Iron

Abstract

Iron (10) comprising a sole unit (11) provided with an evaporation chamber (21) and a scale collection device (31) comprising a collection cavity (38) and being insertable in a removable manner into the sole unit (11).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an iron, and more particularly to a steam iron for domestic or professional use, the iron being provided with a device for collecting scale that may be present in one of its evaporation chambers. Background Technology

[0002] An iron is known to have a water tank and an evaporator or evaporation chamber, in which water from the water tank is converted into steam by an electric heating element, and then the steam is delivered to the outside through an ironing plate with holes for delivering the steam itself.

[0003] In some models of irons, the water tank and / or evaporator or evaporation chamber are not integrated into the iron's structure, but are separate and connected to the iron's structure via conduits.

[0004] One of the main problems with these irons is that the water evaporation process often results in a large and uneven buildup of scale in the evaporation chamber. This leads to a significant reduction in the heat exchange capacity of the evaporation chamber, uneven steam diffusion between the chamber and the ironing board, and a decrease in the amount of steam leaving the chamber.

[0005] In addition, during ironing, limescale particles may leak out from the holes in the ironing board along with steam, which could stain or even irreparably damage the garment being ironed.

[0006] An iron is known to include a scale collection device that is removably inserted into a plate unit communicating with an evaporation chamber. The scale collection device has a collection cavity in which any scale that may form in the evaporation chamber can accumulate when the iron is placed vertically.

[0007] An example of a known solution of the type discussed is described, for instance, in EP-B1-2584090, which provides an iron comprising an evaporation chamber connected to a scale collection chamber via an orifice formed in one of its outer peripheral walls. One disadvantage of this known solution is that the presence of the outer peripheral wall can cause scale to accumulate thereon, resulting in the risk of clogging the orifice. Furthermore, the collection chamber is highly inclined relative to the evaporation chamber, which can potentially slow flow and thus hinder scale accumulation within the collection chamber. Consequently, scale may accumulate and solidify along the evaporation chamber, also exhibiting the aforementioned disadvantages.

[0008] Document US-A-2015 / 0068170 describes an iron having an evaporation chamber and a container for collecting limescale, with a filter inside the container. In this solution, the evaporation chamber includes an opening formed in a rear partition wall leading to a conduit extending at an angle of approximately 20° relative to the plane of the ironing soleplate, to which the collection container is connected. Furthermore, a stepped portion is provided in the front of the collection container. Therefore, in this case, the combination of the partition wall in the rear of the chamber, the angle of the conduit, and the presence of the stepped portion may cause a slowdown in flow, thereby hindering limescale accumulation in the collection container.

[0009] Another drawback of the known solution is that the scale collection device is clamped inside the iron body by a bayonet-type connecting element or by a lever mechanism with a cam, which requires a lot of force to drive and release, making it inconvenient to use.

[0010] Therefore, there is a need to provide an iron that overcomes at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art, and that the iron is equipped with a simple scale collection device that allows for the efficient collection of scale present in the evaporation chamber.

[0011] One object of the present invention is to provide an iron that prevents the possible accumulation of limescale on the outside of a limescale collection device.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide an iron with a scale collection device that can be easily operated even by inexperienced users, allowing them to effortlessly perform the necessary withdrawal and reinsertion operations, thereby making it easy to remove the scale collection device.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to prevent the risk of burns to the user, especially when the collection device is removed.

[0014] The applicant has designed, tested and implemented the present invention to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art and to obtain these and other objectives and advantages. Summary of the Invention

[0015] The invention is set forth and characterized in the independent claims. The dependent claims describe other features of the invention or variations thereof with respect to the main inventive concept.

[0016] According to the above objectives, the iron according to the invention includes a plate unit and a scale collection device, the plate unit having an evaporation chamber, and the scale collection device including a collection cavity and being removably insertable into the plate unit such that the collection cavity and the evaporation chamber form a continuous and uninterrupted surface.

[0017] In other words, the inner surface of the evaporation chamber is substantially aligned with the inner surface of the collection chamber, at least corresponding to the interconnection area, so that the entire surface is essentially free of recesses or ridges that would prevent scale from sliding toward the collection chamber.

