CN209854415U

CN209854415U - Ironing equipment

Info

Publication number: CN209854415U
Application number: CN201822234959.8U
Authority: CN
Inventors: 弗雷德里克·科莱
Original assignee: SEB SA
Current assignee: SEB SA
Priority date: 2017-12-28
Filing date: 2018-12-28
Publication date: 2019-12-27
Anticipated expiration: 2028-12-28
Also published as: CN109972375A; EP3505676B1; CN109972375B; FR3076300A1; FR3076300B1; EP3505676A1

Abstract

The utility model relates to an ironing device (1), it includes the steam generator, the steam generator is connected to at least one steam outlet hole (10A) through the steam distribution return circuit, the steam distribution return circuit includes main steam distribution branch, main steam distribution branch includes at least one detachable filter (7), filter (7) are used for intercepting the incrustation scale particle that is carried by the steam flow. According to the invention, the steam distribution circuit comprises a steam tapping branch which allows the flow of steam generated by the steam generator to flow in the direction of the steam outlet hole (10A) without passing through the filter (7).

Description

Ironing equipment

Technical Field

The utility model relates to an ironing household appliance, it includes the evaporating chamber, and this evaporating chamber is connected to the steam outlet hole through the steam distribution return circuit, and this steam distribution return circuit includes the filter, and this filter is used for intercepting the incrustation scale particle that is carried by the steam flow.

Background

From patent application FR3010420 filed by the present applicant an iron is known which comprises a steam distribution circuit which connects an instantaneous evaporation chamber to steam outlet holes provided in the soleplate of the iron. In this document, the steam distribution circuit comprises a filter for intercepting the scale particles conveyed by the steam flow at the outlet of the evaporation chamber and a scale recovery chamber comprising a scale discharge hole closed by a removable plug.

Such an iron has the advantage of intercepting the scale particles conveyed by the steam flow at the outlet of the evaporation chamber, in order to avoid these scale particles being expelled by the steam outlet holes of the soleplate and soiling the clothes. Such an iron also has the advantage of having a scale discharge hole allowing the discharge of scale particles and the checking of the filter condition when performing the cleaning operation.

However, such irons have the disadvantage that the evaporation flow in the steam distribution circuit is greatly reduced in case the filter is clogged due to the accumulation of scale particles. For example, when the user does not perform the recommended cleaning operation, the performance of the iron may be greatly reduced.

SUMMERY OF THE UTILITY MODEL

The purpose of the utility model is to provide an ironing device which overcomes the above disadvantages.

To this end, the present invention relates to an ironing apparatus comprising a steam generator connected to at least one steam outlet hole by a steam distribution circuit comprising a main steam distribution branch comprising at least one detachable filter for intercepting scale particles conveyed by a flow of steam, characterized in that said steam distribution circuit comprises a steam splitting branch allowing the flow of steam generated by said steam generator to flow in the direction of said steam outlet hole without passing through said filter.

The device thus realized has the advantage of having a steam diversion branch that allows the steam flow to escape to the steam outlet aperture to maintain a minimum steam flow when the filter is clogged due to fouling.

Furthermore, the removability of the filter allows its inspection and possible cleaning.

According to another feature of the invention, the main steam distribution branch comprises a first portion upstream of the filter and a second portion downstream of the filter, the second portion leading to the steam outlet hole, and the steam distribution branch comprises a diversion hole connecting the first portion with the second portion.

This feature allows steam to pass through the steam diverter holes while steam passes through the filter.

According to another feature of the invention, the ironing apparatus comprises a deflector arranged upstream and preferably in proximity of the dispensing orifice, the deflector deflecting the steam flow so as to leave the dispensing orifice.

This feature allows having a deflector that directs the flow of steam generated by the steam generator towards the filter of the main steam distribution branch and away from the splitter aperture to limit entrainment of scale particles through the splitter aperture into the steam splitter branch and to avoid fouling of the laundry.

According to another feature of the present invention, the steam distribution branch includes a valve for closing or opening the distribution hole.

This feature allows having a valve which closes the diversion aperture when it is not needed during normal use of the ironing apparatus and which opens the diversion aperture to let the steam flow pass when the filter is clogged due to fouling or when the user desires to prioritize the steam flow over the steam cleanliness.

