RU2819526C1 - Plate for steam ironing devices and corresponding production method - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: household appliances.

SUBSTANCE: plate for iron comprises straight evaporation chamber (14) and heating element (20) built in base (21). Invention also relates to a heating unit and corresponding methods of making a plate and a heating unit.

EFFECT: creation of a plate, which is compact and can be used in various types of irons, having high reactivity and providing almost instantaneous heating and evaporation of water inside it, as well as providing the ability to easily and simply clean even the inside of the evaporation chamber.

14 cl, 8 dwg

Description

The invention relates to a steam heating plate for ironing devices, a heating unit and a corresponding manufacturing method.

The proposed plate is manufactured in one piece and contains a flow-through hot water tank of a tubular shape, which makes it particularly effective for generating steam and at the same time easy to clean. The plate can be used in various types of irons, such as vented irons or forced water or steam irons, also known as "hot" or "cold" ironers.

PREREQUISITES FOR THE CREATION OF THE PROPOSED INVENTION

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

These irons have a heating assembly including a heating element configured to be heated, for example, by electrical resistors, and an ironing pad located below the heating element.

Inside the heating unit, these irons have a first, evaporation chamber, closed on top with a lid, this chamber functions as a hot water tank in which steam is generated, and a second, steam distribution chamber, formed between the base and the sole and connected to the evaporation chamber from which the steam comes out through outlet holes made in the sole.

One of the disadvantages of known irons is that it is difficult to clean inside the heating unit of the iron itself and, in particular, inside the evaporation chamber or its internal hot water tank, which is most prone to scale formation.

The internal parts of the iron, in particular the internal part of the evaporation chambers, are difficult for the user to access and therefore residues of any substances can settle on them, which can lead to premature wear.

These evaporation chambers typically have labyrinths and channels for water and steam to pass through, making them very difficult to clean, even if maintenance and cleaning cycles are in place.

In addition, in prior art irons, heating assemblies typically have multiple components that must be joined and welded together, requiring complex assembly at the manufacturing stage, resulting in increased costs and more expensive maintenance during operation.

Another disadvantage of the heating units of known irons is that they are not very reactive, and when the ironing device is turned on or when restarted after a pause in ironing, they require a certain time to sufficiently heat the evaporation chamber or hot water tank and generate steam.

US 3,165,844 A describes an iron in which a V-shaped heating element and a V-shaped tubular element with double arms extending in and out of the heating element are built into the soleplate. Each lever, located outside, has steam outlet holes that communicate directly with holes in the sole. The V-shaped shape of the tubular element with double shoulders does not provide access inside it for effective descaling mechanically, but only allows for cleaning cycles with water or chemicals, which is less effective and more labor-intensive.

CN 106012466 B describes an iron plate containing a U-shaped water tube welded together with a heating element. The disadvantage of this solution is that it is impossible to mechanically remove the limescale that accumulates in this tube.

US Pat. No. 2,019,954 A describes an iron plate having a preheat tube wound in a spiral and a V-shaped steam chamber connected thereto.

The documents CN 2670750 Y, US 2008/047172 A1, US 4747222 A and WO 2018/216046 A1 describe other known solutions, which, however, have the disadvantages mentioned above.

Therefore, there is a need for improvements to the plate and heating assembly of ironing devices that can overcome at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art.

One of the objects of the invention is to provide a plate that is compact and can be used in various types of irons.

Another goal is to create a plate that is highly reactive and allows for almost instantaneous heating and evaporation of the water inside it.

Another object is to provide a plate that allows even the inside of the evaporation chamber to be easily and simply cleaned.

Another goal is to create a plate that allows the mechanical removal of limescale that accumulates inside the evaporation chamber.

Another goal is to provide a plate that is economical to manufacture and requires a limited number of mounting and assembly steps.

Another goal is to provide an efficient and easy-to-use heating unit for ironing devices.

