EP0891118B1 - Heating element and household appliance, especially steam pressing iron, using such an element and method for fabricating the steam pressing iron - Google Patents

Heating element and household appliance, especially steam pressing iron, using such an element and method for fabricating the steam pressing iron Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0891118B1
EP0891118B1 EP98401731A EP98401731A EP0891118B1 EP 0891118 B1 EP0891118 B1 EP 0891118B1 EP 98401731 A EP98401731 A EP 98401731A EP 98401731 A EP98401731 A EP 98401731A EP 0891118 B1 EP0891118 B1 EP 0891118B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
resistive circuit
layer
ceramic layer
heating element
sole
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EP98401731A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0891118A1 (en
Inventor
Eliette Rosell-Laclau
Dominique Gelus
Jean-Pierre Debourg
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SEB SA
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SEB SA
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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
    • H05B3/00—Ohmic-resistance heating
    • H05B3/20—Heating elements having extended surface area substantially in a two-dimensional plane, e.g. plate-heater
    • H05B3/22—Heating elements having extended surface area substantially in a two-dimensional plane, e.g. plate-heater non-flexible
    • H05B3/26—Heating elements having extended surface area substantially in a two-dimensional plane, e.g. plate-heater non-flexible heating conductor mounted on insulating base
    • H05B3/265—Heating elements having extended surface area substantially in a two-dimensional plane, e.g. plate-heater non-flexible heating conductor mounted on insulating base the insulating base being an inorganic material, e.g. ceramic
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F75/00—Hand irons
    • D06F75/08—Hand irons internally heated by electricity
    • D06F75/24—Arrangements of the heating means within the iron; Arrangements for distributing, conducting or storing the heat

