FR2772055A1 - IRONING PRESS WITH MOTORIZED PRESSURE - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention concerns an ironing press comprising a work table (1) mounted on a base (2), and a heating soleplate (3) mounted on a soleplate arm (4) pivoting about a rear axis of rotation (S) borne by the base (2). Motoring means, housed beneath the work table (1) are controlled by a control circuit (42) housed in the soleplate arm (4) and selectively urge the heating soleplate (3) towards the work table (1). An angular position sensor generates an image signal of the soleplate arm (4) angular position relative to the work table (1), and said signal is used by the control means for causing or authorising the pressurisation of the ironing press if and only if the heating soleplate (3) is in the proximity of or in contact with the work table (1) or the object to be ironed thereon, thereby reducing the efforts required for operating the press, while ensuring high operational security.

Description

IRONING PRESS WITH MOTORIZED PRESSURE
The present invention relates to ironing presses, used for ironing laundry. An ironing press generally comprises a work table mounted on a base and having an upper face shaped to support the object to be ironed. A heated sole, mounted on a sole arm, pivots around a posterior axis of rotation carried by the base. Thus, the heated sole pivots between an open position in which the heated sole is raised away from the work table to allow the positioning of the object to be ironed or its removal after ironing, and a closed position in which the sole heating element is folded down on the work table or, in the presence of an ironing object, on the upper face of the ironing object placed on the work table.

In known ironing presses, the heating soleplate is handled by hand, according to a procedure comprising the following steps
- from the open position, after positioning the object to be ironed on the work table, the user presses on the upper face of the heated soleplate or on a handle which is integral with it to lower it by rotation around posterior axis of rotation to the closed position
- the user then manipulates an upper lever, articulated on the heating soleplate, to lower said lever and thus produce a pressure force of the heating soleplate in the direction of the work table, to pressurize the object to be ironed during its heating by the heating sole
after a period of pressure maintenance evaluated voluntarily by the user, the latter manipulates the upper lever to raise it and thus remove the ironing pressure
- Finally, the user accompanies the rotation of the heated soleplate towards the open position, movement produced by a return spring.

 It is understood that the user, especially in the pressurization step by manipulation of the upper lever, produces repetitive tiring and not very rewarding work. The manipulation of the lever further requires the use of a hand, which is thus unavailable for another task.

 The use of such an ironing press known requires calling on the experience of the user, in particular to determine the appropriate pressure hold time to obtain a satisfactory ironing quality.

 The problem proposed by the present invention is to design a new iron press structure which includes motorized pressurizing means, to avoid the user from tedious and tiresome repetitive handling of pressurization.

 Simultaneously, the object of the invention is to ensure high security in the motorized pressurization of the press, to avoid any risk of a user's limb being trapped between the heated soleplate and the work table during the pressurizing step for ironing.

 The invention also aims to provide such motorized means of pressurization which are particularly reliable, inexpensive, economical, compact, requiring only a low power motor and a minimum number of sensors.

 To achieve these and other objects, an ironing press according to the invention comprises - a work table mounted on a base, - a heated sole mounted on a sole arm which swivels around a posterior axis of rotation carried by the base, between an open position away from the work table and a closed position bearing on the work table, - motor means controlled by a control circuit and engaged with a mechanical transmission to selectively apply the heating soleplate towards the work table during the pressurization step, - control means for causing or authorizing the generation of a high-intensity pressing force from the heating soleplate towards the work table by the means motors if and only if the heated soleplate is near or in contact with the work table or the ironing object it supports.

 The control means can advantageously comprise - sensor means for producing an authorization signal when the heating soleplate is near or at the contact of the work table or the ironing object which it supports, - a control circuit receiving the authorization signal and authorizing or causing, after reception of said authorization signal, the operation of the motor means and of the mechanical transmission under conditions producing said high-intensity pressing force.

 According to one embodiment, the sensor means comprise an angular position sensor adapted between the sole arm and the base, to provide an image signal of the angular position of the sole arm, and a comparator for comparing said image signal of the position angle of the sole arm with a determined threshold value and to produce the authorization signal.

 To ensure good safety conditions, the threshold value is advantageously chosen to produce the authorization signal when the heated sole is moved away from the work table by a distance less than the thickness of a hand.

