A STEAM IRON WITH PRESSURIZED WATER RESERVOIR

Abstract

The present application relates to a steam iron (1) for treating garments, comprising a heel (2) to rest the steam iron (1) on a supporting surface (S) when the steam iron (1) is not treating garments, a pressurisation unit (3) having a chamber (4) comprising a water inlet (5) for receiving water and a water outlet (6). The pressurisation unit (3) is adapted so that, in a rest position (P1) where the heel (2) is placed on the supporting surface (S), it generates an air vacuum in the chamber (4) to draw water into the chamber (4) via the water inlet (5) and, in a lifted position (P2) where the heel (2) is not placed on the supporting surface (S), pressurises the water drawn in the chamber (4). The steam iron also comprises a steam engine (7) for generating steam from water towards the garments and a water output channel (8) for carrying water under pressure from the water outlet (6) to the steam engine (7). This invention allows easily pressurizing the water in the chamber for in turn increasing the steam generation.

Claims

1. A steam iron for treating garments, comprising: a heel to rest the steam iron on a supporting surface (S) when the steam iron is not treating garments; a pressurisation unit having a chamber, the chamber comprising a water inlet for receiving water and a water outlet, the pressurisation unit comprising a mechanical energy storing element coupled to a pusher element for inducing the storage of mechanical energy in the mechanical energy storing element, the pressurization unit being adapted to: a) in a rest position (P1) where the heel is placed on the supporting surface (S), generate an air vacuum in the chamber to draw water into the chamber via the water inlet due to the pusher element pushing against the mechanical energy storing element, b) in a lifted position (P2) where the heel is not placed on the supporting surface (S), pressurise the water drawn in the chamber using energy stored in the mechanical energy storing element when in the rest position (P1); a steam engine for generating steam from water towards the garments; and a water output channel for carrying water under pressure from the water outlet to the steam engine.

2. A steam iron according to claim 1, wherein the pressurisation unit comprises: a piston sliding within the chamber in a first direction (D1) to create said air vacuum; and a retention member located in the chamber to exert a force on the piston in a second direction (D2), opposite the first direction (D1).

3. A steam iron according to claim 2, wherein the retention member comprises a compression spring that is compressed when the steam iron is in its rest position (P1) and released when the iron is in its lifted position (P2).

4. A steam iron according to claim 1, comprising a one-way valve disposed along the water output channel to allow water to flow in the direction of the steam engine.

5. A steam iron according to claim 4, wherein the one-way valve is adapted to be opened based on a user action.

6. A steam iron according to claim 4, wherein the one-way valve is adapted to self-open in the lifted position (P2).

7. A steam iron according to claim 1, wherein the chamber is adapted to resiliently deform in the rest position (P1) to create said air vacuum in the chamber.

8. A steam iron according to claim 2, wherein the pusher element is connected to the piston, and the pusher element extends beyond the heel when the retention member is released.

9. A steam iron according to claim 1, further comprising: a water reservoir; and a water input channel for carrying water from the water reservoir to the chamber via the water inlet in the rest position (P1) and under the action of the pressurisation unit.

10. A steam iron system (1A, 1B, 1C) comprising: a steam iron according to claim 1, and a docking station defining said supporting surface (S) for detachably resting the steam iron.

11. A steam iron system according to claim 10, wherein the steam iron comprises: a water reservoir; and a water input channel for carrying water from the water reservoir to the chamber via the water inlet in the rest position (P1) and under the action of the pressurisation unit.

12. A steam iron system according to claim 10, wherein the docking station comprises a water reservoir, the steam iron and the docking station each including a fluid coupling cooperating when the steam iron is in the rest position (P1), for carrying water from the water reservoir (12A) of the docking station to the chamber via the water inlet in the rest position (P1) and under the action of the pressurisation unit.

13. A steam iron system according to claim 10, wherein the steam iron comprises an inlet valve arranged at the entrance of the water inlet to prevent water in the chamber flowing back to the reservoir (12, 12A) when the steam iron is in the lifted position (P2).

