EP4234095A1 - Device for ejecting dry steam in the form of a tube intended for being provided in a steam cleaner - Google Patents

Device for ejecting dry steam in the form of a tube intended for being provided in a steam cleaner Download PDF

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Publication number
EP4234095A1
EP4234095A1 EP23158840.1A EP23158840A EP4234095A1 EP 4234095 A1 EP4234095 A1 EP 4234095A1 EP 23158840 A EP23158840 A EP 23158840A EP 4234095 A1 EP4234095 A1 EP 4234095A1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
steam
hollow tubular
tubular element
diameter
tube
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
EP23158840.1A
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German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Benoît SPATZ
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Adaxo International
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Adaxo International
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Publication date
Application filed by Adaxo International filed Critical Adaxo International
Publication of EP4234095A1 publication Critical patent/EP4234095A1/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B1/00—Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means
    • B05B1/22—Spouts
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L11/00—Machines for cleaning floors, carpets, furniture, walls, or wall coverings
    • A47L11/34—Machines for treating carpets in position by liquid, foam, or vapour, e.g. by steam
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L11/00—Machines for cleaning floors, carpets, furniture, walls, or wall coverings
    • A47L11/40—Parts or details of machines not provided for in groups A47L11/02 - A47L11/38, or not restricted to one of these groups, e.g. handles, arrangements of switches, skirts, buffers, levers
    • A47L11/4036—Parts or details of the surface treating tools
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B08—CLEANING
    • B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
    • B08B3/00—Cleaning by methods involving the use or presence of liquid or steam
    • B08B3/02—Cleaning by the force of jets or sprays
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B08—CLEANING
    • B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
    • B08B2230/00—Other cleaning aspects applicable to all B08B range
    • B08B2230/01—Cleaning with steam

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to the field of cleaning and disinfection, whether intended for a professional or industrial environment, but also for a particular use.
  • the present invention relates more specifically to the household appliance field of steam cleaners.
  • This apparatus is composed of two portions: a first portion which has a duct extending along a first axis, which can be denoted X-X, as well as a second portion also having a duct, extending along a axis that can be noted Y-Y, the two axes X-X and Y-Y of the two ducts that make up the device being in two different planes.
  • the path of the water vapor in this device is made more complex, and the steam is slowed down, by a change of direction between the duct of the first portion of the device and the duct of the second portion.
  • one of the main drawbacks of the existing devices available on the market lies in the fact that, when the water vapor leaves the projection tube, in contact with air at ambient temperature, or with a cold surface, the temperature of the vapor will drop drastically, around 70-90°C. Thus, part of the steam will condense immediately at the outlet of the ejection tube, and form water droplets which remain dispersed in the water vapour.
  • This phenomenon can have the consequence, in particular, depending on the surface that is treated with the device, of causing water runoff and/or significant and unwanted wetting of fabrics, which are sometimes difficult to dry afterwards due to their thickness, or even a warping of joints.
  • the present invention claims to be able to remedy, at least in part, the drawbacks of the devices known in the state of the art.
  • the present invention relates to a dry steam ejection device in the form of a tube intended to be connected, via a flexible pipe, to the tank of a steam cleaner, said tube of steam ejection comprising a first end constituting the steam inlet in said tube and being intended to be connected to said flexible pipe via a mechanical valve and a second end constituting an outlet fitting of said steam, said steam flowing, in said ejection tube, from said first end towards said second end.
  • Said ejection tube according to the invention is more particularly characterized in that it consists of a first hollow tubular element and a second hollow tubular element, arranged in the extension of one another and coaxial , each of said hollow tubular elements comprising an upstream end and a downstream end taking into account the direction of circulation of the steam in said ejection tube, said first hollow tubular element, the upstream end of which constitutes said first steam inlet end in the said ejection tube, having an internal diameter for the passage of the conical vapor and decreasing from its upstream end towards its downstream end, which is abutted and secured fixedly to the upstream end of the said second hollow tubular element whose internal diameter of passage steam is conical and decreasing from its upstream end towards its downstream end, the diameter of the downstream end of said first hollow tubular element partially opening into the diameter of the upstream end of said second hollow tubular element and being smaller than the latter .
  • a chamber preferably in the form of an annular empty space without material, is provided on the outer periphery of the downstream end of said first hollow tubular element opening into the diameter of the upstream end of said second hollow tubular element.
  • the present invention also relates to a steam cleaner comprising in particular a tank incorporating a water tank as well as means for heating said water so that the latter is transformed into dry steam, as well as means for conveying this steam dries at the level of a steam ejection device capable of allowing said steam to be propelled at the level of a surface to be cleaned, said steam cleaner being characterized in that it is equipped with a device for ejection of dry steam as previously described.
  • dry steam does not contain any liquid molecule, only water molecules in the gaseous state, in a proportion of vapor of the order of 5 to 7% in a mixture with air in a proportion of l order from 93 to 95%.
  • the temperature of the dry steam at the outlet of the tube can be maintained greater than or equal to 120°C, sometimes of the order of 128-129°C, while the temperature of the (wet) steam expelled from the conventional devices of the state of the art is generally between 70 and 90° C. and condenses immediately on contact with ambient air or a cold surface.
  • such a temperature at the tube outlet substantially higher than the existing one, allows optimal disinfection efficiency against harmful microorganisms, effective dissolution of particularly stubborn residues, such as greasy residues, on all type of surfaces, without runoff of water droplets, and without requiring the use of chemical products, which is of considerable interest from an environmental point of view.
  • the present invention relates to a dry steam ejection device 1, in the form of a tube 2.
  • Said tube 2 called, in the rest of the description, ejection tube 2 of dry steam, is intended to be connected, in particular by means of a flexible pipe and a mechanical valve, to the tank of a household appliance such as a steam cleaner.
  • the flexible pipe, the tap, as well as the tank of the steam cleaner, are not shown in the appended figures.
  • Said dry steam ejection tube 2 comprises a first end 21, constituting the arrival of said dry steam in the tube 2.
  • This first end 21 is intended to be connected, through suitable means known to those skilled in the art, to the tap mentioned above, itself connected to the tank of the steam cleaner by a flexible pipe, and which allows the routing of the steam from said tank to said ejection tube 2.
  • said ejection tube 2 has a second end 22, constituting an outlet nozzle for the dry steam outside the ejection tube 2, so that said steam can be directed effectively onto a any surface to be cleaned or disinfected.
  • the dry steam circulates, in the ejection tube, from the first end 21 of the latter towards the second end 22.
  • the steam ejection tube 2 of the invention consists of at least a first hollow tubular element 4 and a second hollow tubular element 5
  • the first hollow tubular element 4 and the second hollow tubular element 5 are arranged in the extension of one another. Furthermore, said two hollow tubular elements 4, 5 are coaxial.
  • Said first hollow tubular element 4 comprises an upstream end 41 and a downstream end 42, taking into account the direction of circulation 3 of the dry steam in said ejection tube 2.
  • the second hollow tubular element 5 comprises an upstream end 51 and a downstream end 52, again taking into account the direction of circulation 3 of the dry steam in said ejection tube 2.
  • the upstream end 41 of the first hollow tubular element 4 constitutes the first end 21 of dry steam inlet into the ejection tube 2
  • the downstream end 52 of the second hollow tubular element 5 constitutes the outlet nozzle 22 for the dry steam outside the ejection tube 2.
  • the two tubular elements 4 and 5 (first and second) arranged in the extension each other and coaxial, each have a conical internal recess, referenced 43 and 53 respectively in the figures, the upstream ends 41, 51 of which have an internal diameter greater than the internal diameter of the downstream end 42, 52.
  • said first hollow tubular element 4 of the ejection tube 2 has an internal diameter 43 for the passage of steam which is conical and decreasing from the upstream end 41 of the said first hollow tubular element 4 towards the downstream end 42 of this one.
  • the downstream end 42 of said first hollow tubular element 4 is, for its part, abutted and fixedly secured, for example by means of ultrasonic welding, to the upstream end 51 of said second hollow tubular element 5.
  • the two hollow tubular elements 4, 5 are obtained by plastic injection then welded together, in particular by ultrasound, in order to guarantee the position of said two elements 4, 5 and the seal between the two.
  • Said second hollow tubular element 5 also has an internal diameter 53 for the passage of dry steam which is conical in shape and which decreases from the upstream end 51 of said second hollow tubular element 5 towards the downstream end 52 of that -this.
  • the internal diameter 53 for the passage of the dry steam is straight, in other words regular and constant, over the last 10 millimeters, in order to guarantee a jet of steam powerful, straight and uniform at the exit 22 of tube 2.
  • downstream end 42 of said first hollow tubular element 4 opens, in part, into the upstream end 51 of said second hollow tubular element 5, so that the diameter of the downstream end 42 of the first element 4 is smaller than the diameter of the upstream end of said second tubular element 5.
  • Such characteristics, specific to the ejection tube 2 of the invention make it possible, in a particularly advantageous manner, to create a Venturi effect within said tube 2, in order to avoid losses, for maintenance at a particularly high temperature from the temperature of the dry steam, above 120°C, until it leaves tube 2.
  • a chamber in the form, most preferably, of an annular empty space 6, without material, is provided at the level of the outer periphery of the downstream end 42 of said first hollow tubular element 4.
  • this annular empty space 6 surrounds the portion of the downstream end 42 of the first hollow tubular element 4 which opens into the conical internal recess 53 of said second hollow tubular element 5 that the ejection tube comprises, at the level of the upstream end 51 of this element 5.
  • annular empty space 6 devoid of material allows the creation of a call for air, for an air pump effect, which allows an optimization of the Venturi effect already created by the specific internal conformation of the tube of steam ejection 2 according to the invention.
  • the ratio between the diameter D 53 of the conical internal recess 53 at the level of the upstream end 51 of the second hollow tubular element 5 and the diameter d 43 of the conical internal recess 43 at the level of the end downstream 42 of said first hollow tubular element 4, has a value between 2 and 3.5.
  • This ratio, between the "large" diameter D 53 of the upstream end 51 of said second element 5 and the "small” diameter d 43 of the downstream end 42 of said first element 4 is even more preferably of the order of 2, 75.
  • the taper of said second hollow tubular element 5 is greater than the taper of said first hollow tubular element 4.
  • the ratio between the largest diameter D 43 of the conical internal recess 43, at the level of the upstream end 41 of the first tubular element 4, and the smallest diameter d 43 of said recess 43 is less than the ratio between the larger diameter D 53 of the conical internal recess 53, at the level of the upstream end 51 of the second tubular element 5, and the smaller diameter d 53 of said recess 53.
  • Such a characteristic makes it possible to significantly increase the suction of the dry steam during its path within the conical recesses 43, 53 of the first and second hollow tubular elements 4, 5 of the ejection tube 2, and to further improve the Venturi effect already created by the internal shape specific to said tube 2 according to the invention.
  • the internal diameter 43 of passage of the vapor of said first hollow tubular element 4 decreases, in a regular manner, from its upstream end 41 towards its downstream end 42, with a ratio between the internal diameter D 43 of its upstream end 41 and the internal diameter d 43 of its downstream end 42 of between 1.25 and 2.5; preferably between 1.25 and 1.5 and even more preferably of the order of or equal to 1.4.
  • the internal diameter 53 of passage of the vapor of said second hollow tubular element 5 decreases, also in a regular manner over at least part of the length of said second element 5, from its end upstream 51 towards its downstream end 52, with a ratio between the internal diameter D 53 of its upstream end 51 and the internal diameter d 53 of its downstream end 52, presenting a value, this time, comprised between 2 and 4, of preferably between 2.8 and 3.2 and even more preferably a ratio of the order of or equal to 2.9.
  • the diameter internal passage 53 for dry steam is straight, in other words regular and constant, over a part 54 of the length of said second element 5.
  • the internal diameter 53 is straight over a portion 54 of a length l corresponding to a proportion of between 8 and 11% of the total length of the second hollow tubular element 5, in other words over a portion 54 having a length approximately equal to 10 millimeters.
  • the internal diameter 53 at the level of the straight portion 54 of the second hollow tubular element 5 has a value of the order of, or equal to, 2 mm.
  • the invention also relates to a steam cleaner of the type conventionally known in the state of the art, comprising a tank with a water tank and means for heating the water so as to change it from the liquid state to the dry steam state, said steam cleaner further comprising means for conveying this steam from the reservoir to a steam ejection device 1 intended for a surface to be cleaned.
  • said steam ejection device 1 is in the form of a steam ejection tube 2 having the technical characteristics described previously in the description, in particular comprising two elements tubular, namely a first tubular element 4 and a second tubular element 5, arranged in the extension of one another, each having a conical internal recess 43, 53, the upstream ends 41, 51 of which have an internal diameter greater large the internal diameter of the downstream end 42, 52, while the downstream end 42 of the first tubular element 4 opens into the upstream end 51 of the second tubular element 5.

