Clothes steam ironing machine with improved steam performance and functionality

Abstract

The present invention relates to a garment care device (GCD) comprising a steam generator (SG) with improved steam performance and functionality.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a steam iron for clothing with improved steam performance.

[0002] This invention can be used in the field of clothing care. Background Technology

[0003] Typically, the steam generators used in irons and some steam ironing products utilize flash steaming to produce steam, thereby metering water at one point or, in some cases, two points onto a hot steaming surface, where the water is instantly evaporated.

[0004] In some other steam generators, particularly in steam irons, a labyrinth design is used to limit water diffusion and improve steam generation. However, water diffusion on the main steam-generating surface is affected by the labyrinth design and the protrusions on the steam-generating surface.

[0005] The so-called "open" steam generator design concept can, to some extent, address the issues of limited steam rate and fouling life. The term "open" refers to a flat steam generation surface without labyrinthine extensions.

[0006] like Figure 1 As shown, known open-type steam generator designs utilize open steam generation surfaces to produce steam, which passes through one or more side steam channels (SCs) before exiting through the steam exhaust port (SV). However, the side steam channels (SCs) require considerable space in the steam generator, space that could otherwise be used to generate more steam. Figure 2 As shown, there is also the problem of hot spots, which is attributed to the low or slow heat transfer rate in the area around the steam channel, making it difficult for the metered supply of water to reach the points near the steam channel (SC).

[0007] like Figure 3 As shown, when the steam ironing orientation is lateral, especially to the right, the effective steam area is greatly reduced due to the orientation and the area occupied by the steam channel (SC).

[0008] This requires the steam generator to significantly reduce the steam rate when used in this unfavorable orientation, otherwise it will result in unwanted water splashing during use.

[0009] Due to this reduction, users may also experience inconsistent steam output.

[0010] In order to detect the orientation, an orientation sensor is also needed for angle detection, which will increase manufacturing costs.

[0011] In other words, in the currently known labyrinth steam generator designs, such as Figure 4 As shown, the limitations stem from:

[0012] - Scale buildup clogs the paths of the labyrinth steam generator.

[0013] - The instantaneous steam generation area is limited. It depends on the water flow through a labyrinthine path. This results in a lower steam rate and weaker steam perception.

[0014] - In maze-like designs, the steam effect is poor in different orientations, and the likelihood of leaks is higher. This will result in poor steam effect and splashing.

[0015] The shortcomings of handheld steam irons are well-known, which is why existing products on the market sometimes suffer from insufficient steam power, short lifespan due to limescale buildup, and low steam performance. Summary of the Invention

[0016] The purpose of this invention is to provide a garment care device that avoids or alleviates the aforementioned problems by generating stronger steam at any angle.

[0017] This invention is defined by the independent claims. The dependent claims define advantageous embodiments.

[0018] In another aspect of the invention, the garment care device (GCD) according to the invention includes:

[0019] - Heated bottom steam plate (SP)

[0020] - The outer peripheral wall (PW) protrudes from the periphery of the steam plate (SP).

[0021] - A cover (CC) is arranged on top of the outer peripheral wall (PW), and the steam generator (SG) forms an internal volume (VV) above the central area (CA) of the steam plate (SP) without restricting the steam path.

[0022] - At least one water injection point (WDP1, WDP2) is arranged in the cover (CC) to supply water to the steam plate (SP), causing the water to be vaporized by the steam plate (SP).

[0023] The at least one water injection point (WDP1, WDP2) includes at least one flexible outlet structure, which is in a fluid-closed state by default when no water passes through.

[0024] The at least one flexible outlet structure improves the diffusion of water on the steam plate (SP), thereby enhancing the performance of water vaporization.

[0025] The following will provide a detailed description of the invention and other aspects. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Specific aspects of the invention will now be explained with reference to the described embodiments and the accompanying drawings, wherein like components or sub-steps are indicated in the same manner:

[0027] Figure 1 A known steam generator with a side steam passage is depicted.

[0028] Figure 2 A known steam generator with a side steam passage and hot spots generated along the side steam passage is described.

[0029] Figure 3 A known steam generator with a side steam passage is depicted when tilted towards the side steam passage.

[0030] Figure 4 A known steam generator with two side steam passages and a labyrinthine steam path is depicted.

[0031] Figures 5 to 21 Various embodiments according to the present invention are described. Detailed Implementation

[0032] Figures 5 to 21 Various embodiments according to the present invention are described.