According to another feature of the invention, the valve is dimensioned to open the diversion hole when the pressure in the steam distribution circuit upstream of the filter is greater than a predetermined pressure threshold.

This feature has the advantage that the automatic opening and closing of the valve is achieved according to the pressure value in the dispensing circuit upstream of the filter.

According to another feature of the invention, the opening of the valve is proportional to the pressure difference between the first and second portions of the main steam distribution branch.

This feature allows controlling the opening of the valve in dependence on the pressure difference between the first part and the second part; the opening degree of the valve is larger as the difference becomes larger, so that the steam flow rate through the flow dividing hole is changed according to the clogging state of the filter.

Advantageously, the opening and/or closing of said valve is controlled by means of an actuator, advantageously controlled by a control button or a microcontroller connected to a sensor.

This feature allows the user to selectively close and open the valve from outside the ironing device. Thus, when the user notices a significant reduction in the steam flow out of the steam outlet opening of the soleplate or when the user desires to maximize the steam flow, the user can press the control button to open the valve without fear of scale particles being able to be discharged through the steam outlet opening.

In an embodiment variant, the steam distribution circuit may comprise a steam flow sensor downstream of the filter, and the opening and/or closing of the valve is automatically controlled as a function of the steam flow detected downstream of the filter.

Advantageously, the filter has a section S1 for the passage of steam and the tap holes have a section S2 for the passage of steam, the ratio S2/(S1+ S2) being less than or equal to 0.1.

This feature allows limiting the volumetric flow of steam through the diverter aperture to limit entrainment of scale particles into the steam diverter branch.

Advantageously, the ironing apparatus comprises a second deflector, arranged downstream and preferably in proximity of the diversion aperture, extending from the wall of the second portion of the main steam distribution branch in a direction opposite to the flow of steam downstream of the filter.

This feature allows a portion of the steam flow flowing downstream of the filter to return through the splitter aperture into the first portion of the main steam distribution branch in order to generate a flow that presses out scale particles present opposite the splitter aperture in the first portion.

According to another feature of the invention, the geometry of the steam distribution circuit is adapted to generate a steam flow which, when the filter is not clogged, flows in the direction from the second portion to the first portion of the main steam distribution branch through the flow dividing hole due to the venturi effect.

According to another feature of the invention, the passage section of the main steam distribution branch at the deflector of the first portion is smaller than the passage section at the entrance of the diversion hole at the second deflector.

This feature allows the creation of a venturi effect that creates a suction phenomenon that draws flow through the diverter aperture into the first portion of the primary vapor distribution branch.

According to another feature of the invention, the size of the diverter holes is designed to ensure a minimum steam flow towards the steam outlet hole greater than 2g/min and preferably about 10g/min when the filter is completely blocked due to fouling.

This feature allows to guarantee a minimum steam flow to obtain acceptable ironing performances.

According to another feature of the invention, the filter is constituted by a filtering screen having an opening with a side length of less than 0.6mm and advantageously less than 0.4mm, the filtering screen advantageously having an opening greater than 3cm²And preferably greater than 8cm²The passing area of (a).

The small size of the openings allows to pass only very small or visually imperceptible scale particles to the steam outlet opening. The large area of the filter allows, in itself, to provide a cumulative passage section through the pores of the filter, which is large enough to maintain an acceptable steam flow despite partial clogging of the filter. Moreover, such a filtering area allows to obtain a head loss compatible with the diffusion of the steam flow, advantageously greater than 20g/min and preferably greater than 30g/min, wherein the steam generator is constituted by an instantaneous evaporation chamber, which is generally fed with water by a drip cock.

According to another feature of the invention, the steam flow travelling in the main steam distribution branch flows through the filter from bottom to top, where the steam flow makes a turn of at least 90 °.

This feature has the advantage of limiting clogging of the filter, and particles will naturally fall off the filter under gravity when the flow of steam is interrupted.

According to another feature of the invention, the second portion downstream of the filter comprises a condensate recovery and/or discharge zone, which is arranged in proximity to the diversion holes.

