DEVICE AND METHOD FOR GENERATING STEAM COMPRISING A CONTAINER FOR COLLECTING SCALE FLAKES

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for generating steam. The device (1) comprises a first plate (2) being inclined at a positive first angle (AO) compared to the horizontal direction (H) to define a first upper end (2a) and a first lower end (2b), a heating element (3) to heat the first plate (2) to a predetermined temperature being at least above water evaporation temperature, a water inlet arrangement (4) for dispensing water onto the first plate (2), a second plate (5) being inclined at a negative second angle (BO) compared to the horizontal direction (H) to define a second upper end (5a) and a second lower end (5b), the second upper end (5a) adjoining the first lower end (2b), and a container (6) extending at least below said first lower end (2b), said container (6) being arranged for collecting scale flakes falling from the first plate (2). This solution allows creating a larger volume for the collection of scale, thus increasing the operating life of the device (1).

Claims

1. A device for generating steam, said device comprising: a first plate being inclined at a positive first angle (A0) compared to the horizontal direction (H) to define a first upper end and a first lower end; a heating element to heat the first plate to a predetermined temperature being at least above water evaporation temperature; a water inlet arrangement for dispensing water onto the first plate; a container extending at least below said first lower end, said container being arranged for collecting scale flakes falling from the first plate; wherein said device also comprises: a second plate being inclined at a negative second angle (B0) compared to the horizontal direction (H) to define a second upper end and a second lower end, the second upper end adjoining the first lower end.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein said container comprises collecting means for retaining the scale flakes while allowing water to filter through.

3. The device of claim 2, wherein the collecting means are any one selected from a group consisting of a perforated plate, a perforated sheet, and a mesh.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein said second upper end and said first lower end form a protrusion from where scale flakes fall off into said container.

5. The device of claim 1, further comprising a heater for generating heat for evaporating water collected by the container into steam.

6. The device of claim 1, further comprising a thermal conduction mechanism for conducting heat to the container from at least one of the heating element and the first plate.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein the container is removeable, and wherein said device further comprises an attachment mechanism to reversibly attach the container to said device.

8. The device of claim 7, wherein the attachment mechanism is adapted to seal the container with said device when the container is attached to said device.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein the first plate has at least one channel extending between the first upper end and the first lower end.

10. The device of claim 1, wherein the water inlet arrangement comprises a water distribution means to distribute water across a substantial width of the first plate.

11. A steaming appliance comprising a device for generating steam according to claim 1.

12. The steaming appliance according to claim 11, comprising a water pump to deliver water to said water inlet arrangement.

13. The steaming appliance according to claim 11, wherein said container comprises an exterior surface with a handling mechanism, the handling mechanism being adapted to allow an user to remove the container from said appliance steaming.

14. The steaming appliance of claim 13, further comprising a housing, wherein said exterior surface is substantially flush with an outer surface of the housing when the container is attached to said device.

15. A method of collecting scale flakes in a device for generating steam, said method comprising: heating a first plate inclined at a positive first angle (A0) compared to the horizontal direction (H), the first plate being heated to a predetermined temperature being at least above water evaporation temperature, the first plate defining a first upper end and a first lower end, wherein the first lower end is adjoining a second upper end of a second plate that is inclined at a negative second angle (B0) compared to the horizontal direction (H); dispensing water on said first plate; and collecting scale flakes falling from the first plate in a container, the container extending at least below said first lower end.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0031] FIG. 1 shows a schematical and partial representation of a cross-sectional side view of a device for generating steam according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional side view of a device for generating steam according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] FIG. 3 is a flow diagram showing another aspect of the present invention.

[0034] FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B show a device according to the present invention in two different situations;

[0035] FIG. 5 shows an inside representation of a device according to the present invention;

[0036] FIG. 6 shows a steaming appliance according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0037] FIG. 1 shows a schematical and partial representation of a cross-sectional side view of a device (1) for generating steam according to an embodiment of the present invention. The device (1) comprises a first plate (2) being inclined at a positive first angle (A0) compared to the horizontal direction (H) to define a first upper end (2a) and a first lower end (2b). The device also comprises a heating element (3) to heat the first plate (2) to a predetermined temperature being at least above water evaporation temperature. For example, the predetermined temperature is in the range 100-300 degrees Centigrade. The device additionally comprises a water inlet arrangement (4) for dispensing water onto the first plate (2). The device further comprises a second plate (5) being inclined at a negative second angle (B0) compared to the horizontal direction (H) to define a second upper end (5a) and a second lower end (5b), the second upper end (5a) adjoining the first lower end (2b) of the first plate (2). The device (1) further comprises a container (6) extending at least below said first lower end (2b), said container (6) being arranged for collecting the scale flakes falling from the first plate (2).

