ES2948441A1 - SMART IRONING METHOD - Google Patents

Abstract

Smart ironing method. Procedure for ironing devices for fabrics and textile materials, in particular electric steam irons and ironing centers for the automatic management of variations in temperature and steam parameters during the sequential ironing process based on increment requirements (HOT mode) or decrease (COLD mode), or without parameters through the following phases: 1°). Start temperature, 2°). Steam generation, 3°). Movement control: a six-axis accelerometer (7), which monitors vertical accelerations in the plane of the iron and rotation speeds in the vertical axis, and a control unit (6) which manages the temperature of the sole and the possible opening or closing the drip valves to control the generation of steam or decrease in temperature of the sole (3). (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding)

Description

DESCRIPTION

SMART IRONING METHOD

TECHNIQUE SECTOR

The present invention falls within the apparatus for ironing fabrics and textile materials, more specifically in steam irons that may contain fluid drive means, or without fluid drive means, or ironing centers. And in particular, the adaptation of efficiency and performance in domestic and industrial hot ironing with respect to the treated textile garment and the temperature and steam that are used at all times.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Currently, fabric ironing devices are widely known, which have means for generating water vapor and heating elements to raise the temperature of the soleplate in contact with the fabrics, and produce optimal drying and straightening.

In general, depending on the type of fabric to be ironed, as well as the amount of wrinkles or condition thereof, the optimal temperature for ironing is usually different, as well as the amount of steam necessary to obtain perfect results. As a general rule, the garments to be ironed come with a label indicating the optimal temperature level for ironing, taking into account that the use of temperatures lower than those marked by the manufacturer will not achieve efficient wrinkle removal. and the use of temperatures higher than those marked by the manufacturer can cause burn damage to the fabric being ironed.

The process of identifying fabrics and subsequent ironing with the corresponding temperature and steam setting is a very tedious process for the user, and inventions have been developed with the aim of detecting the type of fabric that the user is preparing to iron, or reduce the user's degrees of freedom to a minimum, with the objective in both cases of making the entire process more agile and comfortable. Another of the most tedious processes in the ironing process that the user has to endure are the waiting times that can appear between garments that have an optimal temperature and amount of steam that are very different from each other, either when passing from an optimal temperature decreases towards a high optimal temperature - whose heating times will depend on the power of the heating element of the soleplate -, or go from a high optimal temperature to a low one - whose cooling times will depend on the cooling of the soleplate of the convection ironing device free, a process that can be extremely slow-

The present invention refers to a system for managing the temperature of the sole and the amount of steam of an ironing appliance using, among other elements, water preheating and sole cooling systems, with the aim of reducing of the waiting times between ironing garments at different temperatures and optimal amounts of steam, depending on the type of ironing device considered.

In European patent document EP2655727B1 KONINKL PHILIPS (2014) an ironing device is presented with a soleplate with at least one steam outlet, steam generating elements, and control means to maintain a soleplate temperature that is not adjustable by the user inside. in a range between 100-150°C and with an average amount of steam of at least 50 grams/minute. In this document, results from ironing different garments with SLG and AATCC ratings, from both German standards and those developed by the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC) are presented to explain a qualitative test method applied to determine the antimicrobial effectiveness in products. textiles, respectively, in which predefined temperature and steam emission ranges are applied, and they are compared with the results achieved by traditional irons. It is observed that working with predefined ranges gives similar results in garments with high temperatures, and even better in garments with low temperatures. However, this document indicates that the steam flow rates used for these tests are in the order of 100-140 grams/minute, which are relatively high for devices that do not have auxiliary steam generators, and therefore would limit the reach of said results to devices capable of generating steam with those flow rates. Furthermore, in said document, the results obtained on garments with high ironing temperatures do not improve the results of traditional irons, even with the high steam flow rates mentioned in the document. In the same way, these steam flow rates with delicate garments (low ironing temperatures) can produce condensation in certain parts of the ironing soleplate, and the minimum temperature range for delicate garments used in the tests for high flow rates is not specified. steam.

In another European patent, document EP3562992B1 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV (2021), a method for reducing the temperature of the soleplate in an ironing appliance is disclosed. However, this document specifies that the temperature reduction method consists of sending water to the steam generating elements of the ironing appliance, with the heating elements turned off, resulting in a reduction in temperature, but with the consequent expulsion of steam through the steam outlet holes. Furthermore, said document specifies that the reduction of the temperature of the sole of the ironing device is carried out by the control elements when the motion detection elements detect that the user is not moving the ironing device. However, this temperature reduction is not applicable when the optimal ironing temperature of the garment is lower than the previously ironed garment.

On the other hand, European patent EP3728722B1 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV (2021) describes an ironing device composed of a soleplate, a steam generator, a control unit and an image sensor. Using the image sensor, a classification of the fabric that the user is ironing is carried out, and the control unit acts on at least one operating parameter of the ironing device, depending on the type of fabric detected. However, the industrial embodiment of the invention presented in this document EP3728722B1 is difficult to apply, due to the sensitivity and calibration of the image sensors and their introduction into the ironing device. Furthermore, taking into account that in other documents, it is defended that working in a range, or even at a constant temperature, is sufficient for ironing fabrics, the development of a classification system using image classification is a system that is difficult to apply for companies. differences that it would provide in the final ironing of the fabric in question.

Finally, document EP3625388B1 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV (2020) discloses an ironing apparatus with an accelerometer and a control unit, in which the characteristics of the accelerometer signal are compared with predefined patterns, and the ironing processes are reduced or stopped. steam outlet parameters in the event that the vertical acceleration in the Z axis exceeds a value of 1.05g. However, said steam output parameters are only adjusted when the user is stopping the ironing process, but does not make a live adjustment of said parameters based on the user's needs nor does it manage the temperature of the soleplate for optimal ironing. .

At this point, the method proposed by the present invention achieves management of the temperature and steam flow, based on the movement patterns of the user on the ironing device, the temperature variation of the soleplate and the needs of the user. user during the ironing process. This method incorporates preheating elements and cooling that allow a more precise adjustment of the iron temperature and steam flow, with reduced operating and waiting times between ironing.

. EXPLANATION OF THE INVENTION

The technical problem that is intended to be solved with the present invention is the achievement of automatic management of the ironing parameters based on the needs and requirements of the user, together with the provision of preheating and cooling elements with the objective of reducing the Steam generation and waiting times between ironing different fabrics.

In general, in the ironing process there are two fundamental parameters when it comes to achieving adequate results in the correct straightening of the fabrics. On the one hand, the temperature of the sole to heat the fabric with the aim of achieving a softening of the fibers by modifying the intermolecular bonds of the polymers of the fabrics. And, on the other hand, the amount of steam, which achieves wetting and softening of the iron and modifies the vitrification temperature, allowing optimal ironing at a lower temperature.

It must be taken into account that the optimal ironing characteristics for different fabrics may vary, which is why a classification of fabrics is standardized based on their optimal ironing temperature. Adjusting this temperature by the user is a necessary and tedious process that, relatively frequently, can lead to errors. With the consequent inefficiency of the ironing process or consequent damage to the fabric being ironed.

In general, the way to generate the appropriate temperatures and steam flow rates in ironing devices depends on their type, and three conventional types or categories of ironing devices can be distinguished:

Las planchas de vapor, las cuales disponen de medios de generación de vapor en la suela del aparato y no disponen de medios de impulsión de fluido.

Steam irons, which have steam generation means on the sole of the device and do not have fluid delivery means.

Los centros de planchado compactos o centros de planchado sin calderín, los cuales disponen de medios de impulsión de fluido, que pueden aumentar el caudal de agua entrante a los medios de generación de vapor.

Compact ironing centers or ironing centers without a boiler, which have fluid delivery means, which can increase the flow of water entering the steam generation means.

Los centros de planchado con calderín, los cuales disponen de medios de generación de vapor a presión autónomos, separados del elemento de planchado y con una conexión fluidodinámica con la suela y los agujeros de salida de vapor de la misma.

Ironing centers with a boiler, which have autonomous pressurized steam generation means, separated from the ironing element and with a fluid-dynamic connection with the soleplate and its steam outlet holes.

Due to this, the optimal management of the temperature and the amount of steam supplied to the fabric is not carried out in a similar way, so an explicit implementation is necessary for each of the control methods of the different ironing devices.

The first method proposed in the present invention (Figure 1) refers to the so-called steam irons which have steam generation means on the sole of the device and do not have fluid delivery means. Said control method will require a water tank ( 1 ), a preheater ( 2 ) in thermal contact with the sole ( 3 ) in order to increase the water temperature, a cooler ( 4 ) in order to reduce the temperature of the soleplate, drip valves ( 5 ) to regulate the amount of water entering the preheater ( 2 ) and the cooler ( 4 ), an ironing soleplate ( 3 ), which has chambers for steam generation and a heating element to increase the temperature of the sole, a temperature sensor temperature ( 8 ) that monitors the temperature of the sole ( 3 ), a six-axis accelerometer ( 7 ), which monitors vertical and in-plane accelerations of the iron and rotation speeds in the vertical axis, and a control unit ( 6 ) - e.g. a PCB, Controller Board, (Printed Circuit Board in English terminology) -, which manages the temperature of the soleplate and the possible opening or closing of the drip valves to control the generation of steam or decrease of sole temperature ( 3 ). Said control method will carry out autonomous management of the temperature of the sole ( 3 ) and opening times of drip valves ( 5 ), whose parameters will be modified depending on the interaction or non-interaction of the user with the control method.