This feature allows the condensate downstream of the filter to be recovered and drained by gravity towards the steam generator to the diverter aperture to avoid splashing of water through the steam outlet aperture of the floor.

Advantageously, the steam generator is a flash evaporation chamber and the steam generated in the flash evaporation chamber escapes through an opening arranged at the rear end of the evaporation chamber, a converging section being provided downstream of said opening to increase the steam flow rate upstream of the steam branching branch.

This feature allows increasing the steam flow rate in the first portion of the main steam distribution branch, thereby entraining scale particles in the direction of the filter by the nozzle effect.

According to another feature of the invention, the ironing device comprises a scale recovery chamber, said scale recovery chamber being arranged directly upstream of the filter, said scale recovery chamber comprising a scale recovery hole, said scale recovery hole being closed by a removable plug accessible from the outside of the device, and said filter accessible said scale recovery hole being removable from said device.

This feature allows both the drainage of the scale particles present in the steam distribution circuit and the removal of the filter for inspection and possible cleaning thereof.

According to another feature of the invention, the ironing device is an iron comprising an ironing base plate in which the at least one steam outlet hole is provided.

According to another feature of the invention, the filter is provided in a portion of the iron that overhangs behind the soleplate when the iron is placed on its soleplate.

This feature allows to arrange the filter in a portion remote from the evaporation chamber where the temperature is not too great, which limits the clogging of the filter by evaporation on the filter and allows to limit the risk of scalding when handling the filter.

Drawings

The objects, aspects and advantages of the invention will be better understood from the following description of particular embodiments of the invention, given by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

fig. 1 is a perspective view of an iron according to an embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 2 is a longitudinal section of the heating body and the soleplate with which the iron of fig. 1 is equipped;

fig. 3 is a perspective view of a scale recovery container fixed to a stopper provided to the iron of fig. 1;

fig. 4 is a perspective view of the heating body of fig. 2 with the closure cap removed;

fig. 5 is a top view of the heating body of fig. 2;

fig. 6 is a perspective view of the heating body of fig. 1;

FIG. 7 is a detail view of a diverter orifice according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a detail view of a tap hole according to a third embodiment of the invention, showing the valve in the closed position;

fig. 9 is a detail view of the diverter orifice of fig. 8 showing the valve in an open position.

Detailed Description

Only the elements necessary for understanding the invention are shown. To facilitate reading of the figures, identical elements between different figures have identical reference numerals.

It should be noted that in this document, the terms "horizontal", "vertical", "lower", "upper", "front" and "rear" used to describe the iron refer to the case in which the iron is laid flat on its ironing base plate.

Fig. 1 shows an ironing device constituted by a steam iron 1, which steam iron 1 comprises an ironing base plate 10, which ironing base plate 10 is provided with a set of steam outlet openings 10A, as shown in fig. 2. The soleplate 10 is surmounted by a plastic housing comprising a gripping handle 11 at its upper end and a base 12 in its rear portion, on which base 12 the iron can be placed substantially upright during the non-operating phase of ironing.

The base 12 comprises two arms which define a space between each other, which receives a removable plug 13, which plug 13 can lead to a scale discharge hole 50, as shown in fig. 2. The plug 13 is fixed on the rear surface of the housing by means of a bayonet fitting similar to the one described in more detail in patent application FR2981371 filed by the applicant. The rear surface of the housing is slightly inclined forwardly to provide easier access when the iron is placed horizontally on its soleplate 10.

According to fig. 2 to 5, the soleplate 10 of the iron is thermally and mechanically connected to a heating body 2 integrated in the lower part of the casing, the heating body 2 comprising a casting of aluminium, which generally comprises a resistive element 20 and a boss 21, as shown in fig. 4 and 5, the resistive element 20 being bent in the shape of a horseshoe, the boss 21 being arranged to receive a thermostat for regulating the temperature of the soleplate 10.

The heating body 2 comprises a peripheral wall 22, which peripheral wall 22 laterally delimits a space comprising a main evaporation chamber 3 and a superheated chamber 4, both of the instantaneous evaporation type, the main evaporation chamber 3 and the superheated chamber 4 comprising a bottom having a large number of conical pillars which allow to increase the heat exchange area.

