EP3835479A1

EP3835479A1 - Safety system for a garment care device comprising a steam generator and an opening arranged in said steam generator

Info

Publication number: EP3835479A1
Application number: EP19215484.7A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Sen Kee Chen; Yu Xuan LIM; Kit Hai TAN; Ding Yuan
Original assignee: Koninklijke Philips NV
Current assignee: Koninklijke Philips NV
Priority date: 2019-12-12
Filing date: 2019-12-12
Publication date: 2021-06-16
Also published as: EP4073313B1; EP4073313A1; CN114867905A; WO2021116472A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a garment care device 200 comprising a housing 201, a steam generator 202 arranged in the housing 201, an opening 203 arranged in the steam generator 202 for accessing an inside part of the steam generator 202, and a detachable plug 204 for closing the opening 203. The enclosure 205 comprises a first extremity E1 sealed to the opening 203, and a contact surface S1 adapted to contact with a portion P of said detachable plug 204 when the detachable plug 204 is closing the opening 203, for hermetically sealing the enclosure 205. A tube assembly 206 comprising a first end EE1 is fluidly connected to an inside area of the enclosure 205 and a second end EE2 opening outside the housing 201.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to safety system for a garment care device comprising a steam generator and an opening arranged in the steam generator.
The invention may be used in the field of garment care.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Garment care device comprising a steam generator and an opening arranged in said steam generator are known.
An example of such known device is illustrated in Fig.1A and Fig.1B. Fig.1A depicts an external view of this known garment care device 100, while Fig.1B depicts a partial cross-sectional view.
The garment care device comprises a housing 101. A steam generator 102 is arranged in the housing 101. An opening 103 is arranged in the steam generator 102 for accessing an inside part of the steam generator 102. A detachable plug 104 is used for closing the opening 103. A hose cord 100b is connected between the steam generator 102 and an iron 100a.
In this type of garment care device, the opening is intended to operate a de-calc or rinse of the steam generator. Indeed, when water is heated and then evaporates in the steam generator, scale may overtime accumulate in the steam generator.
When the plug is removed from the opening, scale is being discharged together with the remaining water full of minerals, for example in a sink or a cup. Note that the plug is sometimes provided at its extremity with a spoon or scraper element 107 used to free the path of the opening 103 if there is a lot of calc accumulated, in particular when the user does not rinse regularly the steam generator 102.
Although this known type of device greatly helps user to de-calc the steam generator and helps to extend the lifetime of the device, user is usually advised to conduct this operation with due care. Typically, user is asked to switch off and unplug the device, to allow it to cool down for an hour after the previous use. Such guidance is for example explained in the user manual of the garment care device.
However, in case user would not follow those recommendations, in particular would not wait a sufficient amount of time after the previous use of the device, this process may involve some limitations. Indeed, if the steam generator is still very hot and contains steam under pressure when the user starts to remove the plug, some steam SS might be projected in direction of the user's hand, with a risk of scalding.

OBJECT AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to propose an improved garment care device that avoids or mitigates above-mentioned problems.
The invention is defined by the independent claims. The dependent claims define advantageous embodiments.
To this end, the garment care device according to the invention comprises:

a housing,
a steam generator arranged in the housing,
an opening arranged in the steam generator for accessing an inside part of the steam generator,
a detachable plug for closing the opening,
an enclosure comprising a first extremity sealed to the opening, and a contact surface adapted to contact with a portion of the detachable plug when the detachable plug is closing the opening, for hermetically sealing the enclosure,
a tube assembly comprising a first end being fluidly connected to an inside area of the enclosure, and a second end opening outside the housing.

By arranging an enclosure between the opening and the detachable plug, steam that would leak at the interface of the opening and the plug when removing the plug, is kept contained inside the enclosure. Moreover, thanks to the tube assembly, the steam in the enclosure is diverted and discharged far away from the user's hand. This also prevents a leak of steam in direction of the user if the plug would not have been correctly plugged into the opening.
So this solution constitutes a safety system for a garment care device comprising a steam generator and an opening arranged in the steam generator.
Detailed explanations and other aspects of the invention will be given below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Particular aspects of the invention will now be explained with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter and considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which identical parts or sub-steps are designated in the same manner :

