EP1951951A1

EP1951951A1 - Cleaning device for an iron

Info

Publication number: EP1951951A1
Application number: EP06819147A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Carmelo Albandoz Ruiz De Ocenda
Original assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
Current assignee: BSH Hausgeraete GmbH
Priority date: 2005-11-14
Filing date: 2006-10-26
Publication date: 2008-08-06
Anticipated expiration: 2026-10-26
Also published as: CN101305124A; WO2007054433A1; ES2344805T3; RU2405876C2; ES2291096A1; ES2291096B1; RU2008120132A; CN101305124B; EP1951951B1; ATE466992T1; DE502006006909D1

Abstract

The invention relates to a cleaning device (1) for a steam iron (2) comprising a base plate (22) with at least two steam outlets (23a to 23g), the steam outlets leading to a steam compartment (21) of the steam iron. The cleaning device is designed as a separate system, having a first cleaning element (13c, 13d, 13e) and at least a second cleaning element for cleaning at least the steam compartment. The first cleaning element can be introduced into a first steam outlet and the second cleaning element can be introduced into a second steam outlet.

Description

Cleaning device for a steam iron

The invention relates to a device for a steam iron, wherein the steam iron has a sole with at least two steam outlet openings and the steam outlet openings open into a steam chamber of the steam iron.

German Offenlegungsschrift DE 32 04 796 A1 discloses a steam iron in which a reservoir for water to be evaporated is exchangeable for a water pump serving as a cleaning device. The storage and the water pump can be stored on the bottom plate or the sole of the steam iron and fastened to a handle of the steam iron. For cleaning, the water pump presses water through a steam chamber formed in the sole and through a steam channel formed in the sole. The water flows out of steam outlet openings which are formed in the sole and open into the steam channel or into the steam chamber. However, the cleaning of the steam iron, in particular the steam chamber, can only be carried out very inadequately. In particular, the removal of vapor residues such as lime deposits in the steam chamber and in the steam outlet openings can not be carried out satisfactorily with the known steam iron. Moreover, in the known steam iron, it is necessary to perform a laborious replacement of corresponding parts to enable the cleaning operation. The steam iron has to be disassembled, so to install a corresponding cleaning device in the steam iron to make the appropriate cleaning can. Not least of all, the wear and the mechanical stability of the steam iron is significantly impaired. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a cleaning device for a steam iron, with the cleaning can be performed with little effort and reliable.

This object is achieved by a cleaning device having the features of claim 1.

A cleaning device according to the invention for a steam iron, in particular for a steam chamber and / or steam ducts, is designed as a separate and independent system from the steam iron. An essential idea of the invention is that the cleaning device for cleaning at least the steam chamber has a first cleaning element and at least one second cleaning element. In this case, the first cleaning element can be inserted into a first steam outlet opening of the steam iron and the second cleaning element can be inserted into a second steam outlet opening of the steam iron. The steam outlet openings are formed on a soleplate of the steam iron and open into a steam chamber or a steam channel connecting the steam outlet opening to the steam chamber. Introducing the cleaning elements into the respective steam outlet openings is also understood as meaning insertion or merely mechanical coupling of the cleaning elements to the steam outlet openings. Thus, a connection should be made between a cleaning element and a steam outlet opening in such a way that the cleaning element and the steam outlet opening abut each other. By the cleaning device according to the invention, a reliable and low-cost cleaning of the steam iron, in particular the steam chamber and supply lines to the steam chamber, are made possible. The lime residues deposited in the steam chamber and the feed lines, for example also the steam outlet openings, can thus be effectively removed. In addition, it is no longer necessary to change the steam iron in its structural design, in particular to replace parts to a Cleaning process to perform. Thus, the avoidance of increased wear and a reduction in the mechanical stability of the steam iron can be taken into account.

In a preferred manner, the cleaning elements are designed in such a way that they are at least partially insertable into the steam outlet openings with an exact fit. It can thereby be achieved that the cleaning elements and the steam outlet openings produce a sealing connection. The cleaning elements can thus be positioned at least partially without play in the steam outlet openings.

