Electric steam iron

The electric steam iron with a lifting kinematic chain and motorized actuator safely raises and lowers the ironing plate without interfering with heating, addressing user safety and operational complexity issues.

WO2025157431A1PCT designated stage Publication Date: 2025-07-31DE LONGHI APPLIANCES S R L DIV COMML ARIETE
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Patent Information

Application Number
PCT/EP2024/070699
Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2024-01-25
Filing Date
2024-07-22
Publication Date
2025-07-31

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing electric steam irons are cumbersome, require user attention, and pose a risk of burns or fires due to their hot ironing plates, with complex lifting mechanisms that interfere with heating surfaces.

Method used

An electric steam iron with a hollow box-like body and a lifting kinematic chain using rotatable support legs and a motorized actuator, allowing the ironing plate to be raised and lowered without interfering with the heating surface, featuring optical end-stops and an accelerometer for safety.

Benefits of technology

The solution provides a safe, user-friendly, and efficient way to lift and lower the ironing plate, reducing the risk of burns and fires while maintaining effective heating, with simple and reliable activation and detection mechanisms.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

An electric steam iron (1) comprising a hollow box-like body (100) to which an ironing plate (200) is attached underneath, equipped with internal cavities leading to a plurality of steam delivery holes (201), and including a lifting device (300) for the ironing plate (200) from an operational use position (A) resting on an ironing surface to a raised rest position (B) away from the ironing surface, wherein the lifting device (300) includes a lifting kinematic chain (400) and a motorized actuator (500) for moving the lifting kinematic chain (400), where the lifting kinematic chain (400) comprises at least one front rotatable support leg (410) hinged in a front area of the hollow box-like body (100), at least one rear rotatable support leg (420) hinged in a rear area of the hollow box-like body (100), and at least one synchronization rod (430) for the rotation of the front rotatable support leg (410) and the rear rotatable support leg (420), wherein the front rotatable support leg (410) and the rear rotatable support leg (420) feature a synchronized angular retraction position above the ironing plate (200) and a synchronized angular protrusion position below the ironing plate (200).
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Description

[0001] ELECTRIC STEAM IRON

[0002] DESCRIPTION

[0003] The present invention relates to an electric steam iron.

[0004] Electric steam irons, which combine the heat transmitted to the ironing plate with jets of steam obtained by evaporation from an onboard or separate water tank activated by electric resistances, have been known and available on the market for some time.

[0005] It is well known that an electric iron is essentially made up of a heated ironing plate powered by electric resistances that is pressed against the fabric to remove wrinkles: the steam jets reach the fabric through a plurality of holes in the ironing plate, locally moistening and softening the fabric to facilitate wrinkle removal.

[0006] It is known that to be effective, the ironing plate of the iron must be very hot.

[0007] Moreover, there is a known serious danger of burning the fabric or the ironing board / table or even of starting a fire due to an iron left unattended inadvertently during use.

[0008] Traditionally, irons not in use were placed by the user on separate, generally metallic stands, or positioned vertically resting on the rear base.

[0009] Such placements are notoriously ineffective as they still require the user's attention and caution; irons are relatively heavy and cumbersome, and lifting and positioning an iron on the rear base can be physically straining for the operator's wrist.

[0010] Furthermore, when the iron not in use is resting on the rear base, the hot ironing plate remains exposed and may cause accidental contact by the user, potentially leading to severe bums. i US Patents 7,546,701 B2 and 6,925,738 B2 describe an electric steam iron comprising a motorized mechanism to lift the bottom surface of the heated plate away from the support surface.

[0011] Such known types of irons feature notoriously complex lifting activation mechanisms through vertically moving elements protruding from the bottom of the heated plate, also limiting its heating surface.

[0012] There is therefore a need to improve the structure of a known type of electric iron.

[0013] The technical task proposed by the present invention is thus to create an electric steam iron that eliminates the technical inconveniences complained of in the known technique.

[0014] Within the scope of this technical task, one aim of the invention is to create an electric steam iron that includes simple lifting means for the heated ironing plate, which do not interfere with the heating surface of the plate.