 According to an advantageous embodiment, the ironing press according to the invention is such that - the mechanical transmission comprises elastic return means engaged between a first support point and a second support point, - one of the first and second support points is associated with the sole arm, and the other of the first and second support points is associated with the base, - the motor means are arranged to move the second support point between a first position and a second position along circular guides centered on the first support point when the sole arm is in the closed position, - the first and second positions are such that the elastic return means urge the sole arm towards the open position when the second support point is in the first position, and urge the sole arm towards the closed position when the second support point is in the second position.

 Preferably, the mechanical transmission comprises uncoupling means allowing a free rotation stroke of the sole arm relative to the drive shaft of the drive means during its movement from the open position to the closed position of the ironing press.

 Other objects, characteristics and advantages of the present invention will emerge from the following description of particular embodiments, given in relation to the attached figures, among which: - Figure 1 is a schematic side view, in partial section, of 'an ironing press according to a first embodiment of the present invention, in the pressurized state - Figure 2 is a schematic view illustrating the kinematics of movement of the press of Figure 1 between the closed position and the open position - Figure 3 is a partial side view in longitudinal section showing the rear part of the ironing press of Figure 1, in the closed position Figures 4, 5 and 6 illustrate, in side view, an ironing press according to a second embodiment, respectively in the open position, in the closed position, and in the pressurized state - Figures 7, 8 and 9 illustrate, in side view, a press pass according to a third embodiment, respectively in the open position, in the closed position, and in the pressurization state - Figures 10, 11 and 12 illustrate, in side view, an ironing press according to a fourth mode of embodiment, respectively in the open position, in the closed position, and in the pressurized state - Figures 13, 14 and 15 illustrate, in side view, an ironing press according to a fifth embodiment, respectively in the open position , in the closed position, and in the pressurized state - FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an engine block for motorized pressurization according to the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 15, in the press state open or end of the pressure stage - FIG. 17 is a front view in cross section of the lower press part of FIG. 1, showing the adaptation of the motorized pressurization mechanism; - Figure 18 illustrates the general electrical diagram of the press according to an embodiment of the present invention - Figure 19 is a diagram illustrating the movements of different parts of the motorized pressurization mechanism according to the embodiment of Figures 16 and 17; and - Figures 20 and 21 show a general operating flow diagram of the ironing press according to one embodiment of the invention.

 As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, an ironing press according to the invention generally comprises a work table 1 mounted on a base 2, and a heated sole 3 mounted on a sole arm 4 pivoting around a posterior axis of rotation 5 itself carried by the base 2.

 In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the sole arm 4 is articulated around the posterior axis of rotation 5 according to an intermediate zone, and extends beyond the posterior axis of rotation 5 by a bent part 6 developing downwards and whose lower end 7 is articulated along a transverse axis 70 on an anteroposterior lower arm 8 secured to the work table 1. The anterior end of the anteroposterior arm 8 is in rolling support on the base 2 by a lower carriage 9 provided with rollers such as the roller 10 rolling in a lower raceway 11 formed in the base 2. The lower raceway 11 develops from front to back, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, along a curvilinear course, for example circular, centered on an upper center 12 which can be located little below the work table 1, while the lower raceway 11 is located little above from the base of the base 2. The lower raceway 11 develops between a rear end 13 and a front end 14.

 Elastic return means 15, such as helical compression springs, are engaged between the lower carriage 9 and an upper carriage 16. The upper carriage 16 is provided with rollers such as the roller 17 moving on an upper raceway 18 formed in the base 2. an upper race 18 is curved, forming a preferably circular guide, centered on the rear end 13 of the lower race 11, and develops between an upper and rear end 19 and a lower end and anterior 20. The upper and rear end 19 of the upper race 18 is slightly behind the upper center 12 of curvature of the lower race 11.