[0033] The garment care (GCD) device according to the present invention includes:

[0034] - Heated bottom steam plate (SP)

[0035] - The outer peripheral wall (PW) protrudes from the periphery of the steam plate (SP).

[0036] - A cover (CC) is arranged on top of the outer peripheral wall (PW), and the steam generator (SG) forms an internal volume (VV) above the central area (CA) of the steam plate (SP) without restricting the steam path.

[0037] At least one water injection point (WDP1, WDP2) is arranged in the cover (CC) to supply water to the steam plate (SP), causing the water to be vaporized by the steam plate (SP).

[0038] The at least one water injection point (WDP1, WDP2) includes at least one flexible outlet structure, which is in a fluid-closed state by default when no water passes through.

[0039] This method prevents critical issues such as dripping and splashing. By ensuring the outlet is always closed when the pump is shut off, unwanted water leakage onto the hot steam plate (SP) is prevented, which could otherwise lead to sudden, uncontrolled bursts of steam and hot water. This enhances safety and provides a consistent, predictable steam output.

[0040] The steam plate (SP) defines a plane that does not contain any structure that forces steam along a given path (i.e., no maze / path / channel...). In other words, the internal volume (VV) is essentially unobstructed.

[0041] The main advantages of the improved design include a larger usable steam generation surface, which effectively increases the steam rate and scale-related life of the steam generator (SG). The steam generator (SG) also operates at a lower peak temperature because heat is extracted more efficiently from the larger steam generation surface.

[0042] The ironing board (IP) is preferably parallel to the steam plate (SP) and has a substantially similar external shape.

[0043] An ironing board (IP) is, for example, rectangular, as shown in the illustration. It can also have different shapes, such as oval or any other shape.

[0044] Garment care device (GCD) may include a handle (HAN) to abut against a moving device for garments to be steam-treated.

[0045] If the longitudinal axis xx of the steam plate (SP) is oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis hh of the handle (HAN), then the steam plate (SP) is said to be in a "longitudinal orientation". Figure 5 As shown.

[0046] If the longitudinal axis xx of the steam plate (SP) is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis hh of the handle (HAN), then the steam plate (SP) is said to be in a "lateral orientation," as shown below. Figure 11 As shown.

[0047] The steam passage (SC) is positioned below the steam plate (SP), rather than along the side of the fuselage. This effectively increases the steam generation area available for generating more steam instantaneously. This location of the steam passage (SC) prevents hot spots from forming around it.

[0048] Some of the excess steam is directed toward the auxiliary steam discharge port (SV) which is further away from the end of the steam passage (SC).

[0049] Preferably, the steam generator (SG) further includes a basic "U"-shaped heating element (HE) that transfers heat with the steam plate (SP).

[0050] This is like Figure 7 As shown.

[0051] In addition, the heat from the steam plate (SP) is transferred to the ironing plate (IP) through lateral thermal bridges arranged therebetween.

[0052] Preferably, the at least one water injection point (WDP1, WDP2) includes a first water injection point (WDP1) and a second water injection point (WDP2). Each of the water injection points (WDP1, WDP2) includes a flexible outlet structure. This ensures that the anti-drip and anti-splash advantages of the closed outlet are applied throughout the dual water injection system. It guarantees balanced performance and prevents leakage when one outlet is sealed while the other is sealed, thereby avoiding uneven steam generation.

[0053] like Figure 8 As shown, the first water injection point (WDP1) and the second water injection point (WDP2) divide the steam plate (SP) into two interconnected heating zones Z1 and Z2 to enhance water distribution and steam generation.

[0054] In other words, the steam generating surface has two hot steam generation zones to achieve dual-point water injection, resulting in faster steam generation, lower hot spots, longer scale-related lifespan, and higher steam rate, without splashing.

[0055] By simultaneously delivering water to both zones Z1 and Z2, the system generates more powerful, faster, and larger volumes of steam. In other words, a large amount of steam is generated instantaneously. This configuration also extends product lifespan by providing a larger surface area for scale buildup, reducing the frequency of descaling.

[0056] Preferably, the garment care device further includes a temperature sensor (TS) mounted to protrude from the steam plate (SP) and arranged between the first water injection point (WDP1) and the second water injection point (WDP2).

[0057] Preferably, the steam plate (SP) is formed with a surface comprising a first grid pattern of protruding truncated pyramids.

