Steam generator including a steam outlet structure

Abstract

The present invention relates to a steam generator (100) comprising a heated steaming surface (102) for evaporating water to generate steam, a front wall portion (104), and a rear wall portion (106) facing the front wall portion, wherein the heated steaming surface extends between the front wall portion and the rear wall portion. The steam generator also comprises a pair of side wall portions (108, 110) facing each other, wherein the heated steaming surface extends laterally between the pair of side wall portions. A cover is spaced apart from the heated steaming surface. The cover, the front wall portion, the rear wall portion, and the pair of side wall portions define a sealed steam chamber. A steam outlet structure (116) includes a steam channel arranged to protrude from the front wall portion into the steam chamber and allow steam to exit the steam chamber. The steam outlet structure includes a fluid barrier portion (120) arranged at the end of the steam channel. At least one opening (122A, 122B, 122C) is provided to allow steam in the steam chamber to pass through the steam channel. At least one opening is arranged along the steam outlet structure between the fluid barrier portion and the front wall portion.

Description

Technology 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 to allow steam to exit the steam chamber.

[0002] The present invention further relates to a garment steaming device comprising such a steam generator.

[0003] The present invention can be used in the field of clothing care. Background Technology

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

[0005] It is desirable for such steam generators to deliver steam at a relatively high steam rate, for example, as this can allow the user to complete fabric / clothing refreshing or processing more quickly. However, a higher steam rate can increase the risk of unintended release of unevaporated water from the steam generator. In the context of clothing steaming devices, “spitting” of unevaporated water can cause undesirable marking or staining of fabrics / clothing.

[0006] This "ejection" issue becomes particularly problematic when the steam generator is housed within a hand unit that can be moved by a user over the garment being processed. This is because mounting the steam generator within such a hand unit requires it to be relatively compact, and as the size of the generator decreases, the risk of releasing unevaporated water generally increases.

[0007] Various types of steam generators are known. Some steam generators feature a labyrinth-type design, which requires the fluid to follow a winding fluid path confined within the steam chamber. Such a labyrinth-type design benefits from being relatively robust against changes in the steam generator's orientation during use. However, one of the biggest disadvantages of a labyrinth-type design is that if the unevaporated water is not converted into steam before reaching the end of the confined fluid (unevaporated water and steam) path, the unevaporated water can escape from the steam generator. Consequently, the user may experience hot water being released along with the steam from the steam generator.

[0008] Another type of steam generator has a heated steaming surface without a maze. In this case, water introduced into the steam generator diffuses over the heated steaming surface, thereby generating steam, which then enters a steam channel confined within a steam outlet structure, such as a chimney. The steam can be carried along the steam channel and released through steam outlet(s) provided within a treatment plate / steam plate. In this type of steam generator, a confined fluid flow path may not be provided: water moves freely within a steam chamber open to evaporate. The robustness of this design regarding the handling of excess water introduced into the steam generator can provide an advantage over a maze-type design.

[0009] However, during evaporation, water droplets that have not yet evaporated may bounce off the heated steaming surface, and some of these droplets follow the steam flow and enter steam channels confined within a steam outlet structure, such as a chimney. This can eventually cause unevaporated water to escape the steam generator.

[0010] EP 3 259 394 B1 discloses a hand-held garment steamer comprising a steam generating chamber having a surface and a heater for heating the surface so that water supplied to the surface is converted into steam. The hand-held garment steamer further comprises a scale collection chamber having an opening. The surface and the opening are positioned and configured relative to each other so that when the garment steamer is in a first orientation in which the surface extends downward away from the opening, water supplied to the surface flows away from the opening and evaporates from the surface. When the garment steamer is in a second orientation in which the surface extends 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 generating chamber in both the first and second orientations. This application also relates to a garment steaming system comprising a hand-held garment steamer.

[0011] EP 3 467 188 B1 discloses a steam distribution circuit having an inlet for connection to a steam duct; and a steaming head comprising at least one steam outlet hole and a front wall provided with a processing surface intended to come opposite a garment to be straightened. The steam distribution circuit has an inner chamber comprising a first diffusion chamber formed between the front wall and a partition extending inside the inner chamber, and a second diffusion chamber communicating with the first diffusion chamber and partially bounded by the partition. The inner chamber has a steam discharge channel passing through the first diffusion chamber and protruding from the inner surface of the end wall, and the steam discharge channel is open into the second diffusion chamber.

[0012] The object of the present invention is to propose a steam generator that prevents or alleviates one or more of the problems mentioned above.

[0013] The present invention is limited by independent claims. Dependent claims limit advantageous embodiments.

