EP0433146A1 - Water injection device for a steam iron and steam iron provided with such a device - Google Patents

Water injection device for a steam iron and steam iron provided with such a device Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0433146A1
EP0433146A1 EP90403491A EP90403491A EP0433146A1 EP 0433146 A1 EP0433146 A1 EP 0433146A1 EP 90403491 A EP90403491 A EP 90403491A EP 90403491 A EP90403491 A EP 90403491A EP 0433146 A1 EP0433146 A1 EP 0433146A1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
plug
sheath
iron
sleeve
movable body
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.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP90403491A
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German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Jean-Louis Brandolini
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SEB SA
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SEB SA
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Publication date
Application filed by SEB SA filed Critical SEB SA
Publication of EP0433146A1 publication Critical patent/EP0433146A1/en
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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
    • D06F75/00—Hand irons
    • D06F75/08—Hand irons internally heated by electricity
    • D06F75/10—Hand irons internally heated by electricity with means for supplying steam to the article being ironed
    • D06F75/14—Hand irons internally heated by electricity with means for supplying steam to the article being ironed the steam being produced from water in a reservoir carried by the iron
    • D06F75/18—Hand irons internally heated by electricity with means for supplying steam to the article being ironed the steam being produced from water in a reservoir carried by the iron the water being fed slowly, e.g. drop by drop, from the reservoir to a steam generator

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a water injection device for a steam iron.
  • the invention relates more particularly to a water injection device comprising, inside a housing, a plug axially displaceable, under the action of manual pressure from the user of the iron, in a hole communicating a water tank and a vaporization chamber located in service below the water tank, between a normal closed position in which the plug completely closes the orifice, and an injection position in which the water can pass In this one.
  • the present invention also relates to a steam iron comprising a water injection device of the aforementioned type.
  • the plug is generally movable substantially vertically in the service position of the iron. It is actuated by the user of the iron who presses on the plug or on a button integral with the latter to move the plug inside the iron.
  • the plug automatically returns to its initial position, as soon as the user releases his pressure on the plug or the button, under the action of a return spring located inside the iron. .
  • the user is thus obliged to exercise frequently and to maintain for a certain time a pressure on the plug, which is annoying and tiring.
  • Certain water injection devices thus also comprise means intended to engage with means complementary to the plug to retain the latter in its injection position, and means to release the plug and allow it to return to his position normal closing: the plug is thus movable between two stable positions.
  • Some of the aforementioned simple water injection devices thus have a removable plug which can be removed from the iron to remove the scale deposit formed at its end. It suffices to ensure that the return spring is retained inside the iron, being capable of engaging with a shoulder of the plug.
  • the fact of being able to remove the plug can, in certain cases, also at least partially peel off the tartar which may have accumulated around the orifice of communication between the water tank and the vaporization chamber.
  • the known devices with removable plug do not make it possible to maintain the plug in a stable manner in its injection position, so that the user must maintain his pressure on the bushel, with the aforementioned concomitant discomfort and fatigue.
  • the object of the invention is thus to remedy the drawbacks of known devices and to propose a device capable of satisfying the aforementioned need while being very simple, economical and respecting the regulations concerning safety.
  • the water injection device for a steam iron targeted by the invention comprises, inside a housing, a plug axially movable, under the action of manual pressure from the user of the iron. , in an orifice connecting a water tank and a vaporization chamber located in service below the tank, between a normal closed position in which the plug completely closes the orifice, and an injection position in which the water can pass through it, the device further comprising means intended to engage with complementary means of the plug to retain the latter in its injection position, and means to release the plug and allow it to return to its rest position.
  • this device is characterized in that the plug cooperates with a movable body at least partially surrounding the plug and axially displaceable with the latter between said two stable positions inside the housing, in that the movable body is located in service under a shoulder of the plug, comprises said complementary means and cooperates with said means of the device, and in that the plug protrudes relative to the outer surface of the iron to iron and is removably mounted relative to the movable body and the housing.
  • the movable body inside the iron cooperates with the means of the device to define the two stable positions of the plug.
  • the shoulder of the latter allows the displacement of the plug from one to the other of its two positions: it transmits to the moving body the pressure force exerted by the user of the iron on the plug to move the assembly formed by the moving body and the plug in one direction; it also allows the movable body once released to move the plug in the opposite direction to return it to its initial position.
  • the plug since it projects from the outside surface of the iron and is removably mounted relative to the movable body and the housing, the plug can be removed from the housing to be cleaned and descaled.
  • the movable body is a tubular sheath which surrounds the plug, and the plug can be inserted into the sheath until the annular shoulder of the plug bears on the upper edge of the sheath , the injection position of the plug corresponds in service to the low position thereof, and an opposing spring cooperates with the sheath to return the sheath and the plug to their closed position.
  • the sheath comprises elastic means capable of retaining the plug in the sheath with a predetermined clamping force.
  • the sheath has on its peripheral wall at least two lugs angularly and axially offset, the sheath cooperating by means of these lugs with an annular ring which surrounds the sheath, which has on its upper faces and lower respectively two symmetrical toothed crowns whose teeth are directed in opposite directions, and which has on its inner peripheral surface regularly distributed axial grooves whose number is equal to a fraction of the number of teeth of the crowns, the pins being supported respectively on the teeth of the two crowns to rotate the ring in a constant direction when the sheath moves in one direction and in the other relative to the ring, one of the pins abutting on the ring to hold the sheath and the plug in the injection position until it meets a groove which allows the return of the sleeve and the plug in the normal closed position.
  • the steam iron according to the invention is characterized in that it comprises a water injection device of the aforementioned type according to the invention.
  • the steam iron 1 comprises, in the operating position, a soleplate 2 which is horizontal, a vaporization chamber 3 located above the soleplate 2 and which communicates with the outside via steam exhaust holes 4 in the sole 2, a water tank 5 located above the vaporization chamber 3.
  • the chamber 3 is separated from the tank 5 by a wall 6 in which is formed an orifice 7 for communication between the chamber 3 and the reservoir 5.
  • the orifice 7 is delimited by an annular lip 8a of a nozzle joint 8 fixed in an opening in the wall 6.
  • the water injection device comprises, inside a substantially vertical housing 9 formed in the iron, a plug 10, the upper end of which is constituted by a control button 11 which projects relative to the surface outer 12 of iron 1.
  • the plug 10 has at its upper part, under the button 11, a collar 13 which defines in particular at its lower part an annular shoulder 14 returning inwards, the function of which will be seen below.
  • the lower section 15 of the plug 10 is connected to the main part thereof by a connecting part 16 which acts as a ball joint and which is intended to compensate for a possible defect in alignment of the orifice 7 relative to the axis of the housing 9.
  • This connecting part 16 is for example made up of a tenon and mortise assembly surrounded by a metal ring (not shown). The play between the tenon and mortise allows an angular offset between the axis of the section 15 and that of the plug 10.
  • the section 15 is intended to be introduced into the orifice 7. It carries at its periphery a vertical groove 17 which lets the water pass from the water tank 5 into the vaporization chamber 3 when the section 15 is relative to the joint nozzle 8 in a position such that the groove 17 is astride this joint.
  • the lower end of the section 15 has a bulge 18 whose outside diameter is slightly greater than the inside diameter of the annular lip 8a.
  • the nozzle joint 8 is itself made of a plastic material, for example silicone, which is flexible enough to allow the bulge 18 to pass when the plug 10 is removed from the housing 9. We know that we are thus able to take off at least partially the scale likely to form on the underside of the nozzle joint 8 in the vaporization chamber 3.
  • the plug 10 is intended to be moved, under the action of a manual pressure of the user on the button 11, between two stable positions, a normal closed position which is the high position, in which the plug 10 completely closes the orifice 7, and an injection position which is the low position in which the water can pass through the groove 17 between the annular lip 8a and the body of the section 15.
  • the water injection device comprises, inside the housing 9 where they are introduced during the assembly of the iron 1, elements which cooperate with each other like those which equip certain retractable ballpoint pens.
  • These elements comprise a tubular sheath 19 intended to surround the plug 10 and into which the plug 10 can be inserted until the annular shoulder 14 thereof rests on the upper edge of the sheath 19, an annular ring 20 which surrounds the sheath 19, and a compression spring 21 located under the sheath 19 and which rests on an internal shoulder 21a of the housing 9.
  • FIGS. 2A, 2B, 3A , 3B, 3C, 4A, 4B, 4C the structure and mode of operation of these elements.
  • the sheath 19 can be moved vertically with the plug 10 inside the housing 9. It has at its lower part in the service position of the iron an annular flange 22 projecting outwards, intended to bear on its face upper on the ring 20 and by its lower face on the spring 21. It also has on its peripheral wall four diametrically opposite pins two by two 23a, 23b and 24a, 24b. As will be specified below, the lugs 23a, 23b are angularly and axially offset from the lugs 24a, 24b while respectively presenting with one of these a common generator. The opposite ends of these lugs are cut to a point.
  • the sleeve 19 comprises elastic means capable of retaining the plug in the sleeve with a predetermined clamping force.
  • these elastic means consist of two protuberances 25a, 25b projecting radially inwards relative to the interior surface of the sheath near the upper end of the latter, and intended to exert a determined pressure on the wall of the plug 10.
  • the wall of the sheath 19 is at its upper part interrupted by two vertical cutouts 26a, 26b diametrically opposite formed along a diametral plane perpendicular to the diameter joining the protuberances 25a, 25b, which creates the elastic character of the pressure exerted by them.
  • the annular ring 20 is trapped inside the iron between two annular shoulders directed in opposite directions from one another. It has on its upper and lower faces respectively two symmetrical toothed rings 27, 28 whose respective teeth 27a, 28a in even number are directed in opposite directions; it also has on its inner peripheral face axial grooves 29 regularly distributed, the number of which is equal to half the number of teeth 27a, 28a of the crowns 27, 28, and which are intended to allow the passage of the pins 23a, 23b, 24a , 24b of the sheath 19.
  • each ring 27, 28 has twelve teeth, respectively 27a, 28a, and the ring 20 has six axial grooves 29.
  • Each tooth 27a, 28a has a vertical side and an inclined side.
  • the angular offset between two neighboring teeth is 30 °, and the angular offset between the pins 23a, 24a, on the one hand, 23b, 24b is substantially equal to half of the previous one, for example at 14 °.
  • the axial offset of the lugs 23a, 23b and 24a, 24b is slightly greater than the height of the ring 20.
  • the soleplate 2 of the iron comprises a plate of cast aluminum alloy 31 in which is embedded for example a tubular resistance 32 of any known type which it is not necessary to describe here.
  • the nozzle joint 33 of complex shape is mounted in an opening 34 of a main plate 35.
  • the metal upper wall 36 of the vaporization chamber 3 is located under the plate 35 at a distance therefrom to reserve a first empty space 36a filled with air.
  • a lower annular lip forming a skirt 37 of the joint 33 seals with the partition 36.
  • the nozzle joint 33 extends above the main plate 35 by a first outer skirt 38 extending towards the top of the iron and which ends at its upper part by an annular lip 39 ensuring the seal with the wall horizontal 40 constituting the bottom of the water tank 5: the wall 40 is thus located above the plate 35 and separated from the latter by a new space 40a filled with air.
  • the nozzle joint comprises a second inner skirt 41 extending towards the top of the iron and which ends at its upper part by an annular lip 42 delimiting the orifice of communication between the reservoir 5 and the chamber 3.
  • An annular seal 43 is provided in the housing 9 below the shoulder 21a on which the spring 21 rests. The function of this seal is to prevent any rise of water in the housing 9 between the wall of it and the plug 10, even in case of improper operation of the iron.
  • the annular ring 20 is held in its seat by an element 44 which covers it and which is stapled in any way to the internal structure of the iron during the assembly of the latter.
  • the element 44 also serves as a guide for the sheath 19.
  • the plug 10 is shown in its low injection position: the lower end 17a of the axial groove 17 opens into the vaporization chamber 3 below the lip 42 to let the water flow. Also shown in dashed lines is the position of the control button 11 in the normal upper closed position of the plug, in which the lip 42 is in contact with a smooth peripheral part of the section 15 situated between the end 17a of the groove 17 and the bead 18 at the lower end of the section 15.
  • the lug 23a of the sleeve 19 is housed in a groove 291 of the ring (see FIG. 3c): the annular lip 8a, 42, is in contact with the peripheral surface of the section 15 of the plug 10 at a level situated below the lower end 17a of the groove 17: the water cannot pass into the vaporization chamber 3. Furthermore, the spring 21 pushes back towards the top the sheath 19, the flange 22 of which is stopped by the ring 20. The sheath 19 and the plug 10 are in their stable closed position. Pressing the steam control button 11 vertically (arrow F1 in FIG. 4B) causes the barrel 19 to move vertically downwards.
  • the lug 24a comes into contact with the inclined flank of the tooth 27a1 of the ring 20 (see figures 3B and 3C), rotates the latter, seen from above, in a counterclockwise direction and enters in turn in the groove 291 (FIG. 4B): this rotation brings the lug 23a under the teeth 27a2, 28a2 of the crown 20.
  • the tooth 28a2 not having a groove 29, the sleeve 19 can only remain in the low position, which locks the plug 10 in the low position, therefore in position for injecting water into the vaporization chamber 3 and producing steam.
  • the button 11 To unlock the sheath 19 and the plug 10, the button 11 must be pressed again so that the lug 24a comes into contact with the inclined flank of the tooth 27a2 (see FIGS. 3b and 3c) and turns the ring 20 , then release the button 11 so that the lug 23a comes into contact with the inclined flank of the tooth 28a3 and rotates the ring 20 so as to be in front of the groove 292 and enter it; the sleeve 19 and the plug 10 thus return to their normal closed position in FIG. 4A.
  • pins 23b and 24b cooperate in the manner described above with the teeth diametrically opposite the teeth 27a1, 28a1, 27a2, 28a2, 27a3, 28a3.
  • the elastic pressure of the protuberances 25a, 25b on the plug 10 does not intervene for the drive of the sheath by the plug 10 and vice versa; in fact, in the downward movement for controlling the injection, the shoulder 14 drives the sheath down under the pressure exerted by the user of the iron on the button 11; on the contrary, in the upward movement, the unlocked sheath 19 pushed by the spring 21 presses by its upper edge on the shoulder 14 to raise the plug 10.
  • the valve 10 described above is thus stable in each of its two closed and injection positions. Furthermore, it projects relative to the external surface 12 of the iron and it is removably mounted relative to the sheath 19 and to the housing 9. This means that the plug 10 is shaped so as to contain no other element that the shoulder 14 capable of opposing a relative movement of the plug 10 relative to the sleeve 19 and to the housing 9.
  • the water injection device according to the invention is thus adaptable to a steam iron of any structure, whatever for example the arrangement of the water tank relative to the vaporization chamber, the location and the shape of the vaporization chamber and the water reservoir in the iron, the nature and shape of the sole and the resistance.
  • the water injection device is not limited to the valve described, and can be adapted to other mobile devices for opening and closing the communication orifice between the tank and the bedroom; it can thus be adapted to a fine needle closing a calibrated orifice formed in a plug, the injection position being the high position and the closed position being the low position; the movement from bottom to top of the needle can then be caused either by a spring or by a lever pivoting about an axis parallel to the sole and transmitting to the sheath an impulse in the opposite direction from a control rod on which supports the iron user.
  • the locking means of the sheath are not limited to those described, and the ring 20 with double teeth and the lugs of the sheath can be replaced by other systems providing the same function, some of which can be fitted with retractable ballpoint pens: in such a case, the movement of the plug in one of the two directions is no longer done by pressing on it.
  • the sheath could for example comprise a horizontal groove allowing the blocking of the sheath in one of its positions, against the pressure of a spring, by a key of adapted section pushed by a spring, the key coming to block the sheath when the groove of it is in front of the housing of the key.
  • To unlock the sheath simply push the key back into its housing in order to release the sheath, or reveal, to the right of the latter, a vertical notch in the key releasing the sheath.
  • the sleeve does not necessarily have a tubular shape and may surround the plug only on a part of the periphery thereof.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Textile Engineering (AREA)
  • Irons (AREA)

