EP3186436B1 - Electrical appliance including a housing comprising an opening through which a cord containing an electric wire passes - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an appliance for household use having a housing comprising an opening through which penetrates a cord enclosing at least one electrical wire, and relates more particularly to an appliance in which the opening receives a protective element. secured to the cord which extends around the cord to protect it locally against wear due to bending and / or friction.

It is known from the patent application US 5,886,322 or utility model ES 1 036 996 U , an iron having a housing having an opening through which a power cord penetrates, the opening receiving a bead guide member coming around the bead to locally protect it against bending-related wear and / or friction. In such an apparatus, the electrical wires of the cord are connected to pins supported by the heat shield of the iron by means of one or more connectors disposed at the end of the electric wires, the connectors to be connected manually to the pins. in an operation independent of the establishment of the cord guide element.

However, the connection of such connectors has the disadvantage of requiring a specific mounting operation that takes time and is not ergonomic to achieve.

Also, an object of the present invention is to overcome these disadvantages by providing an appliance having a housing having an opening into which a cord containing an electrical wire penetrates, wherein the connection of the electrical wire to the housing of the appliance is easy.

For this purpose, the subject of the invention is a household electrical appliance comprising a housing comprising an opening through which a cord enclosing at least one electrical wire penetrates, the opening receiving a protective element integral with the cord which extends around the bead to protect it locally against wear due to bending and / or friction, said protective element supporting a connector for electrically connecting the wire to a complementary shaped connector disposed in the housing during the introduction of the protective element in the opening.

Such a characteristic makes it possible to have a single assembly operation in which the protection element is placed in the opening and the cord wire or wires are electrically connected to the housing. This results in a saving in assembly time and better assembly ergonomics.

According to another characteristic of the apparatus according to the invention, at least a portion of the connector forms a one-piece piece with at least a part of the protection element.

Such a characteristic makes it possible to directly integrate the connector into a component part of the protection element.

According to yet another characteristic of the invention, the portion of the protective element forming a piece integral with the connector comprises a sleeve which is fixed on the cord.

Such a characteristic makes it possible to have a sheath that ensures both a protection of the cord against bending and ensures a correct positioning of the connector carried by the cord relative to the complementary shape connector disposed in the housing during the installation of the protection element in the opening.

According to another optional feature, the sleeve is made of plastic material by a molding process.

Such a characteristic makes it possible to produce the sleeve in a simple and inexpensive way.

According to another characteristic of the invention, the sleeve comprises two parts articulated around a hinge, the two parts being intended to grip the cord.

Such a characteristic has the advantage of allowing easy mounting of the protection element.

According to yet another optional feature, the protection element comprises a fastening flange which grips the sheath. Such a characteristic makes it possible to guarantee a good immobilization of the protection element on the cord.

According to another optional feature, the fastening flange is held in position on the sleeve by at least one elastic locking element. Such a feature makes it possible to immobilize the fastening flange in a simple and economical manner.

According to another optional feature, the portion of the protective element incorporating the connector is overmolded directly on the cord.

Such a characteristic makes it possible to obtain excellent holding of the protection element on the cord.

According to another optional feature, the connector is carried by a support piece attached to the housing and the support part also supports at least one member to be electrically powered by a power cable to be connected to a socket carried by the support piece .

Such a feature allows to gather on the support part, near the power outlet, the various organs to be electrically powered. It also makes it possible to pre-assemble the members supported by the support piece in a step prior to mounting the support piece in the housing for better mounting ergonomics.

According to another optional feature, the support piece supports one or more of the following organs: a control panel, a printed circuit, a pump, a connector for the power supply of an element of the apparatus, a terminal for setting to the ground, a conduit for the transport of a fluid.

According to another optional feature, the apparatus is intended for ironing or straightening laundry.

According to another optional feature, the apparatus comprises an iron connected by the cord to the housing of a steam generator base.

According to another optional feature, the cord also contains a conduit for the transport of steam.

According to another optional feature, the housing encloses a vessel for generating steam under pressure.

• la figure 1 est une vue en perspective d'un appareil de repassage selon un mode particulier de réalisation de l'invention ;
• la figure 2 est une vue en coupe longitudinale de la base génératrice de vapeur de l'appareil de la figure 1 ;
• les figures 3 et 4 sont des vues en perspective éclatées d'une partie des éléments constituant la base génératrice de vapeur de la figure 2 dans lesquelles le cordon est respectivement représenté en position désassemblée et en position assemblée.
• la figure 5 est une vue en perspective d'un sous-ensemble solidaire d'une pièce support intégrée sous la façade avant de la base génératrice de vapeur.
• La figure 6 est un vue en perspective de l'extrémité du cordon dans une première phase de montage de l'élément de protection ;
• Les figures 7 et 8 sont différentes vues en perspectives de l'extrémité du cordon dans une deuxième phase de montage de l'élément de protection.
• La figure 9 est une vue en perspective de l'extrémité du cordon dans une troisième phase de montage de l'élément de protection.