Fig.1A depicts an external view of a known garment care device,
Fig.1B depicts a partial cross-sectional view of the garment care device of Fig.1A,
Fig.2A depicts schematically a partial cross-sectional view of a garment care device according to the invention when a plug is detached from the garment care device,
Fig.2B depicts the view of Fig.2A when the plug is attached to the garment care device,
Fig.3A depicts a partial cross-sectional view of a garment care device according to the invention using a deformable/collapsible enclosure, when a plug is detached from the garment care device,
Fig.3B depicts the view of Fig.3A, when the plug is attached to the garment care device,
Fig.3C depicts a partial three-dimensional view of a garment care device according to the invention using a deformable/collapsible structure for the enclosure, when a plug is detached from the garment care device,
Fig.3D depicts a partial three-dimensional view of a garment care device according to the invention using a deformable/collapsible structure for the enclosure, when a plug is attached to the garment care device,
Fig.4A, Fig.4B, Fig.4C, Fig.4D depict various solutions for sealing an enclosure in a garment care device according to the invention,
Fig.5 depicts schematically a partial cross-sectional view of a garment care device according to the invention using a deformable bellows,
Fig.6A to 6F depicts various bellows being deformable longitudinally,
Fig.7A and Fig.7B depict two views of an enclosure according to the invention made of silicone rubber or EPDM material,
Fig.8A depicts schematically a first embodiment according to the invention using an enclosure being non-deformable along its longitudinal axis,
Fig.8B depicts schematically a second embodiment according to the invention using an enclosure being non-deformable along its longitudinal axis,
Fig.9A depicts a partial cross-sectional view of a garment care device according to the invention using a non-deformable enclosure, when a plug is detached from the garment care device,
Fig.9B depicts the view of Fig.9A, when the plug is attached to the garment care device,
Fig.9C depicts a three-dimensional exploded view of Fig.9A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Fig.2A depicts schematically a partial cross-sectional view of a garment care device 200 according to the invention when a plug 204 is detached from the garment care device.
Fig.2B depicts the view of Fig.2A when the plug 204 is attached to the garment care device.
The garment care device 200 comprises a housing 201.
The garment care device 200 also comprises a steam generator 202 arranged in the housing 201.
An opening 203 is arranged in the steam generator 202 for accessing an inside part of the steam generator 202.
The garment care device 200 also comprises a detachable plug 204 for closing the opening 203.
The garment care device 200 also comprises an enclosure 205 having a first extremity E1 sealed to the opening 203, and a contact surface S1 adapted to contact with a portion P of the detachable plug 204 when the detachable plug 204 is closing the opening 203, for hermetically sealing the enclosure 205.
The garment care device 200 also comprises a tube assembly 206 comprising a first end EE1 being fluidly connected to an inside area of the enclosure 205, and a second end EE2 opening outside the housing 201.
For example, the steam generator 202 is a pressurized steam generator receiving water from a water source, such as a water tank (not shown).
Preferably, as illustrated, the opening 203 comprises a tubular portion extending from the wall of the steam generator 202, for example being soldered at the periphery of a hole arranged in the steam generator 202.
Preferably, the opening 203 is arranged at a lower part of said wall, such as in the lower second-half height of the steam generator 202, and preferably flush with the bottom level of the steam generator.
Similarly as in the device of the prior art depicted in Fig.1A and Fig.1B, the opening is used to conduct a decal cleaning of the steam generator 202.
The enclosure 205 forms a hollow volume around the opening and the plug 204, such as a ring-shaped.
The first extremity E1 sealed to the opening 203 forms an air-tight connection. Preferably, the first extremity E1 is permanently fixed to the opening 203.
Moreover, when the plug 204 is closing the opening 203, the contact surface S1 gets into air-tight contact with the portion P of the detachable plug 204. As a result, the enclosure 205 defines an air-tight volume all around the opening and the plug, which prevents any leak of steam towards a user's hand detaching the plug 204 from the opening 203.
As depicted in Fig.2B, if case the use starts to detach the plug 204 from the opening 203 whereas some (pressurized) steam are still contained the steam generator 202, the steam will come out from the opening 203 in view that the attaching of the plug 204 is now loosened. A fluid path is thus created at the interface between the opening and the plug, though which steam circulates. The steam is illustrated by small clouds. Given that the contact surface S1 are and the portion P of the detachable plug 204 are adapted to keep in air-tight contact with a while, the steam coming out from the opening 203 is kept inside the enclosure 205.
As soon as the steam reaches the inside area of the enclosure 205, the steam has to be discharged before the pressure builds up in the enclosure 205 to avoid any risk braking up the enclosure. As such, the tube assembly 206 which is fluidly connected to the inside area of the enclosure should have an internal cross-section of at least 5 square millimetres, preferably 15 mm2, to allow steam (and condensed hot water) to escape quickly the housing.
Preferably, as illustrated in Fig.2B, the second end EE2 of the tube assembly 206 is connected to a bottom part of the housing 201, so that steam exits from underneath the base, away from the user's hand being manipulating the plug 204.
Fig.4A, Fig.4B, Fig.4C and Fig.4D depict various solutions for sealing an enclosure in a garment care device according to the invention,
Preferably, the first extremity E1 is attached around the opening 203 by any one of the following sealing:

