FR2710351A1 - Method of ironing a textile article with automatic management of the steam cycle, and ironing apparatus for implementing said method. - Google Patents

Abstract

- Method and apparatus for shaping textile articles. The invention relates to a method of ironing a textile article in which the textile article is subjected, during an ironing cycle, at least to the simultaneous action of a heat treatment and a mechanical ironing treatment. , in conjunction with a steam treatment during at least part of the ironing cycle, characterized in that it consists in: - selecting at the start of the cycle, from among the pre-established programs for managing the steam cycle, a program in depending on the nature of the item to be ironed, - to ensure automatically, during the ironing cycle, without user intervention, the emission of steam, according to the frequency corresponding to the selected program. - Method and apparatus for steam ironing.

Description

METHOD FOR IRONING A TEXTILE ARTICLE WITH MANAGEMENT

  AUTOMATIC VAPOR CYCLE, AND IRONING APPARATUS

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  FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF SAID METHOD

  The present invention relates to the general technical field of processes and apparatus designed to ensure shaping of a textile article, such as a garment, by subjecting it to the action of a heat treatment and a

mechanical ironing treatment.

  The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for ironing a textile article in which, during an ironing cycle, said article is subjected to the simultaneous action of at least one heat treatment and a mechanical ironing treatment. conjugation with a treatment of

  steam for at least part of the ironing cycle.

  The invention relates more particularly to a method and an ironing appliance, using an iron steamer associated via a connector to a central

of steam generation.

  It is obvious that the invention also applies to steam irons provided with an internal unit of

  production and steam emission.

  It is of course already known to make ironing apparatus in which steam production is obtained discontinuously under the direct control of the user. On such devices, whether steam irons with internal reservoir, or steam irons associated with external steam generating plants, the steam generation cycle is obtained via a control button which is integrated into the iron handle so that it can be controlled directly by the user. The latter, after the start of a steam generation control member, then no longer has, after the necessary time of preheating, to support, according to a cycle that it determines itself, so random, on the command button to ensure the broadcast

of steam.

  Ironing processes and apparatus designed according to this principle generally give satisfaction, but it proves, especially during long ironing operations, that the systematic actuation over a long period of the control button of the steam emission constitutes an operation

  Strenuous and tiring manual for the user.

  It is also generally accepted and found that the ironing operation, in order to be carried out correctly and with a minimum of constraints, must tend towards the automation as far as possible of all

  functions related to the operation and the ironing cycle.

  It must also be considered that it has always been sought to relate the nature of the articles to be ironed with the various agents that provide ironing, namely thermal and mechanical treatment agents, as well as steam treatment agents. It seems indeed that an optimal combination at least, mechanical treatment agents and steam, is necessary and specific to obtain a final treatment also optimal. So far, devices currently available on the market do not provide any systematic management of the steam cycle

  in relation to the nature of the item to be ironed.

  The object of the invention is precisely to try to remedy the various disadvantages listed above, and in particular to provide a method and ironing device capable of reducing most manual operations related to the ironing operation, and even to automate most of the essential functions of

the ironing operation.

  Another object of the invention is to provide a method and an ironing device for optimally and repeatedly adapting the steam treatment as a function of

the nature of the item to be ironed.

  Another object of the invention is also to provide a method and an ironing device capable of offering the user a large choice of automatic ironing functions, and in particular cycle management.

steam.

  Another object of the invention is also to provide a method and an ironing device for automatic management of the steam cycle that does not require any

  specific gestures on the part of the user.

  The objects assigned to the invention are achieved by means of a method of ironing a textile article in which, during an ironing cycle, the textile article is subjected, at least to the simultaneous action of a heat treatment and a mechanical ironing treatment, in conjunction with a steam treatment during at least part of the ironing cycle, characterized in that it consists: - to be selected at the beginning of the cycle, among pre-established programs steam cycle management, a program according to the nature of the article to be ironed, - to automatically ensure, during the ironing cycle, without the intervention of the user, the emission of steam, according to the frequency

  corresponding to the selected program.

  The objects assigned to the invention are also achieved by means of an ironing apparatus adapted for use in

  process according to one of claims 1 to 8

  characterized in that it comprises: means for displaying information representative of the various programs for managing the steam cycle, means for selecting a program for managing the steam cycle, means for memorizing the various programs as well as the selected program, - a microprocessor connected to the means of production and vapor emission of the apparatus and programmed to automatically manage and control the emission of steam according to the

  cycle corresponding to the selected program.

  Various other features of the invention will emerge

  the description given below, with reference to the

  attached drawing which shows, by way of non-limiting example,

  an embodiment of the subject of the invention.

  Figure 1 presents a general perspective view of a

  ironing apparatus according to the invention.

