Water reservoir for a steam iron and method for producing such a reservoir

- 28036 Madrid

ES 2 196 644 T3

DESCRIPTION

Water tank for steam iron and manufacturing process for such tank.

Technical scope

The present invention relates to the technical field of steam irons. The present invention refers, in a more particular way, to steam irons of the type that comprise a vaporization chamber as well as a tank intended to receive and store the water before it is injected by different known means, such as needle valves, tap or pumps, in the aforementioned vaporization chamber to be evaporated in it.

Previous technique

In known steam irons of the aforementioned type, the water reservoir is generally made according to one of the following arrangements.

The water tank can be a self-contained unit. The iron then comprises a soleplate on which a heating body was mounted in which a vaporization chamber was provided, and a thermal screen arranged above the heating body, the tank being then arranged above said screen. In this case, the water tank is almost always made by means of two half-shells assembled together so that they form a hollow body. This hollow body can contain elements intended for various functions, such as, for example, conducting water to feed pumps or, also, contain elements such as water treatment resins. The hollow body is designed in such a way that it leaves at least one filling hole for the water. Advantageously, this hollow body is made of propylene, the two half-shells being assembled by welding.

Such an embodiment has the drawback of being relatively expensive. Since the deposit is made independently, each of the parts that compose it must be molded, then joined by welding and, finally, the good sealing of the assembly must be checked in this state.

An embodiment of this type also has the drawback of multiplying the risks of failure due to water leakage, either from the moment of construction of the tank, or after a certain time of use. Indeed, it is difficult to ensure and maintain the seal between the bottom of the polypropylene tank and the vaporization chamber due to the relative flexibility of polypropylene at temperatures close to its limit of use.

The water tank can also be obtained by assembling a half-shell that forms the upper part of the tank with a piece that acts as both the lower part of the tank and a thermal screen.

In the latter case, the problem arises of making this sealed assembly in a durable way and at a cost competitive with respect to the other solutions. The thermal screen, due to its function, was preferably made of a thermal insulating material that withstands temperature well, such as a phenolic or polyester resin. The upper part of the tank is almost always made of thermoplastic material, preferably transparent. Therefore, it was excluded to make the union with the lower part by welding. Known solutions then consist in providing a peripheral groove, generally in the chest screen, in interposing in said groove a resin or a liquid silicone or, also, solid joints of the silicone or rubber type, the latter being able to be obtained by molding or extrusion. Document FR 2 747 404 describes such a solution. The assembly can also be completed with one or more screws. None of these solutions allows a simple and inexpensive assembly to be obtained.

Likewise, document FR2391310 describes a solution in which the water tank is constituted in its lower part by a thermal screen, and in its upper part by a casing that includes the iron handle. The differences in expansion are absorbed by a gasket housed in a groove in the screen and in a complementary shape of the shell or vice versa. But the gasket is not adherent to the walls of one of the pieces, and although it may be made up of a sealing compound, it must be installed at the time of assembly, which complicates the assembly of the tank. Exhibition of the invention

The object of the present invention is to alleviate the aforementioned drawbacks and to carry out in a simple, reliable and economical way the assembly of an upper part of the tank with a lower part of the tank that forms a thermal screen.

This object is achieved with a plate deposit comprising a lower half-shell comprising at least one annular shape and an upper half shell comprising at least one annular shape intended to be interwoven on the inside and / or outside of the shape. ring corresponding to the lower half shell, characterized in that, at least, One of the conformations was made with an irreversibly fixed lining that acts as a sealing gasket.

The deposit obtained is highly reliable when it comes to sealing. This result is obtained by the fact that the coating or coatings that act as a joint adhere to one of the half-shells. This adherence has two effects that contribute to the good sealing of the assembly. In the first place, it eliminates the leaks between the gasket or gaskets and the half-shell to which they are attached, in particular, those that result from a defect in the surfaces in contact. Next, it allows a maximum transverse tightening on the joint or joints, being able to be assembled in press with high pressures, allowing the irreversible joint of the joint with one of the pieces to avoid its slippage and extrusion.

