EP0377803A1 - Electric steam iron - Google Patents

Electric steam iron Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP0377803A1
EP0377803A1 EP89120546A EP89120546A EP0377803A1 EP 0377803 A1 EP0377803 A1 EP 0377803A1 EP 89120546 A EP89120546 A EP 89120546A EP 89120546 A EP89120546 A EP 89120546A EP 0377803 A1 EP0377803 A1 EP 0377803A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
steam
soleplate
outlet openings
steam outlet
iron
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP89120546A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0377803B1 (en
Inventor
Bernd Lindstaedt
Günter Oppermann
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Braun GmbH
Original Assignee
Braun GmbH
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Braun GmbH filed Critical Braun GmbH
Priority to AT89120546T priority Critical patent/ATE90981T1/en
Publication of EP0377803A1 publication Critical patent/EP0377803A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0377803B1 publication Critical patent/EP0377803B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • DTEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06FLAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F75/00Hand irons
    • D06F75/08Hand irons internally heated by electricity
    • D06F75/10Hand irons internally heated by electricity with means for supplying steam to the article being ironed
    • D06F75/20Arrangements for discharging the steam to the article being ironed

Definitions

  • the invention relates to an electrically operated, tapering and manually operable steam iron with an evaporation chamber that can be fed with water from a water tank, which is connected to the atmosphere via steam outlet openings formed on a heated iron soleplate and which adjoins the iron soleplate to heat the evaporation chamber.
  • Such a steam iron is known from DE-B2 21 36 050.
  • the steam distribution on the ironing material is uneven, so that relatively frequent back and forth movements are required to achieve an optimal smoothing of the ironing material. This makes the ironing process time and energy consuming.
  • the object of the invention is to provide a steam iron with which the items to be ironed can be smoothed in a very short time, in particular on small ironing surfaces or also at problem areas such as buttons, folds and inner parts of pockets.
  • the invention takes into account the problem that steam is applied to the ironing surface of the items to be ironed more uniformly during the ironing process, thereby accelerating the smoothing process and thus reducing the ironing time. Also in particular When ironing small areas such as shirt collars, pockets, ironing corners, ironing areas around a button, etc., increased steam output in the front area of the soleplate is particularly advantageous.
  • the steam outlet openings are formed in steam guide channels connected to the evaporation chamber via passages.
  • the passages are formed by a slot embedded in a partition in the upper area, so that the lime that settles in the evaporation chamber during the evaporation process cannot escape through the steam outlet openings.
  • a uniform distribution of steam on the ironing material can be achieved in particular if the injection or dripping point for the water formed in the evaporation chamber is formed in the area of the soleplate tip, while the passages to the steam guide channels are formed on the rear area of the soleplate. Due to the relatively long steam path from the injection point to the steam outlet openings at the tip of the soleplate, the steam generated when the water is heated is heated sufficiently high so that in addition to the larger steam outlet openings at the tip of the soleplate, steam can also escape to a sufficient extent there.
  • the areas of the steam outlet openings continuously increase towards the tip of the iron soleplate.
  • this measure allows a further optimal steam distribution to be achieved on the material to be ironed. With a difference of the smallest to the largest area of the steam outlet openings of approximately a maximum of four times the amount, sufficiently good ironing results are still achieved.
  • FIGS. 1 to 2 To avoid repetitions, the same position numbers are used in FIGS. 1 to 2 for correspondingly identical components.
  • the steam iron consists of an iron soleplate 1, preferably made of aluminum, which is provided on its underside shown in Fig. 2 with a sliding sole 2, for example with a sliding layer, not shown in the drawing, for the purpose of lower friction of the Iron soleplate can be coated on an ironing good.
  • the iron soleplate 1 in FIG. 1 essentially consists of a base body 5 which forms the shape of an isosceles triangle, the side surfaces 3 of which are curved. The side surfaces 3 converge at their upper end in FIG. 1 to form an iron sole tip 44.
  • a wall 6 rises from the base body 5 runs around the soleplate 1 and which is self-contained.
  • the end face 7 formed in FIG. 2 at the upper edge of the wall 6 runs parallel to the sliding sole 2.
  • a shoulder 8 adjoins the end face 7 radially inward, which serves to receive, center and seal a cover 9.
  • FIG. 1 the soleplate 1 is shown in plan view with the cover 9 removed.
  • the vaporization chamber 10 enclosed in FIGS. 1 and 2 by the iron soleplate 1, the wall 6 and the lid 9 serves to generate and forward the vapor to the vapor outlet openings 11 formed in this chamber 10 on the base body 5, the one of the vaporization chamber 10 Establish a steam-conducting connection to the outside of the sliding sole 2.
  • Fig. 2 the drawing is followed by a housing provided with an iron handle, in which contact elements are provided for power supply, electronic switching elements for temperature control of the soleplate and a valve arrangement connected to a water tank for steam generation; however, these parts are not shown in the drawing.
  • the housing is centered and fastened on the soleplate 1 in FIG. 1 via centering bores 12 and via fastening means, which are not shown here.
  • the iron soleplate 1 has two threaded bores 13, via which a thermocouple controlling the temperature of the iron soleplate 1, which is not shown in the drawing, is fastened.
  • the platform 14 surrounding the upper threaded bore 13 in FIG. 1 serves as a flat support for the thermocouple on the heating element 15, in order to ensure a particularly good and rapid heat transfer from the heating element 15 to the thermocouple, so that the on and off behavior of the iron is particularly good is short.
  • a further threaded bore 16 is arranged, which is also surrounded by a second, circular platform 17 and which serves as a support for an overheating protection, not shown in the drawing, which interrupts the power supply to the heating element 15 when For example, the thermocouple is defective and the soleplate 1 would reach an impermissibly high temperature.
  • the threaded bores 18 to 21 serve for the pressure-tight fastening of the cover 9 on the wall 6.
  • the threaded bores 22 to 24 serve for fastening the housing provided with a handle on the soleplate 1.
  • a second wall 33 extends radially inside the wall 6, which begins on one side to the right of the center line 34 at the horizontally extending section of the first wall 6, which extends approximately to the second platform 17 at a distance from the left edge of the Leg 25 of the heating element 15 extends upward in the drawing, there turns, which then runs downward on the radially inner edge of the heating element 15, which bridges the heating element 15 horizontally slightly below the right of the centering hole 12, which then again on the radially outer edge of the Heating element 15 extends upwards in the drawing, which leaves the heating element 15 upward in the region of the threaded bore 19 and which then intersects the center line 34 via a circular arc 35 which forms the actual soleplate tip 44.
  • the second wall 33 runs symmetrically to the right wall 33.
  • the steam outlet chamber 36 formed by the wall 6, the second wall 33, the base body 5 and the cover 9 in FIG. 1 is connected to the evaporation chamber 10 via passages 37, as also shown in FIG. 2, which radially inside the steam guide channels 36 lies and in which the largest part of the heating element 15 is formed.
  • the passages 37 have a rectangular cross section.
  • the passages 37 are formed at the upper end of the second wall 33, so that the lime which is forced to settle in the evaporation chamber 10 due to the lime content of the water cannot precipitate in the steam guide channels 36.
  • the second wall 33 thus forms the function of a limescale but also a water barrier.
  • the steam outlet openings 11 run inside the steam outlet chamber 36 at the edge of the wall 6 and the second wall 33, the steam outlet openings 11, which are adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction of the soleplate 1, have the same distance from one another.
  • the top three steam outlet openings according to FIG. 1 are provided with a larger cross section or diameter than the rest.
  • the drop-in area 41 shown in dashed lines in FIG. 1 for the amount of water discharged from the water tank via the valve arrangement lies radially inside the heating element 15 in the area of the section 42 connecting the two legs 25, 26.
  • the position of the drop-in area 41 was therefore chosen at this point, since in this area the heating element 15 drips richly surrounds 41 from three sides and therefore the highest temperature of the soleplate 1 occurs at this point.
  • Perpendicularly above the dripping-in area 41 at least one channel connected to the valve arrangement projects into the evaporation chamber 10 via an opening formed in the cover 9, the opening, the channel and the valve arrangement not being shown in the drawings.
  • the valve arrangement delivers drop or intermittent water from the storage tank into the evaporation chamber 10, in which the water then evaporates when the soleplate 1 is heated and is fed to the steam outlet openings 11 through the steam guide channels 36 and into the items to be ironed, which is arranged below the sliding sole 2 (not shown) penetrates.
  • the long steam guide channels 36 also ensure that the steam continues to heat up to the steam outlet openings 11.
  • the height h from the bottom 43 to the underside of the passages 37 is approximately 4/5 to 9/10 of the height H which results from the bottom 43 to the underside of the cover 9 (FIG. 2).
  • the steam iron according to the invention works as follows:
  • the ironing material smeared by the iron soleplate 1 is equally well moistened at all points by the constant steam flow, in particular also in the region which is smeared by the iron soleplate 1 during ironing below the middle region (center line 34).

