WO2006070327A1

WO2006070327A1 - Water tank for use in a steam ironing device

Info

Publication number: WO2006070327A1
Application number: PCT/IB2005/054383
Authority: WO
Inventors: Pieter Jeeninga; Ronald A. Plantinga
Original assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics NV
Current assignee: Koninklijke Philips NV
Priority date: 2004-12-28
Filing date: 2005-12-22
Publication date: 2006-07-06
Anticipated expiration: 2007-06-28

Abstract

A water tank (32) of a boiler ironing system comprises a containing portion (70) for containing water, an inlet opening (72) for letting in water and an outlet opening (73) for letting out water. Inside the containing portion (70), two mesh- filters (75a, 75b) are arranged. In this way, a tank compartment (76) is obtained, which is capable of receiving water treatment units (80). When a flow of water is directed through the water tank (32), solid particles which are present in the water are retained by the mesh- filter (75b) positioned closest to the inlet opening (72), and the water is treated by the water treatment units (80), which leads to a reduction of a concentration of calcium ions and magnesium ions, for example. When the water tank (32) is applied, there is no need for using special cartridges containing water treatment agent. Furthermore, since the water is cleaned and treated, there is no need of throwing the water away.

Description

Water tank for use in a steam ironing device

The present invention relates to a water tank for use in a steam ironing device, suitable for containing water that is intended to be used in a process of generating steam, comprising an inlet for letting in water; and an outlet for letting out water.

Both a steam ironing device and a water tank for use in such a device are well- known in practice. The steam ironing device may be a steam iron or a so-called boiler ironing system, comprising a steam iron and a boiler for heating water which is separately arranged from the steam iron, wherein the water tank is attached to a stand comprising the boiler. In many cases, the water tank is removably arranged, so that a user of the device comprising the water tank is capable of bringing the water tank to a tap or the like in order to fill the water tank, without having to move the entire device.

US 5 398 434 discloses a steam iron comprising a plate, heating means for said plate and a vaporization chamber arranged directly above the plate. Above the vaporization chamber, a water tank is located, which is connected to the vaporization chamber through a passage. Furthermore, the steam iron comprises a seating extending from a rear end of the iron and a container designed to be inserted into and extracted from the seating. A tubular mouth of the container may receive a cartridge forming a filter for demineralizing water which can be delivered from the container into the water tank.

In general, in a device in which water is heated to steam, it is advantageous to have means for demineralizing water, as over time, water inside such a device gradually gets contaminated with ions and solid particles. This phenomenon is caused by the fact that during operation of the arrangement, only water is evaporated, and most of the other components stay behind. In a device containing contaminated water, a foaming effect occurs during heating of the water, which disturbs a continuous supply of steam by the device. Moreover, during operation of the device, one or more solid particles may suddenly be emitted by the device. In case the device comprises a steam iron, such emitted particles cause stains on the objects to be ironed. When the water is demineralized, less ions and particles are formed in the water, and the performance of the device remains at an acceptable level for a much longer period of time. Luce US 5 398 434, EP 0 461 959 discloses a steam iron comprising a heated soleplate, a steam-generating chamber, a water tank and a demineralizing cartridge. In this steam iron, the demineralizing cartridge is placed in a water circuit connecting the water tank to the steam-generating chamber. In particular, the demineralizing cartridge is disposed in a removable manner between a primary tank for containing untreated water and a secondary tank for containing demineralized water.

When the demineralizing cartridge of a known steam iron is exhausted, this cartridge needs to be replaced by another. In this respect, it is noted that a user of the steam iron is not allowed to apply any kind of cartridge. In stead, there is a need for cartridges which are especially adapted to being inserted in the steam iron in question. The cartridge that is removed from the steam iron can not be put to a further use, and is thrown away. In known practical embodiments of a boiler ironing system, comprising a boiler and a water tank which are arranged outside of the steam iron, other measures than applying a demineralizing cartridge are taken in order to ensure that the quality of the water present in the system meets predefined standards. In particular, the boiler ironing system comprises a removably arranged container that is dedicated to receiving contaminated water, wherein the boiler ironing system may be activated by a user to perform a so-called auto- rinsing process, during which the water is tapped from the system and is drained into the container. Once the auto-rinsing process has finished, the user removes the container and throws away the water. Furthermore, the user fills the water tank with fresh water.