[0015] A further aim of the present invention is to create an electric steam iron that includes simple and reliable activation means for the lifting means of the heated ironing plate. Last but not least, an aim of the invention is also to create an electric steam iron that includes detection means for activating the activation means of the lifting means of the heated ironing plate.

[0016] The technical task, as well as these and other aims, according to the present invention are achieved by creating an electric steam iron comprising a hollow box-like body to which an ironing plate equipped with internal cavities leading to a plurality of steam delivery holes is attached, and including a lifting device for said ironing plate from an operational position resting on an ironing surface to a raised rest position from said ironing surface, characterized in that said lifting device includes a lifting kinematic chain and a motorized actuator for moving said lifting kinematic chain, said lifting kinematic chain comprising at least one rotatable front support leg hinged in a front area of said hollow box-like body, at least one rotatable rear support leg hinged in a rear area of said hollow box-like body, and at least one synchronization rod for the rotation of said front rotatable support leg and said rear rotatable support leg, said front and rear rotatable support legs presenting a synchronized angular retraction position above said ironing plate and a synchronized angular protrusion position below said ironing plate.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the synchronization rod features a front joint at the front end connecting to the front rotatable support leg and a rear joint at the back end connecting to the rear rotatable support leg.

[0018] These joints define an articulated connection, specifically a hinge. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the lifting kinematic chain forms an articulated quadrilateral with the hollow box-like body.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the front rotatable support leg and the rear rotatable support leg are positioned within the hollow box-like body externally to a perimeter edge of the ironing plate.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the motorized actuator includes a drive wheel and an oscillating yoke configured and arranged to transform rotation of the drive wheel into an alternating linear oscillation of the synchronization rod.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the motorized actuator features optical end-stops interacting with a yoke feedback for the cyclic sequential stopping of the kinematic chain corresponding to the retraction position and the protrusion position of the front and rear feet as a result of the unidirectional rotation of the drive wheel. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the iron includes at least one accelerometer and at least one controller / timer for the activation and deactivation of the motorized actuator.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the iron comprises an innovative steam delivery system.

[0023] Other features of the present invention are also defined in the subsequent claims.

[0024] Further features and advantages of the invention will be more apparent from the description of a preferred but non-exclusive embodiment of an electric steam iron according to the invention, shown by way of example and not limitation in the attached drawings, in which: o Figure 1 shows an assembly view of the iron according to the invention; o Figure 2 shows a bottom view of the iron; o Figure 3 shows a bottom view of the hollow box-like body with the lifting device in a raised position; o Figure 4 shows a side view of the hollow box-like body and the lifting device in an ironing position; o Figure 5 shows a side view of the hollow box-like body and the lifting device in a raised position; o Figure 6 illustrates the motion diagram of the kinematic chain; o Figures 7 A, 7B, 7C, 7D schematically show functional phases of the steam production circuit; o Figures 8 A, 8 B show positions of the yoke respectively in the protrusion and retraction phase of the rear rotating support foot; o Figures 9 A, 9 B, 9 C show details of the optical detection system for the optical end-stops of the yoke; o Figure 10 shows a partial bottom view of the rear part of the box-like body, in one embodiment; o Figure 11 shows a perspective bottom view of the hollow box-like body, in one embodiment; o Figure 12 shows a version of the iron with an additional capacitive sensor in the handle that drives the auto-shutdown safety feature of the device.

[0025] The following detailed description refers to the attached drawings, which form part of it.

[0026] In the drawings, similar reference numbers typically identify similar components, unless the context indicates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description and drawings are not intended to be limiting.

[0027] Other embodiments may be used, and other changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter herein represented.

[0028] The aspects of this description, as generally outlined in this context and illustrated in the figures, can be arranged, substituted, combined, and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are explicitly contemplated and form part of this description.

[0029] Referring to the cited figures, an electric steam iron according to the invention is shown, collectively referred to by reference number 1.

[0030] The electric steam iron 1 includes a hollow box-like body 100 to which an ironing plate 200 equipped with internal cavities leading to a plurality of steam delivery holes 201 is attached.

