JP6506478B2 - Device for producing steam and method for producing steam - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a steam generator and a method of producing steam.

  For many steaming devices, particularly those with high steam rate delivery, an electric pump is used to heat the hot surface to deliver steam as needed. Supply water. In some devices, water is typically supplied to the steaming surface as a single flow or jet from the dosing head using an electric pump when the user actuates the trigger.

  In some applications, water needs to be spread over a larger area for better heat extraction and hence better steaming performance. In such applications, a spray nozzle or jet (or multi-jet) nozzle may be used to spread the water over the large steaming surface.

  Because the water used may contain salts and compounds that lead to the formation of scale, the use of a spray nozzle to spray water on the steaming surface makes it easy for the small nozzle openings to scale out It should be avoided as it will clog and cause the steaming function to go out of operation.

  Nozzles with relatively large openings are more robust to scale clogging problems. However, water can flow along a very narrow path along the steaming surface, so high steam flow production is very high to ensure that the water is completely evaporated by the steam generator Requires a long steaming surface and makes the equipment bulky. Also, jets that impinge on the steaming surface cause splashing of water droplets that fall on other parts of the steam generator, causing low steaming efficiency and long after-steaming effects (parts that are not directly heated) Drops of water falling on it take a long time to evaporate).

U.S. Pat. No. 5,958,015 discloses a steam iron in which a baffle arrangement directs water to a heating element for steam generation. U.S. Pat. No. 5,958,015 discloses a steam generating device having an evaporation surface that is inclined towards a scale collection area.

US 5613309 WO 2015/010968

  The object of the present invention is to propose an apparatus for producing steam that avoids or mitigates the above mentioned problems.

  The invention is defined by the independent claims. The dependent claims define advantageous embodiments.

  According to the present invention, an apparatus for producing steam is provided.

  The present invention relates to an apparatus for producing steam. The apparatus comprises a steaming element having a surface for steaming water, a heating element for heating the steaming element to a predetermined temperature at least above the water evaporation temperature, and a water injection for distributing water. A water inlet arrangement and a baffle configured to receive water distributed by the water injection device, the baffle further configured to direct water to a steaming element And the surface for steaming the water extends under the baffle so that the water flows from the baffle onto the surface of the steaming element, the steaming element allows the water to flow over the steaming element It is configured to flow downward and evaporate.

  The baffles can spread the water to a large width (or area) across the baffles to help enable water supply to the steaming surface across the width (or area) of the steaming element. As the water spreads to a wider width or area, the surface to steam the water can be kept shorter (along the direction of the water flow on the steaming surface), resulting in a more compact device .

  The steaming element may be a plate to steam the water or any structure configured to steam the water. The steaming element can be referred to as the steam generator body. The heating element may be a heater, such as an electric heater.

  The plate for steaming water may have a first end and a second end.

  The apparatus may further include a container including an end of the plate, ie, a bottom surface extending at least below the first end of the plate. The container may be configured to collect scale falling from the plate. The plate may have a further end distal to the container, ie a second end.

  The plate may be inclined at an angle (A0) relative to the horizontal direction (H) to define upper and lower ends. The lower end may be a first end and the upper end may be a second end. The bottom portion of the container may extend below the lower end of the plate. Water distributed on the plate can flow down the surface of the plate during steaming and can carry calcs formed on the surface of the plate. Thus, the chalk can be collected by a container placed under the plate. A container may be disposed adjacent to the plate.

  Dispensing water on a ramped heated plate or steaming element causes the water to form a thin film and evaporates more rapidly than if the plate is horizontal. Because the water film supplied to the plate or steaming element is cold relative to the heating surface, the scale on the plate or steaming element is exposed to thermal shock. That is, the cooling effect of water (at least to evaporation) and the heating effect of the surface induce thermal stress and strain on any scale formed on the surface, causing it to separate from the surface and be removed.

  The tilt angle of the surface of the plate moves the removed scale down from the surface of the plate towards the bottom of the plate and finally into the vessel. Furthermore, the tilt angle of the plate helps to improve the efficiency of evaporation. The steep angle of the surface of the plate ensures that water moves continuously over the surface of the plate by the action of gravity.

