WO2018007746A1 - Steam iron comprising a water droplet retention device - Google Patents

Steam iron comprising a water droplet retention device Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2018007746A1
WO2018007746A1 PCT/FR2017/051809 FR2017051809W WO2018007746A1 WO 2018007746 A1 WO2018007746 A1 WO 2018007746A1 FR 2017051809 W FR2017051809 W FR 2017051809W WO 2018007746 A1 WO2018007746 A1 WO 2018007746A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
steam
steam iron
duct
connecting elements
flow
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/FR2017/051809
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Xavier Chartoire
Cédric METAY
Stéphane Loprete
Jean-Claude GUERY
José Bolota
Original Assignee
Seb S.A.
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Seb S.A. filed Critical Seb S.A.
Priority to EP17745823.9A priority Critical patent/EP3481991B1/en
Publication of WO2018007746A1 publication Critical patent/WO2018007746A1/en

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Classifications

    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F75/00—Hand irons
    • D06F75/08—Hand irons internally heated by electricity
    • D06F75/10—Hand irons internally heated by electricity with means for supplying steam to the article being ironed
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F22—STEAM GENERATION
    • F22B—METHODS OF STEAM GENERATION; STEAM BOILERS
    • F22B1/00—Methods of steam generation characterised by form of heating method
    • F22B1/28—Methods of steam generation characterised by form of heating method in boilers heated electrically
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F75/00—Hand irons
    • D06F75/08—Hand irons internally heated by electricity
    • D06F75/10—Hand irons internally heated by electricity with means for supplying steam to the article being ironed
    • D06F75/12—Hand irons internally heated by electricity with means for supplying steam to the article being ironed the steam being produced from water supplied to the iron from an external source
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F22—STEAM GENERATION
    • F22B—METHODS OF STEAM GENERATION; STEAM BOILERS
    • F22B37/00—Component parts or details of steam boilers
    • F22B37/02—Component parts or details of steam boilers applicable to more than one kind or type of steam boiler
    • F22B37/26—Steam-separating arrangements

