Patent Description:
The invention may be used in the field of garment care.

Various types of garment steamer are known for steaming garments to remove creases through the use of heat and moisture provided by steam. Garment steamers typically comprise a water tank for storing water, a steam generator for generating steam from the water supplied thereto from the water tank, and a treatment plate (also referred to as a soleplate).

One type of garment steamer is a handheld garment steamer, in which the steam generator, the water tank, and the treatment plate are integrated into a single portable hand unit.

Over the years, the power rating of garment steamers, and in particular handheld garment steamers, has increased in order to increase the amount of steam generated and to improve condensation performance so as to minimise water spitting during steaming. With higher power ratings, the steam generator temperature tends to increase.

Moreover, in the case of handheld garment steamers the compactness of the design intended for better portability may mean that there is less space between the steam generator and the outer housing, such as plastic housing, in which the steam generator is contained. This reduction in space in combination with the above-mentioned higher steam generator temperature may risk that the temperature of the external surface of the outer housing becomes unacceptably high, for instance exceeding the allowable temperature increase target of <NUM> stated in standard IEC60335-<NUM> clause <NUM> and IEC60335-<NUM>-<NUM>, clause <NUM>, particularly when the garment steamer is used for prolonged duration.

One conventional solution for reducing the temperature of the external surface of the outer housing is to provide sufficient air space between the steam generator and the outer housing. This means that heat from the steam generator can be transferred to the internal air chamber formed between the steam generator and the outer housing by convection. However, a drawback of such a solution is that a relatively large steamer head containing the steam generator is required, which is detrimental to the portability of the garment steamer.

Another possible solution has been used which involves arranging insulation material, for example sponge, foam, etc., onto the steam generator. However, this solution can typically only be implemented on one side of the steam generator because the other side tends to be fully occupied by temperature control components, such as a thermostat and fuse. A further drawback of this solution is that the insulation material can often retain water due to its moisture absorbent properties. Over a prolonged period of use of the garment steamer, such water absorption by the insulation material can risk that the insulation material becomes detached from the steam generator. This can pose a safety risk due to the wet insulation material approaching internal live electrical parts in the vicinity of the steam generator.

<CIT> discloses a steam iron comprising a housing, an ironing panel and a heating body. The housing comprises a heat shield sleeved on an outer circumference of the heating body.

<CIT> discloses a standing steam iron comprising a steam head comprising a head housing to be held by the user. The head housing houses a hot plate and a heating unit. Between the heating unit and the head housing is a safety cover.

<CIT> discloses a steam iron comprising a housing, a heating body and a heat shield. The heat shield is disposed between the housing and the heating body.

It is an object of the invention to propose a garment steamer that avoids or mitigates the above-mentioned problems.

The invention is defined by the independent claim.

To this end, the garment steamer according to the invention comprises.

The housing can be regarded as being an outer housing. An external surface of the housing is therefore contactable by a user operating the garment care device.

The steam generator is contained within, in other words is enclosed by, the housing. The at least one metal layer can act as a heat spreader by absorbing heat from the steam generator and spreading it over a surface area of the at least one metal layer, which would not be achievable, or at least not to the same extent, were the layer(s) to be instead made of, for example, plastic material. The at least one metal layer may therefore assist to minimise or prevent hot spots on the housing caused by the heat generated by the steam generator.

The at least one metal layer can also have a heat insulation function, since the housing may receive less heat compared to the scenario in which the at least one metal layer is not included in the garment steamer.

By managing heat transfer to the housing in these ways, the at least one metal layer can improve user comfort and safety when steaming garments using the garment steamer.

Preferably, the at least one metal layer is spaced from the steam generator so to form a first air gap between the steam generator and the at least one metal layer.

Such a first air gap between the steam generator and the at least one metal layer can act as an insulation layer to assist in lowering the temperature of the housing.

The first air gap is preferably at least <NUM>. Such a minimum spacing of <NUM> may assist to provide sufficient insulation via the first air gap between the at least one metal layer and the steam generator.

The at least one metal layer is spaced from the housing to form a second air gap between the at least one metal layer and the housing.