 As can be seen in FIG. 2, during the rotational movement of the heating sole 3 and of the sole arm 4 between the open position illustrated in solid lines in FIG. 2 and the closed position illustrated in dotted lines, the upper carriage 16 remains engaged in the upper and rear end 19 of the upper race 18, while the lower carriage 9 moves on the lower race 11: the lower carriage 9 is located at the rear end 13 of the lower race 11 when the press is in the closed state, while it is at the front end 14 of the lower raceway 11 when the press is in the open state. By the fact that the upper and rear end 19 of the upper raceway 18 is slightly behind the upper center 12, the elastic return means 15 exert a return force tending to bring the lower carriage 9 towards the front end 14 of the lower raceway 11, causing the advance of the lower anteroposterior arm 8 which itself causes the rotation of the sole arm 4 towards the open position of the ironing press.

 Thus, the elastic return means 15, associated with the lower carriage 9, the upper carriage 16, the lower raceway 11 and the upper raceway 18 constitute the return means tending to return the ironing press to the open position. These elastic return means 15 are engaged between a first fulcrum (the lower carriage 9), and a second fulcrum (the upper carriage 16). In this embodiment, the first support point 9 is associated with the sole arm 4, and the second support point 16 is associated with the base 2. According to the invention, the structure could also be adapted by associating the first fulcrum 9 on the base 2, and by associating the second fulcrum 16 with the sole arm 4.

 These main elements are found in Figure 17, in front view in cross section: the base 2, provided with lower support legs not listed, actually has a left part 2 which was visible in Figure 1 and a right part symmetrical 102, with a lower raceway 11 in the left-hand part 2 and a lower raceway 111 in the right-hand part 102, and with an upper raceway 18 in the left-hand part 2 and a corresponding upper raceway 118 in the right part 102. The lower carriage 9 comprises the roller 10 in the left part, and the roller 110 in the right part. The upper carriage 16 comprises the roller 17 in the left part and the roller 117 in the right part. Between the upper carriage 16 and the lower carriage 9, there are first elastic return means 15 in the left part, and second identical elastic return means 115 in the right part.

 We also see, in this figure 17, the essential mechanical elements of the motorized pressurizing device according to the invention.

This motorized pressurizing device, also shown in perspective in FIG. 16, comprises an electric motor 21 having a transverse motor shaft 22, which drives, via a set of reducing gears 23, a coaxial rotary bush 24 with the upper carriage 16 and provided with diametrically opposite radial openings such as the opening 25 in which a radial key 26 of the upper carriage 16 engages. Thus, a clearance of approximately 90, corresponding to the length of the opening 25, is formed between the rotation of the last pinion of the gear 23 secured to the bush 24 and the rotation of the upper carriage 16.

 The upper carriage 16 carries two end gears 27 and 127 which engage respectively on a left rack 28 and a right rack 128. The left rack 28 is also visible in FIG. 1, and follows the path of the upper raceway 18 remaining below the raceway. The motor 21, as well as its gear train 23, is mounted on a movable support 29 comprising two lower forks 30 and 130, of which only the rear branches can be seen in Figures 16 and 17, and which engage and on the other side of the lower carriage 9. The mobile motor support 29 is rotatably mounted around the upper carriage 16. Thus, the forks 30 and 130 of the mobile motor support 29 allow the movement of the two carriages closer and further apart 9 and 16, while permanently connecting them, preventing any rotation of the motor 21 and of its mobile support 29 relative to the two carriages 9 and 16.

 The rotation of the electric motor 21 thus makes it possible to rotate the shaft of the upper carriage 16 carrying the two end pinions 27 and 127 engaged on the racks 28 and 128. By this rotation, the electric motor 21 causes the displacement of the upper carriage 16 along the upper race 18 between a first position engaged at the upper end 19 of the upper race 18 and a second position (FIG. 1) adjustable moved towards the lower end 20 of the upper race 18. The first and second positions are such that the elastic return means 15, engaged between the support points constituted by the carriages 9 and 16, urge the sole arm 4 towards the open position when the second support point 16 is in the first position, and urge the sole arm 4 towards the closed position to apply additional pressure when the second fulcrum 16 is in second position. This produces pressure from the heating sole 3 on the work table 1 as will now be explained.

