EP0523794B1 - Iron with motion detector - Google Patents

Iron with motion detector Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP0523794B1
EP0523794B1 EP92202105A EP92202105A EP0523794B1 EP 0523794 B1 EP0523794 B1 EP 0523794B1 EP 92202105 A EP92202105 A EP 92202105A EP 92202105 A EP92202105 A EP 92202105A EP 0523794 B1 EP0523794 B1 EP 0523794B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
iron
fabric
detector
electrostatic
movement
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.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP92202105A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0523794A1 (en
Inventor
Jean-Pierre Société Civile S.P.I.D. Hazan
Rémy Société Civile S.P.I.D. Polaert
Jean-Louis Société Civile S.P.I.D. Nagel
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Laboratoires dElectronique Philips SAS
Koninklijke Philips NV
Original Assignee
Laboratoires dElectronique Philips SAS
Koninklijke Philips Electronics NV
Philips Electronics NV
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Laboratoires dElectronique Philips SAS, Koninklijke Philips Electronics NV, Philips Electronics NV filed Critical Laboratoires dElectronique Philips SAS
Publication of EP0523794A1 publication Critical patent/EP0523794A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0523794B1 publication Critical patent/EP0523794B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • 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
    • D06F75/26—Temperature control or indicating arrangements

Definitions

  • the invention relates to an iron comprising a heating element, means for controlling the heating of the heating element, and a motion detector.
  • An iron can give rise to certain problems when after being switched on it is left stationary on a cloth. Depending on the temperatures reached, the fabric may be damaged. For this, it is useful to provide the iron with a safety device which stops the iron when not in use. This is usually done by determining the movement of the iron using a motion detector.
  • Such a detector is for example described in patent EP 0227150.
  • This detector comprises a magnet mounted at the end of a pendulum which oscillates with the movement imparted to the iron by the user.
  • An electrical signal generated by this movement makes it possible to detect when the iron is in use and consequently when it is not in use.
  • the balance moves substantially in an oscillation plane which is parallel to the axis of movement of the iron which is oriented in the direction of the tip of the soleplate of the iron. A movement perpendicular to this oscillation plane is then not detected. Having moving parts (see DE-A-3 444 348) also constitutes a handicap.
  • the object of the invention is to propose a motion detector for an iron which is inexpensive to manufacture industrially, which is devoid of moving parts and therefore of simple construction.
  • the quantity of electrostatic charges generated on the surface of the fabric by the passage of iron is measured. to iron on the fabric. It is then possible to determine variations in the quantity of electrostatic charges, variations which determine the movement.
  • the sensitivity of the detector can be advantageously reinforced by placing near the detector a plate of insulating material which, by friction with the fabric, generates electrostatic charges on the surface of the fabric.
  • the iron can thus be provided with a member, consisting of an electrically insulating material, which is arranged with the iron to generate by friction electrostatic charges when the iron slides on the fabric.
  • the insulating material can be, for example, Teflon *, glass, enamel, Kapton *. *trademark
  • Such an electrostatic detector is mainly intended to be used for ironing dry fabrics. Indeed, when the fabric is wet, the ability of a fabric to store electrostatic charges decreases. It follows that the electrostatic detector sees its effectiveness decrease when the humidity of the fabric is higher and higher.
  • the passage of the iron over areas which generally do not have the same humidity allows the humidity detector to deliver an electrical signal which varies according to the position of the iron. These variations are used to detect the movement of the iron operating on damp fabrics.
  • the means for measuring the resistivity comprise at least one conductive terminal which is flush with the soleplate of the iron for be brought into contact with the fabric.
  • the humidity detector can further determine an average degree of moisture in the fabric using means for measuring an average amplitude of said other electrical signal.
  • Figure 1 a side view of an example of an iron with an electrostatic detector.
  • Figure 2 two diagrams A, B of an electrostatic detector implementing electrostatic charge measurements.
  • Figure 3 a schematic view of the underside of an iron with a humidity detector and an electrostatic detector.
  • Figure 4 a diagram of an electrical resistivity measurement circuit.
  • Figure 5 curves representing the variations DR of resistance and the variations DQ of electrostatic charges during a drying operation.
  • Figure 6 an example of a curve of variations of an output signal I (d) as a function of displacement.
  • Figure 7 an example of a rhythm measurement circuit.
  • Figure 8 an example of a rhythm and humidity measurement circuit.
  • the electrostatic detector will be arranged with the iron so that it is placed opposite fabric when the iron slides on the fabric.
  • the diagram in FIG. 1 represents an iron 30 provided with an electrostatic detector 35 placed at the rear of the sole 31 of the iron.
  • the electrostatic detector is represented on figure 2.
  • the figure 2-A represents a metal electrode 40 electrically connected to a circuit 41 of electrostatic voltmeter with high impedance.
  • the electrode 40 electrically isolated by an insulating column 46, is placed in a shield 42 so that the measurement is not disturbed.
  • a coaxial connection 43 can be used between the electrode 40 and the circuit 41 of the voltmeter.
  • the electrode 40 is arranged with an iron to be located a short distance from the fabric 45. Thus the quantity of electrostatic charges generated on the surface of the fabric by the moving soleplate of the iron can be measured, by capacitive effect, using the electrode 40.
  • Between the electrode 40 and the fabric 45 appears a capacity C o .
