CN117651829A - Connector attachment and steam generator comprising same - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a connector attachment (126) for attachment to a housing of a steam generator, the housing enclosing a steam chamber (124). The connector attachment comprises a water inlet (128), the water inlet (128) for receiving water from a water supply and dosing said water into the steam chamber. The connector attachment further comprises a steam outlet (132), the steam outlet (132) for delivering steam generated in the steam chamber to the outside of the steam chamber. The steam outlet comprises a tubular element (132B) for protruding into the steam chamber. The tubular member terminates at a first end (136). The steam outlet further comprises a hose connector (132A) for protruding outside the housing. The hose connector terminates at a second end (138). A linear flow path for steam is defined between the first end and the second end. A steam generator comprising the connector attachment, and a garment care device comprising such a steam generator are also provided.

Description

Connector attachment and steam generator including the same

Technical field

The invention relates to a connector attachment for attachment to a housing of a steam generator, the connector attachment comprising a water inlet and a steam outlet. The invention also relates to a steam generator comprising such a connector attachment, and to a garment care device comprising such a steam generator.

The present invention can be used in the field of clothing care.

Background technique

A steam generator evaporates water to create steam. For this purpose, a water inlet is provided for dosing water into the steam generator, and a steam outlet allows steam to leave the steam generator.

Various types of garment care appliances are known that include steam generators, such as so-called stand steamers. Such vertical steam engines generally include a base unit, a hand unit having at least one steam outlet, and a steam hose cord connecting the steam generator in the base unit to the hand unit.

The water inlet and steam outlet in conventional steam generators, such as those included in vertical steam engines, are spatially remote from each other. Typically, the water inlet is located at the top side of the steam generator and the steam outlet is located at the bottom side of the steam generator.

Spatially separating the water inlet and the steam outlet from each other in this way limits how compact the steam generator can be made. Larger steam generators, in turn, mean higher costs to produce, store, and transport the steam generators to consumers. Furthermore, where the steam outlet is located at the bottom side of the steam generator, there may be an increased risk of scale particles escaping through the steam outlet and blocking the steam outlet. Blockage of the steam outlet by scale will shorten the operating life of the steam generator.

FR 2714401 A1 discloses a steam distribution device comprising a steam generator supplying steam to an iron. The device has a water filling hole with means for closing the hole and an outlet for feeding steam to a separate attachment.

Contents of the invention

The present invention aims to solve one or more of the above challenges.

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

To this end, a steam generator according to the invention includes:

- a casing surrounding a steam chamber for generating steam, and

- a connector attachment attached to the housing, the connector attachment comprising:

- a water inlet for receiving water from the water supply system and dosing said water into the steam chamber, and

- A steam outlet for delivering steam generated in the steam chamber to the outside of the steam chamber. The steam outlet includes a tubular element extending into the steam chamber and a hose connector extending out of the housing. The tubular element is connected to the hose. The connectors are in fluid communication, wherein the tubular element terminates at a first end inside the steam chamber and the hose connector extends away from the housing to terminate at a second end outside the housing, a linear flow path for the steam being defined at between the first end and the second end.

Tubular elements extending into the steam chamber may help minimize or prevent the steam outlet from being blocked by scale. Manufacturing is facilitated by having the tubular element included in the connector attachment rather than in the housing surrounding the vapor chamber.

Since both the water inlet and the steam outlet are included in the connector attachment, the water inlet and the steam outlet may be considered adjacent to each other.

This adjacent arrangement of water inlet and steam outlet can help provide a more compact design.

A linear flow path for steam defined between the first and second ends of the steam outlet may provide various benefits. In particular, linear flow paths may help reduce scale buildup and/or may allow scale to shed more efficiently from the steam outlet back into the steam chamber. Additionally, the linear flow path helps any water condensed in the steam outlet flow back into the steam chamber, minimizing the risk of water splashing onto the garment.

In some embodiments, the tubular element extends into the steam chamber such that the distance from the first end of the tubular element to an inner surface of the housing adjacent the tubular element is in the range of [1; 10] mm.

Preferably, the tubular element is made of plastic material. This can help relieve scaling blockage of steam outlets. Plastic materials tend to be relatively insulating and therefore less likely to provide a surface on which water can evaporate and scale can settle. Alternatively or additionally, the scale can adhere only weakly to the plastic material.

In some embodiments, the water inlet and steam outlet are integrally formed as a single piece of plastic material.

Any suitable plastic material may be used to form part or all of the connector attachment, such as polyamide, such as glass filled nylon, and/or fluoropolymers.

