EP1100988B1 - Steam iron - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention is directed to a steam iron with a steam generating device for the generation of steam and with an application device for releasing additives to the steam. According to the invention, the application device includes a capillary device for release of the additive to the steam.

Description

The present invention relates to a steam iron with a steam generating device for generating steam and an application device for dispensing additives to the steam and a valve device therefor.

Various additives are used in conjunction with steam irons the objects to be worked with steam are applied. When ironing Ironing aids, starch, lubricants, plasticizers, fragrances, cleaning agents, care substances, Perfumes, impregnations etc. applied to the laundry to be ironed (see e.g. WO 91/19037 or WO 95/06154). For this purpose, the additive is usually added to the water reservoir or the water supply of the steam iron is fed so that the additive together evaporated with the water and introduced into the laundry in connection with the steam is (cf. US Pat. No. 5,138,778, US Pat. No. 5,526,595, EP 06 29 736 A1, GB 23 04 740 A). However, this approach has the disadvantage that residues of the additives are in the fluid circuit and the steam generating device, in particular in the steam chamber, deposit and for example for irons with a steam boost function similar to lime from the steam outlet openings can be carried out on the underside of the iron.

From DE 296 01 699 U1 a steam iron is known, in which the fragrances only already generated steam can be added. For this purpose, the fragrances are pressurized and sprayed into the steam via a nozzle and mixed into it. This solution however, requires an extensive pressurization of the fragrances. To that can calcify the spray outlet opening by the passing steam.

In contrast, the present invention has for its object an improved To create steam irons that avoid the disadvantages of known solutions. In particular with a simple construction of the steam iron should be reliable and trouble-free Introduction of the additives can be achieved. It is also a task To provide valve device for this.

This object is achieved according to the invention in a steam iron of the type mentioned at the outset solved in that the application device has a capillary device for delivery of the additive to the steam. The application device is therefore self-promoting trained, it has means for the external energy-free supply of the additive to the Steam. The additive does not need to be pressurized. The application device possesses self-regulating dosing agents with the capillary, which the desired Dispense the amount of additive exactly into the steam. The application device advantageously works without a nozzle to atomize the additive, causing calcification is avoided.

In a development of the invention, the additive downstream of the steam generating device, especially in a steam distribution room and mixed with the steam. This has the advantage that no residues are deposited on the steam generating device and can be together. At least the additive will be in one area dispensed in which the additive is mixed with the steam and not with the liquid water can mix. This area is preferably not the area where the water in the steam chamber drops identically, but only adjacent to it, arranged in one place where the steam flows on the way to the steam outlet.

Preferably, the capillary is slidably mounted so that it goes in and out a flow path of the steam can be brought. The capillary device can in particular from the steam flow path if it is not to add any additives to the steam be removed.

The capillary device can basically be designed differently. Preferably points the capillary device has a capillary wick. The capillary wick is advantageously dimensionally stable, in particular pressure-resistant and kink-resistant. For the capillary device a seal may be provided through which the capillary wick passes into the flow path the steam can be pushed. In the retracted position of the capillary device closes the seal off the flow path of the steam.

In order to obtain sufficient rigidity, the capillary device according to a preferred one Implementation of the invention a capillary knitted fabric and a capillary knitted fabric Support body on. This allows one to be independent of the mechanical properties for the capillary effect optimal mesh or tissue or fabric can be used. The Support body causes rigidity and strength. The promotion of the additive is in the capillary tissue. There is a wide variety of shapes Possibilities. A braided hose is preferably provided, into which the support body is inserted is. The internal arrangement of the support body ensures effective delivery The additives cause the steam to blow past.

The capillary device is expediently designed to be temperature-resistant in order to Resist the heat of the steam. In particular, a fiberglass braid be provided, the diameter of the individual filaments of the braid preferably is approximately between 5 and 50 µm.

The capillary device can in principle be connected directly to an additive store stand. However, the connection between the additive store is preferred and the capillary device controlled by an intermediate valve device. The valve can be the capillary if no additives are to be dispensed shut off from the additive store. For the delivery of additives there is Valve clears the connection between the additive reservoir and the capillary device. This owns the advantage that the additives cannot evaporate via the capillary device, when the steam iron is out of order or operating without the addition of additives is chosen. The application device can be switched on and off with the valve device turned off.

The valve device can be constructed in several parts. For example, a rubber elastic Shut-off element with a central valve channel body to be plug-connected. Preferably but the valve device is designed as a one-piece component. Preferably the valve device can be made of a soft plastic, in particular the Valve device is a one-piece rubber part, i.e. made of a rubber-elastic material. This results in a simple construction and an uncomplicated assembly.

An advantageous embodiment of the invention is that of a central Valve channel body with at least one valve channel from a shut-off element for shutting off of the valve channel extends collar-shaped or cup-edge-shaped, which from a manufacturing position is designed to be reversible in a working position. In the non-inverted position, in which the valve can be manufactured, the shut-off element extends from one side of the central valve channel body in a direction away from the valve channel body, so that the Shut-off element forms a kind of platform for the valve channel body. After turning the shut-off element is the central valve channel body at least with a section that the contains at least one valve channel, within a space by the shut-off element is limited as a cup-shaped peripheral wall. In the inverted position of the shut-off element, in particular a sealing surface thereof, biased towards the valve channel body. The shut-off element is movable between a shut-off position in which the sealing surface of the shut-off element rests on the valve channel body, and a flow position, in which the valve channel is in flow connection with the additive reservoir. Preferably is the shut-off element between the shut-off position and the open position bistable or monostable designed to snap back and forth. The reversible training the shut-off element allows a simple despite the one-piece design of the valve device Production essentially without cores in e.g. injection molding or casting Produce.

