FR2543180A1 - Pressurised-steam iron with integrated steam generator - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an iron using pressurised steam, comprising a sole which is composed of two elements 4 and 4' which is heated by a resistor 10 and pierced with orifices 6 for the escape of the steam 7, and a body 1 equipped with a handle 2 for operating the iron, and said body contains a steam generator 3 separate from the sole and heated by a resistor 9 in order to generate pressurised steam. The generator 3, consisting of a pressure-resistant closed container and equipped with a safety filling device 12, is connected to the distribution chamber 5 located in the sole of the iron by means of a conduit 25, on which a distribution valve 24 with selective control is mounted, said distribution chamber 5 communicating with the orifices 6 for the escape of the steam 7. This ironing device is provided for operating dry or with steam. A device 35-36-37 independent of the iron allows the filling and bringing to level of the water in the generator even while the iron is being used.

Description

 the present invention relates to a pressurized steam iron, comprising a steam generator integrated into the body of the iron and equipped with a heating member for heating the water contained in the generator and generating this steam.

We already know different types of steam irons, comprising a water tank and a vaporization chamber, in which is produced by evaporation a certain amount of water vapor escaping through one or more orifices provided in the iron soleplate. the water contained in the tank, is directed by a needle control, towards the vaporization chamber heated by a resistance, in contact with the heated metal, the stevs water- pores into vapor and escapes out of the iron by the holes in the soleplate
In the design of this type of iron, the steam immediately formed, is diffused and its pressure is very low. Since the steam, which is diffused as it is produced, does not accumulate, the steam flow is very irregular.

In addition, this iron can only be used in the horizontal position, since the water must necessarily pass through an orifice provided for this purpose, in order to be able to be transformed into steam. In addition, the risks of deterioration by lime deposit or by aggression of the water contained in the tank, are not negligible
It should also be noted that the steam being produced by evaporation on the heating plate of the iron to be repaesed, the heating power of the latter must be relatively high. Because the temperature of the soleplate of the iron is variable depending of the type of textile to be ironed the quantity and the quality of steam produced can undergo very significant variations.

the object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art, by producing a flexible and handy ironing device, which makes it possible to produce steam at a pressure of approximately 2 bars, usable at 1 request, without requiring any particular precautions with regard to the quality of the water introduced into the steam generator and without excessive consumption of energy
According to the invention, the iron producing steam under pressure, comprises a soleplate heated by a resistance and pierced with orifices for the escape of steam, and a body rr with a handle for operating the iron, characterized in that said body contains ~ a steam generator separate from the sole and heated by a resis @ tance to store value under pressure, the sole having a vapor distribution chamber, connected to the steam generator by a duct on which is mounted at the outlet of the generator, a steam distribution valve with selective control, the said steam distribution chamber communicating with the steam exhaust orifices in the soleplate of the iron.

 the generator body is constituted by a closed enclosure, resistant to pressure, equipped with a safety water filling device, authorizing the pouring of water into the generator even during use of the iron.

 the heating resistors are located between the bottom of the steam generator and the soleplate of the iron, so that they do not come into contact with either water or steam. Its two resistors are separated by a plate of insulating material. One of these resistors is used for heating the steam generator and the other for heating the soleplate of the iron.

In addition, the quantity of water contained in the generator is not critical, which makes it possible to produce steam generators of very small volume, which makes it possible both to reduce their bulk and to reduce the quantity of water. energy consumed, in fact, the volume of the generator is mainly a function of the autonomy of steam that one wishes to obtain. Therefore spreading, the water contained in the generator is transformed into steam until the last drop
Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will be understood by reference to the. description of a preferred embodiment and the attached drawings, in which
The figure of the. board 1/2 represents a tick diagram view of the device according to the invention, II fi ure 1 of board 2/2 a cross section along line t A of the preceding figure, and FIG. 2 of board 2/2, a schematic view of the filling element dv generator.

