Laundry care appliance with automatic and periodic cleaning

Abstract

This presentation concerns a laundry care appliance comprising: - a steam generator including an instantaneous vaporization chamber (80"), - a recovery tank, - a pump (90, 90"), and - a control unit configured to periodically and automatically command a cleaning cycle (E1) of the laundry care appliance, comprising the injection of liquid into the vaporization chamber (80") by means of the pump (90, 90") at a second injection rate strictly greater than the maximum liquid rate that can be vaporized by the vaporization chamber (80"), such that the vaporization of the injected liquid dislodges any limescale particles present in the vaporization chamber (80") and the injected but unvaporized liquid carries these limescale particles to the recovery tank. Figure for the abstract: Fig. 2

Description

Title of the invention: Laundry care device with automatic and periodic cleaning. Technical field

[0001] The present exposition relates to the general technical field of laundry care appliances, and more specifically to laundry care appliances equipped with a steam generator. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Among laundry care appliances, some appliances use steam to more effectively remove creases from clothes and fabrics in order to smooth them out and / or iron them.

[0003] For example, some irons remove wrinkles from clothes and linens through a combination of heat and pressure applied to the fabric by the user, with a steam generation function to facilitate ironing. Such devices are described, for example, in documents EP 2 933 372 and EP 4 242 370.

[0004] Garment steamers allow for the steaming of clothes without the use of a traditional iron or ironing board. The user places the clothes to be steamed inside the steamer and starts a steaming cycle. The steamer generates steam to smooth and relax the clothes inside, thus refreshing and steaming garments quickly and easily, without requiring ironing by the user.

[0005] Dual-function ironing and / or steaming devices of the power board type allow the user to steam or iron clothes placed on a board of the device. The board is positioned vertically, and the device steams the clothes by generating and injecting steam between the board and the clothes. It can also iron the clothes using an iron integrated into the ironing and / or steaming device.

[0006] The use of steam in these garment care appliances leads to limescale buildup. The greater the steam generation, the more quickly and abundantly limescale is generated. In particular, for appliances such as steam cabinets or ironing boards, steaming requires the generation of a significant amount of steam for an extended period, resulting in substantial limescale formation. Limescale can accumulate rapidly, especially in areas with hard water. This limescale buildup can reduce the appliance's efficiency and its lifespan.

[0007] Some irons offer alert features to prompt the user to run a descaling cycle after a certain period. The user must then position the iron over a sink and start a descaling cycle. The steam chamber is heated, and then a large quantity of water is injected into it to break up the limescale particles that have solidified on the walls of the steam chamber. The steam, the dislodged limescale particles, and the unvaporized water then pass through the steam outlet holes in the soleplate of the iron and are drained into the sink. However, such descaling is inconvenient for the user, who must hold the iron over the sink during the descaling cycle. Furthermore, the user may only perform descaling intermittently.However, irregular descaling worsens limescale buildup and appliance performance problems, especially since limescale particles can accumulate to the point where they can no longer pass through the steam vents in the soleplate of the iron. GENERAL STATEMENT

[0008] One aim of the present application is to remedy the aforementioned drawbacks by proposing a laundry care device with a steam generator that offers improved performance and a longer service life.

[0009] Another objective of the present application is to propose a method for improving the performance and extending the life of a laundry care device.

[0010] According to a first aspect, the present application relates to a device for the care of a garment, comprising: - a steam generator comprising an instant vaporization chamber and a device for heating the vaporization chamber, - a recovery tank intended to be fluidly connected to the steam generator, - a pump designed to inject a liquid into the vaporization chamber, and - a control unit configured to control a laundry care cycle comprising one or more phases of liquid injection into the vaporization chamber by means of the pump at a first injection flow rate less than or equal to a maximum liquid flow rate that can be vaporized by the vaporization chamber so as to cause steam generation.

[0011] The control unit is also configured to periodically command and automatically a cleaning cycle of the laundry care appliance prior to the laundry care cycle including one or more phases of liquid injection into the vaporization chamber by means of the pump at a second injection rate strictly greater than the maximum liquid rate that can be vaporized by the chamber vaporization, so that the vaporization of the injected liquid dislodges any scale particles present in the vaporization chamber and the injected and unvaporized liquid carries these scale particles towards the recovery tank.

[0012] The garment care appliance allows for effective wrinkle removal and / or ironing of garments thanks to its garment care cycle, which includes steam generation. The appliance is cleaned regularly, efficiently, simply, and invisibly to the user. Because the cleaning is performed automatically, it does not impose any additional constraints or complexity on the user. The collection tank allows for the simple and very inexpensive recovery of condensate. Furthermore, since the cleaning is performed periodically, it is unlikely to be carried out too infrequently by the user. Thus, the appliance is cleaned efficiently, regularly, and simply for the user, which optimizes its performance and extends its lifespan.

[0013] The cleaning cycle can be periodically activated at an operating frequency that depends on the number of times the appliance has started, the number of laundry care cycles performed, or the duration of its operation. The operating frequency can be selected to optimize the appliance's cleaning frequency, thereby maximizing its performance and extending its lifespan, while maintaining ease of use for the user.

[0014] The operating frequency can correspond to a laundry care time elapsed since the last cleaning cycle of less than one hour, or even less than half an hour, or even less than ten minutes.

[0015] The operating frequency can correspond to a number of operating cycles of the device since the last cleaning cycle less than or equal to 30, or even less than or equal to 10, or even less than or equal to 5, or even equal to 1.

[0016] The operating frequency can correspond to a number of device starts since the last cleaning cycle less than or equal to 20, or even less than or equal to 10, or even equal to 5, or even equal to 1.

[0017] The control unit can further be configured to command the heating of the vaporization chamber by the heating device to a first vaporization temperature during the laundry care cycle. The control unit can further be configured to command the heating of the vaporization chamber by the heating device to a second vaporization temperature during the cleaning cycle prior to the injection of the liquid at the second injection rate into the vaporization chamber, in which the second vaporization temperature is strictly higher than the first vaporization temperature. The heating The second vaporization temperature allows the vaporization chamber to be superheated before the liquid is injected at the second high flow rate. This creates a thermal shock that effectively dislodges the solidified limescale particles from the walls of the vaporization chamber and flushes them away with the unvaporized liquid. This makes cleaning even more effective.

