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EP3350367B1 - Liquid atomizer comprising a piezoelectric element and iron comprising such an atomizer - Google Patents

Liquid atomizer comprising a piezoelectric element and iron comprising such an atomizer Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3350367B1
EP3350367B1 EP16777721.8A EP16777721A EP3350367B1 EP 3350367 B1 EP3350367 B1 EP 3350367B1 EP 16777721 A EP16777721 A EP 16777721A EP 3350367 B1 EP3350367 B1 EP 3350367B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
liquid
atomiser
horn
cavity
atomizer
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.)
Active
Application number
EP16777721.8A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP3350367A1 (en
Inventor
Dominique Gelus
Jean-Louis Compeau
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SEB SA
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SEB SA
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Publication date
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Publication of EP3350367A1 publication Critical patent/EP3350367A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3350367B1 publication Critical patent/EP3350367B1/en
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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
    • B05B17/00—Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by the preceding groups
    • B05B17/04—Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by the preceding groups operating with special methods
    • B05B17/06—Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by the preceding groups operating with special methods using ultrasonic or other kinds of vibrations
    • B05B17/0607—Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by the preceding groups operating with special methods using ultrasonic or other kinds of vibrations generated by electrical means, e.g. piezoelectric transducers
    • B05B17/0638—Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by the preceding groups operating with special methods using ultrasonic or other kinds of vibrations generated by electrical means, e.g. piezoelectric transducers spray being produced by discharging the liquid or other fluent material through a plate comprising a plurality of orifices
    • B05B17/0646—Vibrating plates, i.e. plates being directly subjected to the vibrations, e.g. having a piezoelectric transducer attached thereto
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B15/00—Details of spraying plant or spraying apparatus not otherwise provided for; Accessories
    • B05B15/50—Arrangements for cleaning; Arrangements for preventing deposits, drying-out or blockage; Arrangements for detecting improper discharge caused by the presence of foreign matter
    • B05B15/58—Arrangements for cleaning; Arrangements for preventing deposits, drying-out or blockage; Arrangements for detecting improper discharge caused by the presence of foreign matter preventing deposits, drying-out or blockage by recirculating the fluid to be sprayed from upstream of the discharge opening back to the supplying means
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B17/00—Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by the preceding groups
    • B05B17/04—Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by the preceding groups operating with special methods
    • B05B17/06—Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by the preceding groups operating with special methods using ultrasonic or other kinds of vibrations
    • B05B17/0607—Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by the preceding groups operating with special methods using ultrasonic or other kinds of vibrations generated by electrical means, e.g. piezoelectric transducers
    • B05B17/0623—Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by the preceding groups operating with special methods using ultrasonic or other kinds of vibrations generated by electrical means, e.g. piezoelectric transducers coupled with a vibrating horn
    • B05B17/063—Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by the preceding groups operating with special methods using ultrasonic or other kinds of vibrations generated by electrical means, e.g. piezoelectric transducers coupled with a vibrating horn having an internal channel for supplying the liquid or other fluent material
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B17/00—Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by the preceding groups
    • B05B17/04—Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by the preceding groups operating with special methods
    • B05B17/06—Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by the preceding groups operating with special methods using ultrasonic or other kinds of vibrations
    • B05B17/0607—Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by the preceding groups operating with special methods using ultrasonic or other kinds of vibrations generated by electrical means, e.g. piezoelectric transducers
    • B05B17/0653—Details
    • B05B17/0676—Feeding means
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B17/00—Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by the preceding groups
    • B05B17/04—Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by the preceding groups operating with special methods
    • B05B17/06—Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by the preceding groups operating with special methods using ultrasonic or other kinds of vibrations
    • B05B17/0607—Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by the preceding groups operating with special methods using ultrasonic or other kinds of vibrations generated by electrical means, e.g. piezoelectric transducers
    • B05B17/0653—Details
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B17/00—Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by the preceding groups
    • B05B17/04—Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by the preceding groups operating with special methods
    • B05B17/06—Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by the preceding groups operating with special methods using ultrasonic or other kinds of vibrations
    • B05B17/0607—Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by the preceding groups operating with special methods using ultrasonic or other kinds of vibrations generated by electrical means, e.g. piezoelectric transducers
    • B05B17/0653—Details
    • B05B17/0669—Excitation frequencies