[0038] The angles (A0) and (B0) are in the range 0-90 degrees. For example, value of angle (A0) is 60 degrees, and value of angle (B0) is 60 degrees.

[0039] The first plate (2) and the second plate (5) may be portions of a single body or structure, for instance a casting or formed body. The first plate (2) and the second plate (5) may be joined together to form an integral body or structure.

[0040] The first plate (2) and the second plate (5) are in contact so as to form an arrangement wherein the cumulated angle A0+B0 formed between the first plate (2) and the second plate (5) is less than 180?. The heating element (3) is used to heat up the first plate (2). The heating element (3) extends adjacent to the first plate (2). The heating element (3) extends over a surface smaller than the surface of the first plate (2), as illustrated in FIG. 2, or over a surface almost as large as the surface of the first plate (2). The water inlet arrangement (4) is provided to dispense water onto the first plate (2). Scale is formed by minerals in the water on the first plate (2). The repeated heating (provided by heater (3)) and cooling (when water is dispensed on first plate (2)) causes scale to flake off. The scale flakes are transported down the first plate (by means such as water, steam, and/or gravity). When the scale flakes reach the first lower end (2b) (or second upper end (5a)), the scale flakes fall (due to gravity) in the container (6) positioned vertically beneath the first lower end (2b) (or second upper end (5a)).

[0041] The first plate (2) may form an inclined surface while the second plate (5) may form a reverse inclined surface. The device (1) may be a steam generator.

[0042] Steam which is generated by the evaporation of water exits the device (1) via a steam outlet (17), for example located facing the first plate (2).

[0043] The water may be dispensed onto the first plate (2) proximate said first upper end (2a). The heating element (3) may be referred to as a heater, vice versa.

[0044] The water evaporation temperature depends on the pressure inside the steam generator before or during steaming. The water evaporation temperature may be from about 90 to about 120? C., e.g. from about 95 to 105? C., e.g. about 100? C.

[0045] The first plate (2) may have at least one channel (18) extending between the first upper end (2a) and the first lower end (2b), as illustrated in FIG. 5. The channel (18) may for example correspond to a groove, for example formed in a meshed element (19) covering the first plate (2) and/or the second plate (5). Preferably, the at least one channel (18) comprise a plurality of channels extending parallel, as illustrated.

[0046] When water is dispensed onto a heated first plate (2) it forms a film, the direction of travel of the film relative to the first plate (2) is determined by a combination of the surface tension of the water and gravity. The effect of surface tension can cause the water to migrate transversely across the first plate's surface so that separate rivulets gather and form a thicker film. The presence of channels prevents the water from running to one side and forming a thick rivulet (which requires the device to have a long evaporation length) if the device happens to be tilted during operation; the water is instead caused by gravity to travel down the channel and form a thinner film which will evaporate more quickly and use less energy than if a thicker film is allowed to form. Furthermore, the increased rate of evaporation means that the distance between the upper end (2a) and the lower end (2b) of the heated first plate (2) can be reduced for any given quantity of water dispensed.

[0047] The water inlet arrangement (4) may comprise multiple water inlets to dispense water onto multiple regions of the first plate (2) proximate said upper end (2a). The water being fed onto regions on the surface will cool the surface in those regions and will also cool any scale which has formed on the surface in those regions. Therefore, the scale will be cooled at different rates which will assist in inducing thermal shock which will act to break apart the scale.

[0048] The water inlet arrangement (4) may include one or more jet nozzles.

[0049] Alternatively, the water inlet arrangement may comprises a water distribution means (4b) to distribute water across a substantial width of the first plate. The water distribution means (4b) is for example a plate against which water exiting the jet nozzles (4a) gets into a direct contact.