[0058] In the main steam generation areas of the steam plate (SP), particularly in zones Z1 and Z2, a truncated square pyramidal grid of 1x1 mm in size, 0.5 mm in height, and 1 mm in spacing is used to better diffuse water horizontally and vertically. Figure 9As shown. The truncated square pyramids are also oriented in such a way that they are symmetrical in both the transverse and longitudinal orientations of the rectangular steam plate, thus achieving optimal water diffusion regardless of the orientation of the steam plate (SP). The square pyramids are oriented at 45 degrees relative to the xx axis. The truncated square pyramids also help to diffuse water injected from the injection points (WDP1, WDP2) across the steam plate (SP) without it flowing down too quickly when the longitudinal axis xx of the steam plate (SP) is oriented vertically. The small size of the pyramids also helps to more easily remove scale that may accumulate on the steam plate.

[0059] In some embodiments, the flexible outlet structure includes a central channel extending along a longitudinal axis (I1) that passes through the geometric center of the outlet opening. A plurality of elongated slits extend radially outward from the top of a protrusion of the flexible outlet structure. The central channel helps guide water flow, while the elongated slits allow controlled deformation of the outlet structure to allow water to pass through under pressure.

[0060] In one embodiment, the elongated slit is arranged symmetrically about the longitudinal axis (I1). This symmetrical arrangement promotes uniform deformation and balanced sealing performance in all radial directions.

[0061] In some embodiments, the slits are spaced apart from each other at equal angles of 360 / N degrees, where N is the number of slits and N is equal to or greater than 2. This equal angular spacing provides a consistent mechanical response and uniform water flow distribution when the outlet structure is open.

[0062] Preferably, the first water injection point (WDP1) and the second water injection point (WDP2):

[0063] - Align with the longitudinal axis (xx) of the steam plate (SP), or

[0064] - They are offset from each other relative to the longitudinal axis.

[0065] If the garment care device (GCD) is dedicated only to the steam plate (SP) being oriented longitudinally (rather than laterally), then the two water injection points (WDP1) and (WDP2) extend along the longitudinal axis of the steam plate (SP).

[0066] Preferably, the two water injection points (WDP1) and (WDP2) are offset relative to the temperature sensor (TS) along the x-axis, because gravity plays a role in water diffusion and steam generation. This means that the temperature sensor (TS) is not located in the middle of the two water injection points (WDP1, WDP2).

[0067] If the garment care device (GCD) is dedicated solely to the steam plate (SP) being oriented longitudinally, then the two water injection points (WDP1, WDP2) are offset by a value OFF2 within the range of 0 to 9 mm in the xx direction. In other words, the centers of the two water injection points (WDP1, WDP2) separated by a value X are offset relative to the center of the temperature sensor (TS).

[0068] This is like Figure 11 As shown.

[0069] If the garment care device (GCD) is designed such that the steam plate (SP) can be oriented both longitudinally and laterally, then preferably, one of the two water injection points (WDP1) and (WDP2) is laterally offset relative to the x-direction (i.e., offset along the axis yy perpendicular to the x-axis). This means that the two water injection points (WDP1) and (WDP2) are not aligned along the x-axis.

[0070] If the garment care spindle (GCD) is designed as a steam plate (SP) that can be oriented both longitudinally and laterally, then the two water injection points (WDP1, WDP2) are offset by >0 mm, up to 9 mm, in the xx direction, and the rear water injection point (WDP1) is also offset by a value OFF1 in the YY direction within the range of 0 to 9 mm.

[0071] This is like Figure 12 As shown.

[0072] Preferably, at least one water injection point (WDP1, WDP2) includes at least one flexible outlet structure, which is in a fluid-closed state by default when no water passes through.

[0073] This flexible outlet structure prevents water droplets from falling onto the steam plate SP when there is no water pressure in the flow path of the water injection point, which could otherwise generate unwanted steam.

[0074] Preferably, the at least one flexible outlet structure includes:

[0075] - Duckbill seals made of silicone / rubber material (DBS1, DBS2), or

[0076] - Includes a seal consisting of multiple flaps made of silicone / rubber material.

[0077] Duckbill seals DBS1 and DBS2, etc. Figures 13 to 16 As shown.

[0078] In some embodiments where N equals 2, the flexible outlet structure takes the form of a duckbill seal. The duckbill seal configuration allows opposing pairs of slits to open under pressure and automatically close upon pressure release, thereby preventing unwanted dripping or vapor leakage.

