Household appliances that produce steam

Abstract

The present invention relates to a household appliance for generating steam, comprising: a boiler (10), a heating member (20) of the boiler (10), a supply member (30) for supplying water to the boiler (10), and a scale collecting device arranged in the boiler (10) and comprising at least one upper edge (41, 42), characterized in that the household appliance for generating steam comprises a water level measuring member (50), the water level measuring member (50) being connected to the supply member (30) so as to maintain the water level in the boiler (10) at a predetermined water level (NP), the predetermined water level being sufficient to allow scale particles (80) contained in the water to pass over the at least one upper edge (41, 42) and thereby enter the scale collecting device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a steam ironing household appliance having a water tank in which water boils, and more particularly to a household appliance equipped with a member for removing scale formed in the water tank. Background Art

[0002] Documents US-B1-6427637 and WO 00 / 17575 A disclose similar household appliances.

[0003] In these appliances where water boils a lot, scale or calcium carbonate settles in the water tank in the form of sludge and fine flakes. When the amount of sludge and fine flakes becomes large, foam forms under the action of steam bubbles, and the foam can then be carried out of the water tank. For example, in the case of ironing appliances, the entrained scale can clog the control electric valve or settle on the clothes, leaving unpleasant marks.

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to regularly remove the scale accumulated in the sink to avoid these disadvantages. For example, it is recommended to clean the ironing utensils used normally every ten times.

[0005] From document EP2047174 (A2) filed by the applicant, it is known to propose a household appliance having a sink in which water boils and comprising a detachable device which enables the scale formed by the boiling of water in the sink to be easily removed.

[0006] However, the collection efficiency can be further improved and the object of the present invention is to address the disadvantages of the above-mentioned prior art documents and in particular to provide a household appliance which allows more efficient scale collection without compromising the ease of use of the appliance. Summary of the invention

[0007] To this end, a first aspect of the present invention relates to a household appliance for generating steam, and in particular to a steam ironing appliance having a steam main unit, which supplies steam to an ironing tool such as an iron or an ironing brush, comprising:

[0008] - a boiler arranged to contain the water to be evaporated,

[0009] - a heating member of the boiler, which is arranged to heat and evaporate the water contained in the boiler,

[0010] - supply means for supplying water to the boiler, arranged to inject water into the boiler,

[0011] - a scale collecting device arranged in the boiler and comprising at least one upper edge arranged at an elevated position relative to the boiler bottom,

[0012] Characterized in that the appliance comprises a water level measuring member connected to the supply member so as to maintain the water level in the boiler at a predetermined water level, which is at approximately the same height as an upper edge of a scale collection device in the boiler, the upper edge preferably being slightly submerged or flush with the surface of the water to allow scale particles contained in the water to pass over at least one upper edge and enter the scale collection device.

[0013] According to the above embodiment, a predetermined (or reference) water level is set and maintained in the boiler or heating water tank. The predetermined or reference level is selected by taking into account the height of the upper edge of the scale collecting device in the boiler. In particular, the predetermined water level is selected so that scale that is tumbling (barboter) in the boiling water passes over the upper edge by eddies (generated by steam bubbles and / or convection) to then enter the scale collecting device. In particular, it should be understood that the predetermined water level and the upper edge are at approximately the same height in the boiler. Preferably, the upper edge will be slightly submerged (e.g., one or two millimeters below the water surface) or flush with the surface of the water.

[0014] Advantageously, the scale collecting means comprises a scale collector which is detachably arranged from the boiler. This allows the user to remove scale without having to drain the boiler and without having to add anti-scaling products.

[0015] Advantageously:

[0016] -The scale collector has an elongated groove shape,

[0017] - The boiler comprises a hole for inserting the scale collector into the boiler, and a reversible fastening member, such as a thread or a quarter turn, to allow assembly / disassembly of the scale collector. Such an elongated scale collector allows scale to be recovered over the entire usable size (depth or diameter) of the boiler.

[0018] Advantageously, the scale collecting device comprises a separation member arranged in the boiler between at least a portion of the heating member and the predetermined water level, so as to block the passage of steam bubbles and / or convection currents and thus define a stationary water area in the boiler at the water level of the scale collecting device. In particular, the separation member is a metal sheet, which forms a guide plate. Such a guide plate defines a stationary water area in the boiler (opposite to the rest of the water agitated by the bubbles / convection currents), facilitating the recovery of scale (by gravity, sedimentation, progressive movement towards the scale collector).

[0019] Preferably, the separation member forms an inclined wall extending from the boundary of the still water area / agitated water area at its upper part to its lower part adjacent to the scale collector. The separation member may be similar to a funnel, which guides the scale to the scale collector. In fact, two inclined plates may be provided on both sides of the scale collector, forming a V-shape.

[0020] Advantageously, the separating member comprises said at least one upper edge.

[0021] Advantageously, the household appliance generating steam comprises a steam outlet valve and a protective wall arranged between the steam outlet valve and a predetermined water level. Such a protective wall (located above the surface of the water) protects the outlet valve by forming a barrier to water droplets splashed by boiling and any scale particles present in the water of the boiler.