  • the electrical signal appears in the form of a signal whose amplitude varies with the movement of the iron on the fabric.
  • the capacitive bridge is represented on the figure 2-B.
  • V1 electrostatic potential
  • C o and C1 fixed by construction
  • the measurement of V1 makes it possible to determine the electrostatic character of the fabric.
  • comparative values are provided for several types of tissue.
  • the plate 64 can partially or totally surround the electrostatic detector with an L or circular shape.
  • the plate can for example be made of Teflon *, glass, enamel, Kapton *.
  • FIG. 3 represents a schematic view from below of an iron 30 provided with a humidity detector 60 and an electrostatic detector 35.
  • the humidity detector 60 comprises two terminals 62 a , 62 b which preferably have a rounded shape, hemispherical for example, to be able to slide easily on the fabric. Terminals from 5 mm to 10 mm in diameter, for example made of stainless steel, are suitable.
  • terminals can be mounted on an elastic support 64 to apply well to the fabric without leaving any traces. These terminals are combined with the measurement means which determine the rhythm of the variations in the electrical resistance of the fabric. If said value of electrical resistance is low, the fabric is damp. If said value is high, the fabric is dry. The terminals are placed in housings 63 a , 63 b formed in the support 64.
  • the member to be arranged can be constituted by this support 64 by making it from an electrically insulating material, for example Teflon *, glass, an enamelled sheet, Kapton * .
  • the material must have sufficient temperature resistance to be brought into contact without deteriorating with more or less hot fabrics. So that the electrostatic detector 35 can operate in several directions of sliding of the iron, it is possible that the support 64 partially or completely surrounds the measurement electrode 40.
  • an L or circular shape may be suitable. *trademark
  • FIG. 4 represents a diagram of an electrical circuit for measuring the resistivity.
  • the terminals 62 a , 62 b which are in contact with the fabric 45, are connected to an electrical supply 90 and to a circuit 89 for measuring the electric current I passing through the circuit.
  • FIG. 5 represents curves of the variations DR of the resistance and of the variations DQ of electrostatic charges during a dehumidification operation for an iron as shown in FIG. 3.
  • the humidity detector 60 encounters increasingly dry parts of fabric (over a length of iron sole).
  • Curves C and D relate to variations DQ of electrostatic charges.
  • Curves A and B relate to the variations DR of electrical resistance. They are provided in arbitrary units. When the resistance becomes high, the amount of electrostatic charges increases in relation to the nature of the fabric. In reality, the tissues never have a constant humidity which causes fluctuations in the signal depending on the movement of the iron.
  • FIG. 6 represents a curve of variation of an output signal I (d) as a function of the displacement d of the iron. It is representative of both a signal from the electrostatic detector and a signal from the humidity detector. The signal is formed by a sequence of alternations having variable amplitudes. To detect movement, the number of signal ascents and / or descents is calculated for a predetermined period. These signal alternations are caused by the movement of the iron.
  • FIG. 7 represents an example of circuit 89 allowing to determine the number of alternations. It comprises a capacitor C3 and a resistor R3 connected to an input of an amplifier 92 with high input impedance. This circuit derives the signal I and supplies pulses at each rising and falling edge of the signal. These pulses are then counted in a counter 93 which delivers on an output 94 a signal S when a zero or very limited number of pulses (for example 1 to 3) has appeared during the predetermined duration. This signal S is then used to act on the means 96 for controlling the iron in order to stop the heating of the heating element 97.
  • the other input of amplifier 92 can be grounded.
  • the soleplate of the iron can replace the terminal 62 b .
  • the humidity detector then comprises a terminal 62 a and the sole 31 as a second terminal.
  • circuit 89 it is also possible to add to circuit 89 above another circuit 99 which determines the average amplitude of the signal I (d). ( Figure 8). This average value is then representative of the degree of humidity of the fabric.
  • the other circuit 99 comprises a resistor R1 connected by one end to the input terminal 88 for supplying the current I, the other end of this resistor R1 being connected to an amplifier 91 with high input impedance. Between the input and the output of this amplifier 91, an arrangement formed of a capacitor C2 and a resistor R2 has been arranged in parallel. On exit 95 a signal representing the average humidity level of the fabric thus appears. This signal can then be used to act on the means 96 for controlling the iron to, for example, increase the electrical power dissipated in the heating element 97 to accelerate the speed of dehumidification of the fabric.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Textile Engineering (AREA)
  • Irons (AREA)
  • Investigating Or Analyzing Materials By The Use Of Electric Means (AREA)
  • Transmission And Conversion Of Sensor Element Output (AREA)

Description

L'invention concerne un fer à repasser comprenant un élément chauffant, des moyens de commande de chauffage de l'élément chauffant, et un détecteur de mouvement.The invention relates to an iron comprising a heating element, means for controlling the heating of the heating element, and a motion detector.

Un fer à repasser peut donner lieu à certains problèmes lorsqu'après avoir été mis sous tension il est laissé immobile sur un tissu. Selon les températures atteintes, le tissu peut être détérioré. Pour cela, il est utile de munir le fer à repasser d'un dispositif de sécurité qui arrête le fer à repasser en cas de non utilisation. Ceci est généralement fait en déterminant le mouvement du fer à repasser à l'aide d'un détecteur de mouvement.An iron can give rise to certain problems when after being switched on it is left stationary on a cloth. Depending on the temperatures reached, the fabric may be damaged. For this, it is useful to provide the iron with a safety device which stops the iron when not in use. This is usually done by determining the movement of the iron using a motion detector.

