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(11) | EP 4 800 180 A1 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
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| (54) | IRON WITH THERMAL FUSE |
| (57) Provided is an iron comprising a soleplate assembly (118) having a wider rear end
(120) and a narrower front tip (122). The iron comprises a heating element for heating
the soleplate assembly. The heating element comprises a curved section (116) extending
at proximity of the front tip. A thermal fuse (124) is in thermal contact with the
soleplate assembly, for cutting off power supply to the heating element if temperature
of the soleplate assembly reaches a given temperature threshold. The thermal fuse
is arranged at proximity of the front tip.
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FIELD OF THE INVENTION
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Irons use heat, and also steam in the case of steam irons, for de-wrinkling garments. To this end, irons have a soleplate assembly that is heated by a heating element. In the case of steam irons, the soleplate assembly also includes a steam chamber for re-heating steam and/or vaporizing water supplied thereto.
[0004] Irons typically include a thermal fuse which acts as a power cutoff when over-temperature is sensed via heat transfer through the thermal fuse's casing.
[0005] If the thermal fuse responds to such an over-temperature too late or fails to detect the over-temperature, user safety may be compromised and unnecessary damage can be done to the iron, with such damage potentially rendering the iron unsafe. In this sense, challenges remain in terms of making an iron safer for the consumer.
OBJECT AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] It is an object of the invention to propose an iron that avoids or mitigates one or more of the above-mentioned problems.
[0007] The invention is defined by the independent claims. The dependent claims define advantageous embodiments.
[0008] To this end, the iron according to the invention comprises:
- a soleplate assembly having a wider rear end and a narrower front tip,
- a heating element for heating the soleplate assembly, the heating element comprising a curved section extending at proximity of the front tip, and
- a thermal fuse being in thermal contact with the soleplate assembly, for cutting off power supply to the heating element if temperature of the soleplate assembly reaches a given temperature threshold, the thermal fuse being arranged at proximity of the front tip.
[0009] Arrangement of the thermal fuse close to the narrower front tip of the soleplate assembly is advantageous because of the higher heat density in this region of the soleplate assembly. This higher heat density can provide an increased risk of hotspots in this part of the soleplate assembly, and so there are safety benefits from arranging the thermal fuse where hotspots are more likely. Also, being mounted close to the curved section of the heating element can assist the thermal fuse to exhibit a faster thermal response to the heating element heating up. Hence this placement of the thermal fuse can allow it to quickly detect and respond to any undesired sudden increase in temperature. It follows that arrangement of the thermal fuse proximal to the narrower front tip can provide an enhanced level of safety to the consumer.
[0010] In some embodiments, the soleplate assembly comprises an ironing plate and a steam chamber mounted thereupon. In other embodiments, the iron is a dry iron. Such a dry iron only uses heat to iron garments.
[0011] In embodiments in which the steam chamber is included in the soleplate assembly, the thermal fuse is preferably attached to the steam chamber. For example, the thermal fuse is attached to a wall section that at least partly delimits the steam chamber.
[0012] In some embodiments, the steam chamber extends between a rear wall section and a front wall section, with the front wall section being arranged at proximity of the front tip.
[0013] In some embodiments, the front tip is in front of the front wall section of the steam chamber, and the thermal fuse is arranged in-between the front wall section and the front tip. This location has been found to provide relatively rapid detection and response to any undesired sudden increase in temperature, with concomitant enhancement of product safety.
[0014] In some embodiments, the soleplate assembly comprises a cyclonic chamber arranged above the curved section, with the cyclonic chamber comprising an inlet to receive a flow of steam and/or water. The cyclonic chamber acts as a fluid separator and is adapted to separate water droplets, if any are present, from the flow of steam, by centrifugal force. By arranging the cyclonic chamber where the heat density is relatively high, due to proximity of the curved section of the heating element, vaporization of the water droplets in the cyclonic chamber can be particularly efficient.
[0015] In some embodiments, the iron comprises a bracket adapted to hold at least part of the thermal fuse against a mounting portion of the soleplate assembly. The bracket can itself be fastened to the mounting portion via one or more fasteners, e.g. screw(s).
[0016] In some embodiments, the mounting portion is arranged adjacent to the front wall section of the steam chamber. The mounting portion can, for example, be in the form of a protruding leg which protrudes from the front wall section and in which a screw hole is defined so that the bracket can be fastened thereto using a screw.