14. A steam iron system according to claim 10, wherein: the steam iron comprises an electric heater in thermal conductivity with the steam engine; and the docking station comprises a power supply, the steam iron and the docking station having electrical connectors cooperating with each other to provide electrical supply to the electric heater when the steam iron is in the rest position (P1).

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0051] Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0052] FIG. 1A shows a first steam iron according to the invention for treating garments in a rest position (P1) on a supporting surface;

[0053] FIG. 1B shows the first steam iron of FIG. 1A in a lifted position (P2);

[0054] FIG. 2A shows a first steam iron system according to the invention of a steam iron for treating garments in a rest position (P1) on a supporting surface of a docking station;

[0055] FIG. 2B shows the first steam iron system in a lifted position (P2);

[0056] FIG. 3 shows a second steam iron system according to the invention in a lifted position (P1) above a supporting surface of a docking station;

[0057] FIG. 4 shows a third steam iron system according to the invention in a lifted position (P1) above a supporting surface of a docking station;

[0058] FIG. 5A shows a second steam iron according to the invention in a rest position (P1); and

[0059] FIG. 5B shows the second steam iron in a lifted position (P2).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0060] With reference to FIGS. 1A and 1B, there is shown a steam iron 1 for treating garments according to a first embodiment of the present invention

[0061] The steam iron comprises a heel 2 to rest the steam iron 1 on a supporting surface S in rest position (P1) as shown in FIG. 1A when the steam iron 1 is not being used to treat garments.

[0062] The steam iron 1 further comprises a pressurisation unit 3 having a chamber 4 including a water inlet 5 for receiving water and a water outlet 6.

[0063] The pressurisation unit 3 is adapted to generate an air vacuum in the chamber 4 to draw water into the chamber 4 via the water inlet 5, when the iron 1 is in its rest position P1, as shown in FIG. 1A, with the heel 2 placed on the supporting surface S.

[0064] The pressurisation unit 3 is also adapted to pressurise the water drawn into the chamber 4, when the iron 1 is lifted off the supporting surface S in lifted position (P2) as shown in FIG. 1B, and the heel 2 is no longer contacting with the supporting surface S.

[0065] The steam iron 1 also comprises a steam engine 7 for generating steam from water and for directing it towards the garments through vents (not shown) formed in a soleplate 22, and a water output channel 8 for carrying water under pressure from the water outlet 6 to the steam engine 7.

[0066] The pressurisation unit 3 comprises a piston 9 received in the chamber 4. The piston 9 forms a sliding seal against the chamber wall to prevent water and/or air from passing around the edges of the piston 9.

[0067] When the steam iron 1 is placed on its heel 2 in the resting position (P1), the piston 9 slides in a first direction D1 away from the supporting surface S. Sliding of the piston 9 in the first direction D1 creates an air vacuum in the chamber 4 in a first region of the chamber 4 beneath the piston 9, which causes water to be drawn into the first region of the chamber 4 through the water inlet 5.

[0068] The steam iron comprises a water reservoir 12, and a water input channel 13 for carrying water from the water reservoir 12 to the chamber 4 via the water inlet 5 in the rest position (P1) and under the action of the pressurisation unit 3.

[0069] From usage point of view, the water reservoir 12 is regularly and manually filled-in by user.

[0070] A pusher element 15 preferably extends from the piston 9 through an opening in a wall of the chamber 4. The pusher element 15 may be a cylindrical rod or shaft that can slide in an axial direction through the opening relative to the chamber wall. A sliding seal may be provided between the pusher element 15 and the chamber wall to prevent the passage of air into the chamber 4 when the piston 9 is displaced or, the escape of water drawn into the chamber 4. The pusher element 15 extends through and beyond the heel 2 of the steam iron 1 when the steam iron 1 is in its lifted position (P2), as illustrated in FIG. 1B.