  Preferably, the surface of the plate or the steaming element may be a flat surface. Alternatively, the surface of the plate may be provided with rough or patterned structures (eg, pillars / columns) to increase the surface area exposed to water during steaming.

  In one embodiment, the baffle may have an edge in contact with the surface.

  In another embodiment, the baffles can be spaced from the surface.

  The baffle may have an edge spaced a predetermined distance from the flat surface. The predetermined distance may be, for example, any value between about 0.1 cm and about 5 cm, such as about 0.1 cm to about 2 cm.

  The edge may comprise a serrated profile. The sawtooth profile may have a plurality of serrations or a sawtooth like pattern. The serrated profile may ensure that the water spreads more evenly across the width of the baffle, especially when the device is tilted sideways. In other words, the serrated contour provides robustness of the device against lateral tilt in providing a uniform supply of water by directing or conveying the water reaching the serrated edge as separate drops onto the steaming surface It can enhance sex. The edge having a serrated profile may be the free end of the baffle, ie the edge not attached to any other structure.

  Preferably, the device has a directing structure configured to direct water backscattered by the baffle to the plate or steaming element. The directing structure serves to direct water droplets that are backscattered by the impact of the water jets on the baffles. The backscattered water droplets are captured by the directing structure and directed to the surface of the plate or the steaming element by the directing structure.

  The pointing structure may extend from the baffle as the pointing structure overhangs the baffle. The directing structure and the baffle may form a continuous structure. The pointing structure may have an edge with a sawtooth profile. Edges with a sawtooth profile may be free ends. The edge of the directing structure may be directly on the free end of the baffle.

  Preferably, the directing structure includes an opening configured to allow the passage of water from the water injection device onto the baffle. Water distributed by the water injection device may pass through the opening without interference to the baffle, while the directing structure serves to direct water droplets backscattered by the impact of the water jet on the baffle back to the plate obtain.

  Preferably, the water injection device comprises one or more jet nozzles. The one or more jet nozzles are configured to dispense water at high speed. Jet nozzles are less susceptible (i.e., more robust) compared to spray nozzles, but can easily be clogged by the scale. Scales can be caused by salts and compounds present in water. In the case of a device with an inclined steaming surface, using a jet nozzle to supply water directly to the surface can result in water flowing along a narrow path below the steaming surface. High steam flow production may therefore require a very long steaming surface to ensure that the water is evaporated by the heater. Instruments with steam generators with long steaming surfaces are bulky. Also, a jet of water impinging on the steaming surface results in splashing of water droplets that may fall into other parts of the steam generator, causing low steaming efficiency and long post steaming effects Water droplets falling on generator parts take a long time to evaporate). The provision of a baffle may reduce the length of the steaming surface and / or reduce splashing of water droplets.

  The baffle may have or include a hydrophilic surface. The hydrophilic surface may comprise metal, ceramic or composite material. Water impinging on the hydrophilic surface forms a film and spreads across the width of the baffle.

  Alternatively, the baffle may have or include a hydrophobic surface. The hydrophobic surface may comprise an elastomer, such as silicone rubber, or a polymer, such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or a polyimide. Water impinging on the hydrophobic surface may flow in multiple streams or rivules over the hydrophobic surface.

  The baffle may comprise one or more guiding structures configured to direct water to the plate or steaming element. The one or more guiding structures may be configured to spread the water over a wider width or area of the plate or steaming element. The one or more guiding structures may be selected from the group consisting of channels, grooves, slots and combinations thereof.

  Preferably, the steaming element or plate has at least one channel extending between the first end and the second end. The at least one channel includes a plurality of channels extending in parallel. When the steaming element or plate is inclined at an angle to the horizontal and when the water is distributed to the heated flat plate or steaming element, the water forms a film and the plate or steaming element The direction of movement of the membrane relative to is determined by a combination of surface tension of water and gravity. The effect of surface tension is that the water can be moved laterally across the surface of the plate or element so that discrete trickles collect and form a thicker film. The presence of the channels prevents water from moving laterally across the surface of the plate or element, as the surface tension effect is insufficient to allow the water to escape from the channels. Water is instead moved down the channel by gravity and evaporates more quickly and uses less energy, thinner films than if thicker films are allowed to form. Form. Furthermore, the increased rate of evaporation can be reduced for a given amount of water to be dispensed, the distance between the upper end and the lower end of the plate or element to be heated It means that. Steam promoters (with coatings or separate meshes attached) may be provided on the steaming elements to enhance the steaming efficacy.