The second method proposed in the present invention (Figure 2) refers to the so-called compact ironing centers which have fluid drive means, which can increase the flow of water entering the steam generation means. Said control method requires a water tank ( 1 ), a preheater ( 2 ) in thermal contact with the sole ( 3 ), with the aim of increasing the water temperature; a cooler ( 4 ) with the objective of reducing the temperature of the sole, a water pump ( 9 ) as a flow drive method, which controls the incoming flow into the preheater ( 2 ) and the cooler ( 4 ), an ironing sole ( 3 ), which has chambers for steam generation and a heating element to increase the temperature of the sole ( 3 ), a temperature sensor ( 8 ) that monitors the temperature of the sole; a six-axis accelerometer ( 7 ), which monitors accelerations in the plane of the iron and rotation speeds in the vertical axis and a control unit ( 6 ), which manages the temperature of the sole and the activation and deactivation of the pump. with the aim of controlling the generation of steam and the drop in temperature of the sole ( 3 ). Said control method will carry out autonomous management of the sole temperature ( 3 ) and pump start times ( 9 ) of the ironing device, whose parameters will be modified depending on the interaction or non-interaction of the user with the control method. .

The third method proposed in the present invention (Figure 3) refers to the so-called ironing centers that are separate from the ironing element and with a fluid-dynamic connection with the sole and its steam outlet holes. Said control method requires a water tank ( 1 ), a preheater ( 2 ) or pressureless steam generator, with the objective of increasing the temperature of the water or generating pressureless steam, a cooler ( 4 ) with the objective of reducing the temperature of the sole ( 3 ), a water pump ( 9 ) as a flow drive method, which controls the incoming flow into the preheater ( 2 ) and the cooler ( 4 ); a pressurized steam generator ( 11 ), which will evaporate the supplied water; a solenoid valve ( 12 ), which is responsible for supplying pressurized steam to the sole ( 3 ), an ironing sole ( 3 ), which has a heating element to increase the temperature of the sole ( 3 ), temperature sensors temperature ( 8 ) that monitor the temperature of the soleplate ( 3 ), the preheater ( 2 ) and the pressurized steam generator ( 11 ), a six-axis accelerometer ( 7 ), which monitors accelerations in the plane of the iron, vertical accelerations and rotation speeds on the vertical axis, a control unit ( 10 ) in the base element which manages the pump start-up times ( 9 ), the temperature of the preheater ( 2 ) and the temperature of the pressurized steam generator. ( 11 ) and a control unit ( 6 ) of the iron which manages the temperature of the iron and is in communication with the control unit of the base element ( 10 ). Said control method will carry out autonomous management of the temperature of the sole ( 3 ) and opening times of the solenoid valve ( 11 ) of the ironing device, whose parameters will be modified depending on the interaction or non-interaction of the user with the method of control. control.

In this way, the different methods presented autonomously control the temperature of the soleplate and the amount of steam supplied, based on the assistance of sensors of the steam generating elements, preheaters, coolers and the soleplate, in addition to the movement of the soleplate. the iron of the ironing device, only modifying the standard patterns when the user decides on a higher temperature level (Hot) or lower (Cold), depending on the performance of the ironing device at all times and the type of fabric being ironed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To complement the description that is being made and in order to help a better understanding of the characteristics of the invention, a set of drawings is attached as an integral part of said description, where, with an illustrative and non-limiting nature, it has been represented. the next:

Figure 1.- Steam iron operation method diagram

Figure 2.- Compact ironing center operation diagram

Figure 3.- Ironing center operation diagram

The following is a list of references and technical means and elements of this invention, related to:

to. -Technical means

b. -Connections

c. -Control variables

d. - Temperature

a.Technical means

Water tank (1)

Preheater/Pressureless Steam Generator (2)

Sole (3)

Cooler (4)

Cooler drip valve (5)

Iron control unit (6)

Six-axis accelerometer (7)

Temperature sensor (8)

Water pump (9)

Base element control unit (10)

Pressure steam generator (11)

Solenoid valve (12)

Pressure sensor (13)

b. Connections:

101. Hydraulic connection

102. Electrical-electronic connection

103. Thermal connection

c. Control variables:

71. Linear acceleration X axis, a_x

72. Linear acceleration Y axis, a_y

73. Linear acceleration Z axis, a_z

74. Z axis angular velocity, w_z

d. Temperature

81. Temperature, T

82. Temperature variation, dT/dt

PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

In the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, reference is made to the attached drawings of schematic type or flow diagram, which form part of this report, and in which specific preferred embodiments in which the invention are shown by way of illustration can be carried out. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to allow those skilled in the art to carry out the invention, and it is understood that other embodiments may be used and that logical structural, mechanical, electrical and/or chemical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. To avoid details not necessary to enable those skilled in the art to carry out the detailed description should therefore not be taken in a limiting sense.

In a preferred embodiment (Figure 1) the present invention refers to an autonomous operation method for steam irons. In this embodiment, the water tank ( 1 ) is hydraulically connected ( 101 ) with the preheater ( 2 ) and with the cooler ( 4 ) by means of drip valves ( 5 ) that can be operated manually or operated by the control unit. the iron ( 6 ) electrically ( 102 ). The sole of the iron ( 3 ), has heating elements to raise its temperature, is hydraulically connected to the cooler ( 2 ) and the drip valves ( 5 ), electrically connected to the iron control unit ( 6 ). and is thermally connected ( 103 ) with the preheater ( 3 ) in such a way that they share a common temperature ( 81 ), and thermally connected with the temperature sensor ( 8 ), which is responsible for measuring the temperature ( 81 ) and the variation temperature ( 82 ) of the sole. The accelerometer ( 7 ) is responsible for electronically transmitting ( 102 ) the linear accelerations in the three axes ( 71 , 72 , 73 ) and the rotation speed in the vertical axis ( 74 ) to the iron control unit ( 6) . ).

We find, therefore, three possible connections or circuits: hydraulic ( 101 ), electrical ( 102 ) and thermal ( 103 ).

And the following phases are carried out:

1°).Start temperature.

2°). Steam generation.

3°). Movement control.

Thus, the user of a steam iron that has the control method of the present embodiment (Figure 1), can not modify any parameter of the method (0) or choose a more powerful ironing level (HOT) or colder (COLD). ), depending on the demands of the garment being ironed and its ironing.

These technical means used described and represented in Fig. 1, 2 and 3 are interrelated in possible functional operations that They are then shown in Figs. 4 to 6.

The logic of the first embodiment of the operating method (Figure 1) is represented in Figure 4 where the action parameters are specified in each of the cases of the first embodiment depending on the temperatures, their variation and the ironing parameters. supplied by the user. The logic of the first embodiment will vary depending on whether the user decides to purposely increase or decrease the temperature levels (HOT increasing temperature, or COLD decreasing temperature) or decides not to act on the operating method (0), and we can find ourselves in the following possible situations:

a).Case without mode 0 parameters (Figure 4): In this first case, the target temperature (801) of the method will be in the range of [120°C - 130°C]. The method will make variations in the temperature and steam parameters depending on the characteristics of the ironing process:

In the event that the temperature drop 81 is less than 901 (-3°C/s), the fabric has a good heat absorption capacity, so the heating element of the sole ( 3 ) will turn on to mitigate the temperature drop. The temperature can be raised to a maximum of 145°C, entering the target temperature range of the HOT mode ( 803 ). Within this process, the acceleration parameters of the accelerometer will be checked ( 7 ). If the lateral accelerations ( 71 , 72 ) or the radial velocity in the Z axis ( 74 ) are greater than a value 701 of |1 m/s2| or |30°/s| respectively, they will indicate that the user is ironing an area of the fabric with a greater number of wrinkles, so the amount of steam supplied must increase. Therefore, the action 501 on the drip valves ( 5 ) should be placed in an opening range of 10-50%, to increase the flow of steam outgoing to the fabric. In case the level of accelerations ( 71 , 72 ) or radial velocities ( 74 ) are lower than the value 701, the action on the drip valves 502 should not be more than 25%.

In the event that the temperature increase ( 81 ) is greater than 902 (3°C/s), the fabric cannot absorb as much heat flow from the sole ( 3 ), so the temperature is increasing. Therefore, the heating element on the soleplate should be turned off to stay within a safe range. Within this process, the acceleration parameters of the accelerometer will be checked ( 7 ). If the lateral accelerations ( 71, 72 ) or the radial velocity in the Z axis ( 74 ) are greater than a value 702 of |1m/s2| or |30°/s| respectively, they will indicate that the user is ironing an area of the fabric with a greater number of wrinkles, so the amount of steam supplied must increase. Therefore, the action 503 on the drip valves ( 5 ) should be placed in an opening range of 15-60%, to increase the flow of steam outgoing to the fabric and protect it from excessive temperature increases. In case the level of accelerations ( 71 , 72 ) or radial velocities ( 74 ) are lower than the value 702, the action on the drip valves 504 should not be more than 30%.

