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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

<CIT> describes a plate for an iron having a preheating pipe wound in the shape of a spiral, and a V-shaped steam generation chamber connected to it.

Documents <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT> describe other known solutions, which, however, have the disadvantages mentioned above.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The vaporization chamber is defined by a rectilinear tubular element incorporated in the base body.

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

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

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

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

According to some embodiments, the tubular element is disposed along a longitudinal axis of the heating plate and extends for most of the latter.

According to some embodiments, the tubular element comprises opposite open ends, defining respectively an entry aperture and an exit aperture, which are substantially coaxial to each other.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We will now refer in detail to the various embodiments of the present invention, of which one or more examples are shown in the attached drawings. Each example is supplied by way of illustration of the invention and shall not be understood as a limitation thereof.

With reference to the attached drawings, embodiments described here concern a heating plate <NUM> and a plate assembly <NUM> comprising the heating plate <NUM>, for an ironing apparatus, both for domestic and also industrial use, of the steam-operated type.

According to some embodiments described here with reference to <FIG>, the plate assembly <NUM> comprises a plate <NUM> to vaporize and/or heat the steam, made in a single piece, and an ironing soleplate <NUM> disposed below the plate <NUM> and selectively connected to it.

According to some embodiments, the plate <NUM> comprises a base body <NUM>, which can have a lower portion 22b having a plan shape substantially mating with the soleplate <NUM> and configured to be connected to the latter.

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

The plate <NUM> comprises, integrated and/or incorporated inside the base body <NUM>, a vaporization chamber <NUM> to generate and/or heat steam and a heating element <NUM> configured to heat the vaporization chamber <NUM> and consequently the water, or the steam, inside it and the base body <NUM>.

As a function of the type of iron on which the plate <NUM> is applied, into the vaporization chamber <NUM> there can be introduced water, in order to generate steam, or directly steam, in order to superheat it.

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

The vaporization chamber <NUM> has a first entry aperture <NUM>, in correspondence with a front portion of the plate <NUM>, and a second exit aperture <NUM>, in correspondence with a rear portion of the plate <NUM>.

The vaporization chamber <NUM> has a substantially rectilinear shape, with the respective entry <NUM> and exit <NUM> apertures substantially coaxial to each other.

In other words, the vaporization chamber <NUM> extends straight and linear between the entry aperture <NUM> and the exit aperture <NUM>.

In particular, the vaporization chamber <NUM> has only the two entry <NUM> and exit <NUM> apertures and is without intermediate holes and/or apertures.

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

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

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

The vaporization chamber <NUM> is defined by a tubular element <NUM> integrated, or incorporated, in the base body <NUM>.

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

According to this embodiment, the vaporization chamber <NUM> extends along the entire length of the tubular element <NUM>. By way of example, the vaporization chamber <NUM>, or the tubular element <NUM>, can have a substantially constant diameter along the longitudinal development, for example comprised between <NUM> and <NUM>, preferably comprised between <NUM> and <NUM>.

By way of example, the vaporization chamber <NUM>, or the tubular element <NUM>, can extend for a length of about <NUM>-<NUM>, preferably about <NUM>-<NUM>.

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

The heating element <NUM> can be disposed internally in a through seating of the plate <NUM>.

According to one embodiment, the heating element <NUM> is integrated in the plate <NUM>.

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

According to some embodiments, the tubular element <NUM> can be made of steel.

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

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

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

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

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

According to the invention, the heating element <NUM> is U-shaped.

In particular, the heating element <NUM> can have longitudinal portions <NUM> configured to surround the tubular element <NUM> on diametrically opposite sides, and at least one intermediate portion <NUM> joining the longitudinal portions <NUM> which is located in correspondence with the entry aperture <NUM>.

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

According to some embodiments, for example shown in <FIG>, the base body <NUM> of the plate <NUM> has an at least partly hollow configuration, comprising one or more cavities <NUM> in correspondence with a lower portion 22b thereof.

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

The vaporization chamber <NUM> therefore extends above the distribution chamber <NUM>.

According to the invention, the plate <NUM> comprises at least one connection channel <NUM> at least partly through in the base body <NUM>, and configured to put an upper side of the plate <NUM> in communication with at least one cavity <NUM>.

According to some embodiments, for example described with reference to <FIG>, two connection channels <NUM> can be provided, located on opposite sides of the vaporization chamber <NUM>.

