Steam generator for a domestic appliance and domestic appliance

Abstract

A steam generator (10) for a domestic appliance, preferably for a standing iron, configured to assume, during use, a substantially vertical working position. The steam generator (10) comprises a main body (12) which is substantially parallelepiped-shaped and shaped so that it internally defines a vaporization zone (25) and a path (P) for steam. The main body (12) comprises an inlet aperture (29) arranged in correspondence of the vaporization zone (25) and configured to allow water to be introduced therein, and one or more outlet apertures (33) configured to allow steam to exit from the main body (12).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a steam generator configured to generate steam substantially instantaneously and can be installed in a household appliance, such as an evaporator, an iron, or a similar product, preferably an iron, particularly a standing type for both domestic and professional use, which can be primarily used to iron, cool, or clean clothing, garments, curtains, or other objects that are typically hung or vertically suspended by using steam. Background Technology

[0002] Several steam generators are known to produce steam almost instantaneously, which is used in household appliances, particularly irons, especially upright irons, to iron or treat clothes, curtains, or other objects that are typically hung and vertically downwards. These irons allow for quick and easy ironing or refurbishing of clothes by selectively distributing steam to the garment itself, without the need for a horizontal ironing board or tabletop.

[0003] Known steam generators typically consist of a body, usually made of metal, and a generally rectangular base. The body has a generally parallelepiped shape, the base is quite small, with its width and length being approximately equal, about 60 to 70 mm, and its height is much smaller. The body contains a vaporization chamber with a fairly limited vaporization zone.

[0004] The heating element is internally connected to the main body and typically includes one or more resistors. Externally, the heating element is connected to a conveyor or ironing plate with steam delivery holes. When the heating element is selectively activated, it causes the water introduced into the vaporization chamber to evaporate substantially instantaneously.

[0005] In known steam generators, the vaporization chamber is defined by a circulation channel that defines the path for steam and extends between an inlet for water introduction and one or more outlets for steam outflow. The steam path is defined by multiple walls or baffles present within the main body.

[0006] A known disadvantage of steam generators is that the steam circulation channels have irregular and rather complex paths with multiple constraints and edges where scale and / or mineral deposits can form.

[0007] These scale and deposits can affect the walls of the steam circulation channels and spread to other operating components of the steam generator, such as in the delivery unit, and cause further inconvenience, such as: - This damages the quality of the steam, and in the worst case, water leaks from the ironing board; - The cross-section that blocks the steam circulation channel and / or the conveying hole of the conveying unit.

[0008] - During the ironing process, limescale particles and / or other solid residues present in the steam jet are sprayed directly onto the garment.

[0009] Furthermore, known steam generators typically have a small vaporization zone within the vaporization chamber, so the presence of such deposits leads to a significant loss in the overall efficiency and performance of the steam generator.

[0010] Furthermore, in known steam generators, the complete removal of solid residues, including scale, by known cleaning or rinsing methods is complex due to the constraints and / or edges within the steam circulation channels. Therefore, even after cleaning or rinsing operations, small and medium-sized particles or flakes of limescale remain adhered to the walls of the steam circulation channels and undesirably and randomly separate, thus being subsequently dragged by the steam flow towards the conveyor plate, exacerbating the aforementioned drawbacks.

[0011] Therefore, there is a need to improve a steam generator that can overcome at least one of the shortcomings of the existing technology.

[0012] Therefore, it is necessary to solve the technical problem of completely preventing or limiting as much as possible any scale particles and / or other solid residues present in the water injected into the steam generator from reaching the conveyor plate, in order to eliminate or at least minimize the presence of the aforementioned particles in the steam circulation channel and especially in the conveyor holes of the conveyor plate.

[0013] In particular, one object of this invention is to provide a steam generator for household appliances, such as evaporators, irons or similar products, preferably for irons, especially vertical ones, which ensures that the steam produced has excellent quality over time, and wherein the evaporation step, i.e. steam generation, occurs completely and in the shortest possible time.

[0014] Another objective of this invention is to provide a steam generator for household appliances of the above type that allows for the prevention of leakage of scale and / or other solid residues from the steam delivery holes of the conveyor plate, which could impair the results of the ironing process and soil the ironed components.

[0015] Another objective of this invention is to provide a steam generator for household appliances of the aforementioned type that allows efficiency and overall performance to be maintained over time, while avoiding rapid wear of its operating parts.

