RU2750373C2 - Apparatus for steam-pressing clothes with increased water pressure - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: laundering.

SUBSTANCE: present invention relates to an apparatus (1) for steam-pressing clothes comprised of a first water chamber (2), a second water chamber (3) located in the heel section (4) of the apparatus (1) for steam-pressing clothes, a steam generator (5) located below the first water chamber (2) when the apparatus (1) for steam-pressing clothes is in operating orientation (A). The apparatus (1) for steam-pressing clothes also comprises a first fluid channel (6) connecting the first water chamber (2) and the steam generator (5), a second fluid channel (7) connecting the lower end of the first water chamber (2) and the lower part of the second water chamber (3), and a ventilation tube (10) connected to the upper part of the second water chamber (3) by the first end (11) thereof and open to the environment at the second end (12) thereof. The second end (12) of the ventilation tube (10) at least reaches the height of the maximum water level of the first water chamber (2) when the apparatus (1) for steam-pressing clothes is in non-operating orientation (B). The second water chamber (3) is located above the first water chamber (2) in operating orientation (A) so that the water level height of the second water chamber (3) is greater than the water level height of the first water chamber (2) in said operating orientation (A) in order to increase water pressure in the first fluid channel (6) generated by the fluid connecting the second water chamber (3) and the first water chamber (2) to ensure increased steam flow rate when the apparatus for steam-pressing clothes is in operating orientation (A).

EFFECT: improved design of a steam-pressing apparatus.

13 cl, 4 dwg

Description

FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY

[0001] The present invention relates to a garment steaming apparatus, and more particularly to a garment steaming apparatus comprising a steam iron.

LEVEL OF TECHNOLOGY

[0002] Garment steamers, such as steam irons, generate steam to eliminate arrows and creases in the fabric. The most common method for generating steam is by metering water from a reservoir through a controlled opening to a steam generator where it is heated to generate steam. Typically, the reservoir is located above the steam generator when the garment steamer is in operation, so that gravity acts on the flow of water from the reservoir to the steam generator.

[0003] The water that is metered into the steam generator is vaporized. The volumetric expansion that occurs can give rise to a relatively high pressure. This high pressure in the steam generator can exceed the pressure in the opening caused by the hydraulic head of water in the reservoir above the steam generator, in particular when the steam outlets, through which steam is released onto the fabric to be treated, are blocked or covered with fabric. When this occurs, the metered supply of water to the steam generator through the opening is limited until the pressure in the steam generator falls below the pressure in the opening generated by the hydraulic head of the water in the reservoir. Since the water supply to the steam generator is limited, the steam generation rate decreases, which degrades the performance of the device.

[0004] To avoid temporarily limiting the flow of water into the steam generator from a reservoir, it is known, for example, to shape the surface of the device and provide outlets through which steam is ejected onto fabric so that not all of the steam outlets are covered, or at least partially blocked by cloth during use. However, although this can effectively reduce the back pressure in the steam generator, steam is released into the environment without passing through the fabric, thus wasting. It is also known to equip the device with a pump for injecting water into the steam generator from a reservoir through an opening to counter any back pressure. However, providing a pump increases the weight, size and cost of the device and complicates the design.

[0005] US Pat. No. 4,484,399 A discloses a steam iron having a heated soleplate and a water reservoir with at least one manual channel for the controlled supply of water to an evaporation cavity adjacent to the soleplate.

[0006] US 2016/122937 A1 discloses the use of two water chambers in a cordless steam iron to prevent excessive unwanted condensation.

[0007] US 2,700,236 discloses a water reservoir comprising a horizontal extension extending over a cover plate. Steam release is controlled by the operator through a pump lever interacting with the pump barrel as the powered water from the water reservoir flows through the pump barrel into the steam generation chamber.

[0008] JP H0377586 A discloses a water tank formed of a first water storage chamber at the front of the iron and a second water storage chamber at the rear of the tank to smoothly supply water to the evaporation chamber.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0009] An object of the present invention is to provide a garment steaming apparatus that substantially obviates or solves one or more of the problems noted above.

[0010] The invention is defined by the independent claims. The dependent claims define advantageous embodiments.