Abstract

A key (10) is axially displaceable within a receptacle (9) between two positions, namely a closing positing and a position for injecting water into the evaporation chamber (3). The key (10) interacts with a movable body (19) located under a shoulder (14) of the key (10) during operation. The device comprises means (20) intended for coming into engagement with complementary means (23a, 24a) of the movable body (19), in order to retain the latter and the key (10) in the injection position, and means (20) for releasing the movable body (19) and allowing it to return together with the key (10) into the position of rest. The key (10) projects relative to the outer surface of the smoothing iron (1) and is mounted removably in relation to the movable body (19) and to the receptacle (9). The invention is used especially to make it possible to remove the key in order to descale it. <IMAGE>

Description

La présente invention concerne un dispositif d'injection d'eau pour fer à repasser à vapeur. L'invention concerne plus particulièrement un dispositif d'injection d'eau comportant à l'intérieur d'un logement un boisseau déplaçable axialement, sous l'action d'une pression manuelle de l'utilisateur du fer, dans un orifice faisant communiquer un réservoir d'eau et une chambre de vaporisation située en service au-dessous du réservoir d'eau, entre une position normale de fermeture dans laquelle le boisseau obture complètement l'orifice, et une position d'injection dans laquelle l'eau peut passer dans celui-ci.The present invention relates to a water injection device for a steam iron. The invention relates more particularly to a water injection device comprising, inside a housing, a plug axially displaceable, under the action of manual pressure from the user of the iron, in a hole communicating a water tank and a vaporization chamber located in service below the water tank, between a normal closed position in which the plug completely closes the orifice, and an injection position in which the water can pass In this one.