For example, the water inlet and steam outlet are integrated or molded into the connector attachment to form a single piece of plastic material.

In some embodiments, a connector attachment is attached to the upper portion of the housing, and the housing and connector attachment are arranged such that when the steam generator is oriented for use, the hose connector and tubular The elements extend essentially vertically.

This vertical arrangement of hose connectors and tubular elements, combined with the linear steam path described above, can facilitate the return of condensate to the steam chamber. This can help reduce water retention within the steam hose attached to the hose connector, and thereby minimize the risk of water splashing onto the garment.

In some embodiments, the water inlet includes a water hose connector extending outside the housing for receiving water from the water supply system, wherein the water hose connector is fluidly connected to the steam chamber. water pipes.

In such embodiments, the water hose connector preferably extends substantially horizontally and the water conduit extends substantially vertically when the steam generator is oriented for use. This arrangement of water inlets may help reduce inadvertent water dosing or dripping into the steam chamber.

This vertical arrangement of the water line relative to the water hose connector is achieved, for example, via an elbow at the connection between the water hose connector and the water line.

Preferably, the steam generator includes a steam surface arranged to evaporate water thereon to produce steam, wherein the steam surface is inclined at an inclination angle relative to the substantially vertically extending water conduit.

This arrangement of the steam surface relative to the water conduit may promote evaporation of water on the steam surface and thereby help to minimize the accumulation of water at the base of the steam chamber.

The steam surface is preferably inclined at an inclination angle in the range [15; 45] degrees relative to the substantially vertically extending water pipe. The angle of the steam surface relative to the horizontal plane can be in the range [45; 75] degrees.

It has been found that this angle range is optimal for minimizing the accumulation of water at the base of the steam chamber even at relatively high water flow rates. This angle may also allow scale to shed and fall off the steam surface more efficiently so that scale can accumulate in the scale deposit area at the base of the steam chamber. This in turn can help extend the instantaneous steam generation capability of the steam generator, as less scale adhering to the steam surface can mean more efficient transfer of heat to the water being metered over it.

In some embodiments, the steam generator includes an anti-scale adhesion conduit fluidly connected to the water conduit and extending into the steam chamber for supplying water into the steam chamber.

For example, an anti-scale adhesion conduit extends from a water inlet aperture arranged in the housing through the aperture.

Anti-scale adhesion pipes can help minimize or prevent scale from impeding water delivery into the steam chamber.

Preferably, the anti-scale adhesion duct is in the form of a tubular insert formed of fluoropolymer material. Due to its relatively low adhesion to scale, this fluoropolymer material can help reduce scale build-up and promote scale shedding. Therefore, fluoropolymer materials can help prevent scale from blocking water delivery into the steam chamber.

In some embodiments, the steam generator includes a sealing member disposed between the connector attachment and the housing.

In such an embodiment, the sealing member preferably defines:

- a first hole through which the tubular element extends, and

- a second hole through which the anti-scale adhesion duct extends.

The second hole may allow the anti-scale adhesion duct to pass through the wall of the housing and into the steam chamber.

For example, the first hole and the second hole are separated from each other by a portion of the sealing member.

In some embodiments, the sealing member includes a surface portion extending around the anti-scale adhesion conduit and a nose portion extending substantially perpendicular to the surface portion at an end of the anti-scale adhesion conduit.

This arrangement of anti-scale adhesion ducts and sealing members may further promote scale shedding during temperature cycling of the steam generator. This may be due to a thermal expansion coefficient mismatch between the material of the sealing member (eg, elastomeric material) and the anti-scale adhesion material of the anti-scale adhesion pipe (eg, fluoropolymer).

In some embodiments, the water inlet includes a hose retaining portion for assisting in retaining the water hose.

For example, the hose holding portion is included in the above-mentioned water hose connector.

Alternatively or additionally, the steam outlet may include another hose retaining portion for assisting in retaining the steam hose.

For example, another hose retaining portion is included in the hose connector.

Particularly in embodiments in which the connector attachment is formed from a plastic material, such as glass-filled nylon, it is possible to provide the hose retaining portion and/or another hose retaining portion relatively simply, for example via means for manufacturing the connection Molding process for device attachments.

In some embodiments, the connector attachment includes a plate member arranged to support a water inlet and a steam outlet.

The plate member may facilitate mounting of the connector attachment to the housing, in particular mounting the connector attachment to the housing such that the water inlet and the steam outlet are adjacent to each other.

Preferably, the plate member has one or more alignment features for assisting in installation of the connector attachment, for example to assist in positioning the connector attachment on the housing and/or sealing member.