Another goal is to provide a heating unit for ironing devices that is easy and inexpensive to manufacture and mass-produce on an industrial scale, quickly and with low production costs.

Another object of the invention is to provide a method for producing a plate which can significantly reduce the number of operations and therefore the production time.

Another goal is to improve the method of manufacturing the heating unit, allowing to reduce the number of operations, in particular the operations of welding and sealing the evaporation chamber, while guaranteeing high reliability and durability.

The applicant has developed, tested and implemented the invention to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and achieve these and other objects and advantages.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED INVENTION

The invention is set out and characterized in independent claims. Dependent claims describe other characteristics of the invention or variations of the basic idea of the invention.

Some of the options described here are for the evaporative heating plate for the iron.

In one aspect of the invention, the plate is formed as a single body and includes, built into its base, an evaporation chamber configured to generate and/or superheat steam, and a heating element configured to heat the evaporation chamber to cause evaporation of water within it and its base. .

The evaporation chamber has a rectilinear tubular shape, representing a rectilinear extended volume between the inlet and outlet openings.

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

In some embodiments, the vapor chamber is preferably cylindrical in shape.

In some versions, the base is made from die-cast aluminum.

Being made as one piece, the plate is highly efficient and reactive, since it can be heated in a short time to the same operating temperatures as in traditional solutions, in a shorter time, significantly, almost half, less time compared to known solutions.

In some embodiments, the vapor chamber is formed by a straight tubular member built into the base.

Advantageously, the tubular element and the heating element form a flow-through hot water tank that is compact and efficient compared to prior art solutions.

In addition, the proposed plate has a modular nature, which makes it applicable to essentially any type of iron, at least the household type.

In some embodiments, the plate has a pointed front part in top view and a flat back part opposite it.

In some embodiments, the plate also contains at least one cavity located in the lower part, which during operation is closed by the sole and together with it forms a chamber for steam distribution.

In some embodiments, the tubular element is located along the longitudinal axis of the heating plate and extends over a large portion thereof.

In some embodiments, the tubular member has opposite open ends defining an inlet and an outlet, respectively, that are substantially coaxial.

In some embodiments, the heating element consists of an electrical resistor that at least partially surrounds the vapor chamber.

In some embodiments, the electrical resistor is U-shaped with its free ends facing the rear, with the free ends aligned with the outlet, the arms aligned along diametrically opposed sides of the vapor chamber, and the intermediate portion of the U shape aligned with inlet.

In some embodiments, the heating element is located below the vapor chamber at or near the inlet to provide greater heating to the inlet area. This is especially useful in the case of vented irons or cold ironing devices, since water is supplied to the evaporation chamber, that is, the tubular element, at ambient temperature, that is, much lower than the temperature of the steam.

Advantageously, the heating element consists of a single resistor which heats both the vaporization chamber and the base, and therefore by conduction also the associated soleplate during operation, thereby reducing the number of components and simplifying their control.

In some embodiments, the tubular element in the portion of the wall facing downward during operation has protruding portions that extend into the tubular element and are configured to crush droplets, thereby preventing water droplets from draining into the evaporation chamber and facilitating their evaporation.

The embodiments described herein also relate to a heating assembly suitable for use in various types of irons, having:

- the proposed plate,

- an ironing sole located under the plate and connected to it to form a steam distribution chamber,

- an inlet manifold connected to the evaporation chamber in accordance with the inlet,

- a steam distribution manifold connected to the evaporation chamber and to the steam distribution chamber and configured to supply steam to the steam distribution chamber.

The steam distribution manifold has an access hole designed in such a way that during operation the user can access the heating unit and the iron from the outside in order to be able to clean the evaporation chamber. The advantage is that the evaporation chamber is easily accessible and easy to clean due to its almost cylindrical shape.

The invention also relates to an ironing device containing the heating unit described above.

