EP4025736A1

EP4025736A1 - Plate for steam ironing apparatuses and corresponding production method

Info

Publication number: EP4025736A1
Application number: EP20775730.3A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Mattia SCATTOLIN; Luciano Scian
Original assignee: De Longhi Appliances SRL
Current assignee: De Longhi Appliances SRL
Priority date: 2019-09-03
Filing date: 2020-09-01
Publication date: 2022-07-13
Also published as: IT201900015521A1; WO2021044450A1; CN114729498A

Abstract

A plate for an iron comprises, integrated inside a base body (21) made in a single piece, a rectilinear vaporization chamber (14) and a heating element (20). The present invention also concerns a plate assembly and a respective method to produce the plate and a plate assembly.

Description

“PLATE FOR STEAM IRONING APPARATUSES AND CORRESPONDING

PRODUCTION METHOD”

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments described here concern a steam heating plate for ironing apparatuses, a plate assembly, and the corresponding production method.

In particular, the plate according to the invention is made in a single piece and comprises a flow-through boiler having a tubular conformation which makes it particularly efficient in generating steam and at the same time simple to clean. The plate according to the invention can be used in irons of different types, for example vented irons, or irons with the forced feeding of water or steam, also known as “hot” or “cold” ironing apparatuses.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Irons are known, both for domestic and industrial use, which operate with steam to iron different types of garments, items of clothing or fabrics in general.

In particular, these irons are provided with a plate assembly comprising a heating block which can be heated generally by means of electric resistances, and an ironing soleplate associated below the heating block.

In particular, these irons have a first vaporization chamber inside the plate assembly, closed at the top by a lid, which functions as a boiler, and in which steam is generated, and a second steam distribution chamber, defined between the main body and the ironing soleplate and connected to the vaporization chamber, from which the steam exits through delivery holes made on the soleplate.

One disadvantage of known irons is that it is difficult to carry out cleaning operations inside the plate assembly of the iron itself and, in particular, inside the vaporization chamber, or internal boiler thereof, which is most subject to possible incrustations of limescale.

In fact, the internal parts of the iron, in particular the inside of the vaporization chambers, are not easily accessible to a user and, consequently, any residues of substances may remain on them which, as they deposit, can lead to premature wear thereof.

These vaporization chambers, in fact, normally have a plurality of labyrinths and channels for the passage of water and steam which make them very difficult to clean, even with possible maintenance and cleaning cycles of a known type.

Furthermore, the plate assemblies for irons of the known type generally have a multitude of components, which have to be connected and welded together, requiring complex assembly during the production step, with consequent higher costs, and more expensive maintenance during use.

Another disadvantage of plate assemblies for irons of the known type is that they are not very reactive, and when the ironing apparatus is switched on, or restarted after a pause during the ironing operations, they require a certain amount of time to sufficiently heat the vaporization chamber or boiler and generate steam.

Document US 3,165,844 A describes an iron in which a V-shaped heating element and a V-shaped tubular element with double arms that extend inside and outside of the heating element are incorporated on the ironing soleplate. The arms located on the outside each comprise a plurality of outlet holes for the steam, in direct communication with the holes on the ironing soleplate. The V shape with double arms of the tubular element does not allow access to the inside of the tubular element to effectively remove lime scale from it in a mechanical way, but only allows cleaning cycles to be carried out with water or chemical agents, which are less effective and more laborious.

Document CN106012466 B describes a plate for an iron comprising a U- shaped water pipe, which is welded together with a heating element. This solution also has the disadvantage that it is not possible to mechanically remove the limescale that can accumulate in the water pipe.

US 2,019,954 A describes a plate for an iron having a preheating pipe wound in the shape of a spiral, and a V-shaped steam generation chamber connected to it.

Documents CN 2 670 750 Y, US 2008/047172 Al, US 4 747 222 A and WO 2018/216046 Al describe other known solutions, which, however, have the disadvantages mentioned above.

There is therefore a need to perfect a plate and a plate assembly for ironing apparatuses that can overcome at least one of the disadvantages of the state of the art.

One purpose of the present invention is to provide a plate which is compact and can be used on different types of irons.

Another purpose is to provide a plate that is highly reactive and allows to obtain a substantially instantaneous heating and vaporization of the water inside it.

