WO2004091360A1

WO2004091360A1 - Connecting member for a steam generating device

Info

Publication number: WO2004091360A1
Application number: PCT/IT2003/000241
Authority: WO
Inventors: Claudio Bariselli
Original assignee: Plastik Lucks Engineering S.R.L.
Priority date: 2003-04-16
Filing date: 2003-04-16
Publication date: 2004-10-28
Also published as: AU2003230210A1

Abstract

A connecting member (10), unusually simple and easy to produce, is capable of being interposed between a steam generator and a steam emitter of a steam generating device and comprises a pipe (20) for the passage of the steam, and a housing tube (22) provided with a longitudinal opening (24) for the insertion of at least one section of the pipe (20). Preferably after the insertion of the section of pipe (20), the longitudinal opening (24) is closed again (20) by a cover (44) by means of snap connection means. The housing tube (22) and the cover (44) comprise a plurality of ribs (34, 50) which extend from an inner surface along a section substantially corresponding to the length of the longitudinal opening (24). The pipe (20) preferably comprises two rigid end portions (54, 56) and a flexible pipe (58) capable of being connected to the rigid end portions (54, 56).

Description

DESCRIPTION "Connecting member for a steam generating device" [0001] . A subject of the present invention is a connecting member for a steam generating device. [0002] . Further subjects of the present invention are a steam generating device, a method and an apparatus for the production of a connecting member for a steam generating device.

[0003] . More particularly, the invention relates to a connecting member for a steam generating device suitable for being used for the cleaning of rooms, objects and the like, for example in the domestic field.

[0004] . As is known, steam generating devices, especially if used for cleaning in the domestic field and otherwise, comprise a steam generator and a steam emitter produced', for example, in the form of cleaning accessories such as floor brushes, nozzles, or the like.

The connection between the generator and the accessory is effected by means of one or more connecting members. [0005] . A connecting member fulfils several requirements at the same time, besides the obvious requirement of conveying the steam to the emitter. In particular, the connecting member ensures a certain rigidity so as to be able to move the accessory used and ensures the thermal insulation of the actual steam pipe so that it can be grasped by the user.

[0006] . At present, these requirements are fulfilled by connecting members comprising a pipe for the connection of the steam and .a housing tube for housing the pipe. The housing tube provides the connecting member with rigidity and thermally insulates the steam pipe, ensuring a secure hold on the part of the user.

[0007] . The housing tube is a substantially cylindrical hollow member, defined by a continuous lateral wall and produced by injection within a suitable die. The steam pipe is inserted into the housing tube from one of the open ends of the tube.

[0008] . Such a solution, while fulfilling the requirements mentioned above, has some drawbacks, such as, for example, the need for moulding machines that are rather bulky and expensive because of the presence of long cores for producing the internal cavity of the housing tube.

[0009] . The need to extract the cores in a longitudinal direction with respect to the housing tube, besides requiring rather bulky machines, makes it necessary to produce very thick connecting tubes in order to obtain a specific mechanical strength, making it in fact difficult or impossible to produce stiffening ribs within the tube. In addition, the housing tube must extend longitudinally in a straight line, it being otherwise complex or even impossible to extract the cores from the tube itself.

[0010] . Finally, during the assembly of the connecting member, the steam pipe can exclusively be inserted into the housing tube from one of the open ends and slid in a longitudinal direction, therefore requiring a certain rigidity of the pipe itself and giving rise to problems in the phase of assembly of the connecting member.

[0011] . The problem underlying the present invention is that of proposing a connecting member for a steam generating device and a steam generating device which have structural and functional characteristics such as to fulfil the aforesaid requirement and at the same time to remedy the drawbacks mentioned above with reference to the prior art .

[0012] . This problem is solved by means of a connecting member for a steam generating device according to claim 1 and by means of a steam generating device according to claim 37.