 Referring to the figure of board 1/2 and to figure 1 -of board 2/2, the device essentially consists of an iron comprising a main body 1 a handle 2, an aerator 3, a sole in two parts 4 and 4 ′ provided with a vapor distribution chamber 5 and orifices 6 for ejecting the vapor 7 under pressure. According to the device according to the invention, the vapor distribution chamber 5, formed by the assembly of the two parts of the sole 4 and 4 ′ is provided with baffles 8 intended to slow down the passage of steam. the orifices 6 used to eject the pressurized steam are approximately fifteen in number arranged in a triangle at the front of the sole 4. the diameter of these orifices is 1.5 mm. the heating resistors 9 and 10 separated by a plate 11 of insulating material are placed between the upper face of the sole 4 ′ and the base of the generator 3.

The generator assembly 3, resistors 9 and 10, insulating plate 11 and the two parts of the sole 4 and 4 ′ are secured by several screws 34 fixed in the lower part of the sole 4
The rear face of the generator 3 is equipped with a safety filling member generally designated at 12, constituted by a tube 13 which serves to limit the level of water in the generator 3, as will be described below. , the tube 13 is removably mounted, for example pe.r screwing on the wall of the generator 3. ne tube 13 has a central bore n several stages of different diameter and a conical seat 14 which connects the intermediate stage 15 of diameter red: i:: ît to the rear prop thread1tans which is screwed the threaded rod 17 which extends the plug 18 and whose end 17 'has a conical shape. A seal 19 is placed between the two conical parts 14 and 17 'and seals the generator 3 when the plug 18 is screwed in fully.

 However, for safety reasons, a device has been adapted in the case where the plug 18 is unscrewed while the generator 3 is under pressure. To this end, the tube 13 is equipped at its front end with a cage 20 provided with through holes 23. In this care 20 a ball 21 in teflon moves, when the generator 3 is under vapor pressure, the ball 2 is supported on the conical seat 22 which separates the intermediate stage 15 from the cage 20 and thus prevents the pressurized steam from escaping towards the outside through the filling orifice 12. This device is also useful for filling the generator 3 while the walls of the latter are hot, to avoid backflow towards the outside of water and vapor projection. This particularity will be set out below in detail with reference to FIG. 2 of plate 2/2.

 On the upper part and in front of the generator 3 is mounted a valve 24 with mechanical or electromagnetic control of any suitable known type. This valve 24 is mounted on a conduit 25 connecting the upper part of the generator 3 to the distribution chamber 5, and preferably at the immediate outlet of the generator 3 as shown. The conduit 25 will be connected to the distribution chamber 5 at the rear of the soleplate of the iron 4 ′, so that the steam can circulate between the baffles 8 of the distribution chamber 5.

the valve 24 is controlled by any known means not shown from the push button 26 placed on the handle 2 of the iron.

the vapor pressure in the generator 3 is regulated using a pressure switch 27 mounted on the upper wall of the generator 3. the overheating safety, not-in the case of lack of water in the generator 3, is ensured by a temperature limiting thermostat 28 placed on the front and bottom of the generator 3. This thermostat 26 regulates only the heating of resistance 9 of generator 3
The thermostat 29 in contact with the soleplate of the iron regulates the resistance 10 intended for heating the soleplate 4 and 4 'of the iron. An adjustment button 30 placed on the body t of the iron serves to adjust the thermostat 29 as a function of the desired temperature under the soleplate of the iron, according to the type of textile to be ironed.

 On the upper wall of the generator 3 is arranged a safety valve 3 tare at 2.5 bar. the outlet of this valve 31 communicates with the steam pipe 25.

