Patent Publication Number: US-10330308-B2

Title: Apparatus for generating steam

Description:
CLAIM OF PRIORITY 
     This invention claims priority to, and the benefit of the earlier filing date of, that patent application filed on Dec. 30, 2015 and afforded Ser. No. 14/902,057, which claimed priority, as a National Stage filing of PCT/EP2014/065190 filed on Jul. 16, 2014 &amp; International Application No. 13178049.6 filed on Jul. 25, 2013, the contents of all of which are incorporated by reference, herein. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to an apparatus for generating steam, particularly but not exclusively to an apparatus for generating steam that may be incorporated into a device for applying steam to an article, such as a garment or linen. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Many devices use steam to treat garments and other objects to remove wrinkles, for cleaning or for other purposes. For example, a steam iron discharges steam from a soleplate onto a garment to help remove wrinkles. In another example, a steam cleaner may comprise a hose with a steam applicator that a user moves to direct steam onto fabrics, such as curtains or upholstery. Typically these devices comprise a steam generator that heats and evaporates water to produce the required steam. Many other applications also require steam, such as a steamer for heating food or a steam cabinet for sterilizing objects. Such devices typically go through periods of use followed periods of non-operation and this causes regular heating and then cooling of the device. 
     There are two common ways to evaporate water within such devices to produce steam: firstly, water can be pooled and heated to beyond boiling point to produce steam; secondly, water can be sprayed or dropped onto a heated evaporation surface which evaporates the water droplets as the water contacts the evaporation surface and creates a film which is of water on the evaporation surface. In both cases, evaporation of the water results in scale accumulating on evaporation surfaces where the evaporation occurs. Scale forms when water is evaporated and impurities and other substances which were dissolved in the water are left behind and form solid compounds. All non-ionized water will have such impurities, but scale is particularly common in areas where the mains water supply is hard water, i.e. it contains a relatively high level of impurities such as calcium and magnesium. 
     Presently, scale must be removed from devices to maintain performance and reliability. Scale accumulation on evaporation surfaces within the device will detrimentally affect the heating performance of the device because the scale will act to insulate the heating elements and may also block passageways. In many cases scale will accumulate on the heating element as this is where the evaporation occurs. The scale may be retained on the heating element or evaporation surface or it may flake off and be loose within the device. 
     Moreover, as water is heated it may react with any accumulated scale and this can result in a foam substance being produced and the heated water and steam may also carry impurities such as small bits of scale. This foam and/or impurities that may be carried by the steam can mark and stain any garment or other material which is being treated as well as cause blockages in other parts of the device. 
     Presently, scale must be removed by using a cleaning agent, such as a weak acid, or by physically scraping the scale off of the evaporation surfaces. Alternatively, water can be treated before being placed in the device to remove impurities and other dissolved substances and thereby reduce or eliminate the problems of scale. However, all of these methods involve effort and expense and are only partly effective. Scale greatly reduces the lifetime and performance of steam generating devices. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is an object of the invention to provide apparatus for generating steam, a device comprising apparatus for generating steam and a method of generating steam which substantially alleviate or overcome the problems mentioned above. The invention is defined by the independent claims; the dependent claims define advantageous embodiments. 
     According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for generating steam comprising a water inlet, a evaporation surface and a heater disposed adjacent to the evaporation surface to heat said evaporation surface to a predetermined temperature such that water fed onto the evaporation surface via the water inlet forms a film on the evaporation surface and is evaporated, the apparatus being configured so that water is fed to one or more regions of the evaporation surface and the temperature of the water fed onto the evaporation surface is lower than the predetermined temperature, so that scale on the or each region of said evaporation surface to which water is fed cools at a different rate at which water on a remainder of the evaporation surface cools, thereby causing scale on said evaporation surface to break apart and be dislodged from said evaporation surface. 
     Evaporating a film of water from the evaporation surface means that the water is more quickly evaporated into steam. As the film of water being fed onto the evaporation surface is cold relative to the heated evaporation surface, any scale on the evaporation surface 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 evaporation surface will induce thermal stresses and strains in any scale that has formed on the evaporation surface and cause it to break apart and dislodge from the evaporation surface. In effect, the scale will undergo ‘thermal shock’ causing it to break apart and become dislodged. 
     The heated evaporation surface and the water inlet are preferably configured to heat the evaporation surface and feed water to the evaporation surface, respectively, so that scale is dislodged from the evaporation surface once it reaches a predetermined minimum thickness and before it reaches a predetermined maximum thickness to ensure that scale does not accumulate on the evaporation surface. A relatively thick scale layer will experience more thermal shock because the temperature gradient through the scale layer, caused by the heated evaporation surface and the water, will be greater and the scale layer will have less flexibility. A thinner layer of scale will have a lower temperature gradient and greater flexibility, meaning less thermal stress. However, the magnitude of the thermal stress can be increased by ensuring that the heated evaporation surface is kept at a consistently high temperature. Therefore, the heated evaporation surface and the water inlet can be configured such that scale is dislodged from the evaporation surface once it reaches a predetermined minimum thickness and before it reaches a predetermined maximum thickness, ensuring that scale does not accumulate on the evaporation surface. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus includes a controller for controlling the flow of water through the water inlet onto the evaporation surface. The controller may be configured to control the flow of water through the water inlet onto the evaporation surface in dependence on the temperature of said evaporation surface. In certain embodiments, the controller may be configured to control the rate of flow of water through the water inlet, so that substantially all the water fed onto the evaporation surface is evaporated from said evaporation surface. 
     In some embodiments, the controller and/or the water inlet is/are configured to direct the flow of water through the water inlet onto one or more regions of the evaporation surface. If water is fed to discrete or separate locations of the evaporation surface, the water being fed onto the evaporation surface will cool the evaporation surface in those locations and will also cool any scale which has formed on the evaporation surface in those locations. Therefore, the scale will be cooled at different rates which will assist in inducing thermal shock which will act to break apart the scale such that it can fall into the scale collection region. 
     The controller may be operable to direct the flow of water through the water inlet onto separate regions of the evaporation surface at the same time or alternately. Alternately feeding water onto two or more parts of the evaporation surface enables the evaporation surface temperature to increase during the period when water is not being fed onto one part of the evaporation surface. In this way, the temperature of that part of the evaporation surface will increase to induce thermal shock on any scale when water is next fed onto that part of the evaporation surface. Therefore, the water inlet can continuously feed water onto the evaporation surface because there is always at least one part of the evaporation surface that is at a sufficiently high temperature to create thermal shock in any scale. Such an embodiment will ensure that the thermal shock, determined by the temperature of the evaporation surface, will be always be within predetermined minimum and maximum values, regardless of any variation in the usage of the apparatus. 