[0013] . The problem is further solved by means of a method and an apparatus for the production of a connecting member for a steam generating device according, respectively, to claim 38 and claim 40. [0014] . Further characteristics and advantages of the connecting member for a steam generating device according to the invention will become clearer from the following description of its preferred exemplary embodiments, provided by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

[0015] . Figure 1 shows diagrammatically a steam generating device according to the present invention;

[0016] . Figure 2 shows an exploded perspective view of a possible embodiment of a connecting member for a steam generating device according to the present invention, wherein some elements have been omitted in order to show others clearly;

[0017] . Figure 3 shows a perspective view in section in a longitudinal median plane of a detail of the connecting member of Figure 2 when assembled, wherein some elements have been omitted in order to show others clearly;

[0018] . Figure 4 shows a perspective view in section in a longitudinal median plane of a detail of the connecting member of Figure 2 when assembled, wherein some elements have been omitted in order to show others clearly;

[0019] . Figure 5 shows a perspective view in section in a median plane of the connecting member of Figure 2 when assembled, wherein some elements have been omitted in order to show others clearly;

[0020] . Figure 6 shows a perspective view in section in a median plane of a detail of the connecting member of Figure 2 when assembled, wherein some details have been omitted in order to show others clearly;

[0021] . Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a die portion for the production of a detail of the connecting member of Figure 2; [0022] . Figure 8 shows a side view of a detail of the connecting member of Figure 2;

[0023] . Figure 9 shows a side view according to the arrow IX of the detail of Figure 8;

[0024] . Figure 10 shows a perspective view of a detail of the connecting member of Figure 2 ;

[0025] . Figure 11 shows a view according to the arrow XI of the connecting member of Figure 8;

[0026] . Figure 12 shows a perspective view of a possible further embodiment of a connecting member according to the present invention;

[0027] . Figure 13 shows a side view of the connecting member of Figure 12.

[0028] . With reference to the aforesaid figures, in particular to Figures 1 to 10, the reference 10 indicates as a whole a connecting member for a steam generating device 12.

[0029] . With particular reference to Figure 1, the steam generating device 12 comprises a steam generator 14 and a steam emitter 16 which are connected by means of at least one connecting member 10. In more detail, the steam generator 14 may comprise a flexible member 18 for the outflow of the steam suitable for being placed in communication with the connecting member 10..

[0030] . The steam emitter 16 may be of various kinds. With particular reference to a steam generating device suitable for being used for cleaning, the emitter may assume the form of an accessory or nozzle, for example for cleaning floors, windows, furniture or the like. Solely by way of example, Figure 1 shows diagrammatically an accessory for the steam cleaning of floors.

[0031] . The connecting member 10 comprises a pipe 20 for the passage of the steam and a housing tube 22, suitable for housing within it the steam pipe 20 and extending along a longitudinal axis 22a. According to a possible embodiment, the housing tube extends along a longitudinal axis 22a comprising at least one straight section. In more detail, as illustrated for example in Figure 2, the housing tube extends along a completely straight longitudinal axis 22a. [0032] . With particular reference to Figures 2 to 6, the housing tube 22 advantageously comprises ^"a longitudinal opening 24 preferably suitable for the insertion of at least one section of the steam pipe. As will also be described hereinafter, the longitudinal opening 24 is capable of being closed again, preferably after the insertion of the at least one section of pipe 20.

[0033] . Advantageously, the longitudinal opening 24 extends for at least a portion of the length of the housing tube 22, and in particular extends for a central portion of the length of the housing tube. In other words, the longitudinal opening 24 is bounded by a closed peripheral rim 26, preferably of rectangular shape. [0034] . According to a possible embodiment, the housing tube 22 comprises a central portion 28 and two end portions 29, 30 which bound the central portion 28 on two sides. Advantageously, the two end portions also bound the length of the longitudinal opening 24 in a longitudinal direction of the housing tube. Still more advantageously, the two end portions have a cross-section equal or geometrically similar to that of the central portion.

[0035] . According to a possible embodiment illustrated, for example, in Figure 2, the housing tube 22 comprises coupling means for at least one other housing tube or at least one accessory. Preferably, the housing tube 22 comprises a first end portion 29, having transverse dimensions equal to the central portion 28 of the tube itself, and a second end portion 30, having outside transverse dimensions smaller than those of the first end portion 29 and such as to be inserted inside , the first end portion of another housing tube, or similar elements . [0036] . According to a possible embodiment, the two end portions 29 and 30 advantageously comprise locking means 31, preferably snap locking means, for another housing tube, or similar elements.

[0037] . According to a possible embodiment, the housing tube 22 advantageously has a substantially triangular cross-section, extending therefore on three faces preferably disposed at about 120° to one another and even more preferably connected by a rounded section.

