Steam generator for a household appliance, such as a vaporizer, an iron, or similar products

Abstract

A steam generator (10) for a household appliance, preferably for a vertical iron, configured to assume, during use, a substantially vertical work position. The steam generator (10) comprises a main body (12) substantially in the shape of a parallelepiped and shaped so that it internally defines a vaporization zone (25) and a path (P) for the steam. The main body (12) comprises both an inlet aperture (29) disposed in correspondence with the vaporization zone (25) and configured to allow the introduction of water therein, and one or more outlet apertures (33), configured to allow steam to exit from the main body (12).

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a steam generator configured to generate steam substantially instantaneously and installable in a household appliance, such as a vaporizer, an iron, or similar products, preferably for irons, in particular of a vertical type for both domestic and professional use, which can be used mainly to iron, cool, or clean, through the use of steam, items of clothing, garments, curtains, or other objects, which are usually hung and hang vertically downwards.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Several steam generators are known to generate steam almost instantaneously, which are used in household appliances and in particular in irons, in particular in those of the vertical type, normally used to iron, or treat, through the use of steam, garments, items of clothing, curtains, or other objects, which are usually hung and hang vertically downwards. These irons allow for quick and easy ironing, or refreshing of items of clothing, by selectively dispensing steam to the garments themselves, without the need to use a horizontal ironing board, or table top.

[0003] The known steam generators normally comprise a main body, usually metallic, having substantially the shape of a parallelepiped with a substantially rectangular base, of rather small dimensions, with a width and length substantially equal to each other, of about 60 to 70 mm, and a much smaller height. The main body contains therein a vaporization chamber having a rather limited vaporization zone.

[0004] A heating member is internally associated with the main body, which normally comprises one or more electrical resistances, and externally a delivery or ironing plate, provided with steam delivery holes. The heating member, when selectively activated, 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 a path for the steam and develops between an inlet aperture for the introduction of the water and one or more outlet apertures for the outflow of the steam. The path for the steam is defined by a plurality of walls or partitions present inside the main body.

[0006] A disadvantage of the known steam generators is that the steam circulation channel has an irregular and rather convoluted development with a plurality of restrictions and edges in which scales and limescale and / or mineral deposits can form.

[0007] These scales and deposits can both affect the steam circulation channel walls and spread to other operating components of the steam generator, for example in the delivery unit, as well as lead to further inconveniences, such as: compromise the quality of the steam, until, in the worst cases, water leaks from the ironing plate; clog the steam circulation channel and / or the section of the delivery holes of the delivery unit. spray limescale particles and / or other solid residues present in the steam jet delivered directly on the garments during the ironing step.

[0008] In addition, the known steam generators generally have a small vaporization zone of the vaporization chamber, so the presence of such deposits leads to a significant loss of efficiency and performance of the steam generator as a whole.

[0009] In addition, in the known steam generators, due to the presence of restrictions and / or edges in the steam circulation channel, the complete removal of solid residues, including limescale, by means of the known cleaning or washing methods is also complicated. It follows that, even after cleaning or washing operations, small and medium-sized particles or flakes of limescale can remain attached to the walls of the steam circulation channel and detach undesirably and randomly, so they are then dragged by the flow of steam toward the delivery plate, increasing the drawbacks described above.

[0010] There is therefore the need to perfect a steam generator that can overcome at least one of the disadvantages of the state of the art.

[0011] To do this, it is necessary to solve the technical problem of totally preventing, or limiting as much as possible, that any limescale particles and / or other solid residues, present in the water injected into the steam generator, may arrive at the delivery plate, to eliminate, or at least minimize, the presence of the aforesaid particles in the steam circulation channel and, above all, in the delivery holes of the delivery plate.

[0012] In particular, one purpose of the present invention is to realize a steam generator and to develop the relative method for a household appliance, such as a vaporizer, an iron, or similar products, preferably for irons, in particular of the vertical type, which can guarantee an excellent quality of the generated steam over time and in which the evaporation step, i.e. steam generation, takes place completely and in the shortest possible time.

[0013] Another purpose of the present invention is to realize a steam generator and to develop the relative method for a household appliance of the type defined above, which allows to avoid the leakage of limescale and / or other solid residues, from the steam delivery holes of the delivery plate, which could compromise the result of the ironing process, soiling the ironed elements.

