Steam generator comprising a steam outlet structure

Abstract

The invention relates to a steam generator (100) comprising a heated steam treatment surface (102) for evaporating water to generate steam; a front wall portion (104); a back wall portion (106) facing the front wall portion, wherein the heated steam treatment surface extends between the front wall portion and the back wall portion. The steam generator further comprises a pair of side wall portions (108, 110) facing each other, wherein the heated steam treatment surface extends laterally between the pair of side wall portions. A cover is spaced apart from the heated steam treatment surface. The cover, the front wall portion, the back wall portion and the pair of side wall portions define an enclosed steam chamber. A steam outlet structure (116) comprises a steam passage that protrudes from the front wall portion into the steam chamber and is arranged for allowing steam to exit the steam chamber. The steam outlet structure comprises a fluid barrier portion (120) arranged at an end of the steam passage. At least one opening (122A, 122B, 122C) is provided for allowing steam in the steam chamber to enter the steam passage. The at least one opening is arranged along the steam outlet structure between the fluid barrier portion and the front wall portion.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a steam generator having a steam chamber and a steam outlet structure protruding into the steam chamber and arranged for allowing steam to exit the steam chamber.

[0002] The present invention also relates to a garment steam treatment apparatus comprising such a steam generator.

[0003] The present invention can be used in the field of garment care. BACKGROUND

[0004] Steam generators can be used for various household purposes. In particular, steam generated by such steam generators can be conveniently used for treating and refreshing fabrics or garments.

[0005] It is desirable for such steam generators to deliver steam at a relatively high steam rate, as this can allow a user to complete the refreshing or treating of a fabric / garment more quickly, for example. However, higher steam flow rates increase the risk of unintended release of non-evaporated water from the steam generator. In the case of a garment steam treatment apparatus, a "spitting" of non-evaporated water can result in undesired marks or contamination of the fabric / garment.

[0006] This "spitting" problem is particularly problematic when the steam generator is included in a hand unit that can be moved by a user over the garment being treated. This is because installing a steam generator in such a hand unit requires the steam generator to be relatively compact, and as the size of the steam generator is reduced, the risk of releasing non-evaporated water generally increases.

[0007] Various types of steam generators are known. Some steam generators have a labyrinth design, in which the fluid needs to follow a tortuous fluid path defined in the steam chamber of the steam generator. Such labyrinth designs can benefit from being relatively robust with respect to changing the orientation of the steam generator during use. However, one of the biggest drawbacks of labyrinth designs is that if water is not converted into steam when it reaches the end of the defined fluid (non-evaporated water and steam) path, non-evaporated water is expelled from the steam generator. As a result, the user experiences hot water being released from the steam generator together with steam.

[0008] Another type of non-labyrinthine steam generator has a heated steam treatment surface. In this case, water dosed into the steam generator is spread over the heated steam treatment surface, generating steam, and the steam enters a steam channel defined in a steam outlet structure, e.g. a chimney. The steam can be carried along the steam channel and emitted via steam spout(s) provided in the treatment plate / steam plate. This type of steam generator can not have a defined fluid flow path provided: water moves freely in an open steam chamber to be vaporized. This design can offer advantages over labyrinthine designs in terms of robustness in handling excess water dosed into the steam generator.

[0009] However, during vaporization, water droplets that have not yet vaporized jump onto the heated steam treatment surface, some of which follow the steam flow and enter the steam channel defined in the steam outlet structure, e.g. chimney. This eventually causes non-vaporized water to exit the steam generator.

[0010] EP3259394B1 discloses a handheld garment steamer comprising a steam generation chamber having a surface and a heater that heats the surface so that water supplied onto the surface is converted into steam. The handheld garment steamer further comprises a scale collection chamber having an opening. The surface and the opening are positioned relative to each other and configured so that when the garment steamer is in a first orientation with the surface extending downward away from the opening, water supplied onto the surface flows away from the opening to vaporize from the surface. When the garment steamer is in a second orientation with the surface extending downward toward the opening, scale removed from the surface falls through the opening into the scale collection chamber. The scale collection chamber is located below the steam generation chamber in both the first and second orientations. The present application also relates to a garment steaming system comprising the handheld garment steamer.

[0011] EP3467188B1 discloses a steam treatment head comprising a steam distribution circuit having an inlet for connection to a steam conduit, and a front wall provided with a treatment face comprising at least one steam outlet hole and intended to be opposed to a garment to be ironed. The steam distribution circuit has an inner chamber comprising a first diffusion chamber formed between the front wall and a partition wall extending inside the inner chamber, and a second diffusion chamber in communication with the first diffusion chamber and partially delimited by the partition wall. The inner chamber has a steam discharge channel passing through the first diffusion chamber and emerging from the inner face of the end wall, the discharge channel of the steam opening into the second diffusion chamber. SUMMARY

[0012] It is an object of the present invention to propose a steam generator that avoids or mitigates one or more of the above-mentioned problems.