[0011] In accordance with the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for steaming clothes, comprising:

- the first chamber for water;

- a second chamber for water located in the heel portion of the device for steaming clothes;

- a steam generator located below the first water chamber in the working orientation of the garment steamer;

- a first fluid channel connecting the first water chamber and the steam generator; and

- a ventilation pipe connected to the upper part of the second water chamber at its first end and open to the environment at its second end, the second end of the ventilation pipe at least reaching the height of the maximum water level of the first water chamber when the device for steaming clothes is in inoperative orientation;

- characterized in that the second fluid channel connects the lower end of the first water chamber and the lower part of the second water chamber, the transverse diameter of the second fluid channel is in the range from 2 mm to 15 mm, and the second water chamber is completely located above of the first water chamber in an operating orientation such that the water level height of the second water chamber is greater than the water level height of the first water chamber in said operating orientation, so as to increase the water pressure in the first fluid channel generated by the fluid connecting the second a water chamber and a first water chamber to provide an increased steam flow rate when the garment steamer is in a working orientation.

[0012] As the water pressure increases from the second water chamber and the first water chamber to the steam generator due to the increased distance between the water level in the second water chamber and the first fluid channel, the water pressure overcomes the increased steam pressure in the steam generator to maintain a constant the flow of water from the reservoir to the steam generator and therefore a generally constant steam generation rate.

[0013] The second water chamber is completely located above the first water chamber in an operating orientation.

[0014] Therefore, as long as there is water in the second water chamber, the water pressure will be greater than the water pressure provided only by the water contained in the first water chamber, and thus an improved or more constant steam generation rate is provided when the steamer is in place. clothes in a working orientation.

[0015] Advantageously, the second water chamber and the first water chamber are positioned so as to move water from the first water chamber to the second water chamber through the second fluid channel when the garment steamer is moved to its inoperative orientation from the working orientation. medium until the heights of the water levels in the first water chamber and the ventilation pipe equalize.

[0016] Therefore, the ability to replenish the second water chamber by moving the garment steamer to its inoperative orientation allows the increased water pressure to resume immediately after the garment steamer returns to its operating orientation for further use. This means that the increased steam generation rate can be maintained for longer without user intervention, but only by moving the device between working and non-working orientations.

[0017] The first fluid passage may be located above the maximum water level of the first water chamber when the garment steamer is in an inoperative orientation to allow air in the steam generator to pass into the first water chamber through the first fluid passage during travel water from the first water chamber to the second water chamber.

[0018] Therefore, the first water chamber, the second water chamber, and the vent tube can function as communicating vessels to provide the same water level in the first water chamber and the second water chamber or vent tube. This allows more water to flow through the second fluid path and retained in the second water chamber to provide increased water pressure as the garment steamer returns to its operating orientation, allowing the increased steam generation rate to be maintained.

[0019] Preferably, the first water chamber, the second fluid passage, the second water chamber, and the vent tube are jointly formed in a substantially U-shaped structure.

[0020] Advantageously, the capacity of the second water chamber is in the range of 5 ml to 50 ml.

[0021] The smaller capacity of the second water chamber provides a shorter period of time during which the increased water pressure is provided before the device needs to be moved to its inoperative position to refill the second water chamber. The larger second water chamber allows for a longer period of time during which increased water pressure is provided. The capacity of the second water chamber can be adjusted to the steam generator to avoid overfilling the steam generator by the increased water flow through the first fluid path due to the increased water head provided by the second water chamber and cooling it to a temperature too low to generate steam.

[0022] The transverse diameter of the second fluid passage is in the range of 2 mm to 15 mm.

[0023] Therefore, it can be possible to control the effective resistance of the flow path during the replenishment of the second water chamber. The smaller the lateral diameter of the second fluid passage, the greater the resistance to flow and the longer it takes to replenish the second water chamber.

[0024] The second fluid channel may be formed in the form of a rectangular structure between the first water chamber and the second water chamber.

[0025] Advantageously, the second fluid passage is formed integrally with or separately from the first water chamber and / or the second water chamber.

[0026] Preferably, the first water chamber includes a water inlet and a sealing member disposed on a side wall thereof, the water inlet being configured to fill the first water chamber and the second water chamber with water when in an inoperative orientation, and the sealing member is configured to seal the water inlet after filling the first water chamber and the second water chamber and before moving the garment steamer into an operating orientation.

[0027] Therefore, the garment steamer can be easily filled with water when in an inoperative orientation so that it is filled up to the height of the maximum water level. The water inlet seal entrains air in the first water chamber while moving the garment steamer into an operating orientation so as to prevent the first water chamber from filling with water held in the second water chamber and to maintain an increased water pressure.

