DE102011084409A1 - Steam generating domestic appliance, in particular steam ironing station - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a steam-generating household appliance, comprising a water reservoir (12), a steam generator (13) and a first conveyor (15) suitable for conveying water from the water reservoir (12) to the steam generator (13), as well as one from the steam generator (12). 13) opening out steam line (18) and a bypass line (22), by means of which the steam line (18) water from the water reservoir (12) using a second conveyor (20) can be fed, the second conveyor (20) according to the invention as a jet pump ( 21) is formed. With this design, steam can be provided with a high vapor humidity without interruption with little equipment. It is preferred that the first conveyor (15) is designed as a mechanical, electrically operated feed pump (16). Furthermore, the domestic appliance advantageously has the features that a first valve (19), in particular an electrically operated 2/2-way valve, in the steam line (18) between the steam generator (13) and the jet pump (21) and a second valve (23), in particular an electrically operated 2/2-way valve, in the bypass line (22) between the water reservoir (12) and the jet pump (21) is arranged, which by control elements (8, 8 ') are switched can. In this case, the first valve (19) and / or the second valve (23) and / or the first operating device (8) and / or the second operating device (8 ') and / or the first conveying device (15) and / or the resistance heater (17) of the steam generator (13) preferably with a preferably electronic control (24) operatively connected. The controller (24) can prevent incorrect operation and even allow automatic operation of the household appliance with appropriate design.

Description

Field of the invention

The invention relates to a steam-generating household appliance, with a water tank, a steam generator and a suitable for conveying water from the water storage to the steam generator first conveyor, as well as with an opening out of the steam generator steam line and a bypass line, by means of which the steam line water from the water reservoir using a second conveyor can be fed. It also relates to an iron connectable to a steam ironing station for drawing steam therefrom.

Background of the invention

The use of steam-generating domestic appliances in the form of irons for smoothing textiles or similar fabrics in the private and commercial sector is common practice. When using the iron, a flat, smooth surface in the form of the soleplate is heated and placed on the sheet to be smoothed. By pressure and movement of the iron relative to the fabric, wrinkles are removed from the fabric, often accompanied by a simultaneous supply of steam. In this case, the temperature of the soleplate to achieve a good smoothness effect is usually chosen so that the fabric is just not damaged in a short-term contact with the soleplate. Another steam-generating household appliances, for example, a steam cleaner, in which wet steam is ejected by a aufzusetzende on the surface to be cleaned steam nozzle.

An iron equipped with a steam generator is from the European patent EP 1 045 932 B1 known. The iron described therein consists of a housing which receives with its underside the heated soleplate of the iron. The temperature of the sole plate is adjustable via a temperature selector and is measured by means of a temperature sensor resting on the soleplate. A control unit compares setpoint and actual value of the temperature and regulates this to the set value. In the housing of the iron, a water tank is further arranged, from which, if necessary, can be removed by means of a pump water and fed through a hose connection in a steam generator. The steam generator consists of a chamber located above the sole plate which is heated by the soleplate. The water evaporates in the steam generator and escapes through steam outlet openings in the sole plate down in the direction of the ironing.

Such irons have proven themselves in practice well. A disadvantage, however, is the relatively small amount of water stored in the water tank, since the size of the water tank is limited for reasons of handling the iron. This requires frequent replenishment of water and an associated interruption of the ironing process. Furthermore, the steam may have a comparatively low humidity, which may adversely affect the ironing result.

In the published patent application DE 32 08 603 A1 a device for steam ironing is described in which the iron is placed on a heatable tank station and fed by the latter with water vapor. The water vapor condenses in a cavity of the iron filled with liquid-absorbent fibers. The condensation is subsequently re-evaporated within the iron and passes through the steam outlet openings to the ironing material.

This training can be very expensive equipment. In addition, the iron for transmitting the water vapor must always be placed on the heatable tank station. The condensation of the transmitted water vapor may also require a considerable amount of time to stock a significant amount of distilled water in the iron.