[0050] FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional side view of a device (1) for generating steam according to another embodiment of the present invention. Like features in this embodiment retain the same reference numerals.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 2 the first plate (2) and the second plate (5) may be joined to form a continuous structure or arrangement. The first plate (2) and the second plate (5) may be different portions of an integral structure, which may be referred to as a steaming element or a steam generator. The first plate (2) may refer to a first planar surface of the integral structure and the second plate (5) may refer to a second planar surface of the integral structure. The first plate (2) and second plate (5) may form a protrusion (7). The protrusion (7) is circled with dotted line on FIG. 2. The protrusion may have a curved tip as shown in FIG. 2 or a pointed tip (not shown).

[0052] FIG. 2 also illustrates the movement of scale flakes (8). Scale is formed on plate (2). As the water is cold relative to the heated surface (2), any scale on the plate (2) will be subjected to thermal shock. That is, the cooling effect of the water (at least until it evaporates) and the heating effect of the surface (2) will induce thermal stresses and strains in any scale that has formed on the surface (2) and cause it to break apart and dislodge from the surface of the first plate (2). The scale will then flake off as scale flakes (8) and travels either towards the protrusion formed by the first plate (2) and the second plate (5), and/or directly be projected on the collecting means (9). The movement of scale flakes (8) is illustrated by two arrows on FIG. 2.

[0053] The container (6) may comprise collecting means (9), such as a mesh, for retaining scale flakes (8) while allowing water to filter through. FIG. 2 shows a mesh (9). The collecting means (9) may also be referred to as a calc collecting means. However, it may be envisioned that the collecting means (9) may also be a perforated plate or a perforated sheet. The container (6) may have a portion that extends deep into the steam generator, i.e. at least below the first lower end (2b) to catch the loose scale flakes (8) dislodged from the first plate (2).

[0054] The container (6) comprises a bottom portion (10) below the collecting means (9). The bottom portion (10) is for collecting the water. The bottom portion (10) may be enclosed along the sides of the bottom portion (10) to hold the water collected. FIG. 2 shows a collecting means (9) which is slightly distant from the bottom portion (10). However, it is understood that the collecting means (9) could be much closer or even in contact with the bottom portion (10). The device may further comprise a further heating element or a further heater (not shown in FIG. 2), which is adapted to generate steam from water collected by the container (6).

[0055] The heat which is necessary to generate steam from water collected by the container (6) may additionally or alternatively be provided by heating element (3a). The device may additionally or alternatively comprise a thermal conduction mechanism (not shown in FIG. 2) adapted to conduct heat to the container (6) from at least one of the heating element (3) and the first plate (2). In other words, the thermal conduction mechanism may be adapted to conduct heat from either the heating element (3) or the first plate (2) or both the heating element (3) and the first plate (2) to the container (6). The thermal conduction mechanism may be a intermediate structure or plate which conducts heat from the heating element (3) or the first plate (2) to the container (6). In one embodiment, the second plate (5) may be the conduction mechanism. The heating of water in container (6) may help generate more steam.

[0056] The second plate (5) allows for space between the first plate (2) and the container (6). A recess is formed between the protrusion and the container (6), which allows more space for the accumulation of scale flakes (8) and efficient scale collection (without increasing the size footprint of the steam generator). The scale flakes (8) falling in the scale flake pile have more possibility of getting redistributed, causing less obstruction for transport and collection of further scale flakes (8).

[0057] The container (6) may be removeable from the device (1). This aspect of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B, showing the container (6) attached to the device (1) and the container (6) detached from the device (1), respectively. To this end, the device may comprise an attachment mechanism (12) to reversibly attach the container (6) to the device (1). The attachment mechanism allows the container (6) to be attached to and be detached from the device (1) with ease. The attachment mechanism may further be adapted to seal the container (6) with said device (1) when the container (6) is attached to said device (1). For instance, the container (6) may include at least one (for example two, as illustrated) latch to secure the container (6) to the device (1) when the device (1) is in operation, i.e. when the plate (2) is being heated. The latch prevents the content, i.e. scale flakes (8), collected by container (6) from being exposed to the external environment during operation. Further, when the container (6) is latched to the device (1), the wall of the container (6) that is in contact with the external environment may be flush with an external surface of the device (1), thus sealing the container (6) with said device (1). The device (1) may further including a sealing mechanism (13) to further reduce leakage of water/steam when the container (6) is attached to the device (1). The sealing mechanism may be a seal around the wall of the container (6) that is being exposed to the external environment.

[0058] In order to increase or maximize the availability of steaming area (which is directly heated by heating element (3)), the container (6) may be attached to an outer cover (11) of the steam generator (1). The attachment mechanism and/or sealing mechanism may be at the outer cover (11). The sealing area of the container (6) may have a lower temperature, improving reliability of the seal against thermal degradation over time.