[0013] The invention is defined by the independent claims. The dependent claims define advantageous embodiments.

[0014] To this end, the steam generator according to the invention comprises:

[0015] a heated steam treatment surface for evaporating water to generate steam,

[0016] a front wall portion,

[0017] a rear wall portion facing the front wall portion, the heated steam treatment surface extending between the front wall portion and the rear wall portion,

[0018] a pair of side wall portions facing each other, the heated steam treatment surface extending laterally between the pair of side wall portions,

[0019] a lid spaced apart from the heated steam treatment surface,

[0020] the lid, the front wall portion, the rear wall portion and the pair of side wall portions defining an enclosed steam chamber,

[0021] a steam outlet structure comprising a steam passage projecting from the front wall portion into the steam chamber and arranged for allowing steam to exit the steam chamber, the steam outlet structure comprising a fluid barrier portion arranged at an end of the steam passage, and

[0022] at least one opening for allowing steam in the steam chamber to enter the steam passage, the at least one opening being arranged along the steam outlet structure between the fluid barrier portion and the front wall portion.

[0023] The fluid barrier portion can help to prevent non-evaporated water from travelling towards the front wall portion, directly into the steam passage via the end of the steam passage. Thus, the fluid barrier portion can help to minimize the risk of non-evaporated water exiting the steam chamber via the steam passage.

[0024] Nonetheless, steam in the steam chamber is still admitted into the steam passage via the at least one opening arranged along the steam outlet structure between the fluid barrier portion and the front wall portion. However, positioning the opening(s) between the fluid barrier portion and the front wall portion forces non-evaporated water to travel towards the front wall portion to move around the fluid barrier portion, to enter the steam passage via the opening(s). This more tortuous route to the opening(s) can increase the likelihood of non-evaporated water being evaporated by the time it reaches the opening(s).

[0025] In some embodiments, the vapor outlet structure includes a first lateral portion extending from the front wall portion toward the fluid barrier portion, wherein a first front-side region of the vapor chamber is defined between the first lateral portion and a first sidewall portion of the pair of sidewall portions. In other words, the first lateral portion of the vapor outlet structure is spaced apart from the first sidewall portion that partially bounds the vapor chamber.

[0026] In such embodiments, the at least one opening preferably includes a first side opening for permitting vapor to enter the vapor channel from the first front-side region, wherein the first side opening is defined along the first lateral portion. Thus, the first side opening can permit vapor to enter the vapor channel from a location along the length of the vapor channel, rather than at the upstream end of the vapor channel.

[0027] In some embodiments, the vapor outlet structure includes a second lateral portion extending from the front wall portion toward the fluid barrier portion, wherein a second front-side region of the vapor chamber is defined between the second lateral portion and a second sidewall portion of the pair of sidewall portions. In other words, the second lateral portion of the vapor outlet structure is spaced apart from the second sidewall portion that partially bounds the vapor chamber.

[0028] In such embodiments, the at least one opening preferably includes a second side opening for permitting vapor to enter the vapor channel from the second front-side region, wherein the second side opening is defined in the second lateral portion. Thus, the second side opening can permit vapor to enter the vapor channel from a location along the length of the vapor channel, rather than at the upstream end of the vapor channel.

[0029] The positioning of the first and second side openings can help to minimize the risk of unvaporized water traveling toward the front wall portion and directly into the vapor channel. In particular, the positioning of the first and second side openings can mean that these side opening(s) do not receive, or at least only receive a limited amount of, water droplets ejected upward from the heated vapor treatment surface and water droplets falling from the lid.

[0030] In some embodiments, the vapor chamber extends along a central longitudinal axis, wherein the central longitudinal axis extends from the front wall portion to the rear wall portion. For example, the central longitudinal axis bisects the vapor treatment surface.

[0031] In such embodiments, one or more of the at least one opening is preferably arranged to receive vapor generated in the vapor chamber into the vapor channel in a direction transverse (e.g., perpendicular) to the central longitudinal axis.

[0032] Accordingly, the opening(s) can be arranged to force steam and / or unvaporized water initially following a path along or parallel to the central longitudinal axis to deviate from the path in order to enter the steam passage. This re-orientation of unvaporized water can help to minimize the risk of unvaporized water entering the steam passage.

[0033] In some embodiments, the steam outlet structure includes a fluid-impermeable bottom portion extending from the front wall portion to the fluid barrier portion, wherein a front bottom region of the steam chamber is defined between the fluid-impermeable bottom portion and the heated steam treatment surface. The fluid-impermeable bottom portion can prevent unvaporized water from entering the steam passage from underneath the steam outlet structure.

