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EP1501975B1 - Procede et appareil de repassage automatique - Google Patents

Procede et appareil de repassage automatique Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1501975B1
EP1501975B1 EP02701488A EP02701488A EP1501975B1 EP 1501975 B1 EP1501975 B1 EP 1501975B1 EP 02701488 A EP02701488 A EP 02701488A EP 02701488 A EP02701488 A EP 02701488A EP 1501975 B1 EP1501975 B1 EP 1501975B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
air
container
stage
temperature
ironing
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EP02701488A
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German (de)
English (en)
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EP1501975A1 (fr
Inventor
Ayla Cevik
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CEVIK, AYLA
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Cevik Ayla
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Priority to AT02701488T priority Critical patent/ATE347634T1/de
Publication of EP1501975A1 publication Critical patent/EP1501975A1/fr
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    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F73/00—Apparatus for smoothing or removing creases from garments or other textile articles by formers, cores, stretchers, or internal frames, with the application of heat or steam 
    • D06F73/02—Apparatus for smoothing or removing creases from garments or other textile articles by formers, cores, stretchers, or internal frames, with the application of heat or steam  having one or more treatment chambers

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for automatically ironing textile items and the like by using humidity, heat and air pressure in a container.
  • clothes items and the like are usually ironed through the application of moisture, heat, and tension.
  • various devices are available for carrying out this operation having a box shape, in which the garment articles, suitable fitted to mannequins or arranged between clamps and the like, are subjected to impinging hot steam.
  • the blowing through of hot steam and subsequent ironing operations such as circulation of air in the container, drying, ventilating etc.
  • the door closing and opening operations are individually carried out through manual controls. This requires several ironing steps to be subjectively controlled by a person and, thus increasing the time that must be given to the process of ironing by an individual.
  • U.S. Patent No. 3,752,373 and equivalent prior art discloses a cabinet defining an interior region for hanging clothes dewrinkling of which are provided by steam.
  • a fan and heating element is also provided for delivering heated air into the interior region for drying and airing clothes.
  • a significant shortcoming of this type of device is that it does not dewrinkle clothes very well.
  • U.S. Patent No. 5.305.484 discloses a cabinet utilizing weighted bars to provide tension to the clothes to remove the wrinkles in addition to a steam delivery means and a hot air delivery means.
  • this type of system is relatively ineffective in dewrinkling the clothes compared to the conventional techniques and stretches the clothes out of shape due to non-uniform tensioning.
  • U.S. Patent No. 3.480.187 discloses a pressing machine utilizing an inflatable air bag for dewrinkling clothes items.
  • the inflatable bag is dressed with a shirt like garment and inflated so that the garment is highly stretched. While this type of system is inefficient in dewrinkling, it requires plurality of clamps to ensure that the item is held in place when the bag is inflated and is not very practical to use.
  • U.S. Patent No. 4,493,160 discloses a clothes treatment cabinet wherein shirt-like items are fitted to mannequin-like supports and subjected to steam. However, this system does not provide the desired tension on the item to accomplish dewrinkling.
  • U.S. Pat. No. 5,815,961 discloses a clothes treating cabinet with inflatable hanger for pressing the shirt like clothes item against the cabinet inner side surfaces. During the dewrinling cycle, steam is introduced into the interior region while the inflatable hanger assembly is periodically inflated.
  • This type of system has several shortcomings. First, a shirt sleeve support system is still needed because dewrinkling shirt sleeves is a major problem for the devices discussed so far. However, any kind of stretching by means of clamps or cords and the like, is not able to provide satisfactory results as in conventional means of ironing. Second, ineffective dewinkling cannot be prevented since there is no one to one correspondence between the shape of a clothes item and inflatable hanger.
  • U.S. Patent No. 3,849,815 A discloses a method for automatically ironing textile articles for an apparatus by producing steam and guiding it into the container in which the textile articles are placed, heating the air in the container, and providing a test period. This method is based on short abrupt treatments of saturated or hot steam wherein the pressure inside the container is lowered due to the condensation of the moisture on the clothing, i.e. the pressure and the humidity is changed during the rest period.
  • DE 36,00,953 A discloses a process for the smoothing and finishing of articles of clothing in which streams of steam and/or hot air are directed onto the articles of clothing.
  • steam and/or hot air is directed towards the articles of clothing inside a non-pressurized tunnel finisher.
  • wet-ironing stage is the one in which textile articles and the like are dewrinkled simply by increasing the pressure, temperature, humidity of the air inside a container in which the textile articles and the like are placed to a pre-selected level by producing steam and guiding it into the container, compressing air and guiding the compressed air into the container, heating the air in the container, providing a rest period
  • dehumidifying-stage is the one in which textile articles and the like are dehumidified by means of a refrigeration system
  • dry-ironing stage is the one in which textile articles and the like are dewrinkled by increasing the pressure, temperature of the air inside a container in which the textile articles and the like are placed to a pre-selected level by compressing air and guiding the compressed air into the container, heating the air in the container, providing a rest period
  • cooling-stage is the one in which textile articles and the like are cooled by means of a refrigeration system
  • finishing-stage is
  • an automatic ironing apparatus which is comprised of a box like unit, a container inside this box like unit which is resistant to high-pressure, high-humidity, and high-temperature air, a rack and hangers inside the container to support clothes items and the like, an air compressor, a refrigerating system with an evaporator, a condenser, an expansion valve, and a compressor as in conventional systems, a steam generating system, a water supply system, air injection-exhaustion system, a control panel, an electronic control unit for automatic operation of all the stages of ironing process which is the basic feature of automatic washing machines and dish washers.
  • the air in the container is circulated in the system by the operation of the air compressor.
  • the refrigeration system is actuated and high-humidity, and high-temperature air is guided to the evaporator so that high-humidity, and high-temperature air is condensed into low-humidity, low temperature air.
  • This air is drawn by the air compressor to be delivered to the condenser so that, the low temperature air is heated before it is delivered back to the container. This cycle is repeated until a pre-determined condensation level is measured.
  • Water condensed during the dehumidifying stage is delivered to a water tank and if the quantity of water is greater than a pre-determined amount, the pump is actuated to discharge the excess water from the system.
  • air compressor In the dry ironing stage air compressor is actuated to compress air into the compressed air tank and the compressed air is guided into the container to increase the air pressure in the container. This operation is repeated until a pre-selected pressure level is provided in the container. When pre-selected pressure level is reached, the heater in the container is actuated in order to increase the temperature in the container. When pre-selected levels of pressure, and temperature are reached, operation of the system is stopped and a rest period is provided. After the conclusion of the rest period high-pressure, and high-temperature air is discharged from the container.
  • the air in the container is circulated in the system by the operation of the air compressor and refrigeration system is actuated.
  • the high-temperature air is guided to the evaporator so that high-temperature air is condensed into low temperature air.
  • This air is drawn by the air compressor to be delivered back to the container, and this cycle is repeated until a pre-determined temperature level is provided in the container.
  • the high-temperature air around the condenser, a by-product of refrigeration cycle, is discharged out of the system by operation of a fan driven by a motor as utilized in conventional air conditioners.
  • the main object of the present invention is to provide a method and an automatic ironing machine for both domestic and industrial purposes by which textile articles and the like are dewrinkled in a very easy and practical way by using humidity, heat and air pressure.
  • FIG. 1 and Fig. 2 are comprised of a box like ironing unit (2) having opposite side surfaces at the left and right(3a and 3b), a top surface(4), a rear surface(5), and a front surface(6) locations of which are defined with respect to the user, a door (7) on said front surface(6) or on said side surfaces at the left and right(3a and 3b) locking an unlocking of which is operated by the electronic control unit (1) as in conventional washing machines, a base part (8) at the bottom of the front surface(6) and a control-panel (9) on the upper part of the front surface (6) and a container (10) for receiving textile articles and the like into its inner chamber.
