Ironing apparatus including a cordless iron

Abstract

The invention relates to an ironing apparatus including a cordless iron (1) provided with an auxiliary tank (14) and comprising a recharging base (2) on which the iron (1) is intended to be placed in a recharging position during the inactive phases of ironing, the base (2) including a main tank (26) comprising an air vent, the apparatus including a hydraulic filling circuit comprising a pump (6) intended to supply the auxiliary tank (14) with liquid coming from the main tank (26) when the iron (1) is in the recharging position, characterised in that the hydraulic filling circuit includes a return circuit (19) which permanently returns a portion of the liquid pumped by the pump (6), referred to as leakage flow, towards the main tank (26).

Description

ironing device comprising a cordless iron

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of ironing appliances comprising a cordless iron provided with an auxiliary tank and comprising a recharging base provided with a main tank in which the base comprises a pump intended to supply the auxiliary tank with liquid from the main tank when the iron rests on the base in a recharging position. State of the art

[0002] It is known, from patent application JP2893957, an ironing appliance comprising a cordless iron provided with an auxiliary tank and comprising a charging base on which the iron is intended to be placed in a charging position during inactive ironing phases. In this document, the charging base comprises a main tank and the appliance comprises a hydraulic filling circuit comprising a pump intended to supply the auxiliary tank with liquid from the main tank when the iron occupies the charging position. The hydraulic circuit comprises a return circuit which is adapted to return the liquid pumped by the pump towards the main tank when the auxiliary tank is full. For this purpose, the return circuit is equipped with a valve which opens when the pressure in the hydraulic filling circuit exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0003] However, such a device has the disadvantage of being subject to pump priming problems the very first time the device is started, when the hydraulic circuit is full of air. Indeed, the air trapped in the hydraulic circuit downstream of the pump then slows down the arrival of water in the pump and prevents the latter from priming. In addition, such a device has the disadvantage of having a connector, making the hydraulic connection between the charging base and the iron, which remains subject to high hydraulic pressure even after the pump is stopped. This results in a risk of leakage, in the long term, at the level of this hydraulic connector.

[0004] The present invention aims to remedy these drawbacks.

[0005] To this end, the invention relates to an ironing appliance comprising a cordless iron provided with an auxiliary reservoir and comprising a recharging base on which the iron is intended to be placed in a recharging position during inactive ironing phases, the base comprising a main reservoir comprising a vent allowing the main reservoir to remain at atmospheric pressure, the appliance comprising a hydraulic filling circuit comprising a pump intended to supply the auxiliary reservoir with liquid from the main reservoir when the iron occupies the recharging position, the hydraulic filling circuit comprising a return circuit adapted to return liquid pumped by the pump towards the main reservoir,characterized in that the return circuit continuously returns part of the liquid pumped by the pump towards the main reservoir so as to create a leakage flow.,

[0006] Such a feature allows a permanent connection to be established between a point in the hydraulic circuit located downstream of the pump and a point in the reservoir, the return circuit being devoid of any valve closing the return circuit. Thus, when air is present in the pump, the latter can escape through the return circuit, which facilitates priming of the pump.

[0007] The device may further have one or more of the following characteristics, taken alone or in combination.

[0008] According to an advantageous characteristic of the invention, the return circuit connects a point of the hydraulic filling circuit located downstream of the pump with a point of the main reservoir located at atmospheric pressure.

[0009] Such a feature makes priming the pump even easier by allowing the part of the filling circuit located downstream of the pump to be at atmospheric pressure when the pump is stopped. This allows any air present in the pump when it is started to escape freely through the main reservoir.

[0010] According to an advantageous characteristic of the invention, the hydraulic filling circuit comprises a hydraulic connector comprising a first part carried by the base and a second part carried by the iron, and the return circuit connects a point of the hydraulic filling circuit located upstream of the first part with a point of the main reservoir located at atmospheric pressure.

[0011] This feature allows the pressure to drop at the hydraulic connector when the pump is stopped. This greatly reduces the risk of leakage at this connector. This feature also avoids filling the auxiliary tank with air when the main tank is empty, as the air expelled by the pump passes entirely through the return circuit.

[0012] According to an advantageous characteristic of the invention, the auxiliary tank is configured to store liquid under pressure and the hydraulic filling circuit comprises a non-return valve arranged between the second part of the hydraulic connector and the auxiliary tank.

[0013] Such a check valve prevents the liquid stored under pressure in the auxiliary tank from escaping towards the second part of the hydraulic connector.

[0014] According to an advantageous characteristic of the invention, the auxiliary tank comprises a deformable wall.

[0015] According to an advantageous characteristic of the invention, the auxiliary tank comprises return means exerting pressure on the auxiliary tank.

[0016] According to an advantageous characteristic of the invention, the return circuit opens into the main tank above a maximum liquid filling level of the main tank.

[0017] According to an advantageous characteristic of the invention, the return circuit is sized such that the leakage flow represents less than 25% of the pump flow rate.