Un tel détecteur est par exemple décrit dans le brevet EP 0227150. Ce détecteur comprend un aimant monté à l'extrémité d'un balancier qui oscille avec le mouvement imprimé au fer à repasser par l'utilisateur. Un signal électrique généré par ce mouvement permet de détecter lorsque le fer est en utilisation et par voie de conséquence lorsqu'il n'est pas utilisé. Mais un tel dispositif s'avère onéreux à réaliser industriellement. De plus, le balancier se déplace sensiblement dans un plan d'oscillation qui est parallèle à l'axe de déplacement du fer à repasser qui est orienté dans le sens de la pointe de la semelle du fer à repasser. Un mouvement perpendiculaire à ce plan d'oscillation n'est alors pas détecté. Le fait d'avoir des organes en mouvement (voir DE-A-3 444 348) constitue également un handicap.Such a detector is for example described in patent EP 0227150. This detector comprises a magnet mounted at the end of a pendulum which oscillates with the movement imparted to the iron by the user. An electrical signal generated by this movement makes it possible to detect when the iron is in use and consequently when it is not in use. However, such a device proves to be expensive to produce industrially. In addition, the balance moves substantially in an oscillation plane which is parallel to the axis of movement of the iron which is oriented in the direction of the tip of the soleplate of the iron. A movement perpendicular to this oscillation plane is then not detected. Having moving parts (see DE-A-3 444 348) also constitutes a handicap.

Le but de l'invention est de proposer un détecteur de mouvement pour fer à repasser qui soit peu onéreux à fabriquer industriellement, qui soit dépourvu de pièces en mouvement donc d'une construction simple.The object of the invention is to propose a motion detector for an iron which is inexpensive to manufacture industrially, which is devoid of moving parts and therefore of simple construction.

Ce but est atteint à l'aide d'un détecteur de mouvement formé d'un détecteur électrostatique qui comprend :

  • des moyens pour capter des charges électrostatiques créées sur un tissu par glissement du fer à repasser,
  • des moyens pour détecter un mouvement du fer à repasser en mesurant un rythme d'un signal électrique issu de variations des charges électrostatiques.
This object is achieved using a motion detector formed by an electrostatic detector which includes:
  • means for picking up electrostatic charges created on a fabric by sliding the iron,
  • means for detecting a movement of the iron by measuring a rhythm of an electric signal resulting from variations in the electrostatic charges.

Selon l'invention, on mesure la quantité de charges électrostatiques générées à la surface du tissu par le passage du fer à repasser sur le tissu. Il est alors possible de déterminer des variations de quantité des charges électrostatiques, variations qui déterminent le mouvement.According to the invention, the quantity of electrostatic charges generated on the surface of the fabric by the passage of iron is measured. to iron on the fabric. It is then possible to determine variations in the quantity of electrostatic charges, variations which determine the movement.

La sensibilité du détecteur peut être avantageusement renforcée en plaçant à proximité du détecteur une plaquette de matière isolante qui par frottements avec le tissu, génère des charges électrostatiques à la surface du tissu.The sensitivity of the detector can be advantageously reinforced by placing near the detector a plate of insulating material which, by friction with the fabric, generates electrostatic charges on the surface of the fabric.

Le fer à repasser peut ainsi être muni d'un organe, constitué d'un matériau isolant électriquement, qui est agencé au fer à repasser pour générer par frottements des charges électrostatiques lorsque le fer à repasser glisse sur le tissu.The iron can thus be provided with a member, consisting of an electrically insulating material, which is arranged with the iron to generate by friction electrostatic charges when the iron slides on the fabric.

Le matériau isolant peut être, par exemple, du Téflon*, du verre, de l'émail, du Kapton*.
*marque déposéeThe insulating material can be, for example, Teflon *, glass, enamel, Kapton *.
*trademark

Un tel détecteur électrostatique est principalement destiné à être utilisé pour le repassage de tissus secs. En effet, lorsque le tissu est humide, l'aptitude d'un tissu à stocker des charges électrostatiques diminue. Il s'ensuit que le détecteur électrostatique voit son efficacité diminuer lorsque l'humidité du tissu est de plus en plus grande.Such an electrostatic detector is mainly intended to be used for ironing dry fabrics. Indeed, when the fabric is wet, the ability of a fabric to store electrostatic charges decreases. It follows that the electrostatic detector sees its effectiveness decrease when the humidity of the fabric is higher and higher.

Pour continuer à détecter le mouvement du fer à repasser même avec des tissus humides, selon l'invention on adjoint au détecteur électrostatique un détecteur d'humidité qui délivre un signal électrique lorsque le tissu est humide, ce détecteur d'humidité comprend :

  • des moyens pour mesurer une résistivité du tissu,
  • des moyens pour détecter un mouvement du fer à repasser en mesurant un rythme d'un autre signal électrique issu de variations de résistivité dues au glissement du fer à repasser sur le tissu.
To continue detecting the movement of the iron even with damp fabrics, according to the invention, a humidity detector which delivers an electrical signal when the fabric is wet is added to the electrostatic detector, this humidity detector comprises:
  • means for measuring a resistivity of the fabric,
  • means for detecting a movement of the iron by measuring a rhythm of another electrical signal resulting from variations in resistivity due to the sliding of the iron on the fabric.