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an element heating, of the type constituted by a resistive circuit capable of being crossed by an electric current and thermal bond with the internal part of a plate conductive of heat, through electrically insulating means.
  • Such a heating element is generally flat and it is reported on the conductive plate by all connecting means, such as for example by bonding.
  • the invention applies in particular, but not exclusively for household appliances such as irons in general, whether steam or not, fryers, or grilling appliances, etc ... fact, the invention can be applied to any device intended to operate in a humid environment in permanently or occasionally.
  • the invention is therefore susceptible of applications in a very large field, but an application preferential concerns its integration in an iron iron with steam or dry type.
  • the invention also relates to a iron provided with such a heating element.
  • the major difficulty in this type of device domestic using steam or operating in humid environment consists in achieving isolation electrical between the electrical resistive circuit heater and the heat conducting plate to exploit in one way or another.
  • European patent application EP-A-0555159 filed by the plaintiff, describes a heating element intended in particular for an iron and made according to a sandwich structure inserting a resistive heating element, embedded in a resin thermoplastic and delimited on either side of its upper and lower sides by two sheets of electrical insulating coating, themselves receiving on either side of their outer faces a layer of thermoplastic resin, constituting means of insulating connection with rigid elements, one at less forms a heating plate.
  • the different constituent layers of such heating element are linked together by fusing.
  • a heating element of the type described in the above-mentioned European patent application present the disadvantage of requiring a manufacturing process heavy and expensive with expensive materials and whose operating temperature limit is relatively close to operating temperature of the device.
  • the aforementioned heating elements do not adapt well to the fact that the heating parts subjected to an electrical voltage are too close accessible edges of the spray orifices, when it comes to steam irons. Indeed, the current leakage lines are too short and this aspect therefore limits the number of steam possible.
  • WO 93 02533 A discloses an element electric heater, especially usable in an iron ironing board, essentially comprising a plate of metal base coated with a dielectric glass ceramic, on which a track is placed electrical resistive in a material containing platinum.
  • the resistive track is itself covered of a dielectric material.
  • the present invention aims to remedy the disadvantages of a heating element entering the structure of a household appliance likely to be used in a humid environment.
  • such a heating element aims to provide a heating structure allowing good distribute the heat over the entire surface of the means of electrically insulating connection, and very quickly.
  • the heating element of the invention can also be particularly simple and present improved insulation characteristics, for a reduced manufacturing cost.
  • the invention relates to an element heater intended in particular for an iron, type constituted by a resistive circuit able to be crossed by an electric current and in connection thermal with the internal part of a plate heat conductive or sole, by through electrically insulating means, the resistive circuit being a thin layer and the means electrically insulating being constituted by a layer ceramic of which an upper face receives the circuit resistive and of which a lower face is in connection with the inner part of the sole.
  • the thin layer constituting the resistive circuit is divided into conductive strips, parallel to each other and distributed to cover any the surface of the ceramic layer by providing a constant surface power and electrically connected to each other in series via connections.
  • the heat is very quickly distributed over the entire surface of the ceramic layer.
  • the resistive circuit can have a very wide low, which further improves the regularity of the heater.
  • the present invention also relates to characteristics that will emerge during the description which will follow and which should be considered in isolation or according to all their possible technical combinations.
  • the heating element 1 shown in the figures is more particularly suitable for an iron with steam.
  • the heating element consists of a circuit resistive 2 able to be crossed by a current electrical and in thermal connection with the part internal of a heat conducting plate, in the occurrence of an iron soleplate 3, this connection made by means electrically insulating.
  • These electrically insulating means are made up by a ceramic layer 4 including an upper face 4a receives resistive circuit 2 and one side of which lower 4b is in connection with the internal part 3a of the sole 3.
  • the ceramic layer 4 is produced directly on the internal face 3a of the sole 3 which it covers.
  • This ceramic insulating layer is obtained by firing thick sprayed and dried slip less than 0.5 mm.
  • a thin layer conductive metal oxide preferably of tin oxide, from a precursor essentially composed of a chloride solution tin and a dopant, for example fluoride ammonium.
  • Thin layers of tin oxide can have a thickness of 0.05 ⁇ m to 0.5 ⁇ m. They are then transparent. In these thicknesses, the lowest resistance values are of the order of 20 ⁇ / cm 2 . In the present case, since transparency does not matter, it is possible to deposit greater thicknesses, preferably between 1 and 10 ⁇ m, and thus obtain resistances of the order of ⁇ / cm 2 .
  • the “Pyrosol” deposition technique is based on the thermal decomposition of fine droplets.
  • One of interests of this method lies in the mode obtaining the aerosol which gives it properties particular finesse and homogeneity of the droplet size.
  • the principle consists in cause a liquid to burst under the action of a ultrasonic pressure.
  • the implementation of the process “Pyrosol” implies the choice of three constituents: source compound, solvent and carrier gas, compatible with each other, and with the substrate on which the deposit must be made.
  • the process differs from conventional chemical vapor deposition "CVD” by the mode of transport of the reaction product. After evaporation of the latter, film formation is the result of a gas-solid reaction. As in “CVD", the active species reacts in the adsorbed phase and reaction products are subsequently desorbed.
  • the conductive deposit of tin oxide can be carried out from tin chloride, preferably SnCl 4 dissolved in a solvent, preferably ethanol or methanol.
  • a solvent preferably ethanol or methanol.
  • the fluorine or antimony dopants are added from ammonium fluoride (NH 4 F) for fluorine and antimony chloride (SbCl 3 ) for antimony.
  • NH 4 F ammonium fluoride
  • SBCl 3 antimony chloride
  • the SnCl 4 concentration is preferably between 0.1 and 0.8 mol / l and the temperature of the substrate during deposition is between 300 and 500 ° C.
  • the thin conductive layer is produced from zinc oxides.
  • the precursors used can then be zinc chloride (ZnCl 2 ) or zinc acetate ((Zn (C 2 H 3 O 2 ) 2 ).
  • the solvent used can be a mixture of water and ethanol or methanol and the addition of a dopant, preferably indium, in the form of indium chloride.
  • the conductive layer thin comprises at least one organometallic compound.
  • the thin layer constituting the resistive circuit 2 is divided into conductive strips 5, parallel between them, and distributed to cover the entire surface of the ceramic layer 4 and consequently that of the sole 3, to provide a constant pfd.
  • Conductive strips 5 of the thin layer constituting the resistive circuit 2 are obtained by chemical etching or masking.
  • the conductive strips 5 are interconnected via connections 7.
  • the element heating (not shown), it is made up of from a metal plate on which are successively arranged the ceramic layer 4 and the resistive circuit 2 to form a subset separate to report on the internal part 3a of the sole 3.
  • said resistive circuits 2 are covered by a second insulating layer 14 (FIG. 1), so that build a limited sandwich structure externally, on the one hand, by the ceramic layer 4 and, on the other hand, by said second layer insulator 14, between which the element is inserted resistive 2.
  • the second insulating layer 14 is also a ceramic layer.
  • the deposition of the insulating layer 14 is preferably obtained by baking a slip sprayed with a lower melting temperature to that of the ceramic layer 4.
  • the heating element 1 which has just been described is intended to equip a household appliance, more particularly a steam iron whose ironing sole 3 has holes 15 in passage of steam from a vaporization (not shown).
  • Resistive circuit 2 bypasses orifices 15 for the passage of steam at a distance predetermined, so as to allow the second insulating layer 14 to be intimately linked to the zones free from ceramic layer 4 no covered by the resistive circuit 2 and in particular around the orifices 15 for passage of the steam, in order to obtain electrical isolation from them.
  • the resistive circuit 2 constituted by the strips conductive 5 bypasses the orifices 15 for passage of vapor, at a relatively small distance which is less than 3 mm. Being able to approach the closer to the orifices 15, by the resistive circuit 2 limits unheated areas without however create lines of flight. this allows increase the number of orifices 15 while keeping a sufficient heated area.
  • the free zones a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h of the ceramic layer 4 not covered by the circuit resistive 2 are intended to be in intimate connection with the second insulating layer 14 (not shown in the figure 2).
  • the heating element 1 is previously attached to a stainless steel plate, itself stuck on a sole 3 of polished or enameled aluminum, for example through a silicone adhesive.
  • the stainless steel plate is flat and raised on its outline in order to give it stiffness while by helping to improve the aesthetics of the whole.

Abstract

The heating element comprises a resistance circuit (2) through which an electric current passes and which is in thermal contact with the inner surface of a heat conducting plate (3) or sole plate through electrical insulators. The resistance circuit is a thin layer of material, and the insulators are provided by a ceramic layer (4,4a,4b) with its upper face receiving the resistance circuit and its lower one in contact with the inner surface of the sole plate. The thin layer forming the resistance circuit is made from tin oxide, zinc oxide or an organo-metallic material, applied in droplet or vapour form. The layer is divided into a series of conducting strips lying parallel to one another and distributed so as to cover the whole of the ceramic layer, ensuring a constant surface power. The conducting strips can also be formed by engraving or masking and are linked in series by connectors.

