EP3016566A1

EP3016566A1 - Steam unit and method for operating a steam unit

Info

Publication number: EP3016566A1
Application number: EP13732580.9A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Stefan Hess; Daniel Eckstein; Günther HOLZWARTH; Jürgen STEINBACH
Original assignee: Alfred Kaercher SE and Co KG
Current assignee: Alfred Kaercher SE and Co KG
Priority date: 2013-07-02
Filing date: 2013-07-02
Publication date: 2016-05-11
Anticipated expiration: 2033-07-02
Also published as: EP3016566B1; CN105407775A; CN105407775B; US20160157693A1; WO2015000504A1

Abstract

A steam unit is proposed which comprises a clarified water preparation device (30), a steam generator (38) which is fluid-actively connected to the clarified water preparation device (30), a cleaning agent preparation device (34), a mixing device (76) for clarified water and cleaning agent, which mixing device is fluid-actively connected to the clarified water preparation device (30) and the cleaning agent preparation device (34), a discharging device (68) for fluid, and a control device (60), by means of which operating modes of the steam unit can be set, wherein, in a steam mode, steam can be discharged by the discharging device (68) and, in a cleaning agent mode, a mixture of clarified water and cleaning agent can be discharged, and wherein the control device (60) comprises a flushing unit (108) which, after the end of the cleaning agent mode, operates a flushing mode in which the discharging device (68) is flushed with clarified water.

Description

Steam appliance and method of operating a steam appliance

The invention relates to a steam appliance, comprising a clear water ready position device, a steam generator, which is in fluidly effective connection with the clear water supply device, a detergent supply device, a mixing device for clear water and detergent, which in fluidly effective connection with the clear water supply device and the cleaning agent supply device stands, a discharge device for fluid, and a control device, by means of which operating modes of the steam device can be set.

The invention further relates to a method for operating a steam device, in which steam is applied in a steam mode and in a cleaning agent mode, a mixture of detergent and clear water is discharged.

From US 5,558,108 a steam cleaning process is known. From DE 34 28 720 AI a method for cleaning and / or drying of the inner walls of telescope pipes is known.

The invention has for its object to provide a steam device of the type mentioned, which has a high ease of use.

This object is achieved according to the invention in the steam appliance mentioned above in that the control device comprises a rinsing unit which operates a rinsing mode after completion of the detergent mode in which the dispenser is rinsed with clear water.

In the detergent mode, clear water with mixed-up cleaning agent is applied via the dispenser. The cleaning agent is a chemical cleaning additive, which is provided in particular in liquid form via the cleaning agent supply device. After completion of the Ausbringvorgangs is usually still a residue of detergent in the dispenser.

If subsequently an operation of the steam appliance is carried out in the steam mode, aerosol formation can take place by the steaming of the detergent residues in the dispenser. The aerosols are discharged through the dispensing device.

In the solution according to the invention, a rinsing unit is provided, by means of which a rinsing mode can be carried out. The dispensing device is rinsed with clear water and thereby detergent residues are largely discharged in the dispensing device. In a subsequent operation in the steam mode, the aerosol formation is thereby prevented or greatly minimized.

It is advantageous if the dispensing device comprises a first injection point for steam, which is in fluidly effective connection with the steam generator, a second coupling point for clear water, which is in fluidly effective connection with the clear water supply device and a third injection point for a mixture of clear water and Detergent includes, which is in fluidly effective connection with the mixing device. The steam unit can then be either in one

Steam mode, operate in a detergent mode and in a rinse mode.

It is favorable if, based on a main direction of fluid flow in the discharge device, the second injection point is arranged in front of the third injection point or the second injection point coincides with the third injection point. It can thereby effectively remove residual detergent in a rinse mode from the dispensing device. If the second point of injection with the third point of injection coincides, results in a simple structural design. For example, following a mixing device, only one common line must be provided for clear water and for the mixture of clear water and cleaning agent. This one line can then, even if only clear water is performed by this, be flushed effectively.

In principle, the clear water supply device can comprise a connection via which clear water can be introduced. It is favorable if the clear water supply device is or comprises a clear water tank. This makes it possible to realize a self-sufficient steam generator from an external water supply.

Advantageously, the detergent supply device comprises a detergent tank or is a detergent tank. In the cleaning agent tank, in particular, a liquid cleaning agent is added as a chemical cleaning additive.

The control device expediently sets a specific duration of the rinsing process in the rinsing mode. It is thereby provided for a reproducible effective flushing to remove detergent residues from the dispenser with high efficiency.

For example, the specific period of time is in the range between 10 s and 30 s and in particular in the range between 15 s and 20 s.

It is particularly advantageous if the control device adjusts or is set at this, that the steam mode is only feasible if after a detergent mode, a purge mode has been performed. It is thereby ensured that detergent residues have largely been removed from the dispensing device prior to operation in the steam mode. This effectively prevents or reduces aerosol formation. It is also advantageous if it is set via the control device or adjusts that the steam mode can only be operated without detergent application. As a result, the contact between steam and cleaning agent is largely avoided, and as a result, the aerosol formation is largely avoided or prevented.

It is favorable if the steam appliance comprises a hydrovapo mode in which steam is admixed with clear water. Such a hydrovapo mode may be advantageous for certain cleaning purposes.