  • a box like ironing unit (2) having opposite side surfaces at the left and right(3a and 3b), a top surface(4), a rear surface(5), and a front surface(6) locations of which are defined with respect to the user, a door (7) on said front surface(6) or on said side surfaces at the left and right(3a and 3b) locking an unlocking of which is operated by the
  • the container(10) which is resistant to high-temperature, high-humidity, and high-pressure has opposite side surfaces at the left and right(26a and 26b), a top surface(27), a rear surface(28), a bottom surface(29) and a front surface(30) locations of which are defined with respect to the user, as shown in Fig, 2.
  • a door(31) is provided on said front surface(30) or on said side surfaces at the left and right(26a and 26b) of said container(10) which is resistant to high-temperature, high-humidity, and high-pressure, and assuring a perfect closure tightness.
  • a rack(32) is fixed to said side surfaces(26a and 26b) of said container(10), to which plurality of hangers(33) are attached for supporting clothes item and the like within the inner chamber of said container(10) as shown in Fig. 2.
  • An air injection system(12) which expels approximately evenly distributed streams of air into said container(10) to increase air pressure inside its inner chamber, comprising an air compressor(19), a compressed air storage tank(20) coupled to said air compressor(19), air distribution conduits (36a and 36b), a plurality of parallelly spaced conduits(37a, 37b, 37c, 37d, and 37e), and an air supply conduit(22) and an air discharge conduit(23) as shown in Fig. 4 and Fig. 5.
  • First air distribution conduit(36a) is coupled to said air compressor(19) and second distribution conduit(36b) is perpendicularly coupled to said first distribution conduit(36a) and thereto said plurality of parallely spaced conduits(37a, 367, 37c, 37d, and 37e) are perpendicularly coupled.
  • Parallelly spaced conduits(37a, 37b, 37c, 37d, and 37e) are perpendicular to the rear surface(28) of the container(10) and parallel to the bottom surface(29) of the container(10), each of which approximately has a length extending from front surface(30) to rear surface(28) of said container(10), as shown in Fig. 4.
  • Parallely spaced conduits(37a, 37b, 37c, 37d, and 37e) are comprised of a pipe on which there are plurality of spaced air vents(38a. 38b. 38c, 38d, 38e, etc) the sizes of which increase towards the end of the respective conduit which is further away from the second distribution conduit(36b) so that air expels upwards, and sideways therefrom with approximately equivalent pressure towards the clothes items and the like, as shown in Fig. 4.
  • Air compressor(19) comprises a power cable(not shown) for powering air compressor(19) and is equipped with a switch(not shown) which allows the compressor to stop when pre-selected pressure level has been reached in compressed air storage tank(20) as shown in Fig. 4. and Fig. 5.
  • Air compressor(19) is coupled to compressed air storage tank(20) by inlet and outlet conduits(not shown), the first of which is for inflow of air and the second of which is for discharge of compressed air, the conduits being equipped with valves(53g and 53h) respectively as shown in Fig. 3.
  • Air compressor(19) functions to compress air into the compressed air storage tank(20), and to circulate the air in the system between the container(10), the air cooling tank(48) and/or air heating tank(50).
  • Air compressor(19) is coupled to the first distribution conduit(36a) which is vertically coupled to the second distribution conduit(36) in the center of the rear surface(28) of said container(10).
  • An alternative embodiment of the invention may be a split type to provide quietness and less space inside the building or to increase security which functions in a way similar to the split air conditioning devices found in the market.
  • the condenser(48), the air cooling tank(49), the air compressor(19) which is located below the container(10) in the integral type is placed in a second box like unit(64) with the compressed air storage tank(20), the second box like unit(64) being placed outside the wall behind the box like unit(2), as shown in Fig. 7.
  • the heater(45a) serving as the heat source for increasing the temperature of the air in the container(10) is mounted on said bottom surface(29) to which suitable wiring is provided.
  • the capability of the heater(45a) is set about 1200 W approximately which is of a general level for home appliances, and may be over this value for industrial appliances.
  • the operation of the heater(45a and 45b) is conventional and will not be described more fully herein.
  • a thermostat is used to regulate the level of temperature in the container required in the dewrinkling stages (Stage A and Stage C) of the ironing cycle. Once a pre-selected temperature is reached, the ironing operation continues for a fixed time during the rest period as set by the user.
  • the compressed air flow is preferably taken from the rear side of the container(10) and is discharged from the center of top surface(27) of the container(10) through the air discharge conduit(23) as shown in Fig. 4 and Fig. 5.
  • Air compressor(19) produces a flow of compressed air to the compressed air storage tank(20) and therefrom to air distribution conduits(36a and 36b) and to parallelly spaced conduits(37a, 37b, 37c, 37d, and 37e). Streams of air expel upwards and sideways from plurality of air vents(38a. 38b. 38c, 38d, 38e, etc) on the parallelly spaced conduits(37a, 37b, 37c, 37d, and 37e). As shown in Fig.
  • each air vent is an aperture formed in its respective conduit for expelling therefrom streams of air. Since the size of each air vent increases towards the end of the conduit which is further away from said second distribution conduit(36b) as stated above, the distribution and evenness of the forced air to the clothes items and the like in the container(10) is significantly increased.
  • An alternative for the air injection-exhaustion system comprising two sets of parallely spaced conduits, one of which (37a, 37b, 37c, 37d, 37e, and 37f) is parallel to the bottom surface(29) of said container 10), the second of which (37g, 37h, 37i, 37j. 37k, and 371) is parallel to the top surface(27) of the container (10), above the hangers(33), and which are perpendicularly coupled to said second distribution conduit(36b) vertically coupled to said distribution conduit(36a) at the back of the bottom surface(29) so that a thin layer of moisture is more evenly distributed on the clothes items and the like in the container(10) as shown in Fig. 5 and Fig. 6.
  • the thin layer of moisture aids in smoothing and dewrinkling the clothing and since moisture layer is evenly distributed, there is no problem with spotting of the clothing. Furthermore, the thin layer of moisture is not sufficient to saturate the clothing which can have a negative impact on dewrinkling performance by increasing the time required for dehumidifying.
  • a temperature detecting means(15a), a pressure detecting means(16a), a humidity detecting means(17) for sensing the temperature, pressure and humidity of the air inside said container(10) respectively, is mounted on the air discharge conduit(34) so that pre-selected time for the dewrinkling stages(Stage A and Stage C) can be modified by the electronic control unit(1) depending on the measured levels of temperature, pressure, and humidity of the air in the container(10).
  • a lint filter(39) for removing lint from the air circulating in the system is detachably provided in front of the air discharge conduit(34) which is vertically coupled in the center of the top surface(27) of the container(10). Thus, the lint and dust is removed from the air discharged from the container(10).
  • Air discharge conduit(34) vertically coupled in the center of the top surface(27) of the container(10) and air discharge conduit(23a) is equipped with valves(53j and 53k) respectively to control the discharge of high-temperature, high-humidity, high-pressure air in the container(10) as shown in Fig.3.
  • the steam generating tank(40) for producing steam to humidify the textiles articles and the like in said container(10) is located below the container(10) configured and mounted so as to occupy very low height in the base part(8) of the box like ironing unit(2) as shown in Fig.4 and Fig. 5.
  • the steam generating tank(40) is coupled to the air compressor(19) by 2 conduits(not shown) and as shown in Fig. 3, 2 valves(53b and 53c) are provided for opening and closing of the conduits in response to the electronic control unit(1) to provide steam during the wet ironing stage.
