EP3631077B1

EP3631077B1 - Iron

Info

Publication number: EP3631077B1
Application number: EP18732924.8A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Giuseppe De' Longhi; Giorgio Di Piazza; Alessandro MANERA; Luciano Scian
Original assignee: De Longhi Appliances SRL
Current assignee: De Longhi Appliances SRL
Priority date: 2017-05-26
Filing date: 2018-05-25
Publication date: 2021-03-24
Anticipated expiration: 2038-05-25
Also published as: IT201700057760A1; RU2019141948A; EP3631077A1; CN110832135A; WO2018216046A1; CN110832135B; RU2758905C2; RU2019141948A3

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention concerns an iron, both for professional and domestic use, provided with an anti-limescale device able to accumulate and remove the limescale from inside the iron.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Irons are known, provided with a boiler to generate steam which can be integrated in the iron, or can be separated and connected to it with a connection bead.
Here and hereafter, for the sole purpose of the description, reference will be made to an iron with an integrated boiler, however it is understood that the description can also be extended to irons connected to a separate boiler.
Some known irons provide that the steam needed for ironing is generated by supplying water from a tank to the plate, which being heated transforms the water which comes into contact with it into steam.
The contact zone between the water and the heated plate is also called "dripping area".
One of the main problems of such irons is that, due to the process of vaporization of the water, there is an extensive and non-homogeneous deposit of limescale on the plate itself.
This considerably affects the functionality of the iron, because due to the deposit of limescale there is a significant reduction in the heat exchange capacity of the plate, a reduction in the flow rate of the steam exiting from the iron, as well as a non-homogeneous diffusion of the steam.
Moreover, during ironing it can happen that small particles of limescale can escape together with the steam, thus depositing on the garment.
There are various solutions that however only partly reduce the deposit of limescale and at the same time entail additional problems, both with regard to energy and also with regard to maintaining performance over time.
These known solutions provide to use partly demineralized water, to perform automatic cleaning processes at non-operating temperatures and pressures, or to use products and/or chemical substances to remove the limescale.
Irons, like the one disclosed in US 2016/258109A1 , are also known with a removable collector located in the rear part of the iron, or on the support base of the iron.
These removable collectors, once removed, can be cleaned outside and this allows to remove the limescale that has accumulated over time in the rear part of the iron, for example when the iron is in a vertical position.
However, these solutions do not allow to effectively clean the internal surface of the plate and in particular the dripping area where the limescale deposit is typically greatest.
There is therefore a need to perfect and make available an iron provided with an anti-limescale device which overcomes at least one of the disadvantages of the state of the art and which does not allow the limescale to be deposited extensively on the internal surface of the plate.
The present invention therefore intends to provide an iron provided with an anti-limescale device which allows to accumulate the deposit of limescale in defined zones, so as to be able to remove it.
The present invention also intends to provide an iron provided with an anti-limescale device which allows to remove the limescale that has accumulated simply and quickly.
The Applicant has devised, tested and embodied the present invention to overcome the shortcomings of the state of the art and to obtain these and other purposes and advantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is set forth and characterized in the independent claim, while the dependent claims describe other characteristics of the invention or variants to the main inventive idea.
In accordance with the above purposes, the present invention concerns an iron comprising a tank, a base provided with a plate and a containing body associated with the plate, said base defining a chamber for the generation of steam connecting the tank to the plate and in which, during use, the water coming from the tank contacts a heated surface of the chamber in a contact zone in order to generate steam.
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the iron is provided with a removable anti-limescale device comprising a tubular body located in the chamber and defining a passage channel for the steam toward the plate, said tubular body comprising at least a passage hole for the water located on the contact zone, or in correspondence with the contact zone.
As well as delimiting the zone where the limescale is deposited inside the passage hole, this solution conditions the path of the steam, which passes inside the tubular body in order to arrive at the plate.
Thanks to the present invention the limescale is deposited mainly in the contact zone where the transformation from water to steam occurs and partly inside the tubular body.
By removing the tubular body from the iron it is therefore possible to clean the latter of limescale which has deposited along the passage channel.
According to possible embodiments, the tubular body can comprise at least a protruding portion facing toward the heated surface and configured to mechanically remove the limescale that has deposited in the contact zone while the tubular body is removed from the chamber.
In accordance with possible embodiments, the protruding portion can be disposed along at least part of the perimeter of the passage hole.
According to possible solutions, the tubular body is located in the chamber for a length comprised between 20% and 75% of the length of the plate.
According to possible embodiments, the tubular body can be provided with a plurality of holes disposed along at least part of the longitudinal extension of the tubular body and through which the steam passes, during use.
In accordance with possible embodiments, the tubular body can be inclined with respect to the lying plane of the plate by an acute angle.
According to possible embodiments, the tubular body can comprise one or more retaining portions located in the lower part of the passage channel and able to retain the limescale in the passage channel.
According to possible embodiments, the chamber can comprise a housing seating mating with the shape of the tubular body and configured to house the latter in a predefined position.
According to possible embodiments, the anti-limescale device can comprise one or more accumulation elements configured to accumulate and retain the limescale and, at the same time, let the steam pass.
According to possible solutions, the anti-limescale device can comprise a stopper connected to the tubular body and configured to hermetically close the chamber and to extract the tubular body to the outside of the chamber, acting from outside the chamber, that is, acting from outside the iron.
According to possible solutions, the stopper can be made of a heat-insulating material.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other characteristics of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of some embodiments, given as a non-restrictive example with reference to the attached drawings wherein:

fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an iron according to a possible embodiment of the present invention;
figs. 2 and 3 are two partly sectioned views of a part of the iron in fig. 1 with an anti-limescale device located respectively inside and outside the iron;
fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the iron in fig. 1;
fig. 5 is a lateral view in section of a portion of the iron in fig. 1;
figs. 6 and 7 are two perspective views of an anti-limescale device according to a possible embodiment of the present invention.

To facilitate comprehension, the same reference numbers have been used, where possible, to identify identical common elements in the drawings. It is understood that elements and characteristics of one embodiment can conveniently be incorporated into other embodiments without further clarifications.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments described here, with reference to the drawings, concern an iron 10 that comprises at least one tank 11, a base 12 provided with a plate 13 and a containing body 14 associated with the plate 13.
According to possible embodiments, the tank 11 is fed on each occasion with the necessary water to generate the steam for ironing.
The tank 11 can be integrated in the iron 10, or in the containing body 14, or it can be separated from it and connected by a connection bead.
In accordance with possible embodiments, the plate 13 can be attached to the base 12, or integrated therein, and can possibly be provided with steam outlet holes 15.
According to possible embodiments, the containing body 14 can enclose at least some of the elements that make up the iron 10 and can be provided with a gripping portion 16 for the user.
According to possible embodiments, the base 12 can comprise two or more parts which can be attached to each other to form a single body, or can consist of a single body.
By way of non-restrictive example, the drawings show a base 12 comprising two elements which can be attached to each other: an upper shell 17 and a lower shell 18.
The base 12 defines a chamber 19 to generate steam which connects the tank 11 to the plate 13.
By connection we mean that there is a fluidic connection between the tank 11 and the plate 13 thanks to which the steam generated by the water coming from the tank 11 reaches the plate 13 and can be used for ironing.
For example, the drawings show a connection hole 35 through which the water coming from the tank 11 passes.
Inside the chamber 19 the water coming from the tank 11 contacts a heated surface 20 of the chamber 19 itself in a contact zone 21 to generate steam.
According to possible embodiments, not shown, the heated surface 20 can be heated by means of heating devices, for example electric or other type.
The heating devices are configured to take the heated surface 20 to a temperature sufficient to vaporize the water when it is in contact with the contact zone 21.
According to one aspect of the present invention, the iron 10 is provided with a removable anti-limescale device 22 comprising a tubular body 23 located in the chamber 19.
The tubular body 23 of the anti-limescale device 22 defines a passage channel 24 for the steam toward the plate 13, through which the steam passes to reach the plate 13.
According to possible solutions, the tubular body 23 comprises at least one passage hole 25 for the water located on the contact zone 21, or in correspondence with the contact zone 21.
According to possible embodiments, the tubular body 23 can have a polygonal or circular cross-section, or other shape with possibly beveled edges.
The passage hole 25 can be substantially parallel to the heated surface 20 in correspondence with the contact zone 21 where the water generates steam.
According to possible embodiments, the tubular body 23 can have the passage hole 25 in correspondence with one of its ends.
According to possible embodiments, not shown, the tubular body 23 can comprise two passage holes 25 located on opposite walls and aligned along an axis orthogonal to the longitudinal extension of the tubular body 23.
For example, at least one passage hole 25 can be through, perpendicularly to the longitudinal extension of the tubular body 23.
According to possible embodiments, the passage hole 25 can cooperate with a shaped portion 27 of the tubular body 23 so that there is only one hole.
This configuration allows to condition the limescale to form almost exclusively on the contact zone 21 inside the space defined by the passage hole 25.
Thanks to this, the limescale does not damage or hinder the functioning of other parts of the iron 10 and, therefore, by removing the limescale from the contact zone 21 it is possible to restore the correct functioning of the iron 10 itself.
Any limescale possibly present inside the passage channel 24 can easily be removed by extracting the tubular body 23 from the chamber 19 and cleaning the limescale from it, outside the iron 10.
According to possible embodiments, the tubular body 23 can comprise at least a protruding portion 26 facing toward the heated surface 20 and configured to mechanically remove the limescale that has deposited in the contact zone 21 while the tubular body 23 is removed from the chamber 19.
The protruding portion 26 faces toward the outside of the tubular body 23.
This allows to remove the limescale deposited in the contact zone 21 with the aid of the protruding portion 26 simultaneously with the extraction of the tubular body 23 from the chamber 19.
Thanks to this aspect it is possible to remove from the iron 10 both the limescale that has accumulated in the contact zone 21 and also the limescale formed in the passage channel 24.
Since the conditions favorable to the formation of limescale are located in proximity to where the steam generation occurs, the present invention therefore substantially allows to remove all the limescale which is formed in the iron 10.
In accordance with possible embodiments, the protruding portion 26 can be disposed along at least part of the perimeter of the passage hole 25.