[0018] According to some embodiments, the evaporation chamber includes a housing seat corresponding to its rear orifice, the housing seat having a cross-section larger than the average cross-section of the evaporation chamber and relating to the cross-section of the lateral wall defining the collection chamber.

[0019] Thus, in the first operating position, the edge of the lateral wall is set to abut against the inner wall of the housing, and the inner surface of the evaporation chamber and the inner surface of the collection chamber are set to be continuous with each other, without any recesses or ridges where scale would accumulate.

[0020] According to other embodiments, both the evaporation chamber and the collection chamber have a straight extension along the same longitudinal axis.

[0021] According to some embodiments, the longitudinal axis is substantially parallel to the ironing soleplate, or slightly inclined relative to the ironing soleplate. "Substantially parallel" means that the longitudinal axis is inclined at most less than 10°, and preferably less than 5°.

[0022] According to other embodiments, the collection chamber is slightly tilted relative to the evaporation chamber at an angle, for example, between 1° and 5°, that is, it extends along an axis that is tilted relative to the longitudinal axis of the evaporation chamber.

[0023] According to some embodiments of the invention, the collecting device and the iron are provided with corresponding connecting members, which are configured to create a stable connection between them when the collecting device is inserted into the housing.

[0024] According to some embodiments of the invention, the iron also includes an automatic release device associated with the collection device and capable of being driven by the user to release the connecting member and to extract the collection device at least partially from the evaporation chamber.

[0025] According to some embodiments, the release device includes: an actuating member capable of being driven by a user to disengage the connecting members; and an elastic device configured to push the collecting device at least partially outside the iron when the connecting members are not engaged with each other.

[0026] According to other embodiments, the collection device is associated with a safety device configured to prevent the collection device from being extracted from the evaporation chamber when the temperature of the plate exceeds a certain threshold. Attached Figure Description

[0027] These and other aspects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of some embodiments, which are given as non-limiting examples with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0028] - Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an iron according to the present invention;

[0029] - Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An exploded and partially cross-sectional perspective view of the plate unit of an iron, which shows a scale collection device according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] - Figure 3 It is a partial sectional view of the side of the iron, showing the scale collection device inserted and clamped in the evaporation chamber;

[0031] - Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Magnified details;

[0032] - Figures 5-7 The images show the clamped, released, and unclamped positions, respectively. Figure 2 Scale collection device;

[0033] - Figure 8 This is a view of the scale collection device according to the second embodiment;

[0034] - Figures 9-11 The images show the clamped, released, and unclamped positions, respectively. Figure 8 Scale collection device;

[0035] - Figure 12 This is a view of a scale collection device according to the third embodiment;

[0036] - Figures 13-15 The images show the clamped, released, and unclamped positions, respectively. Figure 12 Scale collection device;

[0037] - Figure 16 This is an exploded view of the rear of the scale collection device with safety device and the plate unit of the iron according to a variant embodiment;

[0038] - Figures 17-18 The first and second operating states are shown. Figure 16 Safety devices.

[0039] It must be noted that the terms "upper," "lower," "front," and "back," and their declination, in this specification and claims, serve only to better illustrate the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, and are by no means intended to limit the scope of the invention itself or the scope of protection defined by the claims.

[0040] Furthermore, those skilled in the art will recognize that, in order to provide a more easily understood version of the invention, certain dimensions or features in the accompanying drawings may have been enlarged, distorted, or shown in an unconventional or non-proportional manner.

[0041] When dimensions and / or values ​​are specified in the following description, they are provided for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the invention, unless such dimensions and / or values ​​are present in the appended claims.

[0042] For ease of understanding, the same reference numerals have been used to identify the same common elements in the figures where possible. It should be understood that elements and features of one embodiment can be readily combined or incorporated into other embodiments without further explanation. Detailed Implementation

[0043] Reference Figure 1 According to a first embodiment of the present invention, the iron 10 includes a plate unit 11, a known water tank 12 configured to contain water and disposed above the known plate unit 11, and a known ironing soleplate 13 having a known through hole 14 and attached to the lower part of the plate unit 11 in a known manner.

