Garment steamer with improved steaming performances and functionalities

Abstract

The invention relates to a garment care device comprising a steam generator having improved steaming performances and functionalities.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to a garment steamer with improved steam performances. The invention may be used in the field of garment care. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Typically, steam generators used in irons and some steamer products utilise flash boiling to produce steam, whereby water which is dosed onto a hot steaming surface at one point or in some cases at two points, is instantaneously steamed off. In some other steam generators, especially in steamer products, a labyrinth design is used for limiting water spreading and improving steam generation. However, spreading of the water onto the main steaming surface is affected by the labyrinth design and protrusions on the steaming surface. The so-called “open” steam generator design concepts can be used to address in some extent the problem of the limited steam rate and scaling life. By term “open”, it is referred to a flat steaming surface without labyrinth extending onto it. As illustrated in Fig.l, known open steam generator design utilises an open steaming surface to generate steam which will pass through one or more side steam channel before steam is emitted out of the steam vents. However, the side steam channel requires quite some space on the steam generator which could otherwise be used to generate more steam. There is also the problem of hot spots generation which is caused by water being unable to reach said spots around the steam channel, as illustrated with dashed lines in Fig.2. When steaming orientation is sideways especially towards right side, as illustrated by Fig.3, the effective steam area is greatly reduced due to orientation and the area occupied by the steam channel. This requires the steam generator to reduce the steam rate by a significant amount when used at such unfavourable orientation, which would otherwise lead to undesired spitting of water during usage. Steam output may also be perceived by user as inconsistent due to the step down. To detect usage orientation, an orientation sensor would also be required for angle detection, leading to increase manufacturing costs. In other words, in the current known labyrinth steam generator designs, like shown in Fig.4, the limitations arise from: - Limescale buildup clogging labyrinth steam generator paths, - Limited instantaneous steaming area. Depends on water travelling through the labyrinth path. This results in lower steam rate and weaker steam perception. - Steam perception will be poor and high chances of water leaking in labyrinth design in different orientations. This will lead to poor steam perception and spitting. The disadvantages of the current handheld steamer products are already known and that is the reason why there are sometimes weak, short limescale life and low steaming performance currently for products on the market. OBJECT AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the invention to propose a garment care device that avoids or mitigates abovementioned problems by, among other, generating more powerful steam at any angle. The invention is defined by the independent claims. The dependent claims define advantageous embodiments. The garment care device (GCD) according to the invention comprises: - a steam generator (SG) comprising an ironing plate (IP) with steam vents (SV), a bottom steam plate (SP) being heated, a peripheral wall (PW) protruding from a periphery of the steam plate, a cover (CC) arranged on top of the peripheral wall, the steam generator (SG) forming an internal volume (W) free of constrained steam paths above a central area (CA) of the steam plate, - at least one water dosing point (WDP1, WDP2) arranged in the cover (CC), to provide water onto the steam plate, resulting in water being vaporized by the steam plate. The garment care device (GCD) according to the invention comprises a steam generator (SG) comprising an ironing plate (IP) with steam vents (SV), a bottom steam plate (SP) being heated, a peripheral wall (PW) protruding from a periphery of the steam plate (SP), a cover (CC) arranged on top of the peripheral wall (PW), the steam generator (SG) forming an internal volume (W) free of constrained steam paths above a central area (CA) of the steam plate (SP), a first water dosing point (WDP1) and a second water dosing point (WDP2) arranged to provide water onto the steam plate (SP), and a temperature sensor (TS) mounted protruding from the steam plate (SP), the temperature sensor (TS) being arranged in-between the first water dosing point (WDP1) and the second water dosing point (WDP2). This solution allows increasing the steam rate by using an open steaming chamber structure for smaller steamer products, as well as to extend the product lifespan. Detailed explanations and other aspects of the invention will be given below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Particular aspects of the invention will now be explained with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter and considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which