[0018] Such a feature makes it possible to limit the flow rate drop towards the iron due to the presence of the return circuit. Brief description of the figures

[0019] The aims, aspects and advantages of the present invention will be better understood from the description given below of a particular embodiment of the invention presented by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the appended drawings in which:

[0020] This is a perspective view of an ironing apparatus according to a particular embodiment of the invention, with the iron connected to the base;

[0021] This is another perspective view of the appliance with the iron disconnected from the base;

[0022] This is a perspective view of the iron fitted to the appliance;

[0023] This is a perspective view of the components inside the iron;

[0024] This is a longitudinal sectional view of the apparatus of the;

[0025] This is an exploded perspective view of the auxiliary tank fitted to the iron;

[0026] This is a perspective view of the distributor and the head above the injection orifice of the vaporization chamber fitted to the iron;

[0027] This is another perspective view of the dispenser fitted to the iron;

[0028] This is an exploded perspective view of the dispenser shown without the trigger activation detection switch or steam emission button;

[0029] This is a partially exploded perspective view of the dispenser equipped with the switch for detecting the activation of the trigger or the steam emission button;

[0030] This is a sectional view of the distributor along line XI-XI of the;

[0031] This is a longitudinal sectional view of the base with the protective flap in the deployed position;

[0032] This is a perspective view of the inside of the base with the protective flap in the deployed position

[0033] This is a perspective view of the inside of the base with the protective flap in the retracted position;

[0034] This is a detailed perspective view of the locking device in the unlocked position;

[0035] This is a detail view of the locking device in the locking position;

[0036] Represents the operating flowchart of the pump management program;

[0037] This is a schematic view of the device and in particular of its hydraulic filling circuit;

[0038] This is a sectional view of the auxiliary tank;

[0039] This is a partially exploded perspective view of the full auxiliary tank detection device.

[0040] Only the elements necessary for understanding the invention have been shown. To facilitate reading of the drawings, the same elements bear the same references from one figure to another.

[0041] It should be noted that in this document, the terms "horizontal", "vertical", "lower", "upper", "top", "bottom", "front", "rear", "longitudinal", "transverse", used to describe the iron and the base refer to this iron and this base in use, that is to say when the ironing soleplate and the lower surface of the base are placed on a horizontal plane.

[0042] Figures 1 to 3 represent an ironing appliance comprising a cordless iron 1 and a base 2 on which the iron 1 is intended to rest during inactive ironing phases. The iron 1 conventionally comprises a soleplate 10, advantageously flat, which is surmounted by a plastic housing provided with a grip handle 11.

[0043] The base 2 has a power cable 24 allowing its connection to a domestic electrical network and has a lower surface 20 intended to rest flat on a work surface, such as an ironing board.

[0044] The base 2 comprises an access ramp 21 comprising a lower peripheral edge which is flush with the work surface and advantageously comprises a ballast or attachment means, not shown, ensuring its immobilization on the work surface.

[0045] The base 2 comprises, on either side of the access ramp 21, two side walls 22 which delimit between them a receiving housing 23 having a shape complementary to that of the rear part of the iron 1.

[0046] According to Figures 4 and 5, the soleplate 10 of the iron 1 is in thermal contact with a heating body 12 integrated in the body of the iron 1, and comprises an ironing surface provided with steam outlet holes 110. The heating body 12 is advantageously made from an aluminum foundry, having a mass of the order of 650 g, and comprises an electrical resistance 12A providing a power of the order of 2250 W at a voltage of 230V. The heating body 12 contains a vaporization chamber 120 provided with a temperature sensor of the CTN type, not shown in the figures.

[0047] The power supply to the 12A electrical resistance is managed by an electronic card 29 arranged in the base 2. When the iron 1 rests on the base 2, the electronic card 29 receives the information from the temperature sensor and regulates the power supply to the 12A electrical resistance to bring the temperature of the vaporization chamber 120 around a set temperature of the order of 170°C.

[0048] Preferably, the vaporization chamber 120 is supplied with water by means of a deformable auxiliary reservoir 14 integrated into the housing of the iron 1.

[0049] The auxiliary reservoir 14, visible in detail on the, comprises a body 140 delimiting a rigid enclosure closed in its upper part by a cover 141. The body 140 closes a flexible bellows 142, advantageously having an accordion-shaped wall, which is connected in a sealed manner with the cover 141 and delimits with the latter a deformable pocket receiving the liquid contained in the auxiliary reservoir 14. The auxiliary reservoir 14 also comprises a piston 143 disposed between an end of the bellows 142 opposite the cover 141 and the body 140 of the auxiliary reservoir 14. The piston 143 is pushed by a return spring 144 and comes, under the pressure exerted by the spring 144, to compress the end of the bellows 142 and put the liquid contained in the auxiliary reservoir 14 under pressure.

[0050] The cover 141 comprises an inlet orifice 14A which communicates with the interior of the bellows 142 through an inlet duct 141A provided in the cover 141. The cover 141 also comprises an outlet orifice 14B which communicates with the interior of the bellows 142 through an outlet duct 141B provided in the cover 141.