Such a second air gap between the metal layer(s) and the housing can act as an insulation layer to assist in lowering the temperature of the housing.

The second air gap is preferably at least <NUM>. Such a minimum spacing of <NUM> may assist to provide sufficient insulation via the second air gap between the at least one metal layer and the housing.

It is noted that the terms "first" and "second" used to label the air gaps need not mean that the (second) air gap between the metal layer(s) and the housing is only contemplated in combination with the (first) air gap between the metal layer(s) and the steam generator.

For example, the (second) air gap is formed between the metal layer(s) and the housing without any (first) air gap being formed between the metal layer(s) and the steam generator.

In embodiments in which both the first air gap and the second air gap are provided, the first air gap is preferably wider than the second air gap. This may assist to manage heat transfer from the steam generator to the housing such as to minimise hot spots on the housing.

In some embodiments, the at least one metal layer comprises a first metal layer extending over a top part of the steam generator, and a second metal layer extending over a bottom part of the steam generator.

For example, the top part of the steam generator corresponds to a cover of the steam generator.

Preferably, the first metal layer and the second metal layer each have a thickness being at least <NUM>.

Such a minimum thickness may assist each of the metal layers to spread the heat generated by the steam generator, whilst also ensuring that each of the metal layers is sufficiently rigid and robust.

In some embodiments, the first metal layer is separate from the second metal layer.

The first metal layer being separate from, in other words not connected to, the second metal layer, means that the first and second metal layers do not form an enclosure around the steam generator. In other words, the first and second metal layers do not form a closed sheath or hollow shell around the steam generator. The first metal layer being separate from the second metal layer may assist with dissipating the heat of the steam generator within the steamer head.

An outer periphery of the first metal layer is preferably spaced apart from an opposing outer periphery of the second metal layer by a distance with a value in the range [<NUM>;<NUM>] cm.

Each of the at least one metal layer can be formed of a metal or metal alloy.

Preferably, the at least one metal layer is made of aluminium. The relatively high thermal conductivity of aluminium can make for enhanced heat spreading.

In some embodiments, the at least one metal layer comprises a polished reflective surface, with the polished reflective surface facing the steam generator.

Such a polished reflective surface can assist to reflect heat back towards the steam generator, so away from the housing.

Preferably, the at least one metal layer is fastened to the housing at discrete fastening points.

Such discrete fastening points may assist to minimise direct heat transfer from the at least one metal layer to the housing.

The steam generator is preferably made of casted metal alloy.

Preferably, the garment steamer is a handheld garment steamer.

For example, the steam generator, a water tank for storing water for supplying to the steam generator, and a treatment plate in which at least one steam outlet is provided for releasing the steam are integrated into a single portable hand unit when the garment steamer is such a handheld garment steamer.

The at least one metal layer can be particularly advantageous when the garment steamer is a handheld garment steamer because the at least one metal layer can provide a way of minimising temperature increases of the housing while retaining a compact steamer head design which enhances portability.

Particular aspects of the invention will now be explained with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter and considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which identical parts or sub-steps are designated in the same manner:.

<FIG> depicts a garment steamer <NUM> according to an example. The garment steamer <NUM> has a steamer head comprising a housing H. The garment steamer <NUM> comprises a steam generator <NUM> for generating steam. The steam generator <NUM> is contained within the housing H. The steam generator <NUM> is contained within. In other words, the steam generator <NUM> is enclosed by the housing H.

The housing H can be regarded as being an outer housing. An external surface of the housing H is therefore contactable by a user operating the garment care device <NUM>.

The housing H is made of plastic material. Such a plastic housing H may assist the steamer head to be relatively lightweight, and thus enhance the manoeuvrability of the garment steamer <NUM>.

For example, the housing H is made of an engineering thermoplastic, such as polypropylene.

In some embodiments, such as in the non-limiting example shown in <FIG>, the housing H comprises a first housing part <NUM> and a second housing part <NUM>. In such embodiments, the steam generator <NUM> is housed between the first housing part <NUM> and the second housing part <NUM>.