The number of cleaning elements preferably corresponds to the number of steam outlet openings. It can thus be achieved that all the steam outlet openings are occupied by a cleaning element and thus liquid or dissolved deposits in the steam chamber can not undesirably flow out of the steam outlet openings during the cleaning process to be carried out and produce contaminations or damage to surrounding objects.

The cleaning process can thus be carried out cleanly and with little effort. It is no longer necessary to take extra precautions to avoid uncontrolled and undesirable cleaning fluidity.

Preferably, at least the first cleaning element is hollow and designed to introduce a cleaning liquid into the steam chamber. Furthermore, the at least second cleaning element is also advantageously hollow and designed to discharge the cleaning liquid from the steam chamber. In this way, it can be effectively ensured that the required cleaning liquid can be conveyed into the steam chamber in a targeted and controlled manner via at least one cleaning element, and the cleaning liquid and the cleaning agent in the steam chamber can be conveyed through the cleaning chamber. liquid dissolved and flushed deposits and impurities via the at least second cleaning element in a reliable and safe manner can be dissipated and transported out of the steam chamber. The flow flow of the cleaning liquid can thus be adjusted in a targeted manner and optimized with regard to an effective cleaning of the steam chamber.

Preferably, the cleaning device has at least one closure element which can be inserted into a steam outlet opening. By having both cleaning elements and closing elements in the cleaning device, in the case of a steam iron having a plurality of steam outlet openings in the sole, all these steam outlet openings can be provided with a respective cleaning element or closure element. It can thus be ensured that, on the one hand, a targeted and clean cleaning of the steam iron, in particular the steam chamber, can be ensured and, on the other hand, an undesired liquid discharge from these many steam outlet openings can be prevented. In addition, it can be made possible by these closure elements that for effective and low-effort cleaning not in each of the steam outlet and a cleaning element must be introduced, but that even a single cleaning element for insertion and a single cleaning element to carry out the cleaning liquid very good cleaning is enabled, the other steam outlet openings are blocked by the closure elements. This makes it possible for the introduction of the cleaning liquid via the intended cleaning element less Druckzeu- tion is required than if a cleaning liquid must be pumped through a plurality of cleaning elements, which lower requirements must be placed on a conveyor for introducing the cleaning liquid into the steam chamber , For example, this can provide a smaller pressure pump, thereby taking into account a reduced cost and generally a reduced space requirement. In a preferred manner, the cleaning elements and / or the closure elements are designed as mechanically stable hollow cylinders. It can also be provided that the cleaning elements and / or the closure elements are at least partially flexible. Plastic, metal, light metal, steel, etc. may be provided as possible materials for the cleaning elements and / or the closure elements. This naming is merely exemplary and can be selected in view of the liquids required to clean the steam iron. The shape of the cleaning and / or closure elements and their physical configuration can be configured depending on the situation with regard to a simple and safe insertion of the cleaning elements and / or the closure elements in the steam outlet. Among other things, this may depend on how the sole and the steam outlet openings are configured or arranged.

The cleaning elements and / or the closure elements are preferably mechanically fixed to the cleaning device. It can be provided that the cleaning elements and / or the closure elements are formed integrally with the cleaning device. In this case, a one-piece embodiment is understood as meaning both the production of the cleaning device and the cleaning elements and / or the closure elements in a single production process, for example a casting process. This is practically based on an integrated training. On the other hand, a one-piece design is also understood to mean one in which the cleaning device on the one hand and the cleaning elements and / or the closure elements on the other hand are manufactured in separate manufacturing processes and then mechanically connected to each other by a non-detachable connection, for example a welded connection, an adhesive connection or the like get connected. Likewise, however, it can also be provided that the cleaning elements and / or the closure elements are detachably connected to the cleaning device. In this regard, for example, a screw connection or a plug connection can be provided. This can ensure that the cleaning elements or the closure elements can be removed and can be cleaned separately or can be replaced individually in the event of a defect.