[0031] Appropriately, the hollow box-like body 100 includes a lifting device 300 for the ironing plate 200 from an operational use position A resting on the ironing surface to a raised rest position B from the ironing surface. The lifting device 300 comprises a lifting kinematic chain 400 and a motorized actuator 500 for moving the lifting kinematic chain 400.

[0032] Innovatively and appropriately, the lifting kinematic chain 400 includes at least one front rotatable support leg 410 hinged in a front area of the hollow box-like body 100, and at least one rear rotatable support leg 420 hinged in a rear area of the hollow box-like body, connected by at least one synchronization rod 430 for their respective rotation.

[0033] For example, two opposing lateral front support legs 410, a single central rear support leg 420, and two synchronization rods 430 each connecting a front support leg 410 to the rear support leg 420 are illustrated.

[0034] In another embodiment, a single synchronization rod with a bifurcated front end connecting the two opposing lateral front support legs to the central rear support leg may be provided.

[0035] In another embodiment, two opposing lateral front support legs and two opposing lateral rear support legs, connected by a single synchronization rod with bifurcated ends or by two separate synchronization rods, may be provided.

[0036] The hinge axes of the legs 410, 420 are parallel to the main lying plane of the ironing plate 200 and orthogonal to the longitudinal antero-posterior development direction of the ironing plate 200.

[0037] The synchronization rod 430 features at a front end a front joint 431 connecting to the front rotatable support leg 410 and at a rear end a rear joint 432 connecting to the rear rotatable support leg 420.

[0038] Innovatively, the support legs 410 and 420 exhibit a synchronized angular retraction position above the ironing plate 200 and a synchronized angular protrusion position below the ironing plate 200. The motorized actuator 500 includes a drive wheel 510 and an oscillating yoke 520 configured and arranged to synchronously operate the support legs 410 and 420 by transforming rotation of the drive wheel 510 into an alternating linear oscillation of the synchronization rod 430.

[0039] The oscillating yoke 520 features a guide 550 in which a cam 511 taking the movement of the drive wheel 510 is slidingly engaged.

[0040] The guide 550 is made of elastic walls tasked with compensating for tolerances during closing and opening and in cases where the legs 410, 420 cannot fully close or open due to some obstacle.

[0041] The yoke 520 oscillates parallel to the longitudinal antero-posterior development direction of the ironing plate 200, the sliding guide 550 extends linearly orthogonally to the main lying plane of the ironing plate 210, and the drive wheel axis 510 extends parallel to the main lying plane of the ironing plate 210 and orthogonally to the longitudinal antero-posterior development direction of the ironing plate 200.

[0042] Finally, the yoke 520 features a motion transfer cam 551 slidingly engaged in a slot 552 of the rear support leg 420. In practice, the motion transfer cam 551 drags the rear support leg 420 which in turn drags the synchronization rod 430 which in turn drags the front support leg 410.

[0043] The advantage of this type of actuation is that the motorized actuator 500 always rotates in the same direction and does not require reversal for the alternate actuation of the linear oscillation of the synchronization rod 430.

[0044] The support legs 410 and 420 are positioned in the hollow box-like body 100 externally to a perimeter edge 202 of the ironing plate 200: advantageously, they do not interfere with the useful heated surface of the ironing plate 200. The front rotatable support leg 410 is typically formed by an angled body defining a first segment 411, a second segment 412, and a connecting vertex 413 from which the first segment 411 and the second segment 412 extend: at the vertex 413, the front rotatable support leg 410 is hinged to the hollow box-like body 100.

[0045] Similarly, the rear rotatable support leg 420 is typically formed by an angled body defining a first segment 421, a second segment 422, and a connecting vertex 423 from which the first segment 421 and the second segment 422 extend: at the vertex 423, the rear rotatable support leg 420 is hinged to the hollow box-like body 100.

[0046] In one embodiment, the length of the first segment 411 of the front rotatable support leg 410 and the length of the first segment 421 of the rear rotatable support leg 420 are typically the same, and the length of the second segment 412 of the front rotatable support leg 410 and the length of the second segment 422 of the rear rotatable support leg 420 are typically the same. This way, the ironing plate 200 moves parallel to the ironing surface.

