IRONING SYSTEM * * * * *

DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to an ironing system. In particular, the present invention finds an advantageous application in the house ironing systems, such as for example irons and similar.

As it is known, the irons consist of a plate having a plane surface properly heated by an electrical resistance and suitable for pressing and ironing clothing articles and fabrics of different kinds . Above the plate a handle, thermally insulated from the plate, is developed, for allowing the handling of the iron on the article that has to be ironed. The handle generally shows a substantially overturned "U"-shaped conformation, with the respective ends restrained to the plate and with a central tract substantially horizontal for the user grasp. Within the plate, a holding tank for the water, which in contact with the plate produces a vapour which is exited by holes made on the said plane surface, can be housed.

The ironing systems can be further equipped with an external boiler for the production of the vapour, associated with the respective iron through feeding ca-

bles and through a duct for the vapour passage. In this case, the vapour is produced by the boiler, which can also be associated with an ironing-board, so as to render the iron lighter and easier to handle. Alternatively, as already said, a tank, arranged in the iron, directly supplying water to the plate of the iron, can be foreseen. In this solution, the water is directly vaporized by contact with the plate.

Such ironing-board can further be equipped with a suction device, suitable to suck up air through openings made on the upper surface of the board itself. In this way, the article which is heated by the iron is successively cooled by the forced ^■ passage of air sucked up through the mentioned openings .

The adjustment of the temperature, as well as the activation of the suction device or the ^' supply of the vapour, is carried out through drives arranged on the handle and activable during the handling of the iron. However, the ironing systems above mentioned present an important drawback especially due to the need of manually activating the functions of the iron or the ironing-board.

Such manual activation must be carried out simultaneously with the displacement of the iron on the article to be ironed, with the consequent problems in the han-

dling of the iron itself.

There are also known ironing systems capable of overcoming such drawback by automatically activating the functions of the iron and the board based on the positioning and the displacement of the iron. Such systems are equipped with temperature sensors and movement sensors of the iron, properly connected with a logical computing unit which drives the vapour supply, the water supply, the switching on and the switching off of the suction device.

In this way, as a function of the iron movement, the logical unit automatically provides to the different functioning conditions of the whole ironing system. Also these ironing systems present however important drawbacks.

A first drawback is due to the structural complexity of the electronic elements which form the logical unit and the mentioned sensors. It has to be noted, in fact, that for providing a correct detection of the displacements of the iron, very sensitive sensors and logical units capable of managing various detection signals have to be used.

Furthermore, in order to maintain the light and non- cumbersome structure of the iron, particularly small electronic elements are used, with the consequent

problems in terms of execution costs.

A further drawback consists of the poor reliability of the ironing system. In fact, the sensors are subjected to the high temperatures produced by the iron. Accordingly, such temperature can damage the electronic components by compromising the proper functioning of the whole ironing system.

The aim of the present invention is to solve the problems found in the known art by proposing an ironing system easy to build and, at the same time, capable of automatically activating some functions of the system itself.

In particular, the aim of the invention is to provide an ironing system with limited costs, reliable and easy to produce.

These and other objects, which will better result during the following description, are substantially attained by an ironing system including the features shown in the claim 1.

Further features and advantages will result more apparent from the detailed description of a preferred but non exclusive embodiment of an ironing system according to the present invention.

Such description will be shown below with reference to the enclosed figures, only given by way of exemplify-

ing and therefore non limiting example, wherein:

- fig. 1 shows a side elevation view of an ironing system according to the present invention;

- fig. 2a shows a side elevation view and with some parts cut-away, for better show some other of them, of an iron forming part of the ironing system of figure 1;

- fig. 2b shows, in a plan top view, the iron shown in figure 2a;

- figure 3a shows, in a side elevation and sectional view along the line III-III shown in figure 2b, the iron shown in figure 2a; and

- figure 3b shows an enlargement of a construction detail of figure 3a.

With reference to the mentioned figures, the ironing system is totally shown by numeral 1.