In one embodiment, the dispensing device comprises at least one tube and / or a hose. About this or this can be spaced to perform a body of the steam device, a cleaning process.

In one embodiment, the steam device comprises a controllable first valve, which is connected downstream of the steam generator and which is controlled by the control device, wherein in particular the first valve is multi-stage. By means of the first valve, it is possible to set whether steam generated by the steam generator is coupled into the discharge device in order, in particular, to carry out a cleaning process with steam. Through a multi-stage design of the first valve, the amount of discharged steam can be adjusted. It is also advantageous if a controllable second valve is provided, which is arranged between the clear water supply device and the discharge device and which is controlled by the control device. Via the controllable second valve can be adjusted whether clear water is supplied to the application device or whether clear water is supplied to the mixture with detergent.

It is also advantageous if a controllable third valve is provided, which between the detergent supply device and the Dispensing device is arranged and which is controlled by the control device. It can thereby adjust the admixture of detergent to clear water, in particular to perform an operation of the steam device in the detergent mode.

In particular, the control device adjusts or is set to that, when the third valve is open, a first valve, which is connected downstream of the steam generator, is closed. This makes it possible to effectively ensure that in the detergent mode no steam is applied to the detergent dispenser in the dispenser.

In particular, the mixing device is connected downstream of the third valve and a second valve, which communicates with the clear water supply device. When the third valve is closed, clear water can be passed through the mixing device (without mixture) in order to couple it into the dispensing device. With the third valve open and the second valve open, a mixture of clear water and detergent can be generated at the mixing device. In particular, the controller adjusts that the third valve may be open only when the second valve is also open.

Advantageously, a first pump for conveying clear water and / or a mixture of clear water and cleaning agent is provided in the dispensing device, wherein the first pump is controlled by the control device. The first pump is in particular downstream of the mixing device. It can thereby effectively fluid (clear water or a mixture of clear water and detergent) deploy with the applicator. It is also advantageous if a second pump is provided for conveying clear water from the clear water supply device to the steam generator. Clear water can then be conveyed to the steam generator to provide a sufficient amount of clear water for steam production. In one embodiment, the steam device is designed as a suction device and thus designed as a steam suction device with a suction unit and a suction port. By training as a suction device can perform a suction process. In particular, dirty water can be sucked in. It can also be rinsing liquid, with the dispensing device was cleaned of detergent residues, directly suck in again. As a result, the "outside world" is minimally loaded by the operation of the steam appliance in the rinse mode.

In particular, the steam appliance then has at least one dirty water tank, which can receive sucked dirty water.

It is favorable if a suction line device is at least partially mechanically connected to the dispensing device. This results in easy handling for an operator. He only has to keep an element which comprises a part of the suction line device and the dispensing device. It is favorable if a selector switch for setting a respective

Operating mode is provided. This allows an operator to easily set the appropriate operating mode. The selector switch is in particular in effective contact with the control device. By adjusting the selector switch corresponding operating modes are specified by the control device by appropriate control of valves, pumps, etc.

It is favorable if the control device carries out this automatically after starting the flushing mode, that is, the operation of the flushing mode itself can then take place without operator access. It is advantageous if the rinse mode itself is manually started by the operator, for example by a switch which is arranged on or in the vicinity of a handle. In the rinsing mode, rinsing fluid generally exits from an orifice of the Spreading on. A manual startup allows an operator to prepare for it.

It is advantageous if the steam device is designed as a mobile device and in particular is mobile. This results in extensive application possibilities.

The invention is further based on the object to provide a method of the type mentioned, which enables effective operation.

This object is achieved according to the invention in the method mentioned above, that in a rinsing mode after a detergent mode, a discharge device for fluid is rinsed with clear water. In the method according to the invention, cleaning agent residues are effectively removed from the dispensing device after detergent mode operation in order to prevent or minimize aerosol formation when operating in the steam mode. Further advantageous embodiments of the method according to the invention have already been explained in connection with the steam appliance according to the invention.

It is particularly advantageous if, after operation in the detergent mode, the steam appliance can only be operated in the steam mode if a rinse mode is carried out before the steam mode. This minimizes the risk of aerosol formation.

In particular, the purge mode is performed automatically controlled, wherein in particular for starting the purge mode, an operator command is necessary. This results in a user-friendly operation. It is advantageous if the rinse mode is carried out for a certain period of time in order to achieve effective rinsing and thus discharge of detergent residues in the dispenser. The process according to the invention can be carried out with the steam appliance according to the invention.

The steam appliance according to the invention can be operated with the method according to the invention.

The steam device can also be designed as a suction device, comprising a suction unit and a suction line device, which is in fluid-effective connection with the suction unit. It is advantageously provided a fluid supply device, a dispensing device for fluid is provided, which is in fluidly effective connection with the fluid supply device and a guide element provided which can be coupled to the dispensing device and to the suction line and which fluid from the dispensing device in the suction line and for cleaning the suction line device passes.

In principle, there are dirt residues after a suction operation of the suction device in the suction line device. For example, these can lead to increased nucleation.

