EP3161379A1

EP3161379A1 - Pressure storage device and manual steam apparatus

Info

Publication number: EP3161379A1
Application number: EP14736330.3A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Michael SCHÖNEWALD; Tobias ENTERLEIN
Original assignee: Alfred Kaercher SE and Co KG
Current assignee: Alfred Kaercher SE and Co KG
Priority date: 2014-06-25
Filing date: 2014-06-25
Publication date: 2017-05-03
Anticipated expiration: 2034-06-25
Also published as: EP3161379B1; JP2017519178A; CN106461203B; CN106461203A; WO2015197118A1; JP6491681B2

Abstract

A pressure storage device is proposed, which comprises a storage container (130) with a first region (132) and a second region (134), wherein a closable opening (80) is formed on the second region (134), and a steam valve (100), which is arranged on the storage container (130), wherein, between the first region (132) and the second region (134), the storage container (130) has a recess (144) which is bounded by a first wall (146) of the first region (132) and a second wall (148) of the second region (134), and wherein the steam valve (100) sits in the recess (144) on the first region (132).

Description

Pressure accumulator device and handheld steam device

The invention relates to a pressure storage device comprising a

Storage container having a first region and a second region, wherein on the second region a closable opening is formed, and a steam valve, which is arranged on the storage container.

Furthermore, the invention relates to a hand-held steam device, which is operated by hand.

Devices for steam generation are for example from the

DE 103 Ol 450 AI, EP 0 509 617 A2, EP 0 772 000 A1, the

WO 2004/005605 A1, WO 2005/003627 A1, WO 2012/077832 A2, US 2005/0034489, US Pat. No. 6,101,316, US Pat. No. 6,397,502, US Pat

JP 2011152256 A, JP 04045302 A, JP 04051487 A or the

CN 201524670 U known.

The invention has for its object to provide a pressure storage device of the type mentioned, which has a minimized number of components at low height dimensions.

This object is achieved according to the invention in the pressure accumulator mentioned above in that the storage container between the first region and the second region has a recess which is bounded by a first wall of the first region and a second wall of the second region, and in that Area in the dent the steam valve sits. In the solution according to the invention a free space is provided on the storage container, which at least partially receives the steam valve.

As a result, the height dimensions of the pressure storage device as a whole can be kept low. The steam valve does not protrude completely over the Storage tank out, but does not protrude beyond or at most over part of its height beyond this.

The corresponding pressure storage device can be advantageously used in a manual steam device due to the corresponding minimized height dimensioning.

The storage container can accommodate a sufficient amount of fluid for vapor formation or vapor storage despite minimizing the height dimensions.

The steam valve is located directly on the storage tank. As a result, the pressure accumulator device as a whole, ie as a unit, can be handled during manufacture and the production of a corresponding steam appliance and in particular manual steam appliance is simplified.

In particular, the first wall and the second wall are connected to each other. This makes it easy to the indentation for

(at least partially) realize the steam valve in a simple way.

For the same reason, it is favorable if the second wall is oriented transversely and in particular perpendicular to the first wall. This results in a minimized restriction with regard to the volume capacity of fluid through the storage container.

For the reasons mentioned above, it is favorable if a step is formed between the first region and the second region at the indentation. At the stage, the steam valve can be positioned while minimizing the height dimensions of the pressure storage device as a combination of steam valve and storage tank. It is favorable if the second region has a smaller transverse width than the first region. This will be at the first area a base for

Fixation of the steam valve provided. In particular, the steam valve is positioned on the first wall in the recess and in particular positioned at a distance from the second wall. The steam valve is fixed in particular to the first wall.

This results in a simple and space-saving design of the combination of storage tank and steam valve.

In one embodiment, the steam valve has an actuator for opening and closing the steam valve, which is at least approximately parallel to the second wall. This results in a space-saving design. Furthermore, the steam valve can be operated for opening and closing in a simple manner and correspondingly necessary components can be realized to save space.