[0028] The device for steaming clothes can be a steam iron.

[0029] The predominantly non-working orientation means the orientation in which the steam iron can be placed with its heel area on the working surface. Consequently, the user can leave the steam iron unsupported while the second water chamber is refilled from the first water chamber. Alternatively, the iron in its inoperative orientation can be held in the user's hand while the second water chamber is refilled from the first water chamber.

[0030] Preferably, the second water chamber is located in the heel region behind the rear cover. Therefore, by placing the steam iron on its heel portion, water is allowed to flow from the first water chamber to the second water chamber by gravity.

[0031] The ventilation tube can be conveniently located inside the handle of the steam iron.

[0032] Preferably, the sole is adjacent to a steam generator that converts water to steam, the sole contains multiple steam outlets and faces the garment to be ironed after the garment steamer is moved to a working orientation from a non-working orientation.

[0033] Therefore, steam generated at an increased or constant speed can be directed to the garment to be treated. A constant steam flow will increase the performance of the steam iron and help eliminate arrows.

[0034] These and other aspects of the invention will be understood from the embodiments described below in this document, and explained with reference to them.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0035] In the following, embodiments of the invention will be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0036] in FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of an embodiment of a garment steaming apparatus according to the present invention;

[0037] in FIG. 2a is a schematic side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 while in its inoperative orientation prior to filling the first and second water chambers with water;

[0038] in FIG. 2b is a schematic side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 2a, after filling the water chambers;

[0039] in FIG. 2c is a schematic side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 2b moved to its working orientation;

[0040] in FIG. 2d is a schematic side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 2c, after some water has been converted to steam;

[0041] in FIG. 2e is a schematic side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 2d moved to its inoperative orientation to recharge / refill the second water chamber;

[0042] in FIG. 2f is a schematic side view of the embodiment of FIG. 2e, moved to its working orientation;

[0043] in FIG. 2g is a schematic side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 2f when there is essentially no water left in the water chambers;

[0044] in FIG. 3a is a schematic side view of a garment steaming apparatus comprising a steam iron in its operating orientation;

[0045] in FIG. 3b is a schematic side view of a garment steaming apparatus comprising the steam iron shown in FIG. 3a, in its inoperative orientation; and

[0046] in FIG. 4 is a graph showing the relationship between hydraulic head and steam flow.

CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0047] FIG. 1 shows a garment steaming apparatus 1 comprising a first water chamber 2, a second water chamber 3 located in the heel portion 4 shown in FIG. 3a and 3b, a garment steamer 1, and a steam generator 5 located below the first water chamber 2 in the working orientation A of the garment steamer 1.

[0048] The first fluid passage 6 provides fluid communication between the first water chamber 2 and the steam generator 5.

[0049] The second fluid passage 7 through the inlet 8 of the second fluid passage provides fluid communication between the lower end of the first water chamber 2 and the lower part of the second water chamber 3 through the outlet 9 of the second fluid passage. The inlet 8 of the second fluid channel is preferably located at the lowest point of the side wall 25, but can also be located at any height in the side wall 25 of the first water chamber 2. The outlet 9 of the second fluid channel is preferably located in the lower wall 26 and can also be located at any height in the side wall 27 of the second water chamber 3, for example, in a part of the lower half of the side wall 27.

[0050] The vent tube 10 is connected to the upper part of the second water chamber 3 at its first end 11 and is open to the environment at its second end 12, inclusively while the garment steamer 1 is in the inoperative orientation B, as shown in FIG. 2b. The first end 11 is preferably located in the upper wall 18, and can also be located at any height in the side wall 27 of the second water chamber 3, for example, in the upper half of the side wall 27.

[0051] The second end 12 is preferably located higher than the first end 11 when the device is in the operating position A. For example, as shown in the drawing, this can be achieved by arranging the portions in an L-shape in the tube 10 near the first end 11 and the second end 12. Alternatively, the tube may be straight, but inclined between the lower point defined by the first end 11 and the higher point defined by the second end 12.

[0052] The second water chamber 3 is located higher than the first water chamber 2 in working orientation A so that the water level height of the second water chamber 3 can be greater than the water level height of the first water chamber 2 in said working orientation A.