[0071] As the pusher element 15 protrudes beyond the heel 2 of the steam iron 1 in its lifted position (P2), the protruding end 15a of the pusher element 15 will make initial contact with the supporting surface S when the steam iron 1 is placed on its heel 2 in its rest position (P1), and the pusher element 15 will then take all the weight of the steam iron 1. The pusher element 15 thus exerts a downwards force on the supporting surface S. In turn, an opposite upwards force is exerted on the piston 9 which is then pushed upwards inside the chamber 4. The weight of the steam iron 1 acting in a direction towards the supporting surface S causes the pusher element 15 to slide inwardly until the protruding end 15a of the pusher element 15 is level or flush with the surface of the heel 2.

[0072] A retention member 10 is arranged in a second region of the chamber 4 above the piston 9.

[0073] The retention member 10 is preferably constrained between the piston 9 and the chamber wall and is resiliently compressed as the piston 9 slides in the first direction D1 when the steam iron 1 is placed on its heel 2 on the supporting surface S, so that it exerts a force on the piston 9 in direction opposite to the first direction Dl.

[0074] The retention member 10 may be a compression spring or a deformable element capable of resiliently deforming and storing energy when in a compressed state.

[0075] It will be appreciated that the force generated by the retention member 10 against the piston 9 is not sufficient to prevent the piston 9 from sliding in direction D1 under the weight of the steam iron 1 when the heel 2 is placed on the supporting surface S in its rest position (P1).

[0076] When the steam iron 1 is in its lifted position P2 and the heel 2 is no longer in contact with the supporting surface S, the pusher element 15 is free from the supporting surface S and retention member 10 is released. The stored mechanical energy within the retention member 10 acts against the piston 9 to urge it back in an opposite direction D2. The water drawn into the region of the chamber 4 beneath the piston 9 when the heel 2 was placed on the supporting surface in a rest position (P1), is now pressurised by the piston 9 due to the force of the retention member 10 acting against it.

[0077] A one-way valve 11 controls the flow of water from the water outlet 6 of the chamber 4 to the steam engine 7 through the water output channel 8.

[0078] The one way valve 11 is closed when the steam iron 1 is placed on its heel 2 on the supporting surface S in its rest position so that an air vacuum can be generated in the chamber 4 to drawn water into the chamber 4, rather than from the water output channel 8.

[0079] The one-way valve 11 can be a mechanical valve that is manually operated by a user as required (in order to trigger the steam generation), or it can open automatically when the steam iron 1 is raised into its lifted position (P2).

[0080] The one-way valve 11 may open when the steam iron 1 is pivoted into a position in which the soleplate 22 is substantially horizontal so that no user intervention to operate the valve 11 is required. This also ensures safer and effective steam generation as the steam is only generated when the steam iron 1 is in an orientation in which ironing occurs, i.e. when the steam iron 1 is held with its soleplate 22 in a substantially horizontal orientation for ironing garments placed on a horizontal ironing board.

[0081] If the steam iron is equipped with a source of electrical energy (for example a rechargeable battery), it is also envisaged that the valve 11 can be controlled by an electrical signal reflecting a choice input to the steam iron 1 by a user.

[0082] A user may be able to make an initial selection as to when they wish the valve 11 to open, or whether they wish to be able to open it manually. Once chosen, their selection may be stored in a memory and the steam iron 1 may operate according to that selection until the user changes it once again.

[0083] In a preferred embodiment, the one-way valve 11 opens in response to operation of a switch or trigger (not shown) by a user so that steam is produced on demand.

[0084] A one way inlet valve 18 is preferably arranged at the entrance of the water inlet 5. The inlet valve 18 controls the flow of water from the reservoir 12 into the chamber 4 through the water inlet 5.

[0085] The inlet valve 18 may be a check valve that self-opens as a result of the generation of a vacuum in the chamber 4 when the steam iron 1 is placed on its heel 2 on a supporting surface S in its rest position (P1), so that water can be drawn from the reservoir 12 through the water inlet 5 and into the chamber 4 as the piston 9 is displaced in direction Dl.