[0016] Another objective of this invention is to provide a steam generator for household appliances of the above type, which enables an effective cleaning, washing, or descaling process for solid residues, including scale, that may form therein.

[0017] The applicant has designed, tested and implemented this utility model to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and to obtain these and other objectives and advantages. Utility Model Content

[0018] This utility model is set forth and characterized in the independent claims. The dependent claims describe other features of this utility model or variations of the main inventive concept.

[0019] In accordance with the aforementioned objectives, and in order to solve the disclosed technical problems in a novel and original manner, and to achieve considerable advantages compared to the prior art, the steam generator for household appliances according to this invention comprises a body that is substantially parallelepiped in shape, the body having a base plate and a first sidewall, the base plate having a predetermined length and a predetermined width, the first sidewall being perpendicular to the base plate and having a predetermined height, the body being preferably used for a vertical iron, the body being configured to present a substantially vertical working position during use. Specifically, the aforementioned body is shaped such that it internally defines a vaporization zone and a steam path, and includes an inlet orifice and one or more outlet orifices, the inlet orifice being disposed corresponding to the aforementioned vaporization zone and configured to allow water to be introduced therein, and the outlet orifice being configured to allow steam to exit from the aforementioned body.

[0020] The vaporization zone may extend substantially along the first sidewall below the inlet hole, and may also extend on the upper surface of the substrate.

[0021] According to one aspect of the present invention, the aforementioned predetermined height is greater than at least one of the aforementioned specific length and the aforementioned specific width, thereby the aforementioned body is configured to be in a substantially vertical position when the aforementioned household appliance is in the aforementioned substantially vertical working position. Preferably, the predetermined height is at least twice the length of at least one of the predetermined length and the predetermined width.

[0022] This approach provides at least the following advantage: any solid residues, including scale, that are significantly heavier than steam and present in the water introduced into the aforementioned body through the aforementioned inlet hole will fall downwards due to gravity and will not travel upwards along the aforementioned steam path.

[0023] According to another aspect of the present invention, the aforementioned inlet hole is located at the substantially center of the aforementioned main body.

[0024] According to another aspect of the present invention, the aforementioned body includes one or more inner walls shaped to define an upper chamber and a lower chamber, the upper chamber being substantially disposed above the inlet hole and defining the aforementioned path for steam, and the lower chamber being disposed below the inlet hole and configured to collect solid residues, including scale, that may be present in the water introduced into the body.

[0025] These final aspects further facilitate the falling of any solid residue, including limestone, by gravity within the aforementioned lower chamber.

[0026] According to another aspect of the present invention, the lower chamber extends vertically from the upper surface of the substrate to the lowest part of the portion where the outlet hole of the vaporization zone is located, and extends horizontally parallel to the second sidewall between the second and third sidewalls of the body.

[0027] According to another aspect of the present invention, the lower chamber is sufficiently wide, approximately 13,000 mm. 3 For example, in the range of 12000–14000 mm 3 Between these points, any solid residues, including scale, present in the water introduced into the main body through the aforementioned inlet hole are optimally collected by gravity falling.

[0028] According to another aspect of the present invention, on one side of the lower chamber, corresponding to the second sidewall, there is an access hole through which the lower chamber can be accessed in order to remove any solid residue deposited on its inner surface.

[0029] According to another aspect of the present invention, the aforementioned upper surface is inclined at an angle of several degrees relative to the plane parallel to the aforementioned lower surface of the substrate toward the aforementioned inlet hole, preferably from about 1° to about 8°, and the lower surface is horizontal during use.

[0030] According to another aspect of the present invention, the aforementioned upper surface includes a protruding element that protrudes from there toward the interior of the aforementioned lower chamber.

[0031] According to another aspect of the present invention, the aforementioned path between the aforementioned vaporization zone and the aforementioned one or more outlet holes includes a plurality of vertical and horizontal sections connected to each other by 90° bends and 180° bends, such that steam can alternately rise and fall vertically and move horizontally from one part of the aforementioned upper chamber to another part.