  • a water tank(41) is coupled to the steam generating tank(40).
  • a pump(43) is coupled to the water tank(41) in the bottom for pumping water from the water tank(41) to the steam generating tank(40) and for draining the excess water from the water discharge conduit(25) including 2 valves(530 and 53p) for controlling water flow in response to the electronic control unit(1) as shown in Fig. 3.
  • the water tank(41) is advantageously removable through a lid(42) to put in demineralized water and to allow the demineralized water contained in it to be used for known purposes
  • a water supply conduit(24) is coupled to the steam generating tank(40) for water supply from the mains.
  • the steam generating tank(40) may be similar to the steam generating means disclosed in U.S. Pat. No: 4,810,854 to Jurish et. al., herein incorporated by reference.
  • a refrigerating system(21) which is comprised of evaporator(46) condenser(48), an expansion valve(50), and a compressor(51), all of which are connected to each other with pipes and the like.
  • the refrigerating cycle is provided in order to dehumidify, cool, and/or heat the air in said container(10).
  • the refrigerant compressed by the compressor(51) is condensed into liquid in the condenser(48) which may be of the usual tube or fin type. This liquid is then made into low-pressure, low temperature liquid by the expansion valve(50) and is supplied to the evaporator(46) which may be of the usual tube or fin type.
  • the refrigerant is then returned to the compressor(51).
  • the evaporator(46) and the condenser(48) are mounted in an air cooling tank(47), an air heating tank(49), respectively so that they can be utilized to dehumidify, cool and/or heat the air in the system as shown in Fig. 3, Fig.4, and Fig.5.
  • the container(10), the air compressor(19), the air cooling tank(47) and the air heating tank(49) are coupled to each other with conduits and the like so that the air can circulate in the system by the operation of the air compressor(19) as shown in Fig.3.
  • a water tank(41) is also provided to collect the condensing water in the air cooling tank(47) during dehumidification process (Stage B) when the high-humidity air is in direct contact with the evaporator (46).
  • the water tank (41) is coupled to both the air cooling tank(47) and the steam generating tank(40) with pipes and the like as shown in Fig. 3.
  • the air cooling tank(47) is coupled to said water tank(41) by a drain pipe for discharging water content generated during the dehumidifying process from the lower part of air cooling tank(47).
  • a ventilation box (52) is mounted to air heating tank(49) to circulate cool air through said air heating tank(49) by means of a fan and a fan motor (not shown) as used in conventional air conditioners in order to cool the condenser(48) during cooling stage (Stage D).
  • the clothes items and the like in the container(10) is quickly dried and cooled with highly dehumidified air in accordance with the operation of the refrigerating cycle.
  • the air in the system may also be heated by the condenser(48) during the operation of the refrigerating system(21)
  • the high-temperature, high-humidity air may be air cooled by natural air, dehumidified by heat exchange as in conventional systems, and returned to the container(10) by circulation.
  • the clothes items and the like are dehumidified by the heat exchange method in the same manner as in the conventional dryer and is dried with hot air heated by the heater(45a). This conventional method is not further described in this embodiment of the invention.
  • a condensation detecting means(18) to measure the quantity of condensed water released from the clothes items and the like during dehumidification stage is comprised of an impeller(not shown) fixed on a rotating shaft mounted in the discharge pipe connecting the air cooling tank(47) and water tank(41), a comparator or similar member or circuit(not shown) coupled to the impeller, a tachometer dynamo to measure the rotational speed of the shaft on which the impeller is mounted.
  • a water supply conduit(24) interposed with a water supply valve(53a) is connected to the upper potion of the steam generating tank(40), and is connected to the water tap.
  • a water supply sensor(not shown) e.g.. a differential pressure, electro magnetic, volume, or ultrasonic type flow rate sensor is mounted to the water supply conduit(24) as in conventional washing machines.
  • a water amount detecting means(44). e.g.. a water level sensor, a weight sensor is mounted to the water tank for measuring the quantity of stored water released by the clothes items and the like in the container(10) and for controlling the length of dehumidifying cycle (Stage B).
  • the water quantity in said water tank(41) is measured on the basis of water weight or the basis of the determination of electrical members operationally connected to the water present in the water tank(41), or on the basis of variation in the current absorbed by the pump(43) which is determined digitally or analogically or by measuring the variation in said quantity functionally associated with said current as disclosed in U. S. Pat. No: 5.228.212 herein incorporated by reference.
  • the pump(43) which is coupled to the water tank(41) functions also to discharge the water released by the clothes items and the like in the container(10) during dehumidification stage, if the water in the water tank(41) exceeds a pre-determined amount.
  • the method of invention is capable of implementation with a variety of compressors, motors and pumps. Therefore, the compressors(19 and 51), the fan motor(not shown) and the pump(43) shown in the drawings and mentioned above is merely intended to illustrate an exemplary of the present invention as currently contemplated by the inventor and is in no way meant to limit the use and scope of the claimed method and apparatus.
  • the plurality of conduits and tanks are made of metal, plastic or any other suitable material for containing and/or passing therethrough high-temperature, and/or high-humidity, and/or high-pressure air.
  • valves(53a,b,c,d,e,f,g,h,i,j,k,l,m,n,o,p,r,s,t and 50) which are mounted to the related conduits are activated and stopped by the electronic control unit(1) as shown in Fig.3.
  • the operation of the ironing process is controlled by an electronic control unit(1) comprising a microprocessor or a microcomputer in accordance with the ironing steps. Respective steps of the ironing operation are executed by the electronic control unit(1) based on input signals from the control panel(9) and output signals from the temperature detecting means(15a and 15b), pressure detecting means(16a and 16b), humidity detecting means(17), water amount detecting means(44), water supply sensor(not shown), the door sensors(not shown) coupled to the doors(7 and 31) of the box like unit(2) and the container(10) as utilized in conventional washing machines, and the like.
  • the electronic control unit(1) has drive circuits for driving the respective valves, drive circuits for driving the compressors(19 and 51), fan motor(not shown), the pump(43) and the like.
  • electronic control unit(1) may comprise a closed loop feedback system including a microprocessor, a micro controller, an application specific integrated circuit(ASIC), a digital signal processor(DSP) or other processor.
  • the microprocessor or other processor may incorporate a linear or non-linear closed loop feedback control algorithm.
  • the electronic circuitry may incorporate analog electronic circuit components, digital electronic circuit components or both. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that a multitude of possible electronic circuits may be designed and constructed to implement a multitude of possible alternative control systems.
  • the electronic control unit(1) is coupled to a control-panel(9) which is comprised of an on/off button(58), wet/dry button(59) for dewrinkling in wet mode which is signified by bluish color or the like and which starts the ironing cycle from phase A and after completion of this phase starts phase B, phase C, phase D, and phase E one after another when in use, or for dewrinkling in dry mode which is signified by yellowish color or the like and which starts phase C, phase D, and phase E one after another when in use, a humidity level button(60) with 4 different humidity levels selectable by the user ranging from no-humidity to minimum-humidity, medium-humidity, and maximum-humidity, a temperature level button(61) for setting the desired temperature level which is suitable for the fabrics of the items inside said container(10), a pressure level button(62) with 3 different pressure levels selectable by the user suitable for the clothes items and the like ranging from low pressure, to medium pressure, and high pressure, a time
  • the present embodiment of the invention as described below humidifies, applies pressure, heats, and/or cools, and/or dehumidifies textile articles and the like by the operation of an ironing cycle for dewrinkling of these articles effectively. Accordingly, an arrangement for obtaining pressure, heating, and/or cooling, and/or dehumidifying functions of the present invention as one of possible embodiments will be described below describing one of the alternative operations of automatic ironing machine according to the method of invention.
