Ironing apparatus

Abstract

An ironing apparatus (10) comprises at least one steam generation unit (11) provided with a tank (13) having an outlet aperture (15), a first pump (20) connected to the outlet aperture (15) by means of a first duct (21), a second pump (25) connected to the outlet aperture (15) by means of a second duct (23) and a compensation member (31) configured to damp pressure waves which, during use, propagate at least in one of either the first (21) or the second duct (23).

Description

FIELD OF APPLICATION

[0001] The present invention refers to an ironing apparatus, for example of an industrial or professional type, suitable for delivering a selectively variable high steam flow rate.BACKGROUND ART

[0002] In the field of industrial or professional ironing, but not only, the growing demand for irons capable of delivering a selectively variable high steam flow rate by a user is known.

[0003] A known solution consists in providing the iron with two pumps, both having the suction connected to a single tube exiting from a tank and the delivery connected to respective steam generation means in turn connected, or integrated, to the iron.

[0004] In particular, in this known solution a first pump provides the steam flow rate delivered under normal conditions of use of the iron and a second pump provides, at the request of the user, an "extra" steam flow rate, to be added to the flow rate delivered by the first pump when required.

[0005] This solution, although capable of increasing the steam flow rate that can be delivered from the iron, has some drawbacks.

[0006] In particular, when the first pump is in operation and the second pump is switched off, the pressure waves generated by the first pump in operation propagate in the water already present in the hydraulic circuit, until they also reach the suction of the second pump.

[0007] This effect, known in the sector as "water hammer", results in the water pressure being increased at the suction of the second pump so that the water present in the hydraulic circuit manages to pass beyond the second pump and exit therefrom reaching also the iron, thus causing an undesired loss of water from the latter.

[0008] A known solution, which attempts to overcome this drawback, envisages installing at the suction of the second pump, a rigid box having an internal section much greater than that of the ducts of the hydraulic circuit.

[0009] Although effective, this solution is cumbersome and particularly expensive, complicating the realization and the assembly of the ironing apparatus.

[0010] Document WO 00 / 29787 A1 discloses an ironing apparatus comprising a steam iron connected by a cord to a tank, where it is provided a first pump that supplies water from the tank along a first conduit connected to the cord along which there is arranged a boiler and a second pump that supplies water from the tank directly to the cord.

[0011] There is therefore a need to improve an ironing apparatus which can overcome the drawbacks of the prior art.

[0012] In particular, an object of the present invention is to realize an ironing apparatus that allows to selectively deliver a high amount of water steam.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to realize an ironing apparatus that is inexpensive, simple and easy to realize and reliable.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to realize an ironing apparatus that has a reduced, or even zero, probability of failure of the hydraulic circuit.

[0015] Another object of the present invention is to realize an ironing apparatus that is compact and has reduced overall dimensions.

[0016] In order to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art, and to obtain the above as well as further objects and benefits, the Applicant has studied, experimented and realized the present invention.DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0017] The present invention is expressed and characterized in the independent claim. The dependent claims show other features of the present invention or variants of the main solution proposed.

[0018] In accordance with said objects an ironing apparatus according to the present invention comprises at least one steam generation unit provided with a tank having an outlet aperture, a first pump connected to said outlet aperture by means of a first duct, a second pump connected to said outlet aperture by means of a second duct and at least one compensation member configured to damp the pressure waves which, during use, propagate in at least one of either said first or said second duct.

[0019] In the case of an ironing apparatus having a first pump which has the function of supplying the steam under normal use conditions and a second pump which has the function of supplying an additional steam amount, the compensation member is preferably connected upstream of the secondary pump.

[0020] In accordance with the present invention said compensation member comprises at least one tube partly filled with air interposed between said outlet aperture and said second pump and comprising a first end fluidically connected to said second duct and a second end fluidically closed.

[0021] In accordance with the present invention, at the aforesaid first end the compensation member comprises a connection segment which develop in a transverse direction with respect to the rest of said tube, which is provided with two apertures configured to be connected to said second duct.

[0022] In this way, the tube of the compensation member can advantageously have a "T" or "Y" shape.

[0023] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, said second end of said tube comprises a closing portion which extends in a single body with the rest of said first tube.

[0024] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, said second end of said tube is open and said compensation member further comprises a closing element autonomous with respect to said first tube and inserted in said second end in order to close it fluidically.

[0025] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, said heat generation unit comprises a body which contains at least said first pump, said second pump, said first duct and said second duct.

[0026] According to embodiments, said closing element may be defined by a protuberance that extends from said body. In this way it is possible to constrain the compensation member in a stable position.