[0034] In a first set of embodiments, the steam outlet structure includes a fluid-impermeable top portion extending from the front wall portion to the fluid barrier portion, wherein a front top region of the steam chamber is defined between the fluid-impermeable top portion and the lid. The fluid-impermeable top portion can prevent unvaporized water, e.g. unvaporized water adhering to the underside of the lid, from entering the steam passage downwardly from above the steam outlet structure.

[0035] In a second set of embodiments, the steam outlet structure includes a top portion extending from the front wall portion to the fluid barrier portion, wherein a front top region of the steam chamber is defined between the top portion and the lid, and the at least one opening includes a top side opening for permitting steam to enter the steam passage from the front top region. In the second set of embodiments, the top side opening is defined in the top portion of the steam outlet structure.

[0036] The positioning of the top side opening means that the top side opening does not receive, or at least only receives a limited amount of water droplets ejected upwardly from the heated steam treatment surface.

[0037] In some embodiments, the at least one opening includes the top side opening and one or both of a first side opening and a second side opening.

[0038] In some embodiments, the steam outlet structure extends from the front wall portion at an angle which tilts the steam outlet structure away from the heated steam treatment surface and towards the lid. It has been found that this tilting of the steam outlet structure minimizes the risk of unvaporized water in the steam chamber entering the steam passage.

[0039] For example, the angle of the steam outlet structure can allow the opening(s) to be defined in the portion(s) of the steam outlet structure which are away from the heated steam treatment surface, since the steam outlet structure is tilted away from the heated steam treatment surface.

[0040] In alternative embodiments, the steam outlet structure extends parallel to the heated steam treatment surface.

[0041] In such embodiments, a constant distance between the fluid-impermeable bottom portion and the heated steam treatment surface can be maintained between the front wall portion and the fluid barrier portion.

[0042] In some embodiments, the steam generator comprises a treatment plate having an outer surface for contacting laundry, wherein the treatment plate delimits one or more steam spouts in fluid communication with the steam channel. Steam can be delivered via the steam spout(s), e.g. towards the laundry.

[0043] In some embodiments, the steam outlet structure extends from the treatment plate into the steam chamber. In such embodiments, the heated steam treatment surface is preferably protruding away from the plane of the treatment plate. This can provide for a relatively compact arrangement of the steam generator.

[0044] Alternatively or additionally, the treatment plate can be arranged adjacent to the front wall portion. For example, water received via the water inlet at / near the rear wall portion can flow over the heated steam treatment surface towards the front wall portion and the treatment plate arranged adjacent to the front wall portion.

[0045] In some embodiments, the water inlet for delivering water towards the heated steam treatment surface is arranged in the lid and / or is arranged near the rear wall portion. Arranging the water inlet at / near the rear wall portion can help to minimize the risk of non-evaporated water leaving the steam chamber via the steam channel, as the water needs to travel through the steam chamber from the dosing water place at the rear of the steam chamber to the place where the steam channel is located at the front of the steam chamber.

[0046] It is noted that the steam generator can not comprise an arrangement of an inner partition wall protruding from the heated steam treatment surface to reach the lid and define a curved fluid path between the water inlet and the opening(s).

[0047] In such embodiments, the steam generator can be considered not to be a labyrinth steam generator.

[0048] The height of the steam chamber preferably increases with distance from the rear wall portion, wherein at least a part of the steam outlet structure is arranged at a location where the height of the steam chamber increases. This increased height of the steam chamber can for example help to accommodate the above-mentioned tilting of the steam outlet structure away from the heated steam treatment surface and towards the lid.

[0049] The at least one opening can have any suitable size. In some embodiments, one or more of the at least one opening each has an area in the range of [24; 70] mm 2 or [24; 150] mm 2 .

[0050] For example, one or both of the first side opening and the second side opening has an area in the range of [24; 70] mm 2 .

[0051] Alternatively or additionally, the top side opening can have an area in the range of [24; 150] mm 2 .

[0052] The at least one opening can have any suitable shape. In some embodiments, one or more of the at least one opening each has a circular, rectangular, rounded rectangular, trapezoidal, or rounded trapezoidal shape.

[0053] According to another aspect, there is provided a garment steam treatment apparatus comprising a hand unit for moving over a garment, the hand unit comprising a steam generator according to any one of the embodiments described herein.

[0054] In some embodiments, the hand unit comprises a water tank and a water delivery system, e.g. a water delivery system comprising a pump, for delivering water from the water tank to the steam generator.

[0055] In alternative embodiments, the garment steam treatment apparatus comprises a hose line and a base unit comprising a water tank. The hose line is for extending between the base unit and the hand unit such that water can be delivered from the base unit to the steam generator via the hose line.