This realization allows to obtain an autonomous and transportable set, especially, without risk in the continuation of the manufacturing process. This characteristic enables the plate assembly process to be facilitated, allowing the assembly by tor2 to be deferred, or even suppressed.

ES 2 196 644 T3 rings.

According to a first embodiment, the shape or one of the annular shapes provided in the lower half shell is a groove, and the shape or one of the corresponding annular shapes of the upper half shell is a skirt.

According to a second embodiment, the shape or one of the annular shapes provided in the lower half shell is a skirt, and the shape or one of the corresponding annular shapes of the upper half shell is a groove.

According to a first variant of embodiment, the lining or linings that act as a seal are arranged in the groove or in one of the grooves.

According to a second variant of embodiment, the lining or linings that act as a sealing gasket are arranged on the skirt or on one of the skirts.

Advantageously, the coating or one of the coatings that acts as a seal has a thickness of between 0.5 and 5 mm.

Advantageously, the lining or one of the linings that act as a sealing gasket was made of EPDM, an abbreviation that designates an ethylene-polypropylene dylene rubber.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the lower half shell comprises a first annular conformation and a second annular conformation adjacent to the first annular conformation, and the upper half shell comprises a first annular conformation and a second annular conformation adjacent to the first annular conformation.

According to another advantageous embodiment, the lower half shell comprises a peripheral annular conformation and an inner annular conformation, and the upper half shell comprises a peripheral annular conformation and an inner annular conformation.

The invention also refers to a process for making a plate deposit in which the coating or one of the coatings that acts as a seal is obtained by overmolding on the shape or one of the annular shapes.

This realization allows to obtain an optimal quality of assembly without requiring large investments, such as that of a bi-injection press, even if the overmolding of the joint requires a touch-up operation.

The invention also relates to a process for making a plate deposit in which the coating or one of the coatings that acts as a seal is obtained with one of the half-wraps by bi-injection molding.

This solution optimizes manufacturing costs, since one of the half-wraps and the lining or one of the linings that act as a sealing gasket are obtained with a single injection operation.

Advantageously, the conformation or one of the conformations opposite to that made with the lining or one of the linings that act as a sealing gasket has at least one vent channel.

In effect, when the coupling pressure is exerted on one of the half shells to position the gasket in the annular conformation of the opposite half sheath, air is trapped and compressed between the gasket and the annular shape. However, the installation from the beginning of the assembly of an antagonistic pressure to the direction in which, on the contrary, one wants to maintain in the semi-wraps, is detrimental. The pressure existing at room temperature will increase when the air trapped between the gasket and the lower half-shell heats up during the use of the iron. By way of example, it has been calculated that an upward force of more than 1,000 N could be applied to the upper half casing.

A purge channel makes it possible to avoid the installation of an opposing pressure inside the assembly, detrimental to a device that has to work at temperature. It is not necessary to mold without undercutting the annular conformation of the half shell opposite that of the liner to avoid relatively large coupling forces that run the risk of partially destroying the half shell. This advantage is interesting because molding without undercut complicates and makes molding operations more expensive. It is not necessary to oversize the annular conformations so that they can resist the forces exerted. The assembly obtained is less expensive, more resistant and more durable.

The invention also relates to a method of making a plate deposit in which the channel or one of the purge channels is closed after the assembly of the upper half shell to the lower half shell.

Such an embodiment makes it possible to enjoy greater freedom in the implantation of the purge channels that form free passages for the evacuation of the air during the assembly operation. In particular, the purge channels can open into the area of ​​the reservoir intended to receive the water. Its sealing allows to avoid the inconveniences related to the presence of water under the joint.

The invention also refers to a method of making a plate deposit that consists in carrying out the assembly operation of the lower half shell with the upper half shell with partial vacuum.

Such a process makes it possible to obtain a less expensive, more resistant and more durable assembly, the rarefied air therefore not creating significant stress on the conformations during the coupling of the upper half shell to the lower half shell.