In the event that the temperature increase ( 81 ) is in the range of 901 and 902, it can be considered that the temperature level is stable, so it is not necessary for the heating element of the sole ( 3 ) to be turn on while within the working range. Therefore, the heating element on the soleplate should be turned off to stay within a safe range. At the same time, when the method works at lower temperature increments, the acceleration parameters of the accelerometer will be checked ( 7 ). If the lateral accelerations ( 71 , 72 ) or the radial velocity in the Z axis ( 74 ) are greater than a value 703 of |1 m/s2| or |30°/s| respectively, they will indicate that the user is ironing an area of the fabric with a greater number of wrinkles, so the amount of steam supplied must increase. Therefore, the action 505 on the drip valves ( 5 ) should be placed in an opening range of 15-50%, to increase the flow of steam outgoing to the fabric, but not at an excessive level to avoid possible condensation. In the event that the level of accelerations ( 71 , 72 ) or radial velocities ( 74 ) are lower than the value 703, the action on the drip valves 506 should not be more than 30%.

b).COLD mode case (Figure 4): In this case, the user has modified the autonomous operation of the method, because he considers that the fabric to be ironed is delicate, so the temperature levels should decrease. Therefore, the target temperature (802) of the method will be in the range of [90°C - 115°C] prepared for ironing delicate fabrics. The method will make variations in the temperature and steam parameters depending on the characteristics of the ironing process:

In the event that the temperature drop ( 81 ) is less than 903 (-3°C/s), the fabric has a good heat absorption capacity, so the heating element of the sole ( 3 ) will turn on to mitigate the temperature drop, because, if the temperature drop is pronounced, condensation effects may appear at the steam outlet. The temperature may be raised to a maximum of 120°C, entering within the temperature range of the autonomous mode (801) . Within this process, the acceleration parameters of the accelerometer will be checked ( 7 ). If the lateral accelerations ( 71, 72 ) or the radial velocity in the Z axis ( 74 ) are greater than a value 704 of |0.8 m/s2| or |20°/s| respectively, they will indicate that the user is ironing an area of the fabric with a greater number of wrinkles, so the amount of steam supplied must increase. Therefore, the action 507 on the drip valves ( 5 ) should be placed in an opening range of 0-20%, to increase the flow of steam outgoing to the fabric, but avoiding excessive flow rates with the consequent risk of condensation. In case the level of accelerations ( 71 , 72 ) or radial velocities ( 74 ) are lower than the value 704, the action on the drip valves 508 should not be more than 10%.

In the event that the temperature increase ( 81 ) is greater than 904 (3°C/s), the fabric cannot absorb as much heat flow from the sole ( 3 ), so the temperature is increasing. Therefore, the sole heating element should be turned off to stay within a safe range, taking into account that the user has indicated that he wants a more delicate ironing. In addition, the control unit can act on the drip valves ( 5 ) of the cooler ( 4 ), for a period of no less than 5 seconds, with the aim of stopping the increase in temperature more quickly. Within this process, the acceleration parameters of the accelerometer will be checked ( 7 ). If the lateral accelerations ( 71 , 72 ) or the radial velocity in the Z axis ( 74 ) are greater than a value 705 of |0.8 m/s2| or |20°/s| respectively, they will indicate that the user is ironing an area of the fabric with a greater number of wrinkles, so the amount of steam supplied must increase. Therefore, the action 509 on the drip valves ( 5 ) should be placed in an opening range of 15-40%, to increase the flow of steam outgoing to the fabric and protect it from excessive increases in temperature, taking into account the range of work. In case the level of accelerations ( 71 , 72 ) or radial velocities ( 74 ) are lower than the value 705, the action on the drip valves 510 should not be more than 20%.

In the event that the temperature increase ( 81 ) is in the range of 903 and 904, it can be considered that the temperature level is stable, so it is not necessary for the heating element of the sole ( 3 ) to be turn on while within the working range. Therefore, the heating element on the soleplate should be turned off to stay within a safe range. At the same time, when the method works at lower temperature increments, the acceleration parameters of the accelerometer will be checked ( 7 ). If the lateral accelerations ( 71, 72 ) or the radial velocity in the Z axis ( 74 ) are greater than a value 706 of |0.8 m/s2| or |20°/s| respectively, they will indicate that the user is ironing an area of the fabric with a greater number of wrinkles, so the amount of steam supplied must increase. Therefore, the action 511 on the drip valves ( 5 ) should be placed in an opening range of 10-40%, to increase the flow of steam outgoing to the fabric, but not at an excessive level to avoid possible condensation, taking into account Note that temperatures are stabilized. In case the level of accelerations ( 71 , 72 ) or radial velocities ( 74 ) are less than the value 706, the action on the drip valves 512 should not be more than 20%.

c).HOT mode case (Figure 4): In this case, the user has modified the autonomous operation of the method, because he considers that the fabric to be ironed is more resistant and needs a higher temperature for adequate ironing. Therefore, the target temperature (803) of the method will be in the range of [140°C - 150°C] prepared for ironing harder fabrics. The method will make variations in the temperature and steam parameters depending on the characteristics of the ironing process:

In the event that the temperature drop ( 81 ) is less than 905 (-5°C/s), the fabric has a good heat absorption capacity, so the heating element of the sole ( 3 ) will turn on to mitigate the drop in temperature, taking into account that the fabric being ironed has a high level of optimal temperature (also indicated by the user). The temperature may be raised up to, at most, 160°C, increasing the optimal temperature range due to the absorption capacity of the fabric. Within this process, the acceleration parameters of the accelerometer will be checked ( 7 ). If the lateral accelerations ( 71 , 72 ) or the radial velocity in the Z axis ( 74 ) are greater than a value 707 of |1.5m/s2| or |50°/s| respectively, they will indicate that the user is ironing an area of the fabric with a greater number of wrinkles, making more efforts because the fabric is of higher hardness, so the amount of steam supplied must increase. Therefore, the action 513 on the drip valves ( 5 ) should be placed in an opening range of 50-80%, to increase the flow of steam outgoing to the fabric, but avoiding excessive flow rates to allow more pronounced temperature increases. In case the level of accelerations ( 71 , 72 ) or radial velocities ( 74 ) are lower than the value 707, the action on the drip valves 514 should not be less than 50%, to improve the temperature distribution for ironing. .

In the event that the temperature increase ( 81 ) is greater than 906 (5°C/s), the fabric cannot absorb as much heat flow from the sole ( 3 ), so the temperature is increasing. Therefore, the heating element of the sole should be turned off to stay within the established range, so as not to avoid burns despite being in a high temperature range. In addition, the action on the drip valve should open for 5 seconds if the temperature exceeds the value of 160°C. Within this process, the acceleration parameters of the accelerometer will be checked ( 7 ). If the lateral accelerations ( 71 , 72 ) or the radial velocity in the Z axis ( 74 ) are greater than a value 708 of 11.5 m/s2| or |50°/s| respectively, they will indicate that the user is ironing an area of the fabric with a greater number of wrinkles, making more efforts because the fabric is of higher hardness, so the amount of steam supplied must increase. Therefore, the action 515 on the drip valves ( 5 ) should be placed in an opening range of 60-100%, increasing to the maximum flow rate available in the ironing device for correct wrinkle removal taking into account the range of job. In case the level of accelerations ( 71 , 72 ) or radial velocities ( 74 ) are lower than the value 705, the action on the drip valves 516 should be placed in a range of 40%-80%, maintaining a high flow rate to avoid zones. without humidifying with a high temperature range.

In the event that the temperature increase ( 81 ) is in the range of 905 and 906, it can be considered that the temperature level is stable, so it is not necessary for the heating element of the sole ( 3 ) to be turn on, while within the working range. Therefore, the heating element on the soleplate should be turned off to stay within a safe range. At the same time, when the method works at lower temperature increments, the acceleration parameters of the accelerometer will be checked ( 7 ). If the lateral accelerations ( 71 , 72 ) or the radial velocity in the Z axis (74) are greater than a value 709 of 11.5 m/s2| or |50D/s| respectively, they will indicate that the user is ironing an area of the fabric with a greater number of wrinkles, making more efforts because the fabric is of higher hardness, so the amount of steam supplied must increase. Therefore, the action 517 on the drip valves ( 5 ) should be placed in an opening range of 50-100%, to increase the flow of steam outgoing to the fabric and allow correct wetting in the wrinkle area, taking into account the hardness of it. In case the level of accelerations ( 71 , 72 ) or radial velocities ( 74 ) are lower than the value 709, the action on the drip valves 518 should not be less than 50%.

In another possible embodiment (Figure 2), and situations and cases, the present invention refers to an autonomous operation method for compact ironing centers or ironing centers without a boiler, which have fluid drive means.