As it is better shown in figure 1, the system 1 consists of an iron 2 equipped with a heating plate 3 and a gripping element 4 associated at the top with the plate 3.

The system 1 further shows an ironing-board 5 having an upper surface 5a suitable for supporting the clothing articles or fabrics to be ironed (not shown in the enclosed figures) . The board 5 is advantageously equipped with a boiler for the production of the va-

pour, properly connected with the iron in order to supply the mentioned vapour.

The board 5 is advantageously connected with suction and/or blowing means 6, not described and shown in detail as of a known type, suitable for sucking up or blowing air through a plurality of holes 6a obtained on the upper surface 5a.

In this way, following to the heating operations of the article to be ironed, the suction or blowing means 6 provide to force an air passage through the fabric, in order to cool the same.

As it is better shown in figure 2a, the heating plate 3 shows a lower plane surface 3a, suitable for sliding on the upper surface 5a of the board 5, and properly heated by heating means (not shown and described as of a known type) , such as for example an electrical resistance. On the lower surface 3a, a series of holes for allowing the passage of a vapour jet towards the outside and make easier the ironing operations are advantageously carried out.

The iron 2 is developed along a respective longitudinal axis "A" and shows a frontal zone 7, placed in correspondence with the ogive tip defining the plate 3, and a back zone 8 opposite to the frontal one 7. The gripping element 4 includes a fixed frame 9 ex-

tending above the plate 3 from the frontal zone 7 to the back one 8 and along the mentioned longitudinal axis ^λλ A" . In a greater detail, the fixed frame 9 shows a substantially overturned ^λλ U"-shaped conformation, defining two opposite ends 9a each of which is connected to the plate 3 in correspondence with the frontal 7 and back 8 zones, respectively. As it is better shown in figure 3a, between the two ends 9a a tract 9b is developed, having a substantially rod-like conformation and a horizontal development parallel to the mentioned longitudinal axis ^λV A".

Advantageously, as it is shown in figure 1, the ends 9a of the fixed frame 9 ^' are properly coated with respective protective cases 10, shown in figure 1. The gripping element 4 includes at least a graspable portion 11, co-operating with driving means 12 (better described below) and movable with respect to the plate 3 at least along a first direction ^Nλ Dl" corresponding with the longitudinal axis ^λλ A", between a first position in which the driving means 12 activate at least a first ironing .working condition, preferably a first and a second working condition, and a second position in which said driving means 12 deactivate the working conditions . In particular, the graspable element 11 is mounted on

the tract 9b of the fixed frame 9 for being movable along the tract 9b itself along the respective first direction "Dl". As it is better shown in the sectional view of figure 3a, the graspable portion 11 shows a substantially tubular conformation, with a circular transverse section, in order to give the user a comfortable and safe grip. The graspable portion 11 shows two ends 11a, lib opposite therebetween and respectively housed in correspondence of the frontal 7 and back 8 zones of the iron 2. Furthermore, the portion 11 internally shows a cavity 13 extending between the mentioned ends 11a, lib and within which the tract 9b of the fixed frame 9 is developed.

In this situation, it has to be noted that the tract 9b shows, in a transverse section, a lower dimension than the dimension in the transverse section of the mentioned cavity 13. In this way, the graspable portion 11 results movable relative to the plate 3 also along a second direction "D2" transverse to the first one "Dl", between a third position wherein the driving means 12 activate at least a second ironing working conditions and a- fourth position, wherein the driving means 12 deactivate such second ironing condition. The second direction "D2" is advantageously perpendicular to the longitudinal developing axis "A" of the

iron 2. Therefore, during the handling of the iron, the graspable portion 11 can be also displaced by drawing together/apart the plate 3.

According to a further embodiment, not shown in the enclosed figures, the gripping element 4 corresponds with the graspable portion 11 and is movably mounted on the plate 3. In this solution, the gripping element 4 slides on the plate 3 in order to activate/- deactivate the driving means 12.