     Preferably, the apparatus comprises a scale collection region disposed adjacent to the evaporation surface to collect dislodged scale that has fallen from said evaporation surface. Any scale generated by the evaporation process will fall away from the evaporation surface which means that the dislodged scale is moved away from the place where the water is evaporated. Therefore, the scale is moved away from the evaporation surface to a location which is separate from the evaporation process. This means that the steam which is generated will have fewer impurities and the problem of the foaming caused by the scale is also avoided. Moreover, the evaporation surface will not become insulated or damaged by the scale and the heating performance of the apparatus will be maintained over a longer term. The scale collection region can be configured to hold a determined volume of dislodged scale that equates to a certain lifetime or service interval of the product. As all or substantially all the water is evaporated from the evaporation surface, no, or very little, water will enter the scale collection region where the dislodged scale accumulates. This keeps the evaporation of water separate to the accumulation of scale and the disadvantages associated with the evaporation of water in the presence of scale are avoided. 
     The evaporation surface and the scale collection region may be arranged such that the evaporation surface is inclined towards the scale collection region. The incline will allow dislodged scale to more easily fall from the evaporation surface into the scale collection region. Scale will be moved into the scale collection region by the force of gravity, by the film of water which will flow down the incline until it is evaporated, and by the force of the steam being produced by evaporation of the water. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus may comprise a casing which defines a steam chamber, the evaporation surface being formed on an evaporation element which extends into the steam chamber from one side of the casing and the scale collection region being formed within the steam chamber, adjacent to the evaporation element. In this way, the scale collection region and the evaporation surface are formed within a casing that may be used to hold steam under pressure or to direct it towards an applicator or similar application. Scale will accumulate in the scale collection region within the chamber and this region may be designed with a volume sufficient to allow the scale to accumulate without impeding the evaporation process. 
     The evaporation surface may have a shaped, preferably, curved profile. In particular, the evaporation surface may comprise a dome shaped profile. The curved profile of the evaporation surface will make it more difficult for scale to bond to the evaporation surface and will also make it easier for dislodged scale to fall away from the evaporation surface. The curved profile will mean that the scale is more susceptible to thermal shock caused by the cool water and the heated evaporation surface. The curvature of the evaporation surface is a function of the area of the film of water, which depends on the required steam generating capacity of the apparatus. The scale layer will form on the area of the evaporation surface on which the film of water is formed and a smaller area of the evaporation surface for evaporating water will require a smaller curvature, while a larger area of the evaporation surface for evaporation water will require a larger curvature to facilitate efficient scale breakage. Furthermore, dislodged scale is easily able to move over the curved evaporation surface to fall away from the evaporation surface. A dome shaped profile means that water being provided to the evaporation surface will flow substantially evenly over all parts of the evaporation surface so that an even film of water is formed and evaporated. Moreover, a dome shaped profile means that dislodged scale will be pushed down the dome by the film of water and by any steam being produced by the evaporation surface as the steam moves away from the evaporation surface. Therefore, the dome shape of the evaporation surface, the water and the steam will act to push any dislodged scale so that it falls away from the evaporation surface. 
     The evaporation surface may comprise one or more regions with recessed features. The evaporation surface may be provided with recessed regions, such as grooves or dimples, which will act to disturb any bias in the direction that water flows over the evaporation surface. It is advantageous to form a thin film of water over as much of the evaporation surface as possible as this will ensure the water is quickly evaporated, induces maximum thermal shock in any scale on the evaporation surface, and prevents the water from reaching the scale collection region. By providing the evaporation surface with one or more recessed regions the water flow will be spread out more and any prevailing flow will be disturbed and more evenly distributed. 
     The evaporation surface may comprise a wall having varying thickness such that, when the evaporation surface is heated or cooled during use, thermal expansion will cause the size and/or shape of the evaporation surface to change in an irregular manner to further assist in dislodging scale from the evaporation surface. In this way, the expansion and contraction of the evaporation surface will cause any scale formed on the evaporation surface to break apart and become dislodged, so that it can fall away from the evaporation surface. 
     In some embodiments, the apparatus may further comprise a scale collection chamber and a channel disposed such that when the apparatus is rotated from an operational position, in which water is provided to the evaporation surface, into a rest position, in which water is not provided to the evaporation surface, scale dislodged from the evaporation surface will pass along said channel into said scale collection chamber which is configured to retain said scale. In this way, dislodged scale can be moved from the vicinity of the evaporation surface and collected in the scale collection chamber which may be further from the evaporation surface where evaporation takes place. The scale can be moved during use of the device and moving the scale will further reduce any interaction between the water and steam and the accumulated scale. The channel may further comprise an angled member disposed such that scale moving along the channel is able to move in a direction away from the evaporation surface towards the scale collection chamber over a first evaporation surface of the angled member and scale is prevented from moving from the scale collection chamber back towards the evaporation surface by a second evaporation surface of the angled member. 
     The angled member will retain the accumulated scale in the scale collection chamber and therefore separate it from the evaporation surface and the evaporation process. Therefore, the interaction between the water and steam and the accumulated scale is reduced and the previously described problems are further overcome. 
     The scale collection chamber may be openable to allow a user to remove scale from the scale collection chamber. Therefore, a user is able to remove accumulated scale from the scale collection chamber and further increase the operational life of the apparatus and reduce the interaction between the steam and accumulated scale. 
     The heating element may be embedded in the evaporation element proximate to the evaporation surface. By embedding the heating element proximate to the evaporation surface the lag time between the heater being turned on and the evaporation surface reaching the required temperature is reduced, which allows the apparatus to react quickly to the evaporation surface being cooled and maintain a sufficiently high temperature. Moreover, the proximity of the embedded heater to the evaporation surface will increase the thermal shock imposed on any scale which is on the evaporation surface. This will help to break apart and dislodge that scale so that it can fall away from the evaporation surface. 
     The apparatus may further comprise a sensor to determine the temperature of the evaporation surface and a controller configured to operate the heating element in dependence on the determined temperature of the evaporation surface. Therefore, the apparatus is able to maintain a consistent high temperature in the evaporation surface and evaporate water at the desired rate as well as induce thermal shock in any scale on the evaporation surface. Moreover, maintaining a consistent high temperature will ensure that substantially all of the water being provided to the evaporation surface is evaporated on the evaporation surface and does not reach the scale collection region where scale accumulates. 
     According to another aspect of the invention, there may be provided a steam iron comprising the apparatus for generating steam according to the invention. 
     According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for dislodging scale from an evaporation surface in an apparatus for generating steam that comprises a water inlet, a evaporation surface and a heater disposed adjacent to the evaporation surface, the method including the step of heating said evaporation surface to a predetermined temperature and feeding water having a temperature lower than said predetermined temperature onto one or more regions of the evaporation surface so that scale on the or each region of said evaporation surface to which water is fed cools at a different rate to a rate at which scale on a remainder of the evaporation surface cools, thereby inducing thermal stress and/or strain in scale present on said evaporation surface that causes scale to break apart and be dislodged from said evaporation surface. 