Brief description of the drawings

The invention was better understood with the study of realization examples taken by way of no limitation and illustrated in the attached figures, in which:

ES 2 196 644 T3

figure 1 is a schematic view from above of a first example of embodiment of a lower half-shell of a tank according to the invention,

Figure 2 is a schematic view from below of a first embodiment of an upper half-shell of a tank according to the invention,

- figure 3 is a schematic side view, in section, of a first example of realization of an upper half-shell of a tank according to the invention,

Figure 4 is a schematic view from above of a second example of embodiment of a lower half shell of a tank according to the invention,

Figure 5 is a schematic view from below of a second example of embodiment of an upper half-shell of a tank according to the invention,

- figure 6 is a schematic side view, in section, of a second example of realization of an upper half-shell of a tank according to the invention,

Figure 7 is a side view, in section, of a tank according to the second embodiment, before assembly,

Figure 8 is a side view, in section, of a tank according to the second embodiment, after assembly,

figure 9 is a sectional view of a first embodiment of an improvement of the invention,

Figures 10a and 10b are two views in section and from above of a second embodiment of a refinement of the invention,

figure 11 is a sectional view of a third embodiment of an improvement of the invention,

Figure 12 is a sectional view of a fourth embodiment of an improvement of the invention,

figure 13 is a sectional view of a fifth embodiment of an improvement of the invention,

figure 14 is a sectional view of a sixth embodiment of an improvement of the invention,

figure 15 is a schematic view of a device used for a procedure according to the invention.

Best way to carry out the invention

The plate deposit according to the invention comprises a lower half-shell comprising at least one annular shape. According to the exemplary embodiments shown in Figures 1 and 4, the lower half shell 1; 11 comprises two annular conformations 3, 13; 23, 33, each formed by a throat.

The plate deposit according to the invention also comprises an upper half shell comprising at least one annular shape, called the associated annular shape, intended to be interwoven on the inside and / or outside of the corresponding annular shape of the shell. lower. According to the exemplary embodiments shown in Figures 2 and 5, the upper half shell 2; 12 comprises two annular conformations 4, 14; 24, 34 each formed by a skirt.

By way of a variant, not shown in the figures, one of the annular conformations provided in the lower half shell is a skirt, and the corresponding annular shape of the upper half shell is a groove.

Preferably, the reservoir comprises two annular conformations 3, 13; 23, 33; 4, 14; 24, 34 in each of the half wraps 1; eleven; two; 12, as shown in the figures. This arrangement allows you to practice steps 7; 17 in the upper half shell 2; 12 and steps 8; 18 in the lower half casing 1, 11, for example, for thermostat controls.

Figures 1, 2 and 3 show a first embodiment, called adjacent, in which the lower half-shell 1 and the upper half-shell 2 each comprise a first annular conformation 3; 4 and a second annular conformation 13; 14 adjacent to the first annular conformation 3, 4.

As shown in Figure 1, the annular conformation 3 of the lower half shell 1 delimits a cavity 9 that forms a reservoir, said cavity comprising an orifice 6 provided for the passage of a needle valve (not represented in the figures) intended for the powered from the steaming chamber of an iron. The upper half casing 2 shown in figure 2 also comprises a hole 10 provided for the passage of the needle valve.

Figures 4, 5 and 6 show a second form of embodiment, called conchoentric, in which the lower half-shell 11 and the upper half-shell 12 each comprise a peripheral annular conformation 23; 24 and an inner annular conformation 33; 3. 4.

As shown in Figure 4, the peripheral annular conformation 23 and the inner annular conformation 33 of the lower half shell 11 delimit a cavity 29 that forms a reservoir, said cavity comprising a hole 16 provided for the passage of a needle valve ( not represented in the figures) intended to supply the steam chamber of an iron. The upper half casing 12 also includes a hole 19 provided for the passage of the needle valve.

Attribution of variant, it can be envisaged to make a deposit in which each of the semi-envelopes4

ES 2 196 644 T3 tas comprises only one annular conformation or, on the contrary, more than two annular conformations.

According to the invention, at least one of the conformations was made with a coating that acts as a seal.

Advantageously, according to the so-called adjacent embodiment, of which an embodiment example is shown in Figures 1 to 3, in the first annular conformation 4 of the upper half-shell 2, a first coating is made to act as a joint. seal 5, and in the second annular conformation 14 of the upper half shell 2 a second lining was arranged which acts as a seal 15. By way of a variant, when one of the annular conformations of the upper half-shell 2 is a groove and not a skirt, the corresponding lining was arranged in said groove.

