CN114222887A

CN114222887A - Steam generator with steam chamber and metering orifice arranged near the rear of the steam chamber

Info

Publication number: CN114222887A
Application number: CN202080054888.0A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 徐志锋; 马国华
Original assignee: Koninklijke Philips NV
Current assignee: Fansongni Holdings Ltd
Priority date: 2019-07-30
Filing date: 2020-07-21
Publication date: 2022-03-22
Anticipated expiration: 2040-07-21
Also published as: WO2021018659A1; EP3771769A1; EP4004268A1; CN114222887B; KR20220038764A

Abstract

The invention relates to a steam generator (200) comprising a steam chamber (201) for generating steam, the steam chamber (201) extending between a Front Part (FP) and a Rear Part (RP). The steam generator (200) further comprises at least one steam outlet (202), the at least one steam outlet (202) being arranged at the Front Portion (FP) and receiving steam from the steam chamber (201). The steam generator (200) further comprises a heating element (203) for heating the steam chamber (201), and a cover (204) adapted to be in a closed position for closing the steam chamber (201). The steam generator (200) further comprises a dosing aperture (205), the dosing aperture (205) being arranged in the cover (204) for receiving water and/or steam from outside the steam generator (200), the dosing aperture (205) being arranged near the Rear Portion (RP) when the cover (204) is in the closed position.

Description

Steam generator with steam chamber and metering orifice arranged near the rear of the steam chamber

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a steam generator, and more particularly, to a steam generator for a garment steamer.

The invention can be used, for example, in the field of garment care.

Background

Due to the compact size and light weight requirements of steam generators for hand-held steamers, the risk of incomplete evaporation of the dosed steam/water in the steam chamber is increased. As a result, water droplets may be scattered on the clothes being treated. This problem is known as "spitting".

To overcome this problem, the steam/water path (also referred to as the steam channel) is typically designed as a labyrinth and serves to extend the water evaporation path to increase the contact surface and time to maximize evaporation. The steam channel also serves to guide the flow of steam to reach the steam outlets of the steam chamber.

Conventionally, dosing holes (dosing holes) for dosing water and/or steam into such steam generators are located near the front of the steam chamber, relatively close to the steam outlets, to extend the length of the steam channel. The steam channel is shaped such that the evaporated steam will first travel along the steam channel in the direction of the rear of the steam chamber and then travel backwards in the direction of the front of the steam chamber, wherein the steam will leave the steam chamber via some of the steam vents.

Traditionally, the steam chamber is closed with a separate lid. The steam chamber and the cover member are typically assembled by a mechanical male/female assembly, for example by using ribs made in the upper part of the steam chamber to mate with grooves punched in the cover member. Additionally, stud elements may also be used to reinforce the assembly, such as studs extending upwardly from the inner wall of the steam chamber that mate with holes made in the cover. The steam chamber and the lid are then pressed against each other to create a mechanical seal. Optionally, gaskets extending along those peripheral walls or internal vertical walls defining the steam channel may additionally be used to further improve the sealing. Additionally, sealing compound may also be used for mechanical male/female component sealing to further improve water tightness.

An example of such a known steam generator is shown in fig. 1A, 1B and 1C. Fig. 1A illustrates a first view of a steam generator 100 according to the related art, fig. 1B illustrates a second view of the steam generator 100 as shown in fig. 1, and fig. 1C illustrates an internal view of the steam generator 100 as shown in fig. 1.

As shown in fig. 1A, the steam generator 100 includes a steam chamber 101 for generating steam. The vapor chamber 101 extends between the front FP and the back RP of the vapor chamber 101. At least one steam outlet 102 is arranged at the front FP and receives steam from the steam chamber 101. The steam generator 100 further comprises a heating element 103 for heating the steam chamber 101. As shown in fig. 1B, the steam generator 100 further comprises a cover 104, the cover 104 being adapted to be in a closed position to close the steam chamber 101. The steam generator 100 further comprises a dosing hole 105 arranged in the cover 104 for receiving water and/or steam from outside the steam generator 100. The dosing hole 105 is arranged near the front FP when the cover 104 is in the closed position. The steam generator 100 further comprises a steam channel 106, which steam channel 106 extends between the dosing hole 105 and the steam outlet 102. The gasket G1 is disposed between the inner vertical wall of the steam channel 106 and the lid. Fig. 1C shows in dashed lines the front and back steam paths between the dosing point and the steam outlet 102.

