duct. Advantageously, the steam flow inlet is provided on the covering part.

Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, le circuit de distribution de vapeur comprend une unique cloison de déviation disposée entre l'entrée de flux de vapeur et le dispositif de retenue.According to one embodiment of the invention, the steam distribution circuit comprises a single deflection partition arranged between the steam flow inlet and the retaining device.

Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, le circuit de distribution de vapeur comprend une pluralité de picots s'étendant à proximité de l'entrée de flux de vapeur. Ces dispositions permettent d'augmenter la surface d'échange entre le flux de vapeur et le circuit de distribution de vapeur, et donc de favoriser la séparation des gouttelettes d'eau du flux de vapeur.According to one embodiment of the invention, the steam distribution circuit comprises a plurality of pins extending close to the steam flow inlet. These arrangements make it possible to increase the exchange surface between the vapor flow and the vapor distribution circuit, and therefore to promote the separation of the water droplets from the vapor flow.

Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, la chambre de détente est disposée en amont de la chambre de vaporisation, et plus particulièrement en amont de l'entrée de vapeur.According to one embodiment of the invention, the expansion chamber is arranged upstream of the vaporization chamber, and more particularly upstream of the steam inlet.

La présente invention concerne en outre un appareil de repassage comprenant un fer à vapeur selon l'invention, un générateur de vapeur et un conduit d'acheminement de vapeur reliant le générateur de vapeur au fer à vapeur et destiné à alimenter le fer à vapeur en vapeur.The present invention further relates to an ironing appliance comprising a steam iron according to the invention, a steam generator and a steam supply duct connecting the steam generator to the steam iron and intended to supply the steam iron with steam.

Selon un mode de réalisation non couvert par l'invention, un organe de retenue est destiné à être disposé le long d'un circuit de distribution de vapeur d'un fer à vapeur et configuré pour retenir des gouttelettes d'eau entraînées par un flux de vapeur s'écoulant dans le circuit de distribution de vapeur, l'organe de retenue comportant :

  • un conduit comprenant une paroi périphérique et présentant un axe longitudinal, la paroi périphérique comportant une ouverture d'entrée inférieure par laquelle le flux de vapeur pénètre dans le conduit et une ouverture de sortie supérieure par laquelle le flux de vapeur sort du conduit, et
  • au moins un élément de retenue s'étendant à partir de la paroi périphérique et configuré pour retenir des gouttelettes d'eau entraînées par le flux de vapeur, l'au moins un élément de retenue délimitant au moins en partie une ouverture de passage intermédiaire disposée en aval de l'ouverture d'entrée inférieure et en amont de l'ouverture de sortie supérieure par rapport au sens d'écoulement du flux de vapeur, l'ouverture de passage intermédiaire présentant une section de passage inférieure à la section de passage de l'ouverture d'entrée inférieure.
According to an embodiment not covered by the invention, a retaining member is intended to be arranged along a steam distribution circuit of a steam iron and configured to retain water droplets entrained by a flow. of steam flowing in the steam distribution circuit, the retaining member comprising:
  • a duct comprising a peripheral wall and having a longitudinal axis, the peripheral wall comprising a lower inlet opening through which the flow of steam enters the duct and an upper outlet opening through which the flow of steam leaves the duct, and
  • at least one retaining member extending from the peripheral wall and configured to retain water droplets entrained by the vapor flow, the at least one retaining member at least in part defining an intermediate passage opening disposed downstream of the lower inlet opening and upstream of the upper outlet opening with respect to the direction of flow of the vapor flow, the intermediate passage opening having a passage section smaller than the passage section of the lower entry opening.

L'invention sera mieux comprise à l'aide de la description qui suit en référence aux dessins schématiques annexés représentant, à titre d'exemples non limitatifs, plusieurs formes d'exécution de ce fer à vapeur.