identical parts or sub-steps are designated in the same manner : Fig.l depicts a known steam generator having a side steam channel, Fig.2 depicts a known steam generator having a side steam channel with hot spots arising along the side steam channel, Fig.3 depicts a known steam generator having a side steam channel when inclined towards the side steam channel, Fig.4 depicts a known steam generator having two lateral side steam channels, with labyrinth steam path, Figs.5 to 20 depict various embodiments according to the invention. Fig.21 depicts the case in which steam plate oriented vertically and T-joint is placed in the handle. Fig.22 depicts the case in which steam plate oriented horizontally and t-joint is placed in the handle. Fig.23 depicts the case in which steam plate oriented vertically and t-joint placed in the steam plate. Fig.24 depicts the case in which steam plate oriented horizontally and t-joint placed in the steam plate. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The garment care (GCD) device according to the invention comprises: - a steam generator (SG) comprising an ironing plate (IP) with steam vents (SV), a bottom steam plate (SP) being heated, a peripheral wall (PW) protruding from a periphery of the steam plate (SP), a cover (CC) arranged on top of the peripheral wall, the steam generator (SG) forming an internal volume (VV) free of constrained steam paths above a central area (CA) of the steam plate (SP), - at least one water dosing point (WDP1, WDP2) arranged in the cover (CC), to provide water onto the steam plate (SP), resulting in water being vaporized by the steam plate (SP). In one embodiment, the garment care device (GCD) comprises a steam generator (SG) comprising an ironing plate (IP) with steam vents (SV), a bottom steam plate (SP) being heated, a peripheral wall (PW) protruding from a periphery of the steam plate (SP), and a cover (CC) arranged on top of the peripheral wall (PW). The steam generator (SG) forms an internal volume (W) free of constrained steam paths above a central area (CA) of the steam plate (SP). The garment care device (GCD) further comprises a first water dosing point (WDP1) and a second water dosing point (WDP2), each arranged to provide water onto the steam plate (SP). A temperature sensor (TS) is mounted protruding from the steam plate (SP) and is arranged inbetween the first water dosing point (WDP1) and the second water dosing point (WDP2). In some embodiments, the temperature sensor (TS) is mounted on a protrusion protruding from the steam plate (SP). Positioning the temperature sensor (TS) between the two water dosing points (WDP1, WDP2) allows it to detect temperature changes resulting from water dosing events more accurately, while mounting it on a protrusion improves thermal contact with the surrounding steam or heated plate surface. This combination results in faster and more accurate temperature measurements, enabling precise control of the heating element (HE) and steam generation, thereby improving garment care efficiency and reducing the risk of overheating or under-steaming. The steam plate (SP) defines a plain surface which does not comprise any structures forcing steam to follow a given path (i.e. no labyrinths / paths / channels...). In other words, the internal volume (W) is primarily non-obstructed. The main advantages of the improved design construction is to include a larger available steaming surface which effectively increases the steam rate and limescale life of the steam generator (SG). The steam generator (SG) also operates with lower peak temperature as heat is more effectively extracted from a larger steaming surface. The ironing plate (IP) is preferably parallel to the steam plate (SP), and have substantially similar outer shapes. The ironing plate (IP) is for example rectangular, as illustrated. It could also have different shape, such as oval or any other shape. Garment care device (GCD) may comprise a handle HAN to move the device against the garment to be treated by steam. If the longitudinal axis xx of the steam plate (SP) is oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis hh of the handle, the steam plate (SP) is said to be oriented in “portrait orientation”, as illustrated in Fig-5. If the longitudinal axis xx of the steam plate (SP) is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis hh of the handle, the steam plate (SP) is said to be oriented in “landscape orientation”, as illustrated in Fig. 13. The steam generator (SG) further comprises a steam channel which is positioned below the steam plate (SP) instead of along the side of the engine body. This effectively increases the steaming area which can be used to generate more steam instantaneously. This position of the steam channel SC prevents having hot spots at the periphery of the steam plate. Preferably, the steam generator (SG) further comprises a substantially “U”-shaped heating element (HE) being in thermal heat transfer with said steam plate (SP). This is illustrated in Fig.8. In addition, the heat of the steam plate (SP) is transferred to the ironing plate (IP) via lateral thermal bridge arranged in-between. Preferably, the at least one water dosing point (WDP1, WDP2) comprises a first water dosing point (WDP1) and a second water dosing point (WDP2). The first water dosing point WDP1 and the second water dosing point WDP2 separate the steam plate (SP) into two interconnected heating zones Z1 and Z2 in order to enhance water distribution and steam production, as illustrated in Fig. 10. By separating, it is meant to say that the water exiting the first water dosing point (WDP1) reaches a region which vaporizes the same and is called first heating zone (Zl) and that the water exiting second first water dosing point (WDP2) reaches a region which vaporizes the same and is called second heating zone (Z2). In other words, the steaming surface is provided with two hot steaming zones to enable dual dosing resulting in faster steam generation, lower hotspots, longer limescale life and higher steam rate without spitting. By simultaneously delivering water to both zones Zl and Z2, the system generates more powerful, rapid, and voluminous steam. In other words, large amount of steam is generated instantaneously. This configuration also extends the product's lifespan by providing a larger surface area for scale accumulation, reducing the frequency of descaling. Water is dosed on the two zones simultaneously. At side water retention pockets, the excess water will be trapped by the separation walls / ribs while the engine takes time to transfer heat to steam off the water. Preferably, the garment care device (GCD) further comprises a temperature sensor (TS) mounted protruding from the steam plate (SP), the temperature sensor (TS) being arranged in-between the first water dosing point (WDP1) and the second water dosing point (WDP2). The temperature sensor (TS) aims to measure and regulate the temperature of the steam plate (SP). It can take the form of a thermistor, as illustrated in above-mentioned figures. Preferably, the temperature sensor (TS) is arranged along the longitudinal axis xx of the steam plate (SP). In other words, the temperature sensor (TS) is arranged between the two water dosing WDP1 / WDP2, in order to better sense water being present or not in both zones Z1 / Z2. Preferably, the temperature sensor (TS) is arranged along the longitudinal axis xx of the steam plate (SP), at middle distance between the first wall W1 and the opposite tip of the steam plate (SP). It is noted that the distance between each of the two water dosing points (WDP1, WDP2) and the temperature sensor (TS) could be different, as it will be further detailed in the following. Preferably, in case the heating element (HE)comprises a neck portion (NP) in the overall U-shape, as illustrated in Fig.8, the temperature sensor (TS) is arranged slightly offset compared to this neck portion (NP). This helps to better sense the heating element (HE) being powered-ON or powered-OFF, as well as sense water being present or not on the steam plate (SP), by balancing the energy in and out of the steam generator (SG). Preferably, the steam plate (SP) forms a surface comprising a first grid pattern made of protruding truncated square pyramids. In the main steaming area of the steam plate (SP), in particular zone Z1 and zone Z2, lxl millimetre truncated square pyramid grids of height 0.5mm with a spacing of 1mm are used for better water spreading in both horizontal and vertical, as illustrated in Fig.ll. The truncated square pyramids are also oriented in a manner that they are symmetrical in both landscape and portrait orientations of the rectangular steam plate (SP) for optimal water spreading regardless of orientation of the steam plate (SP). The square pyramids are oriented at 45 degrees compared to the xx axis. The truncated square pyramid also helps that water which is dosed by the water dosing point (WDP1, WDP2) spreads over the steam plate (SP) without too fast falling when the longitudinal axis xx of the steam plate (SP) is both in portrait and landscape orientation.vertically. The small size of the pyramids also helps that the scale that could build on the steam plate (SP) flakes more easily. Preferably, the garment care device (GCD) further comprises a second area (A2), the second area (A2) forming a surface comprising a second grid pattern made of protruding square pyramids. Non-truncated pyramids will help scale to accumulate in this second area A2, as the contact surface is increased compared to a flat surface. Second area A2 acts as a scale accumulation area. Said differently, the temperature sensor (TS) is positioned nearer to the lower dosing point WDP1 so that it can still sense water temperature when the steam generator (SG) is in portrait, namely vertical orientation. In some embodiments, the dosing points (WDP1, WDP2) are offset relative to each other along at least one of the axes (xx, yy). In some embodiments, the dosing points (WDP1, WDP2) are offset relative to each other along both axes (xx, yy). Preferably, the first water dosing point (WDP1) and the second water dosing point (WDP2): - are aligned along a longitudinal axis (xx) of the steam plate (SP), or - are offset relative to each other compared to said longitudinal axis. If the garment care device (GCD) is only dedicated for having the steam plate (SP) oriented in portrait orientation (and not in landscape orientation), the two water dosing points WDP1 and WDP2 