Such alignment feature(s) may help ensure reliable function of the steam generator by facilitating precise positioning of the connector attachments during manufacture/assembly of the steam generator.

In embodiments where the steam generator includes a sealing member, the alignment feature(s) may assist in positioning the connector attachment on the sealing member.

Thus, the alignment feature(s) may help create a proper seal between the connector attachment and the housing.

According to another aspect, a garment care device is provided, including:

- a base unit comprising a steam generator according to embodiments described herein,

- a hand unit having at least one steam outlet, and

- a steam hose cord connecting the steam generator to the hand unit, the steam generated by the steam generator leaving the device via at least one steam outlet.

In some embodiments, the hand unit further includes a steam heater arranged to reheat steam received from the steam generator before the steam exits the hand unit via the at least one steam outlet. Steam heaters can help minimize the risk of water splashing onto garments.

According to another aspect, there is provided a connector attachment for attachment to a housing of a steam generator, the housing surrounding a steam chamber, the connector attachment comprising:

- a water inlet for receiving water from the water supply system and dosing said water into the steam chamber,

- a steam outlet for delivering the steam generated in the steam chamber to the outside of the steam chamber, the steam outlet comprising a tubular element for protruding into the steam chamber and a hose connector for protruding out of the housing the tubular element is in fluid communication with the hose connector, wherein the tubular element terminates at a first end and the hose connector terminates at a second end, and a linear flow path for the steam is defined at the first end and the second end between.

Preferably, the water inlet and steam outlet are integrally formed as a single piece of plastic material.

The kit of parts may include a connector attachment according to embodiments described herein, together with the sealing member described above and/or the anti-scale adhesion conduit described above.

This parts kit can be used to replace an existing connector attachment for a steam generator.

More generally, it should be noted that the embodiments described herein with respect to steam generators may apply to connector attachments themselves and/or sets of components, and that the embodiments described herein with respect to connector attachments and/or components Embodiments of the kit may be applied to steam generators.

A detailed description and other aspects of the invention are given below.

Description of drawings

Certain aspects of the invention will now be elucidated with reference to the embodiments described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like components or sub-steps are designated in like manner:

Figures 1A and 1B depict a garment care device according to one example,

Figure 2 depicts a steam generator for inclusion in a garment care device,

Figure 3 provides a view of the interior of the steam generator,

Figure 4A provides an exploded view of a portion of a steam generator,

Figure 4B shows the dosing of water inside the steam generator when the steam generator is oriented for use.

Figure 4C depicts the angle of the steam surface of the steam generator relative to the horizontal plane,

Figure 5 provides a view of a connector attachment according to one example,

Figure 6 provides a view of a sealing member according to one example,

7A and 7B provide views of anti-scale adhesion pipes according to one example, and

Figure 8 schematically depicts a steam generator test setup.

Detailed ways

Figures 1A and 1B depict a garment care device 100 according to one example. The garment care device 100 includes a base unit 102 that includes a steam generator (not visible in Figures 1A and 1B). Steam generator designs that may help make base unit 102 more compact are described in greater detail below.

The garment care device 100 also includes a hand unit 104. At least one steam outlet (not visible in the figures) is provided in the hand unit 104 for releasing steam to the garment to be treated.

A steam hose cord 106 connects the steam generator to the hand unit 104 . Steam generated by the steam generator leaves the device via at least one steam outlet.

The garment care device 100 shown in Figures 1A and 1B may be considered a stand-up steamer. In this non-limiting example, garment care device 100 includes an ironing board 108 in a vertical orientation as shown in Figure 1A and represented by dashed line 110 in Figure 1B and as shown in Figure 1B It is tiltable between horizontal orientations.

In some embodiments, the hand unit 104 further includes a steam heater (not visible in the figures) arranged to reheat the steam generated from the steam before it exits the hand unit 104 via the at least one steam outlet. The steam received by the device. Steam heaters can help minimize the risk of water splashing onto the garment being treated.

In the non-limiting example shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B , the garment care device 100 includes a holder 112 for supporting the hand unit 104 when the hand unit 104 is not held by a user. As shown, such a retainer 112 may be mounted on an ironing board 108 .

Figures 2-4C provide various views of steam generator 120 according to one example. For example, the steam generator 120 may be included in the above-described base unit 102 of the garment care device 100 shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B.

As best shown in Figure 4B, steam generator 120 includes housings 122A, 122B that surround steam chamber 124. Housings 122A, 122B may be formed from any suitable material capable of withstanding the generation of steam in vapor chamber 124. Preferably, the housings 122A, 122B are formed from a metallic material, such as aluminum.