     These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  shows a device for generating steam which is known from U.S. Pat. No. 5,613,309; 
         FIG. 2  shows a cross-section of apparatus for generating steam according to the invention; 
         FIG. 3  shows a top view of a part of the apparatus of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4 a    shows a cross-section of an embodiment of apparatus for generating steam, having an evaporation surface with a recessed region; 
         FIG. 4 b    shows a cross-section of an embodiment of apparatus for generating steam, having an evaporation surface with a plurality of recessed regions; 
         FIG. 5 a    shows a cross-section of a steam iron, having the apparatus of  FIGS. 2 and 3 , disposed in an operational position; 
         FIG. 5 b    shows the steam iron of  FIG. 4  disposed in a rest position. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
       FIG. 1  shows a steam iron  1  which is known from patent document U.S. Pat. No. 5,613,309. The steam iron  1  comprises a soleplate  2  with a series of openings  3  through which steam can pass to be imparted onto garments being ironed. The steam iron  1  has a steam generating chamber  4  positioned centrally above the soleplate  2  and a steam channel  5  which extends around the soleplate  2  and connects the steam generating chamber  4  with the openings  3 . A heating element  6  extends around the side edge  7  of the steam generating chamber  4  to evaporate water in the steam generating chamber  4 . 
     The steam generating chamber  4  comprises a water drop dispensing device  8  that feeds water droplets from a water reservoir into the steam generating chamber  4  where the water is evaporated. The steam generating chamber  4  also includes a baffle device  9 , which, for clarity, is shown positioned within the steam generating chamber  4  and also removed from the steam iron  1 . The baffle device  9  has two opposing inclined evaporation surfaces  10 ,  11  joined at a ridge  12  which is positioned below the water drop dispensing device  8 . The baffle device  9  acts to separate the water droplets substantially evenly so that water flows down both inclined evaporation surfaces  10 ,  11  of the baffle device  9  and accumulates within the steam generating chamber  4  at the bottom of the baffle device  9 , against the side edge  7  of the steam generating chamber  4  where the heater  6  is positioned. Therefore, the water is evaporated into steam on the inclined evaporation surfaces  10 ,  11  of the baffle device  9  and from pools formed at the bottom of the inclined evaporation surfaces  10 , 11 , against the side edge  7  of the chamber  4  and the heating element  6 . 
     However, because the water is evaporated on the inclined evaporation surfaces  10 ,  11  of the baffle device  9  and in pools formed in the bottom of the steam generating chamber  4 , against the heating element  6 , scale will form and accumulate in these regions. As scale accumulates the evaporation rate of the device will fall as scale acts to insulate the heating element  6  and reduce the heat transfer rate from the heating element  6  to the inclined evaporation surfaces  10 , 11  and subsequently the water. Eventually, unless cleaned and maintained, the device will stop working as the heating element  6  will overheat or will not be able to transfer enough heat energy to evaporate the water and produce steam. Furthermore, because scale will accumulate in the same location as the water is boiled and evaporated, the evaporated steam will carry particles and foam will be generated by water and steam reacting with the accumulated scale, as previously explained. 
     The lifetime of the device described with reference to  FIG. 1  will be limited by the scale which will accumulate on the heated evaporation surfaces within the steam generating chamber  4 . 
       FIG. 2  shows an example of apparatus for generating steam  13  according to the invention. The apparatus  13  comprises a casing formed of a first part  14  and a second part  15  which attach to each other via bolts which extend through a flange  16  on the outer edge of each part  14 ,  15  to form an internal steam chamber  17 . In this example, the first and second parts  14 ,  15  of the casing are circular in shape and joined around a circumferential flange  16 , although it will be appreciated that the casing  14 ,  15 , and the steam chamber  17 , may be any shape, for example the casing may be square, triangular or any other shape. The joint between the first and second parts  14 ,  15  of the casing may include a rubber seal  18  or gasket that is positioned between the flanges  16  of each of the first and second parts  14 ,  15  so that the steam chamber  17  is sealed. Steam is generated within the steam chamber  17  and this may result in medium or high pressure steam, depending on the application of the device. Therefore, the casing should be made from a suitable material and be designed accordingly. For example, the first and second parts  14 ,  15  of the casing may be made from a polymer material or a metal, such as aluminum. Alternatively, the first and second parts  14 ,  15  of the casing may be made from different materials, for example the first part  14  may comprise a cast and machined aluminum and the second part  15  may be made from a polymer material. In any case, the materials should be suitable to safely deal with the temperature and pressure associated with the application of the steam generating device. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the second part  15  of the casing, which is essentially a cover or lid, comprises a water inlet  19  which feeds water into the steam chamber  17 , as will be described in more detail hereinafter. The second part  15  of the casing may also comprise a pressure release valve  20  and a steam outlet  21 . The pressure release valve  20  is an important safety feature and is configured to open when the pressure within the steam chamber  17  exceeds a predetermined safe level. It will be appreciated that the pressure release valve  20  may alternatively be incorporated into the steam outlet  21  or provided in the first part  14  of the casing. 
     The steam outlet  21  may be connected to any device, hose, pipe, tube, or other means for applying, using or conveying steam. For example, the steam outlet  21  may convey steam from within the steam chamber  17  to a steam passage of a soleplate of a steam iron similar to that described with reference to  FIG. 1 . Alternatively, the steam outlet  21  may convey steam from the steam chamber  17  into a hose connected to a steam applicator, such as a steam dispensing head, for applying steam to garments or other articles. It will be appreciated that the steam outlet  21  may alternatively be provided in the first part  14  of the casing. Also, the device may optionally comprise multiple steam outlets to provide steam to multiple devices or applicators. 
     The first part  14  of the casing comprises an evaporation element  22 , which acts to heat and evaporate water being fed into the steam chamber  17 , and a scale collection region  23 , as will be described in more detail below with reference to  FIG. 2 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the first part  14  of the casing comprises an evaporation element  22  which is surrounded by a scale collection region  23 . In particular, the first part  14  of the casing comprises a central protrusion that extends into the steam chamber  17 , towards the water inlet  19  formed in the second part  15  of the casing. This protrusion forms the evaporation element  22  and is configured to evaporate water being fed into the steam chamber  17  by the water inlet  19 . The remainder of the first part  14  of the casing forms an annular region around the protruding evaporation element  22  which is the scale collection region  23 . In this example, the water inlet  19  is formed centrally in the circular second part  15  of the casing and the evaporation element  22  is formed centrally within the first part  14  of the casing, with the scale collection region  23  being an annular region which is adjacent to and surrounds the evaporation element  22 . However, it will be appreciated that the water inlet  19  and evaporation element  22  may be formed in any position within the steam chamber  17  and the scale collection region  23  will occupy the space adjacent to and/or surrounding the evaporation element  22  on any side. 