In the described solution, a discharge device for fluid (the fluid is, for example, clear water or steam or a mixture of clear water and cleaning agent) is used to flush the suction line device in order to carry out an "internal" cleaning of the suction line device. This effectively counteracts nucleation. A (detachable) guide element is provided which ensures a diversion of fluid from the discharge device into the suction line device. The suction device thereby provides itself the fluid required for cleaning. It can be carried out in an effective and constructive simple way, a cleaning of the suction line device.

In particular, the guide element is designed for connection to a dispensing opening of the dispensing device and / or to a suction mouth of the suction line device. This makes it possible in a simple manner to achieve a "short circuit" between the dispensing device and the suction line device in order to carry out a flushing cleaning of the suction line device.

The guide element is in particular a part which can be detached from the suction line device and / or the dispensing device and is arranged on the suction device or a part which can be separated or separated from the suction device. The guide element has no function in a normal operation of the suction device. It is only needed if a cleaning of the suction line device to be performed. It is possible that the guide element is arranged on the suction device and there has additional functions such as a holding function for the suction line device or for a part of the suction line device such as a suction tube.

It is advantageous if the guide element is designed as a support element, on which a suction tube of the suction line device can be placed. It can thereby be used as a holding element for fixing the suction line device to a body of the suction device. In particular, it is possible to set up the suction tube on the support element and, with appropriate correct positioning, a cleaning process can be carried out by diverting fluid from the delivery device into the suction line device. It can thereby also be realized in a simple manner, a sensor monitoring, for example, with respect to a correct positioning of the suction pipe to the guide element. Conveniently, a holder for the suction tube is provided which is arranged in particular on a body of the suction device, and by means of which the suction tube to the suction device in particular in a device coupled to the Saugleitungs- and to the dispensing device is fixable. As a result, a storage holder for the intake manifold can be realized in a simple manner. Furthermore, a cleaning process in which the suction tube is fixed to the body of the suction device can thereby be carried out in a simple manner. The holder in turn ensures a secure fixation with a fluid-tight transition of fluid from the dispensing device into the suction line device.

Conveniently, the guide element comprises at least one channel through which fluid can be flowed from the discharge device into the suction line device. It is thereby a coupling of fluid from the dispensing device in the suction line device in a simple manner possible.

It is also advantageous if the guide element comprises a sealing device for a fluid-tight connection of the dispensing device and a fluid-tight connection of the suction line device. As a result, a burden on the "environment" is minimized by a cleaning process with the extraction of fluid from the dispensing device and the coupling of the fluid into the suction line device. It is particularly advantageous if the suction line device and the discharge device are mechanically connected to each other at least in a partial region, wherein in particular the suction line device and the discharge device are mechanically connected to one another in the region of their mouths. This results in an effective operability for an operator since in particular he only has to hold one element, such as a handle element for a suction tube. By means of a mechanical connection in the region of the mouths of the suction line device of the dispensing device, positioning and in particular can be achieved in a simple manner reach common positioning on the guide element to perform a cleaning process can.

In particular, the dispensing device and the suction line device are fluid-effectively separated from one another without the guide element, that is to say they each have one or more channels for fluid which are not in fluid-effective contact. The fluid-effective contact is first produced by the guide element, which provides a type of short circuit in order to be able to introduce fluid from the dispensing device into the suction line device.

In one embodiment, the suction line device comprises at least one pipe and / or at least one hose. For example, a one-piece or multi-part suction tube is provided, which is then connected via a hose to a body of the suction device. This results in an easy operation for an operator.

It is also advantageous if the dispensing device comprises at least one tube and / or at least one tube. For example, the dispensing device comprises a hose, which is connected to a body of the suction device and which is held on a hose or a pipe of the suction line device.

In particular, the fluid supply device comprises a clear water supply device and / or cleaning agent supply device and / or supply device for a mixture of cleaning agent and clear water and / or a steam generator. The clear water supply facility provides clarified water. The detergent dispenser provides detergent. The mixture providing device provides a mixture of detergent and clear water. The steam generator provides steam. With one or more of these fluids (liquids in the case of clear water and the

Mixture of detergent and clear water or steam) can be carried out a cleaning of the suction line device. Furthermore, the Suction then on more operating modes. For example, steam can be made available for cleaning purposes via the steam generator. About the clear water supply device can be for example clear water mix steam. By providing the mixture of detergent and clear water, clear water with chemical cleaning additive can be provided.

It is then possible in principle for clear water, or a mixture of clear water and cleaning agent, or steam, to be used as cleaning fluid for the suction line device.

In one embodiment, the guide element is assigned a sensor which detects a correct positioning on the suction line device and / or the dispensing device. For example, the sensor can then issue an enable signal, wherein a cleaning process can not be carried out without a release signal.

In particular, the sensor is arranged on the guide element. This results in a production engineering and structurally simple structure.

In one embodiment, the sensor is designed as a switch, wherein a switch operation is effected by a specific positioning of the suction line device and / or the dispensing device on the guide element. For example, the sensor is designed as a microswitch. With a corresponding correct positioning, a release signal can then be issued, so that in principle the cleaning process of the suction line device can be carried out.

