Iron is a common household appliance. With it, users iron various types of fabric. Dozens of types and models of such devices are represented in the world. Everyone chooses for himself the appropriate type of device. The article will provide a detailed description of the principle of operation of the iron, its design and basic types. In addition, you can familiarize yourself with the main tips that relate to the care of this type of household appliances.
general description
An electric iron is a common household appliance used to smooth clothes. The process itself is based on a combination of heat and pressure on the treated object. The principle of operation of an electric household appliance is that when current passes through the coil, it heats up and transfers heat to the base plate of the device through the conductivity of the elements attached inside.
In the old days, steam models were used, but now modern devices have simple and effective heating elements. This avoids possible problems during operation. Steam appliances have some maintenance problems due to clogging.
The devices have vents through which water passes. As steam is generated internally, the minerals, salts and other trace elements contained in the liquid slowly accumulate in the ventilation openings and block the passage of water. Thus, the efficiency of this type of household appliance is reduced. Because of this, they must be cleaned regularly to ensure proper operation and to avoid possible breakdowns. If you live in an area that uses hard water that contains trace elements in high concentrations, clogging is a serious problem.
This disadvantage is eliminated in modern models, since they use only heating elements and they do not have ventilation holes. There is not much difference between the two types. The first has one regulator for temperature control, and the second special generator that evaporates the liquid in a special compartment. It is worth paying attention to the brand of iron Rowenta. The manufacturer produces models of both types of devices. In addition, it is one of the oldest companies producing home appliances of good quality.
Iron parts
Most modern models of these types of household appliances have a standard set of elements.
Each part in the iron is unique in terms of performing functions. Engineers have designed the device in such a way as to eliminate unnecessary modules, which significantly reduces the dimensions of the unit. As a result, such a device is easy to control.
1. Sole
The device of the iron begins with its foundation. The sole is a thick triangular-shaped iron plate that forms the base on which the electrical appliance is built. The bottom surface and edges are chrome-plated or ceramic coated to prevent corrosion.
The base plate should hold the pressure plate and cover in place. If you dismantle the upper part, you can see two or sometimes three hairpins. They help maintain the position of the cover and pressure plate. Thanks to this, the case becomes stronger, and all elements inside remain protected from strong pressure. Ceramic iron soles are also in high demand. The ceramic element is more reliable according to buyers and many experts.
2. Pressure plate
The next element in the iron device is a plate. It is attached to the base. Such an element is usually called the upper plate, since it corresponds to the shape of the sole. In most cases, it completely repeats the outline of the main element, on which all modules are mounted. The pressure plate has several holes through which the studs form the base plate.
The nuts on them are tightened so that both of these elements are pressed against each other. In some models of household appliances, the plate is heavy and made of cast iron. However, you can find modern versions in which a steel sheet with a thickness of not more than 1 cm is installed. Almost all models have rectangular recesses directly in the sheet where the thermostat is installed.
3. Heating element
The iron device is not complete without direct glow parts. This mechanism is located between the sole and the slab. He is tightly sandwiched between them. The heating element consists of a chrome wire wound around a sheet of mica. The two ends of the conductor are connected to the contact strips.
They, in turn, are connected to the terminals of the iron. There are two reasons why mica is selected as the material for heating. She is a very good insulating material. In addition, mica can also withstand very high temperatures. The entire assembly of a heating element, chrome wire and contact strips provides a mechanically strong and reliable structure covered with asbestos sheet. It separates and isolates the top plate from the heat up. The main plastic and silicon modules are located there.
4. Cover
Another important element in the device of the iron is a protective base, attached to the base of the sole. The overlay is made of a thin sheet of iron. It is located on the top of the base plate and covers all the internal parts where the heating element is located.
The handle and connector are attached only to the cover. This assembly scheme can be found in most models. The iron coating of the steel provides good thermal conductivity. This will reduce the overall temperature and protect the fragile parts from melting.
5. pen
This element is mainly made of plastic. However, wooden handles may be added. It is attached to the cover with screws.
Studs can also be used for this purpose. There are compact models. They are mounted using a hinge so that the travel iron with a folding handle can be collected in a small bag. Thanks to this, such models can be taken with you on vacation or a business trip.
6. Signal light
The test lamp is located on the cover of the electric iron. One end of it is connected to a power source, and the other is connected to a heating element. This device provides shunt resistance, which contributes to the voltage drop. Such a mechanism is designed to provide a voltage drop of 2-5 volts. As a result, with a sharp heating of the sole, a protective mechanism is triggered, which keeps the temperature in the set range.