In order to achieve an exact dosage of the additive delivery, the valve device has According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, a buffer that is in the blocked state of the valve device is blocked from the additive storage and is connected to an exit side. In this way a batchwise dosing can be achieved. The buffer is filled when the shut-off element is open. After this Only the amount saved in the clipboard can be closed of the additive are discharged. The buffer is preferably of a cavity defined by the valve channel body and the shut-off element.

To achieve a good sealing effect between the shut-off element and valve channel body, a tapered sealing fit is expediently provided between them. The conical Sealing surfaces achieve the high sealing effect even with low preload forces.

In a further development of the invention, a simple construction of the application device can be achieved achieved that the capillary device can be attached directly to the valve device is. For this purpose, the valve device can have a bearing, in particular a receptacle, into which the capillary device can be inserted.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, an integral part of the valve device Storage seal provided for sealing on the additive storage, in particular the shut-off element can be sealingly connected to the additive store.

A particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention is that the valve device is designed as a valve head of a memory cartridge, which by pressing into the Cartridge interior can be brought into an open position. The valve head can be in Be protruding longitudinally above the cartridge housing so that the opening of the valve by pressure against an end face opposite the head can. The shut-off element is preferably connected to the cartridge, so that pressure releases the valve channel on the elastically pre-stressed valve channel body. Basically is the reverse arrangement is also possible, the described connection of the shut-off element with the cartridge, however, results in a particularly inexpensive and simple construction. When the valve head is pressed into the interior of the accumulator, the shut-off element becomes moved relative to the valve channel body, so that the valve channel arranged therein is released becomes.

According to another advantageous aspect of the invention, the application device designed as a separate pre-assembled exchange unit. The application device is so removable from the rest of the body of the steam iron. This can be done if necessary can also be used without the application device. Regardless of the existence the capillary device has the design of the application device as an independent Module the advantage that when operating the steam iron quickly and regardless of the level of the additive storage between the use of different additives can be. In particular, the draining of an additive previously used from the additive storage and refilling with the desired additive avoided. In addition, only needs when the memory is empty only the application device as a whole can be changed without fiddling would be necessary immediately with the additive. The steam iron preferably has one corresponding receptacle into which the application device can be inserted.

The exchange unit advantageously comprises the storage cartridge, the capillary device and the valve head, which sits on the storage cartridge and carries the capillary device.

In order to achieve simple operation of the application device, this is preferred can be brought into different positions and ascertainable in such a way that the addition of additives the capillary device can be switched on and off. In particular, the memory cartridge can be movable and lockable, so that the valve head opens and closes and the Capillary device is pushed in and out of the steam path. This is advantageous a locking mechanism is provided which the application device in the desired Position fixed.

An easy operation by the fingers, especially an operator's thumb In a development of the invention achieved in that the application device in one of externally accessible and opening in a handle area insertable from above is. The memory cartridge itself is the control panel of the application device.

To apply the additive to the object to be processed also independently To achieve the application of steam, the application device with a Spray device for spraying the objects to be processed in flow connection to be brought. This allows, for example, to be processed particularly intensively Areas of the additive are applied to an increased extent.

The object is achieved with respect to the valve device with the features of claim 24. The valve device is advantageously formed from a one-piece rubber-like body, the elasticity and shape of which is used in order to provide the resilient up and down movement. In addition, an edge of the rubber-like valve device is fastened to the fluid container in such a way that a slight connection is produced by slight deformation. Neither a spring nor a sealing O-ring is required.
Further features, advantages and possible applications of the invention result from the following description of exemplary embodiments, which are shown in more detail in the drawing. All of the described and / or illustrated features, alone or in any combination, form the subject matter of the invention, regardless of how they are summarized in the claims and their relationship.

Figur 1

eine schematische Darstellung eines Bügeleisens mit einer Applikationsvorrichtung gemäß einer bevorzugten Ausführung der Erfindung in einer Seitenansicht,

Figur 2

eine schematische Darstellung des unteren Abschnitts des Bügeleisens mit einer beheizbaren Bügeleisensohle, einer Verdampferkammer und der Anordnung der Applikationsvorrichtung im Strömungsweg des erzeugten Dampfs in einer Schnittansicht,

Figur 3

eine Schnittdarstellung der Applikationsvorrichtung aus den Figuren 1 und 2 mit einem einteiligen Ventilkopf, wobei der Ventilkopf in einer Absperrstellung dargestellt ist,

Figur 4

eine Schnittdarstellung ähnlich Figur 3, wobei der Ventilkopf in einer geöffneten Stellung gezeigt ist,

Figur 5

eine Schnittdarstellung des Ventilkopfs aus den Figuren 3 und 4, wobei ein Absperrelement in einer nicht umgestülpten Stellung gezeigt ist,

Figur 6

eine Schnittdarstellung ähnlich Figur 3 einer Applikationsvorrichtung gemäß einer weiteren Ausführung der Erfindung, wobei der Ventilkopf mehrteilig ausgebildet ist und in einer geschlossenen Stellung gezeigt ist,