[0014] Another purpose of the present invention is to realize a steam generator and to develop the relative method for a household appliance of the type defined above that allows both efficiency and overall performance to be maintained over time, avoiding rapid wear of the operating components thereof.

[0015] A further purpose of the present invention is to realize a steam generator and to develop the relative method for a household appliance of the type defined above, with which it is possible to carry out an effective cleaning, washing, or descaling process of the solid residues, including limescale, that may have formed therein.

[0016] The Applicant has devised, tested and embodied the present invention to overcome the shortcomings of the state of the art and to obtain these and other purposes and advantages.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0017] The present invention is set forth and characterized in the independent claim. The dependent claims describe other characteristics of the present invention or variants to the main inventive idea.

[0018] In accordance with the above purposes , and to resolve the technical problem disclosed above in a new and original way, also achieving considerable advantages compared to the state of the prior art, a steam generator according to the present invention for a household appliance, preferably for a vertical type iron, configured to assume, during use, a substantially vertical work position, comprises a main body substantially in the shape of a parallelepiped having a base plate with a certain length and a certain width, and a first lateral wall, perpendicular to the base plate and having a certain height. In particular, the aforesaid main body is shaped so that it internally defines a vaporization zone and a path for the steam, and comprises both an inlet aperture disposed in correspondence with the aforesaid vaporization zone and configured to allow the introduction of water therein, and also one or more outlet apertures, configured to allow steam to exit from the aforesaid main body.

[0019] The vaporization zone may extend substantially along the first lateral wall below the inlet aperture and possibly also on the upper surface of the base plate.

[0020] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the aforesaid certain height is greater than at least one of either the aforesaid certain length and the aforesaid certain width, whereby the aforesaid main body is configured to assume a substantially vertical position when the aforesaid household appliance assumes the aforesaid substantially vertical work position. Preferably the aforesaid certain height is at least twice as long as at least one of either the aforesaid certain length and the aforesaid certain width.

[0021] In doing so, at least the advantage is obtained that any solid residues, including limescale, present in the water introduced into the aforesaid main body through the aforesaid inlet aperture, being obviously heavier than steam, fall by gravity downwards and do not go upwards along the aforesaid steam path.

[0022] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the aforesaid inlet aperture is disposed in a substantially central position of the aforesaid main body.

[0023] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the aforesaid main body comprises one or more internal walls shaped so as to define both an upper chamber disposed substantially above the inlet aperture and which defines the aforesaid path for the steam, and also a lower chamber disposed below the inlet aperture and configured to collect solid residues, including limescale, possibly present in the water introduced into the main body.

[0024] These last aspects further favour the fall by gravity of any solid residues, including limestone, in the aforesaid lower chamber.

[0025] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the aforesaid lower chamber extends vertically from an upper surface of the aforesaid base plate to the lowest part of the portion of the aforesaid vaporization zone in which said outlet aperture is located, and extends horizontally between the aforesaid second lateral wall and a third lateral wall of the aforesaid main body, parallel to the aforesaid second lateral wall.

[0026] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the aforesaid lower chamber is sufficiently wide, of the order of approximately 13000 mm 3< , for example comprised between 12000~14000 mm 3< , to allow an optimal collection, by gravitational fall, of any solid residue, including limescale, present in the water introduced into the aforesaid main body through the aforesaid inlet aperture.

[0027] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, on one side of the aforesaid lower chamber, in correspondence with the aforesaid second lateral wall, there is an access aperture through which it is possible to access the aforesaid lower chamber in order to remove any solid residues deposited on the internal surfaces thereof.

[0028] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the aforesaid upper surface is inclined by an angle of a few degrees, preferably from about 1° to about 8°, toward the aforesaid access aperture with respect to a plane parallel to a lower surface of the aforesaid base plate, which during use is horizontal.

[0029] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the aforesaid upper surface comprises a raised element protruding therefrom toward the inside of the aforesaid lower chamber.

[0030] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the aforesaid path between the aforesaid vaporization zone and the aforesaid one or more outlet apertures comprises a plurality of vertical segments and horizontal segments, connected to each other by 90° bends and 180° bends, so that the steam can alternately rise and fall vertically, as well as move horizontally from one part of the aforesaid upper chamber to the other.

