Patent Description:
Ovens for steaming food, which generally also provide steam cleaning, are known. A steam generator is provided for the production of steam, which comprises a heater and a tank containing the water to be heated to generate steam.

A problem of the current steam generators for ovens relates to the control of the fluid which is released from the steam generator and is introduced into the oven.

Indeed, in addition to steam, splashes of hot water, generated in particular by the turbulent motion of the boiling water, may also be released from the steam generator.

In an attempt to solve this problem, the current steam generators can be filled to a maximum of about <NUM>% of their inner volume. The remaining inner volume must be left empty to attempt to contain the splashes of water inside the tank so that mostly steam is introduced into the oven.

Therefore, the current solutions do not make it possible to make the best use of the inner volume of the tank.

Disadvantageously, the tank must be filled too frequently with new water to be heated, also because the steam generator must remain compact in size. Furthermore, the current technical solutions do not completely prevent the release of splashes of water from the steam generator.

Other problems of the current steam generators relate to the formation of limescale inside the tank and the stagnation of water in the tank at the end of the step of steam production.

Therefore, the need is felt to overcome the disadvantages of current steam generators, in particular for ovens.

Prior art relevant to the present invention is found in <CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT>.

It is an object of the present invention to make a steam generator that prevents or limits the splashing of water from its tank during the step of steam generation.

In particular, an object of the invention is to make a steam generator, in particular of compact size, which makes it possible to avoid or limit the release of splashes of water from its tank, the inner volume of which can be filled more efficiently than the prior art.

It is another object of the present invention to prevent water stagnation in the tank at the end of the step of steam generation.

It is another object of the present invention to facilitate the removal of limescale residues which may form in the tank.

The present invention achieves at least one of such objects, and other objects which will be apparent in light of the present description, by means of a steam generator, in particular for an oven, comprising a tank provided with at least one inlet pipe suitable for introducing liquid into the tank and at least one outlet pipe suitable for releasing steam from the tank;.

At least one further passage, or third passage, distinct or different from the first passage and from the second passage is also provided, which allows the liquid to pass between the first chamber and the second chamber, in particular allows a direct passage of liquid.

In particular, the liquid introduced through the inlet pipe can fill both the first chamber and the second chamber, in particular at the same time.

Said at least one further passage is preferably near or at the bottom of the tank.

The liquid fraction of boiling water can pass directly from the third chamber to the first chamber by means of at least one passage, or fourth passage (optional), distinct from the first passage and from the second passage, and/or by passing through the second passage to be introduced into the second chamber, from which it can then return to the first chamber, preferably by means of said third passage.

In other words, preferably in all embodiments, the third passage allows the passage, between the first chamber and the second chamber, of the liquid introduced into the tank through the inlet pipe. The third passage also allows the passage of the liquid fraction of the water coming from the second chamber into the first chamber.

The invention further relates to an oven for steam cooking and preferably also for steam cleaning the oven, according to claim <NUM>, preferably wherein the oven comprises at least one further tank connected to the tank of the steam generator, the further tank being in particular adapted to be used as an auxiliary reserve of liquid.

Advantageously, the tank can be filled to <NUM>% or <NUM>% of its inner volume without having releases of splashes of water from the outlet pipe during the generation of steam.

Advantageously, the steam generator is also simple to construct.

Preferably, the third chamber or zone is arranged between the outlet pipe and the first chamber or zone, and/or the third chamber or zone is arranged between the outlet pipe and the second chamber or zone.

The second partition wall allows the direct passage of steam from the first chamber to the third chamber to be limited.

Therefore, most of the steam produced by heating the liquid in the first chamber first passes from the first chamber to the second chamber, and then from the second chamber to the third chamber to then be released from the outlet pipe.

The liquid fraction of the boiling water can advantageously return to the first chamber, coming directly from the third chamber, preferably by means of the fourth passage; and/or by first passing through the second chamber and to then reach the first chamber, preferably by means of said third passage. The water which returns to the first chamber was previously heated. Therefore, the steam production process is particularly efficient.

Note that the liquid in the first chamber heats up faster than the liquid in the second chamber because the first chamber is preferably closer to the heating element. In particular, the heating element is preferably closer with respect to the first chamber and further with respect to the second chamber and preferably also further with respect to the third chamber.

Preferably, the second partition wall is shaped and arranged to facilitate the flow of liquid from the third chamber towards the first chamber and/or towards the second chamber by gravity.