a seal SL1 mounted radially between an outer surface of said opening 203 and the first extremity E1, as illustrated in Fig.4A,
a seal SL2 mounted by hugging between the opening 203 and the first extremity E1, as illustrated in Fig.4B,
an O-ring seal SL3 mounted between the opening 203 and the first extremity E1, as illustrated in Fig.4C,
a grip-in groove G1 arranged in the opening 203, as illustrated in Fig.4D.

Preferably, as illustrated in Fig.2A, the enclosure 205 is resiliently deformable along its longitudinal axis A1. The contact surface S1 is a second extremity E2 opposite the first extremity E1. The portion P is a front surface of the detachable plug 204 facing the opening 203 when the detachable plug 204 is closing the opening 203.
Having the enclosure 205 being resiliently deformable along its longitudinal axis A1 allows:

compressing the enclosure 205 along its longitudinal axis A1 when the plug 204 is closing the opening 203,
decompressing the enclosure 205 along its longitudinal axis A1 when the plug 204 is being detached by user from the opening 203. When decompressing, the enclosure 205 continues to keep contact with the portion P, ensuring an air-tight enclosure of the steam in the enclosure 205.

Preferably, the enclosure 205 is resiliently deformable along its longitudinal axis A1 by at least 5% of its longitudinal length, preferably 25%. If the plug is attached to the opening via a screw/thread coupling, this length of deformability preferably corresponds to the longitudinal displacement of the plug after having been rotated by a few turns. User will then get audible feedback from the noise of the steam circulating in the enclosure and the tube assembly, and will understand that further rotating the plug to detach it from the opening should not be continued.
A first example for having the enclosure 205 being resiliently deformable along its longitudinal axis A1 is to choose a deformable bellows for the enclosure 205.
Fig.6A to 6F depicts various bellows being deformable longitudinally, preferably made of heat-resistant material, such as plastic:

Fig.6A depicts a bellows having a round cross-section,
Fig.6B depicts a bellows having an oblong/oval cross-section,
Fig.6C depicts a bellows having a rectangular cross-section,
Fig.6D depicts a bellows having a tapered cross-section,
Fig.6E depicts a bellows having a wire-frame cross-section,
Fig.6F depicts a bellows having a customized rounded cross-section.