[0032] According to the aforementioned path, starting from the vaporization zone and extending to the one or more outlet holes, the sequence sequentially includes: a first vertical section causing steam to rise vertically during use; then, after a first 90° bend to the left, a first horizontal section causing steam to travel to the left; then, after a second 90° bend downwards, a second vertical section causing steam to descend vertically again; then, after a first 180° bend, a third vertical section causing steam to rise vertically; then, after a third 90° bend to the right, a second horizontal section causing steam to... Proceeding to the right; then, after a downward fourth 90° bend, a fourth vertical section, causing the steam to descend vertically again; then, after a second 180° bend, a fifth vertical section, causing the steam to rise vertically; then, after a leftward fifth 90° bend, a third horizontal section, causing the steam to travel to the left; then, after a downward sixth 90° bend, a final sixth vertical section, with one or more of the aforementioned outlet holes positioned accordingly, causing the steam to descend vertically again, and selectively exiting the aforementioned upper chamber from there through the outlet holes.

[0033] According to another aspect of the present invention, at least one of the aforementioned 180° bends is much wider than the other bends of the aforementioned path, and forms a wide loop in which any solid residues still present in the vapor can settle by gravity as they pass through the loop.

[0034] According to another aspect of the present invention, the steam generator further includes at least one heating element having at least one portion associated with or incorporated into the aforementioned body for selectively heating the body; in particular, the aforementioned heating element includes a tubular element containing one or more resistors therein, the one or more resistors being adapted to rapidly heat the aforementioned body to ensure that water introduced into the aforementioned vaporization zone through the aforementioned inlet hole is immediately converted into steam; furthermore, the aforementioned tubular element includes at least one first segment inserted or incorporated into the aforementioned substrate, and at least another segment inserted or incorporated into the aforementioned first sidewall corresponding to or above the aforementioned inlet hole.

[0035] According to another aspect of the present invention, a household appliance, preferably a standing iron, includes a housing body having an upper part and a lower handle configured for gripping by a user, and a steam generator as described above, which is mounted in the aforementioned upper part. Attached Figure Description

[0036] These and other aspects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of some embodiments given by way of non-limiting example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1This is an isometric view of the first embodiment of the steam generator according to the present invention, shown in exploded form; Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Front view of the steam generator; Figure 3 It is along Figure 2 Sectional view of line III-III; Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A magnified view; Figure 5 yes Figure 1 Left view of the steam generator; Figure 6 This is an isometric view of a second embodiment of the steam generator according to the present invention, shown in exploded form. Figure 7 yes Figure 6 Front view of the steam generator; Figure 8 It is along Figure 7 A sectional view of line VIII-VIII; Figure 9 This is a schematic side view of a standing iron with a steam generator mounted on it, according to the present invention.

[0037] It must be clear that the wording and terminology used in this specification, as well as the figures in the accompanying drawings, serve only to better illustrate and explain this invention. Their function is to provide a non-limiting example of the invention itself, since the scope of protection is defined by the claims.

[0038] For ease of understanding, the same reference numerals are used as much as possible in the accompanying drawings to identify the same common elements. It should be understood that elements and features of one embodiment can be readily combined or incorporated into other embodiments without further explanation. Detailed Implementation

[0039] refer to Figure 1 The steam generator 10 according to this invention is configured to be installed on a household appliance, which, in the example provided herein without general limitation, is an iron 11, preferably a standing iron. Figure 9 The diagram is shown schematically and will be described in detail later.

[0040] It should be noted that, unless otherwise stated, the various arrangements in space of the steam generator 10 and iron 11 and their components mentioned in this specification and the appended claims refer to their use in ironing operations, such as the vertical type known per se, for ironing any clothes, garments, curtains or other objects, while the latter are suspended and hanging vertically downwards.

[0041] According to the first embodiment, the steam generator 10 ( Figures 1 to 5 It basically includes: a body 12, which is configured to receive water and immediately convert it into steam; a heating element 13 ( Figure 1 A heat exchanger, associated with the body 12 and configured to heat water introduced into the body 12 and immediately convert the water into steam; and a conveyor plate 15 configured to selectively convey the steam generated in the body 12.

[0042] The body 12 is preferably metallic, such as steel, aluminum, or other suitable metal, and is essentially in the form of a parallelepiped joined at the corners and edges. The body 12 includes a substrate 16. Figures 1 to 4 ) and a first sidewall 17 disposed perpendicular to the substrate 16, which is substantially horizontal during use and has a predetermined length LU ( Figure 3 ) and the predetermined width LA ( Figure 2 The first sidewall 17 corresponds to the larger side 19 of the substrate 16. The main body 12 has a certain height H. Figure 3 According to the features of this invention, the height is greater than at least one of the length LU and the width LA. Preferably, the height H is much larger than the width LA, for example, at least twice as large, as in the embodiments described herein.