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a steam iron and more particularly to a steam iron provided with a device for retaining water droplets.
  • a steam iron comprises in known manner a soleplate defining a steam distribution circuit and having an ironing plate provided with an ironing surface and steam openings opening into the ironing surface.
  • Document DE102004032361 discloses a steam iron having a steam distribution circuit provided with a retaining device configured to retain water droplets entrained by the flow of vapor flowing along the steam distribution circuit and to vaporize said water droplets retained.
  • the retaining device comprises in particular an outer body delimiting a cyclonic chamber, a steam inlet opening into a lower portion of the cyclonic chamber and through which the flow of steam enters the cyclonic chamber, and a central duct disposed in the center of the chamber. cyclonic and provided with an upper steam outlet through which the steam flow exits the cyclonic chamber.
  • GB330870 also discloses a steam iron having a vapor distribution circuit provided with a retaining device configured to retain water droplets entrained by the flow of vapor flowing along the steam distribution circuit and for vaporize said retained water droplets.
  • the retaining device comprises a duct comprising a tubular peripheral wall closed at both ends by two flanges, one of the puddles having an inlet opening and the other flanges having an outlet opening.
  • the present invention aims to remedy these disadvantages.
  • the technical problem underlying the invention is therefore to provide a steam iron which satisfactorily limits the amount of water in liquid form which reaches the steam orifices especially at the start of the steam iron.
  • the present invention relates to a steam iron having a vapor distribution circuit in which is intended to flow a vapor stream, and a retaining device disposed along the steam distribution circuit and configured to retain water droplets entrained by the vapor stream and optionally vaporizing said retained water droplets, the retaining device comprising a retaining member comprising:
  • a duct comprising a tubular peripheral wall and having a longitudinal axis, the tubular peripheral wall having a lower inlet opening through which the flow of steam enters the duct and an upper outlet opening through which the flow of steam leaves the duct;
  • each of the connecting elements extending from the tubular peripheral wall to the central body, the connecting elements and the central body covering, in a projection plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the duct, at least 60%, and preferably at least 90%, of the conduit passage section.
  • Such a configuration of the retaining device, and more particularly of the retaining member forms a barrier preventing the transport of the water droplets by the vapor flow on the direct path disposed axially at led, and thus ensures effective separation of the water droplets and water vapor, and thus the retention, by the retainer, of a large amount of water droplets entrained by the steam flow.
  • the retaining device and more particularly of the retaining member forms a barrier preventing the transport of the water droplets by the vapor flow on the direct path disposed axially at led, and thus ensures effective separation of the water droplets and water vapor, and thus the retention, by the retainer, of a large amount of water droplets entrained by the steam flow.
  • the steam iron may further have one or more of the following features, taken alone or in combination.
  • the retaining member is removable.
  • the steam iron comprises an ironing plate comprising a substantially flat ironing surface, the longitudinal axis of the duct extending perpendicularly to the plane of the ironing surface.
  • the steam iron comprises a sole and the retaining device comprises a support part provided on the sole and on which is mounted the retaining member, the retaining member and the part of support defining a vaporization chamber disposed upstream of the connecting elements with respect to the direction of flow of the vapor flow, and preferably below the connecting elements when the steam iron rests horizontally on its sole so that the water droplets separated from the vapor stream by the connecting elements fall by gravity into the vaporization chamber.
  • the retaining device comprises a steam inlet opening into the vaporization chamber and through which the flow of vapor enters the vaporization chamber.
  • the support portion has a bottom wall and a side wall extending from the bottom wall and on which is mounted the retaining member.
  • the steam inlet is for example formed in the side wall.
  • the side wall of the support portion and the tubular peripheral wall of the conduit are coaxial.
  • the steam inlet is partly delimited by the tubular peripheral wall of the duct.
  • the steam iron comprises an overlapping portion defining at least partly the steam distribution circuit and covering the retaining member.
  • the sole comprises the covering part.
  • the sole comprises an ironing surface and at least one steam orifice opening into the ironing surface.
  • the cover portion and the retaining member define at least in part a vapor delivery chamber fluidly connected to the at least one steam orifice.
  • the connecting elements and the central body are arranged such that the minimum passage cross section for the flow of steam through the conduit is greater than 25 mm 2 .
  • the retaining member is made of plastic. These provisions make it possible to avoid overheating the flow of steam through the retaining device, and thus to prevent the flow of steam leaving the steam iron from being too dry.
  • the retaining device according to such an embodiment makes it possible to retain most of the water droplets. driven by the flow of steam, while ensuring the ejection of a stream of wet steam at the outlet of the steam iron steam ports.
  • the retaining member could be made of other materials and for example aluminum or copper.
  • the connecting elements are constituted by blades.
  • each connecting element is inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis of the conduit.
  • each connecting element extends substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the conduit.
  • the connecting elements are helically arranged in the conduit.
  • the retaining member comprises a first series of lower connecting elements extending substantially in a first extension plane and a second series of upper connecting elements extending substantially in a second extension plane offset longitudinally with respect to the first extension plane.
  • the lower connecting elements are angularly offset relative to the upper connecting elements.
  • the lower connecting elements are regularly spaced from each other, and the upper connecting elements are regularly spaced from each other.
  • each connecting element has two opposite end edges to one another and respectively connected to the tubular peripheral wall and to the central body, and two opposite lateral edges, one to the other, each connecting member having at least one retaining rib extending downwardly from a respective lateral edge.
  • each lateral edge of each connecting element may for example be straight or curved.
  • each of the connecting elements has a section L-shaped or U-shaped.
  • the retaining member is monobloc.
  • the retaining member comprises a first retaining portion delimiting a lower portion of the tubular peripheral wall of the duct, and a second retaining portion delimiting an upper portion of the tubular peripheral wall of the duct. the first and second retaining portions being assembled to one another.
  • Such a characteristic makes it possible to simplify the manufacture of the retaining member by making it possible to produce a more complex shape by molding.
  • the first retaining portion comprises a first tubular peripheral portion, a first central body portion disposed in the center of the first retaining portion and a plurality of connecting elements connecting the first tubular peripheral portion and the first central body portion
  • the second retaining portion comprises a second tubular peripheral portion, a second central body portion disposed in the center of the second retaining portion and a plurality of connecting elements connecting the second tubular peripheral portion and the second portion of central body.
  • the first central body portion comprises a first assembly element, for example male
  • the second central body portion comprises a second assembly element, for example female, configured to cooperate. with the first assembly element.
  • the first assembly element comprises a frustoconical assembly portion
  • the second assembly element comprises an assembly housing configured to receive the frustoconical assembly portion.
  • each of the connecting elements extends radially from the tubular peripheral wall of the conduit to the central body.
  • each of the connecting elements is substantially flat and extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the conduit.
  • the retaining member comprises an annular retaining rib extending downwards from the lower faces of the connecting elements.
  • Such a rib makes it possible to form a dam for the water droplets held under the connecting elements, preventing the latter from flowing along the surface of the elements towards the upper opening of the duct.
  • the annular retaining rib and the central body are coaxial.
  • the central body is elongated and extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the conduit.
  • the central body comprises a tubular side wall comprising a first open end facing the lower inlet opening and a second end opposite the first end, and a closing wall closing the opening. respective second end.
  • the tubular peripheral wall has a lower end edge and an upper end edge, the central body projecting beyond the upper end edge of the tubular peripheral wall.
  • the central body has a general shape of ogive or a general shape of dome.
  • the steam distribution circuit further comprises an expansion chamber disposed upstream of the retaining device and configured to reduce the flow velocity of the vapor stream before the vapor stream flows. 'reaches the restraint.
  • the expansion chamber is arranged such that the minimum passage section for the flow of steam through the expansion chamber is greater than 25 mm 2 .
  • the expansion chamber is arranged such that the flow velocity of the vapor flow in the expansion chamber is less than 20 m. s -1 .
  • the steam distribution circuit comprises a steam flow inlet intended to be connected to a steam transport duct.
  • the steam flow inlet is provided on the covering portion.
  • the steam distribution circuit comprises a single deflection wall disposed between the vapor flow inlet and the retaining device.
  • the steam distribution circuit comprises a plurality of pins extending near the vapor flow inlet.
  • the expansion chamber is disposed upstream of the vaporization chamber, and more particularly upstream of the steam inlet.
  • the connecting elements are spaced longitudinally from each other.
  • the present invention further relates to an ironing apparatus comprising a steam iron according to the invention, a steam generator and a steam conduit connecting the steam generator to the steam iron and for supplying the steam iron in steam.
  • the present invention further relates to a retaining member adapted to be disposed along a steam distribution circuit of a steam iron and configured to retain water droplets entrained by a flow of vapor flowing in the vapor distribution circuit, the retaining member comprising:
  • a duct comprising a tubular peripheral wall and having a longitudinal axis, the tubular peripheral wall having a lower inlet opening through which the flow of steam enters the duct and an upper outlet opening through which the flow of steam leaves the duct; a central body disposed in the center of the duct, and
  • each of the connecting elements extending across the conduit, each of the connecting elements extending from the tubular peripheral wall to the central body, the connecting elements and the central body covering, in a plane of projection perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the duct, at least 60%, and preferably at least 90%, of the conduit passage section.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a steam apparatus according to the present invention comprising a steam iron and a base unit provided with a steam generator;
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the steam iron of FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the sole of the steam iron of Figure 1;
  • FIGS 4 and 5 are views respectively in perspective and from above the sole of Figure 3 without the cover portion and equipped with a retaining device according to a first embodiment of the invention;
  • FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the sole along the line VI-VI of Figure 5;
  • FIGS 7 and 8 are perspective views respectively from above and below of a retaining member belonging to the retainer of Figures 4 and 5;
  • FIG. 9 is a top view of the retainer of Figure 7;
  • - Figures 10 and 1 1 are sectional views respectively along lines X-X and XI-XI of Figure 9;
  • - Figure 12 is a perspective view of the sole of the steam iron of Figure 1 without the cover portion and equipped with a retaining device according to a second embodiment of the invention;
  • - Figure 13 is a longitudinal sectional view of the sole of Figure 12;
  • FIG. 14 is a perspective view from above of a retaining member belonging to the retainer of Figures 12 and 13;
  • FIGS. 15 and 16 are exploded perspective views respectively from below and from above of the retaining member of FIG. 14;
  • FIG. 17 is a top view of the retainer of Figure 14;
  • FIGS. 18 and 19 are sectional views respectively along the lines XVIII-XVIII and ⁇ -XIX of Figure 17;
  • FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the sole of the steam iron of Figure 1 without the cover portion and equipped with a retaining device according to a third embodiment of the invention
  • Figure 21 is a longitudinal sectional view of the sole of Figure 20;
  • FIGS. 22 and 23 are perspective views respectively from above and below of a retaining member belonging to the retainer of Figures 20 and 21;
  • FIG. 24 is a top view of the retainer of Figure 22;
  • FIG. 1 represents an ironing apparatus 2 comprising a base unit 3, a steam iron 4 and a steam transport duct 5 connecting the base unit 3 and the steam iron 4.
  • the base unit 3 comprises in particular a steam generator 6, a water tank 7 and a pump 8 configured to feed the steam generator 6 with water coming from the water tank 7, and the steam iron 4 comprises in particular a gripping portion 10 and a sole 9.
  • the sole 9 comprises a main body January 1, a covering portion 12 covering at least partly the main body January 1, and an ironing plate 13 extending under the main body 1 1 .
  • the ironing plate 13 comprises a substantially flat ironing surface 14 and steam openings 15 opening into the ironing surface 14.
  • the main body 11 and the ironing plate 13 are made of thermally conductive materials.
  • the main body 1 1 and the covering part 12 define a steam distribution circuit 16 fluidly connected on the one hand to the steam generator 6 via the steam conveying conduit 5 and on the other hand to the steam orifices 15.
  • the steam distribution circuit 16 comprises in particular a steam flow inlet 16.1 connected to the steam transport duct 5.
  • a stream of steam is able to flow into the steam distribution circuit 16 and up to steam ports 15.
  • the steam iron 4 is provided with a heater 17 integrated in the main body January 1 of the sole plate 9, and configured to heat the ironing plate 13 and the main body 1 January. As shown more particularly in Figures 4 to 1 1, the steam iron 4 also comprises a retaining device 18 arranged along the steam distribution circuit 16 and configured to retain water droplets. driven by the flow of steam flowing in the steam distribution circuit 16 and vaporize the retained water droplets.
  • the retaining device 18 comprises a retaining member 19 covered by the covering portion 12.
  • the retaining member 19 is in one piece, and may for example be made of plastic .
  • the retaining member 19 comprises a duct 21 having a longitudinal axis A and comprising a tubular peripheral wall 22.
  • the tubular peripheral wall 22 comprises a lower inlet opening 23 through which the flow of vapor can enter the duct 21 and a upper outlet opening 24 through which the flow of steam can exit the conduit 21.
  • the tubular peripheral wall 22 is frustoconical, but could of course be cylindrical.
  • the retaining member 19 further comprises a central body 25 disposed in the center of the duct 21.
  • the central body 25 extends along the longitudinal axis A of the conduit 21 and has a general shape of ogive.
  • the central body 25 more particularly comprises a tubular side wall 26 comprising a first open end 26.1 facing the lower inlet opening 23 and a second end 26.2 opposite the first end 26.1, and a closure wall 30 closing the second end 26.1. end 26.2 of the tubular side wall 26. It should be noted that the central body 25 may possibly protrude beyond the upper end edge of the tubular peripheral wall 22.
  • the retaining member 19 further comprises several elements of connecting 27 extending across the conduit 21 and connecting the tubular peripheral wall 22 and the central body 25.
  • the connecting elements 27 and the central body 25 cover, in a projection plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A of the conduit 21 at least 60%, and preferably at least 90%, of the passage section of the conduit 21.
  • the connecting elements 27 and the central body 25 are arranged in such a way that the minimum passage cross-section for the flow of the vapor flow through the duct is greater than 25 mm 2 .
  • each connecting element 27 is constituted by a blade extending from the tubular peripheral wall 22 to the central body 25.
  • the connecting elements 27 are inclined by relative to the longitudinal axis A of the duct 21, and are helically arranged in the duct 21.
  • each connecting element 27 has a width which increases in the direction of the tubular peripheral wall 22.
  • Each connecting element 27 has two end edges 27.1 opposite one another and respectively connected to the tubular peripheral wall 22 and the central body 25, and two side edges 27.2 opposite one another. According to the embodiment shown in Figures 4 to 1 1, each side edge 27.2 is bent and each connecting member 27 has a retaining rib 28 extending downwardly from one of the respective side edges. Each connecting element 27 thus has an L-shaped section. These arrangements make it possible to stop the flow of the water droplets at the edge of each connecting element 27, and thus to further improve the retention of the water droplets in the retainer 18 according to the present invention.
  • the retainer 18 further includes a support portion 29 formed on the sole 9, and more particularly on the main body January 1.
  • the support portion 29 has a bottom wall 29.1 and a side wall 29.2 extending from the bottom wall 29.1 and on which the retaining member 19 is mounted.
  • the retaining member 19 may for example comprise a flange. support 31 extending around a lower edge of the tubular peripheral wall 22 and bearing on the side wall 29.2 of the support portion 29.
  • the retaining member 19 and the support portion 29 define a vaporization chamber 32 disposed upstream of the connecting elements 27 with respect to the direction of flow of the vapor stream, and more particularly below the connecting elements 27.
  • the water droplets separated from the vapor stream by the connecting elements 27 fall by gravity into the vaporization chamber 32.
  • the retainer 18 also has a vapor inlet 33 (see FIG. 4) in the side wall 29.2 and through which the vapor stream enters the vaporization chamber 32. According to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 1, the steam inlet 33 is partly delimited by the duct 21.
  • the main body 11 is made of thermally conductive material, part of the heat produced by the heating device 17 is transferred to the vaporization chamber 32, so that the water droplets fall by gravity into the chamber Spraying 32 is vaporized and can thus be driven out of the vaporization chamber 29 and to the steam ports 15 by the steam flow.
  • the steam distribution circuit 16 comprises an expansion chamber 34 disposed upstream of the retaining device 18 and configured to reduce the flow velocity of the vapor stream before the vapor stream flows. It reaches the retaining device 18 and more particularly the retaining member 19.
  • the expansion chamber 34 comprises a single deflection wall 34.1 extending between the vapor flow inlet 16.1 and the retaining device 18.
  • the steam distribution circuit 16 further comprises a vapor delivery chamber 35 delimited by the cover portion 12 and the retaining member 19.
  • the vapor discharge chamber 35 is disposed downstream of the upper outlet opening 24 and is fluidly connected to the steam ports 15.
  • the steam distribution circuit 16 further comprises a plurality of pins 40 extending near the flow inlet. e steam 16.1. The presence of these pins 40 makes it possible to increase the exchange surface between the vapor flow and the steam distribution circuit 16, and thus to promote the separation of the water droplets from the flow of vapor flowing through the steam distribution circuit 16.
  • Figures 12 to 19 show a retaining device 18 according to a second embodiment of the invention which differs from the first embodiment essentially in that the retaining member 19 comprises a first retaining portion 19.1 delimiting a lower portion of the tubular peripheral wall 22 of the duct 21, and a second retaining portion 19.2 delimiting an upper portion of the tubular peripheral wall 22 of the duct 21, and in that the first and second retaining portions 19.1, 19.2 are assembled one to the other.
  • the first retaining portion 19.1 has a first tubular peripheral portion 22.1, a first central body portion 25.1 disposed centrally of the first retaining portion 19.1 and a plurality of connecting members 27 connecting the first tubular peripheral portion 22.1 and the first body portion. 25.1, and the second retaining portion 19.2 has a second tubular peripheral portion 22.2, a second central body portion 25.2 disposed in the center of the second retaining portion 19.2 and a plurality of connecting elements 27 connecting the second tubular peripheral portion 22.2 and the second part of central body 25.2.
  • the first central body portion 25.1 comprises a male connecting member 36 and the second central body portion 25.2 includes a female connecting member 37 configured to cooperate with the male connecting member 36.
  • the connecting member male 36 may for example comprise a frustoconical assembly portion
  • the female connecting member 37 may comprise for example an assembly housing configured to receive the frustoconical assembly portion.
  • the male and female connecting elements 36, 37 may furthermore be provided with angular indexing elements.
  • each connecting element 27 is also constituted by a blade, but nevertheless extends perpendicularly with respect to the longitudinal axis A of the conduit 21.
  • the retaining member 19 comprises a first series of lower connecting members 27 extending in a first extension plane and being evenly spaced from each other, and a second series of upper connecting members 27 extending in a second extension plane offset longitudinally relative to the first plane of extension and being regularly spaced from each other, the lower connecting elements 27 being angularly offset relative to the upper connecting elements 27.
  • each connecting element 27 comprises two retaining ribs 28 each extending downwardly from a respective lateral edge 27.2.
  • each connecting element 27 has a U-shaped section.
  • Figures 20 to 25 show a retaining device 18 according to a third embodiment of the invention which differs from the first embodiment essentially in that the central body 25 has a generally domed shape and in that each connecting element 27 extends radially from the tubular peripheral wall 22 of the duct 21 to the central body 25, and extends parallel to the longitudinal axis A of the duct 21.
  • the retaining member 19 further comprises an annular retaining rib 38 extending downwards from the lower faces of the connecting elements 27.
  • the vaporization chamber situated upstream of the retaining element may be replaced by a water storage zone into which a pump can come to draw water to supply a spray nozzle of water. a spray carried by the iron.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Sustainable Development (AREA)
  • Sustainable Energy (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Textile Engineering (AREA)
  • Irons (AREA)

Abstract

The disclosed steam iron (4) comprises a vapor distribution circuit (16) in which a vapor stream can flow, and a retention device (18) designed to retain water droplets carried along in the vapor stream and vaporize said retained water droplets. The retention device (18) includes a retention element (19) comprising: - a duct (21) with a tubular peripheral wall (22) that has a bottom inlet (23) through which the vapor stream enters the duct (21) and a top outlet (24) through which the vapor stream exits the duct (21); - a central member (25) in the center of the duct (21); - and a plurality of connecting elements (27) which run through the duct (21) and each of which (27) extends from the tubular peripheral wall (22) to the central member (25). When viewed in a projection plane running perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (A) of the duct (21), the connecting elements (27) and the central member (25) cover at least 60% of the internal cross-section of the duct (21).