In steam chambers using this type of seal between the steam chamber and the cover, a loss of the sealing function may occur. This may occur, for example, when internal pressure has deformed the portion of the cap that is initially sealed, or when the gasket degrades over time resulting in some porosity or permeability. When the sealing function is impaired, some water droplets in the area where the dosing holes are arranged (and thus relatively close to the steam outlet) may be pushed directly across the inner wall forming the steam channel in the vicinity of the steam outlet and thus leave the steam outlet before being evaporated. This will result in splashing at the outlet of the steam chamber. The user experience will be affected because the water droplets will spread over the garment to be treated.

The present invention provides a new design that overcomes the above-mentioned problems.

Disclosure of Invention

It is an object of the present invention to propose an improved steam generator which substantially alleviates or overcomes the above-mentioned problems.

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

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

a steam chamber for generating steam, the steam chamber extending between the front and rear portions,

at least one steam outlet disposed at the front and receiving steam from the steam chamber,

a heating element for heating the steam chamber,

a cover adapted to be in a closed position for closing the steam chamber,

a dosing aperture disposed in the cover for receiving water and/or steam from outside the steam generator, the dosing aperture being disposed proximate the rear portion when the cover is in the closed position.

Unlike the steam generators of the prior art, the arrangement of the dosing holes near the rear of the steam chamber prevents water droplets in the area where the dosing holes are arranged from reaching the steam outlet when the seal between the steam chamber and the cover is compromised. In fact, the relatively large distance between the dosing hole and the steam outlet makes it difficult for these water droplets to cross the inner walls forming the steam channel to reach the steam outlet.

Thus, even if the seal between the steam chamber and the cover is compromised, the risk of water droplets splashing through the steam vents is very limited, which is very advantageous when such a steam generator is used in a hand-held steamer. Thereby improving the user experience of ironing the garment.

Furthermore, the provision of the dosing aperture near the rear of the steam chamber means that the majority of the energy absorbing area is around this rear. Thus, if the vapor chamber is uniformly energized, the coldest spot of the vapor chamber is near the back. This also means that the front part of the steam chamber will be kept at a relatively high temperature, which will further prevent any splashing problems that may be caused by condensation at the steam outlet.

A detailed description and other aspects of the present invention will be given below.

Drawings

Certain aspects of the invention will now be explained with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter, in conjunction with the appended drawings, in which like parts or sub-steps are designated in a like manner:

figure 1A depicts a first view of a steam generator according to the prior art,

figure 1B depicts a second view of the steam generator depicted in figure 1A,

figure 1C depicts an interior view of the steam generator depicted in figure 1A,

figure 2A depicts a first view of a steam generator according to the present invention,

figure 2B depicts a second view of the steam generator depicted in figure 2A,

figure 2C depicts a first embodiment of a steam generator according to the invention,

figure 2D depicts a second embodiment of a steam generator according to the invention,

figure 2E depicts a variation of the embodiment depicted in figure 2D,

figure 2F depicts a cross-sectional view of the embodiment depicted in figure 2E,

figure 2G depicts a third embodiment of a steam generator according to the invention,

figure 2H depicts a fourth embodiment of a steam generator according to the present invention,

figure 2I depicts a fifth embodiment of a steam generator according to the present invention,

figure 2J depicts a sixth embodiment of a steam generator according to the present invention,

figure 3 depicts a seventh embodiment of a steam generator according to the invention,

figure 4 depicts a hand-held steamer for carrying out a steam generator according to the invention,

fig. 5 depicts a vertical steamer implementing a steam generator according to the present invention.

Detailed Description

Fig. 2A shows a first (exploded) view of a steam generator 200 according to the present invention, and fig. 2B shows a second (assembled) view of the steam generator as shown in fig. 2A.

The steam generator 200 includes a steam chamber 201 for generating steam. The vapor chamber 201 extends between the front FP and the back RP. The steam generator 200 further comprises at least one steam outlet 202, which at least one steam outlet 202 is arranged at the front FP and receives steam from the steam chamber 201.

The steam generator 200 further includes: a heating element 203 for heating the steam chamber 201.