[0017] In some embodiments, the bracket comprises a cantilevered spring arm arranged to hold the at least part of the thermal fuse against the mounting portion. Such a cantilevered spring arm can assist to provide the requisite force for securely holding the thermal fuse against the mounting portion.
[0018] In some embodiments, the iron, for example the soleplate assembly thereof, comprises a mounting element that is fixed relative to the mounting portion, and the bracket comprises a mounting feature adapted to cooperate with the mounting element to anchor the bracket in a defined orientation relative to the mounting portion. This can facilitate assembly of the iron and can help to ensure that the bracket is orientated correctly, so as to help with correct mounting of the thermal fuse. Such correct mounting of the thermal fuse, in turn, assists to ensure that the iron is safe to use.
[0019] The mounting element and the mounting feature can be arranged in any suitable manner in order to enable anchoring of the bracket in the defined orientation relative to the mounting portion. In some embodiments, one of the mounting element and the mounting feature comprises a female mounting part, such as a slot, and the other of the mounting element and the mounting feature comprises a protrusion, such as a rib, that fits into the female mounting part so as to anchor the bracket in the defined orientation.
[0020] For example, the protrusion, e.g. rib, is part of the soleplate assembly, while the female mounting part is included in the bracket.
[0021] In some embodiments, the bracket comprises at least one mounting member adapted to cooperate with the thermal fuse so as to restrict movement of the thermal fuse relative to the bracket while the bracket is holding the at least part of the thermal fuse against the mounting portion. This can help to ensure that the thermal fuse is correctly positioned. Correct positioning of the thermal fuse, in turn, assists to ensure that the iron is safe to use.
[0022] For example, the mounting member(s) cooperate with first part(s) of the thermal fuse so as to restrict movement of the thermal fuse relative to the bracket while the bracket is holding a second part of the thermal fuse against the mounting portion; the second part being different from the first part(s).
[0023] In some embodiments, the thermal fuse is encapsulated in an electrically insulating sleeve that is also thermally conductive so as to allow heat to be conducted therethrough to reach thermally sensitive part(s) of the thermal fuse. This encapsulation reflects the fact that an electrical current is passing through the thermal fuse under normal operating conditions, and hence the electrically insulating sleeve represents a further safety feature of the iron.
[0024] In some embodiments, the at least one mounting member comprises at least one holding arm adapted to wrap at least partially around and contact said electrically insulating sleeve in order to restrict movement of the thermal fuse relative to the bracket. The holding arm(s), in other words secondary stopper arm(s), can constrain lateral play of the thermal fuse while the thermal fuse is being held against the mounting portion.
[0025] According to another aspect, a garment care device is provided, the garment care device comprising a base, an iron according to any of the embodiments described herein, a hose cord fluidly connecting the base and the iron, and with the base comprising a boiler for generating steam, wherein the steam generated by the boiler is carried in the hose cord to the iron.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] Particular aspects of the invention will now be explained with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter and considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which identical parts or sub-steps are designated in the same manner:
Fig.1 provides an interior view of an iron according to an example.
Figs.2A to 2E provide various views of a soleplate assembly included in the iron shown in Fig.1.
Figs.3A to 3D show a thermal fuse and positioning of the thermal fuse in the soleplate assembly of an iron according to a first embodiment.
Figs.4A to 4C show a thermal fuse and positioning of the thermal fuse in the soleplate assembly of an iron according to a second embodiment.
Fig.5 schematically depicts a garment care device according to an example.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0028] Provided is an iron comprising a soleplate assembly having a wider rear end and a narrower front tip. The iron comprises a heating element for heating the soleplate assembly. The heating element comprises a curved section extending at proximity of the front tip. A thermal fuse is in thermal contact with the soleplate assembly, for cutting off power supply to the heating element if temperature of the soleplate assembly reaches a given temperature threshold. The thermal fuse is arranged at proximity of the front tip.
[0029] Fig.1 depicts an iron 100 according to an example. The iron 100 can be used for ironing garments (not visible). In some embodiments, such as shown in Fig.1, the iron 100 has a steam chamber 102 in which steam supplied thereinto is heated and/or water supplied thereinto is vaporized.
[0030] In other embodiments (not shown), the iron 100 is a dry iron 100. Such a dry iron 100 only uses heat to iron garments. The dry iron does not comprise the steam chamber 102.
[0031] In some embodiments, such as shown in Figs.2A to 2E, the iron 100 comprises a cyclonic chamber 103, which cyclonic chamber 103 includes an inlet 104 arranged to receive a flow of steam and/or water. In other words, the flow of steam and/or water is admitted into the cyclonic chamber 103 via the inlet 104.