In at least some embodiments, the housings 122A, 122B are formed at least in part via a casting (eg, die casting) process. In a specific, non-limiting example, housings 122A, 122B are formed from die-cast aluminum.

In some embodiments, such as shown in Figures 2-4C, housings 122A, 122B include an upper portion 122A and a lower portion 122B. Upper portion 122A and lower portion 122B may be connected to each other so as to surround vapor chamber 124 .

This connection of upper portion 122A and lower portion 122B may be accomplished in any suitable manner, such as using one or more screws 125 .

It should be noted that the terms "upper" and "lower" in the context of components of housings 122A, 122B are used with reference to the orientation of steam generator 120 in use, such as when steam generator 120 is mounted on a garment. An in-use orientation of the steam generator 120 in the base unit 102 of the care device 100, wherein the base unit 102 itself is oriented for use. With regard to the embodiments described below, further reference is made to the orientation of the steam generator 120 in use.

Connector attachment 126 may be attached to housings 122A, 122B. As best shown in FIG. 3 , the connector attachment 126 includes a water inlet 128 for receiving water from the water supply system and dosing water into the steam chamber 124 .

In at least some embodiments, water inlet 128 includes a water hose connector 128A for receiving water from a water supply system.

Such water hose connector 128A is preferably capable of connecting the water hose 130 to the connector attachment 126 .

For example, such a water hose 130 may deliver water from a water reservoir (not visible in the drawing) to the water inlet 128 . This water delivery is represented by arrow 131 in Figure 3 . Such a water reservoir is included, for example, in the base unit 102 of the garment care device 100 .

Connector attachment 126 also includes a steam outlet 132 for delivering steam generated in steam chamber 124 outside steam chamber 124 . This steam delivery is represented by arrow 133 in FIG. 3 . Steam outlet 132 includes a hose connector 132A that extends away from housings 122A, 122B.

Hose connector 132A is preferably capable of connecting steam hose 134 to connector attachment 126 .

Such a steam hose 134 is, for example, included in or defines the steam hose cord 106 of the garment care device 100 .

Because the water inlet 128 and the steam outlet 132 are both included in the connector attachment 126, the water inlet 128 and the steam outlet 132 may be considered adjacent to each other. This adjacent arrangement of water inlet 128 and steam outlet 132 may help provide a more compact design. In particular, the adjacent arrangement of the water inlet 128 and the steam outlet 132 may mean that the above-described base unit 102 incorporated into the steam generator 120 is made more compact.

As best shown in Figure 3, steam outlet 132 includes a tubular element 132B that extends into steam chamber 124 and is in fluid communication with hose connector 132A. The tubular element 132B extending into the steam chamber 124 may help minimize or prevent the steam outlet 132 from being blocked by scale.

Manufacturing may be facilitated by including the tubular element 132B in the connector attachment 126 rather than in the housing 122A, 122B surrounding the vapor chamber 124. In particular, it may not be easy or feasible to obtain such a tubular element 132B via casting as described above, such as the die-casting process used to make the housings 122A, 122B.

Returning to Figure 3, the tubular element 132B terminates at a first end 136 inside the vapor chamber 124, and the hose connector terminates at a second end 138 outside the housings 122A, 122B. A linear flow path of steam is defined between first end 136 and second end 138 .

Such a linear flow path may be provided by the hose connector 132A and the tubular element 132B along the (axially aligned) center of the hose connector 132A and the tubular element 132B. The common axis CA extends.

A linear flow path for steam defined between first end 136 and second end 138 of steam outlet 132 may provide various benefits. In particular, linear flow paths may help reduce scale buildup and/or may allow scale to shed more efficiently from the steam outlet 132 back into the steam chamber 124 . Additionally, the linear flow path may help any water condensed in the steam outlet 132 to flow back into the steam chamber 124, thereby minimizing the risk of water splashing onto the garment.

In some embodiments, the tubular element 132B extends into the vapor chamber 124 such that the distance D from the first end 136 of the tubular element 132B to the inner surface 139 of the housing 122A, 122B adjacent the tubular element 132B is in [1;10] within the range of mm.

Preferably, the tubular element 132B is made of plastic material. Any suitable plastic material may be used for this purpose, such as polyamide and/or fluoropolymers.

In a non-limiting example, tubular element 132B is made from glass-filled nylon.