[0027] According to possible embodiment variants, it can also be provided that the second end of the tube of the compensation member is fluidically closed and there is an open cavity suitable to engage with a constraining element that can also be defined by a protuberance protruding from the body or from another component.

[0028] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, said second end of said tube is disposed at a greater height than said first end of said tube.

[0029] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, said tube is made of a material selected from a group that comprises: elastomeric materials and silicone.

[0030] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the ratio between the internal diameter of the aforesaid first or second duct and the internal diameter of the aforesaid tube is comprised between about 0.8 and about 1.2. In addition, the distance which separates the aforesaid first end from the aforesaid second end is comprised between about 80 mm and about 120 mm.

[0031] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, said ironing apparatus comprises two compensation members, each disposed upstream of a respective pump and configured to damp pressure waves which, during use, propagate in the respective duct to which they are connected.

[0032] The two compensation members may have a conformation that is similar to each other, or even slightly different.

[0033] According to embodiments, the second compensation member also comprises a tube, partially filled with air, interposed between said outlet aperture and the aforesaid first pump, having a first end fluidically connected to said first duct and a second end fluidically closed.

[0034] In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, the ironing apparatus also comprises an iron provided with an evaporation chamber and a boiler fluidically connected to said evaporation chamber, which form part of said steam generation unit. Furthermore, the delivery of said first pump is fluidically connected to said boiler and the delivery of said second pump is fluidically connected to said evaporation chamber.ILLUSTRATION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] These and other aspects, features and advantages of the present invention will become clear from the following disclosure of some embodiments, provided by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figures 1, 2 and 3 are schematic views of three respective embodiments of an ironing apparatus according to the present invention; Figures 4 and 5 are schematic sectional views of a part of the ironing apparatus according with the present invention.

[0036] It should be noted that, in the present disclosure, the phraseology and terminology used, as well as the figures in the accompanying drawings, even as disclosed, have the sole purpose of illustrating and explaining the present invention, since their function is illustrative and not limited to the invention itself, the scope of protection thereof being defined by the claims.

[0037] To facilitate understanding, identical reference numbers have been used, where possible, to identify identical common elements in the figures. It should be noted that elements and features of an embodiment can be conveniently combined or incorporated into other embodiments without further clarification.DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENT OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0038] With reference to Figures 1, 2 and 3, an ironing apparatus 10 according to the present invention comprises an iron 30 and a steam generation unit 11 provided with a body 12 containing a tank 13 and a boiler 14 of a per se known type.

[0039] The tank 13 has an outlet aperture 15 to which an outlet duct 16 is fluidically connected which, downstream of the outlet aperture 15, split in two forming two branches 18, 19.

[0040] A first duct 21 in turn connected to the suction side of a first pump 20 whose delivery is connected to the boiler 14 is fluidically connected to a first branch 18.

[0041] Said first pump 20 is configured to feed water to the boiler 14, in which it is heated to produce steam. Said boiler 14 is connected to said iron 30, preferably to an evaporation chamber 27 or to a vaporization chamber disposed above the plate 28 of the iron 30.

[0042] A second duct 23 in turn connected to the suction side of a second pump 25 whose delivery is directly connected to said evaporation chamber 27 is fluidically connected to the second branch 19.

[0043] According to embodiments, at least the first pump 20 and preferably both of the two pumps 20, 25 are vibration pumps or solenoid pumps, provided with a movable piston 22. By way of example, said pumps 20, 25 may have a working pressure comprised between 1 and 30 bar and a flow rate comprised between 50 and 1000 g / min.

[0044] Furthermore, along the first 21 and the second duct 23 there might be provided one or more non-return valves 26 configured to allow the transit of the water coming from the tank 13 towards the boiler 14 or respectively towards the evaporation chamber 27 upon reaching a certain pressure, and prevent the transit thereof in the opposite direction.

[0045] According to embodiments, there is provided at least one non-return valve 26 disposed downstream of a respective pump 20, 25.

[0046] According to further variants, the non-return valves 26 can be directly integrated inside each pump 20, 25.

[0047] In accordance with the present invention, said apparatus 10 also comprises at least one compensation member 31 configured to damp pressure waves which, during use, propagate in at least one of either the first duct 21 or the second duct 23.

[0048] In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, the compensation member 31 is in particular configured to damp pressure waves in the second duct 23, i.e. in the duct upstream of the second pump 25.