[0051] Preferably, the auxiliary tank 14 is sized so that the thermal energy stored in the heating body 12, when the latter is at the set temperature of 170°C, makes it possible to vaporize all of the water contained in the auxiliary tank 14 when the latter is full.

[0052] For example, the maximum volume of the auxiliary reservoir 14 is advantageously of the order of 15 ml for an aluminum heating body 12 having a mass of the order of 650 g.

[0053] In fact, the maximum volume V of the auxiliary tank 14 can be determined from the following formula, taking into account a volume density of water of 1kg / l:

[0054] V < dT*m *900 / 2600

[0055] where dT corresponds to the temperature drop of the heating body and m corresponds to the mass of the heating body, the specific heat capacity of aluminum being 900 J*Kg -1 *K -1 , and the latent heat of vaporization of water being 2600KJ*Kg -1

[0056] Consequently, considering a temperature drop of 70°C (to go from the set temperature of 170°C to the vaporization limit temperature of 100°C), we obtain a volume V which must be less than 15.75 ml.

[0057] According to Figures 5, 19 and 20, the iron 1 advantageously comprises a detection device 17 making it possible to determine when the auxiliary reservoir 14 is full. This detection device 17 is for example constituted by a switch 171 which is actuated by the piston 143 when the piston 143 occupies a low position.

[0058] Preferably, the switch 171 is offset to one side of the auxiliary tank 14 and is actuated by means of an actuating lever 170 which is pivotally mounted around an axis 170A, the actuating lever 170 comprising a first end intended to actuate the switch 171 and a second end which is driven in movement by the piston 143 when the latter occupies the low position corresponding to the full auxiliary tank 14.

[0059] Such a construction, with a switch 171 offset to the side, has the advantage of limiting the height requirement of the auxiliary tank assembly 14 and its full tank detection device 17. It also makes it possible to reduce the risk of water flowing onto the switch 171, and thus to avoid damage to the latter, in the event of a leak at the auxiliary tank 14.

[0060] In order to allow the user to control the production of steam, the iron 1 comprises a trigger 15 located under the handle 11, preferably in the vicinity of its front end. The trigger 15 is configured to cooperate with a distributor 150 located in the housing at the front part of the iron 1.

[0061] According to Figures 7 to 11, the distributor 150 comprises an inlet connector 153A connected to the outlet orifice 14B of the auxiliary reservoir 14 by a tube 151, and two outlet connectors 154C, 154D connected to a head 122 coupled in a sealed manner to an injection orifice 121 provided in a closing cover of the vaporization chamber 120.

[0062] The first output connector 154C is connected to the head 122 by a first channel 152A and the second output connector 154D is connected to the head 122 by a second channel 152B.

[0063] As can be better seen in Figures 9 and 11, the distributor 150 comprises a lower body in which an inlet chamber 153 is provided, supplied by the inlet connector 153A, and comprises an intermediate body 154 covering the inlet chamber 153. The intermediate body 154 comprises a first distribution chamber 154A and a second distribution chamber 154B arranged side by side. The first distribution chamber 154A communicates with the first outlet connector 154C through a first nozzle 154E and the second distribution chamber 154B communicates with the second outlet connector 154D through a second nozzle 154F. Preferably, the passage section of the second nozzle 154F is greater than the passage section of the first nozzle 154E.

[0064] According to the, the distributor 150 comprises a passage, connecting the intake chamber 153 to the first distribution chamber 154A, which is closed by a first valve 155A and comprises a passage, connecting the intake chamber 153 to the second distribution chamber 154B, which is closed by a second valve 155B. The first valve 155A comprises an upper end provided with a first sealing cup 155C sealingly closing the upper end of the first distribution chamber 154A, the first valve 155A being returned to a closing position by a return spring 155E. The second valve 155B comprises an upper end provided with a second sealing cup 155D sealingly closing the upper end of the second distribution chamber 154B, the second valve 155B being returned to a closing position by a return spring 155F.

[0065] The distributor 150 comprises an upper body 156 which covers the intermediate body 154 and which comprises a first actuating rod 156A and a second actuating rod 156B mounted to move in translation in the upper body 156.

[0066] The first actuating rod 156A has a lower end which bears against the upper end of the first valve 155A and an upper end which is coupled to a first pusher 157A mounted to move in translation on the upper body 156. The trigger 15 is pivotally mounted on the lower part of the handle 11 and is configured to press on the first pusher 157A, in order to cause the downward movement of the first actuating rod 156A and the opening of the first valve 155A, when it is actuated by the user.

[0067] The second actuating rod 156B comprises a lower end which bears against the upper end of the second valve 155B and an upper end which is coupled to a second pusher 157B mounted so as to move in translation on the upper body 156. The iron 1 comprises a button 158, mounted so as to move in translation on the top of the iron 1, which is configured to press on the second pusher 157B, in order to cause the downward movement of the second actuating rod 156B and the opening of the second valve 155B, when it is actuated by the user.

[0068] Thus, pressing the trigger 15 causes the first valve 155A to open and water to be injected into the vaporization chamber 120 at a first flow rate which depends on the passage section of the first nozzle 154E and the water pressure present in the auxiliary tank 14.