Preferably, the steam generator is L-shaped to optimize its dimensions when assembled with an oven, without having to reduce the capacity of the steam generator tank.

Preferably, the steam generator is designed so that at least one of its walls can be arranged vertically, e.g. with respect to an oven support surface, and the bottom is inclined so that liquid can be released from the inlet pipe by gravity.

Preferably, at least one venting pipe is provided to prevent the inner pressure of the tank from increasing excessively, e.g. so that the inner pressure of the tank is substantially equal to the atmospheric pressure.

Advantageously, the steam generator makes it easier to remove limescale, in particular when the bottom of the tank is inclined, when the steam generator is assembled with the oven. Indeed, the limescale can slide on the bottom towards the inlet pipe, through which maintenance operations can be carried out. The detachment of limescale is also facilitated by providing that the wall to which the heating element is attached is adapted to be a vertical wall, in particular when the steam generator is assembled with the oven.

Advantageously, a steam generator according to the invention can also be used in other electrical appliances, in particular household appliances, which involve the production of steam, e.g. washing machines, tumble dryers, dishwashers, and medical appliances, e.g. for the sterilization of articles.

Further features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent in light of the detailed description of preferred, but not exclusive embodiments.

The dependent claims describe particular embodiments of the invention.

The description of the invention refers to the accompanying drawings, which are provided by way of non-limiting example, in which:.

The same elements or parts have the same reference numerals.

A steam generator <NUM> according to the invention is described with reference to the figures.

The steam generator <NUM> is particularly adapted to be used in an oven <NUM> (<FIG>) for steaming food and steam cleaning the oven itself.

The steam generator <NUM> comprises a tank <NUM> adapted to contain the liquid, in particular water, which produces steam when heated.

To feed the water into the tank <NUM>, the latter is provided with an inlet, in particular an inlet pipe <NUM>.

For releasing the steam from the tank <NUM>, the latter is provided with an outlet, in particular an outlet pipe <NUM>.

The tank <NUM> has a bottom <NUM>, or bottom wall, i.e. a surface which acts as a lower containment for the liquid introduced into the tank <NUM> through the inlet pipe <NUM>. Preferably, the inlet pipe <NUM> is proximal to the bottom <NUM> of the tank <NUM> and the outlet pipe <NUM> is distal from the bottom <NUM>. In other words, the inlet pipe <NUM> and the outlet pipe <NUM> are preferably in a lower zone and an upper zone of the tank <NUM>, respectively. More in detail, with particular reference to <FIG>, the outlet pipe <NUM> extends outwards from the tank <NUM> from a wall <NUM> of the tank <NUM> which is preferably opposite to the bottom <NUM>. In particular, the wall <NUM> is preferably an upper wall of the tank <NUM>. The wall <NUM> also preferably comprises two connecting portions <NUM>, <NUM>, preferably curved. The wall <NUM> is connected to the wall <NUM> by means of the connecting portion <NUM> and is connected to the wall <NUM> by means of the connecting portion <NUM>. The wall <NUM> and the wall <NUM> are preferably opposite to each other, preferably parallel to each other. Preferably, the outlet pipe <NUM> extends from the connecting portion <NUM> of the wall <NUM>. In particular, an opening <NUM> of the outlet pipe <NUM> is obtained in the connecting portion <NUM>. Preferably, the portion of wall <NUM> which extends between the connecting portions <NUM>, <NUM> is orthogonal or substantially orthogonal to the wall <NUM> and/or to the wall <NUM>.

The inlet pipe <NUM> extends, towards the outside of the tank <NUM>, from a wall <NUM> preferably proximal to the bottom <NUM>. In particular, the wall <NUM> comprises two connecting portions <NUM>, <NUM>, preferably curved. The wall <NUM> is connected to the bottom <NUM> by means of the connecting portion <NUM> and is connected to the wall <NUM> by means of the connecting portion <NUM>. The wall <NUM> and the bottom <NUM> are preferably opposite to each other, preferably parallel to each other. Also, preferably, the wall <NUM> is opposite to the wall <NUM>. The wall <NUM> is preferably a side wall, in particular a lower side wall, of the tank <NUM>.

Preferably, the portion of wall <NUM> which extends between the connecting portions <NUM>, <NUM> is orthogonal or substantially orthogonal to the wall <NUM> and/or to the bottom <NUM>.