Figur 7

eine Schnittdarstellung ähnlich Figur 6, wobei der Ventilkopf in einer geöffneten Stellung gezeigt ist,

Figur 8

eine Schnittdarstellung einer Applikationsvorrichtung gemäß einer weiteren Ausführung der Erfindung, wobei zwischen der Kapillareinrichtung und dem Strömungsweg des Dampfs eine Dichtung vorgesehen ist,

Figur 9

eine Schnittdarstellung ähnlich Figur 8, wobei die Applikationsvorrichtung mit der Kapillareinrichtung durch die Dichtung hindurch geschoben gezeigt ist,

Figur 10

eine schematische Darstellung eines Kapillardochts, auf dessen Enden eine Kappe bzw. eine Hülse angeordnet sind,

Figur 11

eine schematische Darstellung eines Kapillardochts ähnlich Figur 10, wobei auf den Enden des Kapillardochts abgerundete Kappen angeordnet sind,

Figur 12

eine schematische Darstellung eines Bügeleisens in einer teilweise geschnittenen Seitenansicht, wobei die Applikationsvorrichtung über ein Ventil und eine Venturidüse mit einer Sprühvorrichtung zum Besprühen der zu bügelnden Wäsche verbunden ist,

Figur 13

eine schematische Darstellung eines Bügeleisens ähnlich Figur 12, wobei die Applikationsvorrichtung an eine umschaltbare Pumpe zum Versprühen von Wasser und Zusatzstoffen angeschlossen ist,

Figur 14

eine schematische Darstellung eines Bügeleisens ähnlich Figur 12 und 13, wobei die Applikationsvorrichtung mit einer separaten Pumpe zum Versprühen des Zusatzstoffs verbunden ist,

Figur 15

eine schematische Darstellung eines Bügeleisens ähnlich den Figuren 12 bis 14, wobei die Applikationsvorrichtung über ein Ventil mit der Druckseite einer Spray-pumpe verbindbar ist, sodaß Wasser und/oder ein Zusatzstoff versprüht werden kann,

Figur 16

eine Schnittdarstellung durch eine Ventileinrichtung mit konischem Ventilabschnitt und mit scheibenförmigem Absperrelement, die am Fluidbehältnis befestigt ist,

Figur 17

eine Schnittdarstellung ähnlich der nach Figur 16 durch eine Ventileinrichtung mit Öffnungsstößel,

Figur 18

eine Schnittdarstellung durch eine Ventileinrichtung die außen an einem Fluidbehältnis befestigt ist,

Figur 19a

eine Schnittdarstellung durch eine Ventileinrichtung in einem Rohr als Rückschlagventil in geschlossenem Zustand,

Figur 19b

eine Schnittdarstellung durch eine Ventileinrichtung änlich zu Figur 19a, jedoch in geöffnetem Zustand,

Figur 20

eine schematische Schnittdarstellung durch eine Ventileinrichtung als Tropfstopp an einer Kaffeemaschine, und

Figur 21

eine schematische Schnittdarstellung durch eine Ventileinrichtung, die an einer Babyflasche befestigt ist.

It shows:

Figure 1

1 shows a schematic illustration of an iron with an application device according to a preferred embodiment of the invention in a side view,

Figure 2

1 shows a schematic representation of the lower section of the iron with a heatable soleplate, an evaporator chamber and the arrangement of the application device in the flow path of the generated steam in a sectional view,

Figure 3

2 shows a sectional illustration of the application device from FIGS. 1 and 2 with a one-piece valve head, the valve head being shown in a shut-off position,

Figure 4

3 shows a sectional illustration similar to FIG. 3, the valve head being shown in an open position,

Figure 5

3 shows a sectional illustration of the valve head from FIGS. 3 and 4, a shut-off element being shown in a position that has not been turned inside out,

Figure 6

3 shows a sectional illustration similar to FIG. 3 of an application device according to a further embodiment of the invention, the valve head being constructed in several parts and shown in a closed position,

Figure 7

6 shows a sectional illustration similar to FIG. 6, the valve head being shown in an open position,

Figure 8

3 shows a sectional illustration of an application device according to a further embodiment of the invention, a seal being provided between the capillary device and the flow path of the steam,

Figure 9

8 shows a sectional illustration similar to FIG. 8, the application device with the capillary device being shown pushed through the seal,

Figure 10

1 shows a schematic representation of a capillary wick, on the ends of which a cap or a sleeve are arranged,

Figure 11

10 shows a schematic representation of a capillary wick similar to FIG. 10, rounded caps being arranged on the ends of the capillary wick,

Figure 12

2 shows a schematic illustration of an iron in a partially sectioned side view, the application device being connected via a valve and a Venturi nozzle to a spray device for spraying the laundry to be ironed,

Figure 13

12 shows a schematic illustration of an iron similar to FIG. 12, the application device being connected to a switchable pump for spraying water and additives,

Figure 14

12 shows a schematic illustration of an iron similar to FIGS. 12 and 13, the application device being connected to a separate pump for spraying the additive,

Figure 15

12 shows a schematic illustration of an iron similar to FIGS. 12 to 14, the application device being connectable to the pressure side of a spray pump via a valve, so that water and / or an additive can be sprayed,

Figure 16

2 shows a sectional view through a valve device with a conical valve section and with a disk-shaped shut-off element which is fastened to the fluid container,

Figure 17

16 shows a sectional illustration similar to that according to FIG. 16 through a valve device with an opening tappet,

Figure 18

2 shows a sectional view through a valve device which is attached to the outside of a fluid container,

Figure 19a

2 shows a sectional view through a valve device in a tube as a check valve in the closed state,

Figure 19b

2 shows a sectional view through a valve device similar to FIG. 19a, but in the open state,

Figure 20

is a schematic sectional view through a valve device as a drip stop on a coffee machine, and

Figure 21

is a schematic sectional view through a valve device which is attached to a baby bottle.