The steam generator 200 further includes: a lid 204, the lid 204 being adapted to be in a closed position to close the steam chamber 201. This closed position is shown in fig. 2B.

The steam generator 200 further includes: a dosing hole 205 arranged in the cover 204 for receiving water and/or steam from outside the steam generator 200. As shown in fig. 2B, the dosing aperture 205 is disposed near the rear portion RP when the cover 204 is in the closed position.

The front FP corresponds to a vertical wall arranged in front of the steam chamber 201.

The rear portion RP corresponds to a vertical wall disposed at the rear of the steam chamber 201.

Preferably, the proximity of the dosing holes 205 compared to the rear portion RP is such that the dosing holes 205 are arranged not within half the length L1-L/2 of the steam chamber length L from the rear portion RP. This is shown in top view 2C.

Preferably, the dosing holes 205 are arranged along a longitudinal symmetry axis (AA) of the steam chamber 201. In fact, given that the laundry care products implementing the steam generator 200 according to the present invention generally have a limited height and a relatively curved shape, there is more space for arranging the dosing holes 205 along the longitudinal symmetry axis (AA).

The vapor chamber 201 extends along a longitudinal axis of symmetry (AA) between the rear portion RP and the front portion FP.

Preferably, the first and second electrodes are formed of a metal,the diameter of the metering orifice 205 should be at least 5mm in diameter, or 20mm in area²And has a minimum dimension of at least 3mm, as specified in paragraph 22 of the IEC 60335-2-85 standard.

The steam chamber 201 further comprises a steam channel 206, which steam channel 206 extends between the dosing hole 205 and the at least one steam outlet 202.

The steam channel 206 comprises at least two walls arranged substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of symmetry (AA). This embodiment will be further described in conjunction with fig. 2C.

The term "substantially perpendicular" refers to an angle in the range of 80-100 degrees. In other words, the at least two walls are substantially parallel compared to each other.

Preferably, each of two given consecutive walls of said at least two walls is arranged to define a steam channel on the opposite side with respect to the other wall.

Preferably, the steam chamber 201 further comprises a first additional wall arranged between the at least one steam outlet 202 and the wall of the at least two walls that is closest to the front FP.

In a first embodiment, the first additional wall comprises a single steam channel in its middle part (middle part). This single steam channel improves the steam distribution towards the at least one steam outlet 202. This embodiment will be further described in conjunction with fig. 2D.

In a second embodiment, the first additional wall comprises, in addition to the steam channel in its middle part, steam channels on the left and right sides of said steam channel in the middle part. Those steam channels on the left and right side allow a smooth steam flow so that any entrained scale in the steam flow will be easily washed away. This embodiment will be further described in conjunction with fig. 2E.

Preferably, the steam chamber 201 further comprises a second additional wall arranged in front of the steam channel of the first additional wall. The second additional wall comprises two steam channels on its lateral sides. This second additional wall acts as a front barrier for diverting the steam flow to the side. This helps to reduce the risk of water splashing. This embodiment will be further described in conjunction with fig. 2G.

A dosing aperture 205 is preferably arranged in the cover 204 between the rear portion RP and the wall of the at least two walls that is located closest to the rear portion RP.

In case the dosing hole 205 is arranged further away from the rear portion RP, the at least two walls are also arranged further away in the direction of the front portion FP.

Preferably, gasket G2 is disposed between steam chamber 201 and lid 204. For example, the gasket G2 extends over (a portion of) the top of the inner wall defining the steam channel 206. The gasket G2 may also extend along the peripheral wall of the steam chamber 201, as shown in fig. 2A.

Some specific embodiments of the steam generator 200 described above will be provided below.

Fig. 2C shows a first embodiment of a steam generator according to the present invention.

In this embodiment, the number of at least two walls is two:

the first wall W1 is arranged in the vicinity of the dosing hole 205 (which is shown by a circle in the form of a dashed line),

the second wall W4 is arranged adjacent to the first wall W1 in the direction of the front FP.

The first wall W1 is sized such that it does not extend completely to the right side of the steam chamber 201, thereby forming a first steam passage SP1 between the right end of the first wall W1 and the right side wall of the steam chamber 201.

The second wall W4 is sized such that it does not extend completely to the left side of the steam chamber 201, thereby forming a second steam passage SP4 between the left end of the second wall W4 and the left side wall of the steam chamber 201.