Description

FER A VAPEUR POURVU D'UN DISPOSITIF DE RETENUE DE  STEAM IRON HAVING A RETENTION DEVICE
GOUTTELETTES D'EAU  WATER DROPLETS
La présente invention concerne un fer à vapeur et plus particulièrement un fer à vapeur pourvu d'un dispositif de retenue de gouttelettes d'eau. The present invention relates to a steam iron and more particularly to a steam iron provided with a device for retaining water droplets.
Un fer à vapeur comporte de façon connue une semelle délimitant un circuit de distribution de vapeur et comportant une plaque de repassage pourvue d'une surface de repassage et d'orifices de vapeur débouchant dans la surface de repassage. A steam iron comprises in known manner a soleplate defining a steam distribution circuit and having an ironing plate provided with an ironing surface and steam openings opening into the ironing surface.
Les fers à vapeur ont une problématique récurrente liée au fait qu'au démarrage ou au redémarrage, une importante quantité de gouttelette d'eau est expulsée par les orifices de vapeur. Steam irons have a recurring problem related to the fact that at startup or restart, a large amount of water droplet is expelled through the steam ports.
Le document DE102004032361 divulgue un fer à vapeur comportant un circuit de distribution de vapeur muni d'un dispositif de retenue configuré pour retenir des gouttelettes d'eau entraînées par le flux de vapeur s'écoulant le long du circuit de distribution de vapeur et pour vaporiser lesdites gouttelettes d'eau retenues. Document DE102004032361 discloses a steam iron having a steam distribution circuit provided with a retaining device configured to retain water droplets entrained by the flow of vapor flowing along the steam distribution circuit and to vaporize said water droplets retained.
Le dispositif de retenue comprend notamment un corps extérieur délimitant une chambre cyclonique, une entrée de vapeur débouchant dans une portion inférieure de la chambre cyclonique et par laquelle le flux de vapeur entre dans la chambre cyclonique, et un conduit central disposé au centre de la chambre cyclonique et pourvu d'une sortie de vapeur supérieure par laquelle le flux de vapeur sort de la chambre cyclonique. Le document GB330870 divulgue également un fer à vapeur comportant un circuit de distribution de vapeur muni d'un dispositif de retenue configuré pour retenir des gouttelettes d'eau entraînées par le flux de vapeur s'écoulant le long du circuit de distribution de vapeur et pour vaporiser lesdites gouttelettes d'eau retenues. Le dispositif de retenue comprend un conduit comprenant une paroi périphérique tubulaire fermée à ces deux extrémités par deux flasques, l'un des flaques comportant une ouverture d'entrée et l'autre flasques comportant une ouverture de sortie. The retaining device comprises in particular an outer body delimiting a cyclonic chamber, a steam inlet opening into a lower portion of the cyclonic chamber and through which the flow of steam enters the cyclonic chamber, and a central duct disposed in the center of the chamber. cyclonic and provided with an upper steam outlet through which the steam flow exits the cyclonic chamber. GB330870 also discloses a steam iron having a vapor distribution circuit provided with a retaining device configured to retain water droplets entrained by the flow of vapor flowing along the steam distribution circuit and for vaporize said retained water droplets. The retaining device comprises a duct comprising a tubular peripheral wall closed at both ends by two flanges, one of the puddles having an inlet opening and the other flanges having an outlet opening.
Bien que de tels dispositifs de retenue assure la retenue et la vaporisation d'une partie importante des gouttelettes d'eau entraînées par le flux de vapeur s'écoulant dans le circuit de distribution de vapeur, une quantité non négligeable de gouttelettes d'eau atteint encore les orifices de vapeur au démarrage d'un tel fer à vapeur. Although such retainers retain and vaporize a large portion of the water droplets entrained by the flow of steam flowing in the steam distribution circuit, a significant amount of water droplets reached still the steam orifices at the start of such a steam iron.
La présente invention vise à remédier à ces inconvénients. The present invention aims to remedy these disadvantages.
Le problème technique à la base de l'invention consiste donc à fournir un fer à vapeur qui limite de manière satisfaisante la quantité d'eau sous forme liquide qui atteint les orifices de vapeur notamment au démarrage du fer à vapeur. The technical problem underlying the invention is therefore to provide a steam iron which satisfactorily limits the amount of water in liquid form which reaches the steam orifices especially at the start of the steam iron.
A cet effet, la présente invention concerne un fer à vapeur comportant un circuit de distribution de vapeur dans lequel est destiné à s'écouler un flux de vapeur, et un dispositif de retenue disposé le long du circuit de distribution de vapeur et configuré pour retenir des gouttelettes d'eau entraînées par le flux de vapeur et éventuellement vaporiser lesdites gouttelettes d'eau retenues, le dispositif de retenue comprenant un organe de retenue comportant : To this end, the present invention relates to a steam iron having a vapor distribution circuit in which is intended to flow a vapor stream, and a retaining device disposed along the steam distribution circuit and configured to retain water droplets entrained by the vapor stream and optionally vaporizing said retained water droplets, the retaining device comprising a retaining member comprising:
- un conduit comprenant une paroi périphérique tubulaire et présentant un axe longitudinal, la paroi périphérique tubulaire comportant une ouverture d'entrée inférieure par laquelle le flux de vapeur pénètre dans le conduit et une ouverture de sortie supérieure par laquelle le flux de vapeur sort du conduit, a duct comprising a tubular peripheral wall and having a longitudinal axis, the tubular peripheral wall having a lower inlet opening through which the flow of steam enters the duct and an upper outlet opening through which the flow of steam leaves the duct; ,
- un corps central disposé au centre du conduit, et a central body disposed in the center of the duct, and
- plusieurs éléments de liaison s'étendant en travers du conduit et reliant la paroi périphérique tubulaire et le corps central, chacun des éléments de liaison s'étendant depuis la paroi périphérique tubulaire jusqu'au corps central, les éléments de liaison et le corps central recouvrant, dans un plan de projection perpendiculaire à l'axe longitudinal du conduit, au moins 60%, et de préférence au moins 90%, de la section de passage du conduit. a plurality of connecting elements extending across the duct and connecting the tubular peripheral wall and the central body, each of the connecting elements extending from the tubular peripheral wall to the central body, the connecting elements and the central body covering, in a projection plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the duct, at least 60%, and preferably at least 90%, of the conduit passage section.
Une telle configuration du dispositif de retenue, et plus particulièrement de l'organe de retenue forme une barrière empêchant le transport des gouttelettes d'eau par le flux de vapeur sur la trajectoire directe disposée axialement au conduit, et assure ainsi une séparation efficace des gouttelettes d'eau et de la vapeur d'eau, et donc la retenue, par le dispositif de retenue, d'une quantité importante des gouttelettes d'eau entraînées par le flux de vapeur. Il en résulte qu'au démarrage du fer à vapeur selon l'invention seulement une faible proportion d'eau sous forme liquide atteint les orifices de vapeur du fer à vapeur. Such a configuration of the retaining device, and more particularly of the retaining member forms a barrier preventing the transport of the water droplets by the vapor flow on the direct path disposed axially at led, and thus ensures effective separation of the water droplets and water vapor, and thus the retention, by the retainer, of a large amount of water droplets entrained by the steam flow. As a result, at the start of the steam iron according to the invention only a small proportion of water in liquid form reaches the steam orifices of the steam iron.
Le fer à vapeur peut en outre présenter une ou plusieurs des caractéristiques suivantes, prises seules ou en combinaison. The steam iron may further have one or more of the following features, taken alone or in combination.
Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, l'organe de retenue est amovible. Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, le fer à vapeur comporte une plaque de repassage comprenant une surface de repassage sensiblement plane, l'axe longitudinal du conduit s'étendant perpendiculairement au plan de la surface de repassage. According to one embodiment of the invention, the retaining member is removable. According to one embodiment of the invention, the steam iron comprises an ironing plate comprising a substantially flat ironing surface, the longitudinal axis of the duct extending perpendicularly to the plane of the ironing surface.
Une telle caractéristique permet d'avoir un flux de vapeur qui circule verticalement de bas en haut dans le conduit lorsque fer à repasser repose sur sa plaque de repassage. Ainsi, les gouttelettes d'eau transportées par le flux sont freinées par la gravité lorsqu'elles circulent dans le conduit et sont stoppées plus efficacement par les éléments de liaison. Such a characteristic makes it possible to have a flow of vapor which flows vertically upwards in the duct when the iron rests on its ironing plate. Thus, the water droplets carried by the flow are braked by gravity as they circulate in the conduit and are stopped more effectively by the connecting elements.
Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, le fer à vapeur comprend une semelle et le dispositif de retenue comporte une partie de support prévue sur la semelle et sur laquelle est monté l'organe de retenue, l'organe de retenue et la partie de support délimitant une chambre de vaporisation disposée en amont des éléments de liaison par rapport au sens d'écoulement du flux de vapeur, et préférentiellement en dessous des éléments de liaison lorsque le fer à vapeur repose horizontalement sur sa semelle de manière à ce que les gouttelettes d'eau séparées du flux de vapeur par les éléments de liaison tombent par gravité dans la chambre de vaporisation. According to one embodiment of the invention, the steam iron comprises a sole and the retaining device comprises a support part provided on the sole and on which is mounted the retaining member, the retaining member and the part of support defining a vaporization chamber disposed upstream of the connecting elements with respect to the direction of flow of the vapor flow, and preferably below the connecting elements when the steam iron rests horizontally on its sole so that the water droplets separated from the vapor stream by the connecting elements fall by gravity into the vaporization chamber.
Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, le dispositif de retenue comporte une entrée de vapeur débouchant dans la chambre de vaporisation et par laquelle le flux de vapeur entre dans la chambre de vaporisation. Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, la partie de support comporte une paroi de fond et une paroi latérale s'étendant depuis la paroi de fond et sur laquelle est monté l'organe de retenue. L'entrée de vapeur est par exemple ménagée dans la paroi latérale. Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, la paroi latérale de la partie de support et la paroi périphérique tubulaire du conduit sont coaxiales. According to one embodiment of the invention, the retaining device comprises a steam inlet opening into the vaporization chamber and through which the flow of vapor enters the vaporization chamber. According to one embodiment of the invention, the support portion has a bottom wall and a side wall extending from the bottom wall and on which is mounted the retaining member. The steam inlet is for example formed in the side wall. According to one embodiment of the invention, the side wall of the support portion and the tubular peripheral wall of the conduit are coaxial.
Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, l'entrée de vapeur est en partie délimitée par la paroi périphérique tubulaire du conduit. According to one embodiment of the invention, the steam inlet is partly delimited by the tubular peripheral wall of the duct.
Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, le fer à vapeur comporte une partie de recouvrement délimitant au moins en partie le circuit de distribution de vapeur et recouvrant l'organe de retenue. According to one embodiment of the invention, the steam iron comprises an overlapping portion defining at least partly the steam distribution circuit and covering the retaining member.
Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, la semelle comporte la partie de recouvrement. According to one embodiment of the invention, the sole comprises the covering part.
Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, la semelle comporte une surface de repassage et au moins un orifice de vapeur débouchant dans la surface de repassage. According to one embodiment of the invention, the sole comprises an ironing surface and at least one steam orifice opening into the ironing surface.
Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, la partie de recouvrement et l'organe de retenue définissent au moins en partie une chambre de refoulement de vapeur reliée fluidiquement à l'au moins un orifice de vapeur. Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, les éléments de liaison et le corps central sont agencés de telle sorte que la section de passage minimale pour l'écoulement du flux de vapeur au travers du conduit est supérieure à 25 mm2. According to one embodiment of the invention, the cover portion and the retaining member define at least in part a vapor delivery chamber fluidly connected to the at least one steam orifice. According to one embodiment of the invention, the connecting elements and the central body are arranged such that the minimum passage cross section for the flow of steam through the conduit is greater than 25 mm 2 .
Une telle caractéristique permet d'éviter d'avoir une restriction trop importante de la section de passage conduisant à une accélération du flux de vapeur susceptible d'entraîner de manière plus importante les gouttelettes d'eau en direction du ou des orifices de vapeur de la plaque de repassage. Such a characteristic makes it possible to avoid having too much restriction of the passage section leading to an acceleration of the vapor flow likely to cause the water droplets to be directed more or less towards the steam orifice (s) of the ironing plate.
Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, l'organe de retenue est en matière plastique. Ces dispositions permettent d'éviter de surchauffer le flux de vapeur traversant le dispositif de retenue, et donc d'éviter que le flux de vapeur sortant du fer à vapeur ne soit trop sec. Ainsi, le dispositif de retenue selon un tel mode de réalisation permet de retenir la majeure partie des gouttelettes d'eau entraînées par le flux de vapeur, tout en assurant l'éjection d'un flux de vapeur humide à la sortie des orifices de vapeur du fer à vapeur. Néanmoins, l'organe de retenue pourrait être réalisé en d'autres matériaux et par exemple en aluminium ou en cuivre. Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, les éléments de liaison sont constitués par des pales. According to one embodiment of the invention, the retaining member is made of plastic. These provisions make it possible to avoid overheating the flow of steam through the retaining device, and thus to prevent the flow of steam leaving the steam iron from being too dry. Thus, the retaining device according to such an embodiment makes it possible to retain most of the water droplets. driven by the flow of steam, while ensuring the ejection of a stream of wet steam at the outlet of the steam iron steam ports. Nevertheless, the retaining member could be made of other materials and for example aluminum or copper. According to one embodiment of the invention, the connecting elements are constituted by blades.
Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, chaque élément de liaison est incliné par rapport à l'axe longitudinal du conduit. According to one embodiment of the invention, each connecting element is inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis of the conduit.
Selon un autre mode de réalisation de l'invention, chaque élément de liaison s'étend sensiblement perpendiculairement par rapport à l'axe longitudinal du conduit. According to another embodiment of the invention, each connecting element extends substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the conduit.
Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, les éléments de liaison sont disposés de manière hélicoïdale dans le conduit. According to one embodiment of the invention, the connecting elements are helically arranged in the conduit.
Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, l'organe de retenue comporte une première série d'éléments de liaison inférieurs s'étendant sensiblement dans un premier plan d'extension et une deuxième série d'éléments de liaison supérieurs s'étendant sensiblement dans un deuxième plan d'extension décalé longitudinalement par rapport au premier plan d'extension. According to one embodiment of the invention, the retaining member comprises a first series of lower connecting elements extending substantially in a first extension plane and a second series of upper connecting elements extending substantially in a second extension plane offset longitudinally with respect to the first extension plane.
Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, les éléments de liaison inférieurs sont décalés angulairement par rapport aux éléments de liaison supérieurs. According to one embodiment of the invention, the lower connecting elements are angularly offset relative to the upper connecting elements.
Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, les éléments de liaison inférieurs sont régulièrement espacés les uns des autres, et les éléments de liaison supérieurs sont régulièrement espacés les uns des autres. According to one embodiment of the invention, the lower connecting elements are regularly spaced from each other, and the upper connecting elements are regularly spaced from each other.
Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, chaque élément de liaison présente deux bords d'extrémité opposés l'un à l'autre et reliés respectivement à la paroi périphérique tubulaire et au corps central, et deux bords latéraux opposés l'un à l'autre, chaque élément de liaison comportant au moins une nervure de retenue s'étendant vers le bas depuis un bord latéral respectif. Ces dispositions permettent de stopper l'écoulement des gouttelettes d'eau en bordure de chaque élément de liaison, et donc d'améliorer encore la retenue des gouttelettes d'eau dans le dispositif de retenue selon la présente invention. Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, chaque bord latéral de chaque élément de liaison peut par exemple être droit ou courbé. According to one embodiment of the invention, each connecting element has two opposite end edges to one another and respectively connected to the tubular peripheral wall and to the central body, and two opposite lateral edges, one to the other, each connecting member having at least one retaining rib extending downwardly from a respective lateral edge. These arrangements make it possible to stop the flow of the water droplets at the edge of each connecting element, and therefore to further improve the retention of the water droplets in the retaining device according to the present invention. According to one embodiment of the invention, each lateral edge of each connecting element may for example be straight or curved.
Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, chacun des éléments de liaison présente une section en forme de L ou en forme de U. Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, l'organe de retenue est monobloc. According to one embodiment of the invention, each of the connecting elements has a section L-shaped or U-shaped. According to one embodiment of the invention, the retaining member is monobloc.
Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, l'organe de retenue comprend une première partie de retenue délimitant une portion inférieure de la paroi périphérique tubulaire du conduit, et une deuxième partie de retenue délimitant une portion supérieure de la paroi périphérique tubulaire du conduit, les première et deuxième parties de retenue étant assemblées l'une à l'autre. According to one embodiment of the invention, the retaining member comprises a first retaining portion delimiting a lower portion of the tubular peripheral wall of the duct, and a second retaining portion delimiting an upper portion of the tubular peripheral wall of the duct. the first and second retaining portions being assembled to one another.
Une telle caractéristique permet de simplifier la fabrication de l'organe de retenue en permettant la réalisation par moulage de forme plus complexe. Such a characteristic makes it possible to simplify the manufacture of the retaining member by making it possible to produce a more complex shape by molding.
Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, la première partie de retenue comporte une première portion périphérique tubulaire, une première partie de corps central disposée au centre de la première partie de retenue et plusieurs éléments de liaison reliant la première portion périphérique tubulaire et la première partie de corps central, et la deuxième partie de retenue comporte une deuxième portion périphérique tubulaire, une deuxième partie de corps central disposée au centre de la deuxième partie de retenue et plusieurs éléments de liaison reliant la deuxième portion périphérique tubulaire et la deuxième partie de corps central. According to one embodiment of the invention, the first retaining portion comprises a first tubular peripheral portion, a first central body portion disposed in the center of the first retaining portion and a plurality of connecting elements connecting the first tubular peripheral portion and the first central body portion, and the second retaining portion comprises a second tubular peripheral portion, a second central body portion disposed in the center of the second retaining portion and a plurality of connecting elements connecting the second tubular peripheral portion and the second portion of central body.
Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, la première partie de corps central comporte un premier élément d'assemblage, par exemple mâle, et la deuxième partie de corps central comporte un deuxième élément d'assemblage, par exemple femelle, configuré pour coopérer avec le premier élément d'assemblage. According to one embodiment of the invention, the first central body portion comprises a first assembly element, for example male, and the second central body portion comprises a second assembly element, for example female, configured to cooperate. with the first assembly element.
Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, le premier élément d'assemblage comporte une portion d'assemblage tronconique, et le deuxième élément d'assemblage comporte un logement d'assemblage configuré pour recevoir la portion d'assemblage tronconique. Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, chacun des éléments de liaison s'étend radialement depuis la paroi périphérique tubulaire du conduit jusqu'au corps central. According to one embodiment of the invention, the first assembly element comprises a frustoconical assembly portion, and the second assembly element comprises an assembly housing configured to receive the frustoconical assembly portion. According to one embodiment of the invention, each of the connecting elements extends radially from the tubular peripheral wall of the conduit to the central body.
Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, chacun des éléments de liaison est sensiblement plan et s'étend parallèlement à l'axe longitudinal du conduit. According to one embodiment of the invention, each of the connecting elements is substantially flat and extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the conduit.
Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, l'organe de retenue comporte une nervure de retenue annulaire s'étendant vers le bas à partir des faces inférieures des éléments de liaison. According to one embodiment of the invention, the retaining member comprises an annular retaining rib extending downwards from the lower faces of the connecting elements.
Une telle nervure permet de former un barrage pour les gouttelettes d'eau retenues sous les éléments de liaison, évitant que ces dernières ne s'écoulent le long de la surface des éléments en direction de l'ouverture supérieure du conduit. Such a rib makes it possible to form a dam for the water droplets held under the connecting elements, preventing the latter from flowing along the surface of the elements towards the upper opening of the duct.
Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, la nervure de retenue annulaire et le corps central sont coaxiaux. Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, le corps central est allongé et s'étend sensiblement parallèlement à l'axe longitudinal du conduit. According to one embodiment of the invention, the annular retaining rib and the central body are coaxial. According to one embodiment of the invention, the central body is elongated and extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the conduit.
Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, le corps central comporte une paroi latérale tubulaire comprenant une première extrémité ouverte orientée vers l'ouverture d'entrée inférieure et une deuxième extrémité opposée à la première extrémité, et une paroi d'obturation obturant la deuxième extrémité respective. According to one embodiment of the invention, the central body comprises a tubular side wall comprising a first open end facing the lower inlet opening and a second end opposite the first end, and a closing wall closing the opening. respective second end.
Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, la paroi périphérique tubulaire comporte un bord d'extrémité inférieur et un bord d'extrémité supérieur, le corps central faisant saillie au-delà du bord d'extrémité supérieur de la paroi périphérique tubulaire. Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, le corps central présente une forme générale d'ogive ou une forme générale de dôme. According to one embodiment of the invention, the tubular peripheral wall has a lower end edge and an upper end edge, the central body projecting beyond the upper end edge of the tubular peripheral wall. According to one embodiment of the invention, the central body has a general shape of ogive or a general shape of dome.
Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, le circuit de distribution de vapeur comprend en outre une chambre de détente disposée en amont du dispositif de retenue et configurée pour diminuer la vitesse d'écoulement du flux de vapeur avant que le flux de vapeur n'atteigne le dispositif de retenue. Ces dispositions permettent d'augmenter la durée de passage du flux de vapeur dans la semelle du fer à vapeur, et donc de favoriser d'une part la vaporisation d'une partie plus importante de gouttelettes d'eau en amont du dispositif de retenue et d'autre part d'améliorer l'efficacité du dispositif de retenue. According to one embodiment of the invention, the steam distribution circuit further comprises an expansion chamber disposed upstream of the retaining device and configured to reduce the flow velocity of the vapor stream before the vapor stream flows. 'reaches the restraint. These provisions make it possible to increase the duration of passage of the vapor flow in the soleplate steam iron, and thus to promote on the one hand the vaporization of a larger portion of water droplets upstream of the retainer and on the other hand to improve the efficiency of the retainer.
Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, la chambre de détente est agencée de telle sorte que la section de passage minimale pour l'écoulement du flux de vapeur au travers de la chambre de détente est supérieure à 25 mm2. According to one embodiment of the invention, the expansion chamber is arranged such that the minimum passage section for the flow of steam through the expansion chamber is greater than 25 mm 2 .
Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, la chambre de détente est agencée de telle sorte que la vitesse d'écoulement du flux de vapeur dans la chambre de détente est inférieure à 20 m. s-1. Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, le circuit de distribution de vapeur comprend une entrée de flux de vapeur destinée à être reliée à un conduit d'acheminement de vapeur. Avantageusement, l'entrée de flux de vapeur est prévue sur la partie de recouvrement. According to one embodiment of the invention, the expansion chamber is arranged such that the flow velocity of the vapor flow in the expansion chamber is less than 20 m. s -1 . According to one embodiment of the invention, the steam distribution circuit comprises a steam flow inlet intended to be connected to a steam transport duct. Advantageously, the steam flow inlet is provided on the covering portion.
Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, le circuit de distribution de vapeur comprend une unique cloison de déviation disposée entre l'entrée de flux de vapeur et le dispositif de retenue. According to one embodiment of the invention, the steam distribution circuit comprises a single deflection wall disposed between the vapor flow inlet and the retaining device.
Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, le circuit de distribution de vapeur comprend une pluralité de picots s'étendant à proximité de l'entrée de flux de vapeur. Ces dispositions permettent d'augmenter la surface d'échange entre le flux de vapeur et le circuit de distribution de vapeur, et donc de favoriser la séparation des gouttelettes d'eau du flux de vapeur. According to one embodiment of the invention, the steam distribution circuit comprises a plurality of pins extending near the vapor flow inlet. These provisions make it possible to increase the exchange surface area between the steam flow and the steam distribution circuit, and thus to promote the separation of the water droplets from the vapor flow.
Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, la chambre de détente est disposée en amont de la chambre de vaporisation, et plus particulièrement en amont de l'entrée de vapeur. Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, les éléments de liaison sont espacés longitudinalement les uns des autres. According to one embodiment of the invention, the expansion chamber is disposed upstream of the vaporization chamber, and more particularly upstream of the steam inlet. According to one embodiment of the invention, the connecting elements are spaced longitudinally from each other.
La présente invention concerne en outre une appareil de repassage comprenant un fer à vapeur selon l'invention, un générateur de vapeur et un conduit d'acheminement de vapeur reliant le générateur de vapeur au fer à vapeur et destiné à alimenter le fer à vapeur en vapeur. La présente invention concerne de plus un organe de retenue destiné à être disposé le long d'un circuit de distribution de vapeur d'un fer à vapeur et configuré pour retenir des gouttelettes d'eau entraînées par un flux de vapeur s'écoulant dans le circuit de distribution de vapeur, l'organe de retenue comportant : The present invention further relates to an ironing apparatus comprising a steam iron according to the invention, a steam generator and a steam conduit connecting the steam generator to the steam iron and for supplying the steam iron in steam. The present invention further relates to a retaining member adapted to be disposed along a steam distribution circuit of a steam iron and configured to retain water droplets entrained by a flow of vapor flowing in the vapor distribution circuit, the retaining member comprising:
- un conduit comprenant une paroi périphérique tubulaire et présentant un axe longitudinal, la paroi périphérique tubulaire comportant une ouverture d'entrée inférieure par laquelle le flux de vapeur pénètre dans le conduit et une ouverture de sortie supérieure par laquelle le flux de vapeur sort du conduit, - un corps central disposé au centre du conduit, et a duct comprising a tubular peripheral wall and having a longitudinal axis, the tubular peripheral wall having a lower inlet opening through which the flow of steam enters the duct and an upper outlet opening through which the flow of steam leaves the duct; a central body disposed in the center of the duct, and
- plusieurs éléments de liaison s'étendant en travers du conduit, chacun des éléments de liaison s'étendant depuis la paroi périphérique tubulaire jusqu'au corps central, les éléments de liaison et le corps central recouvrant, dans un plan de projection perpendiculaire à l'axe longitudinal du conduit, au moins 60%, et de préférence au moins 90%, de la section de passage du conduit. a plurality of connecting elements extending across the conduit, each of the connecting elements extending from the tubular peripheral wall to the central body, the connecting elements and the central body covering, in a plane of projection perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the duct, at least 60%, and preferably at least 90%, of the conduit passage section.
L'invention sera mieux comprise à l'aide de la description qui suit en référence aux dessins schématiques annexés représentant, à titre d'exemples non limitatifs, plusieurs formes d'exécution de ce fer à vapeur. The invention will be better understood with the aid of the description which follows with reference to the appended diagrammatic drawings showing, by way of nonlimiting examples, several embodiments of this steam iron.
- La figure 1 est une vue schématique d'un appareil de vapeur selon la présente invention comportant un fer à vapeur et une unité de base pourvue d'un générateur de vapeur ; - Figure 1 is a schematic view of a steam apparatus according to the present invention comprising a steam iron and a base unit provided with a steam generator;
- La figure 2 est une vue en perspective du fer à vapeur de la figure 1 ; FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the steam iron of FIG. 1;
- La figure 3 est une vue en perspective de la semelle du fer à vapeur de la figure 1 ; - Les figures 4 et 5 sont des vues respectivement en perspective et de dessus de la semelle de la figure 3 démunie de la partie de recouvrement et équipée d'un dispositif de retenue selon un premier mode de réalisation de l'invention ; - Figure 3 is a perspective view of the sole of the steam iron of Figure 1; - Figures 4 and 5 are views respectively in perspective and from above the sole of Figure 3 without the cover portion and equipped with a retaining device according to a first embodiment of the invention;
- La figure 6 est une vue en coupe de la semelle selon la ligne VI-VI de la figure 5 ; - Les figures 7 et 8 sont des vues en perspective respectivement de dessus et de dessous d'un organe de retenue appartenant au dispositif de retenue des figures 4 et 5 ; - Figure 6 is a sectional view of the sole along the line VI-VI of Figure 5; - Figures 7 and 8 are perspective views respectively from above and below of a retaining member belonging to the retainer of Figures 4 and 5;
- La figure 9 est une vue de dessus de l'organe de retenue de la figure 7 ; - Les figures 10 et 1 1 sont des vues en coupe respectivement selon les lignes X-X et XI-XI de la figure 9 ; - Figure 9 is a top view of the retainer of Figure 7; - Figures 10 and 1 1 are sectional views respectively along lines X-X and XI-XI of Figure 9;
- La figure 12 est une vue en perspective de la semelle du fer à vapeur de la figure 1 démunie de la partie de recouvrement et équipée d'un dispositif de retenue selon un deuxième mode de réalisation de l'invention ; - La figure 13 est une vue en coupe longitudinale de la semelle de la figure 12 ; - Figure 12 is a perspective view of the sole of the steam iron of Figure 1 without the cover portion and equipped with a retaining device according to a second embodiment of the invention; - Figure 13 is a longitudinal sectional view of the sole of Figure 12;
- La figure 14 est une vue en perspective de dessus d'un organe de retenue appartenant au dispositif de retenue des figures 12 et 13 ; - Figure 14 is a perspective view from above of a retaining member belonging to the retainer of Figures 12 and 13;
- les figures 15 et 16 sont des vues éclatées en perspective respectivement de dessous et de dessus de l'organe de retenue de la figure 14 ; FIGS. 15 and 16 are exploded perspective views respectively from below and from above of the retaining member of FIG. 14;
- La figure 17 est une vue de dessus de l'organe de retenue de la figure 14 ; - Figure 17 is a top view of the retainer of Figure 14;
- Les figures 18 et 19 sont des vues en coupe respectivement selon les lignes XVIII-XVIII et ΧΙΧ-XIX de la figure 17 ; - Figures 18 and 19 are sectional views respectively along the lines XVIII-XVIII and ΧΙΧ-XIX of Figure 17;
- La figure 20 est une vue en perspective de la semelle du fer à vapeur de la figure 1 démunie de la partie de recouvrement et équipée d'un dispositif de retenue selon un troisième mode de réalisation de l'invention ; - Figure 20 is a perspective view of the sole of the steam iron of Figure 1 without the cover portion and equipped with a retaining device according to a third embodiment of the invention;
- La figure 21 est une vue en coupe longitudinale de la semelle de la figure 20 ; - Figure 21 is a longitudinal sectional view of the sole of Figure 20;