In this embodiment, the water tank ( 1 ) is connected hydraulically ( 101 ) with the pump ( 9 ), which is connected hydraulically ( 101 ) with the preheater ( 2 ) and with the cooler ( 4 ) and electronically ( 102 ). with the control unit ( 6 ). The sole of the iron ( 3 ), has heating elements to raise its temperature, is hydraulically connected ( 101 ) to the cooler ( 4 ), electrically connected ( 102 ) to the iron control unit ( 6 ) and is thermally connected ( 103 ) with the preheater ( 2 ) in such a way that they share a common temperature ( 81 ), and thermally connected with the temperature sensor ( 8 ), which is responsible for measuring the temperature ( 81 ) and the temperature variation ( 82 ) of the sole. The accelerometer ( 7 ) is responsible for electronically transmitting ( 102 ) the linear accelerations in the three axes ( 71 , 72 , 73 ) and the rotation speed in the vertical axis ( 74 ) to the iron control unit ( 6) . ). The user of the steam iron who has the control method of the present embodiment (Figure 2) can not modify any parameter of the method (0) or choose a more powerful ironing level (HOT) or colder (COLD), depending on the demands of the garment being ironed and its ironing. The pump allows a greater transfer of fluid through the circuit than the drip valves ( 5 ) of embodiment 1 (Figure 1), making the cooling system ( 4 ) more effective and allowing a greater increase in water temperature through the preheater ( 2 ).

The logic of the second embodiment of the operating method (Figure 2) is presented in Figure 5 where the action parameters are specified in each of the cases of the first embodiment depending on the temperatures, their variation and the ironing parameters. supplied by the user. The logic of the first embodiment will vary depending on whether the user decides to purposely increase or decrease the temperature levels (HOT increasing temperature, or COLD decreasing temperature) or decides not to act on the operating method (0):

a).Case without mode 0 parameters (Figure 5): In this first case, the target temperature (811) of the method will be in the range of [120°C - 130°C]. The method will make variations in the temperature and steam parameters depending on the characteristics of the ironing process:

In the event that the temperature drop 81 is less than 911 (-3°C/s), the fabric has a good heat absorption capacity, so the heating element of the sole ( 3 ) will turn on to mitigate the temperature drop. The temperature may be raised up to, at most, 145°C, entering within the target temperature range of the HOT mode at the value (813) . Within this process, the acceleration parameters of the accelerometer will be checked ( 7 ). If the lateral accelerations ( 71 , 72 ) or the radial velocity in the Z axis ( 74 ) are greater than a value 711 of |1 m/s2| or |30°/s| respectively, they will indicate that the user is ironing an area of the fabric with a greater number of wrinkles, so the amount of steam supplied must increase. Therefore, the action at the value 921 on the fluid drive means ( 4 ) should not be less than 5 seconds, to increase the flow of steam outgoing to the fabric. In case the level of accelerations ( 71 , 72 ) or speeds radials ( 74 ) are less than the value 711, the pump should not be activated for more than three seconds. As the temperature range is safe, the action on the cooler in both cases at the value 421,422 is null, since the system will be focused on obtaining steam, instead of cooling the sole ( 3 ).

In the event that the temperature increase ( 81 ) is greater than 912 (3°C/s), the fabric cannot absorb as much heat flow from the sole ( 3 ), so the temperature is increasing. Therefore, the heating element on the soleplate should be turned off to keep the temperature within a safe range. Within this process, the acceleration parameters of the accelerometer will be checked ( 7 ). If the lateral accelerations ( 71 , 72 ) or the radial velocity in the Z axis ( 74 ) are greater than a value 712 of |1 m/s2| or |30°/s| respectively, they will indicate that the user is ironing an area of the fabric with a greater number of wrinkles, so the amount of steam supplied must increase. Therefore, the action of value 923 on the water pump should activate it for no less than 5 seconds, to increase the flow of steam outgoing to the fabric and protect it from excessive temperature increases. In the event that the level of accelerations ( 71 , 72 ) or radial velocities ( 74 ) are lower than the value 712, the action on the pump at the value 924 should not be an activation of more than 4 seconds. As the temperature range is safe, the action on the cooler in both cases at value 423.424 is null, since the system will be focused on obtaining steam, instead of cooling the sole ( 3 ).

In the event that the temperature increase ( 81 ) is in the range of 911 and 912, it can be considered that the temperature level is stable, so it is not necessary for the heating element of the sole ( 3 ) to be turn on while within the working range. At the same time, when the method works at lower temperature increments, the acceleration parameters of the accelerometer will be checked ( 7 ). If the lateral accelerations ( 71 , 72 ) or the radial velocity in the Z axis ( 74 ) are greater than a value 713 of |1 m/s2| or |30°/s| respectively, they will indicate that the user is ironing an area of the fabric with a greater number of wrinkles, so the amount of steam supplied must increase. Therefore, turning on the pump ( 9 ) at value 925 should not be less than 3 seconds, to increase the flow of steam out to the fabric, but not at an excessive level to avoid possible condensation. In the event that the level of accelerations ( 71 , 72 ) or radial velocities ( 74 ) are lower than the value 713, the action at value 926 on the pump ( 9 ) should not be activated for more than 4 seconds. As the temperature range is safe, the action on the cooler in both cases at a value of 425.426 is null, since the system will be focused on obtaining steam, instead of cooling the sole ( 3 ).

b). COLD mode case (Figure 5): In this case, the user has modified the autonomous operation of the method, because he considers that the fabric to be ironed is delicate, so the temperature levels should decrease. Therefore, the target temperature (812) of the method will be in the range of [90°C - 115°C] prepared for ironing delicate fabrics. The method will make variations in the temperature and steam parameters depending on the characteristics of the ironing process:

In the event that the temperature drop ( 81 ) is less than 913 (-3°C/s), the fabric has a good heat absorption capacity, so the heating element of the sole ( 3 ) will turn on to mitigate the temperature drop, because, if the temperature drop is pronounced, condensation effects may appear at the steam outlet. The temperature may be raised up to, at most, 120°C, entering within the temperature range of the autonomous mode determined in (811) . Within this process, the acceleration parameters of the accelerometer will be checked ( 7 ). If the lateral accelerations ( 71 , 72 ) or the radial velocity in the Z axis ( 74 ) are greater than a value 714 of |0.8 m/s2| or |20°/s| respectively, they will indicate that the user is ironing an area of the fabric with a greater amount of wrinkles, so the amount of steam supplied must be increased. Therefore, the action at value 927 on the water pump ( 9 ) should not be an activation of more than 4 seconds, to increase the flow of steam outgoing to the fabric, but avoiding excessive flow rates with the consequent risk of condensation. In the event that the level of accelerations ( 71 , 72 ) or radial velocities ( 74 ) are lower than the value 714, the action at value 928 on the pump should not be longer than 3 seconds. As the temperature range is safe, the action on the cooler in both cases at value 427.428 is null, since the system will be focused on obtaining steam, instead of cooling the sole ( 3 ).

In the event that the temperature increase ( 81 ) is greater than 914 (3°C/s), the fabric cannot absorb as much heat flow from the sole ( 3 ), so the temperature is increasing. Therefore, the heating element on the soleplate should be turned off to stay within a safe range, taking into account that the user has indicated that they want more delicate ironing. Taking this condition into account, the water pump ( 9 ) should perform an activation action at value 429 to activate at first to feed the cooling system ( 4 ), for at least 3 seconds, managing to stop the increase in temperature to value 914 that is appearing on the sole is more effective. Subsequently, the pump ( 9 ) will be placed in the standard ironing position and the acceleration parameters of the accelerometer ( 7 ) will be checked. If the lateral accelerations ( 71 , 72 ) or the radial velocity in the Z axis ( 74 ) are greater than a value ( 715 ) of |0.8 m/s2| or |20°/s| respectively, they will indicate that the user is ironing an area of the fabric with a greater number of wrinkles, so the amount of steam supplied must increase. Therefore, the action on the pump at value 929 should be an activation between 2 and 4 seconds, to increase the flow of steam outgoing to the fabric and protect it from excessive temperature increases, taking into account the working range. In case the level of accelerations ( 71 , 72 ) or radial velocities ( 74 ) are lower than the value 715, the action on the pump at value 930 should not be greater than 3 seconds.

