EP2799615A1 - Assembly of an electrical connection and steam iron - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed is an assembly of electrical connector for integration into a steam iron, with a thermal fuse to prevent overheating of a soleplate of the steam iron, which is attachable to a recording of the steam iron, with a replacement body for attachment to another recording of the steam iron, and with a dimensionally stable Connecting element, by means of which the temperature fuse and the replacement body are rigidly aligned with each other. Disclosed is also a steam iron 1 with an electrical connection, wherein the electrical connection has an assembly according to one of the preceding claims, with a thermal fuse, a replacement body and with a dimensionally stable connection element, wherein the thermal fuse and the replacement body are connected to a respective receptacle of the steam iron , The invention is particularly suitable for providing an assembly of electrical connection for integration into a steam iron, in particular a steam iron for domestic use, and thus to provide a steam iron with uniform connection points for an electrical connection and a mechanical thermostat.

Description

The invention relates to an assembly of an electrical connection for integration into a steam iron, and a steam iron, in particular for use in the home.

Modern steam irons usually have at least one thermostat for setting a desired bottom temperature and a temperature fuse to prevent overheating of the steam iron. Like in the European Patent Application EP1314811A1 shown, the thermostat can be made mechanically or electronically. In a mechanical version of the thermostat has a control and regulating device, which is operated manually via a rotary handle. An electric thermostat usually has a temperature sensor designed as a hot or semiconductor, which reports a sole temperature as an electrical signal to a control electronics. The setting of a desired setpoint temperature usually takes place via buttons integrated in the housing. The integration of the mechanical thermostat including the temperature fuse is automated, with the thermostat being connected to electrical connections of a fixed circuit system of a circuit. However, the electric thermostat has different electrical connection points than the mechanical thermostat. For example, the connection of the electrical thermostat and the thermal fuse to the circuit by means of individual cables. Further prior art is known from DE8803601U1 . EP1561855A1 . US6172335B1 and from the US6209239B1 known.

Due to the vorskizzierten different components of the mechanical thermostat and the electronic thermostat, the installation of the respective steam iron requires different assembly or manufacturing steps. As a result, it is not possible to manufacture a steam iron with a mechanical thermostat or optionally with an electric thermostat on, for example, a same assembly line.

For integrating a temperature sensor for forwarding a temperature signal Control electronics in the steam iron, various methods are known. On the one hand, the temperature sensor and the temperature fuse can be individually integrated into the steam iron. However, the single arrangement is complicated and thus difficult, as that, for example, the attachment to steam iron side recordings can be complicated by already installed components. On the other hand, for example, the temperature sensor can be integrated into the temperature fuse. However, such a temperature fuse temperature sensing unit is relatively expensive.

An object of the invention is therefore to provide an assembly for electrical connection, which allows the integration of a mechanical thermostat or an electric thermostat in a steam iron with reduced installation costs. Furthermore, it is the object of the invention to provide a steam iron with an electrical connection, which can be optionally provided with reduced installation costs with a mechanical thermostat or an electric thermostat.

This object is achieved by an assembly for an electrical connection with the features of claim 1 and by a steam iron with the features of claim 7. Advantageous embodiments and developments, which can be used individually or in combination, are the subject of the respective dependent claims.

An assembly according to the invention of an electrical connection for integration into a steam iron has a temperature fuse to prevent overheating of a soleplate of the steam iron, which can be fastened to a receptacle of the steam iron. In addition, the assembly has a replacement body for attachment to another recording of the steam iron. Furthermore, the assembly has a dimensionally stable (dimensionally stable) connecting element, by means of which the temperature fuse and the replacement body are rigidly aligned with each other.

The assembly according to the invention has the same connection points as a mechanical thermostat, whereby a steam iron can be equipped quasi on a single assembly line with a mechanical thermostat or with an electric thermostat. As a result, on the one hand, a high equipment-side flexibility of Dampfbügeleins created. On the other hand, the installation effort is reduced. In particular, assembly times and thus assembly costs are reduced. Additional cables for Integration of the thermal fuse and the electric thermostat in a steam iron-side electrical circuit are not necessary. This structure is particularly advantageous when the electrical circuit of the iron is designed as a rigid conductor track system to which the assembly or the set of mechanical thermostat and thermal fuse can be connected.