The proposed method for manufacturing the heating assembly described above involves manufacturing a plate by injection molding into a suitable mold containing a tubular evaporator element. In this way, the plate is manufactured in one piece, reducing the number of components required for its production, with reduced assembly time and, as a result, a longer service life compared to prior art solutions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ATTACHED GRAPHIC MATERIALS

These and other aspects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of some non-limiting embodiments with reference to the accompanying graphics.

In fig. 1 in a perspective view with parts separated, the proposed heating unit for an ironing device is shown.

In fig. 2 heating unit shown in FIG. 1 is shown assembled in top view.

In fig. 3 heating unit shown in FIG. 1 is shown assembled in a bottom view.

In fig. 4 the heating unit is shown in axonometry in section along IV-IV (Fig. 2).

In fig. 5 the heating unit is shown in axonometry in a section along V-V (Fig. 2).

In fig. 6, the heating unit, shown in a perspective view in a section along V-V (Fig. 2), is shown in relation to an ironing device.

In fig. 7, the heating unit, shown in a perspective view in section along V-V (Fig. 2), is shown in relation to another ironing device.

In fig. 8, the heating unit, shown in a perspective view in section along V-V (Fig. 2), is shown in relation to another ironing device.

To facilitate understanding, the same reference symbols have been used, where possible, to identify like common elements in the drawings. It is understood that elements and characteristics of one option can be easily incorporated into other options without further explanation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME OPTIONS FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROPOSED INVENTION

The following is a description of various embodiments of the invention, some of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are presented as illustrative examples and do not limit the scope of the invention. Features shown or described to the extent that they are part of one variant may be adapted or combined with other variants to create another variant. It is understood that the scope of the invention covers all such modifications and variations.

With reference to the accompanying drawings, the embodiments described herein relate to a heating plate 11 and a heating assembly 10 comprising a heating plate 11 for a steam ironing apparatus for both domestic and industrial purposes.

In some embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1, the heating unit 10 includes a plate 11 for evaporating and/or heating steam, made in a single piece, and an ironing sole 12 located under the plate 11 and connected to it.

In some embodiments, the plate 11 includes a base 21 that has a bottom portion 22b having a plan shape substantially mating with and adapted to connect to the sole 12.

In addition, the plate 11 may include an upper or evaporation portion 22a protruding from the lower portion 22b on a side opposite to the connection side with the sole 12.

In some embodiments, the plate 11 includes an evaporation chamber 14 integral with it and/or built into the base 21 for generating and/or heating steam and a heating element 20 for heating the evaporation chamber 14 and, consequently, the water or steam inside it and the base 21.

Depending on the type of iron equipped with plate 11, water can be introduced into the evaporation chamber 14 to produce steam or steam directly to overheat it.

In some embodiments, the vaporization chamber 14 is located along the longitudinal axis X of the plate 11 and extends over a major portion thereof.

The evaporation chamber 14 has a first inlet hole 15 corresponding to the front part of the plate 11, and a second outlet hole 16 corresponding to the rear part of the plate 11.

In some embodiments, the evaporation chamber 14 has a practically rectilinear shape with corresponding practically coaxial inlet 15 and outlet 16 openings.

In other words, the evaporation chamber 14 extends linearly between the inlet 15 and the outlet 16.

The evaporation chamber 14 has only two holes: inlet 15 and outlet 16 and has no intermediate holes.

In some embodiments, the vaporization chamber 14 has a cylindrical shape with a substantially circular cross-section.

Options are possible in which the evaporation chamber 14 has a cross-section of a different shape, for example, oval or prismatic with rounded ribs to minimize possible areas of limescale accumulation and facilitate its removal.

With this solution, the evaporation chamber 14 is more compact and efficient than known evaporation chambers. In addition, the straight shape allows the evaporation chamber 14 to be cleaned more thoroughly.

In some embodiments, the evaporation chamber 14 is formed by a tubular element 13, integral with it or built into the base 21.

The tubular element 13 runs straight along the longitudinal axis and contains a solid side wall 13c and two holes 13a, 13b located opposite each other, which respectively define the inlet 15 and outlet 16 of the evaporation chamber 14.