[0056] A detailed explanation of the invention and other aspects will be given below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0057] Particular aspects of the invention will now be explained with reference to the embodiments described below and considered in connection with the accompanying drawings in which like parts or sub-steps are designated by like reference numbers:

[0058] Figure 1 A garment steam treatment apparatus according to one example is schematically depicted,

[0059] Figures 2A to 2E A steam generator according to a first example is depicted, and

[0060] Figure 3A and Figure 3B A steam generator according to a second example is depicted. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0061] The present invention relates to a steam generator comprising a heated steam treatment surface for evaporating water to generate steam; a front wall portion; a rear wall portion facing the front wall portion, wherein the heated steam treatment surface extends between the front wall portion and the rear wall portion. The steam generator further comprises a pair of side wall portions facing each other, the heated steam treatment surface extending laterally between the pair of side wall portions. A cover is spaced apart from the heated steam treatment surface. The cover, the front wall portion, the rear wall portion and the pair of side wall portions define an enclosed steam chamber. A steam outlet structure comprises a steam passage projecting from the front wall portion into the steam chamber and arranged for allowing steam to exit the steam chamber. The steam outlet structure comprises a fluid barrier portion arranged at an end of the steam passage. At least one opening is provided for allowing steam in the steam chamber to enter the steam passage. The at least one opening is arranged along the steam outlet structure between the fluid barrier portion and the front wall portion.

[0062] Figure 1 A garment steam treatment apparatus 10 is depicted, comprising a hand unit 12 for moving over garments being treated using the garment steam treatment apparatus 10. Reference is also made to Figures 2A to 2E The hand unit 12 comprises a steam generator 100, the design of which will be explained in more detail hereinafter.

[0063] The steam generator 100 can also be referred to as a “steam engine”.

[0064] The hand unit 12 can also be referred to as a “garment steamer head”.

[0065] The term “the hand unit 12 comprises a steam generator 100” can mean, for example, that the steam engine is mounted in the garment steamer head.

[0066] In some embodiments (not shown in the figures), the hand unit 12 comprises a water tank and a water delivery system, for example a pump, for delivering water from the water tank to the steam generator 100. The steam generator 100 can thus be considered to be comprised in a handheld garment steam treatment apparatus, wherein the steam generator 100, the water tank and the water delivery system, for example a pump, are integrated in the handheld garment steam treatment apparatus.

[0067] In alternative embodiments, such as Figure 1 shown, the garment steam treatment apparatus 10 comprises a hose line 14 and a base unit 16 comprising a water tank. The hose line 14 can deliver water from the base unit 16 to the steam generator 100.

[0068] Figure 1The illustrated garment steam treatment apparatus 10 can be considered to be an upright garment steamer. In some embodiments (not illustrated), the garment steam treatment apparatus 10 includes an ironing board, e.g., an inclinable ironing board, that is inclinable between a vertical orientation for upright steam treatment and a horizontal orientation for ironing.

[0069] As Figure 2A and Figure 2E As best illustrated, the steam generator 100 includes a heated steam treatment surface 102 for vaporizing water to generate steam. The heated steam treatment surface 102 can be heated in any suitable manner. For example, a heating element 103 is disposed below the heated steam treatment surface 102 and in thermal communication with the heated steam treatment surface 102.

[0070] In some embodiments, such as Figures 2A to 2E As illustrated, the heating element 103 is a tubular heating element 103, e.g., a tubular heating element 103 having a nested double ring shape.

[0071] Such a nested double ring shape heating element 103 can help to provide relatively uniform heating across the area of the heated steam treatment surface 102.

[0072] The steam generator 100 preferably includes a pattern of spatially separated protrusions 105 protruding from the heated steam treatment surface 102.

[0073] Such protrusions 105 can help to spread unvaporized water across the heated steam treatment surface 102 and / or can help to control the speed at which water moves across the heated steam treatment surface 102. The protrusions 105 can have any suitable shape, such as conical, truncated conical, pyramidal, and / or truncated pyramidal.

[0074] More generally, the steam generator 100 includes a front wall portion 104 and a rear wall portion 106 facing the front wall portion 104. The heated steam treatment surface 102 extends, e.g., longitudinally, between the front wall portion 104 and the rear wall portion 106.

[0075] In some embodiments, such as Figures 2A to 2E As illustrated, the heated steam treatment surface 102 is an elongated heated steam treatment surface 102 having a length extending between the front wall portion 104 and the rear wall portion 106.

[0076] Figure 2E A central longitudinal axis LA extending between the front wall portion 104 and the rear wall portion 106 is illustrated. For example, the central longitudinal axis LA bisects the steam treatment surface 102.

[0077] The steam generator 100 comprises a pair of side wall portions 108, 110 facing each other, with the heated steam treatment surface 102 extending laterally between the pair of side wall portions 108, 110.