La présente invention concerne également un fer à repasser à vapeur comportant un dispositif d'injection d'eau du type précité.The present invention also relates to a steam iron comprising a water injection device of the aforementioned type.

On connaît de nombreux dispositifs d'injection d'eau du type précité. Le boisseau est en général mobile sensiblement verticalement en position de service du fer à repasser. Il est actionné par l'utilisateur du fer qui appuie sur le boisseau ou sur un bouton solidaire de celui-ci pour déplacer le boisseau à l'intérieur du fer.Many water injection devices of the aforementioned type are known. The plug is generally movable substantially vertically in the service position of the iron. It is actuated by the user of the iron who presses on the plug or on a button integral with the latter to move the plug inside the iron.

Dans les dispositifs connus les plus simples, le boisseau reprend automatiquement sa position initiale, dès que l'utilisateur relâche sa pression sur le boisseau ou le bouton, sous l'action d'un ressort de rappel situé à l'intérieur du fer à repasser.In the simplest known devices, the plug automatically returns to its initial position, as soon as the user releases his pressure on the plug or the button, under the action of a return spring located inside the iron. .

L'utilisateur est ainsi obligé d'exercer fréquemment et de maintenir pendant un certain temps une pression sur le boisseau, ce qui est gênant et fatigant.The user is thus obliged to exercise frequently and to maintain for a certain time a pressure on the plug, which is annoying and tiring.

Certains dispositifs d'injection d'eau comportent ainsi en outre des moyens destinés à venir en prise avec des moyens complémentaires du boisseau pour retenir celui-ci dans sa position d'injection, et des moyens pour libérer le boisseau et lui permettre de revenir dans sa position normale de fermeture: le boisseau est ainsi mobile entre deux positions stables.Certain water injection devices thus also comprise means intended to engage with means complementary to the plug to retain the latter in its injection position, and means to release the plug and allow it to return to his position normal closing: the plug is thus movable between two stable positions.

Ces moyens sont par exemple analogues à ceux équipant les stylos à bille rétractables, dans lesquels la bille est mobile entre deux positions stables, une position d'écriture, bille sortie, et une position inactive bille rentrée à l'intérieur du corps du stylo. De tels moyens simplifient efficacement la tâche de l'utilisateur du fer à repasser. Ces moyens et le boisseau sont insérés dans le fer au moment du montage de celui-ci et ne sont pas démontables par eux-mêmes, notamment en raison des règles de sécurité applicables aux fers à repasser à vapeur.These means are for example similar to those fitted to retractable ballpoint pens, in which the ball is movable between two stable positions, a writing position, ball out, and an inactive position ball retracted inside the body of the pen. Such means effectively simplify the task of the user of the iron. These means and the plug are inserted in the iron at the time of mounting thereof and are not removable by themselves, in particular because of the safety rules applicable to steam irons.

Par ailleurs, on sait que les dispositifs d'injection d'eau connus présentent tous l'inconvénient qu'il se forme progressivement, du fait de la température élevée régnant dans la chambre de vaporisation, une couche de tartre à l'extrémité du boisseau qui pénètre à l'intérieur de cette chambre et sur la surface entourant l'orifice de communication entre le réservoir d'eau et la chambre de vaporisation à l'intérieur de cette dernière.Furthermore, it is known that the known water injection devices all have the drawback that a layer of tartar at the end of the plug forms due to the high temperature prevailing in the vaporization chamber. which penetrates inside this chamber and on the surface surrounding the communication orifice between the water tank and the vaporization chamber inside the latter.

Certains des dispositifs d'injection d'eau simples précités présentent ainsi un boisseau amovible que l'on peut retirer du fer à repasser pour éliminer le dépôt de tartre formé à son extrémité. Il suffit de faire en sorte que le ressort de rappel soit retenu à l'intérieur du fer en étant susceptible de venir en prise avec un épaulement du boisseau.Some of the aforementioned simple water injection devices thus have a removable plug which can be removed from the iron to remove the scale deposit formed at its end. It suffices to ensure that the return spring is retained inside the iron, being capable of engaging with a shoulder of the plug.

Le fait de pouvoir retirer le boisseau peut, dans certains cas, également décoller au moins en partie le tartre qui a pu s'accumuler autour de l'orifice de communication entre le réservoir d'eau et la chambre de vaporisation. Par contre, les dispositifs connus avec boisseau amovible ne permettent pas de maintenir de façon stable le boisseau dans sa position d'injection, de sorte que l'utilisateur doit maintenir sa pression sur le boisseau, avec la gêne et la fatique concomitantes précitées.The fact of being able to remove the plug can, in certain cases, also at least partially peel off the tartar which may have accumulated around the orifice of communication between the water tank and the vaporization chamber. On the other hand, the known devices with removable plug do not make it possible to maintain the plug in a stable manner in its injection position, so that the user must maintain his pressure on the bushel, with the aforementioned concomitant discomfort and fatigue.

Il existe donc un besoin réel pour un dispositif d'injection d'eau comportant un boisseau à la fois amovible et stable dans chacune de ses deux positions de fonctionnement.There is therefore a real need for a water injection device comprising a plug which is both removable and stable in each of its two operating positions.

Le but de l'invention est ainsi de remédier aux inconvénients des dispositifs connus et de proposer un dispositif susceptible de satisfaire le besoin précité tout en étant très simple, économique et en respectant les réglements concernant la sécurité.The object of the invention is thus to remedy the drawbacks of known devices and to propose a device capable of satisfying the aforementioned need while being very simple, economical and respecting the regulations concerning safety.

Le dispositif d'injection d'eau pour fer à repasser à vapeur visé par l'invention comporte, à l'intérieur d'un logement, un boisseau déplaçable axialement, sous l'action d'une pression manuelle de l'utilisateur du fer, dans un orifice faisant communiquer un réservoir d'eau et une chambre de vaporisation située en service au-dessous du réservoir, entre une position normale de fermeture dans laquelle le boisseau obture complètement l'orifice, et une position d'injection dans laquelle l'eau peut passer dans celui-ci, le dispositif comportant en outre des moyens destinés à venir en prise avec des moyens complémentaires du boisseau pour retenir celui-ci dans sa position d'injection, et des moyens pour libérer le boisseau et lui permettre de revenir dans sa position de repos.The water injection device for a steam iron targeted by the invention comprises, inside a housing, a plug axially movable, under the action of manual pressure from the user of the iron. , in an orifice connecting a water tank and a vaporization chamber located in service below the tank, between a normal closed position in which the plug completely closes the orifice, and an injection position in which the water can pass through it, the device further comprising means intended to engage with complementary means of the plug to retain the latter in its injection position, and means to release the plug and allow it to return to its rest position.

Suivant l'invention, ce dispositif est caractérisé en ce que le boisseau coopère avec un corps mobile entourant au moins partiellement le boisseau et déplaçable axialement avec celui-ci entre lesdites deux positions stables à l'intérieur du logement, en ce que le corps mobile est situé en service sous un épaulement du boisseau, comporte lesdits moyens complémentaires et coopère avec lesdits moyens du dispositif, et en ce que le boisseau fait saillie par rapport à la surface extérieure du fer à repasser et est monté de manière amovible par rapport au corps mobile et au logement.According to the invention, this device is characterized in that the plug cooperates with a movable body at least partially surrounding the plug and axially displaceable with the latter between said two stable positions inside the housing, in that the movable body is located in service under a shoulder of the plug, comprises said complementary means and cooperates with said means of the device, and in that the plug protrudes relative to the outer surface of the iron to iron and is removably mounted relative to the movable body and the housing.

Ainsi, le corps mobile à l'intérieur du fer à repasser coopère avec les moyens du dispositif pour définir les deux positions stables du boisseau. L'épaulement de ce dernier permet le déplacement du boisseau de l'une à l'autre de ses deux positions: il transmet au corps mobile la force de pression exercée par l'utilisateur du fer sur le boisseau pour déplacer l'ensemble formé par le corps mobile et le boisseau dans un sens; il permet également au corps mobile une fois libéré de déplacer le boisseau dans le sens opposé pour le ramener à sa position initiale. Enfin, puisqu'il fait saillie par rapport à la surface extérieure du fer et qu'il est monté de manière amovible par rapport au corps mobile et au logement, le boisseau peut être retiré du logement pour être nettoyé et détartré.Thus, the movable body inside the iron cooperates with the means of the device to define the two stable positions of the plug. The shoulder of the latter allows the displacement of the plug from one to the other of its two positions: it transmits to the moving body the pressure force exerted by the user of the iron on the plug to move the assembly formed by the moving body and the plug in one direction; it also allows the movable body once released to move the plug in the opposite direction to return it to its initial position. Finally, since it projects from the outside surface of the iron and is removably mounted relative to the movable body and the housing, the plug can be removed from the housing to be cleaned and descaled.