  • the ironing process operates with electronic control unit(1) which is a microprocessor or controller sending control signals to the transistor drivers(not shown), which then sends signals to the compressor relay(not shown), pump relay(not shown), the heater relay(not shown), and the related valves.
  • the relay When the compressor relay receives a signal from the transistor derivers the relay activates the compressor. Similarly when the pump relay receives a signal from the transistor derivers the relay activates the pump and when the heater relay receives a signal from the transistor derivers, the heater is controlled via a high limit thermostat(not shown).
  • Stage A which is dewrinkling stage simply by high-temperature, high-humidity, and high-pressure air.
  • Stage B which is dehumidifying
  • stage Stage C which is dewrinkling stage simply by high-temperature, and high-pressure air
  • Stage D which is cooling stage
  • Stage E which is conclusion of the ironing cycle.
  • First clothes items and the like are mounted on the hangers(33) in the container(10) and the door(7) of the box like unit(2) is shut after the door(31) of the container(10).
  • the clothes items and the like are already cleaned and they may be dry or still wet before they are subject to ironing operation.
  • buttons are set according to the needs of the user by means of the timers(63a and 63b), temperature level button(61), humidity level button(60) to set the length of the dry or wet stages, the temperature suitable to the fabrics of the clothes items and the like, and the amount of steam suitable to humidify the clothes items and the like, respectively.
  • Stage A starts if both doors(7 and 31) are properly closed and the electronic control unit(1) operates to activate the water supply valve(53a) so that water is added to the steam generating tank(40) during a pre-determined time. Then, the water supply valve(53a) is closed and the quantity of water in the steam generating tank(40) is measured by water amount detecting means(44b). If the quantity of water in the steam generating tank(40) is less than a pre-selected amount, the water supply valve(53a) is activated. When the quantity of water in the steam generating tank(40) measured by water amount detecting means(44b) is equal to or greater than a pre-selected amount, the water supply valve (53a) is closed.
  • valves(53b and 53c)on the inlet and outlet conduits mounted to the steam generating tank(40), the valve(53i) on the inlet conduit mounted to the air distribution conduit(36a), and the valve(53j) mounted to the discharge conduit(34) are activated while valves (53d. 53e, 53f. 53g. 53h, 53k, 531, 53m and 53n) are still closed and the air compressor(19) is actuated so that steam is delivered to the container(10) and circulated in the system.
  • valves(53j) on the air discharge conduit(34) mounted to the container(10) and the valve(53i) on the inlet conduit mounted to the air distribution conduit(36a) and the valve(53h) on the outlet conduit connected to the compressed air tank(20) is closed, the valve(53g) on the inlet conduit connected to the compressed air tank(20) and the valve(53n) mounted to the air supply conduit(22) are activated and the air compressor(19) is actuated by the electronic control unit(1). Air is compressed into the compressed air tank(20) by the air compressor(19) and the pressure in the compressed air tank(20) is measured by pressure detecting means(16b) successively or continuously.
  • the air compressor(19) continues to compress air into the compressed air tank(20) until a pre-selected pressure level is reached inside it.
  • a signal is provided to the electronic control unit(1) by the pressure detecting means(16b), and the air compressor(19) is stopped.
  • the plurality of parallely spaced conduits(37a. 37b, 37c. 37d. 37e. and 37f) each of which has formed therein a plurality of air vents(38a. 38b. 38c, 38d, 38e, etc.) increases significantly the distribution and evenness of the forced air to the clothes items and the like in the container(10).
  • the injection pressure of the air from the air vents is determined by the pressure in the compressed air tank(20).
  • the pressure of the air in the compressed air tank(20) is set in accordance with the material of the clothes items and the like by the pressure level button(62). For example, if the material is cotton the pressure is set to a high level and low if the material is silk.
  • the clothes items and the like can be dewrinkled and smoothed in a suitable gentleness without being damaged during the ironing process.
  • the amount of pressure in the container(10) is measured by a pressure detecting means(16a) and a signal is provided to the electronic control unit(1). If the air pressure inside the container is lower then a pre-selected level, then air compressor is actuated again and the cycle described above is repeated until the pre-selected pressure level is provided in the container(10). When the pressure level in the container(10) is equal to or greater than the pre-selected pressure level, air compressor(19) is stopped and the valve(53i) on the inlet conduit mounted to the container(10) and the valve(53n) mounted to the air supply conduit(22) are closed as well as the valves(53g and 53h) on the conduits mounted to the compressed air tank(20).
  • the heater(45a) in the container(10) is activated by the electronic control unit(1) intermittently and/or continuously in order to heat the clothes items and the like inside the container(10).
  • the heating cycle continues until the temperature of the air in the container(10) measured by the temperature detecting means(15a) is equal to or greater than the pre-selected temperature.
  • the levels of temperature, pressure, and humidity measured by temperature detecting means(15a) pressure detecting means(16a), and the humidity detecting means(17), respectively are equal to or greater than the pre-selected levels the operation is stopped for a pre-determined period of time in order to provide a rest period.
  • valve(53j) on the air discharge conduit(34) mounted to the center of top surface(27) of the container(10) and the valve (53k) on the air discharge conduit (23a) are opened and, thus, high-temperature, high-humidity, and high-pressure air discharges from the discharge port leaving all the lint on the lint filter(39).
  • the pressure of the air in the container(10) is measured by the pressure detecting means(16a) after a predetermined time.
  • the valve(53k) mounted to the air discharge conduit(23a) is closed and Phase B starts for dehumidification of the clothes items and the like.
  • valve(53j) mounted to the air discharge conduit(34) mounted to the center of top surface(27) of the container(10) is still open, the valves(531 and 53m) mounted to the inlet and outlet conduits of the air cooling tank(47), the valves(53d and 53e)mounted to the inlet and outlet conduits of the air heating tank(49), and the valve(53i) on the inlet conduit mounted to the container(10) are opened, while all the other valves(53b, 53c, 53f, 53g, 53h, 53n) are still closed.
  • the air compressor(19) is actuated in order to circulate the high-humidity, high-temperature air between the container(10), the air cooling tank(47), and the air heating tank(49).
  • the high-humidity, high-temperature air in the container(10) is guided to the air discharge conduit(34) and then to air cooling tank(47) by the operation of the air compressor(19).
  • the refrigerating cycle starts operating to circulate the refrigerant through the evaporator(46) and the condenser(48) by actuating the compressor(51).
  • the high-humidity, high-temperature air in the air cooling tank(47) is condensed into low temperature, low-humidity air by the evaporator(46)in the air cooling tank(47), and is drawn by the air compressor(19) to be delivered to the air heating tank(49).
  • Low temperature, low-humidity air is heated in the air heating tank(49) by the condenser(48), and the high-temperature, low-humidity air is delivered back to the container(10) through the respective conduits.
  • Water released by the clothes items and the like during condensation of the high-temperature, high-humidity air is discharged through a discharge pipe mounted to the bottom of the air cooling tank(47).
  • the level of condensation is measured by measuring the flow rate of condensed water released by the clothes items and the like during the dehumidifying cycle (Stage B).
  • the flow rate of the water released by the clothes items and the like through the pipe connecting the air cooling tank(47) and the water tank(41) is a direct indication of dehydration level and is utilized for controlling the length of the dehumidifying cycle.
  • a signal is provided for stopping the dehumidifying cycle if the measurement is equal to or lower than a predetermined value.
  • the signals are fed to the electronic control unit(1) which controls the dehumidifying cycle, the electronic control unit(1) monitoring the measured flow rate of condensed water, and acting to terminate the dehumidifying cycle when the flow rate has reached a pre-determined level.