- Les figures 22 et 23 sont des vues en perspective respectivement de dessus et de dessous d'un organe de retenue appartenant au dispositif de retenue des figures 20 et 21 ; - Figures 22 and 23 are perspective views respectively from above and below of a retaining member belonging to the retainer of Figures 20 and 21;
- La figure 24 est une vue de dessus de l'organe de retenue de la figure 22 ; - Figure 24 is a top view of the retainer of Figure 22;
- La figure 25 est une vue en coupe selon la ligne XXV-XXV de la figure 24. On notera que dans ce document, les termes "horizontal", "vertical", "inférieur", "supérieur", "avant", "arrière" employés pour décrire le fer à vapeur font référence à ce fer à vapeur en situation d'usage lorsque la plaque de repassage est posée sur un plan horizontal. La figure 1 représente un appareil de repassage 2 comportant une unité de base 3, un fer à vapeur 4 et un conduit d'acheminement de vapeur 5 reliant l'unité de base 3 et le fer à vapeur 4. L'unité de base 3 comporte notamment un générateur de vapeur 6, un réservoir d'eau 7 et une pompe 8 configurée pour alimenter le générateur de vapeur 6 en eau provenant du réservoir d'eau 7, et le fer à vapeur 4 comporte notamment une partie de préhension 10 et une semelle 9. - Figure 25 is a sectional view along line XXV-XXV of Figure 24. Note that in this document, the terms "horizontal", "vertical", "lower", "upper", "front", "rear" used to describe the steam iron refer to this steam iron in a situation of use when the ironing plate is placed on a horizontal plane. FIG. 1 represents an ironing apparatus 2 comprising a base unit 3, a steam iron 4 and a steam transport duct 5 connecting the base unit 3 and the steam iron 4. The base unit 3 comprises in particular a steam generator 6, a water tank 7 and a pump 8 configured to feed the steam generator 6 with water coming from the water tank 7, and the steam iron 4 comprises in particular a gripping portion 10 and a sole 9.
Comme montré plus particulièrement sur la figure 6, la semelle 9 comporte un corps principal 1 1 , une partie de recouvrement 12 recouvrant au moins en partie le corps principal 1 1 , et une plaque de repassage 13 s'étendant sous le corps principal 1 1 . La plaque de repassage 13 comprend une surface de repassage 14 sensiblement plane et des orifices de vapeur 15 débouchant dans la surface de repassage 14. Avantageusement, le corps principal 1 1 et la plaque de repassage 13 sont réalisés en matériaux thermiquement conducteurs. Le corps principal 1 1 et la partie de recouvrement 12 définissent un circuit de distribution de vapeur 16 relié fluidiquement d'une part au générateur de vapeur 6 via le conduit d'acheminement de vapeur 5 et d'autre part aux orifices de vapeur 15. Le circuit de distribution de vapeur 16 comprend notamment une entrée de flux de vapeur 16.1 reliée au conduit d'acheminement de vapeur 5. Ainsi, un flux de vapeur est apte à s'écouler dans le circuit de distribution de vapeur 16 et jusqu'aux orifices de vapeur 15. As shown more particularly in Figure 6, the sole 9 comprises a main body January 1, a covering portion 12 covering at least partly the main body January 1, and an ironing plate 13 extending under the main body 1 1 . The ironing plate 13 comprises a substantially flat ironing surface 14 and steam openings 15 opening into the ironing surface 14. Advantageously, the main body 11 and the ironing plate 13 are made of thermally conductive materials. The main body 1 1 and the covering part 12 define a steam distribution circuit 16 fluidly connected on the one hand to the steam generator 6 via the steam conveying conduit 5 and on the other hand to the steam orifices 15. The steam distribution circuit 16 comprises in particular a steam flow inlet 16.1 connected to the steam transport duct 5. Thus, a stream of steam is able to flow into the steam distribution circuit 16 and up to steam ports 15.
Le fer à vapeur 4 est pourvu d'un dispositif de chauffage 17 intégré au corps principal 1 1 de la semelle 9, et configuré pour chauffer la plaque de repassage 13 et le corps principal 1 1 . Comme montré plus particulièrement sur les figures 4 à 1 1 , le fer à vapeur 4 comporte également un dispositif de retenue 18 disposé le long du circuit de distribution de vapeur 16 et configuré pour retenir des gouttelettes d'eau entraînées par le flux de vapeur s'écoulant dans le circuit de distribution de vapeur 16 et pour vaporiser les gouttelettes d'eau retenues. The steam iron 4 is provided with a heater 17 integrated in the main body January 1 of the sole plate 9, and configured to heat the ironing plate 13 and the main body 1 January. As shown more particularly in Figures 4 to 1 1, the steam iron 4 also comprises a retaining device 18 arranged along the steam distribution circuit 16 and configured to retain water droplets. driven by the flow of steam flowing in the steam distribution circuit 16 and vaporize the retained water droplets.
Le dispositif de retenue 18 comprend un organe de retenue 19 recouvert par la partie de recouvrement 12. Selon le mode de réalisation représenté sur les figures 4 à 1 1 , l'organe de retenue 19 est monobloc, et peut par exemple être en matière plastique. The retaining device 18 comprises a retaining member 19 covered by the covering portion 12. According to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4 to 11, the retaining member 19 is in one piece, and may for example be made of plastic .
L'organe de retenue 19 comporte un conduit 21 présentant un axe longitudinal A et comprenant une paroi périphérique tubulaire 22. La paroi périphérique tubulaire 22 comporte une ouverture d'entrée inférieure 23 par laquelle le flux de vapeur peut pénétrer dans le conduit 21 et une ouverture de sortie supérieure 24 par laquelle le flux de vapeur peut sortir du conduit 21 . Selon le mode de réalisation représenté sur les figures 4 à 1 1 , la paroi périphérique tubulaire 22 est tronconique, mais pourrait bien entendu être cylindrique. The retaining member 19 comprises a duct 21 having a longitudinal axis A and comprising a tubular peripheral wall 22. The tubular peripheral wall 22 comprises a lower inlet opening 23 through which the flow of vapor can enter the duct 21 and a upper outlet opening 24 through which the flow of steam can exit the conduit 21. According to the embodiment shown in Figures 4 to 1 1, the tubular peripheral wall 22 is frustoconical, but could of course be cylindrical.
L'organe de retenue 19 comprend de plus un corps central 25 disposé au centre du conduit 21 . Selon le mode de réalisation représenté sur les figures 4 à 1 1 , le corps central 25 s'étend selon l'axe longitudinal A du conduit 21 et présente une forme générale d'ogive. Le corps central 25 comporte plus particulièrement une paroi latérale tubulaire 26 comprenant une première extrémité ouverte 26.1 orientée vers l'ouverture d'entrée inférieure 23 et une deuxième extrémité 26.2 opposée à la première extrémité 26.1 , et une paroi d'obturation 30 obturant la deuxième extrémité 26.2 de la paroi latérale tubulaire 26. Il convient de noter que le corps central 25 peut éventuellement faire saillie au-delà du bord d'extrémité supérieur de la paroi périphérique tubulaire 22. L'organe de retenue 19 comprend en outre plusieurs éléments de liaison 27 s'étendant en travers du conduit 21 et reliant la paroi périphérique tubulaire 22 et le corps central 25. Les éléments de liaison 27 et le corps central 25 recouvrent, dans un plan de projection perpendiculaire à l'axe longitudinal A du conduit 21 , au moins 60%, et de préférence au moins 90%, de la section de passage du conduit 21 . Avantageusement, les éléments de liaison 27 et le corps central 25 sont agencés de telle sorte que la section de passage minimale pour l'écoulement du flux de vapeur au travers du conduit est supérieure à 25 mm2. Ces différentes dispositions permettent d'une part de générer d'importantes pertes de charge au sein du dispositif de retenue qui favorisent la séparation des gouttelettes d'eau et de la vapeur d'eau, et d'autre part de former des obstacles au passage des gouttelettes d'eau, et ainsi d'assurer la retenue d'une quantité importante des gouttelettes d'eau entraînées par le flux de vapeur. The retaining member 19 further comprises a central body 25 disposed in the center of the duct 21. According to the embodiment shown in Figures 4 to 1 1, the central body 25 extends along the longitudinal axis A of the conduit 21 and has a general shape of ogive. The central body 25 more particularly comprises a tubular side wall 26 comprising a first open end 26.1 facing the lower inlet opening 23 and a second end 26.2 opposite the first end 26.1, and a closure wall 30 closing the second end 26.1. end 26.2 of the tubular side wall 26. It should be noted that the central body 25 may possibly protrude beyond the upper end edge of the tubular peripheral wall 22. The retaining member 19 further comprises several elements of connecting 27 extending across the conduit 21 and connecting the tubular peripheral wall 22 and the central body 25. The connecting elements 27 and the central body 25 cover, in a projection plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A of the conduit 21 at least 60%, and preferably at least 90%, of the passage section of the conduit 21. Advantageously, the connecting elements 27 and the central body 25 are arranged in such a way that the minimum passage cross-section for the flow of the vapor flow through the duct is greater than 25 mm 2 . These different arrangements make it possible, on the one hand, to generate large pressure drops within the retaining device which favor the separation of the water droplets and the water vapor, and on the other hand to form obstacles to the passage droplets of water, and thus to ensure the retention of a large amount of water droplets entrained by the vapor stream.
Selon le mode de réalisation représenté sur les figures 4 à 1 1 , chaque élément de liaison 27 est constitué par une pale s'étendant depuis la paroi périphérique tubulaire 22 jusqu'au corps central 25. Avantageusement, les éléments de liaison 27 sont inclinés par rapport à l'axe longitudinal A du conduit 21 , et sont disposés de manière hélicoïdale dans le conduit 21 . En outre, chaque élément de liaison 27 présente une largeur qui augmente en direction de la paroi périphérique tubulaire 22. According to the embodiment shown in Figures 4 to 1 1, each connecting element 27 is constituted by a blade extending from the tubular peripheral wall 22 to the central body 25. Advantageously, the connecting elements 27 are inclined by relative to the longitudinal axis A of the duct 21, and are helically arranged in the duct 21. In addition, each connecting element 27 has a width which increases in the direction of the tubular peripheral wall 22.
Chaque élément de liaison 27 présente deux bords d'extrémité 27.1 opposés l'un à l'autre et reliés respectivement à la paroi périphérique tubulaire 22 et au corps central 25, et deux bords latéraux 27.2 opposés l'un à l'autre. Selon le mode de réalisation représenté sur les figures 4 à 1 1 , chaque bord latéral 27.2 est courbé et chaque élément de liaison 27 comporte une nervure de retenue 28 s'étendant vers le bas depuis l'un des bords latéraux respectifs. Chaque élément de liaison 27 présente ainsi une section en forme de L. Ces dispositions permettent de stopper l'écoulement des gouttelettes d'eau en bordure de chaque élément de liaison 27, et donc d'améliorer encore la retenue des gouttelettes d'eau dans le dispositif de retenue 18 selon la présente invention. Le dispositif de retenue 18 comporte de plus une partie de support 29 ménagée sur la semelle 9, et plus particulièrement sur le corps principal 1 1 . La partie de support 29 comporte une paroi de fond 29.1 et une paroi latérale 29.2 s'étendant depuis la paroi de fond 29.1 et sur laquelle est monté l'organe de retenue 19. L'organe de retenue 19 peut par exemple comporter une collerette d'appui 31 s'étendant autour d'un bord inférieur de la paroi périphérique tubulaire 22 et prenant appui sur la paroi latérale 29.2 de la partie de support 29. L'organe de retenue 19 et la partie de support 29 délimitent une chambre de vaporisation 32 disposée en amont des éléments de liaison 27 par rapport au sens d'écoulement du flux de vapeur, et plus particulièrement en dessous des éléments de liaison 27. Ainsi, les gouttelettes d'eau séparées du flux de vapeur par les éléments de liaison 27 tombent par gravité dans la chambre de vaporisation 32. Each connecting element 27 has two end edges 27.1 opposite one another and respectively connected to the tubular peripheral wall 22 and the central body 25, and two side edges 27.2 opposite one another. According to the embodiment shown in Figures 4 to 1 1, each side edge 27.2 is bent and each connecting member 27 has a retaining rib 28 extending downwardly from one of the respective side edges. Each connecting element 27 thus has an L-shaped section. These arrangements make it possible to stop the flow of the water droplets at the edge of each connecting element 27, and thus to further improve the retention of the water droplets in the retainer 18 according to the present invention. The retainer 18 further includes a support portion 29 formed on the sole 9, and more particularly on the main body January 1. The support portion 29 has a bottom wall 29.1 and a side wall 29.2 extending from the bottom wall 29.1 and on which the retaining member 19 is mounted. The retaining member 19 may for example comprise a flange. support 31 extending around a lower edge of the tubular peripheral wall 22 and bearing on the side wall 29.2 of the support portion 29. The retaining member 19 and the support portion 29 define a vaporization chamber 32 disposed upstream of the connecting elements 27 with respect to the direction of flow of the vapor stream, and more particularly below the connecting elements 27. Thus, , the water droplets separated from the vapor stream by the connecting elements 27 fall by gravity into the vaporization chamber 32.