En effet, le passage du fer à repasser sur des zones qui n'ont généralement pas la même humidité permet au détecteur d'humidité de délivrer un signal électrique qui varie selon la position du fer à repasser. Ce sont ces variations qui sont exploitées pour détecter le mouvement du fer à repasser opérant sur des tissus humides.Indeed, the passage of the iron over areas which generally do not have the same humidity allows the humidity detector to deliver an electrical signal which varies according to the position of the iron. These variations are used to detect the movement of the iron operating on damp fabrics.

Les moyens pour mesurer la résistivité comprennent au moins une borne conductrice qui affleure de la semelle du fer pour être mise en contact avec le tissu.The means for measuring the resistivity comprise at least one conductive terminal which is flush with the soleplate of the iron for be brought into contact with the fabric.

Le détecteur d'humidité peut déterminer en outre un degré moyen d'humidité du tissu à l'aide de moyens pour mesurer une amplitude moyenne dudit autre signal électrique.The humidity detector can further determine an average degree of moisture in the fabric using means for measuring an average amplitude of said other electrical signal.

L'invention sera mieux comprise à l'aide des figures suivantes données à titre d'exemples non limitatifs qui représentent :The invention will be better understood using the following figures given by way of non-limiting examples which represent:

Figure 1 : une vue cavalière d'un exemple de fer à repasser muni d'un détecteur électrostatique.Figure 1: a side view of an example of an iron with an electrostatic detector.

Figure 2 : deux schémas A, B d'un détecteur électrostatique mettant en oeuvre des mesures de charges électrostatiques.Figure 2: two diagrams A, B of an electrostatic detector implementing electrostatic charge measurements.

Figure 3 : une vue schématique du dessous d'un fer à repasser muni d'un détecteur d'humidité et d'un détecteur électrostatique.Figure 3: a schematic view of the underside of an iron with a humidity detector and an electrostatic detector.

Figure 4 : un schéma d'un circuit électrique de mesure de résistivité.Figure 4: a diagram of an electrical resistivity measurement circuit.

Figure 5 : des courbes représentant les variations DR de résistance et les variations DQ de charges électrostatiques au cours d'une opération de séchage.Figure 5: curves representing the variations DR of resistance and the variations DQ of electrostatic charges during a drying operation.

Figure 6: un exemple d'une courbe de variations d'un signal de sortie I (d) en fonction du déplacement.Figure 6: an example of a curve of variations of an output signal I (d) as a function of displacement.

Figure 7 : un exemple d'un circuit de mesure du rythme.Figure 7: an example of a rhythm measurement circuit.

Figure 8 : un exemple de circuit de mesure du rythme et du degré d'humidité.Figure 8: an example of a rhythm and humidity measurement circuit.

Le détecteur électrostatique va être agencé au fer à repasser de sorte qu'il soit mis en regard avec du tissu lorsque le fer à repasser glisse sur le tissu. Le schéma de la figure 1 représente un fer à repasser 30 muni d'un détecteur électrostatique 35 placé à l'arrière de la semelle 31 du fer à repasser.The electrostatic detector will be arranged with the iron so that it is placed opposite fabric when the iron slides on the fabric. The diagram in FIG. 1 represents an iron 30 provided with an electrostatic detector 35 placed at the rear of the sole 31 of the iron.

Le détecteur électrostatique est représenté sur la figure 2. La figure 2-A représente un électrode métallique 40 reliée électriquement à un circuit 41 de voltmètre électrostatique à haute impédance. L'électrode 40, isolée électriquement par une colonnette isolante 46, est placée dans un blindage 42 pour que la mesure ne soit pas perturbée. On peut utiliser une liaison coaxiale 43 entre l'électrode 40 et le circuit 41 du voltmètre. L'électrode 40 est agencée au fer à repasser pour se situer à une faible distance du tissu 45. Ainsi la quantité de charges électrostatiques générée à la surface du tissu par la semelle en mouvement du fer à repasser peut être mesurée, par effet capacitif, à l'aide de l'électrode 40. Entre l'électrode 40 et le tissu 45 apparaît une capacité Co. Entre l'électrode 40 et le blindage 42 apparaît une capacité C₁.The electrostatic detector is represented on figure 2. The figure 2-A represents a metal electrode 40 electrically connected to a circuit 41 of electrostatic voltmeter with high impedance. The electrode 40, electrically isolated by an insulating column 46, is placed in a shield 42 so that the measurement is not disturbed. A coaxial connection 43 can be used between the electrode 40 and the circuit 41 of the voltmeter. The electrode 40 is arranged with an iron to be located a short distance from the fabric 45. Thus the quantity of electrostatic charges generated on the surface of the fabric by the moving soleplate of the iron can be measured, by capacitive effect, using the electrode 40. Between the electrode 40 and the fabric 45 appears a capacity C o . Between the electrode 40 and the shielding 42 there appears a capacitor C₁.

Le signal électrique apparaît sous la forme d'un signal dont l'amplitude varie au rythme du mouvement du fer sur le tissu.The electrical signal appears in the form of a signal whose amplitude varies with the movement of the iron on the fabric.

Pour éviter que les charges électrostatiques s'accumulent au point de saturer l'étage d'entrée du circuit 41 de voltmètre électrostatique, ce qui empêcherait la mesure des fluctuations du signal, il est possible d'effectuer des remises à zéro. Pour cela, on fixe un seuil prédéterminé de charges électrostatiques à ne pas dépasser. Lorsque ce seuil est atteint, la remise à zéro de l'électrode 40 peut être effectuée :

  • soit automatiquement,
  • soit en plaçant à demeure une résistance de fuite aux bornes de la capacité C₁,
  • soit en effectuant cycliquement un court-circuit de l'électrode 40.
To avoid electrostatic charges accumulating to the point of saturating the input stage of the electrostatic voltmeter circuit 41, which would prevent the measurement of signal fluctuations, it is possible to carry out resets. For this, a predetermined threshold of electrostatic charges is not to be set. When this threshold is reached, the electrode 40 can be reset to zero:
  • either automatically,
  • either by permanently placing a leakage resistance across the terminals of the capacitor C₁,
  • either by cyclically shorting the electrode 40.