  Preferably, according to the present invention, an apparatus for producing steam as described herein is provided. The apparatus may include a steam generator. The steam generator may include a steaming element. The steam generator may further include a baffle. The steam generator may also include a heating element. The steam generator may further include a water injection device.

  Preferably, according to the present invention, a steamer apparatus as described above is provided, wherein a water pump for supplying water to the water injection device and a flow rate of water supplied to the water injection device according to a predetermined temperature are provided. And a control unit to control. The device may also have a reservoir or tank for storing water before the water is supplied to the water injection device. The water can be filtered or pretreated before being supplied to the steaming element.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of producing steam. The method may include the step of heating the steaming element to a predetermined temperature at least above the water evaporation temperature. The method may further include the step of distributing water on the baffle, the baffle being configured to direct the water to the surface of the steaming element. The method may further include the step of distributing water from the baffle onto the steaming element to flow along the surface of the steaming element to generate steam.

  The steaming element may be a plate. The plate may define or have a first end and a second end.

  The plate may be inclined at an angle (A0) relative to the horizontal direction (H). The first end may be the lower end and the second end may be the upper end.

  According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of collecting scales in an apparatus for producing steam. The method includes the step of heating the steaming element or plate to a predetermined temperature at least above the water evaporation temperature, the steaming element or plate defining a first end and a second end. The method further comprises the step of distributing water on the baffle, which is configured to direct the water to the steaming element or plate to generate steam. The method additionally comprises the step of collecting any scale falling from the steaming element or plate into a container or area, the container or area being below at least a first end (ie lower end) It has an extending bottom portion.

  Preferably, the container is arranged adjacent to the steaming element or plate.

  Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional side view of an apparatus for generating steam according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional side view of an apparatus for generating steam according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2B shows a perspective view of the device shown in FIG. 2A. 7 illustrates a baffle in contact with a plate according to one embodiment. 7 shows a baffle spaced from a plate according to another embodiment. Fig. 6 shows a baffle with a pointing directed structure according to another embodiment when the device is in a tilted position during use. The baffles are shown when the device is in a horizontal position during use. FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of yet another embodiment of the device. Fig. 6 shows a flow diagram according to a further aspect of the invention. It is a flowchart which shows the further another aspect of this invention.

  FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional side view of an apparatus (1) for producing steam according to an embodiment of the present invention. The device (1) comprises a steaming element (2) forming a surface (3) for steaming water. The apparatus (1) may further comprise a heating element (4) for heating the steaming element (2) to a predetermined temperature at least above the water evaporation temperature. The device (1) can also include a water injection device (5) for dispensing water. The device may additionally include a baffle (6) configured to receive the water distributed by the water injection device (5). The baffle (6) may be further configured to direct water to the steaming element (2).

  In other words, the device (1) may comprise a steaming element (2) having a surface (3). Water is introduced from the water injection device (5) to the plate (2) via the baffle (6). The steaming element (2) can be heated to a suitable temperature by the heating element (4) to steam the water.

  The baffle (6) may serve to spread the water across a wide width (or area) across the baffle (6) to allow the water to be supplied to the steaming surface (3) across the width (or area). As the water spreads over a wider width or area, the surface (3) for steaming water can be kept shorter, resulting in a more compact device. The baffle may be a splash plate.

  The evaporation temperature of the water may be about 95 to 105 ° C, for example about 100 ° C. The water injection device may have one or more water inlets for distributing water to the baffles. The water injection device may have one or more jet nozzles.