Another purpose is to provide a plate for an iron which allows simple and easy cleaning even inside the vaporization chamber.

In particular, one purpose is to provide a plate for an iron that allows to mechanically remove the limescale that can accumulate inside the vaporization chamber.

Another purpose is to provide a plate for an iron which is economical to make and which requires a limited number of installation and assembly operations.

Another purpose of the present invention is to provide a plate assembly for ironing apparatuses which is efficient and easy to use.

Another purpose of the present invention is to provide a plate assembly for ironing apparatuses that is easy and inexpensive to produce and industrialize in series, consequently reducing the times and costs associated with its production.

Another purpose of the present invention is, moreover, to provide a method to produce a plate which allows to considerably reduce the number of operations and therefore the production time.

Another purpose is to perfect a method to produce a plate assembly which allows to reduce the number of operations, in particular the welding and sealing operations of the vaporization chamber, at the same time guaranteeing high reliability and durability.

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 claims. The dependent claims describe other characteristics of the present invention or variants to the main inventive idea.

Some embodiments described here concern a vaporization heating plate for an iron.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the plate is made in a single body and comprises, integrated inside a base body thereof, a vaporization chamber configured to generate and/or superheat steam, and a heating element configured to heat the vaporization chamber in order to allow the vaporization of the water inside it, and the base body.

According to the invention, the vaporization chamber has a rectilinear tubular shape, thus presenting a linear extension between a respective entry aperture and an exit aperture.

The rectilinear conformation of the vaporization chamber makes it extremely easy to clean, since the possible points of limescale accumulation are reduced to a minimum.

According to some embodiments, the vaporization chamber preferably has a cylindrical shape.

According to some embodiments, the base body is made by aluminum die casting.

Since it is made in a single body the plate is highly efficient and reactive, since it can be heated in a short time reaching the operating temperatures, at the same temperature as traditional solutions, in a much faster time, allowing to considerably reduce, almost halve, the time required by known solutions.

According to some embodiments, the vaporization chamber is defined by a rectilinear tubular element incorporated in the base body.

Advantageously, the tubular element and the heating element define a flow through boiler that is compact and efficient compared to known solutions.

Furthermore, the plate, in accordance with the present invention, has characteristics of modularity which make it applicable substantially to any type of iron whatsoever, at least of the domestic type.

According to some embodiments, in a top view the plate has a front portion having a pointed shape, and a rear portion, opposite the front portion, having a flat shape.

According to some embodiments, the plate also comprises at least one cavity disposed in a lower portion, which, during use, is closed by an ironing soleplate and defines, together with it, a chamber to distribute the steam.

According to some embodiments, the tubular element is disposed along a longitudinal axis of the heating plate and extends for most of the latter. According to some embodiments, the tubular element comprises opposite open ends, defining respectively an entry aperture and an exit aperture, which are substantially coaxial to each other.

According to some embodiments, the heating element consists of an electrical resistance disposed at least partly around the vaporization chamber.

According to some embodiments, the electrical resistance is U-shaped, disposed with the free ends facing toward the rear part, the free ends being located in correspondence with the exit aperture, the arms disposed along diametrically opposite sides of the vaporization chamber, and the intermediate portion of the U disposed in correspondence with the entry aperture.

According to some embodiments, the heating element is positioned below the vaporization chamber in correspondence with, or in proximity to, the entry aperture, so as to heat the entry zone more. This is particularly useful in the case of vented irons, or cold ironing apparatuses, since water at ambient temperature, therefore with a temperature much lower than that of the steam, is fed into the vaporization chamber, that is, into the tubular body.

Advantageously, the heating element consists of a single resistance, which heats both the vaporization chamber and also the base body and therefore, by conduction, also the soleplate associated with it during use, thus reducing the number of components and simplifying their management.

According to some embodiments, the tubular element comprises, in the portion of the wall facing downward during use, protruding portions that extend toward the inside of the tubular element, and configured to act as a drop-breakers, thereby preventing drops of water from flowing in the vaporization chamber, and thus facilitating the vaporization thereof.

Embodiments described here also concern a plate assembly suitable to be used on different types of irons, provided with:

- a plate according to the invention;

- an ironing soleplate disposed below the plate and selectively connected to it to define a steam distribution chamber,

- an introduction manifold connected to the vaporization chamber in correspondence with the entry aperture,

- a manifold to distribute the steam connected to the vaporization chamber and to the distribution chamber and configured to introduce the steam into the distribution chamber.