Le pont capacitif est représenté sur la figure 2-B. En mesurant le potentiel électrostatique V₁ aux bornes de la capacité C₁ on peut déduire la quantité de charges sur le tissu.Expérimentalement, avec des valeurs Co et C₁ fixées par construction, la mesure de V₁ permet de déterminer le caractère électrostatique du tissu. A titre indicatif des valeurs comparatives (indiquées en unités arbitraires) sont fournies pour plusieurs types de tissus. Coton 1 à 5 Viscose 1 à 5 Acétate 15 à 20 Polyester 18 à 24 Acrylique 15 à 20 Nylon 14 à 18 Laine 18 à 24 Soie 14 à 20 The capacitive bridge is represented on the figure 2-B. By measuring the electrostatic potential V₁ at the limits of the capacitance C₁ we can deduce the quantity of charges on the fabric. Experimentally, with values C o and C₁ fixed by construction, the measurement of V₁ makes it possible to determine the electrostatic character of the fabric. As an indication, comparative values (given in arbitrary units) are provided for several types of tissue. Cotton 1 to 5 Viscose 1 to 5 Acetate 15 to 20 Polyester 18 to 24 Acrylic 15 to 20 Nylon 14 to 18 Oldest boy 18 to 24 Silk 14 to 20

On observe que la plupart des tissus qui nécessitent des températures de repassage peu élevées présentent le caractère électrostatique le plus élevé.It is observed that most of the fabrics which require low ironing temperatures have the character highest electrostatic.

Il est possible d'accroître la quantité de charges électrostatiques générées en munissant le fer à repasser d'un organe constitué d'un matériau isolant qui est agencé au fer pour générer par frottements des charges électrostatiques lorsque le fer à repasser glisse sur le tissu. Il peut être formé par exemple d'une plaquette 64 (figure 3) située à proximité du détecteur électrostatique 35. La plaquette 64 peut entourer partiellement ou totalement le détecteur électrostatique avec une forme en L ou circulaire. La plaquette peut par exemple être en Téflon*, en verre, en émail, en Kapton*.It is possible to increase the quantity of electrostatic charges generated by providing the iron with an organ made of an insulating material which is arranged with the iron to generate by friction electrostatic charges when the iron slides on the fabric. It can be formed for example of a plate 64 (FIG. 3) located near the electrostatic detector 35. The plate 64 can partially or totally surround the electrostatic detector with an L or circular shape. The plate can for example be made of Teflon *, glass, enamel, Kapton *.

Lorsque le degré d'humidité du tissu est trop élevé, la génération de charges électrostatiques est affaiblie et peut même être annulée. Une mesure du rythme de variation des charges électrostatiques est alors obtenue en utilisant un détecteur d'humidité qui mesure la résistance électrique du tissu entre deux bornes de contact. On obtient ainsi un mode de réalisation avantageux en faisant fonctionner les deux détecteurs de manière complémentaire. La figure 3 représente une vue schématique du dessous d'un fer à repasser 30 muni d'un détecteur d'humidité 60 et d'un détecteur électrostatique 35. Le détecteur d'humidité 60 comprend deux bornes 62a, 62b qui ont préférentiellement une forme arrondie, hémisphérique par exemple, pour pouvoir glisser aisément sur le tissu. Des bornes de 5 mm à 10 mm de diamètre, par exemple en acier inoxydable, conviennent. Ces bornes peuvent être montées sur un support 64 élastique pour bien s'appliquer sur le tissu sans néanmoins laisser de traces. Ces bornes sont réunies aux moyens de mesure qui déterminent le rythme des variations de la résistance électrique du tissu. Si ladite valeur de la résistance électrique est faible, le tissu est humide. Si ladite valeur est élevée, le tissu est sec. Les bornes sont placées dans des logements 63a, 63b ménagés dans le support 64.When the moisture content of the fabric is too high, the generation of electrostatic charges is weakened and can even be canceled. A measurement of the rate of variation of the electrostatic charges is then obtained by using a humidity detector which measures the electrical resistance of the fabric between two contact terminals. An advantageous embodiment is thus obtained by operating the two detectors in a complementary manner. FIG. 3 represents a schematic view from below of an iron 30 provided with a humidity detector 60 and an electrostatic detector 35. The humidity detector 60 comprises two terminals 62 a , 62 b which preferably have a rounded shape, hemispherical for example, to be able to slide easily on the fabric. Terminals from 5 mm to 10 mm in diameter, for example made of stainless steel, are suitable. These terminals can be mounted on an elastic support 64 to apply well to the fabric without leaving any traces. These terminals are combined with the measurement means which determine the rhythm of the variations in the electrical resistance of the fabric. If said value of electrical resistance is low, the fabric is damp. If said value is high, the fabric is dry. The terminals are placed in housings 63 a , 63 b formed in the support 64.