In particular, a control device is provided which automatically performs a cleaning process of the suction line device in a cleaning mode, wherein in particular a start of the cleaning process is triggered by an operator. The control device can then perform a cleaning process according to a specific specification In particular, even after triggering a cleaning process, a fluid delivery in the dispensing device takes place for a certain period of time and at the same time an extraction takes place in the suction line device.

Conveniently, a pump is provided, which promotes fluid in the dispensing device in the cleaning mode, and which is controlled by the control device. Fluid is then pumped from the dispensing device into the suction line device.

Conveniently, the fluid delivery takes place for a certain first period of time, wherein the corresponding control is carried out by the control device. This makes it possible to achieve effective cleaning of the suction line device, in particular to minimize the risk of nucleation.

It is also advantageous if the control device controls the suction unit, wherein in particular the suction unit is operated during the delivery of fluid in the discharge device in the cleaning mode. It is then aspirated simultaneously with the coupling of fluid in the suction line this.

Advantageously, the suction unit is operated for a certain second period of time after switching off the delivery of fluid in the delivery device. It is thereby ensured that fluid and in particular liquid in the suction line device can not flow out in the direction of the suction mouth.

In a method for operating the suction device, a dispensing device for fluid is provided, and for cleaning the suction line device, fluid from the dispensing device is coupled into the suction line device and in the suction line device is suctioned off via a suction unit of the suction device. It can thereby be cleaned in a simple and effective manner after completion of normal operation of the suction device, the suction line means with "internal means" of the suction device. This effectively minimizes the risk of nucleation in the suction line device.

In particular, a guide element is provided for coupling fluid from the dispensing device into the suction line device, which is positioned at respective mouths of the dispensing device and the suction line device. This makes it possible to couple fluid directly from the dispensing device into the suction line device.

In one embodiment, a sensor checks a correct position of the guide element with respect to the suction line device and / or the dispensing device. As a result, a cleaning process in the suction line device can be carried out in a simple manner.

It is favorable if a control device carries out a cleaning automatically, wherein in particular a start of the cleaning process is operated manually. As a result, an effective and reproducible cleaning of the suction line device can be achieved. By manually actuating the triggering process, an operator can "prepare" for the cleaning process.

In particular, the control device sets a delivery of fluid in the dispensing device to a specific first period of time and adjusts an intake of the suction line device via a suction unit. As a result, an effective flushing of the suction line device with simultaneous suction of the dirty liquid is achieved.

It is also advantageous if the control device after switching off the promotion in the dispensing device, the operation of the suction unit for a certain second period of time. It is thereby prevented that liquid from the suction line device can run back to the outside.

In particular, fluid which has passed through the suction line device is received in a dirty water tank. As a result, the burden on the outside world is minimized by the cleaning process.

The following description of preferred embodiments is used in conjunction with the drawings for further explanation of the invention.

Show it :

Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a

Steam device, which is also designed as a suction device;

Figure 2 is a schematic block diagram representation of components of the steam device according to Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a partial perspective view of the steam device according to FIG

1 without outer lining in a first view;

Figure 4 is a partial perspective view without outer lining in a second view; Figure 5 is an enlarged view of the area according to Figure 3 with

a control panel and a controller;

Figure 6 is the same view as Figure 1, wherein operating modes of the steam device are shown schematically;

FIG. 7 shows the steam appliance according to FIG. 1 as a suction device, in which a suction tube for a cleaning mode is positioned on the suction device; Figure 8 shows a variant with a guide element; and

9 shows a sectional view of a guide element with positioned suction tube and positioned dispensing device.

An exemplary embodiment of a steam device, which is shown in FIGS. 1 to 5 and denoted by 10 there, is also designed as a suction device. The steam device 10 is then a Dampfsauggerät.

The steam device 10 has a base 14, which is in particular plate-shaped. At the base 14, a wheel device 16 is arranged, via which the steam device 10 as a whole is mobile. The steam device 10 is designed as a mobile device. The base 14 holds a body of the steam device 10.

In one embodiment, the wheel assembly 16 includes a rear wheel 18 and a front wheel 20. The rear wheel 18 includes a right rear wheel 24a and a left rear wheel 24b with respect to a front side 22 of the steam engine 10. The front wheel device 20 includes a right-hand steering roller 26a and a left-side steering roller 26b. About the wheel device 16, the steam device 10 can be set up on a base.

At the base 14 components of the steam device 10 are arranged.

The steam device 10 comprises a fluid supply device 28, through which fluid can be provided.

In one embodiment, the fluid delivery device 28 includes a clear water delivery device 30. The clear water delivery device 30 is a clear water tank 32, which sits on the base 14 at or in the region of the front side 22, for example. The clear water tank 32 is arranged in particular on the base 14 so that it can be removed for refilling.

In principle, it is also possible that the clear water supply device 30 is formed, for example, by a connection to a clear water line.

The fluid supply device 28 further comprises a cleaning agent supply device 34. This is in particular designed as a detergent tank 36.

The detergent delivery device 34 provides a particularly liquid chemical cleaning additive, in particular to be able to provide a mixture of clear water (supplied by the clear water supply device 30) and cleaning agent.

The detergent tank 36 is disposed on the base 14 adjacent to the clear water tank 32. The fluid supply device 28 also has a steam generator 38, which is arranged on the base 14.