[0022] Advantageously, the protective wall is integrated with the separating member. This limits the number of parts to be fastened in the boiler. In particular, a plate may be provided having a first portion with a horizontal edge which is completely submerged or at the surface of the water (at a predetermined water level) and a second portion which is partially submerged and extends above the predetermined water level to facilitate passage between the surface of the water and the steam outlet valve.

[0023] Advantageously, the at least one upper edge is arranged at or below a predetermined water level.

[0024] Advantageously, the water level measuring member comprises a capacitive sensor. Typically, such a capacitive sensor has an electrode at its lower end, and the lower end of the sensor is arranged at substantially the same height as the upper edge. In detail, such a capacitive sensor can conduct a low-intensity current between the electrode at the end of the sensor and the boiler wall when the water level contacts it.

[0025] The end of the sensor is preferably positioned perpendicular to the baffle area and as close to the center of the boiler as possible.

[0026] Advantageously, the water level measuring member is arranged in a central part of the boiler, which central part preferably has a radius of less than 5 cm. Such an arrangement allows limiting variations in the filling water level, even if the user does not place the appliance on a horizontal stand.

[0027] Advantageously, the water level measuring member is offset from the scale trap. According to this embodiment, the water level sensor is offset from the scale trap, thereby avoiding any interference between these elements during installation / removal of the scale trap.

[0028] Advantageously, the domestic appliance for generating steam comprises a water tank connected to the supply means.

[0029] Advantageously, the supply means comprises a pump.

[0030] Advantageously, the steam generating household appliance comprises a control unit connected to the water level measuring means and to the supply means. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] Figure 1 A view showing a steam generating appliance according to the invention;

[0032] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 A perspective view of a boiler of a steam generating apparatus;

[0033] Figure 3 Shows Figure 2 An exploded perspective view of the boiler in FIG.

[0034] Figure 4 Shows Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a boiler in FIG.

[0035] Figure 5 Shows Figure 2 Another cross-sectional view of the boiler in FIG.

[0036] Figure 6 Shows when the steam generating appliance is in use Figure 5 Details in. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] refer to Figure 1 , Figure 1 A perspective view of a steam generating appliance according to the present invention is shown, with dashed lines showing a steam generating boiler 10 (which will be described in detail in the following figures), a pump 31 for supplying water to the boiler 10, and a water tank 32 connected to the pump 31. Typically, Figure 1 The appliance in the iron is a steam main unit, which supplies steam to the iron via a cord connecting the steam main unit to the iron.

[0038] Figure 2 There is shown a boiler 10, ie a heating water tank, comprising a lower tank 11 and an upper tank 12. Typically, the boiler 10 is made of sheet metal, preferably a heat and corrosion resistant material, ie painted steel, stainless steel or aluminium.

[0039] The boiler 10 is equipped with a heating member 20, which is a resistor attached to the lower surface of the boiler 10. A circular or U-shaped resistor path may be provided, and an intermediate furnace may also be provided between the boiler 10 and the heating member 20 to distribute heat well.

[0040] A steam discharge valve 60 is also provided at the upper portion of the boiler 10, and a filter 61 is arranged in the boiler 10, for example Figure 3 The supply means 30 is connected to the boiler 10 to inject water therein, and generally comprises a connection to Figure 1 Finally, a water level measuring member 50 is provided near the center of the boiler 10 .

[0041] like Figure 6As shown, the boiler 10 can be filled with water 70 to be evaporated at a predetermined water level NP, which is measured by a water level measuring member 50, here a capacitive sensor, having a measuring end located at the predetermined water level NP. The positioning of the water level measuring member 50 in the center of the boiler 10 allows to ensure a substantially constant filling level, even if the appliance is not perfectly horizontal.

[0042] A scale collection device is also provided, in particular Figures 3 to 6 The scale collector 43 shown in Figure 1 is removable relative to the boiler 10 by means of a knurled knob 44 screwed onto the sleeve of the water supply member. The scale collector 43 is groove-shaped and extends along the entire length of the boiler 10, i.e. over most of its diameter. The user can remove the scale collector 43 by actuating the knurled knob 44 (a threaded connection, a bayonet connection, a quarter turn, etc. may be provided). It should be noted that the capacitive sensor forming an integral part of the water level measurement member 50 is offset relative to the scale collector 43, thus avoiding any interference between these components, even if the user does not align the scale collector 43 exactly with its intended position.

[0043] Furthermore, the boiler 10 also comprises a guide plate 40 which forms a separation element in the boiler 10 to define a still water zone ZEC in the liquid portion above the separation element.

[0044] Specifically, refer to Figure 6 , Figure 6 Showing a detail of the boiler 10 during steam generation, the guide plate 40 is an inclined plate, the upper edge 42 of which is placed at approximately the same height as the predetermined water level NP. Thus, the separation member is located between the heating member and the water 70 located in the upper center of the boiler 10. This area above the guide plate 40 is a still water area ZEC, in contrast to the peripheral areas of the surface vortices caused by air bubbles and convection in the agitated water area ZEA.