These disadvantages would like from the patent DE 196 14 511 C1 overcome known generic irons, which is designed as part of a steam ironing station. The steam ironing station is next to the iron from a separate water storage with a comparatively large storage volume and a separate steam generator, which are fluidly connected to each other. In the line between the water tank and steam generator, a first conveyor in the form of a first mechanical feed pump is arranged, which promotes water from the water storage in the steam generator and their inflow via two downstream and upstream of the first feed pump located in the line valves is controlled. In the steam generator is an electric heater, which heats the water supplied from the water tank. The steam generated thereby is supplied through a flexible steam line of the heated soleplate of the iron and occurs when smoothing the textiles through steam outlet openings in the soleplate. A second conveying device in the form of a second mechanical feed pump is arranged in a bypass line leading directly from the water reservoir to the steam line, through which additional water can be supplied to the steam provided by the steam generator to increase the steam moisture. The steam ironing station is further equipped with an electronic control, which is activated by an operating device in the form of a switch arranged on the handle of the iron switch and controls the two feed pumps.

Although this steam ironing station provides a large supply of water, it is structurally complex because of the use of two mechanical feed pumps.

From practice, another steam ironing station is known, in which only a mechanical feed pump is provided, which selectively promotes water from the water reservoir into the steam generator or in the bypass line by a 3/2-way valve. This design is disadvantageous in that when filling the steam generator, no additional water can be fed into the steam line, whereby the steam moisture can temporarily drop to a value that affects the ironing result. In addition, the relatively complex valve must be made pressure resistant, which increases the cost of this construction.

The problem underlying the invention

The invention has for its object, with little design effort, a steam-generating household appliance, in particular a steam ironing station to provide, in which over a long period of time without interruption steam is generated with a relatively high vapor humidity. In particular, the steam-generating household appliance should be simple and inexpensive in construction and can be handled easily and intuitively. The invention is also based on the object to provide an improved iron with these advantages.

Inventive solution

The reference numbers in all claims have no limiting effect, but are only intended to improve their readability.

The solution of the object is achieved by a steam-generating household appliance, with a water storage, a steam generator and a suitable for the promotion of water from the water storage to the steam generator first conveyor, and with a steam generator from the opening steam line and a bypass line, by means of which the steam line ( 18 ) Water from the water reservoir using a second conveyor can be supplied, wherein the second conveyor ( 20 ) as a jet pump ( 21 ) is trained.

According to the invention it is thus provided that in a household appliance of the type mentioned, the second conveyor is designed as a jet pump. With this design, steam can be provided with a high vapor humidity without interruption with little equipment.

A jet pump is a pump in which the pumping action is generated by a fluid jet. The preferred jet pump is a steam jet pump in which the pumping action is thus generated by a steam jet, wherein the steam of the steam jet is preferably obtained from the steam line. In the preferred steam jet pump so the steam is used to promote the water that is supplied to him. The preferred jet pump is a venturi injector. A Venturi injector consists of a funnel-shaped constriction in a tube cross-section with a subsequent slim-conical extension to the original diameter (Venturi nozzle). In the area of the cross-sectional constriction, an acceleration of the flow, which has a negative pressure result. This negative pressure can be used for conveying purposes by means of a suction line which opens in the area of the narrowest cross section. Such a conveyor has no mechanically moving components and therefore is robust, maintenance-free and of a particularly simple and inexpensive construction.

The solution of the invention task also succeeds with a steam iron, which is connectable to a steam ironing station to obtain from this steam, the steam iron also has a water storage.

Preferred embodiment of the invention

Advantageous embodiments and developments, which can be used individually or in combination with each other, are the subject of the dependent claims.

Advantageously, the first conveyor is designed as a mechanical feed pump. A preferred feed pump can promote water from the water storage to the steam generator, regardless of or even against the pressure in the steam generator. Suitable pumps are for example diaphragm pumps, gear pumps or vane pumps.

Furthermore, it is preferred that the mechanical feed pump is electrically operated. Such pumps can be more comfortable than manually operated pumps and thereby increase the ease of use. In this embodiment of the invention can be advantageously exploited that suitable electrically operated pumps are relatively inexpensive available on the market.

