EP0467784B1 - Electric steam iron comprising a plate carrying the control components - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an improved electric steam iron.

In all cases, a steam iron has a soleplate heated by means of an electrical resistance, a device for supplying water to the vaporization chamber which is located above the soleplate, and means for regulating the flow rate. water intake in this room.

These known irons furthermore comprise means such as a bimetallic thermostat for adjusting the heating temperature of the soleplate, electrical connections for connecting the sector to the heating resistance of the soleplate and to the electrical members for adjusting the temperature of the soleplate. sole.

Known steam irons thus have a large number of separate mechanical and electrical components.

Since all these organs each have their own function, they are mounted inside the iron, one after the other in any order.

Thus, the device for supplying water and regulating the flow of this water is mounted at a certain point on the iron, most often located at the front thereof, the adjustment button being located at the front of the handle. iron.

Furthermore, the thermostat is generally fixed near the rear part of the iron, the temperature adjustment button being located in the recess provided under the handle of the iron.

The assembly of this thermostat requires many parts to fix it to the iron, isolate some of its parts and make the electrical connections. with the electrical heating resistance of the sole and the power cord.

In addition, the aforementioned organs, an electric iron further comprises a circuit breaker which includes a fuse capable of blowing in the event of the iron overheating, as well as a light indicator to control the operation of the iron.

Document FR-A-2 610 764 describes an assembly intended for thermostats for irons having a plate comprising electrical connections and forming a single block with the thermostat.

The assembly of all these members inside the iron is, taking into account the large number of parts to be handled, long and therefore expensive.

The object of the present invention is to remedy the drawbacks of known embodiments, by creating a steam iron, the mounting of which can be carried out under clearly more economical and reliable conditions.

The invention thus relates to an electric steam iron comprising a heating soleplate, a vaporization chamber, a device for supplying water to this chamber, means for regulating the rate of admission of water into this chamber, means to adjust the heating temperature of the sole, electrical connections to connect the sector to the electrical resistance of the sole and to said means for adjusting the temperature of this sole and optionally an indicator light.

According to the invention, this steam iron is characterized in that it comprises a plate on which are fixed or shaped the device for supplying water to the vaporization chamber and the means for adjusting the water flow rate, including the means for connecting the latter with the iron water tank and the vaporization chamber, said plate constituting at least part of the structure of said device.

This plate thus constitutes a support which carries the mechanical organs for adjusting the steam flow.

Such a plate pre-equipped with all these members can be produced separately in the factory, under very easy conditions, given that these members are mounted on a common support. This pre-assembled plate is then easy to mount in the iron, for example by means of a few screws. Once this plate in place in the iron, it suffices to make some electrical or mechanical connections such as for example, the connection between the water tank and the water supply device, as well as the installation of a or two control buttons.

According to an advantageous version of the invention, the plate is fixed above the vaporization chamber substantially parallel to the sole.

This position does not affect the overall height of the iron and makes it possible to easily make the connection between the water supply device and the vaporization chamber.

According to a preferred version of the invention, the plate carries the entire device for supplying water and regulating the flow of this water, including the means for connecting the latter with the iron's water tank and the vaporization chamber.

Preferably, the plate carries all of the means for adjusting the temperature of the soleplate, including the electrical connections.

In the most advantageous version of the invention, the plate comprises all of the water supply and flow adjustment device as well as all of the temperature adjustment means, including the connection and connection means.

Thus, all the functional equipment of the iron is concentrated on this plate, which simplifies the construction of the iron and especially its assembly.

Other features and advantages of the invention will appear in the description below.

• la figure 1 est une vue schématique en coupe longitudinale d'un fer à repasser conforme à l'invention,
• la figure 2 est une autre vue en coupe longitudinale parallèle à celle ci-dessus,
• la figure 3 est une vue de dessus de la platine et de la semelle chauffante, la carrosserie du fer et les boutons de commande des organes portés par la platine ayant été enlevés,
• la figure 4 est une vue en coupe suivant le plan IV-IV de la figure 1,
• la figure 5 est une vue en coupe suivant le plan V-V de la figure 1,
• la figure 6 est une vue en coupe suivant le plan VI-VI de la figure 1.