[0044] The iron 10 includes a housing body 16 in a known manner, which has a handle 17 and is associated with a plate unit 11.

[0045] Plate unit 11 includes an evaporation chamber 21, into which water supplied from water tank 12 through orifice 26 is converted into steam upon contact with its surface (heated by one or more heating elements 15 of known type), and the steam exits through holes 14 in ironing base plate 13. Figure 2 ).

[0046] The evaporation chamber 21 includes: a lower surface 22, for example formed in the lower shell 19; an upper surface 23 located in the upper shell 20; and an inner or front surface 25, that is, disposed towards the front of the iron 10. Figure 2 and Figure 3 (Left side of the middle).

[0047] The evaporation chamber 21 has a straight structure and extends along the longitudinal axis X, and its cross-section along the longitudinal axis may be constant or it may vary.

[0048] According to some embodiments, the evaporation chamber 21 preferably has a square or rectangular cross-section with possible sloping sides.

[0049] The evaporation chamber 21 is also provided with one or more orifices 29 for conveying the generated steam toward the through holes 14 of the ironing soleplate 13. Figure 3 and Figure 5 ).

[0050] The evaporation chamber 21 is also provided at the rear of the iron 10. Figure 3 The scale collection device 31, described in detail below, can be selectively and removably inserted through the rear opening 30 (on the right side of the image).

[0051] According to some embodiments, the rear orifice 30 has a larger cross-section than the cross-section of the evaporation chamber 21.

[0052] Preferably, the evaporation chamber 21 has a straight extension along the longitudinal axis X, which has a substantially constant cross section at least in the section between the front surface 25 and the zone connected to the collection device 31.

[0053] In the embodiment described herein, the sleeve 32 with a guiding function and the rear orifice 30 ( Figure 3 Correspondingly, the sleeve 32 is mounted on the plate unit 11 and has a through-type central longitudinal cavity 33, the cross-section of which matches the shape of the rear portion 36 of the collecting device 31. Figure 3 ).

[0054] Reference Figures 2-5 and Figures 12-15 The cross-sections of the central cavity 33 and the rear part 36 of the sleeve 32 are at least partially circular.

[0055] According to, for example, reference Figure 8 and Figure 16 Possible variations described could include the central cavity 33 and the rear portion 36 having at least partially polygonal cross-sections, such as substantially rectangular, or having other shapes.

[0056] The collecting device 31 may be made of plastic or metal and, in any case, is adapted to allow it to be inserted into the evaporation chamber 21 without deformation, where the temperature exceeds 100°C during use.

[0057] The collecting device 31 includes a rear portion 36 and a front portion 37, the rear portion having a cross-section and length matching the cross-section and length of the central cavity 33 of the sleeve 32, and the front portion having a collecting cavity 38 in which any scale present in the evaporation chamber 21 can accumulate when the iron 10 is vertically positioned and resting on its rear support surface 18. Figure 3 ).

[0058] One aspect of the invention provides that the collecting device 31 is inserted into the plate unit 11 in such a way that the collecting cavity 38 forms a surface that is continuous and uninterrupted with the evaporation chamber 21 at least at the location corresponding to the interconnection area.

[0059] Preferably, the collecting device 31 is directly inserted into the evaporation chamber 21.

[0060] According to some embodiments, the cross-section of the collection chamber 38 is substantially the same as the cross-section of the evaporation chamber 21 over the entire perimeter, so as to create a continuous surface over the entire periphery, that is, on each side, or over the entire circumference, that is, continuous and uninterrupted.

[0061] According to some embodiments, the evaporation chamber 21 includes a housing seat 40 corresponding to the rear orifice 30, the cross-section of which is larger than the average cross-section of the evaporation chamber 21.

[0062] The shape and lateral dimensions of the housing 40 are substantially related to the shape and lateral dimensions of the lateral cross-section of the side wall 41 that defines the collection cavity 38.

[0063] Thus, during use, the end edge of the lateral wall 41 is set to abut against the inner wall 44 of the housing, and the inner surfaces 22, 23, 42, 43 of the evaporation chamber 21 and the collection chamber 38 are set to be continuous with each other, without creating recesses or ridges where scale would accumulate.