Preferably, the cleaning device is designed such that on an upper side of the cleaning device, a recess is formed, in which the steam iron can be adjusted or positioned for performing the cleaning process. Preferably, the shape of the recess is at least adapted to the shape of the sole of the steam iron. It can thereby be achieved that the steam iron can be stably and securely held in performing the cleaning operation and is firmly positioned.

The cleaning elements and / or the closure elements are preferably positioned in the depression, in particular positioned in a bottom region of the depression, such that the steam iron can be inserted into the depression and the cleaning elements and / or the closure elements can be automatically inserted into the corresponding steam outlet openings , A separate and individual insertion of the cleaning elements and / or closure elements is not required in this embodiment. The steam iron can thus be automatically brought by a simple insertion into the recess in a safe and optimal position to perform the cleaning process reliably. The secure and accurate introduction of the cleaning elements and / or the closure elements is also carried out automatically, whereby introduction of cleaning elements and / or closure elements into "false" steam outlet openings can be prevented in that cleaning elements and / or closure elements are introduced into steam outlet openings, which could ensure only a sub-optimal cleaning process with regard to a flow through the steam chamber and / or the steam channels through the cleaning liquid. Preferably, an actuating element for starting / stopping a cleaning process is arranged in the bottom region of the depression. It can thereby be achieved that the cleaning process is automatically started by the insertion of the Dampfbü- iron in the recess when the actuator is actuated by the insertion process of the steam iron into the recess. Accordingly, an automatic stop of the cleaning process is achieved when the steam iron is removed from the fixed positioning in the recess again. The duration of the cleaning operation can thus be adjusted individually by a user of the steam iron, since both the starting and the stopping of the cleaning process can be effected by the insertion or extraction of the steam iron from the recess.

Of course, the cleaning device is preferably also designed such that the duration of a cleaning process can be adjusted, it being possible to provide that the starting and / or stopping is indicated by an optical and / or acoustic signal. It can also be provided that the duration of the cleaning process is individually recognized by the cleaning device itself, for example, depending on a dissolved amount of deposits in the steam chamber, which flow through the cleaning element for discharging this cleaning liquid, the duration of the cleaning process individually shortened or extended. For this purpose, for example, a sensor can be provided which detects the particle number, for example of lime particles, in the effluent cleaning liquid and transmits it to a control unit of the cleaning device. If the amount is relatively high, it can be concluded that a further period of time is required for cleaning in order to be able to solve even further deposits. However, if this amount is very small, then it can be concluded that the steam chamber is already very clean and the duration of the cleaning process can be shortened. The cleaning device advantageously has a first container for receiving the cleaning liquid to be introduced into the steam chamber. Preferably, the cleaning device has a second container, which is designed to receive the cleaning liquid emerging from the steam chamber. At least one of these two containers may have a connection for filling and / or emptying. It can also be provided that at least one of these two containers can be removed from the cleaning device.

The present invention will be explained in more detail with reference to schematic drawings. Show it:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a cleaning device according to the invention;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of a cleaning device according to the invention with a steam iron.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a portion of the cleaning device according to the invention according to Fig. 1; and

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a steam iron.

In the figures, the same or functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference numerals.

In Fig. 1, a cleaning device 1 for a steam iron is shown in a perspective view. The cleaning device is designed for cleaning steam irons 2 (FIG. 4), which have a sole 22, in which sole 22 at least two vapor outlet openings 23a to 23 g are formed. are det, from which a steam outlet on an ironing material is possible. The steam outlet openings 23a to 23g open into a steam chamber 21 (Fig. 2) of the steam iron 2 or are each connected via a steam channel with the steam chamber 21 of the steam iron 2.

As can be seen in Fig. 1, the cleaning device 1 has an upper side 11, in which a recess 12 is formed. As shown in Fig. 1, this recess 12 has a bottom portion 12a and a wall portion 12b. The recess 12 is formed such that it corresponds to the shaping of at least one sole of the steam iron in at least partial areas.