Description

La présente invention concerne un élément chauffant, du type constitué par un circuit résistif apte à être traversé par un courant électrique et en liaison thermique avec la partie interne d'une plaque conductrice de la chaleur, par l'intermédiaire de moyens électriquement isolants.The present invention relates to an element heating, of the type constituted by a resistive circuit capable of being crossed by an electric current and thermal bond with the internal part of a plate conductive of heat, through electrically insulating means.

Un tel élément chauffant est généralement plat et il est rapporté sur la plaque conductrice par tout moyen de liaison, comme par exemple par collage.Such a heating element is generally flat and it is reported on the conductive plate by all connecting means, such as for example by bonding.

L'invention s'applique notamment, mais non exclusivement aux appareils électroménagers tels que fers à repasser en général, qu'il soit à vapeur ou non, friteuses, ou encore appareils à griller, etc... En fait, l'invention est susceptible d'applications à tout appareil destiné à fonctionner en milieu humide en permanence ou occasionnellement.The invention applies in particular, but not exclusively for household appliances such as irons in general, whether steam or not, fryers, or grilling appliances, etc ... fact, the invention can be applied to any device intended to operate in a humid environment in permanently or occasionally.

L'invention est donc susceptible d'applications dans un champ très vaste, mais une application préférentielle concerne son intégration dans un fer à repasser du type à vapeur ou à sec.The invention is therefore susceptible of applications in a very large field, but an application preferential concerns its integration in an iron iron with steam or dry type.

Par conséquent, l'invention concerne également un fer à repasser pourvu d'un tel élément chauffant.Consequently, the invention also relates to a iron provided with such a heating element.

Elle concerne également un procédé de réalisation d'un tel fer à repasser.It also relates to a method of making of such an iron.

La difficulté majeure dans ce type d'appareil domestique mettant en oeuvre de la vapeur ou opérant en milieu humide, consiste à réaliser un isolement électrique entre le circuit résistif électrique chauffant et la plaque conductrice de la chaleur à exploiter d'une manière ou d'une autre.The major difficulty in this type of device domestic using steam or operating in humid environment, consists in achieving isolation electrical between the electrical resistive circuit heater and the heat conducting plate to exploit in one way or another.

Dans ce but, la demande de brevet européen EP-A-0555159, déposée par la demanderesse, décrit un élément chauffant destiné notamment à un fer à repasser et réalisé selon une structure sandwich insérant un élément résistif de chauffe, noyé dans une résine thermoplastique et délimité de part et d'autre de ses faces supérieure et inférieure par deux feuilles de revêtement isolant électrique, elles-mêmes recevant de part et d'autre de leurs faces externes une couche de résine thermoplastique, constituant des moyens de liaison isolants avec des éléments rigides dont l'un au moins forme une plaque de chauffe.To this end, European patent application EP-A-0555159, filed by the plaintiff, describes a heating element intended in particular for an iron and made according to a sandwich structure inserting a resistive heating element, embedded in a resin thermoplastic and delimited on either side of its upper and lower sides by two sheets of electrical insulating coating, themselves receiving on either side of their outer faces a layer of thermoplastic resin, constituting means of insulating connection with rigid elements, one at less forms a heating plate.

Les différentes couches constitutives d'un tel élément chauffant sont liées entre elles par thermocollage.The different constituent layers of such heating element are linked together by fusing.

Un élément chauffant du type décrit dans la demande de brevet européen précitée présente l'inconvénient de nécessiter un procédé de fabrication lourd et coûteux avec des matériaux chers et dont la limite de fonctionnement en température est relativement proche de la température de fonctionnement de l'appareil.A heating element of the type described in the above-mentioned European patent application present the disadvantage of requiring a manufacturing process heavy and expensive with expensive materials and whose operating temperature limit is relatively close to operating temperature of the device.

Par ailleurs, les éléments chauffants précités s'accommodent mal du fait que les parties chauffantes soumises à une tension électrique soient trop proches des bords accessibles des orifices de vaporisation, lorsqu'il s'agit de fers à repasser à vapeur. En effet, les lignes de fuite de courant sont trop courtes et cet aspect limite par conséquent le nombre de trous de vapeur possible.Furthermore, the aforementioned heating elements do not adapt well to the fact that the heating parts subjected to an electrical voltage are too close accessible edges of the spray orifices, when it comes to steam irons. Indeed, the current leakage lines are too short and this aspect therefore limits the number of steam possible.

Le document WO 93 02533 A divulgue un élément chauffant électrique, notamment utilisable dans un fer à repasser, comprenant essentiellement une plaque de base métallique ayant un revêtement en un diélectrique céramique en verre, sur lequel est déposée une piste résistive électrique en un matériau contenant du platine. La piste résistive est elle-même recouverte d'un matériau diélectrique.WO 93 02533 A discloses an element electric heater, especially usable in an iron ironing board, essentially comprising a plate of metal base coated with a dielectric glass ceramic, on which a track is placed electrical resistive in a material containing platinum. The resistive track is itself covered of a dielectric material.