Abstract

The invention relates to a forwardly tapering electric steam iron which can be operated by hand and which has an evaporation chamber (10) which can be supplied with water from a water tank and is connected to the atmosphere via steam outlet ports (11) made in a heatable iron sole (1) and which is adjacent to the iron sole (1) for the purpose of heating the evaporation chamber (10). The steam outlet ports (11) have a larger area in the region of the tip (44) of the iron sole than in the rear region of the iron sole (1), in order to ensure a better steam distribution to the material to be ironed. <IMAGE>

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft ein elektrisch bedienbares, sich nach vor­ne zuspitzendes und von Hand betätigbares Dampfbügeleisen mit einer von einem Wassertank mit Wasser speisbaren Verdampfungs­kammer, die über an einer beheizbaren Bügeleisensohle ausgebilde­ten Dampfaustrittsöffnungen mit der Atmosphäre verbunden ist und die zur Aufheizung der Verdampfungskammer an die Bügeleisensohle angrenzt.The invention relates to an electrically operated, tapering and manually operable steam iron with an evaporation chamber that can be fed with water from a water tank, which is connected to the atmosphere via steam outlet openings formed on a heated iron soleplate and which adjoins the iron soleplate to heat the evaporation chamber.

Ein derartiges Dampfbügeleisen ist aus der DE-B2 21 36 050 be­kannt. Bei diesem Dampfbügeleisen ist die Dampfverteilung auf das Bügelgut ungleichmäßig, so daß verhältnismäßig häufige Hin- und Herbewegungen erforderlich sind, um eine optimale Glättung des Bügelgutes zu erreichen. Hierdurch wird der Bügelvorgang zeit- und kraftaufwendig.Such a steam iron is known from DE-B2 21 36 050. With this steam iron, the steam distribution on the ironing material is uneven, so that relatively frequent back and forth movements are required to achieve an optimal smoothing of the ironing material. This makes the ironing process time and energy consuming.

Aufgabe der Erfindung ist es, ein Dampfbügeleisen zu schaffen, mit dem in kürzester Zeit das Bügelgut glättbar ist, insbesondere an kleinen Bügelflächen oder auch an Problemstellen, wie Knöpfen, Falten und Innenteilen von Taschen.The object of the invention is to provide a steam iron with which the items to be ironed can be smoothed in a very short time, in particular on small ironing surfaces or also at problem areas such as buttons, folds and inner parts of pockets.

Diese Aufgabe wird erfindungsgemäß dadurch gelöst, daß die Dampf­austrittsöffnungen im Bereich der Bügeleisensohlenspitze eine größere Fläche aufweisen als im hinteren Bereich der Bügeleisen­sohle.This object is achieved in that the steam outlet openings in the area of the soleplate tip have a larger area than in the rear area of the soleplate.