[0069] Pressing the button 158 causes the second valve 155B to open and water to be injected into the vaporization chamber 120 at a second flow rate which depends on the passage section of the second nozzle 154F and the water pressure present in the auxiliary tank 14.

[0070] The water injected into the vaporization chamber 120 is vaporized and then distributed via a steam distribution circuit, conventionally arranged between the soleplate 10 and the heating body 12, the steam distribution circuit supplying steam to the holes 110 arranged in the soleplate 10.

[0071] In accordance with Figures 8 and 10, the distributor 150 advantageously comprises an actuator 159A which is mounted to move in translation along a vertical groove 156C provided in the upper body 156. The actuator 159A is capable of being pushed downwards, respectively by the first pusher 157A when the trigger 15 is actuated or by the second pusher 157B when the button 158 is pressed, so as to actuate a switch 159 which serves to detect the actuation of one or other of these members.

[0072] According to Figures 3 and 14, the receiving housing 23 comprises a stopper 25 comprising a first part of an electrical connector 5 intended to be electrically connected to a second part of the electrical connector 5 carried by the iron 1.

[0073] The first part of the electrical connector 5 comprises five contacts 5A1, 5B1, 5C1, 5D1, 5E1 which are electrically connected to an electronic card integrated in the base 2, three of these contacts 5B1, 5C1, 5E1 making it possible to supply the iron 1 with the current from the domestic electrical network and being conventionally connected to the phase, neutral and earth. The other two contacts 5A1, 5E1 are intended to transmit information between the iron 1 and the base 2.

[0074] For example, contact 5A1 is advantageously used to transmit the auxiliary tank 14 full information provided by switch 171 of detection device 17 and the activation information of trigger 15 or button 158 provided by switch 159. Contact 5E1 is advantageously used to transmit the signal from the CTN placed in vaporization chamber 120.

[0075] According to Figures 2 and 14, the five contacts 5A1, 5B1, 5C1, 5D1, 5E1 are respectively arranged behind five central grooves 25A, 25B, 25C, 25D, 25E ​​extending vertically on the stopper 25. The base 2 advantageously comprises a protective flap 50 pivotally mounted between a deployed position, illustrated in the, in which the contacts 5A1, 5B1, 5C1, 5D1, 5E1 are masked by the protective flap 50 and a retracted position, illustrated in the, in which the protective flap 50 is retracted downwards and frees access to the contacts. The base 2 comprises return means, advantageously produced by a spring, not visible in the figures, which automatically return the protective flap 50 to the deployed position when no pressure is exerted by the iron 1 on the protective flap 50.

[0076] The second part of the electrical connector 5, visible in the, is arranged on a rear face of the rear cantilevered part of the iron 1 and comprises five projecting conductive fingers 5A2, 5B2, 5C2, 5D2, 5E2. The conductive fingers 5A2, 5B2, 5C2, 5D2, 5E2 are bordered laterally by two guide walls 51 which extend rearwardly, beyond the conductive fingers 5A2, 5B2, 5C2, 5D2, 5E2 and form a barrier for protecting the conductive fingers 5A2, 5B2, 5C2, 5D2, 5E2 against impacts when the iron 1 is tilted backwards.

[0077] When the iron 1 is brought into a recharging position illustrated in the, the two guide walls 51 are inserted into two peripheral grooves 25F, visible in the, arranged on either side of the central grooves of the stopper 25, and interact with the protective flap 50 to make it tilt into the retracted position in which the protective flap 50 does not cover the contacts 5A1, 5B1, 5C1, 5D1, 5E1. The five conductive fingers 5A2, 5B2, 5C2, 5D2, 5E2 are then inserted into the central grooves 25A, 25B, 25C, 25D, 25E ​​of the base 2 to establish the electrical connection with the five contacts 5A1, 5B1, 5C1, 5D1, 5E1 of the first part of the connector, and allow an exchange of electrical energy between the base 2 and the iron 1.

[0078] According to Figures 2 and 12, the base 2 comprises a U-shaped main reservoir 26 which extends around the periphery of the base 2 and has a filling hatch 26A. The main reservoir 26 comprises, in a manner known per se, a vent circuit not shown in the figures allowing the reservoir 26 to remain at atmospheric pressure. The base 2 also comprises a pump 6 which is controlled by means of an electronic card 29, visible in Figures 5 and 12, integrated in the base 2. The pump 6 makes it possible to draw the water contained in the main reservoir 26 to send it to the auxiliary reservoir 14 of the iron 1 when the latter is in the recharging position on the base 2.

[0079] For this purpose, the device comprises a hydraulic filling circuit connecting the main tank 26 to the auxiliary tank 14 when the iron 1 is in the recharging position.

[0080] The hydraulic filling circuit comprises a hydraulic connector comprising a first part 7A, carried by the base 2, which is connected to the pump 6 by a first conduit 70 and a second part 7B, carried by the iron 1, which is connected to the auxiliary tank 14 by a second conduit 71.