The steam iron according to FIG. 1 has a housing 1
with a dumbbell-shaped handle section 2, which spans and is connected to a tank section 3 for storing water. On an underside of the iron housing 1, which can be injection molded from plastic, a heated iron soleplate 4 is arranged, which is usually made of cast metal. The soleplate 4 lies under the tank section 3 of the iron housing 1.

As FIG. 2 shows, the soleplate 4 is part of a steam generating device a steam chamber 5 is arranged in the water in the tank section 3 of the housing is stored, is converted into steam. The water is from the tank section 3 introduced dropwise into the steam chamber 5, in which the water is evaporated. The steam generated is converted from the steam chamber 5 via a steam flow channel 6 derived into a steam distribution chamber 7, from which the steam through Outlet openings in the underside of the iron soleplate 4 onto the laundry to be ironed flows. Although only one outlet opening is shown in FIG. 2, there are preferably several Outlet openings are provided on the underside, which branch off from the steam distribution chamber 7 and are connected with this flow.

The soleplate 4 and the steam chamber 5 arranged above it can be in the usual way Be electrically heated, for example by a heating resistor 8, which is shown in FIG is indicated schematically.

As FIG. 1 shows, the steam iron has an application device 9 with which a Additive can be added to the steam and mixed with it. Preferably a liquid, water-soluble additive is released. In particular can ironing aids, starch, lubricants, plasticizers, cleaning agents, care substances, Perfumes and fragrances as well as impregnating substances are used and put together applied to the laundry with the steam.

The application device 9 has a memory cartridge 10 for storing the Additive. The iron housing 1 has in its grip section 2 or on another Place a memory recess 11 into which the memory cartridge 10 can be inserted is (see FIG. 1). The memory cartridge 10 can be inserted such that a bottom of the Storage cartridge 10 is located approximately on the outside of the iron housing 1 and from the thumb an operator can be pressed with another finger to the application device put into and out of operation, as will be explained in more detail later.

The top of the memory cartridge 10 is closed with a valve head 12, the Escapes the additive stored inside the memory cartridge controls. The valve head 12 is designed as a one-piece rubber part. The valve head 12 has a central one Valve channel body 13 in which a valve channel 14 is provided. The valve channel 14 has an inflow opening 15, which from a peripheral side of the valve channel body 13 into the Leads inside the valve channel body 13 and is connected there to an outflow opening 16, which opens into a front side of the valve channel body 13. The inflow opening 15 and the Outflow opening 16 extend perpendicular to one another. As Figure 3 shows, the inflow opening 15 preferably carried out as a radial through hole on opposite Peripheral sides of the valve channel body 13 opens. Training as a through hole simplifies manufacture and causes rapid flooding of valve channel 14. The valve channel body 13 has a cylindrical channel body 17 in which the valve channel 14 is arranged, and a conical valve section 18 which is substantially frustoconical is trained. The conical valve section 18 is on the front of the Valve channel body 13 facing away from the channel body 17 and tapers towards the channel body 17. The valve channel body 13 is therefore from the inside of the storage cartridge 10 undercut seen from. The tapered peripheral surface of the conical valve section 18 is provided as a sealing surface 19, which also has a complementary conical sealing surface 20 of an elastic shut-off element 21 cooperates. The shut-off element 21 is with the end of the valve channel body 13 lying towards the end Channel body 17 integrally connected and extends from this goblet-shaped to the conical valve section 18 out. The shut-off element 21 is rotationally symmetrical and surrounds the channel body 17 cup-shaped or also essentially rotationally symmetrical. On an inside of the free end of the shut-off element 21 is the conical or beveled Sealing surface 20 provided with the sealing surface 19 of the conical valve section 18 cooperates. The shut-off element 21 is to the conical valve section 18 biased so that the sealing surfaces 19 and 20 are pressed together. The inflow opening 15 of the valve channel 14 opens into a cavity 22 on the one hand from the shut-off element 21 and on the other hand from the peripheral surface of the valve channel body 13 is limited.

The cup-shaped shut-off element 21 is designed to be invertible, as shown in FIG. 5. For the Manufacture and after manufacture, the shut-off element 21 extends from the end face the valve channel body 13, in which the outflow opening 16 opens, not to the conical Valve section 18 out, but in the opposite direction beyond the end face. As a result, the undercut of the valve channel body 13 lies, which later becomes the cavity 22 forms and into which the inflow opening 15 opens, open and freely accessible. This simplifies production considerably. Around the valve head 12 in an operational configuration to bring, the shut-off element 21 is turned inside out towards the conical valve section 18 or turned inside out. With the inversion, the bias can be easily of the shut-off element 21 against the conical valve section 18.