The inlet pipe <NUM> and the outlet pipe <NUM> extend about a respective axis and preferably, but not exclusively, the axis of the inlet pipe <NUM> and the axis of the outlet pipe <NUM> mutually form an angle between <NUM>° and <NUM>° or between <NUM>° and <NUM>° or between <NUM>° and <NUM>°, e.g. of about <NUM>°. Preferably, said angle is greater than <NUM>°.

Preferably, the inlet pipe <NUM> has a section, in particular an inner section, which is smaller than or equal to the section, in particular the inner section, of the outlet pipe <NUM>.

To heat the water, the steam generator <NUM> is provided with at least one heating element <NUM>, e.g. only one heating element <NUM>, or heater.

The tank <NUM> is advantageously divided into at least three chambers or zones <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> communicating with each other (see in particular <FIG>).

A first chamber or zone <NUM> is preferably proximal to the heating element <NUM>.

A second chamber or zone <NUM> (indicated in 5A) is preferably distal from the heating element <NUM>; in particular, the first chamber <NUM> is preferably arranged between the heating element <NUM> and the second chamber <NUM>.

A third chamber or zone <NUM> is according to the invention proximal to the outlet pipe <NUM>.

A first partition wall <NUM> is provided, which partially separates the first chamber <NUM> and the second chamber <NUM> from each other. In <FIG>, the first partition wall <NUM> is not shown to better illustrate the inside of the tank <NUM>. Furthermore, a second partition wall <NUM> is provided, which partially, or at least partially, separates both the first chamber <NUM> and the second chamber <NUM> from the third chamber <NUM>.

Preferably, the first partition wall <NUM> and the second partition wall <NUM> are mutually transversal, e.g. mutually perpendicular or substantially perpendicular.

A first passage <NUM> allows the steam to pass from the first chamber <NUM> to the second chamber <NUM>. Preferably, the first passage <NUM> is delimited by the first partition wall <NUM> and by the second partition wall <NUM>.

A second passage <NUM> allows the steam to pass from the second chamber <NUM> to the third chamber <NUM>. Preferably, the second passage <NUM> is obtained in the second partition wall <NUM>. By way of non-limiting example, the second passage <NUM> may be formed by at least one hole, e.g. one hole, obtained in the second partition wall <NUM>. The first passage <NUM> and the second passage <NUM> are mutually distinct.

The first passage <NUM> and the second passage <NUM> are preferably in an upper zone of tank <NUM>, in particular, they are arranged in the upper zone which comprises also the outlet pipe <NUM>.

The third chamber <NUM> is preferably arranged above the first chamber <NUM> and above the second chamber <NUM>.

In particular, the third chamber <NUM> is arranged between the outlet pipe <NUM> and the first chamber <NUM>, and between the outlet pipe <NUM> and the second chamber <NUM>.

Preferably, the third chamber <NUM> communicates directly with the outlet pipe <NUM>. In particular, preferably, the third chamber <NUM> is delimited at the top by the wall <NUM> provided with the outlet pipe <NUM>.

Preferably, but not exclusively, the bottom <NUM> of the tank <NUM> is also the bottom of the first chamber <NUM> and of the second chamber <NUM>.

Advantageously, the inner division of the tank <NUM> makes it possible to fill the tank <NUM> to <NUM>% or <NUM>% of its inner volume without releases of splashes of water from the outlet pipe <NUM> during the generation of steam.

In particular, the second partition wall <NUM> is arranged to limit the direct flow of steam from the first chamber <NUM> to the third chamber <NUM>.

In particular, most of the steam produced by the heating of the liquid in the first chamber <NUM> passes first from the first chamber <NUM> to the second chamber <NUM>, and then from the second chamber <NUM> to the third chamber <NUM>, and then exits from the outlet pipe <NUM>. The path followed by the steam is diagrammatically shown by the arrows F1, F2, F3 in <FIG> and <FIG>.

The liquid fraction of the boiling water can advantageously return to the first chamber <NUM>, coming directly from the third chamber <NUM> and/or passing first through the second chamber <NUM> to then reach the first chamber <NUM>. The water which returns to the first chamber <NUM> was previously heated. Therefore, the steam production process is particularly efficient.

In particular, a third passage <NUM> allows the steam to pass between the second chamber <NUM> and the first chamber <NUM>. The third passage <NUM> is preferably near or at the bottom <NUM> of the tank <NUM>. The third passage <NUM> is preferably near the inlet pipe <NUM>. The third passage <NUM> is distinct from the first passage <NUM> and the second passage <NUM>.