Un inconvénient de cet élément chauffant est que la chaleur met du temps à se répartir sur l'ensemble de la surface du revêtement diélectrique recouvert par la piste résistive.One drawback of this heating element is that heat takes time to spread over all of the surface of the dielectric coating covered by the resistive track.

La présente invention vise à remédier aux inconvénients liés à un élément chauffant rentrant dans la structure d'un appareil électroménager susceptible d'être utilisé en milieu humide.The present invention aims to remedy the disadvantages of a heating element entering the structure of a household appliance likely to be used in a humid environment.

Par conséquent, un tel élément chauffant vise à fournir une structure chauffante permettant de bien répartir la chaleur sur toute la surface des moyens de liaison électriquement isolants, et ce très rapidement. L'élément chauffant de l'invention peut également être réalisé de manière particulièrement simple et présenter des caractéristiques d'isolement améliorées, pour un coût de fabrication réduit.Therefore, such a heating element aims to provide a heating structure allowing good distribute the heat over the entire surface of the means of electrically insulating connection, and very quickly. The heating element of the invention can also be particularly simple and present improved insulation characteristics, for a reduced manufacturing cost.

A cet effet, l'invention concerne un élément chauffant destiné notamment à un fer à repasser, du type constitué par un circuit résistif apte à être traversé par un courant électrique et en liaison thermique avec la partie interne d'une plaque conductrice de la chaleur ou semelle, par l'intermédiaire de moyens électriquement isolants, le circuit résistif étant une couche mince et les moyens électriquement isolants étant constitués par une couche céramique dont une face supérieure reçoit le circuit résistif et dont une face inférieure est en liaison avec la partie interne de la semelle.To this end, the invention relates to an element heater intended in particular for an iron, type constituted by a resistive circuit able to be crossed by an electric current and in connection thermal with the internal part of a plate heat conductive or sole, by through electrically insulating means, the resistive circuit being a thin layer and the means electrically insulating being constituted by a layer ceramic of which an upper face receives the circuit resistive and of which a lower face is in connection with the inner part of the sole.

Selon l'invention, la couche mince constituant le circuit résistif est divisée en bandes conductrices, parallèles entre elles et réparties pour couvrir toute la surface de la couche céramique en procurant une puissance surfacique constante et reliées électriquement entre elles en série par l'intermédiaire de connexions.According to the invention, the thin layer constituting the resistive circuit is divided into conductive strips, parallel to each other and distributed to cover any the surface of the ceramic layer by providing a constant surface power and electrically connected to each other in series via connections.

Ainsi, la chaleur est très rapidement répartie sur l'ensemble de la surface de la couche céramique. De plus, le circuit résistif peut avoir une largeur très faible, ce qui améliore encore la régularité du chauffage.Thus, the heat is very quickly distributed over the entire surface of the ceramic layer. Of more, the resistive circuit can have a very wide low, which further improves the regularity of the heater.

La présente invention concerne également les caractéristiques qui ressortiront au cours de la description qui va suivre et qui devront être considérées isolément ou selon toutes leurs combinaisons techniques possibles.The present invention also relates to characteristics that will emerge during the description which will follow and which should be considered in isolation or according to all their possible technical combinations.

Cette description donnée à titre d'exemple non limitatif fera mieux comprendre comment l'invention peut être réalisée, en référence aux dessins annexés sur lesquels :

  • la figure 1 est une vue en coupe longitudinale d'un élément chauffant selon l'invention, intégré à titre d'exemple dans une semelle de fer à repasser ;
  • la figure 2 est une vue de dessus d'une semelle de fer à repasser selon la figure 1 ayant reçu une couche de céramique et un circuit résistif, selon un premier exemple de réalisation.
This description given by way of nonlimiting example will make it easier to understand how the invention can be implemented, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
  • Figure 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of a heating element according to the invention, integrated by way of example in an iron soleplate;
  • Figure 2 is a top view of an iron soleplate according to Figure 1 having received a ceramic layer and a resistive circuit, according to a first embodiment.

A titre d'exemple de réalisation non limitatif, l'élément chauffant 1 représenté sur les figures est plus particulièrement adapté à un fer à repasser à vapeur.By way of nonlimiting example of embodiment, the heating element 1 shown in the figures is more particularly suitable for an iron with steam.

L'élément chauffant est constitué par un circuit résistif 2 apte à être traversé par un courant électrique et en liaison thermique avec la partie interne d'une plaque conductrice de la chaleur, en l'occurrence une semelle 3 de fer à repasser, cette liaison s'effectuant par l'intermédiaire de moyens électriquement isolants.The heating element consists of a circuit resistive 2 able to be crossed by a current electrical and in thermal connection with the part internal of a heat conducting plate, in the occurrence of an iron soleplate 3, this connection made by means electrically insulating.

Ces moyens électriquement isolants sont constitués par une couche céramique 4 dont une face supérieure 4a reçoit le circuit résistif 2 et dont une face inférieure 4b est en liaison avec la partie interne 3a de la semelle 3.These electrically insulating means are made up by a ceramic layer 4 including an upper face 4a receives resistive circuit 2 and one side of which lower 4b is in connection with the internal part 3a of the sole 3.