Durch die Erfindung wird dem Problem Rechnung getragen, daß beim Bügelvorgang die Bügelfläche des Bügelgutes gleichmäßiger mit Dampf beaufschlagt wird, wodurch der Glättungsvorgang beschleu­nigt und somit die Bügelzeit reduziert wird. Auch insbesondere beim Bügeln von kleinen Flächen, wie Hemdkragen, Taschen, Bügel­gutecken, Bügelflächen rund um einen Knopf, etc., ist ein erhöh­ter Dampfausstoß im vorderen Bereich der Bügeleisensohle beson­ders vorteilhaft.The invention takes into account the problem that steam is applied to the ironing surface of the items to be ironed more uniformly during the ironing process, thereby accelerating the smoothing process and thus reducing the ironing time. Also in particular When ironing small areas such as shirt collars, pockets, ironing corners, ironing areas around a button, etc., increased steam output in the front area of the soleplate is particularly advantageous.

Um eine Verkalkung und somit ein Verschließen der Dampfaustritts­öffnungen zu vermeiden, sind die Dampfaustrittsöffnungen in mit der Verdampfungskammer über Durchlässe verbundenen Dampfführungs­kanälen ausgebildet. Die Durchlässe werden durch einen in einer Trennwand im oberen Bereich eingelassenen Schlitz gebildet, so daß der beim Verdampfungsvorgang in der Verdampfungskammer sich absetzende Kalk nicht über die Dampfaustrittsöffnungen austreten kann. Durch die Schaffung eines Dampfführungskanals, in dem die Dampfaustrittsöffnungen hintereinander und eventuell auch neben­einander angeordnet sind, fällt der Dampfdruck und somit die aus­tretende Dampfmenge umso mehr, je weiter die einzelnen Dampfaus­trittsöffnungen von der über den Durchlaß eingegebenen Dampfmenge entfernt sind.In order to avoid calcification and thus closing the steam outlet openings, the steam outlet openings are formed in steam guide channels connected to the evaporation chamber via passages. The passages are formed by a slot embedded in a partition in the upper area, so that the lime that settles in the evaporation chamber during the evaporation process cannot escape through the steam outlet openings. By creating a steam guide channel, in which the steam outlet openings are arranged one behind the other and possibly also side by side, the steam pressure and thus the quantity of steam escaping decreases the further the individual steam outlet openings are from the steam quantity entered via the passage.

Eine gleichmäßige Dampfverteilung auf das Bügelgut läßt sich ins­besondere dann erreichen, wenn die in der Verdampfungskammer aus­gebildete Einspritz- bzw. Eintropfstelle für das Wasser im Be­reich der Bügeleisensohlenspitze ausgebildet ist, während die Durchlässe zu den Dampfführungskanälen am hinteren Bereich der Bügeleisensohle ausgebildet sind. Aufgrund des verhältnismäßig langen Dampfweges von der Einspritzstelle bis zu den Dampfaus­trittsöffnungen an der Bügeleisensohlenspitze wird der beim Er­hitzen des Wassers entstehende Dampf ausreichend hoch erhitzt, so daß zusätzlich zu den größer werdenden Dampfaustrittsöffnungen an der Bügeleisensohlenspitze auch dort in ausreichendem Maße Dampf austreten kann.A uniform distribution of steam on the ironing material can be achieved in particular if the injection or dripping point for the water formed in the evaporation chamber is formed in the area of the soleplate tip, while the passages to the steam guide channels are formed on the rear area of the soleplate. Due to the relatively long steam path from the injection point to the steam outlet openings at the tip of the soleplate, the steam generated when the water is heated is heated sufficiently high so that in addition to the larger steam outlet openings at the tip of the soleplate, steam can also escape to a sufficient extent there.

In einer Weiterbildung der Erfindung ist vorgesehen, daß sich die Flächen der Dampfaustrittsöffnungen zur Bügeleisensohlenspitze hin stetig vergrößern. Durch diese Maßnahme kann je nach Ausbil­dung der Bügeleisensohle eine weitere optimale Dampfverteilung auf das Bügelgut erreicht werden. Bei einer Differenz der klein­sten zur größten Fläche der Dampfaustrittsöffnungen von etwa ma­ximal dem vierfachen Betrag werden noch ausreichend gute Bügeler­gebnisse erzielt.In a further development of the invention it is provided that the areas of the steam outlet openings continuously increase towards the tip of the iron soleplate. Depending on the design of the soleplate, this measure allows a further optimal steam distribution to be achieved on the material to be ironed. With a difference of the smallest to the largest area of the steam outlet openings of approximately a maximum of four times the amount, sufficiently good ironing results are still achieved.

In den meisten Fällen reicht es aber bereits aus, daß nur die drei vordersten an der Bügeleisensohlenspitze ausgebildeten Dampfaustrittsöffnungen eine größere Fläche gegenüber den anderen Dampfaustrittsöffnungen aufweisen. Durch diese Maßnahme wird er­reicht, daß, in Bewegungsrichtung des Bügeleisens gesehen, auch im mittleren Bereich der Bügeleisensohle auf das Bügelgut eine ausreichende Dampfmenge abgegeben wird, wodurch beim Bügeln das Bügel gut besonders schnell mit Dampf befeuchtet wird.In most cases, however, it is sufficient that only the three foremost steam outlet openings formed at the tip of the soleplate have a larger area than the other steam outlet openings. This measure ensures that, seen in the direction of movement of the iron, a sufficient amount of steam is also emitted onto the material to be ironed in the central region of the soleplate, so that the iron is moistened particularly quickly with steam during ironing.