Preferably, but not exclusively, the third passage <NUM> is partly delimited by the bottom <NUM> of the tank <NUM>.

Preferably, but not exclusively, the third passage <NUM> is delimited by the bottom <NUM> of the tank <NUM> and by the first partition wall <NUM>.

The third passage may also be provided in other zones, e.g. may be completely or partially delimited by the first partition wall, e.g. may be obtained in the first partition wall.

The third passage <NUM> allows the passage of the liquid introduced into the tank <NUM> through the inlet pipe <NUM>. According to the principle of communicating vessels, the liquid level in the first chamber <NUM> and the second chamber <NUM> is substantially the same, in particular when the heating element <NUM> is off.

The third passage <NUM> also allows the passage of the liquid fraction of the water from the second chamber <NUM> into the first chamber <NUM>.

By way of non-limiting example, the third passage <NUM> may be, for example, at a distance, in particular a minimum distance, from the bottom <NUM> from <NUM> to <NUM>, or from <NUM> to <NUM>. In particular, the value "<NUM>" relates to the case in which the third passage <NUM> is partly delimited by the bottom <NUM> of the tank <NUM>, e.g. when the third passage <NUM> is delimited by the bottom <NUM> of the tank <NUM> and the first partition wall <NUM> To facilitate the flow of the liquid fraction of the water towards the first chamber <NUM> and/or towards the second chamber <NUM>, the second partition wall <NUM> preferably comprises a first portion <NUM> and a second portion <NUM> which are mutually inclined. Preferably, the first portion <NUM> and the second portion <NUM> form an angle α (indicated in <FIG>), the apex <NUM> of which faces towards the wall <NUM> of the tank <NUM> preferably towards the portion of the wall <NUM> which extends between the two connecting portions <NUM>, <NUM> or towards the connecting portion <NUM>. The wall <NUM> may also be made in different manners. For example, the wall <NUM> may be curved, and, in particular, may be provided with a portion which is convex towards the wall <NUM>.

Preferably, the aforesaid angle α has a width greater than <NUM>°, preferably between <NUM>° and <NUM>° or between <NUM>° and <NUM>, e.g. about <NUM>°.

Note that the angle α is the angle proximal to said wall <NUM> formed by the two portions <NUM>, <NUM>.

The first portion <NUM> and the second portion <NUM> are preferably above the first partition wall <NUM>.

Preferably, the first portion <NUM> and the second portion <NUM> are mutually consecutive.

The liquid fraction of water can reach the second chamber <NUM> passing through the second passage <NUM> and can reach the first chamber <NUM> through the third passage <NUM>. In particular, through the third passage <NUM>, the liquid can pass, in particular directly, from the second chamber <NUM> to the first chamber <NUM>.

Preferably, there is a fourth passage <NUM> which allows the liquid to pass from the third chamber <NUM> directly to the first chamber <NUM> and/or from the third chamber <NUM> to the second chamber <NUM>. Preferably, the fourth passage <NUM> is partly delimited by the wall <NUM> of the tank <NUM> and/or partly by the second partition wall <NUM>.

For example, the second partition wall <NUM> may optionally also comprise a third portion <NUM> facing the wall <NUM> of the tank <NUM>. The third portion <NUM> and the wall <NUM> are mutually distanced so that the fourth passage <NUM> is delimited, at least partially, by the third portion <NUM> and by the wall <NUM>. Preferably, the distance between the third portion <NUM> and the wall <NUM> is comprised between <NUM> and <NUM>, e.g. between <NUM> and <NUM>.

The third portion <NUM> extends transversely to the second portion <NUM> and is preferably consecutive to the second portion <NUM>.

Through the fourth passage <NUM>, the liquid fraction of the water can reach, for example, the first chamber <NUM> and the second chamber <NUM> through a respective passage, preferably partly delimited by the first partition wall <NUM>.

With particular reference to <FIG>, the heating element <NUM> is constrained to a wall <NUM> which delimits, in particular closes, the first chamber <NUM>.

Preferably, the heating element <NUM> is arranged outside the tank <NUM>, preferably completely outside the tank <NUM>. In particular, the heating element <NUM> is fixed to a face of the wall <NUM> which is outside the tank <NUM>. Alternatively, the heating element <NUM> can be arranged, fully or partially inside the tank <NUM>.

