EP3160660B1 - Hand-held steam device - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a hand-held steam device, comprising a housing and a pressure storage device with a steam valve, which is arranged in an interior of the housing, the housing comprising a housing shell device with a first housing shell and a second housing shell, the first housing shell and the second housing shell together are connected.

Hand steam devices are used, for example, for cleaning purposes using steam or in connection with ironing applications.

From the DE 103 10 251 B3 is a steam cleaning device with a housing that surrounds a steam generator with an electrically heatable steam boiler for generating steam that can be applied to a surface to be cleaned, the housing having two housing half-shells that can be assembled. The housing accommodates a protective hood that extends between the two housing half-shells and covers the steam boiler.

Steam devices, for example, are from the EP 0 875 194 A1 , the DE 200 01 650 U1 , the US 6,314,972 B1 , the DE 201 11 327 U1 , the US 6,382,142 , the DE 202 01 959 U1 , the DE 202 02 643 U1 , the DE 203 00 618 U1 , the DE 103 51 878 B3 , the EP 1 527 827 A2 , the DE 20 2006 009 634 U1 , the EP 0 269 369 A2 , the US 6,615,515 B1 , the US 2008/0022480 A1 , the EP 7 254 116 A2 , the DE 20 2009 006 788 U1 , the EP 2 275 282 A1 , the WO 2011/127976 A1 , the CN 201524670 U , the CN 102049393 A , the CN 201711302 U , the CN 201823723 U , the CN 2019669703 U , the JP 2000-202382 A , the CN 2629854 Y or the CN 2768907 Y known.

In particular, the document discloses DE 202 02 643 U1 a hand-held steam device, comprising a housing and a pressure storage device with a steam valve, which is arranged in an interior of the housing, the housing comprising a housing shell device with a first housing shell and a second housing shell, the first housing shell and the second housing shell being connected to one another, the housing shell device has an opening to the interior, a housing insert is arranged at the opening, which closes the opening, and at least the following elements are arranged on the housing insert: a steam release actuating element, a movable lever element which can act on the steam valve to actuate it is, a first assembly comprising the steam dispensing actuator and the lever member, and a second assembly comprising the pressure accumulator device.

The invention is based on the object of providing a hand-held steam device which can be produced in a simple manner with a simple structure.

This task is achieved by a hand steam device according to claim 1.

In the solution according to the invention, the housing insert, which closes the opening, is used to hold actuating elements of the hand-held steam device. According to the invention, the steam release actuator, the movable lever element and the child safety actuator are positioned on the housing insert. This allows the number of components to be kept low.

This makes it possible to use the housing shell device only as a cladding.

This makes the production of the hand steam device easier. Only a small number of components or assemblies need to be connected to one another.

In particular, the steam release actuating element acts on the lever element. The lever element can in turn be used to act on the steam valve to open or close it. The lever element forms a translation between the steam release actuating element and the steam valve. It is advantageous if the child safety actuating element acts on the lever element, with an actuation of the steam valve being blocked by the lever element in a blocking position of the child safety actuating element and an actuation of the steam valve by the lever element in a release position Lever element is released. This means that the lever element, which, for example, transmits a pressure force on the pressure release actuating element to the steam valve, can also be used for a child safety lock. This allows the number of components to be minimized.

It is advantageous if a guide for movement of the lever element is arranged on the housing insert. This makes it possible to achieve optimized functionality while minimizing the number of components.

Advantageously, the lever element is pivotally mounted on the housing insert at least in a partial area and is arranged in particular in the interior. Pivoting can be achieved via the pressure release actuating element, which in turn allows the steam valve to be actuated.

Conveniently, the lever element has an effective range for the steam dispensing actuating element, with the lever element acting on the steam valve and opening it when the steam dispensing actuating element is pressed on the effective range. This allows optimized operation to be achieved with a minimized number of components and a simple structure of the hand-held steam device.

It is particularly advantageous if the steam valve is closed when the lever element does not act on the steam valve with sufficient force.

It is advantageous if a reset device is provided which resets the lever element when the steam release actuating element is not actuated. This results in a safe and optimized way of operating the hand steam device.

The reset device acts in particular on the steam valve and/or it acts on the lever element in order to effect a reset.

In one embodiment, the restoring device comprises a spring device. The spring device ensures a corresponding elastic restoring force.

In one embodiment, the spring device on the lever element is formed by its own elasticity.

It is particularly advantageous if at least one spring is arranged between an effective area of the lever element and an effective area of the steam valve. This at least one spring has sufficient rigidity. It ensures the power transmission between the effective area of the lever element and the effective area of the steam valve. (In one direction, the force transmission ensures that the steam valve is opened; if the reset device of the steam valve also causes the lever element to be reset, then the spring also ensures the force transmission in the opposite direction.) At least one spring has a variable height due to the spring design. Tolerances in housing production can be compensated for using at least one spring. Safe operation of the steam valve is achieved, even if such manufacturing tolerances exist.

Conveniently, the first housing shell and/or the second housing shell have a (partial) opening which forms or forms the opening of the housing shell device. The first housing shell and/or the second housing shell have corresponding recesses for this purpose.