La couche céramique 4 est réalisée directement sur la face interne 3a de la semelle 3 qu'elle revêt. Cette couche isolante en céramique est obtenue par cuisson d'une barbotine pulvérisée et séchée, d'une épaisseur inférieure à 0,5 mm.The ceramic layer 4 is produced directly on the internal face 3a of the sole 3 which it covers. This ceramic insulating layer is obtained by firing thick sprayed and dried slip less than 0.5 mm.

Successivement est appliquée sur la couche céramique 4, une couche mince d'oxyde métallique conducteur, apte à constituer le circuit résistif.Successively applied to the layer ceramic 4, a thin layer of metal oxide conductor, able to form the resistive circuit.

Sur la couche céramique 4 ainsi réalisée, on applique par un procédé "Pyrosol", une couche mince d'oxyde métallique conducteur, préférentiellement de l'oxyde d'étain, à partir d'un précurseur essentiellement composé d'une solution de chlorure d'étain et d'un dopant, par exemple du fluorure d'ammonium.On the ceramic layer 4 thus produced, we apply by a "Pyrosol" process, a thin layer conductive metal oxide, preferably of tin oxide, from a precursor essentially composed of a chloride solution tin and a dopant, for example fluoride ammonium.

Les couches minces d'oxyde d'étain peuvent avoir une épaisseur de 0,05 µm à 0,5 µm. Elles sont alors transparentes. Dans ces épaisseurs, les valeurs de résistance les plus faibles sont de l'ordre de 20 Ω/cm2. Dans le cas présent, la transparence n'important pas, il est possible de déposer des épaisseurs plus importantes, préférentiellement entre 1 et 10 µm, et ainsi obtenir des résistances de l'ordre du Ω/cm2.Thin layers of tin oxide can have a thickness of 0.05 µm to 0.5 µm. They are then transparent. In these thicknesses, the lowest resistance values are of the order of 20 Ω / cm 2 . In the present case, since transparency does not matter, it is possible to deposit greater thicknesses, preferably between 1 and 10 μm, and thus obtain resistances of the order of Ω / cm 2 .

La technique de dépôt "Pyrosol" est basée sur la décomposition thermique de fines gouttelettes. Un des intérêts de cette méthode réside dans le mode d'obtention de l'aérosol qui lui confère des propriétés particulières de finesse et d'homogénéité de la dimension des gouttelettes. Le principe consiste à provoquer l'éclatement d'un liquide sous l'action d'une pression ultrasonore. La mise en oeuvre du procédé "Pyrosol" implique le choix de trois constituants : le composé source, le solvant et le gaz porteur, compatibles entre eux, et avec le substrat sur lequel le dépôt doit être effectué. Le procédé diffère du classique dépôt chimique en phase vapeur "CVD" par le mode de transport du produit réactionnel. Après évaporation de ce dernier, la formation du film est le résultat d'une réaction gaz-solide. Comme en "CVD", l'espèce active réagit en phase adsorbée et les produits de réactions sont désorbés ultérieurement.The "Pyrosol" deposition technique is based on the thermal decomposition of fine droplets. One of interests of this method lies in the mode obtaining the aerosol which gives it properties particular finesse and homogeneity of the droplet size. The principle consists in cause a liquid to burst under the action of a ultrasonic pressure. The implementation of the process "Pyrosol" implies the choice of three constituents: source compound, solvent and carrier gas, compatible with each other, and with the substrate on which the deposit must be made. The process differs from conventional chemical vapor deposition "CVD" by the mode of transport of the reaction product. After evaporation of the latter, film formation is the result of a gas-solid reaction. As in "CVD", the active species reacts in the adsorbed phase and reaction products are subsequently desorbed.

Le dépôt conducteur d'oxyde d'étain peut s'effectuer à partir de chlorure d'étain, préférentiellement SnCl4 dissous dans un solvant, préférentiellement de l'éthanol ou du méthanol. Les dopants fluor ou antimoine sont rajoutés à partir de fluorure d'ammonium (NH4F) pour le fluor et de chlorure d'antimoine (SbCl3) pour l'antimoine. La concentration en SnCl4 se situe préférentiellement entre 0,1 et 0,8 mol/l et la température du substrat lors du dépôt se situe entre 300 et 500°C.The conductive deposit of tin oxide can be carried out from tin chloride, preferably SnCl 4 dissolved in a solvent, preferably ethanol or methanol. The fluorine or antimony dopants are added from ammonium fluoride (NH 4 F) for fluorine and antimony chloride (SbCl 3 ) for antimony. The SnCl 4 concentration is preferably between 0.1 and 0.8 mol / l and the temperature of the substrate during deposition is between 300 and 500 ° C.

Dans un autre mode de réalisation, la couche conductrice mince est réalisée à partir d'oxydes de zinc. Les précurseurs utilisés peuvent être alors un chlorure de zinc (ZnCl2) ou un acétate de zinc ((Zn(C2H3O2)2). Le solvant utilisé peut être un mélange d'eau et d'éthanol ou du méthanol et l'ajout d'un dopant, préférentiellement de l'indium, sous forme de chlorure d'indium.In another embodiment, the thin conductive layer is produced from zinc oxides. The precursors used can then be zinc chloride (ZnCl 2 ) or zinc acetate ((Zn (C 2 H 3 O 2 ) 2 ). The solvent used can be a mixture of water and ethanol or methanol and the addition of a dopant, preferably indium, in the form of indium chloride.