The first wall W1 and the second wall W4 define a single S-shape of the steam channel 206.

The single S-shape of the steam channel 206 increases the length of the steam channel, which thus improves the evaporation efficiency of the steam generator as a whole.

The steam flow is shown by the dashed line from the dosing hole 205. The steam follows a single S-shape until reaching and leaving the at least one steam outlet 202. For example, as shown, the number of steam outlets is 7.

Fig. 2D shows a second embodiment of a steam generator according to the present invention.

This embodiment is based on the embodiment of fig. 2C.

Furthermore, the steam channel 206 further comprises a first additional wall W5, which first additional wall W5 is arranged between the at least one steam outlet 202 and the wall closest to the front FP, in this example the wall corresponding to the second wall W4. The first additional wall W5 is arranged to define a single steam passage SP5 at an intermediate portion thereof. Preferably, the first additional wall W5 is substantially parallel to the first wall W1 and the second wall W4.

By providing the single steam passage SP5 at the middle portion of the first additional wall W5, steam cannot be discharged on the lateral ends of the first additional wall W5 and is thus forced to pass through the central steam passage. In other words, this arrangement creates a "dead" zone on the right between the second wall W4 and the first additional wall W5, which helps to catch water droplets that have not yet completely evaporated into steam.

Preferably, the steam path SP5 extends completely to the bottom of the steam chamber 201.

Preferably, the steam channel SP5 has a width of at least 3 mm.

Fig. 2E depicts a variation of the embodiment depicted in fig. 2D.

In addition to the steam passageway SP5 at the middle of the first additional wall W5, the first additional wall W5 further includes:

the steam pathway SP5L located at the left side of the steam pathway SP5,

the steam pathway SP5R is located at the right side of the steam pathway SP 5.

Preferably, the steam channels SP5L and SP5R have a width of at least 3 mm.

Preferably, the steam channel SP5L and the steam channel SP5R do not extend completely to the bottom of the steam chamber 201. In contrast, the steam channel SP5L and the steam channel SP5R define a step having a height H1 that is smaller in value than the inner height H2 of the steam chamber 201, as shown in the cross-sectional view BB of fig. 2F.

For example, H1-5.5 mm and H2-12 mm.

The advantage of those steps defined by SP5L and SP5R is the avoidance of water splashing.

Preferably, the central steam passage SP5 may also have a similar step.

Fig. 2G shows a third embodiment of a steam generator according to the present invention.

This embodiment is based on the embodiment of fig. 2D.

Furthermore, the steam channel 206 further comprises a second additional wall W6, which second additional wall W6 is arranged in front of the single steam channel of the first additional wall W5. The second additional wall W6 is arranged to define two steam channels (SP61, SP62) on its lateral sides.

The first steam passage SP61 is formed between the left end of the second additional wall W6 and the left side wall of the steam chamber 201.

The second steam passage SP62 is formed between the right end of the second additional wall W6 and the right side wall of the steam chamber 201.

Preferably, the second additional wall W6 is substantially parallel to the first additional wall W5.

Fig. 2H shows a fourth embodiment of a steam generator according to the present invention.

This embodiment is based on the embodiment of fig. 2C.

In this embodiment, the number of at least two walls is four. To this end, in contrast to the first embodiment of fig. 2C, the steam channel 206 further comprises a third wall W2 and a fourth wall W3, both of which third wall W2 and fourth wall W3 are arranged between the first wall W1 and the second wall W4.

Increasing the number of walls to four allows to increase the length of the steam channel and the time during which the water droplets should evaporate. As a result, the steam generator will have increased steaming performance by being able to evaporate water more efficiently.

The third wall W2 is sized such that it does not extend completely to the left side of the steam chamber 201, thereby forming a third steam passage SP2 between the left end of the third wall W2 and the left side wall of the steam chamber 201. The fourth wall W3 is sized such that it does not extend completely to the right side of the steam chamber 201, thereby forming a fourth steam passage SP3 between the right end of the fourth wall W3 and the right side wall of the steam chamber 201.

The first wall W1 and the third wall W2 define a single S-shaped portion of the steam channel 206, and the fourth wall W3 and the second wall W4 define a single S-shaped portion of the steam channel 206. In other words, the four walls (W1, W2, W3, W4) define a double S-shape of the steam channel 206.