According to some embodiments, the connection channels <NUM> convey the steam toward a lateral edge <NUM> that delimits the distribution chamber <NUM>, which, during use, contributes to diverting and distributing the steam in the cavity <NUM> both toward the front part of the plate <NUM>, and also toward the rear part, along the path P indicated in <FIG>.

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

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

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

A plurality of delivery holes <NUM> are made on the soleplate <NUM>, which are configured to determine the delivery of the steam, present in the distribution chamber <NUM>, toward the outside.

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

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

According to one embodiment, the plate assembly <NUM> is provided with at least one manifold <NUM> to introduce water, connected to the plate <NUM> in correspondence with the entry aperture <NUM> of the vaporization chamber <NUM>.

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

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

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

According to one embodiment, the plate assembly <NUM> is also provided with at least one manifold <NUM> to distribute the steam, connected to the plate <NUM> in correspondence with the exit aperture <NUM> and the connection channel <NUM>, and configured to put the vaporization chamber <NUM> in communication with the distribution chamber <NUM>.

According to some embodiments, a hydraulic circuit is therefore defined which comprises the introduction manifold <NUM>, the vaporization chamber <NUM>, the distribution manifold <NUM> and the distribution chamber <NUM>.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

According to one embodiment, the introduction manifold <NUM> and the distribution manifold <NUM> can be made of thermoplastic material.

For example, the introduction manifold <NUM> and the distribution manifold <NUM> can be made of plastic or silicone, resistant to the operating temperatures of the plate <NUM>.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The drop-breaking element <NUM> is preferably made of metal.

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

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

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

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

According to some embodiments, the cleaning device <NUM> can comprise a cleaning portion <NUM> disposed, during use, in correspondence with the entry aperture <NUM>.

According to some embodiments, the cleaning device <NUM> also comprises a gripping portion <NUM>, disposed, during use, outside the plate assembly <NUM>, and configured to be gripped by a user, and a connection portion <NUM> that connects the gripping portion <NUM> with the cleaning portion <NUM>.

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

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

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

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

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

The cleaning portion <NUM> can comprise a drop-breaking element <NUM>, for example of the type described above.

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

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

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

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

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

According to one embodiment, the cleaning device <NUM> can provide a plurality of cleaning portions <NUM> associated, in sequence, with the connection portion <NUM>.

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

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

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

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

In fact, in order to assemble the plate assembly <NUM> it is sufficient to connect the introduction manifold <NUM> to the entry aperture <NUM> and the distribution manifold <NUM> to the exit aperture <NUM>, connecting the respective distribution ducts to the connection channels <NUM>, and in order to seal the vaporization chamber <NUM> it is sufficient to close the central duct <NUM> of the distribution manifold <NUM> with a closing cap <NUM>.

Furthermore, in order to seal the distribution chamber <NUM> it is sufficient to attach the soleplate <NUM> to the plate <NUM>.

According to some embodiments, the gripping portion <NUM>, or the closing cap <NUM>, can comprise coupling members <NUM> mating with the coupling means <NUM> provided on the distribution manifold <NUM>, or on the connection member <NUM>, if present.

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

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

According to one embodiment, described with reference to <FIG>, an ironing apparatus 41A with a vented iron is described, comprising the plate assembly <NUM> and at least one tank <NUM> configured to contain water, put in fluidic connection with the introduction manifold <NUM>.

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

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

According to one variant, an ironing apparatus 41B of the "cold" type with a separate tank <NUM> is shown in <FIG>, comprising a feed pump <NUM> which can be selectively activated in order to send the water from the tank <NUM> to the introduction manifold <NUM>.

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

It is clear that modifications and/or additions of parts or steps may be made to the plate <NUM>, to the plate assembly <NUM> and to the ironing apparatus <NUM> as described heretofore, without departing from the field and scope of the present invention.

Claim 1:
Plate for a steam iron, wherein the plate comprises a base body (<NUM>), and, integrated inside the base body (<NUM>) made in a single piece, a tubular element (<NUM>) defining a vaporization chamber (<NUM>) having a rectilinear tubular shape that extends straight and rectilinear between a respective entry aperture (<NUM>) and an exit aperture (<NUM>) for the water and/or steam which are opposite and coaxial to each other, and a U-shaped heating element (<NUM>) partly surrounding said vaporization chamber (<NUM>), wherein said base body (<NUM>) has on the lower part a cavity (<NUM>) configured to define, during use, a chamber (<NUM>) to distribute steam and comprises at least one connection channel (<NUM>) passing at least partly in said base body (<NUM>) and configured to put said exit aperture (<NUM>), located in an upper portion (22a) of said plate, in communication with said cavity (<NUM>).