In the present embodiment, the evaporation chamber 14 extends along the entire length of the tubular element 13. The evaporation chamber 14 or the tubular element 13 may, for example, have a substantially constant diameter in the longitudinal direction, for example from 7 to 25 mm, preferably from 10 to 20 mm. The evaporation chamber 14 or tubular element 13 may have a length of, for example, about 12-20 cm, preferably about 15-18 cm.

In one embodiment, the tubular element 13 is located in the upper part 22a.

The heating element 20 can be located inside the through socket of the plate 11.

In one embodiment, the heating element 20 is built into the plate 11.

In one embodiment, the base 21 is made of die-cast aluminum, with the tubular element 13 and the heating element 20 built-in or recessed, which guarantees a high thermal conductivity gradient.

In some embodiments, the tubular member 13 is made of steel.

Options are possible in which the plate 11 is designed in such a way that the tubular element 13 is formed by a through longitudinal socket 17 in the upper part 22a, or it is placed in this longitudinal through socket 17.

The tubular element 13 and the heating element 20 essentially form a flow-through hot water tank in which water is heated and evaporated as it flows along the tubular element 13, allowing steam to be produced almost instantly and therefore much more quickly compared to prior art hot water tanks or evaporation chambers.

In one embodiment, the heating element 20 is positioned in contact with the tubular element 13 to heat the water and/or steam therein by conduction.

In some embodiments, a single heating element 20 is provided to heat the evaporation chamber 14, as well as, due to thermal conductivity, the sole 12, which during operation is connected to the base 21, which makes the heating unit more efficient than known ones.

This solution also has the advantage of reducing the number of components compared to traditional solutions, which reduces production, assembly and maintenance times.

In one embodiment, the heating element 20 is U-shaped.

The heating element 20 has longitudinal sections 31, covering the tubular element 13 from diametrically opposite sides, and at least one intermediate section 32 connecting the longitudinal sections 31 and located in accordance with the inlet 15.

The advantage of this solution is that the heating element 20 is located below the water inlet zone, where the first evaporation occurs, and this ensures that the inlet zone, which is subject to greater cooling due to the introduction of fresh water, is heated in a more targeted manner and its temperature is always maintained at the appropriate level.

In some embodiments, such as those illustrated in FIGS. 5, the base 21 of the plate 11 has an at least partially hollow configuration containing one or more cavities 23 corresponding to its lower portion 22b.

The cavity or cavities 23 during operation form with the sole 12 a compartment filled with steam, forming a chamber 18 for steam distribution.

Thus, the evaporation chamber 14 extends above the steam distribution chamber 18.

In some embodiments, the plate 11 includes at least one connecting channel 24 extending at least partially through the base 21 and communicating the top side of the plate 11 with the cavity or cavities 23.

In some embodiments, such as those illustrated in FIGS. 3, two connecting channels 24 are provided, located on opposite sides of the evaporation chamber 14.

In some embodiments, the connecting channels 24 direct steam to the side edge 46 delimiting the steam distribution chamber 18, which during operation facilitates the removal and distribution of steam in the cavity 23 both towards the front of the plate 11 and towards the rear along the path P indicated in FIG. . 3 - fig. 5.

In some embodiments, the channels 24 are located parallel and adjacent to the heating device 20. Thus, the steam remains hot along the connecting channels 24 substantially up to the steam supply holes 19 entering the sole 12.

In some embodiments, the bottom portion 22b of the plate 11 has a series of dividing walls 48 that provide passages for the passage of steam so that it is uniformly directed toward the openings 19.

The sole 12 may be connected to the plate 11 using mechanical connecting means 33, such as screws, latches or locks, or other suitable fastening means.

On the sole 12 there are outlet holes 19 designed to release steam from the steam distribution chamber 18 to the outside.