[0064] Preferably, all internal surfaces 22, 23, 42, 43 are substantially flat and smooth over their entire longitudinal extension, that is, without ridges or protrusions.

[0065] According to some embodiments, both the evaporation chamber 21 and the collection chamber 38 have a straight extension along the same longitudinal axis X.

[0066] According to some embodiments, the longitudinal axis X is substantially parallel or slightly inclined relative to the ironing soleplate 13.

[0067] According to some embodiments, the longitudinal axis X may be tilted relative to the ironing sole plate 13 at an angle α between 0° and 10°, preferably between 0° and 5°.

[0068] According to other embodiments not shown in the accompanying drawings, the collection chamber 38 may be slightly tilted relative to the evaporation chamber 21 at an angle, for example, between 1° and 5°.

[0069] According to some embodiments, the rear portion 36 of the collection device 31 may include a collar 45 adapted to allow the collection device 31 to be removably attached to the sleeve 32.

[0070] One or more sealing plugs (not shown) may be present between plate unit 11 and sleeve 32, or between sleeve and collar 45.

[0071] Thus, when the collecting device 31 is in the first operating position, that is, when it is inserted into the plate unit 11 and continuous with the evaporation chamber 21, the rear orifice 30 of the evaporation chamber 21 is sealed.

[0072] In addition, according to some embodiments, the collecting device 31 may include an outer end 47, which is made of, for example, a plastic material, or in any case, a non-thermal conductive material, which serves as a gripping element for the user of the iron 10 to allow him to insert the collecting device 31 into and / or remove it from the evaporation chamber 21 without burning himself.

[0073] According to some variations described below, the extraction of the collecting device 31 can be performed by the automatic release device 50.

[0074] According to some variations described below, the extraction of the collection device 31 can be performed only when the temperature of the plate unit 11 is below a determined threshold.

[0075] In order to use the iron 10, the collecting device 31 must be positioned in its first operating position, that is, fully inserted into the housing base 40 in the evaporation chamber 21. Figures 3-5 ).

[0076] In this position, as described, the corresponding internal surfaces 22, 23, 42, 43 of the evaporation chamber 21 and the collection chamber 38 are aligned to create a continuous and uninterrupted overall surface, thereby facilitating the flow of water and scale residue toward the collection chamber 38.

[0077] According to some embodiments, such as reference Figures 2-3 and Figures 5-15 As described, the collection device 31 may be associated with an automatic release device 50, which can be driven by a user to release the collection device 31 and at least partially extract the collection device from the evaporation chamber 21 and the plate unit 11.

[0078] According to these embodiments, the plate unit 11 and the collecting device 31 are provided with corresponding connecting members 51, 52, which are configured to connect to each other and ensure a stable interconnection between the collecting device 31 and the plate unit 11.

[0079] Specifically, the first connecting member 51 may be disposed on the sleeve 32, and the second connecting member 52 may be disposed on the rear part 36 of the collecting device 31.

[0080] The first connecting member 51 can be made into teeth protruding toward the interior of the central cavity 33, and the second connecting member 52 can be made into teeth protruding toward the exterior of the rear portion 36, such that in the first operating position of the collecting device 31, the first connecting member and the second connecting member are connected to each other and clamp the collecting device 31 inside the evaporation chamber 21.

[0081] The connecting members 51 and 52 may have corresponding contact surfaces with at least partially matching shapes, such that when the collecting device 31 is inserted into the evaporation chamber 21, the first connecting member 51 serves as a lead-in for the second connecting member 52 until a first operational configuration in which they engage with each other is reached.

[0082] According to some embodiments, the release device 50 includes: at least one actuating member 56 that can be driven by a user to disengage the connecting members 51, 52 from each other; and an elastic device 57 disposed between the plate unit 11 and the collecting device 31 and configured to push the collecting device 31 toward the outside of the plate unit 11 when the connecting members 51, 52 are not engaged.

[0083] The release device 50 may include at least one release member 55 associated with at least one of the first connecting member 51 or the second connecting member 52, and the actuating member 56 may act on the release member to disengage the connecting members 51, 52.