Important disadvantages of the use of demineralizing cartridges are that it is only possible to use special cartridges, which are not readily available in common shops and stores, and that throwing away of cartridges leads to environmental pollution. An important disadvantage of the auto-rinsing process in which contaminated water is drained into a container and is subsequently thrown away is that the user needs to take action in order to remove the container, throw away the water, and put the container back in place. Furthermore, in order to ensure that there is enough water present in the system, the user also needs to remove the water tank, fill the water tank with water, and put the water tank back in place. It is an objective of the present invention to remove these disadvantages associated with the state of the art. This objective is achieved by means of a water tank for use in a steam ironing device, suitable for containing water that is intended to be used in a process of generating steam, comprising an inlet for letting in water; an outlet for letting out water; and a filter arranged at a position between the inlet and the outlet, for filtering out solid particles from a flow of water directed from the inlet to the outlet. According to the present invention, a water tank having a filter for filtering out solid particles from a flow of water is provided. In case the water tank is applied in a boiler ironing system, and an auto-rinsing process is performed, the water is forced to flow from the inlet of the water tank to the outlet of the water tank. In the process, solid particles which are present in the water are retained by the filter. As the water is cleaned by means of the filter, there is no need for throwing the water away. For sake of completeness, it is noted that, in practice, a process of cleaning water leads to a considerable reduction of a concentration of solid particles, rather than a total removal of such particles.

Preferably, the filter is removably arranged with respect to the water tank, so that the filter may be removed from the water tank for cleaning purposes.

In a preferred embodiment, the water tank comprises a receptacle for receiving and containing water treatment agent. In this embodiment, when a flow of water is generated in the water tank, and the receptacle contains water treatment agent, solid particles are filtered out by the filter, and the water is further treated by means of the water treatment agent, which may for example be present in the form of tablets of anti-scale agent.

In another preferred embodiment, the water tank according to the present invention comprises a tank compartment for receiving and holding discrete units of water treatment agent, delimited by two filters arranged at a distance with respect to each other. In this embodiment, when a flow of water is generated in the water tank, and discrete units of water treatment agent are present in the tank compartment, solid particles are filtered out by one of the filters, and the water is further treated by means of the units of water treatment agent, which may for example be tablets, balls or grains of anti-scale agent. Both filters serve for keeping the units of water treatment agent in place inside the tank compartment, while letting pass a flow of water at the same time. In the preferred embodiment having the tank compartment and the two filters, functions of removing solid particles from the water and keeping the units of water treatment agent in place are combined in one filter. Furthermore, in this embodiment, there is no need for applying a cartridge for holding the units of water treatment agent, as the units are locked between the filters. The tank compartment may be filled with units of water treatment agent of any suitable type. It is even possible to use pills which are sold for use in dishwashers. In that case, it is very easy for a user to refill the tank compartment, as pills for dishwashers are widely available in supermarkets. Preferably, both filters are removably arranged, so that the filters may be removed from the water tank for cleaning purposes.

In an advantageous embodiment, the water tank comprises detection means for detecting a level of units of water treatment agent in the water tank, so that a user may be warned that new units need to be supplied to the water tank in order for the water tank to maintain its function of treating water.

Advantageously, units of water treatment agent which comprise a color indicator are applied. The color of such units is indicative of a functional state of the units, wherein the color of exhausted units is different from the color of units still capable of treating water. In a situation in which units having a color indicator are intended to be used, the water tank preferably comprises detecting means for detecting a functional status of the units of water treatment agent in the water tank. The detecting means may comprise an optical sensor, for example.

The at least one filter of the water tank may be designed as a mesh- filter, a paper filter, or any other suitable filter. As has been remarked earlier, the at least one filter may be removably arranged with respect to the water tank. Consequently, the filter may temporarily be removed from the water tank, for example for cleaning purposes. It is also possible that the filter is disposable and replaceable.