Dans une autre réalisation, la couche conductrice mince comprend au moins un composé organométallique.In another embodiment, the conductive layer thin comprises at least one organometallic compound.

Selon l'exemple représenté sur les figures, la couche mince constituant le circuit résistif 2 est divisée en bandes conductrices 5, parallèles entre elles, et réparties pour couvrir toute la surface de la couche céramique 4 et conséquemment celle de la semelle 3, pour procurer une puissance surfacique constante.According to the example shown in the figures, the thin layer constituting the resistive circuit 2 is divided into conductive strips 5, parallel between them, and distributed to cover the entire surface of the ceramic layer 4 and consequently that of the sole 3, to provide a constant pfd.

Les bandes conductrices 5 de la couche mince constituant le circuit résistif 2 sont obtenues par gravure chimique ou masquage.Conductive strips 5 of the thin layer constituting the resistive circuit 2 are obtained by chemical etching or masking.

Les bandes conductrices 5 sont reliées entre elles par l'intermédiaire de connexions 7.The conductive strips 5 are interconnected via connections 7.

Les extrémités 8 et 9 de composé des bandes 5 mises en série par les connexions 7 sont reliées à une source de courant par les fils électriques 10 et 11, ces bandes 5 étant de largeur et d'épaisseur constantes, la puissance est dissipée avec une densité constante sur toute la surface de la semelle qui chauffe uniformément.Compound 8 and 9 ends of bands 5 connected in series by connections 7 are connected to a current source by electric wires 10 and 11, these bands 5 being of width and thickness constants, the power is dissipated with a density constant over the entire surface of the sole which heats evenly.

Selon une variante de réalisation de l'élément chauffant (non représenté), celui-ci est constitué à partir d'une plaque métallique sur laquelle sont successivement disposés la couche céramique 4 et le circuit résistif 2 pour former un sous-ensemble distinct à rapporter sur la partie interne 3a de la semelle 3.According to an alternative embodiment of the element heating (not shown), it is made up of from a metal plate on which are successively arranged the ceramic layer 4 and the resistive circuit 2 to form a subset separate to report on the internal part 3a of the sole 3.

Dans ce cas, un tel sous-ensemble constitué par la plaque métallique, la couche céramique 4 et le circuit résistif 2 est rapporté sur la semelle 3 par collage.In this case, such a subset consisting of the metal plate, ceramic layer 4 and the circuit resistive 2 is attached to the sole 3 by bonding.

Quels que soient les modes de réalisation qui viennent d'être décrits, tant en ce qui concerne la réalisation du circuit résistif 2, ou en ce qui concerne la manière de rapporter la couche céramique 4 sur la paroi interne 3a de la semelle 3, lesdits circuits résistifs 2 sont recouverts par une seconde couche isolante 14 (figure 1), de manière à constituer une structure sandwich limitée extérieurement, d'une part, par la couche céramique 4 et, d'autre part, par ladite seconde couche isolante 14, entre lesquelles est inséré l'élément résistif 2.Whatever the embodiments which have just been described, both with regard to the realization of the resistive circuit 2, or in what relates to the way of bringing back the ceramic layer 4 on the inner wall 3a of the sole 3, said resistive circuits 2 are covered by a second insulating layer 14 (FIG. 1), so that build a limited sandwich structure externally, on the one hand, by the ceramic layer 4 and, on the other hand, by said second layer insulator 14, between which the element is inserted resistive 2.

Préférentiellement, la seconde couche isolante 14 est également une couche céramique.Preferably, the second insulating layer 14 is also a ceramic layer.

Le dépôt de la couche isolante 14 est de préférence obtenu par cuisson d'une barbotine pulvérisée dont la température de fusion est inférieure à celle de la couche céramique 4.The deposition of the insulating layer 14 is preferably obtained by baking a slip sprayed with a lower melting temperature to that of the ceramic layer 4.

L'élément chauffant 1 qui vient d'être décrit, est destiné à équiper un appareil électroménager, plus particulièrement un fer à repasser à vapeur dont la semelle de repassage 3 comporte des orifices 15 de passage de la vapeur en provenance d'une chambre de vaporisation (non représentée).The heating element 1 which has just been described is intended to equip a household appliance, more particularly a steam iron whose ironing sole 3 has holes 15 in passage of steam from a vaporization (not shown).

Ces orifices 15 traversent également la couche céramique 4 qui les entoure et sur laquelle couche est réalisé ledit circuit résistif 2.These orifices 15 also pass through the layer ceramic 4 which surrounds them and on which layer is made of said resistive circuit 2.

Le circuit résistif 2 contourne les orifices 15 de passage de la vapeur selon une distance prédéterminée, de manière à permettre à la seconde couche isolante 14 d'être intimement liée aux zones libres de la couche céramique 4 non recouvertes par le circuit résistif 2 et notamment autour des orifices 15 de passage de la vapeur, afin d'obtenir un isolement électrique de ceux-ci.Resistive circuit 2 bypasses orifices 15 for the passage of steam at a distance predetermined, so as to allow the second insulating layer 14 to be intimately linked to the zones free from ceramic layer 4 no covered by the resistive circuit 2 and in particular around the orifices 15 for passage of the steam, in order to obtain electrical isolation from them.