  • the dehydrating of the clothes item and the like is considered complete by virtue of the fact that no more water is discharged from them or that the water discharge corresponds only to the usual moisture naturally present in the clothes. Then the dehumidifying stage (Stage B) is stopped.
  • the amount of condensation of water released from the clothes items and the like during dehydration stage may also be measured directly or indirectly by the variation of the current absorbed by the pump during the evacuation of the water from the water tank(41) or by variation in the characteristics of a resistor inserted into the water tank(41) as disclosed in U. S. Pat. No: 5,228,212 herein incorporated by reference.
  • the variation has a negative gradient or when the signals correspond to a constant value the dehumidifying stage(Stage B) is stopped.
  • the power feed to the air compressor(19) providing air circulation through the container(10), air cooling tank(47), air heating tank(49), and the relevant conduits connecting them, is cut on the basis of the measured data concerning the level of condensation directly related to the water quantity released by the clothes.
  • the valves(53i, 53j, 53l, 53m, 53d, 53e) are closed at the end of dehumidifying stage as well.
  • the quantity of the water deposited in the water tank(41) is measured by the water amount detecting means(44) and if the measured quantity is greater than a pre-determined amount then for the first time, the valves(53o and 53p) mounted to the conduit connected to the water tank(41) are activated to drain the excess amount of water into the steam generating tank(40) and for the second time out of the system through the water discharge conduit(25). Then the pump(43) is stopped and the valves(53o and 53p) mounted to the conduit connected to the water tank(41) are closed.
  • valve(53o) When the measurement of the quantity of the water in the water tank(41) during dehumidifying stage by the water amount detecting means(44) is greater than a pre-determined amount for the second time, then the valve(53o) is opened and the pump(43) is actuated to discharge the excess water. Then pump(43) is stopped and the valve(53o) is closed.
  • the dry stage starts to dewrinkle the clothes items and the like in the container(10).
  • the valves(53j) on the air discharge conduit(34) mounted to the container(10) and the valve(53i) on the inlet conduit mounted to the air distribution conduit(36a) and the valve(53h) on the outlet conduit connected to the compressed air tank(20) is closed, the valve(53g) on the inlet conduit connected to the compressed air tank(20) and the valve(53n) mounted to the air supply conduit(22) are activated and the air compressor (19) is actuated by the electronic control unit (1). Air is compressed into the compressed air tank(20) by the air compressor(19) and the pressure in the compressed air tank(20) is measured by pressure detecting means(16b) successively or continuously.
  • the air compressor(19) continues to compress air into the compressed air tank(20) until a pre-selected pressure level is reached inside it as described above in relation to Stage A.
  • a signal is provided to the electronic control unit(1) by the pressure detecting means(16b), and the air compressor(19) is stopped.
  • valve (53g) mounted to the inlet conduit connected to the compressed air tank(20) the valve(53n) mounted to the air supply conduit(22) are closed and the valve(53i) mounted to the air supply conduit(22) connected to the container(10), the valve(53h) on the outlet conduit mounted to the compressed air tank(20) are opened so that high-pressure air is guided to the air distribution conduits(36a and 36b), therefrom to the parallelly spaced conduits (37a, 37b, 37c, 37d, 37e, and 37f).
  • the plurality of parallely spaced conduits(37a, 37b, 37c, 37d, 37e, and 37f) each of which has formed therein a plurality of air vents(38a, 38b, 38c, 38d, 38e, etc.) increases significantly the distribution and evenness of the forced air to the clothes items and the like in the container(10).
  • the injection pressure of the air from the air vents is determined by the pressure in the compressed air tank(20).
  • the pressure of the air in the compressed air tank(20) is set in accordance with the material of the clothes items and the like by the pressure level button(62). For example, if the material is cotton the pressure is set to a high level and low if the material is silk.
  • the clothes items and the like can be dewrinkled and smoothed in a suitable gentleness without being damaged during the ironing process.
  • the amount of pressure in the container(10) is measured by a pressure detecting means(16a) and a signal is provided to the electronic control unit(1). If the air pressure inside the container is lower then a pre-selected level, then air compressor is actuated again and the cycle described above is repeated until the pre-selected pressure level is provided in the container(10). When the pressure level in the container is equal to or greater than the pre-selected pressure level, air compressor(19) is stopped and the valve(53i) on the inlet conduit mounted to the container(10) and the valve(53n) mounted to the air supply conduit(22) are closed as well as the valves(53g and 53h) on the conduits mounted to the compressed air tank(20).
  • the heater(45a) in the container(10) is activated by the electronic control unit(1) intermittently and/or continuously in order to heat the clothes items and the like inside the container(10).
  • the heating cycle continues until the temperature of the air in the container(10) measured by the temperature detecting means(15a) is equal to or greater than the pre-selected temperature.
  • the levels of temperature, and pressure measured by temperature detecting means(15a), and pressure detecting means(16a) respectively are equal to or greater than the pre-selected levels the operation is stopped for a pre-determined period of time in order to provide a rest period.
  • the valve(53j) on the air discharge conduit(34) mounted to the center of top surface(27) of the container (10) and the valve(53k) on the air discharge conduit(23a) are opened and, thus, high-temperature, high-humidity, and high-pressure air discharges from the discharge port leaving all the lint on the lint filter (39).
  • high-temperature, and high-pressure air is discharged from the discharge port leaving all the lint on the lint filter(39).
  • high-temperature, and high-pressure air is discharged from the container(10) and may be connected with duct work such that the exhaust air is vented out of the user's place as in conventional methods or may be used for heating.
  • the pressure of the air in the container(10) is measured by the pressure detecting means (16a) after a predetermined time.
  • the valve (53k) mounted to the air discharge conduit (23a) is closed and Stage D starts for cooling the clothes items and the like.
  • valve(53j) mounted to the air discharge conduit(34) mounted to the center of top surface(27) of the container(10) is still open, the valves(531 and 53m) mounted to the inlet and outlet conduits of the air cooling tank(47), and the valve(53i) on the inlet conduit mounted to the container(10) are opened, while all the other valves(53b. 53c, 53d, 53e, 53f, 53g, 53h, 53n, 53r, 53s) are still closed and the air compressor(19) is actuated in order to circulate the high-temperature air between the container(10), the air cooling tank(47).
  • the refrigerating system(21) starts to function as the air compressor(19) is actuated to circulate the air in the system in order to cool the high-temperature air delivered from the container(10) to the air cooling tank(47) during Stage D.
  • the high-temperature air in the air cooling tank(47) is condensed into low-temperature air by the evaporator(46), and is drawn by the air compressor(19) to be delivered to the container(10).
  • Low temperature air becomes high-temperature air as a result of its contact with the high-temperature clothes items and the like in the container (10) and is delivered back to the air cooling tank(47) so that high-temperature air will become low-temperature air.
  • This cooling cycle continues until the amount of temperature in the container(10) measured by the temperature detecting means(15a) is equal to or lower than a pre-determined level.
  • the refrigerating cycle and the air circulation is stopped and the valves(531, 53m, and 53i) are closed.
  • Air circulation in the air heating tank(49) is provided by means of a fan driven by a fan motor mounted to the ventilation box(52).
  • the valves(53s and 53t) mounted to inlet conduit and outlet conduit mounted to the ventilation box(52), the valve(53r) mounted to the conduit connecting the air heating tank(49) and the air supply conduit(22) are activated in order to provide fresh air from the outside to cool the condenser(48) in the air heating tank(49).
  • the fan motor(not shown) is actuated during the cooling stage (Stage D) by the electronic control unit(1) so that high-temperature air in the air heating tank(49) is discharged out to provide efficient functioning of the refrigerating cycle.