 In the closed, pressureless position of the ironing press, the upper carriage 16 is engaged in the upper and rear end 19 of the upper raceway 18. The shape of the lower raceway 11, centered on the upper center 12, fact that in this closed position of the ironing press, the elastic return means 15 have very little effect on the sole arm 4, so that the heating sole 3 rests on the work table 1 without pressure . By the rotation of the electric motor 21, the upper carriage 16 is gradually brought in the direction of the lower and front end 20 of the upper raceway 18, as illustrated in FIG. 1, modifying the orientation of the elastic return means 15. It is understood that, when the upper carriage 16 moves, the change in orientation of the elastic return means 15 gradually causes a push of the lower anteroposterior arm 8 towards the rear, and therefore a corresponding push from the heating sole 3 towards the table Work 1. By the fact that the upper race 18 is centered on the rear end 13 of the lower race 11, the work required by the electric motor 21 to produce the pressure is very low. It is thus possible to use an electric motor 21 with low torque, and therefore with low consumption and low volume.

 It is understood that, if the electric motor 21 is in direct engagement with the shaft of the upper carriage 16, the rotational movement of the sole arm 4 between the open position and the closed position also requires the rotation of the motor shaft 22 of the motor 21. To avoid this, and thus allow a free rotational movement in particular during rotation from the open position to the closed position of the sole arm 4, there are provided lights such as the light 25 allowing the rotation of the motor 21 and its support 29 around the upper drive shaft 16, which is itself fixed because it engages on the racks 28 and 128 during this rotational movement.

 We also see, in Figures 16 and 17, the presence of an angular sensor 31, for example consisting of a potentiometer, rotatably mounted on a shaft 32 carried by the movable motor support 29, and engaged on the shaft of the upper carriage 16 by means of a toothed wheel 33 meshing on a pinion 34 mounted on the shaft of the upper carriage 16. The angular sensor 31 thus gives an image signal of the rotation of the shaft of the upper carriage 16 by relative to the movable motor support 29.

 In FIG. 3, in side view in longitudinal section of the rear portion of the ironing press, there is the work table 1, the heating sole 3 and its sole arm 4, as well as the base 2 and the lower arm anteroposterior 8 articulated at the end of the bent part 6 of the sole arm 4. An angular position sensor 35 is provided at the articulation between the sole arm 4 and the base 2, around the posterior axis of rotation 5 For example, the rear axis 5 carries a toothed wheel 36 integral in rotation with the sole arm 4 and engaged on a pinion 37 carried by an axis integral with the base 2 and carrying an angular sensor such as a potentiometer. This angular position sensor 35, thus adapted between the sole arm 4 and the base 2, makes it possible to provide an image signal of the angular position of the sole arm 4 between the closed position and the open position of the ironing press.

 Referring again to FIG. 1, it can be seen that the heating sole 3 is associated with a front part 38 constituting an operating handle for driving the sole arm 4 between the open position and the closed position of the ironing press. . The front part 38 also includes a control panel 39, grouping the controls of the ironing press.

 Figures 4 to 15 illustrate four other embodiments according to the invention for the means of motorization of the pressurization.

These four embodiments use the principle already used in the first embodiment, according to which the elastic return means of the sole arm 4 are used towards its raised position to generate the pressure force of the sole 3 on the work table. 1, by modifying the orientation of the elastic return means by actuating a motor. The corresponding elements of the four additional embodiments are designated by the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment. We thus find the work table 1, the base 2, the heating sole 3, the sole arm 4 articulated around a rear axis of rotation 5, and elastic return means 15 engaged between a first carriage 9 and a second trolley 16. In these four additional embodiments, the work table 1 is integral with the base 2, which is fixed, and the sole arm 4 pivots about a fixed rear axis 5 of the base 2.

 In the second embodiment of FIGS. 4 to 6, the first carriage 9 is mounted at the end of a descending rear bent part 6 of the sole arm 4, while the second carriage 16 moves in a raceway 18 formed in the rear upright of the base 2. In FIGS. 4 and 5, the second carriage 16 is engaged in the upper end of the raceway 18. To produce the pressure, the second carriage 16 moves towards the lower end of the raceway 18, as illustrated in FIG. 6.