  • la figure 1 est une vue schématique d'un appareil de vapeur selon la présente invention comportant un fer à vapeur et une unité de base pourvue d'un générateur de vapeur ;
  • la figure 2 est une vue en perspective du fer à vapeur de la figure 1 ;
  • la figure 3 est une vue en perspective de la semelle du fer à vapeur de la figure 1 ;
  • la figure 4 est une vue en perspective de la semelle de la figure 3 démunie de la partie de recouvrement et équipée d'un dispositif de retenue selon un premier mode de réalisation de l'invention ;
  • la figure 5 est une vue en coupe longitudinale de la semelle de la figure 3 ;
  • la figures 6 et 7 sont des vues en perspective respectivement de dessus et de dessous d'un organe de retenue appartenant au dispositif de retenue des figures 4 et 5 ;
  • la figure 8 est une vue de dessus de l'organe de retenue de la figure 6 ;
  • la figures 9 est une vue en coupe selon les lignes IX-IX de la figure 8 ;
  • la figure 10 est une vue en perspective de la semelle du fer à vapeur de la figure 1, équipée d'un dispositif de retenue selon un deuxième mode de réalisation de l'invention ;
  • la figure 11 est une vue en coupe longitudinale de la semelle de la figure 10 munie de la plaque de fermeture ;
  • les figures 12 et 13 sont des vues en perspective respectivement de dessus et de dessous d'un organe de retenue appartenant au dispositif de retenue des figures 10 et 11 ;
  • la figure 14 est une vue de dessus de l'organe de retenue de la figure 12 ;
  • la figure 15 est une vue en coupe selon les lignes XV-XV de la figure 14.
The invention will be better understood with the aid of the description which follows with reference to the appended schematic drawings showing, by way of nonlimiting examples, several embodiments of this steam iron.
  • the figure 1 is a schematic view of a steam apparatus according to the present invention comprising a steam iron and a base unit provided with a steam generator;
  • the figure 2 is a perspective view of the steam iron from the figure 1 ;
  • the figure 3 is a perspective view of the sole of the steam iron of the figure 1 ;
  • the figure 4 is a perspective view of the sole of the figure 3 deprived of the covering part and equipped with a retaining device according to a first embodiment of the invention;
  • the figure 5 is a longitudinal sectional view of the sole of the figure 3 ;
  • the figures 6 and 7 are perspective views respectively from above and below of a retaining member belonging to the retaining device of the figures 4 and 5 ;
  • the figure 8 is a top view of the retainer of the figure 6 ;
  • the figures 9 is a sectional view along the lines IX-IX of the figure 8 ;
  • the figure 10 is a perspective view of the sole of the steam iron of the figure 1 , equipped with a retaining device according to a second embodiment of the invention;
  • the figure 11 is a longitudinal sectional view of the sole of the figure 10 provided with the closing plate;
  • the figures 12 and 13 are perspective views respectively from above and below of a retaining member belonging to the retaining device of the figures 10 and 11 ;
  • the figure 14 is a top view of the retainer of the figure 12 ;
  • the figure 15 is a sectional view along lines XV-XV of the figure 14 .

On notera que dans ce document, les termes "horizontal", "vertical", "inférieur", "supérieur", "avant", "arrière" employés pour décrire le fer à vapeur font référence à ce fer à vapeur en situation d'usage lorsque la plaque de repassage est posée sur un plan horizontal.It will be noted that in this document, the terms "horizontal", "vertical", "lower", "upper", "front", "rear" used to describe the steam iron refer to this steam iron in a situation of. use when the ironing plate is placed on a horizontal plane.

La figure 1 représente un appareil de repassage 2 comportant une unité de base 3, un fer à vapeur 4 et un conduit d'acheminement de vapeur 5 reliant l'unité de base 3 et le fer à vapeur 4. L'unité de base 3 comporte notamment un générateur de vapeur 6, un réservoir d'eau 7 et une pompe 8 configurée pour alimenter le générateur de vapeur 6 en eau provenant du réservoir d'eau 7, et le fer à vapeur 4 comporte notamment une partie de préhension 10 et une semelle 9.The figure 1 shows an ironing appliance 2 comprising a base unit 3, a steam iron 4 and a steam supply duct 5 connecting the base unit 3 and the steam iron 4. The base unit 3 comprises in particular a steam generator 6, a water tank 7 and a pump 8 configured to supply the steam generator 6 with water coming from the water tank 7, and the steam iron 4 comprises in particular a gripping part 10 and a sole 9 .