The gripping element 4 further includes a resilient return member 14 restrained to the heating plate 3 and the graspable portion 11 in order to bring back the graspable portion 11 itself from the first to the second position when it is displaced along the first direction "Dl" and from the third to the fourth position when it is displaced along the second direction ^λX D2". In a greater detail, the resilient return member 14 includes a bracket 15 having a substantially ^Nλ L"- shaped conformation with an elongated form and defining a first end 15a developing in the cavity 13 of the graspable portion 11, and a second end 15b opposite to the first one, arranged in correspondence with the back zone 8 of the iron 2.

Advantageously, the bracket 15 becomes deformed for allowing to move the graspable portion 11 along the

directions "Dl" and D2", and further elastically brings back the graspable portion 11 when the action on the same is ended.

More particularly, it has to be noted that the first end 15a of the bracket 15 is restrained through respective screws 16 to the graspable portion 11 and is developed perpendicularly to the second end 15b, which is also restrained through screws 16 to the plate 3 and is extending along the end 9a of the fixed frame 9 close to the back zone 8.

As it is better shown in the enlargement of figure 3b, the bracket 15 is further equipped with a portion 17 protruding from the cavity 13 of the graspable portion 11 towards the front zone 7 of the iron 2. The protruding portion 17 shows a substantially "L"- shaped conformation and defines an active surface 17a associable to the mentioned driving means 12. In particular, the driving means 12 include a first electrical switch 18 equipped with a key 19 joinable to the protruding portion 17 for being movable along said first direction "Dl" between a first position, in which it activates at least the first ironing working condition and a second position, in which it deactivates the first ironing condition. Advantageously, the first ironing working condition

corresponds with the supply of the vapour jet through the holes (not shown as of a known type) carried out on the lower surface 3a of the plate 3. In this situation, the first electrical switch 18 is properly connected with a driving electric circuit (also not shown and described in detail as it is of a known type) which controls the supply of the vapour jet. However, it is to be specified that the first ironing working condition can corresponds with any other function known of the iron and/or the ironing-board. Advantageously, the first switch 18 is suitable for activate both the first and the second ironing working conditions in which, preferably, the second working condition corresponds to the activation of said suction and/or blowing means 6, as it will be better described during the present description. As it is better shown in the figures 3a and 3b, the first switch 18 is restrained to the fixed frame 9 in correspondence with the end 9a close to the frontal zone 7. The key 19 of the first switch 18 is arranged facing the end of the graspable portion 11, in order to be movable along the mentioned first direction "Dl" following to the displacement of the graspable portion 11. In other words, when the graspable portion 11 is dis-

placed in the respective first position, it approaches to the first switch 8 arranged in the frontal zone 7, while when it is displaced in the second position, it moves away from the mentioned first switch 8. In this way, when the graspable portion 11 is displaced in the first position, the active surface 17a of the protruding portion 17 contacts the key 19 of the first switch 18 for displacing the key 19 itself in the respective first position in which it activates the first and the second ironing working conditions. When the graspable portion 11 is displaced in the second position, the active surface 17a of the protruding portion 17 is detached from the key 19 of the first switch 18 for displacing the key 19 itself in the respective second position in which it deactivates the first working condition.

The driving means 12 further include a second electric switch 20, also equipped with a key 21 joinable to the graspable portion 11 for being movable along the second direction "D2" between a first position, in which it activates the second ironing working condition and a second position, in which it deactivates the second ironing working condition.

As above mentioned, the second ironing working condition corresponds with the air suction through the

holes βa made on the upper surface 5a of the axis 5. In this situation, the second electric switch 20 is opportunely connected with a driving electric circuit (also not shown and described in detail being of a known type) which adjusts the activation of the suction means 6.

However, it has to be specified that also the second ironing working condition can correspond to any other known function of the iron and/or the ironing-board. It has also to be specified that the means 6 are preferably deactivated with a predetermined delay time, for example in the order of some seconds. In this way, when the second switch 20 is displaced in the respective first position for many consecutive times within said delay time, the suction means β remain activated.