In the event that the temperature increase ( 81 ) is in the range of 913 and 914, it can be considered that the temperature level is stable, so it is not necessary for the heating element of the sole ( 3 ) to be turn on while within the working range. Therefore, the heating element on the soleplate should be turned off to stay within a safe range. At the same time, when the method works at lower temperature increments, the acceleration parameters of the accelerometer will be checked ( 7 ). If the lateral accelerations ( 71 , 72 ) or the radial velocity in the Z axis ( 74 ) are greater than a value 716 of |0.8 m/s2| or |20°/s| respectively, they will indicate that the user is ironing an area of the fabric with a greater number of wrinkles, so the amount of steam supplied must increase. Therefore, the action at value 931 on the pump should correspond to an activation between 2 and 4 seconds to increase the flow of steam leaving the fabric, but not at an excessive level to avoid possible condensation, taking into account that the temperatures are stabilized. . In the event that the level of accelerations ( 71.72 ) or radial velocities ( 74 ) are lower than the value 716, the action at value 932 on the pump should not be an activation of more than 3 seconds. As the temperature range is safe, the action on the cooler in both cases at value 430,431 is null, since the system will be focused on obtaining steam, instead of cooling the sole ( 3 ).

c).HOT mode case (Figure 5): In this case, the user has modified the autonomous operation of the method, because he considers that the fabric to be ironed is more resistant and needs a higher temperature for adequate ironing. Therefore, the target temperature (813) of the method will be in the range of [140°C - 150°C] prepared for ironing harder fabrics. He method will make variations in the temperature and steam parameters depending on the characteristics of the ironing process:

In the event that the temperature drop ( 81 ) is less than 915 (-5°C/s), the fabric has a good heat absorption capacity, so the heating element of the sole ( 3 ) will turn on to mitigate the drop in temperature, taking into account that the fabric being ironed has a high level of optimal temperature, also indicated by the user. The temperature may be raised up to, at most, 160°C, increasing the optimal temperature range due to the absorption capacity of the fabric. Within this process, the acceleration parameters of the accelerometer will be checked ( 7 ). If the lateral accelerations ( 71 , 72 ) or the radial velocity in the Z axis ( 74 ) are greater than a value ( 717 ) of |1.5m/s2| or |50°/s| respectively, they will indicate that the user is ironing an area of the fabric with a greater number of wrinkles, making more efforts because the fabric is of higher hardness, so the amount of steam supplied must increase. Therefore, the action of value 933 will correspond to an activation of the pump ( 9 ) for no less than 4 seconds, to increase the flow of steam outgoing to the fabric, but avoiding excessive flow rates to allow more pronounced temperature increases. In case the level of accelerations ( 71.72 ) or radial velocities ( 74 ) are lower than the value 717, the action of the activation value 934 on the pump should not be less than 3 seconds, to improve the temperature distribution for the ironing. As the temperature range is safe, the action on the cooler in both cases at value 432.433 is null, since the system will be focused on obtaining steam, instead of cooling the sole ( 3 ).

In the event that the temperature increase ( 81 ) is greater than 916 (5°C/s), the fabric cannot absorb as much heat flow from the sole ( 3 ), so the temperature is increasing. Therefore, the heating element of the sole should be turned off to stay within the established range, so as not to avoid burns despite being in a high temperature range. In it If the temperature exceeds 160°C, the action on the pump at value 434 will feed the cooler ( 4 ) until the sole temperature re-enters the HOT level range determined in the objective (813) . If this temperature is not exceeded, the action on the cooler at value 434 will be null and the pump ( 9 ) will be activated in the standard ironing position. Within this process, the acceleration parameters of the accelerometer will be checked ( 7 ). If the lateral accelerations ( 71 , 72 ) or the radial velocity in the Z axis ( 74 ) are greater than a value 718 of |1.5 m/s2| or |50°/s| respectively, they will indicate that the user is ironing an area of the fabric with a greater number of wrinkles, making more efforts because the fabric is of higher hardness, so the amount of steam supplied must increase. Therefore, the action at activation value 935 on the pump should not be less than 5 seconds, increasing to the maximum flow rate available in the ironing device for correct wrinkle removal taking into account the working range. In the event that the level of accelerations ( 71.72 ) or radial velocities ( 74 ) are lower than the value 718, the activation action on the pump at value 936 should not be less than 3 seconds, maintaining a high flow rate to avoid zones. without humidifying with a high temperature range.

In the event that the temperature increase ( 81 ) is in the range of 915 and 916, it can be considered that the temperature level is stable, so it is not necessary for the heating element of the sole ( 3 ) to be turn on, while within the selected working range. At the same time, when the method works at lower temperature increments, the acceleration parameters of the accelerometer will be checked ( 7 ). If the lateral accelerations ( 71, 72 ) or the radial velocity in the Z axis (74) are greater than a value 719 of 11.5 m/s2| or |50°/s| respectively, they will indicate that the user is ironing an area of the fabric with a greater number of wrinkles, making more efforts because the fabric is of higher hardness, so the amount of steam supplied must increase. Therefore, the action at activation value 937 on the pump should not be less than 5 seconds to increase the flow of steam outgoing to the fabric and allow correct wetting in the wrinkle area, taking into account its hardness. In the event that the level of accelerations ( 71.72 ) or radial velocities ( 74 ) are lower than value 719, the activation action on the pump at value 938 should not be less than 3 seconds. Since the temperature range is safe, the action on the cooler in both cases at a value of 435.436 is null, since the system will be focused on obtaining steam, instead of cooling the sole ( 3 ).

In another preferred embodiment (Figure 3), the present invention refers to an autonomous operation method for ironing centers with autonomous pressurized steam generation means, separated from the ironing apparatus and with a fluid-dynamic connection with the ironing soleplate. In this embodiment, the water tank ( 1 ) is connected hydraulically ( 101 ) with the pump ( 9 ), which is connected hydraulically ( 101 ) with the preheater ( 2 ) and with the cooler ( 4 ) and electronically ( 102 ). with the control unit ( 10 ) of the base steam generation element. The preheater ( 2 ), in this embodiment (Figure 3), is not thermally connected ( 103 ) to the sole of the iron ( 3 ) but rather is located in the base steam generation element, hydraulically connected ( 101 ). with the pressurized steam generator ( 11 ), electrically ( 103 ) with the control unit ( 10 ) of the base element and thermally ( 103 ) with a temperature sensor ( 8 ). In turn, the pressurized steam generating element ( 11 ) is hydraulically connected to a solenoid valve ( 12 ) that allows the extraction of pressurized steam, electrically ( 103 ) with the control unit ( 10 ) of the base element and thermally ( 103 ) with a temperature sensor ( 8 ). The solenoid valve ( 12 ) is hydraulically connected ( 101 ) to the sole of the iron ( 3 ) to supply the pressurized steam generated in the pressurized steam generating element ( 11 ), and electronically connected ( 103 ) to the unit. control ( 6 ) of the ironing element. The sole of the iron ( 3 ) has heating elements to raise its temperature. It is hydraulically connected ( 101 ) to the cooler ( 4 ) and to the solenoid valve ( 12 ) of the iron. base element supplying pressurized steam, electrically connected ( 103 ) to the iron control unit ( 6 ) and thermally connected to the temperature sensor ( 8 ), which is responsible for measuring the temperature ( 81 ) and the variation of temperature ( 82 ) of the sole. The accelerometer ( 7 ) is responsible for electronically transmitting ( 102 ) the linear accelerations in the three axes ( 71, 72, 73 ) and the rotation speed in the vertical axis ( 74 ) to the iron control unit ( 6) . ). Furthermore, the control units of the base element ( 10 ) and those of the ironing element ( 6 ) are electronically interconnected ( 103 ) to know the status of the elements of the entire embodiment. The user of the ironing center that has the control method of the present embodiment (Figure 3), can not modify any parameter of the method (0) or choose a more powerful ironing level (HOT) or colder (COLD), depending of the demands of the garment being ironed and its ironing. In this embodiment (Figure 3), the pressurized steam generated thanks to the preheater ( 2 ) and the pressurized steam generator ( 11 ) allows a much higher wetting of the garment than in previous embodiments, with the drawback of needing a base element. of steam generation, apart from the ironing device.

The logic of the third embodiment of the operating method (Figure 3) is presented in Figure 6 where the action parameters are specified in each of the cases of the first embodiment depending on the temperatures, their variation and the ironing parameters. supplied by the user. The logic of the first embodiment will vary depending on whether the user decides to purposely increase or decrease the temperature levels (HOT or COLD) or decides not to act on the operating method (0):

a).Case without mode 0 parameters (Figure 6): The first thing that will be defined in the operating mode logic is the operating temperature of the preheater ( 2 ) and the pressure - and working temperature - of the steam generator under pressure ( 11 ). In the case of the preheater ( 2 ), the method will maintain it at a target temperature 21 not lower than 90°C, with the objective of reduce the enthalpic jump or thermal jump that has to be achieved in the pressurized steam generator ( 11 ) for the evaporation of water. In the case of the pressurized steam generator ( 11 ), it is interesting that the method can control the level of pressure available in it to satisfy the user's steam needs. To do this, the embodiment (Figure 3) may have a pressure sensor ( 13 ) or, alternatively, have a temperature sensor ( 8 ). In the event that the temperature sensor ( 8 ) is internal and can measure the temperature of the water inside the pressurized steam generator ( 11 ), the internal vapor pressure can be estimated with a correlation of the type:

In this way, the pressure in the generator could be estimated ( 11 ). If the temperature sensor ( 8 ) is external, then a calibration can be performed, which will vary depending on the material and geometry of the generator ( 11 ) in such a way that