[0032] Preferred aspects of the design of the cyclonic chamber 103 shown in Figs.2A to 2E will be described in more detail herein below.
[0033] Irrespective of whether or not the cyclonic chamber 103 is included, the steam chamber 102 shown in Figs.1 and 2A to 2E extends between a rear wall section 105 and a front wall section 106.
[0034] In some embodiments, and referring to Fig.2B, a pair of sidewall sections 107A, 107B connect the rear wall section 105 and the front wall section 106 to each other, such that an outer peripheric wall of the steam chamber 102 is defined by the rear wall section 105, the front wall section 106 and the pair of sidewall sections 107A, 107B.
[0035] More generally, and still referring to Fig.2B, the iron 100 comprises a heating element 108, for example a tubular resistive heating element 108.
[0036] In at least some embodiments, the heating element 108 comprises a first end 110, a second end 112, and a main body 114 extending between the first end 110 and the second end 112. Power can be supplied to the heating element 108 via a first electrical connection 113A at the first end 110 and a second electrical connection 113B at the second end 112.
[0037] Regarding the shape and arrangement of the heating element 108, the first end 110 and the second end 112 are preferably arranged at or proximal to the rear wall section 105, and the main body 114 extends from the first end 110 towards the front wall section 106, curves and extends back to the second end 112.
[0038] The heating element 108, e.g. tubular resistive heating element 108, has a curved section 116. For example, the curved section 116 allows the heating element 108, extending from the first end 110 (arranged at or proximal to the rear wall section 105) towards the front wall portion 106, to curve back towards the rear wall section 105 (at/proximal to which the second end 112 is arranged).
[0039] In embodiments in which the cyclonic chamber 103 is included in the iron 100, the cyclonic chamber 103 is preferably arranged above the curved section 116. By arranging the cyclonic chamber 103 where the heat density is relatively higher, due to proximity of the curved section 116 of the heating element 108, vaporization of the water droplets in the cyclonic chamber 103 can be particularly efficient.
[0040] More generally, and with continued reference to Figs.1 and 2A to 2E, the iron 100 comprises a soleplate assembly 118. The soleplate assembly 118 is heated by the heating element 108.
[0041] In some embodiments, the soleplate assembly 118 comprises an ironing plate 119. A lower side 119A of the ironing plate 119 can contact garments during ironing.
[0042] In embodiments in which the steam chamber 102 and the ironing plate 119 are included in the soleplate assembly 118, the heating element 108 is preferably arranged to heat the steam chamber 102 and the ironing plate 119, for example by the heating element 108 being embedded in the steam chamber 102 and heating the ironing plate 119 through thermal contact between the steam chamber 102 and the ironing plate 119.
[0043] When the steam chamber 102 is included together with the ironing plate 119 in the soleplate assembly 118, the steam chamber 102 is preferably mounted upon the ironing plate 119, for example upon an upper side 119B of the ironing plate 119 that faces away from the lower side 119A.
[0044] More generally, the soleplate assembly 118, for example the ironing plate 119 thereof, has a wider rear end 120 and a narrower front tip 122. The wider rear end 120 and the narrower front tip 122 are evident when the soleplate assembly 118 is viewed in plan, for instance as shown in Fig.2B.
[0045] In embodiments in which the steam chamber 102 is included in the soleplate assembly 118, the narrower front tip 122 is, for instance, in front of the front wall section 106 of the steam chamber 102. A region of the soleplate assembly 118 can accordingly extend from the front wall section 106 to the narrower front tip 122.
[0046] Referring to Fig.2B, a central longitudinal axis LA extends from the wider rear end 120 to the narrower front tip 122 and bisects the soleplate assembly 118.
[0047] It is noted that the soleplate assembly 118 can be notionally divided into a rear part RP, a middle part MP and a front part FP that each have the same length along the central longitudinal axis LA, with the rear part RP comprising the wider rear end 120, the front part FP comprising the narrower front tip 122, and the middle part MP being located in-between the front part FP and the rear part RP.
[0048] As best shown in Figs.2A and 2B, the curved section 116 of the heating element 108 extends at proximity of the narrower front tip 122 of the soleplate assembly 118.
[0049] The term "at proximity of the front tip" as used herein means in the first third of the soleplate assembly 118 starting from the narrower front tip 122, towards the wider rear end 120.