The aims, aspects and advantages of the present invention will be better understood from the description given below of a particular embodiment of the invention presented by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the appended drawings in which :

• the figure 1 is a perspective view of an ironing apparatus according to a particular embodiment of the invention;
• the figure 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of the steam generating base of the apparatus of the figure 1 ;
• the figures 3 and 4 are exploded perspective views of part of the elements constituting the steam generating base of the figure 2 wherein the cord is respectively shown in the disassembled position and in the assembled position.
• the figure 5 is a perspective view of an integral subassembly of an integrated support part under the front facade of the steam generator base.
• The figure 6 is a perspective view of the end of the cord in a first phase of mounting the protection element;
• The Figures 7 and 8 are different views in perspective of the end of the cord in a second phase of mounting of the protection element.
• The figure 9 is a perspective view of the end of the cord in a third phase of mounting the protection element.

Only the elements necessary for the understanding of the invention have been represented. To facilitate the reading of the drawings, the same elements bear the same references from one figure to another.

The figure 1 represents an ironing apparatus of the steam generator type, typically comprising an iron 3 comprising a housing provided with a gripping handle 30 and a steam generating base, portable, external to the iron. The steam generating base comprises a housing 1 having an inclined top surface forming an iron rest 10 on which the iron 3 can be placed for storage, the housing 1 being connected to the home electrical network by a cable 9 and comprising a table 11 located at the foot of the iron rest 10.

The iron 3 comprises, in a manner known per se, a heating soleplate 32 having holes for the diffusion of steam and is connected to the housing 1 by a flexible cord 2 incorporating electrical supply wires of the heating soleplate 32 and that a steam duct 21, visible on the figure 3 .

In accordance with the figure 2 , the housing 1 encloses a tank 4 for the generation of pressurized steam disposed in a housing located under the iron support 10, the tank 4 comprising a regulated electrical resistance 40 for producing steam under a pressure greater than 4 bar and preferably of the order of 5 to 6 bars.

The tank 4 comprises, in a manner known per se, a steam outlet orifice disposed in the upper part of the tank 4, this steam outlet orifice being equipped with a solenoid valve 41, visible on the figure 3 , connected to the iron 3 by the steam duct 21 integrated in the cord 2, the solenoid valve 41 being controlled at the opening by a button 31 disposed under the handle 30 of the iron.

The housing 1 comprises a reservoir 13 of water extending along the periphery of the housing 1 and the tank 4 is supplied with water from the tank 13 by a supply pipe 12 connected to an electromagnetic pump 8 providing a pressure of 1 15 bar order, the pump 8 for regularly refilling the tank 4 with water from the tank 13 during an ironing session.

In accordance with figures 3 and 4 , the cord 2 is engaged in the housing 1 through an opening 5 defined by a half-moon notch 50 which is formed on the lower edge of a side wall of the housing 1, this notch 50 being closed to its lower end by setting up a base 14, visible on the Figures 1 and 2 .

The cord 2 comprises at its end a protective element 6 which is positioned at the opening 5 to protect the cord 2 and stiffen it locally in order to limit its wear.

Preferably, the protective element 6 comprises a longitudinal end having a reinforcing sleeve 60 coming to cover the cord 2 outside the casing 1, this reinforcing sleeve 60 having a frustoconical outer surface providing progressive flexion of the cord 2 .

The outer surface of the protection element 6 also comprises a locking rib 61 which is positioned inside the casing 1, the reinforcing sleeve 60 and the locking rib 61 coming from both sides of the lateral wall. of the housing 1 to ensure the longitudinal immobilization of the protective element 6 in the opening 5.

More particularly according to a particular embodiment of the invention, the protective element 6 is extended inside the device by an electrical connector 62, said male, comprising a body supporting connection pins 20A connected to the ends. son 20 of the cord 2, this connector 62 coming into a connector 70 of complementary shape, said female, carried by a support part 7 of the housing when the protective element 6 is placed in the opening 5 to mounting the device.

Preferably, the connection pins 20A of the connector 62 extend transversely to the longitudinal direction of the cord 2 so that, in the same movement, the operator can engage the cord guide element 6 in the notch 50 and connect the male connector 62 to the female connector 70.

In accordance with the figure 5 , the body of the female connector 70 is molded directly with the support piece 7, the latter being constituted by an independent piece which is attached in the casing 1 and which advantageously supports the control panel 11 of the apparatus and a printed circuit board 71 which associated with it, as well as the pump 8 so as to form a compact subset electrically powered by a power cable, not shown in the figures, being connected to a socket 72 carried by the support part 7.

Such a subassembly has the advantage of being able to be assembled outside the housing 1 of the apparatus, before being mounted in the apparatus, which makes it possible to improve the ergonomics of assembly by facilitating the electrical connection of the switchboard. control 11 and the pump 8. Such a compact subset also optimizes the cost of manufacture by limiting the length of the electrical son connecting the various components.