Furthermore, it is not necessary to apply discrete units of water treatment agent in a receptacle or a tank compartment. According to another feasible possibility, the at least one filter of the water tank is used as a carrier of water treatment agent, wherein the water treatment agent is applied to the filter.

By providing a water tank having one or two filters as described above, the present invention provides a relatively simple and low-cost possibility of cleaning water that is present in a device such as a boiler ironing system, wherein application of a separate container for receiving contaminated water is avoided, and wherein it is not necessary to throw away contaminated water. By providing a water tank having a tank compartment delimited by two filters, the present invention provides a relatively simple and low-cost possibility of providing water with water treatment agent, wherein it is even allowed to apply commonly available pills for dishwashers.

The present invention further relates to a steam ironing device, comprising a boiler for heating water and a water tank having at least one filter as described above. Preferably, in such a device, the water tank is removably arranged with respect to other components of the device. The device may comprise a steam iron for supplying steam to objects to be ironed, wherein the water tank is connected to the steam iron, or a steam iron for supplying steam to objects to be ironed and a separately arranged boiler for heating water, wherein the water tank is arranged in a stand comprising the boiler, for example. In another possible embodiment, the steam ironing device comprises an active ironing board for supporting objects to be ironed and supplying steam to these objects, wherein the water tank is connected to the ironing board.

Also, the present invention relates to a method for cleaning an interior of a steam ironing device having a boiler for heating water and a water tank according to the present invention. In a first preferred way of carrying out the method according to the present invention, water that is present in the steam ironing device is forced to flow at least one time through the water tank. In this way, it is mainly achieved that the water that is present in the steam ironing device is cleaned. In a second preferred way of carrying out the method according to the present invention, that is initially present inside the water tank is forced to flow through the boiler and back into the water tank again, for at least one time. In this way, the boiler is cleaned under the influence of the flow of clean water.

The present invention will now be explained in greater detail with reference to the Figures, in which similar parts are indicated by the same reference signs, and in which: Figure 1 diagrammatically shows components of a boiler ironing system and a course which is followed by water and steam through this boiler ironing system;

Figure 2 diagrammatically shows a perspective view of a water tank according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 3 diagrammatically shows a perspective view of a water tank according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention; and

Figure 4 diagrammatically shows a top view of the water tank as shown in Figure 3.

Figure 1 diagrammatically shows components of a boiler ironing system 1.

The boiler ironing system 1 comprises a steam iron 10 having a soleplate 11. A planar contacting surface 12 of the soleplate 11 serves for contacting objects to be ironed. In the soleplate 11, steam openings (not shown) for letting through steam are arranged. Furthermore, the boiler ironing system 1 comprises a boiler 20 for generating and supplying steam and a water tank 30 for containing water. The boiler 20 and the water tank 30 are arranged in a separate stand 40, which is diagrammatically depicted by means of dashed lines in Figure 1. The water tank 30 is removably arranged, so that it is possible for a user to take the water tank 30 from the stand 40 and bring it to a tap for filling the water tank 30 with water.

Besides the soleplate 11, the steam iron 10 comprises a housing 50, which is positioned on top of the soleplate 11, and which has a handle 51 to enable a user to pick up the steam iron 10 and move the contacting surface 12 over an object to be ironed. In Figure 1, the housing 50 is diagrammatically depicted by means of dashed lines. For the purpose of heating the soleplate 11, first heating means 13 are provided, which preferably comprise one or more flat resistive heating elements, or other suitable elements. For the purpose of heating the content of the boiler 20, second heating means 21 are provided. Like the first heating means 13, the second heating means 21 preferably comprise at least one flat resistive heating element, but it is also possible that the second heating means 21 are designed in another way.

During operation of the boiler ironing system 1, water flows from the water tank 30 to the boiler 20. Advantageously, the boiler ironing system 1 comprises and a pump (not shown) or the like for generating the water flow. In Figure 1, a path which is followed by the water is indicated by means of arrows. Inside the boiler 20, the water is evaporated to steam under the influence of heat supplied by the second heating means 21. The generated steam is supplied to the steam iron 10, and is supplied to the object to be ironed through the steam openings in the soleplate 11 of the steam iron 10. In Figure 1, a path which is followed by the steam from the boiler 20 to the soleplate 11 of the steam iron 10 is indicated by means of an arrow, and a path which is followed by the steam through the soleplate 11 and the steam openings is indicated by three relatively small arrows. A cloud of steam, which is released by the steam iron 10 through the steam openings, is diagrammatically depicted in Figure 1 and indicated by reference numeral 14.