Comme montré plus particulièrement sur la figure 5, la semelle 9 comporte un corps principal 11, une partie de recouvrement 12 recouvrant au moins en partie le corps principal 11, et une plaque de repassage 13 s'étendant sous le corps principal 11. La plaque de repassage 13 comprend une surface de repassage 14 sensiblement plane et des orifices de vapeur 15 débouchant dans la surface de repassage 14. Avantageusement, le corps principal 11 et la plaque de repassage 13 sont réalisés en matériaux thermiquement conducteurs.As shown more particularly on the figure 5 , the sole 9 comprises a main body 11, a covering part 12 covering at least in part the main body 11, and an ironing plate 13 extending under the main body 11. The ironing plate 13 comprises an ironing surface 14 substantially flat and steam orifices 15 opening into the ironing surface 14. Advantageously, the main body 11 and the ironing plate 13 are made of thermally conductive materials.

Le corps principal 11 et la partie de recouvrement 12 définissent un circuit de distribution de vapeur 16 relié fluidiquement d'une part au générateur de vapeur 6 via le conduit d'acheminement de vapeur 5 et d'autre part aux orifices de vapeur 15. Le circuit de distribution de vapeur 16 comprend notamment une entrée de flux de vapeur 16.1 reliée au conduit d'acheminement de vapeur 5. Ainsi, un flux de vapeur est apte à s'écouler dans le circuit de distribution de vapeur 16 et jusqu'aux orifices de vapeur 15.The main body 11 and the covering part 12 define a steam distribution circuit 16 fluidly connected on the one hand to the steam generator 6 via the steam supply duct 5 and on the other hand to the steam orifices 15. The steam distribution circuit 16 comprises in particular a steam flow inlet 16.1 connected to the steam delivery duct 5. Thus, a steam flow is able to flow in the steam distribution circuit 16 and up to the orifices steam 15.

Le fer à vapeur 4 est pourvu d'un dispositif de chauffage 17 intégré au corps principal 11 de la semelle 9, et configuré pour chauffer la plaque de repassage 13 et le corps principal 11.The steam iron 4 is provided with a heating device 17 integrated with the main body 11 of the sole 9, and configured to heat the ironing plate 13 and the main body 11.

Comme montré plus particulièrement sur les figures 4 à 9, le fer à vapeur 4 comporte également un dispositif de retenue 18 disposé le long du circuit de distribution de vapeur 16 et configuré pour retenir des gouttelettes d'eau entraînées par le flux de vapeur s'écoulant dans le circuit de distribution de vapeur 16 et pour vaporiser les gouttelettes d'eau retenues.As shown more particularly on figures 4 to 9 , the steam iron 4 also comprises a retaining device 18 disposed along the steam distribution circuit 16 and configured to retain water droplets entrained by the flow of steam flowing in the steam distribution circuit 16 and to vaporize retained water droplets.

Le dispositif de retenue 18 comprend un organe de retenue 19 recouvert par la partie de recouvrement 12. Selon le mode de réalisation représenté sur les figures 4 à 9, l'organe de retenue 19 est monobloc, et peut par exemple être en matière plastique.The retaining device 18 comprises a retaining member 19 covered by the covering part 12. According to the embodiment shown in the figures. figures 4 to 9 , the retaining member 19 is in one piece, and may for example be made of plastic.

L'organe de retenue 19 comporte un conduit 21 présentant un axe longitudinal A et comprenant une paroi périphérique 22. La paroi périphérique 22 comporte une ouverture d'entrée inférieure 23 par laquelle le flux de vapeur peut pénétrer dans le conduit 21 et une ouverture de sortie supérieure 24 par laquelle le flux de vapeur peut sortir du conduit 21. Selon le mode de réalisation représenté sur les figures 4 à 9, la paroi périphérique 22 comporte une succession de tronçons périphériques tubulaires 25 s'étendant selon l'axe longitudinal A du conduit 21 et ayant des diamètres internes différents, et les diamètres internes respectifs des tronçons périphériques tubulaires successifs 25 sont de plus en plus petits en direction de l'ouverture de sortie supérieure 24. Chaque tronçon périphérique tubulaire 25 peut par exemple être tronconique, et ainsi présenter un diamètre interne qui varie de manière décroissante en direction de l'ouverture de sortie supérieure 24, ou alors être cylindrique, et ainsi présenter un diamètre interne constant.The retaining member 19 comprises a duct 21 having a longitudinal axis A and comprising a peripheral wall 22. The peripheral wall 22 comprises a lower inlet opening 23 through which the flow of steam can enter the duct 21 and an opening of upper outlet 24 through which the flow of steam can exit from the duct 21. According to the embodiment shown in the figures 4 to 9 , the peripheral wall 22 comprises a succession of tubular peripheral sections 25 extending along the longitudinal axis A of the duct 21 and having different internal diameters, and the respective internal diameters of the successive tubular peripheral sections 25 are increasingly smaller in size. direction of the upper outlet opening 24. Each tubular peripheral section 25 may for example be frustoconical, and thus have an internal diameter which decreases in the direction of the upper outlet opening 24, or else be cylindrical, and thus have a constant internal diameter.