     The evaporation element  22 , which protrudes from the first part  14  of the casing into the steam chamber  17 , comprises a curved evaporation surface  24  which is directed towards the water inlet  19  such that water  25  being fed into the steam chamber  17  falls onto the evaporation surface  24 . In this way, the evaporation surface  24  is arranged at a different level to the scale collection region  23 . The evaporation surface  24  is heated and the water  25  forms a film on this heated evaporation surface  24  which is evaporated to produce steam. In particular, the water inlet  19  is positioned directly above the evaporation surface  24  so that water falls, under gravity and/or pressure, from the water inlet  19  onto the evaporation surface  24 . 
     The water inlet  19  may be configured to drip water  25  onto the evaporation surface  24  a regular rate. Alternatively, the water inlet  19  may be configured to feed a constant stream of water  25  onto the evaporation surface  24 . Alternatively, the water inlet  19  may be configured to spray the water  25  onto the evaporation surface  24  of the evaporation element  22  so that water  25  is simultaneously provided to the evaporation surface  24  in multiple positions. Alternatively, there may be more than one inlet to introduce water  25  to multiple positions on the evaporation surface  24 . Alternatively, there may be one inlet that is moveable such that it can be repositioned to introduce water  25  to different positions on the evaporation surface  24 . In any case, the water  25  is provided to the steam chamber  17  in such a way that a film of water is formed on the evaporation surface  24  of the evaporation element  22  and that film of water is heated and evaporated. In this way, substantially all of the water  25  being fed into the steam chamber  17  is evaporated on the evaporation surface  24  of the evaporation element  22  and does not flow into the adjacent scale collection region  23 . Therefore, substantially no water enters the scale collection region  23  and so the water cannot react with the accumulated scale to create foam and impure steam. 
     In some of the above described examples water  25  is provided to the evaporation surface  24  in multiple positions on the evaporation surface  24 . That is, multiple water droplets or a multiple streams of water contact the evaporation surface in different positions. This may be achieved by a spraying action or by having multiple water inlets. This may happen simultaneously, for example if the water inlet  19  sprays water onto the evaporation surface  24  then multiple water droplets will simultaneously be provided to the evaporation surface  24 . On the other hand, water  25  may be provided to multiple positions on the evaporation surface  24  in a sequential manner. Either way, the water  25  will act to cool different areas of the evaporation surface  24 , and scale on the evaporation surface  24 , at different rates and by different amounts. That is, areas of the evaporation surface  24  which are directly provided with water will be cooled more rapidly than other areas of the evaporation surface  24 , which will cause scale on the evaporation surface  24  to cool at different rates. This differential cooling and heating will result in stresses and strains within the scale which will cause the scale to break apart, come detached from the evaporation surface  24  and fall into the scale collection region  23 . 
     The water inlet  19  is connected to a water reservoir  39  which provides water for generating steam. The water inlet  19  may be formed within the water reservoir  39  which is positioned directly above the second part  15  of the casing. Alternatively, as shown in  FIG. 2 , the water reservoir  39  may be removed from the casing and a pipe or tube  40  may connect the water reservoir  39  to the water inlet  19 . A pump  41  may optionally be provided to move water from the water reservoir  39  to the water inlet  19 . The pump  41  may also be configured to dose or pressurize the water such that the flow rate of water through the water inlet  19  is suitable for the apparatus. Optionally, a valve or other means of controlling the flow rate of water through the water inlet  19  may be provided in the pipe  40  or in the water inlet  19  or in the water reservoir  39  or any other suitable location. 
     According to any embodiment of the invention, the apparatus is provided with a controller  50 . The controller  50  may operate the pump  41  and/or the valve so as to control the rate and/or amount of water supplied through the inlet  19  to the evaporation surface in dependence upon the temperature of the evaporation surface, for the purpose of maximising the thermal shock effect. The flow may also be controlled to ensure that all the water that contacts the evaporation surface is evaporated and none of it, or substantially none of it, flows from the evaporation surface  24  into the scale collection region  23 . For example, for controlling the thermal shock effect and/or to ensure that all the water is evaporated on the evaporation surface, the valve may be operated by a thermal switch sensitive to the temperature of the evaporation surface and which varies the flow rate through the valve in dependence on the temperature at said evaporation surface. The amount and/or flow rate of water that will be evaporated on the evaporation surface when the evaporation surface is at a given temperature can be predetermined and the valve and thermal switch can be designed accordingly. 
     The size and area of the evaporation surface  24  on the evaporation element  22  is selected to provide an appropriate steam generation rate. The required steam generation rate will depend on the application of the device, the pressure limitations of the casing, the maximum water feed rate and the size of the device. However, as an indication, experiments have shown that to generate steam from a water feed rate of 30 grams/minute would require a circular evaporation surface having a diameter of 49 millimeters heated to 180 degrees Celsius, or a diameter of 70 mm at 150 degrees Celsius. The evaporation surface  24  has a sufficient size and temperature to evaporate substantially all of the water  25  that is fed onto the evaporation surface  24  so that little or no water enters the scale collection region  23  surrounding the evaporation element  22 . 
     The evaporation element  22 , in particular the evaporation surface  24  onto which water  25  is fed by the water inlet  19 , is heated by an electric heater. In this example, an electric heating element  26  is embedded into the evaporation element  22  such that the evaporation surface  24  is heated to evaporate water being fed into the steam chamber  17  through the water inlet  19 . A temperature sensing device  27  may also be provided to measure the temperature of the evaporation element  22  and in particular the temperature of the evaporation surface  24 . The temperature sensing device  27  may be positioned on an outside evaporation surface of the first part  14  of the casing and an allowance made for the decreasing temperature gradient between the evaporation surface  24  and the outside evaporation surface. 
     Alternatively, the temperature sensing device  27  may be disposed such that it directly senses the temperature of the evaporation element just below the evaporation surface  24  or on the evaporation surface  24  itself. The temperature sensing device  27  can be connected to the controller  50  so that the controller  50  controls the amount and rate of flow of water in dependence on the temperature sensed by the temperature sensing device  27 . 
     In one embodiment, a valve controls the flow of water through the inlet  19  onto the evaporation surface  24  and may comprise a rod moveable towards and away from a conical valve seat to control the flow through an orifice in the valve seat. The temperature sensor may comprise a bimetallic strip connected or exposed to the temperature of the evaporation surface and which deforms as a function of the temperature of the evaporation surface to cause the rod to slide in a direction towards, or away from, the valve seat, thereby varying the flow of water through the orifice in dependence on the temperature of the evaporation surface. However, it will be appreciated that other methods of controlling the flow of water to the evaporation surface are possible. 