[0018] The laundry care appliance may further include a base comprising a liquid reservoir fluidly connected to the vaporization chamber, the pump being designed to inject the liquid from the liquid reservoir into the vaporization chamber. Such a base, incorporating certain elements for cleaning the appliance and / or for laundry care, frees up space in the rest of the appliance.

[0019] The garment care appliance may further include an iron comprising a heated soleplate having at least one steam outlet fluidly connected to the vaporization chamber of the steam generator, the vaporization chamber being integrated into the iron, in which the collection tank is housed in the base and the base has a position for placing the iron, and in which an opening fluidly connected to the collection tank is provided in the base, the opening being arranged so that when the iron is placed on the position in the base, the steam outlet of the iron is positioned opposite the opening in the base. Such an iron with steam generation makes it possible to iron clothes efficiently thanks to the steam generation function.

[0020] The laundry care appliance may further include: - an iron comprising a heated soleplate with at least one steam outlet fluidly connected to the vaporization chamber of the steam generator, - a board designed to ensure the placement of a cloth, and - a board support coupled to the board, an opening fluidly connected to the recovery tank being provided in the board support upstream of the recovery tank, the opening being arranged so that when the iron is placed on the board support, the steam outlet of the iron is positioned opposite the opening of the board support.

[0021] Such a board-type laundry care device with delegation allows the iron to be used either for an ironing function or for a steam production function for a delegation cycle allowing in particular the de-wrinkle removal of laundry placed on the board.

[0022] The laundry care device may further include a base comprising a liquid reservoir fluidly connected to the vaporization chamber, in which The recovery tank is housed in the base or in a plinth of the board support.

[0023] The steam generator can be located in the base, and the garment care appliance can further include a steaming chamber. A diffuser element allowing steam to pass to a garment placed in the steaming chamber is provided in the base. The diffuser element is fluidly connected to the steam generator and the recovery tank, downstream of the steam generator and the recovery tank. Such a garment care appliance of the steaming cabinet type allows garments to be steamed without requiring direct user intervention.

[0024] The recovery tank may be an additional tank separate from the liquid tank. Alternatively, the recovery tank may be the same as the liquid tank.

[0025] The recovery tank can be removed. Thus, the recovery tank can be easily emptied by the user.

[0026] The recovery tank can have a capacity between 10 ml and 300 ml, for example between 50 ml and 100 ml. Thus, the recovery tank can hold a sufficient quantity of condensate without having to be emptied too frequently by the user, while remaining compact.

[0027] According to a second aspect, the present application relates to a method for caring for laundry intended to be implemented by a laundry care device according to the first aspect, said method comprising the following steps: - control of a laundry care cycle comprising one or more phases of liquid injection into the vaporization chamber by means of a pump at an initial injection flow rate less than or equal to the maximum liquid flow rate that can be vaporized by the vaporization chamber so as to generate steam; and - periodic and automatic control of a cleaning cycle of the laundry care device prior to the laundry care cycle comprising one or more phases of liquid injection into the vaporization chamber by means of the pump at a second injection flow rate strictly greater than the maximum liquid flow rate that can be vaporized by the vaporization chamber, so that the vaporization of the injected liquid dislodges any limescale particles present in the vaporization chamber and the injected and unvaporized liquid carries these limescale particles towards the recovery tank.

[0028] Such a laundry care process according to the second aspect offers advantages similar to those detailed above for the laundry care appliance. In particular, cleaning is carried out regularly, efficiently, and with minimal effort. for the user, so that the performance of the laundry care cycle is optimized and the lifespan of the laundry care appliance is extended.

[0029] The cleaning cycle can be periodically ordered at an operating frequency of the appliance depending on a number of appliance starts, a number of laundry care cycles performed by the appliance or an operating time of the appliance.

[0030] The operating frequency may correspond to a laundry care time elapsed since the last cleaning cycle of less than one hour, or even less than half an hour, or even less than ten minutes.

[0031] The operating frequency can correspond to a number of operating cycles of the device since the last cleaning cycle less than or equal to 20, or even less than or equal to 10, or even less than or equal to 5, or even equal to 1.

[0032] The operating frequency may correspond to a number of device starts since the last cleaning cycle less than or equal to 20, or less than or equal to 10, or equal to 5, or even equal to 1.

[0033] The process may further include a drying step after the laundry care cycle, the drying step including hot air ventilation by a fan of the laundry care appliance.

[0034] The laundry care cycle may further include at least one heating of the vaporization chamber to a first vaporization temperature by means of the heating device.

[0035] The cleaning cycle may further include at least one heating of the vaporization chamber to a second vaporization temperature strictly higher than the first vaporization temperature by means of the heating device. Heating the vaporization chamber to the second vaporization temperature may be carried out prior to injecting the liquid at the second injection rate into the vaporization chamber. DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0036] Fig. 1 represents a schematic perspective view of a board-type laundry care device with delegation according to a particular embodiment of the invention, the iron being fixed to the board support.

[0037] Fig. 2 represents a partial side cross-sectional view of the laundry care device of Fig. 1.

[0038] Fig. 3 represents a side cross-sectional view of a base of the laundry care device of Fig. 1.

[0039] Fig. 4 represents a schematic perspective view of a steam-generating iron-type laundry care device according to another particular embodiment of the invention.

[0040] Fig. 5 represents a schematic perspective view of a base of the laundry care apparatus of Fig. 4.

[0041] Fig. 6 represents a schematic perspective view of a garment care device of the steaming cabinet type according to another particular embodiment of the invention.

[0042] Fig. 7 represents a side cross-sectional view of a base of the laundry care device of Fig. 6.

[0043] Fig. 8 represents a block diagram of a laundry care process according to one embodiment.

[0044] Throughout the figures, similar elements bear identical references. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Laundry care device

[0045] A laundry care appliance is illustrated by way of non-limiting example in [Fig. 1], [Fig. 4], and [Fig. 6]. The laundry care appliance comprises: - a steam generator comprising an 80' instantaneous vaporization chamber and a heating device for the 80' vaporization chamber, - a recovery tank 85, 85”, 95” intended to be fluidly connected to the steam generator, - a 90, 90” pump designed to inject liquid into the 80” vaporization chamber, and - a control unit configured to control a laundry care cycle E2 comprising one or more phases of liquid injection into the 80" vaporization chamber by means of the 90, 90" pump at a first injection flow rate less than or equal to a maximum liquid flow rate that can be vaporized by the 80" vaporization chamber so as to cause steam generation.