Selon l'exemple de réalisation représenté, le circuit résistif 2 constitué par les bandes conductrices 5 contourne les orifices 15 de passage de la vapeur, à une distance relativement faible qui est inférieure à 3 mm. Le fait de pouvoir s'approcher au plus près des orifices 15, par le circuit résistif 2 permet de limiter les zones non chauffées, sans pour autant créer de lignes de fuite. Ceci permet d'augmenter le nombre d'orifices 15 tout en gardant une surface chauffée suffisante.According to the embodiment shown, the resistive circuit 2 constituted by the strips conductive 5 bypasses the orifices 15 for passage of vapor, at a relatively small distance which is less than 3 mm. Being able to approach the closer to the orifices 15, by the resistive circuit 2 limits unheated areas without however create lines of flight. this allows increase the number of orifices 15 while keeping a sufficient heated area.

Les zones libres a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h de la couche céramique 4 non recouvertes par le circuit résistif 2 sont destinées à être en liaison intime avec la seconde couche isolante 14 (non représentée sur la figure 2).The free zones a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h of the ceramic layer 4 not covered by the circuit resistive 2 are intended to be in intimate connection with the second insulating layer 14 (not shown in the figure 2).

Selon une autre caractéristique de l'invention, l'élément chauffant 1 est préalablement rapporté sur une plaque en acier inoxydable, elle-même collée sur une semelle 3 en aluminium poli ou émaillé, par exemple par l'intermédiaire d'un adhésif au silicone. Dans ce cas, la plaque en acier inoxydable est plate et relevée sur son contour afin de lui conférer une raideur tout en contribuant à améliorer l'esthétique de l'ensemble.According to another characteristic of the invention, the heating element 1 is previously attached to a stainless steel plate, itself stuck on a sole 3 of polished or enameled aluminum, for example through a silicone adhesive. In this case, the stainless steel plate is flat and raised on its outline in order to give it stiffness while by helping to improve the aesthetics of the whole.

L'invention concerne également un procédé d'obtention d'un fer à repasser à vapeur, ce procédé étant remarquable en ce qu'il consiste à :

  • déposer, directement sur la semelle 3 ou par l'intermédiaire d'une plaque métallique (non représentée), une couche de céramique 4 sur sa quasi totalité, à l'exclusion des orifices 15 de passage de la vapeur qui y sont pratiqués et qui se trouvent ainsi entourés de céramique,
  • réaliser par tout moyen une couche mince formant un circuit résistif 2 constitué de bandes conductrices parallèles, de largeur et d'épaisseur constantes, et reliées électriquement entre elles en série par l'intermédiaire de connexions (7), ladite couche mince étant réalisée sur la face supérieure de la couche céramique 4 en contournant lesdits orifices 15 selon une distance prédéterminée,
  • déposer une seconde couche isolante 14 sur le circuit résistif 2 et se liant intimement aux zones libres a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h de la première couche céramique 4, non recouverte par le circuit résistif 2, notamment autour des orifices 15 de passage de la vapeur.
The invention also relates to a process for obtaining a steam iron, this process being remarkable in that it consists in:
  • deposit, directly on the sole 3 or by means of a metal plate (not shown), a ceramic layer 4 on almost all of it, excluding the orifices 15 for the passage of steam which are formed therein and which are thus surrounded by ceramic,
  • achieve by any means a thin layer forming a resistive circuit 2 consisting of parallel conductive strips, of constant width and thickness, and electrically connected to each other in series via connections (7), said thin layer being formed on the upper face of the ceramic layer 4 by bypassing said orifices 15 by a predetermined distance,
  • deposit a second insulating layer 14 on the resistive circuit 2 and intimately bonding to the free areas a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h of the first ceramic layer 4, not covered by the resistive circuit 2, in particular around orifices 15 for the passage of steam.

Claims (17)