This is advantageous, since the protruding portions 26 are located in proximity to where the concentration of limescale is typically greatest.
According to possible embodiments, the protruding portions 26 can be provided beyond the passage hole 25, or in proximity, or in correspondence with the end of the tubular body 23.
According to possible solutions, the tubular body 23 can be located in the chamber for a length comprised between 20% and 75% of the length of the plate 13.
According to possible solutions, the tubular body 23 can be located in the chamber for a length comprised between 40% and 70% of the length of the plate 13.
This aspect has the advantage that it is possible to make an iron 10 in which the limescale which is generated in a contact zone 21, substantially positioned in a central zone of the plate 13 or in any case distant from the rear support base of the iron 10, can be removed.
According to possible embodiments, the tubular body 23 can be provided with a plurality of holes 28 disposed along at least part of the longitudinal extension of the tubular body 23 itself and through which, during use, the steam passes.
The holes 28 allow the steam generated in the contact zone 21 and passing through the passage channel 24 to reach the plate 13.
According to possible embodiments, the lower shell 18 can comprise one or more through apertures 36 for the steam.
According to possible solutions, the steam exiting from the holes 28 can pass through at least one through aperture 36 of the lower shell 18 to reach the plate 13.
According to possible embodiments, the plurality of holes 28 are disposed along two opposite lateral walls of the tubular body 23.
According to possible embodiments, the holes 28 are disposed in the central and/or upper part with respect to the central axis of the tubular body 23.
In accordance with possible embodiments, the tubular body 23 can be inclined with respect to the lying plane of the plate 13.
In accordance with possible embodiments, the tubular body 23 can be inclined with respect to the lying plane of the plate 13 by an acute angle.
According to possible embodiments, the tubular body 23 can be inclined with respect to the lying plane of the plate 13 by an angle of inclination comprised between 10° and 40°.
This allows the steam to reach the plate 13 of the iron 10, while it conditions the drops of water possibly present in the passage channel 24 to remain confined in the passage channel 24 in proximity to the contact zone 21.
According to possible embodiments, the tubular body 23 can comprise one or more retaining portions 29 located in the lower part of the passage channel 24 and able to retain the limescale in the passage channel 24.
The retaining portions 29 promote the accumulation of limescale inside the passage channel 24 and at the same time prevent them from collecting in the contact zone 21.
According to possible embodiments, the retaining portions 29 protrude toward the inside of the tubular body 23.
According to possible embodiments, the chamber 19 can comprise a housing seating 30 mating with the shape of the tubular body 23 and configured to house the latter in a predefined position.
For example, the housing seating 30 can define a space having a volume similar to that of the tubular body 23, but slightly larger so that the tubular body 23 can be inserted in it, holding it in a defined position.
This aspect allows to position the tubular body 23 in a stable and univocal manner, so as to orient the latter so as to have the protruding portion 26 oriented toward the heated surface 20.
According to possible embodiments, the anti-limescale device 22 can comprise one or more accumulation elements 31 configured to accumulate and retain the limescale and at the same time allow the steam to pass.
The accumulation elements 31 can comprise pads, reticular elements, or elements made of materials configured to promote the accumulation and growth of limescale on them.
The accumulation elements 31 can be disposed inside the tubular body 23.
According to possible solutions, the anti-limescale device 22 can comprise a stopper 32 connected to the tubular body 23 configured to hermetically close the chamber 19 and to extract the tubular body 23 outside the chamber 19, acting from the outside of the chamber 19, that is, from outside the iron 10.
In accordance with possible embodiments, the stopper 32 can be associated with one or more gaskets 33 able to guarantee the hermetic seal of the chamber 19.
According to possible embodiments, a connection body 34 can be provided to connect the anti-limescale device 22 to the containing body 14.
The connection body 34 can be configured to provide at least a reference support portion to the stopper 32, so as to position and connect the anti-limescale device 22 correctly.
According to possible solutions, the stopper 32 can be made of a heat insulating material.
This allows to extract the tubular body 23 after having used the iron 10 with the tubular body 23 still hot. Moreover, this aspect prevents the heat from deforming the stopper 32, avoiding the risk of weakening the seal of the hermetic closure.
It is clear that modifications and/or additions of parts may be made to the iron 10 with anti-limescale device 22 as described heretofore, without departing from the field and scope of the present invention.
It is also clear that, although the present invention has been described with reference to some specific examples, a person of skill in the art shall certainly be able to achieve many other equivalent forms of iron 10 with anti-limescale device 22, having the characteristics as set forth in the claims and hence all coming within the field of protection defined thereby.
In the following claims, the sole purpose of the references in brackets is to facilitate reading: they must not be considered as restrictive factors with regard to the field of protection claimed in the specific claims.