[0046] The control unit is also configured to periodically and automatically command a cleaning cycle E1 of the laundry care appliance prior to the laundry care cycle E2 comprising one or more phases of liquid injection into the vaporization chamber 80” by means of the pump 90, 90” at a second injection flow rate strictly greater than the maximum liquid flow rate that can be vaporized by the vaporization chamber 80”, so that the vaporization of the injected liquid dislodges any scale particles present in the vaporization chamber 80” and the injected but unvaporized liquid carries these scale particles towards the recovery tank 85, 85”, 95”.

[0047] The laundry care appliance allows for effective steaming and / or ironing of 500 items of laundry to be ironed or steamed thanks to the E2 laundry care cycle which includes steam generation.

[0048] The laundry care appliance is cleaned regularly, efficiently, simply, and invisibly to the user, thereby increasing its lifespan and improving its performance. Since the cleaning is performed automatically by the appliance, it is integrated into its operation and does not impose any additional constraints or complexity on the user, whether in terms of repositioning the appliance or manually starting a cleaning cycle. The appliance is thus easy to use, preventing potential returns due to user misunderstanding of its operation. The 85, 85”, 95” recovery tank is positioned to collect condensate easily and inexpensively, without requiring any user intervention.Condensate can be, for example, unvaporized water condensate, or unvaporized water condensate mixed with limescale. This ensures that the El cleaning cycle is performed transparently to the user. Furthermore, because the El cleaning cycle is performed periodically, it is less likely to be run too infrequently by the user.

[0049] When the injection is carried out at a flow rate less than or equal to the maximum liquid flow rate that can be vaporized by the vaporization chamber 80”, all of the liquid is vaporized, thus transformed into vapor, in the vaporization chamber 80”. When the injection is carried out at a flow rate strictly greater than the maximum liquid flow rate that can be vaporized by the vaporization chamber 80”, the vaporization is only partial and a portion of the injected liquid is not transformed into vapor by the vaporization chamber 80”.

[0050] Thus, injecting liquid at the second injection rate, strictly higher than the maximum initial liquid that can be vaporized by the vaporization chamber 80” during the cleaning cycle E1, results in partial vaporization of the injected liquid in the vaporization chamber 80”, which dislodges any scale particles formed on the walls of the vaporization chamber 80”. The mixture of unvaporized water and dislodged scale particles is then conveyed to the recovery tank 85, 85”, 95”. The vaporization chamber 80” is thus at least partially cleaned of the scale accumulated during previous uses.Thus, the appliance offers improved performance and a longer lifespan, particularly in the case of an appliance requiring a large amount of steam for laundry treatment 500, such as a steamer with a power strip or a steam cabinet 700, for which the laundry care cycle E2 is long and results in the generation of a large amount of steam, and therefore limescale.

[0051] The laundry care cycle E2 may include one or more phases of liquid injection into the vaporization chamber 80”, which may be carried out at different flow rates than the first injection flow rate, these flow rates always being strictly less than the maximum liquid flow rate that can be vaporized by the vaporization chamber 80”.

[0052] The cleaning cycle El may include, in addition to the injection of liquid at the second injection rate, one or more phases of additional liquid injection into the vaporization chamber 80”, which may be carried out at rates different from the second injection rate, these rates always being strictly greater than the maximum liquid rate that can be vaporized by the vaporization chamber 80”.

[0053] During the cleaning cycle El, the injection of liquid at the second injection flow rate can be carried out for an injection duration of between 1 second and 60 seconds, for example substantially equal to 15 seconds.

[0054] The control unit can also be configured to control heating of the 80" vaporization chamber by the heating device to a first vaporization temperature. Heating to the first vaporization temperature then occurs during the laundry care cycle E2, preferably prior to the injection of liquid at the first injection rate into the 80" vaporization chamber. The control unit can also be configured to control heating of the 80" vaporization chamber to a second vaporization temperature. Heating to the second vaporization temperature then occurs during the cleaning cycle E1 and prior to the injection of liquid at the second injection rate into the 80" vaporization chamber. The second vaporization temperature is strictly higher than the first vaporization temperature.Heating to the second vaporization temperature allows the 80" vaporization chamber to be superheated before the liquid is injected at the second high flow rate. This creates a thermal shock that causes the injected water to vaporize rapidly, dislodging the limescale particles attached to the chamber wall. These limescale particles are then carried away by the unvaporized liquid, resulting in even more effective cleaning.

[0055] The first temperature can be between 110°C and 180°C, for example, it can be equal to 150°C. The second temperature can be between 120°C and 200°C, for example, it can be equal to 180°C.

[0056] The laundry care appliance may further comprise a base 20, 20', 20”. The base 20, 20', 20” comprises a liquid reservoir 85, 85” fluidly connected to the vaporization chamber 80”, the pump 90, 90” being provided to inject the liquid from the liquid reservoir 85, 85” into the vaporization chamber 80”. The presence of the base 20, 20', 20” incorporating certain elements of the appliance allows for the release of the space in the rest of the device. For example, the 85, 85” liquid reservoir located in the 20, 20’, 20” base allows for, if necessary, a more compact and lighter iron.

[0057] The liquid tank 85, 85” preferably has a capacity between 50 ml and 3000 ml, for example between 200 ml and 1000 ml. Thus, the liquid tank 85, 85” provides sufficient autonomy to supply the steam generator with water so as to generate enough steam for laundry care. The liquid tank 85, 85” may be removable.

[0058] The recovery tank 85, 85”, 95” can be removable, so that it can be easily emptied by the user.

[0059] The recovery tank 85, 85”, 95” can be a separate, additional 95” tank from the liquid tank 85, 85”. Alternatively, the recovery tank 85, 85”, 95” can be the same as the liquid tank 85, 85”. Thus, the condensate can be collected either directly into the liquid tank 85, 85”, or into a separate, additional 95” tank. The recovery tank 85, 85”, 95” can have a capacity between 10 ml and 300 ml, for example, between 50 ml and 100 ml when separate from the liquid tank 85, 85”. Therefore, the recovery tank 85, 85”, 95” can hold a sufficient quantity of condensate without needing to be emptied too frequently by the user, while remaining compact.