Fig.5 depicts schematically a partial cross-sectional view of a garment care device according to the invention using a deformable bellows for the enclosure 205.
Preferably, the enclosure 205 and the tube assembly 206 are moulded together.
A second example for having the enclosure 205 being resiliently deformable along its longitudinal axis A1 is to choose a deformable/collapsible structure for the enclosure 205, preferably being heat-resistant.
Fig.7A and Fig.7B depict two views of an enclosure 205 according to the invention forming a deformable/collapsible structure.
Preferably, the enclosure 205 is made of silicone rubber or EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) rubber material.
Preferably, the enclosure 205 and the tube assembly 206 are moulded together.
Fig.2A and Fig.2B schematically represent this type of deformable/collapsible enclosure 205.
Fig.3A depicts a partial cross-sectional view of a garment care device 200 according to the invention using a deformable/collapsible enclosure 205, when the plug 204 is detached from the opening 203 of the garment care device. The enclosure 205 corresponds to the enclosure as depicted in Fig.7A and Fig.7B.
Fig.3B depicts the view of Fig.3A, when the plug is attached to the garment care device.
For sake of clarity, the tube element 206 is not represented.
A scrapper element 207 may be attached to the extremity of the plug 204, similarly as the device depicted along with Fig.1B.
Preferably, the plug 204 comprises a first part made of metal material comprising a screw portion 209 adapted to cooperate with a threaded portion 210 arranged in the opening 203. This type of coupling allows an easy solution for user to attach/detach the plug 204 to/from the opening 203.
Preferably, the plug 204 comprises a second part 211 made of heat-resistant plastic material, for attaching/detaching the plug to/from the opening 203, for example made of glass-filled nylon.
Fig.3C depicts a partial three-dimensional view of a garment care device 200 according to the invention using a deformable/collapsible structure for the enclosure 205, when a plug 204 is detached from the opening 203 of the garment care device.
Fig.3D depicts a partial three-dimensional view of a garment care device 200 according to the invention using a deformable/collapsible structure for the enclosure 205, when the plug 204 is attached to the opening 203 of the garment care device.
The enclosure 205 corresponds to the enclosure as depicted in Fig.7A and Fig.7B.
The tube assembly 206 is arranged so that it extends above and around the steam generator 202, in order to smooth its curvature between the first extremity EE1 and the second extremity EE2, and thus avoid any kinking of the tube assembly which would otherwise prevent the steam from easily circulating in the tube element.
As illustrated, the second extremity EE2 is for example connected to an outlet arranged on the stand bottom of the housing 201, next to the steam generator 202 on the side of the housing 201.
Alternatively to having a deformable/collapsible enclosure 205, the enclosure 205 is non-deformable along its longitudinal axis A1.
Fig.8A depicts schematically a first embodiment according to the invention using an enclosure 205 being non-deformable along its longitudinal axis A1.
The enclosure 205 is made of rigid material, preferably heat-resistant plastic material, such as glass-filled PP (Polypropylene), PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate), glass-filled PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate), Nylon, glass-filled Nylon.
The first extremity E1 is sealed to the opening 203 similarly as the solutions explained previously.
The contact surface S1 is an inside surface of the enclosure 205, and the portion P is a peripheral surface of the detachable plug 204. The plug 204 is thus able to navigate back and forth inside the enclosure, while ensuring an air-tight coupling between the contact surface S1 and the portion P, similarly as a piston.
Fig.8B depicts schematically a second embodiment according to the invention using an enclosure 205 being non-deformable along its longitudinal axis A1.
The embodiment of Fig.8B differs from Fig.8A in that it further comprises a seal 212 arranged on the peripheral surface of the plug 204 and coming in contact with the inside surface of the enclosure 205. The goal of seal 212 is to improve the sealing between the plug 204 and the inside surface of the enclosure 205.
This seal 212 is for example a ring shaped seal attached to the outer periphery of the plug 204.
Alternatively, the seal 212 may be chosen among the following types of seal:

Collapsible seal,
Cup-shaped seal, or
O-ring seal.