[0049] According to this embodiment, the first pump 20 has the function of supplying the boiler 14 and the iron 30 with the water necessary to generate the steam necessary during normal ironing operations, while the second pump 25 can be selectively operated when an "extra" amount or flow rate of steam is requested and is therefore normally inactive so that it is more affected by the pressure waves generated by the operation of the first pump 20.

[0050] In some embodiments, one of which is depicted in Figure 2, said apparatus 10 comprises two compensation members 31, each configured to damp pressure waves which, during use, propagate respectively in the first duct 21 and in the second duct 23.

[0051] According to further embodiments, one of which is depicted in Figure 3, said apparatus 10 comprises a single compensation member 31, disposed along the outlet duct 16, upstream of the first 21 and of the second duct 23, configured to damp the pressure waves which, during use, propagate both in the first duct 21 and in the second duct 23.

[0052] According to further variants, not illustrated, there may be a compensation member 31 for each duct 16, 21, 23, or even two compensation members 31, of which one disposed along the outlet duct 16 and another disposed along one between the first 21 and the second duct 23.

[0053] Each of said compensation members 31 respectively comprises at least one tube 32 partially filled with air and interposed between the outlet aperture 15 of the tank 13 and the respective first pump 20 and / or second pump 25.

[0054] Each tube 32 comprises a first end 33 fluidically connected to the respective duct 16, 21, 23 and a second end 35 fluidically closed.

[0055] In a first embodiment of said apparatus 10, the first end 33 of the tube 32 is fluidically connected to the second duct 23 (fig. 1).

[0056] In the embodiment of fig. 2 in which two compensation members 31 are present, the first end 33 of a tube 32 is fluidically connected to the first duct 21 and the first end 33 of another tube 32 is fluidically connected to the second duct 23 (fig. 2).

[0057] In the embodiment in which there is a single compensation member 31 configured to damp the pressure waves which, during use, propagate in the first duct 21 and in the second duct 23 the first end 33 of a tube 32 is fluidically connected to the outlet duct 16 (fig. 3).

[0058] In an embodiment of the compensation member 31, the second end 35 of the tube 32 comprises a closing portion 36, like in Figure 4, which extends in a single body with the rest of the tube body 32 to completely close the cross-section thereof at the second end 35.

[0059] In accordance with another embodiment of the compensation member 31, schematically depicted in Figure 5, the second end 35 of the tube 32 is open and the compensation member 31 further comprises a closing element 37 autonomous with respect to the tube 32 and configured to cap the second end 35.

[0060] In this example, the closing element 37 comprises a protuberance, for example with a substantially frusto-conical shape, which extends in a single body from the body 12 of the steam generation unit 11. This allows the tube 32 and therefore the compensation member 31 to be constrained to keep it stably, during use, in a defined position.

[0061] In another example, not depicted in the figures, the closing element 37 may extend from any other component inside the steam generation unit 11.

[0062] According to possible embodiment variants, not illustrated, it can also be provided that the second end 35 of the tube 32 of one or of each compensation member 31 is fluidically closed and there is an open cavity suitable to engage with a constraining element that can also be defined by a protuberance protruding from the body or from another component.

[0063] This is in order to ensure that the tube 32 is always fluidically closed at the second end 35 but at the same time to allow it to be constrained to the body 12 or other component to keep it in a stable position.

[0064] Each tube 32 is preferably facing upwards, i.e. the second end 35 thereof is at a greater height than the first end 33 so as to force the air already present in the tube 32 to stay at the top thereof.

[0065] According to embodiments, during use, the tube 32 can be disposed substantially vertical, or inclined by an angle comprised between 0° and 90° with respect to a horizontal plane, such that the second end 35 remains at a greater height than the first end 33.

[0066] This leads to the formation of an air buffer inside the tube 32 which is then compressible by the water in transit in the duct 16, 21, 23 to which the tube 32 is associated.

[0067] Such a buffer is suitable for absorbing a large part of the pressure waves which propagate in the hydraulic circuit when the first pump 20 is in operation and the second pump 25 is deactivated, thus allowing the problem of water hammer and water losses to be avoided.

[0068] Preferably, the tube 32 is made of a material selected from a group comprising: rubber and silicone. This makes it particularly easy to install, inexpensive to produce and little cumbersome. Moreover, being made of a flexible material, it can also be easily inserted inside the bodies 12 of already existing ironing apparatus 10.

[0069] According to embodiments, the compensation member 31 is substantially "T"- or "Y"-shaped.

[0070] At the first end 33 the tube 32 has a connection segment 38 that develops in a transverse direction with respect to a longitudinal axis X of the tube 32 between its first end 33 and its second end 35.