[0047] In another embodiment, the length of the second segment 412 of the front rotatable support leg 410 and the length of the second segment 422 of the rear rotatable support leg 420 are different. This way, the ironing plate 200 does not move parallel to the ironing surface and can assume an inclination relative to the ironing surface when raised from it.

[0048] Typically, the hinge axis of the front rotatable support leg 410 is positioned at the vertex 413, and the hinge axis of the rear rotatable support leg 420 is positioned at the vertex 423.

[0049] Appropriately, the lifting kinematic chain 400 with the hollow box-like body 100 forms an articulated parallelogram, where the hollow box-like body 100 represents the link, the first segment 411 of the front rotatable support leg 410 and the first segment 421 of the rear rotatable support leg 420 represent the rockers, and the synchronization rod 430 represents the connecting rod.

[0050] The vertex 413 of the front rotatable support leg 410 and the vertex 423 of the rear rotatable support leg 420 represent the rotation centers of the articulated parallelogram; the front joint 431 connecting the rod 430 to the front rotatable support leg 410 and the rear joint 432 connecting the rod 430 to the rear rotatable support leg 420 represent the hinge joints.

[0051] Appropriately, the motorized actuator 500 features at least one pair of end-stops of a known type, typically and preferably optical end-stops 553, interacting with a feedback 554 of the yoke 520 for the cyclic sequential stopping of the kinematic chain 400 at the synchronized angular retraction position of support legs 410 and 420 above the ironing plate 200, and at the synchronized angular protrusion position of the same below the ironing plate 200, due to the unidirectional rotation of the drive wheel 510.

[0052] Innovatively, in one embodiment, the electric steam iron 1 according to the invention includes at least one accelerometer and at least one known type of controller / timer for the activation and deactivation of the motorized actuator 500.

[0053] In one embodiment, the electric steam iron 1 includes an innovative steam delivery system.

[0054] As schematically illustrated in Figures 7 A-D, the electric steam iron 1 includes at least one water tank 600, at least one bimetallic thermostat 610 activating at least one valve 611, at least one first water chamber 620 equipped with at least one overflow 630, at least one intercept valve 640, and at least one second water chamber 650 fed by the at least one first water chamber 620 through the at least one overflow 630. The second water chamber 650 features at least one water supply path 660 to the internal cavities of the ironing plate 200 leading to the plurality of steam delivery holes 201.

[0055] The first water chamber 620 communicates with the water tank 600 through the valve 611 activated by the bimetallic thermostat 610.

[0056] The second water chamber 650 communicates with the overflow 630 of the first water chamber 620 through the intercept valve 640. Innovatively and advantageously, the intercept valve 640 is controlled by the lifting device 300 through mechanical means 670 connected to at least one rotatable support leg 410, 420, and particularly the mechanical means 670 include a control lever 671 hinged to the rear support leg 420.

[0057] The operation of an electric steam iron 1 according to the invention is evident from what has been described, and particularly illustrated in figures 4, 5, and 6, is essentially as follows.

[0058] Figure 4 shows a side view of the hollow box-like body 100 and the lifting device 300 in the ironing position: the ironing plate 200 (not shown for simplicity in the figure, attached below the hollow box-like body 100) is in an operational use position A resting on the ironing surface.

[0059] Figure 5 shows a side view of the hollow box-like body 100 and the lifting device 300 in a rest position: the ironing plate 200 is in a raised rest position B from the ironing surface.

[0060] The motorized actuator 500 activates the rotation of the drive wheel 510 and the oscillating yoke 520 transforms the rotation of the drive wheel 510 into a linear oscillation of the synchronization rod 430: the rod 430 is bound in the front joint 431 to the front rotatable support leg 410 and in the rear joint to the rear rotatable support leg 420; the linear motion of the synchronization rod 430 causes the rotation of the front rotatable support leg 410 around vertex 413 and the rear rotatable support leg 420 around vertex 423.

[0061] With the rotation of the front rotatable support leg 410 around vertex 413, the second segment 412 rigidly rotates bringing itself into a protruding angular position and thus with its own end positioned under the ironing plate 200.