For the same reason it is favorable if the steam valve is a

Actuating direction for opening and closing the steam valve, which is at least approximately parallel to an opening direction of the opening at the second region. The opening on the second region is in particular an expectation opening or an opening, via which liquid can be introduced into the storage container. This results in an optimized use of space when the opening direction is oriented at least approximately parallel to the operating direction. As a result, the pressure storage device can be accommodated in an advantageous manner in a manual steam device.

In one embodiment, the first wall is oriented transversely to an opening direction of the opening at the second area. This results in a space-saving training for the combination of storage tank and steam valve. In particular, the height dimensions can be kept low. For the same reason, it is favorable if the second wall is oriented at least approximately parallel to an opening direction of the opening on the second region. Furthermore, this makes it possible to provide a correspondingly large volume of fluid intake in the storage container.

It is particularly advantageous if the steam valve does not project beyond a roof of the second area or at most by 5 cm beyond the roof of the second area. As a result, the height dimensions in the pressure storage device as a combination of the storage tank and the steam valve can be minimized.

Conveniently, the first region of the storage container in a

Steam operation on a receiving space for liquid and / or is connected to a receiving space for liquid and has a receiving space for steam. This can optimize the steam generation and optimize the steam delivery.

It is also advantageous if the second area has a receiving space for steam in a steam operation. As a result, the pressure storage device can be used in an optimized manner in a manual steam device.

It is particularly advantageous if the first region has a discharge opening for steam, which is arranged on the first wall and on which the steam valve is seated. This results in a space-saving training. The steam delivery can be optimized.

Conveniently, the discharge opening is preceded by a retaining grid. The retaining grid is arranged in an interior of the storage container. The retention grid prevents particles from entering the dispensing orifice and the steam valve. In particular, the retention grid is arranged on the first area. It can thus be easily fixed and its functionality can be optimized. In one embodiment, a tubular element is arranged in an interior of the storage container at the discharge opening, on which the retaining grid sits, wherein at a first end of the tubular element, the discharge opening opens into the tubular element and an opposite second end of the tubular element opens into the second region. This provides a subspace which can be separated via the retention grid. The retention grid prevents the penetration of particles into the subspace. This in turn prevents the penetration of particles into the discharge opening. In one embodiment, a continuation of a wall of the tubular element at least partially forms the second wall. This results in a simple structural design.

It is particularly advantageous if the discharge opening is assigned a surge element, wherein a vapor space is formed between the discharge opening and the surge element. The surge element serves to calm a liquid surface when moving the pressure storage device (eg, a hand-held steamer) and thereby prevent liquid from being entrained by a vapor stream.

In particular, the surge element is arranged in the second region. As a result, the entrainment of liquid and penetration into the discharge opening can be largely prevented. In an advantageous embodiment, the surge element is at least partially applied to an inner side of the storage container and has at least one gap for a vapor passage. This allows steam to pass into a space behind the surge element and over the Discharge opening are discharged. The at least one gap can be realized in a simple manner by applying it to the inside. If no sealed application is provided, the at least one gap is effectively made automatically.

In particular, the at least one gap between the surge element and the inside is formed. This results in a simple manufacturability with simple constructive training. In principle, it is also possible that a gap is made in the surge element itself. If the at least one gap between the surge element and the inner side is formed, then the surge element can be realized as such fluid-tight and the vapor passage is achieved through the gap between the surge element and the inside. It is favorable in terms of production, if the surge element is applied loosely on the inside.

In particular, the at least one gap has a width in the range between 0.2 mm and 1.0 mm. Preferably, the width is between 0.4 mm and 0.6 mm.

In an advantageous embodiment, the surge element has at least one (flow) tear-off edge. As a result, a liquid surface can be calmed in a simple manner in order to effectively prevent the entrainment of liquid by steam in the steam delivery even with an inclination of the pressure storage device with respect to the direction of gravity.

For example, the surge element has a first area and a second area, wherein the second area is angled to the first area. About the bend can be easily realized a spoiler. In particular, the second region of the flow element is arranged towards the second region of the storage device. This results in an effective training. Advantageously, a distance between a retaining grid and the surge element is at least 1 mm. As a result, particulate accumulation in the intermediate region between the retention grid and the baffle element is prevented in particular. It is also advantageous if the retaining grid is closer to a discharge of steam with respect to a steam flow direction at the discharge opening than the surge element and in particular the retention grid is located in a defined by the surge element vapor space. As a result, the retention grid does not interfere with the fluid surface calming function of the patient

Surge element.