The double S-shape of the steam channel 206 further increases the length of the steam channel, which thus improves the evaporation efficiency of the steam generator as a whole.

Preferably, each of the steam passages SP1, SP2, SP3, or SP4 defines a surface in the range of [ 20; 200]mm²。

Fig. 2I depicts a fifth embodiment of a steam generator according to the present invention. This embodiment is based on the embodiment of fig. 2H. Further, the first additional wall W5 is arranged similarly as in fig. 2D.

Fig. 2J depicts a sixth embodiment of a steam generator according to the invention, which is based on the embodiment of fig. 2I. Further, the second additional wall W6 is arranged similarly as in fig. 2G.

Fig. 3 depicts a seventh embodiment of a steam generator according to the present invention.

For convenience, this embodiment is described based on the embodiment of fig. 2J, but similar descriptions may be applied to the other embodiments described above.

In this embodiment, the heating element 203 is a tubular heating element that extends over the bottom surface of the steam chamber 201 by defining a nested double-ring shape.

For example, the heating element 203 includes a resistor to which power is supplied.

The tubular heating element with nested double ring shape according to the invention (shown by the transparent part of the dashed curve) allows a more even temperature distribution of the steam chamber 201 compared to a more conventional and known tubular heating element (not shown) with a U-shape.

In other words, a large surface of the vapor chamber 201 may be uniformly heated.

Preferably, the nested double ring shape for the heating element 203 is arranged below the surface of the steam chamber 201 and extends over at least 30% of the surface area of the steam chamber 201 (calculated as the ratio between the projected area of the heating element and the projected area of the steam chamber surface).

This nested double loop shape of the heating element 203 allows the heating element to cover a relatively large surface.

Preferably, the linear length of the nested double loop shape of the heating element 203 is in the range of [ 250; 300] mm.

Furthermore, given the limited space requirements in a handheld steamer, this nested double loop shape of the heating element 203 also helps to extend the length of the heating element 203, which helps to reduce the heater tube power density, thereby improving reliability and extending life.

Preferably, in the above embodiments:

the steam chamber 201 is, for example, cast from aluminum, and/or

The sealing gasket G2 has a cross-section selected from the group of shapes defined by a rectangular shape and a U-shape, and/or

Gasket G2 has a gasket G pressure between [ 2.0; a thickness in the range of 3.0] mm, preferably 2.5mm, and/or

The gasket G2 is made of a silicone rubber material or equivalent.

Fig. 4 shows a hand-held steamer 401 implementing a steam generator 200 according to the invention.

The steam generator 200 is enclosed in the body of a hand-held steamer 401. The hand-held steamer 401 includes a soleplate 402, which soleplate 402 is placed at the front end of the hand-held steamer. The steam outlet 202 penetrates the soleplate 402 to spray steam onto the garment 403. In the illustration of fig. 4, a hand-held steamer 401 is used to iron a garment 403 in an upright position. However, the hand-held steamer 401 can also be used to iron garments 403 in a horizontal or inclined position.

The hand-held steamer 401 comprises a water tank 404, which water tank 404 is connected to a water pump 405 via a first conduit 406. The water pump 405 is connected to the dosing hole 205 of the steam generator 200 via a second conduit 407.

When the water pump 405 is activated, water is dosed into the steam generator 200 via the dosing holes 205, causing the steam to spread over the garments 403.

Preferably, the soleplate 402 is made of a metallic material and is connected to the steam generator 200 such that heat of the steam generator 200 is transferred to the soleplate 402 by conduction in order to improve the treatment of the garments 403.

Preferably, the hand-held steamer 401 is powered by a cable 408.

Fig. 5 shows a vertical steamer 501 implementing the steam generator 200 according to the present invention.

The upright steamer 501 comprises a stand 502, in which stand 502 a water supply 503 is arranged, which water supply 503 is used to supply water to a steam chamber 504, for example via an electrically powered water pump 505. The vapor chamber 504 is heated by a heating element 506. Steam generated by the steam chamber 504 is delivered to the steamer head 508 through the cord 507. For clarity, steamer head 508 is shown larger than it actually is. The holder 502 may also include a stem 509 for placement of the steamer head 508.