In one embodiment, the replacement body has an electrical contact area for establishing an electrical connection between the temperature fuse and a steam iron-side electrical circuit. The replacement body thus assumes two essential functions: First, it has a connection or stabilization function. Second, it acts as an electrical short-circuit element to integrate the thermal fuse into the circuit.

Preferably, the electrical contact region between two insulating bodies is arranged. This ensures that the quasi short circuit is established only between an electrical connection point of the circuit point and the temperature fuse. An unintentional short circuit due to short circuiting of several connection points of the circuit is thus prevented.

Preferably, the connecting element is electrically conductive and extends between an electrical terminal of the thermal fuse and the electrically conductive body portion of the replacement body. As a result, can be dispensed with further electrical components such as cables or wires to close the electrical connection between the thermal fuse and the replacement body.

In one embodiment, a temperature sensor for forwarding a temperature signal as an electrical signal from the sole to an evaluation of an electronic control unit is connected to the thermal fuse. The attachment of the temperature sensor to the temperature fuse is preferably carried out before the integration of the assembly in the steam iron, so automatically or simultaneously the temperature sensor is mounted in the assembly assembly.

An inventive steam iron has an electrical connection having an assembly according to the invention, with a thermal fuse, a replacement body and with a dimensionally stable connection element, wherein the thermal fuse and the replacement body attached to a respective receptacle of the steam iron and on the electrical connection of the iron are connected. The steam iron can be due to the same connection points of the electrical connection with a mechanical thermostat manufacture on a common assembly line, so that the steam iron in comparison to the aforementioned prior art time-reduced and inexpensive to manufacture. It is even more advantageous if the mechanical thermostat can be fastened together with the temperature fuse to the same receptacles as the assembly.

Preferably, the connecting element establishes an electrical connection between the replacement body integrated in a steam-iron-side circuit and the thermal fuse. As a result, can be dispensed with further electrical components such as cables or wires to close the electrical connection between the thermal fuse and the replacement body.

In one embodiment, a temperature sensor is connected to the attachment portion of the thermal fuse, which is connected to an evaluation unit for evaluating a detected temperature signal from the temperature sensor. By connecting the temperature sensor on the mounting portion of this can be attached to the thermal fuse before integrating the thermal fuse in the steam iron, so that at the same time the temperature sensor is integrated into the steam iron when inserting the temperature fuse.

The invention is particularly suitable for providing an assembly of an electrical connector for integration into a steam iron, in particular a steam iron for domestic use, and thus to provide a steam iron with uniform connection points for an electrical and a mechanical thermostat.

Figuren 1 und 2

ein erstes Ausführungsbeispiel eines erfindungsgemäßen Dampfbügeleisens mit einem mechanischen Thermostat,

Figur 3

eine Einzeldarstellung des mechanischen Thermostats,

Figur 4

eine Einzeldarstellung einer Temperatursicherung des Thermostats, und

Figuren 5 und 6

ein zweites Ausführungsbeispiel des erfindungsgemäßen Dampfbügeleisens mit einer Baugruppe eines elektrischen Anschlusses,

Figur 7

eine Einzeldarstellung der Baugruppe des elektrischen Anschlusses,

Figur 8

eine Integration eines Temperaturfühlers in die Baugruppe des elektrischen Anschlusses,

Figur 9

eine Draufsicht auf ein erfindungsgemäßes Temperaturfühlersystems mit einem Temperaturfühler und einem Halter,

Figur 10

eine perspektivische Darstellung eines ersten Ausführungsbeispiels des Halters aus Figur 9,

Figuren 11 und 12

zweidimensionale Darstellungen des Halters aus Figur 10,

Figur 13

eine perspektivische Darstellung des Temperaturfühlersystems,

Figur 14

eine Baugruppe des elektrischen Anschlusses mit einem Temperaturfühler vor einer Integration in das Dampfbügeleisen,

Figur 15

eine perspektivische Darstellung eines zweiten Ausführungsbeispiels des Halters, und

Figur 16

ein erfindungsgemäßes Temperaturfühlersystems mit einem Temperaturfühler und dem Halter aus Figur 15.