It is particularly advantageous if the pressure storage device is held on the housing insert. This results in a simple structure of the hand-held steam device with simplified manufacturability. For example, the pressure accumulator device does not have to be fixed in the housing shell device by screws or the like. A contact with corresponding contact elements is sufficient for a fixation, this positive fixation then being achieved by holding the pressure accumulator device on the Housing insert is secured. The housing insert therefore has, in addition to the closing function of the opening, the function of holding the functional elements, namely the actuating elements and the pressure storage device.

It is particularly advantageous if at least one contact element for the pressure storage device is arranged on the first housing shell and/or the second housing shell. The contact element(s) prevent the pressure accumulator device from slipping in the housing shell device via their locking effect. By fixing the pressure accumulator device (as a whole) on the housing insert, further mobility is then blocked and it is fixed in the housing.

In one exemplary embodiment, the pressure accumulator device has a connector which is held on the housing insert. This results in a simple fixation of the pressure accumulator device on the housing insert.

In particular, a seal is arranged between the connector and the housing insert in order to prevent fluid from penetrating into the housing at the housing insert.

In particular, a detachable cover is arranged on the connector and is accessible from the outside via the housing insert. The nozzle has an opening which is a maintenance opening. The closure with a detachable cover, which is in particular a safety closure, allows maintenance access to the pressure storage device from outside the housing. Furthermore, for example, a storage container of the pressure storage device can be filled with liquid via this opening in the nozzle.

In one embodiment, the first housing shell and the second housing shell are assigned a connection level on which the first Housing shell and the second housing shell are connected to each other. This results in a simple structure.

It is advantageous if the opening of the housing shell device, on which the housing insert sits, is located on the connection level. This results in a simple structure that is easy to manufacture.

In one embodiment, an insertion direction of the housing insert onto the housing shell device is oriented transversely and in particular perpendicular to a connection direction between the first housing shell and the second housing shell. This results in a simple structure and the number of components is minimized.

In particular, the housing consists (exclusively) of the first housing shell, the second housing shell and the housing insert.

In one exemplary embodiment, it is provided that the opening of the housing shell device is dimensioned such that the pressure storage device can be brought into the interior through this opening. This results in easy manufacturability.

The housing insert is advantageously fixed to the housing shell device. The fixation is carried out, for example, by positive locking elements such as screws and/or bolts or additionally or alternatively, for example, by an adhesive connection.

A first assembly is provided which comprises the steam release actuator, the child safety actuator and the lever element, and a second assembly is provided which comprises the pressure accumulator device, the first assembly and the second assembly being arranged on the housing insert and/or are held. This allows the total number of Minimize components and the hand steam device according to the invention can be manufactured in a simple manner.

In one embodiment, the housing insert has an angled or curved shape. This makes it possible, for example, to arrange actuating elements in the vicinity of a handle, so that when holding the handle, actuation is possible, for example using a thumb. For example, a detachable cover can be arranged on the housing insert at a distance from such actuating elements (the detachable cover is in particular not connected to the housing insert, but to the pressure accumulator device).

In one embodiment, the pressure storage device is held on a first region of the housing insert and the steam release actuating element and/or the child safety actuating element are arranged on a second region, which is angled or curved with respect to the first region. This results in an ergonomically optimized structure.

Figur 1

eine perspektivische Darstellung eines Ausführungsbeispiels eines Hand-Dampfgeräts;

Figur 2

das Hand-Dampfgerät gemäß Figur 1 mit einem geöffneten Gehäuse (wobei eine Gehäuseschale abgenommen ist);

Figur 3

eine Schnittansicht des Hand-Dampfgeräts gemäß Figur 1;

Figur 4

eine Draufsicht auf einen Gehäuseeinsatz in der Richtung A gemäß Figur 1;

Figur 5

eine perspektivische Darstellung des Gehäuseeinsatzes gemäß Figur 4;

Figur 6

eine andere perspektivische Darstellung des Gehäuseeinsatzes gemäß Figur 4;

Figur 7

eine Seitenansicht des Gehäuseeinsatzes gemäß Figur 4;

Figur 8

eine Schnittansicht des Gehäuseeinsatzes gemäß Figur 4;

Figur 9

eine perspektivische Darstellung einer Druckspeichereinrichtung des Hand-Dampfgeräts gemäß Figur 1;

Figur 10

eine Seitenansicht der Druckspeichereinrichtung gemäß Figur 9 in der Richtung B;

Figur 11

eine Schnittansicht der Druckspeichereinrichtung gemäß Figur 9;

Figur 12

eine weitere Schnittansicht der Druckspeichereinrichtung gemäß Figur 9;

Figur 13

eine vergrößerte Darstellung eines Ausschnitts von Figur 12;

Figur 14

eine Ansicht auf die Druckspeichereinrichtung in der Richtung C gemäß Figur 11 bei abgenommenem Heizungsbereich der Druckspeichereinrichtung; und

Figur 15

eine perspektivische Ansicht der Druckspeichereinrichtung bei abgenommenem Heizbereich.

