Abstract: A steam generating apparatus includes a boiler for receiving water to be heated and an opening in a wall of the boiler. The opening is closable by a closing device. The steam generating apparatus also includes a steam duct for conducting steam generated in the boiler to a steam applying device such as an iron. A by-pass duct for by-passing the steam duct is provided for discharging steam from the boiler to the iron.

Abstract: A dual-layer coating for application in a steam-generating device is disclosed. A impermeable first layer thermally insulates the heated surface, while a second, porous layer enlarges the contact area, leading to an efficient conversion of liquid into vapor.

Abstract: A steam ironing device includes a steam iron, a steam generator for generating steam and supplying steam to the steam iron, and a supply device for supplying water to the steam generator. During operation of the steam ironing device, scale is formed in the steam generator, and the water in the steam generator gradually gets contaminated with ions. In order to clean the steam generator and replace the water with fresh water, the steam generator is regularly subjected to an auto-rinsing process. A moment at which this process needs to take place is a moment at which an amount of scale and/or a concentration of ions have exceeded a predetermined maximum. The amount of scale and/or the concentration of ions are indirectly monitored by keeping account of a total quantity of water that has been supplied to the steam generator since a set starting point.

Abstract: A garment care system includes a steam generator having a steam outlet, and a handset having a steam inlet arranged for coupling to the steam outlet, an opening for releasing steam and a steam control unit for controlling a valve for controlling the release of steam. The steam control unit includes a selector unit having at least two selection options, and a steam release switch connected to the selector unit and arranged for starting or stopping the release of steam in dependence on the selected option.

Abstract: An electric steam iron is described. The iron includes a water reservoir and a soleplate. The soleplate includes a base, a heating element, a constant steam chamber in fluid communication with a plurality of constant steam chamber apertures passing through the base, and a steam shot chamber. The steam shot chamber includes a front cavity and a steam shot channel in thermal communication with the heating element and in fluid communication with the front cavity, the front cavity including at least one steam shot chamber aperture passing through the base, the steam shot channel defining a pair of flow paths substantially overlying the heating element, each flow path having a re-entrant shape. The iron further includes a constant steam chamber water delivery means for delivering water from the water reservoir into the constant steam chamber, and a steam shot chamber water delivery means for delivering water from the water reservoir into the steam shot chamber in the soleplate.

Abstract: A method and device for forming steam with high pressure and a cleaner or iron comprising the device are provided.

Abstract: A low temperature steam control system of an electric steam iron includes a low temperature water discharge valve and a high temperature water discharge valve, which may be controlled by a low temperature bi-metal plate and a high temperature bi-metal plate respectively. Each bi-metal plate may include two overlaying metal plates with different thermal expansion coefficients. When the soleplate is heated by a heating element to a first temperature, the low temperature bi-metal plate can flex and open the low temperature water discharge valve allowing water to flow from a water tank into a vaporization chamber. When the soleplate is further heated by the heating element to a second temperature, the high temperature bi-metal plate can flex and open the high temperature water discharge valve allowing additional water to flow from the water tank into the vaporization chamber.

Abstract: A steam generating apparatus (20) is described, comprising a boiler (24) provided with electric heating means (25) and current controlling means (33, 40; 37) for controlling the current in the heating means; the apparatus further comprising at least one temperature sensor (34) and a pressure sensor (35); the apparatus being capable of generating steam at a variable steam output rate; wherein the controlling means (33, 40; 37) are designed, at a relatively low steam output rate setting, to control the current in the heating means on the basis of a temperature measurement signal (T) from the temperature sensor (34), and wherein the controlling means (33, 40; 37) are designed, at a relatively high steam output rate setting, to control the current in the heating means on the basis of pressure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a steam generating device comprising a steam chamber provided with a hydrophilic coating. The hydrophilic coating comprises an alkali metal silicate compound and boron, preferably a salt of boron with a metallic element. The coating promotes steaming and is resistant to flaking. The invention also relates to a method of producing the hydrophilic coating in the steam chamber of a steam generating device, and to an iron, comprising the steam generating device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a steam generating device comprising a steam chamber provided with a hydrophilic coating. The hydrophilic coating comprises an acid phosphate compound and boron, preferably a salt of boron with a metallic element. The coating promotes steaming and is resistant to flaking. The invention also relates to a method of producing the hydrophilic coating in the steam chamber of a steam generating device, and to an iron comprising the steam generating device.