     In this way, it is possible to prevent water from reaching the scale collection region  23  around the evaporation element  22  and/or control the thermal shock effect. Moreover, the heating element  26  is disposed proximate to the evaporation surface  24  so that the evaporation surface  24  is heated but the evaporation surface within the scale collection region  23  is not heated. In this way, no water is evaporated from the scale collection region  23  and steam will not be generated in the presence of the accumulated scale. The scale collection region  23  will become warmer than room temperature due to the generation of steam in the steam chamber  17 , but the scale collection region  23  is not directly heated by the heating element  26  so that little or no evaporation will occur in the scale collection region  23 . 
     As explained above, as water  25  is fed into the steam chamber  17  via the water inlet  19  it will fall onto the evaporation surface  24  of the heated evaporation element  22  and form a film of water on the evaporation surface  24  which is evaporated into steam. The steam will exit the steam chamber  17  through the steam outlet  21  or other means provided to carry the steam away from the steam chamber  17 . If impure water is used in the device of  FIG. 2  then scale will inevitably form on the evaporation surface  24  as the water is evaporated. However, as explained hereinafter, the configuration of the evaporation element  22  will prevent accumulation of scale on the evaporation surface  24  and therefore overcome the previously described problems of scale accumulation. 
     In the example shown in  FIG. 2  the evaporation surface  24  is dome-shaped and curved such that it is inclined downwards into the scale collection region  23  around the evaporation element  22 . This convex, dome-like profile means that any scale that is formed and dislodged from the evaporation surface  24  will fall away from the evaporation surface  24  into the scale collection region  23 . Any loose scale on the evaporation surface  24  will be pushed towards the scale collection region  23  by the water  25  being fed onto the evaporation surface  24 , the steam being produced on the evaporation surface  24  and by gravity which will pull the scale over the evaporation surface  22  and into the scale collection region  23 . Moreover, the curved, dome-like profile of the evaporation surface  24  will make it more difficult for scale to accumulate on the evaporation surface  24  as the curved profile will create stresses and strains in the scale which will break it apart. Once the scale has become dislodged from the evaporation surface  24  it will fall into the scale collection region  23  around the evaporation element  24 , as described above. 
     Although the above description describes the loose dislodged scale falling from the evaporation surface  24  into the scale collection region  23 , it will be appreciated that the scale may be moved from the evaporation surface by being pushed by the water and/or steam, or it may slide over the evaporation surface  24  and into the scale collection region  23 . In any case, the loose dislodged scale will fall away from the evaporation surface  24 , towards the scale collection region  23 . 
     It will be appreciated the evaporation element  22  may alternatively be provided with an evaporation surface that has a pitched, conical or pyramidal or any other shape. In any case, the evaporation surface  24  should be inclined into the adjacent scale collection region  23  so that dislodged scale moves off of the evaporation surface  24  and into the scale collection region  23 . 
     It will also be appreciated that the apparatus may be configured to hold steam within the chamber at a pressure which is greater than atmospheric pressure so that steam can be released at any time. In this case, the water inlet  19  may be configured to open and allow water into the steam chamber when the pressure within the chamber falls below a certain level. Also, it should be considered that the boiling point of water increases as pressure increases so the heater and other components need to be selected and/or designed according to the required pressure and temperature. It will be appreciated that the maximum steam pressure can be regulated by controlling the temperature of the evaporation surface  24  and the water feed rate through the water inlet  19 . 
     In an alternative example, the water inlet  19  may open whenever the apparatus is in use or when a user opens the water inlet  19  to allow steam to flow out of the steam outlet. In this way, steam is made ‘on demand’ and the user does not need to wait for a required pressure to build up before using the device. 
     The movement of loose scale from the evaporation surface  24  into the surrounding scale collection region  23  means that accumulation of scale on the evaporation surface  24  is prevented. Instead, scale is collected in the scale collection region  23  which is separate to the heated evaporation surface  24  where the steam is produced and so the water  25  is not evaporated in the presence of an accumulation of scale. Moreover, the disadvantages of the scale acting as an insulating material on the evaporation surface  24  are also avoided and the efficiency and effectiveness of the heating element  26  is not diminished over time. 
     In the example shown in  FIG. 2 , the heating element  26  is embedded within the evaporation element  22  such that it is in close proximity to the evaporation surface  24 . This means that the evaporation surface  24  itself is maintained at a high temperature and the heating element  26  is able to quickly heat the evaporation surface  24  when the temperature drops, which will occur when water is fed onto the evaporation surface  24  and evaporated. The proximity of the heating element  26  to the evaporation surface  24  reduces the lag time between switching on the heating element  26  and the subsequent increase in the temperature of the evaporation surface  24 . Therefore, the device is able to better regulate the temperature of the evaporation surface  24  and maintain a high temperature, allowing the evaporation surface  24  to evaporate all water which is fed onto the evaporation surface  24  and prevent water from reaching the scale collection region  23  surrounding the evaporation element  22 . 
     The evaporation element  22  may also include a temperature sensor  27  which may be embedded into the evaporation element  22  or placed in proximity to the evaporation surface  24 . The temperature sensor  27  is configured to quickly detect any drop of temperature in the evaporation surface  24  and a controller is configured to adjust the power of the heating element  26  accordingly. The heating element  26  may be an on-off type heater, in which case the heating element  26  is turned on when the temperature of the evaporation surface  24  falls below a predetermined value and is turned off when the temperature rises above a predetermined value. Alternatively, the heating element  26  may have a variable power output such that a more constant temperature can be maintained on the evaporation surface  24 . In this way, the temperature of the evaporation surface  24  of the evaporation element  22  can be accurately maintained at a sufficiently high temperature to evaporate the water  25  being fed onto the evaporation surface  24  before it reaches the scale collection region  23 . Therefore, none of the water, or at least very little water, will accumulate in the scale collection region  23 . 