The following description of preferred embodiments serves to explain the invention in more detail in conjunction with the drawings. Show it:

Figure 1

a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a hand-held steam device;

Figure 2

the hand steam device according to Figure 1 with an opened case (with a case shell removed);

Figure 3

a sectional view of the hand steam device according to Figure 1 ;

Figure 4

a top view of a housing insert in the direction A according to Figure 1 ;

Figure 5

a perspective view of the housing insert according to Figure 4 ;

Figure 6

another perspective view of the housing insert according to Figure 4 ;

Figure 7

a side view of the housing insert according to Figure 4 ;

Figure 8

a sectional view of the housing insert according to Figure 4 ;

Figure 9

a perspective view of a pressure storage device of the hand steam device according to Figure 1 ;

Figure 10

a side view of the pressure storage device according to Figure 9 in the direction B;

Figure 11

a sectional view of the pressure storage device according to Figure 9 ;

Figure 12

a further sectional view of the pressure storage device according to Figure 9 ;

Figure 13

an enlarged view of a section of Figure 12 ;

Figure 14

a view of the pressure storage device in the direction C according to Figure 11 with the heating area of the pressure storage device removed; and

Figure 15

a perspective view of the pressure storage device with the heating area removed.

A hand steam device shown in the drawings and in Figure 1 is designated as a whole by 10, comprises a housing 12. The housing 12 comprises a housing shell device 14 with a first housing shell 16 and a second housing shell 18. The first housing shell 16 and the second housing shell 18 are at a connection level 20 ( Figure 1 ) connected with each other. In particular, the first housing shell 16 and the second housing shell 18 are screwed together. A seal can be provided at the connection area between the first housing shell 16 and the second housing shell 18.

The second housing shell 18 is placed on the first housing shell 16 in a connecting direction 22. An interior 24 is formed in the housing 12. The first housing shell 16 and the second housing shell 18 are trough-shaped.

The hand-held steam device 10 has a handle and in particular a bow handle 26. This bow handle 26 comprises a bow 28, which is formed in a first partial area 30a on the first housing shell 16 and in a second partial area 30b on the second housing shell 18.

An opening 34 is formed between the bracket 28 and a wall 32 on the housing shell device 14. An operator can grasp the hand-held steam device 10 on the bracket 28, in particular with one hand, in which case the operator's fingers can penetrate through the opening 34.

Opposite the bow handle 26, the housing shell device 14 has an opening 36. A steam nozzle 38 or an adapter can be detachably positioned at this opening 36.

At the in Figure 1 In the exemplary embodiment shown, a steam nozzle 38 is positioned at the opening 36 on the housing shell device 14. This steam nozzle 38 has a holding body 40 on which the actual nozzle 42 sits. The holding body 40 is cylindrical. It is partially immersed in the housing shell device 14 at the opening 36.

One and in particular several contact elements 44 are arranged on an outside of the holding body 40. A contact element 44 limits the immersion of the holding body 40 into the housing shell device 14. The housing shell device 14 has a ring element 46 at the opening 36. When the steam nozzle 38 is correctly positioned on the housing shell device 14, the contact element 44 is placed against the ring element 46 and further immersion into the housing shell device 14 is blocked.

In this corresponding contact position, the steam nozzle 38 can be releasably locked with the housing shell device 14 via a locking device 48.

The housing shell device 14 has an opening 50. This opening 50 is positioned between the opening 36 for the steam nozzle 38 or an adapter and the bow handle 26.

The housing shell device 14 of the housing 12 has a bottom 52. This underside 52 is designed so that the hand-held steam device 10 can be placed on a surface. The underside 52 accordingly has a plane as an envelope. The hand-held steamer 10 as a whole is designed in such a way that when the hand-held steamer 10 stands with the underside 52 on a surface that is horizontal with respect to the direction of gravity, the hand-held steamer 10 does not tip over.

The opening 50 on the housing shell device 14 lies in the area of the connection level 22. For this purpose, in the area of the connection level 20, the first housing shell 16 has a first partial opening 54a, and the second housing shell 18 has a second partial opening 54b. The first partial opening 54a and the second partial opening 54b together form the opening 50. The first partial opening 54a and the second partial opening 54b are formed by respective recesses 56 on walls 58 of the first housing shell 16 and the second housing shell 18, respectively.

The housing 12 is closed by a housing insert 58 which is positioned at the opening 50. An insertion direction 60 of the housing insert 58 onto the housing shell device 14 is in particular parallel to a height direction of the housing 12 between the underside 52 and the opening 50. The insertion direction 60 is transverse and preferably at least approximately perpendicular to the connection direction 22 between the first housing shell 16 and the second housing shell 18.

The housing shell device 14 is closed in a fluid-tight manner at the opening 50 by the housing insert 58. For this purpose, the housing insert 58 is correspondingly connected to the housing shell device 14, for example by screwing, gluing or the like.

The opening 50 and thus also the housing insert 58 extend from an area which lies at a latch 62 of the locking device 48 into the bow handle 26.

The housing 12 consists in particular of the housing shell device 14 with the first housing shell 16 and the second housing shell 18, as well as the housing insert 58. Further housing parts are then not provided.

Controls and functional elements of the hand-held steam device 10 are arranged on the housing insert 58.

The housing insert 58 ( Figures 4 to 8 ) has a first area 64. This first area 64 serves to close the opening 50 in a partial area which is closest to the opening 36 or the latch 62. The first area 64 includes a connector 66. This connector 66 points into the interior 24 of the housing 12. A corresponding connector 68 of a pressure storage device 70 (steam boiler device 70) is fixed to the connector 66. The housing insert 58 holds the housing insert 58 over the first area 64 Pressure storage device 70. The pressure storage device 70 is positioned in the interior 24 of the housing.