Lorsque l'on souhaite accroître la quantité de charges électrostatiques générées, l'organe à agencer peut être constitué par ce support 64 en le réalisant en un matériau isolant électriquement, par exemple du Téflon*, du verre, une tôle émaillée, du Kapton*. Le matériau doit avoir une tenue suffisante en température pour être mis en contact sans se détériorer avec des tissus plus ou moins chauds. Pour que le détecteur électrostatique 35 puisse fonctionner dans plusieurs directions de glissement du fer à repasser, il est possible que le support 64 entoure partiellement ou totalement l'électrode 40 de mesure. Par exemple, une forme en L ou circulaire peut convenir.
*marque déposéeWhen it is desired to increase the quantity of electrostatic charges generated, the member to be arranged can be constituted by this support 64 by making it from an electrically insulating material, for example Teflon *, glass, an enamelled sheet, Kapton * . The material must have sufficient temperature resistance to be brought into contact without deteriorating with more or less hot fabrics. So that the electrostatic detector 35 can operate in several directions of sliding of the iron, it is possible that the support 64 partially or completely surrounds the measurement electrode 40. For example, an L or circular shape may be suitable.
*trademark

La figure 4 représente une schéma d'un circuit électrique de mesure de la résistivité. Les bornes 62a, 62b, qui sont en contact avec le tissu 45, sont réunies à une alimentation électrique 90 et à un circuit 89 de mesure du courant électrique I traversant le circuit.FIG. 4 represents a diagram of an electrical circuit for measuring the resistivity. The terminals 62 a , 62 b , which are in contact with the fabric 45, are connected to an electrical supply 90 and to a circuit 89 for measuring the electric current I passing through the circuit.

La figure 5 représente des courbes des variations DR de la résistance et des variations DQ de charges électrostatiques au cours d'une opération de deshumidification pour un fer à repasser tel que représenté sur la figure 3. En posant puis en faisant glisser le fer à repasser dans le sens de sa pointe avant, avec une semelle 31 légèrement chauffée, le détecteur d'humidité 60 rencontre des parties de tissu de plus en plus sèches (sur une longueur de semelle de fer). On observe alors des courbes A et C pour du coton et des courbes B et D pour de l'acrylique en fonction du degré s de séchage. Les courbes C et D se rapportent aux variations DQ de charges électrostatiques. Les courbes A et B se rapportent aux variations DR de résistance électrique. Elles sont fournies en unités arbitraires. Lorsque la résistance devient élevée, la quantité de charges électrostatiques s'accroît en relation avec la nature du tissu. Dans la réalité, les tissus n'ont jamais une humidité constante ce qui provoque des fluctuations du signal en fonction du mouvement du fer.FIG. 5 represents curves of the variations DR of the resistance and of the variations DQ of electrostatic charges during a dehumidification operation for an iron as shown in FIG. 3. By placing and then sliding the iron in the direction of its front point, with a slightly heated sole 31, the humidity detector 60 encounters increasingly dry parts of fabric (over a length of iron sole). We then observe curves A and C for cotton and curves B and D for acrylic depending on the degree of drying. Curves C and D relate to variations DQ of electrostatic charges. Curves A and B relate to the variations DR of electrical resistance. They are provided in arbitrary units. When the resistance becomes high, the amount of electrostatic charges increases in relation to the nature of the fabric. In reality, the tissues never have a constant humidity which causes fluctuations in the signal depending on the movement of the iron.

La figure 6 représente une courbe de variation d'un signal de sortie I (d) en fonction du déplacement d du fer. Elle est représentative aussi bien d'un signal issu du détecteur électrostatique que d'un signal issu du détecteur d'humidité. Le signal est formé d'une suite d'alternances ayant des amplitudes variables. Pour détecter le mouvement, on calcule le nombre de montées et/ou de descentes du signal pendant une durée prédéterminée. Ces alternances du signal sont provoquées par le mouvement du fer à repasser.FIG. 6 represents a curve of variation of an output signal I (d) as a function of the displacement d of the iron. It is representative of both a signal from the electrostatic detector and a signal from the humidity detector. The signal is formed by a sequence of alternations having variable amplitudes. To detect movement, the number of signal ascents and / or descents is calculated for a predetermined period. These signal alternations are caused by the movement of the iron.

La figure 7 représente un exemple de circuit 89 permettant de déterminer le nombre d'alternances. Il comprend une capacité C₃ et une résistance R₃ connectées à une entrée d'un amplificateur 92 à haute impédance d'entrée. Ce circuit dérive le signal I et fournit des impulsions à chaque front de montée et de descente du signal. Ces impulsions sont ensuite comptées dans un compteur 93 qui délivre sur une sortie 94 un signal S lorsqu'un nombre nul ou très limité d'impulsions (par exemple 1 à 3) est apparu au cours de la durée prédéterminée. Ce signal S est alors utilisé pour agir sur les moyens 96 de commande du fer à repasser afin d'arrêter le chauffage de l'élément chauffant 97.FIG. 7 represents an example of circuit 89 allowing to determine the number of alternations. It comprises a capacitor C₃ and a resistor R₃ connected to an input of an amplifier 92 with high input impedance. This circuit derives the signal I and supplies pulses at each rising and falling edge of the signal. These pulses are then counted in a counter 93 which delivers on an output 94 a signal S when a zero or very limited number of pulses (for example 1 to 3) has appeared during the predetermined duration. This signal S is then used to act on the means 96 for controlling the iron in order to stop the heating of the heating element 97.