In one embodiment, a wall is disposed on the second region of the storage container which separates a vapor space defined by the surge element. The wall can protrude in particular in the first area. It can thus effectively position the surge element and optimize its effect.

In one embodiment, a pin element is arranged in the interior, on which the surge element is fixed, wherein in particular the pin element is connected to the first wall. As a result, the surge element can be fixed in a simple manner.

In one embodiment, a heater and in particular electric heater is provided. Steam can be generated at a liquid received in the storage container and stored in the storage container (which is a pressure accumulator). In one embodiment, the heater is positioned at a third region of the storage container with the first region and the second region disposed at the third region of the storage container.

For example, the third area is above the second area

Flange connection or the like connected. It can thereby be positioned in a simple manner, for example, a retaining grid or a surge element in an interior of the storage container in the production of the pressure storage device. In particular, the opening at the second area is closed by a detachable lid.

According to the invention, a manual steam device is provided which comprises an inventive pressure storage device.

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

Manual steam device;

2 shows the hand-held steam generator according to Figure 1 with an open

Housing (with a housing shell removed);

FIG. 3 shows a sectional view of the manual steam device according to FIG

Figure 4 is a plan view of a housing insert in the direction A.

according to Figure 1;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of the housing insert according to

Figure 4; another perspective view of the housing insert according to Figure 4; a side view of the housing insert according to Figure 4; a sectional view of the housing insert according to Figure 4; a perspective view of an accumulator device of the hand-held steam device according to Figure 1; a side view of the pressure storage device according to Figure 9 in the direction B; a sectional view of the pressure storage device of Figure 9; a further sectional view of the pressure storage device according to Figure 9; an enlarged view of a section of Figure 12; a view of the pressure storage device in the direction C of Figure 11 with removed heating range of the pressure storage device; and FIG. 15 shows a perspective view of the pressure storage device with the heating area removed.

A handheld steamer, which is shown in the drawings and designated in Figure 1 as a whole with 10, comprises a housing 12. The housing 12 includes a housing shell means 14 having 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 at a connection plane 20 (FIG. 1). In particular, the first housing shell 16 and the second housing shell 18 screwed together. At the connection region between the first housing shell 16 and the second housing shell 18, a seal may be provided. The second housing shell 18 is placed on the first housing shell 16 in a connecting direction 22. In the housing 12, an interior space 24 is formed. The first housing shell 16 and the second housing shell 18 are formed trough-shaped. The manual steam device 10 has a handle and in particular bow handle 26. This bow-shaped handle 26 comprises a bracket 28, which is formed in a first portion 30a on the first housing shell 16 and is formed in a second portion 30b on the second housing shell 18. Between the bracket 28 and a wall 32 on the housing shell means 14, an opening 34 is formed. An operator can grasp the hand-held steam generator 10 on the bracket 28, in particular with one hand, in which case the operator's fingers can dive through the opening 34. Opposite the bow handle 26, the housing shell device 14 has an opening 36. At this opening 36, a steam nozzle 38 or an adapter is releasably positionable.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1, 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 is seated. The holding body 40 is cylindrical. It is partially immersed in the housing shell means 14 at the opening 36. On an outer side of the holding body 40 and in particular a plurality of contact elements 44 are arranged. A contact element 44 limits the immersibility of the holding body 40 into the housing shell device 14

Housing shell device 14 has at the opening 36 a ring member 46th on. With the correct position of the steam nozzle 38 on the housing shell means 14, the abutment member 44 is applied to the ring member 46 and thereby further immersion in the housing shell means 14 is locked.

In this corresponding investment position, the steam nozzle 38 with the

Housing shell device 14 via a locking device 48 releasably lockable. 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 lower side 52. This bottom 52 is formed so that the hand-held steam generator 10 can be placed on a pad. The bottom 52 has correspondingly a plane as an envelope. The handheld steamer 10 as a whole is designed so that when the handheld steamer 10 with the bottom 52 rises in a horizontal with respect to the direction of gravity horizontal support, the handheld steamer 10 does not tilt.