[0038] . In the case where the housing tube has a triangular cross-section, the longitudinal opening 24 is advantageously provided at one of the faces corresponding to one side of the cross-section. Advantageously, the longitudinal opening 24 extends substantially over the entire width of the corresponding face. [0039] . According to a possible embodiment, an inner wall 32 of the housing tube 22 comprises at least one stiffening rib 34 which extends from the inner surface itself. Advantageously, a plurality of ribs are provided which extend from the inner surface of the housing tube along a section substantially corresponding to the length of the longitudinal opening 24.

[0040] . , According to a possible embodiment, the at least one rib 34 extends from the inner surface 32 in a plane substantially perpendicular to the surface bounded by the longitudinal opening 24 and by its peripheral rim 26.

[0041] . According to a possible embodiment, the ribs are inclined to one another and with respect to the longitudinal axis 24a. Advantageously, one rib is oriented with respect to the longitudinal axis 24a in a direction opposed to that of the immediately adjacent rib. Still more advantageously, the ribs are inclined by about 45o with respect to the longitudinal axis, in alternating directions of inclination (Figure 9) . [0042] . According to a possible embodiment, the

^■ rib 34 has an arcuate section.36 defining a portion for housing the steam pipe 20. In the case where a plurality of ribs are provided, each rib 34 comprises an arcuate section 36 and the sequence of arcuate sections along the longitudinal axis defines a section for housing the steam pipe 20 .

[0043] . According to a possible embodiment, the housing tube 22 comprises at least one locating wall 38 which extends from the inner wall 32 at the ends in a longitudinal direction of the longitudinal opening 24.

[0044]. Advantageously, the housing tube 22 may comprise grip impressions 40 distributed along the outer surface of the pipe itself.

[0045] . According to a possible embodiment, the housing tube 22 has a series of slots 42, preferably passing through the entire thickness of the wall. Advantageously, the slots 42 are distributed over the length of the longitudinal opening 24, on two sections parallel to the longitudinal axis 22a. In the case where there is a plurality of faces, the slots 42 are made in faces adjacent to that in which the longitudinal opening 24 is provided. In the case where grip impressions 40 are provided, each slot 42 may be advantageously provided at one of the grip impressions 40. [0046] . The housing tube 22 may further have ornamental patterns or inscriptions, not shown, distributed on the outer surface of the housing tube itself.

[0047] . According to a possible embodiment, the housing tube 22 comprises a cover 44 capable of closing the longitudinal opening 24.

[0048] . The example illustrated in Figure 2 corresponds to an embodiment in which snap connection means are provided between the cover 44 and the housing tube 22. Such snap connection means are advantageously provided at the sides of the longitudinal opening 24 and of the cover 44 which extend in the direction of the longitudinal axis 22a.

[0049] . In more detail, the snap connection means advantageously comprise the slots 42 provided in the housing tube 22 and a series of tongues 46 which extend from the cover and are capable of interacting with the slots 42. Still more advantageously, each tongue 46 is provided with a tooth 48 capable of being inserted at least partially into the slots 42.

[0050] . According to a possible embodiment, the cover 44 comprises at least one stiffening rib 50 which extends towards the inside of the housing tube when the housing tube and cover are fixed to one another. According to the example illustrated in the drawings, the cover 44 comprises a plurality of stiffening ribs 50 distributed over the length of the cover itself. In more detail, the ribs extend perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis 22a with reference to the assembled connecting member. [0051] . According to a possible embodiment, the ribs 50 comprise an arcuate section 52 capable of wrapping round the steam pipe 20 with reference to the assembled connecting member. In more detail, the sequence of arcuate sections 52 of the plurality of ribs 50 defines a portion of the cover capable of wrapping round the steam pipe 20..

[0052] . According to an advantageous embodiment, the steam pipe 20 comprises at least two rigid end portions 54 and 56 (Figure 5) and a flexible pipe 58 (Figure 1) which is capable of being connected to the two end portions. More particularly, the flexible pipe 58 extends for a length substantially equal to the length of the longitudinal opening 24. [0053] . In the case where the housing tube 22 provides locating walls 38, the end portions are capable of butting against the latter.

[0054] . For the sake of simplicity, Figure 1 illustrates only the flexible pipe 58, while Figure 5 illustrates only the two rigid end portions 54 and 56. Figure 3 and Figure 6 respectively illustrate the rigid end portions 54 and 56, while the flexible pipe 58 is only indicated by dashed lines .