Auch beim Bügeln von kleineren Bügelflächen, bei dem vorwiegend nur mit der Bügeleisensohlenspitze gearbeitet wird, macht sich eine Vergrößerung der vorderen Dampfaustrittsöffnungen besonders vorteilhaft bemerkbar. Hierdurch wird aufgrund ausreichenden Dampfaustritts auch ein Ansengen des Stoffes weitgehendst vermie­den, und es können Falten durch den höheren Dampfaustritt in kür­zester Zeit glattgebügelt werden. Besonders gute Bügelergebnisse lassen sich erreichen, wenn jede Fläche der drei an der Bügel­eisensohlenspitze ausgebildeten Dampfaustrittsöffnungen etwa 7 mm² beträgt, während alle anderen Dampfaustrittsöffnungen eine Fläche von ca. 3,14 mm² aufweisen. Dabei können die Quer­schnitte der Dampfaustrittsöffnungen rund, oval oder viereckig ausgebildet sein. Andere Querschnitte sind selbstverständlich auch möglich. Dies kann sogar soweit gehen, daß an einer Bügel­eisensohle unterschiedliche Querschnitte von Dampfaustrittsöff­nungen ausgebildet sind, um eine optimale Dampfverteilung zu er­reichen.Even when ironing smaller ironing surfaces, in which the sole of the sole of the iron is mainly used, an enlargement of the front steam outlet openings is particularly advantageous. This also largely avoids scorching of the fabric due to sufficient steam discharge, and wrinkles can be ironed out in a very short time due to the higher steam discharge. Particularly good ironing results can be achieved if each area of the three steam outlet openings formed on the soleplate tip is approximately 7 mm², while all other steam outlet openings have an area of approximately 3.14 mm². The cross sections of the steam outlet openings can be round, oval or square. Other cross sections are a matter of course also possible. This can even go so far that different cross sections of steam outlet openings are formed on an iron soleplate in order to achieve an optimal steam distribution.

Ein Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung ist in der Zeichnung darge­stellt und wird im folgenden näher beschrieben. Es zeigen:

  • Fig. 1 Draufsicht auf eine erfindungsgemäße Bügeleisensohle, die mit einer Verdampfungskammer und Dampfaustrittskam­mer versehen ist, und
  • Fig. 2 Teillängsschnitt durch die Bügeleisensohle gemäß der Schnittführung I-I in Fig. 1, jedoch bei verschlossener Verdampfungskammer.
An embodiment of the invention is shown in the drawing and will be described in more detail below. Show it:
  • Fig. 1 plan view of an iron soleplate according to the invention, which is provided with an evaporation chamber and steam outlet chamber, and
  • Fig. 2 partial longitudinal section through the soleplate according to cut II in Fig. 1, but with the evaporation chamber closed.

Zur Vermeidung von Wiederholungen werden in den Fig. 1 bis 2 für entsprechend gleiche Bauteile gleiche Positionsnummern verwen­det.To avoid repetitions, the same position numbers are used in FIGS. 1 to 2 for correspondingly identical components.

In Fig. 1 und 2 besteht das Dampfbügeleisen aus einer vorzugs­weise aus Aluminium hergestellten Bügeleisensohle 1, die an ihrer in Fig. 2 dargestellten Unterseite mit einer Gleitsohle 2 versehen ist, die beispielsweise mit einer in der Zeichnung nicht dargestellten Gleitschicht zum Zwecke der geringeren Rei­bung der Bügeleisensohle auf einem Bügelgut beschichtet sein kann. Die Bügeleisensohle 1 besteht in Fig. 1 im wesentlichen aus einem die Form eines gleichschenkligen Dreiecks bildenden Grundkörpers 5, dessen Seitenflächen 3 gekrümmt sind. Die Sei­tenflächen 3 laufen an ihrem in Fig. 1 oberen Ende zu einer Bü­geleisensohlenspitze 44 zusammen. In geringem Abstand vom Rand 4 der Bügelsohle 1 erhebt sich vom Grundkörper 5 eine Wand 6, die rund um die Bügeleisensohle 1 verläuft und die in sich geschlos­sen ist.In Figs. 1 and 2, the steam iron consists of an iron soleplate 1, preferably made of aluminum, which is provided on its underside shown in Fig. 2 with a sliding sole 2, for example with a sliding layer, not shown in the drawing, for the purpose of lower friction of the Iron soleplate can be coated on an ironing good. The iron soleplate 1 in FIG. 1 essentially consists of a base body 5 which forms the shape of an isosceles triangle, the side surfaces 3 of which are curved. The side surfaces 3 converge at their upper end in FIG. 1 to form an iron sole tip 44. At a short distance from the edge 4 of the soleplate 1, a wall 6 rises from the base body 5 runs around the soleplate 1 and which is self-contained.

Die in Fig. 2 am oberen Rand der Wand 6 ausgebildete Stirnfläche 7 verläuft parallel zur Gleitsohle 2. In Fig. 2 schließt sich radial nach innen an die Stirnfläche 7 ein Absatz 8 an, der zur Aufnahme, Zentrierung und Abdichtung eines Deckels 9 dient.The end face 7 formed in FIG. 2 at the upper edge of the wall 6 runs parallel to the sliding sole 2. In FIG. 2, a shoulder 8 adjoins the end face 7 radially inward, which serves to receive, center and seal a cover 9.

In Fig. 1 ist die Bügeleisensohle 1 in Draufsicht bei abgenomme­nem Deckel 9 dargestellt. Die in den Fig. 1 und 2 von der Bügel­eisensohle 1, der Wand 6 und dem Deckel 9 eingeschlossene Ver­dampfungskammer 10 dient zur Erzeugung und Weiterleitung des Dampfes zu den in dieser Kammer 10 am Grundkörper 5 ausgebilde­ten Dampfaustrittsöffnungen 11, die von der Verdampfungskammer 10 eine den Dampf leitende Verbindung nach außen zu der Gleit­sohle 2 herstellen.In Fig. 1 the soleplate 1 is shown in plan view with the cover 9 removed. The vaporization chamber 10 enclosed in FIGS. 1 and 2 by the iron soleplate 1, the wall 6 and the lid 9 serves to generate and forward the vapor to the vapor outlet openings 11 formed in this chamber 10 on the base body 5, the one of the vaporization chamber 10 Establish a steam-conducting connection to the outside of the sliding sole 2.

In Fig. 2 schließt sich in der Zeichnung nach oben ein mit einem Bügeleisengriff versehenes Gehäuse an, in dem zur Stromversor­gung Kontaktelemente, zur Temperaturregelung der Bügeleisensohle elektronische Schaltelemente und zur Dampferzeugung eine mit einem Wassertank verbundene Ventilanordndung vorgesehen sind; diese erwähnten Teile sind jedoch in der Zeichnung nicht darge­stellt.In Fig. 2, the drawing is followed by a housing provided with an iron handle, in which contact elements are provided for power supply, electronic switching elements for temperature control of the soleplate and a valve arrangement connected to a water tank for steam generation; however, these parts are not shown in the drawing.