[0060] The 80" vaporization chamber can be an instant vaporization chamber. The instant 80" vaporization chamber includes a heating plate on which the water injected into the 80" vaporization chamber vaporizes instantly. This operation leads to the formation of scale, as the minerals present in the water are deposited on the heating plate of the 80" vaporization chamber.

[0061] The heating device for the vaporization chamber 80” can be attached to the vaporization chamber 80”, in particular can be attached to the heating plate of the vaporization chamber 80”. The heating device may include a resistance arranged so as to allow heat exchange with the vaporization chamber 80”, for example an electrical resistance regulated by means of a thermostat. Steam iron

[0062] The laundry care appliance may, for example, be of the steam generator type. The laundry care appliance may include a 20' base and a 10' iron comprising an integrated steam generator, as illustrated by way of non-limiting example in [Fig.4] and [Fig.5].

[0063] The iron 10' includes a heated soleplate 13' having at least one steam outlet orifice fluidly connected to the vaporization chamber of the steam generator.

[0064] The recovery tank is housed in the base 20'.

[0065] The base 20' has a location 201 for placing the iron 10'. An opening 200' fluidly connected to the recovery tank is provided in the base 20', the opening 200' being arranged so that when the iron 10' is placed on the location 201 of the base 20', the steam outlet of the iron 10' is positioned opposite the opening 200' of the base 20'.

[0066] Such a 10' steam iron allows for efficient ironing of clothes thanks to the steam generation function.

[0067] The iron 10' is preferably placed on the base 20' when the cleaning cycle El is started. This allows any condensation generated during the cleaning cycle El to be collected directly in the collection tank located in the base 20'. For example, the cleaning cycle El can be started automatically when the laundry care appliance is switched on, or at the end of a cleaning cycle E2, i.e., when the iron 10' is most likely to be placed on the base 20'. The iron 10' may include a suitable signaling device to indicate to the user to place the iron on the base 20' in preparation for the cleaning cycle El, for example, a visual signaling device such as an indicator light or an audible signaling device such as an alert.Alternatively, the 10' iron may include a suitable sensor to determine whether the 10' iron is placed on the 20' base and only start the cleaning cycle El when the 10' iron is placed on the 20' base. Alternatively or in addition, the laundry care appliance may include means for locking the 10' iron onto the 20' base and only start the cleaning cycle El when the 10' iron is locked onto the 20' base.

[0068] The 20' base may include a liquid reservoir fluidly connected to the vaporization chamber. The liquid reservoir supplies water to the vaporization chamber. Alternatively, the 10' iron may include the liquid reservoir and not be connected to a separate 20' base.

[0069] The iron 10' may include a head 11', the heating soleplate 13' being attached to and fixed onto the head 11', and a handle 12' extending from the head 11' and intended for gripping the iron 10' by the user. The heating soleplate 13' may include a substantially flat ironing surface. The heating soleplate 13' may include one or more steam outlets passing through the ironing surface and adapted for vaporizing steam. The steam outlet(s) may be arranged in any conceivable pattern on the heating soleplate 13', by For example, only on the front part of the 13" heating soleplate, for instance, in a semicircle on the front of the 13" heating soleplate. The 13" heating soleplate can be made of stainless steel. The 13" heating soleplate can have a pointed front end and a rounded rear end that is wider than the front end, for improved ironing ergonomics.

[0070] The opening 200' formed in the base 20' and fluidly connected to the recovery tank may be provided in an upper face of the base 20' opposite an underside of the base 20' intended to rest on a horizontal surface such as an ironing board or the floor. The opening 200' may be provided in the location 201 for placing the iron 10', opposite the steam outlet of the iron 10'. The opening 200' may have any shape and size suitable for collecting liquids, in particular water condensation and / or limescale that may be generated during operation of the appliance. One dimension of the opening 200' is smaller than one dimension of the location 201 for placing the iron 10'. A dimension of the 200' opening can be greater than or equal to a dimension of the arrangement pattern of the steam outlet holes of the heated sole 13'.Several 200' openings can be provided in the 20' base, opposite a respective steam outlet orifice of the 13' heated soleplate.

[0071] The recovery tank is provided in the base 20', below the opening 200'. Thus, the condensate falls by gravity into the recovery tank. The recovery tank may be the same as the liquid tank or be a separate tank from the liquid tank.

[0072] The base 20' may include protruding pads, arranged around the edge of the opening 200', on which the heating soleplate 13' rests when the iron 10' is placed on the base 20'. Thus, the heating soleplate 13' is in a raised position relative to the edge of the opening 200' when the iron 10' rests on the pads, and there is a gap between the heating soleplate 13' of the iron 10' and the upper surface of the base 20' in which the opening 200' is formed, allowing steam to escape. The pads may be made of silicone.

[0073] During an ironing cycle, the user can use the iron 10' to iron a garment placed conventionally on a horizontal ironing board, thanks to a combination of heat and pressure applied to the garment by the user. The user can control the steam generation manually by pressing a trigger on the iron 10', the trigger being conventionally located under the handle 12'.

[0074] The steam generator is fluidly connected to the steam outlet of the iron 10'. The garment care appliance may further include a cord A 60' cord connects the 20' base and the 10' iron. The 60' cord supplies power to the 10' iron when the 20' base is connected to the household electrical grid, thus enabling the heating element to heat when placed in the 11' head of the 10' iron. The 60' cord may include a hose for carrying fluid from the liquid reservoir of the 20' base to the 10' iron.