  The water may be directed by the baffle (6) to the surface (3) of the steaming element (2). The steaming element (2) can be inclined at an angle (A0) relative to the horizontal (H) to define a lower end (7a) and an upper end (7b). For example, the plate (2) can be tilted at least 45 degrees from horizontal. However, it may also be envisaged that the surface (3) of the steaming element (2) or / and the steaming element (2) is parallel to the horizontal direction (H). The surface (3) may be a flat surface. The lower end (7a) may be referred to as the first end and the upper end (7b) may be referred to as the second end.

  The steaming element (2) may be a plate as shown in FIG. However, it is also conceivable that the steaming element (2) may be a plate with a raised surface (3) or it may be any structure suitable for heating water to give off steam.

  The steaming element (2) provides the above-mentioned heated surface (3) to which water is deposited when the device (1) is in operation. The scale formed on the steaming element (2) is ground by the process of flaking. Scale fragments are moved on the slope or slope of the steaming element (2). The device (1) may further comprise a container or area (not shown in FIG. 1) for collecting scale debris. A container or area may be arranged adjacent to said steaming element (2).

  If the steaming elements (2) are inclined plates, the scale formed on the plate (2) moves downwards towards the lower end (7a). The container or area may be arranged below the lower end (7a). The container may have a bottom portion extending below the lower end. The bottom portion may include a lower horizontal surface portion than the lower end.

  Preferably, a plurality of plates may be provided which surround the container or area. The container or area may be integrally formed with the plate or the steaming element (2).

  The container may have a plurality of walls having removable openings formed in at least one of the walls to access the inner portion of the container.

  The baffles (6) may be called splash plates. The baffle (6) may be any structure configured to receive water from the water injection device (5) and further configured to direct the received water to the steaming element (2). As shown in FIG. 1, the baffle (6) may have an edge (8a) spaced a predetermined distance from the surface (3). The edge (8a) may be close to the plate (2). The predetermined distance may be, for example, any value between about 0.1 cm and about 5 cm, such as about 0.1 cm to about 2 cm. However, it can also be envisaged that the baffle (6) is in contact with the surface (3), ie the edge (8a) is in contact with the surface (3). The baffle (6) is a surface (3) or / and a steaming element (2), so that the falling water forms a substantially continuous film on the baffle (6) and the surface (3) / steaming element (2) Or the surface (3) or / and the steaming element (2).

  The baffle (6) may have an additional edge (8b) that is distal from the plate (2). The baffle (6) can be inclined at an angle (B0) to the horizontal. With respect to the horizontal line H, the angle (A0) may be negative and the angle (B0) may be positive. The angle (B0) may be a substantially large value. The angle (B0) may be obtuse. The angle (A0) may be smaller than the angle (B0). The angle (A0) may be acute.

  The edge (8a) may have a sawtooth profile (e.g., like a sawtooth) or may be smooth or may have a wavy pattern.

  The baffle (6) may have one or more guiding structures (not shown in FIG. 1) configured to direct water to the plate or steaming element (2). The one or more guiding structures may be configured to spread the water over the wider width or area of the plate or steaming element (2). The one or more guiding structures may be selected from the group consisting of channels, grooves, slots and combinations thereof. The guiding structure may be arranged on the surface of the baffle (6). Additionally or alternatively, the guiding structure may be on or near (i.e. within a predetermined distance) the edge (8a) of the baffle (6).

  The baffle (6) may have a hydrophilic surface. The hydrophilic surface may comprise metal or ceramic. The baffle (6) may comprise metal or ceramic such that the surface of the baffle (6) is hydrophilic. Water impinging on the hydrophilic surface spreads across the width of the baffle (6) to form a thin film. Subsequently, the thin film is directed onto the steaming element (2). The baffle (6) may have an edge with a serrated profile for spreading the water across the width of the steaming element (2).

  Alternatively, the baffles (6) may have or include hydrophobic surfaces. The hydrophobic surface may comprise an elastomer, such as silicone rubber, or a polymer, such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or a polyimide. The baffle (6) may comprise an elastomer or a polymer such that the surface of the baffle (6) is hydrophobic. Water impinging on the hydrophobic surface may flow through the hydrophobic surface in multiple streams or trickles. The hydrophobic surface allows a stream or stream of water to pass through quickly.