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  • Drying Of Solid Materials (AREA)
  • Cleaning By Liquid Or Steam (AREA)
  • Apparatus For Disinfection Or Sterilisation (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un dispositif d'éjection de vapeur sèche (1) sous la forme d'un tube (2) comportant une première extrémité (21) constituant l'arrivée de vapeur et une seconde extrémité (22) constituant un embout de sortie (23) de vapeur, ledit tube étant constitué d'un premier et d'un second élément tubulaire creux (4, 5), disposés dans le prolongement l'un de l'autre et coaxiaux, comprenant chacun une extrémité amont (41, 51) et une extrémité aval (42, 52) tenant compte du sens de circulation de la vapeur, ledit premier élément présentant un diamètre interne (43) de passage de la vapeur conique et décroissant entre ses extrémités amont et aval, laquelle est solidarisée fixement à l'extrémité amont dudit second élément dont le diamètre interne (53) de passage est conique et décroissant entre ses deux extrémités amont et aval, le diamètre de l'extrémité aval dudit premier élément débouchant en partie dans le diamètre de l'extrémité amont dudit second élément et étant inférieur à ce dernier.The invention relates to a device for ejecting dry steam (1) in the form of a tube (2) comprising a first end (21) constituting the steam inlet and a second end (22) constituting an outlet nozzle (23) steam, said tube consisting of a first and a second hollow tubular element (4, 5), arranged in the extension of one another and coaxial, each comprising an upstream end (41, 51) and a downstream end (42, 52) taking into account the direction of circulation of the steam, said first element having an internal diameter (43) for the passage of conical steam and decreasing between its upstream and downstream ends, which is fixedly secured at the upstream end of said second element, the internal passage diameter (53) of which is conical and decreasing between its two upstream and downstream ends, the diameter of the downstream end of said first element partially opening into the diameter of the upstream end of said second element and being less than the latter.

Description

La présente invention concerne le domaine du nettoyage et de la désinfection, que ce soit à destination d'un environnement professionnel ou industriel, mais également pour un usage particulier.The present invention relates to the field of cleaning and disinfection, whether intended for a professional or industrial environment, but also for a particular use.

La présente invention concerne plus spécifiquement le domaine électroménager des nettoyeurs à vapeur.The present invention relates more specifically to the household appliance field of steam cleaners.

De manière générale, il est connu, dans l'état de la technique, de nombreux types de nettoyeurs à vapeur, qui sont, de manière classique, munis d'un réservoir de stockage destiné à être rempli d'eau, celle-ci étant chauffée à haute température, typiquement entre 70 et 120°C, au moyen d'une chaudière. Une fois la température atteinte, l'eau est propulsée, sous forme de vapeur sous pression, hors de l'appareil, au travers d'un tube de projection prolongé d'un embout ou d'une buse, afin de permettre le nettoyage de surfaces variées, telles que des sols de tout type, des murs, des vitres, des tissus d'ameublement, des moquettes ou tapis, etc.In general, it is known, in the state of the art, many types of steam cleaners, which are, conventionally, provided with a storage tank intended to be filled with water, this being heated to high temperature, typically between 70 and 120°C, by means of a boiler. Once the temperature has been reached, the water is propelled, in the form of steam under pressure, out of the device, through a projection tube extended by a nozzle or a nozzle, in order to allow the cleaning of various surfaces, such as floors of all types, walls, glass, upholstery, carpets or rugs, etc.

On connait ainsi notamment, de la demande de brevet anglais publiée sous le numéro GB 2 537 918 , un appareil de nettoyage à la vapeur permettant à son utilisateur de nettoyer les surfaces ayant différentes orientations (sols, parois, etc.).We thus know in particular, from the English patent application published under the number UK 2,537,918 , a steam cleaning device allowing its user to clean surfaces with different orientations (floors, walls, etc.).