Claims

Iron comprising a tank (11), a base (12) provided with a plate (13) and a containing body (14) associated with said plate (13), said base (12) defining a chamber (19) connecting said tank (12) to said plate (13) and in which, during use, the water coming from said tank (11) contacts a heated surface (20) of said chamber (19) in a contact zone (21) in order to generate steam, said iron being provided with a removable anti-limescale device (22) comprising a tubular body (23) located in said chamber (19) and defining a passage channel (24) for the steam toward said plate (13), characterised in that said tubular body (23) comprises in correspondence of one of its ends, at least a through passage hole (25) for the water, perpendicularly to the longitudinal extension of said tubular body (23), located on said contact zone (21).
Iron as in claim 1, characterized in that said tubular body (23) comprises at least a protruding portion (26) facing toward said heated surface (20) and configured to mechanically remove the limescale that has deposited in said contact zone (21) while said tubular body (23) is removed from said chamber (19).
Iron as in claim 2, characterized in that said protruding portion (26) is disposed along at least part of the perimeter of said passage hole (25).
Iron as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that said tubular body (23) is located in said chamber (19) for a length comprised between 20% and 75% of the length of said plate (13).
Iron as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that said tubular body (23) is provided with a plurality of holes (28) disposed along at least part of the longitudinal extension of said tubular body (23) and through which the steam passes, during use.
Iron as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that said tubular body (23) is inclined with respect to a lying plane of said plate (13) by an acute angle.
Iron as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that said tubular body (23) comprises one or more retaining portions (29) located in the lower part of said passage channel (24) and able to retain the limescale in said passage channel (24).
Iron as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that said anti-limescale device (22) comprises one or more accumulation elements (31) configured to accumulate and retain the limescale and, at the same time, let the steam pass.
Iron as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that said chamber (19) comprises a housing seating (30) mating with the shape of said tubular body (23) and configured to house the latter in a predefined position.
Iron as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that said anti-limescale device (22) comprises a stopper (32) connected to said tubular body (23) and configured to hermetically close said chamber (19) and to extract said tubular body (23) to the outside of said chamber (19).