[0062] Similarly, with the rotation of the rear rotatable support leg 420 around vertex 423, the second segment 422 rigidly rotates bringing itself into a protruding angular position and thus with its own end positioned under the ironing plate 200.

[0063] The respective ends of the second segment 412 of the front rotatable support leg 410 and the second segment 422 of the rear rotatable support leg 420 rest on the ironing surface and raise the ironing plate 200 into the raised rest position B.

[0064] In the illustrated case, the lengths of the second segment 412 of the front rotatable support leg 410 and the second segment 422 of the rear rotatable support leg 420 are equal, ensuring, as mentioned, the parallelism of the ironing plate 200 relative to the ironing surface.

[0065] In one embodiment, the lengths of the second segment 412 of the front rotatable support leg 410 and the second segment 422 of the rear rotatable support leg 420 are discretely different, allowing for an inclined position of the ironing plate 200 relative to the ironing surface, optionally with the front part of the ironing plate 200 more elevated than the rear relative to the ironing surface, or vice versa.

[0066] Appropriately, the optical end-stops interacting with the feedback 554 of the yoke 520 provide for the cyclic sequential stopping of the kinematic chain 400 at the synchronized angular protrusion position of the front rotatable support leg 410 and the rear rotatable support leg 420 under the ironing plate 200. Consequently, upon a subsequent activation of the rotation in the same direction of the drive wheel 510, the oscillating yoke 520 activates the synchronization rod 430 in the opposite direction, causing the opposite rotation of the respective ends of the second segment 412 of the front rotatable support leg 410 and the second segment 422 of the rear rotatable support leg 420, at the synchronized angular retraction position of the same.

[0067] Appropriately, and similarly, the optical end-stops 553 interacting with the feedback 554 of the yoke 520 provide for the cyclic sequential stopping of the kinematic chain 400 at the synchronized angular retraction position of the front rotatable support leg 410 and the rear rotatable support leg 420 above the ironing plate 200: the ironing plate 200 returns to the operational use position A resting on the ironing surface.

[0068] Figure 6 schematically represents the movement of the lifting device 300 and the positioning of the kinematic chain 400 corresponding to the operational use position A resting on the ironing surface and the raised rest position B of the ironing plate 200.

[0069] In one embodiment, the iron 1 according to the invention includes at least one accelerometer and at least one known type of controller / timer for the activation and deactivation of the motorized actuator 500 and the lifting device 300.

[0070] The accelerometer, of a known type and not shown in the figures, checks the inertial state of the iron: detecting movement of the iron 1 in the raised rest position B causes the retraction of the front rotatable support leg 410 and the rear rotatable support leg 420, and the ironing plate 200 moves into the operational use position A resting on the ironing surface.

[0071] Advantageously, when the accelerometer no longer detects movement of the iron 1 in the operational use position A, and therefore a state of inactivity for a predetermined time coordinated by the controller / timer, it activates the motorized actuator 500 and the lifting device 300 which, due to the unidirectional rotation of the drive wheel 510, cause the protrusion of the front rotatable support leg 410 and the rear rotatable support leg 420, and the ironing plate 200 moves into the raised rest position B away from the ironing surface.

[0072] As schematically illustrated in Figures 7 A-D, the operation of the steam supply system is represented in the following stages (for simplicity, the fluid will typically be referred to as "water", regardless of its liquid and vapor phases).

[0073] In Figure 7 A, a low temperature phase of the ironing plate 200 is shown, with the ironing plate 200 in the raised rest position B: the bimetallic thermostat 610 is in the OFF position, the valve 611 keeps the water transit path from the tank 600 to the first water chamber 620 closed, the ironing plate 200 is raised; the lifting device 300 is in a configuration with the rotatable support legs 410, 420 in the protrusion position, and the mechanical means 670 do not activate the interception valve 640 in opening, which keeps the water access from the overflow 630 of the first water chamber 620 to the second water chamber 650 closed; the supply path 660 does not transfer water to the internal cavities of the ironing plate 200 leading to the plurality of steam delivery holes 201.

[0074] Typically, phase A represents the steam iron 1 in a waiting position in rest, the plate 200 has not reached the temperature necessary to vaporize the incoming water in the tank 600, the valves are closed.