Fouling clogging of the steam outlet 132 can be further reduced by the tubular element 132B made of plastic material. Plastic materials tend to be relatively insulating and therefore less likely to provide a surface upon which water can evaporate and scale can deposit. Alternatively or additionally, scale may adhere only weakly to the plastic material, particularly when tubular element 132B is made of fluoropolymer.

In some embodiments, such as shown in Figures 2-4C, water inlet 128 and steam outlet 132 are integrally formed as a single piece of plastic material.

For example, water inlet 128 and steam outlet 132 are integrated or molded to form a single piece of plastic material that defines connector attachment 126 .

Any suitable heat-resistant plastic material may be used to form connector attachment 126, such as polyamide, such as glass-filled nylon, and/or fluoropolymers.

The connector attachment 126 is preferably attached to the upper portion 122A of the housings 122A, 122B, wherein the housings 122A, 122B and the connector attachment 126 are arranged such that when the steam generator 120 is oriented for use , hose connector 132A and tubular element 132B extend substantially vertically. This vertical arrangement of hose connector 132A and tubular element 132B combined with the linear flow path described above may facilitate the return of condensed water to steam chamber 124 . This may help reduce water retention within the steam hose 134 attached to hose connector 132A, and therefore minimize the risk of water splashing onto the garment.

It should be noted that the term "substantially vertical" herein may mean that the extension of tubular element 132B is within 10 degrees of a vertical line defined by the local direction of gravity. Vertical lines are indicated by the reference V in Figure 4C.

In the non-limiting example shown in FIGS. 2-4C , the upper portion 122A of the housings 122A, 122B includes a vertically extending (when the steam generator 120 is oriented for use) chimney-like portion 141 with a connector attached. A connector 126 may be attached to the chimney portion 141 .

Chimney portion 141 may assist in orienting tubular element 132B in the substantially vertical manner described above.

In some embodiments, and referring to Figure 3, water hose connector 128A is fluidly connected to water conduit 128B, where water hose connector 128A and water conduit 128B form elbow 140 at their connection.

Figures 4B and 4C illustrate the steam generator 120 when oriented for use. In this in-use orientation, water hose connector 128A extends generally horizontally and water conduit 128B extends generally vertically. This arrangement of water inlet 128 may help reduce inadvertent water dosing or dripping into steam chamber 124 .

It should be noted that the term "substantially vertical" herein may mean that water conduit 128B extends within 10 degrees of a vertical line defined by the local direction of gravity. Vertical lines are indicated by the reference V in Figure 4C.

The term "substantially horizontal" may mean that the water hose connector 128A extends within 10 degrees of a horizontal plane perpendicular to a vertical line V defined by the local gravity direction. The horizontal plane is indicated by reference H in Figure 4C.

In the non-limiting example shown in Figures 2-4C, chimney portion 141 may help orient water conduit 128B in a substantially vertical manner.

The housings 122A, 122B shown in Figures 2-4C define a water inlet aperture 142. In the non-limiting example shown in these figures, a water inlet aperture 142 is provided in the upper portion 122A of the housing 122A, 122B.

In the non-limiting example shown in the figures, the housings 122A, 122B also define a steam outlet aperture 143 adjacent the water inlet aperture 142 . In this case, the tubular element 132B extends through the steam outlet hole 143 into the steam chamber 124 .

Although in this example, a portion 145 of the housings 122A, 122B separates the water inlet aperture 142 from the steam outlet aperture 143, in an alternative example, water is delivered and the tubular element 132B extends through the housing 122A, 122B. of a single orifice.

The steam generator 120 preferably includes an anti-scale adhesion conduit 144 fluidly connected to the water conduit 128B of the water inlet 128 (whether or not the water inlet 128 includes a water hose connector 128A). In this embodiment, an anti-scale adhesion pipe 144 extends into the steam chamber 124 for supplying water into the steam chamber 124 .

For example, anti-scale adhesion conduit 144 extends from and/or through water inlet aperture 142 .

Anti-scale adhesion ducts 144 may help minimize or prevent scale from impeding water delivery into the steam chamber 124 . To this end, the anti-scale adhesion conduit 144 may be formed from a non-stick material, such as a fluoropolymer.

Preferably, the anti-scale adhesion conduit 144 is in the form of a tubular insert formed from a fluoropolymer material. Due to its relatively low adhesion to scale, this fluoropolymer material can help reduce scale build-up and promote scale shedding. Accordingly, the fluoropolymer material may help prevent scale from blocking water delivery into the steam chamber 124 .

More generally, the steam generator 120 includes a steam surface 146 arranged to evaporate water thereon to produce steam.