[0043] According to the embodiments of this utility model, for example, the length LU is 60 mm-90 mm, preferably 65 mm-85 mm, the width LA is 20 mm-50 mm, preferably 25 mm-40 mm, and the height H is 60 mm-90 mm, preferably 65 mm-85 mm.

[0044] The main body 12 also includes Figure 3 and 4 The second sidewall 20 on the left side is substantially perpendicular to the substrate 16 and the first sidewall 17. The conveyor plate 15 is associated with the second sidewall 20, and the body 12 includes a third sidewall 21 parallel to the second sidewall 20.

[0045] The main body 12 also includes inner walls 22, 23 and 24, an upper chamber 26 and a lower chamber 27, three in this example, although the number may vary, but are shaped to define a vaporization zone 25 for generating steam, which extends downward from a substantially central location, the upper chamber 26 having a new and original path P for steam, which will be described in detail later, and the lower chamber 27 configured to collect solid residues (including limestone) that may be present in the water introduced into the main body 12.

[0046] In the first sidewall 17, corresponding to the vaporization zone 25, there is an inlet hole 29 for introducing water into the main body 12.

[0047] According to a feature of this invention, the top of the inlet hole 29 and the vaporization zone 25 are positioned substantially half the height H of the main body 12. Furthermore, the inlet hole 29 can be substantially equidistant from the sidewalls 20 and 21.

[0048] Inlet hole 29 is connected to connector 30 ( Figure 1 and 5 It can be connected to the water supply conduit 31. Figure 9 For example, it connects to a water tank 32, which may be present inside or outside the iron 11. Connector 30 ( Figure 1 and 5 This may include any known type of maximum pressure relief valve, not shown in the figure. As an indication, the maximum pressure value is typically less than or equal to about 0.5 bar.

[0049] In the second sidewall 20, there are one or more outlet holes 33 ( Figure 1 , 3 (and 4), in the example provided here, the outlet holes are three vertically aligned outlet holes, but the outlet holes may be fewer or more than three and not aligned with each other.

[0050] The three inner walls 22, 23 and 24 ( Figure 4 The steam path P between the vaporization zone 25 and one or more outlet holes 33 is shaped such that it includes a plurality of vertical segments TV (from TV1 to TV6 in the example provided here) and horizontal segments TO (from TO1 to TO3 in the example provided here), which are connected to each other by 90° bends C1 (from C11 to C16 in the example provided here) and 180° bends C2 (from C21 to C22 in the example provided here), so that steam can alternately rise and fall vertically and move horizontally from one part of the upper chamber 26 to another, as indicated by the arrows in the path P.

[0051] In the embodiment described herein, the path P from the vaporization zone 25 to one or more outlet holes 33 sequentially includes: a first vertical section TV1, in which steam rises vertically during use; then, after a first 90° bend to the left C11, a first horizontal section TO1, in which steam travels to the left; then, after a second 90° bend downward C12, a second vertical section TV2, in which steam again descends vertically; then, after a first 180° bend C21, a third vertical section TV3, in which steam rises vertically; then, after a third 90° bend to the right C13, a second horizontal section TO2, in which steam... It travels to the right within it; then, after the downward fourth 90° bend C14, the fourth vertical segment TV4, in which the steam descends vertically again; then, after the second 180° bend C22, the fifth vertical segment TV5, in which the steam rises vertically; then, after the leftward fifth 90° bend C15, the third horizontal segment TO3, in which the steam travels to the left; then, after the downward sixth 90° bend C16, the final sixth vertical segment TV6, with one or more outlet holes 33 correspondingly positioned therein, and the steam descends vertically again within it, and is selectively discharged from the upper chamber 26 from there through the outlet holes 33.

[0052] It should be noted that the aforementioned path P is very long, for example on the order of approximately 240 mm, or in the range of approximately 230-250 mm, especially when compared to the aforementioned dimensions of the body 12, and this allows any solid residues present in the steam, such as in the form of particles, to separate from the latter before they reach one or more outlet holes 33, so that the latter is not blocked or obstructed, and thus advantageously only steam will leave from the conveyor plate 15 and there will be no potentially harmful solid residues.