Advantageously, it is also provided that a first valve, particularly preferably an electrically actuated valve, particularly preferably a 2/2-way valve, is arranged in the steam line between the steam generator and the jet pump. Furthermore, it is advantageous if a second valve, particularly preferably an electrically actuated valve, particularly preferably a 2/2-way valve, is arranged in the bypass line between the water reservoir and the jet pump. Through these configurations, the inflow to the second conveyor and thus the amount and humidity of the steam provided can be reliably controlled by simple means. The preferred valves are check valves, so valves, the only two positions, open and closed, know. Alternatively, however, it is also possible to use valves which, in addition to the blocking function, also provide an adjustment of the flow rate of steam or water.

It is further preferred that the first valve can be actuated by a first operating device and / or the second valve by a second operating device. The user of the household appliance can thereby safely and selectively affect the flow to the jet pump and adjust to his needs. The operating device may be, for example, a switch, preferably a push-button switch.

Advantageously, it can also be provided that the first valve and / or the second valve and / or the first operating device and / or the second operating device and / or the first conveyor and / or the resistance heating of the water reservoir are operatively connected to a preferably electronic control. The controller can prevent incorrect operation and even allow automatic operation of the steam-generating household appliance with appropriate design. However, it is also possible to form at least the valve in the bypass line as directly switched by the user manually valve.

Particularly preferred, but not exclusively, it is provided that the household appliance is a steam ironing station with a steam line opening into the iron, since the continuous provision of steam of sufficient moisture is particularly advantageous for achieving a satisfactory ironing result. In addition, it is favorable for ergonomic reasons, if the first and / or second operating device are arranged on the handle of the iron. In principle, however, the domestic appliance can also be designed as a steam cleaner or the like.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the water reservoir is arranged above the jet pump. Here, "above" means that the water reservoir is seen in the direction of gravity above the jet pump. This advantageously ensures a particularly good and safe operation of the jet pump.

In one embodiment of the invention, a water reservoir (referred to in the claims for distinguishing the water reservoir in the steam ironing station as a second water reservoir) and the jet pump in the steam iron are arranged. Preferably, the second valve, which connects the jet pump with the water reservoir (now the second water reservoir), arranged in this embodiment of the invention in the iron. The bypass line in the steam ironing station can therefore be omitted. As a result, the construction of the household appliance can be simplified because now no control signal for the second valve must be sent to the steam ironing station. Another advantage is that such an iron can be used with a conventional steam ironing station to provide steam. So it is no steam ironing station with jet pump required. Also can be advantageously exploited with this embodiment of the invention that many modern irons are already running with a water tank, so that only one jet pump is to be added. This can be achieved with comparatively little effort. A household appliance without "wet steam function" can be converted in this case simply by replacing the iron with a second water tank and the jet pump in a household appliance with "wet steam function".

The preferred, present in the steam iron second valve between the second water reservoir and the jet pump is a mechanically operated valve. This further simplifies the construction. In particular, can be dispensed with an electrical switch and electrical lines for operating the second valve. The mechanical actuation of the second valve is preferably effected by means of a control knob, which is arranged in the gripping region of the iron,

With the steam-generating domestic appliance according to the invention, steam with a relatively high vapor humidity can be generated without interruption over a long period of time. It is simple in design, easy to handle and prevents incorrect operation.

Brief description of the drawings

Further advantageous embodiments are described below with reference to an embodiment shown in the drawings, to which the Invention is not limited, described in more detail.

They show schematically:

1 a perspective view of a steam generating domestic appliance according to the invention in the form of an intended for connection to a steam ironing iron,

2 a steam ironing station using the in 1 shown iron;
and

3 an inventive steam iron.

Detailed description based on an embodiment

In the following description of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, like reference characters designate like or similar components.

This in 1 illustrated, intended for manual operation and the connection to a steam ironing iron 1 consists of an aluminum, flat and smooth base plate 2 which is placed on this for smoothing a textile or the like and is heated from its top by an invisible, electrical resistance heating. The soleplate 2 is thermally insulated on a plastic injection-molded housing 3 arranged and provided with not shown steam outlet openings. The housing 3 has a handle on the top side 4 which is gripped by the hand of the operator during the ironing process. The housing 3 also has a second water reservoir 5 to provide water for a spray nozzle 6 for specific moistening of the item to be ironed, the pump by a in the region of the handle 4 arranged push button 7 is pressed.