Cet appareillage est composé de deux portions : une première portion qui présente un conduit s'étendant selon un premier axe, que l'on peut noter X-X, ainsi qu'une deuxième portion présentant, elle aussi, un conduit, s'étendant selon un axe que l'on peut noter Y-Y, les deux axes X-X et Y-Y des deux conduits qui composent l'appareil étant dans deux plans différents.This apparatus is composed of two portions: a first portion which has a duct extending along a first axis, which can be denoted X-X, as well as a second portion also having a duct, extending along a axis that can be noted Y-Y, the two axes X-X and Y-Y of the two ducts that make up the device being in two different planes.

Ainsi, le trajet de la vapeur d'eau dans cet appareillage se trouve complexifié, et la vapeur est ralentie, par un changement de direction entre le conduit de la première portion de l'appareil et le conduit de la deuxième portion.Thus, the path of the water vapor in this device is made more complex, and the steam is slowed down, by a change of direction between the duct of the first portion of the device and the duct of the second portion.

De manière générale, si de tels appareils sont particulièrement intéressants et de plus en plus prisés par les industriels et les particuliers, car ils permettent, de manière aisée et optimale, selon l'usage, un nettoyage, un détartrage, un détachage, ou une désinfection de la surface au niveau de laquelle la vapeur d'eau est appliquée, ils présentent divers inconvénients.In general, if such devices are particularly interesting and increasingly popular with manufacturers and individuals, because they allow, easily and optimally, depending on the use, cleaning, descaling, stain removal, or disinfection of the surface at which the steam is applied, they have various disadvantages.

Ainsi, un des inconvénients principaux des dispositifs existants et disponibles sur le marché, réside dans le fait que, lors de la sortie de la vapeur d'eau du tube de projection, au contact de l'air à température ambiante, ou d'une surface froide, la température de la vapeur va diminuer drastiquement, aux alentours de 70-90°C. Ainsi, une partie de la vapeur va se condenser immédiatement en sortie du tube d'éjection, et former des gouttelettes d'eau qui restent dispersées dans la vapeur d'eau.Thus, one of the main drawbacks of the existing devices available on the market lies in the fact that, when the water vapor leaves the projection tube, in contact with air at ambient temperature, or with a cold surface, the temperature of the vapor will drop drastically, around 70-90°C. Thus, part of the steam will condense immediately at the outlet of the ejection tube, and form water droplets which remain dispersed in the water vapour.

Ce phénomène peut avoir pour conséquence, notamment, selon la surface qui est traitée avec l'appareil, d'entrainer un ruissellement d'eau et/ou une humidification importante et non désirée de tissus, parfois difficiles à sécher par la suite du fait de leur épaisseur, ou bien encore un gondolement de joints.This phenomenon can have the consequence, in particular, depending on the surface that is treated with the device, of causing water runoff and/or significant and unwanted wetting of fabrics, which are sometimes difficult to dry afterwards due to their thickness, or even a warping of joints.

En outre, plus la vapeur contient de l'eau à l'état liquide (gouttelettes), moins elle est efficace du point de vue énergétique : elle transporte et offre moins de chaleur qu'une vapeur saturée, ou « sèche », qui présente une température très élevée et contient une proportion de vapeur d'eau de l'ordre de 5 à 7% en mélange avec de l'air dans une proportion de l'ordre de 93 à 95%.In addition, the more water the vapor contains in the liquid state (droplets), the less it is efficient from an energy point of view: it transports and delivers less heat than a saturated, or "dry", vapor which presents a very high temperature and contains a proportion of water vapor of the order of 5 to 7% mixed with air in a proportion of the order of 93 to 95%.

A noter également qu'une vapeur humide, telle que la vapeur qui est expulsée des nettoyeurs vapeurs classiques, est à manipuler avec une grande précaution, car le risque de brûlure est important pour les utilisateurs.It should also be noted that a wet steam, such as the steam which is expelled from conventional steam cleaners, must be handled with great care, because the risk of burns is significant for users.

La présente invention se veut à même de remédier, au moins en partie, aux inconvénients des dispositifs connus dans l'état de la technique.The present invention claims to be able to remedy, at least in part, the drawbacks of the devices known in the state of the art.

Ainsi, la présente invention a pour objet un dispositif d'éjection de vapeur sèche sous la forme d'un tube destiné à être raccordé, par l'intermédiaire d'un tuyau flexible, à la cuve d'un nettoyeur vapeur, ledit tube d'éjection de vapeur comportant une première extrémité constituant l'arrivée de vapeur dans ledit tube et étant destinée à être reliée audit tuyau flexible par l'intermédiaire d'un robinet mécanique et une deuxième extrémité constituant un embout de sortie de ladite vapeur, ladite vapeur circulant, dans ledit tube d'éjection, depuis ladite première extrémité vers ladite deuxième extrémité.Thus, the present invention relates to a dry steam ejection device in the form of a tube intended to be connected, via a flexible pipe, to the tank of a steam cleaner, said tube of steam ejection comprising a first end constituting the steam inlet in said tube and being intended to be connected to said flexible pipe via a mechanical valve and a second end constituting an outlet fitting of said steam, said steam flowing, in said ejection tube, from said first end towards said second end.

Ledit tube d'éjection selon l'invention est plus particulièrement caractérisé par le fait qu'il est constitué d'un premier élément tubulaire creux et d'un deuxième élément tubulaire creux, disposés dans le prolongement l'un de l'autre et coaxiaux, chacun desdits éléments tubulaires creux comprenant une extrémité amont et une extrémité aval tenant compte du sens de circulation de la vapeur dans ledit tube d'éjection, ledit premier élément tubulaire creux, dont l'extrémité amont constitue ladite première extrémité d'arrivée de vapeur dans ledit tube d'éjection, présentant un diamètre interne de passage de la vapeur conique et décroissant depuis son extrémité amont vers son extrémité aval, laquelle est aboutée et solidarisée fixement à l'extrémité amont dudit deuxième élément tubulaire creux dont le diamètre interne de passage de la vapeur est conique et décroissant depuis son extrémité amont vers son extrémité aval, le diamètre de l'extrémité aval dudit premier élément tubulaire creux débouchant en partie dans le diamètre de l'extrémité amont dudit deuxième élément tubulaire creux et étant inférieur à ce dernier.Said ejection tube according to the invention is more particularly characterized in that it consists of a first hollow tubular element and a second hollow tubular element, arranged in the extension of one another and coaxial , each of said hollow tubular elements comprising an upstream end and a downstream end taking into account the direction of circulation of the steam in said ejection tube, said first hollow tubular element, the upstream end of which constitutes said first steam inlet end in the said ejection tube, having an internal diameter for the passage of the conical vapor and decreasing from its upstream end towards its downstream end, which is abutted and secured fixedly to the upstream end of the said second hollow tubular element whose internal diameter of passage steam is conical and decreasing from its upstream end towards its downstream end, the diameter of the downstream end of said first hollow tubular element partially opening into the diameter of the upstream end of said second hollow tubular element and being smaller than the latter .

En outre, une chambre, de préférence sous la forme d'un espace vide annulaire sans matière, est ménagée sur le pourtour externe de l'extrémité aval dudit premier élément tubulaire creux débouchant dans le diamètre de l'extrémité amont dudit second élément tubulaire creux.In addition, a chamber, preferably in the form of an annular empty space without material, is provided on the outer periphery of the downstream end of said first hollow tubular element opening into the diameter of the upstream end of said second hollow tubular element. .