Abstract: This invention discloses a multifunctional electric iron, comprising: a steam brush and a base unit. Said steam brush can be used as a garment steamer by connecting to a power supply or a boiler, and said steam brush also can be used as an ordinary steam iron by assembling with the base unit.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a steam iron which includes an iron body, a steam generation device disposed in the iron body, and an operation sensing device electrically connected to steam generation device. Compared with the existing technologies, in the present invention, an additional operation sensing device is electrically connected to the steam generation device. When the user operates the steam iron, the operation sensing device can transmits operating signals to the steam generation device which thus starts to work. When the iron is not operated, the steam generation device doesn't work because no operating signal is transmitted to the operation sensing device, thereby reducing energy and enhancing safety.

Abstract: An electric steam iron includes a housing, a water tank within the housing, a bottom plate to which the housing is secured, a heating device in the bottom plate for heating the bottom plate, a boiling chamber inside the bottom plate, and a further independent steam boiler above the bottom plate, and having an inlet in fluid communication with the water tank and an outlet in fluid communication with the inlet of the boiling chamber, such that steam from the steam boiler will be supplied to the boiling chamber in the bottom plate and further heated by the high temperature of the bottom plate, so that little drops in the steam will be fully boiled, thereby providing a high purity of the steam sprayed out of the bottom plate.

Abstract: An electric steam iron includes a water tank, a bottom plate, a heating device which is used to heat the bottom plate, a steam generator having a boiling chamber, a heating device to heat the boiling chamber and a temperature controller, with the inlet of the boiling chamber being in fluid communication with the water tank and the outlet of the boiling chamber being in fluid communication with the outlet opening of the bottom plate. The heating devices of the bottom plate and the steam generator are connected in series with their respective heating circuit, so that there is sole control of the steam generator, such that when using the iron again, it can spray steam directly without warming up the steam generator, thereby eliminating the warming up time of the steam generator and greatly speeding up boiling of the water.

Abstract: The present invention provides a steam iron, which includes an iron base with a receiving cavity and a soleplate soleplate cover matched and connected to the soleplate. The soleplate cover is provided with a water inlet communicated with a water tank. The soleplate is provided with at least a heating element and a steam chamber. The water inlet is communicated with the steam chamber. The soleplate further defines at least a steam lower outlet communicated with the steam chamber. A unilateral connecting device is arranged at a water influent passage communicated with the water inlet or at the water inlet. This ensures that steam is neither drained away nor backflows into the water tank owing to the effective obstruction of the unilateral connecting device, when the steam is discharged through the steam outlet, thus solving the problem of traditional steam iron.

Abstract: A garment care system comprising a steam generator (7) having a steam outlet (19), and at least one garment care handset (3) having a steam inlet (31) arranged for coupling to the steam outlet, an opening (33) for releasing steam and a steam control unit (37) arranged for controlling a valve (21) for controlling the release of steam. The steam control unit comprises a selection means (43) having at least two selection options, and a steam release switch (41) electrically connected to the selection means and arranged for starting or stopping the release of steam in dependence on the selected option. The at least two options provide the user with the flexibility to choose or select the way he/she wants to operate the steam release of the handset. The user may select the option that fits best the task at hand. The handset may be an iron suitable for cooperation with a steam generator having a steam outlet or a garment steamer suitable for cooperation with a steam generator having a steam outlet.

Abstract: A steam ironing device (1) comprises a steam generator (20) for heating water to steam, a steam outlet (25) for letting out a burst of steam (27) from the steam generator (20), a device (30) for supplying water to the steam generator (20), a hose (40) connecting the water supplying device (30) to the steam generator (20), and a controller (50) which is adapted to operating the water supplying device (30) during a period of time in a situation in which there is hardly any need or no need at all of a supply of steam in an ironing process, while keeping the steam outlet (25) closed. In this way, a reserve amount of steam is generated, which is stored in an internal space (21) of the steam generator (20), and, as the occasion arises, inside at least a portion of the hose (40). When a burst of steam (27) is required, the reserve amount of steam is released through the steam outlet (25).