The steam generator 38 is in fluidly effective connection with the clear water tank 32. Steam is generated by the steam generator 38 from clear water.

Furthermore, a suction unit 40, which comprises a suction fan device 42, is arranged on the base 14. A suction flow for a suction operation of the steam device 10 can be generated via the suction fan device 42.

At the base 14, a recovery tank 44 is arranged. The dirty water tank 44 is in particular removably positioned. In the dirt Water tank 44 is received by the suction fan 42 sucked dirty water.

The power supply of the steam device 10 can be carried out via mains power or it can be provided a battery device. In the latter case, a receiving device for the battery device is arranged on the base 14, wherein in particular the battery device comprises one or more rechargeable batteries. The steam device 10 has on the body an outer lining 46, which defines an inner space 48, in which the corresponding components of the steam device 10 are arranged protected.

The outer panel 46 may include one or more removable elements or doors to provide access to corresponding ones

Allow components.

In one embodiment, clear water tank 32 and detergent tank 36 are positioned on base 14 in the manner of drawers. Via a guide, the clear water tank 32 and the detergent tank 36 can be pulled out and removed from the steam appliance 10. In particular, the clear water tank 32 and the detergent tank 36 are independently removable. The dirty water tank 44 is disposed on a lateral side 50 and removable in one embodiment.

The steam appliance 10 has an ironing handle 52 in one embodiment. This bow-shaped handle 52 is arranged on a rear side 54 facing away from the front side 22. Over the strap handle 52, an operator can push the steam device 10 as a whole. For example, the operator may also tilt the steam generator 10 about an axis on the rear wheel device 18, so that the steam appliance 10 only on the rear wheel 18 on a base is supported, in particular to facilitate a lighter sliding operation.

On the rear side 54 or the bow-shaped handle 52, holders 56 for accessories such as, for example, cleaning nozzles are arranged in one exemplary embodiment.

In a further exemplary embodiment, spaced-apart holders 58a, 58b for an electrical supply line are arranged at the rear end 54, to which the supply line can be wound, in particular.

The steam appliance 10 has a control device 60. By the

Control device 60 are different operating modes of the steam device 10 controllable. The steam appliance 10 has an operating panel 62. On the control panel 62, in one embodiment, a selector switch 64, which in particular is a rotary switch, is arranged, by means of which an operator can select the corresponding operating mode. Further, one or more switches 66 are disposed on the control panel 62. By way of example, one or more switches can initiate certain operating modes of the steam device 10.

The steam device 10 comprises an application device 68, via which fluid can be discharged. The dispensing device 68 (see also FIG. 2) is in fluid-effective connection with the fluid-providing device 28.

In one embodiment, the dispenser 68 includes a first injection point 70 for steam from the steam generator 38. The first injection point 70 is connected downstream of a controllable first valve 72. This first valve 72 is, for example, a solenoid valve and is controlled by the control device 60. It is formed, for example, multi-level. Via the first valve 72 can be adjusted whether steam is coupled into the discharge device 68 and what amount of steam from the steam generator 38 is coupled into the discharge device 68.

In FIG. 2, the flow of steam is symbolized by an arrow with a superscript 1.

The clear water supply device 30 is a controllable second valve 74, which is for example a solenoid valve, downstream. This second valve 74 is controlled by the control device 60. Downstream of the second valve 74 is a mixing device 76, in which clear water with cleaning agent is miscible when the mixing device 76 detergent is provided. The mixing device 76 is designed, for example, as a Y-piece.

The cleaning agent supply device 34 is followed by a controllable third valve 78, which is controlled by the control device 60. The third valve 78 is, for example, a solenoid valve.

The mixing device 76 is connected downstream of the third valve 78.

When the second valve 74 is open, clear water flows to the mixing device 76. If the third valve 78 is open, then cleaning agent flows out of the detergent tank 36 to the mixing device 76 and mixing can take place there.

For example, the third valve 78 is formed as a metering valve to adjust the mixing ratio of detergent and clear water.

If the second valve 74 is open and the third valve 78 is closed, then the mixing device 76 is supplied only clear water. When the second valve 74 is closed and the third valve 78 is closed, no flow of fluid is provided to the mixing device 76. It is particularly contemplated that the third valve 78 may not be open when the second valve 74 is closed. The control device 60 accordingly ensures that when the second valve 74 is closed, the third valve 78 can not be open. Downstream of the mixing device 76 is a first pump 80. On the inlet side, the first pump 80 is fluidically connected to the mixing device 76.

Via a second injection point 82, the dispensing device 68 is fluidly connected to the clear water supply device 30. Via a third coupling point 84, the dispensing device 68 is fluidically connected to the mixing device 76.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the second injection point 82 and the third injection point 84 coincide. These are the output side connected to the first pump 80.

From the mixing device 76, the discharge device 68 clear water can be provided. This is indicated in FIG. 2 by an arrow with a raised 3. In this case, the third valve 78 is closed.

It may be provided by the mixing device 76, a mixture of clear water and detergent. This is indicated in Figure 2 by an arrow with a superscript 4.

It is also possible for the dispensing device 68 to be provided with no fluid by the mixing device 76. Between the clear water supply device 30 with the clear water tank 32 and the steam generator 38, a second pump 86 is arranged. This second pump 86 conveys clear water from the clear water tank 32 to the steam generator 38 when the liquid level falls below a threshold there, so that sufficient clear water is ready to the steam generator 38 to generate steam.