Le dispositif de retenue 18 comporte également une entrée de vapeur 33 (voir la figure 4) ménagée dans la paroi latérale 29.2 et par laquelle le flux de vapeur entre dans la chambre de vaporisation 32. Selon le mode de réalisation représenté sur les figures 4 à 1 1 , l'entrée de vapeur 33 est en partie délimitée par le conduit 21 . The retainer 18 also has a vapor inlet 33 (see FIG. 4) in the side wall 29.2 and through which the vapor stream enters the vaporization chamber 32. According to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 1, the steam inlet 33 is partly delimited by the duct 21.
Etant donné que le corps principal 1 1 est en matériau thermiquement conducteur, une partie de la chaleur produite par le dispositif de chauffage 17 est transférée à la chambre de vaporisation 32, de telle sorte que les gouttelettes d'eau tombées par gravité dans la chambre de vaporisation 32 sont vaporisées et peuvent ainsi être entraînées en dehors de la chambre de vaporisation 29 et vers les orifices de vapeur 15 par le flux de vapeur. Since the main body 11 is made of thermally conductive material, part of the heat produced by the heating device 17 is transferred to the vaporization chamber 32, so that the water droplets fall by gravity into the chamber Spraying 32 is vaporized and can thus be driven out of the vaporization chamber 29 and to the steam ports 15 by the steam flow.
Comme montré sur les figures 4 et 5, le circuit de distribution de vapeur 16 comprend une chambre de détente 34 disposée en amont du dispositif de retenue 18 et configurée pour diminuer la vitesse d'écoulement du flux de vapeur avant que le flux de vapeur n'atteigne le dispositif de retenue 18 et plus particulièrement l'organe de retenue 19. Avantageusement, la chambre de détente 34 comprend une unique cloison de déviation 34.1 s'étendant entre l'entrée de flux de vapeur 16.1 et le dispositif de retenue 18. Le circuit de distribution de vapeur 16 comprend en outre une chambre de refoulement de vapeur 35 délimitée par la partie de recouvrement 12 et l'organe de retenue 19. La chambre de refoulement de vapeur 35 est disposée en aval de l'ouverture de sortie supérieure 24 et est reliée fluidiquement aux orifices de vapeur 15. Avantageusement, le circuit de distribution de vapeur 16 comprend de plus une pluralité de picots 40 s'étendant à proximité de l'entrée de flux de vapeur 16.1 . La présence de ces picots 40 permet d'augmenter la surface d'échange entre le flux de vapeur et le circuit de distribution de vapeur 16, et donc de favoriser la séparation des gouttelettes d'eau du flux de vapeur s'écoulant à travers le circuit de distribution de vapeur 16. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the steam distribution circuit 16 comprises an expansion chamber 34 disposed upstream of the retaining device 18 and configured to reduce the flow velocity of the vapor stream before the vapor stream flows. It reaches the retaining device 18 and more particularly the retaining member 19. Advantageously, the expansion chamber 34 comprises a single deflection wall 34.1 extending between the vapor flow inlet 16.1 and the retaining device 18. The steam distribution circuit 16 further comprises a vapor delivery chamber 35 delimited by the cover portion 12 and the retaining member 19. The vapor discharge chamber 35 is disposed downstream of the upper outlet opening 24 and is fluidly connected to the steam ports 15. Advantageously, the steam distribution circuit 16 further comprises a plurality of pins 40 extending near the flow inlet. e steam 16.1. The presence of these pins 40 makes it possible to increase the exchange surface between the vapor flow and the steam distribution circuit 16, and thus to promote the separation of the water droplets from the flow of vapor flowing through the steam distribution circuit 16.
Les figures 12 à 19 représentent un dispositif de retenue 18 selon un deuxième mode de réalisation de l'invention qui diffère du premier mode de réalisation essentiellement en ce que l'organe de retenue 19 comprend une première partie de retenue 19.1 délimitant une portion inférieure de la paroi périphérique tubulaire 22 du conduit 21 , et une deuxième partie de retenue 19.2 délimitant une portion supérieure de la paroi périphérique tubulaire 22 du conduit 21 , et en ce que les première et deuxième parties de retenue 19.1 , 19.2 sont assemblées l'une à l'autre. Figures 12 to 19 show a retaining device 18 according to a second embodiment of the invention which differs from the first embodiment essentially in that the retaining member 19 comprises a first retaining portion 19.1 delimiting a lower portion of the tubular peripheral wall 22 of the duct 21, and a second retaining portion 19.2 delimiting an upper portion of the tubular peripheral wall 22 of the duct 21, and in that the first and second retaining portions 19.1, 19.2 are assembled one to the other.
La première partie de retenue 19.1 comporte une première portion périphérique tubulaire 22.1 , une première partie de corps central 25.1 disposée au centre de la première partie de retenue 19.1 et plusieurs éléments de liaison 27 reliant la première portion périphérique tubulaire 22.1 et la première partie de corps central 25.1 , et la deuxième partie de retenue 19.2 comporte une deuxième portion périphérique tubulaire 22.2, une deuxième partie de corps central 25.2 disposée au centre de la deuxième partie de retenue 19.2 et plusieurs éléments de liaison 27 reliant la deuxième portion périphérique tubulaire 22.2 et la deuxième partie de corps central 25.2. The first retaining portion 19.1 has a first tubular peripheral portion 22.1, a first central body portion 25.1 disposed centrally of the first retaining portion 19.1 and a plurality of connecting members 27 connecting the first tubular peripheral portion 22.1 and the first body portion. 25.1, and the second retaining portion 19.2 has a second tubular peripheral portion 22.2, a second central body portion 25.2 disposed in the center of the second retaining portion 19.2 and a plurality of connecting elements 27 connecting the second tubular peripheral portion 22.2 and the second part of central body 25.2.
La première partie de corps central 25.1 comporte un élément d'assemblage mâle 36 et la deuxième partie de corps central 25.2 comporte un élément d'assemblage femelle 37 configuré pour coopérer avec l'élément d'assemblage mâle 36. L'élément d'assemblage mâle 36 peut par exemple comporter une portion d'assemblage tronconique, et l'élément d'assemblage femelle 37 peut comporter par exemple un logement d'assemblage configuré pour recevoir la portion d'assemblage tronconique. Les éléments d'assemblage mâle et femelle 36, 37 peuvent en outre être pourvus d'éléments d'indexage angulaire. The first central body portion 25.1 comprises a male connecting member 36 and the second central body portion 25.2 includes a female connecting member 37 configured to cooperate with the male connecting member 36. The connecting member male 36 may for example comprise a frustoconical assembly portion, and the female connecting member 37 may comprise for example an assembly housing configured to receive the frustoconical assembly portion. The male and female connecting elements 36, 37 may furthermore be provided with angular indexing elements.
Selon le deuxième mode de réalisation de l'invention, chaque élément de liaison 27 est également constitué par une pale, mais s'étend cependant perpendiculairement par rapport à l'axe longitudinal A du conduit 21 . De plus, selon ce mode de réalisation, l'organe de retenue 19 comporte une première série d'éléments de liaison 27 inférieurs s'étendant dans un premier plan d'extension et étant régulièrement espacés les uns des autres, et une deuxième série d'élément de liaison 27 supérieurs s'étendant dans un deuxième plan d'extension décalé longitudinalement par rapport au premier plan d'extension et étant régulièrement espacés les uns des autres, les éléments de liaison 27 inférieurs étant décalés angulairement par rapport aux éléments de liaison 27 supérieurs. According to the second embodiment of the invention, each connecting element 27 is also constituted by a blade, but nevertheless extends perpendicularly with respect to the longitudinal axis A of the conduit 21. In addition, according to this embodiment, the retaining member 19 comprises a first series of lower connecting members 27 extending in a first extension plane and being evenly spaced from each other, and a second series of upper connecting members 27 extending in a second extension plane offset longitudinally relative to the first plane of extension and being regularly spaced from each other, the lower connecting elements 27 being angularly offset relative to the upper connecting elements 27.
En outre, selon le deuxième mode de réalisation de l'invention, chaque élément de liaison 27 comporte deux nervures de retenue 28 s'étendant chacune vers le bas depuis un bord latéral 27.2 respectif. Ainsi, chaque élément de liaison 27 présente une section en forme de U. In addition, according to the second embodiment of the invention, each connecting element 27 comprises two retaining ribs 28 each extending downwardly from a respective lateral edge 27.2. Thus, each connecting element 27 has a U-shaped section.
Les figures 20 à 25 représentent un dispositif de retenue 18 selon un troisième mode de réalisation de l'invention qui diffère du premier mode de réalisation essentiellement en ce que le corps central 25 présente une forme générale de dôme et en ce que chaque élément de liaison 27 s'étend radialement depuis la paroi périphérique tubulaire 22 du conduit 21 jusqu'au corps central 25, et s'étend parallèlement à l'axe longitudinal A du conduit 21 . Figures 20 to 25 show a retaining device 18 according to a third embodiment of the invention which differs from the first embodiment essentially in that the central body 25 has a generally domed shape and in that each connecting element 27 extends radially from the tubular peripheral wall 22 of the duct 21 to the central body 25, and extends parallel to the longitudinal axis A of the duct 21.
Selon le mode de réalisation représenté sur les figures 20 à 25, l'organe de retenue 19 comporte en outre une nervure de retenue annulaire 38 s'étendant vers le bas à partir des faces inférieures des éléments de liaison 27. According to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 20 to 25, the retaining member 19 further comprises an annular retaining rib 38 extending downwards from the lower faces of the connecting elements 27.
Bien entendu, l'invention n'est nullement limitée aux modes de réalisation décrits et illustrés qui n'ont été donnés qu'à titre d'exemples. 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 described and illustrated embodiments which have been given only as examples. 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 protection of the invention.
Ainsi dans une variante de réalisation non représentée, la chambre de vaporisation située en amont de l'élément de retenue pourra être remplacée par une zone de stockage de l'eau dans laquelle une pompe pourra venir puiser pour alimenter en eau une buse de pulvérisation d'un spray portée par le fer à repasser. Thus, in an embodiment variant not shown, the vaporization chamber situated upstream of the retaining element may be replaced by a water storage zone into which a pump can come to draw water to supply a spray nozzle of water. a spray carried by the iron.