In operation, the iron and therefore the generator which is integrated therein, are constantly in motion and therefore, to avoid the boiling of boiling water towards the orifice of the valve 24, a safety system has been provided. consisting for example of two sheets 32 forming baffles which have been placed inside the generator 3 above the water level 33. This device thus allows the au contained in the generator 3 to remain in the lower part. the positioning of these sheets 3.9 is shown in lQ cross section along the line A @ in Figure 1 of of the board 2/2
We will now describe the various ways of filling the generator with cold water. The generator is filled, the iron being in the vertical position, the front downwards. the plug 18 removed, the water is poured into the tube 13, the ball 21 being in the low position, the water enters the generator 3 through the orifices 3 of the cage 20, the level being reached, the ball 21 comes obstruct the filling tube 13.

 To allow faster filling, and especially during work, when the generator walls are hot, a pressure filling device> has been adapted. This device, independent of the iron, is shown diagrammatically in FIG. 2 of the. board?! 2.

It is a cylinder 35 whose capacity is identical to that of the generator 3. The front end 36 of this cylinder is threaded and is screwed to the end of the filling element 16 in place of the ti: e threaded 17. the pressure action on the piston 37 pushes the ball 21 at the end of the cage 20 and thus allows the injection of water into the generator 3 through the orifices 23, even if the general - tor is slightly under pressure. This device also makes it possible to inject the exact quantity of water into the venerator.

 This pressurized steam iron device is particularly advantageous by its small size, its reduced energy consumption and its maneuverability. it allows the same ironing efficiency as with the steaming irons connected to a steam generator, used in the field of professional and semi-professional ironing. Furthermore, the device according to the invention is intended for use in the field household, and by its design intended for a large surie manufacture, this device is intended for @ne diffusion rand public.

In addition, in this device according to the invention, it will be noted that the use of normal untreated water does not entail any risk of deterioration, the pressurized steam produced in the generator entraining with it no lime particles. , there can be no deposit in the conduits and in particular in the exhaust orifices of the steam of the soleplate of the iron, contrary to what occurs with the irons of the prior art, for which the obstruction pipes and orifices through limestone, is the main cause of their unreliability. In the device according to the invention, the limescale remains deposited on the internal walls of the generator and descaling is facilitated by dismantling the filling element 82, which makes it possible to clean the interior of the generator with a descaling product. Trade
The iron according to the invention can at the option of.

the user, be used either only dry or with steam. For this, a switch 36 placed on the body 1 of the iron makes it possible to select the mode of use chosen.

 In the case of operation with steam, the two resistors 9 and 10 are requested, and in the case of dry operation without steam, only the resistor 10 which heats the soleplate of the iron is requested.

 Alternatively, the iron follows the invention can be fitted. to operate only with steam production, the two resistors 9 and 10 are replaced by a single resistance simultaneously heating the generator and the soleplate of the iron. the thermostat 29 for regulating the. The temperature of the sole and its adjustment knob 30 are also eliminated in the execution of this variant, the temperature of the sole being no longer directly regulated.

 the iron is supplied with power by a three-wire cord 39, one of which is earthed.

 the iron device according to the invention has been described with reference to particular embodiments, but it is understood, that it could undergo various modifications obvious to those skilled in the art, and comes in various variants falling within in the general context of the invention-taken in its widest sense. In particular with regard to the shape of the generator, its volume, the position of the filling orifice * the control of the steam distribution valve, as well as the various regulation and safety elements which are of all known types appropriate. ~

Claims (8)