[0045] Figure 6 It is shown that scale particles 80 (illustrated as stars) are carried to the surface by steam bubbles and convection. These scale particles 80 "tumble" to the surface and are eventually pushed by eddies from the agitated water area ZEA to the still water area ZEC over the upper edge 42. These scale particles 80 can then fall back under the effect of gravity and will be guided along the slope of the inclined plates of the guide plate 40 and brought directly to the scale collector 43. Therefore, the upper edge of the separation member is flush or substantially below the surface, allowing for efficient collection of scale particles 80.

[0046] exist Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5In the drawing, it can be seen that the separating member formed by the guide plate 40 is essentially a V-shaped metal sheet converging towards the scale collector 43. The guide plate 40 comprises two essentially horizontal edges 41, 42 on both sides of the scale collector 43, which allows a large number of scale particles 80 to be guided.

[0047] Furthermore, the guide plate 40 comprises a portion of a metal sheet which rises above the predetermined water level NP, below the filter 61 of the steam outlet valve 60. This guide plate portion forms a protective wall or baffle for water droplets or scale particles which will splash from the boiling surface of the water 70 to the filter 61 of the steam outlet valve 60. Thus, this baffle portion prevents water or impurities from being carried away by the steam, which improves the overall quality of the appliance.

[0048] Furthermore, it should be noted that the cold water supply is mounted to open into the liquid water zone perpendicular to the scale collector 43: in this way, upon entering the boiler, the finest scale particles produced during the thermal shock associated with the heating of the water are located in the collection zone and are more easily captured.

Claims

1. A household appliance for generating steam, comprising a steam main unit, wherein the steam main unit supplies steam to an ironing tool, the household appliance for generating steam comprising: - a boiler (10) arranged to contain the water to be evaporated, - a heating member (20) of the boiler (10), arranged to heat and evaporate water contained in the boiler (10), - supply means (30) for supplying water to the boiler (10), arranged to inject water into the boiler (10), - a scale collecting device arranged in the boiler (10) and comprising at least one upper edge (41, 42) arranged at a height relative to the bottom of the boiler (10), Characterized in that the steam generating household appliance comprises a water level measuring member (50), the water level measuring member (50) being connected to the supply member (30) so as to maintain the water level in the boiler (10) at a predetermined water level (NP), the predetermined water level being at the same height as the at least one upper edge (41, 42) of the scale collecting device in the boiler (10), the at least one upper edge (41, 42) being slightly submerged or flush with the surface of the water so as to allow scale particles (80) contained in the water to pass over the at least one upper edge (41, 42) and thereby enter the scale collecting device.

2. The household appliance for generating steam according to claim 1, characterized in that: The scale collecting device comprises a scale collector (43) detachably arranged from the boiler (10).

3. The household appliance for generating steam according to claim 2, characterized in that: - the scale collector (43) has an elongated groove shape, - The boiler (10) comprises a hole for inserting the scale collector (43) into the boiler (10), and a reversible fastening member to allow assembly / disassembly of the scale collector (43).

4. The household appliance for generating steam according to claim 3, characterized in that: The fastening member is a thread.

5. The household appliance for generating steam according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The scale collecting device comprises a separation member arranged in the boiler (10) between at least a portion of the heating member (20) and the predetermined water level (NP) so as to block the passage of steam bubbles and / or convection, and thus the water level of the scale collecting device defines a stagnant water area in the boiler (10).

6. The household appliance for generating steam according to claim 5, characterized in that: The separating member comprises the at least one upper edge (41, 42).

7. The household appliance for generating steam according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The steam generating household appliance comprises a steam discharge valve (60) and a protective wall arranged between the steam discharge valve (60) and the predetermined water level (NP).

8. The household appliance for generating steam according to claim 5, characterized in that: The steam generating household appliance comprises a steam discharge valve (60) and a protection wall arranged between the steam discharge valve (60) and the predetermined water level (NP), the protection wall being integrated with the separation member.

9. The household appliance for generating steam according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The at least one upper edge (41, 42) is arranged at or below a predetermined water level (NP).

10. The household appliance for generating steam according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The water level measuring member (50) comprises a capacitive sensor.

11. The household appliance for generating steam according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The water level measuring member (50) is arranged at a central portion of the boiler (10).

12. The household appliance for generating steam according to claim 11, characterized in that: The central portion has a radius of less than 5 cm.

13. The household appliance for generating steam according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that: The water level measuring member (50) is offset from the scale collector (43).

14. The household appliance for generating steam according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The steam generating household appliance comprises a water tank (32) connected to the supply member (30).

15. The household appliance for generating steam according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The supply member (30) comprises a pump (31).

16. The household appliance for generating steam according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The steam generating household appliance comprises a control unit connected to the water level measuring member (50) and the supply member (30).

17. The household appliance for generating steam according to claim 16, characterized in that: The household appliance that generates steam forms a steam host.

18. The household appliance for generating steam according to claim 17, characterized in that: The steam generating household appliance comprises a steam iron and / or a steam cleaning broom.

19. The household appliance for generating steam according to claim 1, characterized in that: The household appliance generating steam is a steam ironing appliance, and the ironing tool is an iron or an ironing brush.

Images