The distribution manifold is provided with an access aperture configured to allow, during use, access to the plate assembly and the iron by a user from the outside, so as to allow the vaporization chamber to be cleaned.

Advantageously, the vaporization chamber is therefore easily accessible and easy to clean thanks to its substantially cylindrical geometric shape.

The present invention also concerns an ironing apparatus comprising a plate assembly, as described above.

According to the invention, a method to produce a plate assembly, as described above, provides to produce the plate by means of die casting in a mold with a suitably mating shape and containing the tubular vaporization element. In this way, the plate is produced in a single body, reducing the components required for its production with a consequent reduction in assembly times and a consequent longer useful life compared to known solutions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS These and other aspects, characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of some embodiments, given as a non-re strictive example with reference to the attached drawings wherein:

- fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a plate assembly for an ironing apparatus according to the present invention;

- fig. 2 is a top view of the plate assembly of fig. 1;

- fig. 3 is a bottom view of the plate of fig. 1;

- fig. 4 is a perspective view sectioned along section line IV-IV of the plate assembly of fig. 2;

- fig. 5 is a perspective view sectioned along section line V-V of the plate assembly of fig. 2;

- fig. 6 is a section view along section line V-V of the plate assembly of fig. 2 applied to an ironing apparatus;

- fig. 7 is a section view along section line V-V of the plate assembly of fig. 2 applied to another ironing apparatus;

- fig. 8 is a section view along section line V-V of the plate assembly of fig. 2 applied to a further ironing apparatus.

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

We will now refer in detail to the various embodiments of the present invention, of which one or more examples are shown in the attached drawings. Each example is supplied by way of illustration of the invention and shall not be understood as a limitation thereof. For example, the characteristics shown or described insomuch as they are part of one embodiment can be adopted on, or in association with, other embodiments to produce another embodiment. It is understood that the present invention shall include all such modifications and variants. With reference to the attached drawings, embodiments described here concern a heating plate 11 and a plate assembly 10 comprising the heating plate 11, for an ironing apparatus, both for domestic and also industrial use, of the steam- operated type.

According to some embodiments described here with reference to fig. 1, the plate assembly 10 comprises a plate 11 to vaporize and/or heat the steam, made in a single piece, and an ironing soleplate 12 disposed below the plate 11 and selectively connected to it.

According to some embodiments, the plate 11 can comprise a base body 21, which can have a lower portion 22b having a plan shape substantially mating with the soleplate 12 and configured to be connected to the latter.

Furthermore, the plate 11 can comprise an upper, or vaporization, portion 22a protruding from the lower portion 22b from the side opposite that of connection with the ironing soleplate 12.

According to some embodiments, the plate 11 comprises, integrated and/or incorporated inside the base body 21, a vaporization chamber 14 to generate and/or heat steam and a heating element 20 configured to heat the vaporization chamber 14 and consequently the water, or the steam, inside it and the base body 21. As a function of the type of iron on which the plate 11 is applied, into the vaporization chamber 14 there can be introduced water, in order to generate steam, or directly steam, in order to superheat it.

According to some embodiments, the vaporization chamber 14 is disposed along a longitudinal axis X of the plate 11 and extends for most of the latter.

The vaporization chamber 14 has a first entry aperture 15, in correspondence with a front portion of the plate 11, and a second exit aperture 16, in correspondence with a rear portion of the plate 11.

According to some embodiments, the vaporization chamber 14 has a substantially rectilinear shape, with the respective entry 15 and exit 16 apertures substantially coaxial to each other.

In other words, the vaporization chamber 14 extends straight and linear between the entry aperture 15 and the exit aperture 16.

In particular, the vaporization chamber 14 has only the two entry 15 and exit 16 apertures and is without intermediate holes and/or apertures.

According to some embodiments, the vaporization chamber 14 has a cylindrical shape, with a substantially circular section.

According to possible variants, the vaporization chamber 14 can also have a different section, for example oval, or prismatic, with rounded edges to reduce possible limescale accumulation zones to a minimum and facilitate its removal.