 CLAIMS 1-) Iron producing and using steam under constant pressure, comprising a sole in two elements 4 & ', heated by a resistance 10 and forming a distribution chamber 5, provided with baffles 8 and pierced with orifices 6 for the escape of steam 7, and a body 1 provided with a handle 2 for operating the iron, characterized in that said body 1 contains a steam generator 3 separate from the sole 4 & 'and heated by a resistor 9 for supplying steam under pressure, the qenator 3 being connected to the distribution chamber 5 by a duct 25 on which is mounted at the outlet of the generator 3 a valve 24 for distributing steam with selective control, the two elements of heating 9 & 10 being independently regulated by a pressure switch 27 and a temperature limiting thermostat 28 for the resistance 9 of the generator and by a thermostat 29 for the resistance 10 of the soleplate, these two resistances being positioned so as not to be in contact with neither water nor steam for reasons of reliability and safety. 2-) Iron according to; claim; l, characterized in that the soleplate of the iron is in two parts 4 & qs, forming a chamber 5 for distributing steam, provided with baffles 8 and communicating with the orifices 6 approximately 15 in number, of diameter 1.5 millimètrej located entriangle on the underside ~ of the sole 4, at the front thereof and thus allowing the escape of steam 7 from the generator 3 through the conduit 25 closed by the valve 24 of distribution, the passage of the steam between the baffles 8 of the chamber 5 causing the braking and maintaining the temperature of said steam to obtain a very homogeneous steam at the outlet of the orifices 6 without risk of condensation of this steam. 3-) An iron according to claim l, characterized in that the generator 3 consisting of a sealed sealed enclosure, resistant to pressure, has at its upper part an orifice on which is mounted a valve 24 steam distribution control selective, the output of this valve 24 being connected to the steam conduit 25 to the chamber 5 of the sole 4 & 4 ′, the control of this valve 24 being effected from a button 26 on the handle 2 of the iron. The action on the button 26 triggers the opening of the valve 24, releasing the pressurized steam from the qenerator 3 to the orifices 6, passing through the conduit 25 and the chamber 5 of the sole 4 & 4 '.  .4-) Iron according to claims 1 & 3, characterized in that the steam generator 3 includes a device limiting its filling with water to the useful volume. This safety filling device allows the opening of the plug 18 while the generator 3 is under vapor pressure. This device consists of a Teflon ball 2, movable in a cage 20 located at the front end of the filling tube 13, said filling tube 13 being itself removable from the generator 3 to allow easy cleaning of the generator 3 When the generator 3 contains sufficient water, or is under vapor pressure, the ball 21 comes to bear against the conical seat 22 of the tube 13, thus preventing the exit of water pu of vapor through the orifice 12 of filling. 5-) Iron according to claims 1-3-4, characterized in that a filling device 35-36-37 independent of the iron, allows the filling of generator 3 with water, even during use of the iron, if the latter is slightly under pressure, while allowing the exact quantity of water to be injected into the qenerator 3. The cylinder 35 containing the volume of water to be injected into the generator 3 is screwed by its end piece 36 in place of the threaded rod 17 of the closure plug 18. A pressure force on the piston 37 makes it possible to repel the ball 21 at the bottom of the cage 20 and thus allows the injection of water into the generator 3 through the orifices 23 of the cage 20. 6-) Iron according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the generator 3 comprises a pressure switch 27 mounted on the upper wall of the generator 3 and whose purpose is the regulation of the vapor pressure produced by the heating water in the generator. This pressure switch can be preset to a determined pressure or adjustable from 05 to 2 bars depending on the desired vapor pressure, cuts the heating of the resistance 9 of the generator 3, when the desired pressure is reached; when this same pressure drops, the pressure switch restores the resistance 9 of the generator 3 to heating. 7-) Iron according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the generator 3 has on one of its walls, a temperature limitation thermostat 28 whose function is to cut the heating of the resistance 9 of the generator 3 when the temperature of the walls of the generator rises abnormally and reaches the cut-out temperature of the thermostat 28. This thermostat 28 preset to a fixed temperature higher by about 50C than that of the steam produced in the generator 3 at a given pressure, prevents overheating of the aerator 3 in the event of a lack of water therein or possibly in the event of malfunction of the pressure switch 27. 8-) Iron according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one of the safety valves 31 is placed at an orifice in the upper wall of the generator 3.This: safety valve including the outlet orifice is connected to the steam pipe 25, is calibrated at a pressure ae 2.5 bars and it makes it possible to release the vapor pressure contained in the generator 3 if this vapor pressure - reaches the critical pressure (2.5 bars) as a result failure of the pressure switch 27 and the thermostat 28.