Preferably, as illustrated, the tube assembly 206 is detachably mounted to the enclosure 205. In this case, the tube assembly 206 is a separate tube (for example made of rubber or plastic) attached to the enclosure 205 at its first extremity EE1.
Alternatively, the tube assembly 206 is moulded together with the enclosure 205.
Fig.9A depicts a partial cross-sectional view of a garment care device 200 according to the invention using a non-deformable enclosure 205, when a plug 204 is detached from the opening 203 of the garment care device.
Fig.9B depicts the view of Fig.9A, when the plug 204 is attached to the opening 203 of the garment care device.
Fig.9C depicts a three-dimensional exploded view of Fig.9A.
Compared to the embodiment of Fig.8A and Fig.8B, the garment care device of Fig.9C further comprises a cylindrical sleeve 213 inserted in the enclosure 205.
The cylindrical sleeve 213 is made of rigid material, such as plastic, and comprises an opening 216 facing the first extremity EE1 of the tube assembly 206, so that when steam reaches the inside area of the enclosure 205, steam can exit via the tube assembly 206.
The goal of this cylindrical sleeve 213 is to provide a non-deformable surface against which the seal 212 can seal on it.
Note that the tube assembly 206 may also comprise a tube connector 215 attached (or molded together with) the base of the housing, to which the tube itself is attached, also schematically illustrated in Fig.5.
Preferably, a seal 214 is arranged next to the screw portion 209, in order to improve the sealing between the plug 204 and the opening 203 when the plug 204 is closing the opening 203.
Preferably, the plug 204 comprises at safety valve 217, as schematically represented in Fig.8B, as well on Fig.9A and Fig.9B.
The safety valve allows that when the plug 204 is attached to the opening 203, in case the steam pressure in the steam generator 202 would go beyond a certain acceptable safety threshold, the steam in the steam generator 202 can exit the steam generator 202, enter the enclosure 205, flow along the tube assembly 206, and be discharged at the second extremity EE2.
This safety valve thus prevents steam pressure in the steam generator 202 going beyond a certain acceptable safety threshold.
The safety valve is arranged along a path 218 formed in the plug 204, for fluidly linking the steam generator 202 and the enclosure 205 when the safety valve opens.
For example, the safety valve comprises a valve 219, for example made of heat-resistant plastic, loaded by a spring 220 arranged in a cavity of the plug 204. The valve is in contact with steam inside the steam generator 202. When the steam pressure exerts a force onto the valve that overcomes the force of the spring, the valve opens, and the steam flows along the path until entering the enclosure 205. The steam thus flows along the tube assembly 206, and is discharged at the second extremity EE2.
Preferably, the garment care device 200 is a pressurized steam generator of the type described along with Fig.1A.
Alternatively (not shown), the garment care device 200 is a stand garment steamer.
The above embodiments as described are only illustrative, and not intended to limit the technique approaches of the present invention. Although the present invention is described in details referring to the preferable embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that the technique approaches of the present invention can be modified or equally displaced without departing from the protective scope of the claims of the present invention. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

Garment care device (200) comprising:
- a housing (201),

- a steam generator (202) arranged in said housing (201),

- an opening (203) arranged in said steam generator (202) for accessing an inside part of the steam generator (202),

- a detachable plug (204) for closing said opening (203),

- an enclosure (205) comprising a first extremity (E1) sealed to said opening (203), and a contact surface (S1) adapted to contact with a portion (P) of said detachable plug (204) when the detachable plug (204) is closing said opening (203), for hermetically sealing said enclosure (205),

- a tube assembly (206) comprising a first end (EE1) being fluidly connected to an inside area of said enclosure (205), and a second end (EE2) opening outside said housing (201).
Garment care device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first extremity (E1) is attached around said opening (203) by any one of the following sealing:
- a seal (SL1) mounted radially between an outer surface of said opening (203) and said first extremity (E1),

- a seal (SL2) mounted by hugging between said opening (203) and said first extremity (E1),

- an O-ring seal (SL3) mounted between said opening (203) and said first extremity (E1),

- a grip-in groove (G1) arranged in said opening (203).
Garment care device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein:
- the enclosure (205) is resiliently deformable along its longitudinal axis (A1), and

- said contact surface (S1) is a second extremity (E2) opposite said first extremity (E1),

- said portion (P) is a front surface of said detachable plug (204) facing said opening (203) when the detachable plug (204) is closing said opening (203).
Garment care device as claimed in claim 3, wherein the enclosure (205) is a bellows.
Garment care device as claimed in claim 3, wherein the enclosure (205) is made of silicone rubber or EPDM material.
Garment care device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein:
- the enclosure (205) is non-deformable along its longitudinal axis (A1),

- said contact surface (S1) is an inside surface of said enclosure (205),

- said portion (P) is a peripheral surface of said detachable plug (204).
Garment care device as claimed in claim 6, further comprising a seal (212) arranged on said peripheral surface and coming in contact with said inside surface.
Garment care device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said tube has an internal cross-section of at least 5 mm2.
Garment care device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said second end (EE2) is connected to a bottom part of said housing (201).
Garment care device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a safety valve (217) arranged along a path (218) formed in said plug (204), for fluidly linking the steam generator (202) and the enclosure (205) when the safety valve (217) opens.
Garment care device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tube assembly (206) is detachably mounted to the enclosure (205).
Garment care device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the enclosure (205) and the tube assembly (206) are moulded together.
Garment care device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said enclosure (205) is made of heat-resistant material.
Garment care device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said detachable plug (204) comprises a first part made of metal material comprising a screw portion (209) adapted to cooperate with a threaded portion (210) arranged in said opening (203).
Garment care device as claimed in claim 14, wherein said detachable plug (204) comprises a second part made of heat-resistant plastic material, for attaching/detaching the plug to/from the opening (203).