[0014] To this end, the steam generator according to the present invention is,

[0015] - Heated steaming surface for evaporating water to generate steam,

[0016] - Front wall section,

[0017] - As a rear wall portion facing the front wall portion, the heated steaming surface is a rear wall portion extending between the front wall portion and the rear wall portion,

[0018] - As a pair of sidewall portions facing each other, the heated steaming surface is a pair of sidewall portions extending laterally between the pair of sidewall portions,

[0019] - As a cover spaced apart from a heated steaming surface,

[0020] - Enclosed steam chamber defined by a cover, a front wall portion, a rear wall portion and a pair of side wall portions,

[0021] - A steam outlet structure comprising a steam channel protruding into a steam chamber from a front wall portion and arranged to allow steam to exit the steam chamber, the steam outlet structure comprising a fluid barrier portion arranged at the end of the steam channel, and

[0022] - Includes at least one opening arranged along a steam outlet structure between a fluid barrier portion and a front wall portion, which allows steam within the steam chamber to pass through a steam channel.

[0023] The fluid barrier portion can help prevent unevaporated water moving toward the front wall portion from entering the steam channel directly through the end of the steam channel. Therefore, the fluid barrier portion can help minimize the risk of unevaporated water escaping the steam chamber through the steam channel.

[0024] Nevertheless, steam within the steam chamber is allowed to enter the steam channel through at least one opening arranged along the steam outlet structure between the fluid barrier section and the front wall section. However, positioning the opening(s) between the fluid barrier section and the front wall section may force unevaporated water moving toward the front wall section to move around the fluid barrier section to enter the steam channel through the opening(s). This longer and tortuous route to reach the opening(s) may increase the likelihood that the unevaporated water will evaporate by the time it reaches the opening(s).

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

[0026] In such an embodiment, at least one opening preferably includes a first side opening for allowing steam to flow into the steam channel from a first front side region, wherein the first side opening is defined along a first lateral portion. Accordingly, the first side opening can allow steam to flow into the steam channel from a position along the length, rather than from an upstream end of the steam channel.

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

[0028] In such an embodiment, at least one opening preferably includes a second side opening for allowing steam to flow into the steam channel from a second front side region, wherein the second side opening is limited within the second lateral portion. Accordingly, the second side opening can allow steam to flow into the steam channel from a position along the length of the steam channel rather than from an upstream end of the steam channel.

[0029] The positioning of the first side opening and the second side opening can help minimize the risk of unevaporated water moving toward the front wall portion entering the steam channel directly. In particular, the positioning of the first side opening and the second side opening may mean that these side opening(s) do not receive water droplets ejected upward from the heated steaming surface and water droplets falling downward from the cover, or at least receive only a limited amount of water droplets.

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

[0031] In such an embodiment, at least one of the openings is preferably arranged to receive steam generated in the steam chamber into a steam channel in a direction perpendicular thereto, such as across the central longitudinal axis.

[0032] Accordingly, the opening(s) may be arranged to force steam and / or unevaporated water to initially follow a path along or parallel to the central longitudinal axis to enter the steam channel. This diversion of unevaporated water can help minimize the risk of unevaporated water entering the steam channel.

[0033] In some embodiments, the steam outlet structure includes a fluid-impermeable bottom portion extending from a front wall portion to a fluid barrier portion, wherein the front lower region of the steam chamber is limited between the fluid-impermeable bottom portion and the heated steaming surface. The fluid-impermeable bottom portion can block unevaporated water from entering the steam channel from below the steam outlet structure.

[0034] In the embodiment of the first set, the steam outlet structure includes a fluid-impermeable top portion extending from the front wall portion to the fluid barrier portion, wherein the front upper region of the steam chamber is limited between the fluid-impermeable top portion and the cover. The fluid-impermeable top portion can block unevaporated water, such as unevaporated water adhering to the underside of the cover, from entering the steam channel downward from above the steam outlet structure.

[0035] In an embodiment of the second set, the steam outlet structure includes an upper portion extending from a front wall portion to a fluid barrier portion, wherein the front upper region of the steam chamber is defined between the upper portion and the cover, and at least one opening includes an upper side opening for allowing steam to flow from the front upper region into the steam channel. In this embodiment of the second set, the upper side opening is defined within the upper portion of the steam outlet structure.

[0036] The positioning of the upper side opening may mean that the upper side opening does not receive water droplets ejected upward from the heated steaming surface, or at least receives only a limited amount of water droplets.

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

[0038] In some embodiments, the steam outlet structure extends from the front wall portion at an angle such that the steam outlet structure is inclined away from the heated steaming surface and toward the cover. This inclination of the steam outlet structure has been found to minimize the risk of unevaporated water in the steam chamber entering the steam channel.

[0039] For example, the angle of the steam outlet structure may allow the opening(s) to be limited within the part(s) of the steam outlet structure that are further away from the heated steaming surface because the steam outlet structure is inclined away from the heated steaming surface.

[0040] In an alternative embodiment, the steam outlet structure extends parallel to the heated steaming surface.

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

[0042] In some embodiments, the steam generator includes a treatment plate having an outer surface for contacting the garment, wherein the treatment plate defines the boundaries of one or more steam outlets that are in fluid communication with the steam channel. Steam can be delivered, for example, toward the garment through the steam outlet(s).

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

[0044] Alternatively or additionally, a treatment plate may be arranged adjacent to the front wall portion. For example, water received through a water inlet in / adjacent to the rear wall portion may flow toward the front wall portion and the treatment plate arranged adjacent to the front wall portion on a heated steaming surface.