Selon une particularité intéressante de l'invention, le corps mobile est un fourreau tubulaire qui entoure le boisseau, et le boisseau peut être inséré dans le fourreau jusqu'à ce que l'épaulement annulaire du boisseau s'appuie sur le bord supérieur du fourreau, la position d'injection du boisseau correspond en service à la position basse de celui-ci, et un ressort antagoniste coopère avec le fourreau pour ramener le fourreau et le boisseau dans leur position de fermeture.According to an interesting feature of the invention, the movable body is a tubular sheath which surrounds the plug, and the plug can be inserted into the sheath until the annular shoulder of the plug bears on the upper edge of the sheath , the injection position of the plug corresponds in service to the low position thereof, and an opposing spring cooperates with the sheath to return the sheath and the plug to their closed position.

Selon une version avantageuse de l'invention, le fourreau comporte des moyens élastiques susceptibles de retenir le boisseau dans le fourreau avec une force de serrage prédéterminée.According to an advantageous version of the invention, the sheath comprises elastic means capable of retaining the plug in the sheath with a predetermined clamping force.

De tels moyens ne peuvent pas s'opposer à ce que l'utilisateur du fer retire le boisseau pour le nettoyer et le réintroduire ensuite dans son logement. Par contre, ces moyens élastiques sont suffisants pour empêcher le boisseau d'avoir du jeu à l'intérieur du fourreau et du logement.Such means cannot be opposed to the user of the iron withdrawing the plug to clean it and then reintroducing it into its housing. On the other hand, these elastic means are sufficient to prevent the plug from having any play inside the sheath and the housing.

Selon une version préférée de l'invention, le fourreau présente sur sa paroi périphérique au moins deux ergots décalés angulairement et axialement, le fourreau coopérant par l'intermédiaire de ces ergots avec une bague annulaire qui entoure le fourreau, qui présente sur ses faces supérieure et inférieure respectivement deux couronnes dentées symétriques dont les dents sont dirigées dans des sens opposés, et qui présente sur sa surface périphérique intérieure des rainures axiales régulièrement réparties dont le nombre est égal à une fraction du nombre des dents des couronnes, les ergots s'appuyant respectivement sur les dents des deux couronnes pour faire tourner la bague dans un sens constant quand le fourreau se déplace dans un sens et dans l'autre par rapport à la bague, l'un des ergots butant sur la bague pour maintenir le fourreau et le boisseau dans la position d'injection jusqu'à ce qu'il rencontre une rainure qui autorise le retour du fourreau et du boisseau dans la position normale de fermeture.According to a preferred version of the invention, the sheath has on its peripheral wall at least two lugs angularly and axially offset, the sheath cooperating by means of these lugs with an annular ring which surrounds the sheath, which has on its upper faces and lower respectively two symmetrical toothed crowns whose teeth are directed in opposite directions, and which has on its inner peripheral surface regularly distributed axial grooves whose number is equal to a fraction of the number of teeth of the crowns, the pins being supported respectively on the teeth of the two crowns to rotate the ring in a constant direction when the sheath moves in one direction and in the other relative to the ring, one of the pins abutting on the ring to hold the sheath and the plug in the injection position until it meets a groove which allows the return of the sleeve and the plug in the normal closed position.

Suivant un autre aspect de l'invention, le fer à repasser à vapeur conforme à l'invention est caractérisé en ce qu'il comporte un dispositif d'injection d'eau du type précité conforme à l'invention.According to another aspect of the invention, the steam iron according to the invention is characterized in that it comprises a water injection device of the aforementioned type according to the invention.

D'autres particularités et avantages de l'invention apparaîtront dans la description détaillée ci-après.Other features and advantages of the invention will appear in the detailed description below.

Aux dessins annexés, donnés à titre d'exemples non limitatifs:

  • - la figure 1 est une vue schématique partielle avec arrachements d'un fer à repasser équipé d'un dispositif d'injection d'eau conforme à l'invention, le boisseau étant retiré de son logement dans le fer;
  • - les figures 2A, 2B et 2C sont des vues respectivement en perspective, en élévation et de dessus du fourreau représenté à la figure 1;
  • - les figures 3A, 3B et 3C sont des vues respectivement en perspective, en élévation et de dessus de la bague à double denture représentée à la figure 1;
  • - les figures 4A, 4B et 4C sont des vues semblables à la figure 1 illustrant le mode de fonctionnement du dispositif d'injection représenté à cette figure, et montrant respectivement le boisseau dans trois positions différentes;
  • - la figure 5 est une vue détaillée semblable à la figure 1, le boisseau étant représenté en coupe en position basse d'injection.
In the appended drawings, given by way of nonlimiting examples:
  • - Figure 1 is a partial schematic view with cutaway of an iron equipped with a water injection device according to the invention, the plug being removed from its housing in the iron;
  • - Figures 2A, 2B and 2C are perspective views, respectively in elevation and from above of the sheath shown in Figure 1;
  • - Figures 3A, 3B and 3C are views respectively in perspective, in elevation and from above of the double-toothed ring shown in Figure 1;
  • - Figures 4A, 4B and 4C are views similar to Figure 1 illustrating the operating mode of the injection device shown in this figure, and respectively showing the plug in three different positions;
  • - Figure 5 is a detailed view similar to Figure 1, the plug being shown in section in the low injection position.

Dans la réalisation représentée aux figures 1, 4A, 4B, 4C et 5, le fer à repasser à vapeur 1 comporte, en position de service, une semelle 2 qui est horizontale, une chambre de vaporisation 3 située au-dessus de la semelle 2 et qui communique avec l'extérieur par des trous 4 d'échappement de la vapeur ménagés dans la semelle 2, un réservoir d'eau 5 situé au-dessus de la chambre de vaporisation 3. La chambre 3 est séparée du réservoir 5 par une paroi 6 dans laquelle est ménagé un orifice 7 de communication entre la chambre 3 et le réservoir 5. L'orifice 7 est délimité par une lèvre annulaire 8a d'un joint d'ajutage 8 fixé dans une ouverture de la paroi 6.In the embodiment shown in Figures 1, 4A, 4B, 4C and 5, the steam iron 1 comprises, in the operating position, a soleplate 2 which is horizontal, a vaporization chamber 3 located above the soleplate 2 and which communicates with the outside via steam exhaust holes 4 in the sole 2, a water tank 5 located above the vaporization chamber 3. The chamber 3 is separated from the tank 5 by a wall 6 in which is formed an orifice 7 for communication between the chamber 3 and the reservoir 5. The orifice 7 is delimited by an annular lip 8a of a nozzle joint 8 fixed in an opening in the wall 6.

Le dispositif d'injection d'eau comporte, à l'intérieur d'un logement 9 sensiblement vertical ménagé dans le fer, un boisseau 10 dont l'extrémité supérieure est constituée par un bouton de commande 11 qui fait saillie par rapport à la surface extérieure 12 du fer 1.The water injection device comprises, inside a substantially vertical housing 9 formed in the iron, a plug 10, the upper end of which is constituted by a control button 11 which projects relative to the surface outer 12 of iron 1.

Le boisseau 10 présente à sa partie supérieure, sous le bouton 11, un collet 13 qui définit notamment à sa partie inférieure un épaulement annulaire 14 rentrant vers l'intérieur dont on verra plus loin la fonction.The plug 10 has at its upper part, under the button 11, a collar 13 which defines in particular at its lower part an annular shoulder 14 returning inwards, the function of which will be seen below.

Le tronçon inférieur 15 du boisseau 10 est relié à la partie principale de celui-ci par une partie de liaison 16 qui fait office de rotule d'articulation et qui est destinée à compenser un défaut éventuel d'alignement de l'orifice 7 par rapport à l'axe du logement 9.The lower section 15 of the plug 10 is connected to the main part thereof by a connecting part 16 which acts as a ball joint and which is intended to compensate for a possible defect in alignment of the orifice 7 relative to the axis of the housing 9.

Cette partie de liaison 16 est par exemple constituée d'un assemblage à tenon et mortaise entouré par une bague métallique (non représentés). Le jeu entre le tenon et mortaise permet un décalage angulaire entre l'axe du tronçon 15 et celui du boisseau 10.This connecting part 16 is for example made up of a tenon and mortise assembly surrounded by a metal ring (not shown). The play between the tenon and mortise allows an angular offset between the axis of the section 15 and that of the plug 10.

Le tronçon 15 est destiné à être introduit dans l'orifice 7. Il porte à sa périphérie une rainure verticale 17 qui laisse passer l'eau du réservoir d'eau 5 dans la chambre de vaporisation 3 lorsque le tronçon 15 est par rapport au joint d'ajutage 8 dans une position telle que la rainure 17 soit à cheval sur ce joint.The section 15 is intended to be introduced into the orifice 7. It carries at its periphery a vertical groove 17 which lets the water pass from the water tank 5 into the vaporization chamber 3 when the section 15 is relative to the joint nozzle 8 in a position such that the groove 17 is astride this joint.