 In the third embodiment illustrated in Figures 7 to 9, the first carriage 9 is arranged in the vicinity of the rear end of the base of the base 2, while the second carriage 16 moves in a raceway 18 provided in a downward bent rear part 6 of the sole arm 4. In FIGS. 7 and 8, the second carriage 16 is housed at the upper end of the raceway 18. To produce pressure, the second carriage 16 is moved towards the lower end of the raceway 18, as illustrated in FIG. 9.

 In the fourth embodiment illustrated in Figures 10 to 12, the first carriage 9 is housed at the upper end of a rear upright of the base 2, while the second carriage 16 moves on a raceway 18 formed in a lower bent portion of the sole arm 4 which itself is articulated along a lower transverse axis 5 on the base 2. Without pressure, the second carriage 16 is housed at the lower end of the raceway 18. The pressure is obtained by moving the second carriage 16 towards the upper end of the raceway 18.

 In the fifth embodiment illustrated in Figures 13 to 15, the first carriage 9 is arranged in the vicinity of the rear end of the upper portion of the sole arm 4, while the sole arm 4 is articulated along an axis lower transverse 5 at the rear end of the base 2. The second carriage 16 moves in a raceway 18 formed in a rear upright of the base 2.

Without pressure, in FIGS. 13 and 14, the second carriage 16 is housed at the lower end of the raceway 18. To produce the pressure, the second carriage 16 is moved towards the upper end of the raceway 18.

 Reference will now be made to FIG. 18 illustrating the general structure of the electric circuit of the ironing press according to a particular embodiment of the invention.

 In this figure, we find the control panel 39, the heated sole 3, the rear pivot axis 5 with its angular position sensor 35, the sole arm 4, the base 2, the electric motor 21 and the angular sensor 31.

 The electric motor 21 is supplied from an external source of alternating electric voltage 38, via a voltage transformer 139, rectifier means 40 in series with an electronic switch such as a transistor 41. The line supplying the electric motor 21, coming from the transistor 41, passes through a control circuit 42 then a flexible connection strip 43 with multiple conductors. The current passing through the electric motor 21 is measured by a current sensor 44 providing information to the control circuit 42 by a line 45. The control circuit 42 controls the current passing through the electric motor 21 by producing a control signal sent to the base 46 of transistor 41.

 The heating sole 3 includes heating elements 47 and 48, connected to the terminals of the AC voltage source 38 by means of an electronic switch such as a thyristor 49, the grid of which is controlled by the control circuit 42. The control circuit 42 thus controls the heating elements 47 and 48, by regulating their temperature as a function of a set point and as a function of the input signal received on a line 50 coming from a temperature sensor 51 inserted in the heating sole 3 .

 The electric motor 21 is a direct current motor. The control panel 39 is connected to the control circuit 42 by a flexible connection strip 52 with multiple conductors. The control circuit 42 can advantageously be arranged in the bent part 6 of the sole arm 4. I1 is thus away from the heating elements of the ironing press.

 The control circuit 42 includes. a microcontroller, associated with a control program adapted to carry out the operating steps of the ironing press.

 In particular, the control circuit 42 receives the signals produced by the angular position sensor 35, and uses these signals to appropriately control the rotation of the electric motor 21 producing the high-intensity pressing force of the heating sole 3 on the work table 1. More particularly, the control circuit 42 is adapted to cause or authorize the rotation of the electric motor 21 in the direction ensuring the movement of the upper carriage 16 towards the lower and front end 20 of the upper raceway 18 if and only if the heating sole 3 is near or in contact with the work table 1 or the ironing object that it supports. For this, the corresponding rotation of the electric motor 21 is ensured or authorized if and only if the signal produced by the angular position sensor 35 indicates that the sole arm 4 is in the vicinity of the position which it must have when the ironing press is closed.

 Provision may be made for the angular position sensor 35 to produce an authorization signal when the heating soleplate 3 is near or in contact with the work table 1 or the ironing object which it supports, and the control circuit. 42 receives this authorization signal and authorizes or causes the operation of the electric motor 21 and of the mechanical transmission under conditions producing the high-intensity pressing force of the heating sole 3 on the work table 1.

 The microcontroller of the control circuit 42 produces, by its internal program, a comparator making it possible to compare the image signal of the angular position of the sole arm 4, coming from the angular position sensor 35, with a threshold value determined to produce a signal authorization to rotate the electric motor 21.