Abstract: An iron comprising a sole plate and a heating body (2) provided with a heating element (201), wherein the heating body (2) includes a first steam chamber (210) used for ordinary ironing, and a second steam chamber (220) used to provide extra steam when the iron is in a horizontal position, or a steam jet when the iron is in a vertical position, and liquid is supplied to said second steam chamber (220) by means of a pump manually operated by the user and combined with a steam circuit (223) ending in a set of vapour outlets in the sole plate, characterised in that when the iron is held in a vertical position, the second steam chamber (220) operates as a boiler-type steam generator, and in that when the iron is in said vertical position, the shape of the second steam chamber (220) is such that the liquid injected by the pump can be retained prior to vaporisation.

Abstract: A steam iron comprises a soleplate (1) and a separately arranged steam generator (30) having heating means (31) for heating a content of the steam generator (30). The soleplate (1) comprises an embossed area (11) for distributing the steam. As the soleplate (1) does not play a part in the process of generating steam, and does not need to comprise additional means for distributing steam, it is designed in a relatively lightweight manner, which has the advantage that the time needed for a temperature change of the soleplate (1) is relatively short. On a top surface of the embossed area (11), heating tracks for heating the soleplate (1) are arranged. As the top surface of the embossed area (11) is not capable of directly touching other objects, for example objects to be ironed, situations in which the heating tracks are subjected to severe thermal shocks are avoided.

Abstract: A steam iron (1) comprises a steam conditioning device (30) having two vortex chambers (31, 32). Inside the vortex chambers (31, 32), directing means such as a conduit for directing a steam flow toward outlets (33) of the steam conditioning device (30) are arranged. Further, inside the vortex chambers (31, 32), vortex generating means are arranged, which are arranged along a path followed by the steam flow, and which are adapted to creating local pressure differences in the steam flow in order to obtain local vortices in the steam flow. By means of the vortices, during operation of the steam conditioning device (30), water drops which are present in the steam flow are broken down to a smaller particle size. In this way, the steam conditioning device (30) is capable of producing mist-steam or dry steam.

Abstract: An electric steam iron includes a water tank, a bottom plate, a heating device which is used to heat the bottom plate, a steam generator having a boiling chamber, a heating device to heat the boiling chamber and a temperature controller, with the inlet of the boiling chamber being in fluid communication with the water tank and the outlet of the boiling chamber being in fluid communication with the outlet opening of the bottom plate. The heating devices of the bottom plate and the steam generator are connected in series with their respective heating circuit, so that there is sole control of the steam generator, such that when using the iron again, it can spray steam directly without warming up the steam generator, thereby eliminating the warming up time of the steam generator and greatly speeding up boiling of the water.

Abstract: An electric steam iron includes a housing, a water tank within the housing, a bottom plate to which the housing is secured, a heating device in the bottom plate for heating the bottom plate, a boiling chamber inside the bottom plate, and a further independent steam boiler above the bottom plate, and having an inlet in fluid communication with the water tank and an outlet in fluid communication with the inlet of the boiling chamber, such that steam from the steam boiler will be supplied to the boiling chamber in the bottom plate and further heated by the high temperature of the bottom plate, so that little drops in the steam will be fully boiled, thereby providing a high purity of the steam sprayed out of the bottom plate.

Abstract: An electric steam iron includes: a shell, in which other parts are assembled, includes a hand handle for holding device. A soleplate, of which ironing flat is formed on the bottom, is fixed on the lower side of shell. A steam chamber for forming steam, which is positioned above soleplate, has a water inlet and steam nozzles in the ironing flat. A heater is provided on the soleplate. Water tank, which is fixed in the shell, has a water intake and water outlet, and the water outlet connects to water inlet of steam chamber by a pipe. A water pump is fixed in pipeline of pipe. A motor for driving water pump is fixed in the shell.