The evaporation chamber 3 is arranged in the centre of the heating body 2 and is connected to the vapour outlet hole of the soleplate 10 by a vapour distribution circuit comprising two lateral channels 30, which lateral channels 30 extend on both sides of the evaporation chamber 3 and converge at the front and rear end of the heating body 2. The two channels 30 generally comprise holes 31, which holes 31 pass through the heating body 2 to open onto the lower surface thereof, as shown in fig. 2, at a steam distribution chamber 33 provided opposite the steam discharge holes 10A of the soleplate.

According to fig. 2 to 6, the heating body 2 comprises a closing plate 24, which closing plate 24 is placed on the upper edge of the perimetral wall 22. The closing plate 24 is surmounted by a water reservoir, not shown in the drawings, which is integrated in the housing of the iron and supplies the evaporation chamber 3 with water through an aperture 24A of the closing plate 24, which aperture 24A houses, in a per se known manner, a drip-cock, not shown in the drawings, which allows to generate a continuous steam flow of about 40 to 70 g/min.

The main evaporation chamber 3 is laterally delimited by a partition 23, which partition 23 rises to a closing plate, while being sealingly connected therewith, so that the steam generated in the evaporation chamber 3 can only escape through an opening 23A, which opening 23A is arranged in the partition 23 at the rear end of the evaporation chamber 3.

The steam distribution circuit connecting the evaporation chamber 3 and the steam outlet holes of the soleplate 10 comprises a main steam distribution branch comprising a duct 25. The duct 25 extends obliquely from the opening 23A of the baffle 23 at an angle of about 20 ° with respect to the plane of the soleplate 10 and is prolonged by a collector 5 made of plastic, for example of PPS (polyphenylene sulfide) type, which collector 5 is integrated in the housing of the iron.

The collector 5 comprises a scale recovery chamber 51, which chamber 51 extends axially in the extension of the conduit 25 and opens into the base 12 of the iron at a scale discharge aperture 50 closed by a plug 13, the chamber 51 being cantilevered behind the soleplate 10 and having an oblong cross-section when the iron is placed on the soleplate 10.

The cavity 51 houses a removable scale recovery vessel 6, the scale recovery vessel 6 having a shape complementary to the scale recovery cavity 51, the scale recovery vessel 6 being removable from the cavity 51 or introducible into the cavity 51 through the scale recovery aperture 50. The container 6 comprises an open front end 60 and a closed rear end, the vapor flow exiting from the evaporation chamber 3 entering the container 6 through this front end 60 and this rear end being advantageously fixed to the plug 13. The container 6 comprises a lower portion equipped with a scale intercepting scoop 64, the scale intercepting scoop 64 comprising a hollow portion in which scale particles are stored, the front end of the scoop 64 having a step 64A, the step 64A allowing to avoid that scale particles recovered in the scoop 64 when the iron 1 is placed on its soleplate 10 are returned by gravity into the evaporation chamber 3.

The container 6 is preferably made of a plastic of the PA 6-6 polyamide type reinforced with 30% glass fibres and supports a first and a second silicone fitting 61, 62, the first and second silicone fitting 61, 62 being in contact with the inner wall of the scale recovery chamber 51. The container 6 comprises an opening between the two joints 61, 62, which opening is arranged in the upper half of the container 6, forming a side window 63. The scale recovery tank 6 comprises a filter 7, the filter 7 consisting of a raised filter mesh extending through the window 63, the filter mesh 7 being fixed to the edge of the window 63 and advantageously covered with a non-stick coating of PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene). The filter 7 has calibrated openings for intercepting the larger scale particles and has dimensions suitable for providing a passage section sufficient to satisfy the required steam flow.

By way of example, the filter sieve 7 may comprise square openings with sides of less than 0.6mm and preferably between 0.1mm and 0.4mm, the passage area of the filter sieve preferably being greater than 8cm for a square opening of 0.2mm and a steam flow set at about 40 to 50g/min². The filter screen 7 is advantageously made of stainless steel wire with a diameter of about 0.1mm or less.