[0075] In Figure 7 B, a high temperature phase of the ironing plate 200 is shown, with the ironing plate 200 in the raised rest position B: the bimetallic thermostat 610 is in the ON position, the valve 611 is open, water can flow into the first water chamber 620 and the overflow 630; the lifting device 300 is in a configuration with the rotatable support legs 410, 420 in the protrusion position, and the mechanical means 670 do not activate the interception valve 640 in opening, which keeps the water access from the overflow 630 of the first water chamber 620 to the second water chamber 650 closed; the supply path 660 does not transfer water to the internal cavities of the ironing plate 200 leading to the plurality of steam delivery holes 201.

[0076] Typically, phase B represents the steam iron 1 in a rest position, the plate 200 has reached the temperature necessary to vaporize the incoming water in the tank 600, but the ironing plate 200 is in the raised position, and the steam is not delivered to the delivery holes 201.

[0077] In Figure 7 C, a low temperature phase of the ironing plate 200 is shown, with the ironing plate 200 in the lowered use position A: the bimetallic thermostat 610 is in the OFF position and the thermostatic valve is closed, keeping the water transit path from the tank 600 to the first water chamber 620 closed; the ironing plate 200 is lowered; the lifting device 300 is in a configuration with the rotatable support legs 410, 420 in the retraction position, and the mechanical means 670 activate the interception valve 640 in opening, but water does not access the first water chamber 620 and consequently from the overflow 630 to the second water chamber, even though the interception valve 640 is open; the supply path 660 does not transfer water to the internal cavities of the ironing plate 200 leading to the plurality of steam delivery holes 201.

[0078] Typically, phase C represents the steam iron 1 in an ironing position, but the plate 200 has not reached the temperature necessary to vaporize the incoming water in the tank 600, and the steam is not delivered to the delivery holes 201.

[0079] In Figure 7 D, a high temperature phase of the ironing plate 200 is shown, with the ironing plate 200 in the lowered position A: the bimetallic thermostat 610 is in the ON position, the valve 611 is open, water can flow into the first water chamber 620 and the overflow 630; the lifting device 300 is in a configuration with the rotatable support legs 410, 420 in the retraction position, and the mechanical means 670 activate the interception valve 640 in opening, and water accesses from the overflow 630 of the first water chamber 620 to the second water chamber 650; the supply path 660 transfers water to the internal cavities of the ironing plate 200 leading to the plurality of steam delivery holes 201.

[0080] Typically, phase D represents the steam iron 1 in the normal ironing position, the plate 200 has reached the temperature necessary to vaporize the incoming water in the tank 600, and steam is delivered through the delivery holes 201.

[0081] The iron, as shown in Figure 12, preferably includes an additional capacitive sensor 680 in the handle that controls the auto-shutdown safety feature of the device.

[0082] It has been found that an electric steam iron according to the invention is particularly advantageous because it includes simple lifting means for the heated ironing plate that do not interfere with the heating surface of the plate.

[0083] Another advantage of the present invention is to create an electric steam iron that includes simple and reliable activation means for the lifting means of the heated ironing plate.

[0084] A further advantage of the invention is also to create an electric steam iron that includes detection means for the activation of the activation means of the lifting means of the heated ironing plate.

[0085] An electric steam iron so conceived is susceptible to numerous modifications and variations, all within the scope of the inventive concept, as defined by the claims; moreover, all details can be replaced by technically equivalent elements. In practice, the materials used, as well as the dimensions, may be any according to the needs and the state of the art.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Steam electric iron (1) comprising a box-like hollow body (100) to the bottom of which a ironing plate (200) is fixed, provided with internal cavities leading to a plurality of steam dispensing holes (201), and comprising a lifting device (300) for lifting said ironing plate (200) from an operational use position (A) resting on an ironing surface to a raised pause use position (B) from said ironing surface, characterized in that said lifting device (300) comprises a lifting kinematic chain (400) and a motorized actuator (500) for moving said lifting kinematic chain (400), said lifting kinematic chain (400) comprising at least one rotatable front support foot (410) hinged in a front area of said box-like hollow body (100), at least one rotatable rear support foot (420) hinged in a rear area of said box-like hollow body (100), and at least one synchronization rod (430) synchronising the rotation of said rotatable front support foot (410) and said rotatable rear support foot (420), said rotatable front support foot (410) and said rotatable rear support foot (420) having a synchronized angular retracted position above said ironing plate (200) and a synchronized angular extended position below said ironing plate (200).