 The threshold value is chosen to produce the authorization signal, and the rotation to the electric motor 21, when the heating sole 3 is moved away from the work table 1 by a distance less than the thickness of a hand, this is ie a distance less than a value of between 5 and 18 millimeters approximately, at the choice of a person skilled in the art.

Figure 19 illustrates the operation of the device shown in the previous figures, during a complete operating cycle. The upper curve C1 represents the signal produced by the angular position sensor 35, giving the angle formed between the sole arm 4 and the work table 1. The curve C2 illustrates the angle of rotation of the shaft of the upper carriage 16 relative to the base 2. The curve C3 illustrates the angle made by the movable motor support 29 by ra moves in the lumen 25. Then, the rotary sleeve 24 drives the upper carriage 16 to bring it towards the upper end and rear 19 of the upper raceway 18. Then the motor undertakes a reverse rotation, in the curve portion E of the curve
C4, to accompany the return movement of the movable motor support 29 during the opening step of the ironing press.

 Thus, the control means stress the electric motor 21 and the mechanical transmission so that the electric motor 21 is engaged with the sole arm 4 at the end of the opening movement of the sole arm 4, producing a damping of the movement d opening of the ironing press, preventing the elastic return means from causing a rapid opening movement which ends in an impact against a stop.

 It will be noted that the high intensity pressure produced by the heating sole 3 on the work table 1 depends on the position of the upper carriage 16 along the upper raceway 18. Thus, the control means 42 can freely adjust the value of maximum pressure of the ironing press, by controlling the electric motor 21 so as to adjust the maximum angle of rotation of the motor during the pressurization step.

 In the embodiments illustrated in the figures, in particular in Figure 18, the ironing press comprises a control panel 39 having an input device 53 actuable by the user to provide an input signal, sent by the flexible strip 52 for connection to the control circuit 42. The input signal takes its value from a series of values each corresponding to a category of tissue. The fabric categories are read by the user on labels worn by the object to be ironed. Thus, the user transfers the indications read on the label to the input device 53. Generally, these indications currently comprise three categories, so that the input device 53 is adapted to enter at least three values each corresponding to a category of tissue. The control means 42, receiving the input signal, produce the necessary signals sent to the electric motor 21 to produce the appropriate pressure corresponding to the category of fabrics as a function of the input signal.

 Simultaneously, the control means 42 can control the heating elements 47 and 48 of the heating sole 3, and thus regulate the temperature of the heating sole 3 as a function of the same input signals produced by the input device 53. It is possible to thus adjust the pressure value and the ironing temperature simultaneously.

 The microcontroller included in the control circuit 42 can also be programmed so as to control the electric motor 21 by removing the pressing pressure at high intensity and by authorizing the opening of the ironing press after a predetermined duration of pressure maintenance. . This duration can be constant. As an alternative, it can also be dependent on the type of tissue according to the input signal coming from the input device 53.

 As an alternative or in addition, the control circuit 42 can generate a warning signal sent to an audible or light warning device, the warning signal being emitted after a predetermined duration of pressure maintenance.

 For security reasons, it is advantageously possible to provide that the control means suppress the pressing pressure at high intensity and authorize the opening of the ironing press, upon actuation of any of the input devices such that the device 53 present on the control panel 39 when the press is in the closed position.

 In addition to the previously described effects of the pressurization motorization, the effort which the user must deploy can be further reduced by providing that, in the closing movement of the ironing press, the control means 42 stress the means motors 21 so as to produce a low torque stress on the sole arm 4 in its rotational movement from the open position to the closed position.

 An operating flow diagram of an ironing press according to the previously described embodiment is shown in Figures 20 and 21. This flow diagram is self-explanatory, so that no further explanation is necessary. It will simply be noted that the flowchart contains only the essential stages of operation as provided for in the claims and the description, and that conditional subsidiary stages of control or actuation may be inserted by the person skilled in the art without leaving the field. of the present invention. The control program for the microcontroller of the control circuit 42 can be written by a person skilled in the art in any way ensuring the execution of the steps defined in the flowchart.

 The present invention is not limited to the embodiments which have been explicitly described, but it includes the various variants and generalizations thereof contained in the field of claims below.