The steamer head 508 comprises a steam chamber 200 according to the invention. Steam received from the hose cord 507 enters the steam chamber 200 through the metering holes 205 and is reheated in the steam chamber 200. The remaining water droplets in this incoming steam flow are thus evaporated in the steam chamber 200. The reheated steam then leaves the steam chamber 200 at the steam vents 202, the steam vents 202 opening in the soleplate 513 being arranged at the front end of the steamer head 508. Steam is applied to the textile (i.e., garment) 512 via the steam outlet 202. The soleplate 513 may be heated by the heating element 203. The advantages of the vertical steamer 501 are: the steam exiting the steam port 11 contains no water droplets.

The control unit 510 allows to control the pumping rate of the pump 505, the electrical power provided to the

heating elements

506 and 203.

The above-described embodiments are described only for illustrative purposes 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 the preferred embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that modifications or equivalents may be made to the technical means of the present invention without departing from the scope of the technical means of the present invention, and such modifications or equivalents will fall within 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

1. A steam generator (200) comprising:

a steam chamber (201) for generating steam, the steam chamber (201) extending between a Front Part (FP) and a Rear Part (RP),

at least one steam outlet (202), the at least one steam outlet (202) being arranged at the Front Portion (FP) and receiving steam from the steam chamber (201),

a heating element (203) for heating the steam chamber (201),

a cover (204) adapted to be in a closed position for closing the steam chamber (201),

a dosing aperture (205) arranged in the cover (204) for receiving water and/or steam from outside the steam generator (200), the dosing aperture (205) being arranged near the Rear Portion (RP) when the cover (204) is in the closed position.

2. The steam generator according to claim 1, wherein the steam chamber (201) further comprises a steam channel (206), the steam channel (206) extending between the dosing hole (205) and the at least one steam outlet (202), the steam channel (206) comprising at least two walls (W1, W2, W3, W4), the at least two walls (W1, W2, W3, W4) being arranged substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal symmetry axis (AA) of the steam chamber (201) between the Rear Portion (RP) and the Front Portion (FP).

3. The steam generator of claim 2, wherein the at least two walls are two in number.

4. The steam generator of claim 2, wherein the at least two walls are four in number.

5. A steam generator according to any of claims 2 to 4, wherein two given consecutive walls among the at least two walls are each arranged to: the steam channel is defined on the opposite side with respect to the other wall.

6. A steam generator according to any of claims 2 to 5, wherein the steam chamber (201) further comprises a first additional wall (W5), the first additional wall (W5) being arranged between the at least one steam outlet (202) and a wall of the at least two walls (W1, W2, W3, W4) closest to the front FP, the first additional wall (W5) being arranged to define a central steam channel (SP5) in its middle part.

7. A steam generator according to claim 6, wherein the first additional wall (W5) further comprises: a steam channel (SP5L) located to the left of the central steam channel (SP5) and a steam channel (SP5R) located to the right of the central steam channel (SP 5).

8. The steam generator of claim 7, wherein the steam channel (SP5L) located at the left side of the central steam channel (SP5) and the steam channel (SP5R) located at the right side of the central steam channel (SP5) each define a step having a height (H1), the height (H1) having a value less than an inner height (H2) of the steam chamber (201).

9. A steam generator according to any of claims 6 to 8, wherein the steam chamber (201) further comprises a second additional wall (W6), the second additional wall (W6) being arranged in front of the first additional wall (W5), the second additional wall (W6) being arranged to define two steam channels (SP61, SP62) on lateral sides thereof.

10. A steam generator according to any of claims 2 to 9, wherein the dosing hole (205) is arranged in the cover (204) at a position between the Rear Portion (RP) and the wall of the at least two walls (W1, W2, W3, W4) closest to the Rear Portion (RP).

11. A steam generator according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the heating element (203) is a tubular heating element extending over the surface of the steam chamber (201) by defining a nested double ring shape.

12. A steam generator according to claim 11, wherein the heating element (203) is arranged below the surface of the steam chamber (201) and extends over at least 30% of the surface area of the steam chamber (201).

13. A hand-held steamer (200) comprising the steam generator (200) according to any one of the preceding claims.

14. A vertical steamer (501) comprising the steam generator (200) according to any one of the preceding claims.