In this way, with an external temperature sensor ( 8 ) the pressure level in the pressurized steam generator ( 11 ) could be estimated. In this case 0 (Figure 6) the working pressure in target 111 should not be less than 2 bars of pressure. When the pressure level drops below level 111, the base element control unit ( 10 ) will be activated to preheat the water in the preheater ( 2 ) and recover said pressure level in the generator ( 11 ) as soon as possible. . In the event that the logic requires steam, the control unit ( 10 ) will not allow the opening of the solenoid valve ( 12 ) until the pressure level of the target 111 has been recovered. In the case of If the pressure level of the target 111 is exceeded too much, the control unit ( 10 ) will turn off the heating elements of the pressure generator ( 11 ) to stop the evaporation of water. In the case of sole temperature management ( 3 ), in this first case, the target temperature (821) of the method will be in the range of [120°C - 130°C]. The method will make variations in the temperature and steam parameters depending on the characteristics of the ironing process:

In the case that the temperature drop 81 is less than 1001 (-3°C/s), the fabric has a good heat absorption capacity, so the heating element of the sole ( 3 ) will turn on to mitigate the temperature drop. The temperature may be raised to, at most, 145°C, entering within the target temperature range of the HOT mode determined in (823) . Within this process, the acceleration parameters of the accelerometer will be checked ( 7 ). If the lateral accelerations ( 71, 72 ) or the radial velocity in the Z axis ( 74 ) are greater than a value 720 of |1 m/s2| or |30°/s| respectively and are repeated more than three times with a frequency greater than 1 Hz, they will indicate that the user is ironing an area of the fabric with a greater number of wrinkles, so the amount of steam supplied must increase. Therefore, the action of the opening value 121 on the solenoid valve ( 12 ) should not be less than 3 seconds, to increase the flow of steam out to the fabric. In the event that the level of accelerations ( 71.72 ) or radial velocities ( 74 ) are lower than the value 720, the action of the opening value 120 on the solenoid valve ( 12 ) must not be less than 1.5 seconds. As the temperature range is safe, the action on the cooler in both cases of the value 440,441 is null, since the system will be focused on obtaining steam, instead of cooling the sole ( 3 ).

In the event that the temperature increase 81 is greater than 1002 (3°C/s), the fabric cannot absorb as much heat flow from the sole ( 3 ), so the temperature is increasing. Therefore, the heating element of the soleplate should be turned off to maintain the temperature within a range sure. Within this process, the acceleration parameters of the accelerometer will be checked ( 7 ). If the lateral accelerations ( 71, 72 ) or the radial velocity in the Z axis ( 74 ) are greater than a value 721 of |1 m/s2| or |30°/s| respectively and are repeated more than three times with a frequency greater than 1 Hz, they will indicate that the user is ironing an area of the fabric with a greater number of wrinkles, so the amount of steam supplied must increase. Therefore, the action at opening value 123 on the solenoid valve ( 12 ) should not be less than 4 seconds, to increase the flow of steam outgoing to the fabric and protect it from excessive temperature increases. In the event that the level of accelerations ( 71.72 ) or radial velocities ( 74 ) are lower than the value 721, the opening action ( 122 ) on the solenoid valve should not be less than 3 seconds. As the temperature range is safe, the action on the cooler in both cases ( 442,443 ) is null, since the system will be focused on obtaining steam, instead of cooling the sole ( 3 ).

In the event that the temperature increase ( 81 ) is in the range of 1001 and 1002, it can be considered that the temperature level is stable, so it is not necessary for the heating element of the sole ( 3 ) to be turn on while within the working range. At the same time, when the method works at lower temperature increments, the acceleration parameters of the accelerometer will be checked ( 7 ). If the lateral accelerations ( 71, 72 ) or the radial velocity in the Z axis ( 74 ) are greater than a value 722 of |1 m/s2| or |30°/s| respectively and are repeated more than three times with a frequency greater than 1 Hz, they will indicate that the user is ironing an area of the fabric with a greater number of wrinkles, so the amount of steam supplied must increase. Therefore, the action ( 125 ) of activating the solenoid valve ( 12 ) should not be less than 3 seconds, to increase the flow of steam outgoing to the fabric, but not at an excessive level to avoid possible condensation. In the event that the level of accelerations ( 71.72 ) or radial velocities ( 74 ) are lower than the value 722, the action at activation value 124 on the solenoid valve ( 12 ) should not be less than 2 seconds. As the temperature range is safe, the action on the cooler in both cases at a value of 444, 445 is null, since the system will be focused on obtaining steam, instead of cooling the sole ( 3 ).

b).COLD mode case (Figure 6): In this case, the user has modified the autonomous operation of the method, because he considers that the fabric to be ironed is delicate, so the temperature levels should decrease. The first thing that will be defined in the operating mode logic is the operating temperature of the preheater ( 2 ) and the pressure - and working temperature - of the pressurized steam generator ( 11 ). In the case of the preheater ( 2 ), the method will maintain it at a target temperature 22 not lower than 90°C, with the aim of reducing the enthalpic jump that has to be achieved in the pressurized steam generator ( 11 ). for the evaporation of water. In the case of the pressurized steam generator ( 11 ), it is interesting that the method can control the level of pressure available in it to satisfy the user's steam needs. To do this, the embodiment (Figure 3) may have a pressure sensor ( 13 ) or, alternatively, have a temperature sensor ( 8 ). In the event that the temperature sensor ( 8 ) is internal and can measure the temperature of the water inside the pressurized steam generator ( 11 ), the internal vapor pressure can be estimated with a correlation of the type:

. Thus, the pressure in the generator could be estimated ( 11 ). If the temperature sensor ( 8 ) is external, then a calibration can be performed, which will vary depending on the material and geometry of the generator ( 11 ) in such a way that

In this way, with an external temperature sensor ( 8 ) it could be estimate the pressure level in the pressurized steam generator ( 11 ). In this COLD case (Figure 6) the working pressure of objective 112 should not be less than 1.5 bars of pressure, somewhat lower taking into account that the working temperatures are going to be lower. When the pressure level drops below level 112, the base element control unit ( 10 ) will be activated to preheat the water in the preheater ( 2 ) and recover said pressure level in the generator ( 11 ) as soon as possible. . In the event that the logic requires steam, the control unit ( 10 ) will not allow the solenoid valve ( 12 ) to open until the pressure level 112 has been recovered. In the event that the pressure level of the target 112 is exceeded too much, the control unit ( 10 ) will turn off the heating elements of the pressure generator ( 11 ) to stop the evaporation of water. Regarding the temperature of the sole, taking into account that you will be working with more delicate fabrics, the target temperature (822) of the method will be in the range of [90°C - 115°C] prepared to iron said fabrics. The method will make variations in the temperature and steam parameters depending on the characteristics of the ironing process:

In the case that the temperature drop 81 is less than 1003 (-3°C/s), the fabric has a good heat absorption capacity, so the heating element of the sole ( 3 ) will turn on to mitigate the drop in temperature, because, if the drop in temperature is pronounced, condensation effects may appear at the outlet of the steam. The temperature may be raised up to, at most, 120°C, entering within the temperature range of the autonomous mode of the lens (821) . Within this process, the acceleration parameters of the accelerometer will be checked ( 7 ). If the lateral accelerations ( 71, 72 ) or the radial velocity in the Z axis ( 74 ) are greater than a value 723 of |0.8 m/s2| or |20°/s| respectively and are repeated more than three times with a frequency greater than 1 Hz, they will indicate that the user is ironing an area of the fabric with a greater number of wrinkles, so the amount of steam supplied must increase. Therefore, the activation of the value 127 of the solenoid valve ( 12 ) should not be an activation greater than 3 seconds, to increase the flow of steam leaving the fabric, but avoiding excessive flow rates with the consequent risk of condensation. In the event that the level of accelerations ( 71.72 ) or radial velocities ( 74 ) are lower than the value 723, the action of the activation value 126 on the solenoid valve ( 12 ) should not be longer than 1.5 seconds. As the temperature range is safe, the action on the cooler in both cases of the value 446.447 is null, since the system will be focused on obtaining steam, instead of cooling the sole ( 3 ).

In the event that the temperature increase 81 is greater than 1004 (3°C/s), the fabric cannot absorb as much heat flow from the sole ( 3 ), so the temperature is increasing. Therefore, the heating element on the soleplate should be turned off to stay within a safe range, taking into account that the user has indicated that they want more delicate ironing. Taking this condition into account, the water pump ( 9 ) should perform an activation action of value 448 to activate at first to feed the cooling system ( 4 ), for at least 4 seconds, managing to stop the temperature increase of the value 1004 that is appearing on the sole is more effective. Subsequently, the pump ( 9 ) will be placed in the standard ironing position and the acceleration parameters of the accelerometer ( 7 ) will be checked. If the lateral accelerations ( 71, 72 ) or the radial velocity in the Z axis ( 74 ) are greater than a value 724 of |0.8 m/s2| or |20°/s| respectively and are repeated more than 3 times with a frequency greater than 1 Hz, they will indicate that the user is ironing an area of the fabric with a greater number of wrinkles, so the amount of steam supplied must increase. Therefore, the action of the activation value 129 on the solenoid valve ( 12 ) should not be less than 3 seconds, to increase the flow of steam outgoing to the fabric and protect it from excessive increases in temperature, taking into account the range of job. In the event that the level of accelerations ( 71.72 ) or radial velocities ( 74 ) are lower than the value 724, the action of the activation value 128 on the solenoid valve ( 12 ) should not be less than 2 seconds.