[0075] The pump injects water from the liquid reservoir into the vaporization chamber located in the iron 10', via the hose of the cord 60'. The water is vaporized directly by the vaporization chamber housed in the iron 10'. The heating device can be integrated into a casting, for example made of aluminum, comprising the heating element and the vaporization chamber, the casting being attached to the heating soleplate 13'. During a cleaning cycle E1, the recovery tank collects condensate comprising a mixture of water not vaporized during the partial vaporization of the water in the vaporization chamber of the iron 10' and limescale particles detached during the partial vaporization of the water in the vaporization chamber of the iron 10'.The limescale particles dislodged during cleaning pass through the steam outlet of the 13" heating soleplate of the 10" iron to be conveyed to the collection tank. Board with delegation

[0076] The laundry care appliance may, for example, be a dual-function laundry care appliance for ironing and / or steaming, such as an ironing board with a power-off function, as illustrated by way of non-limiting example in [Fig. 1] and [Fig. 2]. The laundry care appliance then further comprises:

[0077] - an iron 10 comprising a heated soleplate 13 having at least a steam outlet fluidly connected to the vaporization chamber of the steam generator,

[0078] - a board 30 intended to ensure the placement of a linen 500, and

[0079] - a board support 40 coupled to the board 30, an opening 200 connected fluidly to the recovery tank being provided in the board support 40 upstream of the recovery tank, the opening 200 being arranged so that when the iron 10 is placed on the board support 40, the steam outlet of the iron 10 is positioned opposite the opening 200 of the board support 40.

[0080] Such a laundry care device allows the iron 10 to be used either for an ironing function or for a steam production function for a delegation cycle allowing in particular the de-wrinkle removal of a garment 500 placed on the board 30.

[0081] The iron 10 is preferably placed on the board support 40 when the cleaning cycle El is started. This allows any condensation generated during the cleaning cycle El to be collected directly in the collection tank. For example, the cleaning cycle El can be started automatically when the laundry care appliance is switched on, when the iron 10 is most likely to be placed on the board support 40. The iron 10 may include a suitable signaling device to indicate to the user to place the iron on the board support 40 in preparation for the cleaning cycle El, for example, a visual signaling device such as an indicator light or an audible signaling device such as an alert.Alternatively, the iron 10 may include a suitable sensor to determine whether the iron 10 is placed on the board support 40 and only start the cleaning cycle 10 when the iron 10 is placed on the board support 40.

[0082] The laundry care appliance may further include a base 20 comprising a liquid reservoir 85 fluidly connected to the vaporization chamber as illustrated by way of non-limiting example in [Fig. 3]. The liquid reservoir 85 supplies water to the vaporization chamber by means of the pump 90. The board support 40 can extend from the base 20 to the board 30, so as to provide stable and reliable support for the board 30. The base 20 is connected to the domestic electrical network via an electrical cable 21.

[0083] The recovery tank can be housed in the base 20 or in a plinth 41 of the board support 40. The recovery tank can correspond to the liquid tank 85 or alternatively can be a separate tank from the liquid tank 85.

[0084] The laundry care device may include a fastening device 50 intended to couple the board support 40 to the board 30 by ensuring a fastening of the iron 10 to the board support 40, the fastening device 50 being arranged so that, when the iron 10 is fixed to the board support 40 by means of the fastening device 50, the steam outlet of the iron 10 is positioned opposite the opening 200 of the board support 40.

[0085] The fastening device 50 may further include a sealing gasket 51 designed to provide a seal between the steam outlet of the iron 10 and the opening 200 when the iron 10 is attached to the board support 40. Such a sealing gasket 51 improves the efficiency of the appliance by preventing steam loss at the junction between the steam outlet of the iron 10 and the opening 200, both during the delegation cycle and during the cleaning cycle EL

[0086] The fixing device 50 can be provided to ensure a snap-on fixing of the iron 10. The iron 10 is then clipped onto the fixing device 50. A snap-on fixing allows precise positioning and reliable fixing of the iron 10 to the board support 40. Alternatively, the device may include any suitable alternative or additional device for fixing the iron 10 to the board support 40, for example magnetic fixing means comprising two magnets of opposite polarity, one housed in the iron 10 and the other in the board support 40, other types of mechanical fasteners, etc.

[0087] The laundry care device may include a diffuser element 300 allowing the passage of a fluid to the laundry 500 placed on the board 30, a diffusion conduit fluidly connecting the diffuser element 300 and the opening 200 of the board support 40, so that when the iron 10 is fixed to the board support 40, the steam outlet of the iron 10 is fluidly connected to the diffuser element 300 via the opening 200 of the board support 40.

[0088] The diffuser element 300 may include at least one horizontal vent formed in the board 30, and / or at least one vertical vent formed in the board support 40. The diffuser element 300 thus allows steam to be diffused between the board 30 and the linen 500 placed on the board 30, in order to obtain effective wrinkle removal in a short time.

[0089] During a delegation cycle, the steam generator of the laundry care device can generate steam, the steam then flowing from the steam generator to the diffuser element 300 through the steam outlet orifice, and through the diffuser element 300 to a cloth 500 placed on the board 30.

[0090] During an ironing cycle, the user can use the iron 10 in a similar manner to a steam-generating iron 10, on a vertical or horizontal board 30.

[0091] The iron 10 may include a head 11, the heating soleplate 13 being attached to and fixed onto the head 11, and a handle 12 extending from the head and intended for gripping the iron 10 by the user. The heating soleplate 13 may include a substantially flat ironing surface. The heating soleplate 13 may include one or more steam outlets passing through the ironing surface and adapted for vaporizing steam. The steam outlet(s) may be arranged in any conceivable pattern on the heating soleplate 13, for example, only on a front portion of the heating soleplate 13, for example, in a semicircle on the front portion of the heating soleplate 13. The heating soleplate 13 may be made of stainless steel. The heated soleplate 13 may include a pointed front end and a rounded rear end that is wider than the front end, for improved ironing ergonomics.

[0092] The board 30 can be a vertical board in a reference position, the board 30 extending in front of the user who wishes to iron a 500 mm piece of laundry in place on board 30. Board 30 can be tilted, that is to say its orientation can be changed relative to the reference position in which board 30 is vertical, for example by + / - 30° relative to the vertical.

[0093] The board support 40 may include a base 41 adapted to rest on a horizontal surface such as the floor, an upper part 43, and at least one arm 42 adapted to extend vertically between the base 41 and the upper part 43, so as to connect the base 41 to the upper part 43 of the board support 40. The arm 42 may be telescopic. Thus, the device allows the height of the board 30 to be adjusted to the user. The board 30 may be attached to the upper part 43 of the board support 40 at one of the board's feet.