Selon des modes particuliers de réalisation :

  • ledit premier élément tubulaire creux et ledit second élément tubulaire creux sont solidarisés fixement par soudure ultrason ;
  • le rapport entre le diamètre de l'extrémité amont dudit second élément tubulaire creux et le diamètre de l'extrémité aval dudit premier élément tubulaire creux est compris entre 2 et 3,5 ;
  • ledit rapport entre le diamètre de l'extrémité amont dudit second élément tubulaire creux et le diamètre de l'extrémité aval dudit premier élément tubulaire creux est de l'ordre de, ou égal à, 2,75 ;
  • la conicité dudit second élément tubulaire creux est plus importante que la conicité dudit premier élément tubulaire creux ;
  • le diamètre interne de passage de la vapeur dudit premier élément tubulaire creux est décroissant régulièrement depuis son extrémité amont vers son extrémité aval avec un rapport entre le diamètre interne D43 de son extrémité amont et le diamètre interne d43 de son extrémité aval compris entre 1,25 et 1,5 tandis que le diamètre interne de passage de la vapeur dudit second élément tubulaire creux est décroissant régulièrement sur au moins une partie de sa longueur depuis son extrémité amont vers son extrémité aval avec un rapport entre le diamètre interne D53 de son extrémité amont et le diamètre interne d53 de son extrémité aval compris entre 2 et 4 ;
  • sur l'extrémité aval dudit second élément tubulaire creux, au niveau de la sortie du tube d'éjection, le diamètre interne de passage de la vapeur sèche est droit sur une portion de la longueur dudit second élément, ladite portion présentant une longueur correspondant à une proportion comprise entre 8 et 11% de la longueur totale du second élément tubulaire creux ;
According to particular embodiments:
  • said first hollow tubular element and said second hollow tubular element are fixedly joined together by ultrasonic welding;
  • the ratio between the diameter of the upstream end of said second hollow tubular element and the diameter of the downstream end of said first hollow tubular element is between 2 and 3.5;
  • said ratio between the diameter of the upstream end of said second hollow tubular element and the diameter of the downstream end of said first hollow tubular element is of the order of or equal to 2.75;
  • the taper of said second hollow tubular element is greater than the taper of said first hollow tubular element;
  • the internal diameter of the vapor passage of said first hollow tubular element decreases regularly from its upstream end to its downstream end with a ratio between the internal diameter D 43 of its upstream end and the internal diameter d 43 of its downstream end of between 1 , 25 and 1.5 while the internal diameter of the vapor passage of said second hollow tubular element decreases regularly over at least part of its length from its upstream end to its downstream end with a ratio between the internal diameter D 53 of its upstream end and the internal diameter d 53 of its downstream end comprised between 2 and 4;
  • on the downstream end of said second hollow tubular element, at the level of the outlet of the ejection tube, the internal diameter of the passage of the dry steam is straight over a portion of the length of said second element, said portion having a length corresponding to a proportion of between 8 and 11% of the total length of the second hollow tubular element;

La présente invention est également relative à un nettoyeur à vapeur comprenant notamment une cuve incorporant un réservoir d'eau ainsi que des moyens de chauffage de ladite eau en sorte que celle-ci soit transformée en vapeur sèche, ainsi que des moyens d'acheminement de cette vapeur sèche au niveau d'un dispositif d'éjection de vapeur apte à permettre une propulsion de ladite vapeur au niveau d'une surface à nettoyer, ledit nettoyeur à vapeur étant caractérisé en ce qu'il est équipé d'un dispositif d'éjection de vapeur sèche tel que décrit précédemment.The present invention also relates to a steam cleaner comprising in particular a tank incorporating a water tank as well as means for heating said water so that the latter is transformed into dry steam, as well as means for conveying this steam dries at the level of a steam ejection device capable of allowing said steam to be propelled at the level of a surface to be cleaned, said steam cleaner being characterized in that it is equipped with a device for ejection of dry steam as previously described.

Ainsi, dans une démarche inventive, il a été imaginé, pour la fabrication d'un tube d'éjection de vapeur équipant un nettoyeur vapeur, d'abouter deux cônes, chacun présentant un diamètre décroissant, tenant compte du sens d'éjection de la vapeur, le premier cône débouchant en partie dans le second, en sorte de créer, au sein dudit tube d'éjection de vapeur, un effet Venturi.Thus, in an inventive approach, it was imagined, for the manufacture of a steam ejection tube fitted to a steam cleaner, to butt two cones, each having a decreasing diameter, taking into account the direction of ejection of the vapor, the first cone partially opening into the second, so as to create, within said vapor ejection tube, a Venturi effect.

L'obtention de cet effet Venturi, au sein dudit tube d'éjection de vapeur, en combinaison avec la pression appliquée, et un chauffage de la vapeur d'eau au sein du nettoyeur vapeur à une température supérieure à la température d'ébullition, notamment supérieure à 110°C, voire supérieure à 140°C, permet d'accélérer la vitesse en sortie du tube d'éjection, en sorte de conserver plus longtemps la température initiale, et donc d'obtenir une vapeur sèche surchauffée dont l'énergie thermique est supérieure à une vapeur humide qui est éjectée classiquement d'un nettoyeur vapeur.Obtaining this Venturi effect, within said steam ejection tube, in combination with the applied pressure, and heating the steam within the steam cleaner to a temperature above the boiling point, in particular greater than 110°C, or even greater than 140°C, makes it possible to accelerate the speed at the outlet of the ejection tube, so as to retain more the initial temperature for a long time, and therefore to obtain superheated dry steam whose thermal energy is greater than wet steam which is conventionally ejected from a steam cleaner.

Pour mémoire, la vapeur sèche ne contient aucune molécule liquide, uniquement des molécules d'eau à l'état gazeux, dans une proportion de vapeur de l'ordre de 5 à 7% en mélange avec de l'air dans une proportion de l'ordre de 93 à 95%.For the record, dry steam does not contain any liquid molecule, only water molecules in the gaseous state, in a proportion of vapor of the order of 5 to 7% in a mixture with air in a proportion of l order from 93 to 95%.

A noter également que la proportion de vapeur d'eau au sein de la vapeur sèche expulsée du tube d'éjection de l'invention est extrêmement basse, ce qui aboutit à réduire la consommation d'eau lors de l'utilisation d'un nettoyeur vapeur équipé d'un tube d'éjection conforme à l'invention.It should also be noted that the proportion of water vapor within the dry vapor expelled from the ejection tube of the invention is extremely low, which leads to a reduction in water consumption when using a cleaner steam equipped with an ejection tube according to the invention.

En d'autres termes, la création d'un effet Venturi au sein du tube d'éjection de vapeur selon l'invention, par la conception particulière de ce dernier, permet d'éviter les déperditions de chaleur lors du transit de la vapeur d'eau surchauffée au travers dudit tube jusqu'à sa sortie.In other words, the creation of a Venturi effect within the steam ejection tube according to the invention, by the particular design of the latter, makes it possible to avoid heat losses during the transit of steam from superheated water through said tube until it exits.

Ainsi, la température de la vapeur sèche en sortie du tube peut être maintenue supérieure ou égale à 120°C, parfois de l'ordre de 128-129°C, tandis que la température de la vapeur (humide) expulsée des dispositifs classiques de l'état de la technique est généralement comprise entre 70 et 90°C et se condense immédiatement au contact de l'air ambiant ou d'une surface froide.Thus, the temperature of the dry steam at the outlet of the tube can be maintained greater than or equal to 120°C, sometimes of the order of 128-129°C, while the temperature of the (wet) steam expelled from the conventional devices of the state of the art is generally between 70 and 90° C. and condenses immediately on contact with ambient air or a cold surface.

Entre autres avantages, une telle température en sortie de tube, substantiellement plus élevée que l'existant, permet une efficacité de désinfection optimale à l'encontre des microorganismes néfastes, une dissolution efficace de résidus particulièrement tenaces, tels que les résidus graisseux, sur tout type de surfaces, sans ruissellement de gouttelettes d'eau, et sans nécessiter l'utilisation de produits chimiques, ce qui présente un intérêt non négligeable d'un point de vue environnemental.Among other advantages, such a temperature at the tube outlet, substantially higher than the existing one, allows optimal disinfection efficiency against harmful microorganisms, effective dissolution of particularly stubborn residues, such as greasy residues, on all type of surfaces, without runoff of water droplets, and without requiring the use of chemical products, which is of considerable interest from an environmental point of view.

D'autres buts et avantages de la présente invention apparaîtront au cours de la description qui va suivre se rapportant à des modes de réalisation qui ne sont donnés qu'à titre d'exemples indicatifs et non limitatifs.Other aims and advantages of the present invention will appear during the description which will follow relating to embodiments which are given only by way of indicative and non-limiting examples.