A seal 72 is arranged between the connector 66 of the first region 64 of the housing insert 58 and the connector 68 of the pressure accumulator device 70. This serves to seal the housing 12 in a fluid-tight manner.

For example, the connector 66 of the housing insert 58 has a bead area 74 which has a web 76 on which the seal 72 is held.

In the interior 24 of the housing 12, contact elements 78 for the pressure storage device 70 are arranged on the first housing shell 16 and/or the second housing shell 18. The pressure storage device 70 can be inserted between the contact elements 78. This creates a positive connection, which blocks mobility of the pressure storage device 70 in the interior 24 and thus fixes the pressure storage device 70 in the housing 12.

Mobility in the opposite direction to the insertion direction 60 is blocked by the housing insert 58 in that the pressure accumulator device 70 is held on the housing insert 58. If the housing insert 58 sits on the housing shell device 14, then any mobility of the pressure storage device 70 in the interior 24 is blocked. The pressure storage device 70 does not have to be screwed to the housing 12.

During production, for example, the housing shell device 14 is produced by connecting the first housing shell 16 to the second housing shell 18. The pressure storage device 70 can be brought through the opening 50 into the interior 24 of the housing shell device 14. It is applied to the investment elements 78. By fixing the pressure storage device 70 via the connector 68 on the housing insert 58 the position of the pressure storage device 70 in the housing 12 is finally fixed.

In principle, it is also possible that, for example, when the housing shell device 14 is open, the pressure storage device 70 is positioned on the corresponding first housing shell 16 or the second housing shell 18, then the housing shell device 14 is closed by connecting the first housing shell 16 to the second housing shell 18 and then again Opening 50 is closed by the housing insert 58, with the connector 68 being fixed to the housing insert 58.

The pressure storage device 70 has an opening 80 on the connector 68. This opening 80 is a maintenance opening for the pressure accumulator device 70. A cover 82 sits at the opening 80. The cover 82 closes the pressure accumulator device 70. It is removable. It is designed in particular as a safety lock. The cover 82 is accessible from outside the housing 12 and can be removed or inserted. Correspondingly, the first region 64 of the housing insert 58 has an opening 84 assigned to the opening 80. This opening 84 in particular has a larger diameter than the opening 80 on the connector 68. The cover 82 can be placed on the connector 68 of the pressure storage device 70 through the opening 84.

In an advantageous embodiment, the housing insert 58 is designed with its opening 84 in such a way that only access to the pressure storage device 70 is possible, without the housing insert 58 having a fixing function for the cover 82. The “connection” of the housing insert 58 to the pressure accumulator device 70 takes place by holding the connector 68 through the connector 66 of the housing insert 58.

In one embodiment, the housing insert 58 is trough-shaped in the first region 64. A raised edge 86 is provided, which surrounds a recess 88. This is in the recess 88 Opening 84 formed. The connector 66 is located on the back of the recess 88.

The lid 82 is at least partially positioned in the recess 88.

A second area 90 is arranged on the first area 64 of the housing insert 58. This second area 90 is in particular angled or bent towards the first area 64 ( Figures 5 to 8 ).

The second area 90 is arranged on or in the area of the bow handle 26 when the housing insert 58 is fixed to the housing 12. The second area 90 carries operating elements of the hand-held steam device 10.

A steam release actuator 92 is arranged on the second area 90. The steam release actuating element 92 is designed in particular as a pressure switch. An operator can then release the steam release by pressing on the steam release actuating element 92.

The steam dispensing actuating element 92 is arranged in particular in relation to the bow handle 26 so that when an operator holds the hand-held steam device on the bow handle 26 with his hand, he can act on the steam dispensing actuating element 92 with his thumb.

A child safety actuation element 94 is also arranged on the second area 90. The child safety actuator 94 is designed, for example, as a slide switch or as a rocker switch. The child safety actuator 94 has a locking position 96 and a release position 98. In the blocking position 96, steam release is blocked in that the steam release actuating element 92 cannot act on a steam valve 100 to open it. In the release position 98, the steam release actuating element 92 can then act to open the steam valve 100.

The steam valve 100 is located on the pressure accumulator device 70. The steam valve 100 comprises a valve body 102. This valve body 102 is arranged in a valve housing 106 so as to be displaceable in one direction/opposite direction 104. The direction/opposite direction 104 is an actuation direction of the steam valve 100.

The direction/opposite direction 104 is transverse and in particular perpendicular to the underside 52 of the housing 12. The direction/opposite direction 104 is at least approximately parallel to the insertion direction 60.

In a non-pressurized position, the valve body 102 blocks the passage of steam. With appropriate loading, when the valve body 102 is moved accordingly in the valve housing 106, steam release is enabled. Steam can then be provided from the pressure storage device 70 to the opening 36. For this purpose, a (steam) line is arranged between the valve housing 106 and the opening 36.

A lever element 108 sits on the housing insert 58, in particular on the second region 90. The lever element 108 is pivotably arranged on the housing insert 58. The pivotability can affect the lever element 108 as a whole or only a part of the lever element 108. The pivotability can be realized by a corresponding joint device or by the inherent elasticity of the lever element 108.