In the event that the temperature increase ( 81 ) is in the range of 1003 and 1004, it can be considered that the temperature level is stable, so it is not necessary for the heating element of the sole ( 3 ) to be turn on while within the working range. Therefore, the heating element on the soleplate should be turned off to stay within a safe range. At the same time, when the method works at lower temperature increments, the acceleration parameters of the accelerometer will be checked ( 7 ). If the lateral accelerations ( 71, 72 ) or the radial velocity in the Z axis ( 74 ) are greater than a value 725 of |0.8 m/s2| or |20°/s| respectively and are repeated more than three times with a frequency greater than 1 Hz, they will indicate that the user is ironing an area of the fabric with a greater number of wrinkles, so the amount of steam supplied must increase. Therefore, the action of the activation value 131 on the solenoid valve ( 12 ) should not be longer than 3 seconds to increase the flow of steam outgoing to the fabric, but not at an excessive level to avoid possible condensation, taking into account that the temperatures are stabilized. In the event that the level of accelerations ( 71.72 ) or radial velocities ( 74 ) are lower than the value 725, the action of the value 130 on the pump should not be an activation of more than 3 seconds. As the temperature range is safe, the action on the cooler in both cases of the value 449,450 is null, since the system will be focused on obtaining steam, instead of cooling the sole ( 3 ).

c).HOT mode case (Figure 6): In this case, the user has modified the autonomous operation of the method, because he considers that the fabric to be ironed is more resistant and needs a higher temperature for adequate ironing. The first thing that will be defined in the operating mode logic is the operating temperature of the preheater ( 2 ) and the pressure - and working temperature - of the pressurized steam generator ( 11 ). In the case of the preheater ( 2 ), the method will maintain it at a target temperature 22 not lower than 120°C, with the objective of not only reducing the jump enthalpic that must be achieved in the pressurized steam generator ( 11 ) for the evaporation of water, otherwise it produces sudden evaporation in some sections, for faster generation of steam, given that this is the case with higher temperatures. In the case of the pressurized steam generator ( 11 ), it is interesting that the method can control the level of pressure available in it to satisfy the user's steam needs. To do this, the embodiment (Figure 3) may have a pressure sensor ( 13 ) or, alternatively, have a temperature sensor ( 8 ). In the event that the temperature sensor ( 8 ) is internal and can measure the temperature of the water inside the pressurized steam generator ( 11 ), the internal vapor pressure can be estimated with a correlation of the type:

In this way, the pressure in the generator could be estimated ( 11 ). If the temperature sensor ( 8 ) is external, then a calibration can be performed (which will vary depending on the material and geometry of the generator ( 11 ) in such a way that:

In this way, with an external temperature sensor ( 8 ) the pressure level in the pressurized steam generator ( 11 ) could be estimated. In this case COLD (Figure 6) the working pressure at value 113 should not be less than 2.5 bars of pressure, the highest of the three operating modes, taking into account the type of fabric that the user is preparing to iron. When the pressure level drops below level 113, the base element control unit ( 10 ) will be activated to preheat the water in the preheater ( 2 ) and recover said pressure level in the generator ( 11 ) as soon as possible. . In the event that the logic requires steam, the control unit ( 10 ) will not allow the solenoid valve ( 12 ) to open until the pressure level 113 has been recovered. In the event that the pressure level 113 is exceeded too much, the unit control ( 10 ) will turn off the heating elements of the pressure generator ( 11 ) to stop water evaporation. Regarding sole management ( 3 ), the target temperature (823) of the method will be in the range of [140°C - 150°C] prepared for ironing harder fabrics. The method will make variations in the temperature and steam parameters depending on the characteristics of the ironing process:

In the case that the temperature drop 81 is less than 1005 (-5°C/s), the fabric has a good heat absorption capacity, so the heating element of the sole ( 3 ) will turn on to mitigate the temperature drop, taking into account that the fabric being ironed has a high level of optimal temperature, indicated, in addition. by the user. The temperature may be raised to, at most, 160°C, increasing the optimal temperature range due to the absorption capacity of the fabric. Within this process, the acceleration parameters of the accelerometer will be checked ( 7 ). If the lateral accelerations ( 71, 72 ) or the radial velocity in the Z axis ( 74 ) are greater than a value 726 of |1.5m/s2| or |50°/s| respectively and are repeated more than three times with a frequency greater than 1 Hz, they will indicate that the user is ironing an area of the fabric with a greater number of wrinkles, making more efforts because the fabric is of higher hardness, so the amount of steam supplied must increase. Therefore, the action of the activation value 133 of the solenoid valve ( 12 ) will not be less than 4 seconds, to increase the flow of steam outgoing to the fabric, but avoiding excessive flow rates to allow more pronounced temperature increases. In the event that the level of accelerations ( 71.72 ) or radial velocities ( 74 ) are lower than the value 726, the action of the value 934 for activating the solenoid valve ( 12 ) should not be less than 3 seconds, to improve the distribution temperatures for ironing. As the temperature range is safe, the action on the cooler in both cases of the value 451,452 is null, since the system will be focused on obtaining steam, instead of cooling the sole ( 3 ).

In the event that the temperature increase 81 is greater than 1006 (5°C/s), the fabric cannot absorb as much heat flow from the sole ( 3 ), so the temperature is increasing. Therefore, the heating element of the sole should be turned off to stay within the established range, so as not to avoid burns despite being in a high temperature range. In the event that the temperature exceeds 160°C, the action on the pump at value 453 will feed the cooler ( 4 ) until the sole temperature re-enters the range of the target HOT level (823) . If this temperature is not exceeded, the action on the cooler at value 453 will be null and the pump ( 9 ) will be activated in the standard ironing position. Within this process, the acceleration parameters of the accelerometer will be checked ( 7 ). If the lateral accelerations ( 71, 72 ) or the radial velocity in the Z axis ( 74 ) are greater than a value 727 of |1.5 m/s2| or |50°/s| respectively and are repeated more than 3 times with a frequency greater than 1 Hz, they will indicate that the user is ironing an area of the fabric with a greater number of wrinkles, making more efforts because the fabric is of higher hardness, so the amount of steam supplied must increase. Therefore, the action at activation value 135 of the solenoid valve ( 12 ) should not be less than 5 seconds, greatly increasing the flow rate available in the ironing device for correct wrinkle removal taking into account the range of job. In the event that the level of accelerations ( 71.72 ) or radial velocities ( 74 ) are lower than the value 727, the activation action at value 134 on the solenoid valve ( 12 ) should not be less than 4 seconds, maintaining a high flow rate. to avoid unhumidified areas with a high temperature range.

In the event that the temperature increase ( 81 ) is in the range of 1005 and 1006, it can be considered that the temperature level is stable, so it is not necessary for the heating element of the sole ( 3 ) to be turn on, while within the selected working range. At the same time, when the method works at lower temperature increments, the acceleration parameters of the accelerometer will be checked ( 7 ). Yeah lateral accelerations ( 71, 72 ) or radial velocity in the Z axis ( 74 ) are greater than a value 728 of |1.5 m/s2| or |50°/s| respectively and are repeated more than 3 times with a frequency greater than 1 Hz, they will indicate that the user is ironing an area of the fabric with a greater number of wrinkles, making more efforts because the fabric is of higher hardness, so the amount of steam supplied must increase. Therefore, the action at activation value 137 on the solenoid valve ( 12 ) should not be less than 5 seconds to increase the flow of steam outgoing to the fabric and allow correct wetting in the wrinkle area, taking into account the hardness of the fabric. same. In the event that the level of accelerations ( 71.72 ) or radial velocities ( 74 ) are lower than value 728, the activation action on the solenoid valve at value 136 should not be less than 3 seconds. Since the temperature range is safe, the action on the cooler in both cases at a value of 454.455 is null, since the system will be focused on obtaining steam, instead of cooling the sole ( 3 ).

Furthermore, taking into account that all embodiments have an accelerometer ( 7 ) connected to control units that control the heating elements of the sole ( 3 ) and the preheaters ( 2 ) and pressurized steam generators ( 11 ), in All implementations propose a security control method:

When the vertical acceleration ( 73 ) measured by the accelerometer is less than |8 m/s2| will indicate that the user is placing the ironing device vertically, so the control units ( 6 , 10 ) will perform a shutdown action on the heating elements, until the level of horizontal and vertical accelerations returns to its usual state ( iron in working position). Otherwise, if the user no longer moves the iron after 30 seconds of rest, the drip valves ( 5 ) or the pump ( 9 ) will begin to feed the cooler ( 4 ) with the aim of reducing the temperature of the soleplate up to a safe level, reducing storage times of the equipment ironing.