[0081] The first part 7A of the hydraulic connector is equipped, in a manner known per se, with a ball valve which closes automatically when the first part 7A and the second part 7B are not connected to each other, the second part 7B of the connector comprising a finger which opens the ball valve when the first part 7A and the second part 7B are connected to each other.

[0082] In accordance with which schematically represents the hydraulic filling circuit, the part of the latter providing the connection between the second part 7B of the hydraulic connector and the auxiliary reservoir 14 comprises a non-return valve 145. This non-return valve prevents the liquid present in the auxiliary reservoir 14 from escaping through the second part 7B of the hydraulic connector under the effect of the pressure prevailing in the auxiliary reservoir 14, in particular when the iron 1 is disconnected from the base 2.

[0083] The hydraulic filling circuit advantageously comprises a return branch 19 consisting of a pipe connecting the first conduit 70 and the main reservoir 26, the return branch 19 opening into an upper zone of the main reservoir 26 located above the maximum water level for filling the main reservoir 26. The return branch 19 makes it possible to permanently return a portion of the water pumped by the pump 6 towards the main reservoir 26. Such a return branch 19 makes it possible in particular to generate a leak making it possible to evacuate any air bubbles present in the first conduit 70 and thus to promote the priming of the pump 6 during the first use of the device.The return branch 19 also has the advantage of venting the first conduit 70 arranged downstream of the pump 70, which prevents the junction between the first part 7A and the second part 7B of the hydraulic connector from remaining subject to high pressure when the pump 6 is stopped. This limits the risk of leakage at the hydraulic connector.

[0084] Preferably, the first part 7A of the hydraulic connector is arranged on a platform provided at the top of the access ramp 21 and the second part 7B of the hydraulic connector is arranged on a lower face of the rear part of the iron 1.

[0085] Thus, the two parts 7A, 7B of the hydraulic connector come opposite each other when the rear part of the iron 1 is brought above the access ramp 21 and is engaged in the receiving housing 23 of the base 2.

[0086] According to the, the base 2 advantageously comprises a groove 28, arranged at the periphery of the first part 7A of the hydraulic connector, and the iron 1 advantageously comprises a protective rib 18, visible on the, which extends around the second part 7B of the hydraulic connector, the protective rib 18, having a shape complementary to the shape of the groove 28.

[0087] The protective rib 18 provides protection against impacts for the second part 7B of the hydraulic connector when the iron 1 is disconnected from the base 2. The protective rib 18 also provides centering for the first part 7A and the second part 7B of the hydraulic connector by engaging in the groove 28 when the iron 1 is brought into the recharging position. The protective rib 18 also helps prevent rotation and translation of the iron 1 relative to the base 2, in a plane parallel to the lower surface 20, which allows the iron 1 to be laterally locked in the receiving housing 23.

[0088] In order to facilitate the placement of the iron 1 in the recharging position and to ensure that it is held in this position, the appliance comprises a magnetic attraction device 100 generating a force which attracts the iron 1 towards the stopper 25 when the rear part of the iron 1 is brought into the receiving housing 23 of the base 2.

[0089] Preferably, the force generated by the magnetic attraction device 100 brings and maintains the iron 1 in the recharging position, illustrated in the, in which the ironing surface is only in contact with the air and is raised relative to the work surface, advantageously making an angle of between 9° and 20° relative to the latter and preferably of the order of 15°.

[0090] For this purpose, the magnetic attraction device advantageously comprises magnets 100 having the shape of rectangular bars integrated in the base 2 and in the iron 1, the magnetic attraction force generated by the magnets 100 attracting the rear part of the iron 1 against the stopper 25.

[0091] These magnets 100 have, for example, a length of the order of 4 cm, a width of the order of 1 cm and a height of the order of 5 mm. They are sized to generate a magnetic attraction force which ensures that the iron 1 is kept in balance in the charging position.

[0092] According to Figures 3 and 5, the magnets 100 are partly integrated in the base 2, in the immediate vicinity of the first part 7A of the hydraulic connector, and are partly integrated in the iron 1, in the immediate vicinity of the second part 7B of the hydraulic connector. Thus, the force generated by the magnetic attraction of these magnets 100 is located as close as possible to the connection axis of the hydraulic connector.

[0093] For example, the magnets 100 are made of ferrite or neodymium and have a power of at least 0.6 T, the power of the magnets 100 being selected, depending on the weight of the iron 1, to ensure both the balance of the iron 1 in the charging position and the establishment of the hydraulic and electrical connections, while allowing easy disconnection of the iron 1, by the user, when the latter exerts a downward thrust at the front end of the handle 11. Advantageously, the magnets 100 used are class N48 Neodymium magnets, and their overall volume is preferably between 1500 mm3 and 6000 mm3.