L'organe de retenue 19 comprend en outre un ou plusieurs éléments de retenue 26 s'étendant à partir de la paroi périphérique 22 et configuré(s) pour retenir des gouttelettes d'eau entraînées par le flux de vapeur s'écoulant dans le circuit de distribution de vapeur 16. Selon le mode de réalisation représenté sur les figures 4 à 9, chaque élément de retenue 26 comporte une surface de retenue 27 orientée vers l'extérieur et inclinée par rapport à l'axe longitudinal A du conduit 21, et plus particulièrement inclinée de l'extérieur vers l'intérieur et de haut en bas.The retainer 19 further comprises one or more retainers 26 extending from the peripheral wall 22 and configured to retain water droplets entrained by the flow of steam flowing in the circuit. steam distribution 16. According to the embodiment shown in the figures 4 to 9 , each retaining element 26 comprises a retaining surface 27 oriented towards the outside and inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis A of the duct 21, and more particularly inclined from the outside to the inside and from top to bottom.

Chaque élément de retenue 26 délimite une ouverture de passage intermédiaire 28 respective disposée en aval de l'ouverture d'entrée inférieure 23 et en amont de l'ouverture de sortie supérieure 24 par rapport au sens d'écoulement du flux de vapeur. Chaque ouverture de passage intermédiaire 28 présente une section de passage inférieure à la section de passage de l'ouverture d'entrée inférieure 23 et supérieure à la section de passage de l'ouverture de sortie supérieure 24. De façon avantageuse, les sections de passage respectives des ouvertures de passage intermédiaires 28 successives sont de plus en plus étroites en direction de l'ouverture de sortie supérieure 24.Each retaining element 26 delimits a respective intermediate passage opening 28 disposed downstream of the lower inlet opening 23 and upstream of the upper outlet opening 24 with respect to the direction of flow of the vapor flow. Each intermediate passage opening 28 has a passage section smaller than the passage section of the lower inlet opening 23 and greater than the passage section of the upper outlet opening 24. Advantageously, the passage sections respective successive intermediate passage openings 28 are increasingly narrow towards the upper outlet opening 24.

Ces différentes dispositions permettent d'une part de générer des pertes de charge au sein du conduit qui favorisent la séparation des gouttelettes d'eau et de la vapeur d'eau, et d'autre part de former des obstacles au passage des gouttelettes d'eau, et ainsi d'assurer la retenue d'une quantité importante des gouttelettes d'eau entraînées par le flux de vapeur. La circulation du flux de vapeur à travers l'organe de retenue 19 est schématisée par des flèches en trait continu sur la figure 9, tandis que la circulation des gouttelettes d'eau retenues par l'organe de retenue 19 est schématisée par des flèches en trait discontinu sur la figure 9.These various arrangements make it possible, on the one hand, to generate pressure drops within the duct which promote the separation of the water droplets and of the water vapor, and on the other hand to form obstacles to the passage of the droplets of water, and thus ensure the retention of a large amount of water droplets entrained by the steam flow. The circulation of the flow of steam through the retaining member 19 is shown diagrammatically by the arrows in line continuous on the figure 9 , while the circulation of the water droplets retained by the retaining member 19 is shown diagrammatically by arrows in broken lines on the figure 9 .