  In the description that follows, it will be done more

  particularly referring to an ironing apparatus such as that shown in FIG. 1, and comprising a generator of

  steam independent and separated from an iron 2.

  It is obvious that the subject of the invention can however be applied to any type of ironing apparatus, and in particular to irons having a reservoir and

internal steam generator.

  The steam generator 1 is connected to the iron 2 by a hose 3 providing electrical transmission and transfer of steam under pressure. It comprises internally, as is well known in the prior art, a tank and non-heating elements

shown in Figure 1.

  The steam generator 1 is externally limited by a

  housing 4 having a rear face 5.

  The ironing apparatus according to the invention also comprises an iron 2 of traditional type comprising a handle 6, a pusher 7 for adjusting the set temperature of an ironing board 8 via a

thermostat not shown in the figures.

  The ironing apparatus according to the invention also comprises a microprocessor connected to the steam production and emission means of the apparatus and programmed to automatically manage and control the emission of steam.

  through the holes in the sole 8.

  The microprocessor is programmed to generate control signals for the production and emission of steam and comprises an electronic card making it possible to propose to the user, by means of display means, such as an LCD screen 10, information consisting in proposing a pre-established program game of

steam cycle management.

  Advantageously, the microprocessor is programmed to offer at choice, at least one continuous steam emission program and a steam emission program according to a sequential cycle alternating steam cycles and cycles.

dried up.

  According to a preferred version of the invention, several steam emission programs, according to a sequenced cycle, will be proposed to the user, each program having a characteristic steam emission frequency and different from that of other programs of emission of steam in alternating cycles. By way of purely preferential example, at least two programs will be proposed having a vapor emission sequential cycle respectively presenting for example a cycle of

  1.2 seconds for one and 1.9 seconds for the other.

  In this case, the steam is emitted during 1.2 or 1.9 seconds corresponding to a humidification phase of the laundry, the time remaining before the other steam emission phase corresponding to a heat treatment and laundry mechanics, that is to say, a shaping by

  passage of the hot sole of the iron.

  Preferably, at each steam emission time, for example 1.2 or 1.9 seconds, is associated with a

  equivalent duration of non-vaporization phase.

  Other time reports can of course be considered and in particular non-vaporization times

  different periods of vaporization.

  The microprocessor is also connected to a series of selection means 11 such as buttons or sliders allowing the user to scroll and / or select one of the pre-established programs corresponding to

the nature of the item to be ironed.

  Additionally, storage means for the various programs, as well as the program selected by the user, are provided on the apparatus in connection with

the microprocessor.

  According to another preferred version of the invention, it is intended to implement an electrical connection circuit connecting in particular via a relay the means of production and vapor emission to the connection means of the apparatus on the electrical sector, in order to obtain a function of immediate heating of the generator 1 from the

connecting the device.

  Such an embodiment makes it possible to ensure, as soon as the appliance is connected to the mains, the automatic start-up of the means for producing the steam emission without any other

  intervention by the user.

  The apparatus according to the invention also comprises a contact detector, for example by means of tactile keys 12 integral with the handle 6, the presence of the person responsible for carrying out the ironing operation. Such a detector is functionally connected to the means of production and vapor emission, for example by an electronic card responsible for managing the information (presence or absence of the hand on the handle 6) and transmit them. One of the important steps of the process according to the invention therefore consists, after the selection step, in controlling or stopping the emission of vapor by detecting respectively the presence or the absence of a part of the body of the person responsible for ironing, on an organ of

  control in this case the presence detector.

  According to an interesting feature of the invention, it is provided at the beginning of the ironing cycle, after the selection of a management program of a steam cycle and after the first detection of the presence of the user's hand on the handle 6, to activate the automatic control of steam emission by operating an activation means, in this case a control button 13

steam emission.

  The control button 13 serves at the same time to control the emission of steam in the context of an operation of

  non-automatic ironing, that is to say in manual mode.

  The microprocessor also comprises a control logic functionally connected to an electrical means permitting

  for safety reasons to ensure a shut-off function

  off. The latter consists in automatically cutting off the power supply of the means of production and steam emission when no presence detection has

  highlighted at the end of a pre-

  established, order for example 22 minutes. Thus, when the user leaves, for at least 22 consecutive minutes, the iron 1 without manually entering the handle 6, ie without generating a presence detection signal by the detector 12, the power supply is cut off. This shut-off function can be generalized and applied also to the detection of an action on the button of

order 13.

  The method of ironing a textile article according to

the invention is as follows.

  As soon as the appliance is connected to the mains supply, the steam generator is automatically switched on and immediately starts heating the water, preferably in a fast mode. Simultaneously, or at the onset of a signal, for example sound, informing the user that the device is ready for operation, the various pre-established vapor cycle management programs are proposed, for example using 10 using the selection means 11, the user selects, at the beginning of the ironing cycle, a single program that she chooses according to

  the nature of the article to be ironed.