In addition, the housing 3 with operating devices 8th . 8th' for setting the steam generation and with an operating device 9 for setting the regulated by a thermostat ironing temperature. One in the case 3 opening flexible, strand-shaped transmission means 10 can with the base unit of the steam ironing station 11 connected to the heating and other electrical components of the iron 1 with electrical energy and the soleplate 2 fed with steam.

How out 2 can be seen, includes the associated steam ironing station 11 a large volume of water storage 12 who can take a sufficient amount of water for a longer ironing operation. Furthermore, a steam generator 13 provided with the water reservoir 12 over a pipeline 14 connected is. In the pipeline 14 is a first conveyor 15 in the form of a mechanical, electrically operated feed pump 16 arranged. The pump 16 is intended and suitable to remove water from the water reservoir 12 in the steam generator 13 also to promote against the pressure prevailing there.

In the steam generator 13 The water supplied by an electrical resistance heater 17 heated and the resulting, relatively dry steam via a steam line 18 in the direction of the iron 1 guided. The from the steam generator 13 Escaping steam can through a first valve 19 be locked.

Downstream of the first valve 19 is in the steam line 18 a second conveyor 20 in the form of a jet pump designed as a Venturi injector 21 arranged, which from the steam generator 13 exiting steam is flowed through along its axial flow channel. The jet pump 21 has a Venturi nozzle with a funnel-shaped constriction of the flow channel, which is followed by a slim-conical extension. In the area of the cross-sectional constriction, an acceleration of the vapor flow takes place, which results in a negative pressure. This negative pressure is inventively by a bypass line radially in the region of the narrowest cross section 22 used to directly water from the water reservoir 12 suck in and into the iron 1 leading steam line 18 feed. The iron 1 supplied steam has thereby compared to that from the steam generator 13 exiting steam to a greater humidity, which can positively influence the ironing result. The feeding of water into the jet pump 21 can through a second valve 23 be interrupted, which in the bypass line 22 between water storage 12 and jet pump 21 is provided and does not have to be carried out pressure resistant.

The valves 19 such as 23 be independently using an electronic control 24 through the operating devices 8th such as 8th' operated, the controller 24 also with the electric pump 16 and the electrical resistance heater 17 is actively connected. These are on the controller 24 electric lines 25 provided, which to the handle in the 4 of the iron 1 located operating devices 8th . 8th' to lead. The wires 25 further provide the electrical components of the iron 1 with electrical energy.

water-tank 12 , Steam generator 13 , the conveyors 15 . 20 , the valves 19 . 23 and the control 24 are as a separate, stationary unit far away from the iron 1 in another housing 26 arranged, from which the steam line 18 and the electrical wires 25 open out. At least that between the case 26 and the iron 1 running strands of the steam line 18 and the electrical wires 25 are flexible and in the transmission medium 10 summarized, so that the handling of the iron 1 not appreciably affected by this.

When operating the steam ironing station 11 First, the water tank 12 filled. A subset of this water is through the feed pump 16 in the steam generator 13 pumped and there by means of electrical resistance heating 17 heated. In parallel, the heating of the soleplate takes place 2 of the iron 1 , Once in the steam generator 13 a sufficient amount of steam has been generated and the soleplate 2 has reached its operating temperature, the user by pressing the operating device 8th' the valve 19 in the steam line 18 open and the steam flow from the steam generator 13 to the iron 1 release. The steam flowing through the jet pump generates a negative pressure in the bypass line 22 , which by pressing the operating device 8th and the associated opening of the previously closed valve 23 in the bypass line 22 for direct suction of water from the water reservoir 12 in the steam line 18 and the associated increase in steam humidity can be used.