Figure 2 diagrammatically shows a perspective view of a water tank 31 according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention. In the following, this water tank 31 will also be referred to as first water tank 31.

The water tank 31 comprises a containing portion 70 for containing water. For the sake of clarity, in Figure 2, the containing portion 70 is depicted in a partially transparent fashion, so that components of the water tank 31 which are located inside the containing portion 70 or at a side of the water tank 31 that is at the back in Figure 1 are still shown. The containing portion 70 may have any suitable shape. In the shown example, a connecting member 71 is arranged on an outside of the containing portion 70 for establishing a connection between the water tank 31 and the boiler 20. This connecting member 71 may be of any suitable design, and may for example be adapted to establishing a snap connection. In the containing portion 70, an inlet opening 72 for letting in water is arranged, as well as an outlet opening 73 for letting out water. At the outside of the containing portion 70, at the location of the outlet opening 73, an outlet tube 74 is arranged, which is preferably provided with a closing member (not shown) that is normally in a closed position for closing off the outlet opening 73 of the water tank 31, and that may be put to an opened position upon contact with a component of the boiler 20. For example, the closing member may comprise a ball valve, which is biased to the closed position by means of a spring.

Inside the containing portion 70, a mesh- filter 75 is arranged, at a position between the inlet opening 72 and the outlet opening 73. The mesh- filter 75 is in contact with the containing portion 70 over its entire circumference, so that it is not possible for a flow of water to flow from the inlet opening 72 to the outlet opening 73 without passing the mesh- filter 75.

The first water tank 31 is suitable to be applied in a steam ironing device, for example the boiler ironing system 1 as shown in Figure 1. Preferably, the device containing the water tank 31 is capable of performing an auto-rinsing process, during which the water inside the device is cleaned. For example, the boiler ironing system 1 may comprise a pump (not shown) for forcing water to flow through the water tank 31, from the inlet opening 72 to the outlet opening 73. In the process, solid particles which are present in the water are captured by the mesh- filter 75, while the water is allowed to pass the mesh- filter 75. In this way, solid particles are removed from the water. It is noted that solid particles are formed in the water during operation of the boiler ironing system 1, and comprise mainly scale particles. Furthermore, due to the fact that a flow of water is also obtained in the boiler 20, scale deposit is removed from the boiler 20.

Advantageously, in order to allow for cleaning or replacing the mesh- filter 75, the mesh- filter 75 is removably arranged. By cleaning or replacing the mesh- filter 75, an unwanted situation in which the mesh- filter 75 partly blocks a flow of water due to clogging is prevented. Figures 3 and 4 diagrammatically show a water tank 32 according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. In the following, this water tank 32 will also be referred to as second water tank 32.

Like the first water tank 31, the second water tank 32 comprises a containing portion 70, a connecting member 71, an inlet opening 72, an outlet opening 73 and an outlet tube 74. For the sake of clarity, in Figures 3 and 4, the containing portion 70 is depicted in a partially transparent fashion.

The second water tank 32 comprises two mesh- filters 75a, 75b, which are arranged at a distance with respect to each other. Both mesh- filters 75a, 75b are arranged at a position between the inlet opening 72 and the outlet opening 73. Furthermore, both mesh- filters 75a, 75b are in contact with the containing portion 70 over their entire circumference, so that a tank compartment 76 is obtained, which is delimited by the inside of the containing portion 70 and the mesh- filters 75a, 75b.

The tank-compartment 76 serves for receiving and accommodating discrete units 80 of water treatment agent, for example tablets of anti-scale agent. In order to enable a user to supply such water treatment units 80 to the tank compartment 76, a closeable supply opening (not shown) is arranged in a wall of the containing portion 70, at the location of the tank-compartment 76. The water treatment units 80 may be supplied separately to the water tank 32, but it is also possible that a number of units 80 are placed in a closed net or the like, which is supplied to the water tank 32.