L'extrémité inférieure du tronçon 15 présente un renflement 18 dont le diamètre extérieur est légèrement supérieur au diamètre intérieur de la lèvre annulaire 8a. Le joint d'ajutage 8 est lui-même en une matière plastique, par exemple du silicone, suffisamment souple pour laisser passer le renflement 18 quand on retire le boisseau 10 du logement 9. On sait que l'on arrive ainsi à décoller au moins partiellement le tartre susceptible de se former sur la face inférieure du joint d'ajutage 8 dans la chambre de vaporisation 3.The lower end of the section 15 has a bulge 18 whose outside diameter is slightly greater than the inside diameter of the annular lip 8a. The nozzle joint 8 is itself made of a plastic material, for example silicone, which is flexible enough to allow the bulge 18 to pass when the plug 10 is removed from the housing 9. We know that we are thus able to take off at least partially the scale likely to form on the underside of the nozzle joint 8 in the vaporization chamber 3.

Le boisseau 10 est destiné à être déplacé, sous l'action d'une pression manuelle de l'utilisateur sur le bouton 11, entre deux positions stables, une position normale de fermeture qui est la position haute, dans laquelle le boisseau 10 obture complètement l'orifice 7, et une position d'injection qui est la position basse dans laquelle l'eau peut passer dans la rainure 17 entre la lèvre annulaire 8a et le corps du tronçon 15.The plug 10 is intended to be moved, under the action of a manual pressure of the user on the button 11, between two stable positions, a normal closed position which is the high position, in which the plug 10 completely closes the orifice 7, and an injection position which is the low position in which the water can pass through the groove 17 between the annular lip 8a and the body of the section 15.

A cet effet, le dispositif d'injection d'eau comporte, à l'intérieur du logement 9 où ils sont introduits lors de l'assemblage du fer à repasser 1, des éléments qui coopèrent les uns avec les autres comme ceux qui équipent certains stylos à bille à bille rétractable. Ces éléments comprennent un fourreau tubulaire 19 destiné à entourer le boisseau 10 et dans lequel on peut insérer le boisseau 10 jusqu'à ce que l'épaulement annulaire 14 de celui-ci s'appuie sur le bord supérieur du fourreau 19, une bague annulaire 20 qui entoure le fourreau 19, et un ressort de compression 21 situé sous le fourreau 19 et qui s'appuie sur un épaulement intérieur 21a du logement 9. On ne décrira ci-dessous que rapidement, en référence aux figures 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 3C, 4A, 4B, 4C la structure et le mode de fonctionnement de ces éléments.To this end, the water injection device comprises, inside the housing 9 where they are introduced during the assembly of the iron 1, elements which cooperate with each other like those which equip certain retractable ballpoint pens. These elements comprise a tubular sheath 19 intended to surround the plug 10 and into which the plug 10 can be inserted until the annular shoulder 14 thereof rests on the upper edge of the sheath 19, an annular ring 20 which surrounds the sheath 19, and a compression spring 21 located under the sheath 19 and which rests on an internal shoulder 21a of the housing 9. We will only describe below briefly, with reference to FIGS. 2A, 2B, 3A , 3B, 3C, 4A, 4B, 4C the structure and mode of operation of these elements.

Le fourreau 19 est déplaçable verticalement avec le boisseau 10 à l'intérieur du logement 9. Il présente à sa partie inférieure en position de service du fer à repasser une collerette annulaire 22 en saillie vers l'extérieur, destinée à prendre appui par sa face supérieure sur la bague 20 et par sa face inférieure sur le ressort 21. Il présente également sur sa paroi périphérique quatre ergots diamétralement opposés deux à deux 23a, 23b et 24a, 24b. Comme on le précisera plus loin, les ergots 23a, 23b sont décalés angulairement et axialement des ergots 24a, 24b tout en présentant respectivement avec l'un de ceux-ci une génératrice commune. Les extrémités en regard de ces ergots sont taillées en pointe.The sheath 19 can be moved vertically with the plug 10 inside the housing 9. It has at its lower part in the service position of the iron an annular flange 22 projecting outwards, intended to bear on its face upper on the ring 20 and by its lower face on the spring 21. It also has on its peripheral wall four diametrically opposite pins two by two 23a, 23b and 24a, 24b. As will be specified below, the lugs 23a, 23b are angularly and axially offset from the lugs 24a, 24b while respectively presenting with one of these a common generator. The opposite ends of these lugs are cut to a point.

En outre, le fourreau 19 comporte des moyens élastiques susceptibles de retenir le boisseau dans le fourreau avec une force de serrage prédéterminée. Comme représenté aux figures 2A, 2B et 2C, ces moyens élastiques sont constitués par deux excroissances 25a, 25b faisant saillie radialement vers l'intérieur par rapport à la surface intérieure du fourreau près de l'extrémité supérieure de celui-ci, et destinées à exercer une pression déterminée sur la paroi du boisseau 10. La paroi du fourreau 19 est à sa partie supérieure interrompue par deux découpures verticales 26a, 26b diamétralement opposées ménagées suivant un plan diamétral perpendiculaire au diamètre joignant les excroissances 25a, 25b, ce qui crée le caractère élastique de la pression exercé par celles-ci.In addition, the sleeve 19 comprises elastic means capable of retaining the plug in the sleeve with a predetermined clamping force. As shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C, these elastic means consist of two protuberances 25a, 25b projecting radially inwards relative to the interior surface of the sheath near the upper end of the latter, and intended to exert a determined pressure on the wall of the plug 10. The wall of the sheath 19 is at its upper part interrupted by two vertical cutouts 26a, 26b diametrically opposite formed along a diametral plane perpendicular to the diameter joining the protuberances 25a, 25b, which creates the elastic character of the pressure exerted by them.

La bague annulaire 20 est prisonnière à l'intérieur du fer entre deux épaulements annulaires dirigés en sens inverses l'un de l'autre. Elle présente sur ses faces supérieure et inférieure respectivement deux couronnes dentées symétriques 27, 28 dont les dents respectives 27a, 28a en nombre pair sont dirigées dans des sens opposés; elle présente également sur sa face périphérique intérieure des rainures axiales 29 régulièrement réparties dont le nombre est égal à la moitié du nombre des dents 27a, 28a des couronnes 27, 28, et qui sont destinées à permettre le passage des ergots 23a, 23b, 24a, 24b du fourreau 19.The annular ring 20 is trapped inside the iron between two annular shoulders directed in opposite directions from one another. It has on its upper and lower faces respectively two symmetrical toothed rings 27, 28 whose respective teeth 27a, 28a in even number are directed in opposite directions; it also has on its inner peripheral face axial grooves 29 regularly distributed, the number of which is equal to half the number of teeth 27a, 28a of the crowns 27, 28, and which are intended to allow the passage of the pins 23a, 23b, 24a , 24b of the sheath 19.

Dans l'exemple représenté, chaque couronne 27, 28 présente douze dents, respectivement 27a, 28a, et la bague 20 comporte six rainures axiales 29. Chaque dent 27a, 28a présente un flanc vertical et un flanc incliné. Le décalage angulaire entre deux dents voisines est de 30°, et le décalage angulaire entre les ergots 23a, 24a, d'une part, 23b, 24b est sensiblement égal à la moitié du précédent, par exemple à 14°. Le décalage axial des ergots 23a, 23b et 24a, 24b est légèrement supérieur à la hauteur de la bague 20.In the example shown, each ring 27, 28 has twelve teeth, respectively 27a, 28a, and the ring 20 has six axial grooves 29. Each tooth 27a, 28a has a vertical side and an inclined side. The angular offset between two neighboring teeth is 30 °, and the angular offset between the pins 23a, 24a, on the one hand, 23b, 24b is substantially equal to half of the previous one, for example at 14 °. The axial offset of the lugs 23a, 23b and 24a, 24b is slightly greater than the height of the ring 20.

Dans la réalisation détaillée représentée à la figure 5, les éléments déjà décrits en référence aux figures précédentes portent le mêmes numéros de repère.In the detailed embodiment represented in FIG. 5, the elements already described with reference to the preceding figures bear the same reference numbers.

La semelle 2 du fer comporte une plaque en alliage d'aluminium moulé 31 dans laquelle est noyée par exemple une résistance tubulaire 32 d'un type connu quelconque qu'il n'est pas nécessaire de décrire ici.The soleplate 2 of the iron comprises a plate of cast aluminum alloy 31 in which is embedded for example a tubular resistance 32 of any known type which it is not necessary to describe here.

Le joint d'ajutage 33 de forme complexe est monté dans une ouverture 34 d'une plaque principale 35. La paroi supérieure métalliquue 36 de la chambre de vaporisation 3 est située sous la plaque 35 à distance de celle-ci pour réserver un premier espace vide 36a rempli d'air. Une lèvre annulaire inférieure formant jupe 37 du joint 33 réalise l'étanchéité avec la cloison 36.The nozzle joint 33 of complex shape is mounted in an opening 34 of a main plate 35. The metal upper wall 36 of the vaporization chamber 3 is located under the plate 35 at a distance therefrom to reserve a first empty space 36a filled with air. A lower annular lip forming a skirt 37 of the joint 33 seals with the partition 36.