[0071] Said connection segment 38 is furthermore provided with two apertures 40, 41 configured to be connected to the outlet duct 16 and / or to the first duct 21 and / or to the second duct 23, provided with respective connection fittings.

[0072] According to embodiments, said connection segment 38 is substantially straight and the two apertures 40, 41 are substantially coaxial.

[0073] According to other variants, not illustrated, said connection segment 38 can have a "V" shape, in which the apex is placed at the first end 33.

[0074] The ratio between the internal diameter D1 of the tube 22 and the internal diameter D2 of the duct 16, 21, 23 to which it is connected is preferably comprised between about 0.8 and about 1.2.

[0075] Furthermore, the distance H that separates the first end 33 from the second end 35 of the tube 32 is comprised between about 10 mm and 300 mm, preferably between 50 mm and 250 mm, even more preferably between 80 mm and 120 mm.

[0076] According to embodiments, the length L of the cross section between the two apertures 40, 41 is comprised between about 20 mm and 500 mm, preferably between 50 mm and 400 mm, even more preferably between 100 mm and 200 mm.

[0077] The operation of the ironing apparatus 10 so far described is as follows.

[0078] During normal ironing operations, the first pump 20 is active and feeds water to the boiler 14, while the second pump 25 is not active.

[0079] The movable piston 22 of the first pump 20 when moving towards the boiler 14 to feed water thereto, generates a depression in the first duct 21 and in the outlet duct 16 sucking water from the tank 13 and also recalling any water present in the second duct 23. The air in the tube 32 expands towards the second duct 23.

[0080] When the movable piston 22 returns to the left, it compresses the water in the first duct 21, in the second duct 23 and in the outlet duct 16 and the air present in the latter acts as a buffer, protecting the second pump 25 and preventing any leaks, or losses, of water towards the iron 30.

[0081] It is clear that modifications and / or additions of parts can be made to the ironing apparatus 10 described so far, without thereby departing from the scope of the present invention found as defined by the claims.

[0082] It is also clear that, although the present invention has been described with reference to some specific examples, a person skilled in the art will be able to make many other equivalent forms of an ironing apparatus having the features expressed in the claims and therefore all of which falling within the scope of protection defined thereby.

[0083] In the following claims, the references in parentheses have the sole purpose of facilitating reading and must not be considered as limiting factors of the scope of protection defined by the claims themselves.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0038]With reference to Figures 1, 2 and 3, an ironing apparatus 10 according to the present invention comprises an iron 30 and a steam generation unit 11 provided with a body 12 containing a tank 13 and a boiler 14 of a per se known type.

[0039]The tank 13 has an outlet aperture 15 to which an outlet duct 16 is fluidically connected which, downstream of the outlet aperture 15, split in two forming two branches 18, 19.

[0040]A first duct 21 in turn connected to the suction side of a first pump 20 whose delivery is connected to the boiler 14 is fluidically connected to a first branch 18.

[0041]Said first pump 20 is configured to feed water to the boiler 14, in which it is heated to produce steam. Said boiler 14 is connected to said iron 30, preferably to an evaporation chamber 27 or to a vaporization chamber disposed above the plate 28 of the iron 30.

[0042]A second duct 23 in turn connected to the suction side of a second pump 25 whose delivery is directly connected to said evaporation ...

FIELD OF APPLICATION

[0001] The present invention refers to an ironing apparatus, for example of an industrial or professional type, suitable for delivering a selectively variable high steam flow rate.BACKGROUND ART

[0002] In the field of industrial or professional ironing, but not only, the growing demand for irons capable of delivering a selectively variable high steam flow rate by a user is known.

[0003] A known solution consists in providing the iron with two pumps, both having the suction connected to a single tube exiting from a tank and the delivery connected to respective steam generation means in turn connected, or integrated, to the iron.

[0004] In particular, in this known solution a first pump provides the steam flow rate delivered under normal conditions of use of the iron and a second pump provides, at the request of the user, an "extra" steam flow rate, to be added to the flow rate delivered by the first pump when required.

[0005] This solution, although capable of increasing the steam flow rate that can be delivered from the iron, has some drawbacks.

[0006] In particular, when the first pump is in operation and the second pump is switched off, the pressure waves generated by the first pump in operation propagate in the water already present in the hydraulic circuit, until they also reach the suction of the second pump.

[0007] This effect, known in the sector as "water hammer", results in the water pressure being increased at the suction of the second pump so that the water present in the hydraulic circuit manages to pass beyond the second pump and exit therefrom reaching also the iron, thus causing an undesired loss of water from the latter.