7. Thermostat
This module is the most important element. It uses a bimetallic strip to control a switch that is connected in series with a resistive heating unit. This allows you to adjust the expansion with strong heating. Such a detail can be found in every iron. The temperature regulator allows you to save heat and prevents the main elements from overheating inside.
A bimetallic strip is a simple element that converts a change in temperature into mechanical displacement. It consists of two different metals bonded together. They must have different expansion ratios. This is necessary to control the pressure that arises. If such a strip is heated, it begins to bend in the direction of the alloy having a lower coefficient of expansion. When cooled, it straightens and returns to its normal position.
The bimetallic strip is attached to the contact spring through small pins. The point of contact between the strip and the wires remains closed. When the temperature rises significantly, the incoming expansion causes the strip to bend. As a result, the common ground automatically opens.
Thus, the power supply to the heating element is temporarily interrupted until the temperature drops to normal. A special device called a cam is placed next to the contact spring, with the help of which the amount of bending of the bimetallic strip required to separate the contact is automatically determined. Thanks to the thermostat, you can manually set the ironing modes on the iron. It also protects the device from fire.
8. Capacitor
The thermostat helps keep the temperature within certain limits. But frequent short circuit and open circuit damage the contact points. To avoid this, a capacitor of a certain range is connected through two main points of contact.
The capacitor makes it possible to automatically set the temperature and adjust the energy supply without the intervention of the user. With this mechanism, the incoming current and temperature are in the same set limit.
Adjustment principle
Given that the circuit remains open for some time, the temperature of the iron drops, the strip acquires its original shape, and the current flows again intensely. This cycle is repeated until you disconnect the household appliance from the power. That is why the unit itself turns on and off the heating element. Iron manufacturer Rowenta was one of the first to introduce this technology in the world. Today he adds a lot of innovative solutions to his equipment.
Types of devices and rating
In total, there are several main types of irons that are most often used:
- Classic. Such models do not have complex designs and belong to the budget option. They are based on a simple heating element, a cast iron sole and a chrome plate.
- With sprinkler and temperature controller. The next generation of models that have a special dispenser for spraying water, as well as a manual temperature switch.
- With a steam generator. Are in great demand. The technology is different from classic models. Basically, smoothing the fabric is not due to the pressure of the hot sole, but rather the arrival of hot steam.
- Road. The most compact of the models described above. Basically they have a small capacity and can be folded if necessary.
If we talk about the rating of the best irons with a steam generator, then, according to many users, the best models are:
- Philips GC 7703/20 Fast Care. The leader in the number of positive ratings. Has a reservoir of 2.5 liters of water. In addition, there is a built-in filter for cleaning tap water.
- Tefal GV6732. Compact but powerful model. Heats up in just 2 minutes. Powerful steam allows even coarse fabrics to be smoothed. The average flow rate is 250 ml of fluid per minute. Has a portable station with a tank.
- Bosch TDS 38311. High-quality German equipment that will last more than one year with proper care. The output power is about 3100 watts. Evaporates about 400 ml of liquid in one minute. It has a vertical ironing function.
The models included in the rating of the best irons with a steam generator have the best ratings from users. When choosing the right type with the possibility of vertical ironing, you can focus on these manufacturers. It is also worth paying attention to the brand of Vitek irons. It is included in the budget segment, but many models have many positive reviews.
Exploitation
Using any model is quite simple. All that is required is to set the modes for ironing correctly. In most modern devices, the shift sensor is located on the upper side. There are models where the regulator is located directly on the handle.
You just have to plug the iron in and wait a few minutes. As soon as the sole reaches the set temperature, a signal will sound or the lamp on the body will go out. After that, you can proceed to ironing.
Do not leave water in the steam generator or tank after all the steps taken. Often it contains trace elements, minerals and salts, which can damage the device or its components. Iron water is best pre-filtered. This will help to avoid blockages and breakdowns.
Instrument Care
Even the best home irons will not last long if we are not properly looked after. This is always worth remembering.
The service is as follows:
- Use only filtered water or special fluids.
- Tank cleaning using proprietary solutions.
- Cleaning the soles of soles with special markers or pencils.
You can read more about the rules of care in the instructions. It is worth paying attention that for each model its own, a certain procedure is established, depending on the specifics of the equipment.