[0053] It should also be noted that at least one 180° bend, in this example being a second 180° bend C22, can be much wider than the other bends in path P, forming a wide loop 34. Figure 3 and 4 ( ), where any solid residues still present in the steam can be deposited by gravity as it passes through. Multiple loops 34 may also be provided, each loop 34 associated with a different 180° bend C2.

[0054] The lower chamber 27 extends vertically from the upper surface 35 of the substrate 16 to the portion of the vaporization zone 25 where the inlet hole 29 is located, and extends horizontally between the second sidewall 20 and the third sidewall 21.

[0055] The lower chamber 27 is wide enough, for example, approximately 13,000 mm. 3This is to enable optimal collection of any solid residues, including limestone, present in the water introduced into the body 12 through the inlet hole 29 by gravity.

[0056] On one side of the lower chamber 27, corresponding to the second sidewall 20, there is an entry hole 36. Figure 1 , 3 (and 4), through which the same lower chamber 27 can be accessed to remove any solid residue deposited on its inner surface, particularly on the upper surface 35 of the substrate 16.

[0057] Advantageously, the upper surface 35 is inclined at an angle α (a few degrees) toward the inlet hole 36 relative to a plane parallel to the lower surface 37 of the substrate 16. Figure 4 For example, from about 1° to about 8°, preferably between 2° and 8°, the lower surface 37 is horizontal during use and includes protruding elements 39, such as ribs, that project from the same upper surface 35 toward the interior of the lower chamber 27.

[0058] The main body 12 is selectively composed of plate 40 ( Figure 1 and 2 The enclosure, preferably made of metal such as steel, aluminum or other suitable metal, serves as a waterproof cover for the vaporization zone 25, the upper chamber 26, and the lower chamber 27. The plate 40 is substantially identical to the first sidewall 17 and is parallel to it when in the closed position.

[0059] Heating component 13 ( Figure 1 ) includes a tubular element 41 formed in a new and original manner, which contains one or more resistors 42 ( Figure 3 and 4 The resistor is adapted to rapidly heat the body 12 so that water introduced into the evaporation zone 25 through the inlet hole 29 is immediately converted into steam. One or more resistors 42 are externally terminated at two electrical terminals 43. Figure 1 and 5 ).

[0060] Tubular element 41 ( Figure 1 The tubular element 41 includes a generally straight and horizontal first segment 45 inserted or embedded in the substrate 16, and a second segment 46 bent 90° to remain parallel to the lower surface 37 and also inserted or embedded in the substrate 16 near the second sidewall 20. The tubular element 41 also includes a third segment 48 bent upwards by 90°, a straight and vertical fourth segment 49, a fifth segment 50 bent 90° to the right, i.e., toward the third sidewall 21, a straight and horizontal sixth segment 51, a seventh segment 52 bent downwards in an S-shape, and a straight and horizontal eighth segment 53. Segments 49, 50, 51, 52, and 53 of the tubular element 41 may correspond to or be inserted into or incorporated above the inlet hole 29 within the first sidewall 17.

[0061] It should be noted that, in this manner, the heating element 13 is in direct contact with the upper part of the substrate 16 and the first sidewall 17, thereby optimizing the heating of the body 12 in the vaporization zone and the steam path to the outlet. In fact, this allows the entire body 12 to be heated very quickly and uniformly, and thus achieves instantaneous steam generation once water enters the vaporization zone 25 through the inlet hole 29.

[0062] It should also be noted that the body 12 has a sufficiently large metallic mass, such as in the order of 180-220 grams, for example, about 200 grams, to ensure excellent thermal inertia, so that one or more resistors 42 will not be frequently switched on and off, which would damage them and / or reduce their duration.

[0063] Conveyor plate 15 ( Figures 1 to 5 The steam can be made of metal or a suitable plastic material, such as a technopolymer, and includes one or more delivery holes 55 in its upper part, for example, the number of which is equal to and aligned with one or more outlet holes 33, through which steam can selectively exit and, for example, be directed toward or evaporate towards the object to be ironed.

[0064] According to one variation, not shown in the accompanying drawings but readily understood by those skilled in the art, a slot, for example, arranged vertically, can be provided instead of one or more delivery holes 55.