[0078] In embodiments where the length of the elongated heated steam treatment surface 102 extends between the front wall portion 104 and the rear wall portion 106, the width of the elongated steam treatment surface 102 extends between the pair of side wall portions 108, 110. The width is shorter than the length of the elongated steam treatment surface 102.

[0079] As Figures 2A to 2D illustrated, the steam generator 100 has a lid 112 spaced apart from the heated steam treatment surface 102. The lid 112, the front wall portion 104, the rear wall portion 106 and the pair of side wall portions 108, 110 define an enclosed steam chamber 114.

[0080] The base of the steam generator 100 comprising the steam treatment surface 102 as well as the lid 112, the front wall portion 104, the rear wall portion 106 and the pair of side wall portions 108, 110 can be formed of any suitable material capable of withstanding the conditions inside the steam chamber 114. Preferably, the base, the lid 112, the front wall portion 104, the rear wall portion 106 and the pair of side wall portions 108, 110 are all formed of a metallic material such as aluminium.

[0081] Seals, such as rubber gaskets and / or sealing paste, can be provided between the lid 112 and the wall portion(s) 104, 106, 108, 110 supporting the lid 112 in order to sealingly close the steam chamber 114.

[0082] Water can be delivered into the steam chamber 114 in any suitable manner. For example, a water inlet 115 for delivering water towards the heated steam treatment surface 102 is arranged in the lid 112 and / or near the rear wall portion 106.

[0083] In some embodiments, and with reference to Figures 2B to 2D , water is delivered into the steam chamber 114 via a connector element 117 provided, for example, at a connection mounted at the lid 112. For example, the connector element 117 cooperates with the water inlet 115 such that water can be delivered into the steam chamber 114 via the connector element 117 and the water inlet 115.

[0084] The connector element 117 can have any suitable design. In some embodiments, the connector element 117 comprises a pipe connector for connection to a water pipe, for example a water pipe for delivering water from a water tank to the steam generator 100.

[0085] The steam outlet structure 116 protrudes from the front wall portion 104 into the steam chamber 114. As Figures 2B to 2DAs shown, a steam passage 118 is defined within the steam outlet structure 116. The steam passage 118 allows steam to exit the steam chamber 114.

[0086] It should be noted that arranging the water inlet 115 at / near the rear wall portion 106 can help to minimise the risk of unvaporised water exiting the steam chamber 114 via the steam passage 118, as the water needs to travel from where the dosed water is provided at the rear of the steam chamber 114, through the steam chamber 114, to where the steam passage 118 is located at the front of the steam chamber 114.

[0087] Furthermore, the steam outlet structure 116 comprises a fluid barrier portion 120 arranged at the end (in other words, the upstream end) of the steam passage 118. The fluid barrier portion 120 may, for example, be considered to cover the end of the steam passage 118.

[0088] The fluid barrier portion 120 can help to prevent unvaporised water travelling towards the front wall portion 104 from entering the steam passage 118 directly via the upstream end of the steam passage 118. Thus, the fluid barrier portion 120 can help to minimise the risk of unvaporised water exiting the steam chamber 114 via the steam passage 118.

[0089] Nonetheless, steam in the steam chamber 114 is still permitted to enter the steam passage 118 via at least one opening 122A, 122B arranged along the steam outlet structure 116 between the fluid barrier portion 120 and the front wall portion 104. However, locating the opening(s) 122A, 122B between the fluid barrier portion 120 and the front wall portion 104 can force unvaporised water travelling towards the front wall portion 104 to move around the fluid barrier portion 120 in order to enter the steam passage 118 via the opening(s) 122A, 122B. This more tortuous route to the opening(s) 122A, 122B can increase the likelihood of the unvaporised water being vaporised by the time it reaches the opening(s) 122A, 122B.

[0090] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2E As shown, one or more of the at least one opening 122A, 122B is arranged to receive steam generated in the steam chamber 114 into the steam passage 118 in a direction transverse (e.g. perpendicular) to the central longitudinal axis LA. Thus, the opening(s) 122A, 122B can be arranged to force steam and / or unvaporised water to deviate from a path along or parallel to the central longitudinal axis LA in order to enter the steam passage 118. This re-orientation of the unvaporised water can help to minimise the risk of unvaporised water entering the steam passage 118.

[0091] In some embodiments, such asFigure 2E As best shown, the vapor outlet structure 116 includes a first lateral portion 121A extending from the front wall portion 104 toward the fluid barrier portion 120, with a first front lateral region 123A of the vapor chamber 114 being defined between the first lateral portion 121A and the first side wall portion 108 of the pair of side wall portions 108, 110. In other words, the first lateral portion 121A of the vapor outlet structure 116 is spaced apart from the first side wall portion 108 that partially bounds the vapor chamber 114.