Advantageously, according to the so-called conchoentric embodiment, of which an embodiment is shown in Figures 4 to 6, in the peripheral annular conformation 24 of the upper half-shell 12 there is a coating that acts as a joint of sealing 25, and in the inner annular conformation 34 of the upper half shell 12 there was arranged another lining 25 which acts as a sealing gasket. By way of a variant, when one of the annular conformations of the upper half shell 12 is a groove and not a skirt, the corresponding lining is arranged in said groove.

As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the skirts that form the annular conformations 4, 14 of the upper half shell 2 are made with a coating that acts as a seal 5, 15. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the skirts that form the annular conformations 24, 34 of the upper half shell 12 are made with a coating that acts as a seal 25, 35.

More particularly, according to the embodiments shown in Figures 3 and 6, each joint 5, 15; 25, 35 was attached to the end of each associated annular conformation formed by one of the skirts 4, 14; 24, 34. Each meeting 5, 15; 25, 35 is capable of cooperating by clamping with the corresponding annular conformation formed by one of the grooves 3, 13; 23, 33.

Variant label, not shown in the figures, at least one of the coatings that act as a sealing gasket is arranged in one of the grooves. Said groove can belong to one of the annular conformations of the upper half shell as well as of the lower half shell.

Advantageously, one of the coatings that act as a seal 5, 15; 25, 35 has a thickness between 0.5 and 5 mm. Preferably, all of the mentioned coatings have these characteristics.

Advantageously, one of the coatings that act as a seal 5, 15; 25, 35 was made of EPDM. Other materials such as silicones or neoprene rubbers can be used and, more generally, any material capable of withstanding temperatures of the order of 100 ° C to 150 ° C, preserving elastic characteristics and significant compressibility.

The lower half shell 1; 11 was preferably made of a material resistant to temperatures of at least 200 ° C, such as a resin. A material of this type also has the advantage of not being a very good conductor of heat. The upper half shell 2; 12 was preferably made of thermoplastic material, preferably transparent.

Each associated annular conformation of the upper shell is capable of cooperating with the corresponding annular conformation provided in the lower shell. More particularly, according to the embodiment examples shown in the figures, each skirt 4, 14; 24, 34 was intended to be inserted into the throat 3, 13; 23, 33 corresponding.

The relative dimensions of each associated annular conformation, such as one of the skirts 4, 14; 24, 34, each joint 5, 15; 25, 35 and each corresponding annular conformation such as one of the grooves 3, 13; 23, 33 are designed to obtain a relative pressure in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of assembly. This lateral pressure can be all the more important as it is capable of making the assembly of the upper part with its joint in the lower part with a significant force and this without running the risk of the joint moving during this operation. Insofar as a compression of 10% to 30% of the joints is desired 5, 15; 25, 35 in the lateral direction, each groove 3, 13; 23, 33 can have a width of 3 to 10 mm and each of the walls of the joint between skirt and throat a thickness of 0.5 to 5 mm.

Advantageously, the lower half shell 1; 11 and the upper half shell 2; 12 comprise complementary means of fixation. As shown in Figures 1, 2, 4 and 5, the upper half shell 2; 12 comprises legs 41; 51 each comprising a hole 42; 52 likely to be in front of accommodation 43; 53 provided in the lower half shell 1; 11. The holes 42; 52 and the housings 43; 53 are designed for screw assembly. A different number of legs 41 can be provided; 51, or another mode of assembly.

The invention also relates to a method of making a plate deposit comprising the aforementioned lower half-shells 1; 11 and above 2; 12.

The method according to the invention consists in making a lining that acts as a seal in one of the annular shapes before assembling the lower half-shell 1; 11 with the upper half shell 2; 12. This irreversibly fixes a board to the aforementioned conformation.

Figure 7 shows the lower half shell 11 and the upper half shell 12 before assembly. Figure 8 shows the lower half shell 11 and the upper half shell 12 after assembly.