The opening 50 on the housing shell device 14 lies in the region of the connection plane 22. For this purpose, the first housing shell 16 has a first partial opening 54a in the region of the connection plane 20, 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 on the housing shell device 14 is in particular parallel to a height direction of the housing 12 between the bottom 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 18th

Through the housing insert 58, the housing shell device 14 is closed fluid-tight at the opening 50. The housing insert 58 is correspondingly connected to the housing shell device 14, for example by screw connection, adhesive bonding or the like.

The opening 50 and thus also the housing insert 58 extend from an area which is located at a latch 62 of the locking device 48 into the bow handle 26. The housing 12 consists in particular of the housing shell means 14 with the first housing shell 16 and the second housing shell 18, and the housing insert 58. Further housing parts are then not provided.

On the housing insert 58 controls and functional elements of the hand-held steam generator 10 are arranged.

The housing insert 58 (FIGS. 4 to 8) has a first region 64. This first region 64 serves to close the opening 50 at a partial area which is closest to the opening 36 or the latch 62. The first region 64 comprises a connecting piece 66. This connecting piece 66 points into the inner space 24 of the housing 12. A corresponding connecting piece 68 of a pressure storage device 70 (steam boiler device 70) is fixed to the connecting piece 66. About the first region 64 of the housing insert 58 holds the

Pressure storage device 70. The pressure storage device 70 is positioned in the interior 24 of the housing. Between the port 66 of the first portion 64 of the housing insert 58 and the nozzle 68 of the pressure storage device 70, a seal 72 is arranged. For example, the neck 66 of the housing insert 58 has a bead region 74, which has a web 76 on which the seal 72 is held.

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

A movement in the opposite direction to the insertion direction 60 is blocked by the housing insert 58 by the pressure storage device 70 is held on the housing insert 58. When the housing insert 58 at the

Housing shell means 14 is seated, then any mobility of the pressure storage device 70 is locked in the interior 24. 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 abutment elements 78. By fixing the pressure storage device 70 via the nozzle 68 to the housing insert 58, the position of the pressure storage device 70 is finally fixed in the housing 12. In principle, it is also possible that, for example, with the housing shell device 14 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 by connecting the first

Housing shell 16 is closed with the second housing shell 18 and then in turn the opening 50 is closed by the housing insert 58, wherein the nozzle 68 is fixed to the housing insert 58.

The pressure storage device 70 has an opening 80 on the nozzle 68. This opening 80 is a maintenance opening for the pressure storage device 70. At the opening 80 sits a lid 82. The lid 82 closes the pressure storage device 70. It is removable. It is designed in particular as a security closure. The lid 82 is from outside the

Housing 12 accessible and removable or usable. Accordingly, the first region 64 of the housing insert 58 of the opening 80 associated with an opening 84. This opening 84 has, in particular, a larger diameter than the opening 80 on the connection piece 68. Through the opening 84, the cover 82 can be placed on the connection piece 68 of the pressure storage device 70.

In an advantageous embodiment of the housing insert 58 is formed with its opening 84 so that only access to the pressure storage device 70 is made possible without the housing insert 58 has a fixing function for the lid 82. The "connection" of the housing insert 58 to the pressure storage device 70 is carried out by holding the nozzle 68 through the nozzle 66 of the housing insert 58th

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. In the recess 88, the opening 84 is formed. At a rear side of the recess 88 of the socket 66 sits. The lid 82 is at least partially positioned in the recess 88.

At the first region 64 of the housing insert 58, a second region 90 is arranged. This second region 90 is in particular angled or bent away from the first region 64 (FIGS. 5 to 8).

The second region 90 is arranged at the housing insert 58 fixed to the housing 12 at or in the area of the bow-shaped handle 26. The second region 90 carries operating elements of the manual steam device 10.

At the second area 90, a steam discharge actuator 92 is arranged. The steam delivery actuator 92 is particularly designed as a pressure switch. By pressing the steam delivery actuator 92, an operator can then release the steam delivery.