[0079] The preferred dimensions of the duckbill seal (DBS1) and duckbill seal (DBS2) are as follows: Figure 15 (Viewed from the side) and Figure 17 As shown (viewed from the protruding portion). In this preferred embodiment, the petal thickness is 0.5 mm, the petal angle is 77 degrees, and the thickness at the petal tip is 0.2 mm. The protruding portion at the tip between the petal tip and the flat outer surface of the petal is 0.65 mm.

[0080] The duckbill seal allows water to be evenly distributed on the steam plate (SP) and reduces scale buildup through a tumbling action.

[0081] Duckbill water inlet seals help mitigate the effects of gravity by remaining closed until activated by water flow. When using two inlet points (WDP1, WDP2), this minimizes pressure variations caused by the height difference between the two points, ensuring a more equitable water distribution. Duckbill water inlet seals contribute to consistent water distribution in both horizontal and vertical orientations. The pump primarily overcomes the resistance to opening the duckbill seal, rather than resisting gravity. In other words, the function of a duckbill seal is the opposite of an open-type water inlet seal, which is highly sensitive to variations in component dimensions such as inlet diameter and pipe diameter. Another issue addressed is the uneven water distribution in different orientations due to height variations in dual-inlet configurations with open-type seals. Furthermore, with open-type seals, the presence of foreign objects can significantly disrupt water flow and distribution due to unrestricted pathways. In contrast, duckbill seals help increase system pressure, making them more resistant to blockages. The fluid-sealing properties of duckbill seals prevent water from bypassing obstructions, facilitating obstruction removal.

[0082] Preferably, the duckbill seal is made of silicone / rubber material, forming a flexible rubber body with duckbill-shaped flaps and straight-cut openings. The silicone rubber can also be reinforced with heat stabilizers, enabling the seal to withstand high temperatures and maintain its material properties over a long period. The heat stabilizers improve heat resistance, thereby extending the service life of the outlet structure in the high-temperature environment of the steam generator.

[0083] Figure 18 Examples of two duckbill seals for the first water injection point (WDP1) and the second water injection point (WDP2) are shown. Unlike open water injection systems, the duckbill seals remain closed when not activated, preventing leakage caused by the height difference between the two seals. The duckbill seals ensure that water is sprayed directly onto the steam plate (SP) at high speed, thereby generating consistent steam and providing instantaneous, delay-free steam output.

[0084] Maintaining the correct distance D1 is crucial for optimal performance. Placing the seal too close to the steam-generating surface exposes it to high temperatures, accelerating its degradation and potentially affecting water distribution. Furthermore, it can cause water droplets to splash back. Conversely, placing the seal too far from the steam-generating surface reduces water coverage. However, it does extend product life by providing a larger surface area for scale buildup. Therefore, determining the ideal seal height is essential for achieving efficient water distribution, robust steam generation, and product lifespan.

[0085] Preferably, the distance D1 between the duckbill valve and the steam plate (SP) is in the range of 5 mm to 10 mm, such as... Figure 17 As shown. This spacing ensures sufficient space for steam expansion and reduces the possibility of thermal damage to the flexible outlet structure.

[0086] Alternatively, at least one flexible outlet structure comprises a seal consisting of multiple flaps made of silicone / rubber material. Each flap is located between two adjacent slits. The use of an elastic material provides flexibility and durability, allowing the flaps to deflect repeatedly under water pressure and return to the closed position when water supply stops. The multiple flaps function similarly to the duckbill valve described above, using the same material. This is as follows: Figures 19A-19B As shown.

[0087] Figure 19A A flexible outlet structure is described, which has vertical double slits, triple slits oriented at 120 degrees, and double slits forming a line.

[0088] In one embodiment, the flap includes ribs facing the central channel. The ribs are configured to provide structural reinforcement to the flap and offset the flap toward its original closed position. This design helps maintain the sealing effect of the outlet structure and reduces leakage when the water supply is not activated.

[0089] Preferably:

[0090] - The first water inlet point (WDP1) includes a first flexible outlet structure, which is in a fluid-closed state by default when no water passes through. The first flexible outlet structure includes a first duckbill seal made of silicone / rubber material, which includes a first pair of longitudinal slits (S1) through which water can pass under water pressure.

[0091] - The second water inlet point (WDP2) includes a second flexible outlet structure that is in a fluid-closed state by default when no water is flowing through. This second flexible outlet structure includes a second duckbill seal made of silicone / rubber material, which includes a second pair of longitudinal slits (S2) through which water can pass under water pressure.