  • Stage C If the ironing cycle is started from Stage C for dry ironing of the clothes items and the like, it is assumed that already cleaned and dry articles of clothing will be mounted to the hangers in the container and will be exposed to high-temperature, high-pressure air as described above.
  • wet/dry button is set to dry mode, all the related buttons on the control panel(9) are set in accordance with the requirements of the user, and after the door(31) of the container(10) and door(7) of the box like unit(2) are closed, the on/off button is depressed to start the ironing operation. If one of the doors or both doors are not closed properly an alarm is activated by the electronic control unit(1). Stage C starts if both doors(7 and 31) are properly closed.
  • Phase D will start to cool the clothes items and the like in the container(10) as described above.
  • the electronic control unit(1) receives input signals from the pressure detecting means(16a) and temperature detecting means(15a) showing the amount of the pressure and temperature of the air in the container(10).
  • the electronic control unit(1) sends an output signal to the door sensors, if the measured amount of the pressure and temperature of the air in the container(10) is equal to or lower then pre-determined amounts and the doors(7 and 31) are unlocked and all the valves(53a,b,c,d,e,f,g,h,i,j.k.i,m,n,o,p,r,s,t) are closed.
  • the textiles articles and the like in the container(10) is effectively dewrinkled, smoothed, dried, dehumidified and cooled by the invented automatic ironing machine in accordance with the invented method.
  • the present invention provides a unique method for ironing the textile items and the like which effectively dewrinkles clothes by applying humidity, heat and pressure without touching the articles to be ironed by any part of the apparatus or tool like means to provide an additional tension on the clothes during ironing process and without using any other means for stretching such as clamps or cords or inflatable bags and the like.
  • the present invention can easily be applied to technology with the existing methods of production as used in automatic washing machines, dishwashers, and air conditioners.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Textile Engineering (AREA)
  • Treatment Of Fiber Materials (AREA)

Claims (9)

  1. Procédé de repassage automatique d'articles textiles et similaires à la fois à des fins ménagères et industrielles
    en augmentant la pression, la température, l'humidité de l'air à l'intérieur d'un conteneur dans lequel les articles textiles et similaires sont placés jusqu'à un niveau présélectionné en produisant de la vapeur et en la guidant dans le conteneur (10), en comprimant l'air et en guidant l'air comprimé dans le conteneur (10), en chauffant l'air dans le conteneur (10) à un stade de repassage humide et/ou en comprimant l'air et en guidant l'air comprimé dans le conteneur (10), en chauffant l'air dans le conteneur (10) à un stade de repassage sec,
    puis en initiant une période de repos en stoppant le fonctionnement pendant un temps présélectionné de manière à ce que les articles textiles et similaires restent à des niveaux présélectionnés dans de l'air à haute température, haute humidité, haute pression à un stade de repassage humide et/ou dans de l'air à haute température, haute humidité, haute pression à un stade de repassage sec afin de réaliser un défroissage correct,
    en éliminant l'excédent de chaleur et/ou d'humidité des articles textiles et similaires avant que le processus de repassage ne soit terminé.
  2. Procédé de repassage automatique d'articles textiles et similaires à la fois à des fins ménagères et industrielles selon la revendication 1, comprenant les stades suivants, dans lequel le stade A, le stade B, le stade C, le stade D et le stade E peuvent être utilisés pour défroisser des articles textiles et similaires avec de l'air à haute température, haute humidité, haute pression en mode de repassage humide et/ou lesdits stade C, stade D et stade E peuvent être utilisés pour défroisser des articles textiles et similaires avec de l'air à haute température, haute pression en mode de repassage sec et les étapes de ces stades sont les suivantes :
    Stade A - stade de repassage humide
    • vérifier si les portes de l'appareil (7, 31) sont fermées ou non,
    • commencer à introduire de l'eau de l'alimentation dans le système si les portes de l'appareil (7, 31) sont fermées,
    • produire de la vapeur et transférer de la vapeur pour humidifier les articles textiles et similaires jusqu'à ce qu'un niveau présélectionné d'humidité approprié pour humidifier les articles textiles et similaires soit atteint,
    • comprimer l'air dans le conteneur (10),
    • cesser de comprimer l'air,
    • chauffer l'air dans le conteneur (10),
    • mesurer la température de l'air,
    • cesser de chauffer l'air dans le conteneur (10),
    • prévoir une période de repos afin d'avoir assez de temps pour que les articles textiles et similaires restent dans de l'air à haute température, haute humidité, haute pression à des niveaux présélectionnés afin de réaliser un défroissage correct,
    • décharger l'air à haute température, haute humidité et haute pression,
    Stade B - Stade de déshumidification
    • démarrer le cycle de déshumidification pour éliminer l'humidité excédentaire des articles textiles et similaires,
    • démarrer le cycle de réfrigération,
    • faire circuler l'air dans un système de réfrigération (21) pour déshumidifier l'air à haute température et haute humidité,
    • mesurer la quantité d'eau dégagée par les articles textiles et similaires pendant le processus de déshumidification,
    • continuer de refroidir, déshumidifier et chauffer l'air afin de sécher complètement les articles textiles et similaires jusqu'à ce que le niveau mesuré de condensation soit égal ou inférieur à un niveau présélectionné,
    • cesser de faire circuler l'air dans le système de réfrigération (21) lorsque le niveau mesuré de condensation est égal ou supérieur à un niveau présélectionné,
    • arrêter le cycle de réfrigération,
    Stade C - Stade de repassage sec
    • vérifier si les portes de l'appareil (7, 31) sont fermées ou non,
    • comprimer l'air dans le conteneur (10),
    • cesser de comprimer l'air,
    • chauffer l'air dans le conteneur (10),
    • mesurer la température de l'air,
    • cesser de chauffer l'air dans le conteneur (10),
    • prévoir une période de repos afin d'avoir assez de temps pour que les articles textiles et similaires restent dans de l'air à haute température et haute pression à des niveaux présélectionnés afin de réaliser un défroissage correct,
    • décharger l'air à haute température et haute pression,
    Stade D - Stade de refroidissement
    • démarrer le cycle de déshumidification pour éliminer la chaleur excédentaire des articles textiles et similaires,
    • démarrer le cycle de réfrigération,
    • faire circuler l'air dans le système réfrigérant (21) pour refroidir l'air à haute température,
    • mesurer la température de l'air pendant le processus de refroidissement,
    • continuer de refroidir l'air afin de sécher complètement les articles textiles et similaires jusqu'à ce que le niveau mesuré de température soit égal ou inférieur à un niveau présélectionné,
    • cesser de faire circuler l'air dans le système de réfrigération (21) lorsque le niveau mesuré de température est égal ou supérieur à un niveau présélectionné,
    • arrêter le cycle de réfrigération,
    Stade E - Stade de finition
    • stopper le cycle de repassage,
    • mesurer la température et la pression de l'air,
    • garder les articles textiles et similaires confinés jusqu'à ce que le niveau mesuré de température et de pression de l'air soit égal ou supérieur à un niveau prédéterminé sans danger pour les utilisateurs,
    • les sortir.