[0050] For example, the curved section 116 may extend within the front part FP of the soleplate assembly 118.
[0051] Referring now to Fig.2A, the iron 100 comprises a thermal fuse 124 in thermal contact with the soleplate assembly 118. The thermal fuse 124 is configured to cut off power supply to the heating element 108 if temperature of the soleplate assembly 108 reaches a given temperature threshold TH. Thus, the thermal fuse 124 is a safety feature designed to avoid over-heating of the iron 100.
[0052] In other words, the thermal fuse 124 acts as a power cutoff when over-temperature is sensed via heat transfer through the thermal fuse's casing.
[0053] The given temperature threshold TH of the thermal fuse 124 can be selected according to product requirements of the iron 100. For example, the threshold TH is a given temperature in the range of 150°C to 260°C, 150°C to 180°C or 200°C to 260°C.
[0054] In a non-limiting example, the threshold TH is about 167°C. In another non-limiting example, the threshold TH is about 216°C.
[0055] The thermal fuse 124 can have any suitable design. In some embodiments, the thermal fuse 124 is a capsule thermal fuse 124 that comprises a metal casing with a first metal wire joined to a first end of the metal casing, and a second metal wire joined to an electrically insulated second end of the thermal fuse 124, which electrically insulated second end is opposite the first end. The electrically insulated second end can be insulated with, for instance, epoxy.
[0056] The metal casing comprises, for example, a cylindrical shape. Such a cylindrical metal casing can have, for instance, a diameter of about 4 mm and a length, between the first and second ends, of about 12 mm.
[0057] The thermal fuse 124 is arranged at proximity of the narrower front tip 122, in other words in the first third of the soleplate assembly 118 starting from the narrower front tip 122, towards the wider rear end 120.
[0058] For example, the thermal fuse 124 is arranged within the front part FP of the soleplate assembly 118.
[0059] Arrangement of the thermal fuse 124 close to the narrower front tip 122 of the soleplate assembly 118 is advantageous because of the higher heat density in this region of the soleplate assembly 118. This higher heat density can provide an increased risk of hotspots in this part of the soleplate assembly 118, and so there are safety benefits from arranging the thermal fuse 124 where hotspots are more likely. Also, being mounted close to the curved section 116 of the heating element 108 can assist the thermal fuse 124 to exhibit a faster thermal response to the heating element 108 heating up. Hence this placement of the thermal fuse 124 can allow it to quickly detect and respond to any undesired sudden increase in temperature. It follows that arrangement of the thermal fuse 124 proximal to the narrower front tip 122 can provide an enhanced level of safety to the consumer.
[0060] In embodiments in which the soleplate assembly 118 includes the steam chamber 102, the thermal fuse 124 is preferably attached to the steam chamber 102. For example, the thermal fuse is attached to a wall section that at least partly delimits the steam chamber 102.
[0061] In embodiments in which the narrower front tip 122 is in front of the front wall section 106 of the steam chamber 102, the thermal fuse 124 is preferably arranged in-between the front wall section 106 and the narrower front tip 122. This location has been found to provide relatively rapid detection and response to any undesired sudden increase in temperature, with concomitant enhancement of product safety.
[0062] Regarding the design of the steam chamber-comprising soleplate assembly 118, and referring now to Fig.2E, the steam chamber 102 can be formed by an intermediate cover 125 and a top cover 126 assembled together on the ironing plate 119. In such embodiments, the heating element 108 is preferably embedded within the intermediate cover 125.
[0063] In alternative embodiments (not shown), the steam chamber 102 is formed by a single cover arranged on the ironing plate 119.
[0064] It is noted that the ironing plate 119 and the cover(s) 125, 126 of the soleplate assembly 118 can be formed from any suitable material, such as aluminum. For example, the ironing plate 119 and the cover(s) 125, 126 can be formed by aluminum casting.
[0065] As briefly mentioned above, the soleplate assembly 118 preferably includes a cyclonic chamber 103 comprising an inlet 104 to receive a flow of steam and/or water. The cyclonic chamber 103 acts as a fluid separator and is adapted to separate water droplets, if any are present, from the flow of steam, by centrifugal force. Expressed differently, this is a liquid-gas separator. Meanwhile, it can also separate solid particles from fluid, if any. Centrifugal force is caused by the inertia of a body, its resistance to change in its direction of motion. By providing a cyclonic steam path, any water droplets are centrifugally urged against a peripheral sidewall of the cyclonic chamber 103. These may be small water droplets formed in the flow of steam, in particular if steam is carried in a hose cord (see reference 184 in Fig.5) connected to the inlet 104. Water droplets being propelled against internal surfaces of the cyclonic chamber 103 may thus be vaporized by heat generated by the heating element 108, for example when the heating element 108 is embedded in the intermediate cover 125. Dry steam, that is to say steam from which water droplets are at least substantially absent, is then able to flow through a steam outlet 127 of the cyclonic chamber 103.