[0045] In some embodiments, a water inlet for delivering water toward a heated steaming surface is arranged within the cover and / or arranged near the rear wall portion. Arranging the water inlet near the rear wall portion or adjacent thereto can help minimize the risk of unevaporated water escaping the steam chamber through the steam channel, as water is required to move through the steam chamber from where water is introduced at the rear of the steam chamber to where the steam channel is located at the front of the steam chamber.

[0046] Note that the steam generator may not include an arrangement of internal baffles that protrude from the heated steaming surface to reach the cover and define a meandering fluid path between the water inlet and the opening(s).

[0047] In such an embodiment, the steam generator may be considered not to be a maze-type steam generator.

[0048] The height of the steam chamber is preferably increased as it moves further away from the rear wall portion, and at least a portion of the steam outlet structure is positioned where the height of the steam chamber is increased. This increased height of the steam chamber can help accommodate, for example, the aforementioned slope of the steam outlet structure away from the heated steaming surface and toward the cover.

[0049] At least one opening may have any suitable dimensions. In some embodiments, at least one of the openings is each [24; 70] mm 2 or [24; 150] mm 2 It has an area of ​​range.

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

[0051] Alternatively or additionally, the upper lateral opening is [24; 150] mm2 It can have an area of ​​range.

[0052] At least one opening may have any suitable shape. In some embodiments, at least one of the openings has a circular, rectangular, rounded rectangular, trapezoidal, or rounded trapezoidal shape.

[0053] According to another aspect, a garment steaming device is provided that includes a hand unit for moving over a garment, wherein the hand unit includes a steam generator according to any of the embodiments described herein.

[0054] In some embodiments, the hand unit includes a water tank and a water transfer system for transferring water from the water tank to a steam generator, such as a pump, comprising a water transfer system.

[0055] In an alternative embodiment, the garment steaming device includes a donation unit comprising a hose cord and a water tank. The hose cord extends between the donation unit and the hand unit, so that water can be transferred from the donation unit to the steam generator through the hose cord.

[0056] A detailed description and other aspects of the present invention will be given below. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0057] Now, specific aspects of the present invention will be described with reference to embodiments described and considered below in this specification in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which the same parts or sub-steps are indicated in the same manner. FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a clothing steaming device according to an example. FIGS. 2a to 2e illustrate a steam generator according to the first example. FIGS. 3a and FIGS. 3b illustrate a steam generator according to the second example. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0058] The present invention relates to a steam generator comprising a heated steaming surface for evaporating water to generate steam, a front wall portion, and a rear wall portion facing the front wall portion, wherein the heated steaming surface extends between the front wall portion and the rear wall portion. The steam generator also comprises a pair of side wall portions facing each other, wherein the heated steaming surface extends laterally between the pair of side wall portions. A cover is spaced apart from the heated steaming surface. The cover, the front wall portion, the rear wall portion, and the pair of side wall portions define a sealed steam chamber. A steam outlet structure comprises a steam channel that protrudes from the front wall portion into the steam chamber and is arranged to allow steam to exit the steam chamber. The steam outlet structure comprises a fluid barrier portion arranged at the end of the steam channel. At least one opening is provided to allow steam within the steam chamber to pass through the steam channel. The at least one opening is arranged along the steam outlet structure between the fluid barrier portion and the front wall portion.

[0059] FIG. 1 illustrates a garment steaming device (10) comprising a hand unit (12) for moving over a garment being processed using the garment steaming device (10). Referring also to FIG. 2a through 2e, the hand unit (12) comprises a steam generator (100), the design thereof of which will be described in more detail below.

[0060] The steam generator (100) may alternatively be referred to as a "steam engine".

[0061] The hand unit (12) may alternatively be referred to as a "steamer head."

[0062] The term “hand unit (12) includes a steam generator (100)” may mean, for example, that a steam engine is mounted on a steamer head.

[0063] In some embodiments (not shown in the drawings), the hand unit (12) includes a water tank and a water transfer system, such as a pump, for transferring water from the water tank to the steam generator (100). Thus, the steam generator (100) may be considered to be included in a handheld garment steaming device, wherein the steam generator (100), the water tank, and the water transfer system, such as a pump, are integrated into the handheld garment steaming device.

[0064] In an alternative embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 1, the garment steaming device (10) includes a hose cord (14) and a donation unit (16) including a water tank. The hose cord (14) can transfer water from the donation unit (16) to a steam generator (100).

[0065] The garment steaming device (10) illustrated in FIG. 1 may be considered as a stand steamer. In some embodiments (not illustrated), the garment steaming device (10) includes an ironing plate, such as a tiltable ironing plate that can be tilted between a vertical orientation for upright steaming and a horizontal orientation for ironing.

[0066] As best illustrated in FIGS. 2a and 2e, the steam generator (100) includes a heated steaming surface (102) for evaporating water to generate steam. The heated steaming surface (102) can be heated in any suitable manner. For example, a heating element (103) is arranged below the heated steaming surface (102) and is thermally connected to the heated steaming surface.

[0067] In some embodiments such as those shown in FIGS. 2a to 2e, the heating element (103) is a tubular heating element (103), for example, a tubular heating element (103) having a nested double loop shape.