The wall <NUM> is preferably an outer wall of the tank <NUM>.

The wall <NUM> is preferably substantially a cover of the tank <NUM>.

The wall <NUM> is hermetically fixed with the rest of the tank <NUM>.

Preferably, fixing means (not shown) are further provided, such as screws and nuts and/or elastic means, such as clips or pegs and/or a sealant or glue for fixing the wall <NUM>, which can optionally be unmounted. Alternatively, the wall <NUM> can be co-molded with the rest of the tank <NUM>.

Preferably, the heating element <NUM> is of the electrical type. For example, the heating element <NUM> is a sheathed resistor, i.e. a resistor capable of producing heat when electric current flows through it, provided with a metal outer casing.

Preferably, the heating element <NUM> extends only at the lower zone of the steam generator <NUM>, in particular of the tank <NUM>, and optionally also at the middle zone of the tank <NUM>. In other words, the heating element <NUM> does not extend to the upper zone of the steam generator <NUM>, in particular of the tank <NUM>. More in detail, the heating element <NUM> does not extend at the third chamber <NUM>.

The second partition wall <NUM> is arranged, in particular, between the two walls <NUM>, <NUM> of the tank <NUM> opposite to each other.

Preferably, the outlet pipe <NUM> is proximal to the wall <NUM> and distal from the wall <NUM>; and the second passage <NUM> is proximal to the wall <NUM> and distal from the wall <NUM>. In this manner, the distance between the second passage <NUM> and the outlet pipe <NUM> is advantageously increased, to prevent the release of splashes of water from outlet pipe <NUM> more effectively.

Preferably, the apex <NUM>, i.e. the edge formed between the two portions <NUM>, <NUM> of the second partition wall <NUM>, is proximal to the outlet pipe <NUM> and preferably the second passage <NUM> is distal from the outlet pipe <NUM>.

In particular, the apex <NUM> is preferably proximal to the wall <NUM> and distal from the wall <NUM>. Preferably, the portion <NUM> has a smaller surface extension than the surface extension of the first portion <NUM>.

Preferably, as mentioned, the second passage <NUM> is obtained in the second partition wall <NUM>. In particular, the second passage <NUM> is preferably obtained in the portion <NUM> of the second partition wall <NUM>. Preferably, the second passage <NUM> is delimited by the second partition wall <NUM> and by a wall <NUM> of the tank <NUM> opposite to the wall <NUM> to which the heating element <NUM> is constrained. Preferably the second passage <NUM> is further delimited by the first partition wall <NUM>.

Preferably, the wall <NUM> is parallel or substantially parallel to the wall <NUM>.

Preferably, the wall <NUM> defines the second chamber <NUM>.

The first partition wall <NUM> and the second partition wall <NUM> are arranged between the wall <NUM> and the wall <NUM>.

In particular, the first partition wall <NUM> faces both the wall <NUM> and the wall <NUM> and is spaced from the walls <NUM>, <NUM>. More in particular, the first partition wall <NUM>, preferably, partly delimits the first chamber <NUM> and partly delimits the second chamber <NUM>.

Preferably, the first partition wall <NUM> is parallel or substantially parallel to the wall <NUM>. The first partition wall <NUM> is preferably supported by one or more supporting elements (not shown), e.g. arranged in the first chamber <NUM> and/or the second chamber <NUM>.

Preferably, the second partition wall <NUM> extends from the wall <NUM> towards the wall <NUM>. Preferably, there is a gap between the wall <NUM> and the partition wall <NUM>. Preferably, the second partition wall <NUM> is in contact with the wall <NUM>, although it is not excluded that a gap can be provided between the wall <NUM> and the second partition wall <NUM>.

Preferably, the second partition wall <NUM> is transversal, e.g. perpendicular or substantially perpendicular, to the two walls <NUM>, <NUM>.

Preferably, the bottom <NUM> of the tank <NUM> is inclined with respect to the wall <NUM>. For example, the wall <NUM> and the bottom <NUM> form an angle β (indicated in <FIG>), inside the tank <NUM>, preferably between <NUM>° and <NUM>° or between <NUM>° and <NUM>°, e.g. about <NUM>°. Preferably, said angle is greater than <NUM>°.

Advantageously, in this manner, when the wall <NUM> is arranged vertically, the bottom <NUM> is inclined so that water can be released from the pipe <NUM> by gravity or with the help of a pump or solenoid valve, avoiding unwanted water stagnation.