[0066] In some embodiments, and referring to Fig.2D, the cyclonic chamber 103 comprises a first chimney 128 and a second chimney 129 that are arranged coaxially around the steam outlet 127 of the cyclonic chamber 103. The two chimneys 128, 129 correspond to protruding rings that are cylindrical in shape and arranged around the steam outlet 127 of the cyclonic chamber 103. The two chimneys 128, 129 are arranged coaxially around an axis A1 of cyclonic rotation of the cyclonic chamber 103.
[0067] It is noted that the axis A1 of cyclonic rotation of the cyclonic chamber 103 can either be substantially perpendicular to a planar ironing surface XY of the ironing plate 119 (as shown in Fig.2D), or substantially parallel to the planar ironing surface XY (not shown).
[0068] When the axis A1 of cyclonic rotation of the cyclonic chamber 103 is substantially perpendicular to the planar ironing surface XY, the two chimneys 128, 129 face downwards, towards the bottom of the cyclonic chamber 103. This arrangement of the two chimneys 128, 129 means that any water droplets that are not vaporized will drop by gravity to the heated bottom of the cyclonic chamber 103.
[0069] In some embodiments, and referring to Figs.2C to 2E, the soleplate assembly 118 further comprises a second cyclonic chamber 130 arranged downstream of the cyclonic chamber 103.
[0070] For example, all steam received from the cyclonic chamber 103 enters the second cyclonic chamber 130, and all steam exiting the second cyclonic chamber 130 enters a steam engine 131 downstream of the second cyclonic chamber 130.
[0071] In such embodiments, steam exiting from the cyclonic chamber 103 via its steam outlet 127, is carried along a steam channel 132, which steam channel 132 is fluidly connected to a steam inlet 133 of the second cyclonic chamber 130.
[0072] The second cyclonic chamber 130 enables changing of the direction of steam flow coming from the steam outlet 127 as steam enters the steam engine 131, without any abrupt physical turns to the steam path, which might otherwise result in turbulent flow and also scale accumulation in the steam path. In other words, the second cyclonic chamber 130 helps to redirect steam flow naturally in an appropriate direction of the steam engine 131. This helps to enhance smoothness of the steam flow so that the steam engine 131 can function more effectively in terms of steam generation.
[0073] The second cyclonic chamber 130 preferably has a second axis A2 of cyclonic rotation being substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LA of the ironing plate 119. The steam flow exiting from the second cyclonic chamber 130 and entering in the steam engine 131 is directed along a direction parallel to the second axis A2 of cyclonic rotation.
[0074] In some embodiments, and referring to Fig.2E, one or more labyrinth pathways 134, 135 are provided in the steam chamber 102. For example, the steam engine 131 is primarily composed of two separate labyrinth pathways 134, 135 extending on top of the heating element 108 and towards the wider rear end 120 of the soleplate assembly 118.
[0075] Given the fact that the two labyrinth pathways 134, 135 are each arranged adjacent and along the shape of the heating element 108, heat transfer in each of the labyrinth pathways is enhanced, so as to increase efficiency of water vaporization and steam heating in each of the labyrinth pathways 134, 135.
[0076] In some embodiments, and as best shown in Figs.2D and 2E, the soleplate assembly 118 comprises a third cyclonic chamber 136 downstream of the steam engine 131. The third cyclonic chamber 136 acts as a fluid separator for separating water contained in steam exiting from the steam engine 131. The third cyclonic chamber 136 is also heated by the heating element 108 so that water droplets separated by the centrifugal force are vaporized.
[0077] For example, the third cyclonic chamber 136 allows separating water contained in steam exiting from the one or more labyrinth pathways 134, 135. In embodiments in which the first labyrinth pathway 134 and the second labyrinth pathway 135 are included, steam exiting the first labyrinth pathway 134 can enter the third cyclonic chamber 136 via a first steam inlet of the third cyclonic chamber 136, and steam exiting the second labyrinth pathway 135 can enter the third cyclonic chamber 136 via a second steam inlet of the third cyclonic chamber 136. Steam entering via the first steam inlet of the third cyclonic chamber 136 and steam entering via the second steam inlet are then combined/merged into a single steam flow exiting at a steam outlet of the third cyclonic chamber 136.