[0008] A known solution, which attempts to overcome this drawback, envisages installing at the suction of the second pump, a rigid box having an internal section much greater than that of the ducts of the hydraulic circuit.

[0009] Although effective, this solution is cumbersome and particularly expensive, complicating the realization and the assembly of the ironing apparatus.

[0010] Document WO 00 / 29787 A1 discloses an ironing apparatus comprising a steam iron connected by a cord to a tank, where it is provided a first pump that supplies water from the tank along a first conduit connected to the cord along which there is arranged a boiler and a second pump that supplies water from the tank directly to the cord.

[0011] There is therefore a need to improve an ironing apparatus which can overcome the drawbacks of the prior art.

[0012] In particular, an object of the present invention is to realize an ironing apparatus that allows to selectively deliver a high amount of water steam.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to realize an ironing apparatus that is inexpensive, simple and easy to realize and reliable.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to realize an ironing apparatus that has a reduced, or even zero, probability of failure of the hydraulic circuit.

[0015] Another object of the present invention is to realize an ironing apparatus that is compact and has reduced overall dimensions.

[0016] In order to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art, and to obtain the above as well as further objects and benefits, the Applicant has studied, experimented and realized the present invention.DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0017] The present invention is expressed and characterized in the independent claim. The dependent claims show other features of the present invention or variants of the main solution proposed.

[0018] In accordance with said objects an ironing apparatus according to the present invention comprises at least one steam generation unit provided with a tank having an outlet aperture, a first pump connected to said outlet aperture by means of a first duct, a second pump connected to said outlet aperture by means of a second duct and at least one compensation member configured to damp the pressure waves which, during use, propagate in at least one of either said first or said second duct.

[0019] In the case of an ironing apparatus having a first pump which has the function of supplying the steam under normal use conditions and a second pump which has the function of supplying an additional steam amount, the compensation member is preferably connected upstream of the secondary pump.

[0020] In accordance with the present invention said compensation member comprises at least one tube partly filled with air interposed between said outlet aperture and said second pump and comprising a first end fluidically connected to said second duct and a second end fluidically closed.

[0021] In accordance with the present invention, at the aforesaid first end the compensation member comprises a connection segment which develop in a transverse direction with respect to the rest of said tube, which is provided with two apertures configured to be connected to said second duct.

[0022] In this way, the tube of the compensation member can advantageously have a "T" or "Y" shape.

[0023] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, said second end of said tube comprises a closing portion which extends in a single body with the rest of said first tube.

[0024] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, said second end of said tube is open and said compensation member further comprises a closing element autonomous with respect to said first tube and inserted in said second end in order to close it fluidically.

[0025] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, said heat generation unit comprises a body which contains at least said first pump, said second pump, said first duct and said second duct.

[0026] According to embodiments, said closing element may be defined by a protuberance that extends from said body. In this way it is possible to constrain the compensation member in a stable position.

[0027] According to possible embodiment variants, it can also be provided that the second end of the tube of the compensation member is fluidically closed and there is an open cavity suitable to engage with a constraining element that can also be defined by a protuberance protruding from the body or from another component.

[0028] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, said second end of said tube is disposed at a greater height than said first end of said tube.

[0029] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, said tube is made of a material selected from a group that comprises: elastomeric materials and silicone.

[0030] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the ratio between the internal diameter of the aforesaid first or second duct and the internal diameter of the aforesaid tube is comprised between about 0.8 and about 1.2. In addition, the distance which separates the aforesaid first end from the aforesaid second end is comprised between about 80 mm and about 120 mm.

[0031] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, said ironing apparatus comprises two compensation members, each disposed upstream of a respective pump and configured to damp pressure waves which, during use, propagate in the respective duct to which they are connected.

[0032] The two compensation members may have a conformation that is similar to each other, or even slightly different.

[0033] According to embodiments, the second compensation member also comprises a tube, partially filled with air, interposed between said outlet aperture and the aforesaid first pump, having a first end fluidically connected to said first duct and a second end fluidically closed.

[0034] In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, the ironing apparatus also comprises an iron provided with an evaporation chamber and a boiler fluidically connected to said evaporation chamber, which form part of said steam generation unit. Furthermore, the delivery of said first pump is fluidically connected to said boiler and the delivery of said second pump is fluidically connected to said evaporation chamber.ILLUSTRATION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] These and other aspects, features and advantages of the present invention will become clear from the following disclosure of some embodiments, provided by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figures 1, 2 and 3 are schematic views of three respective embodiments of an ironing apparatus according to the present invention; Figures 4 and 5 are schematic sectional views of a part of the ironing apparatus according with the present invention.