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a liquid atomizer comprising a piezoelectric element fixed on a vibratory displacement amplification tube comprising a cavity containing the liquid to be atomized and relates more particularly to an atomizer in which the horn is mechanically and acoustically coupled to a membrane micro-perforated closing one side of the cavity.
  • an ultrasonic liquid atomizer comprising a piezoelectric element fixed on a vibratory amplification amplifying tube comprising an end coupled to a micro-perforated membrane closing a cavity formed inside the horn containing the liquid to be atomized
  • Such an atomizer has the advantage of vibrating in a longitudinal mode and to allow the instantaneous spraying of a quantity of liquid very accurately with drops of regular size.
  • the limited height of water above the membrane and the presence of an airtight tank make it possible to avoid the problems of dripping through the membrane when the atomizer is at a standstill.
  • an object of the present invention is to provide a liquid atomizer, comprising a vibratory displacement amplifying amplification tube comprising a cavity containing the liquid to be atomized closed by a micro-perforated membrane, which can operate for a long time, or even continuously, and which has no problem of dripping when the atomization is stopped.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide an iron equipped with such an atomizer.
  • the subject of the invention is a liquid atomiser comprising a piezoelectric element fixed on a vibratory displacement amplifying probe comprising a cavity containing the liquid to be atomized, the trunk comprising a first part receiving the piezoelectric element and a second part , distinct from the first part, mechanically and acoustically coupled to a micro-perforated membrane closing one side of the cavity, characterized in that the cavity is fed with liquid from a reservoir with a flow rate greater than the spray rate of the atomizer in operation and in that the horn comprises at least one outlet hole connecting the cavity to a bypass duct to the tank.
  • the exit hole will be sufficiently distant from the first part receiving the piezoelectric element not to disturb too much the vibratory operation of the atomizer.
  • the exit hole will also be advantageously sufficiently far from the micro-perforated membrane so that the flow of liquid through the exit hole does not come to disturb the operation of the micro-perforated membrane.
  • Such an atomizer has the advantage of having a micro-perforated membrane fixed on a part of the vibrating horn in a longitudinal mode, which makes it possible to produce an aerosol with very little dispersion in the diameter of the micro-droplets.
  • the cavity is fed with liquid from the reservoir by means of a pump operating continuously during the liquid atomization phases by the atomizer.
  • Such continuous operation of the pump has the advantage of cleaning the upper surface of the membrane and preventing the deposition of undesirable particles.
  • the pump also operates, punctually or continuously, outside phases atomization of liquid by the atomizer.
  • the piezoelectric atomiser vibrates in a longitudinal mode in the range 50 kHz to 200 kHz.
  • the horn has a sectional variation between the first portion supporting the piezoelectric element and the second portion coupled to the micro-perforated membrane.
  • Such a section variation has the advantage of amplifying the longitudinal ultrasonic waves emitted by the piezoelectric element and makes it possible to have a level of amplitude such that the scale that can be deposited on the micro-perforated membrane is eliminated.
  • the micro-perforated membrane is attached to a longitudinal end of the horn.
  • the trunk has an axis of revolution and comprises at least two exit holes arranged symmetrically with respect to the axis of revolution, the outlet holes communicating with an evacuation chamber connected to the duct. diversion to the reservoir.
  • Such an arrangement of the exit holes has the advantage of not disturbing the vibratory mode of the horn and makes it possible to obtain a vibration mode of the horn adapted to obtain the spraying of micro-droplets having a mono median diameter. -dispersed centered in a range that can be between 20 microns and 100 microns.
  • the micro-perforated membrane is coupled to one end of a cylindrical body of the horn, the outlet holes being formed on the cylindrical body.
  • the micro-perforated membrane is made of electro-formed stainless steel and is covered with a non-stick coating.
  • non-stick coating is meant a coating on which a drop of liquid makes a contact angle greater than 90 °.
  • Such an anti-adherent coating makes it possible to limit the adhesion of scale on the membrane.
  • the micro-perforated membrane has holes having a diameter of less than 40 ⁇ m, the holes being distant from each other by more than 400 ⁇ m. Such a construction makes it possible to reduce the problem of dripping through the membrane.
  • the outlet hole or holes are remote from the micro-perforated membrane with a height h of less than 10 mm and preferably of the order of 2 mm.
  • Such a feature makes it possible to eliminate the problems of dripping and to obtain optimized operation of the atomizer during the start and stop phases.
  • the outlet hole or holes have a diameter greater than or equal to 2 mm.
  • the atomizer comprises a feed chamber communicating on the one hand with the cavity and on the other hand with a water inlet duct connected to the pump, the feed chamber having an air inlet.
  • the air inlet orifice comprises a filtration device preventing the intrusion of a foreign body into the feed chamber.
  • the cavity is fed with liquid from the reservoir by a feed circuit comprising a water filter and a device for dispensing an antibiotic product, such as colloidal silver.
  • a feed circuit comprising a water filter and a device for dispensing an antibiotic product, such as colloidal silver.
  • the invention also relates to an iron having a heating soleplate surmounted by a housing enclosing a reservoir and comprising a liquid atomizer as previously described.
  • the atomizer is carried by the box of the iron and moistens a treatment zone located outside the sole.
  • the atomizer sprays water with a flow rate of between 6 and 20 g / min and preferably of the order of 9 g / min.
  • the atomizer diffuses a mist of micro-droplets whose median mono-dispersed diameter is between 30 microns and 60 microns.
  • Such a characteristic makes it possible to obtain a fog which at the same time does not fly off too much and does not make water stains on the clothes to be ironed.
  • the atomizer has a diffusion spectrum adapted to humidify a treatment zone extending along the two edges of a front tip of the sole.
  • Such a feature allows, with a single atomizer, to moisten the laundry located on both sides of the front tip of the sole.
  • the holes of the micro-perforated membrane are distributed in a V-shape.
  • Such a characteristic makes it possible to obtain a diffusion spectrum of the micro-droplets conforming to the V shape of the front tip of the sole.
  • the figure 1 represents a steam iron 1 comprising, in known manner, a sole 2 in thermal contact with a heating body, not shown in the figures, containing an electrical resistance of a power of the order of 1600 W and having a vaporization chamber dimensioned to produce a flow rate of steam of the order of 20 gr / min to be distributed through holes in the sole 2, the temperature of the sole 2 being controlled by a thermostat whose temperature of setpoint can be changed by the user using a knob 3.
  • the sole 2 is surmounted by a plastic housing 4 incorporating a handle 40 and comprising a heel 41 on which the iron can stand vertically during the inactive ironing phases, the heel 41 being advantageously equipped with a connector , not visible in the figures, allowing the electrical connection of the iron to a charging base.
  • the housing 4 encloses a tank 5 of water, shown diagrammatically in dashed lines, and has a tapered front end supporting a spraying device consisting of an atomizer 6 of ultrasonic liquid producing micro-droplets, of sizes predominantly between 30 ⁇ m and 60 ⁇ m in diameter, for moistening a spray zone located in front of the front tip of the sole 2.
  • a spraying device consisting of an atomizer 6 of ultrasonic liquid producing micro-droplets, of sizes predominantly between 30 ⁇ m and 60 ⁇ m in diameter, for moistening a spray zone located in front of the front tip of the sole 2.
  • the iron 1 also comprises a scraper element 10 extending outside the soleplate 2 heating, at a distance of about 3 mm from the edge of the soleplate 2, allowing to penetrate mechanically the droplets of liquid inside the laundry to be ironed before the sole 2 heating reaches the spray area.
  • scraper element 10 is written in more detail in the patent application FR1158318 filed by the plaintiff.
  • the atomizer 6 comprises a cylindrical envelope 60 hollow plastic including a lateral protrusion 61 provided with a bore adapted to receive a fixing screw of the atomizer 6 on the casing 4 of the iron, the casing 60 having a receiving chamber 62 in which is disposed a electromechanical aerosol generator 7 operating in the range 50 kHz to 200 kHz.
  • the receiving chamber 62 has an open lower end 62A and an opposite end having an opening 62B communicating with a supply chamber 63 located above the receiving chamber 62 when the iron is resting on its sole 2, the chamber supply 63 having an upper end closed by a cover 64 and comprising a lateral orifice 63A forming a vent ensuring an atmospheric pressure of the feed chamber 63, this vent 63A is advantageously equipped with a filter, not shown in the figures, preventing the intrusion of a foreign body into the feed chamber 63.
  • the feed chamber 63 receives water from the tank 5 by a feed circuit comprising a water inlet pipe 50 passing through the lid 64, the inlet pipe 50 being connected to a pump 51, shown schematically on the figure 2 , whose operation is controlled by means of a push button 11 arranged in front of the handle 40.
  • the feed circuit also comprises a water filter and an antibiotic diffuser device, such as colloidal silver. , not shown in the figures.
  • the aerosol generator 7 comprises a piezoelectric ceramic 8 bonded to a vibratory displacement amplifying tube 9 traversed by a cavity 90 comprising the liquid to be atomized, the cavity 90 extending along an axis of revolution R of the horn 9 and being closed at one end by a micro-perforated membrane 91 of small thickness, between 20 and 200 ⁇ m, mechanically and acoustically coupled to the horn 9.
  • the piezoelectric ceramic 8 is in known manner electrically powered by means of a power supply circuit, not shown in the figures, providing an alternating current across the ceramic piezoelectric 8, the latter being powered electrically only when the push button 11 is actuated by the user.
  • the trunk 9 has a shoulder 92 on which the piezoelectric ceramic 8 is glued and comprises a cylindrical body 93 of smaller section at the longitudinal end of which the micro-perforated membrane 91 is mechanically and acoustically fixed, for example by gluing. brazing, crimping or welding.
  • the trunk 9 has a diameter of about 16 mm at the shoulder 92 supporting the piezoelectric ceramic 8 and a diameter of about 8 mm at the height of the cylindrical body 93.
  • the micro-perforated membrane 91 has a thickness of 50 microns and comprises a network of holes with a diameter of less than 40 microns, the holes being spaced apart from each other by more than 400 microns.
  • the micro-perforated membrane 91 is advantageously made of electro-formed nickel or electro-formed stainless steel, preferably coated with gold, to combat the adhesion of limestone.
  • the micro-perforated membrane 91 has seventy holes 35 ⁇ m in diameter, preferentially distributed in a V-shape as shown in FIG. figure 4 , such a distribution of holes to obtain, with a single atomizer, a V-shaped micro-droplet diffusion spectrum which is adapted to match the shape of the front tip of the sole 2.
  • the cavity 90 has, opposite the micro-perforated membrane 91, an open end communicating with the feed chamber 63 via the opening 62B so that the water present in the feed chamber 63 flows into the cavity 90.
  • the flow rate of the pump 51 supplying the cavity 90 is greater than the flow rate of the atomizer 6 during operation, and the horn 9 preferably comprises two exit holes 94 aligned along a horizontal axis and arranged symmetrically with respect to the axis of revolution R of the horn 9, each outlet hole 94 opening into an annular discharge chamber 65, surrounding the cylindrical body 93 of the horn 9, which communicates with a bypass duct 66 to the tank 5.
  • the atomizer 6 has a water spraying rate of the order of 9 g / min to optimally moisten the clothes to be ironed and the pump 51 supplies water to the chamber of water. supply 63 with a flow rate of the order of 12 gr / min.
  • the outlet holes 94 have a diameter greater than or equal to 2 mm to allow a good flow of the excess water sent by the pump 51 to the branch conduit 66, the outlet holes 94 being distant from the micro-perforated membrane 91 with a height h of the order of 2 mm to permanently have a thin film of water covering the micro-perforated membrane 91.
  • micro-droplets thus emitted by the atomizer 6 are deposited on the surface of the ironing fabric and then impregnate the fabric being pressed by the wiper element 10 during the advancement of the iron, which causes a humidification and therefore a relaxation of the fibers of the fabric, before the sole 2 hot iron does not come dry the fabric, to obtain a perfect smoothing.
  • Such an atomizer 6 thus has the advantage of being able to operate continuously until the water in the tank 5 is exhausted, the circulation of the excess water sent by the pump 51 having the advantage of stirring and renewing the water situated above the micro-perforated membrane 91, which makes it possible to evacuate any impurities that may stagnate on the micro-perforated membrane 91 and to improve the cooling of the micro-perforated membrane 91 during use extended atomizer 6.
  • Such an atomizer also has the advantage of consuming very little energy and producing micro-droplets of very regular size, which makes it particularly suitable for use on a low-consumption iron and especially on an iron. wireless.
  • Such an atomizer comprising a vibrating horn in a longitudinal mode has the advantage of having a diffusion spectrum of the micro-droplets which depends directly on the distribution of the holes on the microperforated membrane. It is thus possible to obtain a V-shaped microdroplet diffusion spectrum which is adapted to match the shape of the front tip of the sole so as to moisten the laundry on the front and sides of the front tip of the sole. the sole without projecting micro-droplets on the iron case.
  • the horn may have only one exit hole communicating with the bypass duct.
  • the exit holes may have a passage section of non-circular shape and be of smaller size.
  • the pump may also operate continuously or episodically, when the piezoelectric ceramic is not electrically powered, that is to say outside the atomization phases of liquid by the atomizer.
  • the pump can operate as soon as the iron is electrically connected to the electrical network.
  • Such an embodiment variant has the advantage of ensuring a continuous washing of the upper surface of the membrane by the circulation of water.