Preferably, but not exclusively, the steam generator <NUM> is substantially L-shaped. The L-shaped shape is particularly advantageous to optimize the size of the steam generator <NUM> with respect to the oven <NUM>, without having to reduce the capacity of the tank <NUM>.

With particular reference to <FIG>, the generator <NUM> may indeed be mounted at the rear part of the oven <NUM>, where other components, such as a fan, fan motor, or other components of the oven <NUM>, can be placed in addition to the steam generator. The zone where the fan is mounted, with its motor, is diagrammatically shown and is indicated by reference numeral <NUM>. However, the steam generator <NUM> can be positioned in other zones at the rear of the oven, or at the side or top wall of the oven. The fan can still be positioned in a central or off-center zone of the rear part of the oven.

The L-shaped design makes it possible to take advantage of both the space at the side of the fan and the space below the fan.

Observing <FIG>, it can be noted that the L-shaped conformation is also advantageous because the aforesaid space optimization advantages are obtained by mounting the steam generator <NUM> both in a rear right and in a rear left zone of the oven <NUM>.

Furthermore, the steam generator <NUM>, in particular the tank <NUM>, can be produced with the same mold both when the steam generator <NUM> is intended to be mounted in the rear right zone and in the rear left zone of the oven <NUM>.

The inlet pipe <NUM> can be connected to one or more tanks (not shown) adapted to supply the steam generator <NUM>. The outlet pipe <NUM> can be connected to an additional pipe (not shown) which can conduct the steam into the cooking compartment of the oven <NUM>.

When the steam generator <NUM> is L-shaped, both the wall <NUM> and the wall <NUM>, which is preferably the wall provided with the inlet pipe <NUM>, are opposite to the wall <NUM>. The distance between the wall <NUM> and the wall <NUM> is smaller, in particular always smaller, than the distance between the wall <NUM> and the wall <NUM>.

Similarly, both the wall <NUM> and the wall <NUM> are opposite the bottom <NUM>. The distance between the bottom <NUM> and the wall <NUM> is smaller, in particular always smaller, than the distance between the bottom <NUM> and the wall <NUM>.

More in particular, the wall <NUM> preferably extends from the wall <NUM> to the bottom <NUM>, to which it is connected by means of the connecting portion <NUM>, preferably curved. The wall <NUM> is shorter than the wall <NUM>. The wall <NUM> is connected to the wall <NUM>, preferably by means of a connecting portion <NUM>, preferably curved. Preferably, the wall <NUM> is parallel or substantially parallel to the bottom wall <NUM>.

Preferably, the tank <NUM> is provided with a venting pipe <NUM> which prevents, in particular, the inner pressure of tank <NUM> from increasing excessively. The venting pipe <NUM> can optionally be connected to an additional pipe (not shown) which, in turn, can be connected directly to the oven cavity, or to one or more auxiliary tanks or boxes, or the venting pipe can be left free in the atmosphere.

Preferably, the venting pipe <NUM> is in a lower zone of the tank <NUM>, preferably near the inlet pipe <NUM>. For example, the wall <NUM> is provided both with the inlet pipe <NUM> and the venting pipe <NUM>.

Preferably, but not exclusively, the tank <NUM> further comprises a fourth chamber <NUM> which is proximal to the inlet pipe <NUM>. Preferably, the inlet pipe <NUM> communicates directly with the chamber <NUM>.

A third partition wall <NUM> is provided, which separates at least partially both the first chamber <NUM> and the second chamber <NUM> from the fourth chamber <NUM>.

The third partition wall <NUM> is transversal, preferably perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the first partition wall <NUM>.

A passage <NUM> (<FIG>) is provided which allows the steam to pass from the fourth chamber <NUM> to the second chamber <NUM>. Preferably, the passage <NUM> is obtained in the third partition wall <NUM>. Preferably, the passage <NUM> is delimited by the third partition wall <NUM> and the wall <NUM>.

A passage <NUM> may be provided (<FIG>) either additionally or alternatively to the passage <NUM>, which allows the liquid to pass, in particular directly, from the fourth chamber <NUM> to the first chamber <NUM>.