[0036] It should be noted that, in the present disclosure, the phraseology and terminology used, as well as the figures in the accompanying drawings, even as disclosed, have the sole purpose of illustrating and explaining the present invention, since their function is illustrative and not limited to the invention itself, the scope of protection thereof being defined by the claims.

[0037] To facilitate understanding, identical reference numbers have been used, where possible, to identify identical common elements in the figures. It should be noted that elements and features of an embodiment can be conveniently combined or incorporated into other embodiments without further clarification.DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENT OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0038] With reference to Figures 1, 2 and 3, an ironing apparatus 10 according to the present invention comprises an iron 30 and a steam generation unit 11 provided with a body 12 containing a tank 13 and a boiler 14 of a per se known type.

[0039] The tank 13 has an outlet aperture 15 to which an outlet duct 16 is fluidically connected which, downstream of the outlet aperture 15, split in two forming two branches 18, 19.

[0040] A first duct 21 in turn connected to the suction side of a first pump 20 whose delivery is connected to the boiler 14 is fluidically connected to a first branch 18.

[0041] Said first pump 20 is configured to feed water to the boiler 14, in which it is heated to produce steam. Said boiler 14 is connected to said iron 30, preferably to an evaporation chamber 27 or to a vaporization chamber disposed above the plate 28 of the iron 30.

[0042] A second duct 23 in turn connected to the suction side of a second pump 25 whose delivery is directly connected to said evaporation chamber 27 is fluidically connected to the second branch 19.

[0043] According to embodiments, at least the first pump 20 and preferably both of the two pumps 20, 25 are vibration pumps or solenoid pumps, provided with a movable piston 22. By way of example, said pumps 20, 25 may have a working pressure comprised between 1 and 30 bar and a flow rate comprised between 50 and 1000 g / min.

[0044] Furthermore, along the first 21 and the second duct 23 there might be provided one or more non-return valves 26 configured to allow the transit of the water coming from the tank 13 towards the boiler 14 or respectively towards the evaporation chamber 27 upon reaching a certain pressure, and prevent the transit thereof in the opposite direction.

[0045] According to embodiments, there is provided at least one non-return valve 26 disposed downstream of a respective pump 20, 25.

[0046] According to further variants, the non-return valves 26 can be directly integrated inside each pump 20, 25.

[0047] In accordance with the present invention, said apparatus 10 also comprises at least one compensation member 31 configured to damp pressure waves which, during use, propagate in at least one of either the first duct 21 or the second duct 23.

[0048] In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, the compensation member 31 is in particular configured to damp pressure waves in the second duct 23, i.e. in the duct upstream of the second pump 25.

[0049] According to this embodiment, the first pump 20 has the function of supplying the boiler 14 and the iron 30 with the water necessary to generate the steam necessary during normal ironing operations, while the second pump 25 can be selectively operated when an "extra" amount or flow rate of steam is requested and is therefore normally inactive so that it is more affected by the pressure waves generated by the operation of the first pump 20.

[0050] In some embodiments, one of which is depicted in Figure 2, said apparatus 10 comprises two compensation members 31, each configured to damp pressure waves which, during use, propagate respectively in the first duct 21 and in the second duct 23.

[0051] According to further embodiments, one of which is depicted in Figure 3, said apparatus 10 comprises a single compensation member 31, disposed along the outlet duct 16, upstream of the first 21 and of the second duct 23, configured to damp the pressure waves which, during use, propagate both in the first duct 21 and in the second duct 23.

[0052] According to further variants, not illustrated, there may be a compensation member 31 for each duct 16, 21, 23, or even two compensation members 31, of which one disposed along the outlet duct 16 and another disposed along one between the first 21 and the second duct 23.

[0053] Each of said compensation members 31 respectively comprises at least one tube 32 partially filled with air and interposed between the outlet aperture 15 of the tank 13 and the respective first pump 20 and / or second pump 25.

[0054] Each tube 32 comprises a first end 33 fluidically connected to the respective duct 16, 21, 23 and a second end 35 fluidically closed.

[0055] In a first embodiment of said apparatus 10, the first end 33 of the tube 32 is fluidically connected to the second duct 23 (fig. 1).

[0056] In the embodiment of fig. 2 in which two compensation members 31 are present, the first end 33 of a tube 32 is fluidically connected to the first duct 21 and the first end 33 of another tube 32 is fluidically connected to the second duct 23 (fig. 2).