[0065] The conveyor plate 15 may also have one or more through holes 56, for example two, corresponding to the inlet holes 36 of the lower chamber 27, through which the lower chamber can be accessed for cleaning, for example by injecting water into the lower chamber and / or using any suitable tool. The one or more through holes 56 may be fitted with any known type of removable closure plug not shown in the figures.

[0066] An embodiment of this invention provides that the conveyor plate 15 can be easily detached from the body 12, and a sealing member 57, such as a gasket made of a heat-resistant material like rubber or silicone, is inserted between them. In particular, the sealing member 57 includes a through aperture 59 corresponding to one or more conveying holes 55 and one or more through holes 56.

[0067] According to the second embodiment, Figure 6 , 7 The steam generator 110 according to the present invention, schematically shown in Figure 8, is very similar to the steam generator 10 described above, except for the following:

[0068] The conveyor plate 15 includes a single lower opening 111, rather than one or more through openings 56, which is substantially the same width as the inlet opening 36 of the lower chamber 27 and can be selectively closed by a cover 112.

[0069] This makes it easier for users, for example, to access the lower hole 27 to clean it and remove any solid residue present therein.

[0070] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the iron 11 ( Figure 9 The device includes a housing body 60, which is hollow inside and shaped to have an upper part 61 and a lower part 62, in which steam generators 10 and 110 are disposed, and the lower part 62 defines a handle 63, which is adapted to be gripped by a user with one hand.

[0071] The upper part 61 and lower surface 37 of the base plate 16 of the steam generators 10 and 110 are configured to be positioned on a substantially horizontal plane during use, while the lower part 62 and handle 63 are positioned on a substantially vertical plane, or inclined at about 8°-12° relative to the vertical plane, about 11° in the example case, so as to form an obtuse angle with the horizontal plane on which the lower surface 37 is located.

[0072] Inside the housing 60 are: a control unit 65, which may include or consist of a microcontroller or microprocessor and is configured to command the energization of the resistor 42 and the delivery of water in the vaporization zone 25 through the inlet port 29; a tank 32 for water; and a conduit 31 that connects the latter to the connector 30, for example via a pump 66, which is controlled by the control unit 65 and is also located inside the housing 60.

[0073] According to one variant, tank 32 and pump 66 can be located outside the housing body 60.

[0074] A command component 67 connected to the control unit 65 is provided on the handle 63, and the user can control the steam delivery through the command component 67. The command component 67 can be mechanical, such as a button, or electronic, such as a touch-sensitive one.

[0075] The operation of the steam generators 10 and 110 described above includes an activation step, wherein a user acting on the command component 67 commands the resistor 42 to be energized and water to be introduced into the vaporization zone 25 of the body 12 through the inlet hole 29 via the control unit 65, thereby generating steam in the same vaporization zone 25; thus, the steam will flow in the path P until it escapes through one or more outlet holes 33 and from there reaches the outside of the conveyor plate 15 through the conveying hole 55.

[0076] It is obvious that modifications and / or additions can be made to the components of the steam generators 10 and 110 and the standing iron 11 as described above without departing from the scope and range of the present invention as defined in the claims.

[0077] It is also clear that although the present invention has been described with reference to some specific examples, those skilled in the art will certainly be able to implement other equivalent forms of steam generators and standing irons having the features set forth in the claims, and therefore all fall within the scope of protection defined herein.

[0078] In the following claims, the references in parentheses are for the sole purpose of facilitating their reading and should not be considered as limiting factors regarding the scope of protection defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A steam generator (10, 110) for a domestic appliance, said steam generator being configured to assume, during use, a substantially vertical working position, wherein, The steam generator (10, 110) includes a body (12) that is substantially parallelepiped in shape, the body (12) having a base plate (16) and a first sidewall (17), the base plate (16) having a predetermined length (LU) and a predetermined width (LA), the first sidewall (17) being perpendicular to the base plate (16) and having a predetermined height (H); wherein the body (12) is shaped to define a vaporization zone (25) and a path (P) for steam inside, and includes an inlet hole (29) disposed corresponding to the vaporization zone (25) and configured to allow water to be introduced therein and one or more outlet holes (33) configured to allow steam to exit from the body (12), characterized in that the predetermined height (H) is greater than at least one of the predetermined length (LU) or the predetermined width (LA), thereby the body (12) is configured to be in a substantially vertical position when the household appliance is in the substantially vertical operating position.

2. The steam generator (10, 110) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The vaporization zone (25) and the inlet hole (29) are located at the substantially center of the body (12).