[0078] Preferably, the third cyclonic chamber 136 has a third axis A3 of cyclonic rotation being substantially perpendicular to the planar ironing surface XY of the ironing plate 119.
[0079] Figs.3A to 3D and 4A to 4C illustrate the thermal fuse 124 and how the thermal fuse 124 can be mounted to the soleplate assembly 118, in particular to a mounting portion 137 included in the soleplate assembly 118. The thermal conductivity of the mounting portion 137 can permit heat to be transmitted therethrough to reach the thermal fuse 124 mounted thereon.
[0080] In some embodiments, such as shown in Figs.3A, 3C, 3D, 4A and 4C, the mounting portion 137 is arranged adjacent to the front wall section 106 of the steam chamber 102.
[0081] The mounting portion 137 can, for example, be in the form of a protruding leg which protrudes from the front wall section 106 (towards the narrower front tip 122) and in which a screw hole is defined so that a bracket 138 can be fastened thereto using a screw 139.
[0082] More generally, the bracket 138 is adapted to hold at least part of the thermal fuse 124 against the mounting portion 137. The bracket 138 can itself be fastened to the mounting portion 137 via one or more fasteners, e.g. screw(s) 139.
[0083] In some embodiments, such as shown in Figs.3A to 3D and 4A to 4C, the bracket 138 comprises a cantilevered spring arm 140 arranged to hold the at least part of the thermal fuse 124 against the mounting portion 137. Such a cantilevered spring arm 140 can assist to provide the requisite force for securely holding the thermal fuse 124 down against the mounting portion 137.
[0084] In some embodiments, the soleplate assembly 118 comprises a mounting element 142 that is fixed relative to the mounting portion 137, and the bracket 138 comprises a mounting feature 144 adapted to cooperate with the mounting element 142 to anchor the bracket 138 in a defined orientation relative to the mounting portion 137. This can facilitate assembly of the iron 100 and can help to ensure that the bracket is orientated correctly, so as to help with correct mounting of the thermal fuse 124. Such correct mounting of the thermal fuse 124, in turn, assists to ensure that the iron 100 is safe to use. Given that the space volume around the thermal fuse 124 is relatively small, the thermal fuse is preferably oriented tilted compared to the central longitudinal axis LA. For example as depicted in Fig.3A, the thermal fuse 124 is tilted by an angle AA of about 60 degrees compared to the central longitudinal axis LA. The mounting feature 144 cooperates with the mounting element 142 so that this angle AA is guaranteed.
[0085] It is noted that the orientation anchoring function of the mounting element-mounting feature 142, 144 arrangement is provided in addition to the fastening of the bracket 138 to the mounting portion 137, e.g. via the fastener(s). The fastener(s), e.g. screw(s) 139, merely fasten or secure the bracket 138 to the mounting portion 137 without imposing a particular orientation of the bracket 138 relative to the mounting portion 137. The cooperation between the mounting element 142 and the mounting feature 144 anchors the bracket 138 in the defined orientation in addition to the fastener(s), e.g. screw(s) 139, fastening the bracket 138 to the mounting portion 137.
[0086] The mounting element 142 and the mounting feature 144 can be arranged in any suitable manner in order to enable anchoring of the bracket 138 in the defined orientation relative to the mounting portion 137. In some embodiments, one of the mounting element and the mounting feature 142, 144 comprises a female mounting part, such as a slot, and the other of the mounting element and the mounting feature 144, 142 comprises a protrusion, such as a rib, that fits into the female mounting part so as to anchor the bracket 138 in the defined orientation.
[0087] For example, the protrusion, e.g. rib, is part of the soleplate assembly 118, while the female mounting part is included in the bracket 138. For instance, the protrusion, e.g. rib, is an integral part of the intermediate cover 125.
[0088] In some embodiments, such as shown in Figs.3A to 3D and 4A to 4C, the bracket 138 comprises at least one mounting member 146, 146A, 146B adapted to cooperate with the thermal fuse 124 so as to restrict (lateral) movement of the thermal fuse 124 relative to the bracket 138 while the bracket 138 is holding the at least part of the thermal fuse 124 against the mounting portion 137. This can help to ensure that the thermal fuse 124 is correctly positioned. Correct positioning of the thermal fuse 124, in turn, assists to ensure that the iron 100 is safe to use.