The steam generator <NUM> can have any suitable design. In some embodiments, such as that depicted in <FIG>, the steam generator <NUM> comprises a top part <NUM> and a bottom part <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the top part <NUM> is, for example, a cover of the steam generator <NUM>.

The cover defined by the top part <NUM> can cover the bottom part <NUM> of the steam generator <NUM>. In such an example, a recess is defined in the bottom part <NUM>, and a steam chamber <NUM> is provided by the cover closing the recess defined in the bottom part <NUM>.

The steam generator <NUM>, and in particular the top part <NUM> and the bottom part <NUM>, can be made of any suitable material, such as a metal or metal alloy. Preferably, the steam generator <NUM> is (at least partly) made of casted metal alloy.

For example, at least the bottom part <NUM> of the steam generator <NUM> is casted in a metal alloy.

More generally, the garment steamer <NUM> comprises at least one metal layer <NUM>, <NUM> arranged between the steam generator <NUM> and the housing H.

The at least one metal layer <NUM>, <NUM> can act as a heat spreader by absorbing heat from the steam generator <NUM> and spreading it over a surface area of the at least one metal layer <NUM>, <NUM>. The at least one metal layer <NUM>, <NUM> may therefore assist to minimise or prevent hot spots on the housing H caused by the heat generated by the steam generator <NUM>.

In other words, the at least one metal layer <NUM>, <NUM> can assist to lower the maximum temperature on the external surface of the housing H by spreading heat from the steam generator <NUM> across the at least one metal layer <NUM>, <NUM>. The maximum temperature of the housing H may be lowered as a result of the inclusion of the metal layer(s) <NUM>, <NUM> when the garment care device <NUM> reaches thermal equilibrium.

As well as the above-described heat spreading function, the at least one metal layer <NUM>, <NUM> can also have a heat insulation function, since the plastic housing H may receive less heat compared to the scenario (not shown) in which the at least one metal layer is not included in the garment steamer.

By managing heat transfer to the housing H in these ways, the at least one metal layer <NUM>, <NUM> can improve user comfort and safety when steaming garments using the garment steamer <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the housing H, the steam generator <NUM>, and the at least one metal layer <NUM>, <NUM> are configured such that the housing H of the steamer head fulfils the temperature rise requirement of <NUM> maximum, as stated in standard IEC60335-<NUM> clause <NUM> and IEC60335-<NUM>-<NUM>, clause <NUM>.

Each of the at least one metal layer <NUM>, <NUM> can be formed of a metal or metal alloy.

Preferably, the at least one metal layer <NUM>, <NUM> is made of aluminium. The relatively high thermal conductivity of aluminium can make for enhanced heat spreading.

It is noted that the shape of the at least one metal layer <NUM>, <NUM> is not particularly limited, and various shapes for the metal layer(s) <NUM>, <NUM> can be contemplated provided that the metal layer(s) <NUM>, <NUM> provides or provide a region of heat spreading and/or shielding in between the steam generator <NUM> and the housing H.

In some embodiments, such as that shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the at least one metal layer <NUM>, <NUM> has a shape which follows at least part of an outer profile of the steam generator <NUM>, and/or a shape which follows at least part of the profile of the housing. This may assist to enhance the compactness of the garment steamer <NUM>.

For example, each of the at least one metal layer <NUM>, <NUM> has a curved shape whose curvature follows at least part of the outer profile of the steam generator <NUM>, and/or a curvature which follows at least part of the profile of the housing.

The at least one metal layer <NUM>, <NUM> preferably comprises a first metal layer <NUM> extending over the top part <NUM> of the steam generator <NUM>, and a second metal layer <NUM> extending over the bottom part <NUM> of the steam generator <NUM>. In other words, the first metal layer <NUM> faces the top part <NUM> of the steam generator <NUM>, and the second metal layer <NUM> faces the bottom part <NUM> of the steam generator <NUM>. An example of this is shown in <FIG> and <FIG>.

In the non-limiting example shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the first metal layer <NUM> has a shape which follows an outer profile of the top part <NUM> of the steam generator <NUM>.