The base 12 may be made of one or more conductive materials, such as one or more metals such as steel, aluminum or steel-aluminum, or other suitable materials, and be heated by conduction upon contact with the base 21.

The soleplate 12 is preferably shaped to match the planform shape of the plate 11, with a pointed front end, suitable for ironing pieces of clothing, garments or fabrics in general that have a complex and articulated shape.

In one embodiment, the heating unit 10 is provided with at least one water inlet manifold 25 connected to the plate 11 in accordance with the inlet 15 of the evaporation chamber 14.

In some embodiments, the inlet manifold 25 has at least one supply channel 43 configured to supply water to the tubular element 13 from the outside.

In some embodiments, the inlet manifold 25 is connected to the plate 11 and the tubular member 13, for example, using screws or other connecting elements of a known type.

Seals suitable for providing hydraulic sealing may also be used.

In one embodiment, the heating unit 10 is provided with at least one steam distribution manifold 26 connected to the plate 11 in accordance with the outlet 16 and the connecting channel 24 and configured to bring the evaporation chamber 14 into communication with the steam distribution chamber 18.

Thus, in some embodiments, a hydraulic circuit is formed that includes an inlet manifold 25, an evaporation chamber 14, a steam distribution manifold 26, and a steam distribution chamber 18.

During operation, water and/or steam enters the inlet manifold 25, is directed to the evaporation chamber 14, where the water and/or steam is respectively evaporated or overheated, and the resulting steam passes through the steam distribution manifold 26 into the steam distribution chamber. 18, from which it exits through holes 19.

The vapor distribution manifold 26 has an opening 26a providing user access to the vapor chamber 14.

In some embodiments, the steam distribution manifold 26 includes a central channel 27 connected to the outlet 16 and at least one side distribution channel 28 extending to the side of the central channel 27 and connected to the connecting channel during operation. 24.

The central channel 27 may be in continuous connection with the tubular member 13, which also forms part of the vapor chamber 14. The central channel 27 and the tubular element 13 are preferably shaped to form a vapor chamber 14 that is straight and substantially cylindrical in shape and without discontinuities. .

An access hole 26a is provided at an end opposite to the end connected to the plate 11.

In some embodiments, the steam distribution manifold 26 includes two distribution channels 28 located opposite each other relative to the central channel 27, each of which is connected to a corresponding connecting channel 24 to obtain a uniform and uniform distribution of steam in the cavity/cavities 23 and, therefore, in the steam distribution camera 18.

In some embodiments, the central channel 27 corresponding to the access hole 26a at the end facing outward during operation is provided with connecting means 29 by which a closure cap 34 is attached, which the user can remove to provide access to the vapor chamber 14.

In some embodiments, a connecting element 47 is provided, during operation, located between the central channel 27 and the closure cap 34 to connect them together, for example, using a coupling and to ensure a tight seal of the evaporation chamber 14.

The central channel 27 and the distribution channels 28 can be connected to the plate 11 using a coupling or using connecting elements of a known type.

In some embodiments, the inlet openings 28a of the distribution channels 28 are raised to a certain height relative to the lower part of the central channel 27. With this solution, only steam passes through them, and possible unevaporated water remains in the evaporation chamber 14.

This solution allows lime-rich water to be contained within the evaporation chamber 14 or possibly in the central channel 27, preventing it from filtering into other components of the heating assembly 10, such as distribution channels 28 and/or connecting channels 24. With this solution, the only heating element unit 10, which must be cleaned from scale or dirt in general, is a tubular element 13, forming an evaporation chamber 14.

It is possible that the central channel 27 is slightly inclined, with the outer end being higher than the end connecting to the evaporation chamber 14 to prevent the passage of water from the tubular element 13.

In one embodiment, the inlet manifold 25 and the distribution manifold 26 are made of a thermoplastic material.

The input manifold 25 and the distribution manifold 26 can be made of plastic or silicone that is resistant to the operating temperatures of the plate 11.