[0092] The first pair of slits and the second pair of slits:

[0093] The slits are parallel to each other within a range of + / - 20 degrees, and either the first and second water injection points extend substantially along the longitudinal axis (xx) of the steam plate, or the paired slits extend substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (xx), or

[0094] The two water injection points are perpendicular to each other within a range of + / - 20 degrees, and either of the two injection points is offset relative to the longitudinal axis (xx), or the paired slits extend substantially along the longitudinal axis (xx).

[0095] In other words, the first water injection point (WDP1) and the second water injection point (WDP2) are: (i) aligned along the longitudinal axis (xx) of the steam plate (SP), or (ii) offset from each other relative to said longitudinal axis. Each of the first and second duckbill seals includes a pair of slits. When the water injection points (WDP1, WDP2) are aligned along the longitudinal axis (xx), the paired slits of the first and second duckbill seals are oriented substantially parallel to each other, with an angular deviation of at most ±20°. When one of the water injection points is offset relative to the longitudinal axis (xx), the paired slits of the first and second duckbill seals are substantially perpendicular to each other, with an angular deviation of at most ±20°. In the latter case, at least one slit of one of the duckbill seals extends substantially along the longitudinal axis (xx) of the steam plate. This arrangement allows for customized water distribution patterns and optimized steam performance based on the water injection point arrangement. This is a complex engineering solution for achieving orientation-independent performance. Orienting the slits to be parallel when the water injection points are aligned on the main axis helps to achieve wide and uniform diffusion. When the water injection points are staggered, orienting them vertically allows a pair of slits across the plate to guide water laterally, actively counteracting the pull of gravity when used vertically. This ensures uniform water distribution and consistent steam generation in any orientation.

[0096] The first slit S1 and the second slit S2 are parallel to each other within a range of + / - 20 degrees, while the first water injection point (WDP1) and the second water injection point (WDP2) extend substantially along the longitudinal axis xx of the steam plate (SP). This configuration is preferred when the steam plate (SP) is intended to be used primarily in the vertical direction (axis xx is vertical relative to the ground).

[0097] The orientation of paired slits is also important because water tends to diffuse more effectively along the direction of the slits than perpendicular to them. This property is particularly beneficial in vertical orientations where gravity can affect water flow.

[0098] When the steam plate (SP) is used primarily in a vertical longitudinal orientation, the duckbill seal slits should preferably be positioned slightly forward from the center (i.e., from the temperature sensor (TS)). In other words, as shown, the second pair of slits S2 is further away from the temperature sensor (TS) than the first pair of slits S1. This configuration optimizes water distribution by promoting lateral water flow and preventing water from accumulating at the bottom of the steam-generating surface. This offset further helps to counteract the effects of gravity.

[0099] like Figure 21A and Figure 21B As shown, the first pair of slits S1 and the second pair of slits S2 are perpendicular to each other within a range of + / - 20 degrees, and one pair of slits S2 extends substantially along the longitudinal axis xx of the steam plate (SP). This configuration is preferred when the steam plate (SP) is intended for use in a vertical direction (axis xx is vertical relative to the ground) or a horizontal direction (axis xx is parallel to the ground). This arrangement balances water distribution while minimizing hot spots and preventing water buildup, regardless of the orientation of the steam plate (SP).

[0100] More specifically, the angle between the first slit S1 and the second slit S2 is 70 degrees, considering that the slit S1 has an angle A = 20 degrees of inclination difference relative to the axis perpendicular to the axis xx.

[0101] In some embodiments, the width of each flap of the flexible outlet structure ranges from 1.5 mm to 4.0 mm. The flap thickness ranges from 0.3 mm to 1.2 mm, preferably from 0.4 mm to 0.8 mm, more preferably from 0.45 mm to 0.65 mm. The tip thickness ranges from 0.1 mm to 0.6 mm, preferably from 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm, more preferably from 0.15 mm to 0.3 mm. The flap angle is equal to or less than 90 degrees, preferably between 40 degrees and 90 degrees, more preferably between 60 degrees and 80 degrees. These dimensional parameters have been found to provide an optimal balance between sealing reliability and the ease of flap deflection under water pressure.

[0102] In some embodiments, the length of each slit in the flexible outlet structure corresponds to 25% to 50% of the flap width. This proportion ensures that the slit length is sufficient to allow the flap to deform for water passage, while maintaining sufficient material at the flap base for mechanical integrity.

[0103] In some embodiments, the flexible outlet structure is made of a material with a Shore A hardness in the range of 30 to 70. This hardness range provides sufficient flexibility for the outlet structure to open under water pressure, while maintaining sufficient stiffness to prevent leakage under low-pressure or no-pressure conditions.