The collector 5 comprises an escape opening 53 in the upper part of the scale recovery chamber 51, which escape opening 53 faces the filter 7 when the container 6 is introduced integrally into the chamber 51. The filter 7 divides the main steam distribution branch into a first portion located upstream of the filter 7 and a second portion located downstream of the filter 7. The first portion extends from the opening 23A of the partition 23 to the scale recovery chamber 51 at the filter 7 and includes the conduit 25. The second portion extends from the filter 7 and comprises an escape opening 53, a return channel 54 and a distribution chamber 26, the return channel 54 extending above the duct 25, the distribution chamber 26 being provided at the entrance of the two lateral channels 30.

As can be seen in fig. 2, the steam distribution circuit comprises a steam branching branch comprising a branching aperture 25A. The diversion holes 25A are located on the upper wall of the duct 25, directly connecting the duct 25 of the first section with the distribution chamber 26 of the second section of the main steam distribution branch, allowing the steam flow generated by the evaporation chamber 3 to flow in the direction of the steam outlet holes 10A without passing through the filter 7. Preferably, the tap holes 25A are remote from the filter 7 to avoid scale particles captured by the filter 7 being carried by the steam flow to the tap holes 25A. A deflector 25B arranged upstream and near the flow splitting aperture 25A extends from the upper wall of the duct 25, forming a steam passing converging section 25C at the deflector 25B, allowing both to deflect the steam flow so that it leaves the flow splitting aperture 25A and to increase the steam flow velocity in the duct 25 under the nozzle effect.

The tap hole 25A has a section S2 for the passage of steam and the filter 7 has a section S1 for the passage of steam, the ratio between S2/(S1+ S2) being less than or equal to 0.1 to limit the volume flow of steam through the tap hole 25A.

The flow of the steam flow in the iron 1 thus realized is now described. When the water coming from the drip-cock contacts the bottom of the evaporation chamber 3, the water evaporates instantaneously, which causes the release of a steam flow, as indicated by the arrows in figures 2 to 6, which escapes through the opening 23A of the partition 23. The first steam flow flows continuously through the conduit 25, the container 6, the filter sieve 7, the return channel 54, the distribution chamber 26 and the lateral channels 30, then passes through the holes 31 for access to the lower surface of the soleplate 10 and escapes through the steam outlet holes 10A of the soleplate 10. The second steam flow flows from the duct 25 to the distribution chamber 26 through the diversion holes 25A and then escapes into the lateral channels 30 in the direction of the steam outlet holes 10A of the soleplate 10. In normal use, both the effect of limiting the steam volume flow through the diversion aperture 25A is achieved due to the ratio of the passage cross-sections between the filter screen 7 and the diversion aperture 25A, and the steam flow leaving the diversion aperture 25A due to the presence of the deflector 25B, so the steam flow through the filter screen 7 is much greater than the steam flow through the diversion aperture 25A.

The evaporation of water causes the formation of a calcium carbonate layer in the bottom of the evaporation chamber 3, which gradually decomposes into small particles of scale, in particular during the cooling phase between ironing, under the effect of the expansion of the heating body 2. Scale particles present in the evaporation chamber 3 are partly carried by the first steam flow to the filter sieve 7 and partly carried by the second flow to the diverter aperture 25A.

The lightest scale particles carried by the first steam flow and having a size larger than the opening size of the filter sieve 7 are captured below the filter sieve 7, so that these fall by gravity into the scoops 64 when the steam flow is interrupted. The heaviest particles, due to the increased steam flow velocity at the converging section 25C in the conduit 25, cause large inertial forces, under which and with the large mass thereof, will be entrained by the first steam flow into the bottom of the scale recovery vessel 6. The movement of the scale particles towards the container 6 is also performed by gravity each time the iron 1 is placed on its base 12.

The scale particles conveyed by the second steam flow should be deflected upwards by about 90 ° at the deflector 25B so as to be able to pass through the diversion aperture 25A. Thus, most of the scale particles carried by the second steam flow will fall by gravity to the bottom of the conduit 25 and be carried by the first steam flow to the filter screen 7 by a drag effect. Only the finest and lightest scale particles, practically invisible to the naked eye, can pass through the diverter openings 25A and the filter sieve 7 and escape through the steam outlet openings of the soleplate 10.