[0031] In accordance with the aforesaid path, starting from said vaporization zone and up to said one or more outlet apertures, comprises in sequence: a first vertical segment so that, during use, the steam rises vertically; then, after a first 90° bend to the left, a first horizontal segment, so that the steam goes to the left; then, after a second 90° bend downward, a second vertical segment, so that the steam descends vertically again; then, after a first 180° bend, a third vertical segment, so that the steam rises vertically; then, after a third 90° bend to the right, a second horizontal segment, so that the steam goes to the right; then, after a fourth 90° bend downward, a fourth vertical segment, so that the steam descends vertically again; then, after a second 180° bend, a fifth vertical segment, so that the steam rises vertically; then, after a fifth 90° bend to the left, a third horizontal segment, so that the steam goes to the left; and then, after a sixth 90° bend downward, a final sixth vertical segment, in correspondence with which the aforesaid one or more outlet apertures are located, so that the steam descends vertically again and from here selectively exits from the aforesaid upper chamber through said outlet apertures.

[0032] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, at least one of the aforesaid 180° bends is much wider than the other bends of the aforesaid path and creates a wide loop in which any solid residues still present in the steam can settle by gravitational fall when it passes through there.

[0033] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the steam generator also comprises at least one heating member having at least one part associated with, or incorporated into, the aforesaid main body to heat it selectively; in particular, the aforesaid heating member comprises a tubular element containing inside it one or more electrical resistors suitable to rapidly heat the aforesaid main body to ensure that the water introduced into the aforesaid vaporization zone through the aforesaid inlet aperture is instantly transformed into steam; in addition, the aforesaid tubular element comprises at least one first segment, inserted, or incorporated, inside the aforesaid base plate, and at least another segment inserted, or incorporated, inside the aforesaid first lateral wall in correspondence with or above the aforesaid inlet aperture.

[0034] In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, a method for producing a steam generator for a household appliance, preferably for a vertical iron, configured to assume, during use, a substantially vertical work position, comprises a manufacturing step in which a main body is created, substantially in the shape of a parallelepiped having a base plate with a certain length and a certain width, and a first lateral wall, perpendicular to the aforesaid base plate and having a certain height, shaping the aforesaid main body so that it internally defines a vaporization zone and a path for the steam, and comprising both an inlet aperture disposed in correspondence with the aforesaid vaporization zone and configured to allow the introduction of water therein, and one or more outlet apertures configured to allow steam to exit from the aforesaid main body. Furthermore, the aforesaid certain height must be greater than at least one of either the aforesaid certain length and the aforesaid certain width, whereby the aforesaid main body can assume a substantially vertical position when the aforesaid household appliance assumes the aforesaid substantially vertical work position.

[0035] In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, a household appliance, preferably an iron of the vertical type, comprises a containing body provided with an upper part and with a lower handle configured to be gripped by a user, and a steam generator as defined above, installed in the aforesaid upper part.

[0036] In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, a method for generating steam by means of a household appliance as described in the previous paragraph comprises an activation step, in which a user commands both the introduction of water into said vaporization zone through said inlet aperture and also the heating of said main body, whereby steam is instantly generated in said vaporization zone, which after flowing along said path exits from said main body through said one or more outlet apertures.DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] These and other aspects, characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of some embodiments, given as a non-restrictive example with reference to the attached drawings wherein: fig. 1 is an axonometric view of a first embodiment of a steam generator according to the present invention, represented in exploded form; fig. 2 is a front view of the steam generator of fig. 1; fig. 3 is a section along the line III-III of fig. 2; fig. 4 is a view on enlarged scale of fig. 3; fig. 5 is a left side view of the steam generator of fig. 1; fig. 6 is an axonometric view of a second embodiment of a steam generator according to the present invention, represented in exploded form; fig. 7 is a front view of the steam generator of fig. 6; fig. 8 is a section along the line VIII-VIII of fig. 7; fig. 9 is a schematic side view of a vertical iron on which a steam generator is installed according to the present invention.