[0055] . A description is given below of a method for the production of the connecting member 10 according to the present invention. In general terms, this method preferably provides the steps of :

[0056]. producing the housing tube 22 provided with the longitudinal opening 24 ; [0057] . inserting at least one section of the steam pipe 20 inside the housing tube 22, preferably through the longitudinal opening 24;

[0058], closing the longitudinal opening 24.

[0059] . According to a possible embodiment, the housing tube 22 is advantageously produced by injection of plastics material into a die.

[0060] . Figure 7 illustrates a possible embodiment of a half-die 60 capable of defining the die for production of the housing tube 22. Advantageously, provision is made for the half-die 60 to comprise a raised portion 62 capable of defining the longitudinal opening 24. In the case where stiffening ribs 34 for stiffening the housing tube 22 are provided and/or grip impressions 40, the raised portion 62 comprises suitable shapes.

[0061] . The reference 64 indicates the shapes for defining the channels for injection of the material into the die. The reference 66 indicates pins or cores capable of being inserted into the die to define the cavity inside the end portions 29 and 30 of the housing tube 22 .

[0062] . At least one section of the steam pipe 20, in particular the flexible pipe 58, is then inserted into the housing tube through the longitudinal opening 24. In the case of the flexible pipe 58, the rigid end portions 54, 56 are inserted from the ends of the housing tube 22 and the flexible pipe 58 is inserted on the rigid end portions .

[0063] . The longitudinal opening 24 is then closed again, for example by means of the cover 44. In the case illustrated in the drawings, the closure of the cover on the longitudinal opening 24 is effected by means of the snap connection means, or by resiliently inserting the tongues and the corresponding teeth into the respective slots.

[0064] . From what has been stated above, it can be appreciated that providing a connecting member according to the present invention makes it possible to simplify and limit the dimensions of the dies for production, rendering them usable on smaller moulding machines and with reduced costs/times. In. particular, owing to the presence of the longitudinal opening, it has been possible to reduce (or even eliminate) the length of the pins or cores which produce the cavity of the housing tube, therefore reducing the size of the die which must house them both in the working position and in the rest position.

[0065] . It is further possible to simplify the assembly of the member itself, . allowing easier introduction of the steam pipe into the housing tube.

[0066] . The provision of a longitudinal opening further makes it possible to have a steam pipe provided with at least one flexible section, consequently reducing the material and production costs. [0067] . The provision of a separate cover for closing the longitudinal opening makes it possible to produce the cover itself and the remaining part of the housing tube from two different materials, for example in two different colours, creating more pleasing combinations, more in tune with the colours of the products with which they are combined.

[0068] . By leaving at least a portion of the housing tube free of the pins or cores, it is possible to provide stiffening ribs or other effects in low relief on the surface of the tube itself, making it possible for example to work with smaller and more constant external thicknesses with equal mechanical strength. Consequently, the weight and therefore the cost of the individual part is reduced. [0069] . The shape of the housing tube may be either straight or of other shape, allowing adaptation to specific requirements, in particular permitting the study of forms with curvatures which prove more ergonomic during use and/or which increase the rigidity thereof . [0070] . It is clear that variations and/or additions to what has been described and illustrated above may be provided.

[0071] . Figure 1 illustrates a diagrammatic example of a steam generating device. It is obvious that, for example, the flexible member 18 may not be present. "Furthermore, only one connecting member 10 has been illustrated, even though the connection may be effected with a plurality of connecting members in series, suitably inserted at the ends. In addition, each connecting member may be inserted also into an accessory or the like.

[0072] . The connecting member preferably comprises a rigid housing tube which insulates the steam pipe from direct contact. According to a possible embodiment, the housing tube may also be flexible, fulfilling, however, the requirement of insulating the steam pipe.

[0073] . According to a possible embodiment, the cover is capable of being welded onto the housing tube for closing the longitudinal opening. Other connecting means between the housing tube and the cover are also possible .

[0074] . In particular, other forms of snap connection means are possible. For example, the tongues may extend from the tube in order to be inserted into slots provided in the cover. For example, at least one tongue may be provided, which extends from the cover or from the housing tube and which is capable of interacting with portions respectively of the housing tube or of the cover, for example at least one raised portion. [0075]. In the drawings, the housing tube comprises two end portions 29 and 30 produced in the form of hollow structures and in which the longitudinal opening 24 does not extend. Provision may advantageously be made for the housing tube to comprise only one end portion which bounds on one side the length of the longitudinal opening in a longitudinal direction of the housing tube 22. Or provision may advantageously be made for the housing tube 22 not to comprise end portions, so that the longitudinal opening 24 extends over the entire length of the housing tube 22. In other words, the longitudinal opening 24 is bounded by an open peripheral rim 26.