The vaporization chamber 14 is therefore more compact and performing than the present known vaporization chambers. Furthermore, the rectilinear shape allows a more accurate cleaning of the vaporization chamber 14 itself.

According to some embodiments, the vaporization chamber 14 is defined by a tubular element 13 integrated, or incorporated, in the base body 21.

The tubular element 13 has a rectilinear extension along a longitudinal axis and comprises a solid lateral wall 13c, and two respective apertures 13a, 13b opposite each other which respectively define the entry 15 and exit 16 apertures of the vaporization chamber 14.

According to this embodiment, the vaporization chamber 14 extends along the entire length of the tubular element 13. By way of example, the vaporization chamber 14, or the tubular element 13, can have a substantially constant diameter along the longitudinal development, for example comprised between 7mm and 25mm, preferably comprised between 10mm and 20mm.

By way of example, the vaporization chamber 14, or the tubular element 13, can extend for a length of about 12-20 cm, preferably about 15-18 cm.

According to one embodiment, the tubular element 13 can be provided in the upper portion 22a.

The heating element 20 can be disposed internally in a through seating of the plate 11.

According to one embodiment, the heating element 20 is integrated in the plate 11.

According to one embodiment, the base body 21 is made by aluminum die casting, in which the tubular element 13 and the heating element 20 are incorporated, or drowned, guaranteeing a high thermal conductivity gradient.

According to some embodiments, the tubular element 13 can be made of steel.

According to possible variants, the plate 11 can provide that the tubular element 13 is defined by a longitudinal through seating 17 in the upper portion 22a, or that the tubular element 13 is housed in said longitudinal through seating 17.

The tubular element 13 and the heating element 20 substantially define a flow through boiler in which the water is heated and vaporized by flowing along the tubular element 13 allowing to generate steam almost instantaneously, and consequently much more rapidly compared to known boilers or vaporization chambers.

According to one embodiment, the heating element 20 is disposed substantially in contact with the tubular element 13, so as to heat the water and/or steam inside it by conduction.

According to some embodiments, a single heating element 20 is provided configured to heat both the vaporization chamber 14 and also, by conduction, the ironing soleplate 12 which, during use, is associated with the base body 21, making the plate assembly more efficient compared to the state of the art.

Advantageously, this solution also has fewer components than traditional solutions with a corresponding reduction in production, assembly and maintenance times.

According to one embodiment, the heating element 20 can be U-shaped. In particular, the heating element 20 can have longitudinal portions 31 configured to surround the tubular element 13 on diametrically opposite sides, and at least one intermediate portion 32 joining the longitudinal portions 31 which is located in correspondence with the entry aperture 15.

Advantageously, in this way, the heating element 20 is also disposed under the water entry zone, where the first vaporization occurs, thus guaranteeing that the entry zone, which is subjected to greater cooling due to the introduction of fresh water, is heated in a more targeted manner and always maintained at an appropriate temperature.

According to some embodiments, for example shown in fig. 5, the base body 21 of the plate 11 has an at least partly hollow configuration, comprising one or more cavities 23 in correspondence with a lower portion 22b thereof.

The one or more cavities 23 is/are configured to define, during use, with the soleplate 12, a compartment that can be filled with steam which forms a chamber 18 to distribute steam.

The vaporization chamber 14 therefore extends above the distribution chamber 18.

According to some embodiments, the plate 11 comprises at least one connection channel 24 at least partly through in the base body 21, and configured to put an upper side of the plate 11 in communication with at least one cavity 23.

According to some embodiments, for example described with reference to fig. 3, two connection channels 24 can be provided, located on opposite sides of the vaporization chamber 14.

According to some embodiments, the connection channels 24 convey the steam toward a lateral edge 46 that delimits the distribution chamber 18, which, during use, contributes to diverting and distributing the steam in the cavity 23 both toward the front part of the plate 11, and also toward the rear part, along the path P indicated in figs. 3-5.

According to some embodiments, the connection channels 24 are disposed parallel and adjacent to the heating device 20. In this way, the steam is kept hot along the passage in the connection channels 24, substantially up to holes 19 to deliver the steam provided in the base soleplate 12.

According to some embodiments, the lower portion 22b of the plate 11 can have a plurality of dividing walls 48 configured to define channels for the passage of steam, so as to convey it uniformly toward the steam delivery holes 19.