[0053] This results in an increase in the water head in the first fluid passage 6 generated by the fluid connection of the second water chamber 3 and the first water chamber 2 with the gravity steam generator 5. Due to the increase in water pressure in the first fluid channel 6, when the garment steamer 1 is in operating orientation A, the steam flow rate generated by the steam generator 5 also increases.

[0054] The steam generator 5 is in thermal contact with a heated plate 14 having a first end 15 and an opposite second end 16. In the present embodiment, the heated plate 14 extends horizontally with the garment steamer 1 in its operating orientation A. plate 14 extends at an angle to the horizontal in such a way that the first end 15 is located above the second end 16 when the device 1 for steaming clothes is moved to the non-working orientation B. The device 1 for steaming clothes is made with the possibility of moving between its working and non-working orientations A, B by turning it in the hand by the user. In the inoperative orientation B, the water level in the first water chamber 2 is lower than the first fluid passage 6, thus preventing water from entering the steam generator 5, as shown in FIG. 2a and as will be described in more detail below.

[0055] Referring again to FIG. 1, the steam generator 5 is configured to evaporate water dosed to it from the first water chamber 2 through the first fluid channel 6. The steam generator 5 also includes a steam outlet (not shown) to allow the generated steam to be used, for example, to eliminate arrows on fabric.

[0056] In addition, the second water chamber 3 is generally located adjacent to the second end 16 of the heated plate 14 above the first water chamber 2. In other words, the upper wall 18 of the second water chamber 3 is located at a greater vertical distance from the steam generator 5 than the upper wall 19 of the first water chamber 2. It should be understood that the second water chamber 3 may extend towards the first end 15 of the heated plate 14 above the first water chamber 2. In some embodiments, the second water chamber 3 may be completely located at a greater vertical distance from the steam generator 5 than the first water chamber 2 when the garment steamer 1 is in its operating orientation A.

[0057] The second fluid passage 7 provides fluid communication between the first water chamber 2 and the second water chamber 3. The first water chamber 2 may comprise an opening 21 to which an inlet 8 of the second fluid passage is connected. The opening 21 is configured to allow water to flow from the inlet 8 of the second fluid passage to the first water chamber 2 in the operating orientation A. In addition, the second water chamber 3 may comprise an opening 22 to which the outlet 9 of the second fluid passage is connected. fluid medium. The opening 22 is configured to allow water to flow from the second water chamber 3 to the outlet 9 of the second fluid path in operating orientation A.

[0058] In one embodiment, the first fluid passage 6 and the opening 21 connected to the second fluid passage inlet 8 are at opposite ends of the first water chamber 2. In other words, the first fluid passage 6 is close to the end of the first water chamber 2 closest to the first end 15 of the heated plate 14, and the opening 21 is closest to the second end 16 of the heated plate 14. The first fluid passage 6 is formed in the bottom wall 24 of the first water chamber 2 so as to be below the water level in the first water chamber 2 when the garment steamer 1 is in its operating orientation A until substantially all of the water is dispensed into the steam generator 5.

[0059] In addition, the inlet 8 of the second fluid passage and the opening 21 are positioned so as to position the inlet 8 of the second fluid passage and the opening 21 below the water level in its operating orientation A when the garment steamer 1 is in the first water chamber 2 until the water in the first water chamber 2 is substantially depleted. Thus, the opening 21, connected to the second fluid passage 7, is located in the wall of the first water chamber 2 next to the heated plate 14. In other words, the opening 21 is located in the bottom wall 24 or side wall 25 next to the bottom wall 24, as shown in FIG. 1, the first chamber 2 for water. Thus, the opening 21 is close to the bottom of the first water chamber 2 when the garment steamer 1 is in its operating orientation A.

[0060] The outlet 9 of the second fluid channel and the opening 22 in the second water chamber 3 are positioned so that when the garment steamer 1 is in its operating orientation A, the opening 22 is located below the water level in the second water chamber 3 until essentially depletion of water in the second chamber 3 for water. Therefore, the opening 22 is located in the wall of the second water chamber 3 adjacent to the heated plate 14. In other words, the opening 22 can be located in the bottom wall 26 as shown in FIG. 1 or the side wall 27 adjacent to the bottom wall 26 of the second water chamber 3 when the garment steamer 1 is in its operating orientation A.