  1. A heating element intended notably for a smoothing iron, of the type composed of a resistive circuit (2) liable to be traversed by an electric current and linked thermally with the internal part (3a) of a heat-conducting plate or sole (3), by means of electrically insulating means, whereas the resistive circuit is a thin layer and the electrically insulating means are composed of a ceramic layer (4) whereof the upper face (4a) accommodates the resistive circuit (2) and whereof the lower face (4b) is linked with the internal part (3a) of the plate or sole (3), characterised in that the thin layer forming the resistive circuit (2) is divided into conducting bands (5), parallel to one another, with constant width and thickness, and distributed to cover the whole surface of the ceramic layer (4) while providing constant surfacing power, and linked electrically together in series by means of connections (7).
  2. A heating element according to claim 1, characterised in that the resistive circuit (2) is a thin tin oxide layer.
  3. A heating element according to claim 1, characterised in that the resistive circuit (2) is a thin zinc oxide layer.
  4. A heating element according to claim 1, characterised in that the resistive circuit (2) is a thin layer comprising at least one organometallic compound.
  5. A heating element according to one of the claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the ceramic layer (4) is situated directly on the internal face (3a) of the sole (5) that it covers.
  6. A heating element according to any of the claims 1 to 5, characterised in that it consists of a sandwich structure delineated, on the one hand, by the ceramic layer (4) and, on the other hand, by a second insulating layer (14), between which the resistive circuit (2) is situated.
  7. A heating element according to claim 6, characterised in that the second insulating layer (14) is a ceramic layer.
  8. A household appliance, characterised in that it comprises at least one heating element (1) as defined according to one of the claims 1 to 7.
  9. A household appliance according to claim 8, characterised in that it is formed of a steam smoothing iron.
  10. A household appliance according to claim 9, characterised in that the smoothing iron sole (3) comprises orifices (15) to let through the steam, from a vaporisation chamber and also traversing the ceramic layer (4) surrounding said orifices and on which is formed the resistive circuit (2) going round said orifices (15) along a preset distance, in order to enable the second insulating layer (14) to be linked intimately with the free zones (a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h) of the ceramic layer (4) not represented by the resistive circuit (2) and notably around the orifices (15) to let through the steam, in order to provide electric insulation of said orifices.
  11. A process for manufacturing a steam smoothing iron, characterised in that it consists in:
    depositing, directly on the sole (3) or by means of a metal plate (not represented), a ceramic layer (4) almost over its whole surface, except for the orifices (15) to let through the steam, orifices drilled therein and therefore surrounded with ceramic,
    realising by any means a thin layer forming a resistive circuit (2), consisting of parallel conducting bands, with constant width and thickness, and linked electrically together in series by means of connections (7), said thin layer being realised on the upper face of the ceramic layer (4), while going round said orifices (15) along a preset distance,
    depositing a second insulating layer (14) on the resistive circuit (2) and linked intimately with the free zones (a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h) of the first ceramic layer (4) not covered by the resistive circuit (2), notably around the orifices (15) to let through the steam.
  12. A process according to claim 11, characterised in that the resistive circuit (2) is a thin layer formed by the Pyrosol method.
  13. A process according to one of the claims 11 to 12, characterised in that the conducting bands (5) of the thin layer forming the resistive circuit (2) are provided by masking or chemical engraving.
  14. A process according to one of the claims 11 to 13, characterised in that it consists in depositing in succession on a metal plate, the ceramic layer (4) and the resistive circuit (2) to form a distinct sub-assembly to be added onto the internal part (3a) of the sole (3).
  15. A process according to claim 14, characterised in that the sub-assembly formed by the metal plate, the ceramic layer (4) and the resistive circuit (2) is bonded onto the sole (3).
  16. A process according to claim 14 or 5, characterised in the sub-assembly formed by the ceramic layer (4) and the resistive circuit (2) is first of all added onto a stainless steel plate, itself bonded to a polished or enamelled aluminium sole (3).
  17. A process according to claim 16, characterised in that the sole (3) is raised on its contour to confer it some rigidity, while contributing to enhance the aesthetic of the assembly.
EP98401731A 1997-07-10 1998-07-08 Heating element and household appliance, especially steam pressing iron, using such an element and method for fabricating the steam pressing iron Expired - Fee Related EP0891118B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR9708804 1997-07-10
FR9708804A FR2766047B1 (en) 1997-07-10 1997-07-10 HEATING ELEMENT AND HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCE, ESPECIALLY STEAM IRON, COMPRISING SUCH AN ELEMENT

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0891118A1 EP0891118A1 (en) 1999-01-13
EP0891118B1 true EP0891118B1 (en) 2002-09-18

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EP98401731A Expired - Fee Related EP0891118B1 (en) 1997-07-10 1998-07-08 Heating element and household appliance, especially steam pressing iron, using such an element and method for fabricating the steam pressing iron

Country Status (5)

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EP (1) EP0891118B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE224630T1 (en)
DE (1) DE69807995T2 (en)
ES (1) ES2181140T3 (en)
FR (1) FR2766047B1 (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
USD743662S1 (en) 2014-09-26 2015-11-17 Morphy Richards Limited Iron

Families Citing this family (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
ES2278539B1 (en) 2006-01-31 2008-07-16 Celaya, Emparanza Y Galdos, Internacional, S.A. SOLE OF IRON AND IRON THAT CONTAINS IT.
GB2437283A (en) * 2006-04-22 2007-10-24 Richards Morphy N I Ltd Steam iron
GB0908860D0 (en) * 2009-05-22 2009-07-01 Sagentia Ltd Iron

Family Cites Families (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB1102125A (en) * 1964-02-24 1968-02-07 Richards Morphy N I Ltd Improvements relating to electric smoothing irons and heating units therefor
FR2189562A1 (en) * 1972-06-20 1974-01-25 Zarzecki Jean
DE2534813A1 (en) * 1975-08-05 1977-02-10 Braun Ag Heating element for household appliances - has heating conductors on glass ceramic support electroplated to desired thickness
DE3409925A1 (en) * 1984-03-17 1985-09-26 Robert Krups Stiftung & Co KG, 5650 Solingen RADIATOR FOR HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCES
GB9115902D0 (en) * 1991-07-23 1991-09-04 Global Domestic Prod Ltd Electrical heating elements

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
USD743662S1 (en) 2014-09-26 2015-11-17 Morphy Richards Limited Iron

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE69807995T2 (en) 2003-07-31
DE69807995D1 (en) 2002-10-24
ES2181140T3 (en) 2003-02-16
ATE224630T1 (en) 2002-10-15
FR2766047A1 (en) 1999-01-15
FR2766047B1 (en) 1999-09-24
EP0891118A1 (en) 1999-01-13

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