[0057] In the embodiment in which there is a single compensation member 31 configured to damp the pressure waves which, during use, propagate in the first duct 21 and in the second duct 23 the first end 33 of a tube 32 is fluidically connected to the outlet duct 16 (fig. 3).

[0058] In an embodiment of the compensation member 31, the second end 35 of the tube 32 comprises a closing portion 36, like in Figure 4, which extends in a single body with the rest of the tube body 32 to completely close the cross-section thereof at the second end 35.

[0059] In accordance with another embodiment of the compensation member 31, schematically depicted in Figure 5, the second end 35 of the tube 32 is open and the compensation member 31 further comprises a closing element 37 autonomous with respect to the tube 32 and configured to cap the second end 35.

[0060] In this example, the closing element 37 comprises a protuberance, for example with a substantially frusto-conical shape, which extends in a single body from the body 12 of the steam generation unit 11. This allows the tube 32 and therefore the compensation member 31 to be constrained to keep it stably, during use, in a defined position.

[0061] In another example, not depicted in the figures, the closing element 37 may extend from any other component inside the steam generation unit 11.

[0062] According to possible embodiment variants, not illustrated, it can also be provided that the second end 35 of the tube 32 of one or of each compensation member 31 is fluidically closed and there is an open cavity suitable to engage with a constraining element that can also be defined by a protuberance protruding from the body or from another component.

[0063] This is in order to ensure that the tube 32 is always fluidically closed at the second end 35 but at the same time to allow it to be constrained to the body 12 or other component to keep it in a stable position.

[0064] Each tube 32 is preferably facing upwards, i.e. the second end 35 thereof is at a greater height than the first end 33 so as to force the air already present in the tube 32 to stay at the top thereof.

[0065] According to embodiments, during use, the tube 32 can be disposed substantially vertical, or inclined by an angle comprised between 0° and 90° with respect to a horizontal plane, such that the second end 35 remains at a greater height than the first end 33.

[0066] This leads to the formation of an air buffer inside the tube 32 which is then compressible by the water in transit in the duct 16, 21, 23 to which the tube 32 is associated.

[0067] Such a buffer is suitable for absorbing a large part of the pressure waves which propagate in the hydraulic circuit when the first pump 20 is in operation and the second pump 25 is deactivated, thus allowing the problem of water hammer and water losses to be avoided.

[0068] Preferably, the tube 32 is made of a material selected from a group comprising: rubber and silicone. This makes it particularly easy to install, inexpensive to produce and little cumbersome. Moreover, being made of a flexible material, it can also be easily inserted inside the bodies 12 of already existing ironing apparatus 10.

[0069] According to embodiments, the compensation member 31 is substantially "T"- or "Y"-shaped.

[0070] At the first end 33 the tube 32 has a connection segment 38 that develops in a transverse direction with respect to a longitudinal axis X of the tube 32 between its first end 33 and its second end 35.

[0071] Said connection segment 38 is furthermore provided with two apertures 40, 41 configured to be connected to the outlet duct 16 and / or to the first duct 21 and / or to the second duct 23, provided with respective connection fittings.

[0072] According to embodiments, said connection segment 38 is substantially straight and the two apertures 40, 41 are substantially coaxial.

[0073] According to other variants, not illustrated, said connection segment 38 can have a "V" shape, in which the apex is placed at the first end 33.

[0074] The ratio between the internal diameter D1 of the tube 22 and the internal diameter D2 of the duct 16, 21, 23 to which it is connected is preferably comprised between about 0.8 and about 1.2.

[0075] Furthermore, the distance H that separates the first end 33 from the second end 35 of the tube 32 is comprised between about 10 mm and 300 mm, preferably between 50 mm and 250 mm, even more preferably between 80 mm and 120 mm.

[0076] According to embodiments, the length L of the cross section between the two apertures 40, 41 is comprised between about 20 mm and 500 mm, preferably between 50 mm and 400 mm, even more preferably between 100 mm and 200 mm.

[0077] The operation of the ironing apparatus 10 so far described is as follows.

[0078] During normal ironing operations, the first pump 20 is active and feeds water to the boiler 14, while the second pump 25 is not active.

[0079] The movable piston 22 of the first pump 20 when moving towards the boiler 14 to feed water thereto, generates a depression in the first duct 21 and in the outlet duct 16 sucking water from the tank 13 and also recalling any water present in the second duct 23. The air in the tube 32 expands towards the second duct 23.

