CN114222887B

CN114222887B - Steam generator with a steam chamber and a dosing aperture arranged near the rear of the steam chamber

Info

Publication number: CN114222887B
Application number: CN202080054888.0A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 徐志锋; 马国华
Original assignee: Fansongni Holdings Ltd
Current assignee: Fansongni Holdings Ltd
Priority date: 2019-07-30
Filing date: 2020-07-21
Publication date: 2024-04-19
Anticipated expiration: 2040-07-21
Also published as: WO2021018659A1; EP3771769A1; EP4004268A1; CN114222887A; KR20220038764A

Abstract

The invention relates to a steam generator (200) comprising a steam chamber (201) for generating steam, said 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 said steam chamber (201). The steam generator (200) further comprises a dosing aperture (205), which dosing aperture (205) is arranged in the cover (204) for receiving water and/or steam from outside the steam generator (200), which dosing aperture (205) is arranged near the Rear Part (RP) when the cover (204) is in the closed position. The heating element (203) is a tubular heating element extending over the surface of the vapor chamber (201) by defining a nested, double-loop shape.

Description

Steam generator with a steam chamber and a dosing aperture arranged near the rear of the steam chamber

Technical Field

The invention relates to a steam generator, in particular to a steam generator for a garment steamer.

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

Background

Due to the compact size and light weight requirements of the steam generator for a hand-held steam processor, the risk of incomplete evaporation of the dosed steam/water in the steam chamber is increased. As a result, water droplets may spread on the treated clothing. This problem is known as "splash".

To overcome this problem, steam/water paths (also referred to as steam channels) are often designed as labyrinths and are used to lengthen the water evaporation path to increase contact surface and time to maximize evaporation. The steam channel is also used for guiding the steam flow to reach a steam outlet of the steam chamber.

Conventionally, a dosing hole (dosing hole) for dosing water and/or steam into such a steam generator is located near the front of the steam chamber, relatively close to the steam outlet, to extend the length of the steam channel. The steam channel is shaped such that the evaporated steam first travels along the steam channel in the direction of the rear of the steam chamber and then travels backwards in the direction of the front of the steam chamber, wherein the steam will leave the steam chamber via some steam ports.

Traditionally, the vapor chamber is closed with a separate cover. The steam chamber and the cover 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. Additionally, it is also possible to reinforce the assembly with stud elements, such as studs extending upwards from the inner wall of the steam chamber, which studs mate with holes made in the cover. The vapor chamber and the cover are then pressed against each other to create a mechanical seal. Optionally, gaskets extending along those peripheral walls or inner vertical walls defining the steam channels may additionally be used to further improve the sealing. Additionally, a sealant may also be used for mechanical male/female assembly sealing to further improve water tightness.

Examples of such known steam generators are shown in fig. 1A, 1B and 1C. Fig. 1A shows a first view of a steam generator 100 according to the prior art, fig. 1B shows a second view of the steam generator 100 as shown in fig. 1, and fig. 1C shows 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 steam chamber 101 extends between a front FP and a rear RP of the steam 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, which cover 104 is adapted to be in a closed position to close the steam chamber 101. The steam generator 100 further comprises a dosing aperture 105 arranged in the cover 104 for receiving water and/or steam from outside the steam generator 100. When the cover 104 is in the closed position, the dosing aperture 105 is arranged near the front FP. The steam generator 100 further comprises a steam channel 106, which steam channel 106 extends between the dosing aperture 105 and the steam outlet 102. The gasket G1 is disposed between the inner vertical wall of the steam passage 106 and the cover. Fig. 1C shows in dashed lines the front-to-back steam path 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 damage of the sealing function may occur. This may occur, for example, when the internal pressure has deformed the portion of the cap that was originally sealed, or when the gasket deteriorates 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 (thus relatively close to the steam outlet) may be pushed directly across the inner wall forming the steam channel near the steam outlet and thus leave the steam outlet before being evaporated. This will lead to 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. Advantageous embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

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

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

At least one steam outlet arranged at the front portion and receiving steam from the steam chamber,

A heating element for heating the steam chamber,

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

A dosing aperture provided in the cover for receiving water and/or steam from outside the steam generator, the dosing aperture being arranged in the vicinity of the rear portion when the cover is in the closed position, wherein the heating element is a tubular heating element extending over a surface of the steam chamber by defining a nested double-ring shape.

Unlike prior art steam generators, the dosing holes are arranged near the rear of the steam chamber, when the seal between the steam chamber and the cover is compromised, water droplets in the area where the dosing holes are arranged are prevented from reaching the steam outlet. 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.