Similarly, the second metal layer <NUM> has a shape which follows an outer profile of the bottom part <NUM> of the steam generator <NUM>.

In embodiments in which the at least one metal layer <NUM>, <NUM> comprises the first metal layer <NUM> and the second metal layer <NUM>, these metal layers <NUM>, <NUM> are preferably separate from each other. In other words, the first metal layer (<NUM>) and the second metal layer (<NUM>) do not contact with each other.

The first metal layer <NUM> being separate from, in other words not connected to, the second metal layer <NUM>, means that the first and second metal layers <NUM>, <NUM> do not form an enclosure around the steam generator <NUM>. In other words, the first and second metal layers <NUM>, <NUM> do not form a closed sheath or hollow shell around the steam generator <NUM>. The first metal layer <NUM> being separate from the second metal layer <NUM> may assist with dissipating the heat of the steam generator <NUM> within the steamer head.

Referring to <FIG>, an outer periphery OP1 of the first metal layer <NUM> is preferably spaced apart from an opposing outer periphery OP2 of the second metal layer <NUM> by a distance D with a value in the range [<NUM>;<NUM>] cm.

The distance D being in this [<NUM>;<NUM>] cm range can assist to balance sufficient heat dissipation via the spacing between the first metal layer <NUM> and the second metal layer <NUM>, with sufficient coverage of the steam generator <NUM> by the first metal layer <NUM> and the second metal layer <NUM> for heat spreading and heat shielding purposes.

In some embodiments, the at least one metal layer <NUM>, <NUM> has a thickness being at least <NUM>. Hence, the first metal layer <NUM> and the second metal layer <NUM> preferably each have a thickness being at least <NUM>.

Such a minimum thickness may assist the metal layer(s) <NUM>, <NUM> to spread the heat generated by the steam generator <NUM>, whilst also ensuring that each of the at least one metal layer <NUM>, <NUM> is sufficiently rigid and robust.

In a non-limiting example, each of the at least one metal layer <NUM>, <NUM> is made of aluminium and has a thickness being at least <NUM>. This combination may provide particularly effective heat spreading and shielding to lower the maximum temperature on the external surface of the housing H, for example such that the housing H fulfils the temperature rise requirement of <NUM> maximum, as stated in standard IEC60335-<NUM> clause <NUM> and IEC60335-<NUM>-<NUM>, clause <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the at least one metal layer <NUM>, <NUM> is spaced from the steam generator <NUM> so to form a first air gap <NUM> between the steam generator <NUM> and the at least one metal layer <NUM>, <NUM>. An example of this is shown in <FIG>.

Such a first air gap <NUM> between the steam generator <NUM> and the at least one metal layer <NUM>, <NUM> can act as an insulation layer to assist in lowering the temperature of the housing H.

The first air gap <NUM> is preferably at least <NUM>. Such a minimum spacing of <NUM> may assist to provide sufficient insulation via the first air gap <NUM> between the at least one metal layer <NUM>, <NUM> and the steam generator <NUM>.

It is noted that the first air gap <NUM> does not necessarily have a constant value all around the steam generator.

In embodiments in which the at least one metal layer <NUM>, <NUM> comprises the first metal layer <NUM> and the second metal layer <NUM>, the first air gap <NUM> can be present between the top part <NUM> of the steam generator <NUM> and the first metal layer <NUM>, and/or between the bottom part <NUM> of the steam generator <NUM> and the second metal layer <NUM>.

In the non-limiting example shown in the Figures, the first air gap <NUM> is present between the top part <NUM> of the steam generator <NUM> and the first metal layer <NUM>, and between the bottom part <NUM> of the steam generator <NUM> and the second metal layer <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the at least one metal layer <NUM>, <NUM> is spaced from the housing H to form a second air gap <NUM> between the at least one metal layer <NUM>, <NUM> and the housing H.

Such a second air gap <NUM> between the at least one metal layer <NUM>, <NUM> and the housing H can act as an insulation layer to assist in lowering the temperature of the housing H.