In the exemplary embodiment, the cleaning device 1 has a plurality of cleaning elements and closure elements. The closure elements are identified by the reference numerals 13a, 13b, 13f and 13g. Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment, the cleaning device 1 has three cleaning elements 13b, 13c and 13d. The cleaning elements 13b, 13c and 13d are hollow cylinder-shaped. In the illustration according to FIG. 1, the cleaning element 13d is designed to introduce a cleaning liquid into the steam chamber of the steam iron. The cleaning elements 13c and 13e are formed in the embodiment for deriving the cleaning liquid and the dissolved in the cleaning liquid deposits.

In the exemplary embodiment, the cleaning device 1 has two separate containers (not shown), wherein a first container is designed to receive the cleaning liquid and is connected to the cleaning element 13d via a corresponding line system (not shown). The cleaning elements 13c and 13e are connected to the second container via a not shown line system. As can be seen, the cleaning elements 13c to 13e are formed as vertically oriented columns having a base portion with which they are positioned at the bottom portion 12a.

For introducing the cleaning liquid into the steam chamber 21 (FIG. 2) of the steam iron 2 (FIG. 2) via the cleaning element 13d, a pressure pump (not shown) may be provided. The cleaning element 13d can also be designed as a spray nozzle.

In an analogous manner it can be provided that the cleaning elements 13c and 13e are connected to suction pumps, via which suction of the cleaning liquid and the dissolved deposits and impurities can be performed faster. Thereby, the flow flow can be controlled and adjusted individually, the dissolution of stubborn deposits can be improved, and also the cleaning process can be accelerated. In addition, it can also be achieved that a backflow of the cleaning liquid in the steam chamber 21 (Fig. 2) or in supply and discharge lines can be prevented. In particular, in places where a rapid outflow of cleaning fluid is very difficult, by such injection and suction of the cleaning liquid a clean and reliable cleaning process can be taken into account.

As can furthermore be seen in FIG. 1, the cleaning elements 13c to 13e and the closure elements 13a, 13b, 13f and 13g are arranged in the front region, which is designed to be tapered. In the embodiment, both the cleaning members 13c to 13e and the shutter members 13a, 13b, 13f and 13g are detachably connected to the bottom portion 12a and formed of metal.

Furthermore, it can be seen that an actuating element 14 is formed in the bottom region 12a. When inserting the steam iron 2 (Fig. 2) in the recess 12 of this actuator 14 through the sole 22 (Fig. 4) of the Steam iron 2 pressed down and thus initiated the cleaning process. Similarly, when removing the steam iron 2, the operating member 14 is again moved upward, whereby the cleaning process is terminated.

Furthermore, the cleaning device 1 has a switch 15 with which the cleaning device (not the cleaning process) can be switched on and off.

In Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the cleaning device 1 according to the invention is shown, wherein it can be seen that a steam iron 2 is inserted into the recess 12. Furthermore, it can be seen where a steam chamber 21 of the steam iron 2 is arranged. For illustrative purposes, the steam iron 2 is shown open at the appropriate location. The cleaning members 13c to 13e shown in Fig. 1 and the shutter members 13a, 13b, 13f and 13g are formed in number so as to correspond to the number of the steam outlet holes 23a to 23g formed in the soleplate of the steam iron 2 (Fig. Thus, when inserting the steam iron 2 into the recess 12 as shown in Fig. 2, a cleaning member 13c to 13e or a shutter member 13a, 13b, 13f and 13g is inserted in each of the steam outlet openings 23a to 23g.

In Fig. 3, a portion of the cleaning device 1 shown in Fig. 1 is shown. As can be seen, the cleaning elements 13c to 13e and the closure elements 13a, 13b, 13f and 13g are each formed with a base and positioned so that they form a curve. As can be seen in Fig. 3, the closure elements 13a, 13b, 13f and 13g are closed at its top, so that no liquid in or out of those with these closure elements 13a, 13b, 13f and 13g obstructed steam outlet openings 23a to 23g (Fig. 4) can enter or exit. The cylindrical shaped closure elements 13a, 13b, 13f and 13g may also be hollow or solid in the interior.