[0061] The ventilation tube 10 is configured to fluidly connect the second water chamber 3 to the environment. The ventilation pipe 10 is positioned so that when the garment steamer 1 is in its operating orientation A, the ventilation pipe 10 extends from the second water chamber 3 adjacent to its upper wall 18. In other words, the ventilation pipe 10 extends from the upper wall 18, as shown in fig. 1, or from the side wall 27 adjacent to the top wall 18. Thus, the vent tube 10 is normally above the water level in the second water chamber 3 when the garment steamer 1 is in its operating orientation A.

[0062] With reference to FIG. 2b, the first and second water chambers 2, 3 are arranged in such a way that when the device 1 for steaming clothes is moved from its working orientation A to its inoperative orientation B, water flows from the first water chamber 2 into the second water chamber 3 and the ventilation pipe 10 through the second fluid channel 7 until the water levels in the first water chambers 2 and in the second water chamber 3 or vent tube 10 are equalized. In other words, the inlet 8 of the second fluid channel in the inoperative orientation B is configured to allow water to flow from the first water chamber 2 to the second fluid channel 7, and the outlet 9 of the second fluid channel is configured to allow water to flow from the second fluid channel 7 into the second water chamber 3 and into the ventilation pipe 10.

[0063] In one embodiment, the first fluid passage 6 is located at the end of the first water chamber 2 adjacent to the first end 15 of the heated plate 14 and therefore can determine the acceptable water level indicated by the horizontal dashed line in FIG. 2a. The allowable water level is the level to which the first water chamber 2 and vent tube 10 can be substantially filled before water is expected to flow through the first fluid channel 6 into the steam generator 5 or from the second end 12 of the vent tube 10 , depending on the length of the ventilation pipe 10.

[0064] In one embodiment, the vent tube 10 extends toward the first end 15 of the heated plate 14 a distance at least the same as the height of the maximum water level when the garment steamer 1 is in its inoperative orientation B. the second end 12 of the ventilation tube 10 before it flows out of the first water chamber 2 through the first fluid outlet 6 is excluded when the garment steaming device 1 is in its inoperative orientation B. In other words, the ventilation tube 10 extends over such height as the height of the maximum water level of the first chamber 2 for water, or above it when the device 1 for steaming clothes is in its inoperative orientation B.

[0065] In one preferred embodiment, the garment steaming apparatus 1 may comprise a flip disc mechanism (not shown) configured to control the flow of water through the first fluid passage 6. The latching disk mechanism can be located at or in either end of the first fluid passage 6. The state of the latching disc mechanism depends on the temperature of the steam generator 5. In other words, when the steam generator 5 is sufficiently heated to evaporate the water and generate steam, the flip disk mechanism will be in a state to open the first fluid flow passage 6 and allow water to flow through the first fluid passage 6 from the first water chamber 2 into the generator 5 steam. If the temperature of the steam generator 5 is insufficient to evaporate the water and generate steam, the latch disk mechanism will be in a state to close the first fluid passage 6 so as to exclude the flow of water to the steam generator 5. Therefore, before heating the garment steaming device 1, the flip disk mechanism will close the first fluid passage 6. Therefore, in a preferred embodiment, the position of the first fluid passage 6 does not determine the maximum water level in the first water chamber 2 in non-operating orientation B, and the vent tube 10 can reach the upper end of the first water chamber 2 near the first end 15 of the heated plate 14 As a result, the first water chamber 2 can be completely filled with water in the inoperative orientation B before the garment steaming device 1 is turned on.

[0066] In addition, the garment steaming apparatus 1 may further comprise another specific mechanism (not shown), such as a button, configured to override the flip disc mechanism so as to keep the first fluid passage 6 completely closed. Therefore, the device 1 for steaming clothes can be used, for example, for "dry ironing" (ironing without steam).

[0067] As shown in FIG. 2a, the first water chamber 2 further comprises a water inlet 29 configured to ensure that the first and second water chambers 2, 3 are filled with water when the garment steaming device 1 is in its inoperative orientation B, and a sealing member 30 configured with the possibility of sealing the water inlet 29 after filling the water chambers 2, 3. The sealing member 30 may, without limitation, be, for example, a hinged door containing an O-ring for forming a seal between the door and the walls of the first water chamber 2. To help fill the first water chamber 2 to its maximum water level, it is necessary for the water inlet 29 to be located closer to the end of the first water chamber 2 near the first end 15 of the heated plate 14 than the first fluid passage 6. Preferably, the water is in the side wall 25 of the first water chamber 2 closest to the first end 15 of the heated plate 14.