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Description

La présente invention se rapporte à un atomiseur de liquide comportant un élément piézoélectrique fixé sur une trompe amplificatrice de déplacements vibratoires comprenant une cavité contenant le liquide à atomiser et se rapporte plus particulièrement à un atomiseur dans lequel la trompe est couplée mécaniquement et acoustiquement à une membrane micro-perforée venant fermer un côté de la cavité.The present invention relates to a liquid atomizer comprising a piezoelectric element fixed on a vibratory displacement amplification tube comprising a cavity containing the liquid to be atomized and relates more particularly to an atomizer in which the horn is mechanically and acoustically coupled to a membrane micro-perforated closing one side of the cavity.

Il est connu, de la demande de brevet FR2908329 , un atomiseur de liquide par ultrasons comportant un élément piézoélectrique fixé sur une trompe amplificatrice de déplacements vibratoires comprenant une extrémité couplée à une membrane micro-perforée venant fermer une cavité ménagée à l'intérieur de la trompe contenant le liquide à atomiserIt is known from the patent application FR2908329 , an ultrasonic liquid atomizer comprising a piezoelectric element fixed on a vibratory amplification amplifying tube comprising an end coupled to a micro-perforated membrane closing a cavity formed inside the horn containing the liquid to be atomized

Un tel atomiseur présente l'avantage de vibrer selon un mode longitudinal et de permettre la pulvérisation instantanée d'une quantité de liquide de manière très précise avec des gouttes de taille régulière. De plus, la hauteur d'eau limitée au-dessus de la membrane et la présence d'un réservoir étanche à l'air permettent d'éviter les problèmes de gouttage au travers de la membrane lorsque atomiseur est à l'arrêt.Such an atomizer has the advantage of vibrating in a longitudinal mode and to allow the instantaneous spraying of a quantity of liquid very accurately with drops of regular size. In addition, the limited height of water above the membrane and the presence of an airtight tank make it possible to avoid the problems of dripping through the membrane when the atomizer is at a standstill.

Cependant, un tel atomiseur de liquide présente l'inconvénient de ne pas pouvoir fonctionner pendant un temps important du fait de la capacité limitée du réservoir d'eau. Or, il n'est pas possible d'augmenter simplement le volume du réservoir au-dessus de la membrane micro-perforée car une telle augmentation de volume entrainerait une augmentation de la hauteur de colonne d'eau au-dessus de la membrane qui générerait un écoulement de goutte d'eau non souhaité au travers de la membrane lorsque l'atomiseur est arrêté. D'autres exemples sont divulgués par les documents FR2987564 et WO2016/150822 (Art. 54(3) CBE).However, such a liquid atomizer has the disadvantage of not being able to operate for a long time because of the limited capacity of the water tank. However, it is not possible to simply increase the volume of the reservoir above the micro-perforated membrane because such an increase in volume would cause an increase in the height of the water column above the membrane that would generate undesired water droplet flow through the membrane when the atomizer is stopped. Other examples are disclosed by the documents FR2987564 and WO2016 / 150822 (Article 54 (3) EPC).

Aussi, un but de la présente invention est de proposer un atomiseur de liquide, comportant une trompe amplificatrice de déplacements vibratoires comprenant une cavité contenant le liquide à atomiser fermée par une membrane micro-perforée, qui puisse fonctionner pendant un temps important, voire en continu, et qui ne présente pas de problème de gouttage lorsque l'atomisation est arrêtée. Un autre but de la présente invention est de proposer un fer à repasser équipé d'un tel atomiseur.Also, an object of the present invention is to provide a liquid atomizer, comprising a vibratory displacement amplifying amplification tube comprising a cavity containing the liquid to be atomized closed by a micro-perforated membrane, which can operate for a long time, or even continuously, and which has no problem of dripping when the atomization is stopped. Another object of the present invention is to provide an iron equipped with such an atomizer.

A cet effet, l'invention a pour objet un atomiseur de liquide comportant un élément piézoélectrique fixé sur une trompe amplificatrice de déplacements vibratoires comprenant une cavité contenant le liquide à atomiser, la trompe comprenant une première partie recevant l'élément piézoélectrique et une deuxième partie, distincte de la première partie, couplée mécaniquement et acoustiquement à une membrane micro-perforée venant fermer un côté de la cavité, caractérisé en ce que la cavité est alimentée avec du liquide en provenance d'un réservoir avec un débit supérieur au débit de pulvérisation de l'atomiseur en fonctionnement et en ce que la trompe comporte au moins un trou de sortie reliant la cavité à un conduit de dérivation vers le réservoir.For this purpose, the subject of the invention is a liquid atomiser comprising a piezoelectric element fixed on a vibratory displacement amplifying probe comprising a cavity containing the liquid to be atomized, the trunk comprising a first part receiving the piezoelectric element and a second part , distinct from the first part, mechanically and acoustically coupled to a micro-perforated membrane closing one side of the cavity, characterized in that the cavity is fed with liquid from a reservoir with a flow rate greater than the spray rate of the atomizer in operation and in that the horn comprises at least one outlet hole connecting the cavity to a bypass duct to the tank.

De préférence, le trou de sortie sera suffisamment distant de la première partie recevant l'élément piézoélectrique pour ne pas trop perturber le fonctionnement vibratoire de l'atomiseur. Le trou de sortie sera également avantageusement suffisamment éloigné de la membrane micro-perforée pour que le flux de liquide au travers du trou de sortie ne vienne pas perturber le fonctionnement de la membrane micro-perforée.Preferably, the exit hole will be sufficiently distant from the first part receiving the piezoelectric element not to disturb too much the vibratory operation of the atomizer. The exit hole will also be advantageously sufficiently far from the micro-perforated membrane so that the flow of liquid through the exit hole does not come to disturb the operation of the micro-perforated membrane.