In the appended drawings, given by way of nonlimiting examples:

• FIG. 1 is a schematic view in longitudinal section of an iron according to the invention,
• FIG. 2 is another view in longitudinal section parallel to that above,
• FIG. 3 is a top view of the plate and of the heating sole, the body of the iron and the control buttons of the members carried by the plate having been removed,
• FIG. 4 is a sectional view along the plane IV-IV of FIG. 1,
• FIG. 5 is a sectional view along the plane VV of FIG. 1,
• Figure 6 is a sectional view along the plane VI-VI of Figure 1.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, the electric steam iron comprises a soleplate 1 heated by means of an electrical resistance not shown, a vaporization chamber 2 located above the soleplate, a device 3 for supplying water chamber 2 and a plug 4 to regulate the flow rate of water entering this chamber 2. The iron also includes a thermostat 5 to regulate the heating temperature of soleplate 1 and electrical connections to connect the sector to the electrical resistance of the soleplate and thermostat 5 to adjust the temperature of this soleplate. An indicator light 6 is also provided to show the operating state of the iron.

The iron has a plate 7 on which are fixed or shaped at least part of the device 3 for supplying water to the vaporization chamber 2, including the valve 4 to regulate the water flow, as well as at least part of the means for adjusting the heating temperature and the aforementioned electrical connections.

The plate 7 forming a support for the abovementioned members is fixed above the vaporization chamber 2 and extends substantially parallel to the sole 1.

In the example shown in Figures 1 and 2, the plate 7 carries the entire device 3 for supplying water and adjusting the flow rate of this water, including the means for connecting the latter with the reservoir. water 8 of the iron and the vaporization chamber 2.

The plate 7 also carries all of the means for adjusting the temperature of the sole 1, including the electrical connections.

More specifically, in the example shown, the plate 7 carries (see FIG. 1) on its face 7a adjacent to the vaporization chamber 2, the body 9 of the device 3 for adjusting the water flow rate, in which the plug is engaged. 4 in the form of a rod of said device. This body 9 carries at its end opposite the plate 7 a flexible seal 10 allowing a tight connection with an opening 11 for communication in the vaporization chamber 2.

The face 7a of the plate 7 further comprises a water inlet conduit 12 molded with the plate 7 and opening into the body 9. The end of this conduit 12 opposite the body 9 comprises a connector 13 for connection with the water tank bottom 8.

The other face 7b of the plate carries mechanical members 14, 15 to control the movement of the bushel 4 in the body 9 and adjust the water flow as well as the thermostat 5.

The members 14, 15 are movable in translation relative to the plate 7 and include cavities 14a, 15a for fixing thereto control buttons 16, 17 accessible to the user.

In the embodiment shown, the iron has above the plate 7 a recess 18 formed in the body forming the handle 19 of the iron. The buttons 16, 17 are fixed vertically in the cavities 14a, 15a of the members 14, 15 and protrude into the recess 18. These control buttons 16, 17 are thus easily accessible to the fingers of the users.

The first member 14 is slidably mounted on the plate 7 in the longitudinal direction of the iron. This member 14 comprises an inclined ramp 20 cooperating with a bearing surface 21 (see Figures 1 and 6) of the plug 4 to control the movement of the latter in a direction perpendicular to the plate 7 against the action of a spring 22 pushing the plug 4 towards the vaporization chamber 2. The user can thus adjust the water flow rate in the vaporization chamber 2.

The second member 15 (see Figures 1 and 5) is slidably mounted on the plate 7 in a direction transverse to that of the first member 14. It also has an inclined ramp 23 formed by a groove in which is engaged a finger 24 belonging to a part 25 integral with the plug 4. Thus, the movement of the member 15 also controls the movement of the plug 4 in a direction perpendicular to the plate 7. The technical effects related to the movements of the members 14 and 15 will be explained in detail during the description of the operation.