Selon le mode de réalisation représenté sur les figures 4 à 9, chaque élément de retenue 26 est constitué par une nervure de retenue s'étendant en direction de l'ouverture d'entrée inférieure 23. Par exemple, chaque élément de retenue 26 peut s'étendre dans le prolongement du tronçon périphérique tubulaire 25 situé en aval.According to the embodiment shown in the figures 4 to 9 , each retaining element 26 is constituted by a retaining rib extending in the direction of the lower inlet opening 23. For example, each retaining element 26 may extend in the extension of the tubular peripheral section 25 located in downstream.

Avantageusement, les éléments de retenue 26 sont disposés de manière coaxiale, et chaque ouverture de passage intermédiaire 28 est centrée par rapport à l'axe longitudinal A du conduit 21.Advantageously, the retaining elements 26 are arranged coaxially, and each intermediate passage opening 28 is centered with respect to the longitudinal axis A of the duct 21.

Le dispositif de retenue 18 comporte de plus une partie de support 29 ménagée sur la semelle 9, et plus particulièrement sur le corps principal 11. La partie de support 29 comporte une paroi de fond 29.1 et une paroi latérale 29.2 s'étendant depuis la paroi de fond 29.1 et sur laquelle est monté l'organe de retenue 19. L'organe de retenue 19 peut par exemple comporter une collerette d'appui 31 s'étendant autour d'un bord inférieur de la paroi périphérique 22 et prenant appui sur la paroi latérale 29.2 de la partie de support 29.The retaining device 18 further comprises a support part 29 formed on the sole 9, and more particularly on the main body 11. The support part 29 comprises a bottom wall 29.1 and a side wall 29.2 extending from the wall. 29.1 bottom and on which is mounted the retaining member 19. The retaining member 19 may for example include a bearing flange 31 extending around a lower edge of the peripheral wall 22 and bearing on the side wall 29.2 of the support part 29.

L'organe de retenue 19 et la partie de support 29 délimitent une chambre de vaporisation 32 disposée en amont des éléments de retenue 26 par rapport au sens d'écoulement du flux de vapeur, et plus particulièrement en dessous des éléments de retenue 26. Ainsi, les gouttelettes d'eau séparées du flux de vapeur par les éléments de retenue 26 tombent par gravité dans la chambre de vaporisation 32.The retaining member 19 and the support portion 29 delimit a vaporization chamber 32 disposed upstream of the retaining elements 26 with respect to the direction of flow of the vapor flow, and more particularly below the retaining elements 26. Thus, , the water droplets separated from the vapor stream by the retaining elements 26 fall by gravity into the vaporization chamber 32.

Le dispositif de retenue 18 comporte également une entrée de vapeur 33 (voir la figure 4) ménagée dans la paroi latérale 29.2 et par laquelle le flux de vapeur entre dans la chambre de vaporisation 32. Selon le mode de réalisation représenté sur les figures 4 à 9, l'entrée de vapeur 33 est en partie délimitée par le conduit 21.The retainer 18 also has a steam inlet 33 (see figure 4 ) formed in the side wall 29.2 and through which the steam flow enters the vaporization chamber 32. According to the embodiment shown in the figures 4 to 9 , the steam inlet 33 is partly delimited by the pipe 21.

Etant donné que le corps principal 11 est en matériau thermiquement conducteur, une partie de la chaleur produite par le dispositif de chauffage 17 est transférée à la chambre de vaporisation 32, de telle sorte que les gouttelettes d'eau tombées par gravité dans la chambre de vaporisation 32 sont vaporisées et peuvent ainsi être entraînées en dehors de la chambre de vaporisation 29 et vers les orifices de vapeur 15 par le flux de vapeur.Since the main body 11 is made of a thermally conductive material, part of the heat produced by the heater 17 is transferred to the vaporization chamber 32, so that the water droplets which have fallen by gravity into the vaporization chamber 32 are vaporized and thus can be entrained out of the vaporization chamber 29 and towards the vapor ports 15 by the flow of steam.