Das Gehäuse ist in Fig. 1 über Zentrierbohrungen 12 und über Be­festigungsmittel, die hier nicht dargestellt sind, auf der Bü­geleisensohle 1 zentriert und befestigt. Die Bügeleisensohle 1 weist in Fig. 1 zwei Gewindebohrungen 13 auf, über die ein die Temperatur der Bügeleisensohle 1 steuerndes Thermoelement, das in der Zeichnung nicht näher dargestellt ist, befestigt ist.The housing is centered and fastened on the soleplate 1 in FIG. 1 via centering bores 12 and via fastening means, which are not shown here. 1, the iron soleplate 1 has two threaded bores 13, via which a thermocouple controlling the temperature of the iron soleplate 1, which is not shown in the drawing, is fastened.

Die in Fig. 1 die obere Gewindebohrung 13 umgebende Plattform 14 dient als ebene Auflage für das Thermoelement am Heizelement 15, um einen besonders guten und schnellen Wärmeübergang von dem Heizelement 15 auf das Thermoelement zu gewährleisten, damit das Ein- bzw. Ausschaltverhalten des Bügeleisens besonders kurz ist.The platform 14 surrounding the upper threaded bore 13 in FIG. 1 serves as a flat support for the thermocouple on the heating element 15, in order to ensure a particularly good and rapid heat transfer from the heating element 15 to the thermocouple, so that the on and off behavior of the iron is particularly good is short.

Auf der gegenüberliegenden Seite der oberen Gewindebohrung 13 ist eine weitere Gewindebohrung 16 angeordnet, die ebenfalls von einer zweiten, kreisförmigen Plattform 17 umgeben ist und die als Auflage für einen in der Zeichnung nicht dargestellten Über­hitzungsschutz dient, der die Stromzufuhr zum Heizelement 15 dann unterbricht, wenn beispielsweise das Thermoelement defekt ist und dadurch die Bügeleisensohle 1 eine unzulässig hohe Tem­peratur erreichen würde. Die Gewindebohrungen 18 bis 21 dienen zur druckdichten Befestigung des Deckels 9 auf der Wand 6. Die Gewindebohrungen 22 bis 24 dienen zur Befestigung des mit einem Handgriff versehenen Gehäuses auf der Bügeleisensohle 1.On the opposite side of the upper threaded bore 13, a further threaded bore 16 is arranged, which is also surrounded by a second, circular platform 17 and which serves as a support for an overheating protection, not shown in the drawing, which interrupts the power supply to the heating element 15 when For example, the thermocouple is defective and the soleplate 1 would reach an impermissibly high temperature. The threaded bores 18 to 21 serve for the pressure-tight fastening of the cover 9 on the wall 6. The threaded bores 22 to 24 serve for fastening the housing provided with a handle on the soleplate 1.

In Fig. 1 und 2 verläuft radial innerhalb der Wand 6 eine zweite Wand 33, die auf der einen Seite rechts von der Mittellinie 34 am horizontal verlaufenden Abschnitt der ersten Wand 6 beginnt, die etwa bis zur zweiten Plattform 17 im Abstand vom linken Rand des Schenkels 25 des Heizelements 15 in der Zeichnung nach oben verläuft, dort wendet, die dann am radial inneren Rand des Heiz­elements 15 nach unten verläuft, die geringfügig unterhalb rechts von der Zentrierbohrung 12 horizontal das Heizelement 15 überbrückt, die anschließend wieder am radial äußeren Rand des Heizelements 15 in der Zeichnung nach oben verläuft, die im Be­reich der Gewindebohrung 19 das Heizelement 15 nach oben verläßt und die dann über einen Kreisbogen 35, der die eigentliche Bü­geleisensohlenspitze 44 bildet, die Mittellinie 34 schneidet. Auf der linken Seite der Mittellinie 34 verläuft die zweite Wand 33 symmetrisch zur rechten Wand 33.1 and 2, a second wall 33 extends radially inside the wall 6, which begins on one side to the right of the center line 34 at the horizontally extending section of the first wall 6, which extends approximately to the second platform 17 at a distance from the left edge of the Leg 25 of the heating element 15 extends upward in the drawing, there turns, which then runs downward on the radially inner edge of the heating element 15, which bridges the heating element 15 horizontally slightly below the right of the centering hole 12, which then again on the radially outer edge of the Heating element 15 extends upwards in the drawing, which leaves the heating element 15 upward in the region of the threaded bore 19 and which then intersects the center line 34 via a circular arc 35 which forms the actual soleplate tip 44. On the left side of the center line 34, the second wall 33 runs symmetrically to the right wall 33.

Die in Fig. 1 von der Wand 6, der zweiten Wand 33, dem Grundkör­per 5 und dem Deckel 9 gebildete Dampfauslaßkammer 36 ist über Durchlässe 37, wie auch in Fig. 2 dargestellt, mit der Ver­dampfungskammer 10 verbunden, die radial innerhalb der Dampf­führungskanäle 36 liegt und in der auch der größte Teil des Heizelements 15 ausgebildet ist. Die Durchlässe 37 haben einen rechteckigen Querschnitt. Die Durchlässe 37 sind am oberen Ende der zweiten Wand 33 ausgebildet, damit der in der Verdampfungs­kammer 10 sich zwangsweise aufgrund des Kalkgehaltes des Wassers absetzende Kalk nicht in den Dampfführungskanälen 36 nieder­schlagen kann. Die zweite Wand 33 bildet somit die Funktion einer Kalk- aber auch Wassersperre.The steam outlet chamber 36 formed by the wall 6, the second wall 33, the base body 5 and the cover 9 in FIG. 1 is connected to the evaporation chamber 10 via passages 37, as also shown in FIG. 2, which radially inside the steam guide channels 36 lies and in which the largest part of the heating element 15 is formed. The passages 37 have a rectangular cross section. The passages 37 are formed at the upper end of the second wall 33, so that the lime which is forced to settle in the evaporation chamber 10 due to the lime content of the water cannot precipitate in the steam guide channels 36. The second wall 33 thus forms the function of a limescale but also a water barrier.