[0068] Such an overlapping double-loop shaped heating element (103) can help provide relatively uniform heating over the area of ​​the heated steaming surface (102).

[0069] The steam generator (100) preferably includes a pattern of spatially separated protrusions (105) protruding from a heated steaming surface (102).

[0070] Such protrusions (105) can help spread unevaporated water on the heated steaming surface (102) and / or help control the speed of water movement on the heated steaming surface (102). The protrusions (105) may have any suitable shape, such as conical, truncated conical, pyramidal, and / or truncated pyramidal.

[0071] More generally, the steam generator (100) includes a front wall portion (104) and a rear wall portion (106) facing the front wall portion (104). A heated steaming surface (102) extends between the front wall portion (104) and the rear wall portion (106), for example, extending longitudinally.

[0072] In some embodiments such as those shown in FIGS. 2a to 2e, the heated steaming surface (102) is an elongated heated steaming surface (102) whose length extends between the front wall portion (104) and the rear wall portion (106).

[0073] FIG. 2e illustrates a central longitudinal axis (LA) extending between the front wall portion (104) and the rear wall portion (106). For example, the central longitudinal axis (LA) bisects the steaming surface (102).

[0074] The steam generator (100) includes a pair of side wall portions (108, 110) facing each other, and the heated steaming surface (104) extends laterally between the pair of side wall portions (108, 110).

[0075] In an embodiment where the length of the elongated heated steaming surface (102) extends between the front wall portion (104) and the rear wall portion (106), the width of the elongated steaming surface (102) extends between the pair of side wall portions (108, 110). The width is shorter than the length of the elongated steaming surface (102).

[0076] As illustrated in FIGS. 2a through 2d, the steam generator (100) has a cover (112) spaced apart from the heated steaming surface (102). The cover (112), the front wall portion (104), the rear wall portion (106), and the pair of side wall portions (108, 110) define a sealed steam chamber (114).

[0077] The base of the steam generator (100), including the steaming surface (102) as well as the cover (112), the front wall portion (104), the rear wall portion (106), and the pair of side wall portions (108, 110), can be formed from any suitable material capable of withstanding the conditions inside the steam chamber (114). Preferably, the base, the cover (112), the front wall portion (104), the rear wall portion (106), and the pair of side wall portions (108, 110) are each formed from a metal material such as aluminum.

[0078] A seal, for example, a rubber gasket and / or sealing paste, may be provided between the cover (112) and the wall portion(s) (104, 106, 108, 110) supporting the cover (112) to seal the steam chamber (114).

[0079] Water can be delivered into the steam chamber (114) in any suitable manner. For example, a water inlet (115) for delivering water toward the heated steaming surface (102) is arranged within the cover (112) and / or is arranged near the rear wall portion (106).

[0080] In some embodiments, and with reference to FIGS. 2b through 2d, water is delivered into the steam chamber (114) through a connector element (117) provided on the cover (112), for example, mounted on the cover. For example, the connector element (117) works with the water inlet (115) to enable water to be delivered into the steam chamber (114) through the connector element (117) and the water inlet (115).

[0081] The connector element (117) may have any suitable design. In some embodiments, the connector element (117) includes a tube connector for connecting to a water tube, such as a water tube for transferring water from a water tank to a steam generator (100).

[0082] A steam outlet structure (116) protrudes from the front wall portion (104) into the steam chamber (114). As shown in FIGS. 2b through 2d, a steam channel (118) is confined within the steam outlet structure (116). The steam channel (118) allows steam to exit the steam chamber (114).

[0083] Note that arranging the water inlet (115) at / near the rear wall portion (106) can help minimize the risk of unevaporated water escaping the steam chamber (114) through the steam channel (118), as water is required to move through the steam chamber (114) from where water is introduced at the rear of the steam chamber (114) to where the steam channel (118) is located at the front of the steam chamber (114).

[0084] Additionally, the steam outlet structure (116) includes a fluid barrier portion (120) arranged at the end of the steam channel (118), that is, at the upstream end. The fluid barrier portion (120) can be considered, for example, as capping the end of the steam channel (118).

[0085] The fluid barrier portion (120) can help prevent unevaporated water moving toward the front wall portion (104) from entering the steam channel (118) directly through the upstream end of the steam channel (118). Thus, the fluid barrier portion (120) can help minimize the risk of unevaporated water escaping the steam chamber (114) through the steam channel (118).

[0086] Nevertheless, steam within the steam chamber (114) is allowed to enter the steam channel (118) through at least one opening (122A, 122B) arranged along the steam outlet structure (116) between the fluid barrier section (120) and the front wall section (104). However, positioning the opening(s) (122A, 122B) between the fluid barrier section (120) and the front wall section (104) may force unevaporated water moving toward the front wall section (104) to move around the fluid barrier section (120) to enter the steam channel (118) through the opening(s) (122A, 122B). This longer and more complex route to reach the opening(s) (122A, 122B) may increase the likelihood that the unevaporated water will evaporate by the time it reaches the opening(s) (122A, 122B).