The valve body 102 has an effective area 110 (see also the Figures 11 to 13 ), on which the lever element 108 can act with a (counter) effective area 112.

The valve body 102 is connected via a spring device 14 ( Figures 12 , 13 ) supported on the valve housing 106.

The spring device 114 is arranged and designed so that in a non-forced position of the valve body 102, the valve body 102 is in a closed position and is pressed towards the housing insert 58. The steam valve 100 is opened by lifting the valve body 102 from a valve seat 116 against the effect of the spring force of the spring device 114. This force in turn is introduced via the steam release actuating element 92 and is applied to the effective area 110 of the steam valve 100 via the lever element 108.

The lever element 108 has a further effective area 118. The steam release actuating element 92 acts on this effective area 118 in order to cause the lever element 108 to pivot at the effective area 112 to act on the steam valve 100.

The effective area 118 of the lever element 108 is connected and in particular integrally connected to a child safety area 120. The child safety area 120 of the lever element 108 is assigned to the child safety actuating element 94. The child safety actuator 94 can act on the child safety area 120.

The lever element 108 is designed with the child safety area 120 in such a way that in the locking position 96 of the child safety actuating element 94, the lever element 108 cannot be pivoted with its effective region 112 or cannot be pivoted sufficiently to cause an opening movement of the valve body 102. For example, the child safety area 120 is designed such that a pivot axis of the lever element 108 is different depending on the locking position 96 or release position 98, and that in the locking position 96 the force that can be introduced by the steam release actuating element 92 is not sufficient to cause sufficient pivoting.

A spring device 122 is arranged between the effective area 110 of the steam valve 100 and the effective area 112 of the lever element 108. The spring device comprises, for example, a single spring such as a spiral spring. This spring is, for example, in a groove (and in particular Annular groove) of the effective area 110 and correspondingly fixed radially in a groove and in particular annular groove of the effective area 112.

The spring device 122 is correspondingly stiff to enable force to be transmitted from the lever element 108 to the valve body 102.

The spring device 122 makes it possible to space the effective area 110 from the effective area 112, which means that they do not have to be in direct mechanical contact. This makes it possible to compensate for manufacturing tolerances when producing the housing 12 with the housing insert 58. The spring device 122 effects tolerance compensation.

In one embodiment, the lever element 108 has a first flank 124a and a second flank 124b. The effective area 112 is arranged between the first edge 124a and the second edge 124b. The first flank 124a and the second flank 124b extend laterally from the effective area 112 to the left and right, respectively.

The first flank 124a and the second flank 124b each have a contact surface 126, via which they rest on a counter surface 128. The counter surface is formed on the housing insert 58. For example, it is formed on the first area 64 near the nozzle 66.

By touching the contact surface 126 with the counter surface 128, a guide for the mobility of the lever element 108 in the interior 24 of the housing 12 is formed.

A reset device is assigned to the lever element 108, which lifts the lever element 108 back when the steam release actuating element 92 is released. For this purpose, the lever element 108 can be assigned its own reset device. A spring device can be provided, which is formed with the lever element 108. It can also be provided that the lever element 108 has such an inherent elasticity that Due to this inherent elasticity, a reset occurs after the steam release actuating element 92 is released.

In one embodiment, the spring device 114 of the steam valve 100 is also used to reset the lever element 108. When an operator presses the steam release actuating element 92 with sufficient force, then the effective area 112 of the lever element 108 presses on the effective area 110 of the steam valve 100 and this is opened by lifting the valve body 102 from the valve seat 116. If the corresponding force is withdrawn, the spring device 114 causes the valve body 102 to be pushed back, which is pressed against the valve seat 116. As a result, the effective range 110 is also shifted and the lever element 112 can thereby be moved back into a starting position (non-actuation position).

The hand steam device 10 works as follows:
The housing 12 consists of the first housing shell 16, the second housing shell 18 and the housing insert 58. The housing insert 58 holds all essential functional parts and operating elements of the hand-held steam device 10. In particular, the steam release actuating element 92 is an operating element and the child safety actuating element 94 arranged on the housing insert 58. Furthermore, the lever element 108 is arranged on the housing insert 58. These elements (steam delivery actuator 92, child safety actuator 94 and lever element 108) form a first assembly of the handheld steam device. This first assembly is completely arranged on the housing insert 58.

The pressure storage device 70 forms a second assembly of the hand-held steam device. This second assembly is also held on the housing insert 58.

The housing insert 58 ensures a relative fixation of both the first assembly and the second assembly on the housing 12. The housing 12 with the housing shell device 14 then serves, so to speak, only as a cladding for these assemblies. The fixation on the housing 12 is provided by the housing insert 58 (for the pressure accumulator device 70 in cooperation with the contact elements 78).

The corresponding hand steam device 10 can be manufactured in a simple manner. The first assembly is fixed to the housing insert 58 during manufacture. The second assembly is fixed to the housing insert 58. The second assembly is brought into the housing shell device 14. By finally fixing the housing insert 58 on the housing shell device 14, the second assembly is also finally fixed on the housing 12.