In Fig. 1 bildet der Abschnitt der zweiten Wand 33, der zu bei­den Seiten des Heizelements 15 verläuft, mit dem Deckel 9 und dem Grundkörper 5 auf beiden Seiten je einen weiten Dampffüh­rungskanal 39, 40, die beide für einen größeren Dampfausstoß sorgen. Innerhalb der Dampfauslaßkammer 36 verlaufen am Rand der Wand 6 und der zweiten Wand 33 die Dampfaustrittsöffnungen 11, deren jeweils in Längsrichtung der Bügeleisensohle 1 benachbarte Dampfaustrittsöffnungen 11 einen gleichen Abstand voneinander haben. An der Bügeleisensohlenspitze 44 sind die nach Fig. 1 obersten drei Dampfaustrittsöffnungen gegenüber den restlichen mit einem größeren Querschnitt bzw. Durchmesser versehen.In FIG. 1, the section of the second wall 33 that runs on both sides of the heating element 15, with the cover 9 and the base body 5, forms a wide steam guide channel 39, 40 on both sides, both of which ensure a greater steam output. The steam outlet openings 11 run inside the steam outlet chamber 36 at the edge of the wall 6 and the second wall 33, the steam outlet openings 11, which are adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction of the soleplate 1, have the same distance from one another. At the soleplate tip 44, the top three steam outlet openings according to FIG. 1 are provided with a larger cross section or diameter than the rest.

Der in Fig. 1 gestrichelt dargestellte Eintropfbereich 41 für die aus dem Wassertank über die Ventilanordnung abgegebene Was­sermenge liegt radial innerhalb des Heizelements 15 im Bereich des die beiden Schenkel 25, 26 verbindenden Abschnitts 42. Die Lage des Eintropfbereiches 41 wurde deshalb an dieser Stelle ge­wählt, da in diesem Bereich das Heizelement 15 den Eintropfbe­ reich 41 von drei Seiten her umgibt und daher an dieser Stelle die höchste Temperatur der Bügeleisensohle 1 auftritt. Senkrecht oberhalb des Eintropfbereiches 41 ragt über eine in dem Deckel 9 ausgebildete Öffnung mindestens ein mit der Ventilanordnung ver­bundener Kanal in die Verdampfungskammer 10 hinein, wobei die Öffnung, der Kanal und die Ventilanordnung in den Zeichnungen nicht dargestellt sind. Die Ventilanordnung gibt bei entspre­chender Stellung tropfen- bzw. stoßweise Wasser aus dem Vorrats­tank in die Verdampfungskammer 10 ab, in der dann das Wasser bei aufgeheizter Bügeleisensohle 1 verdampft und durch den sich bil­denden Dampfdruck über die Dampfführungskanäle 36 den Dampfaus­trittsöffnungen 11 zugeführt und in das Bügelgut, welches unter­halb der Gleitsohle 2 angeordnet ist (nicht dargestellt), ein­dringt. Die langen Dampfführungskanäle 36 sorgen auch dafür, daß sich der Dampf bis zu den Dampfaustrittsöffnungen 11 noch weiter erhitzt. Die Höhe h vom Boden 43 bis zur Unterseite der Durch­lässe 37 beträgt etwa 4/5 bis 9/10 der Höhe H, die sich vom Bo­den 43 bis zur Unterseite des Deckels 9 ergibt (Fig. 2).The drop-in area 41 shown in dashed lines in FIG. 1 for the amount of water discharged from the water tank via the valve arrangement lies radially inside the heating element 15 in the area of the section 42 connecting the two legs 25, 26. The position of the drop-in area 41 was therefore chosen at this point, since in this area the heating element 15 drips richly surrounds 41 from three sides and therefore the highest temperature of the soleplate 1 occurs at this point. Perpendicularly above the dripping-in area 41, at least one channel connected to the valve arrangement projects into the evaporation chamber 10 via an opening formed in the cover 9, the opening, the channel and the valve arrangement not being shown in the drawings. With the appropriate position, the valve arrangement delivers drop or intermittent water from the storage tank into the evaporation chamber 10, in which the water then evaporates when the soleplate 1 is heated and is fed to the steam outlet openings 11 through the steam guide channels 36 and into the items to be ironed, which is arranged below the sliding sole 2 (not shown) penetrates. The long steam guide channels 36 also ensure that the steam continues to heat up to the steam outlet openings 11. The height h from the bottom 43 to the underside of the passages 37 is approximately 4/5 to 9/10 of the height H which results from the bottom 43 to the underside of the cover 9 (FIG. 2).

Die Wirkungsweise des erfindungsgemäßen Dampfbügeleisens ist folgende:The steam iron according to the invention works as follows:

Sobald in Fig. 1 und 2 Wasser auf den Eintropfbereich 41 fällt, beginnt dieses bei erhitzter Bügeleisensohle 1 zu verdampfen. Der Dampf strömt aufgrund der symmetrischen Anordnung der Ver­dampfungs- und Auslaßkammer 10, 36 und aufgrund der gleichmäßi­gen Verteilung der Durchlässe 37, bezogen auf eine entsprechende Anzahl von zugehörigen Dampfaustrittsöffnungen 11, gleichmäßig nach allen Richtungen, wobei er dabei noch zusätzlich von der Bügeleisensohle 1 erhitzt wird. Während der Dampfbildung setzt sich der Kalk aufgrund der Erfindung gleichmäßig und ausschließ­lich nur am Boden 43 der Verdampfungskammer 10 ab. Der überhitz­ te und entkalkte Dampf strömt über die Durchlässe 37 in die Dampfführungskanäle 36, von wo er über die Dampfaustrittsöffnun­gen 11 unter die Gleitsohle 2 in das zu bügelnde Gut gelangt. Durch die Erfindung wird erreicht, daß das von der Bügeleisen­sohle 1 bestrichene Bügelgut durch den konstanten Dampfstrom an allen Stellen gleichermaßen gut befeuchtet wird, inbesondere auch in dem Bereich, der unterhalb des mittleren Bereichs (Mit­tellinie 34) von der Bügeleisensohle 1 beim Bügeln bestrichen wird.As soon as water falls on the dripping-in area 41 in FIGS. 1 and 2, this begins to evaporate when the soleplate 1 is heated. The steam flows evenly in all directions due to the symmetrical arrangement of the evaporation and outlet chamber 10, 36 and due to the uniform distribution of the passages 37, based on a corresponding number of associated steam outlet openings 11, while being additionally heated by the soleplate 1 . During the vapor formation, the lime settles uniformly and exclusively only on the bottom 43 of the evaporation chamber 10. The overheating te and decalcified steam flows through the passages 37 into the steam guide channels 36, from where it reaches the material to be ironed via the steam outlet openings 11 under the sliding sole 2. It is achieved by the invention that the ironing material smeared by the iron soleplate 1 is equally well moistened at all points by the constant steam flow, in particular also in the region which is smeared by the iron soleplate 1 during ironing below the middle region (center line 34).