  Thus, in the case of articles of large thickness and surface area, the continuous steam emission program is selected, whereas for articles of reduced surface area, requiring a greater number of low amplitude movements. , it is advisable to choose steam emission programs according to a sequenced cycle, with periods of vaporization all the shorter as the article

  has weak unitary surfaces.

  The method according to the invention then consists in automatically ensuring during the entire ironing cycle, without any intervention of the user, the emission of steam

  according to the frequency corresponding to the selected program.

  Simultaneously with the selection step, the method according to the invention makes it possible automatically to initialize the selected steam cycle, such an initialization

  immediately making available a steam emission.

  At the beginning of the ironing cycle, it is necessary for the user to grip the handle 6 at least once so as to activate the steam production cycle while operating once the activation means such as the control button 13. Subsequently, the simple handling of the iron by the handle 6 generates automatically and immediately, without further manual intervention, the steam emission according to

the selected program.

  As soon as the user releases the handle 6, the steam emission is stopped. Thus, after the selection and initialization step, it is necessary to activate the automatic steam emission control or vice versa.

  deactivate by simple impulse on the activation means 13.

  The method and the ironing apparatus according to the invention consequently allow an appreciable gain in time by the considerable reduction of the control manipulations leading to a strong automation of the ironing cycle and a

increased comfort of use.

  They also promote the quality of ironing, especially when using steam emission programs in sequence cycles by allowing to choose an alternation steam-ironing dry particularly suitable for the textile article. Finally, they lead to a better management of the energy required for vaporization resulting in a global saving of energy and an increase in the autonomy of the device.

Claims (15)

R E V E N D I C A T IONS   1. Method of ironing a textile article in which, during an ironing cycle, the textile article is subjected to at least the simultaneous action of a heat treatment and a mechanical ironing treatment, in conjunction with a steam treatment during at least part of the ironing cycle, characterized in that it comprises: selecting at the beginning of the cycle, from pre-established steam cycle management programs, a program according to the nature of the the article to be ironed, to ensure automatically, during the ironing cycle, without the intervention of the user, the emission of steam, according to the frequency   corresponding to the selected program.   2. Method according to claim 1 characterized in that   is to ensure continuous steam emission.   3. Method according to claim 1 characterized in that it consists in ensuring a vapor emission in a sequenced cycle. 4. Method according to claim 3 characterized in that it consists in associating with each program providing a sequenced management of the steam cycle, a vapor emission frequency characteristic of said program and   different from other programs.   5. Method according to one of claims 1 to 4 characterized in that it consists, simultaneously with the selection step, to automatically ensure the initialization of the selected steam cycle.   6. Method according to one of claims 1 to 5 characterized in that it consists, after the selection step, to control or stop the vapor emission by respectively detecting the presence or absence of a part of the body of a user on a control member. 7. Method according to claim 6 characterized in that it consists in detecting the presence or absence of the hand of the user, preferably on the handle of an iron to redo.   8. Process according to claims 6 or 7 characterized in   what it consists, at the beginning of the cycle, after the first detection of presence, to activate the automatic control of vapor emission by presence detection, by   actuating an activation means.   9. Method according to one of claims 6 to 8 characterized in that it consists in automatically cutting the power supply of the means of production and vapor emission when no presence detection has been highlighted after a pre-established time interval.   10. Ironing apparatus adapted for the implementation of the   process according to one of claims 1 to 9   characterized in that it comprises: means (10) for displaying information representative of the various programs for managing the steam cycle, means for selecting (11) a program for managing the steam cycle, means for memorization of the various programs as well as of the selected program, a microprocessor connected to the means of production and vapor emission of the apparatus and programmed to automatically manage and control the emission of steam according to the   cycle corresponding to the selected program.   11. Apparatus according to claim 10 characterized in that it comprises an electrical connection circuit connecting the means of production and vapor emission to the connection means of the apparatus so as to ensure the start of said means of production upon connection.   12. Apparatus according to one of claims 10 to 11   characterized in that it comprises a detector (12) by contacting the presence or absence of the user, said detector (12) being functionally connected to the   means of production and steam emission.   13. Apparatus according to claim 12 characterized in that it comprises an electrical means operatively connected to the microprocessor to automatically cut off the supply of steam generation means and emission when the detector (12) or a controller Steam (13) was not activated at   end of a pre-established time interval.   14. Apparatus according to one of claims 10 to 13   characterized in that it consists of an iron steam iron (2).   15. Apparatus according to claim 14 characterized in that the steam iron (2) is associated with a generator of external vapor (1).