[0094] The steam generator is fluidly connected to the steam outlet of the iron 10. The garment care appliance may further include a cord 60 connecting the base 20 and the iron 10. The cord 60 supplies the iron 10 with electricity when the base 20 is connected to the domestic electrical network, thus enabling heating of the heating element when it is located in the head 11 of the iron 10. The cord 60 may include a tube allowing the passage of a fluid from the liquid reservoir 85 of the base 20 to the iron 10.

[0095] The cord length 60 can be between 1 and 3 m, in particular can be substantially equal to 1.8 m. Such cord lengths 60 allow sufficient maneuverability of the iron 10 to cover the entire surface of the board 30 and thus allow ironing of the laundry 500 placed on the board 30, including in particular in the upper part of the board 30, which may extend for example in front of the face of the user standing in front of the board 30.

[0096] The vaporization chamber of the steam generator is integrated into the iron 10. The pump 90 injects water from the liquid reservoir 85 into the vaporization chamber located in the iron 10, via the hose of the cord 60. The water is vaporized directly by the vaporization chamber within the iron 10. The heating device can be integrated into a casting, for example made of aluminum, comprising the heating element and the vaporization chamber, the casting being attached to the heating sole 13.

[0097] The recovery tank can be fluidly connected to the steam outlet of the iron 10, downstream of the steam outlet. The board support 40 may further include a drain channel 600 connected at one upstream end to the diffusion duct and at one downstream end to the recovery tank, as illustrated by way of non-limiting example in [Fig. 2]. The drain channel 600 notably prevents the accumulation of condensate in the appliance by directing the condensate to the recovery tank. The channel The drain duct 600 can have any suitable shape, for example, straight, vertical, angled, or curved. The collection tank can be located lower than the diffusion duct. The upstream end of the drain duct 600 corresponds to a high end opening into the diffusion duct, and the downstream end of the drain duct 600 corresponds to a low end opening into the collection tank. Thus, during operation of the laundry care appliance, water and / or limescale condensate falls by gravity into the collection tank while the steam rises in the diffusion duct until it passes through the diffuser element 300. The collection tank can be housed in the board support 40, for example, in the upper part 43 of the board support 40, or in the base 20.

[0098] During a laundry care cycle E2, the recovery tank can essentially collect condensate of water not vaporized in the steam chamber of the iron 10. During a cleaning cycle El, the recovery tank can essentially collect condensate comprising a mixture of water not vaporized during the partial vaporization of water in the steam chamber of the iron 10 and limescale particles detached during the partial vaporization of water in the steam chamber of the iron 10. The limescale particles detached during the cleaning cycle El pass through the steam outlet of the heating sole 13 of the iron 10 to be conveyed to the recovery tank.

[0099] The laundry care device may further include a fan, a drying orifice 400 allowing the passage of a fluid to the laundry 500 placed on the board 30, and a ventilation duct fluidly connecting the drying orifice 400 and the fan. The fan and the drying orifice 400 allow the drying of the damp laundry 500, for example, after it has been steamed and / or ironed. The drying orifice 400 is, for example, formed in the board 30 or in the board support 40. The drying orifice 400 allows hot air to be diffused between the board 30 and the laundry 500 placed on the board 30, thus achieving the desired drying efficiency in a short time.

[0100] The board support 40 may include a mast 45 designed to extend vertically from the base 20 to the board 30. The ventilation duct may extend at least partially into the mast 45. The mast 45 thus contributes to fluidly connecting the fan to the drying orifice 400, in addition to a possible structural role, as the mast 45 may contribute to the stable support of the board 30. The mast 45 may connect the base 20, in particular a hot air outlet formed in the base 20, and the upper part 43 of the board support 40. The mast 45 may be telescopic, so as to allow the height of the device to be adjusted. Wrinkle-removing cabinet

[0101] The garment care appliance may, for example, be a steaming cabinet 700, as illustrated by way of non-limiting example in [Fig. 6] and [Fig. 7]. The garment care appliance then further comprises a steaming chamber and a 20” base. The steam generator is located in the 20” base.

[0102] A 300” diffuser element allowing the passage of steam to a cloth placed in the steaming chamber is provided in the base 20”. The 300” diffuser element is fluidly connected to the steam generator and the 85”, 95” recovery tank, downstream of the steam generator and the 85”, 95” recovery tank.

[0103] The 20" base can house the 80" vaporization chamber of the steam generator, the 85" recovery tank, 95" and, where applicable, the 85" liquid tank fluidly connected to the 80" vaporization chamber. The 85" liquid tank may be the same as the recovery tank or be a separate tank from the 95" recovery tank. The 85" liquid tank supplies water to the 80" vaporization chamber. The 20" base is connected to the domestic electrical network via an electrical cable.

[0104] Such a garment steamer 700 allows for the steaming of clothes without requiring direct user intervention. The user places the clothes in the steaming chamber and starts a steaming cycle. During the steaming cycle, the steam generator of the garment steamer 700 generates steam, which then flows from the steam generator to the diffuser element 300”, in order to reach the clothes placed in the steaming chamber.

[0105] The 20" base can be adapted to rest on a flat surface such as the floor. The 20" base can be located directly under the steaming chamber and include an upper face that opens onto the steaming chamber. The steaming chamber can define an enclosed volume delimited by the 20" base, a roof 710 extending opposite and at a distance from the 20" base, and a vertical wall 720 connecting the 20" base and the roof 710. The vertical wall 720 can be, for example, a curtain. The vertical wall 720 can be removable so as to be opened to allow the placement of the laundry, then closed to close the steaming chamber for the purpose of steaming the laundry, and then opened again to retrieve the laundry after steaming.

[0106] The 80" vaporization chamber of the steam generator is integrated into the 20" base. Steam is produced in the 20" base and the 90" pump carries water from the 85" liquid reservoir to the 80" vaporization chamber.