Claims (9)

1. Elektrisches, sich nach vorne zuspitzendes und von Hand be­dienbares Dampfbügeleisen mit einer von einem Wassertank mit Wasser speisbaren Verdampfungskammer (10), die über an einer beheizbaren Bügeleisensohle (1) ausgebildeten Dampfaustritts­öffnungen (11) mit der Atmosphäre verbunden ist und die zur Aufheizung der Verdampfungskammer (10) an die Bügeleisensohle (1) angrenzt,
dadurch gekennzeichet,
daß die Dampfaustrittsöffnungen (11) im Bereich der Bügel­eisensohlenspitze (44) eine größere Fläche aufweisen als im hinteren Bereich der Bügeleisensohle (1).
1.Electric, tapering and manually operated steam iron with an evaporation chamber (10) which can be fed with water from a water tank and which is connected to the atmosphere via steam outlet openings (11) formed on a heated iron soleplate (1) and which is used to heat the Evaporation chamber (10) adjoins the soleplate (1),
characterized by
that the steam outlet openings (11) in the area of the soleplate tip (44) have a larger area than in the rear area of the soleplate (1).
2. Dampfbügeleisen nach Anspruch 1,
dadurch gekennzeichet,
daß die Dampfaustrittsöffnungen (11) in mit der Verdampfungs­kammer (10) über Durchlässe (37) verbundenen Dampfführungs­kanälen (36) ausgebildet sind.
2. steam iron according to claim 1,
characterized by
that the steam outlet openings (11) are formed in the steam guide channels (36) connected to the evaporation chamber (10) via passages (37).
3. Dampfbügeleisen nach Anspruch 2,
dadurch gekennzeichet,
daß die in der Verdampfungskammer (10) ausgebildete Ein­spritz- bzw. Eintropfstelle (44) für das Wasser im Bereich der Bügeleisensohlenspitze (44) ausgebildet ist, während die Durchlässe (37) zu den Dampfführungskanälen (36) am hinteren Bereich (45) der Bügeleisensohle (1) ausgebildet sind.
3. steam iron according to claim 2,
characterized by
that the injection or dropping point (44) formed in the evaporation chamber (10) for the water is formed in the area of the soleplate tip (44), while the passages (37) to the steam guide channels (36) at the rear area (45) of the soleplate (1) are trained.
4. Dampfbügeleisen nach Anspruch 1,
dadurch gekennzeichet,
daß sich die Flächen der Dampfaustrittsöffnungen (11) bis zur Bügeleisensohlenspitze (44) hin stetig vergrößern.
4. steam iron according to claim 1,
characterized by
that the areas of the steam outlet openings (11) to the soleplate tip (44) increase continuously.
5. Dampfbügeleisen nach Anspruch 1 oder 4,
dadurch gekennzeichet,
daß die Differenz der kleinsten bis zur größten Fläche der Dampfaustrittsöffnungen (11) maximal das Vierfache beträgt.
5. Steam iron according to claim 1 or 4,
characterized by
that the difference between the smallest and the largest surface of the steam outlet openings (11) is a maximum of four times.
6. Dampfbügeleisen nach Anspruch 1,
dadurch gekennzeichet,
daß nur die drei vordersten an der Bügeleisensohlenspitze (44) ausgebildeten Dampfaustrittsöffnungen (11) eine größere Fläche gegenüber den anderen Dampfaustrittsöffnungen (11) aufweisen.
6. Steam iron according to claim 1,
characterized by
that only the three foremost steam outlet openings (11) formed on the soleplate tip (44) have a larger area than the other steam outlet openings (11).
7. Dampfbügeleisen nach Anspruch 6,
dadurch gekennzeichet,
daß jede Fläche der drei an der Bügeleisensohlenspitze (44) ausgebildeten Dampfaustrittsöffnungen (11) etwa 7 mm² be­trägt, während alle anderen Dampfaustrittsöffnungen (11) eine Fläche von ca. 3,14 mm² aufweisen.
7. steam iron according to claim 6,
characterized by
that each area of the three steam outlet openings (11) formed on the iron sole tip (44) is approximately 7 mm², while all other steam outlet openings (11) have an area of approximately 3.14 mm².
8. Dampfbügeleisen nach Anspruch 1,
dadurch gekennzeichet,
daß die Querschnitte der Dampfaustrittsöffnungen (11) rund, oval, viereckig, etc. ausgebildet sind.
8. steam iron according to claim 1,
characterized by
that the cross sections of the steam outlet openings (11) are round, oval, square, etc.
9. Dampfbügeleisen nach Anspruch 8,
dadurch gekennzeichet,
daß an einer Bügeleisensohle (1) unterschiedliche Querschnit­te von Dampfaustrittsöffnungen (11) ausgebildet sind.
9. steam iron according to claim 8,
characterized by
that different cross sections of steam outlet openings (11) are formed on an iron soleplate (1).
EP89120546A 1989-01-13 1989-11-07 Electric steam iron Expired - Lifetime EP0377803B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AT89120546T ATE90981T1 (en) 1989-01-13 1989-11-07 ELECTRIC STEAM IRON.