[0089] In some embodiments, and referring to Figs.3B to 3D and 4A to 4C, the thermal fuse 124 is encapsulated in an electrically insulating sleeve 154 that is also thermally conductive so as to allow heat to be conducted therethrough to reach thermally sensitive part(s) of the thermal fuse 124.
[0090] In some embodiments, the at least one mounting member 146, 146A, 146B comprises holding arm(s) adapted to wrap at least partially around and contact the electrically insulating sleeve 154. The holding arm(s), in other words secondary stopper arm(s), can constrain lateral play of the thermal fuse 124 while the thermal fuse 124 is being held against the mounting portion 137 (i.e. while the bracket 138 is additionally providing the function of holding the at least part of the thermal fuse 124 against the mounting portion 137).
[0091] For example, the thermal fuse 124 comprises a pair of leads 150, 152, and the at least one mounting member 146, 146A, 146B comprises at least one holding arm adapted to wrap at least partially around and contact portion(s) of the electrically insulating sleeve 154 that surround(s) said lead(s) 150, 152 in order to restrict movement of the thermal fuse 124 relative to the bracket 138.
[0092] In the embodiment shown in Figs.3A to 3D, the bracket 138 comprises a single mounting member 146 in the form of a holding arm that wraps at least partially around and contacts a portion of the electrically insulating sleeve 154 that surrounds a lead 150 included in the thermal fuse 124.
[0093] In the embodiment shown in Figs.4A to 4C, the bracket 138 comprises a first mounting member 146A in the form of a first holding arm, and a second mounting member 146B in the form of a second holding arm, with the first mounting member 146A wrapping at least partially around and contacting a first portion of the electrically insulating sleeve 154 that surrounds a first lead 150 included in the thermal fuse 124, and the second mounting member 146B wrapping at least partially around and contacting a second portion of the electrically insulating sleeve 154 that surrounds a second lead 152 included in the thermal fuse 124.
[0094] Mounting the thermal fuse 124 proximal to the narrower front tip 122 can necessitate particular design considerations, since this location provides a relatively small space volume in which to mount the thermal fuse 124. In particular, the leads 150, 152 are preferably bent to enable the thermal fuse 124 (e.g. including the electrically insulating sleeve 154) to conform to the smaller space volume.
[0095] Electrical wires 156, 158 connect the thermal fuse 124 to the circuitry that supplies electrical power to the heating element 108. The electrical connections between these electrical wires 156, 158 and the thermal fuse 124 are preferably arranged within the electrically insulating sleeve 154.
[0096] With reference to Figs.1 and 5, the iron 100 can include a handle 160 and a steam trigger 162 arranged to allow a user to control steam delivery when grasping the handle 160.
[0097] As schematically shown in Fig.5, delivery of steam from the iron is via steam vents 164 defined in the ironing plate 119. Steam heated and/or generated in the steam chamber 102 is delivered to the garment being ironed via such steam vents 164. For example, the steam vents 164 are fluidly connected to the steam outlet of the third cyclonic chamber 136.
[0098] More generally, Fig.5 shows a garment care device 180 comprising a base 182, an iron 100 according to any of the embodiments described herein, a hose cord 184 fluidly connecting the base 182 and the iron 100, and with the base 182 comprising a (pressurized) boiler 186 for generating steam, wherein the steam generated by the boiler 186 is carried in the hose cord 184 to the iron 100.
[0099] In some embodiments, such as shown in Figs.1 and 5, the iron 100 comprises a cord grommet 187 at which the hose cord 184 is connected to the iron 100.
[0100] In some embodiments, the base 182 comprises, in addition to the boiler 186, a water tank 188 and a water pump 190. In such embodiments, the water pump 190 is, for example, controlled by a control unit (not shown) arranged in the base 182 to pump water from the water tank 188 into the boiler 186.
[0101] Steam generated by the boiler 186 is carried in the hose cord 184 to the iron 100, which iron 100 includes the soleplate assembly 118 and the thermal fuse 124 described above. For example, the inlet 104 of the cyclonic chamber 103 is fluidly connected to the hose cord 184 so that the cyclonic chamber 103 receives steam carried by the hose cord 184.
[0102] In some embodiments, such as shown in Fig.5, the base 182 comprises an electro-valve 192 fluidly arranged downstream of a steam outlet of the boiler 186. When the electro-valve 192 is closed, steam generated by the boiler 186 cannot enter the hose cord 184 and as a result cannot be carried to the iron 100. When the electro-valve 192 is opened, steam generated by the boiler 186 can enter the hose cord 184 and as a result can be carried to the iron 100.