  The steaming element or plate (2) may comprise at least one channel (not shown in FIG. 1). At least one channel may extend between the first end (7a) and the second end (7b). At least one channel may include multiple channels. When the steaming element or plate (2) is tilted at an angle to the horizontal, and when the water is supplied on the heated plate or steaming element (2), the water forms a membrane The direction and speed of movement of the membrane relative to the plate or steaming element (2) is determined by a combination of surface tension of water and gravity. The effect of surface tension is that the water can be moved laterally across the surface of the plate or element (3) so that discrete trickles gather to form a thicker film. The presence of the channels prevents water from moving laterally across the surface of the plate or element, as the surface tension effect is insufficient to allow the water to escape from the channels. Water is instead moved down the channel by gravity and evaporates more quickly and forms a thinner film using less energy than when a thicker film is formed. Furthermore, the increased evaporation rate is determined by the distance between the upper end (7b) and the lower end (7a) of the plate or element (3) to be heated, for a given amount of water to be distributed. Mean that it can be reduced. In addition, the surface of the plate or element (3) may comprise protruding features or recesses for increasing the contact area with water.

  FIG. 2A shows a cross-sectional side view of an apparatus (1) for producing steam according to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein similar features of this embodiment carry the same reference numerals. FIG. 2B shows a perspective view of the device (1) shown in FIG. 2A. As in the above embodiment, the device (1) comprises a plate (2) forming a surface (3) for steaming water. The device (1) may further comprise a heating element (4) for heating the plate (2) to a predetermined temperature at least above the water evaporation temperature. The device (1) may also include a water injection device (5), such as one or more jet nozzles, for dispensing water. The device may additionally include a baffle (6) configured to receive the water distributed by the water injection device (5). The baffle (6) may be further configured to direct water to the plate (2).

  Furthermore, the device comprises a directing structure (9) configured to direct water backscattered by the baffle (6) to the plate (2). The directing structure (9) serves to direct water droplets that are backscattered by the impact of the water jets on the baffle (6). The backscattered water droplets are captured by the directing structure (9) and directed by the directing structure (9) to the surface (3) of the plate (2).

  The directing structure (9) may be part of the baffle (9). The directing structure (9) may extend from the baffle (6) such that the directing structure (9) overhangs the baffle (6). The directing structure (9) and the baffle (6) may form a continuous integral structure. Alternatively, the baffles (6) may be separate from the directing structure (9). The pointing structure (9) may have an edge (10) with a sawtooth profile. Edges with a sawtooth profile may be free ends. The edge of the pointing structure may be directly on the free end of the baffle.

  Preferably, the directing structure (9) comprises an opening (11) configured to allow the passage of water from the water injection device (5) to the baffle (6). The water distributed by the water injection device (5) may pass through the opening (11) without interference to the baffle (6), while the directing structure (9) returns to the plate (2) with the baffle (6) A) can help to direct the backscattered water droplets due to the impact of the water jets above. The directing structure (9) and the baffle (6) are partially used to help suppress backscattered water upon impact on the opening (11) and baffle (6) for the passage of water jets Form a folded over design with a space enclosed by the

  L, L1 and L2 in FIG. 2A represent possible water flows. The water (represented by L) distributed by the water injection device (5) flows through the opening (11) onto the baffle (6). When hitting the baffle (6), some water flows along the baffle (6) onto the plate (2) (represented by L2). Some water droplets (represented by L1) can be backscattered. Water droplets can fall on the overhanging directing structure (9) and can be directed to the baffle (6) and / or the plate (2). The surface (3) of the plate (2) is heated by the heater (4) resulting in the formation of steam.

  As shown in FIG. 2A, the baffles (6) may be spaced from the flat surface by a predetermined distance. The predetermined distance may be, for example, any value between about 0.1 cm and about 5 cm, such as about 0.1 cm to about 2 cm.

  In Figures 2A and 2B, the water injection device (5) does not pass through the opening (11). The water injection device (5) and the baffle (6) are on the opposite side of the opening (11). However, it may also be envisaged that the water injection device or jet nozzle (5) may pass through the opening (11). The openings (11) may be circular or semicircular or may be of any suitable shape. The opening (11) may be a V-shaped or U-shaped notch extending from the edge (10).