extends along the longitudinal axis xx of the steam plate (SP). Preferably, the two water dosing points WDP1 and WDP2 are offset along the xx-direction, compared to the temperature sensor (TS), as gravity will play a part in water spreading and steam generation. This means that the temperature sensor (TS) is not positioned in the middle of the two water dosing points (WDP1, WDP2). If the garment care device (GCD) is only dedicated for having the steam plate (SP) oriented in portrait orientation, both water dosing points (WDP1, WDP2) are offset in xx direction by a value OFF2 in the range 0 to 9mm. In other words, the centre of the two water dosing points (WDP1, WDP2), being distant by a value of X, are offset with respect to the centre of the temperature sensor (TS). If the garment care device (GCD) is dedicated for having the steam plate (SP) oriented in portrait orientation as well in landscape orientation, there is preferably an offset at one of the two water dosing points WDP1 and WDP2 laterally compared to the xx-direction (i.e. an offset along axis yy being perpendicular to axis xx). This means that the two water dosing points WDP1 and WDP2 are not aligned along the xx axis. If the garment care device (GCD) is dedicated for having the steam plate (SP) oriented in portrait orientation as well in landscape orientation, both water dosing points (WDP1, WDP2) are offset in xx direction by >0mm up to 9mm, and the rear dosing point WDP1 is offset also in YY direction by a value OFF1 in the range 0 to 9 mm. This is illustrated in Figs. 13,14 and 15. Preferably, the garment care device (GCD) according to the invention further comprises: - a water tank (WT), - a water pump (WP) to carry water from the water tank (WT) to the first water dosing point (WDP1) and to the second water dosing point (WDP2) via a T-type or a Y-type connector (CON) having one fluid entry (ENI) connected to the water pump (WP) and two fluid exits (EXI, EX2) connected to the first and second water dosing points (WDP1, WDP2) via two dosing connectors (Cl, C2) The connector (CON) is arranged in the garment care device (GCD) such that the two fluid exist have the same height (Hl) compared to an horizontal plane (HP) when: - the steam plate (SP) is oriented horizontally, and - the steam plate (SP) is oriented vertically while having the longitudinal axis (xx) of the steam plate (SP) being vertical. This is depicted in Fig.7, which illustrates a T-joint. Diaphragm pumps (<0.5 bar max pressure), commonly used in handheld devices, often generate small air bubbles, particularly during tube connection and disconnection. These air bubbles can obstruct water flow within the system, potentially causing uneven water distribution. Preferably, the water pump (WP)is a piston pump. Indeed, piston pumps (>=1 bar max pressure), capable of generating higher pressure, are better suited for this application as they can effectively displace air bubbles, ensuring consistent water flow. A T-joint or Y-joint is employed to evenly distribute water from the water pump (WP)to two separate paths. While both configurations can achieve this, the Y-joint exhibits superior performance due to its hydrodynamic design, which minimizes pressure loss and ensures equal flow distribution to both outlets. The T-joint, on the other hand, induces a sharper water turn, leading to increased energy consumption and potential flow imbalances. However, the Y-joint's performance is highly sensitive to manufacturing variations, as even slight imperfections can disrupt the flow and affect water distribution. In contrast, while the T-joint incurs greater pressure loss due to the 90-degree water turn, it is less susceptible to flow inconsistencies caused by manufacturing tolerances. To counteract the influence of gravity on water distribution, the T-joint or Y-joint is strategically positioned to maintain equal outlet distance Hl regardless of the steamer's orientation. Preferably, the diameter of the fluid entry (ENI) of the connector (CON) should be equal to or smaller than the tube coming from the water pump (WP) Preferably, the diameters of the fluid exist EX1 / EX2 of the connector (CON) should be approximately 70% of the fluid entry (ENI), in order to prevent air bubble formation and maintain flow balance. In some embodiments, the garment care device (GCD) further comprises a first pipe (PPI) leading from the connector (CON) to a first of the water dosing points (WDP1), a second pipe (PP2) leading from the connector (CON) to a second of the water dosing points (WDP2), and a third pipe (PP3) leading from the water pump (WP) to the connector (CON). The cross-sectional area of the first pipe (PPI) is smaller than or equal to that of the second pipe (PP2). An outlet of the second water dosing point (WDP2) has a greater or equal cross-sectional area than an outlet of the first water dosing point (WDP1). The second water dosing point (WDP2) is the dosing point positioned at a higher location than the first water dosing point (WDP1) when a longitudinal axis (xx) of the steam plate (SP) is oriented vertically. By arranging the cross-sectional areas of the pipes and outlets in this manner, the total flow path from the water pump (WP) towards the outlets of the dosing points