In one exemplary embodiment, the opening 50 of the housing shell device 14 is designed to be so large that when the housing shell device 14 is produced with the first housing shell 16 and the second housing shell 18 connected, the pressure storage device 70 can be brought into the interior 24 through the first opening 50.

The pressure storage device 70 can already be held on the housing insert 58 or the housing insert 48 is subsequently fixed on the pressure storage device 70 and fixed on the housing shell device 14.

In principle, it is also possible for the pressure accumulator device 70 to be inserted on the first housing shell 16 or on the second housing shell 18 and then the housing shell device 14 to be closed and then the housing insert 58 to be inserted in the insertion direction 60.

The solution according to the invention allows the number of components to be minimized. The production of the hand steam device is simplified.

The spring device 122 enables the steam valve 100 to be operated safely even with manufacturing tolerances. This in turn simplifies production.

The pressure storage device 70 has a storage container 130 (pressure vessel). The storage container includes a first region 132, a second region 134 disposed on the first region, and a third region 136 on which the first region 132 is disposed. Via the third area 136, the storage container 130 is fixed on or near the underside 52 in the interior 24 of the housing 12 via the contact element or elements 78.

In one embodiment, the third region 136 is removable from the first region 132, with the first region 132 and the third region 136 being connected to one another in a fluid-tight manner, for example via screws or bolts.

A heating device 138 and in particular an electrical heating device is arranged on the third area 136. This allows steam (in particular water vapor) to be generated from liquid (in particular water) in the storage container 130 and stored there in a retrievable manner.

An electrical connection device 140 is arranged on the housing 12, via which the heating device 138 can be connected to a power network in order to provide the heating device 138 with the necessary electrical energy.

In one embodiment, the third region 136 has a flange 142a and the first region 132 has a mating flange 142b. The first area 132 and the third area 136 are connected to one another via the flange 142a and the counter flange 142b.

The nozzle 68 with the opening 80 is formed on the second area 134. The lid, which is a closure element for the Pressure storage device 70 and thus for the maintenance opening 80 is on the second area 134 of the storage container 130.

The steam valve 100 is located in the first area 132.

An indentation 144 is formed on the storage container 130 between the second area 134 and the first area 132. The indentation is delimited by a first wall 146 of the first region 132 and by a second wall 148 of the second region 134. The first wall 146 and the second wall 148 lie transversely and, for example, perpendicular to one another. They are connected to each other.

The steam valve 100 sits on the first wall 146 of the first region 132 and is in particular spaced from the second wall 148 of the second region 134.

The storage container 130 has a step 150 at the indentation 144. This stage is in Figure 11 indicated by reference number 150.

The steam valve is aligned at least approximately parallel to the nozzle 68.

The opening 80 of the pressure storage device 70 on the second region 134 has an opening direction 152. This opening direction 152 is transverse and in particular perpendicular to the underside 52.

The steam valve 100 is arranged in the indentation 144 parallel to the opening direction 152. The direction/opposite direction 104 of the mobility of the valve body 102 in the valve housing 106 is at least approximately parallel to the opening direction 152 of the opening 80.

The direction/opposite direction 104 and also a parallel extension direction of the steam valve 100 is in particular transverse (and in particular perpendicular). a connection direction between the first area 132 and the third area 136.

The storage container 130 has a roof 154 at the opening 80. The indentation 144 is designed in relation to a corresponding height of the steam valve 100 in such a way that the steam valve 100 does not protrude or only protrudes slightly beyond the roof 154 in the opening direction 152. In particular, the steam valve 100 protrudes beyond the roof 154 by a maximum of 5 cm.

This allows the height dimensions of the pressure accumulator device 70 (in a height direction parallel to the direction/opposite direction 104 or the opening direction 152) to be kept small. This in turn allows the corresponding height dimensions of the housing 12 to be kept small. This allows a hand-held steam device 10 to be realized, which can be hand-held.

The steam valve 100 has a discharge connection 156 for steam (see for example Figure 9 ). This discharge connection 156 is arranged laterally on the valve housing 106 and positioned transversely and, for example, perpendicular to the direction/opposite direction 104 or the opening direction 152. It is arranged in particular in the indentation 144. A discharge line for steam is connected to the opening 36 via the discharge connection 156.

A delivery opening 160 is formed on the first wall 146 at the indentation 144 (compare, for example Figure 12 ). The steam valve 100 is arranged at the delivery opening 160. The valve housing 106 surrounds the delivery opening 160 on an outside of the first wall 146. Steam can be delivered via the steam valve 100 via the delivery opening 160. The delivery opening 160 enables the fluid-effective connection to an interior 162 of the storage container 130. In the area of the delivery opening 160, a tubular element 164 is arranged in the interior 162. Part of one Wall of the tubular element 164 is formed by a corresponding wall 166 of the first region 132 of the storage container 130. A part 168 of the tubular element 164 is connected to the first wall 146. In one embodiment, a continuation of this part 168 into the second region 134 is the second wall 148.

A subspace 170 is formed in the interior 162 in front of the delivery opening 160 by the tubular element 164. This subspace 170 is limited by a retaining grille 172. The retaining grille is fixed to the tubular element 164.

Furthermore, a pin element 174 is arranged in the interior 162. This pin element is in particular fixed to or formed on the wall 166. The pin member 174 holds the restraint grille.