In the following preferred embodiments of the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to schematic representations. Show it:

Figures 1 and 2

A first embodiment of a steam iron according to the invention with a mechanical thermostat,

FIG. 3

a detail of the mechanical thermostat,

FIG. 4

a single representation of a thermal fuse of the thermostat, and

FIGS. 5 and 6

A second embodiment of the steam iron according to the invention with an assembly of an electrical connection,

FIG. 7

an individual representation of the module of the electrical connection,

FIG. 8

an integration of a temperature sensor in the assembly of the electrical connection,

FIG. 9

a plan view of a temperature sensor system according to the invention with a temperature sensor and a holder,

FIG. 10

a perspective view of a first embodiment of the holder FIG. 9 .

FIGS. 11 and 12

two-dimensional representations of the holder FIG. 10 .

FIG. 13

a perspective view of the temperature sensor system,

FIG. 14

an assembly of the electrical connection with a temperature sensor before integration into the steam iron,

FIG. 15

a perspective view of a second embodiment of the holder, and

FIG. 16

an inventive temperature sensor system with a temperature sensor and the holder FIG. 15 ,

In the Figures 1 and 2 is an inside rear view of a steam iron 1 of an embodiment of the invention shown. The steam iron 1, especially for domestic use, has a sole plate 2 for straightening clothes, fabric and the like, which can be heated to a set target temperature via a heater not visible. The heater is arranged in a structure 4 of the sole plate 2 and is guided over two in the structure 4 Heating element terminals 6, 8 energized, which are in electrical connection with a respective connection point 10, 12 of a rigid rail system 14. The conductor track system 14 is used to transmit or conduct electrical currents and is part of an internal circuit of the steam iron 1. It has a plurality of rigid non-numbered conductor tracks each having a defined unchangeable course and a defined unchangeable geometry. The interconnects each have the attachment points 10, 12 or the connecting points 18, 20, 22 mentioned below.

To set the Sollsohlenentemperatur the steam iron 1 has a mechanical thermostat 16 which is fixedly connected to the first connection point 18, the second connection point 20 and the third connection point 22 of the conduit system 14.

As in FIG. 3 In particular, the thermostat 16 has a temperature fuse 28, a switch body 30 and an electrically conductive connecting element 32.

The temperature fuse 28 serves to interrupt energization of the sole plate 2 when a limit temperature is exceeded in order to avoid overheating the sole plate 2 FIG. 4 shown, the thermal fuse 28 in the embodiment shown is a cuboid body having a lower sheet-like mounting portion 34 and two upper electrical connection plates 36, 38. The temperature fuse 28 is connected by means of the mounting portion 34 in cooperation with a in the Figures 1 and 2 numbered fastener 40 mechanically attached to the structure 4. For carrying out the example of a screw designed as fastening means 40, a corresponding hole 42 is provided in the mounting portion 34.

The switch body 30 is, as in FIG. 3 shown, cylinder-like and for receiving a fastener 44 in its longitudinal direction by a longitudinal bore 46 passes through, which acts as a spare-body-side attachment portion. He has at least two mutually remote electrical connection arms 48, 50, each viewed in the longitudinal direction between two insulation rings 52, 54 and 54, 56 and thus are insulated from each other. Because of the perspective, the one in the FIG. 3 Rear connecting arm 50 almost not visible. Here is on the Figures 1 and 2 directed. Depending on the design of the circuit, the connecting arms 48, 50 may also be short-circuited or otherwise connected.

The connecting element 32 is, as in FIG. 3 shown dimensionally stable and formed in the embodiment shown as a metal rod. It extends between the switching body near terminal plate 36 of the thermal fuse 28 and the temperature assurance near connecting arm 48 of the switch body 30 and positions these rigidly to each other. The connecting element 32 is firmly connected to the connection plate 36 and the connecting arm 48, so that the position of the temperature fuse 28 and the switch body 30 is fixed relative to each other. Preferably, the connecting element 32 is soldered to the connection plate 36 and the connecting arm 48.