The steam generator 10 has a steam mode in which only steam is provided by the dispenser 68. In the discharge device 68 then flows only steam, which is indicated in Figure 2 by the arrow with the superscript 1.

In this steam mode, the second valve 74 and the third valve 78 are closed. The first valve 72 is open and it is particularly adjustable, which amount of steam is provided. This adjustment takes place, in particular, on the operating panel 62, for example via the selector switch 64.

The steam generator 10 also has a hydrovapo mode, in which steam supplied by the steam generator 38 is mixed with liquid clear water. The dispenser 68 provides a two phase mixture of steam and liquid in this hydrovapo mode. This is indicated in Figure 2 by the arrow with the superscript 2.

In this hydrovapo mode, the first valve 72 and the second valve 74 are open. The third valve 78 is closed.

The coupling and thus the admixture of clear water at the discharge device 68 takes place at the second coupling point 82. There, in particular, a Y-piece is provided.

The steam device 10 also has a detergent mode in which the discharge device 68, a mixture of clear water and detergent (as a chemical additive to the clear water) can be discharged. In this detergent mode, no steam is provided; the first valve 72 is closed. The second valve 74 and the third valve 78 are open, wherein a fixed metering or an adjustable dosage of cleaning agent can take place.

At the mixing device 76, the mixture of clear water and detergent is formed. About the first pump 80, this mixture is introduced at the third Einkopplungsstelle 84 in the discharge device 68 and transported there.

The flow of this mixture of clear water and cleaning agent is indicated in Figure 2 by the arrow with raised 3. In the steam appliance 10 according to the invention, there is a rinsing mode in which clear water is introduced into the dispenser 68, as will be described in more detail below. The corresponding flow is indicated in Figure 2 by the arrow 4 with superscript. In this purge mode, the first valve 72 is closed and the third valve 78 is closed. The second valve 74 is open so that clear water from the clear water tank 32 passes through the mixing device 76 (where no mixing takes place there) conveyed by the first pump 80 into the discharge device 68 and then flows therein. The valves 72, 74, 78 are arranged on the base 14.

The steam device 10 includes a suction conduit means 88 which is in fluid communication with the suction fan means 42 to permit suction and, in particular, liquid suction.

In one embodiment, the suction line device 88 comprises a suction tube 90, which may be formed in one piece or in several parts. On the suction tube 90 sits a handle member 92 for holding by an operator. The Suction tube 90 is particularly rigid and accordingly, the handle member 92 is formed.

On the grip element 92, a switching device 94 can sit with one or more switches, via which certain settings for the operation of the steam device 10 can be carried out. Accordingly, the switching device 94 is signal-effectively coupled to the control device 60.

On the grip element 92, a hose 96 is arranged, of which only partial areas are shown in FIG. The hose 96 is particularly flexible and connected via a connection 98 which is seated on a housing 14 disposed on the base, fixed or releasably connected.

The suction line device 88 has a suction mouth 100 on the tube 90. To the suction pipe 90, a nozzle 102 or the like can be connected in the region of the suction orifice 100.

The dispensing device 68 comprises a hose 104. This hose 104 is mechanically at least partially connected to the suction line device 88.

In one embodiment, the hose 104 is guided on and connected to the hose 96 (suction hose). The hose 104 of the dispenser 68 is further guided on or in the handle member 92 and disposed on the suction tube 90.

The dispensing device 68 has a dispensing orifice 106, which is arranged at or in the vicinity of the suction orifice 100.

In particular, the Ausbringmündung 106 and the suction port 100 are in a mechanically fixed relation to each other. A tool, which is connectable to the suction pipe 90, is in particular designed so that a suction operation and a discharge operation is possible.

Up to a certain range, the suction line device 88 and the discharge device 68 also extend into the interior 48 of the steam device 10.

After operation of the steam device 10 in a detergent mode are in principle in the dispenser 68 residues of chemical cleaning agent. In a subsequent steam operation aerosols can thereby arise, which are discharged via the Ausbringmündung 106. Aerosol formation is undesirable. To prevent the formation of aerosols, the purge mode is provided. When flushing mode, as shown in Figure 6, the discharge device 68 flows through with clear water. As a result, detergent residues are rinsed out in the dispensing device 68. In a subsequent operation in the steam mode then such detergent residues are discharged for the most part and there can be no more aerosol formation or the aerosol formation is minimized.

To carry out the rinsing mode, the control device 60 comprises a rinsing unit 108, which controls the execution of the rinsing mode. It is thereby provided that the steam device 10 can only be operated in the steam mode if, after operation in the detergent mode, a rinse has been carried out in the rinse mode.

For this purpose, for example, the rinsing unit 108 has a corresponding memory, which sets a specific memory value when an operation was carried out in the detergent mode. For example, if an operator wishes to operate in a vapor mode, the controller 60 will allow such operation only if the particular memory value is not set. For this purpose, the control device 60 in particular queries the rinsing unit 108.