Le dispositif de retenue 18 comporte de plus des premiers moyens d'indexage angulaire configurés pour coopérer avec des deuxièmes moyens d'indexage angulaire complémentaires prévus sur la partie de support 29, afin d'assurer une immobilisation angulaire du dispositif de retenue 18 dans une position angulaire prédéfinie. Par exemple, les premiers moyens d'indexage angulaire pourraient comporter une nervure d'immobilisation 34 s'étendant à partir du bord inférieur de la paroi périphérique 22, et les deuxièmes moyens d'indexage angulaire pourraient être formés par les portions de la paroi latérale 29.2 délimitant l'entrée de vapeur 33.The retaining device 18 further comprises first angular indexing means configured to cooperate with second complementary angular indexing means provided on the support portion 29, in order to ensure angular immobilization of the retaining device 18 in a position predefined angular. For example, the first angular indexing means could comprise an immobilizing rib 34 extending from the lower edge of the peripheral wall 22, and the second angular indexing means could be formed by the portions of the side wall. 29.2 delimiting the steam inlet 33.

Comme montré sur les figures 4 et 5, le circuit de distribution de vapeur 16 comprend une chambre de détente 35 disposée en amont du dispositif de retenue 18 et configurée pour diminuer la vitesse d'écoulement du flux de vapeur avant que le flux de vapeur n'atteigne le dispositif de retenue 18 et plus particulièrement l'organe de retenue 19. Avantageusement, la chambre de détente 35 comprend une unique cloison de déviation 35.1 s'étendant entre l'entrée de flux de vapeur 16.1 et le dispositif de retenue 18.As shown on figures 4 and 5 , the steam distribution circuit 16 comprises an expansion chamber 35 disposed upstream of the retainer 18 and configured to decrease the flow velocity of the steam stream before the steam flow reaches the retainer 18 and more particularly the retaining member 19. Advantageously, the expansion chamber 35 comprises a single deflection wall 35.1 extending between the steam flow inlet 16.1 and the retaining device 18.

Le circuit de distribution de vapeur 16 comprend en outre une chambre de refoulement de vapeur 36 délimitée par la partie de recouvrement 12 et l'organe de retenue 19. La chambre de refoulement de vapeur 36 est disposée en aval de l'ouverture de sortie supérieure 24 et est reliée fluidiquement aux orifices de vapeur 15.The steam distribution circuit 16 further comprises a steam delivery chamber 36 delimited by the cover portion 12 and the retaining member 19. The steam delivery chamber 36 is disposed downstream of the upper outlet opening. 24 and is fluidly connected to the steam ports 15.

Avantageusement, le circuit de distribution de vapeur 16 comprend de plus une pluralité de picots 40 s'étendant à proximité de l'entrée de flux de vapeur 16.1. La présence de ces picots 40 permet d'augmenter la surface d'échange entre le flux de vapeur et le circuit de distribution de vapeur 16, et donc de favoriser la séparation des gouttelettes d'eau du flux de vapeur s'écoulant à travers le circuit de distribution de vapeur 16.Advantageously, the steam distribution circuit 16 further comprises a plurality of pins 40 extending close to the steam flow inlet 16.1. The presence of these pins 40 makes it possible to increase the exchange surface between the vapor flow and the vapor distribution circuit 16, and therefore to promote the separation of the water droplets from the vapor flow flowing through the steam distribution circuit 16.

Les figures 10 à 15 représentent un dispositif de retenue 18 selon un deuxième mode de réalisation de l'invention qui diffère du premier mode de réalisation essentiellement en ce que l'organe de retenue 19 comporte un unique élément de retenue 26 qui est constitué par une paroi de retenue s'étendant en travers du conduit 11 et en direction de l'ouverture d'entrée inférieure 23, et en ce que l'ouverture de passage intermédiaire 28 respective est décalée par rapport à l'axe longitudinal A du conduit 21 et est délimitée par l'élément de retenue 26 et la paroi périphérique 22 qui est dans ce mode de réalisation tubulaire.The figures 10 to 15 show a retaining device 18 according to a second embodiment of the invention which differs from the first embodiment essentially in that the retaining member 19 comprises a single retaining element 26 which consists of a retaining wall s' extending across the duct 11 and in the direction of the lower inlet opening 23, and in that the respective intermediate passage opening 28 is offset with respect to the longitudinal axis A of the duct 21 and is bounded by the retaining element 26 and the peripheral wall 22 which in this embodiment is tubular.

