Steam iron

Abstract

A steam iron ( 500 ) comprises a housing ( 520 ) that includes a water tank ( 580 ), a steam chamber ( 600 ) and a pressure equalization conduit ( 7 60). The housing ( 520 ) includes an airing means ( 660 ). The steam iron is further provided with a mechanism for allowing air selectively into the water tank ( 580 ). The mechanism comprises a steam trigger ( 680 ) that is arranged to close or open the pressure equalization conduit ( 760 ) and the airing means ( 660 ) inversely. The mechanism may also comprise a spring loaded plunger or an electronic hand sensor.

1 . A steam iron comprising a housing, said housing including a water tank, a steam chamber, a pressure equalization conduit for equalizing steam pressure between said steam chamber and said water tank and a mechanism for selectively allowing air into said water tank through an airing means. 
     
     
         2 . A steam iron of  claim 1  wherein said water tank is divided by means of a partition wall into a dosing chamber and a water reservoir. 
     
     
         3 . A steam iron of  claim 2  wherein said dosing chamber is at least three to eight times smaller than said water reservoir. 
     
     
         4 . A steam iron of  claim 2  comprising a means for communication between said dosing chamber and said water reservoir. 
     
     
         5 . A steam iron of  claim 1  wherein said mechanism for selectively allowing air comprises a steam trigger which is arranged to close or open said pressure equalization conduit and said means for communication between said dosing chamber and said water reservoir inversely. 
     
     
         6 . A steam iron of  claim 1  wherein said mechanism for selectively allowing air comprises a spring loaded plunger which is arranged to close or open said pressure equalization conduit and said means for communication between said dosing chamber and said water reservoir inversely. 
     
     
         7 . A steam iron of  claim 1  wherein said mechanism for selectively allowing air comprises an electronic hand sensor, said electronic hand sensor being arranged to activate an electromechanical device which is arranged to close or open said pressure equalization conduit and said means for communication between said dosing chamber and said water reservoir inversely. 
     
     
         8 . A steam iron of  claim 7  wherein said electronic hand sensor is a capacitive or an inductive sensor and/or the like. 
     
     
         9 . A steam iron of  claim 1  wherein said mechanism for selectively allowing air comprises a steam trigger which is arranged to close or open said pressure equalization conduit and said airing means inversely. 
     
     
         10 . A steam iron of  claim 5  wherein said airing means is arranged to allow air into said water reservoir only when said steam trigger is released.