Claims (14)

 1 - Ironing press having: - a work table (1) mounted on a base (2), - a heated sole (3) mounted on a sole arm (4) which pivots around a posterior axis of rotation (5) carried by the base (2), between an open position away from the work table (1) and a closed position bearing on the work table (1), - motor means (21) controlled by a control circuit (41, 42) and in engagement with a mechanical transmission (23, 24, 16) for selectively urging the heating soleplate (3) towards the work table (1), characterized in that it comprises in addition - control means (35, 42) for causing or authorizing the generation of a high-intensity pressing force from the heating soleplate (3) towards the work table (1) by the driving means (21) if and only if the heating soleplate (3) is near or in contact with the work table (1) or the ironing object it supports.  2 - Ironing press according to claim 1, characterized in that the control means comprise - sensor means (35) for producing an authorization signal when the heating soleplate (3) is near or in contact with the table. work (1) or of the ironing object which it supports, - a control circuit (42) receiving the authorization signal and authorizing or causing, after reception of said authorization signal, the operation of the motor means (21 ) and the mechanical transmission (23) under conditions producing said high-intensity pressing force.  3 - Ironing press according to claim 2, characterized in that the sensor means (35) comprise an angular position sensor adapted between the sole arm (4) and the base (2), to provide an image signal of the position angle of the sole arm (4), and a comparator (42) for comparing said image signal of the angular position of the sole arm (4) with a determined threshold value and for producing the authorization signal.  4 - Ironing press according to claim 3, characterized in that the threshold value is chosen to produce the authorization signal when the heated soleplate (3) is moved away from the work table (1) by a distance less than l thickness of a hand.  5 - Ironing press according to any one of claims to to 4, characterized in that - the mechanical transmission comprises elastic return means (15, 115) engaged between a first support point (9) and a second point support (16), - one of the first (9) and second (16) support points is associated with the sole arm (4), and the other of the first (9) and second (16) points support is associated with the base (2), - the motor means (21) are arranged to move the second support point (16) between a first position (19) and a second position (20) along circular guides (18) centered on the first support point (9) when the sole arm (4) is in the closed position, - the first (19) and second (20) positions are such that the elastic return means (15, 115) urge the sole arm (4) to the open position when the second fulcrum (16) is in the first position (19), and urge the sole arm (4) towards the positio n closed when the second fulcrum (16) is in the second position (20).  6 - Ironing press according to claim 5, characterized in that the mechanical transmission comprises uncoupling means (25, 26) allowing a free rotation stroke of the sole arm (4) relative to the motor shaft (22) motor means (21) during its movement from the open position to the closed position of the ironing press.  7 - Ironing press according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the control means (42) stress the motor means (21) so as to produce a low torque stress on the sole arm (4) in its rotational movement from the open position to the closed position.  8 - Ironing press according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the control means (42) urge the motor means (21) and the mechanical transmission so as to engage the motor means (21) and the sole arm (4) at the end of the opening movement of the sole arm (4) to produce a damping of the opening movement.  9 - Ironing press according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the control means (42) regulate the maximum pressure value of the ironing press by controlling the motor means (21) so as to adjust the maximum angle of rotation of the motor means (21) during the pressurization step.  10 - Ironing press according to claim 9, characterized in that it comprises a control panel (39) connected to the control means (42) and comprising an input device (53) operable by the user to provide a input signal taking its value from a series of values each corresponding to a category of tissue, the control means (42) producing the appropriate pressure corresponding to the category of tissue as a function of said input signal.  11 - Ironing press according to claim 10, characterized in that the control means (42) control the heating elements (47, 48) of the heating sole (3) and thus regulate the temperature of the heating sole (3) in function of said input signal.  12 - Ironing press according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the control means (42) drive the motor means (21) to suppress the pressing pressure at high intensity and allow the opening of the ironing press after a predetermined period of pressure maintenance.  13 - Ironing press according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the control means (42) generate a warning signal after a predetermined duration of pressure maintenance.  14 - Ironing press according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the control means (42) suppress the pressing pressure at high intensity and allow the opening of the ironing press upon actuation any of the input devices (53) when the press is in the closed position.