Household iron press with PCM integration

Abstract

Equipment (100) for a household iron press, the equipment comprising: a base plate (102) configured to come into contact with clothing; a heating coil (104) which is arranged above; a phase change module positioned between the base plate and the heating coil, the phase change module comprising: a plurality of sealed rectangular tubes (106) filled with a phase-change material (108) comprising paraffin wax, wherein the phase-change material is configured to absorb and store thermal energy during heating and to release the stored thermal energy during cooling in order to maintain a substantially stable ironing temperature, and wherein a bimetallic switch (110) is operationally connected to the heating coil to interrupt the power supply when a predefined temperature threshold is reached.

Description

AREA

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to a household iron press which contains a phase-changing material for heat control. GENERAL STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Household irons are widely used appliances that remove wrinkles from garments by applying heat and pressure. Conventional irons typically use resistance heating elements regulated by thermostatic mechanisms, such as bimetallic switches, to maintain temperatures suitable for different fabrics. Over time, improvements have focused on surface coatings, steam generation, safety shut-offs, and ergonomic design. However, such irons still rely on repeated heating cycles, requiring a continuous power supply, which leads to energy inefficiencies, especially with prolonged or commercial use. The cyclical heating and cooling of the base plate results in temperature fluctuations and increased energy consumption, highlighting the need for improved heat control in household irons. SUMMARY

[0003] The subject matter of the present invention is defined in the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING Fig. Figure 1 illustrates a household iron press that incorporates a phase-changing material for heat control. Fig. Figure 2 illustrates a sealed rectangular tube filled with paraffin wax, positioned between the heating coil and the base plate for heat regulation. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0004] Conventional household iron presses are based on repeated resistance heating cycles, which leads to high electricity consumption, temperature fluctuations and reduced energy efficiency during longer ironing processes in both private and commercial settings.

[0005] The present disclosure provides a household iron press incorporating a phase-change-based thermal energy management system to reduce power consumption and stabilize the ironing temperature. A phase-change module is positioned between a heating coil and a base plate and comprises a multitude of sealed rectangular tubes filled with paraffin wax. During heating, the paraffin wax absorbs excess thermal energy and undergoes a phase change. During cooling, the stored energy is released to maintain a uniform temperature at the base plate. A bimetallic switch interrupts the power supply when a predefined temperature threshold is reached and intervenes to reactivate the heating element as needed.This configuration ensures consistent ironing performance, improved energy efficiency, increased safety, and suitability for both private and commercial use.

[0006] Fig. Figure 1 shows a household iron press 100, which includes key components arranged to facilitate heat management. A base plate 102 is positioned at the bottom and configured to be in contact with the garments during ironing. Projecting above the base plate is a heating coil 104, which serves as the primary heat source. Between the base plate and the heating coil is a phase-change module, which encloses a plurality of sealed rectangular tubes 106 arranged in a regular pattern. These tubes are filled with a phase-change material 108, in particular paraffin wax, which serves to absorb and store thermal energy during heating and release it again during cooling.A bimetallic switch 110 is operationally connected to the heating coil and the phase change module to interrupt the power supply when a predefined temperature threshold is reached. A temperature indicator 112 provides a visual display of the operating temperature range of the phase change module, thus keeping the user better informed during operation.

[0007] Fig.Figure 2 illustrates an internal heat control system of a household iron press 100. The base plate 102 is located at the bottom and is configured to be in contact with the garments during ironing. Above the base plate is the heating coil 104, which serves as the primary heat source. A phase change module, consisting of a multitude of sealed rectangular tubes 106, is positioned between the base plate and the heating coil. These tubes are filled with a phase change material 108, in particular paraffin wax, which absorbs and stores heat energy during heating and releases it again during cooling. This configuration ensures uniform heat transfer to the base plate.A bimetallic switch 110 is functionally connected to both the heating coil and the phase change module to interrupt the power supply when a predefined temperature threshold is reached. A temperature indicator 112 is also shown, providing visual feedback on the operating temperature range of the phase change module for safe and efficient use.

[0008] Although the implementations for a household iron press incorporating phase-change material for heat control have been described in language relating to structural features and / or methods, it should be noted that the attached claims are not necessarily limited to the specific features or methods described. Rather, the specific features and methods are disclosed as examples of implementations of a household iron press incorporating phase-change material for heat control.

Claims

[1] Device (100) for a household iron press, the device comprising: a base plate (102) configured to come into contact with clothing; a heating coil (104) which is arranged above; a phase change module positioned between the base plate and the heating coil, the phase change module comprising: a plurality of sealed rectangular tubes (106) filled with a phase-change material (108) comprising paraffin wax, wherein the phase-change material is configured to absorb and store thermal energy during heating and to release the stored thermal energy during cooling in order to maintain a substantially stable ironing temperature, and wherein a bimetallic switch (110) is operationally connected to the heating coil to interrupt the power supply when a predefined temperature threshold is reached. [2] Device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the rectangular tubes (106) are made of a heat-conducting metal and are arranged in a regular arrangement to distribute the heat energy evenly over the base plate (102). [3] Device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the phase change module is detachably mounted and the ironing press further comprises a temperature indicator (112) configured to display the operating temperature range during ironing.

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