The soleplate 12 can be connected to the plate 11 by means of mechanical connection means 33, for example, but not only, screws, snap-in or interlocking attachment means or other similar or comparable means.

A plurality of delivery holes 19 are made on the soleplate 12, which are configured to determine the delivery of the steam, present in the distribution chamber 18, toward the outside.

The ironing soleplate 12 can be made of one or more conductive materials, such as for example one or more metallic materials or other suitable material, for example steel, aluminum, or steel-aluminum, and be heated by conduction by means of contact with the base body 21.

The ironing soleplate 12 can advantageously have a shape mating with the plan shape of the plate 11, with a pointed front end, suitable to favor the ironing of parts of garments, items of clothing or fabrics in general that are of a complex and articulated shape.

According to one embodiment, the plate assembly 10 is provided with at least one manifold 25 to introduce water, connected to the plate 11 in correspondence with the entry aperture 15 of the vaporization chamber 14.

According to some embodiments, the introduction manifold 25 is provided with at least one feed duct 43 configured to introduce water from the outside toward the tubular element 13.

According to some embodiments, the introduction manifold 25 can be selectively connectable to the plate 11 and to the tubular element 13, for example by means of same-shape coupling, screwing, or attachment members of a known type.

There can also be packings suitable to guarantee a hydraulic seal.

According to one embodiment, the plate assembly 10 is also provided with at least one manifold 26 to distribute the steam, connected to the plate 11 in correspondence with the exit aperture 16 and the connection channel 24, and configured to put the vaporization chamber 14 in communication with the distribution chamber 18. According to some embodiments, a hydraulic circuit is therefore defined which comprises the introduction manifold 25, the vaporization chamber 14, the distribution manifold 26 and the distribution chamber 18.

During use, the water and/or steam enters the introduction manifold 25, is channeled toward the vaporization chamber 14 where the water and/or steam are respectively vaporized or superheated, and the steam generated is conveyed through the distribution manifold 26 toward the distribution chamber 18 from which it exits through the steam delivery holes 19.

The distribution manifold 26 also comprises an access aperture 26a configured to allow access to the vaporization chamber 14 by a user.

According to some embodiments, the distribution manifold 26 comprises a central duct 27 which can be connected to the exit aperture 16 and at least one lateral distribution duct 28 which extends laterally from the central duct 27 and is connected, during use, to the connection channel 24.

The central duct 27 can be connected in continuity with the tubular element 13, this also defining a portion of vaporization chamber 14. Advantageously, the central duct 27 and the tubular element 13 can be conformed so as to define a vaporization chamber 14 that is rectilinear and substantially cylindrical, and without discontinuities.

The access aperture 26a is provided on the opposite end to the one connected to plate 11.

According to some embodiments, the distribution manifold 26 comprises two distribution ducts 28 opposite each other with respect to the central duct 27, each connectable to a respective connection channel 24 so as to obtain a homogeneous and uniform distribution of the steam in the cavity /cavities 23 and therefore in the distribution chamber 18.

According to some embodiments, the central duct 27 is provided, in correspondence with the access aperture 26a on the end facing, during use, toward the outside, with coupling means 29 by means of which there can be attached a closing cap 34 that can be removed by a user to allow access to the vaporization chamber 14.

According to some embodiments, a connection member 47 can be provided disposed, during use, between the central duct 27 and the closing cap 34 and configured to couple one with the other, for example by means of a same-shape coupling, and to guarantee a hermetic closure of the vaporization chamber 14.

The central duct 27 and the distribution duct(s) 28 can be connected to the plate 11 by means of a same-shape coupling or with attachment members of a known type.

According to some embodiments, the entry hole(s) 28a of the distribution duct(s) 28 is/are disposed at an elevated height with respect to the bottom portion of the central duct 27. In this way, only the steam is conveyed through them, while the possible residual non-vaporized water remains in the vaporization chamber 14.

This solution allows to confine the water, rich in limescale, inside the vaporization chamber 14, or possibly in the central duct 27, preventing it from filtering into other components of the plate assembly 10, such as the distribution ducts 28 and/or the connection channels 24. In this way, the only element of the plate assembly 10 to be cleaned of incrustations of limescale, or dirt in general, is the tubular element 13 defining the vaporization chamber 14.