[0080] When the movable piston 22 returns to the left, it compresses the water in the first duct 21, in the second duct 23 and in the outlet duct 16 and the air present in the latter acts as a buffer, protecting the second pump 25 and preventing any leaks, or losses, of water towards the iron 30.

[0081] It is clear that modifications and / or additions of parts can be made to the ironing apparatus 10 described so far, without thereby departing from the scope of the present invention found as defined by the claims.

[0082] It is also clear that, although the present invention has been described with reference to some specific examples, a person skilled in the art will be able to make many other equivalent forms of an ironing apparatus having the features expressed in the claims and therefore all of which falling within the scope of protection defined thereby.

[0083] In the following claims, the references in parentheses have the sole purpose of facilitating reading and must not be considered as limiting factors of the scope of protection defined by the claims themselves.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0038]With reference to Figures 1, 2 and 3, an ironing apparatus 10 according to the present invention comprises an iron 30 and a steam generation unit 11 provided with a body 12 containing a tank 13 and a boiler 14 of a per se known type.

[0039]The tank 13 has an outlet aperture 15 to which an outlet duct 16 is fluidically connected which, downstream of the outlet aperture 15, split in two forming two branches 18, 19.

[0040]A first duct 21 in turn connected to the suction side of a first pump 20 whose delivery is connected to the boiler 14 is fluidically connected to a first branch 18.

[0041]Said first pump 20 is configured to feed water to the boiler 14, in which it is heated to produce steam. Said boiler 14 is connected to said iron 30, preferably to an evaporation chamber 27 or to a vaporization chamber disposed above the plate 28 of the iron 30.

[0042]A second duct 23 in turn connected to the suction side of a second pump 25 whose delivery is directly connected to said evaporation ...

Claims

1. Ironing apparatus (10) comprising at least one steam generation unit (11) provided with a tank (13) with an outlet aperture (15) and an outlet duct (16) to which there are connected both a first pump (20) by means of a first duct (21) and also a second pump (25) by means of a second duct (23) and at least one compensation member (31), characterized in that said at least one compensation member (31) comprises at least one tube (32) partly filled with air interposed between said outlet aperture (15) and at least one of either said first pump (20) or said second pump (25) and comprising a first end (33) fluidically connected to one of said ducts (16, 21, 23) and a fluidically closed second end (35), wherein said first end (33) comprises a connection segment (38) which develops in a transverse direction with respect to a longitudinal axis (X) of said tube (32) and is provided with two apertures (40, 41) configured to be connected to said duct (16, 21, 23).

2. Apparatus (10) as in claim 1, characterized in that said second end (35) of said tube (32) comprises a closing portion (36) which extends in a single body with the rest of said at least one tube (32).

3. Apparatus (10) as in claim 1, characterized in that said second end (35) of said tube (32) is open or comprises at least one open cavity, and said compensation member (31) comprises a closure element (37) autonomous with respect to said tube (32) and inserted in said second end (35) in order to close it fluidically.

4. Apparatus (10) as in claim 3, wherein said steam generation unit (11) comprises a body (12) which contains at least said first pump (20), said second pump (25), said first duct (21) and said second duct (23), characterized in that said closure element (37) is defined by a protuberance that extends from said body (12).

5. Apparatus (10) as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that said second end (35) of said tube (32), during use, is disposed at a greater height than said first end (33).

6. Apparatus (10) as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that said compensation member (31) is made of a material selected from a group that comprises: elastomeric materials and silicone.

7. Apparatus (10) as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that it comprises two compensation members (31), each disposed upstream of a respective pump (20, 25) and each configured to damp the pressure waves which, during use, propagate in the respective first or second duct (21, 23).

8. Apparatus (10) as in any claim from 1 to 7, characterized in that it comprises a single compensation member (31) disposed along said outlet duct (16) and configured to damp the pressure waves which, during use, propagate both in said first duct (21) and also in said second duct (23).

9. Apparatus (10) as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that the ratio between the internal diameter (D1) of said tube (32) and the internal diameter of said duct (21, 23) has a value comprised between about 0.8 and about 1.2 and in that the distance (H) which separates said first end (33) from said second end (35) has a value comprised between about 80 mm and about 120 mm.

10. Apparatus (10) as in any claim hereinbefore, comprising an iron (30) provided with an evaporation chamber (27) and a boiler (14) fluidically connected to said evaporation chamber (27), characterized in that the delivery of said first pump (20) is fluidically connected to said boiler (14) and the delivery of said second pump (25) is fluidically connected to said evaporation chamber (27).

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