Device for supplying superheated water

Abstract

A device ( 1 ) for supplying superheated water, comprising a container ( 3 ) for containing water, and a heating element ( 5 ) for heating water in the container to a superheated state. During use the water in the container is superheated, by the heating element typically 120 to 140° C. The pressure in the container is suppressing the evaporation of the water If this superheated water is released from the container via a water outlet ( 7 ) for letting out superheated water, it evaporates due to decrease of pressure when leaving the container As a result the increased. The invention is further related to domestic appliance comprising a device for supplying superheated water

1 . A device ( 1 ,  100 ,  200 ,  300 ) for supplying superheated water, comprising
 a container ( 3 ,  103 ,  203 ,  303 ) for containing water,   a heating element ( 5 ,  105 ,  205 ,  305 ) for heating water in the container to a superheated state, and   a water outlet ( 7 ,  107 ,  207 ,  307 ) for letting out superheated water.   
   
   
       2 . A device according to  claim 1 , wherein the container is provided with a water zone ( 17 ,  117 ,  217 ,  317 ) and a steam zone ( 15 , 115 ,  215 ,  315 ), the water outlet ( 7 ,  107 ,  207 ,  307 ) being located in the water zone. 
   
   
       3 . A device according to  claim 1 , wherein the water outlet is connected to an evaporation space ( 210 ) for evaporating superheated water. 
   
   
       4 . A device according to  claim 1 , wherein the device comprises a water inlet ( 11 , 211 ) for letting water into the container ( 3 ,  103 ,  203 ,  303 ), the water inlet being located in the steam zone ( 15 , 115 ,  215 ,  315 ). 
   
   
       5 . A device according to  claim 1 , wherein the water outlet comprises a valve ( 9 ,  109 ,  209 ,  309 ) having an open and a closed position. 
   
   
       6 . A device according to  claim 1 , wherein the device further comprises a steam outlet ( 227 ) located in the steam zone, the water outlet ( 7 ,  107 ,  207 ,  307 ) being in communication with a first transfer path ( 210 ,  310 ) and the steam outlet being in communication with a second transfer path ( 230 ). 
   
   
       7 . A device according to  claim 6 , wherein the first and second transfer path are joined to a mutual transfer path ( 242 ). 
   
   
       8 . A domestic appliance comprising a device ( 1 ,  100 ,  200 ,  300 ) according to  claim 1 . 
   
   
       9 . A domestic appliance according to  claim 8 , wherein the domestic appliance is a boiler ironing system further comprising an iron ( 320 ) having a sole plate opening ( 328 ) for letting out steam, the system having a communication unit ( 310 ) for transporting an output of superheated water from the water outlet ( 307 ) to the sole plate opening. 
   
   
       10 . A domestic appliance according to  claim 9 , wherein the domestic appliance is a garment care system further comprising a steamer having a steamer opening for letting out steam, the system having a communication unit for transporting an output of superheated water from the water outlet to the steamer opening. 
   
   
       11 . A method for generating steam using a device ( 1 ,  100 ,  200 ,  300 ) for supplying superheated water, comprising
 a container ( 3 ,  103 ,  203 ,  303 ) for containing water,   a heating element ( 5 ,  105 ,  205 ,  305 ) for heating water in the container to a superheated state, and   a water outlet ( 7 ,  107 ,  207 ,  307 ) for letting out superheated water   wherein the water outlet comprises a valve ( 9 ,  109 ,  209 ,  309 ) having an open and a closed position,
 the method comprising the steps of 
 providing a water level in the container such that the water outlet is at least partially below the water level and 
 heating water to a superheated state, after that 
 using the valve in the open position