As in the Figures 1 and 2 is shown in the assembled state, the mechanical thermostat 16 via the two fastening means 40, 44 mechanically bonded to the structure 4 of the sole plate 2 and the conduit system 14. The one fastening means 40 is guided through the perforation 42 of the attachment portion 34 of the thermal fuse 28 and is connected to a body-side receptacle 58 in operative connection. The fastening means 44 passes through the longitudinal bore 46 of the switch body 30 and is in operative connection with the second connection point 20. The switch body remote connection plate 38 of the thermal fuse 28 is electrically connected to the first connection point 18. The temperature protection remote connection arm 50 of the switch body 30 is electrically connected to the third connection point 22. Depending on the required circuit, the connecting arms 48, 50 via the guided through the longitudinal bore 46 fastener 44 may also be electrically connected to the second connection point 20. The connection of the mechanical thermostat 16 at the connection points 18, 20, 22 is preferably carried out cohesively, for example by means of soldering. The electrically conductive dimensionally stable connecting element 32 extends as mentioned between the terminal plate 36 of the thermal fuse 28 and the connecting arm 48 of the switch body 30th

In the FIGS. 5 and 6 is shown a rear view of a steam iron 1, which is provided with an electrical connection instead of a mechanical thermostat 16. The electrical connection has an assembly 60 with a temperature fuse 28 and with a dimensionally stable electrical connection element 32. In addition, the assembly 60 has a replacement body 62. The electrical connection further has at least a not shown adjusting element such as a button for specifying the Sollsohlenentemperatur, a display for displaying the Sollsohlenentemperatur and electronics, in particular a control and regulating electronics.

The electrical connection assembly 60 is designed to be integrated into the steam iron 1 at the same mechanical and electrical connection points 58, 18, 20, 22 of the conduit system 14 as the mechanical thermostat 16, without the orientation or position the connection points 58, 18, 20, 22 to change.

The temperature fuse 28 is equal to the temperature fuse according to the FIGS. 1 to 3 , It has a sheet-like lower mounting portion 34 with an unnumbered perforation for passing a fastener 40 such as a screw or a rivet and two upper terminal plates 36, 38 (see also FIG. 7 ). The attachment portion 34 is made of a material having a high heat transfer coefficient. For example, the material is aluminum.

The connecting element 32 is equal to the dimensionally stable electrical connecting element according to the Figures 1 and 2 , It is, for example, a metal rod which firmly connects the temperature fuse 28 with the replacement body 62 and thus fixes the positions of the thermal fuse 28 and the replacement body 62 relative to one another. It extends from the terminal plate close to the thermal fuse 36 in the direction of a temperature protection remote terminal lug 64 of the replacement body 60 (see also FIG. 7 ).

The replacement body 62 replaces the switch body 30. It serves in the embodiment shown for the mechanical connection to the second conductor track connection 20 and shorting of the connecting element 32 with the third connection point 22. He thus has no circuit-relevant function, but is virtually a "dummy or dummy switch body ", By means of which the assembly 60 in the steam iron 1 partially fixed and by means of a current without interruption can be passed through.

As in FIG. 7 shown, the replacement body 62 has an electrically conductive body portion or an electrical connection element 66, which is arranged between two insulating rings 52, 56 and two mutually remote terminal plates 64, 72 has. The replacement body 62 in particular also has a cylindrical shape with a longitudinal bore 46 extending in its longitudinal direction for receiving one in the FIGS. 5 and 6 numbered fastener 44. For mechanical handling of assembly 60 For example, the replacement body 62 may be provided with a quadrangular mounting attachment 74 in the embodiment shown.

As in FIG. 8 shown, the assembly 60 of the electrical connection also has a temperature sensor 76. The temperature sensor 76 is used to detect the Sollsohlentemperatur and is executed in the embodiment shown as a semiconductor. When the temperature sensor 76 is heated, its electrical resistance changes, which is detected by an evaluation unit, not shown, of the electronics and is calibrated with a temperature-related resistance value stored in the evaluation unit. According to FIG. 9 the temperature sensor 76 has a semiconductor electrical wire 78 which is covered by an insulation 80. Its ends are provided with a plug 82 for connection to the evaluation unit. In a body portion remote from the plug 82, the temperature sensor 76 has a loop portion 84 for mounting a holder 86. The temperature sensor 76 and the holder 86 form a temperature sensing system 87.