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE3901024 1989-01-13
DE3901024A DE3901024A1 (en) 1989-01-13 1989-01-13 ELECTRIC STEAM IRON

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0377803A1 true EP0377803A1 (en) 1990-07-18
EP0377803B1 EP0377803B1 (en) 1993-06-23

Family

ID=6372121

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP89120546A Expired - Lifetime EP0377803B1 (en) 1989-01-13 1989-11-07 Electric steam iron

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0377803B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE90981T1 (en)
DE (2) DE3901024A1 (en)
ES (1) ES2042938T3 (en)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5532455A (en) * 1993-04-23 1996-07-02 Moulinex (Societe Anonyme) Sole for an electric steam iron with alternating vaporization and heating regions
FR2767542A1 (en) * 1997-08-21 1999-02-26 Seb Sa Smoothing iron with steam holes in sole plate

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0676498A3 (en) * 1994-04-06 1996-04-17 Braun Ag Outlet and distribution of steam.
DE4422087A1 (en) * 1994-06-24 1996-01-11 Braun Ag Domestic steam iron, giving broad delivery of steam

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2425598A (en) * 1944-05-30 1947-08-12 Philco Corp Steam electric iron
DE2136050B2 (en) 1970-07-21 1976-01-15 STEAM IRON
FR2337780A1 (en) * 1976-01-12 1977-08-05 Seb Sa ELECTRIC STEAM IRON
DE3545753A1 (en) * 1985-12-21 1987-06-25 Braun Ag Electric steam iron
EP0281987A1 (en) * 1987-03-09 1988-09-14 Costantino Ronchi Electric plate particularly for steam irons

Family Cites Families (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3722117A (en) * 1972-05-15 1973-03-27 Gen Electric Steam nozzle iron
DE7837620U1 (en) * 1977-12-21 1980-06-12 Seb S.A., Selongey, Cote-D'or (Frankreich) Electric steam iron
US4665637A (en) * 1985-07-26 1987-05-19 Braun Aktiengesellschaft Sole plate coating for a fabric pressing device

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2425598A (en) * 1944-05-30 1947-08-12 Philco Corp Steam electric iron
DE2136050B2 (en) 1970-07-21 1976-01-15 STEAM IRON
FR2337780A1 (en) * 1976-01-12 1977-08-05 Seb Sa ELECTRIC STEAM IRON
DE3545753A1 (en) * 1985-12-21 1987-06-25 Braun Ag Electric steam iron
EP0281987A1 (en) * 1987-03-09 1988-09-14 Costantino Ronchi Electric plate particularly for steam irons

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5532455A (en) * 1993-04-23 1996-07-02 Moulinex (Societe Anonyme) Sole for an electric steam iron with alternating vaporization and heating regions
FR2767542A1 (en) * 1997-08-21 1999-02-26 Seb Sa Smoothing iron with steam holes in sole plate

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
ATE90981T1 (en) 1993-07-15
DE3901024A1 (en) 1990-07-26
DE3901024C2 (en) 1990-10-25
EP0377803B1 (en) 1993-06-23
DE58904796D1 (en) 1993-07-29
ES2042938T3 (en) 1993-12-16

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
DE2419734C3 (en) Self-cleaning steam iron
EP0908551B1 (en) Steam iron with steam output at the front and sides of the iron sole
EP1314811A1 (en) Base part of a household steam iron
DE4107236A1 (en) Steam iron generating steam even if iron base temp. is low - incorporates two bottom sections, each of which has heating element connected to separate electricity circuits
DE4414221A1 (en) steam iron
DE3635785A1 (en) WATER SUPPLY VALVE FOR STEAM IRON
EP0377803A1 (en) Electric steam iron
DE2701047C3 (en) Electric steam iron
DE2200470A1 (en) Steam and dry iron
DE19847670A1 (en) Kettle for an electrical household appliance and electrical household appliance with such a kettle
DE1931847B2 (en) STEAM IRON
DE3819132C2 (en) steam iron
DE2654781C2 (en) Electric steam iron
DE3545753A1 (en) Electric steam iron
DE1931848A1 (en) Steam iron
EP0777778A1 (en) Steam iron
DE4133295A1 (en) Steam iron - has spraying unit with second evapn. chamber to permit goods to be sprayed with additional steam current
DE10050344A1 (en) Cold Mist Iron
DE3541424A1 (en) Electrically operated iron, especially steam iron
DE4433915C2 (en) Active cooling of a steam iron sole with safety shutdown
DE20321040U1 (en) Steam generator iron
DE2634972C2 (en) Device for the dosed dispensing of liquid with a steam curling iron
DE2720124A1 (en) Electric steam iron water drip valve - has valve needle actuated by electromagnet to supply steam chamber with water when ironing plate is at correct temp.
DE2046656B2 (en) ELECTRIC STEAM IRON
DE2248639C3 (en) Self-cleaning steam iron

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT DE ES FR GB IT

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 19900605

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 19920317

ITF It: translation for a ep patent filed

Owner name: DE DOMINICIS & MAYER S.R.L.

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AT DE ES FR GB IT

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 90981

Country of ref document: AT

Date of ref document: 19930715

Kind code of ref document: T

GBT Gb: translation of ep patent filed (gb section 77(6)(a)/1977)

Effective date: 19930630

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 58904796

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 19930729

ET Fr: translation filed
REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FG2A

Ref document number: 2042938

Country of ref document: ES

Kind code of ref document: T3

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

26N No opposition filed
PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: AT

Payment date: 19981030

Year of fee payment: 10

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 19991107

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: CA

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: CD

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: PC2A

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: IF02

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20031027

Year of fee payment: 15

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Payment date: 20031110

Year of fee payment: 15

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20031120

Year of fee payment: 15

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20041107

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20041108

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20041107

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20050729

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: ST

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES;WARNING: LAPSES OF ITALIAN PATENTS WITH EFFECTIVE DATE BEFORE 2007 MAY HAVE OCCURRED AT ANY TIME BEFORE 2007. THE CORRECT EFFECTIVE DATE MAY BE DIFFERENT FROM THE ONE RECORDED.

Effective date: 20051107

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FD2A

Effective date: 20041108

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20081203

Year of fee payment: 20