presents a progressively balanced flow resistance. This configuration promotes a continuous and stable water flow, reduces the likelihood of flow interruptions or pressure drops, and helps to ensure more consistent steam generation across both dosing points, particularly when the device is operated in different orientations. Another advantage is that the air bubble entrapment is prevented. Preferably, the T-joint is placed in the handle with the two fluid exits (EXI, EX2) facing the lateral direction of the handle HAN, as illustrated in Fig.20, 21 and 22. The at least one water dosing points (WDP1, WDP2) are fluidly connected to the connector (CON) via two dosing connectors (Cl, C2) which are preferably made of plastic material. To maintain optimal water flow, the internal diameter of each dosing connector should be equal to or smaller than the internal diameter of the two fluid exits (EXI, EX2) of connector (CON). Additionally, the combined cross-sectional area of both dosing connectors (Cl, C2) should not exceed the inlet cross-sectional area of the T or Y-joint. In some embodiments, a cross-sectional area of an inlet (ENI) of the connector (CON) is equal to or less than a cross-sectional area of an outlet of the water pump (WP) and of the third tube (PP3). This sizing ensures that the connector (CON) inlet does not create a bottleneck in the water supply path, allowing water to flow into the connector (CON) at a rate that matches or slightly restricts the pump output. Such control can help stabilise water pressure, reduce turbulence, and improve dosing accuracy at the water dosing points (WDP1, WDP2). Another advantage provided by means of this is that the air bubble entrapment is prevented. In some embodiments, a cross-sectional area of an inlet (ENI) of the connector (CON) is equal to or greater than a sum of the cross-sectional areas of the two outlets (EXI, EX2) of the connector (CON). This dimensional relationship allows the incoming water to be evenly distributed between the two connector (CON) outlets without causing significant pressure drop, thereby maintaining a balanced supply to both dosing points and ensuring consistent steam output from multiple heating zones (Zl, Z2). Another advantage is that the air bubble entrapment is prevented In some embodiments, a cross-sectional area of an inlet (ENI) of the connector (CON) is equal to or greater than a sum of the cross-sectional areas of the pair of dosing connectors (Cl, C2) attached to the inlet side of the dosing points (WDP1, WDP2). By sizing the connector (CON) inlet to meet or exceed the combined cross-sectional area of the dosing connectors (Cl, C2), the design avoids unnecessary flow restriction at this junction, enabling efficient water delivery to both dosing points and contributing to rapid steam generation, even during high-demand operating conditions. Another advantage provided by means of this is that the air bubble entrapment is prevented. In some embodiments, the connector (CON) is positioned adjacent to the water pump (WP), such that the third pipe (PP3) extending between the water pump (WP) and the connector (CON) is substantially shorter than each of the first and second pipes (PPI, PP2). Positioning the connector (CON) close to the water pump (WP)minimizes the length of the third pipe (PP3), which reduces pressure loss and potential flow disturbances in the supply line. This configuration improves pump efficiency and ensures a more stable and responsive water flow to the dosing points. Another advantage provided by means of this is the improved distribution of flow, and also enabling better water splitting across the two exits of the connector, due to the splitting happening at a higher pressure when located closer to the pump. In some embodiments, the connector (CON) is positioned adjacent to the first and second water dosing points (WDP1, WDP2), such that the third pipe (PP3) extending between the water pump (WP) and the connector (CON) is substantially longer than each of the first and second pipes (PPI, PP2). Placing the connector (CON) near the dosing points increases the length of the third pipe (PP3), which can help dampen pressure fluctuations generated by the water pump (WP). This setup contributes to smoother water delivery and can reduce water hammer effects, enhancing the longevity of the dosing components. Another advantage provided by means of this invention is the improved consistency of flow, and also reducing the effect of manufacturing variations between pipe 1 and pipe 2 flow resistances on the water splitting across the two exits of the connector, due to their shorter lengths. It is noted that various features of the invention can also be combined differently together, or used in isolation. 13 The above embodiments as described are only illustrative, and not intended to limit the technique approaches of the present invention. Although the present invention is described in details referring to the preferable embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that the technique approaches of the present invention can be modified or equally displaced without departing from 5 the protective scope of the claims of the present invention. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