[0076] . In the case described above, the cover 44 may be provided with the coupling means for at least one other housing tube or at least one accessory. [0077] . According to a possible embodiment, the housing tube has a substantially circular or substantially polygonal or different cross-section.

[0078] . According to an advantageous embodiment, the housing tube extends along a longitudinal axis comprising at least one curved section. In this case the provision of a steam pipe with a flexible portion is particularly advantageous .

[0079] . According to a possible embodiment, the cover 44 is produced of material different from that of the remainder of the housing tube 22. More precisely, the cover may be produced in a colour different from that of the remainder of the housing tube.

[0080] . The cover may further comprise decorative elements, incisions or inscriptions provided on the outer surface .

[0081] . According to the embodiment illustrated, the steam pipe 20 comprises at least two rigid end portions and a flexible pipe capable of being connected to the rigid end portions. Other embodiments with only one rigid end or with a completely flexible steam pipe are also possible.

[0082] . In addition to the embodiments described and illustrated, the connecting member may assume the shape of a pistol or lance 100, capable of having at one end a steam outlet nozzle, or the so-called accessories 16 described above. An example of such a lance 100 is illustrated in Figures 12 and 13. In this case also, a housing tube 22 is provided which is equipped with a longitudinal opening 24 capable of being closed by a cover 44. A hand grip 102 is further provided, and a delivery push button 104. This lance 100 is an example of an arcuate connecting member, obtainable owing to the provision of the longitudinal opening 24. What has been stated previously also applies in the case of the lance 100.

[0083] . According to a possible embodiment, the steam pipe 20 is rigid and capable of being inserted from one of the ends of the connecting member. In such a case the method of producing the connecting member according to the present invention may provide for closing the opening 24 with the cover 44 before inserting the rigid steam pipe from one end, retaining all the advantages of the phase of production of the housing tube. [0084] . An expert in the field, for the purpose of fulfilling contingent and specific requirements, may apply to the preferred embodiment solution of the connecting member described above numerous modifications, adaptations and substitutions of elements with other functionally equivalent elements, without however departing from the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A connecting member (10, 100) for a steam generating device (12) , said connecting member (10) being suitable for being interposed between a steam generator (14) and a steam emitter (16) of said steam generating device (12) , and comprising a pipe (20) for the passage of the steam, and a housing tube (22) for housing said pipe (20) , characterized in that said housing tube (22) comprises a longitudinal opening (24) suitable for being closed.

2. A connecting member (10, 100) according to claim 1, wherein said opening is suitable for the insertion of at least one section of said pipe (20) , said longitudinal opening (24) being closed again after the insertion of said at least one section of pipe (20) .

3. A connecting member (10, 100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said longitudinal opening (24) extends for at least a portion of the length of said housing tube (22) .

4. A connecting member. (10, 100) according to claim 3, wherein said longitudinal opening (24) extends for a central portion of the length of said housing tube (22) .

5. A connecting member (10, 100) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein said housing tube (22) comprises at least one end portion (29, 30) which bounds on one side the length of said longitudinal opening (24) in a longitudinal direction of the housing tube itself.

6. A connecting member ' (10^", 100) according to claim 5, where said housing tube (22) comprises two end portions (29, 30) which bound on two sides the length of said longitudinal opening (24) in a longitudinal direction of the housing tube (22) .

7. A connecting member (10, 100) according to claim 3, wherein said longitudinal opening (24) extends over the entire length of said housing tube (22) .

8. A connecting member (10, 100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said housing tube (22) has a substantially circular cross-section.

9. A connecting member (10, 100) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein said housing tube (22) has a substantially polygonal cross-section.

10. A connecting member (10, 100) according to claim 9, wherein said housing tube (22) has a substantially triangular cross-section.

11. A connecting member (10, 100) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein said longitudinal opening (24) is provided at one of the faces of said housing tube (22) corresponding to one side of the cross-section.

12. A connecting member (10, 100) according to claim 11, wherein said longitudinal opening (24) extends substantially over the entire width of the corresponding face.

13. A connecting member (10, 100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said housing tube (22) comprises at least one stiffening rib (34) which extends from an inner surface of said housing tube (22) .