La compréhension de cette description sera facilitée en se référant aux dessins joints en annexe et dans lesquels :

  • [Fig.1] représente une vue schématisée et en coupe, d'un premier mode de réalisation particulier du dispositif d'éjection de vapeur sèche selon l'invention, se présentant sous la forme d'un tube d'éjection, formé par deux éléments tubulaires amont (ou premier élément tubulaire) et aval (ou second élément tubulaire), disposés dans le prolongement l'un de l'autre, en tenant compte du sens de circulation de la vapeur dans ledit tube, ce sens de circulation étant symbolisé par une flèche, chacun desdits deux élément tubulaires présentant un évidement interne conique, dont les extrémités amont présentent un diamètre interne plus grand que le diamètre interne de l'extrémité aval;
  • [Fig.2] représente, une vue schématisée et en coupe, d'un second mode de réalisation du dispositif d'éjection de vapeur sèche selon l'invention, similaire au premier mode de réalisation représenté sur la figure 1, et présentant en outre la particularité de comporter un espace annulaire vide sans matière ménagé sur le pourtour externe de l'extrémité aval de l'élément tubulaire amont, cette extrémité débouchant dans le diamètre de l'extrémité amont de l'élément tubulaire aval ;
  • [Fig.3] représente une vue schématisée et en coupe similaire à la figure 2, ledit espace annulaire vide sans matière étant mis en évidence.
  • [Fig.4] représente une vue schématisée et en coupe d'un troisième mode de réalisation dans lequel, sur l'extrémité aval du second élément tubulaire creux, au niveau de la sortie du tube d'éjection, le diamètre interne de passage de la vapeur sèche est droit sur une portion de la longueur dudit second élément tubulaire.
The understanding of this description will be facilitated by referring to the attached drawings in which:
  • [ Fig.1 ] shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a first particular embodiment of the dry steam ejection device according to the invention, in the form of an ejection tube, formed by two upstream tubular elements ( or first tubular element) and downstream (or second tubular element), arranged in the extension of one another, taking into account the direction of circulation of the vapor in the said tube, this direction of circulation being symbolized by an arrow, each of said two tubular elements having a conical internal recess, the upstream ends of which have an internal diameter greater than the internal diameter of the downstream end;
  • [ Fig.2 ] represents, a diagrammatic and sectional view, of a second embodiment of the dry steam ejection device according to the invention, similar to the first embodiment represented on the figure 1 , and further having the particularity of comprising an empty annular space without material provided on the outer periphery of the downstream end of the upstream tubular element, this end opening into the diameter of the upstream end of the downstream tubular element;
  • [ Fig.3 ] represents a schematic and sectional view similar to the figure 2 , said empty annular space without material being highlighted.
  • [ Fig.4 ] represents a diagrammatic view and in section of a third embodiment in which, on the downstream end of the second hollow tubular element, at the level of the outlet of the ejection tube, the internal diameter of the passage of the dry steam is straight over a portion of the length of said second tubular element.

En référence aux figures 1 à 4 des dessins ci-joints, la présente invention est relative à un dispositif d'éjection de vapeur sèche 1, se présentant sous la forme d'un tube 2.With reference to figures 1 to 4 of the attached drawings, the present invention relates to a dry steam ejection device 1, in the form of a tube 2.

Ledit tube 2, dénommé, dans la suite de la description, tube d'éjection 2 de vapeur sèche, est destiné à être raccordé, notamment par l'intermédiaire d'un tuyau flexible et d'un robinet mécanique, à la cuve d'un appareil électroménager du type nettoyeur vapeur. Le tuyau flexible, le robinet, de même que la cuve du nettoyeur vapeur, ne sont pas représentés sur les figures annexées.Said tube 2, called, in the rest of the description, ejection tube 2 of dry steam, is intended to be connected, in particular by means of a flexible pipe and a mechanical valve, to the tank of a household appliance such as a steam cleaner. The flexible pipe, the tap, as well as the tank of the steam cleaner, are not shown in the appended figures.

Ledit tube d'éjection 2 de vapeur sèche comporte une première extrémité 21, constituant l'arrivée de ladite vapeur sèche dans le tube 2. Cette première extrémité 21 est destinée à être reliée, au travers de moyens adaptés et connus de l'homme du métier, au robinet mentionné précédemment, lui-même relié à la cuve du nettoyeur vapeur par un tuyau flexible, et qui permet l'acheminement de la vapeur depuis ladite cuve vers ledit tube d'éjection 2.Said dry steam ejection tube 2 comprises a first end 21, constituting the arrival of said dry steam in the tube 2. This first end 21 is intended to be connected, through suitable means known to those skilled in the art, to the tap mentioned above, itself connected to the tank of the steam cleaner by a flexible pipe, and which allows the routing of the steam from said tank to said ejection tube 2.

A l'opposé de cette première extrémité 21, ledit tube d'éjection 2 comporte une seconde extrémité 22, constituant un embout de sortie de la vapeur sèche en dehors du tube d'éjection 2, afin que ladite vapeur puisse être dirigée efficacement sur une surface quelconque à nettoyer ou à désinfecter.Opposite this first end 21, said ejection tube 2 has a second end 22, constituting an outlet nozzle for the dry steam outside the ejection tube 2, so that said steam can be directed effectively onto a any surface to be cleaned or disinfected.

Ainsi, on comprend que la vapeur sèche circule, dans le tube d'éjection, depuis la première extrémité 21 de celui-ci vers la seconde extrémité 22.Thus, it is understood that the dry steam circulates, in the ejection tube, from the first end 21 of the latter towards the second end 22.

Le sens de circulation de la vapeur sèche dans le tube d'éjection 2 selon l'invention est symbolisé, sur les figures annexées, par une flèche 3.The direction of circulation of the dry steam in the ejection tube 2 according to the invention is symbolized, in the appended figures, by an arrow 3.

Selon une particularité propre au tube d'éjection 2 de vapeur de l'invention, celui est constitué au moins d'un premier élément tubulaire creux 4 et d'un second élément tubulaire creux 5According to a specific feature of the steam ejection tube 2 of the invention, it consists of at least a first hollow tubular element 4 and a second hollow tubular element 5

Le premier élément tubulaire creux 4 et le second élément tubulaire creux 5 sont disposés dans le prolongement l'un de l'autre. En outre, lesdits deux éléments tubulaires creux 4, 5, sont coaxiaux.The first hollow tubular element 4 and the second hollow tubular element 5 are arranged in the extension of one another. Furthermore, said two hollow tubular elements 4, 5 are coaxial.

Ledit premier élément tubulaire creux 4 comprend une extrémité amont 41 et une extrémité aval 42, en tenant compte du sens de circulation 3 de la vapeur sèche dans ledit tube d'éjection 2.Said first hollow tubular element 4 comprises an upstream end 41 and a downstream end 42, taking into account the direction of circulation 3 of the dry steam in said ejection tube 2.

De même, le second élément tubulaire creux 5 comprend une extrémité amont 51 et une extrémité aval 52, là encore en tenant compte du sens de circulation 3 de la vapeur sèche dans ledit tube d'éjection 2.Similarly, the second hollow tubular element 5 comprises an upstream end 51 and a downstream end 52, again taking into account the direction of circulation 3 of the dry steam in said ejection tube 2.

Ainsi, il ressort, de ce qui précède, que l'extrémité amont 41 du premier élément tubulaire creux 4 constitue la première extrémité 21 d'arrivée de vapeur sèche dans le tube d'éjection 2, tandis que l'extrémité aval 52 du second élément tubulaire creux 5 constitue l'embout de sortie 22 de la vapeur sèche en dehors du tube d'éjection 2.Thus, it emerges from the foregoing that the upstream end 41 of the first hollow tubular element 4 constitutes the first end 21 of dry steam inlet into the ejection tube 2, while the downstream end 52 of the second hollow tubular element 5 constitutes the outlet nozzle 22 for the dry steam outside the ejection tube 2.

De manière particulière et essentielle à la présente invention, les deux éléments tubulaires 4 et 5, (premier et second) disposés dans le prolongement l'un de l'autre et coaxiaux, présentent chacun un évidement interne conique, référencés respectivement 43 et 53 sur les figures, dont les extrémités amont 41, 51 présentent un diamètre interne plus grand que le diamètre interne de l'extrémité aval 42, 52.In a particular and essential manner to the present invention, the two tubular elements 4 and 5, (first and second) arranged in the extension each other and coaxial, each have a conical internal recess, referenced 43 and 53 respectively in the figures, the upstream ends 41, 51 of which have an internal diameter greater than the internal diameter of the downstream end 42, 52.

Plus spécifiquement, ledit premier élément tubulaire creux 4 du tube d'éjection 2, présente un diamètre interne 43 pour le passage de la vapeur qui est conique et décroissant depuis l'extrémité amont 41 dudit premier élément tubulaire creux 4 vers l'extrémité aval 42 de celui-ci.More specifically, said first hollow tubular element 4 of the ejection tube 2 has an internal diameter 43 for the passage of steam which is conical and decreasing from the upstream end 41 of the said first hollow tubular element 4 towards the downstream end 42 of this one.