[0086] The inlet valve 18 closes when a vacuum is no longer generated in the chamber 4 and, in particular, when the steam iron 1 is in its lifted position (P1) and water in the chamber 4 is pressurised by the retention member 10 acting against the piston 9.

[0087] Closure of the inlet valve 18 prevents a reverse flow of water back out of the chamber 4 through the inlet 5 towards the reservoir 12.

[0088] The inlet valve 18 may be open but close only in response to a back pressure acting in a direction towards the reservoir 12, i.e. it may be responsive to a pressure differential across the valve 18 which causes it to close.

[0089] Alternatively, the inlet valve 18 may open, or open wider, in response to the generation of a vacuum within the chamber 4.

[0090] The reservoir 12 and 12A may include a balancing valve 23 and 23A, respectively, to allow the flow of air into the corresponding reservoir, as water is drawn out of the reservoir into the chamber 4. This ensures that water flows out of the chamber 4 smoothly and prevents any vacuum being generated in the reservoir as a result of water flowing into the chamber 4 under the influence of the air vacuum.

[0091] During use of a steam iron according to the invention, whilst a user may realise that the steam pressure has reduced or is no longer present reflecting that water needs to be re-filled and/or thermal energy needs to be accumulated by docking back on the docking station, user will also be able to gauge when the steam iron 1 needs to be put back in the rest position (P1) by looking at the position of the pusher element 15 and the extent to which it is protruding from the heel 2 of the steam iron 1.

[0092] A first steam iron system 1A is shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, which demonstrates how an embodiment of the invention may be employed with a cordless steam iron 1 that is placed on a docking station 16 when not in use for ironing garments, and in which the cordless steam iron 1 and docking station 16 together form a steam iron system.

[0093] For sake of clarity, term cordless refers to the fact that when in the lifted position (P2), there are no cord connections between the steam iron and the docking station 16.

[0094] In this embodiment, the supporting surface S is provided on the docking station 16.

[0095] In FIG. 2A, a steam iron 1 is shown in its rest position (P1) in which the heel 2 of the steam iron 1 is placed on the supporting surface S of the docking station 16.

[0096] FIG. 2B is the same view, except that the cordless steam iron 1 has been raised off the supporting surface S of the docking station 16 into its lifted position (P2).

[0097] The steam iron 1 according to the second embodiment may function in a similar way as previously described.

[0098] The supporting surface S of the docking station 16 is preferably provided with a valve actuator 24 that cooperates with the inlet valve 18 when the steam iron 1 is placed on the supporting surface S to open the inlet valve 18 rather than as a result of a pressure differential across the valve 18.

[0099] Removal of the steam iron 1 from the supporting surface S will then disengage the valve actuator 24 from the inlet valve 18 thereby causing the valve 18 to close.

[0100] The supporting surface S of the docking station 16 may also be provided with electrical connectors 21 having terminals for supplying electrical energy to the steam iron 1 to heat the soleplate 22 and/or steam engine 7 when the steam iron 1 is placed on the supporting surface S.

[0101] Although FIGS. 2A and 2B show that the water reservoir 12 is positioned within the steam iron 1, it is also possible instead to locate a reservoir 12A in the docking station 16. A fluid coupling 17 is thus provided between the steam iron 1 and the docking station 16 that fluidly couples the steam iron 1 to the reservoir 12A when the steam iron 1 is placed on the supporting surface S.

[0102] Such an arrangement with the reservoir 12A located in the docking station 16 is shown in FIG. 3, which shows a second steam iron system 1B in which the steam iron 1 in a lifted position (P 1) above a supporting surface S of a docking station 16.

[0103] A third steam iron system 1C is shown in FIG. 4.