In the non-limiting example shown in the figures, vapor surface 146 is included in lower portion 122B of housing 122A, 122B. The steam surface 146 is heated via a heating element arrangement 147 arranged in the lower portion 122B of the housing 122A, 122B.

As shown in Figure 4C, the steam surface 146 is inclined at an inclination angle OA relative to the substantially vertically extending water conduit 128B. The term slope as used herein means that the extension of the steam surface 146 is neither parallel nor perpendicular to the direction in which the water conduit 128B extends.

This arrangement of the steam surface 146 relative to the water tube 128B may facilitate evaporation of water that is dosed (see arrow WA in FIG. 4B ) onto the steam surface 146 and thereby contribute to the accumulation of water at the base 149 of the steam chamber 124 minimize.

It should be noted, for the avoidance of doubt, that this arrangement of water conduit 128B relative to steam surface 146 is achievable regardless of whether water inlet 128 includes hose connector 128A.

Preferably, the water inlet 128 is positioned as high as possible (given the orientation of the steam generator 120 in use) to facilitate a greater portion of the steam surface 146 for evaporating water, and to help extend the reach of the water to the bottom of the steam surface 146 ( It may be at a lower temperature), thereby minimizing the accumulation of water at the base 149 of the steam chamber 124.

Preferably, the steam outlet 132 is positioned as high as possible (taking into account the orientation of the steam generator 120 in use) and as far away from the steam surface 146 as possible. This may help extend the operating life of the steam generator 120 as scale may accumulate mostly at the base 149 into the middle region of the steam chamber 124 and generally heavier scale particles may be more difficult to be carried by the steam to higher Steam outlet 132.

In some embodiments, and referring to Figure 4C, the steam surface 146 is inclined at an angle OA relative to the substantially vertically extending water conduit 128B, the angle of inclination being in the range of [15; 45] degrees.

The angle AH of the vapor surface 146 relative to the horizontal plane H may be in the range of [45; 75] degrees. This angle range has been found to be optimal for minimizing the accumulation of water at the base 149 of the steam chamber 124 even at relatively high water flow rates. This angle may also allow scale to shed and fall from the steam surface 146 more efficiently so that scale can accumulate in the scale deposition area at the base 149 of the steam chamber 124 . This in turn can help extend the instantaneous steam generation capability of the steam generator 120 as less scale adhering to the steam surface 146 can mean more efficient heat transfer to the water being metered thereon.

In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 2-4C, the steam generator 120 includes a sealing member 148 disposed between the connector attachment 126 and the housings 122A, 122B. The sealing member 148 may help minimize or prevent leakage of fluids, particularly steam and water, from the vapor chamber 124 between the housings 122A, 122B and the connector attachment 126 .

Sealing member 148 may be formed from any suitable material. For example, sealing member 148 is formed from an elastic material, such as silicone rubber.

Referring to Figures 3 and 6, sealing member 148 preferably defines:

- a first hole 150 through which the tubular element 132B extends, and

- a second hole 152 through which the anti-scale adhesion duct 144 extends.

The second hole 152 may allow the anti-scale adhesion conduit 144 to pass through the walls of the housings 122A, 122B and into the vapor chamber 124 .

In the non-limiting example shown in the figures, the first hole 150 and the second hole 152 are separated from each other by a portion 151 of the sealing member 148 .

In some embodiments, such as the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 , the sealing member 148 includes a surface portion 155 for extending around the anti-scale adhesion duct 144 and is disposed at the end of the anti-scale adhesion duct 144 A nose portion 154 extends (eg, is enlarged) substantially perpendicular to the surface portion 155 .

The vapor chamber exposed end of the anti-scale adhesion duct 144 , such as a tubular insert, may be aligned with the vapor chamber exposed surface portion of the nose portion 154 .

Alignment (eg, flush alignment) of the end of the anti-scale adhesion duct 144 with the surface portion of the nose portion 154 may further facilitate scale shedding during temperature cycling of the steam generator 120 . This may be due to a thermal expansion coefficient mismatch between the material of the sealing member 148 (eg, elastomeric material) and the anti-scale adhesion material (eg, fluoropolymer) of the anti-scale adhesion duct 144.

Sealing member 148 may engage housing 122A, 122B in any suitable manner. In some embodiments, such as the embodiment shown in the figures, nose portion 154 is insertable into steam chamber 124 via water inlet aperture 142 but is shaped such that once inserted, nose portion 154 passes through water inlet aperture 142 Reclaims are restricted.

In the non-limiting example shown in the drawings, the nose portion 154 is conical, although other shapes are also contemplated, such as a pyramid, meaning that the nose portion 154 is inserted into the vapor chamber 124 more slowly than it is from the vapor chamber 124 Retracting the nose portion 154 is easier.