The valve head 12 is on the open end of the memory cartridge 10 on the housing of the Memory cartridge 10 placed and connected to this. The connection is fluid-tight educated. As FIG. 3 shows, there is a storage seal at the free end of the shut-off element 21 23 arranged with a corresponding sealing recess 24 on the Interacts with the inner peripheral surface of the memory cartridge 10. The storage seal 23 is integrally formed on the shut-off element 21 and as a substantially bead-shaped circumferential Bridge trained.

The maximum diameter of the valve channel body 13 is smaller than the inner diameter the memory cartridge 10 in the region of the valve head 12, so that between the valve channel body 13 and the housing of the memory cartridge 10 is a circumferential annular gap. In the Closed position of the valve head 12 according to Figure 3, the channel between the Valve channel body 13 and the housing of the storage cartridge 10 through the shut-off element 21, in particular blocked off by its free end. The sealing surfaces 20 act and 19 of the shut-off element 21 or the conical valve section 18 together (cf. Figure 3).

To open the valve head, i.e. the inflow opening 15 with the inside of the storage cartridge To bring 10 into fluid communication, the valve channel body 13 is in the interior of the memory cartridge 10 to press so that the free edge of the shut-off element 21 from the conical Valve section 18 is lifted and the annular gap between the valve channel body 13 and the housing of the memory cartridge 10 is released (see FIG. 4). The shut-off element 21 is thus relative to the valve channel body 13 in the axial direction of the memory cartridge 10 moves. As FIGS. 3 and 4 show, the valve head 12 is advantageously projecting over the end of the memory cartridge 10 so that to open the Valve head 12 with its end face only against an opposite end face must be pressed. It is therefore only necessary for the end of the storage cartridge 10 be pressed against a stop. The shut-off element 21 snaps into one open position. In order to close the valve head 12 again, the storage cartridge 10 to withdraw again so that the shut-off element 21 can snap back again. The end face of the valve channel body 13 is expediently fixed to the opposite side End face connected, for example, this can be positively in an application opening 25 of the steam distribution chamber 7 can be used or with the wall of the Steam distribution chamber 7 be screwed.

In order to convey the additive from the storage cartridge 10 and dispense it into the steam path, the application device 9 has a capillary wick 27 as a capillary device 26, which is precisely inserted into the outflow opening 16 of the valve head 12. The capillary wick 27 extends through the outflow opening 16 into the region of the inflow opening 15 to there from the additive inside the valve head 12 open Memory cartridge 10 to be washed around. The capillary wick 27 projects at its other end out of the valve head 12 so that it passes through the application opening 25 into the steam distribution chamber 7 protrudes and steam flows around it. The capillary wick 27 sucks in this way the additive through the valve head 12 and passes this over the Circumferential surfaces at its protruding end from the steam flowing past.

The capillary wick 27 basically has a fiberglass braid tube into which a dimensionally stable and rigid support body is inserted, so that the capillary wick 27 in total is dimensionally stable and pressure-resistant. The support body can consist of different Materials exist, e.g. made of glass, metal, plastic or ceramic. The capillary action is only effected in the fiberglass braid tube. Advantageously, if necessary in the event of contamination or blockage, the glass fiber braid tube can be easily cleaned. In contrast to a tubular body as a capillary, calcification in the steam path not possible, because the one that passes the knitted capillary made of knitted fabric / fiberglass mesh Steam automatically cleans the capillary and keeps it functional. Alternatively, instead a glass silk braid hose with a support body a ribbon or rod-like capillary knit / braid used that To open the ends of the fiberglass braid To prevent an end fixation 28 is provided at the ends of the capillary wick 27. An open sleeve or one closed on one side can advantageously be used here The cap is pushed onto the end of the wick and squeezed (see figure 10). The sleeve or the cap can be made of aluminum or brass, for example. A spherical cap can also be applied (cf. FIG. 11), in particular can, when forming the support body made of glass, the glass braid with the glass support body are melted, creating the spherically rounded caps at the ends. The ends can also be fixed in a hardening liquid, for example be dipped in a synthetic resin.

The capillarity and the flow rate of the additive in the glass fiber tube can can be set by several parameters, for example by the corresponding selection the fiber angle to the longitudinal axis, through the type of yarn, the type of braiding, the thickness of the filaments, the wall thickness of the glass fiber tube and a treatment of the fibers. According to In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the fiber angle is approximately 10 to 80 degrees to the longitudinal axis. The fiber thickness of the glass silk filaments is preferably between 5 and 50 µm.

As FIGS. 1 and 3 show, the application device is separate and removable Exchange unit designed and includes the memory cartridge 10, the valve head 12 and the capillary device 26. To put the application device into operation, the Storage cartridge 10 with the valve head 12 and the capillary device 26 first in the storage recess 11 of the iron housing 1 inserted, the valve head 12 with a vapor path sealing section 29 on its end face into the application opening 25 is inserted so that the application opening 25 in the wall of the steam distribution chamber 7 is sealed by the valve head 12. Inside the steam distribution chamber 7 protrudes the capillary wick 27 protruding from the valve head 12 (see FIG. 2). Around To effect the release of the additive to the steam, the storage cartridge 10 is used the thumb pressed further into the iron housing 1, so that the valve head 12 opens as described. As a result, the capillary wick 27 can remove the additive from the Suck out the cartridge 10 and discharge it to the steam as it passes. advantageously, can a locking device between the storage cartridge 10 and the iron housing 1 be provided, the memory cartridge 10 in the depressed position holds. To release only a certain amount of additive to the steam, can the memory cartridge is also depressed only briefly, so that the cavity 22 with Additive fills. After the locking element 21 snaps back into its locking position the cavity 22 acts as a buffer. Only the amount of additive stored in it can get into the steam path via the wick. This can be done in batches achieve an exact dosage of the additive.