As in the Figures 10 . 11 and 12 shown, the holder 86 is formed as a clamp, which, as in FIG. 9 shown, the loop portion 84 of the temperature sensor 76 engages around the holder 86 is made of a material having a high coefficient of thermal conductivity. An exemplary material is aluminum. He has in particular a long leg 88 and a short leg 90, which are connected to each other via a curved piece 92. The elbow 92 may be resilient so that when the retainer 86 is pushed onto the elbow portion 84, it is resiliently opened against a spring force. The execution of the legs 88, 90 with different lengths causes the material bond in a single-layer holder portion 94, here a not covered by the short leg 90 head portion 94 of the long leg 90 can be done. The holder 86 thus has a single-layer portion 94. In the embodiment shown, the single-layer portion or head portion 94 has a trapezoidal shape for engagement with the and in particular for attachment to the mounting portion 34 of the thermal fuse 28th

The legs 88, 90 of the holder 86 can be locked in this embodiment, releasably or openably locked together. For this purpose, the short leg 90 has a finger-like projection 102 or a latching tongue and the long leg 88 has a slot 104 for latching receiving the projection 102. Preferably, the slot 104 extends from a bore 100 formed in the head portion 94 for passing the temperature securing side fastener 44. By means of the projection 102 and the slot 104 becomes, as in FIG. 13 shown after embracing the loop portion 84 a positive connection between the legs 88, 90 is formed, whereby accidental opening and thus inadvertent separation of the holder 86 and the temperature sensor 76 is prevented.

As shown in FIG. 14 the temperature sensor 76 is connected to the mounting portion 34 of the temperature fuse 28 prior to integration of the assembly 60 in the steam iron 1. Preferably, the connection takes place cohesively, in particular by means of soldering. In the embodiment shown, the holder 86 is soldered to the mounting portion 34 "from above", so that the mounting portion 34 rests in the mounted state directly on the structure 4 or between the structure 4 and the holder 86 is arranged. Of course, the holder 86 can be soldered to the mounting portion 34 also "from below", so that in the assembled state, the holder 86 rests directly on the structure 4. To reduce an energy input when making the fabric connection, the long leg 88, as in FIG. 10 numbered, in his head region 94, for example, two formed by forming elevations 96, 98. The elevations 96, 98 are dome-like in the embodiment shown. To carry out the temperature-securing-side fastening means 40, the head region 94 is additionally provided with a bore 100 which, in the mounted state, runs in alignment with the perforation 42 of the fastening section 34.

In FIG. 15 A second embodiment of a holder 86 for holding a temperature sensor 76 is illustrated. In contrast to the previous embodiment, in this clamp-like holder 86, its different length legs 88, 90 are non-releasably locked together, since the legs 88, 90 not with a corresponding locking device such as a projection or a latching tongue on the short leg 90 and a slot for receiving of the projection on the long leg 88 are provided.

In FIG. 16 is a temperature sensing system 87 with a temperature sensor 76 and such a holder 86 from FIG. 15 shown.

In particular, with reference to the FIGS. 1 to 7 and 14 is an assembly 60 of an electrical connection for integration into a steam iron 1 and its integration in a steam iron 1, with a thermal fuse 28 to prevent overheating of a sole 2 of the steam iron 1, which is connected to a receptacle 58 of the Steam iron 1 can be fastened, with a replacement body 62 for attachment to a further receptacle 20 of the steam iron 1, and with a dimensionally stable connecting element 32, by means of the thermal fuse 28 and the replacement body 62 are rigidly aligned with each other, so that the thermal fuse and the replacement body 62nd are at a defined distance and in a defined orientation to each other.

In addition, in particular with reference to the FIGS. 1 to 7 a steam iron 1 with an electrical connection shown, wherein the electrical connection, an assembly 60 has a temperature fuse 28, a replacement body 62 and a dimensionally stable connection element 32, wherein the temperature fuse 28 and the replacement body 62 are connected to a respective receptacle 58, 20 of the steam iron 1 ,

• Bereitstellen des Temperaturfühlers 76 außerhalb des Dampfbügeleisens 1,
• Bereitstellen einer Temperatursicherung 28 des elektrischen Anschlusses außerhalb des Dampfbügeleisens 1,
• Verbinden des Temperaturfühlers 76 mit der Temperatursicherung 28, und
• Befestigen der mit dem Temperaturfühler 76 versehenen Temperatursicherung 28 an einer Aufnahme 58 des Dampfbügeleisens 1.