1. A Garment care device (GCD) comprising:- a steam generator (SG) comprising an ironing plate (IP) with steam vents (SV), a bottom steam plate (SP) being heated, a peripheral wall (PW) protruding from a periphery of the steam plate (SP), a cover (CC) arranged on top of the peripheral wall (PW), the steam generator (SG) forming an internal volume (W) free of constrained steam paths above a central area (CA) of the steam plate (SP),- a first water dosing point (WDP1) and a second water dosing point (WDP2) arranged to provide water onto the steam plate (SP); and- a temperature sensor (TS) mounted protruding from the steam plate (SP), the temperature sensor (TS) being arranged in-between the first water dosing point (WDP1) and the second water dosing point (WDP2).

2. The garment care device (GCD) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the temperature sensor (TS) is mounted on a protrusion, protruding from the steam plate (SP).

3. The garment care device (GCD) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first water dosing point (WDP1) and the second water dosing point (WDP2) separate the steam plate (SP) into two interconnected heating zones (Zl, Z2).

4. The garment care device (GCD) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the temperature sensor (TS) is located between the two heating zones (Zl, Z2).

5. The garment care device (GCD) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, comprising: a heating element (HE) comprising a neck portion (NP) having an overall U-shape, and the temperature sensor (TS) is arranged offset with respect to said neck portion (NP).

6. The garment care device (GCD) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the dosing points (WDP1, WDP2) are offset relative to each other along at least one of the axes (xx,yy).

7. The garment care device (GCD) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the dosing points (WDP1, WDP2) are offset relative to each other along both axes (xx,yy).

8. The garment care device (GCD) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising:- a water tank (WT),- a water pump (WP) to carry water from the water tank (WT) to the first water dosing point (WDP1) and the second water dosing point (WDP2) via a T-type or a Y-type connector (CON) having one fluid entry (ENI) connected to the water pump (WP) and two fluid exits (EXI, EX2) connected to the first and second water dosing points (WDP1, WDP2) via two dosing connectors (C1, C2), wherein- the connector (CON) is arranged in the garment care device (GCD) such that the two fluid exits (EXI, EX2) have the same height (Hl) compared to a horizontal plane (HP) when:- the steam plate (SP) is oriented horizontally, and- the steam plate (SP) is oriented vertically while having the longitudinal axis (xx) of the steam plate (SP) being vertical.

9. The garment care device (GCD) as claimed in claim 8, further comprising a first pipe (PPI) leading from the connector (CON) to a first of the water dosing points (WDP1) and a second pipe (PP2) leading from the connector (CON) to a second of the water dosing points (WDP2) and a third pipe (PP3) leading from the water pump (WP) to the connector (CON),- wherein the cross sectional area of the first pipe (PPI) is smaller than or equal to that of the second pipe (PP2),- wherein an outlet of the second water dosing point (WDP2) has a greater or equal cross-sectional area than an outlet of the first water dosing point (WDP1), and- wherein the second water dosing point (WDP2) is the dosing point positioned at a higher location than the first water dosing point (WDP1) when a longitudinal axis (xx) of the steam plate (SP) is oriented vertically.

10. The Garment care device (GCD) as claimed in claim 9, wherein a cross-sectional area of an inlet (ENI) of the connector (CON) is equal to or less than a cross-sectional area of an outlet of the water pump (WP) and a cross-sectional area of the third tube (PP3).

11. The garment care device (GCD) as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein a crosssectional area of an inlet (ENI) of the connector (CON) is equal to or greater than a sum of the cross-sectional areas of the two outlets (EXI, EX2) of the connector (CON).

12. The garment care device (GCD) as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein a crosssectional area of an inlet (ENI) of the connector (CON) is equal to or greater than a sum of the cross-sectional areas of the pair of dosing connectors (Cl, C2) attached to the inlet side of the dosing points (WDP1, WDP2).

13. The garment care device (GCD) as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the connector (CON) is positioned adjacent to the water pump (WP), such that the third pipe (PP3) extending between the water pump (WP) and the connector (CON) is substantially shorter than each of the first and second pipes (PPI, PP2).

14. The garment care device (GCD) as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the connector (CON) is positioned adjacent to the first and second water dosing points (WDP1, WDP2), such that the third pipe (PP3) extending between the water pump (WP) and the connector (CON) is substantially longer than each of the first and second pipes (PP1,PP2).

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