As can also be seen, the actuating element 14 is arranged in the immediate vicinity of the cleaning elements 13c to 13e and the closure elements 13a, 13b, 13f and 13g. This has the advantage that in case of uneven insertion or lifting of the steam iron 2 from the recess 12, a cleaning process can not be started or stopped in an undesirable manner. For if the actuating element 14 were arranged, for example, on the rear side of the bottom region 12a and thus positioned exactly at the other end of the bottom region 12a than the cleaning elements 13c to 13e and the closure elements 13a, 13b, 13f and 13g, it could happen that during insertion of the Steam iron 2 in the recess 12 of the rear portion of the sole already touches the actuator 14 and thus starts a cleaning process, although arranged on the front or on the front of the steam iron 2 in the sole steam outlet openings not on the cleaning elements 13 c to 13 e and the closure elements 13a, 13b, 13f and 13g at least partially seated and thus the cleaning liquid would be ejected in an undesirable manner. The same could happen if the cleaning process is to end and the steam iron 2 is lifted out of the recess 12 in an uneven manner according to the scenario described above.

In Fig. 4 is a schematic perspective view of the Dampfbügelei- sen 2 is shown. As can be seen, the steam iron 2 has on its sole 22 seven steam outlet openings 23a to 23g, which are formed in the front region of the sole 22. The number and arrangement of the steam outlet openings 23a to 23g is merely exemplary.

Claims

claims

A steam iron cleaning apparatus (2) comprising a sole (22) having at least two steam outlet openings (23a to 23g), the steam outlet openings (23a to 23g) opening into a steam chamber (21) of the steam iron (2), characterized in that the cleaning device (1) is designed as a separate system which has at least the steam chamber (21) a first cleaning element (13c, 13d, 13e) and at least a second cleaning element (13c, 13d, 13e), wherein the first cleaning element (13c, 13d, 13e) into a first steam outlet opening (23a to 23g) and the second cleaning element (13c, 13d, 13e) in a second steam outlet opening (23a to 23g) is insertable.

2. Cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that the cleaning elements (13c, 13d, 13e) are accurately inserted into the steam outlet openings (23a to 23g) can be inserted.

3. Cleaning device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the number of cleaning elements (13c, 13d, 13e) corresponds to the number of steam outlet openings (23a to 23g).

4. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least the first cleaning element (13c, 13d, 13e) is hollow and for introducing a cleaning liquid into the steam chamber (21), and at least the second cleaning member (13c, 13d, 13e) is also hollow and adapted to discharge the cleaning liquid from the steam chamber (21).

5. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cleaning device (1) has at least one closure element (13a, 13b, 13f, 13g) which in a steam outlet (23a to 23g) can be inserted.

A cleaning device according to claim 5, characterized in that during a cleaning operation in each of the steam outlet openings (23a to 23g) either a cleaning element (13c, 13d, 13e) or a closure element (13a, 13b, 13f, 13g) is inserted.

7. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cleaning elements (13c, 13d, 13e) are designed as rigid hollow cylinder.

8. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cleaning elements (13c, 13d, 13e) are fixedly arranged on the cleaning device (1).

9. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that on an upper side (11) of the cleaning device (1) has a recess (12) is formed whose shape of the sole (22) of the steam iron (2) at least partially.

10. Cleaning device according to claim 9, characterized in that the cleaning elements (13c, 13d, 13e) are arranged in exact position in the recess (12), such that the steam iron (2) in the recess (12) can be inserted and the cleaning elements ( 13c, 13d, 13e) are automatically inserted into the corresponding steam outlet openings (23a to 23g).

11. Cleaning device according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that in the bottom region (12 a) of the recess (12) an actuating element (14) for starting / stopping a cleaning process is arranged.

12. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cleaning device (1) has a first container for receiving the steam chamber (21) to be introduced cleaning liquid, and / or a second container for receiving the steam chamber (21) emerging Having cleaning liquid.