The second air gap <NUM> is preferably at least <NUM>. Such a minimum spacing of <NUM> may assist to provide sufficient insulation via the second air gap between the at least one metal layer <NUM>, <NUM> and the housing H.

It is noted that the second air gap <NUM> does not necessarily have a constant value all around the steam generator.

In embodiments in which the at least one metal layer <NUM>, <NUM> comprises the first metal layer <NUM> and the second metal layer <NUM>, the second air gap <NUM> can be present between the housing H and the first metal layer <NUM>, and/or between the housing H and the second metal layer <NUM>.

In the non-limiting example shown in <FIG>, the second air gap <NUM> is present between the first housing part <NUM> and the first metal layer <NUM>, and between the second housing part <NUM> and the second metal layer <NUM>.

In embodiments in which both the first air gap <NUM> and the second air gap <NUM> are provided, the first air gap <NUM> is preferably wider than the second air gap <NUM>. This may assist to manage heat transfer from the steam generator <NUM> to the housing H such as to minimise hot spots on the housing H.

In some embodiments, the at least one metal layer <NUM>, <NUM> comprises a polished reflective surface <NUM>, <NUM>, with the polished reflective surface <NUM>, <NUM> facing the steam generator <NUM>. Indeed, a smooth shiny surface is a good reflector of light and radiant heat. Polishing is a mean to achieve the shiny/glossy surface. <FIG> show the location (but do not illustrate the reflectivity) of the polished reflective surface <NUM>, <NUM>.

Such a reflective surface <NUM>, <NUM>, in other words shiny gloss surface, can assist to reflect heat back towards the steam generator <NUM>, so away from the housing H.

In embodiments in which the at least one metal layer <NUM>, <NUM> comprises the first metal layer <NUM> and the second metal layer <NUM>, the first metal layer <NUM> can include a first reflective surface <NUM> facing the steam generator <NUM>, and/or die second metal layer <NUM> can include a second reflective surface <NUM> facing the steam generator <NUM>.

In the non-limiting example shown in the Figures, the steam generator-facing surface of the second metal layer <NUM> comprises a recessed portion RP which is recessed relative to neighbouring regions of the surface. Such a recessed portion RP may be provided to, for instance, accommodate a fuse and/or thermostat <NUM>, for controlling the steam generator <NUM>.

In this particular example, the above-described polished reflective surface <NUM> is also present in the recessed portion RP.

In some embodiments, such as the non-limiting example shown in the Figures, the at least one metal layer <NUM>, <NUM> is fastened to the housing H at discrete fastening points 126A, 126B, 126C, 128A, 128B.

Such discrete fastening points 126A, 126B, 126C, 128A, 128B may assist to minimise direct heat transfer from the at least one metal layer <NUM>, <NUM> to the housing H.

Any suitable fastening/locking principle can be used to fasten the at least one metal layer <NUM>, <NUM> to the housing H, such as screw fastener(s) <NUM>, 132A, 132B, interlock catch(es) 126A, 126B, interlock heat staking and/or gluing.

In the non-limiting example shown in the Figures, the fastening of the second metal layer <NUM> to the second housing part <NUM> is achieved via interlock catches 126A, 126B, such as interlock plastic catches 126A, 126B, and a screw fastener <NUM>, as best shown in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>.

In embodiments in which the at least one metal layer <NUM>, <NUM> has a thickness of at least <NUM>, this minimum thickness can be advantageously combined with the fastening of the at least one metal layer <NUM>, <NUM> to the housing H comprising one or more interlock catches 126A, 126B, such as interlock plastic catches 126A, 126B.

This is because the relatively rigid metal layer(s) <NUM>, <NUM> in combination with the rigid locking principle provided by the interlock catch(es) 126A, 126B can reduce the risk of detachment or shape change of the metal layer(s) <NUM>, <NUM> during prolonged usage.

For example, the second metal layer <NUM> is fastened to the second housing part <NUM> via interlock catches 126A, 126B and is made of aluminium having a thickness of at least <NUM>.