According to one possible embodiment, the central duct 27 can be slightly inclined, with the external end higher than the end that connects to the vaporization chamber 14, so as to obstruct the passage of water from the tubular element 13.

According to one embodiment, the introduction manifold 25 and the distribution manifold 26 can be made of thermoplastic material.

For example, the introduction manifold 25 and the distribution manifold 26 can be made of plastic or silicone, resistant to the operating temperatures of the plate 11.

Advantageously, the tubular element 13 is easily cleaned since it is cylindrical. Furthermore, the introduction manifold 25 and the distribution manifold 26 can be configured to be detachable from the plate 11 in order to simplify cleaning operations even more.

According to one embodiment, the tubular element 13 can comprise one or more protruding portions 30 which extend toward the inside of the vaporization chamber 14 from the surface facing downward during use.

These protruding portions 30 can be made as ridges disposed in sequence, distanced from each other along the entire length of the vaporization chamber 14 and, therefore, along the path of the liquid water inside the latter.

The protruding portions 30 advantageously perform an anti-calefaction function, interrupting the linear flow of water inside the vaporization chamber 14 and redistributing it so as to favor the correct vaporization of the water.

According to some embodiments, the protruding portions 30 can be made by means of punching or drawing the tubular element 13 before positioning it in a mold to perform the aluminum die casting, so that the aluminum enters in the external hollow parts thereof, effectively incorporating and stabilizing it in the base body 21.

According to some embodiments, the plate assembly 10 comprises at least one interference and accumulation element 35 disposed inside the tubular element 13, that is, in the vaporization chamber 14, and configured to interfere with the water entering from the entry aperture 15 and act as a drop-breaker, promoting the vaporization of the water, and at the same time promoting the possible accumulation of limescale on it.

The drop-breaking element 35 is preferably made of metal.

According to some embodiments, the interference and accumulation element 35, also called drop-breaker in the field of irons, can be made as a brush comprising a plurality of bristles disposed radially with respect to the longitudinal axis X.

According to one variant, the drop-breaking element 35 can be made as a brush comprising a plurality of foils that extend radially with respect to a central axis, possibly disposed at least partly in a helix.

According to some variants, the drop-breaking element 35 can be made as wire wool, formed by filaments and shavings wrapped together.

Embodiments described here also concern a cleaning device 36, configured to be inserted in a removable manner in the vaporization chamber 14 and to exert a mechanical action of removal of the limescale from the internal surface of the latter during the steps of removal/insertion.

According to some embodiments, the cleaning device 36 can comprise a cleaning portion 37 disposed, during use, in correspondence with the entry aperture 15. According to some embodiments, the cleaning device 36 also comprises a gripping portion 38, disposed, during use, outside the plate assembly 10, and configured to be gripped by a user, and a connection portion 39 that connects the gripping portion 38 with the cleaning portion 37.

According to some embodiments, the connection portion 39 can comprise a shaft or rod made with a material having shape memory, for example but not only with harmonic steel, which in the extracted condition has a rectilinear shape (fig. 1), while in an inserted condition it is at least partly flexed, or bent (fig. 5).

The cleaning device 36 can extend inside the tubular element 13 for a length at least equal to that of the tubular element 13 itself.

The cleaning portion 37 can be configured to be located at least partly in contact with the internal circumferential surface of the tubular element 13.

In particular, the cleaning portion 37 can comprise a brush or a small brush or a disc made of deformable abrasive material, or similar or comparable components.

For example, the cleaning portion 37 can comprise a plurality of spatulas or bristles disposed in a radial or spiral pattern around the connection portion 39.

The cleaning portion 37 can comprise a drop-breaking element 35, for example of the type described above.

According to some embodiments, the cleaning portion 37 is made of deformable material, so as to follow and clean the development of the vaporization chamber 14, even in correspondence with the protruding portions 30, allowing an easy passage from the not-inserted condition to the inserted condition, and vice versa.

Advantageously, the cleaning portion 37 can perform a triple function: drop- breaker, limescale collector and instrument for the mechanical removal of limescale. In particular, the cleaning portion 37 acts as a drop-breaker and limescale collector since it is disposed adjacent to the feed duct 43, that is, at the entry point of the liquid water, therefore where the concentration of limescale is greater and where the liquid begins to evaporate.