[0087] In some embodiments, and as illustrated in FIG. 2e, at least one of the openings (122A, 122B) is arranged to receive steam generated in the steam chamber (114) into the steam channel (118) in a direction perpendicular thereto, for example, across the central longitudinal axis (LA). Thus, the opening(s) (122A, 122B) may be arranged to force steam and / or unevaporated water along a path along or parallel to the central longitudinal axis (LA) to enter the steam channel (118). This diversion of unevaporated water can help minimize the risk of unevaporated water entering the steam channel (118).

[0088] In some embodiments, and as best illustrated in FIG. 2e, the steam outlet structure (116) includes a first lateral portion (121A) extending from the front wall portion (104) toward the fluid barrier portion (120), wherein the first front side area (123A) of the steam chamber (114) is 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 steam outlet structure (116) is partially spaced apart from the first side wall portion (108) that defines the boundary of the steam chamber (114).

[0089] In such an embodiment, at least one opening (122A, 122B) preferably includes a first side opening (122A) for allowing steam to flow into the steam channel (118) from a first front side region (123A), wherein the first side opening (122A) is defined along the first lateral portion (121A). Thus, the first side opening (122A) can allow steam to flow into the steam channel (118) from a position along the length, rather than from the upstream end of the steam channel (118).

[0090] In other words, the first side opening (122A) can face the first side wall portion (108).

[0091] In some embodiments, and continuing with reference to FIG. 2e, the steam outlet structure (116) includes a second lateral portion (121B) extending from the front wall portion (104) toward the fluid barrier portion (120), wherein the second front side area (123B) of the steam chamber (114) is 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 steam outlet structure (116) is partially spaced apart from the second side wall portion (110) that defines the boundary of the steam chamber (114).

[0092] In such an embodiment, at least one opening (122A, 122B) preferably includes a second side opening (122B) in addition to the first side opening (122A) described above, for allowing steam to flow into the steam channel (118) from the second front side region (123B), wherein the second side opening (122B) is defined along the second lateral portion (121B). Thus, the second side opening (122B) can allow steam to flow into the steam channel (118) from a position along the length, rather than from the upstream end of the steam channel (118).

[0093] In other words, the second side opening (122B) can face the second side wall portion (108).

[0094] For example, the periphery of each opening(s) (122A, 122B) forms a planar surface, and the normal / perpendicular line to this surface defines the direction of fluid flow through each opening (122A, 122B).

[0095] For example, the planar surface formed by the periphery of the first side opening (122A) faces the first side wall portion (108).

[0096] Alternatively or additionally, the planar surface formed by the periphery of the second side opening (122B) may face the second side wall portion (110).

[0097] The positioning of the first side opening (122A) and the second side opening (122B) can help minimize the risk of unevaporated water moving toward the front wall portion (104) entering the steam channel (118) directly. In particular, the positioning of the first side opening (122A) and the second side opening (122B) may mean that these side opening(s) (122A, 122B) do not receive water droplets (WD) ejected upward from the heated steaming surface (102) and water droplets (WD) falling downward from the cover (112), or at least receive only a limited amount of water droplets.

[0098] FIG. 2b schematically illustrates that water droplets (WD) are less likely to enter the side opening(s) (122A, 122B) of the steam outlet structure (116) because a change in the flow direction is required as a result of including a fluid barrier portion (120) that extends orthogonally to the flow direction, rather than an opening at the upstream end of the steam channel (118).

[0099] FIG. 2c schematically illustrates the change in orientation of a water droplet (WD) required for the water droplet to enter the steam channel (118) through the side opening(s) (122A, 122B). Water droplets (WD) with higher mass may have a lower tendency to change orientation and flow into the side opening(s) (122A, 122B).

[0100] FIG. 2d schematically illustrates that water droplets (WD) on the cover (112) may be less likely to enter the steam channel (118) through the side opening(s) (122A, 122B).

[0101] In at least some embodiments, and as illustrated in FIGS. 2b through 2d, the steam outlet structure (116) includes a fluid-impermeable bottom portion (124) extending from the front wall portion (104) to the fluid barrier portion (120), wherein the front bottom region (125) of the steam chamber (114) is defined between the fluid-impermeable bottom portion (124) and the heated steaming surface (102). The fluid-impermeable bottom portion (124) can block unevaporated water from entering the steam channel (118) from below the steam outlet structure (116).

[0102] In some embodiments, and as best illustrated in FIGS. 2b through 2d, the steam outlet structure (116) extends from the front wall portion (104) at an angle such that the steam outlet structure (116) is inclined away from the heated steaming surface (102) and toward the cover (112). This inclination of the steam outlet structure (116) has been found to minimize the risk of unevaporated water in the steam chamber (114) entering the steam channel (118).

[0103] For example, the angle of the steam outlet structure (116) can be such that the steam outlet structure (116) is inclined away from the heated steaming surface (102), thereby allowing the opening(s) (122A, 122B) to be limited within the portion(s) of the steam outlet structure (116) that are further away from the heated steaming surface (102).