In the non-limiting example shown in the Figures, the fastening of the first metal layer <NUM> to the first housing part <NUM> is achieved via screw fasteners 132A, 132B, as best shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. For example, the first metal layer <NUM> fastened to the first housing part <NUM> via the screw fasteners 132A, 132B and is made of aluminium having a thickness of at least <NUM>.

However, the above-described one or more interlock plastic catches can be alternatively or additionally used to fasten the first metal layer to the first housing part (not shown).

More generally, the at least one metal layer <NUM>, <NUM> is preferably not mounted to the steam generator <NUM>. Hence heat may not be directly transferred from the steam generator <NUM> to the metal layer(s) <NUM>, <NUM> by conduction. This, in turn, can enable various fastening/locking principles, such as the above-described interlock catch(es) 126A, 126B, to be used for fastening the at least one metal layer <NUM>, <NUM> to the housing H.

It is noted that the interlock catch(es) 126A, 126B can, for instance, be provided at the base of one or more of the posts 134A-134B-134C-134D-134E-134F-<NUM>-<NUM>-134I included in the first housing part <NUM> and the second housing part <NUM> in which threaded holes are provided for fastening the housing parts <NUM>, <NUM> to each other and/or to other components of the steamer head using screw fasteners (not visible).

Referring again to <FIG>, a locking surface <NUM> can be defined as the area over which the respective metal layer <NUM>, <NUM> contacts the housing H at one fastening point 126A, 126B, 126C, 128A, 128B.

The locking surface <NUM> is preferably minimised in order to minimise direct heat conduction from the metal layer <NUM>, <NUM> to the housing H. For example, the locking surface <NUM> is restricted to at most <NUM><NUM>. This upper limit may, for example, correspond to a circular locking surface whose diameter is about <NUM>.

In general, it is preferred to have a gap between the metal layer(s) and the housing, except at the mounting points and/or some discrete point for better support of the metal layer(s). Total contact area between the metal layer and the housing should not be more than <NUM>% of the surface area of metal layer facing the housing.

More generally, the garment steamer <NUM> is preferably a handheld garment steamer <NUM>.

Referring again to <FIG> and <FIG>, the steam generator <NUM>, a water tank <NUM> for storing water for supplying to the steam generator <NUM>, and a treatment plate <NUM> in which at least one steam outlet <NUM> is provided for releasing the steam can be integrated into a single portable hand unit when the garment steamer <NUM> is such a handheld garment steamer <NUM>.

In the non-limiting example shown in figures, the steam generator comprises a heating element <NUM> for heating the steam generator to temperature above <NUM> degree Celsius for generating steam with water supplied by the water tank, and the heating element is being controlled by suitable control means, for example a thermostat.

The at least one metal layer <NUM>, <NUM> can be particularly advantageous when the garment steamer <NUM> is a handheld garment steamer <NUM> because the at least one metal layer <NUM>, <NUM> can provide a way of minimising temperature increases of the housing H while retaining a compact steamer head design which enhances portability.

In some embodiments, such as the non-limiting example shown in the Figures, the steamer head comprises a mounting member <NUM> arranged to secure the treatment plate <NUM> to the housing H.

The garment steamer <NUM> preferably comprises a handle <NUM> for holding the garment steamer <NUM>, with the steamer head being arranged at an end of the handle <NUM>.

In some embodiments, such as that shown in <FIG>, the handle <NUM> includes the water tank, <NUM>.

Following filling of the water tank <NUM>, the garment steamer <NUM> can be used to steam garments once, for instance, the garment steamer <NUM> is connected to a mains supply of electricity via a power cord <NUM>. In the non-limiting example shown in <FIG>, the power cord <NUM> connects to the handle <NUM> via a power cord grommet <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A garment steamer (<NUM>) comprising:
- a steamer head comprising a housing (H),
- a steam generator (<NUM>) for generating steam, the steam generator being contained within the housing, characterized by
- the housing being made of plastic material,
- at least one metal layer (<NUM>, <NUM>) being arranged between the steam generator and the housing, and
- the at least one metal layer being spaced from the housing to form an air gap (<NUM>) between the at least one metal layer and the housing.