Avantageusement, l'élément de retenue 26 recouvre, dans un plan de projection perpendiculaire à l'axe longitudinal A du conduit 21, au moins 60%, et de préférence au moins 70%, de la section de passage du conduit 21.Advantageously, the retaining element 26 covers, in a projection plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A of the duct 21, at least 60%, and preferably at least 70%, of the passage section of the duct 21.

En outre, selon ce deuxième mode de réalisation de l'invention, le bord supérieur de la paroi périphérique 22 comporte une encoche supérieure 37 définissant en partie l'ouverture de sortie supérieure 24. Avantageusement, l'encoche supérieure 37 est diamétralement opposée à l'ouverture de passage intermédiaire 28 par rapport à l'axe longitudinal A du conduit 21.In addition, according to this second embodiment of the invention, the upper edge of the peripheral wall 22 comprises an upper notch 37 partially defining the upper outlet opening 24. Advantageously, the upper notch 37 is diametrically opposed to the upper outlet. 'intermediate passage opening 28 with respect to the longitudinal axis A of the duct 21.

La circulation du flux de vapeur à travers l'organe de retenue 19 selon le deuxième mode de réalisation de l'invention est schématisée par des flèches en trait continu sur la figure 15, tandis que la circulation des gouttelettes d'eau retenues par ledit organe de retenue 19 est schématisée par des points sur la figure 15.The circulation of the vapor flow through the retaining member 19 according to the second embodiment of the invention is shown diagrammatically by arrows in solid line on the figure 15 , while the circulation of water droplets retained by said retaining member 19 is shown schematically by points on the figure 15 .

Comme il va de soi, l'invention ne se limite pas aux seules formes d'exécution de ce fer à vapeur décrites ci-dessus à titre d'exemples, elle en embrasse au contraire toutes les variantes de réalisation. Ainsi dans une variante de réalisation non représentée, la chambre de vaporisation située en amont de l'élément de retenue pourra être remplacée par une zone de stockage de l'eau dans laquelle une pompe pourra venir puiser pour alimenter en eau une buse de pulvérisation d'un spray portée par le fer à vapeur.As goes without saying, the invention is not limited to the sole embodiments of this steam iron described above by way of examples, it embraces on the contrary all the variant embodiments thereof. Thus in an alternative embodiment not shown, the vaporization chamber located upstream of the retaining element can be replaced by a water storage area from which a pump can draw to supply water to a spray nozzle. 'a spray carried by the steam iron.

Claims (12)