[0104] Preferably, at least one flexible outlet structure includes:

[0105] Duckbill seals (DBS1, DBS2) made of silicone / rubber material, or

[0106] This includes a seal consisting of multiple flaps made of silicone / rubber material.

[0107] It should be noted that the various features of the present invention can also be combined in different ways or used individually.

[0108] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Although the invention has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can be made to the invention without departing from the scope of the claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite articles "a" or "an" do not exclude a plurality. Any reference numerals in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

1. A garment care device (GCD) comprising a steam generator (SG), said steam generator (SG) comprising: Heated bottom steam plate (SP); The outer peripheral wall (PW) protrudes from the periphery of the steam plate (SP); A cover (CC) is arranged on top of the outer peripheral wall (PW), and the steam generator (SG) forms an internal volume (VV) above the central region (CA) of the steam plate (SP) without restricting the steam path; At least one water injection point (WDP1, WDP2) is arranged in the cover (CC) to supply water to the steam plate (SP), causing the water to be vaporized by the steam plate (SP). The at least one water injection point (WDP1, WDP2) includes at least one flexible outlet structure, which is in a fluid-closed state by default when no water passes through.

2. The garment care device (GCD) as claimed in claim 1, wherein, Each of the first water injection point (WDP1) and the second water injection point (WDP2) includes a flexible outlet structure.

3. The garment care device (GCD) as described in claim 3, wherein, The flexible outlet structure includes: A central channel extending along a longitudinal axis (I1) passing through the geometric center of the outlet opening; and Multiple elongated slits extend radially outward from the tip of the protrusion.

4. The garment care device (GCD) as described in claim 4, wherein, The elongated slits are arranged symmetrically around the longitudinal axis (I1).

5. The garment care device (GCD) as described in claim 4 or 5, wherein, The slits are angularly spaced from each other at equal angles of 360 / N degrees, where N is the number of slits and N ≥ 2.

6. The garment care device (GCD) as described in any of the preceding claims, wherein, The flexible outlet structure includes multiple flaps made of silicone / rubber material, each flap located between two adjacent slits.

7. The garment care device (GCD) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein, The flap includes ribs facing the central channel, the ribs being configured to provide structural support and offset the flap toward its original closed position.

8. The garment care device (GCD) as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein, The silicone / rubber material is reinforced with a heat stabilizer.

9. The garment care device (GCD) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein, The distance (D1) between the flexible outlet structure and the steam plate (SP) is in the range of 5 mm to 10 mm.

10. The garment care device (GCD) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, as claimed in claim 5 when N equals 2, and as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein, The flexible outlet structure is a duckbill seal.

11. The garment care device (GCD) as claimed in claim 10, wherein, The first water injection point (WDP1) and the second water injection point (WDP2): (i) aligned along the longitudinal axis (XX) of the steam plates (SP), or (ii) offset from each other relative to the longitudinal axis; and wherein Each of the first and second duckbill seals includes a pair of slits, and When the water injection points (WDP1, WDP2) are aligned along the longitudinal axis (XX), the corresponding paired slits of the first and second duckbill seals are oriented substantially parallel to each other, with an angular deviation of at most ±20°; and When either of the two water injection points (WDP1, WDP2) is offset relative to the longitudinal axis, the corresponding paired slits of the first and second duckbill seals are oriented substantially perpendicular to each other, with an angular deviation of up to ±20°, and at least one pair of slits of one of the duckbill seals extends substantially along the longitudinal axis (XX) of the steam plate.

12. The garment care device (GCD) as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 11, wherein, The petals have: Width ranging from 1.5 mm to 4.0 mm; The thickness is in the range of 0.3 mm to 1.2 mm, but more preferably in the range of 0.4 mm to 0.8 mm, but more preferably in the range of 0.45 mm to 0.65 mm; The top thickness is in the range of 0.1 mm to 0.6 mm, but more preferably in the range of 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm, but even more preferably in the range of 0.15 mm to 0.3 mm; and The flap angle is equal to or less than 180 degrees, but more preferably between 40 and 90 degrees, but more preferably between 60 and 80 degrees.

13. The garment care device (GCD) as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 12, wherein, The length of each slit corresponds to 25% to 50% of the width of the flap.

14. The garment care device (GCD) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein, The flexible outlet structure is made of a material with a Shore A hardness in the range of 30 to 70.

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