L'extrémité aval 42 dudit premier élément tubulaire creux 4 est, quant à elle, aboutée et solidarisée fixement, par exemple au moyen d'une soudure par ultrason, à l'extrémité amont 51 dudit second élément tubulaire creux 5.The downstream end 42 of said first hollow tubular element 4 is, for its part, abutted and fixedly secured, for example by means of ultrasonic welding, to the upstream end 51 of said second hollow tubular element 5.

Tout préférentiellement, les deux éléments tubulaires creux 4, 5 sont obtenus par injection plastique puis soudés entre eux, notamment par ultrason, afin de garantir la position desdits deux éléments 4, 5 et l'étanchéité entre les deux.Most preferably, the two hollow tubular elements 4, 5 are obtained by plastic injection then welded together, in particular by ultrasound, in order to guarantee the position of said two elements 4, 5 and the seal between the two.

Ledit second élément tubulaire creux 5 présente, lui aussi, un diamètre interne 53 de passage de la vapeur sèche qui est de forme conique et qui est décroissant depuis l'extrémité amont 51 dudit second élément tubulaire creux 5 vers l'extrémité aval 52 de celui-ci.Said second hollow tubular element 5 also has an internal diameter 53 for the passage of dry steam which is conical in shape and which decreases from the upstream end 51 of said second hollow tubular element 5 towards the downstream end 52 of that -this.

Néanmoins, tout préférentiellement, sur l'extrémité aval 52 dudit second élément tubulaire creux 5, le diamètre interne 53 de passage de la vapeur sèche est droit, autrement dit régulier et constant, sur les 10 derniers millimètres, afin de garantir un jet de vapeur puissant, droit et uniforme au niveau de la sortie 22 du tube 2.Nevertheless, very preferably, on the downstream end 52 of said second hollow tubular element 5, the internal diameter 53 for the passage of the dry steam is straight, in other words regular and constant, over the last 10 millimeters, in order to guarantee a jet of steam powerful, straight and uniform at the exit 22 of tube 2.

A noter encore que, de manière particulièrement avantageuse, et comme cela est illustré sur les figures, l'extrémité aval 42 dudit premier élément tubulaire creux 4 débouche, en partie, dans l'extrémité amont 51 dudit second élément tubulaire creux 5, en sorte que le diamètre de l'extrémité aval 42 du premier élément 4 est inférieur au diamètre de l'extrémité amont dudit second élément tubulaire 5.It should also be noted that, in a particularly advantageous manner, and as illustrated in the figures, the downstream end 42 of said first hollow tubular element 4 opens, in part, into the upstream end 51 of said second hollow tubular element 5, so that the diameter of the downstream end 42 of the first element 4 is smaller than the diameter of the upstream end of said second tubular element 5.

De telles caractéristiques, spécifiques au tube d'éjection 2 de l'invention permettent, de manière particulièrement avantageuse, de créer un effet Venturi au sein dudit tube 2, afin d'éviter les déperditions, pour un maintien à une température particulièrement élevée de la température de la vapeur sèche, supérieure à 120°C, jusqu'à sa sortie du tube 2.Such characteristics, specific to the ejection tube 2 of the invention make it possible, in a particularly advantageous manner, to create a Venturi effect within said tube 2, in order to avoid losses, for maintenance at a particularly high temperature from the temperature of the dry steam, above 120°C, until it leaves tube 2.

En référence à présent à la figure 3, selon une caractéristique additionnelle particulièrement intéressante du tube d'éjection 2 de vapeur de l'invention, une chambre, sous la forme, tout préférentiellement, d'un espace vide annulaire 6, sans matière, est prévue au niveau du pourtour externe de l'extrémité aval 42 dudit premier élément tubulaire creux 4.Referring now to the picture 3 , according to a particularly advantageous additional characteristic of the steam ejection tube 2 of the invention, a chamber, in the form, most preferably, of an annular empty space 6, without material, is provided at the level of the outer periphery of the downstream end 42 of said first hollow tubular element 4.

Plus précisément, cet espace vide annulaire 6 entoure la portion de l'extrémité aval 42 du premier élément tubulaire creux 4 qui débouche dans l'évidement interne conique 53 dudit second élément tubulaire creux 5 que comporte le tube d'éjection, au niveau de l'extrémité amont 51 de cet élément 5.More precisely, this annular empty space 6 surrounds the portion of the downstream end 42 of the first hollow tubular element 4 which opens into the conical internal recess 53 of said second hollow tubular element 5 that the ejection tube comprises, at the level of the upstream end 51 of this element 5.

La présence d'un tel espace vide annulaire 6 dépourvu de matière permet la création d'un appel d'air, pour un effet pompe à air, qui permet une optimisation de l'effet Venturi déjà créé par la conformation interne spécifique du tube d'éjection de vapeur 2 selon l'invention.The presence of such an annular empty space 6 devoid of material allows the creation of a call for air, for an air pump effect, which allows an optimization of the Venturi effect already created by the specific internal conformation of the tube of steam ejection 2 according to the invention.

Tout préférentiellement, le rapport, entre le diamètre D53 de l'évidement interne conique 53 au niveau de l'extrémité amont 51 du second élément tubulaire creux 5 et le diamètre d43 de l'évidement interne conique 43 au niveau de l'extrémité aval 42 dudit premier élément tubulaire creux 4, présente une valeur comprise entre 2 et 3,5.Most preferably, the ratio between the diameter D 53 of the conical internal recess 53 at the level of the upstream end 51 of the second hollow tubular element 5 and the diameter d 43 of the conical internal recess 43 at the level of the end downstream 42 of said first hollow tubular element 4, has a value between 2 and 3.5.

Ce rapport, entre le « grand » diamètre D53 de l'extrémité amont 51 dudit second élément 5 et le « petit » diamètre d43 de l'extrémité aval 42 dudit premier élément 4 est encore plus préférentiellement de l'ordre de 2,75.This ratio, between the "large" diameter D 53 of the upstream end 51 of said second element 5 and the "small" diameter d 43 of the downstream end 42 of said first element 4 is even more preferably of the order of 2, 75.

De telles valeurs de rapport entre les diamètres D53/d43 des évidements internes coniques 53, 43 du second élément tubulaire creux 5 et du premier élément tubulaire creux 4, respectivement, à la position précise où ledit évidement interne conique 43 du premier élément tubulaire 4 débouche dans l'évidement interne conique 53 du second élément 5, permet encore une optimisation de l'effet Venturi.Such ratio values between the diameters D 53 /d 43 of the conical internal recesses 53, 43 of the second hollow tubular element 5 and of the first hollow tubular element 4, respectively, at the precise position where said conical internal recess 43 of the first tubular element 4 opens into the conical internal recess 53 of the second element 5, further allows optimization of the Venturi effect.

De manière avantageuse, dans le tube d'éjection 2 de vapeur sèche de l'invention, la conicité dudit second élément tubulaire creux 5 est plus importante que la conicité dudit premier élément tubulaire creux 4.Advantageously, in the dry steam ejection tube 2 of the invention, the taper of said second hollow tubular element 5 is greater than the taper of said first hollow tubular element 4.

Cela signifie que le rapport entre le plus grand diamètre D43 de l'évidement interne conique 43, au niveau de l'extrémité amont 41 du premier élément tubulaire 4, et le plus petit diamètre d43 dudit évidement 43, est inférieur au rapport entre le plus grand diamètre D53 de l'évidement interne conique 53, au niveau de l'extrémité amont 51 du second élément tubulaire 5, et le plus petit diamètre d53 dudit évidement 53.This means that the ratio between the largest diameter D 43 of the conical internal recess 43, at the level of the upstream end 41 of the first tubular element 4, and the smallest diameter d 43 of said recess 43, is less than the ratio between the larger diameter D 53 of the conical internal recess 53, at the level of the upstream end 51 of the second tubular element 5, and the smaller diameter d 53 of said recess 53.

Une telle caractéristique permet d'augmenter significativement l'aspiration de la vapeur sèche lors du trajet de celle-ci au sein des évidements coniques 43, 53 des premier et second éléments tubulaires creux 4, 5 du tube d'éjection 2, et d'améliorer encore l'effet Venturi déjà créé par la forme interne spécifique audit tube 2 selon l'invention.Such a characteristic makes it possible to significantly increase the suction of the dry steam during its path within the conical recesses 43, 53 of the first and second hollow tubular elements 4, 5 of the ejection tube 2, and to further improve the Venturi effect already created by the internal shape specific to said tube 2 according to the invention.