When the operation is set to purge mode on the operation panel 62, the controller 60 closes the first valve 72 and the third valve 78, respectively, and checks whether the first valve 72 and the third valve 78 are already closed. There then takes place a clear water rinse for a certain period of time, which is for example between 10 s and 30 s and in particular between 15 s and 20 s.

In order to initiate such a rinsing process, in particular the operator must deliver a trigger signal. This is provided by switch operation on the switching device 94, for example.

It is then applied liquid. This liquid can be sucked in via the suction line device 88 and taken up in the dirty water tank 44. An operator may manually turn on a suction process, or the controller 60 controls the suction unit 40 to effect a suction operation.

The steam device 10 also has a suction mode in which the

Suction unit 40 generates a suction flow through which suction material via the suction line device 88 can be sucked. In particular, dirty water is sucked in. The suction operation can be carried out in a single pass or in combination with an operating mode in which fluid (liquid and / or vapor) is discharged. Basically, after completion of the suction operation, an interior of the suction line device 88 is contaminated and, for example, increased nucleation can take place there. In principle, the suction line device 88 and the discharge device 68 are fluidically separated.

For cleaning the suction line device 88, a guide element 110 is provided according to the invention, by means of which the discharge device 68 in the region of the discharge orifice 106 and the suction line device 88 in the region of the suction orifice 100 can be fluidly connected to one another, so that fluid from the discharge device 68 into the suction line device 88 their rinsing and cleaning can be coupled. The flushing fluid can be taken up by the dirty water tank 44.

The cleaning fluid for the suction conduit means 88 is provided by the fluid delivery means 28. In this case, it is fundamentally possible for clarified water, in particular from the clear water tank 32, to be used as the cleaning fluid, for the steam to be used by the steam generator 38, or for a mixture of clear water with cleaning agent to be used.

In a structurally favorable embodiment, clear water is used as cleaning fluid.

In one embodiment, the baffle 110 is disposed on the base 14. At a height distance from the guide element 110 sits a holder 112 for the suction pipe 90 (with the arranged thereon part of the application device 68). The guide element 110 is designed such that the suction tube with the part of the dispensing device 68 arranged thereon can be set up on an upper side 114 (compare, for example, FIG. 6). It is the suction tube 90 with the suction port 100 and the Ausbringmündung 106 erectable. The nozzle 102 is removed. About the holder 112, this object can be fixed relative to the base 14 (see Figure 7).

The guide element 110 comprises, as indicated in Figures 8 and 9, a first receptacle 116 for the suction pipe and a second receptacle 118 for the discharge device 68 in the region of Ausbringmündung 106. The first The receptacle 116 and the second receptacle 118 are connected to one another via a channel 120. The channel 120 provides a type of fluid short circuit between the dispenser 68 and the suction conduit means 88.

In this case, the guide element 110 has a sealing device 122, which ensures a fluid-tight connection of the suction tube to the first receptacle 116 and a fluid-tight connection of the dispensing device 68 to the second receptacle 118.

In the embodiment described above, the guide member 110 is fixedly fixed to the base 14 with respect to this.

A cleaning mode for the suction line device 88 can then be carried out when the suction pipe 90 is fixed relative to the base 14 via the holder 112 and the guide element 110.

In principle, it is also possible, as indicated in FIG. 8, for the guide element 110 to be a separate element from the base 14 or to be detachable from the base 14, which can be connected to the suction line device 88 and the discharge device 68, in order to also provide a cleaning mode to perform when the suction tube 90 is not fixed relative to the base 14. In particular, when the baffle 110 is fixed relative to the base 14 and disposed thereon, a sensor 124 is provided which detects whether the suction tube 90 with the corresponding part of the dispenser 68 is correctly positioned on the baffle 110 for fluid injection the dispensing device 68 in the suction line device 88 to allow. The sensor 114 is designed, for example, as a (micro) switch which, when correctly positioned, supplies a signal and, in particular, a switching signal to the control device 60. This switching signal is in particular an enable signal for a flushing process. The controller 60 controls execution of the cleaning mode.

For example, the cleaning mode is manually initiated, such as by appropriate operation on the control panel on the handle member 92. If a sensor 124 is provided, then in particular a performance is only possible if a corresponding release signal is present. In particular, the cleaning process in the cleaning mode is controlled by the control device 60 so that for a certain first period of time fluid (in particular clear water) from the discharge device 68 is coupled into the suction line device 88 by means of the guide element 110. This time period is, for example, in the range between 10 s and 30 s and, for example, about 20 s.

The control device 60 then also controls the suction unit 40, so that the liquid is sucked in and the waste water tank 44 is supplied.

During the determined first time period, the control device 60 in particular activates the first pump 80 in order to convey fluid and in particular clear water in the dispensing device 68. After expiration of the determined first time period, the first pump 80 is turned off.

In one embodiment, the control device ensures by appropriate control of the suction unit 40 that a suction operation for a certain second period of time is maintained. This particular second period of time is, for example, in the range between 10 s and 25 s and, for example, approximately 15 s. It is achieved as complete as possible suction of fluid from the suction line 88. After performing the cleaning mode, the suction line device 88 is cleaned at its interior and, for example, the risk of nucleation is minimized.

The cleaning mode can also be performed on the device 10, if this has no steam generating function and this particular is a suction device.