Furthermore, the plate 7 made of insulating plastic material has on its face 7b (see Figure 3) conductive tracks 26, 27, 28 for example metallic. The ends 26a, 27a and 28a of these tracks located at the rear of the iron are intended to be connected to the electrical supply cord of the iron. The other ends of these tracks are connected to the elements of the thermostat 5 to adjust the heating temperature of the soleplate and / or of the thermal fuse circuit breaker.

Thermostat 5 will not be detailed here, since it is well known to those skilled in the art. This is a classic thermostat with adjustable bimetallic strip.

Likewise, the thermal fuse circuit breaker will not be detailed. It can be constituted by a fusible material incorporated in the sole on which a rod rests which maintains a switch in the closed position. In the event of an overload, the material melts and the rod sinks into this material by opening the switch.

Of course, the elements of the thermostat 5 and / or of the circuit breaker are fixed to the face 7a of the plate 7 in such a way that the latter serves as an electrically insulating support for these elements.

In the example shown, the elements of the thermostat 5 and / or those of the circuit breaker are fixed on the face 7a of the plate 7 opposite to that carrying the control members 14, 15 for the movement of the plug 4.

It can also be seen in FIG. 2 that the member 14 for controlling the movement of the plug 4 comprises means which cooperate with the adjustment element 5a of the thermostat 5 to act on the latter during the movement of said member 14.

To this end, the member 14 has on its face adjacent to the plate 7 a surface 30 slightly inclined relative to the latter. This surface 30 cooperates with a transmission rod 31 passing through the plate 7 and bearing on the element 5a for adjusting the thermostat 5.

On the other hand, the face 7b of the plate 7 carries an indicator light 6 which is visible in an area 32 of the recess 18.

We will now explain the operation of the device that has just been described.

During the movement of the member 14 to the right of FIG. 2, the rod 31 in contact with the element 5a of the thermostat and with the inclined surface 30, sinks progressively by pushing down the element 5a of the thermostat 5. Thus, the movement of the member 14 has the effect of modifying the setting of the thermostat 5 and therefore of modifying the temperature of the soleplate.

During the movement of movement of the member 14, the plug rod 4 urged by the spring descends due to the ramp 20, which has the effect of modifying the flow of steam, thanks to the variable section of the recess well known expected at the end of the bushel.

Thus, the movement of the member 14 makes it possible to simultaneously modify the temperature of the soleplate and the flow of water and steam.

Such a possibility exists only when the control button 17 of the other member 15 is in the position shown in FIGS. 1 and 5.

Indeed, it is only in this position that the surface 21 of the plug 4 is in abutment on the top of the member 14 and therefore capable of descending on the ramp.

• position d'asservissement (celle figurée sur les figures 1 et 5),
• position vapeur,
• position double vapeur,
• position sec (pas de vapeur),
• position nettoyage.

By pushing the control button 17 to the right, the finger 23 engaged in the ramp 23 rises along the latter, which causes a displacement of the plug 4 upwards. During this movement, and depending on the shape of the recess in the lower end of the plug, the user can choose different adjustment positions, such as the following:

• servo position (that shown in Figures 1 and 5),
• steam position,
• double steam position,
• dry position (no steam),
• cleaning position.

The main advantages of the invention are as follows:

Since the plate 7 supports and groups all the members for adjusting the water flow and the temperature, including the mechanical and electrical connection members, the assembly time of the iron is considerably limited.

It suffices to fix the plate 7 in the iron, for example by means of a few screws.

Furthermore, since the plate serves as a support for several members, some of which are molded in one piece with this plate, the number of parts is reduced and therefore the cost of the iron.

In addition, the arrangement of these members on a common plate makes it possible to obtain a compact sub-assembly reducing the size.