Ainsi, tout préférentiellement le diamètre interne 43 de passage de la vapeur dudit premier élément tubulaire creux 4 est décroissant, de manière régulière, depuis son extrémité amont 41 vers son extrémité aval 42, avec un rapport entre le diamètre interne D43 de son extrémité amont 41 et le diamètre interne d43 de son extrémité aval 42 compris entre 1,25 et 2,5 ; de préférence entre 1,25 et 1,5 et plus préférentiellement encore de l'ordre de, ou égal à 1,4.Thus, most preferably the internal diameter 43 of passage of the vapor of said first hollow tubular element 4 decreases, in a regular manner, from its upstream end 41 towards its downstream end 42, with a ratio between the internal diameter D 43 of its upstream end 41 and the internal diameter d 43 of its downstream end 42 of between 1.25 and 2.5; preferably between 1.25 and 1.5 and even more preferably of the order of or equal to 1.4.

Pour ce qui concerne, à présent, le diamètre interne 53 de passage de la vapeur dudit second élément tubulaire creux 5, celui-ci est décroissant, également de manière régulière sur au moins une partie de la longueur dudit second élément 5, depuis son extrémité amont 51 vers son extrémité aval 52, avec un rapport entre le diamètre interne D53 de son extrémité amont 51 et le diamètre interne d53 de son extrémité aval 52, présentant une valeur, cette fois-ci, comprise entre 2 et 4, de préférence entre 2,8 et 3,2 et plus préférentiellement encore un rapport de l'ordre de, ou égal à 2,9 .As regards, now, the internal diameter 53 of passage of the vapor of said second hollow tubular element 5, this decreases, also in a regular manner over at least part of the length of said second element 5, from its end upstream 51 towards its downstream end 52, with a ratio between the internal diameter D 53 of its upstream end 51 and the internal diameter d 53 of its downstream end 52, presenting a value, this time, comprised between 2 and 4, of preferably between 2.8 and 3.2 and even more preferably a ratio of the order of or equal to 2.9.

En effet, pour rappel, selon une caractéristique préférentielle du tube de l'invention, tout préférentiellement, sur l'extrémité aval 52 dudit second élément tubulaire creux 5, autrement dit au niveau de la sortie 22 du tube 2 d'éjection, le diamètre interne 53 de passage de la vapeur sèche est droit, autrement dit régulier et constant, sur une partie 54 de la longueur dudit second élément 5.Indeed, as a reminder, according to a preferential characteristic of the tube of the invention, most preferably, on the downstream end 52 of said second hollow tubular element 5, in other words at the level of the outlet 22 of the ejection tube 2, the diameter internal passage 53 for dry steam is straight, in other words regular and constant, over a part 54 of the length of said second element 5.

Plus préférentiellement encore, le diamètre interne 53 est droit sur une portion 54 d'une longueur l correspondant à une proportion comprise entre 8 et 11% de la longueur totale du second élément tubulaire creux 5, autrement dit sur une portion 54 présentant une longueur approximativement égale à 10 millimètres.More preferably still, the internal diameter 53 is straight over a portion 54 of a length l corresponding to a proportion of between 8 and 11% of the total length of the second hollow tubular element 5, in other words over a portion 54 having a length approximately equal to 10 millimeters.

De manière particulièrement avantageuse, le diamètre interne 53 au niveau de la portion droite 54 du second élément tubulaire creux 5 présente une valeur de l'ordre de, ou égal à, 2mm.In a particularly advantageous manner, the internal diameter 53 at the level of the straight portion 54 of the second hollow tubular element 5 has a value of the order of, or equal to, 2 mm.

De telles caractéristiques, illustrées sur la figure 4 des dessins ci joints, permettent de garantir un jet de vapeur puissant, droit et uniforme au niveau de la sortie 22 du tube 2.Such characteristics, illustrated on the figure 4 of the attached drawings, make it possible to guarantee a powerful, straight and uniform jet of steam at the level of the outlet 22 of the tube 2.

L'invention concerne également un nettoyeur vapeur du type classiquement connu dans l'état de la technique, comprenant une cuve avec un réservoir d'eau et des moyens de chauffage de l'eau en sorte de la faire passer de l'état liquide à l'état de vapeur sèche, ledit nettoyeur vapeur comprenant en outre des moyens d'acheminement de cette vapeur d'eau depuis le réservoir vers un dispositif d'éjection 1 de la vapeur à destination d'une surface à nettoyer.The invention also relates to a steam cleaner of the type conventionally known in the state of the art, comprising a tank with a water tank and means for heating the water so as to change it from the liquid state to the dry steam state, said steam cleaner further comprising means for conveying this steam from the reservoir to a steam ejection device 1 intended for a surface to be cleaned.

De manière particulière au nettoyeur vapeur conforme à la présente invention, ledit dispositif d'éjection 1 de la vapeur se présente sous la forme d'un tube d'éjection de vapeur 2 ayant les caractéristiques techniques décrites précédemment dans la description, notamment comportant deux éléments tubulaires, à savoir un premier élément tubulaire 4 et un second élément tubulaire 5, disposés dans le prolongement l'un de l'autre, présentant chacun un évidement interne conique 43, 53, dont les extrémités amont 41, 51 présentent un diamètre interne plus grand le diamètre interne de l'extrémité aval 42, 52, tandis que l'extrémité aval 42 du premier élément tubulaire 4 débouche dans l'extrémité amont 51 du second élément tubulaire 5.Particularly to the steam cleaner according to the present invention, said steam ejection device 1 is in the form of a steam ejection tube 2 having the technical characteristics described previously in the description, in particular comprising two elements tubular, namely a first tubular element 4 and a second tubular element 5, arranged in the extension of one another, each having a conical internal recess 43, 53, the upstream ends 41, 51 of which have an internal diameter greater large the internal diameter of the downstream end 42, 52, while the downstream end 42 of the first tubular element 4 opens into the upstream end 51 of the second tubular element 5.

Bien évidemment, les autres caractéristiques additionnelles qui ont été décrites en lien avec le dispositif d'éjection 1 de vapeur sèche seul peuvent également être appliquées au dispositif d'éjection 1 destiné à équiper le nettoyeur vapeur de l'invention.Obviously, the other additional characteristics which have been described in connection with the ejection device 1 of dry steam alone can also be applied to the ejection device 1 intended to equip the steam cleaner of the invention.

Claims (8)