Abstract: An electric iron with boiler-type steam generator, comprising: a main body of electric iron; a boiler-type steam generator positioned in the main body of electric iron and a ironing plate positioned at the bottom of the main body of electric iron, a steam chamber is set on the ironing plate, squirt holes which are connected with steam chamber are set in the bottom surface of the ironing plate, a mechanical valve is fixed on the body of the boiler-type steam generator, an intake of said mechanical valve positioned in the said body, the outlet is connected with the steam chamber positioned on the ironing plate by tube, a switch which is connected with the valve core of said mechanical valve and control the valve core is set on the surface of the main body of electric iron.

Abstract: A household electric appliance having an orifice, or passage, closed by a plug, or stopper, wherein the appliance further includes a unit for detecting opening of the plug, the unit allowing, when power is supplied to the appliance, a detection that opening of the plug previously occurred, when power was not being supplied to the appliance.

Abstract: The present invention discloses as a steam that includes an iron casing, a first steam outlet, a second steam outlet, a heating member installing a water input portion and a steam output portion disposed at the iron casing, and a switch valve connected to the steam output portion and the first and second steam outlets. The switch valve having a switching routine for a first switch position and a second switch position is used for determining whether the steam heated by the steam output portion is outputted from the first steam outlet or the second steam outlet. The steam iron can provide both board-type and standing-type designs of steam irons and improve the value of the steam iron significantly.

Abstract: The device and the method for forming steam are used for household appliance. Principle: water enters into the heated spiral tube chamber through the inner end of the spiral tube chamber; water contacts the side wall of the spiral tube chamber, and is vaporized, then diffused along the spiral tube chamber; part of the water droplets diffuses with vapor, and contacts the side wall of the spiral tube chamber gradually, then is vaporized; vapor is obtained from the outer end of the spiral tube chamber. In one word, the invention provides a method to obtain “dry” steam which doesn't contain water. It is more efficient than other facilities.

Abstract: An electric iron having a housing (1) and a soleplate (2) in which at least one outlet opening (10;15;34;45) is provided, means (8;19;28;39;43) for generating a fine liquid spray or foam or steam, and means (5) for delivering said generated fine liquid spray or foam or steam through said outlet opening. According to the invention, the iron is provided with detection means (12,14;22,23;35,36;49) for detecting the presence of a surface (7a) in the proximity of the sloplate (2) and for generating a detection signal in response to said detection, and with control means (6) for controlling the delivery of said fine liquid spray or foam or steam in response of said detection signal. For example, the detection means comprise a movable spring-loaded contact element (12) located in the soleplate (2), said element (12) activating a switch (14) for generating said signal when the soleplate is positioned against said surface (7a) and thus depresses said element (12).

Abstract: The invention concerns an ironing apparatus comprising an iron (1), a water reservoir and a pipe (2) connecting the reservoir to the iron (1), the sole plate (4) of the iron (1) including an evaporation chamber (5) adapted to generate steam from the water coming from the reservoir, the evaporation chamber (5) including on one of its walls (6) a water inlet (7), the iron further including a device for closing and opening (8) said inlet (7). Said ironing apparatus is characterized in that it comprises a device for forcing the displacement of the water arranged between the reservoir and evaporation chamber (5), the latter including a mobile wall (8) arranged parallel and opposite the wall (6) including the inlet (7), said mobile wall (8) acting as valve for said inlet (7).

Abstract: The invention concerns a steam iron comprising a water reservoir (1), a hydraulic circuit (3) connecting the reservoir (1) to an electrically heated vaporization chamber (23), the circuit including in series an anti-drip valve (4), and an adjustable drip element (5) capable, in a self-cleaning position, of opening allowing a free passageway and supplying water to said chamber. The invention is characterized in that the drip element comprises means for opening or maintaining open the anti-drip valve (4), when it is in the self-cleaning position.