3. The steam generator (10, 110) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The body (12) includes one or more inner walls (22, 23, 24) shaped to define an upper chamber (26) and a lower chamber (27), the upper chamber (26) being substantially disposed above the inlet hole (29) and defining the path (P) for steam, and the lower chamber (27) being disposed below the inlet hole (29) and configured to collect any solid residues, including scale, present in the water introduced into the body (12).

4. The steam generator (10, 110) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The lower chamber (27) extends vertically from the upper surface (35) of the substrate (16) to the lowest part of the portion where the inlet hole (29) of the vaporization zone (25) is located, and extends horizontally between the second sidewall (20) and the third sidewall (21) of the body (12) parallel to the second sidewall (20).

5. The steam generator (10, 110) according to claim 4, characterized in that, Said lower chamber (27) is sufficiently wide, about 13000 mm 3 to allow the optimal collection, by gravity fall, of any solid residues, including scale, present in the water introduced into the body (12) through the inlet hole (29) or generated in the vaporization zone (25).

6. The steam generator (10, 110) according to claim 4, characterized in that, On one side of the lower chamber (27), corresponding to the second sidewall (20), there is an access hole (36) through which the lower chamber (27) can be accessed to remove any solid residue deposited on the inner surface of the lower chamber (27).

7. The steam generator (10, 110) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The upper surface (35) is inclined at an angle (α) of 1° to 8° toward the inlet hole (36) relative to a plane parallel to the lower surface (37) of the substrate (16), and the lower surface (37) is horizontal during use.

8. The steam generator (10, 110) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The upper surface (35) includes a protruding element (39) that protrudes from its interior toward the lower chamber (27).

9. The steam generator (10, 110) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The path (P) between the vaporization zone (25) and the one or more outlet holes (33) includes multiple vertical sections (TV) and horizontal sections (TO) connected to each other by 90° bends (C1) and 180° bends (C2), allowing steam to alternately rise and fall vertically and move horizontally from one part of the upper chamber (26) to another.

10. The steam generator (10, 110) according to claim 9, characterized in that, The path (P) from the vaporization zone (25) to the one or more outlet holes (33) sequentially includes: a first vertical section (TV1) causing the steam to rise vertically during use; then, after a first 90° bend to the left (C11), a first horizontal section (TO1) causing the steam to travel to the left; then, after a second 90° bend downward (C12), a second vertical section (TV2) causing the steam to descend vertically again; then, after a first 180° bend (C21), a third vertical section (TV3) causing the steam to rise vertically; then, after a third 90° bend to the right (C13), a second horizontal section (TO2) causing the steam to travel to the right; then... Then, after the downward fourth 90° bend (C14), the fourth vertical section (TV4) causes the steam to descend vertically again; then, after the second 180° bend (C22), the fifth vertical section (TV5) causes the steam to rise vertically; then, after the leftward fifth 90° bend (C15), the third horizontal section (TO3) causes the steam to travel to the left; then, after the downward sixth 90° bend (C16), the final sixth vertical section (TV6) is formed, with one or more outlet holes (33) positioned corresponding to the sixth vertical section (TV6), causing the steam to descend vertically again and selectively exit from the upper chamber (26) through the outlet holes (33).

11. The steam generator (10, 110) according to claim 9, characterized in that, At least one of the 180° bends (C2) is much wider than the other bends of the path (P) and forms a wide loop (34) in which any solid residues still present in the steam can be deposited by gravity as the steam passes through the loop (34).

12. The steam generator (10, 110) according to claim 1, characterized in that, It includes at least one heating element (13) having at least one portion associated with or incorporated into the body (12) for selectively heating the body, the heating element (13) including a tubular element (41) containing one or more resistors (42) therein, the one or more resistors being adapted to rapidly heat the body (12) to ensure that water introduced into the vaporization zone (25) through the inlet hole (29) is immediately converted into steam, and the tubular element (41) including at least one first segment (45) inserted into or incorporated into the substrate (16), and another segment (49, 50, 51, 52, 53) inserted into or incorporated into the first sidewall (17) corresponding to or above the inlet hole (29).

13. A household appliance comprising a housing body (60) having an upper portion (61) and a lower handle (63) configured for gripping by a user, characterized in that, The household appliance includes a steam generator (10, 110) installed in the upper part (61) according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

Images