Claims

REVENDICATIONS
1. Fer à vapeur (4) comportant un circuit de distribution de vapeur (16) dans lequel est destiné à s'écouler un flux de vapeur, et un dispositif de retenue (18) disposé le long du circuit de distribution de vapeur (16) et configuré pour retenir des gouttelettes d'eau entraînées par le flux de vapeur et éventuellement vaporiser lesdites gouttelettes d'eau retenues, le dispositif de retenue (18) comprenant un organe de retenue (19) comportant : A steam iron (4) having a vapor distribution circuit (16) in which a vapor stream is to flow, and a retaining device (18) disposed along the vapor distribution circuit (16). and configured to retain water droplets entrained by the vapor stream and optionally vaporize said retained water droplets, the retainer (18) comprising a retainer (19) comprising:
- un conduit (21 ) comprenant une paroi périphérique tubulaire (22) et présentant un axe longitudinal (A), la paroi périphérique tubulaire (22) comportant une ouverture d'entrée inférieure (23) par laquelle le flux de vapeur pénètre dans le conduit (21 ) et une ouverture de sortie supérieure (24) par laquelle le flux de vapeur sort du conduit (21 ), a duct (21) comprising a tubular peripheral wall (22) and having a longitudinal axis (A), the tubular peripheral wall (22) having a lower inlet opening (23) through which the flow of vapor enters the duct; (21) and an upper outlet opening (24) through which the vapor flow exits the conduit (21),
- un corps central (25) disposé au centre du conduit (21 ), et - plusieurs éléments de liaison (27) s'étendant en travers du conduit (21 ), chacun des éléments de liaison (27) s'étendant depuis la paroi périphérique tubulaire (22) jusqu'au corps central (25), les éléments de liaison (27) et le corps central (25) recouvrant, dans un plan de projection perpendiculaire à l'axe longitudinal (A) du conduit (21 ), au moins 60%, et de préférence au moins 90%, de la section de passage du conduit (21 ). - a central body (25) disposed in the center of the duct (21), and - a plurality of connecting elements (27) extending across the duct (21), each of the connecting elements (27) extending from the wall tubular peripheral (22) to the central body (25), the connecting elements (27) and the central body (25) covering, in a plane of projection perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (A) of the duct (21), at least 60%, and preferably at least 90%, of the passage section of the conduit (21).
2. Fer à vapeur (4) selon la revendication 1 , caractérisé en ce qu'il comporte une plaque de repassage (13) comprenant une surface de repassage sensiblement plane et en ce que l'axe longitudinal du conduit (21 ) s'étend perpendiculairement au plan de la surface de repassage. 2. Steam iron (4) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises an ironing plate (13) comprising a substantially flat ironing surface and in that the longitudinal axis of the duct (21) extends perpendicular to the plane of the ironing surface.
3. Fer à vapeur (4) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 2, lequel comprend une semelle (9) et dans lequel le dispositif de retenue (18) comporte une partie de support (29) prévue sur la semelle (9) et sur laquelle est monté l'organe de retenue (18), l'organe de retenue (18) et la partie de support (29) délimitant une chambre de vaporisation (32) disposée en amont des éléments de liaison (27) par rapport au sens d'écoulement du flux de vapeur. 3. Steam iron (4) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, which comprises a sole (9) and wherein the retaining device (18) comprises a support portion (29) provided on the sole (9). ) and on which is mounted the retaining member (18), the retaining member (18) and the supporting portion (29) delimiting a vaporization chamber (32) arranged upstream of the connecting elements (27) by ratio to the direction of flow of the vapor stream.
4. Fer à vapeur (4) selon la revendication 3, dans lequel le dispositif de retenue (18) comporte une entrée de vapeur (33) débouchant dans la chambre de vaporisation (32) et par laquelle le flux de vapeur entre dans la chambre de vaporisation (32). 4. Steam iron (4) according to claim 3, wherein the retaining device (18) comprises a steam inlet (33) opening into the vaporization chamber (32) and through which the flow of steam enters the chamber spraying (32).
5. Fer à vapeur (4) selon la revendication 3 ou 4, dans lequel la partie de support (29) comporte une paroi de fond (29.1 ) et une paroi latérale (29.2) s'étendant depuis la paroi de fond (29.1 ) et sur laquelle est monté l'organe de retenue (19). 5. Steam iron (4) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the support portion (29) has a bottom wall (29.1) and a side wall (29.2) extending from the bottom wall (29.1). and on which is mounted the retaining member (19).
6. Fer à vapeur (4) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 5, lequel comporte une partie de recouvrement (12) délimitant au moins en partie le circuit de distribution de vapeur (16) et recouvrant l'organe de retenue (19). 6. Steam iron (4) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, which comprises a covering portion (12) defining at least partly the steam distribution circuit (16) and covering the retaining member ( 19).
7. Fer à vapeur (4) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 6, dans lequel les éléments de liaison (27) et le corps central (25) sont agencés de telle sorte que la section de passage minimale pour l'écoulement du flux de vapeur au travers du conduit (21 ) est supérieure à 25 mm2. A steam iron (4) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the connecting elements (27) and the central body (25) are arranged such that the minimum flow cross-section for the flow the flow of steam through the conduit (21) is greater than 25 mm 2 .
8. Fer à vapeur (4) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 7, dans lequel l'organe de retenue (19) est en matière plastique. 8. Steam iron (4) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the retaining member (19) is plastic.
9. Fer à vapeur (4) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 8, dans lequel les éléments de liaison (27) sont constitués par des pales. 9. Steam iron (4) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the connecting elements (27) are constituted by blades.
10. Fer à vapeur (4) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 9, dans lequel les éléments de liaison (27) sont disposés de manière hélicoïdale dans le conduit. 10. Steam iron (4) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the connecting elements (27) are helically arranged in the conduit.
11. Fer à vapeur (4) selon la revendication 9 ou 10, dans lequel chacun des éléments de liaison (27) présente deux bords d'extrémité (27.1 ) opposés l'un à l'autre et reliés respectivement à la paroi périphérique tubulaire (22) et au corps central (25), et deux bords latéraux (27.2) opposés l'un à l'autre, chacun des éléments de liaison (27) comportant au moins une nervure de retenue (28) s'étendant vers le bas depuis un bord latéral (27.2) respectif. 11. Steam iron (4) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein each of the connecting elements (27) has two end edges (27.1) opposite to each other and respectively connected to the tubular peripheral wall. (22) and to the central body (25), and two side edges (27.2) opposite each other, each of the connecting elements (27) having at least one retaining rib (28) extending towards the down from a respective lateral edge (27.2).
12. Fer à vapeur (4) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 1 1 , dans lequel chacun des éléments de liaison (27) s'étend radialement depuis la paroi périphérique tubulaire du conduit jusqu'au corps central . 12. Steam iron (4) according to any one of claims 1 to 1 1, wherein each of the connecting elements (27) extends radially from the tubular peripheral wall of the conduit to the central body.
13. Fer à vapeur (4) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 12, dans lequel le corps central (25) présente une forme générale d'ogive ou une forme général de dôme. 13. Steam iron (4) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the central body (25) has a general shape of ogive or a general shape of dome.
14. Fer à vapeur (4) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 13, dans lequel le circuit de distribution de vapeur (16) comprend en outre une chambre de détente (34) disposée en amont du dispositif de retenue (18) et configurée pour diminuer la vitesse d'écoulement du flux de vapeur avant que le flux de vapeur n'atteigne le dispositif de retenue (18). 14. Steam iron (4) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the steam distribution circuit (16) further comprises an expansion chamber (34) arranged upstream of the retaining device (18) and configured to decrease the flow velocity of the vapor stream before the vapor stream reaches the retainer (18).
15. Appareil de repassage (2) comprenant un fer à vapeur (4) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 14, un générateur de vapeur (6) et un conduit d'acheminement de vapeur (5) reliant le générateur de vapeur (6) au fer à vapeur (4) et destiné à alimenter le fer à vapeur (4) en vapeur. Ironing apparatus (2) comprising a steam iron (4) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, a steam generator (6) and a steam conduit (5) connecting the steam generator. (6) steam iron (4) for supplying the steam iron (4) with steam.
PCT/FR2017/051809 2016-07-07 2017-07-03 Steam iron comprising a water droplet retention device WO2018007746A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP17745823.9A EP3481991B1 (en) 2016-07-07 2017-07-03 Steam iron with water drops retaining device

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR1656546 2016-07-07
FR1656546A FR3053705B1 (en) 2016-07-07 2016-07-07 STEAM IRON HAVING A WATER DROPLELET RETENTION DEVICE

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WO2018007746A1 true WO2018007746A1 (en) 2018-01-11

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PCT/FR2017/051809 WO2018007746A1 (en) 2016-07-07 2017-07-03 Steam iron comprising a water droplet retention device

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CN (2) CN207646490U (en)
FR (1) FR3053705B1 (en)
WO (1) WO2018007746A1 (en)

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FR3053705B1 (en) * 2016-07-07 2018-07-06 Seb S.A. STEAM IRON HAVING A WATER DROPLELET RETENTION DEVICE

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WO2023227618A1 (en) * 2022-05-25 2023-11-30 Versuni Holding B.V. Steam generator comprising an adapted steaming surface

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Publication number Publication date
EP3481991A1 (en) 2019-05-15
CN207646490U (en) 2018-07-24
CN107587335A (en) 2018-01-16
FR3053705B1 (en) 2018-07-06
FR3053705A1 (en) 2018-01-12
CN107587335B (en) 2020-09-18
EP3481991B1 (en) 2020-08-05

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