In some embodiments, as best seen in FIG. 5 , water inlet 128 includes a hose retaining portion 156 for assisting in retaining water hose 130 . For example, a hose retaining portion 156 is included in the water hose connector 128A described above.

In the non-limiting example shown in the figures, hose retaining portion 156 is defined by annular protrusion(s) protruding from the outer surface of water hose connector 128A.

It should also be noted, with reference to Figure 2, that alternatively or additionally, the water hose 130 may be secured to the water hose connector 128A using a water hose clamp 157 arranged to hold the water soft Tube 130 is compressed around and against water hose connector 128A.

Alternatively or additionally, steam outlet 132 may include another hose retaining portion 158 for assisting in retaining steam hose 134 . For example, another hose retaining portion 158 is included in hose connector 132A.

In the non-limiting example shown in the figures, another hose retaining portion 158 is defined by annular protrusion(s) protruding from the outer surface of hose connector 132A.

It should also be noted, with reference to Figure 2, that alternatively or additionally, the steam hose 134 may be secured to the hose connector 132A using a steam hose clamp 159 arranged to secure the steam hose to the hose connector 132A. 134 is compressed around and against hose connector 132A.

Particularly in embodiments where the connector attachment 126 is formed from a plastic material (eg, glass-filled nylon), the hose retaining portion 156 and/or the further hose retaining portion 158 may be provided relatively simply, such as via a The molding process used in manufacturing the connector attachment 126.

Connector attachment 126 may be attached to housings 122A, 122B in any suitable manner. In the non-limiting example shown in the figures, the connector attachment 126 may be attached to the housing 122A, 122B via a screw 160 that passes through a hole defined by the connector attachment 126 and threads into the housing 122A, 122B. in the opening defined by the housings 122A, 122B.

More generally, and referring to FIG. 5 , connector attachment 126 preferably includes a plate member 168 arranged to support water inlet 128 and steam outlet 132 .

In such embodiments, the sealing member 148 may contact the underside of the plate member 168 and the outer surfaces of the housings 122A, 122B. The sealing member 148 is preferably received in a complementary shaped recessed portion of the outer surface of the housings 122A, 122B.

Plate member 168 preferably has one or more alignment features for assisting in positioning connector attachment 126 in the correct location on housing 122A, 122B and/or sealing member 148.

The underside of the plate member 168 may include an annular ridge 174 surrounding the tubular element 132B and/or another annular ridge 176 around the water conduit 128B that compresses the sealing member 148 to secure the plate member 168 to the upper portions of the housings 122A, 122B. Proper sealing between 122A.

Alternatively or additionally, one or more studs 178 protruding from the underside of plate member 168 may facilitate engagement of connector attachment 126 with sealing member 148 .

Figures 7A and 7B provide views of the anti-scale adhesion conduit 144 in the form of a tubular insert. In this non-limiting example, anti-scale adhesion conduit 144 includes a downstream cylindrical portion 180 and an upstream flared portion 182 .

The upstream flared portion 182 may help limit movement of the anti-scale adhesion conduit 144 within the second hole 152 of the sealing member 148 in a direction toward the vapor chamber 124 .

Figure 8 schematically depicts a steam generator test setup. Box 184 indicates the supply of water with a pH of 7.5 to 7.9, a hardness [dH] of 11.1 to 14.1, and a conductivity [μS] of 670 to 830. This water is used to fill water tank 186. Pump 188 is used to pump water from water tank 186 to steam generator 120 . Condensed water is collected in container 190. For steam generator 120 in accordance with the present disclosure (Table 1), and for conventional steam generation in which the water inlet and steam outlet are remote from each other and thus neither is included in connector attachment 126 in the manner described herein device (Table 2), the mass of condensed water collected every 30 minutes and the hardness of the condensed water were determined.

Table 1

Table 2

During steam delivery, the steam may transfer energy to steam hose 134 and condense into water. Therefore, the amount of water collected in the container 190 may correspond to the sum of the amount of steam condensation water and the amount of water droplets escaping from the steam generator without evaporating.

It is assumed that due to the inclusion of water inlet 128 and steam outlet 132 in connector attachment 126, more water will be collected in container 190 than would be the case with a conventional steam generator. However, no significant difference in the amount of condensed water collected in container 190 was observed. This was verified through a two-sample T-Test. It should be reminded that the two-sample T-Test (also known as the independent sample T-test) is a method used to test whether the unknown population means of two groups are equal.