It is not essential what type of water treatment agent is applied. The water treatment units 80 may even be commonly available pills for dishwashers, which comprise EDTA- like materials, wherein the term EDTA is used to refer to ethylenediaminetetra acetic acid. EDTA- like materials are capable of forming a complex with calcium ions and magnesium ions. An important advantage of allowing the user to apply dishwasher pills is that it is very easy for the user to obtain these pills. For sake of completeness, it is noted that a process of treating water leads to a considerable reduction of calcium ions and magnesium ions, rather than a total removal of such ions.

The water treatment units 80 may have any shape, and may for example be formed as spheres or blocks. The water treatment units 80 may also comprise grains of a water treatment powder. A minimum size of the water treatment units 80 is determined by the mesh of the mesh- filters 75a, 75b: the units 80 may not be so small that it is possible for the units 80 to pass the mesh- filters 75, 75b. A maximum size of the units 80 is related to the volume of the tank compartment 76 and to dimensions of the supply opening in the containing portion 70.

Preferably, the water tank 32 comprises a float or the like for detecting a level of water treatment units 80 in the tank compartment 76. In such a case, the user may easily decide whether there is still enough water treatment agent present, or if there is a need for adding new water treatment units 80. According to another option, means for detecting a level of the water treatment units 80 resemble an arrangement known from domestic dishwashers, comprising a sensor and a LED (Light Emitting Diode) for providing feedback to a user. It is also possible that the water tank 32 comprises an optical sensor or the like for checking a color of the water treatment units 80. This option is relevant in case the color of the applied water treatment units 80 is dependent of a functional state of the units 80. In case the optical sensor senses that the color of the water treatment units 80 corresponds to a color associated with an exhausted state of the units 80, the user is informed accordingly by any suitable type of alarm.

Like the first water tank 31, the second water tank 32 is suitable to be applied in a steam ironing device, for example the boiler ironing system 1 as shown in Figure 1. It is also preferred when the device containing the water tank 32 is capable of performing an auto- rinsing process. During such a process, water flows through the water tank 32, from the inlet opening 72 to the outlet opening 73. Solid particles which are present in the water are captured by the mesh- filter 75a which is positioned closest to the inlet opening 72, while the water is allowed to pass this mesh- filter 75a. In this way, solid particles are removed from the water. Furthermore, the water is subjected to an anti-scaling treatment or the like when it flows through the tank compartment 76, provided that water treatment units 80 are present in this compartment 76. Finally, the cleaned and treated water passes the mesh- filter 75b which is positioned closest to the outlet opening 73, and exits the water tank 32 through the outlet opening 73 and the associated outlet tube 74.

Advantageously, in order to allow for cleaning or replacing the mesh- filters 75a, 75b, the mesh- filters 75a, 75b are removably arranged. By cleaning or replacing the mesh- filters 75a, 75b, an unwanted situation in which the mesh- filters 75a, 75b partly block a flow of water due to a presence of scale particles or residue of the water treatment units 80, for example, is prevented.

Preferably, a device of which the first water tank 31 or the second water tank 32 is part comprises means for determining a moment in time on which it is necessary for the auto-rinsing process to take place. In a practical embodiment, these means are adapted to registering a total use time of the device, or a number of uses, and to comparing the registered value to a predetermined maximum value. Furthermore, the device preferably comprises means which are adapted to indicating to a user that it is necessary for the auto- rinsing process to take place, or to automatically starting the auto-rinsing process.

The water tank 31, 32 according to the present invention does not necessarily need to be used for receiving fresh water. For example, it is also possible that a device of which the water tank 31, 32 is part comprises another container that is dedicated to this function. The device may be a boiler ironing system having a container that is originally intended for receiving contaminated water. When the water tank 31, 32 according to the present invention is applied, there is hardly any need for changing the design of the boiler ironing system, as the water tank 31, 32 may simply replace a conventional water tank of the system, and the container may be maintained as a functional part of the system. In case a separate container is used for receiving fresh water, the water does not necessarily need to pass the mesh- filter 75, in case the device comprises the first water tank 31 , or the mesh- filters 75a, 75b and the water treatment units 80, in case the device comprises the second water tank 32, and may be directly supplied to the boiler 20 of the device. Hence, in such a case, it is possible to use the water tank 31, 32 only during an auto-rinsing process.