[0107] The 95” recovery tank, when separate from the 85” liquid tank, can be fluidly connected to the 80” vaporization chamber upstream and to the 300” diffuser element downstream. The 95” recovery tank can be positioned so that the vapor produced in the 80” vaporization chamber The water continues its path until it passes through the 300” diffuser element, but the condensate of water and / or scale falls into the 95” recovery tank, for example, under the effect of gravity. A diffusion duct fluidly connects the 80” vaporization chamber to the 300” diffuser element. The diffusion duct can have any suitable shape, for example, straight, vertical, angled, elbowed, or curved. The 95” recovery tank can be located lower than the diffusion duct. As illustrated as an example in [Fig. 7], the diffusion duct can be elbowed and have a horizontal upstream section and a vertical downstream section to connect the 80” vaporization chamber upstream and the 300” diffuser element downstream. The 95” recovery tank is fluidly connected to the diffusion duct at the elbow and is located lower than the elbow.Thus, during the operation of the device, the generated water and / or scale condensates fall by gravity into the 95” recovery tank as they pass through the angled diffusion duct, while the steam passes through the entire angled diffusion duct to the 300” diffuser element.

[0108] During a laundry care cycle E2, the recovery tank 85”, 95” essentially collects condensate of water not vaporized during vaporization in the vaporization chamber 80”. During a cleaning cycle E1, the recovery tank 85”, 95” essentially collects condensate of water not vaporized during vaporization in the vaporization chamber 80” and limescale particles detached from the walls of the vaporization chamber 80”.

[0109] The laundry care apparatus may further include a fan 730, a drying orifice 400” allowing the passage of a fluid to the laundry placed in the steaming chamber, and a ventilation duct fluidly connecting the drying orifice 400” and the fan 730. The fan 730 and the drying orifice 400” allow the drying of damp laundry, for example after steaming. The drying orifice 400” is, for example, formed in the upper face of the base 20”. Operating frequency

[0110] The cleaning cycle El can be periodically activated at an operating frequency f of the appliance, depending on the number of times the appliance has started, the number of laundry care cycles performed, or the duration of its operation. The operating frequency f is a predetermined frequency, chosen to optimize the appliance's cleaning frequency in order to further extend its service life and optimize its performance while maintaining ease of use for the user.

[0111] For example, the operating frequency f may correspond to a laundry care time elapsed since the last cleaning cycle El of less than one hour, even less than half an hour, or even less than ten minutes. The garment care time can correspond, for a 10' steam iron, to the time during which the 10' iron is switched on or generating steam; for a steaming board with a power-saving function, to the steam generation time, particularly during a power-saving cycle; and for a 700 steaming cabinet, to the steam generation time, particularly during a steaming cycle. For example, for a 700 steaming cabinet, if the operating frequency f corresponds to a garment care time elapsed since the last cleaning cycle El equal to fifteen minutes, then after fifteen minutes of a steaming cycle, the 700 steaming cabinet performs a cleaning cycle El without the user having to take any manual action.

[0112] Alternatively or in addition, the operating frequency f may correspond to a number of garment care cycles of the appliance since the last cleaning cycle El of 20 or less, or even 10 or less, or even 5, or even 1. A garment care cycle E2 may correspond, for a 10' steam iron with steam generation, to a 10' iron activation, for a power board with delegation to a delegation cycle, and for a 700 steam cabinet to a steaming cycle. For example, for a power board with delegation, when the operating frequency f corresponds to a number of garment care cycles since the last cleaning cycle El equal to 1, this means that each time the user starts a delegation cycle, the power board performs a cleaning cycle El before starting the delegation cycle.The delegation cycle then takes over from the El cleaning cycle, by managing the flow of liquid injected into the vaporization chamber by pump 90 and the temperature of the vaporization chamber by the heating device, without the user having to take any particular action.

[0113] Alternatively or in addition, the operating frequency f may correspond to a number of appliance starts or stops since the last cleaning cycle El of 20 or less, or even 10 or less, or even 5, or even 1. For example, for a 10" steam iron, when the operating frequency f corresponds to a number of starts or stops since the last cleaning cycle El equal to 5, this means that when the user has switched the 10" iron on or off 5 times, on the 5th start or 5th stop, the appliance performs a cleaning cycle EL upon being switched on.

[0114] A laundry care method intended to be implemented by a laundry care appliance as described above is illustrated by way of non-limiting example in [Fig. 8]. The laundry care method includes a step of controlling a laundry care cycle E2 comprising one or more phases of liquid injection into the 80” vaporization chamber by means of a 90, 90” pump at a first injection flow rate less than or equal to a maximum liquid flow rate that can be vaporized by the 80” vaporization chamber so as to cause vapor generation.

[0115] The laundry care process further includes a periodic and automatic control step of a cleaning cycle E1 of the laundry care appliance prior to the laundry care cycle E2 comprising one or more phases of liquid injection into the vaporization chamber 80” by means of the pump 90, 90” at a second injection flow rate strictly greater than the maximum liquid flow rate that can be vaporized by the vaporization chamber 80”, so that the vaporization of the injected liquid dislodges any scale particles present in the vaporization chamber 80” and the injected but unvaporized liquid carries these scale particles towards the recovery tank 85”, 95”.

[0116] Such a laundry care process offers advantages similar to those detailed above for the laundry care appliance. In particular, the El cleaning cycle is carried out efficiently, regularly, and transparently for the user, thus optimizing the performance of the E2 laundry care cycle and extending the appliance's lifespan. Furthermore, the El cleaning cycle is carried out with minimal effort for the user.

[0117] The cleaning cycle El can be periodically activated at an operating frequency f of the appliance, depending on the number of times the appliance has started, the number of laundry care cycles performed by the appliance, or the duration of appliance operation. The operating frequency(ies) f of the laundry care process are similar to those described above for the laundry care appliance.

[0118] For example, the operating frequency f may correspond to a laundry care time elapsed since the last cleaning cycle El of less than one hour, or even less than half an hour, or even less than ten minutes. Alternatively or in addition, the operating frequency f may correspond to a number of appliance operating cycles since the last cleaning cycle El of less than or equal to 30, or even less than or equal to 10, or even less than or equal to 5, or even equal to 1. In particular, in a specific embodiment of the invention, the cleaning cycle El may be performed before and / or after each laundry care cycle E2.

[0119] The laundry care process may further include a drying step E3 following the laundry care cycle E2, the drying step E3 comprising hot air ventilation by a fan of the laundry care appliance. The drying step E3 of the laundry care process is similar to that described above with regard to the laundry care appliance.