Un tel atomiseur présente l'avantage de posséder une membrane micro-perforée fixée sur une partie de la trompe vibrant selon un mode longitudinal, ce qui permet de produire un aérosol avec très peu de dispersion dans le diamètre des micro-gouttelettes.Such an atomizer has the advantage of having a micro-perforated membrane fixed on a part of the vibrating horn in a longitudinal mode, which makes it possible to produce an aerosol with very little dispersion in the diameter of the micro-droplets.

Selon une autre caractéristique de l'invention, la cavité est alimentée avec du liquide en provenance du réservoir au moyen d'une pompe fonctionnant en continu durant les phases d'atomisation de liquide par l'atomiseur.According to another characteristic of the invention, the cavity is fed with liquid from the reservoir by means of a pump operating continuously during the liquid atomization phases by the atomizer.

Un tel fonctionnement de la pompe en continu présente l'avantage de nettoyer la surface supérieure de la membrane et d'éviter le dépôt de particules indésirables.Such continuous operation of the pump has the advantage of cleaning the upper surface of the membrane and preventing the deposition of undesirable particles.

Selon encore une autre caractéristique de l'invention, la pompe fonctionne également, de manière ponctuelle ou en continu, en dehors des phases d'atomisation de liquide par l'atomiseur.According to yet another characteristic of the invention, the pump also operates, punctually or continuously, outside phases atomization of liquid by the atomizer.

Selon une autre caractéristique de l'invention, l'atomiseur piézoélectrique vibre suivant un mode longitudinal dans la gamme 50 kHz à 200 kHz.According to another characteristic of the invention, the piezoelectric atomiser vibrates in a longitudinal mode in the range 50 kHz to 200 kHz.

Selon une autre caractéristique de l'invention, la trompe présente une variation de section entre la première partie supportant l'élément piézoélectrique et la deuxième partie couplée à la membrane micro-perforée.According to another characteristic of the invention, the horn has a sectional variation between the first portion supporting the piezoelectric element and the second portion coupled to the micro-perforated membrane.

Une telle variation de section présente l'avantage d'amplifier les ondes ultrasonores longitudinales émises par l'élément piézoélectrique et permet d'avoir un niveau d'amplitude tel que le tartre pouvant se déposer sur la membrane micro-perforée est éliminé.Such a section variation has the advantage of amplifying the longitudinal ultrasonic waves emitted by the piezoelectric element and makes it possible to have a level of amplitude such that the scale that can be deposited on the micro-perforated membrane is eliminated.

Selon une autre caractéristique de l'invention, la membrane micro-perforée est fixée à une extrémité longitudinale de la trompe.According to another characteristic of the invention, the micro-perforated membrane is attached to a longitudinal end of the horn.

Selon une autre caractéristique de l'invention, la trompe présente un axe de révolution et comporte au moins deux trous de sortie disposés symétriquement par rapport à l'axe de révolution, les trous de sortie communicant avec une chambre d'évacuation reliée au conduit de dérivation vers le réservoir.According to another characteristic of the invention, the trunk has an axis of revolution and comprises at least two exit holes arranged symmetrically with respect to the axis of revolution, the outlet holes communicating with an evacuation chamber connected to the duct. diversion to the reservoir.

Une telle disposition des trous de sortie présente l'avantage de ne pas trop perturber le mode vibratoire de la trompe et permet l'obtention d'un mode de vibration de la trompe adapté pour obtenir la pulvérisation de micro-gouttelettes présentant un diamètre médian mono-dispersé centré dans une gamme pouvant être comprise entre 20 µm et 100 µm.Such an arrangement of the exit holes has the advantage of not disturbing the vibratory mode of the horn and makes it possible to obtain a vibration mode of the horn adapted to obtain the spraying of micro-droplets having a mono median diameter. -dispersed centered in a range that can be between 20 microns and 100 microns.

Selon une autre caractéristique de l'invention, la membrane micro-perforée est couplée à une extrémité d'un corps cylindrique de la trompe, les trous de sortie étant ménagés sur le corps cylindrique.According to another characteristic of the invention, the micro-perforated membrane is coupled to one end of a cylindrical body of the horn, the outlet holes being formed on the cylindrical body.

Selon une autre caractéristique de l'invention, la membrane micro-perforée est en inox électro-formée et est recouverte d'un revêtement anti-adhérent. Par revêtement anti-adhérent, on entend un revêtement sur lequel une goutte de liquide fait un angle de contact supérieur à 90°. Un tel revêtement anti-adhérent permet de limiter l'adhésion du tartre sur la membrane.According to another characteristic of the invention, the micro-perforated membrane is made of electro-formed stainless steel and is covered with a non-stick coating. By non-stick coating is meant a coating on which a drop of liquid makes a contact angle greater than 90 °. Such an anti-adherent coating makes it possible to limit the adhesion of scale on the membrane.

Selon encore une autre caractéristique de l'invention, la membrane micro-perforée comporte des trous présentant un diamètre inférieur à 40 µm, les trous étant distants les uns des autres de plus de 400 µm. Une telle construction permet de réduire le problème de gouttage au travers de la membrane.According to yet another characteristic of the invention, the micro-perforated membrane has holes having a diameter of less than 40 μm, the holes being distant from each other by more than 400 μm. Such a construction makes it possible to reduce the problem of dripping through the membrane.

Selon encore une autre caractéristique de l'invention, le ou les trous de sortie sont distants de la membrane micro-perforée d'une hauteur h inférieure à 10 mm et préférentiellement de l'ordre de 2 mm.According to yet another characteristic of the invention, the outlet hole or holes are remote from the micro-perforated membrane with a height h of less than 10 mm and preferably of the order of 2 mm.

Une telle caractéristique permet de supprimer les problèmes de gouttage et d'obtenir un fonctionnement optimisé de l'atomiseur lors des phases de démarrage et d'arrêt.Such a feature makes it possible to eliminate the problems of dripping and to obtain optimized operation of the atomizer during the start and stop phases.

Selon une autre caractéristique de l'invention, le ou les trous de sortie présentent un diamètre supérieur ou égal à 2 mm.According to another characteristic of the invention, the outlet hole or holes have a diameter greater than or equal to 2 mm.

Selon une autre caractéristique de l'invention, l'atomiseur comporte une chambre d'alimentation communiquant d'une part avec la cavité et d'autre part avec un conduit d'arrivée d'eau relié à la pompe, la chambre d'alimentation comportant un orifice d'entrée d'air.According to another characteristic of the invention, the atomizer comprises a feed chamber communicating on the one hand with the cavity and on the other hand with a water inlet duct connected to the pump, the feed chamber having an air inlet.

Selon une autre caractéristique de l'invention, l'orifice d'entrée d'air comporte un dispositif de filtration empêchant l'intrusion d'un corps étranger dans la chambre d'alimentation.According to another characteristic of the invention, the air inlet orifice comprises a filtration device preventing the intrusion of a foreign body into the feed chamber.

Selon encore une autre caractéristique de l'invention, la cavité est alimentée avec du liquide en provenance du réservoir par un circuit d'alimentation comportant un filtre à eau et un dispositif diffuseur d'un produit antibiotique, tel de l'argent colloïdal. Une telle caractéristique permet d'éviter le développement d'algues dans la cavité.According to yet another characteristic of the invention, the cavity is fed with liquid from the reservoir by a feed circuit comprising a water filter and a device for dispensing an antibiotic product, such as colloidal silver. Such a characteristic makes it possible to avoid the development of algae in the cavity.

L'invention concerne également un fer à repasser comportant une semelle chauffante surmontée par un boitier renfermant un réservoir et comprenant un atomiseur de liquide tel que précédemment décrit.The invention also relates to an iron having a heating soleplate surmounted by a housing enclosing a reservoir and comprising a liquid atomizer as previously described.