L'autre entrée de l'amplificateur 92 peut être réunie à la masse. Dans ce cas, la semelle du fer à repasser peut se substituer à la borne 62b. Le détecteur d'humidité comprend alors une borne 62a et la semelle 31 comme seconde borne.The other input of amplifier 92 can be grounded. In this case, the soleplate of the iron can replace the terminal 62 b . The humidity detector then comprises a terminal 62 a and the sole 31 as a second terminal.

Il est également possible d'adjoindre au circuit 89 précédent un autre circuit 99 qui détermine l'amplitude moyenne du signal I(d). (Figure 8). Cette valeur moyenne est alors représentative du degré d'humidité du tissu. L'autre circuit 99 comprend une résistance R₁ reliée par une extrémité à la borne d'entrée 88 d'amenée du courant I, l'autre extrémité de cette résistance R₁ étant reliée à un amplificateur 91 à haute impédance d'entrée. Entre l'entrée et la sortie de cet amplificateur 91, on a disposé un montage formé d'une capacité C₂ et d'une résistance R₂ en parallèle. Sur la sortie 95 apparaît ainsi un signal représentant le degré d'humidité moyen du tissu. Ce signal peut alors être utilisé pour agir sur les moyens 96 de commande du fer à repasser pour, par exemple, augmenter la puissance électrique dissipée dans l'élément chauffant 97 pour accélérer la vitesse de déshumidification du tissu.It is also possible to add to circuit 89 above another circuit 99 which determines the average amplitude of the signal I (d). (Figure 8). This average value is then representative of the degree of humidity of the fabric. The other circuit 99 comprises a resistor R₁ connected by one end to the input terminal 88 for supplying the current I, the other end of this resistor R₁ being connected to an amplifier 91 with high input impedance. Between the input and the output of this amplifier 91, an arrangement formed of a capacitor C₂ and a resistor R₂ has been arranged in parallel. On exit 95 a signal representing the average humidity level of the fabric thus appears. This signal can then be used to act on the means 96 for controlling the iron to, for example, increase the electrical power dissipated in the heating element 97 to accelerate the speed of dehumidification of the fabric.

Claims (8)

  1. An iron comprising a heating element (97), heating-control means (96) for the heating element, and a motion detector, characterised in that the motion detector is an electrostatic detector (35) comprising:
    - means (40, 42, 43, 46) for picking up electrostatic charges produced by a movement of the iron on a fabric,
    - means (41, 89) for detecting a movement of the iron by measuring a rhythm of an electric signal resulting from variations of the electrostatic charges.
  2. An iron as claimed in Claim 1, characterised in that the iron comprises an element (64) made of an electrically insulating material and arranged on the iron to generate electrostatic charges by frictional contact as the iron slides on the fabric.
  3. An iron as claimed in Claim 2, characterised in that the insulating material has been selected from the following list: Teflon®, glass, enamel, Kapton®.
  4. An iron as claimed in Claim 2 or 3, characterised in that the element (64) partly or wholly surrounds the electrostatic detector.
  5. An iron as claimed in any one of the Claims 1 to 4, characterised in that it further comprises a humidity detector (60) comprising:
    - means (62a, 62b) for measuring a resistivity of the fabric,
    - means (89, 90) for detecting a movement of the iron by measuring a rhythm of another electric signal resulting from resistivity variations caused by the movement of the iron on the fabric.
  6. An iron as claimed in Claim 5, characterised in that the means for measuring the resistivity comprise at least one conductive electrode (62a), (62b) which is flush with the soleplate of the iron in order to be brought into contact with the fabric.
  7. An iron as claimed in any one of the Claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the means (89) for detecting the movement comprise:
    - a differentiation circuit for the electric signal I,
    - a counter (93) which, during a predetermined time interval, measures a number of pulses appearing on the output of the differentiation circuit and characterising either said signal or the other signal, and which stops the control means (96) of the iron when said number of halfwaves is smaller than a very small predetermined number.
  8. An iron as claimed in any one of the Claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the humidity detector in addition detects an average degree of humidity of the fabric with the aid of means (99) which measure an average amplitude of said other electric signal.
EP92202105A 1991-07-19 1992-07-10 Iron with motion detector Expired - Lifetime EP0523794B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR9109133 1991-07-19
FR9109133 1991-07-19

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0523794A1 EP0523794A1 (en) 1993-01-20
EP0523794B1 true EP0523794B1 (en) 1996-05-15

Family

ID=9415298

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP92202105A Expired - Lifetime EP0523794B1 (en) 1991-07-19 1992-07-10 Iron with motion detector

Country Status (6)

Country Link
US (1) US5391859A (en)
EP (1) EP0523794B1 (en)
JP (1) JPH05184799A (en)
BR (1) BR9202669A (en)
DE (1) DE69210697T2 (en)
SG (1) SG44866A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0753091B1 (en) * 1995-01-23 2000-05-10 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Steam iron having a fabric temperature sensor for controlling steam production
JPH08257299A (en) * 1995-03-08 1996-10-08 Philips Electronics Nv Iron with movable bottom plate
US5852279A (en) * 1996-10-02 1998-12-22 Windmere Corporation Clothes iron with automatic shut off system controlled by multiple switches
DE19839730C1 (en) * 1998-09-01 2000-03-30 Gerd Reime Protection device for ironing devices
US6104009A (en) * 1998-12-07 2000-08-15 Hp Intellectual Corp. Electrical appliance having user proximity sensor
AU2003281583A1 (en) * 2002-07-24 2004-02-09 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Iron with fabric contact detector
EP1869241B1 (en) * 2005-04-07 2018-08-01 Koninklijke Philips N.V. Ironing appliance comprising identification means for identifying the fabric type of articles to be ironed
WO2007135631A2 (en) * 2006-05-16 2007-11-29 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. A soleplate
US8770020B2 (en) * 2008-02-14 2014-07-08 Kingsdown, Inc. Methods and apparatuses for testing a sleep support member
US20100140062A1 (en) 2008-12-09 2010-06-10 Stmicroelectronics, Inc. Protective circuit for an apparatus
US9138038B2 (en) * 2011-05-20 2015-09-22 Spectrum Brands, Inc. Hair styling apparatus having hair-protection function