In the transition from the inserted condition to the not-inserted condition of the cleaning device 36, the cleaning portion 37 cleans the tubular element 13, scraping and rubbing the internal walls thereof, so as to eliminate possible limescale deposits inside the vaporization chamber 14. Consequently, the mechanical action of extracting the cleaning device 36 determines the removal of the residual limescale in the vaporization chamber 14.

Advantageously, these cleaning operations can be easily performed thanks to the shape of the vaporization chamber 14, that is, cylindrical or with a section with rounded edges and substantially straight.

According to one embodiment, the cleaning device 36 can provide a plurality of cleaning portions 37 disposed along the connection portion 39 so as to increase the cleaning and anti-calefaction action along the entire tubular vaporization element.

According to one embodiment, the cleaning device 36 can provide a plurality of cleaning portions 37 associated, in sequence, with the connection portion 39.

These cleaning portions 37 can provide cleaning discs with variable diameters that follow the development of the vaporization chamber 14, which are configured to deform, allowing them to slide inside the latter even if protruding portions 30 are present.

According to some embodiments, the gripping portion 38 can be provided with a closing cap 34 and be configured to be screwed onto the distribution manifold 26, or onto the connection member 47, so as to be easily accessible by a user and seal the vaporization chamber 14.

Advantageously, the plate 11, since it is made in a single body, requires a smaller number of operations to be produced.

Furthermore, since the plate 11 is made by integrating the tubular-shaped vaporization chamber 14 into a base body 21, the entire plate assembly 10 also requires fewer sealing operations compared to the state of the art.

In fact, in order to assemble the plate assembly 10 it is sufficient to connect the introduction manifold 25 to the entry aperture 15 and the distribution manifold 26 to the exit aperture 16, connecting the respective distribution ducts to the connection channels 24, and in order to seal the vaporization chamber 14 it is sufficient to close the central duct 27 of the distribution manifold 26 with a closing cap 34.

Furthermore, in order to seal the distribution chamber 18 it is sufficient to attach the soleplate 12 to the plate 11. According to some embodiments, the gripping portion 38, or the closing cap 34, can comprise coupling members 40 mating with the coupling means 29 provided on the distribution manifold 26, or on the connection member 47, if present.

According to one embodiment, the plate assembly 10 can be applied to traditional irons and, in general, to known apparatuses for ironing 41 and for steam cleaning.

By way of a non-limiting example, the plate assembly 10 can be applied to vented irons, or irons fed with forced water.

According to one embodiment, described with reference to fig. 6, an ironing apparatus 41A with a vented iron is described, comprising the plate assembly 10 and at least one tank 42 configured to contain water, put in fluidic connection with the introduction manifold 25.

According to some embodiments, the tank 42 can feed the water to the introduction manifold 25 through its fall by gravity through the feed duct 43 disposed substantially in a direction orthogonal to the entry aperture 15, upon activation of a valve or of a pumping device 44.

According to the embodiment of fig. 6, the water can be introduced either by continuous percolation through the feed duct 43, or through the pumping device 44 which inserts an additional quantity of water through an auxiliary duct 49, generating a further jet of steam to iron the most difficult creases.

According to one variant, an ironing apparatus 4 IB of the “cold” type with a separate tank 42 is shown in fig. 7, comprising a feed pump 45 which can be selectively activated in order to send the water from the tank 42 to the introduction manifold 25.

According to another variant, for example shown in fig. 8, an ironing apparatus 41C of the “hot” type is shown, provided with a separate boiler 50 configured to generate steam, which is fed to the introduction manifold 25. In this case, steam, rather than water, is fed directly into the vaporization chamber 14, the steam being superheated while it transits along it in order to reach the distribution chamber.

It is clear that modifications and/or additions of parts or steps may be made to the plate 11, to the plate assembly 10 and to the ironing apparatus 41 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 plate 11, plate assembly 10 and ironing apparatus 41, having the characteristics as set forth in the claims and hence all coming within the field of protection defined thereby.

Claims

1. Plate for a steam iron, characterized in that it comprises, integrated inside a base body (21) made in a single piece, a vaporization chamber (14) having a rectilinear tubular shape that extends straight and rectilinear between a respective entry aperture (15) and an exit aperture (16) for the water and/or steam, and a heating element (20), mating in shape with, and partly surrounding, said vaporization chamber (14).