  3. Appareil de repassage automatique d'articles textiles et similaires à la fois à des fins ménagères et industrielles, apte à réaliser le procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes 1 à 2, dans lequel de l'air à haute pression, haute température, haute humidité est utilisé,
    comprenant
    • une unité de contrôle électronique (1) pour contrôler le fonctionnement de la repasseuse,
    • une unité de repassage en forme de caisson (2),
    • un conteneur (10) dans lequel des articles textiles et similaires sont placés,
    • un système de chauffage (11) pour générer de la vapeur et pour chauffer l'air à l'intérieur dudit conteneur (10),
    • un système d'injection-évacuation d'air (12) qui injecte de l'air dans ledit conteneur et l'évacue hors de celui-ci,
    • un système d'alimentation en eau (13) pour fournir de l'eau au système, qui est actionné et stoppé par ladite unité de contrôle électronique (1),
    • un système de génération de vapeur (14) pour humidifier l'air à l'intérieur dudit conteneur (10),
    • un moyen de détection de température (15a) pour détecter la température de l'air à l'intérieur dudit conteneur (10), qui est actionné et stoppé par ladite unité de contrôle électronique (1) en réaction auxdits moyens de détection de température (15a),
    • un moyen de détection de pression (16a) pour détecter la pression de l'air à l'intérieur dudit conteneur (10), qui est actionné et stoppé par ladite unité de contrôle électronique (1) en réaction auxdits moyens de détection de pression (16a),
    • un moyen de détection d'humidité (17) pour détecter l'humidité de l'air à l'intérieur dudit conteneur (10), qui est actionné et stoppé par ladite unité de contrôle électronique (1) en réaction auxdits moyens de détection d'humidité (17),
    • un moyen de détection de condensation (18) pour détecter la quantité d'eau dégagée par les articles textiles et similaires pendant le stade de déshumidification -le stade B,
    • un compresseur d'air (19) conçu et monté de manière à prendre très peu de hauteur et disposé sous le fond dudit conteneur (10) dans ladite pièce de base (8),
    • une cuve de stockage d'air (20) couplée au dit compresseur d'air (19),
    • un système de réfrigération (21) pour refroidir les articles textiles et similaires et/ou pour en éliminer l'excédent d'humidité,
    • une conduite d'alimentation en air (22) et une conduite de décharge d'air (23a et 23b),
    • une conduite d'alimentation en eau (24) et une conduite de décharge d'eau (25),
    • une multitude de soupapes (53a, 53b, 53c, 53d, 53e, 53 f, 53 g, 53 h, 53i, 53j, 53k, 531, 53m ; 53n, 53o, 53p, 53r, 53s, 53t et 50) pour contrôler le fonctionnement du processus de repassage.
  4. Appareil de repassage automatique d'articles textiles et similaires selon la revendication 3, dans lequel tous les stades de repassage ont lieu dans ledit appareil comprenant
    • une unité de repassage en forme de caisson (2) qui est isolée contre la perte de chaleur et au niveau sécurité suivant des procédés de fabrication bien connus, composée de surfaces latérales opposées à gauche et à droite (3a et 3b), d'une surface de dessus (4), d'une surface arrière (5) et d'une surface frontale (6), d'une porte (7) sur ladite surface frontale (6) ou lesdites surfaces latérales à gauche et à droite (3a et 3b) dont le verrouillage et le déverrouillage est actionné par ladite unité de contrôle électronique (1), d'une pièce de base (8) au fond de ladite surface frontale (6) et d'un panneau de contrôle (9) sur ladite surface frontale (6) et d'un conteneur (10) destiné à recevoir des articles textiles et similaires dans sa chambre intérieure,
    • un conteneur (10) destiné à recevoir des vêtements et autres articles textiles et qui résiste à la haute température, la haute humidité et la haute pression et a des surfaces latérales opposées à gauche et à droite (26a et 26b), une surface de dessus (27), une surface arrière (28), une surface de fond (29) et une surface frontale (30),
    • une porte (31) sur ladite surface frontale (30) ou lesdites surfaces latérales à gauche et à droite (26a ou 26b) dudit conteneur (10), résistant à la haute température, la haute humidité et la haute pression et assurant une étanchéité parfaite à la fermeture,
    • une tringle (32) qui est fixée auxdites surfaces latérales (26a et 26b) dudit conteneur (10) et à laquelle sont suspendus une pluralité de cintres (33) destinés à supporter des vêtements et similaires dans la chambre intérieur dudit conteneur (10),
    • une conduite de décharge (34) connectée de préférence au centre de ladite surface de dessus (27) dudit conteneur (10),
    • un moyen de détection de chaleur (15a), un moyen de détection de pression (16a), un moyen de détection d'humidité (17) monté sur ladite conduite de décharge (34) pour mesurer le niveau de température, de pression et d'humidité dans ledit conteneur,
    • une pièce de base (8) placée au fond dudit conteneur (10) et dans laquelle se trouvent ledit compresseur d'air (19), ladite cuve de stockage d'air comprimé (20), ladite cuve de génération de vapeur (40), ladite cuve à eau (41), ladite pompe (43) et ladite cuve de chauffage d'air (49), conçus et montés de manière à prendre très peu de hauteur dans ladite pièce de base (8),
    • un système de chauffage (12) destiné à générer de la vapeur et à chauffer l'air à l'intérieur dudit conteneur (10) et comprenant un radiateur (45a) permettant d'augmenter la température de l'air à l'intérieur dudit conteneur (10) jusqu'à ce qu'un niveau prédéterminé de température soit maintenu pendant le cycle de repassage et qui est connecté à un boîtier électrique monté dans ladite pièce de base (8) et d'où vient un câble approprié ; un moyen de détection de température (15a) pour détecter la température de l'air à l'intérieur dudit conteneur (10) et qui est actionné et stoppé par ladite unité de contrôle électronique (1) en réaction audit moyen de détection de température (15a) ; un radiateur (45b) pour chauffer l'eau dans ladite cuve de génération de vapeur (40) afin de produire de la vapeur pour humidifier les articles textiles et similaires dans ledit conteneur (10) et qui est connecté audit boîtier électrique monté sur ladite surface de fond et d'où vient un câble approprié,
    • un système d'injection-évacuation d'air (12) qui injecte de l'air dans ledit conteneur (10) et en évacue et expulse des flux répartis approximativement régulièrement d'air dans ledit conteneur pour augmenter la pression de l'air dans sa chambre intérieure, comprend un compresseur d'air (19) disposé en dessous dudit conteneur (10), conçu et monté de manière à prendre très peu de hauteur dans ladite pièce de base (8) ; une cuve de stockage d'air comprimé (20) couplée audite compresseur d'air (19) ; un distributeur d'injection d'air (35), des conduites de distribution d'air (36a et 36b) placées de préférence sur ladite face arrière de la surface de fond (29) dudit conteneur (10) et composées d'une première conduite de distribution d'air (36a) couplée audit compresseur d'air (19) et couplée verticalement de préférence à l'arrière de ladite surface arrière (28) dudit conteneur (10) et une seconde conduite de distribution (36b) couplée perpendiculairement à ladite première conduite de distribution (36a) ; une pluralité de conduites espacées parallèlement (37a, 37b, 37c, 37d, 37e et 37f) perpendiculairement couplées à la seconde conduite de distribution (36b) et perpendiculaires à ladite surface arrière (28) dudit conteneur (10) et parallèles à ladite surface de fond (29) dudit conteneur (10), dans chacune desquelles est formée une pluralité de cheminées à air espacées (38a, 38b, 38c, 38d, 38e, etc.) et dont chacune a une longueur s'étendant depuis ladite surface frontale (30) à ladite surface arrière (28) dudit conteneur (10) ; une conduite de décharge (34) connectée de préférence au centre de ladite surface de dessus (27) dudit conteneur (10) ; un filtre à bourre (39) pour éliminer la bourre de l'air circulant dans le système et installé de manière amovible sur l'avant de ladite de décharge (34) ; une conduite d'alimentation en air (22) et une conduite de décharge d'air (23a et 23b),
    • un système de génération de vapeur (14) servant à humidifier l'air à l'intérieur dudit conteneur (10) comprend une cuve de génération de vapeur (40) pour produire de la vapeur afin d'humidifier les articles textiles et similaires dans ledit conteneur (10) ; une cuve à eau (41) connectée à ladite cuve de génération de vapeur (40) et qui peut avantageusement être retirée grâce à un couvercle (42) pour y mettre de l'eau déminéralisée et/ou de l'eau normale et aussi pour permettre d'utiliser l'eau déminéralisée produite pendant le processus de déshumidification à des fins connues ; une pompe (43) couplée à ladite cuve à eau (41) pour drainer l'eau excédentaire de ladite conduite de décharge d'eau (25) ; un moyen de détection de quantité d'eau (44) pour mesurer la quantité d'eau stockée dans ladite cuve à eau (41) ; un radiateur (45b) placé dans ladite cuve à eau (41),
    • un système de réfrigération (21) afin de refroidir les articles textiles et similaires et/ou d'en éliminer l'excès d'humidité, composé d'un évaporateur (46) dans une cuve de refroidissement d'air (47), d'un condenseur (48) dans une cuve de chauffage d'air (49), d'une soupape d'expansion (50) et d'un compresseur (51) pour comprimer le réfrigérant circulant dans le système de réfrigération, tous ces éléments étant connectés entre eux au moyen de tuyaux et similaires, d'un caisson de ventilation (52) pour faire circuler l'air dans ladite cuve de chauffage (49) à l'aide d'un ventilateur et d'un moteur de ventilateur tel qu'utilisé dans les conditionneurs d'air conventionnels afin de refroidir le condenseur (48), d'une cuve à eau (41) pour collecter l'eau condensée pendant le stade de déshumidification et qui est connectée à la fois à ladite cuve de refroidissement d'air (49) et à ladite cuve de génération de vapeur (40) au moyen d'un tuyau.