[0092] In such embodiments, the at least one opening 122A, 122B preferably includes a first side opening 122A for permitting vapor to enter the vapor passage 118 from the first front lateral region 123A, with the first side opening 122A being defined along the first lateral portion 121A. Thus, the first side opening 122A can permit vapor to enter the vapor passage 118 from a location along the length of the vapor passage 118, rather than at the upstream end of the vapor passage 118.

[0093] In other words, the first side opening 122A can face the first side wall portion 108.

[0094] In some embodiments, and with continued reference to Figure 2E , the vapor outlet structure 116 includes a second lateral portion 121B extending from the front wall portion 104 toward the fluid barrier portion 120, with a second front lateral region 123B of the vapor chamber 114 being defined between the second lateral portion 121B and the second side wall portion 110 of the pair of side wall portions 108, 110. In other words, the second lateral portion 121B of the vapor outlet structure 116 is spaced apart from the second side wall portion 110 that partially bounds the vapor chamber 114.

[0095] In such embodiments, the at least one opening 122A, 122B preferably includes a second side opening 122B, e.g., in addition to the first side opening 122A described above, for permitting vapor to enter the vapor passage 118 from the second front lateral region 123B, with the second side opening 122B being defined along the second lateral portion 121B. Thus, the second side opening 122B can permit vapor to enter the vapor passage 118 from a location along the length of the vapor passage 118, rather than at the upstream end of the vapor passage 118.

[0096] In other words, the second side opening 122B can face the second side wall portion 108.

[0097] For example, the periphery of each of the opening(s) 122A, 122B forms a planar surface, with a normal / vertical of the surface defining a direction of fluid flow through the respective opening 122A, 122B.

[0098] For example, a flat surface formed by the periphery of the first side opening 122A faces the first side wall portion 108.

[0099] Alternatively or additionally, a flat surface formed by the periphery of the second side opening 122B can face the second side wall portion 110.

[0100] The positioning of the first side opening 122A and the second side opening 122B can help minimize the risk of non-evaporated water travelling towards the front wall portion 104 and directly into the vapor passage 118. In particular, the positioning of the first side opening 122A and the second side opening 122B can mean that these side opening(s) 122A, 122B receive none or at least only a limited amount of water droplets WD ejected upwards from the heated vapor treatment surface 102 and falling downwards from the lid 112.

[0101] Figure 2B The chances of a water droplet WD entering the side opening(s) 122A, 122B of the vapor outlet structure 116 are schematically illustrated to be less, because the flow direction needs to be changed due to the inclusion of the fluid barrier portion 120, rather than the opening at the upstream end of the vapor passage 118 extending perpendicular to the flow direction.

[0102] Figure 2C The required change of direction for a water droplet WD to enter the vapor passage 118 via the side opening(s) 122A, 122B is schematically depicted. Water droplets WD with a higher mass can be less inclined to change direction and flow into the side opening(s) 122A, 122B.

[0103] Figure 2D The chances of a water droplet WD on the lid 112 entering the vapor passage 118 via the side opening(s) 122A, 122B are schematically illustrated to be less.

[0104] In at least some embodiments, and as Figures 2B to 2D illustrated, the vapor outlet structure 116 comprises a fluid-impermeable bottom portion 124 extending from the front wall portion 104 to the fluid barrier portion 120, wherein a front bottom region 125 of the vapor chamber 114 is defined between the fluid-impermeable bottom portion 124 and the heated vapor treatment surface 102. The fluid-impermeable bottom portion 124 can prevent non-evaporated water from entering the vapor passage 118 from below the vapor outlet structure 116.

[0105] In some embodiments, such as Figures 2B to 2DAs best shown, the vapor outlet structure 116 extends from the front wall portion 104 at an angle that tilts the vapor outlet structure 116 away from the heated vapor treatment surface 102 and toward the lid 112. This tilt of the vapor outlet structure 116 has been found to minimize the risk of unvaporized water in the vapor chamber 114 entering the vapor passage 118.

[0106] For example, the angle of the vapor outlet structure 116 can allow the opening(s) 122A, 122B to be defined in the portion(s) of the vapor outlet structure 116 that are tilted away from the heated vapor treatment surface 102, as the vapor outlet structure 116 is tilted away from the heated vapor treatment surface 102.

[0107] In alternative embodiments (not shown), the vapor outlet structure 116 extends parallel to the heated vapor treatment surface 102. In such embodiments, a constant distance between the fluid-impermeable bottom portion 124 and the heated vapor treatment surface 102 can be maintained between the front wall portion 104 and the fluid barrier portion 120.

[0108] In a first set of embodiments, such as Figures 2A to 2E As shown, the vapor outlet structure 116 includes a fluid-impermeable top portion 126 that extends from the front wall portion 104 to the fluid barrier portion 120, with a front top region 127 of the vapor chamber 114 being defined between the fluid-impermeable top portion 126 and the lid 112. The fluid-impermeable top portion 126 can prevent unvaporized water, such as unvaporized water adhering to the underside of the lid 112, from passing downward from the vapor outlet structure 116 toward the vapor passage 118.