[0059] Preferably, the container (6) further comprises an exterior surface (15) with a handling mechanism (16), the handling mechanism being adapted to allow an user to remove the container from said appliance. The handling mechanism, e.g. a handle or a grip, allows the user to remove the container from the appliance with greater ease.

[0060] Preferably, the steaming appliance further comprises a housing (14), illustrated in FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B. The external surface (15) of the container (6) may be substantially flush with an outer surface of the housing (14) when the container (6) is attached to the device (1), as illustrated in FIG. 4A.

[0061] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a steaming appliance (200) comprising a device (1) for generating steam as described above. For example, the steaming appliance (200) corresponds to a pressurized steam iron (also called pressurized steam generator), a garment steamer, or a steam iron.

[0062] FIG. 6 illustrates a steaming appliance 200 which corresponds to a pressurized steam iron. The steaming appliance may comprise a water pump (20) to deliver water to said water inlet arrangement (4) from a water reservoir (21). The steaming appliance further comprises a first control unit (22) for controlling the water flow rate of the pump (20) in dependence on the predetermined temperature of the first plate (2). The first control unit (22) may also be used to regulate the electrical power delivered to the heating elements 3 and 3a to optimize the conversion of water into steam. The steaming appliance (200) also comprises a steam iron (201). A hose (23) connects the steam outlet (17) to a secondary steam chamber (202) arranged in the steam iron (201). The hose (23) is adapted to carry steam exiting the steam outlet (17). The secondary steam chamber (202) is heated by an additional heating element (203). The steaming appliance (200) also comprises a second control unit (204) to control the electrical power delivered to the secondary steam chamber (202) and the temperature of the secondary steam chamber (202), so that steam (205) generated by the soleplate (206) of the steaming appliance (200) has optimal characteristics in terms of temperature and/or steam rate for the treatment of garments. The second control unit (204) may also be connected to the first control unit (22) so that parameter of the steam generated by the device (1) can also be control from the steaming appliance (200). The steam iron (200) may be replaced by a garment steamer head (not shown) used to iron garments primarily by a flow of steam projected on garments. It is noted that In case the garment steamer head would not have a heated soleplate, this means that the garment steamer head does not embed a heating element (203). In that case, there is no need to control by the first control unit (22) any heating element in the garment steamer head.

[0063] FIG. 3 shows a flow diagram according to another aspect of the present invention. FIG. 3 shows a method of collecting scale flakes (8) in a device (1) for generating steam. The method comprises: [0064] in S1, heating a first plate (2) inclined at a positive first angle (A0) compared to the horizontal direction (H), the first plate (2) being heated to a predetermined temperature being at least above water evaporation temperature, the first plate (2) defining a first upper end (2a) and a first lower end (2b), the first lower end (2b) adjoining a second upper end (5a) of a second plate (5) that is inclined at a negative second angle (B0) compared to the horizontal direction (H); [0065] in S2, dispensing water on said first plate (2); and [0066] in S3, collecting in a container (6) the scale flakes (8), the container (6) extending at least below said first lower end (2b).

[0067] The first plate (2) and the second plate (5) forms an arrangement wherein the angle between the first plate (2) and the second plate (5) is less than 180?. Water is dispensed onto the first plate (2) which is heated. Steam is generated from the water dispensed on the heated first plate (2). Minerals in the water forms scale on the first plate (2). The repeated heating (when first plate (2) is heated) and cooling (when water is dispensed on the first plate (2)) causes the scale to flake off. The scale flakes (8) travels down the first plate (2) and fall off the protrusion formed by the first plate (2) and the second plate (5), into the container (6) positioned below the first lower end (2b).

[0068] The container (6) may include a collecting means (9) such as a mesh, a perforated plate, a perforated sheet or any suitable structure so that the scale flakes are retained on the collecting means (9). The water may flow through the collecting means (9) and into a bottom portion (10) of the container (6). The collected water may then be heated up to generate more steam.

[0069] The above embodiments as described are only illustrative, and not intended to limit the technique approaches of the present invention. Although the present invention is described in details referring to the preferable embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that the technique approaches of the present invention can be modified or equally displaced without departing from the spirit and scope of the technique approaches of the present invention, which will also fall into the protective scope of the claims of the present invention. 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.