2. Plate as in claim 1, characterized in that said base body (21) is made by aluminum die casting and said vaporization chamber (14) is delimited by a substantially cylindrical rectilinear tubular element (13) incorporated in said base body (21).

3. Plate as in claim 2, characterized in that said tubular element (13) comprises, on the surface facing downward during use, protruding portions (30) which extend toward the inside of the vaporization chamber (14), having a drop breaking function.

4. Plate as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that said heating element (20), in proximity to the entry aperture (15), is positioned below said vaporization chamber (14).

5. Plate as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that said heating element (20) comprises a U-shaped resistance, having longitudinal portions (31) disposed on diametrically opposite sides of the vaporization chamber (14) and an intermediate portion (32) joining the longitudinal portions (31) disposed in proximity to the entry aperture (15).

6. Plate as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that said base body (21) has on the lower part a cavity (23) configured to define, during use, a chamber (18) to distribute steam and comprises at least one connection channel (24) passing at least partly in said base body (21) and configured to put said exit aperture (16), located in an upper portion (22a) of said plate, in communication with said cavity (23).

7. Plate as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that it comprises at least one interference and accumulation element (35) that has a drop-breaking function, disposed in said vaporization chamber (14) in proximity to the entry aperture (15), and configured to perform a drop-breaking function to favor the vaporization of the water and the accumulation of limescale thereon.

8. Plate assembly for an iron, characterized in that it comprises:

- a plate (11) as in any claim hereinbefore;

- an ironing soleplate (12) provided with holes (19) to deliver steam, disposed below said plate (11) and connected to said base body (21), defining with it a chamber (18) to distribute steam;

- an introduction manifold (25) connected to said entry aperture (15) and configured to introduce water and/or steam into the vaporization chamber (14);

- a manifold (26) to distribute the steam, connected to said exit aperture (16) and to said distribution chamber (18), and configured to convey the steam from said vaporization chamber (14) to said distribution chamber (18).

9. Plate assembly as in claim 8, characterized in that it comprises a cleaning device (36) which can be inserted in a removable manner into said vaporization chamber (14) and comprising a cleaning portion (37) with sizes coherent with the transverse sizes of said vaporization chamber (14), a gripping portion (38) opposite said cleaning portion (37), configured to close said vaporization chamber (14) toward the outside, and a connection portion (39) that connects the gripping portion (38) with the cleaning portion (37).

10. Plate assembly as in claim 9, characterized in that said cleaning portion (37) comprises an interference and accumulation element (35) made of deformable material in the shape of a brush with bristles, or foils, or one or more disks disposed distanced from each other along the connection portion (39), configured to act as drop-breaker and favor the vaporization of the water, wherein said cleaning portion (37) has a section with a shape and size that correspond to the internal section of said vaporization chamber (14).

11. Plate assembly as in claim 9 or 10, characterized in that said connection portion (39) is made of a material having shape memory.

12. Ironing apparatus comprising an iron having a plate assembly (10) as in any claim from 8 to 11.

13. Method to produce a plate for an iron, characterized in that it provides to position a rectilinear tubular element (13) and a heating element (20) partly wound around it in a mold and to make by means of aluminum die casting a base body (21) in a single piece having, incorporated therein, a vaporization chamber (14) with a rectilinear tubular shape that extends straight and linear between a respective entry aperture (15) and an exit aperture (16) opposite each other, and said heating element (20).

14. Method to produce a plate as in claim 13, characterized in that it provides to make protruding portions (30) that protrude toward the inside of said tubular element (13) by means of punching or drawing before positioning it in said mold in order to perform the aluminum die casting, so that the molten aluminum enters in the external hollow parts thereof, effectively incorporating and stabilizing it in said base body (21).

15. Method to produce a plate assembly (10), characterized in that it provides to:

- make available a plate (11) as in any claim from 1 to 7;

- connect an ironing soleplate (12) provided with holes (19) to deliver steam to said base body (21), defining a chamber (18) to distribute steam; - connect an introduction manifold (25) to said entry aperture (15);

- connect a distribution manifold (26) to said exit aperture (16) and put said vaporization chamber (14) in communication with said chamber (18) to distribute steam.