As an alternative to the previously described monostable mode of action in one variant, the valve device is additionally a ballpoint pen mechanism (not shown), a bayonet lock or other mechanical device is provided, the bistable the application cartridge or the valve device in an open or closed Holds position. The operation is then analogous to the usual ballpoint pen push button operation, d. H. the cartridge automatically springs into the valve open or valve-closed position. It is understood that for all the designs described can also be dispensed with the cavity 22 as a buffer, so that an immediate switchover is possible. The valve device is then accordingly educated. In a further variant, the valve device itself is designed such that it is bistable, i.e. it remains stable in two switching positions.

Another embodiment of an application device according to the invention is in the figures 6 and 7. The same components have the same reference numerals as in the figures 3 and 4 designated. The application device differs from the previous one described by a two-part design of the valve head 112. The shut-off element 121 is formed separately from the valve channel body 113. The valve channel body 113 and the shut-off element 121 are sealingly connected to one another. For this, the Shut-off element 121 on an integrally molded sealing portion 30, which as an annular Web is formed and in a complementary sealing section 31 of the valve channel body 113 and is inserted in a fluid-tight manner. It could also on the valve channel body 113 a web-like circumferential and projecting sealing section be provided in a corresponding recess of the shut-off element 121 is included. The shut-off element 121 is preferably made of rubber. The valve channel body 113 can be made of different materials. As shown in FIG. 6, the Shut-off element 121 projecting towards the end face of valve head 112 is cylindrical Shaped sealing lug 32, with which the valve head 112 in the application opening 25 of the Wall of the steam distribution chamber 7 can be used. The sealing boss 32 is thereby designed so stiff that when the storage cartridge 10 is not depressed Sealing projection 32 buckles, but the shut-off element 121 (see FIG. 7).

Another embodiment of an application device according to the invention is in the figures 8 and 9, the same components as in FIGS. 6 and 7 with the same reference numerals Marked are. The application device differs from that according to of Figures 6 and 7 essentially in that one separate from the valve head 212 Steam path seal 33 is provided, which in the application opening 25 in the wall of the Steam distribution chamber 7 is used. The vapor path seal 33 has a circumferential one Groove in which the wall of the application opening 25 can be received. The Steam seal 33 is thereby fixed axially and radially and closes the application opening 25 fluid-tight. As FIG. 8 shows, the vapor path seal 33 has a central one Wick opening 34, which is generally funnel-shaped and faces the valve head 212 expanded. In the unexpanded state of the vapor path seal 33, the wick opening 34 closed, i.e. the wick opening 34 is only opened when the wick opening 34 delimits Wall of the vapor path seal 33 is elastically expanded. As Figure 9 shows the capillary wick 27 is pushed through the wick opening 34, the latter being pressed open to introduce the capillary wick 27 into the steam distribution chamber 7. The Providing a separate vapor path seal 33 has the advantage that it can also be removed the application device 9 the steam path is closed and the steam only through the outlets provided for this purpose on the underside of the Iron soleplate 4 can flow out. As a result, the iron can also be used without problems the application device 9 are operated.

As FIGS. 8 and 9 show, the shut-off element 121 of the valve head 212 is by means of a Cap screw sleeve 35 in sealing engagement with the housing of the memory cartridge Brought 10. The valve head 12 can thus be easily removed from the storage cartridge 10, so that it can be refilled.

It goes without saying that also for the embodiment according to FIGS. 8 and 9 in the memory cartridge 10 a vent (not shown) is provided. In Figures 3, 4, 6 and 7 a vent 50 is formed in the storage cartridge. A rubbery mushroom shaped Flutter valve 51 opens the vent 50 at negative pressure in the memory cartridge and holds it otherwise closed. In one variant, the valve device is shared with a storage cartridge or any other container without ventilation. Then through axial pumping movement of the shut-off element 21 or a similar resilient section or by sucking, ie negative pressure at the outflow opening 16, fluid from the container or the memory cartridge 10 are pumped out or sucked out.

The described application device and / or the valve can not only be used with irons be used advantageously, but generally in connection with steam irons. In addition, the application device, in particular the valve device if necessary in connection with the associated cartridge other devices for personal use, for example for hair application devices or Oral hygiene devices, oral irrigators (with check valve function), coffee machines or Shaving care devices are used in an advantageous manner. Especially in applications the valve device is advantageous with detachable tanks or liquid stores used. A capillary wick does not have to be connected to the valve device. The one-piece rubber valve eliminates the need for multiple seals due to the design and feathers.

As FIGS. 12 to 15 show, the application device can also be equipped with a spray device be coupled, through which the additive is applied directly via a spray nozzle 36 the laundry to be ironed can be sprayed. An additive store 37 can be a separate tank from the water tank. Preferably, a removable one Memory cartridge used as described above.