Le joint d'ajutage 33 se prolonge au-dessus de la plaque principale 35 par une première jupe extérieure 38 s'étendant vers le dessus du fer et qui se termine à sa partie supérieure par une lèvre annulaire 39 assurant l'étanchéité avec la paroi horizontale 40 constituant le fond du réservoir d'eau 5: la paroi 40 est ainsi située au-dessus de la plaque 35 et séparée de celle-ci par un nouvel espace 40a rempli d'air.The nozzle joint 33 extends above the main plate 35 by a first outer skirt 38 extending towards the top of the iron and which ends at its upper part by an annular lip 39 ensuring the seal with the wall horizontal 40 constituting the bottom of the water tank 5: the wall 40 is thus located above the plate 35 and separated from the latter by a new space 40a filled with air.

Le joint d'ajutage comporte une seconde jupe intérieure 41 s'étendant vers le dessus du fer et qui se termine à sa partie supérieure par une lèvre annulaire 42 délimitant l'orifice de communication entre le réservoir 5 et la chambre 3.The nozzle joint comprises a second inner skirt 41 extending towards the top of the iron and which ends at its upper part by an annular lip 42 delimiting the orifice of communication between the reservoir 5 and the chamber 3.

Un joint d'étanchéité annulaire 43 est prévu dans le logement 9 au-dessous de l'épaulement 21a sur lequel s'appuie le ressort 21. Ce joint a pour fonction d'empêcher toute remontée d'eau dans le logement 9 entre la paroi de celui-ci et le boisseau 10, même en cas de mauvaise manoeuvre du fer à repasser.An annular seal 43 is provided in the housing 9 below the shoulder 21a on which the spring 21 rests. The function of this seal is to prevent any rise of water in the housing 9 between the wall of it and the plug 10, even in case of improper operation of the iron.

La bague annulaire 20 est maintenue sur son siège par un élément 44 qui la coiffe et qui est agrafé d'une manière quelconque à la structure intérieure du fer à repasser lors de l'assemblage de ce dernier. L'élément 44 sert également de guide du fourreau 19.The annular ring 20 is held in its seat by an element 44 which covers it and which is stapled in any way to the internal structure of the iron during the assembly of the latter. The element 44 also serves as a guide for the sheath 19.

Le boisseau 10 est représenté dans sa position basse d'injection: l'extrémité inférieure 17a de la rainure axiale 17 débouche dans la chambre de vaporisation 3 au-dessous de la lèvre 42 pour laisser couler l'eau. On a également représenté en tirets la position du bouton 11 de commande dans la position haute normale de fermeture du boisseau, dans laquelle la lèvre 42 est en contact avec une partie périphérique lisse du tronçon 15 située entre l'extrémité 17a de la rainure 17 et le bourrelet 18 à l'extrémité inférieure du tronçon 15.The plug 10 is shown in its low injection position: the lower end 17a of the axial groove 17 opens into the vaporization chamber 3 below the lip 42 to let the water flow. Also shown in dashed lines is the position of the control button 11 in the normal upper closed position of the plug, in which the lip 42 is in contact with a smooth peripheral part of the section 15 situated between the end 17a of the groove 17 and the bead 18 at the lower end of the section 15.

On va maintenant décrire le fonctionnement du dispositif d'injection d'eau conforme à l'invention, en référence aux figures 3B, 3C, 4A, 4B et 4C.We will now describe the operation of the water injection device according to the invention, with reference to Figures 3B, 3C, 4A, 4B and 4C.

Au repos, dans la position de fermeture du boisseau 10 représentée à la figure 4A, l'ergot 23a du fourreau 19 est logé dans une rainure 29₁ de la bague (voir figure 3c): la lèvre annulaire 8a, 42, est en contact avec la surface périphérique du tronçon 15 du boisseau 10 à un niveau situé au-dessous de l'extrémité inférieure 17a de la rainure 17: l'eau ne peut pas passer dans la chambre de vaporisation 3. Par ailleurs, le ressort 21 repousse vers le haut le fourreau 19 dont la collerette 22 est arrêtée par la bague 20. Le fourreau 19 et le boisseau 10 sont dans leur position stable de fermeture. Le fait d'appuyer verticalement sur le bouton de commande de vapeur 11 (flèche F1 à la figure 4B) fait déplacer verticalement le fourreau 19 vers le bas. En fin de déplacement, l'ergot 24a vient en contact avec le flanc incliné de la dent 27a₁ de la bague 20 (voir figuures 3B et 3C), fait tourner celle-ci, vue de dessus, dans le sens anti-horaire et pénètre à son tour dans la rainure 29₁ (figure 4B): cette rotation amène l'ergot 23a sous les dents 27a₂, 28a₂ de la couronne 20.At rest, in the closed position of the plug 10 shown in FIG. 4A, the lug 23a of the sleeve 19 is housed in a groove 29₁ of the ring (see FIG. 3c): the annular lip 8a, 42, is in contact with the peripheral surface of the section 15 of the plug 10 at a level situated below the lower end 17a of the groove 17: the water cannot pass into the vaporization chamber 3. Furthermore, the spring 21 pushes back towards the top the sheath 19, the flange 22 of which is stopped by the ring 20. The sheath 19 and the plug 10 are in their stable closed position. Pressing the steam control button 11 vertically (arrow F1 in FIG. 4B) causes the barrel 19 to move vertically downwards. At the end of movement, the lug 24a comes into contact with the inclined flank of the tooth 27a₁ of the ring 20 (see figures 3B and 3C), rotates the latter, seen from above, in a counterclockwise direction and enters in turn in the groove 29₁ (FIG. 4B): this rotation brings the lug 23a under the teeth 27a₂, 28a₂ of the crown 20.

Après relâche du bouton de commande (flèche F2 à la figure 4c), l'ergot 23a vient sous la poussée du ressort 21 en contact avec le flanc incliné de la dent 28a₂ de la couronne inférieure 28 de la bague 20, et fait de nouveau tourner cette dernière dans le sens anti-horaire.After releasing the control button (arrow F2 in FIG. 4c), the lug 23a comes under the thrust of the spring 21 in contact with the inclined flank of the tooth 28a₂ of the lower crown 28 of the ring 20, and makes again turn it counterclockwise.

La dent 28a₂ ne comportant pas de rainure 29, le fourreau 19 ne peut que rester en position basse, ce qui verrouille le boisseau 10 en position basse, donc en position d'injection d'eau dans la chambre de vaporisation 3 et de production de vapeur.The tooth 28a₂ not having a groove 29, the sleeve 19 can only remain in the low position, which locks the plug 10 in the low position, therefore in position for injecting water into the vaporization chamber 3 and producing steam.

Pour déverrouiller le fourreau 19 et le boisseau 10, il faut appuyer une nouvelle fois sur le bouton 11 pour que l'ergot 24a vienne en contact avec le flanc incliné de la dent 27a₂ (voir figures 3b et 3c) et fasse tourner la bague 20, puis relacher le bouton 11 pour que l'ergot 23a vienne en contact avec le flanc incliné de la dent 28a₃ et fasse tourner la bague 20 de façon à se trouver devant la rainure 29₂ et y pénétrer; le fourreau 19 et le boisseau 10 reviennent ainsi dans leur position normale de fermeture de la figure 4A.To unlock the sheath 19 and the plug 10, the button 11 must be pressed again so that the lug 24a comes into contact with the inclined flank of the tooth 27a₂ (see FIGS. 3b and 3c) and turns the ring 20 , then release the button 11 so that the lug 23a comes into contact with the inclined flank of the tooth 28a₃ and rotates the ring 20 so as to be in front of the groove 29₂ and enter it; the sleeve 19 and the plug 10 thus return to their normal closed position in FIG. 4A.

Bien entendu, les ergots 23b et 24b coopèrent de la manière décrite ci-dessus avec les dents diamétralement opposées aux dents 27a₁, 28a₁, 27a₂, 28a₂, 27a₃, 28a₃.Of course, the pins 23b and 24b cooperate in the manner described above with the teeth diametrically opposite the teeth 27a₁, 28a₁, 27a₂, 28a₂, 27a₃, 28a₃.

On comprendra que la pression élastique des excroissances 25a, 25b sur le boisseau 10 n'intervient pas pour l'entraînement du fourreau par le boisseau 10 et réciproquement; en effet, dans le mouvement vers le bas de commande de l'injection, l'épaulement 14 entraîne le fourreau vers le bas sous la poussée exercée par l'utilisateur du fer sur le bouton 11; au contraire, dans le déplacement vers le haut, le fourreau 19 déverrouillé poussé par le ressort 21 appuie par son bord supérieur sur l'épaulement 14 pour faire remonter le boisseau 10.It will be understood that the elastic pressure of the protuberances 25a, 25b on the plug 10 does not intervene for the drive of the sheath by the plug 10 and vice versa; in fact, in the downward movement for controlling the injection, the shoulder 14 drives the sheath down under the pressure exerted by the user of the iron on the button 11; on the contrary, in the upward movement, the unlocked sheath 19 pushed by the spring 21 presses by its upper edge on the shoulder 14 to raise the plug 10.