Reference numeral Steam appliance

Dampfsauggerät

Base

wheel means

rear facility

Vorderradeinrichutng

front

a right rear wheel

b left rear wheel

a right castor

b left castor

Fluid delivery device

Clear water supply device Clear water tank

Detergent Supply Device Detergent tank

steam generator

suction unit

Sauggebläseeinrichtung

Recovery tank

Siding

inner space

transverse side

bow handle

back

holder

a holder

b holder

control device

Control panel

selector switch

Dispensing device first injection point first valve

second valve

Mixing device third valve

first pump

second injection point third injection point second pump

Suction line device intake manifold

handle element

switching device

tube

connection

suction mouth

jet

tube

Ausbringmündung flushing unit

vane

bracket

top

first shot second shot

channel

Sealing device sensor

Claims

claims

A steam appliance comprising a clear water supply device (30), a steam generator (38) in fluid communication with the clear water supply device (30), a detergent supply device (34), a clear water mixing device and detergent fluidically effective in communication with the clear water supply means (30) and the detergent providing means (34), fluid discharge means (68), and control means (60) through which operating modes of the steam appliance are adjustable, in a steam mode with the dispensing device (68) is steam ausbringbar and in a detergent mode, a mixture of clear water and detergent is ausbringbar, and wherein the control device (60) comprises a rinsing unit (108) which operates after completion of the detergent mode, a rinse mode at the dispensing device (68) with clear water is rinsed.

2. Steam appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that the

Dispensing means (68) comprises a first steam injection point (70) in fluid communication with the steam generator (38), a second clear water injection point (82) in fluid communication with the clear water supply means (30), and a third mixing point (84) for a mixture of clear water and cleaning agent, which is in fluid communication with the mixing device (76).

3. steam appliance according to claim 2, characterized in that relative to a main direction of fluid flow in the discharge device (68), the second coupling point (82) in front of the third coupling point (84) is arranged or the second coupling point (82) with the third coupling point (84). coincides.

4. Steam appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the clear water supply device (38) is or includes a clear water tank (32).

5. Steam appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized

characterized in that the cleaning agent supply device (34) is or comprises a detergent tank (36).

6. Steam appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized

in that the control device (60) sets a specific duration of the rinsing process in the rinsing mode.

7. Steam appliance according to claim 6, characterized in that the

certain period of time is in the range between 10 s and 30 s.

8. Steam appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized

in that the control device (60) adjusts or is set such that the steam mode can only be carried out if a purge mode has been carried out after a detergent mode.

9. Steam appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized

characterized in that the steam mode is operable only without detergent application.

10. Steam appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a Hydrovapo mode, in which steam clear water is immiscible.

11. Steam appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized

in that the dispensing device (68) is or comprises at least one tube and / or at least one tube (104).

12. Steam appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a controllable first valve (72), which is connected downstream of the steam generator (38) and which is controlled by the control device (60), wherein in particular the first valve (72) is multi-stage.

13. Steam appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a controllable second valve (74) which is arranged between the clear water supply device (30) and the discharge device (68) and which is controlled by the control device (60).

14. Steam appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a controllable third valve (78) which is arranged between the cleaning agent supply device (30) and the discharge device (68) and which is controlled by the control device (60).

15. Steam appliance according to claim 14, characterized in that the

Control device (60) adjusts that, when the third valve (78) is open, a first valve (72), which is connected downstream of the steam generator (38), is closed.

16. Steam appliance according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that the mixing device (76) is connected downstream of the third valve (78) and a second valve (74), which communicates with the clear water supply device (30).

17. Steam appliance according to any preceding claim, characterized by a first pump (80) for conveying clear water and / or a mixture of clear water and detergent in the discharge device (68), wherein the first pump (80) controlled by the control device (60) is.

18. Steam appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a second pump (86) for conveying clear water from the clear water supply device (30) to the steam generator (38).

19. Steam appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a design as a suction device with a suction unit (40) and a suction port (98).

20. Steam appliance according to claim 19, characterized by at least one waste water tank (44).

21. Steam appliance according to claim 19 or 20, characterized in that a suction line device (88) is at least partially mechanically connected to the dispensing device (68).

22. Steam appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a selector switch (64) for setting a respective operating mode.

23. Steam appliance according to claim 22, characterized by a start switch for starting the rinsing mode.

24. Steam appliance according to claim 23, characterized in that the

Control device (60) automatically performs this after starting the purge mode.

25 steam appliance, characterized by a training as a mobile device, which is particularly mobile.

26. A method for operating a steam device, wherein steam is applied in a steam mode and in a detergent mode, a mixture of detergent and clear water is discharged, wherein rinsed in a rinse mode after a detergent mode, a dispenser (60) for fluid with clear water becomes.

27. A method of operating a steam device according to claim 26, characterized in that after operation in the detergent mode, the steam device is operable only in the steam mode, when a rinse mode is performed before the steam mode.

28. A method for operating a steam device according to claim 26 or 27, characterized in that the rinse mode is automatically controlled by a control device (60) is performed, in particular, an operator command is necessary to start the rinse mode.

29. A method for operating a steam appliance according to one of claims 26 to 28, characterized in that the rinse mode is carried out for a certain period of time.