[0094] In order to facilitate the docking of the iron 1 on the base 2, the base 2 has a suitable shape allowing the centering and automatic tilting of the iron 1 towards the recharging position when the iron 1 is brought onto the base 2 by sliding its soleplate 10 along the access ramp 21. For this purpose, the base 2 has a step 27, at the edge of each side wall 22, extending towards the inside of the receiving housing 23, each step 27 having a lateral end at which the step 27 has a projecting corner forming a stop 27A. The base 2 thus has two stops 27A, advantageously arranged symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal axis of the base 2, which engage in two notches 16, of complementary shape, formed on the rear part of the iron 1, in the vicinity of the rear end of the soleplate 10.The cooperation of each of these stops 27A with the respective notches 16 makes it possible to block the iron 1 in its recoil movement and to form two pivot points around which the iron 1 will tilt towards the recharging position.

[0095] Preferably, the appliance comprises a locking device 9 which makes it possible to mechanically immobilize the iron 1 on the base 2 in the recharging position in order to prevent the latter from accidentally becoming detached from the base 2 when transporting the appliance by the handle 11 of the iron 1, for example for storing it in a cupboard or placing it on an ironing board.

[0096] According to figures 13 and 14, the locking device 9 advantageously comprises two locking fingers 92 which are mounted to move in translation between an unlocking position (illustrated in figures 13, 14 and 15), in which the iron 1 is not mechanically blocked by the locking device 9, and a locking position (illustrated in the) in which the iron 1 is mechanically immobilized by the locking fingers 92 in the recharging position.

[0097] Preferably, the locking device 9 comprises a latch 90, accessible from outside the device, which makes it possible to move the two locking fingers 92 from the locking position to the unlocking position and vice versa.

[0098] In the particular embodiment illustrated in the figures, the latch 90 projects at the edge of the receiving housing 23 and is arranged at the end of a lever 91 mounted to pivot around an axis of rotation 91A advantageously arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis of the base 2.

[0099] The lever 91 is connected by a first link 93A to one of the locking fingers 92 and by a second link 93B to the other of the locking fingers 92, the first link 93A and the second link 93B being connected to the lever 91 at two points arranged symmetrically with respect to the axis of rotation 91A. The two locking fingers 92 are slidably mounted on horizontal guide rails 94 integrated in the base 2 and arranged symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal axis of the base 2.

[0100] Thus, pivoting the latch 90 in a first direction makes it possible to move the two locking fingers 92 towards each other, towards the locking position illustrated in the, in which the locking fingers 92 are inserted into an orifice 51A, visible in the, formed in the two guide walls 51 arranged on either side of the second part of the electrical connector 5 and prevent the iron 1 from being uncoupled from the base 2.

[0101] Pivoting the latch 90 in the opposite direction allows the two locking fingers 92 to be moved apart towards the unlocked position, illustrated in Figures 13, 14 and 15, in which the locking fingers 92 are extracted from the hole 51A, so that the iron 1 can be uncoupled from the base 2 by exerting pressure or traction on the handle 11.

[0102] Preferably and in accordance with the, the protective flap 50 of the first part of the electrical connector 5 comprises two end walls 50A which extend vertically on either side of the first part of the electrical connector 5 and come opposite the two locking fingers 92 when the protective flap 50 occupies the deployed position. Thus the protective flap 50 prevents the movement of the locking fingers 92 towards the locking position when it occupies the deployed position. Conversely, these end walls 50A disappear and allow the movement of the locking fingers 92 towards the locking position when the protective flap 50 occupies the retracted position. Such end walls 50A therefore make it possible to prevent the movement of the latch 90 of the locking device 9 towards the locking position when the iron 1 is not in the charging position on the base 2.

[0103] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the flow rate of the pump 6 is sized as a function of the power of the electrical resistance of the heating body 12 so that the quantity of water injected into the auxiliary reservoir 14, during the time of connection of the iron 1 to the base 2, is less than or equal to the quantity of water that can be vaporized from the thermal energy transmitted to the heating body 12 by the electrical resistance 12A, during this same connection time.

[0104] Thus the flow rate of the pump 6 is established so that the quantity of water injected each second into the auxiliary tank 14 is less than or equal to the quantity of water which can be vaporized using the energy injected each second into the heating body 12 by means of the electrical resistance 12A.

[0105] For example, the flow rate of pump 6 is set at 0.88 ml / s for a power of 2250W of the 12A electrical resistance.

[0106] Indeed, when the iron 1 is connected to the base 2, an energy of 2250J is then transmitted each second to the heating body 12 by the electrical resistance 12A. Now, this energy makes it possible to vaporize 0.88 g of water. This result is obtained by dividing the quantity of energy of 2250J by the quantity of energy of the order of 2600kJ / kg necessary to bring the water in the tank from the ambient temperature of the order of 18°C ​​to the temperature of 100°C (approximately 350 kJ / kg to which is added the latent heat of vaporization of the water of 2257 kJ / kg).

[0107] The operation of the ironing device thus produced will now be described.

[0108] When the user wishes to carry out an ironing session, he fills the main tank 26 and connects the power cord of the base 2 to the domestic electrical network, the base 2 preferably being fixed on an ironing board.