Claims (17)

1. Electric steam iron conprising a heating base plate (1), a vaporizing chamber (2), a device (3) for feeding water to said chamber, means (4) for controlling the flow of water into the said chamber, means (5) for regulating the heating temperature of the base plate, electrical connections (26, 27, 28) for connecting the mains to the electrical resistor of the base plate (1) and to said means for regulating the temperature of said base plate and optionally an indicator light (6), characterized in that the iron comprises a plate (7) on which are fixed or shaped the device (3) for feeding water to the vaporizing chamber (2) and the means (4) for controlling the flow of water including the connection means of said latter with the water reservoir of the iron and the vaporizing chamber, said plate constituting at least a part of the device structure.
2. Iron according to claim 1, characterized in that the plate (7) is fixed above the vaporizing chamber (2) substantially parallel to the baseplate (1).
3. Iron according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the plate (7) carries the whole means (5) for regulating the temperature of the baseplate, including the electrical connections (26, 27, 28).
4. Iron according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the plate (7) comprises the whole means (3) for feeding water and for regulating the temperature, including mechanical attachment means and connection means.
5. Iron according to one of claims 3 or 4, characterized in that the plate (7) carries on the face thereof adjacent to the vaporizing chamber (2) the body (9) of the device (3) for controlling the water flow in which is engaged the pipe (4) in the form of a rod of said device, said body (9) carrying at an end thereof opposite the plate (7) a seal (10) providing a leaktight link with a communication opening (11) into the vaporizing chamber (2).
6. Iron according to claim 5, characterized in that said face of the plate (7) also comprises a water inlet conduit (12) opening into said body (9) the end of said conduit (12) opposite the body comprising a connector (13) for connecting said conduit with a water reservoir (8).
7. Iron according to one of claims 5 or 6, characterized in that the other face of the plate (7) has mechanical elements (14, 15) for providing a displacement of the pipe (4) in the body (9) in order to regulate the flow of water.
8. Iron according to claim 7, characterized in that said elements (14, 15) are movable in translation relative to the plate (7) and comprise means for fixing control knobs (16, 17) to said elements which are accessible to the user.
9. Iron according to claim 8 comprising, above the plate, a recess (18) made in the housing and forming the handle of the iron, characterized in that said knobs (16, 17) are fixed vertically to said elements (14, 15) and project into said recess (18).
10. Iron according to one of claims 8 or 9, characterized in that it comprises a first element (14) mounted so as to slide on the plate (7) and comprising an inclined ramp (20) interacting with a bearing surface (21) of the pipe (4) in order to control the displacement of the said latter in a direction perpendicular to the plate (7) against the action of a spring (22) pushing the pipe (4) downwards towards the vaporization chamber (2).
11. Iron according to claim 10, characterized in that it comprises a second element (15) mounted so as to slide on the plate in a direction transverse to that of the first element (14) and comprising an inclined ramp (23) interacting with a finger (24), said finger belonging to a part (25) integral with the pipe (4) for controlling the displacement of the said latter in a direction perpendicular to the plate (7).
12. Iron according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the plate (7) is made from an insulating material and comprises on one face thereon strip conductors (26, 27, 28), one end of said strips being connected to the electrical power cable of the iron and the other end being connected to a thermostat (5) having components to regulate the heating temperature of the baseplate (1) and/or the circuit breaker with a thermal fuse.
13. Iron according to claim 12, characterized in that the components of the thermostat (5) and/or the circuit breaker are fixed on one of the face of the plate (7) such as said latter is used as an electrically insulating support for said components.
14. Iron according to claim 13, characterized in that the components of the thermostat (5) and/or those of the circuit breaker are fixed on the faces of the plate (7) opposite that carrying the elements (14, 15) for controlling the displacement of the pipe (4).
15. Iron according to claim 14, characterized in that one (14) of the elements for controlling the displacement of the pipe (4) comprises means interacting with the regulating component (5a) of the thermostat (5) to be active on said latter during the displacement of said means.
16. Iron according to claim 15, characterized in that said element (14) comprises on the face thereof adjacent the plate (7) a surface (30) which is slightly inclined relative to the plate, the surface (30) interacting with a transmission rod (31) passing through the plate (7) and in contact with the regulating component (5a) of the thermostat (5).
17. Iron according to one of claims 10 to 16, characterized in that the face of the plate (7) adjacent the recess (18) of the iron carries an indicator light (6).

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