  FIG. 3A shows a baffle (6) in contact with the plate (2) according to one embodiment. The plate (2) may be perpendicular to the baffle (6). As can be seen from FIG. 3A, the water flowing down the baffle (6) is received directly by the surface (3) of the plate (2). FIG. 3B shows the baffle (6) spaced from the plate (2) according to another embodiment. The water film forms water droplets by surface tension effect before falling off the edge (8A) of the baffle (6). In both FIGS. 3A and 3B, the water from the jet nozzle (5) is distributed on the baffle (6) before being directed by the baffle (6) to the steaming surface (3) of the plate (2) .

  FIG. 4A shows a baffle (6) (i.e., a folded design) with an overhanging directing structure (9) according to another embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4A, when the device (1) is in a tilted position during use, the pointing structure may still be able to spread water sufficiently across the width of the steaming surface. FIG. 4B shows the baffle (6) when the device (1) is in the horizontal position in use. The directing structure (9) in both FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B can spread the water sufficiently across the width of the steaming surface. The baffle (6) has an edge (8a) which may be provided with a sawtooth profile (sawtooth edge). The sawtooth profile allows a more even supply of water to the steaming element (2) by the baffle (6), regardless of whether the device is in the horizontal or inclined position. The pointing structure (9) also has an edge (10) which may be provided with a sawtooth contour (sawtooth edge). The directing structure (9) comprises an opening or hole (11) through which the jet nozzle (5) passes. The directing structure (9) may help to reduce the backscattering of water droplets due to the impact of water jets on the baffle (6) and may help to increase the efficiency of directing water to the steaming element (2) .

  FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of yet another embodiment of the device (1), like features in this embodiment carry the same reference numerals. FIG. 5 shows a steaming element (2) having a surface (3) for steaming water. As shown in FIG. 5, the steaming element (2) may have a raised contour comprising the surface (3). The apparatus further comprises a heating element (not shown in FIG. 5) for heating the steaming element (2) to a predetermined temperature at least above the water evaporation temperature. The device (1) may also have a water injection device (5) for dispensing water. The device (1) further comprises a baffle (6) configured to receive the water distributed by the water injection device (5), said baffle (6) directing the water to the steaming element (2) Further configured.

  A directing structure (9) extends from the baffle (6) and overhangs the baffle (6). The pointing structure (9) may have an opening (11). Water is distributed by the water injection device (5) onto the baffle (6) through the opening (11).

  As shown in FIG. 5, the surface (3) may be horizontal. The steaming element (2) may be a plate with a raised surface (3) at the center of the plate. It may be envisioned that the steaming element (2) may be of any other suitable shape. The steaming element (2) may be any structure having a surface (3) for heating and steaming water.

  As shown in FIG. 5, a beveled slope (12) can extend from the raised surface (3) to the flat lower surface (13). The lower surface (13) surrounds the raised surface (3). Water flows from the baffle (6) to the surface (3) for steaming. Water that is not evaporated may flow further down the sloped slope (12) surrounding the raised surface (3) to the lower surface (13). The scale particles formed can be transported along the sloped slope (12) with the non-evaporated water.

  An area or container (14) for collecting the water borne chalk can surround the lower surface (13). In one embodiment, the lower surface (13) may be an area or container (14) for collecting chalk.

  Also, a water pump (e.g., an electric pump) for delivering water to the water injection device (5), including the various features described herein, and the injection device (5) according to the predetermined temperature. There may be provided a steamer apparatus, further comprising: a control unit for controlling the flow rate of water supplied thereto. The device may also have a reservoir or tank for storing water before the water is supplied to the water injection device (5). The steamer device may be a steam iron or a clothing steamer. When the user activates the trigger of the water pump, water can be supplied to the surface (3) from the reservoir or tank via the water injection device (5) and the baffle (6).

  The steamer device may be of the moment type. In other words, the steamer apparatus may be configured to introduce water on the heated surface (3) only when steam is required.