Abstract: Domestic steam iron including an ironing element or plate, a vaporization element or vaporizer which is fed with water coming from a reservoir incorporated within the iron, and comprising a vaporization chamber where the steam is generated which passes through the plate via a front opening of the vaporizer, to emerge into the exterior through holes formed in the plate, and also comprising heat element for each of the plate and vaporizer assigned to the plate and the vaporizer, and thermostatic temperature regulators for each of the plate and vaporizer, and thermal fuses of each of the plate and vaporizer, associated with the plate and the vaporizer, wherein the vaporization chamber is provided with a rear outlet communicating with the front opening of the vaporizer by way of a pair of deep channels that are integrated in the vaporizer and extend co-laterally to the vaporization chamber itself.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electric steaming device, such as a steam iron or a facial sauna, having a steam generator (5) with a heatable base (12). According to the invention, water is sprayed onto the heatable base (12) via a nozzle (10) to generate steam (22). Some of the sprayed water (23) is mixed with the steam and taken along with the steam towards the steam outlet opening (16). The advantage is a high wet steam or vapor (24) production rate.

Abstract: A kind of low-temperature steam electric iron, includes ironing plate, temperature-adjusting plate and temperature adjustable circuit, steam room and its temperature auto-adjusting circuit. A heat insulation layer is positioned between the temperature-adjusting plate and the steam room. A steam passage is formed between the temperature adjusting plate and the ironing plate. The temperature auto-adjusting circuit in the steam room can immediately sense and adjust the temperature variation in the steam room and make sure that the water in the steam room can be fully evaporated, so the low-temperature fabric material can be ironed.

Abstract: A hand held appliance for use in applying steam to a garment or other item made of fabric includes a pump, a boiler and a switch. Power is applied through the switch to the pump. The pump pumps water from the water tank to the boiler. The water is converted to steam in the boiler and is expelled from the appliance through a set of nozzles. The appliance may include optional attachments for performing other operations on garments or fabric, for example, applying pressure, brushing, scrubbing or lint removal.

Abstract: Soleplate of domestic steam iron, basically constituted by a an ironing element (1), which is that which comes into contact with the item to be ironed, and a heating element (2) which heats said ironing element (1) by means of a thermostatic element (3) which regulates the ironing temperature, which independently of the assembly of ironing element (1), heating element (2) and thermostatic element (3), the soleplate of domestic steam iron (1-2) according to the invention incorporates an autonomous steam assembly (4) which is composed of a steam chamber (5) which has a water supply conduit (6) connected to the reservoir of the domestic iron, and whose steam chamber (5) has a separate heating element (7) which has its own thermostat (8) which regulates the temperature in that steam chamber (5); the steam assembly (4) has a steam outlet (9) connected to a complementary steam intake (10) which exists in the ironing element (1) for the correct passage of steam to the outlet holes.

Abstract: A new steam iron with a steam chamber connected with the labyrinths and the steam outlet vents of the soleplate through a small connection duct or a small hole, in such a way as to keep high pressure inside the steam generation chamber. The iron is provided with a steam spray positioned at the front and directed towards its point.

Abstract: The second vapor circuit of the second vaporizing chamber has, along the heating element (201), and located at the top of the heating body, a top channel (222) directed from the chamber towards the rear of the sole plate, and connected to the bottom channel (223) going from the rear towards the point of the sole plate, situated under the heating body of the sole plate. The iron has a heating unit (2) with a heater element, this heating unit also having a first vaporizing chamber (210) used for normal ironing, and a second independent vaporizing chamber (220) used for obtaining a surplus of vapor, each of these chambers having a vapor circuit ending in a set of vapor orifices in the sole plate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a steam iron with instantaneous vaporization comprising a water container (2), a steam chamber (32), an anti-drip device (80) and a drip device having a rod (4) which moves axially. According to the invention, the total stroke of the axially-moving rod (4) comprises a first stroke which provides the flow of water through the opening (520) of a module (5) that receives the water from the container (2) via the anti-drip device (80) and a second stroke which simultaneously opens a direct passage for the water to flow from the container (2) to the module (5) and moves the module (5) by opening a larger hole for the water to flow from the container to the steam chamber.

Abstract: The invention concerns a flash iron comprising a water reservoir (2), a flash chamber (32) and a drip device having an axially mobile rod (4) whereof the total stroke comprises a first travel enabling the steam to flow towards the orifice (520) of a module (5) and a second travel moving the module (5) by opening a wider orifice (220) for water passing from the reservoir (2) to the flash chamber (32). The invention is characterised in that the tightness between the reservoir (2), the module (5) and the flash chamber (32) is provided by a first compressed seal, and the tightness between the rod and the module is provided by a second compressed seal, the two seals being parts of one and the same elastomeric component (52) borne by the module (5).