Furthermore, the second electric switch 20 acts in order to activate/deactivate the first switch 18. In particular, the second switch 20 is opportunely connected with the first switch 18 with an electronic control logic (not described and shown as of a known type) so as to deactivate the first switch 18 itself when the second switch activates the second ironing working condition. In this way, the first switch 18 can activate the first ironing condition only when the

second switch is in the respective second position in which it deactivates the second ironing condition and activates the first switch 18.

As it is better shown in the enlargement of figure 3b, the second switch 20 is arranged in the cavity 13 of the graspable portion 11, restrained to the tract 9b of the fixed frame, in correspondence with the end 11a of the graspable portion 11 close to the frontal zone 7 of the iron 2.

In this way, during the displacement of the graspable portion 11 along the second direction ^λλ D2" by moving away/approaching the plate 3, the bracket 15 contacts or moves away from the key 21.

In particular, when the graspable portion 11 is moved away from the plate 3 and arranged in the third position, the key 21 of the second switch 20 is detached from the first end 15a of the bracket 15 in order to activate the second ironing working condition and deactivate the first switch 18; whereas, when it is brought near the plate 3 and arranged in the fourth position, the first end 15a contacts the key 21 of the second switch 20 in order to deactivate the second working condition and activate the first switch 18. Preferably, the iron 2 is further equipped with at least a selection device 22 for excluding the men-

tioned driving means 12. In particular, the selection means 22 allows the only manual activation of the working conditions which therefore, in such a case, can only be driven by two auxiliary switches 23 arranged in the frontal zone 7 of the iron 2 and opera- tively connected to the activation circuits of the first and second ironing working conditions. Advantageously, the auxiliary switches 23 show, respectively, a key 23a protruding from the case 10, placed in the frontal zone for being manually acti- vable/deactivable .

Each auxiliary switch 23 corresponds with at least a working condition, preferably to both of them, in order to manually activate the respective condition independently from the means 12.

In this way, during the ironing operations the iron 2 automatically provides to activate the first and second ironing conditions.

In fact, when the worker which grasps the graspable portion 11 moves forward the iron 2 towards the respective frontal zone 7, the portion 11 is displaced along the first direction "Dl" in the first position. Accordingly, while the iron 2 slides on the article to be ironed, the vapour jet is supplied and the suction/blowing means 6 are activated. When the worker

slides the iron 2 backwards, the graspable portion 11 deactivates said first operating condition by stopping the supply of the vapour jet. At this time, the suction/blowing means 6 continue to be activated for the delay time. If during such delay time the portion 11 is placed again in the respective first position, the suction/blowing means 6 are maintained activated. On the contrary, if the portion 11 is maintained in the second position, the means 6 are deactivated after the delay time.

Further, when the worker lifts up the iron 2, the graspable portion 11 is displaced along the second direction "D2" in the third position, for activating the suction or the blowing of the air carried out in the ironing-board 5. In this condition, the first switch 18 is excluded so as to prevent the unintentional activation of the first ironing condition. On the contrary, when the worker places the iron 2 on the board 5 and presses on the graspable portion 11, the same is displaced in the fourth position, in which deactivates the second working condition which is activate again by the first switch 18.

Advantageously, the driving means 12 further include electronic control means, not described and shown as they are of a known type, which coordinates the acti-

vation of the operating conditions managed by the switches 18, 20.

Furthermore, in other embodiments not shown in detail, the graspable portion 11 can be movably mounted with respect to the plate through other means of a proper type, such as sliding guides and/or rolling bearings in order to improve and make easier the displacement of the same along the said directions "Dl" and "D2". The invention attains important advantages and reaches the proposed purposes.

First of all, it has to be noted that the automatic activation of the functioning conditions is obtained by two simple electric switches of a common use, of a mechanical type, and therefore less damageable than complicated electronic elements.

Advantageously, the system 1 results to be easier and economical from the construction point of view. Furthermore, the ironing system 1 results more reliable as the switches are not subjected to damages following to the high temperature within the iron 2.