As a result of all the above, we can conclude the application of the method depending on whether the user decides to intentionally increase or decrease the temperature levels or decides not to act on the operating method for variations in the temperature and steam parameters during the process. ironing,on:

a) .- Steam irons that have steam generation means in the sole of the device and do not have fluid delivery means.

b) .- Compact ironing centers that are made up of a base element (rest area and water tank) and an ironing element (iron).

c) .- Ironing center that has a base element separated from the ironing element and with a fluid-dynamic connection between both elements.

Firstly, with steam irons that have steam generation means in the sole of the device and do not have fluid drive means, variations in the temperature and steam parameters can be carried out during the ironing process. which includes the following phases: 1°). Start of temperature through a water tank ( 1 ), with start of a preheater ( 2 ) in thermal contact with the sole ( 3 ) in order to increase the temperature of the water, and simultaneous start of a cooler ( 4 ) with the goal of sole temperature reduction;

2°). Steam generation by drip valves ( 5 ) to regulate the amount of water entering the preheater ( 2 ) and the cooler ( 4 ), an ironing soleplate

( 3 ) which has chambers for steam generation and a heating element to increase the temperature of the sole, while a temperature sensor ( 8 ) that monitors the temperature of the sole ( 3 ); 3°). Movement control by a six-axis accelerometer ( 7 ), which monitors vertical accelerations in the plane of the plate and rotation speeds in the axis vertical, and a control unit ( 6 ) which manages the temperature of the sole and the possible opening or closing of the drip valves to control the generation of steam or decrease in temperature of the sole ( 3 ), whose autonomous management of The sole temperature ( 3 ) and drip valve opening times ( 5 ) are automatically modified depending on the interaction or non-interaction of the user.

Secondly, with compact ironing centers with the following phases: 1 °). Start of temperature through fluid drive means, which can increase the flow of water entering the steam generation means, through a tank. of water ( 1 ), a preheater ( 2 ) in thermal contact with the sole ( 3 ), with the aim of increasing the temperature of the water; a cooler ( 4 ) with the objective of reducing the temperature of the sole, a water pump ( 9 ) as a flow drive method, which controls the incoming flow into the preheater ( 2 ) and the cooler ( 4 ); 2°). Steam generation by an ironing soleplate ( 3 ), which has chambers for steam generation and a heating element to increase the temperature of the soleplate ( 3 ), while a temperature sensor ( 8 ) monitors the temperature. of the sole; 3°). Control of movement by a six-axis accelerometer ( 7 ), which monitors accelerations in the plane of the iron and rotation speeds in the vertical axis and a control unit ( 6 ), which manages the temperature of the sole and the activation and deactivation of the pump in order to control the generation of steam and the decrease in temperature of the soleplate ( 3 ). Thus, autonomous management of the temperature of the soleplate ( 3 ) and pump start-up times ( 9 ) is carried out. of the ironing device, whose parameters will be modified automatically depending on the interaction or non-interaction of the user.

And finally, thirdly, with an ironing center that has a base element separated from the ironing element and with a fluid-dynamic connection between both elements with the sole and the steam outlet holes with the following phases: 1 °). Home temperature of a water tank ( 1 ), simultaneous start-up of a preheater ( 2 ) or steam generator without pressure and a steam generator with pressure, with the objective of increasing the temperature of the water or generating steam without pressure, and activation of a cooler ( 4 ). with the objective of reducing the temperature of the sole ( 3 ), and a water pump ( 9 ) as a flow drive method that controls the incoming flow into the preheater ( 2 ) and the cooler ( 4 ); 2°). Steam generation by a pressurized steam generator ( 11 ), which will evaporate the water supplied; a solenoid valve ( 12 ), which is responsible for supplying pressurized steam to the sole ( 3 ), an ironing sole ( 3 ), which has a heating element to increase the temperature of the sole ( 3 ), temperature sensors temperature ( 8 ) that monitor the temperature of the soleplate ( 3 ), the preheater ( 2 ) and the pressurized steam generator ( 11 ); 3°). Control of movement by a six-axis accelerometer ( 7 ), which monitors accelerations in the plane of the iron, vertical accelerations and rotation speeds in the vertical axis through a control unit (6) of the iron which manages its temperature and It is in communication with the control unit of the base element ( 10 ), which manages the start-up times of the pump ( 9 ), the temperature of the preheater ( 2 ) and the temperature of the pressurized steam generator ( 11 ). Thus, The autonomous management of the temperature of the sole ( 3 ) and opening times of the solenoid valve ( 11 ) of the ironing device is carried out, whose parameters will be modified automatically depending on the interaction or non-interaction of the user.

The industrial application of the present invention makes it possible to obtain automatic management of the ironing process for different embodiments of ironing devices, with the possibility of being modified by the user depending on the type of fabric to be ironed.

Claims (3)

1.- Intelligent ironing method for steam irons that have steam generation means on the sole of the device and do not have fluid delivery means depending on whether the user decides to intentionally increase or decrease the temperature levels or decides do not act on the operating method characterized by variations in the temperature and steam parameters during the ironing process that includes the following phases: 1°). Start of temperature through a water tank ( 1 ), with start of a preheater ( 2 ) in thermal contact with the sole ( 3 ) in order to increase the temperature of the water, and simultaneous start of a cooler ( 4 ) with the goal of sole temperature reduction; 2°). Steam generation by drip valves ( 5 ) to regulate the amount of water entering the preheater ( 2 ) and the cooler ( 4 ), an ironing soleplate ( 3 ) which has chambers for steam generation and a heating element to increase the temperature of the sole, while a temperature sensor ( 8 ) that monitors the temperature of the sole ( 3 ); 3°). Control of movement by a six-axis accelerometer ( 7 ), which monitors vertical accelerations in the plane of the iron and rotation speeds in the vertical axis, and a control unit ( 6 ) which manages the temperature of the sole and the possible opening or closing of the drip valves to control the generation of steam or decrease in temperature of the sole ( 3 ), whose autonomous management of the temperature of the sole ( 3 ) and opening times of drip valves ( 5 ), are automatically modified depending on the interaction or non-interaction of the user. 2.- Intelligent ironing method for compact ironing centers depending on whether the user decides to intentionally increase or decrease the temperature levels or decides not to act on the operating method characterized by variations in the temperature and steam parameters during the process. ironing process that includes the following phases: 1 °). Start temperature by means of fluid impulsion, which can increase the flow of water entering the steam generation means, through a water tank ( 1 ), a preheater ( 2 ) in thermal contact with the sole ( 3 ). , with the aim of increasing the temperature of the water; a cooler ( 4 ) with the objective of reducing the temperature of the sole, a water pump ( 9 ) as a flow drive method, which controls the incoming flow into the preheater ( 2 ) and the cooler ( 4 ); 2°). Steam generation by an ironing soleplate ( 3 ), which has chambers for steam generation and a heating element to increase the temperature of the soleplate ( 3 ), while a temperature sensor ( 8 ) monitors the temperature. of the sole; 3°). Control of movement by a six-axis accelerometer ( 7 ), which monitors accelerations in the plane of the iron and rotation speeds in the vertical axis and a control unit ( 6 ), which manages the temperature of the sole and the activation and deactivation of the pump in order to control the generation of steam and the decrease in temperature of the soleplate ( 3 ). Thus, autonomous management of the temperature of the soleplate ( 3 ) and pump start-up times ( 9 ) is carried out. of the ironing device, whose parameters will be modified automatically depending on the interaction or non-interaction of the user. 3.- Intelligent ironing method for an ironing center that has a base element separated from the ironing element and with a fluid-dynamic connection between both elements with the sole and the steam outlet holes thereof depending on whether the user decides intentionally increase or decrease the temperature levels or decide not to act on the operating method characterized by variations in the temperature and steam parameters during the ironing process that includes the following phases: 1°).Start of temperature a water tank ( 1 ), simultaneous start-up of a preheater ( 2 ) or steam generator without pressure and a steam generator with pressure, with the aim of increasing the temperature of the water or generating steam without pressure, and activation of a cooler ( 4 ) with the goal of reducing the temperature of the sole ( 3 ), and a water pump ( 9 ) as a flow drive method that controls the incoming flow into the preheater ( 2 ) and the cooler ( 4 ); 2°). Steam generation by a pressurized steam generator ( 11 ), which will evaporate the water supplied; a solenoid valve ( 12 ), which is responsible for supplying pressurized steam to the sole ( 3 ), an ironing sole ( 3 ), which has a heating element to increase the temperature of the sole ( 3 ), temperature sensors temperature ( 8 ) that monitor the temperature of the soleplate ( 3 ), the preheater ( 2 ) and the pressurized steam generator ( 11 ); 3°). Control of movement by a six-axis accelerometer ( 7 ), which monitors accelerations in the plane of the iron, vertical accelerations and rotation speeds in the vertical axis through a control unit (6) of the iron which manages its temperature and It is in communication with the control unit of the base element ( 10 ), which manages the start-up times of the pump ( 9 ), the temperature of the preheater ( 2 ) and the temperature of the pressurized steam generator ( 11 ). Thus, The autonomous management of the temperature of the sole ( 3 ) and opening times of the solenoid valve ( 11 ) of the ironing device is carried out, whose parameters will be modified automatically depending on the interaction or non-interaction of the user.