In 3 is an alternative steam iron according to the invention 1' represented by the in 1 illustrated steam iron 1 differs in that it has its own designed as Venturi injector jet pump 21 and a - now with a control knob 8th mechanically operated - second valve 23 having. The second valve 23 leads the coming of the steam ironing station steam water from the second reservoir 5 before it enters the steam chamber and passes through steam outlet holes through the soleplate to the outside. The iron can be connected to a steam ironing station, which now no longer has its own jet pump and bypass line. Also on an electrical line between iron and steam ironing station for controlling a pump located in the steam ironing station 23 can be dispensed with.

The steam ironing station according to the invention can produce a long-lasting steam flow with relatively high vapor humidity by simple structural means. An operating error is prevented by design. The features disclosed in the foregoing description, the claims and the drawings may be of importance both individually and in any combination for the realization of the invention in its various forms.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1, 1 '

 Iron

2

 soleplate

3

 casing

4

 grip

5

 Second water storage

6

 nozzle

7

 push-button

8, 8 '

 operating device

9

 operating device

10

 transmission means

11

 Dampfbügelstation

12

 water-tank

13

 steam generator

14

 pipeline

15

 Conveyor

16

 feed pump

17

 resistance heating

18

 steam line

19

 First (2/2-way) valve

20

 Conveyor

21

 jet pump

22

 bypass line

23, 23 '

 Second (2/2-way) valve

24

 control

25

 management

26

casing 27 steam chamber

28

 steam outlet

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• EP 1045932 B1 [0003]
• DE 3208603 A1 [0005]
• DE 19614511 C1 [0007]

Claims (14)

Steam generating domestic appliance, with a water storage ( 12 ), a steam generator ( 13 ) and one for conveying water from the water reservoir ( 12 ) to the steam generator ( 13 ) suitable first conveyor ( 15 ), as well as with one from the steam generator ( 13 ) opening steam line ( 18 ) and a bypass line ( 22 ), by means of which the steam line ( 18 ) Water from the water reservoir ( 12 ) using a second conveyor ( 20 ), characterized in that the second conveyor ( 20 ) as a jet pump ( 21 ) is trained. Domestic appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that the first conveyor ( 15 ) as a mechanical delivery pump ( 16 ) is executed. Domestic appliance according to claim 2, characterized in that the mechanical feed pump ( 16 ) is operated electrically. Domestic appliance according to claim 1 to 3, characterized in that a first valve ( 19 ), in particular an electrically operated 2/2-way valve, in the steam line ( 18 ) between the steam generator ( 13 ) and the jet pump ( 21 ) is arranged. Domestic appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a second valve ( 23 ), in particular an electrically operated 2/2-way valve, in the bypass line ( 22 ) between the water reservoir ( 12 ) and the jet pump ( 21 ) is arranged. Domestic appliance according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the first valve ( 19 ) by a first operating device ( 8th ) and / or the second valve ( 23 ) can be actuated by a second operating device (8 '). Domestic appliance according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the first valve ( 19 ) and / or the second valve ( 23 ) and / or the first operating device ( 8th ) and / or the second operating device ( 8th' ) and / or the first conveyor ( 15 ) and / or the resistance heating ( 17 ) with a preferably electronic control ( 24 ) are operatively connected. Domestic appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the domestic appliance has a steam ironing station ( 11 ) with one in an iron ( 1 ) opening steam line ( 18 ). Domestic appliance according to claim 8, characterized in that the first and / or second operating device ( 8th . 8th' ) on the handle ( 4 ) of the iron ( 1 ) are arranged. Domestic appliance according to one of claims 8 or 9, characterized in that a second water reservoir and the jet pump in a steam iron ( 1 ) are arranged. Domestic appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the water reservoir ( 12 ) above the jet pump ( 21 ) is arranged. Steam iron ( 1 ) connected to a steam ironing station ( 11 ) is connected to receive from this steam, characterized in that the steam iron also a second water reservoir ( 5 ) having. Steam iron ( 1 ) according to claim 12, characterized in that it also comprises a jet pump ( 21 ) to the water from the second water reservoir ( 5 ). Steam iron ( 1 ) according to claim 13, characterized in that it is a mechanically operated valve ( 23 ' ) between the second water reservoir ( 5 ) and the jet pump ( 21 ) having.

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