After several ironing operations, some particles may adhere to the filter sieve 7 and cause a progressive clogging of the filter sieve 7, and the filter sieve 7 may also become fouled by evaporation of possible water droplets coming into contact with the filter sieve 7.

When the user does not perform the recommended cleaning operation and the passage of steam via the filter sieve 7 is blocked by scale particles, the steam flow can continue to travel via the diversion hole 25A through the steam diversion branch to the steam outlet hole 10A, the majority of the particles falling by gravity into the bottom of the conduit 25 due to the approximately 90 ° diversion of the steam flow at the inlet of the diversion hole, and only the lightest scale particles can pass through the diversion hole 25A. Preferably, the through section of the diversion holes 25A is sized so as to ensure a minimum steam flow of about 10g/min towards the steam outlet holes 10A when the filtering mesh 7 is completely blocked due to fouling, allowing to obtain a minimum steam flow to ensure an acceptable ironing performance.

The second part of the main steam distribution branch downstream of the filter screen 7 also comprises a condensate recovery and/or discharge area 25D, which is arranged in the vicinity of the diversion aperture 25A, allowing to recover the condensate downstream of the filter screen 7 and to discharge it by gravity towards the steam chamber 3 to the diversion aperture 25A, in order to avoid splashing of water through the steam outlet aperture 10A of the soleplate 10.

The iron 1 thus realized has the advantage of ensuring a minimum steam flow and acceptable ironing performance when the filter sieve 7 is blocked due to scaling, while maintaining a very good filtering of scale particles, thanks to the presence of the tap holes 25A.

Fig. 7 shows a second embodiment of the invention, in which the steam splitting branch comprises a second deflector 25E, which second deflector 25E is arranged downstream and in the vicinity of the splitting aperture 25A, extending from the lower wall of the return channel 54 of the second part of the main steam distribution branch towards the opposite direction to the steam flow downstream of the filter screen 7, allowing to direct a part of the steam flow flowing in the return channel 54 to the splitting aperture 25A. Then, as the steam at the deflector 25B passes through the converging section 25C, a portion of the steam flow flowing downstream of the filter sieve 7 to the diversion holes 25A is drawn into the first portion of the main steam distribution branch by the venturi effect. Such a steam splitting branch allows to ensure that when the filter screen 7 is not clogged by fouling, no steam flow circulates from the conduit 25 to the return channel 54 through the splitting aperture 25A and thus ensures that no scale particles move out of the filter screen 7. However, as the filter sieve 7 becomes fouled, the steam flow rate upstream of the filter sieve 7 gradually decreases, so that the steam flow can flow through the diversion aperture 25A to the steam outlet aperture 10A to ensure a minimum steam flow and acceptable ironing performance.

Fig. 8 to 9 show a third embodiment of the present invention, in which the steam dividing branch includes a valve 25S, and the valve 25S is provided at the dividing hole 25A. The valve 25S is movable between a closed position of the diversion aperture 25A visible in fig. 8, to which the valve 25S is brought back by gravity and/or a return spring, and an open position of the diversion aperture 25A visible in fig. 9, to which the valve 25S is brought when the pressure upstream of the valve exceeds a predetermined threshold. Thus, the clogging of the filter sieve 7 due to fouling causes a pressure rise in the steam distribution circuit upstream of the filter sieve 7, the valve 25S initially in the closed position being turned to its open position when the pressure in the conduit 25 of the steam distribution circuit upstream of the valve 7 is greater than a predetermined pressure threshold, the opening of the valve 25S depending on the clogging state of the filter sieve 7 and being greater as the pressure difference between the first part and the second part becomes greater.

Of course, the invention is in no way limited to the preceding embodiments shown and described, given by way of example. Changes may be made, especially in matters of combination of different elements or by substitution of technical equivalents, without exceeding the scope of the invention.

Thus, in one embodiment variant of the invention, not shown, the user can optionally close and open the valve from outside the iron by means of an actuator, advantageously controlled by a control button or a microcontroller connected to a sensor. Thus, when the user notices a significant reduction in the steam flow out of the steam outlet holes of the soleplate or when the user desires to maximize the steam flow, the user can press the control button to open the valve without fear that scale particles may be discharged through the steam outlet holes. Advantageously, the steam distribution circuit may comprise a steam flow sensor downstream of the filter. The opening and/or closing of the valve is automatically controlled in accordance with the steam flow detected downstream of the filter.