[0084] According to one embodiment, such as Figures 5-7 As shown, the release member 55 may include a flexible tab 61 having a free end and an end integral with the rear portion 36. The free end is configured to bend toward the interior of the rear portion 36 if subjected to a force in the lateral direction. For this purpose, the rear portion may be at least partially hollow or have a cavity corresponding to the free end of the flexible tab 61.

[0085] The flexible tab 61 can be directly connected to the second connecting member 52, such that when the flexible tab 61 bends toward the interior of the rear portion 36, the second connecting member 52 moves accordingly.

[0086] The sleeve 32 includes a through hole 54 formed on its upper wall 53, which is aligned with the release member 55 in the first operating position of the collecting device 31.

[0087] The first connecting member 51 can be advantageously made to be continuous with the edge of the through hole 54.

[0088] According to this embodiment, the actuating member 56 includes: a button 58 configured to protrude outside the receiving body 16; a rod 59 integrally formed with the button 58 and movable therewith; and an elastic return device 60, such as a coil spring, configured to return the actuating member 56 to a non-interference state when the button 58 is not actuated.

[0089] The elastic device 57 may include a single helical spring 62 disposed in an annular seat 63 provided in the rear portion 36, with its first end contacting the first connecting member 51 and its second end constrained to the rear portion 36.

[0090] In the clamped state ( Figure 5 Button 58 is idle, return device 60 extends, first connecting member 51 and second connecting member 52 engage with each other, release element 55 is in an idle state and helical spring 62 is compressed.

[0091] In the released state ( Figure 6 When the user presses button 58 in the direction indicated by arrow F1, the return device 60 is compressed, and the lever 59 pushes the flexible protrusion 61 downward, causing it to bend toward the interior of the rear portion 36, thereby disengaging the second connecting member 52 from the first connecting member 51.

[0092] Since there are no longer any constraints, in the released state ( Figure 7 The helical spring 62 can extend to push the collecting device 31 toward the outside of the plate unit 11, thereby facilitating gripping by the user. Button 58 and lever 59 return to an interference-free position via return device 60, which operates in the direction indicated by arrow F2.

[0093] After the scale has been removed, the collecting device 31 can be reinserted into the evaporation chamber 21 until the corresponding connecting members 51, 52 are engaged with each other again and the inner surfaces 22, 23 of the evaporation chamber 21 and the inner surfaces 42, 43 of the collecting chamber 38 are set to be continuous with each other.

[0094] The iron 10 can only be turned on again and ironing can only begin when the collecting device 31 is clamped in the first operating state.

[0095] Figures 8-11 Implementation examples and Figures 5-7 The difference in the embodiments is essentially that the elastic device 57 includes a pair of helical springs 62, which are disposed on opposite sides of the rear portion 36 of the collecting device 31. Furthermore, in Figures 8-11 In the solution, the helical spring 62 is disposed in a seat (not shown) disposed between the rear part 36 and the sleeve 32.

[0096] The rear portion 36 may have a larger width to match the width of the central cavity 33 of the sleeve 32, while the front portion 37 may have a smaller size and together with the central cavity 33 define a seat for the helical spring 62.

[0097] Its operation and reference Figures 5-7 The operation is basically the same.

[0098] Figures 12-15 Another embodiment of the collecting device 31 and the releasing device 50 is shown by way of example.

[0099] and Figures 5-7 and Figures 8-11 Unlike other embodiments, in this embodiment, the actuating member 56 can be accessed from the rear of the iron 10 and is configured to act directly on the collecting device 31 in the axial direction along the longitudinal axis X.

[0100] According to this embodiment, the elastic device 57 may include a helical spring 66, which is coaxially disposed in a seat formed on the periphery of the rear portion 36, such that it has a first end that contacts the inner wall 67 of the sleeve 32 and a second end that contacts the abutting wall of the rear portion 36.

[0101] According to this embodiment, the actuating member 56 includes a button 68 disposed inside a cavity 77 at the rear 36 of the collecting device 31 and held in place by an elastic return device 70, the elastic return device including a helical spring 71 coaxial with the longitudinal axis X.