Selon une autre caractéristique de l'invention, l'atomiseur est porté par le boitier du fer à repasser et permet d'humidifier une zone de traitement située à l'extérieur de la semelle.According to another characteristic of the invention, the atomizer is carried by the box of the iron and moistens a treatment zone located outside the sole.

Selon encore une autre caractéristique de l'invention, l'atomiseur pulvérise de l'eau avec un débit compris entre 6 et 20 gr/min et préférentiellement de l'ordre de 9 gr/min.According to another characteristic of the invention, the atomizer sprays water with a flow rate of between 6 and 20 g / min and preferably of the order of 9 g / min.

Une telle caractéristique permet d'obtenir une humidification performante pour défroisser le linge sans que celle-ci ne soit trop importante pour ne pas générer des difficultés à sécher le linge lors d'un passage de la semelle du fer à repasser.Such a characteristic makes it possible to obtain efficient humidification for de-creasing the laundry without this being too important so as not to create difficulties in drying the laundry during a passage of the soleplate of the iron.

Selon encore une autre caractéristique de l'invention, l'atomiseur diffuse un brouillard de micro-gouttelettes dont le diamètre médian mono-dispersé est compris entre 30 µm et 60 µm.According to yet another characteristic of the invention, the atomizer diffuses a mist of micro-droplets whose median mono-dispersed diameter is between 30 microns and 60 microns.

Une telle caractéristique permet d'obtenir un brouillard qui à la fois ne s'envole pas trop et ne fait pas des taches d'eau sur le linge à repasser.Such a characteristic makes it possible to obtain a fog which at the same time does not fly off too much and does not make water stains on the clothes to be ironed.

Selon encore une autre caractéristique de l'invention, l'atomiseur présente un spectre de diffusion adapté pour humidifier une zone de traitement s'étendant le long des deux bords d'une pointe avant de la semelle.According to yet another characteristic of the invention, the atomizer has a diffusion spectrum adapted to humidify a treatment zone extending along the two edges of a front tip of the sole.

Une telle caractéristique permet, avec un seul atomiseur, d'humidifier le linge situé des deux côtés de la pointe avant de la semelle.Such a feature allows, with a single atomizer, to moisten the laundry located on both sides of the front tip of the sole.

Selon encore une autre caractéristique de l'invention, les trous de la membrane micro-perforée sont répartis selon une forme de V.According to yet another characteristic of the invention, the holes of the micro-perforated membrane are distributed in a V-shape.

Une telle caractéristique permet d'obtenir un spectre de diffusion des micro-gouttelettes épousant la forme en V de la pointe avant de la semelle.Such a characteristic makes it possible to obtain a diffusion spectrum of the micro-droplets conforming to the V shape of the front tip of the sole.

On comprendra mieux les buts, aspects et avantages de la présente invention, d'après la description donnée ci-après d'un mode particulier de réalisation de l'invention présenté à titre d'exemple non limitatif, en se référant aux dessins annexés dans lesquels :

  • la figure 1 est une vue en perspective d'un fer à repasser équipé d'un atomiseur de liquide selon un mode particulier de réalisation de l'invention ;
  • la figure 2 est une vue de côté de l'appareil de repassage de la figure 1 illustrant schématiquement le réservoir et la pompe permettant d"alimenter l'atomiseur ;
  • la figure 3 est une vue en coupe longitudinale de l'atomiseur équipant le fer à repasser des figures 1 ;
  • la figure 4 est une vue de dessus de la membrane micro-perforée.
The aims, aspects and advantages of the present invention will be better understood from the description given below of a particular embodiment of the invention presented by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which :
  • the figure 1 is a perspective view of an iron equipped with a liquid atomizer according to a particular embodiment of the invention;
  • the figure 2 is a side view of the ironing apparatus of the figure 1 schematically illustrating the reservoir and the pump for feeding the atomizer;
  • the figure 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of the atomizer equipping the iron with figures 1 ;
  • the figure 4 is a top view of the micro-perforated membrane.

Seuls les éléments nécessaires à la compréhension de l'invention ont été représentés. Pour faciliter la lecture des dessins, les mêmes éléments portent les mêmes références d'une figure à l'autre.Only the elements necessary for the understanding of the invention have been represented. To facilitate the reading of the drawings, the same elements bear the same references from one figure to another.

La figure 1 représente un fer à repasser 1 à vapeur comportant, de manière connue en soi, une semelle 2 au contact thermique d'un corps chauffant, non représenté sur les figures, renfermant une résistance électrique d'une puissance de l'ordre de 1600 W et comportant une chambre de vaporisation dimensionnée pour produire un débit de vapeur de l'ordre de 20 gr/mn destiné à être distribué au travers de trous ménagés dans la semelle 2, la température de la semelle 2 étant contrôlée par un thermostat dont la température de consigne peut être modifiée par l'utilisateur au moyen d'un bouton de réglage 3.The figure 1 represents a steam iron 1 comprising, in known manner, a sole 2 in thermal contact with a heating body, not shown in the figures, containing an electrical resistance of a power of the order of 1600 W and having a vaporization chamber dimensioned to produce a flow rate of steam of the order of 20 gr / min to be distributed through holes in the sole 2, the temperature of the sole 2 being controlled by a thermostat whose temperature of setpoint can be changed by the user using a knob 3.

La semelle 2 est surmontée d'un boitier 4 en matière plastique intégrant une poignée 40 de préhension et comprenant un talon 41 sur lequel le fer à repasser peut reposer verticalement lors des phases inactives de repassage, le talon 41 étant avantageusement équipé d'un connecteur, non visible sur les figures, permettant le raccordement électrique du fer à repasser à une base de recharge.The sole 2 is surmounted by a plastic housing 4 incorporating a handle 40 and comprising a heel 41 on which the iron can stand vertically during the inactive ironing phases, the heel 41 being advantageously equipped with a connector , not visible in the figures, allowing the electrical connection of the iron to a charging base.

Conformément à la figure 2, le boitier 4 renferme un réservoir 5 d'eau, représenté schématiquement en pointillés, et comporte une extrémité avant effilée supportant un dispositif de pulvérisation constitué par un atomiseur 6 de liquide par ultrasons produisant des micro-gouttelettes, de tailles majoritairement comprises entre 30 µm et 60 µm de diamètre, permettant d'humidifier une zone de pulvérisation située devant la pointe avant de la semelle 2.In accordance with the figure 2 , the housing 4 encloses a tank 5 of water, shown diagrammatically in dashed lines, and has a tapered front end supporting a spraying device consisting of an atomizer 6 of ultrasonic liquid producing micro-droplets, of sizes predominantly between 30 μm and 60 μm in diameter, for moistening a spray zone located in front of the front tip of the sole 2.

De manière préférentielle, le fer à repasser 1 comporte également un élément racleur 10 s'étendant à l'extérieur de la semelle 2 chauffante, à une distance de l'ordre de 3 mm du bord de la semelle 2, permettant de faire pénétrer mécaniquement les gouttelettes de liquide à l'intérieur du linge à repasser avant que la semelle 2 chauffante ne parvienne sur la zone de pulvérisation. Un tel élément racleur 10 est d'écrit plus en détails dans la demande de brevet FR1158318 déposée par la demanderesse.Preferably, the iron 1 also comprises a scraper element 10 extending outside the soleplate 2 heating, at a distance of about 3 mm from the edge of the soleplate 2, allowing to penetrate mechanically the droplets of liquid inside the laundry to be ironed before the sole 2 heating reaches the spray area. Such scraper element 10 is written in more detail in the patent application FR1158318 filed by the plaintiff.