     Furthermore, the high temperature of the evaporation surface  24  and the consistency of that temperature means that scale is less likely to be retained on the evaporation surface  24  itself and will become dislodged and broken into flakes and powder that will move into the scale collection region  23  surrounding the evaporation element  22 . The constant high temperature of the evaporation surface  24  combined with the relatively low temperature of the water  25  being fed onto the evaporation surface  24  means that any scale on the evaporation surface  24  will be subjected to a high thermal shock which will break apart and dislodge any scale. Any scale formed on the evaporation surface  24  will have a different thermal expansion coefficient to the material of the evaporation surface  24  itself. Therefore, as water  25  is provided to the evaporation surface  24  the scale will cool at a different rate to the material of the evaporation surface  24  and then be heated up at a different rate as the heat energy is transferred to the water. This will cause a differential rate of contraction and expansion of the scale compared to the evaporation surface  24 , which will induce stresses and strains in the scale, causing it to break apart into particles and detach from the evaporation surface  24 , which are then moved into the scale collection region  23  as previously explained. Even if the material of the evaporation surface  24  does not undergo any significant contraction when water is fed onto the evaporation surface  24 , any accumulated scale will be cooled by the water and the thermal shock of this differential cooling will break apart the scale and allow it to move into the scale collection region  23 . Moreover, once cracks and gaps are formed in the scale layer on the evaporation surface  24 , water  25  being fed onto the evaporation surface  24  will flow through those cracks and into the gaps and onto the evaporation surface  24 . As this water contacts the evaporation surface  24  it will be evaporated and undergo an increase in volume as it turns into steam. This will push the scale away from the evaporation surface  24  and provides a further force acting to break apart the scale and push it off the evaporation surface  24  and into the scale collection region  23 . 
     As previously explained, in one example the water inlet  19  or multiple water inlets may be configured to provide water to the evaporation surface  24  in multiple locations. This may be achieved with multiple water inlets, a water inlet which sprays water onto the evaporation surface, or with a moveable water inlet. Providing water to different positions on the evaporation surface will result in differential cooling of the scale layer and evaporation surface  24 , differential heating of the water, and uneven steam generation across the evaporation surface  24 . This will increase the magnitude of the stresses and strains created in the scale layer, causing the scale to be broken apart such that it falls into the scale collection region  23 . 
     Whilst the generation of thermal shock within the scale is the primary way in which scale is to be removed from the evaporation surface  22 , the evaporation element  22 , including the evaporation surface  24 , may also be configured to alter its shape under thermal heating and cooling. In particular, the evaporation element  22  may be shaped such that when it is heated the thermal expansion of the evaporation element  22  causes the shape of the evaporation surface  24  to change in a regular or irregular manner. In this case, regular shape change will occur if the evaporation surface  24  were to expand by the same amount in every direction, that is, it undergoes regular thermal expansion and/or contraction. On the other hand, irregular shape change will occur if the evaporation element  22  and evaporation surface  24  are configured to expand more in one direction than in another. For example, the walls of the evaporation element  22  and/or evaporation surface  24  may have varying thickness so that some areas will expand more than others when heated, causing the evaporation surface  24  to change shape in an irregular manner. In either case, the thermal expansion and/or contraction will also act to break apart any scale which has formed on the evaporation surface  24  which, in combination with the thermal shock effect described above, will further assist to dislodge scale from the evaporation surface  22  so that it will fall into the scale collection region  23 . 
     In addition, the evaporation surface  24  may optionally be provided with some coating or evaporation surface finish that also helps to prevent scale from becoming bonded to the evaporation surface  24  so that the scale is more easily broken apart and dislodged when subjected to thermal shock. For example, a non-stick coating such as PTFE or a ceramic coating, or alternatively a highly polished evaporation surface finish may be provided to make it more difficult for the scale to form into large particles and flakes on the evaporation surface  24 . Furthermore, the non-stick coating or evaporation surface finish will allow greater relative movement between the scale and the evaporation surface  24 . This will result in higher stresses in the scale which will be broken apart and dislodged from the evaporation surface  24  more quickly. 
     The evaporation element  22  described above with reference to  FIG. 2  may also help to improve the evaporation of the water by overcoming the Leidenfrost effect. The Leidenfrost effect occurs when a droplet of liquid becomes suspended above a heated evaporation surface due to a vapor being formed between that evaporation surface and the liquid—the vapor is trapped and separates the evaporation surface from the liquid which impedes heat transfer. The curved evaporation surface  24  of the evaporation element  22  helps to overcome the Leidenfrost effect because water droplets that become suspended on the evaporation surface  24  due to the Leidenfrost effect will move down the curved evaporation surface  24  due to gravity. As the droplet moves across the evaporation surface friction will cause at least some of the vapor to escape and the Leidenfrost effect will be broken, allowing heat to effectively transfer to the water for evaporation. Furthermore, the high temperature evaporation surface  24  will cause the water to significantly increase in temperature before it contacts the evaporation surface  24  and it will immediately heat and evaporate the water. Therefore, the water may evaporate more quickly and the vapor layer does not have any opportunity to form, avoiding the Leidenfrost effect. This is advantageous over the evaporation of water on a flat heated evaporation surface because with a flat evaporation surface the vapor will become trapped beneath the water and suspend the water above the evaporation surface, thereby reducing heat transfer. Furthermore, the curved evaporation element  22  is advantageous over an inclined planar heated evaporation surface, such as that described with reference to  FIG. 1 , as the Leidenfrost effect could result in water being suspended above the heated evaporation surface at the bottom of the inclined evaporation surface, against the heating element, thereby reducing the transfer of heat energy to the water. 
     The arrangement of the evaporation element  22  and scale collection region  23 , as described above with reference to  FIG. 2 , means that water is not evaporated in the scale collection region  23 . As explained, scale is prevented from accumulating on the heated evaporation surface  24  so that water is evaporated on a relatively clean and scale-free evaporation surface. This will help to prevent the accumulation of scale which will improve product performance and longevity. Furthermore, because water is mostly prevented from reaching the scale collection region  23 , foaming and contamination of the steam, which is otherwise caused by heating water in the presence of scale, is reduced or eliminated. 
     The arrangement of the evaporation element  22  and scale collection region  23  results in better performance of the steam generating device as the scale does not accumulate and so heat transfer from the evaporation surface  24  to the water is not reduced. This will also increase the longevity of the device and the potential required time between cleaning or servicing to remove scale. 
       FIG. 3  shows a top view of the apparatus described with reference to  FIG. 2 , with the second part  15  of the casing removed so that the internal features of the first part  14  of the casing are visible. In particular, in this example the first part  14  of the casing is circular and comprises a flange  16  and a plurality of fixing holes  28  around a peripheral edge of the first part  14  of the casing so that the second part  15  of the casing can be fixed onto the first part to define the steam chamber  17  with bolts, rivets or other fasteners. Moreover,  FIG. 3  shows the evaporation element  22  that protrudes centrally within the first part  14  of the casing into the steam chamber  17 . The evaporation element  22  is surrounded by a scale collection region  23  which, as explained with reference to  FIG. 2 , is arranged adjacent to the evaporation element  22  so that scale formed by evaporation of water on the evaporation surface  24  will collect in this region. 