It will be clear to a person skilled in the art that the scope of the present invention is not limited to the examples discussed in the foregoing, but that several amendments and modifications thereof are possible without deviating from the scope of the present invention as defined in the attached claims.

In the foregoing, two preferred embodiments of a water tank 31, 32 according to the present invention are shown. A water tank 32 according to a second preferred embodiment comprises a containing portion 70 for containing water, an inlet opening 72 for letting in water and an outlet opening 73 for letting out water. Inside the containing portion 70, two mesh- filters 75a, 75b are arranged at a distance with respect to each other. In this way, a tank compartment 76 is obtained, which is capable of receiving water treatment units 80. When a flow of water is directed through the water tank 32, solid particles which are present in the water are retained by the mesh- filter 75a positioned closest to the inlet opening 72, and the water is treated by the water treatment units 80, which leads to a reduction of a concentration of calcium ions and magnesium ions, for example. When the water tank 32 is applied, there is no need for using special cartridges containing water treatment agent. Furthermore, since the water is cleaned and treated, there is no need of throwing the water away.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. Water tank (31, 32) for use in a steam ironing device (1), suitable for containing water that is intended to be used in a process of generating steam, comprising: an inlet (72) for letting in water; an outlet (73, 74) for letting out water; and - a filter (75, 75a) arranged at a position between the inlet (72) and the outlet

(73), for filtering out solid particles from a flow of water directed from the inlet (72) to the outlet (73).

2. Water tank according to claim 1, comprising a receptacle for receiving and containing water treatment agent.

3. Water tank (32) according to claim 1, comprising a tank compartment (76) for receiving and holding discrete units (80) of water treatment agent, delimited by two filters (75a, 75b) arranged at a distance with respect to each other.

4. Water tank (31, 32) according to any of claims 1-3, wherein at least one filter (75, 75a, 75b) is removably arranged with respect to the water tank (31, 32).

5. Water tank (31, 32) according to any of claims 1-4, comprising detection means for detecting a level of discrete units (80) of water treatment agent in the water tank

(31, 32).

6. Water tank (31, 32) according to any of claims 1-4, comprising detection means for detecting a functional status of discrete units (80) of water treatment agent in the water tank (31, 32).

7. Water tank (31, 32) according to any of claims 1-6, wherein at least one filter (75, 75a, 75b) is provided with water treatment agent.

8. Steam ironing device (1), comprising a boiler (20) for heating water and a water tank (31, 32) according to any of claims 1-7 for containing water to be supplied to the boiler (20).

9. Steam ironing device (1) according to claim 8, wherein the water tank (31, 32) is removably arranged with respect to other components of the device (1).

10. Steam ironing device according to claim 8 or 9, comprising a steam iron (10) for supplying steam to objects to be ironed, wherein the water tank (31, 32) is connected to the steam iron (10).

11. Steam ironing device (1) according to claim 8 or 9, comprising a steam iron (10) for supplying steam to objects to be ironed and a separately arranged boiler (20) for heating water, wherein the water tank (31, 32) is arranged in a stand (40) comprising the boiler (20).

12. Steam ironing device according to claim 8 or 9, comprising an active ironing board for supporting objects to be ironed and supplying steam to these objects, wherein the water tank (31, 32) is connected to the ironing board.

13. Method for cleaning an interior of a steam ironing device (1) having a boiler (20) for heating water and a water tank (31, 32) according to any of claims 1-7 for containing water, wherein water that is present inside the steam ironing device (1) is forced to flow at least one time through the water tank (31, 32).

14. Method for cleaning an interior of a steam ironing device (1) having a boiler (20) for heating water and a water tank (31, 32) according to any of claims 1-7 for containing water, wherein water that is initially present inside the water tank (31, 32) is forced to flow through the boiler (20) and back into the water tank (31, 32) again, for at least one time.