The advantage is that the tubular element 13 is easy to clean since it has a cylindrical shape. In addition, the inlet manifold 25 and the distribution manifold 26 can be removed from the plate 11, further simplifying cleaning operations.

In one embodiment, the tubular member 13 includes one or more protruding portions 30 extending into the vapor chamber 14 from a surface facing downward during operation.

These protruding parts 30 can be made in the form of ridges located sequentially, at a distance from each other along the entire length of the evaporation chamber 14 and, therefore, along the path of water movement inside the latter.

Advantageously, the protruding portions 30 perform an anti-scale function by interrupting the linear flow of water within the evaporation chamber 14 and redistributing it so as to promote proper evaporation of water.

In some embodiments, the projections 30 are made by stamping or drawing the tubular member 13 before placing it in the aluminum injection mold so that the aluminum fits into its outer hollow portions, effectively being embedded and stabilized as the base 21.

In some embodiments, the heating assembly 10 includes at least one interference-accumulating element 35 located within the tubular element 13, that is, in the evaporation chamber 14, and configured to obstruct water flowing from the inlet 15 and act as a drop breaker , promoting the evaporation of water, and at the same time promoting the formation of scale.

The droplet breaking element 35 is preferably made of metal.

The interference-accumulating element 35, which is also a droplet crusher, in some embodiments is made in the form of a brush containing a plurality of bristles located radially with respect to the longitudinal axis X.

In one embodiment, the droplet breaking element 35 is made in the form of a brush containing a plurality of plates extending radially relative to the central axis, possibly arranged at least partially in a spiral.

In some embodiments, the droplet breaking element 35 is made in the form of wire wool formed by threads and shavings rolled together.

The embodiments described herein also relate to a cleaning device 36 being removably inserted into the evaporation chamber 14 for the mechanical action of removing limescale from the inner surface of the latter during the removal/insertion process.

In some embodiments, the cleaning device 36 includes a cleaning portion 37 located in correspondence with the inlet 15 during operation.

In some embodiments, the cleaning device 36 also has a gripping portion 38 that is located outside the heating assembly 10 during operation and is capable of being grasped by a user, and a connecting portion 39 connecting the gripping portion 38 to the cleaning portion 37.

In some embodiments, the connecting portion 39 includes a shaft or rod made of a shape memory material, such as spring steel, that is straight when removed (FIG. 1) and at least partially bent or bent when inserted (FIG. 5).

The cleaning device 36 may extend within the tubular member 13 for a length at least equal to the length of the tubular member 13 itself.

The cleaning portion 37 may be configured to be positioned at least partially in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the tubular member 13.

The cleaning portion 37 may include a brush, or a small brush, or a disc of deformable abrasive material, or the like.

The cleaning portion 37 may include sticks or bristles arranged radially or spirally around the connecting portion 39.

The cleaning part 37 may include a droplet breaking element 35, for example of the type described above.

In some embodiments, the cleaning portion 37 is made of a deformable material to follow the extension of the vapor chamber 14, including the projections 30, and clean it, allowing for easy transition from the removed to the inserted state and vice versa.

With an advantage, the cleaning part 37 can perform the triple function of drop crushing, collecting limescale, and mechanically removing limescale. In particular, the cleaning part 37 acts as a drop breaker and a collector of limescale since it is located adjacent to the supply channel 43, that is, at the entry point of the liquid water, therefore where the lime concentration is greater and where the liquid begins to evaporate.

When the cleaning device 36 is transferred from the inserted state to the removed state, the cleaning part 37 cleans the tubular element 13 by scraping and wiping its inner walls, eliminating possible deposits of limescale inside the evaporation chamber 14. Therefore, the mechanical action of removing the cleaning device 36 determines the removal of limescale in the evaporation chamber 14.

The advantage is that these cleaning operations can be easily carried out due to the cylindrical or rounded cross-section and substantially straight shape of the evaporation chamber 14.