  1. Steam iron (4) comprising a steam distribution circuit (16) in which a steam flow is intended to flow, and a retaining device (18) arranged along the steam distribution circuit (16) and configured to retain water droplets carried along by the steam flow and optionally to evaporate the said retained water droplets, the steam iron (4) including an ironing board (13), advantageously equipped with steam openings (15), on which it can rest horizontally in an ironing position, the retaining device (18) comprising a retaining member (19) comprising at least:
    - a duct (21) comprising a peripheral wall (22) and having a longitudinal axis (A) extending substantially vertically when the steam iron is in the ironing position, the peripheral wall (22) comprising a lower inlet opening (23) through which the steam flow enters the duct (21) and an upper outlet opening (24) through which the steam flow exits the duct (21), and
    - at least one retaining element (26) extending from the peripheral wall (22) and configured to retain water droplets carried along by the steam flow, the at least one retaining element (26) defining at least partially an intermediate passage opening (28) arranged downstream of the lower inlet opening (23) and upstream of the upper outlet opening (24) with respect to the direction of flow of the steam flow, the intermediate passage opening (28) having a passage section smaller than the passage section of the lower inlet opening (23),
    characterised in that the at least one retaining element (26) extends from the peripheral wall towards the inside of the duct and has at least one portion that is inclined towards the lower inlet opening (23).
  2. Steam iron (4) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one retaining element (26) comprises a retaining surface (27) comprising at least one surface portion inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis (A) of the duct (21).
  3. Steam iron (4) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, which comprises a soleplate (9) and wherein the retaining device (18) comprises a support portion (29) provided on the soleplate (9) and on which is mounted the retaining member (18), the retaining member (18) and the support portion (29) defining a steam generation chamber (32) arranged upstream of the at least one retaining element (26) with respect to the direction of flow of the steam flow.
  4. Steam iron (4) according to claim 3, wherein the retaining device (18) comprises a steam inlet (33) opening into the steam generation chamber (32) and through which the flow of steam enters the steam generation chamber (32).
  5. Steam iron (4) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the support portion (29) comprises a bottom wall (29.1) and a side wall (29.2) extending from the bottom wall (29.1) and on which the retaining member (19) is mounted.
  6. Steam iron (4) according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the retaining device (18) comprises first angular indexing means configured to cooperate with second complementary angular indexing means provided on the support portion (29).
  7. Steam iron (4) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, which comprises a covering portion (12) defining at least partially the steam distribution circuit (16) and covering the retaining member (19).
  8. Steam iron (4) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the retaining member (19) is plastic.
  9. Steam iron (4) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the peripheral wall (22) comprises a succession of tubular peripheral sections (25) extending along the longitudinal axis (A) of the duct (21) and having different internal diameters, the respective inner diameters of the successive tubular peripheral sections (25) being increasingly smaller in the direction of the upper outlet opening (24).
  10. Steam iron (4) according to claim 9, wherein the retaining member (19) has a plurality of retaining elements (26) extending from the peripheral wall (21), each retaining element (26) defining at least partially a respective intermediate passage opening (28) having a passage section smaller than the passage section of the lower inlet opening (23).
  11. Steam iron (4) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the steam distribution circuit (16) further comprises an expansion chamber (35) arranged upstream of the retaining device (18) and configured to decrease the flow velocity of the steam flow before the steam flow reaches the retaining device (18) (19).
  12. Ironing appliance (2) comprising a steam iron (4) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, a steam generator (6) and a steam duct (5) connecting the steam generator (6) to the steam iron (4) for supplying the steam iron (4) with steam.
EP17745824.7A 2016-07-07 2017-07-03 Steam iron comprising a device for holding back water droplets Active EP3481992B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR1656545A FR3053704B1 (en) 2016-07-07 2016-07-07 STEAM IRON COMPRISING A DEVICE FOR RETAINING WATER DROPLETS
PCT/FR2017/051810 WO2018007747A1 (en) 2016-07-07 2017-07-03 Steam iron comprising a device for holding back water droplets

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3481992A1 EP3481992A1 (en) 2019-05-15
EP3481992B1 true EP3481992B1 (en) 2021-03-03

Family

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP17745824.7A Active EP3481992B1 (en) 2016-07-07 2017-07-03 Steam iron comprising a device for holding back water droplets

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (1) EP3481992B1 (en)
CN (2) CN107587336B (en)
FR (1) FR3053704B1 (en)
WO (1) WO2018007747A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR3053704B1 (en) * 2016-07-07 2019-07-19 Seb S.A. STEAM IRON COMPRISING A DEVICE FOR RETAINING WATER DROPLETS
US11858484B2 (en) 2020-10-19 2024-01-02 GM Global Technology Operations LLC Apparatus and method for current draw management in a trailer brake system

Family Cites Families (7)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4196340A (en) * 1978-03-09 1980-04-01 General Electric Company Electrolytic steam iron having means to minimize moisture condensation on the soleplate
NL8900639A (en) * 1989-03-16 1990-10-16 Philips Nv STEAM IRON WITH STEAM-WATER SEPARATORS.
DE102004032361B4 (en) 2004-07-03 2009-12-10 Braun Gmbh Method of providing steam and corresponding steam iron
EP2251482A1 (en) * 2009-05-14 2010-11-17 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Steam discharge unit for use in a soleplate of a steam iron
CN201915273U (en) * 2010-12-30 2011-08-03 周劲松 Steam generator of handheld ironing machine
CN102587104B (en) * 2012-03-08 2013-10-30 佛山市顺德区盛熙电器制造有限公司 Portable steam ironing machine
FR3053704B1 (en) * 2016-07-07 2019-07-19 Seb S.A. STEAM IRON COMPRISING A DEVICE FOR RETAINING WATER DROPLETS

Non-Patent Citations (1)

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Title
None *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CN107587336B (en) 2020-06-12
CN107587336A (en) 2018-01-16
CN207646491U (en) 2018-07-24
FR3053704A1 (en) 2018-01-12
WO2018007747A1 (en) 2018-01-11
FR3053704B1 (en) 2019-07-19
EP3481992A1 (en) 2019-05-15

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