[0038] We must clarify that in the present description the phraseology and terminology used, as well as the figures in the attached drawings also as described, have the sole function of better illustrating and explaining the present invention, their function being to provide a non-limiting example of the invention itself, since the scope of protection is defined by the claims.

[0039] To facilitate comprehension, the same reference numbers have been used, where possible, to identify identical common elements in the drawings. It is understood that elements and characteristics of one embodiment can be conveniently combined or incorporated into other embodiments without further clarifications.DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0040] With reference to fig. 1, a steam generator 10 according to the present invention is configured to be mounted on a household appliance, which in the example provided herein, without limitation to the generality, is an iron 11, preferably of a vertical type, schematized in fig. 9 and which will be described in detail later.

[0041] It should be noted that the various arrangements in space of the steam generator 10 and of the iron 11, as well as of the parts thereof, mentioned in this description and in the appended claims, refer, unless otherwise specified, to when they are used for an ironing operation, for example of the vertical type, known per se, i.e. for ironing any garment, item of clothing, curtain, or other object, while the latter is hung and hanging vertically downwards.

[0042] In accordance with a first embodiment, the steam generator 10 (figures 1 to 5) essentially comprises: a main body 12 configured to receive water and instantly transform it into steam; a heating member 13 (fig. 1) associated with the main body 12 and configured to heat the water introduced into the latter and instantly transform it into steam; and a delivery plate 15, configured to selectively deliver the steam generated in the main body 12.

[0043] The main body 12 is preferably metallic, such as steel, aluminium, or other suitable metal, and is substantially in the form of a parallelepiped connected on the corners and edges. The main body 12 comprises both a base plate 16 (figures 1 to 4), which during use is disposed substantially horizontally and has a certain length LU (fig. 3) and a certain width LA (fig. 2), and a first lateral wall 17 disposed perpendicularly to the base plate 16 in correspondence with a larger side 19 of the latter. The main body 12 has a certain height H (fig. 3) which, according to a characteristic of the present invention, is greater than at least one of either the length LU and the width LA. Preferably the height H is much greater, for example at least twice, than the width LA, as in the embodiment in the example described herein.

[0044] Embodiments of the present invention provide that, for example, the length LU is comprised between 60 mm and 90 mm, preferably between 65 mm and 85 mm, the width LA is comprised between 20 mm and 50 mm, preferably between 25 mm and 40 mm, and the height H is comprised between 60 mm and 90 mm, preferably between 65 mm and 85 mm.

[0045] The main body 12 also comprises both a second lateral wall 20, on the left in Figures 3 and 4, substantially perpendicular to the base plate 16 and the first lateral wall 17, to which the delivery plate 15 is associated, and a third lateral wall 21 parallel to the second lateral wall 20.

[0046] The main body 12 also comprises internal walls 22, 23 and 24, in example three although the number could be different, shaped so as to define both a vaporization zone 25 for generating steam, extending from a substantially central position downwards, and an upper chamber 26, having a new and original path P for the steam, which will be described later in detail, and a lower chamber 27 configured for the collection of solid residues, including limestone, possibly present in the water introduced into the main body 12.

[0047] In the first lateral wall 17, in correspondence with the vaporization zone 25, there is an inlet aperture 29 for the introduction of water into the main body 12.

[0048] According to a characteristic aspect of the present invention, the position of the inlet aperture 29 and of the top of the vaporization zone 25 is substantially half the height H of the main body 12. Further, the inlet aperture 29 may be substantially equidistant from the lateral walls 20 and 21.

[0049] The inlet aperture 29 is connectable, by means of a connector 30 (figures 1 and 5), to a duct 31 (fig. 9) for the supply of water, for example connected to a tank 32 for the water, which can be present in the iron 11, or external to it. The connector 30 (figures 1 and 5) may include a maximum pressure relief valve , of any type known and not shown in the drawings. By way of indication, typically the maximum pressure value is less than or equal to about 0.5 bar.

[0050] In the second lateral wall 20 there are one or more outlet apertures 33 (figures 1, 3 and 4), which in the example provided here are three, vertically aligned, but which could also be fewer or more than three and misaligned with each other.

[0051] The three inner walls 22, 23 and 24 (fig. 4) are shaped so that the steam path P, between the vaporization zone 25 and the one or more outlet apertures 33, comprises 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), 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 the steam can alternately rise and fall vertically, as well as move horizontally from one part to the other of the upper chamber 26, as indicated by the arrows inside the path P.