In one embodiment, the cleaning device 36 has a plurality of cleaning parts 37 located along the connecting portion 39, enhancing the cleaning and anti-scale effect along the entire tubular element.

In one embodiment, the cleaning device 36 has a plurality of cleaning parts 37 connected in series with the connecting part 39.

These cleaning parts 37 may be cleaning disks of variable diameter, following the extension of the evaporation chamber 14 and made deformable, allowing them to slide inside the latter, even in the presence of protruding parts 30.

In some embodiments, the grip portion 38 is provided with a closure cap 34 and is configured to screw onto the distribution manifold 26 or connector 47 so that it can be easily accessed by the user and seal the vapor chamber. 14.

Advantageously, the plate 11, since it is formed as one piece, requires fewer operations to be manufactured.

In addition, since the plate 11 is manufactured by incorporating a tubular-shaped evaporation chamber 14 into the base 21, the entire heating assembly 10 also requires fewer sealing operations compared to the prior art.

To assemble the heating unit 10, it is enough to connect the inlet manifold 25 to the inlet 15, and the steam distribution manifold 26 to the outlet 16, connecting the corresponding distribution channels with the connecting channels 24, and to seal the evaporation chamber 14, it is enough to close the central channel 27 of the distribution manifold 26 with a closing cap 34 .

To seal the steam distribution chamber 18, it is enough to attach the sole 12 to the plate 11.

In some embodiments, the grip portion 38 or the closure cap 34 includes coupling members 40 mating with a coupling means 29 provided on the distribution manifold 26 or on the coupling member 47, if present.

In one embodiment, the heating unit 10 is used in traditional irons and in general in known devices 41 for ironing and steam cleaning.

The heating unit 10 can be applied, for example, to ventilated irons or forced water irons.

In one embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 6, a ventilated iron ironer 41A is described including a heating unit 10 and at least one water reservoir 42 in communication with an inlet manifold 25.

In some embodiments, reservoir 42 supplies water to inlet manifold 25 by gravity falling through supply channel 43 oriented in a direction substantially orthogonal to inlet 15 when valve or pumping device 44 is activated.

In one of the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 6, water is supplied either by continuous filtration through the supply channel 43, or by means of a pumping device 44, which supplies additional water through the auxiliary channel 49, creating an additional jet of steam to smooth out the most difficult creases.

One embodiment of a cold ironer 41B with a separate reservoir 42 is illustrated in FIG. 7, it includes a feed pump 45 selectively activated to supply water from the reservoir 42 to the feed manifold 25.

Another option is illustrated in FIG. 8, which shows a "hot" type ironing device 41C, equipped with a separate hot water tank 50 that generates steam, which is supplied to the inlet manifold 25. In this case, steam, rather than water, is supplied directly to the evaporation chamber 14, and the steam is superheated as it passes through it to the steam distribution chamber.

It is clear that without departing from the scope and scope of the invention, the plate 11, heating unit 10 and ironing device 41 described above may be modified and/or parts or steps may be added thereto.

It is also clear that although the invention has been described with reference to some specific embodiments, one skilled in the art will certainly be able to create many other equivalent forms of plate 11, heating unit 10 and ironing device 41 having the features set forth in the claims, and therefore all of them are included to the area of protection defined therein.

Claims (22)