[0103] In such embodiments, when the user actuates the steam trigger 162, a signal is, for example, generated and sent (via an electrical wire embedded in the hose cord 184, not shown) to the control unit arranged in the base 182. Then, the control unit sends a subsequent signal to the electro-valve 192 to set the electro-valve 192 in its open state. As a result, steam generated by the boiler 186 can enter the hose cord 184, and reach the steam chamber 102.
[0104] The above embodiments as described are only illustrative, and not intended to limit the technique approaches of the present invention. Although the present invention is described in details referring to the preferable embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that the technique approaches of the present invention can be modified or equally displaced without departing from the protective scope of the claims of the present invention. In particular, although the invention has been described based on an iron, it can be applied to any household device that includes a soleplate assembly and a curved section-comprising heating element for heating the soleplate assembly, with a thermal fuse being arranged at proximity of the curved section of the heating element. The household device could be, for example, a steam cleaner or a steam cooker. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.
1. An iron (100) comprising:
- a soleplate assembly (118) having a wider rear end (120) and a narrower front tip (122),
- a heating element (108) for heating the soleplate assembly, the heating element comprising a curved section (116) extending at proximity of the front tip, and
- a thermal fuse (124) being in thermal contact with the soleplate assembly, for cutting off power supply to the heating element if temperature of the soleplate assembly reaches a given temperature threshold (TH), the thermal fuse being arranged at proximity of the front tip.
2. The iron (100) according to claim 1, wherein the soleplate assembly (118) comprises
an ironing plate (119) and a steam chamber (102) mounted thereupon.
3. The iron (100) according to claim 2, wherein the thermal fuse (124) is attached to
the steam chamber (102).
4. The iron (100) according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the steam chamber (102) extends
between a rear wall section (105) and a front wall section (106), the front wall section
being arranged at proximity of the front tip (122).
5. The iron (100) according to claim 4, wherein the front tip (122) is in front of the
front wall section (106), and the thermal fuse (124) is arranged in-between the front
wall section and the front tip.
6. The iron (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the soleplate assembly
(118) comprises a cyclonic chamber (103) arranged above the curved section (116),
the cyclonic chamber comprising an inlet (104) to receive a flow of steam and/or water.
7. The iron (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising a bracket (138) adapted
to hold at least part of the thermal fuse (124) against a mounting portion (137) of
the soleplate assembly (118).
8. The iron (100) according to claim 7 as according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the mounting
portion (137) is arranged adjacent to the front wall section (106) of the steam chamber
(102).
9. The iron (100) according to claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the bracket (138) comprises
a cantilevered spring arm (140) arranged to hold the at least part of the thermal
fuse (124) against the mounting portion (137).
10. The iron (100) according to any one of claims 7 to 9, comprising a mounting element
(142) being fixed relative to the mounting portion (137), wherein the bracket (138)
comprises a mounting feature (144) adapted to cooperate with the mounting element
to anchor the bracket in a defined orientation relative to the mounting portion.
11. The iron (100) according to claim 10, wherein one of the mounting element and the
mounting feature (142, 144) comprises a female mounting part, and the other of the
mounting element and the mounting feature (144, 142) comprises a protrusion that fits
into the female mounting part so as to anchor the bracket (138) in the defined orientation.
12. The iron (100) according to any one of claims 7 to 11, wherein the bracket (138) comprises
at least one mounting member (146, 146A, 146B) adapted to cooperate with the thermal
fuse (124) so as to restrict movement of the thermal fuse relative to the bracket
while the bracket is holding the at least part of the thermal fuse against the mounting
portion (137).
13. The iron (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the thermal fuse (124)
is encapsulated in an electrically insulating sleeve (154) that is also thermally
conductive so as to allow heat to be conducted therethrough to reach thermally sensitive
part(s) of the thermal fuse.
14. The iron (100) according to claim 13 as according to claim 12, wherein the at least
one mounting member (146, 146A, 146B) comprises at least one holding arm adapted to
wrap at least partially around and contact said electrically insulating sleeve (154).
15. Garment care device (180) comprising a base (182), an iron (100) according to any
one of claims 1 to 14, a hose cord (184) fluidly connecting the base and the iron,
the base comprising a boiler (186) for generating steam, steam generated by the boiler
being carried in the hose cord to the iron.