FIG. 6 shows a flow diagram according to a further aspect of the invention. A further aspect of the invention relates to a method of producing steam, said method comprising:
Heating the steaming element (2) to a predetermined temperature at least above the water evaporation temperature in S1, and distributing water on the baffle (6) in S2, the baffle (6) Includes a step configured to direct water to the surface (3) of the steaming element (2) to produce steam.

  The baffle (6) spreads the water over a wide width (or area) across the baffle (6) and serves to allow the supply of water to the steaming surface (3) across the width (or area). As the water spreads over a wider width or area, the surface (3) for steaming water can be kept shorter, resulting in a more compact device.

  The method may be a method of producing steam using an apparatus (1) according to any of the embodiments described herein.

  The steaming element (2) may be a plate. The plate (2) may define or have a first end and a second end.

  The plate (2) may be inclined at an angle (A0) relative to the horizontal direction (H). The first end (7a) may be the lower end and the second end (7b) may be the upper end.

  The device (1) may further comprise a container or area (14) arranged adjacent to said plate (2). The container (14) may have a bottom portion extending at least below the lower end.

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram illustrating yet another aspect of the present invention. FIG. 7 shows a method of collecting scales in an apparatus (1) for producing steam. This method is:
Heating the steaming element or plate (2) to a predetermined temperature at least above the water evaporation temperature at T1, the steaming element or plate (2) having a first end (7a) and a second end Defining the end (7b) of the
Distributing the water on the baffle (6) at T2, the baffle (6) being configured to direct the water to the steaming element or plate (2) to generate steam When,
Collecting any scale falling from the steaming element or plate (2) into a container or area (15) at T3, said container or area (15) having a first end (7a) And B. having a bottom portion extending at least below.

The above described embodiments described are merely illustrative and are not intended to limit the technical approach of the present invention. The present invention has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims, the technical approach of the present invention It will appreciate that that can be replaced or equal can be changed. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims (15)

An apparatus for generating steam, before Symbol devices:
-A steaming element having a surface for steaming the water;
-A heating element for heating the steaming element to a predetermined temperature at least above the water evaporation temperature;
-A water injection device for distributing water;
- a baffle configured to receive the water that will be dispensed by the water injection device further configured to water directed to the steaming element, and the baffle,
Have,
During use, the surface for the water to steam, as water is permitted to flow on the surface of the steaming element from said baffle, extending under said baffle, said steaming The element is inclined relative to the horizontal to allow water to flow downward and evaporate on the steaming element
apparatus. The steaming element is a plate which is inclined at an angle relative to the horizontal direction to define upper and lower ends.
The device of claim 1. It further comprises a container, the container having a bottom portion extending below the lower end,
An apparatus according to claim 2. The baffle has an edge in contact with the surface,
An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims. The baffle has an edge spaced a predetermined distance from the surface,
An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims. The edge has a serrated contour,
An apparatus according to claim 4 or 5. Further comprising a directing structure configured to direct water backscattered by the baffle to the steaming element,
An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims. The pointing structure extends from the baffle such that the pointing structure overhangs the baffle
An apparatus according to claim 7. The pointing structure has an opening configured to allow passage of the water from the water injection device onto the baffle.
An apparatus according to claim 7 or 8. The baffle has a hydrophilic surface,
An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims. The baffle has a hydrophobic surface,
An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims. The baffle has one or more guiding structures configured to direct the water to the steaming element,
An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims. The one or more guiding structures are configured to spread water over a larger area of the steaming element,
An apparatus according to claim 12.   Steamer apparatus comprising an apparatus for producing steam according to any of the preceding claims. Scan team using a device according to any one of claims 1 to 13 for producing a method of producing steam, the method comprising:
Heating the steaming element having the steaming surface to a predetermined temperature at least above the water evaporation temperature;
Distributing water on the baffles;
-Arranging the steaming element such that the steaming surface extends under the baffle so that the water flows from the baffle onto the surface of the steaming element, the steaming element comprising Are inclined with respect to the horizontal direction so that the water flows downward on the steaming element and evaporates,
Method, including.

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