In particular, with reference to the FIGS. 8 to 16 is a method for mounting a temperature sensor 76 for passing a temperature signal in a steam iron 1, comprising the steps shown:

• Providing the temperature sensor 76 outside of the steam iron 1,
• Providing a thermal fuse 28 of the electrical connection outside the steam iron 1,
• Connecting the temperature sensor 76 with the temperature fuse 28, and
• Attaching the thermal fuse 28 provided with the temperature sensor 76 to a receptacle 58 of the steam iron 1.

Furthermore, in particular with reference to the FIGS. 8 to 16 a temperature sensor system 87 with a temperature sensor 76 and a holder 86 for attaching the temperature sensor 76 to a mounting portion 34 of a temperature fuse 28 shown, wherein the holder 86 surrounds the temperature sensor 76 like a clip and in a single-layer section 94 at least one elevation 96, 98 for material bonding of the holder 86 has at the attachment portion 34 of the thermal fuse 28.

Furthermore, in particular with reference to FIG. 8 a steam iron 1 shown with a temperature sensor system 87 with a temperature sensor 76 for forwarding a temperature signal and a holder 86 which is connected by means of the holder 86 to a mounting portion 34 of a thermal fuse 28 cohesively.

It should be noted that the temperature sensor system 87 is not limited to the assembly 60, but can be used with any temperature fuses 28, each having a respective mounting portion 34.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

steam iron

2

Sole plate / sole

4

construction

6

Heizelementanschluss

8th

Heizelementanschluss

10

connecting point

12

connecting point

14

Pathway system

16

mechanical thermostat

18

first connection point

20

second connection point / recording

22

third connection point

24

Adjustment and control device

26

Rotary knob mount

28

Thermal fuse

30

switching body

32

connecting element

34

attachment section

36

connecting plate

38

connecting plate

40

fastener

42

perforation

44

fastener

46

Longitudinal bore / attachment section

48

connector arm

50

connector arm

52

insulation ring

54

insulation ring

56

insulation ring

58

admission

60

module

62

replacement body

64

connection tab

66

Connection element / body area

72

connection tab

74

mounting attachment

76

temperature sensor

78

Semiconductor wire

80

isolation

82

plug

84

loop portion

86

holder

87

Temperature Sensor System

88

long legs

90

Kurzschenkel

92

elbow

94

Head area / single-ply section

96

survey

98

survey

100

drilling

102

head Start

104

slot

Claims (8)

Assembly (60) of an electrical connection for integration into a steam iron (1), with a temperature fuse (28) to prevent overheating of a sole (2) of the steam iron (1), to a receptacle (58) of the steam iron (1) attachable is, with a replacement body (62) for attachment to another receptacle (20) of the steam iron (1), and with a dimensionally stable connecting element (32), by means of which the thermal fuse (28) and the replacement body (62) are rigidly aligned. An assembly according to claim 1, wherein the replacement body (62) has an electrical contact area (66) for establishing an electrical connection between the thermal fuse (28) and a stirrup-side electrical circuit. An assembly according to claim 2, wherein the electrical contact region (66) between two insulating bodies (52, 56) is arranged. An assembly according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the connector (32) is electrically conductive and extends between an electrical terminal (36) of the thermal fuse (28) and the electrically conductive body portion (66) of the replacement body (62). Assembly according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a temperature sensor (76) for forwarding a temperature signal to the temperature fuse (28) is connected. Steam iron (1) with an electrical connection, wherein the electrical connection has an assembly (60) according to one of the preceding claims, with a temperature fuse (28), a replacement body (62) and with a dimensionally stable connecting element (32), wherein the thermal fuse ( 28) and the replacement body (62) are respectively connected to a receptacle (58, 20) of the steam iron (1). A steam iron according to claim 6, wherein said connecting member (32) establishes an electrical connection between said spare body (62) integrated with a steam iron side circuit and said thermal fuse (28). Steam iron according to claim 6 or 7, wherein at the attachment portion (34) of the temperature fuse (28), a temperature sensor (76) is connected, which is connected to an evaluation unit for evaluating a temperature signal.

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