This quantitative observation is also supported by the fact that the quality of the condensed water collected from the steam generator 120 according to the present disclosure is the same as that collected from a conventional steam generator in terms of hardness. Similar water hardness was also verified via a two-sample T-test.

Therefore, the benefits provided by the connector attachment 126 (eg, in terms of facilitating a more compact design) may not result in compromised steam performance.

The above-described embodiments are only illustrative and are not intended to limit the technical method of the present invention. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that the technical methods of the present invention can be modified or equivalently substituted without departing from the scope of the claims of the present invention. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. Any reference signs in the claims shall not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims (15)

1. A steam generator (120) for a garment care device (100), said steam generator comprising: - a housing (122A, 122B) surrounding a steam chamber (124) for generating steam, and - a connector attachment (126) attached to the housing, said connector attachment (126) comprising: - a water inlet (128) for receiving water from the water supply system and dosing said water into the steam chamber, - a steam outlet (132) for delivering steam generated in the steam chamber to the outside of the steam chamber, said steam outlet comprising a tubular element protruding into said steam chamber ( 132B) and a hose connector (132A) extending outside the housing, the tubular element being in fluid communication with the hose connector, wherein the tubular element terminates at a first end inside the steam chamber ( 136) and the hose connector extends away from the housing to terminate outside the housing at a second end (138), a linear flow path for the steam is defined at the first end and the second end. 2. The steam generator (120) of claim 1, wherein the water inlet (128) and the steam outlet (132) are integrally formed as a single piece of plastic material. 3. The steam generator (120) of claim 1, wherein the tubular element (132B) is made of plastic material. 4. The steam generator (120) of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the connector attachment (126) is attached to an upper portion (122A, 122B) of the housing (122A, 122B) 122A), the housing and the connector attachment are arranged such that when the steam generator is oriented for use, the hose connector (132A) and the tubular element (132B) are substantially extends vertically. 5. The steam generator (120) of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the water inlet (128) includes a water hose connector extending outside the housing (122A, 122B) (128A) for receiving water from the water supply system, the water hose connector (128A) being fluidly connected to a water conduit (128B) fluidly with the steam chamber (124) Communicated, wherein the water hose connector extends substantially horizontally and the water conduit extends substantially vertically when the steam generator is oriented for use. 6. A steam generator (120) according to claim 5, comprising a steam surface (146) arranged to evaporate water thereon to produce said steam, said steam surface being relative to a substantially vertical The water pipe (128B) extending straightly is inclined at an inclination angle (OA) in the range of [15; 45] degrees. 7. The steam generator (120) according to claim 5 or 6, comprising an anti-scale adhesion conduit (144) fluidly connected to the water conduit (128B), the anti-scale adhesion conduit extending into the said water conduit (128B). The steam chamber (124) is used to supply water to the steam chamber. 8. The steam generator (120) of claim 7, wherein the anti-scale adhesion conduit (144) is in the form of a tubular insert formed of fluoropolymer material. 9. Steam generator (120) according to claim 7 or 8, comprising a sealing member (148) arranged between the connector attachment (126) and the housing (122A, 122B) , wherein the sealing member defines: - a first hole (150) through which the tubular element (132B) extends, - A second hole (152) through which the anti-scale adhesion duct (144) extends. 10. The steam generator (120) of claim 9, wherein the sealing member (148) includes a surface portion (155) and a nose portion (154), the surface portion (155) being in the anti-fouling Extending around the adhesion duct (144), the nose portion (154) extends substantially perpendicular to the surface portion at the end of the anti-fouling adhesion duct. 11. Steam generator (120) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein: - the water inlet (128) includes a hose retaining portion (156) for assisting in retaining the water hose (130), and/or - The steam outlet (132) includes a further hose retaining portion (158) for assisting in retaining the steam hose (134). 12. The steam generator (120) of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the connector attachment (126) includes a plate member (168) arranged to support the water inlet (128) and the steam outlet (132). 13. The steam generator (120) of claim 12, wherein the plate member (168) has one or more alignment features for assisting in installation of the connector attachment (126). 14. A garment care device (100), comprising: - a base unit (102) comprising a steam generator (120) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, - a hand unit (104) having at least one steam outlet, and - a steam hose cord (106) connecting the steam generator to the hand unit, the steam generated by the steam generator passing through at least one of the steam vents The exit leaves the device. 15. The garment care device (100) according to claim 14, wherein the hand unit (104) further comprises a steam heater arranged to remove steam after the steam passes through the at least one steam outlet. The steam received from the steam generator (120) is reheated before leaving the hand unit.