According to an example of realization we show5

ES 2 196 644 T3 shown in Figures 7 and 8, the procedure consists of irreversibly fixing a joint 25, 35 to each skirt 24, 34 before assembling the lower half-shell 11 with the upper half-shell 12 by inserting each joint 25, 35 in the throat 23, 33 corresponding.

Advantageously, according to a first embodiment of the aforementioned method, one of the coatings that acts as a seal is obtained by overmolding on the outside or inside of one of the annular shapes. Preferably, each of the coatings that act as a seal is obtained by overmolding on the outside or inside of one of the annular shapes. For example, as represented in Figures 1 to 6, each joint 5, 15; 25, 35 is obtained by overmolding on the associated annular conformation 4, 14; 24, 34 of the upper half shell 2, 12.

Advantageously, also, according to a second embodiment of the aforementioned process, one of the coatings that acts as a seal is obtained with one of the half-shells by bi-injection molding. Preferably, each of the coatings that act as a seal is obtained with one of the half-shells by bi-injection molding. For example, and as represented in Figures 1 to 6, each joint 5, 15; 25, 35 is obtained with the upper half shell 2; 12 by bi-injection molding.

It may also be envisaged to obtain one or more gaskets by bi-injection molding, and one or more other gaskets by overmolding.

It is also possible to obtain at least one gasket or one of the gaskets by bi-injection molding and / or overmolding, and another or other classic gaskets by molding or extrusion, being glued or assembled after these last gaskets, for example, to the upper half shell of the tank.

It is also possible to obtain one or one of the gaskets by bi-injection molding, and another or another of the gaskets by molding or extrusion classic, the latter being then glued or assembled, for example, to the upper half-shell of the tank. .

The tank shown in Figures 7 and 8 also has, in a known way, a filling hole 20 made in the half-shell 12, as well as holes 16, 19 made, respectively, in the lower 11 and upper half-shells 12, intended to receive a device for injecting water into the vaporization chamber (not represented in the figures).

In the embodiment shown in Figures 7 and 8, a chamber 29 intended to receive the liquid is delimited by annular shapes 23, 33. These throat-shaped shapes comprise a first flange 23 ', 33', arranged in the side to chamber 29. Joints 25; 35 during the assembly operation are mounted under compression between the flanges 23 ', 23 "; 33 ', 33 ". This arrangement makes it possible to obtain a firm maintenance of the two half-shells after assembly.

Advantageously, one of the shapes opposite to that made with one of the coatings that acts as a seal, has at least one vent channel. Thus, the lower half-shell and / or the upper half-shell comprise means to prevent the air from being compressed under the joint or joints after the assembly operation of the two half-shells.

Figure 9 shows a detail of a first embodiment of the aforementioned means. The gasket 25 mounted on the associated annular shape 24 is held in compression by the first flange 23 'and the second flange 23 "of the groove 23. Between the gasket 25 inserted in the groove 23 and the bottom of said groove a space 61. A purge channel 62 formed by a hole made in the bottom of the throat 23 and passing through the half-shell 11 makes it possible to put the space 61 in communication with the outside. This arrangement makes it possible to prevent the air from being compressed under the gasket.

25. The purge channel 62 does not disturb the tightness of the reservoir since it was isolated from the interior of the west by the wall of the gasket. Advantageously, several channels 62 are provided to communicate the space 61 with the outside. Two to four channels 62 per throat 23 is a good order of magnitude.

Figures 10a and 10b show a detail of a second embodiment of the aforementioned means. The gasket 25 mounted on the associated annular shape 24 is held in compression by the first flange 23 'and the second flange 23 "of the groove 23. The space 61 obtained between the gasket 25 inserted in the groove 23 and the bottom of said conformation is brought into communication with the outside by a lateral vent channel 63 made in the lower wall of the flange 23 "which forms one of the vertical walls. of the throat 23. This solution has the advantage of moving a possible leak towards the upper part of the plate, in a less chromatic area than in the previous case.

Preferably, the purge channels 62; 63 do not open into a wall intended to form part of a cavity intended to contain water or steam, such as chamber 29.

The preceding embodiment examples apply, of course, to any groove that forms an annular conformation provided in one of the half-shells. Likewise, it is possible to provide a lateral vent channel in the wall of a skirt, or a vent channel provided in the wall of said skirt and leading to the upper part of said skirt.