[0068] Next, a method of using the garment steaming apparatus 1 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 2a-2g. With reference to FIG. 2a, after substantially emptying the first water chamber 2, the garment steaming device 1 is moved out of its operating orientation A shown in FIG. 1 to its inoperative orientation B, in which the first end 15 of the steam generator 5 is above the second end 16. The sealing member 30 covering the water inlet 29 of the first water chamber 2 is opened to allow refilling of the garment steamer 1 with water.

[0069] During the filling of the device 1 for steaming clothes with water, the first water chamber 2 is in fluid communication with the environment through the open water inlet 29 and the first fluid passage 6, and the second water chamber 3 is in fluid communication with the environment through the second end 12 of the ventilation pipe 10. Therefore, the first and second water chambers 2, 3 function as communicating vessels, and thus the water level in the first water chamber 2 and the ventilation pipe 10 are always at the same height.

[0070] With reference to FIG. 2b, the first and second water chambers 2, 3 are filled with water until the water level is directly below the first fluid passage 6, while the garment steamer 1 is in its inoperative orientation B and the water inlet 29 is closed to form a seal by the sealing member 30. At this time, the first water chamber 2 is open to the environment through the first fluid passage 6.

[0071] With reference to FIG. 2c, with the water inlet 29 closed to form a seal, the garment steaming device 1 is moved back to its operating orientation A, in which the steam generator 5 runs horizontally. Since the opening 21 connected to the inlet 8 of the second fluid passage is below the water level in the first water chamber 2, air is entrained in the first water chamber 2. The air in the first water chamber 2 is sealed under the hydraulic head pressure provided by the greater vertical height from the water vapor generator 5 in the second water chamber 3 than the water in the first water chamber 2. The greater the height of the water level in the second water chamber 3 from the first fluid channel 6, the greater the hydraulic head. As shown in FIG. 2c, water can be present in the vent tube 10 immediately after the garment steamer 1 is filled and can contribute to the overall water pressure.

[0072] The greater hydraulic head provided by the second water chamber 3 holding water above the water level in the first water chamber 2 results in a higher pressure in the first fluid passage 6 than without water in the second water chamber 3. In this way, a higher dispensing flow rate can be achieved, which leads to a higher steam flow rate. In addition, water can be pumped through the first fluid passage 6 in cases of higher pressure created by the volumetric expansion of water in the steam generator 5. This eliminates the prevention of the metered dispensing of water into the steam generator 5 which is found in prior art steam generating devices. Additionally, the hydraulic head can prevent backflow of steam from the steam generator 5 to the first water chamber 2.

[0073] Next, referring to FIG. 2d, while steam generation continues, water from the first water chamber 2 is directed through the first fluid path 6 to the steam generator 5. The air in the first water chamber 2 remains sealed and pressurized by the hydraulic head generated in the second water chamber 3. Thus, the water leaving the first water chamber 2 to the steam generator 5 is replaced by water from the second water chamber 3. Since steam is generated continuously, the water level in the second water chamber 3 drops, resulting in a lower hydraulic head and therefore a slower steam flow rate as the pressure difference between the first fluid passage 6 and the steam generator 5 decreases. When the water level in the second water chamber 3 falls, air enters through the ventilation pipe 10 at atmospheric pressure.

[0074] To prevent an excessive amount of water from entering the steam generator 5 and disturbing the energy balance, i. E. cooling the heated plate 14 sufficient to prevent further steam generation, the capacity of the second water chamber 3 must be carefully selected to match the garment steaming device 1. The second water chamber 3 can have a capacity of 5 to 50 ml. Preferably, the second water chamber 3 has a capacity of 20 ml. The larger the second water chamber 3, the longer the duration of the higher steam consumption when the garment steaming device 1 is in its working orientation.

[0075] It should be understood that depending on the placement of the ventilation tube 10, the amount of water that can be accommodated in the second water chamber 3 and the volume of the second water chamber 3 may differ. The effective resistance of the water flow path is another parameter that can be controlled. The minimum transverse diameter of the second fluid passage 7 is 2 to 15 mm. Preferably, the minimum cross-sectional area is 5 mm ² .

[0076] When the water level in the second water chamber 3 or second fluid passage 7 reaches the same level as the water level in the first water chamber 2, the steam flow no longer increases more than the first water chamber 2 can independently provide.