Advantageously, an additive line 38, which is connected to the additive reservoir 37 in There is a fluid connection, via a Venturi nozzle 39, to those usually present in irons Water spray device or line can be coupled (see FIG. 12). The spray device has a pump 40 with which water is sucked out of the tank section 3 and is sprayed via the spray nozzle 36. Via the Venturi nozzle 39, the additive reservoir becomes 37 Additive sucked in and sprayed together with the water. Preferably is a metering device 41 for metering the amount of additive to be sprayed intended. The metering device 41 controls the ratio of sprayed Water and sprayed additive, which is basically set between 0 and 100% can be. The metering device 41 has an additive valve 42, which in the Additive line 38 is switched. As FIG. 12 shows, the additive valve 42 is by means of an operating part 43 which is arranged on the top of the handle section 2 and from there is operable, adjustable. This can cause the ratio of sprayed water and sprayed Additive can be controlled. It is particularly advantageous here that Spray nozzle 36 is sprayed with both water and additive so that the nozzle does not can stick or dry by applying additive.

According to another embodiment (FIG. 13), the application device can also be equipped with a Suction side of the spray pump 40, and not be connected to the pressure side. Here will the additive is not drawn in and sprayed through a Venturi nozzle, but directly sucked in on the suction side of the pump. The pump 40 is expediently switchable formed so that this alternately water from the tank section 3 and the additive Aspirate from the additive reservoir 37 and spray via the spray nozzle 35 can. The pump can preferably be switched between three positions, namely a first position. in which only water is sprayed, a second in which only the additive is sprayed and a third position in which a mixture of water and additive is sprayed becomes. Here, too, spraying water through the spray nozzle 36 prevents it from sticking or drying. The pump 40 is used directly as the metering device.

According to a further embodiment (FIG. 14), one can be used for spraying the additive separate additive pump 44 may be provided, which by means of a control panel 45, which on the front top of the handle portion 2 is arranged, can be put into operation. The Discharge of the additive is metered directly by the additive pump 44. The Pressure lines of the two pumps 40 and 44 open together in the spray nozzle 36, so that both the water from the tank section 3 and the additive is sprayed from the additive storage 37.

According to a further embodiment (FIG. 15), the additive store 37 of the application device connected to the pressure line of the spray pump 40 via an adjustable valve 46 his. The valve 46 can be designed as an on / off valve, so that between the Promotion of water and the promotion of additive can be switched. Preferably the valve 46 is designed as a continuously adjustable valve, so that the quantitative ratio between water to be sprayed and additive to be sprayed can be adjusted. For this purpose, an operating part 47 is on the top of the handle section 2 provided that is connected to the valve 46.

The coupling of the application device described in connection with FIGS. 12 to 15 to the spray device of an iron can be in addition to that previously described Delivery of the additive to the steam discharge may be provided.

In the following, further variants of the valve device and their possible uses are shown described.

In one variant, the conical valve section has a thin-walled servo sealing surface Mistake. For this, e.g. a conical recess in the upper end face of the valve section be provided so that a thin-walled section is formed. In another A variant of the valve device is the channel body 17 and the conical valve section harder material than the spring-elastic shut-off element 21 and the adjoining one Sealing surface 20. It is therefore only the area of the valve device that is elastic and soft trained who due to its clamping as a seal or its resilient, elastic or setback behavior requires these material properties. The two different material properties can e.g. in the form of a one-piece valve device realize that in hard-soft plastic injection technology e.g. with materials from two different shore hardness exist. According to a further variant, the valve section not conical but disc-shaped. Another variant is not a central one Channel provided with a channel body, but there are outflow openings between the then massive channel body and the shut-off element. Then this is useful if no capillary wick should be inserted into the valve device, but the valve device in other devices the valve function or check valve function should exercise. In particular in combination with such an embodiment, a Tappets can be arranged opposite the solid channel body through which the valve device is movable in an up and delivery. According to a further variant, the elastic section of the shut-off element responsible for the axial mobility disc-shaped. Such a valve device 60 is shown in FIG. 16. The valve device closes a fluid tank and is with a screw cap on Tank attached press-tight. The shut-off element 62 has no shut-off function here, but instead serves the elastic, axial mobility of the conical valve section 18 sealingly with a counter surface on the container 63, instead of cooperating with the shut-off element. on the shut-off element 62 protruding lugs 61 are formed, the sealing or act as a support to the counter surface of an opposite part.

FIG. 17 shows an application of the valve device in which the outer surfaces 64 of the Shut-off element with complementary sealing surfaces 65 of the opposite part work together in a sealing manner. A tappet 66 pushes the valve device into the open position. The ends 66 of the shut-off element can instead of as here and in those previously described Embodiments not only engaging from the inside on the container or the storage cartridge e.g. sealed with a clamping ring 67, but with a correspondingly twisted one Training the container to be attached sealingly from the outside. A corresponding one alternative embodiment is shown in Figure 18.

Figure 19a and Figure 19b show a valve device in a tube with a clamping ring is inserted. This valve device opens automatically as soon as a fluid flow presses against the conical valve section. In the reverse flow direction of the Fluids, on the other hand, automatically locks the valve device because the fluid pressure blocks the conical valve section presses against the sealing surface on the shut-off element. The valve device thus provides a check valve that all sealing connections to the pipe, resilient Sections and opening and closing sections.