  5. Appareil de repassage automatique d'articles textiles et similaires selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes 3 à 4, dans lequel ledit système d'injection-évacuation d'air (12) est composé de deux ensembles de conduites espacées parallèlement dont un (37a, 37b, 37c, 37d, 37e et 37f) est parallèle à ladite surface de fond (29) dudit conteneur (10), dont le second (37g, 37h, 37i, 37j, 37k et 371) est parallèle à la surface du dessus (27) dudit conteneur (10), au dessus desdits cintres (33), et qui sont couplés perpendiculairement à ladite seconde conduite de distribution (36b) couplée verticalement de préférence à l'arrière de ladite surface de fond (29).
  6. Appareil de repassage automatique d'articles textiles et similaires selon l'une quelconque des revendications 3 à 4, dans lequel ladite unité de contrôle électronique (1) est un circuit de microprocesseur recevant des signaux d'entrée du moyen de détection de température (15), du moyen de détection de pression (16), du moyen de détection d'humidité (17), du moyen de détection de condensation (18), du moyen de détection de quantité d'eau (44), des capteurs de porte couplés à ladite porte (7) de ladite unité de type caisson (2) et à ladite porte (31) dudit conteneur (10) tel qu'utilisé dans les lave-linge conventionnels et d'un panneau de contrôle (9) et envoyant des signaux de sortie à des circuits moteurs pour activer et stopper les soupapes concernées (53a, 53b, 53c, 53d, 53e, 53f, 53g, 53h, 53i, 53j, 53k, 531, 53m, 53n, 53o, 53p, 33r, 53s, 53t et 50), les compresseurs (19 et 51), la pompe (43), le moteur du ventilateur, les portes (7 et 31) et similaires afin de contrôler :
    • la fermeture et l'ouverture d'une ligne d'alimentation en courant,
    • le verrouillage et le déverrouillage de ladite porte (7) de ladite unité de type caisson (2) et ladite porte (31) dudit conteneur (10),
    • le démarrage et l'arrêt de tous les stades du cycle de repassage, les stades A, B, C, D et E,
    • le fonctionnement du système d'injection-évacuation d'air (12),
    • le fonctionnement du système de génération de vapeur (13),
    • le fonctionnement du système de chauffage (14),
    • le fonctionnement du système de réfrigération (21) pour refroidir et/ou déshydrater les articles textiles et similaires,
    • l'évaluation et la réaction aux signaux générés à partir de la mesure de la quantité d'eau dégagée par les vêtements et similaires pendant le stade de déshumidification indiquant le niveau de condensation.
  7. Appareil de repassage automatique d'articles textiles et similaires selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes 3 à 4, dans lequel ladite tringle (32) qui peut aussi être apte à coulisser le long de guides (54a, 54b, 54c et 54d) placés sur le dessus (27) ou les côtés (26a et 26b) ou à la fois sur le dessus (27) et les côtés (26a et 26b) dudit conteneur (10) est composée de quatre barres horizontales (55a, 55b, 55c et 55d) glissant le long desdits guides (54a, 54b, 54c et 54d) sur le dessus (27) et le fond des deux côtés (26a et 26b) dudit conteneur (10), connectées à quatre barres verticales (56a, 56b, 56c et 56d) et deux barres horizontales perpendiculaires (57a et 57b) combinant les deux côtés de la tringle sur laquelle sont accrochés une pluralité de cintres (33) pour supporter des vêtements et similaires dans l'intérieur dudit conteneur (10).
  8. Appareil de repassage automatique d'articles textiles et similaires selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes 3 et 4 et/ou 7, dans lequel ledit panneau de contrôle (9) de ladite unité de contrôle électronique (1) est composé d'un bouton marche/arrêt (58), d'un bouton humide/sec (59) pour défroisser en mode de repassage humide, qui est identifié par une couleur bleuâtre/jaunâtre ou similaire et qui démarre le stade A, le stade B, le stade C, le stade D et le stade E l'un après l'autre quand il est utilisé ou pour défroisser en mode de repassage sec, qui est identifié par une couleur jaunâtre ou similaire et qui démarre le stade C, le stade D et le stade E l'un après l'autre quand il est utilisé, un bouton de niveau d'humidité (60) pour fixer le niveau d'humidité requis allant de zéro humidité à basse humidité, humidité moyenne et haute humidité, un bouton de niveau de température (61) pour fixer la température désirée qui est appropriée pour les tissus des articles placés à l'intérieur dudit conteneur (10), un bouton de niveau de pression (62) pour fixer le niveau de pression requis allant de basse pression à moyenne pression et haute pression approprié pour les vêtements et similaires, la pression étant toujours supérieure à la pression atmosphérique, un temporisateur (63a) apte à fixer la durée de la période de repos en mode humide du processus de repassage en périodes courtes, moyennes et longues, qui est identifié par une couleur bleuâtre ou similaire, et un second temporisateur (63b) apte à fixer la durée de la période de repos en mode sec du processus de repassage en périodes courtes, moyennes et longues, qui est identifié par une couleur jaunâtre ou similaire.
  9. Appareil de repassage automatique d'articles textiles et similaires selon l'une quelconque des revendications 3 à 8, dans lequel les approches peuvent être de deux types, un système intégral ou un système fractionné tel qu'utilisé dans les conditionneurs d'air conventionnels et tous les éléments de l'appareil (de 1 à 63) sont disposés alternativement dans un système similaire aux conditionneurs d'air conventionnels à système fractionné dans lesquels le compresseur d'air (9), la cuve de stockage d'air comprimé (20), le condenseur (48) et la cuve de chauffage d'air (49) sont placés dans une seconde unité de type caisson (64), la seconde unité de type caisson (64) étant placée à l'extérieur et à l'arrière de l'unité de type caisson (2) dans lequel le défroissage des articles textiles et similaires est fait automatiquement.
EP02701488A 2002-03-01 2002-03-01 Procede et appareil de repassage automatique Expired - Lifetime EP1501975B1 (fr)

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EP1501975A1 (fr) 2005-02-02

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