[0109] The establishment of the connection between the conductive fingers 5A2, 5B2, 5C2, 5D2, 5E2 and the electrical contacts 5A1, 5B1, 5C1, 5D1, 5E1 is detected by the electronic card 29 present in the base 2, for example by detecting the presence of a voltage at the contact 5E1 which receives the information from the NTC. This detection of the connection of the iron 1 to the base 2 is carried out during a first step 200 of a program for controlling the operation of the pump 6 illustrated in the.

[0110] When the program detects that iron 1 is connected to base 2, it checks whether there is a change in the state of the connection of iron 1 compared to the previous program loop. If so, the program sets a counter t0 corresponding to the pumping time of pump 6 before going to step 201, otherwise the program goes to step 201 without resetting the counter t0.

[0111] Step 201 consists of looking at the signal provided by the detection device 17. If the signal indicates that the auxiliary tank 14 is full then the program returns to step 200. If the signal provided by the detection device 17 indicates that the auxiliary tank 14 is not full, then the program goes to step 202.

[0112] Step 202 consists of comparing the value provided by the temperature sensor of the vaporization chamber 120 with a reference value, for example 130°C. If the temperature of the vaporization chamber 120 is lower than the reference value, then the program is returned to step 200. If the temperature of the vaporization chamber 120 is greater than or equal to the reference value, then the program goes to step 203.

[0113] Step 203 consists of comparing the pumping time t0 of the pump with a predetermined threshold, for example 20 seconds. If the pumping time t0 is greater than the predetermined threshold then the program is returned to step 200. If the pumping time t0 is less than the predetermined threshold then the program continues to step 204.

[0114] Step 204 consists of operating the pump 6 for a predetermined time, for example 10 ms, corresponding to a time step of the pump 6 management program. The pumping time t0 is then incremented by 10 ms. The program is then returned to step 200.

[0115] The control program for the operation of the pump 6 thus produced makes it possible to ensure controlled filling of the auxiliary tank 14 using the water stored in the main tank 26.

[0116] In fact, the test carried out in step 201 makes it possible to stop the filling of the auxiliary tank 14 when the latter is full.

[0117] The test carried out in step 202 makes it possible to authorize the filling of the auxiliary tank 14 only if the temperature of the vaporization chamber 120 is sufficiently hot so as to always maintain a safety margin in energy.

[0118] Finally, the test carried out in step 203 makes it possible to stop the pump 6 when pumping lasts too long, for example in the case of a failure of the detection device 17, knowing that the normal time to fill the auxiliary tank 14 is 17s.

[0119] The power supply to the 12A electrical resistance during the time when the iron 1 is connected to the base 2 is regulated in a conventional manner around the set temperature, the power being sent through the contacts 5B1, 5C1, 5E1 to power the 12A electrical resistance of the iron 1 only when the temperature measured by the NTC is less than 170°C.

[0120] Such a supply of the electrical resistance 12A generates a rapid rise in temperature of the heating body 12 and the soleplate 10 which takes place without risk of damage to the base 2 and / or the ironing board since the soleplate 10 is then not in contact with the latter.

[0121] When the temperature of the heating body 12 reaches the set temperature, an indicator light and / or an audible alarm is advantageously activated to indicate to the user that the iron 1 is ready for use.

[0122] After ensuring that the latch 90 is in the unlocked position, the user can exert a downward force at the front end of the handle 11 until the torque exerted by the user exceeds the magnetic attraction force generated by the magnets 100 and separates the rear part of the iron 1 from the base 2. The iron 1 then tilts along the access ramp 21 away from the stopper 25 and can be freely moved on the ironing board to carry out ironing work. This disconnection of the iron 1 from the base 2 is then accompanied by the interruption of the electrical and hydraulic power supply to the iron 1 respectively by the electrical connector 5 and the hydraulic connector 7A, 7B.

[0123] If the user wishes to have steam emission through the steam outlet holes 110 of the soleplate 10, he simply has to press either the trigger 15 or the button 158. Actuation of the trigger 15 opens the valve 155A and obtains a steam flow rate, called normal, of the order of 45 g / min which favors the autonomy of the iron 1. Actuation of the button 158 opens the valve 155B and obtains a higher steam flow rate, called reinforced, of the order of 120 g / min. The user can therefore choose, depending on his needs, to favor a high steam flow rate to the detriment of autonomy, by pressing the button 158 or on the contrary to favor autonomy to the detriment of the steam flow rate, by actuating the trigger 15.

[0124] When the user wishes to place the iron 1 back on the base 2, for example to handle the laundry to be ironed, or because the iron 1 indicates to him that it needs to be connected to the base, he simply has to slide the soleplate 10 along the access ramp 21 by orienting the rear part of the iron 1 towards the stopper 25, until the notches 16 come into contact with the stops 27A and the force generated by the magnets 100 causes the iron 1 to automatically tilt into the charging position. Tilting into this position simultaneously causes the hydraulic connection between the first part 7A and the second part 7B of the hydraulic connector and the electrical connection between the two parts of the electrical connector 5.