Dispositif d'éjection de vapeur sèche (1) sous la forme d'un tube (2) destiné à être raccordé, par l'intermédiaire tuyau flexible, à la cuve d'un nettoyeur vapeur, ledit tube d'éjection (2) de vapeur comportant une première extrémité (21) constituant l'arrivée de vapeur dans ledit tube (2) et étant destinée à être reliée audit tuyau flexible par l'intermédiaire d'un robinet mécanique, et une seconde extrémité (22) constituant un embout de sortie (23) de ladite vapeur, ladite vapeur circulant, dans ledit tube d'éjection (2), depuis ladite première extrémité (21) vers ladite seconde extrémité (22), ledit tube d'éjection (2) étant caractérisé par le fait qu'il est constitué d'un premier élément tubulaire creux (4) et d'un second élément tubulaire creux (5) disposés dans le prolongement l'un de l'autre et coaxiaux, chacun desdits éléments tubulaires (4,5) creux comprenant une extrémité amont (41, 51) et une extrémité aval (42, 52) tenant compte du sens de circulation (3) de la vapeur dans ledit tube d'éjection (2), ledit premier élément tubulaire creux (4), dont l'extrémité amont (41) constitue ladite première extrémité (21) d'arrivée de vapeur dans ledit tube d'éjection (2), présentant un diamètre interne (43) de passage de la vapeur conique et décroissant depuis son extrémité amont (41) vers son extrémité aval (42), laquelle est aboutée et solidarisée fixement à l'extrémité amont (51) dudit second élément tubulaire creux (5) dont le diamètre interne (53) de passage de la vapeur est conique et décroissant depuis son extrémité amont (51) vers son extrémité aval (52), le diamètre de l'extrémité aval (42) dudit premier élément tubulaire creux (4) débouchant en partie dans le diamètre de l'extrémité amont (51) dudit second élément tubulaire creux (5) et étant inférieur à ce dernier, et en ce qu'un espace vide annulaire (6) sans matière est ménagé sur le pourtour externe de l'extrémité aval (42) dudit premier élément tubulaire creux (4) débouchant dans le diamètre de l'extrémité amont (51) dudit second élément tubulaire creux (5).Device for ejecting dry steam (1) in the form of a tube (2) intended to be connected, via a flexible pipe, to the tank of a steam cleaner, said ejection tube (2) of steam comprising a first end (21) constituting the steam inlet in said tube (2) and being intended to be connected to said flexible pipe by means of a mechanical valve, and a second end (22) constituting a nozzle outlet (23) of said vapor, said vapor circulating, in said ejection tube (2), from said first end (21) towards said second end (22), said ejection tube (2) being characterized by the fact that it consists of a first hollow tubular element (4) and a second hollow tubular element (5) arranged in the extension of one another and coaxial, each of said hollow tubular elements (4,5) comprising an upstream end (41, 51) and a downstream end (42, 52) taking into account the direction of circulation (3) of the vapor in the said ejection tube (2), the said first hollow tubular element (4), of which the upstream end (41) constitutes said first steam inlet end (21) in said ejection tube (2), having an internal diameter (43) for passage of conical steam and decreasing from its upstream end (41 ) towards its downstream end (42), which is butted and fixedly secured to the upstream end (51) of said second hollow tubular element (5) whose internal diameter (53) for the passage of the steam is conical and decreasing from its end upstream (51) towards its downstream end (52), the diameter of the downstream end (42) of said first hollow tubular element (4) partially opening into the diameter of the upstream end (51) of said second hollow tubular element ( 5) and being lower than the latter, and in that an annular empty space (6) without material is provided on the outer periphery of the downstream end (42) of said first hollow tubular element (4) opening into the diameter of the upstream end (51) of said second hollow tubular element (5). Dispositif d'éjection de vapeur sèche (1) selon la revendication 1 caractérisé en ce que ledit premier élément tubulaire creux (4) et ledit second élément tubulaire creux (5) sont solidarisés fixement par soudure ultrason.Dry steam ejection device (1) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the said first hollow tubular element (4) and the said second hollow tubular element (5) are fixedly joined together by ultrasonic welding. Dispositif d'éjection de vapeur sèche (1) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 ou 2 caractérisé en ce que le rapport entre le diamètre de l'extrémité amont (51) dudit second élément tubulaire creux (5) et le diamètre de l'extrémité aval (42) dudit premier élément tubulaire creux (4) est compris entre 2 et 3,5.Dry steam ejection device (1) according to any one of Claims 1 or 2 , characterized in that the ratio between the diameter of the upstream end (51) of the said second hollow tubular element (5) and the diameter of the downstream end (42) of said first hollow tubular element (4) is between 2 and 3.5. Dispositif d'éjection de vapeur sèche (1) selon la revendication 3 caractérisé en ce que ledit rapport entre le diamètre de l'extrémité amont (51) dudit second élément tubulaire creux (5) et le diamètre de l'extrémité aval (42) dudit premier élément tubulaire creux (4) est de l'ordre de, ou égal à, 2,75.Dry steam ejection device (1) according to Claim 3 , characterized in that the said ratio between the diameter of the upstream end (51) of the said second hollow tubular element (5) and the diameter of the downstream end (42) of said first hollow tubular element (4) is of the order of, or equal to, 2.75. Dispositif d'éjection de vapeur sèche (1) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 4 caractérisé en ce que la conicité dudit second élément tubulaire creux (5) est plus importante que la conicité dudit premier élément tubulaire creux (4).A dry steam ejection device (1) according to any of claims 1 to 4 characterized in that the taper of said second hollow tubular member (5) is larger than the taper of said first hollow tubular member (4). Dispositif d'éjection de vapeur sèche (1) selon la revendication 5 caractérisé en ce que le diamètre interne (43) de passage de la vapeur dudit premier élément tubulaire creux (4) est décroissant régulièrement depuis son extrémité amont (41) vers son extrémité aval (42) avec un rapport entre le diamètre interne D43 de son extrémité amont (41) et le diamètre interne d43 de son extrémité aval (42) compris entre 1,25 et 1,5 tandis que le diamètre interne (53) de passage de la vapeur dudit second élément tubulaire creux (5) est décroissant régulièrement sur au moins une partie de sa longueur depuis son extrémité amont (51) vers son extrémité aval (52) avec un rapport entre le diamètre interne D53 de son extrémité amont (51) et le diamètre interne d53 de son extrémité aval (52) compris entre 2 et 4.Dry steam ejection device (1) according to Claim 5 , characterized in that the internal diameter (43) for the passage of the steam from the said first hollow tubular element (4) decreases regularly from its upstream end (41) towards its end downstream (42) with a ratio between the internal diameter D 43 of its upstream end (41) and the internal diameter d 43 of its downstream end (42) of between 1.25 and 1.5 while the internal diameter (53) passage of steam from said second hollow tubular element (5) decreases regularly over at least part of its length from its upstream end (51) to its downstream end (52) with a ratio between the internal diameter D 53 of its end upstream (51) and the internal diameter d 53 of its downstream end (52) comprised between 2 and 4. Dispositif d'éjection de vapeur sèche (1) selon la revendication 6 caractérisé en ce que, sur l'extrémité aval (52) dudit second élément tubulaire creux (5), au niveau de la sortie (22) du tube (2) d'éjection, le diamètre interne (53) de passage de la vapeur sèche est droit sur une portion (54) de la longueur dudit second élément (5), ladite portion (54) présentant une longueur (l) correspondant à une proportion comprise entre 8 et 11% de la longueur totale du second élément tubulaire creux (5).Dry steam ejection device (1) according to Claim 6, characterized in that , on the downstream end (52) of the said second hollow tubular element (5), at the level of the outlet (22) of the tube (2) d ejection, the internal diameter (53) of the dry steam passage is straight over a portion (54) of the length of said second element (5), said portion (54) having a length (l) corresponding to a proportion comprised between 8 and 11% of the total length of the second hollow tubular element (5). Nettoyeur à vapeur comprenant notamment une cuve incorporant un réservoir d'eau ainsi que des moyens de chauffage de ladite eau en sorte que celle-ci soit transformée en vapeur sèche, ainsi que des moyens d'acheminement de cette vapeur sèche au niveau d'un dispositif d'éjection de vapeur apte à permettre une propulsion de ladite vapeur au niveau d'une surface à nettoyer, ledit nettoyeur à vapeur étant caractérisé en ce qu'il est équipé d'un dispositif d'éjection de vapeur sèche (1) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 7. 1Steam cleaner comprising in particular a tank incorporating a water tank as well as means for heating said water so that the latter is transformed into dry steam, as well as means for conveying this dry steam to the level of a steam ejection device capable of allowing said steam to be propelled to the level of a surface to be cleaning, said steam cleaner being characterized in that it is equipped with a dry steam ejection device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7. 1
EP23158840.1A 2022-02-28 2023-02-27 Device for ejecting dry steam in the form of a tube intended for being provided in a steam cleaner Pending EP4234095A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR2201762A FR3133022A1 (en) 2022-02-28 2022-02-28 Dry steam ejection device in the form of a tube intended to equip a steam cleaner

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EP4234095A1 true EP4234095A1 (en) 2023-08-30

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Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB408859A (en) * 1933-08-17 1934-04-19 Charles Auguste Baud Process for cleaning surfaces of buildings, walls, statues, monuments and the like and apparatus therefor
DE20001650U1 (en) * 2000-01-31 2000-03-23 Chen Chung Ming Vapor-emitting cleaning device
CN203828851U (en) * 2014-04-05 2014-09-17 胡建芬 Hand-held steam cleaner
GB2537918A (en) 2015-04-30 2016-11-02 Ac (Macao Commercial Offshore) Ltd A tool for a steam cleaning apparatus

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB408859A (en) * 1933-08-17 1934-04-19 Charles Auguste Baud Process for cleaning surfaces of buildings, walls, statues, monuments and the like and apparatus therefor
DE20001650U1 (en) * 2000-01-31 2000-03-23 Chen Chung Ming Vapor-emitting cleaning device
CN203828851U (en) * 2014-04-05 2014-09-17 胡建芬 Hand-held steam cleaner
GB2537918A (en) 2015-04-30 2016-11-02 Ac (Macao Commercial Offshore) Ltd A tool for a steam cleaning apparatus

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