The retention grid 172 serves to retain particles that can be released through the delivery opening 160. The delivery opening 160 has a smaller cross-sectional area than the subspace 170. The retaining grid 172 in particular prevents the delivery opening 160 or the steam valve 100 from becoming blocked or damaged.

A wall 176 is arranged in the interior 162, which extends at least approximately parallel to the opening direction 152 and extends from the second area 134 into the first area 132, that is to say beyond the first wall 146. This wall 176 delimits the subspace 178 in the first area 132 and the second area 134. This subspace 178 is a steam room when the handheld steam device 10 is in steam mode. No liquid or as little liquid as possible should get into this subspace 178.

Starting from the ceiling wall 158, the wall 176 has a greater height than the second wall 148 as a continuation of the wall 168.

A surge element 180 is fixed to the pin element 174. The surge element 180, which is in particular a sheet metal part, delimits the subspace 178, which includes the subspace 170, from the remaining interior 162.

The surge element 180 is designed to be closed except for one or more gaps 182, which allow steam to pass through. The surge element 180 is intended to prevent water from penetrating into the subspace 178 as much as possible.

In one embodiment, the surge element 180 is also supported on the retaining grid 172 via a support 184.

In one exemplary embodiment, the surge element 180 is loosely applied to an inside 186 of the wall 176 (towards the subspace 178) and/or the wall 166. Column or columns 182 can be formed there.

A width of a gap is in particular in the range between 0.2 mm and 1.0 mm and, for example, in the range between 0.4 mm and 0.6 mm.

In one embodiment, the surge element 180 has one or more tear-off edges 188. A tear-off edge 188 serves to "calm" a liquid flow below the surge element 180 in order to largely avoid the penetration of liquid into the subspace 178.

In one embodiment, the surge element 180 has a first region 190 and has a second region 192. The second area 192 is bent or curved with respect to the first area 190. A tear-off edge 188 is then formed between the first area 190 and the second area 192.

For example, the second area 192 points towards the wall 176 and is, for example, applied to it (in particular with the gap 182).

When operating the hand-held steam device 10, the storage container 130 is initially filled (and in particular partially filled) with liquid (in particular water). Liquid is introduced into the storage container 130 in particular via the opening 80. During steam operation, the lid 82 is fixed to the opening 80. By operating the heating device 138, liquid is evaporated. The storage container 130 has a receiving space 194 for liquid. It also has a receiving space 196 for steam. The relative size of these receiving spaces 194, 196 is variable and depends in particular on the liquid consumption. The subroom 178 is ideally a pure steam room. There is no liquid in it, so there is only steam that can be released.

There is a certain minimum distance between the retaining grid 172 and the surge element 180, which is in particular at least 1 mm.

During operation, steam is generated from liquid in the storage container 130 via the heating device 138 and is also stored there. By pressing the steam release actuator 92, the steam release is released; The valve body 102 is lifted from the valve seat 116 and steam stored under pressure in the storage container 130 flows out via the discharge opening 160 and can accordingly be used through the steam nozzle 38, for example for cleaning purposes.

The surge element 180 allows the handheld steam device 10 to be used in different positions. It is not necessary that the opening direction 152 (a height direction of the storage container 130) is oriented parallel to the gravity direction g. Positions inclined to the direction of gravity g are also possible. The surge element 180 largely prevents the penetration of liquid into the subspace 178.

The pressure accumulator device 70 has a compact design with a minimization of the height dimensions, so that the housing dimensions 12 can be minimized without having to make further compromises regarding fluid absorption capacity.

The pressure storage device 70 with the steam valve 100 arranged thereon can be handled as a unit during the manufacture of the hand-held steam device 10 and held as a whole on the housing insert 58. The number of components required can be minimized. This in turn also makes production easier.

In one embodiment, the steam valve 100 or essential parts of the steam valve 100 (valve body 102, valve housing 106, valve seat 116) are made of a plastic material.

The surge element 180 calms liquid surfaces when moving the hand-held steam device 10 and largely prevents liquid from being carried along in a steam stream.

Reference symbol list

10

Hand steam device

12

Housing

14

Housing shell device

16

First housing shell

18

Second housing shell

20

connection level

22

connection direction

24

inner space

26

Bow handle

28

hanger

30a

First section

30b

Second section

32

wall

34

opening

36

opening

38

Steam nozzle

40

holding body

42

jet

44

Investment element

46

Ring element

48

Locking device

50

opening

52

bottom

54a

First partial opening

54b

Second partial opening

56

recess

58

Housing insert

60

Direction of insertion

62

bars

64

First area

66

Socket (housing insert)

68

Nozzle (pressure storage device)

70

Pressure storage device

72

poetry

74

Bead area

76

web

78

Investment element

80

Opening (storage container)

82

Lid

84

opening

86

edge

88

recess

90

Second area

92

Steam release actuator

94

Child safety control element

96

Blocking position

98

Release position

100

Steam valve

102

Valve body

104

Direction/opposite direction

106

Valve housing

108

Lever element

110

Effective range (steam valve)

112

Effective range (lever element)

114

Spring device

116

Valve seat

118

Effective range (lever element)