[0104] In an alternative embodiment (not shown in the drawing), the steam outlet structure (116) extends parallel to the heated steaming surface (102). In such an embodiment, a constant distance between the fluid-impermeable bottom portion (124) and the heated steaming surface (102) can be maintained between the front wall portion (104) and the fluid barrier portion (120).

[0105] In a first set of embodiments such as those illustrated in FIGS. 2a through 2e, the steam outlet structure (116) includes a fluid-impermeable upper portion (126) extending from the front wall portion (104) to the fluid barrier portion (120), wherein the front upper region (127) of the steam chamber (114) is limited between the fluid-impermeable upper portion (126) and the cover (112). The fluid-impermeable upper portion (126) can block unevaporated water, such as unevaporated water adhering to the underside of the cover (112), from entering the steam channel (118) downward from above the steam outlet structure (116).

[0106] In a second set of embodiments as illustrated in FIGS. 3a and 3b, the steam outlet structure (116) includes an upper portion (126A) extending from the front wall portion (104) to the fluid barrier portion (120), wherein the front upper region (127A) of the steam chamber (114) is defined between the upper portion (126A) and the cover (112), and at least one opening (122A, 122B, 122C) includes an upper side opening (122C) for allowing steam to flow from the front upper region (127A) into the steam channel (118). In this second set of embodiments, the upper side opening (122C) is defined within the upper portion (126A) of the steam outlet structure (116).

[0107] The positioning of the upper side opening (122C) may mean that the upper side opening (122C) does not receive water droplets ejected upward from the heated steaming surface (102), or at least receives only a limited amount of water droplets.

[0108] In some embodiments such as those illustrated in FIG. 3a and 3b, at least one opening (122A, 122B, 122C) includes one or both of the upper side opening (122C) and the first and second side openings (122A, 122B).

[0109] It should be noted that at least one opening (122A, 122B, 122C) may have any suitable dimensions. In some embodiments, at least one of the at least one opening (122A, 122B, 122C) is each [24; 70] mm 2 or [24; 150] mm 2 It has an area of ​​range.

[0110] For example, one or both of the first side opening (122A) and the second side opening (122B) are [24; 70] mm 2 It has an area of ​​range.

[0111] Alternatively or additionally, the upper side opening (122C) is [24; 150] mm 2 It can have an area of ​​range.

[0112] At least one opening (122A, 122B, 122C) may have any suitable shape. In some embodiments, at least one of the at least one opening (122A, 122B, 122C) each has a circular, rectangular, rounded rectangular, trapezoidal, or rounded trapezoidal shape.

[0113] In at least some embodiments such as those illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3b, the garment steaming device (10) and / or steam generator (100) comprises a treatment plate (130) having an outer surface (132) for contacting the garment, wherein the treatment plate (130) defines the boundaries of one or more steam outlets (134) for releasing steam. In such embodiments, one or more steam outlets (134) are fluidly connected to a steam channel (118) to allow steam generated in a steam chamber (114) to reach the garment being treated.

[0114] The steam outlet structure (116) preferably extends from the processing plate (130) into the steam chamber (114), as best illustrated in FIGS. 2a to 2d and FIG. 3a. In such an embodiment, the heated steaming surface (102) preferably protrudes away from the plane of the processing plate (130). This can provide a relatively compact arrangement of the steam generator (100).

[0115] Alternatively or additionally, a treatment plate (130) may be arranged adjacent to the front wall portion (104). For example, water received through a water inlet (115) in / adjacent to the rear wall portion (106) may flow on the heated steaming surface (102) toward the front wall portion (104) and the treatment plate (130) arranged adjacent to the front wall portion (104).

[0116] In some embodiments, and as best illustrated in FIGS. 2b through 2d and FIG. 3a, the height of the steam chamber (114) increases as it moves further away from the rear wall portion (106), and at least a portion of the steam outlet structure (116) is positioned where the height of the steam chamber (114) increases. This increased height of the steam chamber (114) can help accommodate, for example, the aforementioned slope of the steam outlet structure (116) away from the heated steaming surface (102) and toward the cover (112).

[0117] In such an embodiment, the cover (112) may include a higher portion (136) that is raised relative to another portion of the cover (112), thereby contributing to or providing the increased height of the steam chamber (114).

[0118] Note that the steam generator (100) may not include an arrangement of internal baffles that protrude from the heated steaming surface (102) to reach the cover (112) and define a meandering fluid path between the water inlet (115) and the opening(s) (122A, 122B).

[0119] In such an embodiment, the steam generator (100) may be considered not to be a maze-type steam generator.

[0120] The above embodiments as described are merely illustrative and are not intended to limit the technical approach of the present invention. Although the present invention is described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that the technical approach of the present invention may be modified or equivalently substituted without departing from the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention. In particular, although the present invention has been described based on a garment steaming device, it may be applied to any household appliance in which a steam generating function is integrated. In the claims, the word “comprising” does not exclude other elements or steps, and the singular form (the indefinite article “a” or “an”) does not exclude the plural. Any reference numerals within the claims should not be interpreted as limiting the scope.