Thus, in a further embodiment variant of the invention, not shown, the steam branching off branch may comprise a plurality of branching-off holes to allow a greater steam flow when the filter screen is blocked by scale particles.

Claims

1. Ironing device (1) comprising a steam generator connected to at least one steam outlet aperture (10A) by a steam distribution circuit comprising a main steam distribution branch comprising at least one removable filter (7), said filter (7) being intended to intercept scale particles conveyed by a flow of steam, characterized in that it comprises a steam branching branch allowing the flow of steam generated by the steam generator to flow in the direction of the steam outlet aperture (10A) without passing through said filter (7).

2. Ironing device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said main steam distribution branch comprises a first portion upstream of said filter (7) and a second portion downstream of said filter (7), said second portion leading to said steam outlet aperture (10A), and in that said steam distribution branch comprises a diversion aperture (25A), said diversion aperture (25A) connecting said first portion with said second portion.

3. Ironing device (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that said ironing device (1) comprises a deflector (25B), said deflector (25B) being arranged upstream of said diverting aperture (25A), said deflector (25B) deflecting the steam flow to leave said diverting aperture (25A).

4. Ironing device (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that said deflector (25B) is arranged in proximity of said diverting aperture (25A).

5. Ironing device (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that said steam diversion branch comprises a valve (25S), said valve (25S) being intended to close or open said diversion aperture (25A).

6. Ironing apparatus (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that said valve (25S) is sized to open said diverting aperture (25A) when the pressure in said steam distribution circuit upstream of said filter (7) is greater than a predetermined pressure threshold.

7. Ironing apparatus (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the opening degree of said valve (25S) is proportional to the pressure difference between said first and second portions of said main steam distribution branch.

8. Ironing appliance (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the opening and/or closing of said valve (25S) is controlled by means of an actuator, advantageously controlled by a control button or a microcontroller connected to a sensor.

9. Ironing apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that said filter (7) has a steam passage section S1 and said diverting holes (25A) have a steam passage section S2, the ratio S2/(S1+ S2) being less than or equal to 0.1.

10. Ironing device (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterised in that said ironing device (1) comprises a second deflector (25E), said second deflector (25E) being arranged downstream of said diverting aperture (25A), extending from the wall of said second portion of said main steam distribution branch in the opposite direction to the flow of steam downstream of said filter (7).

11. Ironing apparatus (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that said second deflector (25E) is arranged in proximity of said diverting aperture (25A).

12. Ironing device (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that said steam distribution circuit has a geometry suitable to generate a steam flow which, when said filter (7) is not clogged, flows in a direction from said second portion to said first portion of said main steam distribution branch through said diverting holes (25A) due to a Venturi effect.

13. Ironing device (1) according to any of claims 2-4, characterized in that said diverter aperture (25A) is dimensioned to ensure a minimum steam flow towards said steam outlet aperture (10A) of more than 2g/min when said filter (7) is completely blocked due to fouling.

14. Ironing apparatus (1) according to claim 13, characterized in that said minimum steam flow is 10 g/min.

15. Ironing apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that said second portion downstream of said filter (7) comprises a condensation recovery and/or discharge area (25D), said condensation recovery and/or discharge area (25D) being arranged in proximity of said diverter aperture (25A).

16. Ironing device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said steam generator is an instantaneous evaporation chamber (3) and in that the steam generated in said instantaneous evaporation chamber (3) escapes through an opening (23A) arranged at the rear end of the evaporation chamber (3), a converging section (25C) being provided downstream of said opening (23A) to increase the steam flow rate upstream of said steam branching branch.

17. Ironing device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the ironing device (1) comprises a scale recovery chamber (51), the scale recovery chamber (51) being arranged just upstream of the filter (7), the scale recovery chamber (51) comprising a scale recovery aperture (50), the scale recovery aperture (50) being closed by a removable plug (13) accessible from the outside of the device, and the filter (7) being removable from the device through the scale recovery aperture (50).