[0052] In the embodiment described herein, the path P, starting from said vaporization zone 25 and up to the one or more outlet apertures 33, comprises in sequence: a first vertical segment TV1 in which, during use, the steam rises vertically; then, after a first 90° bend to the left C11, a first horizontal segment TO1, in which the steam goes to the left; then, after a second 90° bend downward C12, a second vertical segment TV2, in which the steam descends vertically again; then, after a first 180° bend C21, a third vertical segment TV3, in which the steam rises vertically; then, after a third 90° bend to the right C13, a second horizontal segment TO2, in which the steam goes to the right; then, after a fourth 90° bend downward C14, a fourth vertical segment TV4, in which the steam descends vertically again; then, after a second 180° bend C22, a fifth vertical segment TV5, in which the steam rises vertically; then, after a fifth 90° bend to the left C15, a third horizontal segment TO3, in which the steam goes to the left; and then, after a sixth 90° bend downward C16, a final sixth vertical segment TV6, in correspondence with which the one or more outlet apertures 33 are located and in which the steam descends vertically again and from here selectively exits from the upper chamber 26 through said outlet apertures 33.

[0053] It should be noted that the aforesaid path P is very long, for example of the order of about 240 mm, or in the range of about 230-250 mm, especially if compared to the dimensions, above, of the main body 12, and that this allows any solid residues, for example in the form of particles, present in the steam, to detach from the latter before they reach the one or more outlet apertures 33, so that the latter do not clog or are blocked and therefore advantageously only steam will exit from the delivery plate 15 and not also solid residues that could be harmful.

[0054] It is also noted that at least one 180° bend, in the example case the second 180° bend C22, can be much wider than the other bends of the path P and create a wide loop 34 (Figures 3 and 4) in which any solid residues still present in the vapour can deposit, by gravitational fall as it passes through there. Multiple loops 34 may also be provided, each associated with a different 180° bend C2.

[0055] The lower chamber 27 extends vertically from an upper surface 35 of the base plate 16 to the portion of the vaporization zone 25 in which the inlet aperture 29 is present, and horizontally between the second lateral wall 20 and the third lateral wall 21.

[0056] The lower chamber 27 is sufficiently wide, for example of the order of about 13000 mm 3< , to allow an optimal collection, by gravitational fall, of any solid residue, including limestone, present in the water introduced into the main body 12 through the inlet aperture 29.

[0057] On one side of the lower chamber 27, in correspondence with the second lateral wall 20, there is an access aperture36 (figures 1, 3 and 4) through which it is possible to access the same lower chamber 27 to remove any solid residues deposited on the internal surfaces thereof, in particular on the upper surface 35 of the base plate 16.

[0058] Advantageously, the upper surface 35 is inclined by an angle α (fig. 4), of a few degrees, for example from about 1° to about 8°, preferably between 2° and 8°, toward the access aperture 36 with respect to a plane parallel to a lower surface 37 of the base plate 16, which during use is horizontal, and comprises a raised element 39, for example a rib, or the like, protruding from the same upper surface 35 toward the inside of the lower chamber 27.

[0059] The main body 12 is selectively closed by a plate 40 (figures 1 and 2), preferably of metal, for example of steel, or aluminium, or other suitable metal, which acts as a watertight lid for the vaporization zone 25, the upper chamber 26 and the lower chamber 27. The plate 40 is substantially equal to the first lateral wall 17 and is parallel to the latter when in the closed position.

[0060] The heating member 13 (fig. 1) comprises a tubular element 41 shaped in a new and original way, which contains therein one or more electrical resistors 42 (figures 3 and 4) suitable for rapidly heating the main body 12 to cause the water introduced into the vaporization zone 25 through the inlet aperture 29 to be instantly transformed into steam. The one or more electrical resistors 42 terminate externally with two electrical terminals 43 (figures 1 and 5).