Le boisseau 10 décrit ci-dessus est ainsi stable dans chacune de ses deux positions de fermeture et d'injection. Par ailleurs, il fait saillie par rapport à la surface extérieure 12 du fer à repasser et il est monté de manière amovible par rapport au fourreau 19 et au logement 9. Ceci signifie que le boisseau 10 est conformé de manière à ne comporter aucun autre élément que l'épaulement 14 susceptible de s'opposer à un déplacement relatif du boisseau 10 par rapport au fourreau 19 et au logement 9.The valve 10 described above is thus stable in each of its two closed and injection positions. Furthermore, it projects relative to the external surface 12 of the iron and it is removably mounted relative to the sheath 19 and to the housing 9. This means that the plug 10 is shaped so as to contain no other element that the shoulder 14 capable of opposing a relative movement of the plug 10 relative to the sleeve 19 and to the housing 9.

Il est donc possible de tirer sur le bouton 11, avec une force suffisante pour vaincre la pression élastique des excroissances 25a, 25b sur le boisseau 10, pour retirer ce dernier du logement 9 afin de le nettoyer et de le détartrer. Pour remettre en place le boisseau 10, il suffit de l'introduire dans le logement 9 jusqu'à ce que l'épaulement rentrant 14 vienne en contact avec le bord supérieur du fourreau 19.It is therefore possible to pull the button 11, with sufficient force to overcome the elastic pressure of the protuberances 25a, 25b on the plug 10, to remove the latter from the housing 9 in order to clean and descale it. To replace the plug 10, it suffices to introduce it into the housing 9 until the re-entrant shoulder 14 comes into contact with the upper edge of the sleeve 19.

Bien entendu, l'invention n'est pas limitée au mode de réalisation que l'on vient de décrire, et on peut effectuer sur celui-ci de nombreux changements et modifications sans sortir du domaine de l'invention.Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiment which has just been described, and many modifications and modifications can be carried out on it without departing from the scope of the invention.

Le dispositif d'injection d'eau conforme à l'invention est ainsi adaptable à un fer à repasser à vapeur de structure quelconque, quels que soient par exemple la disposition du réservoir d'eau par rapport à la chambre de vaporisation, l'emplacement et la forme de la chambre de vaporisation et du réservoir d'eau dans le fer, la nature et la forme de la semelle et de la résistance.The water injection device according to the invention is thus adaptable to a steam iron of any structure, whatever for example the arrangement of the water tank relative to the vaporization chamber, the location and the shape of the vaporization chamber and the water reservoir in the iron, the nature and shape of the sole and the resistance.

Le dispositif d'injection d'eau conforme à l'invention n'est pas limité au boisseau décrit, et peut s'adapter à d'autres dispositifs mobiles d'ouverture et de fermeture de l'orifice de communication entre le réservoir et la chambre; il peut ainsi s'adapter à une aiguille fine obturant un orifice calibré ménagé dans un bouchon, la position d'injection étant la position haute et la position de fermeture étant la position basse; le mouvement de bas en haut de l'aiguille peut alors être provoqué soit par un ressort, soit par un levier pivotant autour d'un axe parallèle à la semelle et transmettant au fourreau une impulsion en sens inverse d'une tige de commande sur laquelle appuie l'utilisateur du fer.The water injection device according to the invention is not limited to the valve described, and can be adapted to other mobile devices for opening and closing the communication orifice between the tank and the bedroom; it can thus be adapted to a fine needle closing a calibrated orifice formed in a plug, the injection position being the high position and the closed position being the low position; the movement from bottom to top of the needle can then be caused either by a spring or by a lever pivoting about an axis parallel to the sole and transmitting to the sheath an impulse in the opposite direction from a control rod on which supports the iron user.

De même, les moyens de verrouillage du fourreau ne sont pas limités à ceux décrits, et on peut remplacer la bague 20 à double denture et les ergots du fourreau par d'autres systèmes assurant la même fonction, dont certains peuvent équiper des stylos à bille à bille rétractable: dans un tel cas, la commande du déplacement du boisseau dans l'un des deux sens ne se fait plus en appuyant sur celui-ci.Similarly, the locking means of the sheath are not limited to those described, and the ring 20 with double teeth and the lugs of the sheath can be replaced by other systems providing the same function, some of which can be fitted with retractable ballpoint pens: in such a case, the movement of the plug in one of the two directions is no longer done by pressing on it.

Ainsi, le fourreau pourrait par exemple comporter une rainure horizontale permettant le blocage du fourreau dans une de ses positions, contre la pression d'un ressort, par une clavette de section adaptée poussée par un ressort, la clavette venant bloquer le fourreau quand la rainure de celui-ci se présente devant le logement de la clavette. Pour déverrouiller le fourreau, il suffit de repousser la clavette dans son logement afin de libérer le fourreau, ou de faire apparaître au droit de celui-ci une encoche verticale de la clavette libérant le fourreau.Thus, the sheath could for example comprise a horizontal groove allowing the blocking of the sheath in one of its positions, against the pressure of a spring, by a key of adapted section pushed by a spring, the key coming to block the sheath when the groove of it is in front of the housing of the key. To unlock the sheath, simply push the key back into its housing in order to release the sheath, or reveal, to the right of the latter, a vertical notch in the key releasing the sheath.

Enfin, le fourreau n'a pas nécessairement une forme tubulaire et peut n'entourer le boisseau que sur une partie de la périphérie de celui-ci.Finally, the sleeve does not necessarily have a tubular shape and may surround the plug only on a part of the periphery thereof.

Claims (11)