1. A plate for a steam iron, characterized in that it contains a tubular element (13) built into a single-piece base (21), forming an evaporation chamber (14) having a rectilinear tubular shape, extending straight and straight between the inlet hole (15) and an outlet (16) for water and/or steam, which are located opposite each other and coaxially to each other, as well as a heating element (20) mating in shape with the evaporation chamber (14) and partially covering it, with the base (21) has a cavity (23) in the lower part, which during operation forms a chamber (18) for distributing steam, and contains at least one connecting channel (24) passing at least partially in the base (21) and communicating with the outlet opening ( 16), located in the upper part (22a) of the said plate, with a cavity (23). 2. The plate according to claim 1, characterized in that the base (21) is made of aluminum injection molding, and the evaporation chamber (14) is limited by a practically cylindrical straight tubular element (13) built into the base (21). 3. The plate according to claim 2, characterized in that the tubular element (13) contains on the surface, facing downward during operation, protruding parts (30), which extend into the evaporation chamber (14) and are designed to crush drops. 4. A plate according to any of the previous paragraphs, characterized in that the heating element (20) near the inlet (15) is located below the evaporation chamber (14). 5. A plate according to any of the previous paragraphs, characterized in that the heating element (20) contains a U-shaped resistor having longitudinal sections (31) located on diametrically opposite sides of the evaporation chamber (14), and an intermediate section (32) connecting longitudinal parts (31) located near the inlet (15). 6. A plate according to any of the previous paragraphs, characterized in that it contains at least one interference-storage element (35) designed for crushing droplets, located in the evaporation chamber (14) near the inlet (15) and configured to functions of crushing droplets, promoting the evaporation of water and the accumulation of limescale. 7. Heating unit for an iron, characterized in that it contains - plate (11) according to any of the preceding paragraphs, - ironing sole (12), equipped with holes (19) for steam release, located under the plate (11) and connected to the base (21), forming with it a chamber (18) for steam distribution, - an inlet manifold (25) connected to the inlet (15) and configured to supply water and/or steam to the evaporation chamber (14), - a manifold (26) for steam distribution, connected to the outlet (16) and to the steam distribution chamber (18) and configured to supply steam from the evaporation chamber (14) to the steam distribution chamber (18). 8. Heating unit according to claim 7, characterized in that it contains a cleaning device (36), removably inserted into the evaporation chamber (14) and containing a cleaning part (37), the dimensions of which coincide with the transverse dimensions of the evaporation chamber (14), a gripping part (38) located opposite the cleaning part (37), configured to close the evaporation chamber (14) to the outside, and a connecting part (39) connecting the gripping part (38) to the cleaning part (37). 9. Heating unit according to claim 8, characterized in that the cleaning part (37) contains an interference-storage element (35) made of deformable material in the form of a brush with bristles or foil or in the form of one or more disks located at a distance from each other from each other along the connecting part (39), designed to crush droplets, promoting the evaporation of water, while the cross-section of the cleaning part (37) in shape and size corresponds to the internal cross-section of the evaporation chamber (14). 10. Heating unit according to any one of paragraphs. 8 or 9, characterized in that the connecting part (39) is made of a material with shape memory. 11. An ironing device comprising an iron with a heating unit (10) according to any one of claims. 7-10. 12. A method for manufacturing a plate for an iron, characterized in that it involves placing a straight tubular element (13) and a heating element (20) partially surrounding it in a casting mold and manufacturing a base (21) by injection molding from aluminum in the form of a single piece having a built-in evaporation chamber (14) of a rectilinear tubular shape, which runs straight between the inlet (15) and outlet (16) located opposite each other, and a heating element (20), and having a cavity (23) in the lower part, forming during an operating chamber (18) for distributing steam, and at least one connecting channel (24) extending at least partially in the base (21) and communicating with an outlet (16) located in the upper part (22a) of said plate, with cavity (23). 13. The method for manufacturing a plate according to claim 12, characterized in that it involves producing protruding parts (30) that protrude into said tubular member (13) by stamping or drawing before placing it in a mold for performing aluminum die casting, so that molten aluminum flows into its outer hollow parts. 14. A method for manufacturing a plate assembly (10), characterized in that it involves the following stages: - ensuring the presence of a plate (11) according to any one of claims. 1-6, - connecting the ironing sole (12), equipped with holes (19) for steam release, to the base (21) to form a chamber (18) for steam distribution, - connecting the inlet manifold (25) to the inlet (15), - connecting the steam distribution manifold (26) to the outlet (16) and the connecting channel (24) and connecting the evaporation chamber (14) to the chamber (18) for steam distribution.