Conformément à la figure 3, l'atomiseur 6 comporte une enveloppe cylindrique 60 creuse en matière plastique comprenant un excroissance latérale 61 munie d'un alésage apte à recevoir une vis de fixation de l'atomiseur 6 sur le boitier 4 du fer à repasser, l'enveloppe 60 comportant une chambre de réception 62 dans laquelle est disposé un générateur d'aérosol 7 électromécanique fonctionnant dans la gamme 50 kHz à 200 kHz.In accordance with the figure 3 the atomizer 6 comprises a cylindrical envelope 60 hollow plastic including a lateral protrusion 61 provided with a bore adapted to receive a fixing screw of the atomizer 6 on the casing 4 of the iron, the casing 60 having a receiving chamber 62 in which is disposed a electromechanical aerosol generator 7 operating in the range 50 kHz to 200 kHz.

La chambre de réception 62 comporte une extrémité inférieure 62A ouverte et une extrémité opposée comportant une ouverture 62B communiquant avec une chambre d'alimentation 63 située au-dessus de la chambre de réception 62 lorsque le fer à repasser repose sur sa semelle 2, la chambre d'alimentation 63 comportant une extrémité supérieure fermée par un couvercle 64 et comprenant un orifice latéral 63A formant un évent assurant une mise à la pression atmosphérique de la chambre d'alimentation 63, cet évent 63A étant avantageusement équipé d'un filtre, non représenté sur les figures, empêchant l'intrusion d'un corps étranger dans la chambre d'alimentation 63.The receiving chamber 62 has an open lower end 62A and an opposite end having an opening 62B communicating with a supply chamber 63 located above the receiving chamber 62 when the iron is resting on its sole 2, the chamber supply 63 having an upper end closed by a cover 64 and comprising a lateral orifice 63A forming a vent ensuring an atmospheric pressure of the feed chamber 63, this vent 63A is advantageously equipped with a filter, not shown in the figures, preventing the intrusion of a foreign body into the feed chamber 63.

Conformément aux figures 2 et 3, la chambre d'alimentation 63 reçoit de l'eau en provenance du réservoir 5 par un circuit d'alimentation comprenant un conduit d'arrivé d'eau 50 traversant le couvercle 64, le conduit d'arrivé d'eau 50 étant relié à une pompe 51, représentée schématiquement sur la figure 2, dont le fonctionnement est commandé au moyen d'un bouton poussoir 11 disposé devant la poignée 40. De manière préférentielle, le circuit d'alimentation comporte également un filtre à eau et un dispositif diffuseur d'antibiotique, tel que de l'argent colloïdal, non représentés sur les figures.In accordance with figures 2 and 3 , the feed chamber 63 receives water from the tank 5 by a feed circuit comprising a water inlet pipe 50 passing through the lid 64, the inlet pipe 50 being connected to a pump 51, shown schematically on the figure 2 , whose operation is controlled by means of a push button 11 arranged in front of the handle 40. Preferably, the feed circuit also comprises a water filter and an antibiotic diffuser device, such as colloidal silver. , not shown in the figures.

Comme on peut le voir sur la figure 3, le générateur d'aérosol 7 comprend une céramique piézoélectrique 8 collée sur une trompe 9 amplificatrice de déplacements vibratoires traversée par une cavité 90 comprenant le liquide à atomiser, la cavité 90 s'étendant selon un axe de révolution R de la trompe 9 et étant fermée à une extrémité par une membrane micro-perforée 91 de faible épaisseur, comprise entre 20 et 200 µm, couplée mécaniquement et acoustiquement à la trompe 9.As can be seen on the figure 3 , the aerosol generator 7 comprises a piezoelectric ceramic 8 bonded to a vibratory displacement amplifying tube 9 traversed by a cavity 90 comprising the liquid to be atomized, the cavity 90 extending along an axis of revolution R of the horn 9 and being closed at one end by a micro-perforated membrane 91 of small thickness, between 20 and 200 μm, mechanically and acoustically coupled to the horn 9.

La céramique piézoélectrique 8 est de manière connue en soi alimentée électriquement au moyen d'un circuit d'alimentation électrique, non représenté sur les figures, fournissant un courant alternatif aux bornes de la céramique piézoélectrique 8, cette dernière étant alimentée électriquement uniquement lorsque le bouton poussoir 11 est actionné par l'utilisateur.The piezoelectric ceramic 8 is in known manner electrically powered by means of a power supply circuit, not shown in the figures, providing an alternating current across the ceramic piezoelectric 8, the latter being powered electrically only when the push button 11 is actuated by the user.

De manière préférentielle, la trompe 9 comporte un épaulement 92 sur lequel la céramique piézoélectrique 8 est collée et comprend un corps cylindrique 93 de plus faible section à l'extrémité longitudinale duquel la membrane micro-perforée 91 est fixée mécaniquement et acoustiquement par exemple par collage, brasage, sertissage ou soudage.Preferably, the trunk 9 has a shoulder 92 on which the piezoelectric ceramic 8 is glued and comprises a cylindrical body 93 of smaller section at the longitudinal end of which the micro-perforated membrane 91 is mechanically and acoustically fixed, for example by gluing. brazing, crimping or welding.

A titre d'exemple, la trompe 9 présente un diamètre de l'ordre de 16 mm au niveau de l'épaulement 92 supportant la céramique piézoélectrique 8 et un diamètre de l'ordre de 8 mm à hauteur du corps cylindrique 93.For example, the trunk 9 has a diameter of about 16 mm at the shoulder 92 supporting the piezoelectric ceramic 8 and a diameter of about 8 mm at the height of the cylindrical body 93.

De manière préférentielle, la membrane micro-perforée 91 présente une épaisseur de 50 µm et comporte un réseau de trous de diamètre inférieur à 40 µm, les trous étant distants les uns des autres de plus de 400 µm. La membrane micro-perforée 91 est avantageusement réalisée en Nickel électro-formé ou en inox électro-formé, préférentiellement revêtu d'or, pour lutter contre l'adhésion du calcaire.Preferably, the micro-perforated membrane 91 has a thickness of 50 microns and comprises a network of holes with a diameter of less than 40 microns, the holes being spaced apart from each other by more than 400 microns. The micro-perforated membrane 91 is advantageously made of electro-formed nickel or electro-formed stainless steel, preferably coated with gold, to combat the adhesion of limestone.

A titre d'exemple, la membrane micro-perforée 91 présente soixante-dix trous de 35 µm de diamètre, préférentiellement répartis selon une forme de V comme cela est représenté sur la figure 4, une telle répartition des trous permettant d'obtenir, avec un seul atomiseur, un spectre de diffusion des micro-gouttelettes en forme de V qui est adapté pour épouser la forme de la pointe avant de la semelle 2.By way of example, the micro-perforated membrane 91 has seventy holes 35 μm in diameter, preferentially distributed in a V-shape as shown in FIG. figure 4 , such a distribution of holes to obtain, with a single atomizer, a V-shaped micro-droplet diffusion spectrum which is adapted to match the shape of the front tip of the sole 2.

La cavité 90 présente, à l'opposé de la membrane micro-perforée 91, une extrémité ouverte communiquant avec la chambre d'alimentation 63 par l'intermédiaire de l'ouverture 62B de sorte que l'eau présente dans la chambre d'alimentation 63 s'écoule dans la cavité 90.The cavity 90 has, opposite the micro-perforated membrane 91, an open end communicating with the feed chamber 63 via the opening 62B so that the water present in the feed chamber 63 flows into the cavity 90.

Plus particulièrement selon l'invention, le débit de la pompe 51 alimentant la cavité 90 est supérieure au débit de l'atomiseur 6 en fonctionnement et la trompe 9 comporte préférentiellement deux trous de sortie 94 alignés selon un axe horizontal et disposés symétriquement par rapport à l'axe de révolution R de la trompe 9, chaque trou de sortie 94 débouchant dans une chambre d'évacuation 65 annulaire, entourant le corps cylindrique 93 de la trompe 9, qui communique avec un conduit de dérivation 66 vers le réservoir 5.More particularly according to the invention, the flow rate of the pump 51 supplying the cavity 90 is greater than the flow rate of the atomizer 6 during operation, and the horn 9 preferably comprises two exit holes 94 aligned along a horizontal axis and arranged symmetrically with respect to the axis of revolution R of the horn 9, each outlet hole 94 opening into an annular discharge chamber 65, surrounding the cylindrical body 93 of the horn 9, which communicates with a bypass duct 66 to the tank 5.