[0104] In this embodiment, rather than having the pusher member 15 extending out of the steam iron beyond the heel 2, it is made shorter so that it remains wholly within the steam iron 1 and does not protrude from it. An additional pushing element 25 upstands from the supporting surface S of the docking station 16. When the steam iron 1 is placed on the supporting surface S, the pushing element 25 extends into the steam iron 1 through an opening (not shown) in the heel 2 and contacts the pusher member 15 to drive the piston 9 in direction D 1 within the chamber 4.

[0105] Although the pushing element 25 may be fixed, it may also be mounted so that it held within the docking station 16 below the supporting surface S until the steam iron 1 is placed on the supporting surface S, at which point it raises so as to protrude beyond the supporting surface S and into the steam iron 1.

[0106] Although the reservoir 12A is shown within the docking station 16 in the embodiment of FIG. 4, it will be appreciated that it can also be located within the steam iron 1, as previously described.

[0107] A second embodiment of a steam iron 1 is illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B, in which the pressurisation unit 3 described with reference to all of the previous embodiments may have a different construction.

[0108] Rather than having a piston 9 sliding inside the chamber, the pressurisation unit 3 has walls adapted to resiliently deform.

[0109] For example, the pressurisation unit 3 can take the form of an expandable bellows 26.

[0110] FIG. 5A shows the steam iron 1 in the rest position (P1) in which the pusher member 15, which is attached to an upper wall 27 of the chamber 4 has been forced inwardly under the weight of the iron 1 acting against the pusher member 15, and the bellows 26 have been extended to create a vacuum and draw water into the chamber 4 from the reservoir 12.

[0111] FIG. 5B shows the steam iron 1 raised into its lifted position (P2). The resilience of the bellows 26 pressurises the water within the chamber 4 as the bellows 26 return back into their original configuration.

[0112] The above embodiments as described are only illustrative, and not intended to limit the technique approaches of the present invention. Although the present invention is described in details referring to the preferable embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that the technique approaches of the present invention can be modified or equally displaced without departing from the scope of the technique approaches of the present invention, which will also fall into the protective scope of the claims of the present invention. In the claims, the word comprising does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article a or an does not exclude a plurality. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

[0113] The term substantially herein, such as in substantially consists, will be understood by the person skilled in the art. The term substantially may also include embodiments with entirely, completely, all, etc. Hence, in embodiments the adjective substantially may also be removed. Where applicable, the term substantially may also relate to 90% or higher, such as 95% or higher, especially 99% or higher, even more especially 99.5% or higher, including 100%. The term comprise includes also embodiments wherein the term comprises means consists of. The term and/or especially relates to one or more of the items mentioned before and after and/or. For instance, a phrase item 1 and/or item 2 and similar phrases may relate to one or more of item 1 and item 2. The term comprising may in an embodiment refer to consisting of but may in another embodiment also refer to containing at least the defined species and optionally one or more other species.

[0114] Furthermore, the terms first, second, third and the like in the description and in the claims, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a sequential or chronological order. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that the embodiments of the invention described herein are capable of operation in other sequences than described or illustrated herein.

[0115] The devices herein may amongst others described during operation. As will be clear to the person skilled in the art, the invention is not limited to methods of operation or devices in operation.

[0116] It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments illustrate rather than limit the invention, and that those skilled in the art will be able to design many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. Use of the verb to comprise and its conjugations does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those stated in a claim. Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words comprise, comprising, and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of including, but not limited to. The article a or an preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. The invention may be implemented by means of hardware comprising several distinct elements, and by means of a suitably programmed computer. In the device claim enumerating several means, several of these means may be embodied by one and the same item of hardware. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

[0117] The invention further applies to a device comprising one or more of the characterizing features described in the description and/or shown in the attached drawings. The invention further pertains to a method or process comprising one or more of the characterizing features described in the description and/or shown in the attached drawings.

[0118] The various aspects discussed in this patent can be combined in order to provide additional advantages. Further, the person skilled in the art will understand that embodiments can be combined, and that also more than two embodiments can be combined.

[0119] Furthermore, some of the features can form the basis for one or more divisional applications.