[0077] With reference to FIG. 2e, the garment steamer 1 is pivotable back to its inoperative orientation B from its operating orientation A. In this orientation, water from the first water chamber 2 flows through the inlet 8 of the second fluid passage into the second fluid passage 7 and through the outlet 9 of the second fluid passage to the second water chamber 3. Since the first fluid passage 6 fluidly communicates the first water chamber 2 with the environment, air is allowed to enter the first water chamber 2, as shown by the arrow in FIG. 2e, and the water chambers 2, 3 can function as communicating vessels such that the water level in the first water chamber 2 and the second water chamber 3 or ventilation pipe 10 becomes the same. The pressure in the first water chamber 2 and the ventilation pipe 10 becomes atmospheric again.

[0078] Subsequent movement of the garment steaming device 1 back to its operating position A shown in FIG. 2f leads to the same results as described with reference to FIG. 2c. Namely, due to the fact that the inlet 8 of the second fluid channel is below the water level in the first water chamber 2, air is entrained in the first water chamber 2 and sealed under the hydraulic head pressure caused by the water level in the second chamber 3 for water. The restored hydraulic head will again increase the steam flow. However, as shown in FIG. 2f, the water levels in the first and second water chambers 2, 3 will be lower and therefore the maximum steam flow achieved after partial refilling of the second water chamber 3 will be lower than before.

[0079] Next, referring to FIG. 2g, it is shown that the water from the second water chamber 3 and the second fluid passage 7 continues to replenish water in the first water chamber 2 even after the water level in the second water chamber 3 or second fluid passage 7 falls below the water level in the first chamber 2 for water. This is due to the effect of atmospheric pressure on the water in the second water chamber 3 or the second fluid passage 7. The atmospheric pressure acts on the water in such a way as to try to keep the air trapped in the first water chamber 2 under atmospheric pressure.

[0080] However, due to the weight of the body of water, the water level in the first water chamber 2 may drop slightly. Thus, the entrained air in the first water chamber 2 will be at a pressure less than atmospheric pressure, and the water level in the second fluid passage 7 or second water chamber 3 will rise slightly.

[0081] If the water pressure becomes insufficient to overcome the pressure in the steam generator 5, air and / or steam is allowed to leak through the first fluid passage 6 from the steam generator 5 into the first water chamber 2. In addition, when the water level in the second fluid passage 7 falls below the top of the inlet 8 of the second fluid passage, air in the bubbles can flow from the second fluid passage 7 into the first water chamber 2 until the water level rises again above the upper part of the inlet 8 of the second fluid channel.

[0082] When the water level in the first water chamber 2 equals the water level in the second water chamber 3 or the second fluid passage 7, and the water level is below the top of the inlet 8 of the second fluid passage, the air in the first and the second chambers 2, 3 for water is in fluid communication. Then, when the first water chamber 2 is substantially empty, the garment steaming device 1 can be returned to its inoperative orientation B, as shown in FIG. 2a, and the whole process can start over.

[0083] FIG. 3a shows a garment steaming apparatus 1 comprising a steam iron 35 in its operating orientation A. The steam iron 35 comprises a soleplate 36 heated by a heating element 37 and has steam outlets 38 formed therein for the passage of steam from the steam generator 5 through towards the fabric to be ironed. The sole 36 may be equivalent to the heated plate 14 mentioned above. The steam iron 35 also includes a body 40 containing a handle 41 for allowing a user to grip and operate the steam iron 35. As best seen in FIG. 3a, the soleplate 36 extends substantially horizontally when the steam iron 35 is in its operating orientation A. The second water chamber 3 is located near the rear end of the steam iron 35 so that it is located behind the rear cover 4a in the heel portion 4 and the ventilation tube 10 passes through the handle 41.

[0084] With reference to FIG. 3b shows that the steam iron 35 is placed on its heel portion 4 while in its inoperative orientation B. FIG. 3b also shows that the sole 36 extends at an angle to the horizontal when it is placed on its heel portion 4 in its inoperative orientation B.

[0085] In the present embodiment shown in FIG. 3a and 3b, the steam generator 5 is adjacent to the sole 36 and the second water chamber 3 is located in the heel portion 4.

[0086] Next, referring to FIG. 4 is a graph showing the relationship between hydraulic head and steam flow. The hydraulic head is plotted on the X-axis and is expressed in centimeters (cm). Steam consumption is plotted on the Y-axis and is expressed in grams of steam generated per minute (g / min). As shown in the graph, the higher the water level above the first fluid passage 6 shown in FIG. 1, the more steam is generated per minute.