     Also shown in  FIG. 3 , the electric heating element  26  embedded in the evaporation element  22  is wound in a spiral form so that the entire evaporation surface  24  of the evaporation element  22  is heated uniformly by the heating element  26 . In this way, the heating element  26  is able to quickly heat the entire evaporation surface  24  to react to any change in temperature and thereby maintain a consistent high temperature which, as previously explained, helps to prevent scale accumulation on the evaporation surface  24 . Alternatively, the heating element  26  may be disposed elsewhere within the apparatus and configured to heat the evaporation surface  24 . Preferably, the scale collection region is isolated or insulated from the heater so that the temperature of the scale collection region is lower than the temperature of the evaporation surface. 
     The size and volume of the scale collection region  23  surrounding the evaporation element  22  can be configured to define how often the scale must be removed from the device to maintain performance. For example, if the product should be designed with a lifetime of 6 years then, based on a 100 liters-per-year usage of water with a calcium carbonate concentration of between 120 and 180 milligrams/liter, the volume of scale generated will be approximately between 195 and 293 cubic centimeters. However, given that the flakes or powder particles of scale will not occupy all the volume in which they are disposed, a scale collection region having a volume of approximately 600 cubic centimeters may be provided so that the device can operate for up to 6 years without the scale detrimentally affecting the performance of the evaporation element. 
     It will be appreciated that the above description is merely an example of a possible volume of the scale collection region  23  and the scale collection region  23  may alternatively be any size. If, for example, a longer or shorter product life is required then the volume can be adjusted accordingly. Also, the scale collection region  23  may have a volume which is smaller than the expected volume of scale over the entire lifetime of the product and the product may be provided with a predetermined service interval or indicator so that the consumer knows when to remove the accumulated scale. Alternatively, as described in more details hereinafter, a device having the apparatus described above may be provided with a way of removing scale. 
     In another example, the evaporation surface  24  may be provided with one or more recessed regions, for example a groove or a plurality of dimples. The recessed region(s) may be provided to ensure that the film of water being formed on the evaporation surface  24  is substantially evenly distributed and does not always flow in the same direction. The recessed regions will act to disturb any prevailing flow of water and spread the water over a greater part of the evaporation surface  24 , resulting in better evaporation. 
       FIGS. 4 a  and 4 b    show alternative examples of the apparatus for generating steam described with reference to  FIGS. 2 and 3 . In particular,  FIGS. 4 a  and 4 b    show cross-sections of embodiments of the apparatus for generating steam, wherein the evaporation surface  24  is provided one or more regions  42 ,  43  with recessed features. 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 a   , one embodiment has an evaporation surface  24  with a single curved recess  42  that extends across the evaporation surface  24 , into the evaporation element  22 . The recess  42  is curved in a concave manner, such that water being fed onto the evaporation surface  24  flows towards the center of the evaporation surface  24 , forms a film on the evaporation surface  24  and is evaporated. 
       FIG. 4 b    shows an alternative example comprising a plurality of recessed regions  43  disposed around the evaporation surface  24 . In this case, the recessed regions  43  prevent water being fed onto the evaporation surface  24  from having a predominant direction of flow, which may prevent the formation of an evenly spread film of water on the evaporation surface  24 . The recessed regions  43  cause the water to flow in different directions and spread evenly across the evaporation surface  24 , so that the film of water is substantially even and evaporation of the water occurs on all parts of the evaporation surface  24 . 
     The recessed regions  42 , 43  on the evaporation surface  24 , as described with reference to  FIGS. 4 a  and 4 b   , cause the water from the water inlet to be more evenly spread over the evaporation surface  24 . This is particularly important if the apparatus is orientated such that the water inlet is not directly above the evaporation surface  24 , or if any movement of the apparatus, for example a sideways movement, means that the water from the water inlet is not being fed straight onto the center of the evaporation surface  24 . The depth of the recessed regions  42 , 43  should be such that water does not collect in the recessed regions  42 , 43 . On the contrary, water being fed onto the evaporation surface  24  should be quickly evaporated, in the recessed regions  42 , 43  or elsewhere on the evaporation surface  24 , without the water pooling in the recessed regions  42 , 43 . This ensures that the water is quickly evaporated and does not reach the scale collection region  23 , and also ensures that thermal shock is induced in scale which has formed on the evaporation surface. 
       FIGS. 5 a  and 5 b    show a steam iron device  30  that comprises apparatus  13  for generating steam similar to that described with reference to  FIGS. 2 and 3 . As shown in  FIG. 5 a   , the steam iron  30  has a handle  31  for a user to grip and a soleplate  32  which is pressed against garments to remove wrinkles. The soleplate  32  includes a plurality of openings (not shown) through which steam can travel to be imparted onto the garments. Also shown, the device  30  has a water storage area  33  which is connected to a water inlet  19  (see  FIG. 2 ) similar to that described with reference to  FIG. 2 . The device  30  also includes a casing  34  which is shaped substantially similar to that described with reference to  FIGS. 2 and 3  and may or may not be formed of two separate parts, as previously described. In particular, a sealed steam chamber  17  is defined and the water inlet  19  is formed in the top of the steam chamber  17  above an evaporation element  22  which is disposed below the water inlet  19  when the soleplate  32  is horizontally or nearly horizontally flat against a evaporation surface, which is the typical operational position of the device  30 . The evaporation element  22  protrudes into the steam chamber  17  and a scale collection region  23  is formed around the evaporation element  22  in a manner similar to that described with reference to  FIGS. 2 and 3 . 
     When the device  30  is in the operational position shown in  FIG. 5 a    any water in the water storage area  33  will flow to the bottom of the water storage area  33  where the water inlet  19  is located. Therefore, in the operational position, with the soleplate disposed horizontally or near horizontally, water is able to flow through the water inlet  19 , into the steam chamber  17  and onto the evaporation surface  24  to produce steam. 
     As shown in  FIG. 5 b   , the device can be placed in a rest position whereby the device is stood on an end face  35  such that the heated soleplate  32  is angled upwards. In this rest position, water in the water storage area  33  will flow downwards towards the end face  35  of the device and away from the water inlet  19  so that no water can pass through the water inlet  19  and into the steam chamber  17 . Therefore, in this position, no steam is generated and the device is in a rest position. 
     As previously described, when the device is in use, with the soleplate  32  placed against a substantially horizontal evaporation surface, water from the water storage area  33  flows through the water inlet  19  and into the steam chamber  17 . The arrangement of the water inlet  19  and evaporation element  22  means that the water entering the steam chamber  17  is fed onto the heated evaporation surface  24  within the steam chamber  17 . Therefore, when the device is placed in an operational position, water is fed onto the evaporation element  22  and steam is produced in the same way as described with reference to the apparatus of  FIGS. 2 and 3 . In particular, the water is evaporated on the evaporation element  22  and therefore prevented from reaching the scale collection region  23 . Also, scale is prevented from accumulating on the evaporation element  22  and loose scale is collected in the adjacent scale collection region  23 . 