[0102] Button 68 may be formed on movable body 73, which is axially displaceable relative to rear closing element 72.

[0103] The closing element 72 may include a central hole 74 and an annular seat 75 in which the annular end portion 76 of the movable body 73 may be positioned during use.

[0104] The central end portion 76 of the movable body, positioned in the central hole 74, can define the button 68.

[0105] The end portion 76 of the movable body 73 may be provided with a pair of opposing separation flaps 79, which are adapted to interfere with at least one connecting member 51 of the sleeve 32.

[0106] The separating flap 79 includes an inclined surface 90 configured to interfere with the corresponding first connecting member 51 so as to move it away from the second connecting member 52 disposed on the collecting device 31, thus serving as a release member. Specifically, when the movable body 73 is pushed toward the interior of the iron 10, the inclined surface 90 cooperates with the corresponding inclined surface of the first connecting member 51 and acts as a wedge, deflecting and bifurcising the first connecting members 51 in such a way that they move away from the second connecting member 52.

[0107] In this case, the rear portion 36 of the removal member 31 may include a slit 91 corresponding to each of the second connecting members 52, into which the separation flap 79 can be inserted.

[0108] The sleeve 32 may be provided with corresponding slits 78 on one side and the other side of each second connecting member 52, the slits being adapted to give the second connecting member a certain elasticity, so that the second connecting member can flex due to the action of the separation blade 79.

[0109] In the clamped state ( Figure 13 The collecting device 31 is clamped in the evaporation chamber 21 by the engagement between the first connecting member 51 and the second connecting member 52. In this state, the coil spring 66 is compressed, while the return device 70 extends, and the pressable body 73 towards the rear of the iron 10 moves the body 73 so that the end portion 76 is positioned in the annular seat 75, and the button 68 is flush with the outer edge of the center hole 74.

[0110] In the released state ( Figure 14 When the user presses the button 68 axially in the direction indicated by arrow F3, the movable body 73 is pushed inward until the separating flaps 79 disengage from the first connecting member 51 of the sleeve 32, causing them to flex outward.

[0111] When the connecting components 51 and 52 are no longer engaged with each other, they are no longer constrained and are in a released state. Figure 15 The helical spring 66 can push the collecting device 31 together with the movable body 73 and the closing element 72 toward the outside of the plate unit 11.

[0112] When the limescale removal is complete, the user can reinsert the collecting device 31 and the movable body 73 into the plate unit 11 until the connecting members 51 and 52 engage with each other and the return device 70 returns to its extended idle state, pushing the end portion 76 toward the closing element 72. The iron 10 can then be turned on again.

[0113] according to Figures 16-18The embodiments described herein and may be combined with those already described may include an iron 10 that includes a safety device 80 configured to prevent the collection device 31 from being pulled out when the temperature of the iron 10 is above a predetermined threshold.

[0114] The safety device 80 includes: a bimetallic component 81 configured to have a concave or convex shape depending on the temperature of the plate unit 11; and a pin 82 configured to be inserted into a cavity 83 formed in the rear portion 36 of the collecting device 31.

[0115] Pin 82 can be associated with elastic device 89, which can keep it in contact with bimetallic component 81, and it can be connected to the free end of sheet component 85.

[0116] The bimetallic component 81 may include a disc-shaped portion 84 and a sheet portion 85 extending radially relative to the disc-shaped portion.

[0117] Depending on the possible variations, it may also be possible to provide only a portion with a disc-shaped or other geometric shape, or even just a thin sheet portion.

[0118] The bimetallic component 81 can be attached to the sleeve 32 by screws 86 or other known attachment devices, preferably resting on the raised support 87 so as to have sufficient mobility to present concave and convex shapes without interfering with the upper surface 88 of the sleeve 32.

[0119] When the iron 10 is hot, that is, when the plate unit 11 in contact with the safety device 80 has a temperature above a threshold level, the bimetallic part 81 takes on a downwardly concave shape, and the pin 82 is inserted into the cavity 83 to prevent the collection device 31 from being pulled out. Figure 17 ).