2. Steam electric iron (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said synchronization rod (430) has at a front end a front joint (431) for connecting to said rotatable front support foot (410) and at a rear end a rear joint (432) for connecting to said rotatable rear support foot (420).

3. Steam electric iron (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said rotatable front support foot (410) and said rotatable rear support foot (420) are formed by a respective angled body defining a respective first segment (411, 421), a respective second segment (412, 422), and a respective vertex (413,423) from which said respective first segment (411, 421) and said respective second segment (412, 422) depart, said rotatable front support foot (410) and said rotatable rear support foot (420) being hinged at said respective vertex (413, 423) to said box-like hollow body (100).

4. Steam electric iron (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the hinge axes of said rotatable front support foot (410) and said rotatable rear support foot (420) at said respective vertex (413, 423) are parallel to each other and to the plane defined by the lower surface of said ironing plate (200).

5. Steam electric iron (1) according to any preceding claim, characterized in that said lifting kinematic chain (400) forms with said box-like hollow body (100) an articulated parallelogram.

6. Steam electric iron (1) according to claims 3 to 5, characterized in that said lifting kinematic chain (400) forms with said box-like hollow body (100) an articulated parallelogram where the length of said first segment (411) of said angled body forming said rotatable front support foot (410) and the length of said first segment (421) of said rotatable rear support foot (420) are the same.

7. Steam electric iron (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the length of said second segment (412) of said angled body forming said rotatable front support foot (410) and the length of said second segment (422) of said rotatable rear support foot (420) are the same.

8. Steam electric iron (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the length of said second segment (412) of said angled body forming said rotatable front support foot (410) and the length of said second segment (422) of said rotatable rear support foot (420) are different.

9. Steam electric iron (1) according to any preceding claim, characterized in that said rotatable front support foot (410) and said rotatable rear support foot (420) are positioned in said box-like hollow body ( 100) externally to a perimeter edge (202) of said ironing plate (200).

10. Steam electric iron (1) according to any preceding claim, characterized in that said motorized actuator (500) comprises a drive wheel (510) and an oscillating yoke (520) configured and arranged to convert a rotation of said drive wheel (510) into a linear reciprocating motion of said synchronization rod (430).

11. Steam electric iron (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said oscillating yoke (520) has an elastic guide in which a cam (511) for taking movement of said drive wheel (510) is slidably engaged.

12. Steam electric iron (1) according to claims 8 and 9, characterized in that said motorized actuator (500) has at least one pair of optical limit switches (553) interacting with a stop (554) of said yoke (520) for the cyclic sequential stopping of said lifting kinematic chain (400) at said synchronized angular retracted position above said ironing plate (200) and said synchronized angular extended position below said ironing plate (200) of said rotatable front support foot (410) and said rotatable rear support foot (420) due to the unidirectional rotation of said drive wheel (510).

13. Steam electric iron (1) according to any preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises at least one accelerometer and at least one known type controller / timer for the activation and deactivation of said motorized actuator (500).

14. Steam electric iron (1) according to any preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises at least one water tank (600), at least one bimetallic thermostat(610) for activating at least one valve (611), at least one first water chamber (620) provided with at least one overflow (630), at least one interception valve (640), and at least one second water chamber (650) supplied by said at least one first water chamber (620) through said at least one overflow (630), said at least one second water chamber (650) having at least one water supply path (660) to said internal cavities of said ironing plate (200) leading to said plurality of steam dispensing holes (201), wherein said at least one first water chamber (620) communicates with said water tank (600) through said valve (611) activated by said bimetallic thermostat (610), and said second water chamber (650) communicates with said overflow (630) of said first water chamber (620) through said interception valve (640), said interception valve (640) being controlled by said lifting device (300) through mechanical means (670) connected to at least one said rotatable support foot (410, 420).

Citation Information

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