[0061] The tubular element 41 (fig. 1) comprises a first substantially straight and horizontal segment 45, which is inserted, or embedded, within the base plate 16, and a second segment 46 bent at 90° so as to remain parallel to the lower surface 37 and which is also inserted, or embedded, within the base plate 16 near the second lateral wall 20. The tubular element 41 also comprises a third segment 48 bent at 90° upwards, a fourth straight and vertical segment 49, a fifth segment 50 bent at 90° to the right, i.e. toward the third lateral wall 21, a sixth straight and horizontal segment 51, a seventh downward S-shaped bent segment 52 and an eighth straight and horizontal segment 53. The segments 49, 50, 51, 52 and 53 of the tubular element 41 can be inserted, or incorporated, inside the first lateral wall 17 in correspondence with or above the inlet aperture 29.

[0062] It should be noted that, in this way, the heating member 13 is in direct contact with both the base plate 16 and the upper part of the first lateral wall 17, thereby optimizing the heating of the main body 12 both in the vaporization zone and in the vapor path to the outlet. In fact, this allows the entire main body 12 to be heated very quickly and uniformly and thus to obtain a consequent instantaneous generation of steam as soon as the water enters the vaporization zone 25 through the inlet aperture 29.

[0063] It is also noted that the main body 12 has a sufficiently large metal mass, for example of the order of 180-220 grams, for example about 200 grams, to ensure an excellent thermal inertia, whereby the one or more electric resistors 42 are not subject to frequent switching on and off, which could damage them and / or reduce their duration.

[0064] The delivery plate 15 (figures 1 to 5) can be both metallic and of suitable plastic material, for example based on technopolymers, and comprises in the upper part thereof one or more delivery holes 55, for example in number equal to that of the one or more outlet apertures 33 and aligned with the latter, through which the steam can selectively exit and directed, for example, toward the object to be ironed, or vaporize.

[0065] According to a variant, not represented in the drawings but which can be easily understood by a person skilled in the art, instead of the one or more delivery holes 55 a slot can be present, for example disposed vertically.

[0066] In the delivery plate 15 there may also be one or more through-holes 56, for example two, disposed in correspondence with the access aperture 36 of the lower chamber 27, through which it is possible to access the latter to clean it, for example by injecting water into it and / or using any suitable tool. The one or more through-holes 56 may be provided with removable closure plugs, of any type known and not represented in the drawings.

[0067] Embodiments of the present invention provide that the delivery plate 15 is easily removable from the main body 12 and that between them there is interposed a sealing member 57, for example a gasket made of temperature-resistant material, such as rubber, or silicone. In particular, the sealing member 57 comprises through apertures 59 in correspondence with the one or more delivery holes 55 and the one or more through holes 56.

[0068] In accordance with a second embodiment, a steam generator 110 according to the present invention, schematically represented in figures 6, 7 and 8, is very similar to the steam generator 10 described above, except for the following.

[0069] The delivery plate 15, instead of the one or more through-holes 56, comprises a single lower aperture 111, substantially as wide as the access aperture 36 of the lower chamber 27 and selectively closable by a cap 112.

[0070] In this way it is even easier, for example for a user, to access the lower aperture 27 to clean it and remove any solid residues present therein.

[0071] According to embodiments of the present invention, the iron 11 (fig. 9) comprises a containing body 60, internally hollow and shaped so as to have both an upper part 61, in which a steam generator 10, 110 is disposed, and a lower part 62 defining a handle 63, suitable to be gripped by a user with one hand.

[0072] The upper part 61 and the lower surface 37 of the base plate 16 of the steam generator 10, 110 are configured to be disposed, during use, on substantially horizontal planes, while the lower part 62 and the handle 63 are disposed on a substantially vertical plane, or inclined by about 8°-12°, in the case of example about 11° with respect to a vertical plane, so as to form an obtuse angle with the horizontal plane on which the lower surface 37 lies.

[0073] Inside the containing body 60 there are: a control unit 65, for example comprising, or consisting of, a microcontroller, or a microprocessor, and configured both to command the energization of the resistors 42, and the delivery of water in the vaporization zone 25 through the inlet aperture 29; the tank 32 for the water; and the duct 31 that connects the latter to the connector 30, for example by means of a pump 66, controlled by the control unit 65 and also disposed inside the containing body 60.

[0074] According to a variant, the water tank 32 and the pump 66 can be external to the containing body 60.