[0125] The establishment of the electrical connection is then detected by the electronic card 29 present in the base 2, the electronic card 29 managing the power supply to the pump 6 according to the program previously described and the power supply to the electrical resistance 12A of the heating body 12 according to the measurement of the CTN.

[0126] Since the quantity of water injected by the pump 6 into the auxiliary reservoir 14 during the time the iron 1 is connected to the base 2 is less than or equal to the quantity of water that can be vaporized using the energy injected during this same connection time into the heating body 12 by means of the electrical resistance 12A, the user can at any time interrupt the charging of the iron 1 by lifting it from the base 2 without the risk that the quantity of heat stored in the iron 2 is insufficient to vaporize the volume of water contained in the auxiliary reservoir 14. Thus, no water droplets will be emitted through the outlet holes 110 of the soleplate 10 if the user actuates the trigger 15 after having prematurely disconnected the iron 1. Indeed, the water present in the auxiliary reservoir 14 will be exhausted before the energy stored in the heating body 12 is insufficient to allow its vaporization.

[0127] The user can therefore use the iron 1 without necessarily waiting for the latter to have been placed on the base 2 for a sufficient time to reach an optimal autonomy condition, advantageously indicated by an indicator light, in which the auxiliary water tank 14 is filled and the heating body 12 is at the set temperature.

[0128] When the user has finished the ironing session and wishes to put away his appliance, he simply has to unplug the power cable 24 from the electrical network and tilt the latch 90 to the locking position. Tilting the latch 90 into the locking position causes the locking fingers 92 to move into the holes 51A of the guide walls 51 and the iron 1 to lock in the charging position.

[0129] The user can then grasp the handle 11 of the iron 1 to move the entire appliance for storage without the risk that the sudden movements that may accompany the transport of the appliance will cause the base 2 to disconnect under the effect of its weight and fall to the floor.

[0130] The ironing device thus produced therefore has the advantage of providing very good ergonomics of use while being simple and economical to produce.

[0131] In particular, the iron fitted to such an ironing appliance has the advantage of being devoid of any electronic device, the management of the filling of the auxiliary reservoir of the iron being carried out by the only electronic card integrated in the base. Thus the iron is less expensive to produce. In addition, the absence of an electronic card in the iron makes it possible to reduce the size of the iron and to overcome the problems usually linked to the integration of an electronic card in an environment subject to high temperatures, water and steam.

[0132] Of course, the invention is in no way limited to the embodiment described and illustrated, which has been given only as an example. Modifications remain possible, in particular from the point of view of the constitution of the various elements or by substitution of technical equivalents, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

[0133] Thus, in an alternative embodiment of the invention not shown, the iron comprises a device for counting the quantity of water sent by the pump in order to know at any time the quantity of water loaded in the auxiliary tank.

[0134] In an alternative embodiment of the invention not shown, the device may include a self-calibration program running regularly to measure the actual power of the electrical resistance (for example via the heating time) and the actual pump flow rate (via the tank filling time) to adapt the pump flow rate accordingly in relation to the quantity of energy transmitted to the heating body.

Claims

Ironing apparatus comprising a cordless iron (1) provided with an auxiliary reservoir (14) and comprising a recharging base (2) on which the iron (1) is intended to be placed in a recharging position during inactive ironing phases, the base (2) comprising a main reservoir (26) comprising a vent allowing the main reservoir (26) to remain at atmospheric pressure, the apparatus comprising a hydraulic filling circuit comprising a pump (6) intended to supply the auxiliary reservoir (14) with liquid from the main reservoir (26) when the iron (1) occupies the recharging position, the hydraulic filling circuit comprising a return circuit (19) adapted to return liquid pumped by the pump (6) towards the main reservoir (26),characterized in that the return circuit (19) permanently returns a portion of the liquid pumped by the pump (6) towards the main reservoir (26) so as to create a leakage flow. Ironing appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that the return circuit (1) connects a point of the hydraulic filling circuit located downstream of the pump (6) with a point of the main reservoir (26) located at atmospheric pressure. Ironing appliance according to claim 2, characterized in that the hydraulic filling circuit comprises a hydraulic connector comprising a first part (7A) carried by the base (2) and a second part (7B) carried by the iron (1), and in that the return circuit (1) connects a point of the hydraulic filling circuit located upstream of the first part (7A) with a point of the main reservoir (26) located at atmospheric pressure. Ironing appliance according to claim 3, characterized in that the auxiliary tank (14) is configured to store liquid under pressure and in that the hydraulic filling circuit comprises a non-return valve (145) arranged between the second part (7B) of the hydraulic connector and the auxiliary tank (14). Ironing appliance according to claim 4, characterized in that the auxiliary reservoir (14) comprises a deformable wall (142). Ironing appliance according to any one of claims 4 to 5, characterized in that the auxiliary reservoir (14) comprises return means (144) exerting pressure on the auxiliary reservoir (14). Ironing appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the return circuit (1) opens into the main tank (26) above a maximum liquid filling level of the main tank (26). Ironing appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the return circuit is dimensioned such that the leakage flow rate represents less than 25% of the flow rate of the pump (6).

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