[0120] When the temperature drops below the threshold, the bimetallic component 81 takes on an upwardly concave shape, and the pin 82 emerges from the cavity 83, allowing the collection device 31 to be removed. Figure 18 ).

[0121] It is clear that some modifications and / or additions may be made to the iron 10 as described above without departing from the scope and range of the invention as defined by the claims.

[0122] It is also clear that although the invention has been described with reference to some specific examples, those skilled in the art will certainly be able to implement many other equivalent forms of the iron, all of which fall within the scope and domain of the invention.

[0123] In the following claims, the reference numerals in parentheses are for ease of reading only, and they should not be considered as limiting factors regarding the scope of protection defined by the claims.

Claims

1. An iron (10) comprising a plate unit (11) and a scale collection device (31), said plate unit having an evaporation chamber (21), said scale collection device comprising a collection chamber (38) and removably insertable into said plate unit (11), characterized in that, The evaporation chamber (21) and the collection chamber (38) are joined together such that their respective internal surfaces (22, 23, 42, 43) are aligned with each other at least corresponding to the interconnected areas, thereby forming a substantially continuous surface. The evaporation chamber (21) includes a housing seat (40) corresponding to its rear orifice (30), the cross-section of which is larger than the average cross-section of the evaporation chamber (21) and relates to the cross-section of the lateral wall (41) defining the collection chamber (38). In a first operating position, one end edge of the lateral wall (41) is positioned to abut against the internal wall (44) of the housing seat (40), and the evaporation chamber (21) and the collection chamber... The internal surfaces (22, 23, 42, 43) of (38) are configured to be continuously aligned with each other without any recesses or ridges, and the evaporation chamber (21) and the collection chamber (38) are aligned and both have a straight extension along the same longitudinal axis (X), and include a safety device (80) configured to prevent the scale collection device (31) from being pulled out, the safety device including: a bimetallic part (81) configured to be concave or convex depending on the temperature of the plate unit (11); and a pin (82) configured to be inserted into a cavity (83) formed in the rear (36) of the scale collection device (31).

2. The iron (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cross-section of the collection chamber (38) is substantially the same as the cross-section of the evaporation chamber (21) along their entire perimeter, thus forming a continuous surface over the entire perimeter.

3. The iron (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The evaporation chamber (21) has a straight extension along the longitudinal axis (X), which has a substantially constant cross section at least in the section between the front surface (25) of the evaporation chamber (21) and the interconnection area.

4. The iron (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The longitudinal axis (X) is substantially parallel to the ironing plate (13), or inclined at less than 10° relative to the ironing plate.

5. The iron (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The longitudinal axis (X) is inclined at less than 5° relative to the ironing plate.

6. The iron (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner surfaces (22, 23, 42, 43) are substantially flat and smooth over their entire longitudinal extension.

7. The iron (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plate unit (11) is provided with a sleeve (32) including at least one first connecting member (51) configured to engage with at least one second connecting member (52) disposed on the scale collection device (31), and wherein the iron (10) includes a release device (50) that can be driven to release the first connecting member (51) and the second connecting member (52) from each other.

8. The iron (10) according to claim 7, characterized in that, The release device (50) includes: an actuating member (56) having a button (58; 68) that can be driven to disengage the first connecting member (51) and the second connecting member (52); and an elastic device (57) configured to push the scale collection device (31) along the longitudinal axis (X) toward the rear orifice (30) when the first connecting member (51) and the second connecting member (52) are not engaged with each other.

9. The iron (10) according to claim 8, characterized in that, The release device (50) includes a release member (55) having a flexible tab (61) formed on the scale collection device (31), and the button (58) is associated with a rod (59) movable in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis (X), the rod being configured to pass through a through hole (54) in the sleeve (32) and interfere with the release member (55) to disengage the first connecting member (51) and the second connecting member (52).

10. The iron (10) according to claim 8, characterized in that, The release device (50) includes a movable body (73) disposed in the cavity (77) of the scale collection device (31), capable of axial displacement along the longitudinal axis (X), and includes at least one separation blade (79) configured to interfere with the at least one first connecting member (51).

Images