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

Furthermore, providing dosing holes near the rear of the steam chamber means that most of the energy absorbing area is around the rear. Thus, if the vapor chamber is evenly energized, the coldest spot of the vapor chamber is near the rear. This also means that the front of the steam chamber will be kept at a relatively high temperature, which will further prevent any splash problems that may be caused by condensation at the steam outlet.

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

Drawings

Specific aspects of the invention will now be explained with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter in connection with the drawings, wherein identical parts or sub-steps are designated in the same 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 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 invention,

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

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

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

Figure 4 depicts a hand-held steamer implementing a steam generator according to the invention,

Fig. 5 depicts a vertical steam processor 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 invention, and fig. 2B shows a second (assembled) view of the steam generator as shown in fig. 2A.

The steam generator 200 comprises a steam chamber 201 for generating steam. The steam chamber 201 extends between the front FP and the rear 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 cover 204, the cover 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 aperture 205 is arranged in the cover 204 for receiving water and/or steam from outside said steam generator 200. As shown in fig. 2B, the dosing aperture 205 is arranged near the rear RP when the cover 204 is in said closed position.

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

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

Preferably, the proximity of the dosing aperture 205 compared to the rear RP is such that the dosing aperture 205 is arranged not within half the length l1=l/2 of the steam chamber length L starting from the rear 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 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 aperture 205 along the longitudinal symmetry axis (AA).

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

Preferably, the aperture of the dosing aperture 205 should be at least 5mm in diameter, or 20mm ² in area, with a minimum size 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 aperture 205 and the at least one steam outlet 202.

The steam channel 206 comprises at least two walls arranged substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal symmetry axis (AA). This embodiment will be further described in connection 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 with respect to each other.

Preferably, each of two given continuous walls of the at least two walls is arranged to define a steam channel on an opposite side relative 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 a wall of the at least two walls, which is closest to the front FP.

In a first embodiment, the first additional wall comprises a single steam channel in its intermediate portion (MIDDLE PART). The single steam channel improves steam distribution towards the at least one steam outlet 202. This embodiment will be further described in connection with fig. 2D.

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

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

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

In case the dosing aperture 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, a gasket G2 is arranged between the steam chamber 201 and the cover 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 vapor 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 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 aperture 205 (which is shown by a circle in the form of a broken 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 dimensioned such that it does not extend fully to the right side of the steam chamber 201, such that a first steam channel SP1 is formed between the right end of the first wall W1 and the right side wall of the steam chamber 201.

The second wall W4 is dimensioned such that it does not extend fully to the left of the steam chamber 201, such that a second steam channel SP4 is formed 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 generally increases the evaporation efficiency of the steam generator.

The steam flow is shown by the dashed line starting from the dosing aperture 205. The steam follows a single S-shape until reaching and exiting 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 invention.

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

Furthermore, the steam channel 206 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 channel SP5 in its middle portion. Preferably, the first additional wall W5 is substantially parallel to the first wall W1 and the second wall W4.

By providing a single steam channel SP5 in the middle of the first additional wall W5, steam cannot escape on the lateral extremities of the first additional wall W5 and is therefore forced to pass through this central steam channel. In other words, this arrangement creates a "dead" zone on the right side between the second wall W4 and the first additional wall W5, which helps to catch water droplets that have not evaporated completely into steam.

Preferably, the steam channel 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 channel SP5 in the middle of the first additional wall W5, the first additional wall W5 further comprises:

A steam channel SP5L located at the left side of the steam channel SP5,

A steam channel SP5R located on the right side of the steam channel SP 5.

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

Preferably, the steam channels SP5L and SP5R do not extend entirely to the bottom of the steam chamber 201. In contrast, the steam channels SP5L and SP5R define steps having a height H1 having a value smaller than the internal height H2 of the steam chamber 201, as shown in the 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 to avoid water splashing.

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

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

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

Furthermore, the steam channel 206 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 (SP 61, SP 62) on its lateral sides.

The first steam channel 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 channel 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 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 the third wall W2 and the fourth wall W3 being arranged between the first wall W1 and the second wall W4.

The number of walls is increased to four to allow for an increase in the length of the steam channel and the time that the water droplets should evaporate. As a result, the steam generator will have increased steam performance by being able to evaporate water more efficiently.

The third wall W2 is dimensioned such that it does not extend fully to the left of the steam chamber 201, such that a third steam channel SP2 is formed between the left end of the third wall W2 and the left side wall of the steam chamber 201. The fourth wall W3 is dimensioned such that it does not extend fully to the right side of the steam chamber 201, such that a fourth steam channel SP3 is formed 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 generally increases the evaporation efficiency of the steam generator.

Preferably, each of the steam channels SP1, SP2, SP3 or SP4 defines a surface in the range [20;200] mm ².