[0120] The laundry care cycle E2 may further include at least one heating of the vaporization chamber 80" to a first vaporization temperature by means of the heating device. The cleaning cycle E1 may further include at least one heating of the vaporization chamber 80" to a second vaporization temperature strictly higher than the first vaporization temperature by means of the heating device. The heating of the vaporization chamber 80" to the second vaporization temperature is carried out prior to the injection of the liquid at the second injection rate into the vaporization chamber 80". The heating phase(s) of the laundry care process are similar to those described above for the laundry care apparatus.

[0121] Although the present exposition has been carried out with reference to specific embodiments, modifications and changes may be made to these examples without departing from their general scope. In particular, individual features of the various embodiments illustrated / mentioned may be combined in additional embodiments.

Claims

Demands

1. Laundry care apparatus, comprising: - a steam generator including an instantaneous vaporization chamber (80”) and a heating device for the vaporization chamber (80”), - a recovery tank (85, 85”, 95”) for fluid connection to the steam generator, - a pump (90, 90”) for injecting liquid into the vaporization chamber (80”), and - a control unit configured to control a laundry care cycle (E2) comprising one or more phases of liquid injection into the vaporization chamber (80”) by means of the pump (90, 90”) at a first injection flow rate less than or equal to a maximum liquid flow rate that can be vaporized by the vaporization chamber (80”) so as to generate steam,characterized in that the control unit is also configured to periodically and automatically command a cleaning cycle (E1) of the laundry care appliance prior to the laundry care cycle (E2) comprising one or more phases of liquid injection into the vaporization chamber (80”) by means of the pump (90, 90”) at a second injection flow rate strictly greater than the maximum liquid flow rate that can be vaporized by the vaporization chamber (80”), so that the vaporization of the injected liquid dislodges any limescale particles present in the vaporization chamber (80”) and the injected but unvaporized liquid carries these limescale particles towards the recovery tank (85, 85”, 95”).

2. Laundry care appliance according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning cycle (El) is periodically commanded at an operating frequency (f) of the appliance depending on a number of appliance starts, a number of laundry care cycles performed by the appliance or an operating time of the appliance.

3. Laundry care apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the control unit is further configured to control heating of the vaporization chamber by the heating device to a first vaporization temperature during the laundry care cycle (E2) and to control heating of the vaporization chamber by the heating device to a second vaporization temperature during the cleaning cycle (El) prior to the injection of the liquid at the second injection rate into the vaporization chamber, in which the second vaporization temperature is strictly higher than the first vaporization temperature.

4. Laundry care apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a base (20, 20', 20") including a liquid reservoir (85, 85") fluidly connected to the vaporization chamber (80"), the pump (90, 90") being provided to inject the liquid from the liquid reservoir (85, 85") into the vaporization chamber (80").

5. Laundry care apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising an iron (10') having a heated soleplate (13') having at least one steam outlet orifice fluidly connected to the vaporization chamber of the steam generator, the vaporization chamber being integrated in the iron (10'), in which the recovery tank is housed in the base (20') and the base (20') has a location (201) for placing the iron (10'), and in which an opening (200') fluidly connected to the recovery tank is provided in the base (20'), the opening (200') being arranged so that when the iron (10') is placed on the location (201) of the base (20'), the steam outlet orifice of the iron (10') is positioned opposite the opening (200') of the base (20').

6. A laundry care apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising: - an iron (10) comprising a heated soleplate (13) having at least one steam outlet fluidly connected to the vaporization chamber of the steam generator, - a board (30) for placing a garment (500), and - a board support (40) coupled to the board (30), an opening (200) fluidly connected to the recovery tank being provided in the board support (40) upstream of the recovery tank, the opening (200) being arranged so that when the iron (10) is placed on the board support (40), the steam outlet of the iron (10) is positioned opposite the opening (200) of the board support (40).

7. Laundry care apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising a base (20) including a liquid reservoir (85) fluidly connected to the vaporization chamber, in which the recovery reservoir is housed in the base (20) or in a plinth (41) of the board support (40).

8. Laundry care apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the steam generator is disposed in the base (20”), the laundry care apparatus further comprises a steaming chamber, a diffuser element (300”) allowing the passage of steam to a garment placed in the steaming chamber is provided in the base (20”), and wherein the diffuser element (300”) is fluidly connected to the steam generator and the recovery tank (85”, 95”), downstream of the steam generator and the recovery tank (85”, 95”).

9. Laundry care apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the recovery tank (85, 85”, 95”) is removable.

10. Laundry care apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the recovery tank (85, 85”, 95”) has a capacity between 10 ml and 300 ml.

11. A method for the care of a garment intended to be carried out by a garment care apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, said method comprising the following steps: - control of a garment care cycle (E2) comprising one or more phases of injection of liquid into the vaporization chamber (80”) by means of a pump (90, 90”) at a first injection flow rate less than or equal to a maximum liquid flow rate that can be vaporized by the vaporization chamber (80”) so as to cause the generation of vapor;and - periodic and automatic control of a cleaning cycle (E1) of the laundry care device prior to the laundry care cycle (E2) comprising one or more phases of liquid injection into the vaporization chamber (80”) by means of the pump (90, 90”) at a second injection rate strictly greater than the maximum liquid rate that can be vaporized by the vaporization chamber (80”), so that the vaporization of the injected liquid detaches any possible; scale particles present in the vaporization chamber (80”) and that the injected and unvaporized liquid carries these scale particles towards the recovery tank (85, 85”, 95”).

12. A method of laundry care according to claim 11, wherein the cleaning cycle (El) is periodically commanded at an operating frequency (f) of the appliance depending on a number of appliance starts, a number of laundry care cycles performed by the appliance or an operating time of the appliance.

13. A method of laundry care according to claim 11, wherein the operating frequency (f) corresponds to a laundry care time elapsed since the last cleaning cycle (El) of less than one hour, or even less than half an hour, or even less than ten minutes.

14. A method for caring for a garment according to claim 11, wherein the operating frequency (f) corresponds to a number of operating cycles of the appliance since the last cleaning cycle (El) less than or equal to 30, or less than or equal to 10, or less than or equal to 5, or even equal to 1.

15. A method for caring for laundry according to any one of claims 11 to 14, further comprising a drying step (E3) subsequent to the laundry care cycle (E2), the drying step (E3) comprising hot air ventilation by a fan (701) of the laundry care apparatus.

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