Preferably, the third partition wall <NUM> further comprises two mutually inclined portions <NUM>, <NUM>. Preferably, the portion <NUM> and the portion <NUM> form an angle γ (indicated in <FIG>) the apex <NUM> of which faces the wall <NUM> of the tank <NUM> provided with the inlet pipe <NUM>, e.g. towards the portion of the wall <NUM> which extends between connecting portions <NUM>, <NUM> or towards the connecting portion <NUM>. The wall <NUM> may also be made in different manners. For example, the wall <NUM> may be curved, and, in particular, may be provided with a portion which is convex towards the wall <NUM>.

Preferably, said angle γ has a width greater than <NUM>°, preferably between <NUM>° and <NUM>° or between <NUM>° and <NUM>, e.g. about <NUM>°.

It is worth noting that the angle γ is the angle proximal to said wall <NUM> formed by the two portions <NUM>, <NUM>.

Preferably, the apex <NUM> is proximal to the inlet pipe <NUM> and preferably the passage <NUM> is distal from the inlet pipe <NUM>. Preferably, the passage <NUM> is proximal to the wall <NUM>. In particular, the passage <NUM> is preferably delimited by the first partition wall <NUM>, the third partition wall <NUM>, the wall <NUM> and the wall <NUM>.

It has been experimentally observed that the presence of the third partition wall <NUM> contributes to improve the water flow in tank <NUM> and to improve the homogeneity of steam coming out of steam generator <NUM>.

Preferably, the steam generator <NUM>, in particular the tank <NUM>, is provided with at least two connecting portions 7a, 7b which constrain the steam generator <NUM> to the body of the oven <NUM>. For example, each connecting portion 7a, 7b comprises a hole in which a respective screw can be inserted (not shown).

Some preferred, but not exclusive, dimensional details which can be considered individually or in any combination are provided below.

Preferably, the inner volume or maximum capacity of the tank <NUM>, in particular its maximum capacity, is from <NUM> to <NUM>; and/or.

With regard to materials, the tank <NUM> is preferably made of plastic, e.g. thermoplastic polymer such as PPS, PC, PA, PP or POM, or metal, e.g. steel.

The first partition wall <NUM>, is preferably made of metal, e.g. steel, but can also be made of plastic.

Preferably, the second partition wall <NUM> and, when provided, the third partition wall <NUM> are preferably made of plastic, e.g. thermoplastic polymer, e.g. such as PPS, PC, PA, PP or POM, but can also be made of metal, e.g. steel.

Note that the aforesaid walls <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>, i.e. the bottom <NUM>, and the aforesaid connecting portions <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are preferably outer walls of the steam generator <NUM>, in particular, they comprise an outer face outside the tank <NUM> and an inner face inside the tank <NUM>, opposite to the outer face.

Note that, one or more additional chambers or zones may be provided, divided by means of one or more additional partition walls or portions of partition walls, in addition to the three chambers or zones <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or the four chambers or zones <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>.

For example, the third chamber or zone <NUM> can be divided into two chambers or zones by means of a partition wall, or into three chambers or zones by means of two partition walls and so on.

Claim 1:
A steam generator (<NUM>), in particular for an oven, comprising a tank (<NUM>) provided with at least one inlet pipe (<NUM>) suitable for introducing liquid into the tank (<NUM>) and at least one outlet pipe (<NUM>) suitable for releasing steam from the tank (<NUM>);
at least one heating element (<NUM>) adapted to heat the liquid to produce the steam;
wherein the tank (<NUM>) comprises:
a first chamber (<NUM>);
a second chamber (<NUM>);
a third chamber (<NUM>), proximal to the outlet pipe (<NUM>);
wherein the first chamber (<NUM>) and the second chamber (<NUM>) are adapted to contain the liquid introduced by means of said inlet pipe (<NUM>);
wherein a first partition wall (<NUM>) is provided, which partially separates the first chamber (<NUM>) and the second chamber (<NUM>) from each other;
wherein a second partition wall (<NUM>) is provided,
wherein a first passage (<NUM>) is provided which allows the steam to pass from the first chamber (<NUM>) to the second chamber (<NUM>);
wherein a second passage (<NUM>) is provided which allows the steam to pass from the second chamber (<NUM>) to the third chamber (<NUM>); characterized in that the second partition wall (<NUM>) separates at least partially both the first chamber (<NUM>) and the second chamber (<NUM>) from the third chamber (<NUM>);
wherein a third passage (<NUM>) is provided which allows the liquid to pass between the second chamber (<NUM>) and the first chamber (<NUM>).