Dispositif d'injection d'eau pour fer à repasser à vapeur, comportant à l'intérieur d'un logement (9) un boisseau (10) déplaçable axialement, sous l'action d'une pression manuelle de l'utilisateur du fer, dans un orifice (7) faisant communiquer un réservoir d'eau (5) et une chambre de vaporisation (3) située en service au-dessous du réservoir (5), entre une position normale de fermeture dans laquelle le boisseau (10) obture complètement l'orifice (7), et une position d'injection dans laquelle l'eau peut passer dans celui-ci, le dispositif comportant en outre des moyens (20, 27, 28) destinés à venir en prise avec des moyens complémentaires (23a, 23b, 24a, 24b) du boisseau (10) pour retenir celui-ci dans sa position d'injection, et des moyens (20, 29) pour libérer le boisseau (10) et lui permettre de revenir dans sa position normale de fermeture, caractérisé en ce que le boisseau (10) coopère avec un corps mobile (19) entourant au moins partiellement le boisseau (10) et déplaçable axialement avec celui-ci entre lesdites positions stables à l'intérieur du logement (9), en ce que le corps mobile (19) est situé en service sous un épaulement (14) du boisseau (10), comporte lesdits moyens complémentaires (23a, 23b, 24a, 24b) et coopère avec lesdits moyens (20, 27, 28; 20, 29) du dispositif, et en ce que le boisseau (10) fait saillie par rapport à la surface extérieure du fer à repasser et est monté de manière amovible par rapport au corps mobile (19) et au logement (9).Water injection device for a steam iron, comprising inside a housing (9) a plug (10) which can be moved axially, under the action of manual pressure from the user of the iron, in an orifice (7) connecting a water tank (5) and a vaporization chamber (3) located in service below the tank (5), between a normal closed position in which the plug (10) closes the orifice (7) completely, and an injection position in which the water can pass therein, the device further comprising means (20, 27, 28) intended to come into engagement with complementary means ( 23a, 23b, 24a, 24b) of the plug (10) to retain the latter in its injection position, and means (20, 29) to release the plug (10) and allow it to return to its normal position closure, characterized in that the plug (10) cooperates with a movable body (19) at least partially surrounding the plug (10) and axially displaceable therewith between said stable positions inside the housing (9), in that the movable body (19) is located in service under a shoulder (14) of the plug (10), comprises said complementary means ( 23a, 23b, 24a, 24b) and cooperates with said means (20, 27, 28; 20, 29) of the device, and in that the plug (10) projects relative to the external surface of the iron and is removably mounted relative to the movable body (19) and to the housing (9). Dispositif conforme à la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que le corps mobile est un fourreau tubulaire (19) qui entoure le boisseau (10) et dans lequel le boisseau (10) peut être inséré jusqu'à ce que l'épaulement (14) de celui-ci s'appuie sur le bord supérieur du fourreau (19).Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the movable body is a tubular sleeve (19) which surrounds the plug (10) and in which the plug (10) can be inserted until the shoulder (14) of it rests on the upper edge of the sheath (19). Dispositif conforme à la revendication 2, caractérisé en ce que la position d'injection du boisseau (10) correspond en service à la position basse de celui-ci, et en ce qu'un ressort antagoniste (21) coopère avec le fourreau (19) pour ramener le fourreau (19) et le boisseau (10) dans leur position normale de fermeture.Device according to claim 2, characterized in that the injection position of the plug (10) corresponds in service to the low position thereof, and in that an opposing spring (21) cooperates with the sleeve (19 ) to return the sleeve (19) and the plug (10) to their normal closed position. Dispositif conforme à l'une des revendications 1 à 3, caractérisé en ce que le fourreau (19) comporte des moyens élastiques (25a, 25b) susceptibles de retenir le boisseau (10) dans le fourreau (19) avec une force de serrage prédéterminée.Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the sleeve (19) comprises elastic means (25a, 25b) capable of retaining the plug (10) in the sleeve (19) with a predetermined clamping force . Dispositif conforme à la revendication 4, caractérisé en ce que les moyens élastiques comprennent au moins une excroissance (25a, 25b) faisant saillie radialement vers l'intérieur par rapport à la surface intérieure du fourreau (19) près de l'extrémité de celui-ci en contact avec l'épaulement (14) du boisseau (10), et destinée à exercer une pression sur la surface extérieure de ce dernier, le secteur périphérique du fourreau (19) portant l'excroissance (25a, 25b) étant séparé du secteur périphérique complémentaire de celui-ci par deux découpures (26a, 26b) de la paroi du fourreau (19).Device according to claim 4, characterized in that the elastic means comprise at least one protuberance (25a, 25b) projecting radially inwards relative to the internal surface of the sheath (19) near the end of the sheath ci in contact with the shoulder (14) of the plug (10), and intended to exert pressure on the external surface of the latter, the peripheral sector of the sleeve (19) carrying the projection (25a, 25b) being separated from the peripheral sector complementary thereto by two cutouts (26a, 26b) of the wall of the sheath (19). Dispositif conforme à l'une des revendications 1 à 5, l'orifice (7) de communication entre le réservoir d'eau (5) et la chambre de vaporisation (3) étant délimité par une lèvre annulaire (8a, 42), caractérisé en ce que le boisseau (10) porte à son extrémité inférieure située en service, au moins en position de fermeture du boisseau (10), à l'intérieur de la chambre de vaporisation (3) un renflement (18) dont le diamètre extérieur est supérieur au diamètre intérieur de la lèvre (8a, 42), et en ce que la lèvre (8a, 42) a une souplesse suffisante pour permettre le passage du renflement (18) lors du démontage du boisseau (10).Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, the orifice (7) for communication between the water tank (5) and the vaporization chamber (3) being delimited by an annular lip (8a, 42), characterized in that the plug (10) carries at its lower end located in service, at least in the closed position of the plug (10), inside the vaporization chamber (3) a bulge (18) whose outside diameter is greater than the inside diameter of the lip (8a, 42), and in that the lip (8a, 42) has sufficient flexibility to allow the passage of the bulge (18) during disassembly of the plug (10). Dispositif conforme à la revendication 6, caractérisé en ce que la lèvre annulaire (42) est située à l'extrémité d'une jupe souple (41).Device according to claim 6, characterized in that the annular lip (42) is located at the end of a flexible skirt (41). Dispositif conforme à la revendication 7, caractérisé en ce que la jupe souple (41) s'étend en service au-dessus de la paroi supérieure (36) de la chambre de vaporisation (3).Device according to claim 7, characterized in that the flexible skirt (41) extends in service above the upper wall (36) of the vaporization chamber (3). Dispositif conforme à l'une des revendications 6 à 8, caractérisé en ce que le boisseau (10) présente sur sa paroi périphérique un évidement latéral (17) s'étendant sensiblement axialement.Device according to one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the plug (10) has on its peripheral wall a lateral recess (17) extending substantially axially. Dispositif conforme à l'une des revendications 2 à 9, caractérisé en ce que le fourreau (19) présente sur sa paroi périphérique au moins deux ergots (23a, 23b, 24a, 24b) espacés angulairement et axialement, le fourreau (19) coopérant par l'intermédiaire de ces ergots (23a, 23b, 24A, 24b) avec une bague annulaire (20) fixe axialement mais susceptible de tourner sur elle-même qui entoure le fourreau (19), qui présente sur ses faces supérieure et inférieure respectivement deux couronnes dentées symétriques (27, 28) dont les dents (27a, 28a) sont dirigées dans des sens opposés, et qui présente sur sa surface périphérique intérieure des rainures axiales (29) régulièrement réparties dont le nombre est égal à une fraction du nombre des dents (27a, 28a) des couronnes (27, 28), les ergots (23a, 23b, 24a, 24b) s'appuyant respectivement sur les dents (27a, 28a) des deux couronnes (27, 28) pour faire tourner la bague (20) dans un sens constant quand le fourreau (19) se déplace dans un sens et dans l'autre par rapport à la bague (20), l'un (23a, 23b) des ergots (23a, 23b, 24a, 24b) butant sur la bague (20) pour maintenir le fourreau (19) et le boisseau (10) dans la position d'injection jusqu'à ce qu'il rencontre une rainure (29) qui autorise le retour du fourreau (19) et du boisseau (10) dans la position normale de fermeture.Device according to one of claims 2 to 9, characterized in that the sheath (19) has on its peripheral wall at least two lugs (23a, 23b, 24a, 24b) spaced angularly and axially, the sheath (19) cooperating by means of these pins (23a, 23b, 24A, 24b) with an annular ring (20) fixed axially but capable of turning on itself which surrounds the sheath (19), which has on its upper and lower faces respectively two symmetrical toothed rings (27, 28) whose teeth (27a, 28a) are directed in opposite directions, and which has on its inner peripheral surface regularly distributed axial grooves (29) the number of which is equal to a fraction of the number teeth (27a, 28a) of the crowns (27, 28), the pins (23a, 23b, 24a, 24b) pressing respectively on the teeth (27a, 28a) of the two crowns (27, 28) to rotate the ring (20) in a constant direction when the sheath (19) d moves in one direction and in the other with respect to the ring (20), one (23a, 23b) of the pins (23a, 23b, 24a, 24b) abutting on the ring (20) to hold the sheath (19 ) and the plug (10) in the injection position until it meets a groove (29) which allows the return of the sleeve (19) and the plug (10) in the normal closed position. Fer à repasser à vapeur, caractérisé en ce qu'il comporte un dispositif d'injection conforme à l'une des revendications 1 à 10.Steam iron, characterized in that it includes an injection device according to one of claims 1 to 10.
EP90403491A 1989-12-13 1990-12-07 Water injection device for a steam iron and steam iron provided with such a device Withdrawn EP0433146A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR8916468A FR2655667B1 (en) 1989-12-13 1989-12-13 WATER INJECTION DEVICE FOR STEAM IRON AND STEAM IRON COMPRISING SUCH A DEVICE.
FR8916468 1989-12-13

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EP0433146A1 true EP0433146A1 (en) 1991-06-19

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Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2852028A1 (en) * 2003-03-03 2004-09-10 Seb Sa Steam iron contains multi-function component of heat resistant plastic forming thermal screen, part of evaporation chamber and base of water reservoir

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN109082869B (en) * 2017-06-14 2021-01-01 漳州灿坤实业有限公司 Water injection part and ironing device

Citations (5)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2353426A (en) * 1941-08-05 1944-07-11 Westinghouse Electric & Mfg Co Steam iron
US3403464A (en) * 1967-02-20 1968-10-01 Scovill Manufacturing Co Electric iron with pushbutton valve control mechanism for converting from dry to steam operation and vice versa
DE1460975A1 (en) * 1964-09-17 1969-02-20 Hoover Ltd Iron
FR2103102A5 (en) * 1970-07-21 1972-04-07 Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd
EP0184496A1 (en) * 1984-11-23 1986-06-11 Seb S.A. Water injection device for a steam iron

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2353426A (en) * 1941-08-05 1944-07-11 Westinghouse Electric & Mfg Co Steam iron
DE1460975A1 (en) * 1964-09-17 1969-02-20 Hoover Ltd Iron
US3403464A (en) * 1967-02-20 1968-10-01 Scovill Manufacturing Co Electric iron with pushbutton valve control mechanism for converting from dry to steam operation and vice versa
FR2103102A5 (en) * 1970-07-21 1972-04-07 Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd
EP0184496A1 (en) * 1984-11-23 1986-06-11 Seb S.A. Water injection device for a steam iron

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2852028A1 (en) * 2003-03-03 2004-09-10 Seb Sa Steam iron contains multi-function component of heat resistant plastic forming thermal screen, part of evaporation chamber and base of water reservoir
WO2004081275A2 (en) * 2003-03-03 2004-09-23 Seb S.A. Steam iron with a plastic skirt surrounding the steam chamber
WO2004081275A3 (en) * 2003-03-03 2004-10-28 Seb Sa Steam iron with a plastic skirt surrounding the steam chamber

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
FR2655667B1 (en) 1992-02-21
FR2655667A1 (en) 1991-06-14

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