Family Cites Families (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
USRE22527E (en) * 1938-01-29 1944-08-15 Control op power actuated
US2313918A (en) * 1938-12-13 1943-03-16 Brownlee Henry Herbertson Controlling mechanism for ironing machines
US2395787A (en) * 1939-09-28 1946-02-26 Prosperity Co Inc Machine and humidity responsive control therefor
US3956743A (en) * 1973-03-14 1976-05-11 Theodore D. Geiszler Motion detection system
DE2548588C2 (en) * 1975-10-30 1982-07-15 Stiebel Eltron Gmbh & Co Kg, 3450 Holzminden Ironing machine
CH613674A5 (en) * 1977-02-10 1979-10-15 Zellweger Uster Ag
DE3444348A1 (en) * 1984-12-05 1986-06-12 Diehl Gmbh & Co Device for electrical irons having a heating device which is preferably mains-powered
US4757825A (en) * 1985-10-31 1988-07-19 Diamond Research Group, Inc. Cardio-pulmonary activity monitor

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US5391859A (en) 1995-02-21
EP0523794A1 (en) 1993-01-20
SG44866A1 (en) 1997-12-19
DE69210697D1 (en) 1996-06-20
JPH05184799A (en) 1993-07-27
DE69210697T2 (en) 1996-11-28
BR9202669A (en) 1993-03-23

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP0523793B1 (en) Iron with detector for nature of textile
EP0523794B1 (en) Iron with motion detector
EP0335767B1 (en) Device for measuring the water content of skin
FR2820506A1 (en) METHOD FOR MEASURING CAPACITOR CAPACITY
JPS58215505A (en) Method of monitoring quantity of measurement
EP2135050A2 (en) Radiometric thermometer
EP0523795B1 (en) Iron with humidity sensor
US5270509A (en) Microwave clothes drying system and method with improved arc detection
EP0493271B1 (en) Measuring bridge for reference voltage for a device for monitoring and measuring the insulation of a DC electric network
EP0227861B1 (en) Method for measuring a physical value provided with numerical data by the use of analog data measuring devices and measuring apparatus therefor
FR2696007A1 (en) Device for measuring ions in a gas.
CH673489A5 (en)
US3370360A (en) Apparatus for analyzing moisture content
EP0370875B1 (en) Laundry drier with an automatic control system
EP0926292B1 (en) Method for determining the drying progression in a drying phase and machine using such method
FR2625822A1 (en) DEVICE FOR INTRODUCING DATA IN A MICROPROCESSOR, IN PARTICULAR FOR CONTROLLING AN ELECTRICAL APPLIANCE
US6404488B1 (en) Photometer
FR2817351A1 (en) Thermal measure of acceleration, speed, position or inclination uses a predetermined volume of heated fluid, compensates for reduction in temperature due to acceleration by using auxiliary heaters
FR2657963A1 (en) MEASURING CIRCUIT FOR LOW CAPACITIES.
Kucerovsky et al. Calibration of a calorimeter for measurements of electrostatic discharge
FR2539872A1 (en) RADIATION PYROMETRY DEVICE
BE444414A (en)
WO1991019204A1 (en) Method for measuring the characteristics of a strip material and device for implementing same
FR2972527A1 (en) FIBER OPTIC GYROSCOPE
JP2001518182A (en) Pyroelectric detector with feedback amplifier for enhanced low frequency response

Legal Events

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

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): DE DK ES FR GB IT NL SE

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 19930701

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 19950711

RAP1 Party data changed (applicant data changed or rights of an application transferred)

Owner name: PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.

Owner name: LABORATOIRES D'ELECTRONIQUE PHILIPS S.A.S.

GRAH Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS IGRA

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): DE DK ES FR GB IT NL SE

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

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 19960515

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: THE PATENT HAS BEEN ANNULLED BY A DECISION OF A NATIONAL AUTHORITY

Effective date: 19960515

Ref country code: DK

Effective date: 19960515

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 69210697

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 19960620

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

Effective date: 19960626

ITF It: translation for a ep patent filed

Owner name: ING. C. GREGORJ S.P.A.

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

Ref country code: SE

Effective date: 19960815

NLV1 Nl: lapsed or annulled due to failure to fulfill the requirements of art. 29p and 29m of the patents act
PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

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

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

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

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 19980701

Year of fee payment: 7

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

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 19980716

Year of fee payment: 7

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

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 19980925

Year of fee payment: 7

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

Ref country code: GB

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

Effective date: 19990710

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

Ref country code: FR

Free format text: THE PATENT HAS BEEN ANNULLED BY A DECISION OF A NATIONAL AUTHORITY

Effective date: 19990731

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

Effective date: 19990710

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

Ref country code: DE

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

Effective date: 20000503

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: ST

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

Ref country code: IT

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

Effective date: 20050710