120

Child safety area

122

Spring device

124a

First cross

124b

Second flank

126

Contact surface

128

Counter surface

130

storage container

132

First area

134

Second area

136

Third area

138

Heating device

140

Electrical connection device

142a

flange

142b

Counter flange

144

indentation

146

First wall

148

Second wall

150

Level

152

Opening direction

154

Roof

156

Discharge connection

158

ceiling wall

160

Delivery opening

162

inner space

164

Pipe element

166

wall

168

Partial wall

170

Subspace

172

Retention grille

174

Pen element

176

Wall

178

Subspace

180

surge element

182

gap

184

Level

186

inside

188

demolition hood

190

First area

192

Second area

194

Recording room

196

Recording room

Claims (14)

1. Hand-held steam appliance, comprising a housing (12) and a pressure storage device (70) with a steam valve (100), which is arranged in an inside space (24) of the housing (12), wherein the housing (12) comprises a housing shell device (14) with a first housing shell (16) and a second housing shell (18), the first housing shell (16) and the second housing shell (18) are connected to one another, the housing shell device (14) has an opening (50) to the inside space (24), at which opening (50) a housing insert (58) is arranged, which closes the opening (50), and at least one of the following elements is arranged on the housing insert (58): a steam delivery actuating element (92), a movable lever element (108), which is able to act on the steam valve (100) to actuate same, a child safety lock actuating element (94), and further comprising a first assembly, which comprises the steam delivery actuating element (92), the child safety lock actuating element (94), and the lever element (108), and a second assembly, which comprises the pressure storage device (70), wherein the first assembly and the second assembly are arranged and/or held on the housing insert (58).
2. Hand-held steam appliance in accordance with Claim 1, characterized in that the steam delivery actuating element (92) acts on the lever element (108).
3. Hand-held steam appliance in accordance with Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the child safety lock actuating element (94) acts on the lever element (108), wherein in a locking position (96) of the child protection actuating element (94) an actuation of the steam valve (100) by the lever element (108) is blocked and in an unlocking position (98) an actuation of the steam valve (100) by the lever element (108) is unblocked.
4. Hand-held steam appliance in accordance with any one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that a guide for a movement of the lever element (108) is arranged on the housing insert (58).
5. Hand-held steam appliance in accordance with any one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that the lever element (108) is mounted on the housing insert (58) so as to be pivotable at least in a partial region and, in particular, is arranged in the inside space (24).
6. Hand-held steam appliance in accordance with any one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that the lever element (108) has an effective region (118) for the steam delivery actuating element (92), wherein when pressure of the steam delivery actuating element (92) is exerted on the effective region (118), the lever element (108) acts on the pressure valve (100) and opens same, and in particular in that the steam valve (100) is closed when the lever element (108) is not acting with sufficient force on the steam valve.
7. Hand-held steam appliance in accordance with any one of the preceding Claims, characterized by a restoring device (122), which returns the lever element (108) when the steam delivery actuating element (92) is not actuated, and in particular in that the restoring device (122) engages on the steam valve (100) and/or on the lever element (108), and in particular in that the restoring device comprises a spring device (122), and in particular in that the spring device is formed on the lever element by inherent elasticity.
8. Hand-held steam appliance in accordance with any one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that at least one spring (114) is arranged between an effective region (112) of the lever element (108) and an effective region (110) of the steam valve (100).
9. Hand-held steam appliance in accordance with any one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that the first housing shell (16) and/or the second housing shell (18) have an opening, which forms or form the opening (50) of the housing shell device (14).
10. Hand-held steam appliance in accordance with any one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that the pressure storage device (70) is held on the housing insert (58), and in particular in that the pressure storage device (70) is placed in the inside space (24) and, in particular, is fixed by the housing insert (58), and in particular in that at least one abutment element (78) for the pressure storage device (70) is arranged on the first housing shell (16) and/or the second housing shell (18), and in particular in that the pressure storage device (70) comprises a connecting piece (86), which is held on the housing insert (58), and in particular in that a seal (72) is arranged between the connecting piece (68) and the housing insert (58), and in particular in that a releasable cover (82), which is accessible from the outside by way of the housing insert (58), is arranged on the connecting piece (68).
11. Hand-held steam appliance in accordance with any one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that the first housing shell (16) and the second housing shell (18) are associated with a connection plane (20) on which the first housing shell (16) and the second housing shell (18) are connected to one another, and in particular in that the opening (50) of the housing shell device (14) lies on the connection plane (20), and in particular in that an insertion direction (60) of the housing insert (58) to the housing shell device (14) is oriented transversely and, in particular, perpendicularly to a connecting direction (22) between the first housing shell (16) and the second housing shell (18).
12. Hand-held steam appliance in accordance with any one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that the opening (50) of the housing shell device (14) is dimensioned such that the pressure storage device (70) is able to be brought through this opening (50) into the inside space (24).
13. Hand-held steam appliance in accordance with any one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that the housing insert (58) is fixed to the housing shell device (14).
14. Hand-held steam appliance in accordance with any one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that the housing insert (58) has an angled or bent form, and in particular in that the pressure storage device (70) is held on a first region (64) of the housing insert (58) and the steam delivery actuating element (92) and/or the child safety lock actuating element (94) are arranged on a second region (90), which is angled or bent relative to the first region (64).

Images