[0075] On the handle 63 there is a command member 67 connected to the control unit 65 and by means of which the user can control the delivery of steam. This command member 67 can be of a mechanical type, such as a button, or also of the electronic type, for example touch-sensitive.

[0076] The present invention also comprises a method for producing the steam generator 10, 110, comprising a manufacturing step in which at least the main body 12 is made as described above. In the manufacturing step, the heating member 13 and the delivery plate 15 are also made, alternatively.

[0077] The operation of the steam generator 10, 110 described so far, which corresponds to a method for generating steam according to the present invention, comprises an activation step, in which, a user, acting on the command member 67, commands, through the control unit 65, both the energization of the resistors 42, and the introduction of water into the vaporization zone 25 of the main body 12 through the inlet aperture 29, whereby steam is instantly generated in the same vaporization zone 25; consequently the steam will flow in the path P until its escape through the one or more outlet apertures 33 and from here to the outside of the delivery plate 15, through the delivery holes 55.

[0078] It is clear that modifications and / or additions of parts may be made to the steam generator 10, 110, to the vertical iron 11 and to the method as described heretofore, without departing from the field and scope of the present invention, as defined by the claims.

[0079] It is also clear that, although the present invention has been described with reference to some specific examples, a person of skill in the art shall certainly be able to achieve other equivalent forms of steam generators, vertical irons and method for generating steam, having the characteristics as set forth in the claims and hence all coming within the field of protection defined thereby.

[0080] In the following claims, the sole purpose of the references in brackets is to facilitate their reading and they must not be considered as restrictive factors with regard to the field of protection defined by the claims.

Claims

1. Steam generator (10, 110) for a household appliance, preferably for a vertical type iron (11), configured to assume, during use, a substantially vertical work position, wherein said steam generator (10, 110) comprises a main body (12) substantially in the shape of a parallelepiped having a base plate (16) with a certain length (LU) and a certain width (LA), and a first lateral wall (17), perpendicular to said base plate (16) and having a certain height (H); wherein said main body (12) is shaped so as to internally define a vaporization zone (25) and a path (P) for the steam, and comprises both an inlet aperture (29) disposed in correspondence with said vaporization zone (25) and configured to allow the introduction of water therein, and also one or more outlet apertures (33) configured to allow steam to exit from said main body (12), characterized in that said certain height (H) is greater than at least one of either said certain length (LU) or said certain width (LA), whereby said main body (12) is configured to assume a substantially vertical position when said household appliance assumes said substantially vertical work position.

2. Steam generator (10, 110) as in claim 1, characterized in that said vaporization zone (25) and said inlet aperture (29) are disposed in a substantially central position of said main body (12).

3. Steam generator (10, 110) as in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said main body (12) comprises one or more internal walls (22, 23, 24) shaped so as to define both an upper chamber (26) disposed substantially above said inlet aperture (29) and which defines said path (P) for the steam, and also a lower chamber (27) disposed below said inlet aperture (29) and configured to collect any solid residues, including limescale, present in the water introduced into said main body (12).

4. Steam generator (10, 110) as in claim 3, characterized in that said lower chamber (27) extends vertically from an upper surface (35) of said base plate (16) to the lowest part of a portion of said vaporization zone (25) in which said outlet aperture (29) is located, and extends horizontally between said second lateral wall (20) and a third lateral wall (21) of said main body (12), parallel to said second lateral wall (20).

5. Steam generator (10, 110) as in claim 4, characterized in that said lower chamber (27) is sufficiently wide, of the order of about 13000 mm3, to allow an optimal collection, by gravitational fall, of any solid residues, including limescale, present in the water introduced into said main body (12) through said inlet aperture (29) or generated in said vaporization zone (25).

6. Steam generator (10, 110) as in claim 4 or 5, characterized in that on one side of said lower chamber (27), in correspondence with said second lateral wall (20), there is an access aperture (36) through which it is possible to access said lower chamber (27) in order to remove any solid residues deposited on the internal surfaces thereof.

7. Steam generator (10, 110) as in claim 6, characterized in that said upper surface (35) is inclined by an angle (α) of a few degrees, preferably from about 1° to about 8°, toward said access aperture (36) with respect to a plane parallel to a lower surface (37) of said base plate (16), which during use is horizontal.