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

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

Fig. 3 depicts a seventh embodiment of a steam generator according to the 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 vapor chamber 201 by defining a nested double-loop shape.

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

The tubular heating element (shown by the transparent portion of the dashed curve) with nested double-loop shape according to the present invention allows a more uniform temperature distribution of the vapor chamber 201 compared to a more conventional and known tubular heating element (not shown) with a U-shape.

In other words, the larger surface of the steam chamber 201 can be uniformly heated.

Preferably, the nested double-loop shape for the heating element 203 is arranged below the surface of the vapor chamber 201 and extends over at least 30% of the surface area of the vapor chamber 201 (calculated as the ratio between the projected area of the heating element and the projected area of the vapor 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 heating element 203 is at [250 ] in comparison to known tubular heating elements having a U-shape (the tubular heating element having a linear length in the range of [130;230] mm); 300 mm.

Furthermore, 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 lifetime, given the limited space requirements in hand-held steam processors.

Preferably, in the above embodiment:

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

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

Gasket G2 has a sealing surface at [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 the like.

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 the hand-held steamer 401. The hand-held steamer 401 comprises a soleplate 402, which soleplate 402 is placed at the front end of the hand-held steamer. The steam outlet 202 passes through 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 may also be used to iron garments 403 in a horizontal or tilted position.

The hand-held steamer 401 comprises a water tank 404, which tank 404 is connected to a water pump 405 via a first conduit 406. The water pump 405 is connected to the dosing aperture 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, resulting in steam spreading on the clothing 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 handling of the garment 403.

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

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

The vertical steamer 501 comprises a holder 502, in which holder 502 a water supply 503 is arranged, which water supply 503 is used for supplying water to a steam chamber 504, for example via an electric water pump 505. The vapor chamber 504 is heated by a heating element 506. The steam generated by the steam chamber 504 is delivered to the steamer head 508 via the flexible cord 507. For clarity, the steamer head 508 is shown as being larger than is practical. 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. The steam received from the hose cord 507 enters the steam chamber 200 through the dosing aperture 205 and is reheated within the steam chamber 200. The remaining water droplets in the incoming steam flow are thus evaporated in the steam chamber 200. The reheated steam then exits the steam chamber 200 at steam outlet 202, with the steam outlet 202 opening in the soleplate 513 being arranged at the front end of the steam processor head 508. Steam is applied to textile (i.e., garment) 512 via steam outlet 202. The soleplate 513 may be heated by the heating element 203. The advantages of the vertical steam processor 501 are: the steam leaving the steam port 11 does not contain water droplets.

The control unit 510 allows controlling the pumping rate of the pump 505, the electrical power supplied to the heating elements 506 and 203.

The above-described embodiments are merely illustrative and are not intended to limit the technical methods of the present invention. Although the invention has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that modifications and equivalents may be made to the technical means of the invention without departing from the scope of the technical means of the invention, and such modifications and equivalents will also fall within the scope of the claims of the 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, said steam chamber (201) extending between a Front (FP) and a Rear (RP),

At least one steam outlet (202), said at least one steam outlet (202) being arranged at said Front Portion (FP) and receiving steam from said 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), characterized in that the dosing aperture (205) is arranged near the Rear Portion (RP) when the cover (204) is in the closed position, and that 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.

2. The steam generator according to claim 1, wherein the steam chamber (201) further comprises a steam channel extending between the dosing aperture (205) and the at least one steam outlet (202), the steam channel 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 number of the at least two walls is two.

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

5. The steam generator according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein two given continuous walls in the at least two walls are each arranged to: defining a steam channel on an opposite side with respect to the other wall.

6. The steam generator according to any one of claims 2 to 4, 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 Portion (FP), the first additional wall (W5) being arranged to define a central steam channel (SP 5) in a middle portion thereof.

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

8. The steam generator according to claim 7, wherein the steam channel located on the left side of the central steam channel (SP 5) and the steam channel located on the right side of the central steam channel (SP 5) each define a step having a height (H1), the value of the height (H1) being smaller than the internal height (H2) of the steam chamber (201).

9. The steam generator according to claim 6, 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 on lateral sides thereof.

10. The steam generator according to any of claims 2-4, 7-9, wherein the dosing aperture (205) is arranged in the cover (204) at a position between the Rear Part (RP) and a wall of the at least two walls (W1, W2, W3, W4) closest to the Rear Part (RP).

11. The steam generator according to any of claims 2-4, 7-9, 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).

12. A hand-held steamer (401) comprising a steam generator (200) according to any one of claims 1-11.

13. A vertical steam processor (501) comprising a steam generator (200) according to any one of claims 1-11.