A titre d'exemple, l'atomiseur 6 présente un débit de pulvérisation d'eau de l'ordre de 9 gr/min pour humidifier de manière optimale le linge à repasser et la pompe 51 fournit de l'eau à la chambre d'alimentation 63 avec un débit de l'ordre de 12 gr/min.For example, the atomizer 6 has a water spraying rate of the order of 9 g / min to optimally moisten the clothes to be ironed and the pump 51 supplies water to the chamber of water. supply 63 with a flow rate of the order of 12 gr / min.

De manière préférentielle, les trous de sortie 94 présentent un diamètre supérieur ou égal à 2 mm pour permettre un bon écoulement de l'excédent d'eau envoyé par la pompe 51 vers le conduit de dérivation 66, les trous de sortie 94 étant distants de la membrane micro-perforée 91 d'une hauteur h de l'ordre de 2 mm pour avoir en permanence une pellicule d'eau de faible hauteur recouvrant la membrane micro-perforée 91.Preferably, the outlet holes 94 have a diameter greater than or equal to 2 mm to allow a good flow of the excess water sent by the pump 51 to the branch conduit 66, the outlet holes 94 being distant from the micro-perforated membrane 91 with a height h of the order of 2 mm to permanently have a thin film of water covering the micro-perforated membrane 91.

Le fonctionnement du fer à repasser équipé d'un tel atomiseur 6 va maintenant être décrit.The operation of the iron equipped with such an atomizer 6 will now be described.

Lors d'une séance de repassage, lorsque l'utilisateur souhaite humidifier le linge pour enlever des plis difficiles ou des faux plis, il appuie sur le bouton poussoir 11 pour provoquer simultanément la mise en marche de la pompe 5 et l'excitation électrique de la céramique piézoélectrique 8 qui génère alors des déplacements vibratoires qui sont amplifiés par le corps cylindrique 93 de plus faible diamètre, ainsi que cela est expliqué plus en détails dans la demande de brevet FR2908329 .During an ironing session, when the user wishes to moisten the laundry to remove difficult folds or creases, he presses the push button 11 to simultaneously cause the start of the pump 5 and the electrical excitation of the piezoelectric ceramic 8 which then generates vibratory displacements which are amplified by the cylindrical body 93 of smaller diameter, as is explained in more detail in the patent application FR2908329 .

Il en résulte une vibration de la membrane micro-perforée 91 suivant un mode longitudinal et une projection de micro-gouttelettes d'eau au travers de la membrane micro-perforée 91 selon un spectre en V épousant la forme de la pointe avant de la semelle 2 du fer avec un débit de l'ordre de 9 gr/min, la cavité 90 de la trompe 9 étant alimentée avec un débit d'eau supérieur de sorte que la membrane micro-perforée 91 est en permanence recouverte d'un volume d'eau constant permettant d'avoir un débit d'atomisation uniforme, le volume d'eau excédentaire étant renvoyé vers le réservoir 5 en passant au travers des trous de sortie 94 puis au travers du conduit de dérivation 66 ainsi que cela est illustré schématiquement par des flèches sur la figure 3.This results in a vibration of the micro-perforated membrane 91 in a longitudinal mode and a projection of micro-droplets of water through the micro-perforated membrane 91 in a V-shaped spectrum matching the shape of the front tip of the sole 2 iron with a flow rate of the order of 9 gr / min, the cavity 90 of the horn 9 being fed with a higher water flow so that the micro-perforated membrane 91 is permanently covered with a volume of constant water to have a uniform atomization rate, the excess water volume being returned to the tank 5 passing through the outlet holes 94 and then through the branch conduit 66 as schematically illustrated by arrows on the figure 3 .

Les micro-gouttelettes ainsi émises par l'atomiseur 6 se déposent à la surface du tissu à repasser puis vont imprégner le tissu en étant plaquées par l'élément racleur 10 lors de l'avancement du fer, ce qui provoque une humidification et donc une relaxation des fibres du tissu, avant que la semelle 2 chaude du fer ne vienne assécher le tissu, permettant d'obtenir un parfait défroissage.The micro-droplets thus emitted by the atomizer 6 are deposited on the surface of the ironing fabric and then impregnate the fabric being pressed by the wiper element 10 during the advancement of the iron, which causes a humidification and therefore a relaxation of the fibers of the fabric, before the sole 2 hot iron does not come dry the fabric, to obtain a perfect smoothing.

Lorsque l'utilisateur ne souhaite plus avoir de pulvérisation, il relâche le bouton poussoir 11, ce qui provoque simultanément l'arrêt de la pompe 51 et de l'excitation électrique de la céramique piézoélectrique 8 de sorte que l'émission des micro-gouttelettes est instantanément interrompue, sans risque de gouttage inopportun au travers de la membrane micro-perforée 91 grâce à la faible hauteur d'eau maintenue au-dessus de cette dernière.When the user no longer wishes to have a spray, he releases the push button 11, which simultaneously causes the pump 51 to stop and the electrical excitation of the piezoelectric ceramic 8 so that the emission of the micro-droplets is instantly interrupted, without the risk of untimely dripping through the micro-perforated membrane 91 thanks to the low height of water maintained above the latter.

Un tel atomiseur 6 présente donc l'avantage de pouvoir fonctionner en continu jusqu'à épuisement de l'eau dans le réservoir 5, la circulation de l'excédent d'eau envoyé par la pompe 51 présentant l'avantage de brasser et de renouveler l'eau située au-dessus de la membrane micro-perforée 91 ce qui permet d'évacuer les éventuelles impuretés pouvant stagner sur la membrane micro-perforée 91 et d'améliorer le refroidissement de la membrane micro-perforée 91 lors d'un usage prolongé de l'atomiseur 6.Such an atomizer 6 thus has the advantage of being able to operate continuously until the water in the tank 5 is exhausted, the circulation of the excess water sent by the pump 51 having the advantage of stirring and renewing the water situated above the micro-perforated membrane 91, which makes it possible to evacuate any impurities that may stagnate on the micro-perforated membrane 91 and to improve the cooling of the micro-perforated membrane 91 during use extended atomizer 6.

Un tel atomiseur présente également l'avantage de consommer très peu d'énergie et de produire des micro-gouttelettes de taille très régulière ce qui le rend particulièrement adapté à une utilisation sur un fer à repasser à basse consommation et notamment sur un fer à repasser sans fil.Such an atomizer also has the advantage of consuming very little energy and producing micro-droplets of very regular size, which makes it particularly suitable for use on a low-consumption iron and especially on an iron. wireless.

Enfin un tel atomiseur comportant une trompe vibrant selon un mode longitudinal présente l'avantage de posséder un spectre de diffusion des micro-gouttelettes qui dépend directement de la répartition des trous sur la membrane microperforée. Il est ainsi possible d'obtenir un spectre de diffusion des micro-gouttelettes en forme de V qui est adapté pour épouser la forme de la pointe avant de la semelle de manière à humidifier le linge sur le devant et les côtés de la pointe avant de la semelle sans projeter des micro-gouttelettes sur le boitier du fer à repasser.Finally, such an atomizer comprising a vibrating horn in a longitudinal mode has the advantage of having a diffusion spectrum of the micro-droplets which depends directly on the distribution of the holes on the microperforated membrane. It is thus possible to obtain a V-shaped microdroplet diffusion spectrum which is adapted to match the shape of the front tip of the sole so as to moisten the laundry on the front and sides of the front tip of the sole. the sole without projecting micro-droplets on the iron case.