     The water inlet  19  may be an opening through which water can pass when the steam iron  30  is placed in an operational position, as shown in  FIG. 5 a   . Alternatively, the water inlet  19  may include a button operated sealing part that is moved to allow water to flow through the water inlet  19  when a user presses a button or other user interface, such as the button  44  disposed on the handle  31 . In this way, steam may only be produced when the user presses the button and water is allowed to flow into the steam chamber. Alternatively, the water inlet  19  may include an electronically controlled sealing part which is triggered to move into an open position when a sensor detects a lack of steam or pressure in the steam chamber  17 . 
     Steam being produced in the steam chamber  17  may be able to flow directly out of openings in the soleplate  32 , or it may alternatively be retained within the steam chamber  17  until the user releases the steam by pressing a button or other user interface to create an opening through which the steam can exit the steam chamber  17 . 
     The evaporation element  22  and the scale collection region  23  are configured in the same manner as the apparatus described with reference to  FIGS. 2 and 3 . Therefore, any scale produced by evaporation of the water on the evaporation surface  24  will be dislodged from the evaporation surface  24  due to thermal shock, the curved or otherwise shaped evaporation surface of the evaporation surface  24  of the evaporation element  22  and any coating on the evaporation surface  24 , as previously explained. The loose powder and flakes of scale then move down into the scale collection region where they accumulate in a location which is separate from the evaporation surface on which water is evaporated. 
     As shown in  FIG. 5 a   , when the device is in use, with the soleplate  32  disposed against a substantially horizontal evaporation surface, any scale being generated by the evaporation of water on the evaporation surface  24  will accumulate in the scale collection region  23  around the evaporation element  22 , as previously described. As shown in  FIG. 5 b   , when the device is moved into its rest position, with the soleplate  32  directed sideways or at an angle, any loose scale  36  that has collected in the scale collection region  23  may fall down to a lower end of the steam chamber  17  where a scale collection chamber  37  is disposed. The scale collection chamber  37  is configured to retain the scale that enters the scale collection chamber  37  and prevent it from re-entering the steam chamber  17 . Scale is retained in the scale collection chamber  37  regardless of the position or orientation of the device. The scale collection chamber  37  may include an openable door or similar means of access that allows a user to open the scale collection chamber  37  and remove any accumulated scale. Alternatively, the scale collection chamber  37  may be removable from the device  30  for disposal of accumulated scale and any necessary cleaning. In an alternative example, the scale collection chamber  37  may not be removable or openable and may simply provide a volume in which scale is stored indefinitely. In this example, the scale collection region  23  surrounding the evaporation element  22  can be reduced in size because scale will move into the scale collection chamber  37  which is separated from the evaporation element  22  and the steam production so that the steam being produced is not exposed to the scale. 
     As shown in  FIG. 5 b   , the rest position of the device  30  is defined by the end face  35  of the device  30  on which the device may be placed. In this example, the end face  35  is configured such that the apparatus for generating steam is disposed such that the evaporation element  22  is angled downwards. In this way, the sides of the evaporation element  22  are inclined downwards from the scale collection region  23  and loose scale  36  can move out of the scale collection region  32 , along and past the evaporation element  22  and through the steam chamber  17  to the scale collection chamber  37 . The scale collection chamber  37  is positioned close to the end face  35  on which the device is rested so that scale can fall into the scale collection chamber  37  under the force of gravity when the device is placed in the rest position. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 5 a  and 5 b   , the device  30  may optionally further include an angled plate  38  disposed between the main steam chamber  17  and the scale collection chamber  37 . This plate  38  is angled such that when the device  30  is in the rest position, as shown in  FIG. 5 b   , scale falling towards the scale collection chamber  37  is directed into the scale collection chamber  37  along one side of the angled plate  38 . On the other hand, any scale that is already in the scale collection chamber  37  will be trapped and prevented from coming out of the scale collection chamber  37  by the opposite side of the angled plate  38 . In this way, loose scale is collected in the scale collection chamber  37  during normal use of the device and can be removed at any time, but cannot move back into the main part of the steam chamber  17  while water is being evaporated during use. 
     Any scale generated during use of the device  30  described with reference to  FIGS. 5 a  and 5 b    will initially accumulate in the scale collection region which surrounds the evaporation element  22 . Once the device is placed in a rest position then that accumulated scale may move through the steam chamber  17  and into a scale collection chamber  37 . Therefore, scale is prevented from accumulating within the steam chamber  17  and is kept separate from the evaporation surface  24  where steam is generated. 
     The apparatus for generating steam in the device described with reference to  FIGS. 5 a  and 5 b    requires little if any cleaning to remove scale and little if any maintenance to avoid scale accumulation. Therefore, performance and longevity of the device are improved as the reduced scale accumulation will avoid insulation of the evaporation element and any blockages that the scale may cause. By preventing scale from accumulating on the evaporation surface and configuring the apparatus to collect loose scale in a position separate to the evaporation surface, the problems associated with scale accumulation are overcome. 
     It will be appreciated that the apparatus for generating steam described with reference to  FIGS. 2 and 3  may be used in any kind of device or apparatus that requires steam and not only in the steam iron device described with reference to  FIGS. 5 a  and 5 b   . Moreover, it will be appreciated that the components and arrangements of the apparatus for generating steam may be altered for different applications without deviating from the invention defined in claim  1 . For example, a garment steamer may require that the casing comprises an outlet which can be attached to a hose for conveying steam to an applicator head. Alternatively, another kind of steam generator may require apparatus for generating steam that has a differently shaped casing. 
     Whilst it is advantageous for the scale dislodged from the evaporation surface to fall into a scale collection region which is remote from the evaporation surface so that water does not collect in, and is not evaporated from, the scale collection region, the thermal shock technique for the dislodgement of scale from an evaporation surface is applicable to apparatus in which the scale is dislodged from the evaporation surface but remains on the evaporation surface until it is removed manually. Alternatively, the apparatus may have a region where scale collects, although water may still be evaporated from said region. 
     It will be appreciated that the term “comprising” does not exclude other elements or steps and that the indefinite article “a” or “an” does not exclude a plurality. A single processor may fulfil the functions of several items recited in the claims. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to an advantage. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims. 
     Although claims have been formulated in this application to particular combinations of features, it should be understood that the scope of the disclosure of the present invention also includes any novel features or any novel combinations of features disclosed herein either explicitly or implicitly or any generalization thereof, whether or not it relates to the same invention as presently claimed in any claim and whether or not it mitigates any or all of the same technical problems as does the parent invention. The applicants hereby give notice that new claims may be formulated to such features and/or combinations of features during the prosecution of the present application or of any further application derived therefrom.