8. Steam generator (10, 110) as in claim 6 or 7, characterized in that said upper surface (35) comprises a raised element (39) protruding therefrom toward the inside of said lower chamber (27).

9. Steam generator (10, 110) as in any claim from 3 to 8, characterized in that said path (P) between said vaporization zone (25) and said one or more outlet apertures (33) comprises a plurality of vertical segments (TV) and horizontal segments (TO), connected to each other by 90° bends (C1) and 180° bends (C2), so that the steam can alternately rise and fall vertically, as well as move horizontally from one part to the other of said upper chamber (26).

10. Steam generator (10, 110) as in claim 9, characterized in that said path (P), starting from said vaporization zone (25) and up to said one or more outlet apertures (33), comprises in sequence: a first vertical segment (TV1) so that, during use, the steam rises vertically; then, after a first 90° bend to the left (C11), a first horizontal segment (TO1), so that the steam goes to the left; then, after a second 90° bend downward (C12), a second vertical segment (TV2), so that the steam descends vertically again; then, after a first 180° bend (C21), a third vertical segment (TV3), so that the steam rises vertically; then, after a third 90° bend to the right (C13), a second horizontal segment (TO2), so that the steam goes to the right; then, after a fourth 90° bend downward (C14), a fourth vertical segment (TV4), so that the steam descends vertically again; then, after a second 180° bend (C22), a fifth vertical segment (TV5), so that the steam rises vertically; then, after a fifth 90° bend to the left (C15), a third horizontal segment (TO3), so that the steam goes to the left; and then, after a sixth 90° bend downward (C16), a final sixth vertical segment (TV6), in correspondence with which said one or more outlet apertures (33) are located, so that the steam descends vertically again and from here selectively exits from said upper chamber (26) through said outlet apertures (33).

11. Steam generator (10, 110) as in claim 9 or 10, characterized in that at least one of said 180° bends (C22) is much wider than the other bends of said path (P) and creates a wide loop (34) in which any solid residues still present in the steam can deposit, by gravitational fall, when it passes through there.

12. Steam generator (10, 110) as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that it comprises at least one heating member (13) having at least one part associated with, or incorporated into, said main body (12) to heat it selectively, in that said heating member (13) comprises a tubular element (41) containing inside it one or more electrical resistors (42) suitable to rapidly heat said main body (12) to ensure that the water introduced into said vaporization zone (25) through said inlet aperture (29) is instantly transformed into steam, and in that said tubular element (41) comprises at least a first segment (45) inserted, or incorporated, inside said base plate (16), and at least another segment (49, 50, 51, 52, 53) inserted, or incorporated, inside said first lateral wall (17) in correspondence with, or above, said inlet aperture (29).

13. Method for producing a steam generator (10, 110) for a household appliance, preferably for a vertical type iron (11), configured to assume, during use, a substantially vertical work position, wherein said method comprises a manufacturing step in which a main body (12) is created, substantially in the shape of a parallelepiped, having a base plate (16) with a certain length (LU) and a certain width (LA), and a first lateral wall (17), perpendicular to said base plate (16) and having a certain height (H), shaping said main body (12) so that it internally defines a vaporization zone (25) and a path (P) for the steam, and comprises both an inlet aperture (29) disposed in correspondence with said vaporization zone (25) and configured to allow the introduction of water therein, and also one or more outlet apertures (33) configured to allow steam to exit from said main body (12), characterized in that said certain height (H) has to be greater than at least one of either said certain length (LU) or said certain width (LA), so that said main body (12) can assume a substantially vertical position when said household appliance assumes said substantially vertical work position.

14. Household appliance, preferably a vertical type iron (11), comprising a containing body (60) provided with an upper part (61) and a lower handle (63) configured to be gripped by a user, characterized in that it comprises a steam generator (10, 110) as in any claim from 1 to 12, installed in said upper part (61).

15. Method for generating steam by means of a household appliance as in claim 14, characterized in that it comprises an activation step, in which a user commands both the introduction of water into said vaporization zone (25) through said inlet aperture (29), and also the heating of said main body (12), whereby steam is instantly generated in said vaporization zone (25), which after flowing along said path (P) exits from said main body (12) through said one or more outlet apertures (33).

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