14. A connecting member (10, 100) according to claim 13, wherein said housing tube (22) comprises a plurality of ribs (34) which extend from an inner surface of said housing tube (2) along a section substantially corresponding to the length of said longitudinal opening

(24).

15. A connecting member (10, 100) according to claim 13 or claim 14, wherein said at least one rib (34) has an arcuate section (36) defining a portion for housing said pipe (20) .

16. A connecting member (10, 100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said housing tube (22) extends along a longitudinal _.axis (22a) comprising at least one straight section.

17. A connecting member (10, 100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said housing tube (22) extends along a longitudinal axis (22a) comprising at least one curved section.

18. A connecting member (10, 100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said housing tube (22) has ornamental patterns or inscriptions on the outer surface of the housing tube (22) itself.

19. A connecting member (10, 100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said housing tube (22) comprises a cover (44) capable of closing said longitudinal opening (24) .

20. A connecting member (10, 100) according to claim 19, wherein said cover (44) is welded on said housing tube (22) for closing said longitudinal opening (24) .

21. A connecting member (10, 100) according to claim 19, wherein snap connection means are provided between said cover (44) and said housing tube (22) .

22. A connecting member (10, 100) according to claim 21, wherein said snap connection means comprise at least one tongue (46) which extends from said cover (44) and is capable of interacting with portions of said housing tube (22) .

23. A connecting member (10, 100) according to claim 22, wherein said at least one tongue (46) is provided with a tooth (48) .

24. A connecting member (10, 100) according to one of claims 21 to 23, wherein said snap connection means comprise at least one raised portion * which extends from said housing tube (22) and is capable of interacting with elements of said cover (44) .

25. A connecting member (10, 100) according to one of claims 21 to 23, wherein said snap connection means comprise at least one slot (42) provided in said housing tube (22) and capable of interacting with elements of said cover (44) .

26. A connecting member (10, 100) according to one of claims 21 to 25, wherein said snap connection means extend along the edge of said cover (44) and of said longitudinal opening (24) .

27. A connecting member (10, 100) according to one of claims 19 to 26, wherein said cover (44) comprises at least one stiffening rib (50) which extends towards the inside of the housing tube (22) when the housing tube (22) and cover (44) are fixed to one another.

28. A connecting member (10, 100) according to one of claims 19 to 27, wherein said cover (44) is produced of material different from said, housing tube (22) .

29. A connecting member (10, 100) according to one of claims 19 to 28, wherein said cover (44) comprises decorative elements, incisions or inscriptions provided on the outer surface.

30. A connecting member (10, 100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said housing tube (22) comprises coupling means for at least one other housing tube (22) or at least one accessory.

31. A connecting member (10, 100) according to one of claims 19 to 29, wherein said cover (44) comprises coupling means for at least one other housing tube (22) or at least one accessory.

32. A connecting member (10, 100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said pipe (20) comprises at least one rigid end portion (54, 56) and a flexible pipe (58) capable of being connected to said at least one rigid end portion (54, 56) .

33. A connecting member (10, 100) according to claim 32, wherein said housing tube (22) comprises at least one locating wall (38) for said at least one end portion (54, 56) .

34. A connecting member (10, 100) according to claim 32 or 33, wherein said flexible pipe (58) extends for a length substantially equal to the length of said longitudinal opening (24) .

35. A connecting member (10, 100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said housing tube (22) comprises grip impressions (40) provided along the outer surface of the housing tube itself.

.

36. A connecting member (10, 100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said connecting member is a connecting lance (100) for connection to the emitter

(16) in the form of a nozzle.

37. A steam generating device (12) comprising a steam generator (14) , a steam emitter (16) and at least one connecting member (10, 100) according to one of claims 1 to 36, said at least one connecting member (10,

100) being capable of being interposed between said steam generator (14) and said steam emitter (16) .

38. A method for the production of a connecting member (10, 100) according to one of claims 1 to 36, comprising the steps of : producing said housing tube (22) provided with said longitudinal opening (24) ; inserting at least one section of said pipe (20) inside the housing tube (22) ; closing said longitudinal opening (24) .

39. A method for the production of a connecting member (10, 100) according to claim 38, wherein said at least one section of pipe (20). is inserted through said longitudinal opening (24) which is then closed.

40. An apparatus for the production of a connecting member (10, 100) according to one of claims 1 to 36, comprising a die for the production of said housing tube (22) in which at least one half-die (60) comprises a raised portion (62) capable of defining said longitudinal opening (24) .