GB681572A - Improvements in or relating to electric steam irons - Google Patents

Abstract

681,572. Hand irons. FARMER. W. H., and WALMSLEY, G. E. May 25, 1950. No. 13142/50. Class 138 (ii). A. steaming iron comprises a heated water container A with a small steam orifice or valve 14a, provided at a point above the surface of the water, and an orifice 19 at a point below the surface, means for conveying the steam and water to a mixing jet 20 and flash steam generator 9a and with further means for conveying the generated steam to the surface of the iron. The water chamber A, a sole plate 3, and a steam chamber 13 are secured together by bolts 11a having spacing bushes 1a, 2a and 3a. The casing 1 is connected by the orifice 14a to the steam chamber 13. The casing 1 is formed with a boss 33 at its rearward end in which is formed a duct 19<SP>1</SP> including a spring- loaded valve 18. The duct 19<SP>1</SP> leads via a channel 24 into a second vertical duct 21. The lower end of the duct 21 is connected by an orifice 20 with the steam generating chamber 9a. A tube 16 coaxially disposed within the duct 21 projects upwardly into the steam chamber 13. The sole plate is recessed to provide for a steam cushion or reservoir chamber 9 (which is of the kind described in Specification 553,839) the periphery of which is defined by sealing washers 11 and a spigot or gasket 9. The upper surface of the steam cushion chamber 9 is defined by non-ferrous metal plates 6, 8 within which is positioned an electric heating element 7. The steam-generating chamber 9a is provided by a channel formed in an asbestos gasket 5. Alternatively, the chamber 9a may be defined by a channel formed in a die-cast plate 6. Also the gasket 9b defining the chamber 9 may be replaced by a spigot formed integrally with either the soleplate 3 or the plate 8. The chambers 9a and 9 are connected by a passage 12 formed in the element and having a bushing 12a. Holes 10 are formed in the base sole plate for conveying steam to the surface being ironed. The heating element 7 is connected by flexible leads 7a to a terminal block 22 within a space 22a forming a junction box. A cover for the space 22a is secured by a screw 30 which also forms the earth connection terminal of the iron. The mains lead passes through a hole 31 to the block 22. A rheostat may be employed in order to vary the load on the element 7. Bi-metallic switches or thermostats may also be employed in the electrical circuit of the iron. Operation. The valve 18 remains closed until sufficient pressure is generated by production of steam in the water space A. Water then passes via the valve 18 to the duct 21, and steam passes through the passage 14a.and down the tube 16. A mixture of water and steam thus pass into the steam generating chamber 9b and hence via passage 12 and holes 10 to the ironing surface.