[0109] In a second set of embodiments, such as Figure 3A and Figure 3B As shown, the vapor outlet structure 116 includes a top portion 126A that extends from the front wall portion 104 to the fluid barrier portion 120, with a front top region 127A of the vapor chamber 114 being defined between the top portion 126A and the lid 112, and the at least one opening 122A, 122B, 122C including a top side opening 122C for permitting vapor to pass from the front top region 127A to the vapor passage 118. In this second set of embodiments, the top side opening 122C is defined in the top portion 126A of the vapor outlet structure 116.

[0110] The positioning of the top side opening 122C can mean that the top side opening 122C does not receive, or at least only receives a limited amount of, water droplets ejected upward from the heated vapor treatment surface 102.

[0111] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3A and Figure 3BAs shown, the at least one opening 122A, 122B, 122C comprises a top side opening 122C and one or both of a first side opening 122A and a second side opening 122B.

[0112] It should be noted that the at least one opening 122A, 122B, 122C can have any suitable size. In some embodiments, one or more of the at least one opening 122A, 122B, 122C each has an area in the range of [24; 70] mm 2 or [24; 150] mm 2 .

[0113] For example, one or both of the first side opening 122A and the second side opening 122B has an area in the range of [24; 70] mm 2 .

[0114] Alternatively or additionally, the top side opening 122C can have an area in the range of [24; 150] mm 2 .

[0115] The at least one opening 122A, 122B, 122C can have any suitable shape. In some embodiments, one or more of the at least one opening 122A, 122B, 122C each has a circular, rectangular, rounded rectangular, trapezoidal or rounded trapezoidal shape.

[0116] In at least some embodiments, such as Figures 1 to 3B As shown, the laundry steam treatment apparatus 10 and / or the steam generator 100 comprises a treatment plate 130 having an outer surface 132 for contacting laundry, wherein the treatment plate 130 defines one or more steam outlets 134 for releasing steam. In such embodiments, the one or more steam outlets 134 are in fluid communication with the steam channel 118 to enable steam generated in the steam chamber 114 to reach the laundry being treated.

[0117] The steam outlet structure 116 preferably extends from the treatment plate 130 into the steam chamber 114, such as shown in Figures 2A to 2D and Figure 3A In such embodiments, the heated steam treatment surface 102 is preferably protruding away from the plane of the treatment plate 130. This can provide for a relatively compact arrangement of the steam generator 100.

[0118] Alternatively or additionally, the treatment plate 130 can be arranged adjacent to the front wall portion 104. For example, water received via the water inlet 115 at / near the rear wall portion 106 can flow over the heated steam treatment surface 102 towards the front wall portion 104 and the treatment plate 130 arranged adjacent to the front wall portion 104.

[0119] In some embodiments, such as Figures 2B to 3A As best shown, the height of the steam chamber 114 increases with distance from the rear wall portion 106, with at least a portion of the steam outlet structure 116 being arranged at a location of increased height of the steam chamber 114. Such increased height of the steam chamber 114 can for example facilitate accommodating the above-mentioned inclination of the steam outlet structure 116 away from the heated steam treatment surface 102 and towards the lid 112.

[0120] In such embodiments, the lid 112 can comprise a higher portion 136 that is elevated relative to other portions of the lid 112, so as to facilitate or provide for the increased height of the steam chamber 114.

[0121] It is noted that the steam generator 100 can not comprise an arrangement of an internal partition wall protruding from the heated steam treatment surface 102 to reach the lid 112, and defining a curved fluid path between the water inlet 115 and the opening(s) 122A, 122B.

[0122] In such embodiments, the steam generator 100 can be considered as not being a labyrinth steam generator.

[0123] The above-described embodiments are merely illustrative, and are not intended to limit the technical method of the present invention. Although the present invention is described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will appreciate that modifications or equivalent substitutions can be made to the technical method of the present invention without departing from the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention. In particular, although the present invention is described based on a laundry steam treatment apparatus, it can be applied to any household appliance incorporating steam generation functionality. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, the indefinite articles "a" or "an" do not exclude a plurality, and any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A steam generator (100), comprising: a heated steam treatment surface (102) for evaporating water to generate steam, a front wall portion (104), a rear wall portion (106) facing the front wall portion, the heated steam treatment surface extending between the front wall portion and the rear wall portion, a pair of side wall portions (108, 110) facing each other, the heated steam treatment surface extending laterally between the pair of side wall portions, a lid (112) spaced apart from the heated steam treatment surface, the lid, the front wall portion, the rear wall portion and the pair of side wall portions defining an enclosed steam chamber (114), a steam outlet structure (116) comprising a steam passage (118) protruding from the front wall portion into the steam chamber and arranged for allowing steam to exit the steam chamber, the steam outlet structure comprising a fluid barrier portion (120) arranged at an end of the steam passage, and at least one opening (122A, 122B, 122C) for allowing steam in the steam chamber to enter the steam passage, the at least one opening being arranged along the steam outlet structure between the fluid barrier portion and the front wall portion, characterized in that the steam chamber (114) extends along a central longitudinal axis (LA) extending from the front wall portion (104) to the rear wall portion (106), one or more of the at least one opening (122A, 122B) being arranged to receive steam generated in the steam chamber into the steam passage (118) in a direction transverse to the central longitudinal axis.