The means provided to prevent the air from being kept compressed under the gasket or gaskets 5, 15; 25, 35 after the assembly operation may comprise a plugging of the openings of the purge channels 62; 63.

Figure 11 shows the embodiment presented in Figure 9 completed by the sealing of the purge channel 62 by means of a silicone insert 64. Figure 12 shows the embodiment presented in Figure 10a completed by the sealing of the channel 63 by means of a provision of silicone 65. Such a seal allows more freedom to be obtained for the choice of the location of channel 62 or channel 63, being

ES 2 space 61 is closed and cannot be invaded by water or steam.

Thus, the invention also refers to a method of making a plate deposit in which at least one of the purge channels is blocked after the assembly of the upper half-shell 12 to the lower half-shell.

11.

The plugging of the hole can also be obtained during the assembly operation thanks to a projection provided in the joint. As shown in figure 13, the seal 25 comprises a shoulder 66 provided to seal the channel 62 during the assembly of the throat 23 with the skirt 24. As shown in figure 14, the seal 25 comprises a lateral shoulder 67 provided to seal the channel 63 during the assembly of throat 23 with skirt 24. Such a seal makes it possible to evacuate a large part of the air present in the space 61 between the seal 25 and the throat 23 during the assembly operation and avoid the existence of an overpressure in said space. It also has the advantage of not requiring additional operation.

Thus, the present invention also refers to a method of making a plate deposit that consists in performing the assembly operation of the lower half shell with the upper half shell with partial vacuum.

Figure 15 shows a diagram of a device intended for the vacuum assembly of the upper half-shell 12 with the lower half-shell 11, in which only the annular shape 13 and the associated annular shape 14 comprising the joint 25 are represented. of vacuum 76 was applied on the plate 77 in which the lower half shell is arranged

eleven. After the partial vacuuming of the vacuum hood, a jack 60 assembles the two half-shells 11, 12. Preferably, the previously obtained tank is placed at atmospheric pressure before releasing the effort of jack 60 to immediately use the effect of atmospheric pressure was applied to the assembly of the two semi-shells. By way of a variant, the upper half casing can be arranged on a plate having an appropriate shape and the lower half casing assembled by the jack to the upper half casing.

Another method according to the present invention consists in communicating with the outside any space located between a joint and an annular conformation. This operation allows a decompression of the space or spaces located between each joint and each annular conformation.

Another procedure may consist, for example, of using a lower half shell 11 and an upper shell 12 capable of accommodating at least one free passage 62, 63 between each joint 25 and each annular shape 23, as shown in the Figures 9, 10a and 10b.

A variant, not shown in the figures, consists of creating the aforementioned free passage, for example, by drilling the lower half-shell to put the space between the gasket and the annular conformation in communication with the outside, after the assembly operation. .

Another variant, not shown in the figures, consists in making the channel 63 destined to form a free passage in the joint 25 and not in the conformation.

23.

In the case where the tank comprises several joints that have been assembled, it can be envisaged to use different variants to make a free passage between each joint and each corresponding annular conformation.

A method of this type can also comprise carrying out the assembly operation of the lower half shell with the upper half shell with partial vacuum.

Such a method can also comprise an operation consisting of sealing the free passage or passages 62, 63 after the assembly operation. Thus, the pressure existing at room temperature in the space located between each joint 25 and each corresponding annular conformation 23 is of the order of magnitude of the atmospheric pressure, even lower if the seal 64, 65, 66, 67 of the passage or of the free passages 62, 63 is performed with partial vacuum.

The invention is by no means strictly limited to the exemplary embodiments described above, but encompasses numerous modifications or improvements.

In particular, it can be envisaged to use only one seal, for example, according to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, only seal 5, the annular shapes 13 and 14 not being essential, since the hole 7 was located in a any way outside the warehouse.

It can also be envisaged to carry out the coating on only one part of an annular shape of the lower half shell and in a complementary way on a corresponding part of the associated annular shape of the upper half shell.

Possibility of industrial application

The invention finds its application in the technical field of steam electrical appliances and, in particular, steam irons.