Claims

Claim 1 A steam generator (100), comprising: - a heated steaming surface (102) for evaporating water to generate steam; - a front wall portion (104); - a rear wall portion (106) facing the front wall portion, wherein the heated steaming surface extends between the front wall portion and the rear wall portion, the rear wall portion (106); - a pair of side wall portions (108, 110) facing each other, wherein the heated steaming surface extends laterally between the pair of side wall portions, the pair of side wall portions (108, 110); - a cover (112) spaced apart from the heated steaming surface; - an enclosed steam chamber (114) defined by the cover, the front wall portion, the rear wall portion and the pair of side wall portions; - protruding from the front wall portion into the steam chamber and allowing steam to exit the steam chamber. A steam outlet structure (116) comprising a steam channel (118) arranged to be formed such that a fluid barrier portion (120) arranged at the end of the steam channel, and a steam outlet structure (116) comprising at least one opening (122A, 122B, 122C) arranged along the steam outlet structure between the fluid barrier portion and the front wall portion to allow steam in the steam chamber to pass through the steam channel, wherein the steam chamber (114) extends along a central longitudinal axis (LA) extending from the front wall portion (104) to the rear wall portion (106), and at least one of the at least one opening (122A, 122B) allows steam generated in the steam chamber,A steam generator (100), characterized by being arranged to be received into the steam channel (118) in a direction transversing the central longitudinal axis, wherein - the steam outlet structure (116) includes a first lateral portion (121A) extending from the front wall portion (104) toward the fluid barrier portion (120), - the first front side area (123A) of the steam chamber (114) is defined between the first lateral portion and the first side wall portion (108) of the pair of side wall portions (108, 110), and - the at least one opening (122A, 122B, 122C) includes a first side opening (122A) for allowing steam to flow from the first front side area into the steam channel (118), and the first side opening is defined along the first lateral portion. Claim 2 In claim 1, the steam outlet structure (116) comprises a second lateral portion (121B) extending from the front wall portion (104) toward the fluid barrier portion (120), and the second front side area (123B) of the steam chamber (114) is defined between the second lateral portion and the 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 allowing steam to flow from the second front side area into the steam channel (118), and the second side opening is defined along the second lateral portion, a steam generator (100). Claim 3 A steam generator (100), comprising: - a heated steaming surface (102) for evaporating water to generate steam; - a front wall portion (104); - a rear wall portion (106) facing the front wall portion, wherein the heated steaming surface extends between the front wall portion and the rear wall portion, the rear wall portion (106); - a pair of side wall portions (108, 110) facing each other, wherein the heated steaming surface extends laterally between the pair of side wall portions, the pair of side wall portions (108, 110); - a cover (112) spaced apart from the heated steaming surface; - an enclosed steam chamber (114) defined by the cover, the front wall portion, the rear wall portion and the pair of side wall portions; - protruding from the front wall portion into the steam chamber and allowing steam to exit the steam chamber. A steam outlet structure (116) comprising a steam channel (118) arranged to be formed such that a fluid barrier portion (120) arranged at the end of the steam channel, and a steam outlet structure (116) comprising at least one opening (122A, 122B, 122C) arranged along the steam outlet structure between the fluid barrier portion and the front wall portion to allow steam in the steam chamber to pass through the steam channel, wherein the steam chamber (114) extends along a central longitudinal axis (LA) extending from the front wall portion (104) to the rear wall portion (106), and at least one of the at least one opening (122A, 122B) allows steam generated in the steam chamber,A steam generator (100), characterized by being arranged to be received into the steam channel (118) in a direction transversing the central longitudinal axis, wherein - the steam outlet structure (116) includes a fluid-impermeable lower portion (124) extending from the front wall portion (104) to the fluid barrier portion (120), and - the front lower region (125) of the steam chamber (114) is limited between the fluid-impermeable lower portion and the heated steaming surface (102). Claim 4 A steam generator (100), comprising: - a heated steaming surface (102) for evaporating water to generate steam; - a front wall portion (104); - a rear wall portion (106) facing the front wall portion, wherein the heated steaming surface extends between the front wall portion and the rear wall portion, the rear wall portion (106); - a pair of side wall portions (108, 110) facing each other, wherein the heated steaming surface extends laterally between the pair of side wall portions, the pair of side wall portions (108, 110); - a cover (112) spaced apart from the heated steaming surface; - an enclosed steam chamber (114) defined by the cover, the front wall portion, the rear wall portion and the pair of side wall portions; - protruding from the front wall portion into the steam chamber and allowing steam to exit the steam chamber. A steam outlet structure (116) comprising a steam channel (118) arranged to be formed such that a fluid barrier portion (120) arranged at the end of the steam channel, and a steam outlet structure (116) comprising at least one opening (122A, 122B, 122C) arranged along the steam outlet structure between the fluid barrier portion and the front wall portion to allow steam in the steam chamber to pass through the steam channel, wherein the steam chamber (114) extends along a central longitudinal axis (LA) extending from the front wall portion (104) to the rear wall portion (106), and at least one of the at least one opening (122A, 122B) allows steam generated in the steam chamber,A steam generator (100), characterized by being arranged to be