Abstract: The second vapor circuit of the second vaporizing chamber has, along the heating element (201), and located at the top of the heating body, a top channel (222) directed from the chamber towards the rear of the sole plate, and connected to the bottom channel (223) going from the rear towards the point of the sole plate, situated under the heating body of the sole plate. The iron has a heating unit (2) with a heater element, this heating unit also having a first vaporizing chamber (210) used for normal ironing, and a second independent vaporizing chamber (220) used for obtaining a surplus of vapor, each of these chambers having a vapor circuit ending in a set of vapor orifices in the sole plate.

Abstract: A cladding in a vaporization chamber of an iron, the cladding being composed of a first layer composed essentially of sodium silicate, and at least locally a second layer composed of a fiber mat or a hydrophilic fabric, wherein the cladding has a surface treated with a treatment product containing phosphorus and having an acid group.

Abstract: The invention concerns a flash iron comprising a water reservoir (2), a flash chamber (32) and a drip device having an axially mobile rod (4) whereof the total stroke comprises a first travel enabling the steam to flow towards the orifice (520) of a module (5) and a second travel moving the module (5) by opening a wider orifice (220) for water passing from the reservoir (2) to the flash chamber (32). The invention is characterised in that the tightness between the reservoir (2), the module (5) and the flash chamber (32) is provided by a first compressed seal, and the tightness between the rod and the module is provided by a second compressed seal, the two seals being parts of one and the same elastomeric component (52) borne by the module (5).

Abstract: A displaceable nozzle (8) of an injection steam generator for small appliances, particularly irons or ironing stations, comprising a steam chamber (3) inside a steam generator housing (1) provided with an injection opening (5), is positioned telescopically on a fixed member to define a nozzle chamber (10). This nozzle (8) can be displaced by an inside pressure in the nozzle chamber in a first pressure range in the direction of the injection opening (5) and can be moved back from the injection opening (5) by a restoring force e.g., a restoring spring (12), wherein the inside pressure in the nozzle chamber (10) is lower in second pressure range than in the first pressure range. A drain passage (18) for the nozzle chamber 10 is connected via a valve arrangement (19, 21) to the fixed member (11), so that excess residual water, which exits when the nozzle (18) is moved back from the nozzle chamber (10), does not cause calcification of the nozzle opening (9) and the injection opening (5).

Abstract: A steam iron includes an iron unit and an evaporating unit. The evaporating unit includes a horizontal partition that divides a steam generating chamber into upper and lower chamber portions. Water is evaporated within the lower chamber portion so as to form steam that raises the partition, thereby permitting steam flow from the lower chamber portion into the upper chamber portion.

Abstract: A self-cleaning steam iron has a self-cleaning function. The self-cleaning function is activated by an integrated steam control means which also controls the steam level in the ironing mode. The control means resets a steam iron to the ironing mode after each self-cleaning but does not alter the steam level set in the ironing mode unless a self-cleaning is performed subsequent to the steam level setting.

Abstract: A steam iron composed of: a metal heating body containing a chamber that has a steam generating zone; a water flow path in communication with the chamber, the water flow path including a compartment containing a quantity of a scale reducing agent that is contacted by water flowing along the path before the water reaches the chamber; and a screen made of a metal different from that of the heating body and disposed in proximity to the steam generating zone at a location to be traversed by steam generated in the steam generating zone.

Abstract: To prevent water particles or mist carried by steam exiting from the steam vents of a steam iron, the steam generated in its steam chamber follows tortuous paths from both a vaporization section and a blast path to the steam vents. A baffle having a concave front face spans across the rear of the vaporization section and the open rear ends of the blast path face the concave baffle face. The lid of the steam chamber is sealed by pressure to the baffle and to a pair of ribs that define the sides of the blast path. The outer rib is higher than the inner rib so that, if the seal between the lid fails, the failure will likely occur between the inner rib and the lid so that any water escaping from the blast path will likely enter the vaporization chamber and not exit through a steam vent.