Figure 20 shows a valve device in a coffee machine, the flow of coffee to the coffee pot only releases when there is a coffee pot underneath a sliding cap 70 on the Valve device is inserted. The valve device is below the coffee filter holder 72 attached. An elevation 71 is formed on the can lid 73, with the sliding cap 70 interacts.

Figure 21 shows an application of the valve device as a leak-proof suction valve on a Baby bottle. The functioning of the valve device advantageously corresponds in a similar manner that of a natural nipple, because the simultaneous pressing and sucking on the Outflow opening of the fluid path is released and after use the valve device automatically snaps back into the closed position due to the spring elasticity. The valve device works preferably monostable for this application, whereby the stable state Is in the closed position. By appropriate modification of the valve device (e.g. heavier movable spring-elastic shut-off element) is only one predetermined in the cavity 22 Amount provided so that baby is less likely to choke. It understands that this valve device can also be used for other drinking bottles, e.g. for bicycles or in Trekking area is usable.

Of course, the valve device can also be used for all personal products, some of them have removable fluid tank, the valve device of the tank only in use in the device (e.g. water purifier, oral irrigator, iron, coffee machine, humidifier, Shaver) opened and automatically when removed to refill the tank is closed. The valve device can be used for containers from which a certain one Dosing quantity should flow, e.g. in the field of hair cosmetics, dispensers of all kinds, pharmaceutical containers, Liquid writing instruments, dosing syringes, body care, dentifrices, sunscreens, since a constant amount is always pre-metered in the cavity 22. On with The valve device can also be used advantageously in gas cylinders filled with propellant gas. The valve device can also be used for liquid-protected electrical switches of the monostable or bistable states.

Claims (26)

1. A steam iron with a steam generating device for the generation of steam and with an application device for releasing an additive to the steam, characterized in that the application device (9) includes a capillary device (26) for release of the additive to the steam.
2. The steam iron as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the capillary device (26) is arranged at a location downstream from the steam generating device (5), in particular in a steam distribution chamber (7).
3. The steam iron as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the capillary device (26) is movable into and removable from a steam flow path.
4. The steam iron as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the capillary device (26) includes a capillary wick (27).
5. The steam iron as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the capillary device (26) includes a capillary fabric and a support carrying said capillary fabric.
6. The steam iron as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the capillary device (26) includes a braiding of glass filaments.
7. The steam iron as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the application device (9) includes a valve device (12, 112; 212) interposed between the capillary device (26) and an additive storage reservoir (10).
8. The steam iron as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that the valve device (12) is constructed as a single-piece component, in particular as an integral rubber part.
9. The steam iron as claimed in claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the valve device (12; 112; 212) includes a central valve passage body (13; 113) and a shutoff element (21; 121) extending from the valve passage body in the shape of a collar, said shutoff element being adapted to be turned up into an operating position.
10. The steam iron as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that the shutoff element (21; 121) is adapted to snap back and forward between a closed position and an open position.
11. The steam iron as claimed in any one of the claims 7 to 10, characterized in that the valve device (12; 112; 212) includes a buffer reservoir (22) which is disconnected from the additive storage reservoir (10) with the valve device in a closed condition.
12. The steam iron as claimed in any one of the claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the valve passage body (13; 113) and the shutoff element (21; 121) have a respective conical sealing surface (19, 20) adapted to be brought into relative engagement.
13. The steam iron as claimed in any one of the claims 7 to 12, characterized in that the valve device (12) includes a mount (16), in particular a holding fixture, for receiving the capillary device (26).
14. The steam iron as claimed in any one of the claims 7 to 13, characterized in that the valve device (12) has a reservoir seal (23) to effect a seal on the additive storage reservoir (10).
15. The steam iron as claimed in any one of the claims 7 to 14, characterized in that the valve device (12) is constructed as the valve head of a storage cartridge (10), said valve head, by pushing it into a cartridge interior, being movable into an open position.
16. The steam iron as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the application device (9) is configured as a separate, prior assembled replacement unit.
17. The steam iron as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the application device (9) includes a storage cartridge (10) having arranged on it valve head (12) for controlling the connection between a cartridge interior and the capillary device (26).
18. The steam iron as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the application device (9) is movable into and lockable in various positions, such that the release of additive by the capillary device (26) is activatable and deactivatable.
19. The steam iron as claimed in claim 17 or 18, characterized in that the storage cartridge (10) is displaceable and lockable in position, so that the valve head (12) opens and closes.
20. The steam iron as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the application device (9) is insertable into a recess (11) accessible from the outside and terminating in a gripping area (2).
21. The steam iron as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the application device (9) is adapted to be brought into fluid communication with a spraying device (36) for spraying the objects to be treated.
22. A product for personal use with an application device (9) or a valve device (12) according to any one of the preceding claims.
23. An application device as a replacement unit for a steam iron or product for personal use according to any one of the preceding claims.
24. A valve device for a steam iron or product for personal use according to any one of the preceding claims, which is movable into an open and closed position by elastic sections (21) formed integral thereon, which includes a sealing surface (19) and includes integrally formed elastic sections securable to a fluid reservoir in sealing fashion.
25. The valve device as claimed in claim 24, characterized in that a cavity (22) holding a predetermined fluid quantity is formed between the sealing surface (19) and an efflux orifice (16).
26. The valve device as claimed in claim 24 or 25, characterized in that the valve section snaps into monostable or bistable conditions.

Images