Bien entendu, l'invention n'est nullement limitée au mode de réalisation décrit et illustré qui n'a été donné qu'à titre d'exemple. Des modifications restent possibles, notamment du point de vue de la constitution des divers éléments ou par substitution d'équivalents techniques, sans sortir pour autant du domaine de protection de l'invention.Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiment described and illustrated which has been given by way of example. Modifications are possible, particularly from the point of view of the constitution of the various elements or by substitution of technical equivalents, without departing from the scope of the invention.

Ainsi, dans une variante de réalisation de l'invention, la trompe pourra ne comporter qu'un seul trou de sortie communiquant avec le conduit de dérivation.Thus, in an alternative embodiment of the invention, the horn may have only one exit hole communicating with the bypass duct.

Ainsi, dans une variante de réalisation de l'invention non représentée, les trous de sortie pourront avoir une section de passage de forme non circulaire et être de plus petite taille.Thus, in an alternative embodiment of the invention not shown, the exit holes may have a passage section of non-circular shape and be of smaller size.

Ainsi, dans une variante de réalisation de l'invention, la pompe pourra également fonctionner de façon continue ou de façon épisodique, lorsque la céramique piézoélectrique n'est pas alimentée électriquement, c'est-à-dire en dehors des phases d'atomisation de liquide par l'atomiseur. Ainsi, la pompe pourra fonctionner dès que le fer est relié électriquement au réseau électrique. Une tel variante de réalisation présente l'avantage d'assurer un lavage continu de la surface supérieure de la membrane par la circulation d'eau.Thus, in an alternative embodiment of the invention, the pump may also operate continuously or episodically, when the piezoelectric ceramic is not electrically powered, that is to say outside the atomization phases of liquid by the atomizer. Thus, the pump can operate as soon as the iron is electrically connected to the electrical network. Such an embodiment variant has the advantage of ensuring a continuous washing of the upper surface of the membrane by the circulation of water.

Claims (15)

  1. Liquid atomiser (6) comprising a piezoelectric element (8) fixed on a vibrational-displacement amplifying horn (9) comprising a cavity (90) containing the liquid that is to be atomised, said horn (9) comprising a first part (92) receiving the piezoelectric element (8) and a second part (93), distinct from the first part (92), coupled mechanically and acoustically to a microperforated membrane (91) that closes off one side of said cavity (90), said cavity (90) being supplied with liquid coming from a reservoir (5) with a throughput greater than the spray throughput of the atomizer (6) in operation and characterised in that said horn (9) comprises at least one outlet hole (94) connecting the cavity (90) to a bypass pipe (66) leading towards the reservoir (5).
  2. Liquid atomiser (6) according to claim 1, characterised in that said cavity (90) is supplied with liquid coming from the reservoir by means of a pump (51) that operates continuously during the phases of liquid atomisation by the atomiser.
  3. Liquid atomiser (6) according to any of claims 1 to 2, characterised in that said piezoelectric atomiser vibrates according to a longitudinal mode in the range 50 kHz to 200 kHz.
  4. Liquid atomiser (6) according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the horn (9) has a variation in section between the first part (92) that supports the piezoelectric element (8) and the second part (93) coupled to the microperforated membrane (91).
  5. Liquid atomiser according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the microperforated membrane (91) is fixed to a longitudinal end of the horn (9).
  6. Liquid atomiser (6) according to any of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the horn (9) has an axis of revolution and comprises at least two outlet holes (94) arranged symmetrically with respect to said axis of revolution, said outlet holes (94) communicant with an evacuation chamber (65) connected to the bypass pipe (66) leading towards the reservoir (5).
  7. Liquid atomiser (6) according to claim 6, characterised in that the microperforated membrane (91) is coupled to an end of a cylindrical body (93) of the horn (9) and in that the outlet holes (94) are arranged on the cylindrical body (93).
  8. Liquid atomiser (6) according to any of claims 2 to 7, characterised in that it comprises a supply chamber (63) communicating on the one hand with the cavity (90) and on the other hand with a water inlet pipe (50) connected to the pump (51), said supply chamber (63) comprising an air inlet orifice (63).
  9. Liquid atomiser (6) according to claim 8, characterised in that the air inlet orifice (63A) comprises a filtration device that prevents the intrusion of a foreign body into the supply chamber (63A).
  10. Liquid atomiser (6) according to any of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that the cavity (90) is supplied with liquid coming from the reservoir (5) via a supply circuit comprising a water filter and a device for diffusing an antibiotic product.
  11. Iron (1) comprising a heated soleplate (2) overmounted by a casing (4) that encloses a reservoir (5), characterised in that it comprises a liquid atomiser (6) according to any of claims 1 to 10.
  12. Iron (1) according to claim 11, characterised in that said atomiser (6) is carried by the casing (4) and makes it possible to humidify a treatment zone located outside the soleplate (2).
  13. Iron according to any of claims 11 to 12, characterised in that the atomiser (6) sprays liquid with a throughput between 6 and 20 gr/min and preferably about 9 gr/min.
  14. Iron according to any of claims 11 to 13, characterised in that the atomiser (6) diffuse a mist of microdroplets of which the average diameter is between 30 µm and 60 µm.
  15. Iron according to any of claims 11 to 14, characterised in that the atomiser has a diffusion spectrum that is suitable for humidifying a treatment zone that extends along the two edges of a front tip of the soleplate (2).
EP16777721.8A 2015-09-14 2016-09-13 Liquid atomizer comprising a piezoelectric element and iron comprising such an atomizer Active EP3350367B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR1558571A FR3040897B1 (en) 2015-09-14 2015-09-14 LIQUID ATOMIZER COMPRISING A PIEZOELECTRIC ELEMENT AND IRON, COMPRISING SUCH AN ATOMIZER
PCT/FR2016/052296 WO2017046500A1 (en) 2015-09-14 2016-09-13 Liquid atomizer comprising a piezoelectric element and iron comprising such an atomizer

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EP3350367A1 EP3350367A1 (en) 2018-07-25
EP3350367B1 true EP3350367B1 (en) 2019-06-12

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CN (1) CN107949672B (en)
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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR3076300B1 (en) * 2017-12-28 2019-11-22 Seb S.A. IRONING APPARATUS COMPRISING A STEAM DERIVATION BRANCH
CN110585464B (en) * 2019-10-09 2021-12-14 无锡百泰克生物技术有限公司 Sterilization equipment and sterilization method for biochemical laboratory

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WO2017012861A1 (en) * 2015-07-23 2017-01-26 Valeo Systemes Thermiques Misting device and method for operating said device
WO2017016824A1 (en) * 2015-07-24 2017-02-02 Valeo Systemes Thermiques Misting device, in particular for a motor vehicle, and corresponding air cooling system

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WO2009080525A1 (en) * 2007-12-21 2009-07-02 BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH Spray device for iron
EP2418318A1 (en) * 2010-08-12 2012-02-15 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Iron featuring liquid phase garment moisturization
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JPH0747197A (en) * 1993-08-04 1995-02-21 Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd Spray type iron
KR20100107330A (en) * 2009-03-25 2010-10-05 주식회사 이글래스 Vibrator for humidifier and humidifier use there
WO2016150822A1 (en) * 2015-03-23 2016-09-29 Valeo Systemes Thermiques System for cooling an air flow, in particular for a motor vehicle, and corresponding cooling method
WO2017012861A1 (en) * 2015-07-23 2017-01-26 Valeo Systemes Thermiques Misting device and method for operating said device
WO2017016824A1 (en) * 2015-07-24 2017-02-02 Valeo Systemes Thermiques Misting device, in particular for a motor vehicle, and corresponding air cooling system

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP3350367A1 (en) 2018-07-25
WO2017046500A1 (en) 2017-03-23
CN107949672A (en) 2018-04-20
FR3040897B1 (en) 2017-09-01
CN107949672B (en) 2020-05-22
FR3040897A1 (en) 2017-03-17

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