received into the steam channel (118) in a direction transversing the central longitudinal axis, wherein - the steam outlet structure (116) includes a fluid-impermeable upper portion (126) extending from the front wall portion (104) to the fluid barrier portion (120), and - the front upper region (127) of the steam chamber (114) is limited between the fluid-impermeable upper portion and the cover (112). Claim 5 A steam generator (100), comprising: - a heated steaming surface (102) for evaporating water to generate steam; - a front wall portion (104); - a rear wall portion (106) facing the front wall portion, wherein the heated steaming surface extends between the front wall portion and the rear wall portion, the rear wall portion (106); - a pair of side wall portions (108, 110) facing each other, wherein the heated steaming surface extends laterally between the pair of side wall portions, the pair of side wall portions (108, 110); - a cover (112) spaced apart from the heated steaming surface; - an enclosed steam chamber (114) defined by the cover, the front wall portion, the rear wall portion and the pair of side wall portions; - protruding from the front wall portion into the steam chamber and allowing steam to exit the steam chamber. A steam outlet structure (116) comprising a steam channel (118) arranged to be formed such that a fluid barrier portion (120) arranged at the end of the steam channel, and a steam outlet structure (116) comprising at least one opening (122A, 122B, 122C) arranged along the steam outlet structure between the fluid barrier portion and the front wall portion to allow steam in the steam chamber to pass through the steam channel, wherein the steam chamber (114) extends along a central longitudinal axis (LA) extending from the front wall portion (104) to the rear wall portion (106), and at least one of the at least one opening (122A, 122B) allows steam generated in the steam chamber,A steam generator (100), characterized by being arranged to be received into the steam channel (118) in a direction transversing the central longitudinal axis, wherein - the steam outlet structure (116) includes an upper portion (126A) extending from the front wall portion (104) to the fluid barrier portion (120), - the front upper region (127A) of the steam chamber (114) is limited between the upper portion and the cover (112), and - the at least one opening (122A, 122B, 122C) includes an upper side opening (122C) for allowing steam to flow from the front upper region into the steam channel (118), and the upper side opening is limited within the upper portion. Claim 6 A steam generator (100), comprising: - a heated steaming surface (102) for evaporating water to generate steam; - a front wall portion (104); - a rear wall portion (106) facing the front wall portion, wherein the heated steaming surface extends between the front wall portion and the rear wall portion, the rear wall portion (106); - a pair of side wall portions (108, 110) facing each other, wherein the heated steaming surface extends laterally between the pair of side wall portions, the pair of side wall portions (108, 110); - a cover (112) spaced apart from the heated steaming surface; - an enclosed steam chamber (114) defined by the cover, the front wall portion, the rear wall portion and the pair of side wall portions; - protruding from the front wall portion into the steam chamber and allowing steam to exit the steam chamber. A steam outlet structure (116) comprising a steam channel (118) arranged to be formed such that a fluid barrier portion (120) arranged at the end of the steam channel, and a steam outlet structure (116) comprising at least one opening (122A, 122B, 122C) arranged along the steam outlet structure between the fluid barrier portion and the front wall portion to allow steam in the steam chamber to pass through the steam channel, wherein the steam chamber (114) extends along a central longitudinal axis (LA) extending from the front wall portion (104) to the rear wall portion (106), and at least one of the at least one opening (122A, 122B) allows steam generated in the steam chamber,A steam generator (100), characterized by being arranged to be received into the steam channel (118) in a direction transversing the central longitudinal axis, wherein the steam outlet structure (116) extends from the front wall portion (104) at an angle such that the steam outlet structure is inclined away from the heated steaming surface (102) and toward the cover (112). Claim 7 A steam generator (100) comprising, in any one of claims 1 to 6, a treatment plate (130) having an outer surface (132) for contacting clothing, wherein the treatment plate defines the boundaries of one or more steam outlets (134) for releasing steam, and said one or more steam outlets are fluidly connected to the steam channel (118). Claim 8 In claim 7, the steam outlet structure (116) extends from the processing plate (130) into the steam chamber (114), the steam generator (100). Claim 9 In claim 7, the processing plate (130) is a steam generator (100) arranged adjacent to the front wall portion (104). Claim 10 A steam generator (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein a water inlet (115) for delivering water toward the heated steaming surface (102) is arranged within the cover (112) and / or arranged in close proximity to the rear wall portion (106). Claim 11 A steam generator (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the height of the steam chamber (114) increases as it moves further away from the rear wall portion (106), and at least a portion of the steam outlet structure (116) is arranged where the height of the steam chamber increases. Claim 12 In any one of claims 1 to 6, - at least one of the at least one opening (122A, 122B, 122C) is each [24; 70] mm 2 or [24; 150] mm 2 A steam generator (100) having a range of area; - at least one of the above-mentioned openings each having a circular, rectangular, rounded rectangular, trapezoidal, or rounded trapezoidal shape. Claim 13 A garment steaming device (10) comprising a hand unit (12) for moving over a garment, wherein the hand unit comprises a steam generator (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6; optionally, the hand unit comprises a water tank and a water delivery system for delivering water from the water tank to the steam generator. Claim 14 delete

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