[0087] The above described embodiments are illustrative only and are not intended to limit the technical approaches of the present invention. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the technical approaches of the present invention may be altered or replaced by equivalents without departing from the spirit and scope of the technical approaches of the present invention, which are also within the scope of the scope of the claims of the present invention. In the claims, the term "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the singular does not exclude multiple elements. Any reference numbers in the claims should not be construed as limiting their scope.

Claims (23)

1. Steam iron (1) containing: - the first chamber (2) for water; - the second chamber (3) for water, located in the heel area (4) of the steam iron (1); - a steam generator (5) located below the first chamber (2) for water in the working orientation (A) of the steam iron (1); - the first channel (6) for fluid, connecting the first chamber (2) for water and the generator (5) steam; and - a ventilation pipe (10) connected to the upper part of the second chamber (3) for water by its first end (11) and open to the environment at its second end (12), and the second end (12) of the ventilation pipe (10) at least reaches the height of the maximum water level of the first chamber (2) for water when the steam iron (1) is in the inoperative orientation (B); - characterized in that the second fluid channel (7) connects the lower end of the first water chamber (2) with the lower part of the second water chamber (3) in the working orientation (A), the lateral diameter of the second fluid channel (7) is in the range from 2 mm to 15 mm, and the second water chamber (3) is completely located above the first water chamber (2) in working orientation (A) so that as long as there is water in the second water chamber (3), the water level of the second water chamber (3) is higher the height of the water level of the first water chamber (2) in the specified operating orientation (A) in order to increase the water pressure in the first fluid channel (6) generated by the fluid connecting the second water chamber (3) and the first chamber ( 2) for water, to ensure increased steam consumption when the steam iron (1) is in working orientation (A). 2. Steam iron (1) according to claim 1, wherein the second water chamber (3) and the first water chamber (2) are positioned so that when the steam iron (1) is moved to the non-working orientation (B) from the working orientation (A) move water from the first water chamber (2) to the second water chamber (3) through the second fluid channel (7) until the heights of the water levels in the first water chamber (2) and the ventilation pipe (10) equalize ... 3. Steam iron (1) according to claim. 2, in which the first channel (6) for fluid is located above the height of the maximum water level of the first chamber (2) for water when the steam iron (1) is in the inoperative orientation (B) to ensure the possibility of air passage in the steam generator (5) into the first chamber (2) for water through the first channel (6) for the fluid medium while moving the water from the first chamber (2) for water into the second chamber (3) for water. 4. Steam iron (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the first water chamber (2), the second fluid passage (7), the second water chamber (3) and the ventilation tube (10) are jointly formed in a substantially U-shaped design. 5. Steam iron (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the capacity of the second water chamber (3) is in the range of 5 ml to 50 ml. 6. A steam iron (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the minimum cross-sectional area of the second fluid channel (7) is 5 mm ² . 7. A steam iron (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the second fluid channel (7) is formed in the form of a rectangular structure between the first water chamber (2) and the second water chamber (3). 8. Steam iron (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the second fluid channel (7) is integral with or separate from the first water chamber (2) and / or the second water chamber (3). 9. Steam iron (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the first water chamber (2) comprises a water inlet (29) and a sealing element (30) located on its side wall, moreover, the inlet (29) for water is configured to ensure the filling of the first chamber (2) for water and the second (3) chamber for water with water when in an inoperative orientation (B), and The sealing element (30) is configured to seal the water inlet (29) after filling the first water chamber (2) and the second water chamber (3) and before moving the steam iron (1) to the working orientation (A). 10. The steam iron (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the non-working orientation (B) denotes the orientation in which the steam iron is positioned with its heel area (4) on the working surface. 11. Steam iron (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the second water chamber (3) is located in the heel area behind the rear cover (4a). 12. Steam iron (1) according to any preceding claim, in which the ventilation tube (10) is located inside the handle (41) of the steam iron (35). 13. Steam iron (1) according to any preceding paragraph, in which a sole (36) is provided adjacent to the steam generator (5), in which the transformation of water into steam is ensured, and the sole (36) has several outlets (38) on it for steam and faces the garment to be ironed after moving the steam iron (1) to work orientation (A) from non-work orientation (B).

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