2. The steam generator (100) according to claim 1, wherein: the steam outlet structure (116) comprises a first lateral portion (121A) extending from the front wall portion (104) towards the fluid barrier portion (120), a first front side area (123A) of the steam chamber (114) is defined between the first lateral portion and a first side wall portion (108) of the pair of side wall portions (108, 110), and the at least one opening (122A, 122B, 122C) comprises a first side opening (122A) for admitting steam from the first front side area into the steam passage (118), the first side opening being defined along the first lateral portion.

3. The steam generator (100) according to claim 2, wherein: the steam outlet structure (116) comprises a second lateral portion (121B) extending from the front wall portion (104) towards the fluid barrier portion (120), a second front side area (123B) of the steam chamber (114) is defined between the second lateral portion and a second side wall portion (110) of the pair of side wall portions (108, 110), and the at least one opening (122A, 122B, 122C) comprises a second side opening (122B) for admitting steam from the second front side area into the steam passage (118), the second side opening being defined along the second lateral portion. The at least one opening (122A, 122B, 122C) includes a second side opening (122B) for permitting vapor to pass from the second front side region into the vapor channel (118), the second side opening being defined along the second lateral portion.

4. The vapor generator (100) of any of claims 1-3, wherein: The vapor outlet structure (116) includes a fluid-impermeable bottom portion (124) extending from the front wall portion (104) to the fluid barrier portion (120), and A front bottom region (125) of the vapor chamber (114) is defined between the fluid-impermeable bottom portion and the heated vapor treatment surface (102).

5. The vapor generator (100) of any of claims 1-4, wherein: The vapor outlet structure (116) includes a fluid-impermeable top portion (126) extending from the front wall portion (104) to the fluid barrier portion (120), and A front top region (127) of the vapor chamber (114) is defined between the fluid-impermeable top portion and the cover (112).

6. The vapor generator (100) of any of claims 1-4, wherein: The vapor outlet structure (116) includes a top portion (126A) extending from the front wall portion (104) to the fluid barrier portion (120), A front top region (127A) of the vapor chamber (114) is defined between the top portion and the cover (112), and The at least one opening (122A, 122B, 122C) includes a top side opening (122C) for permitting vapor to pass from the front top region into the vapor channel (118), the top side opening being defined in the top portion.

7. The vapor generator (100) of any of claims 1-6, wherein the vapor outlet structure (116) extends at an angle from the front wall portion (104), the angle tilting the vapor outlet structure away from the heated vapor treatment surface (102) and toward the cover (112).

8. The vapor generator (100) of any of claims 1-7, comprising a treatment plate (130) having an outer surface (132) for contacting laundry, the treatment plate bounding one or more vapor jets (134) for releasing vapor, the one or more vapor jets being in fluid communication with the vapor channel (118).

9. The vapor generator (100) of claim 8, wherein the vapor outlet structure (116) extends from the treatment plate (130) into the vapor chamber (114).

10. The vapor generator (100) of claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the treatment plate (130) is disposed adjacent the front wall portion (104).

11. The steam generator (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein a water inlet (115) for delivering water towards the heated steam treatment surface (102) is arranged in the cover (112) and / or arranged in the vicinity of the rear wall portion (106).

12. The steam generator (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein a height of the steam chamber (114) increases with distance from the rear wall portion (106), at least a portion of the steam outlet structure (116) being arranged at a location of the steam chamber where the height increases.

13. The steam generator (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein: One or more of the at least one opening (122A, 122B, 122C) each has an area in the range of [24, 70] mm 2 or [24, 150] mm 2 ; and / or one or more of the at least one opening each have a circular, rectangular, rounded rectangular, trapezoidal or rounded trapezoidal shape.

14. A garment steam treatment apparatus (10) comprising a hand unit (12) for moving over a garment, the hand unit comprising a steam generator (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. The garment steam treatment apparatus (10) according to claim 14, wherein the hand unit comprises a water tank and a water delivery system for delivering water from the water tank to the steam generator.

Images