Preferably, the support piece 7 also supports other components of the apparatus such as a connector for the electrical supply of the electrical resistance of the tank, a lug for grounding, a connector for the power supply of the solenoid valve and various conduits necessary for the water supply to the tank, the support piece then forming a subset comprising the main components of the device.

The Figures 6 to 9 illustrate more specifically a particular embodiment of the protective element 6 fitted to the cord 2 of the apparatus of the figure 1 .

According to these figures, the protective element 6 comprises two parts made of plastic material obtained by molding: a sleeve 6A which is attached to the end of the cord 2 and a fastening flange 6B which is attached to the sleeve 6A, the flange fastener 6B incorporating the reinforcing sleeve 60 and the locking rib 61.

As can be seen on the figure 6 , the sheath 6A is molded integrally with the body of the male connector 62 and comprises two complementary parts 63 interconnected by a hinge 63A formed by a film of plastic material, these two complementary parts 63 being molded side by side so as to have an open sleeve 6A in which the end of the cord 2 can be easily engaged.

Thus, during assembly, the operator first introduces the cord 2 into a opening of the fastening flange 6B, as illustrated on the figure 6 then it has a portion 63 of the sleeve 6A on the end of the cord 2 and engages the connection pins 20A fixed to the end of the electrical wires 20 in different cylindrical housings in the body of the connector 62.

The operator then folds the second portion 63 of the sleeve 6A to bring it facing the first portion 63 so as to grip the end of the cord 2, the inner surface of the sleeve 6A advantageously having ribs 64 in relief to reinforce the gripping the sheath 6A on the end of the cord 2.

The operator then translates the fastening flange 6B in the direction of the sheath 6A until the fastening flange 6B covers the sheath 6A, by enclosing it, as is illustrated in FIG. figure 9 , the sleeve 6A comprising a locking clip 65 engaging in an opening 66 of the fixing flange 6B to immobilize the latter in a correct assembly position.

The protection element 6 thus produced has the advantage of being easy to mount and to be perfectly immobilized on the end of the cord 2 and on the housing 1.

The apparatus thus produced has the advantage of having an improved mounting ergonomics, the mounting of the cord 2 in the apparatus being carried out simply by transversely engaging the protective element 6 in the notch 50 before the introduction of the base 14, as illustrated in the figures 3 and 4 , the male connector 62 coming, during this engagement of the protection element 6, facing the female connector 70 carried by the support piece 7 so that the connection of the male connector 62 with the female connector 70 is effected during the placing the protective element 6 in the notch 50, thereby saving assembly time.

Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiment described and illustrated which has been given by way of example. Modifications are possible, particularly from the point of view of the constitution of the various elements, or by substitution of technical equivalents, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

Thus, in an alternative embodiment not shown in the figures, the protection element incorporating the connector may be directly overmolded on the end of the cord.

Claims (10)

1. Household electrical appliance for domestic use comprising a housing (1) comprising an opening (5) through which a lead (2) enclosing at least one electric wire (20) enters, the opening (5) receiving a protective element (6) secured to the lead (2) that extends around the lead (2) in order to protect it locally against wear related to bending and/or rubbing, said protective element (6) supporting a connector (62) for electrically connecting the wire (20) to a connector (70) of complementary shape disposed in the housing (1) when the protective element (6) is fitted in the opening (5), at least part of said connector (62) forming a single piece with at least one part (6A) of the protective element (6), said part (6A) comprising a sheath fixed to the lead (2), characterised in that said sheath (6A) comprises two parts (63) articulated around a hinge (63A), the two parts (63) being intended to grip the lead (2).
2. Household electrical appliance according to claim 1, characterised in that said sheath (6A) is produced from plastics material by a moulding method.
3. Household electrical appliance according to either claim 1 or claim 2, characterised in that the protective element (6) comprises a fixing flange (6B) that grips the sheath (6A).
4. Household electrical appliance according to claim 3, characterised in that the fixing flange (6B) is held in position on the sheath (6A) by at least one elastic locking element (65).
5. Household electrical appliance according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that said part (6A) of the protective element (6) integrating the connector (62) is moulded directly on the lead (2).
6. Household electrical appliance according to any of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the connector (70) is carried by a support piece (7) attached in the housing (1) and in that said support piece (7) also supports at least one member intended to be supplied electrically by a supply cable connected to a socket (72) carried by the support piece (7).
7. Household electrical appliance according to any of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that it is intended for ironing or smoothing linen.
8. Household electrical appliance according to claim 7, characterised in that it comprises an iron (3) connected by a lead (2) to the housing (1) of a steam-generating base.
9. Household electrical appliance according to claim 8, characterised in that said lead (2) also encloses a pipe (21) for conveying steam.
10. Household electrical appliance according to either claim 8 or claim 9, characterised in that the housing (1) encloses a vessel (4) for generating steam under pressure.

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