Specifically, the steam discharge actuator 92 is disposed in relation to the ironing handle 26 so that when an operator manually holds the manual steam generator to the ironing handle 26, he or she can act on the steam discharge actuator 92 with the thumb.

On the second area 90, a parental control actuating element 94 is further arranged. The parental control actuator 94 is formed, for example, as a slide switch or rocker switch. The child-safety actuating element 94 has a blocking position 96 and a release position 98. In the blocking position 96, a steam delivery is blocked by the fact that the steam delivery actuating element 92 can not openly act on a steam valve 100. In the release position 98, the steam release actuating element 92 can accordingly act on the steam valve 100 in an opening manner.

The steam valve 100 includes a valve body 102. This valve body 102 is displaceably arranged in a direction / opposite direction 104 in a valve housing 106. assigns. The direction / opposite direction 104 is an actuating direction of the steam valve 100.

The direction / opposite direction 104 is transverse and in particular perpendicular to the bottom 52 of the housing 12. The direction / opposite direction 104 is

at least approximately parallel to the insertion direction 60.

In a non-applied position, the valve body 102 blocks the passage of steam. Upon a corresponding application, when the valve body 102 is displaced in the valve housing 106 accordingly, a steam discharge is released. Steam may then be provided from the pressure storage device 70 of the opening 36. For this purpose, a (steam) line is correspondingly arranged between the valve housing 106 and the opening 36. On the housing insert 58 sits in particular on the second region 90, a lever member 108. The lever member 108 is pivotally mounted on the

Housing insert 58 is arranged. The pivotability may relate to the lever element 108 as a whole or only part of the lever element 108. The pivotability may be realized by a corresponding hinge device or by an inherent elasticity of the lever element 108.

The valve body 102 has an effective region 110 (see also FIGS. 11 to 13), on which the lever element 108 yields

(Counter) effective range 112 can act.

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

The spring device 114 is arranged and designed such that in a non-force-loaded position of the valve body 102, the valve body 102 is in a closed position and is pressed in the direction of the housing insert 58. The steam valve 100 is opened by counter to the action of the spring force of the spring means 114 of the valve body 102 of a valve seat 116 is lifted. This force in turn is introduced via the steam delivery actuating element 92 and applied via the lever element 108 to the effective region 110 of the steam valve 100. The lever element 108 has a further effective region 118. The steam release actuating element 92 acts on this effective region 118 in order to effect a pivoting of the lever element 108 on the active region 112 for acting on the steam valve 100. The active region 118 of the lever element 108 is connected and, in particular, integral with a child safety area 120. The child safety area 120 of the lever element 108 is assigned to the child safety actuation element 94. The parental control actuator 94 may act on the parental control area 120.

The lever element 108 is formed with the child safety region 120 such that in the blocking position 96 of the child safety actuating element 94, the lever element 108 with its active region 112 is not or insufficiently pivotable to effect an opening movement of the valve body 102. For example, the parental control area 120 is formed so that a pivot axis of the lever member 108 is different depending on the locking position 96 or release position 98, and that in the locking position 96 can not be introduced by the steam delivery actuator 92 force to effect sufficient pivoting.

Between the effective region 110 of the steam valve 100 and the active region 112 of the lever element 108, a spring device 122 is arranged. The spring device includes, for example, a single spring such as a coil spring. This spring is radially fixed, for example, in a groove (and in particular annular groove) of the effective region 110 and correspondingly in a groove and in particular annular groove of the active region 112. The spring device 122 is correspondingly stiff in order to enable force transmission from the lever element 108 to the valve body 102.

By means of the spring device 122, it is possible to space the effective region 110 away from the effective region 112, that is, these need not lie in direct mechanical contact. This makes it possible to compensate for manufacturing tolerances in the manufacture of the housing 12 with the housing insert 58. The spring device 122 causes the tolerance compensation. In one embodiment, the lever member 108 has a first flank 124a and a second flank 124b. Between the first edge 124a and the second edge 124b, the effective region 112 is arranged. The first flank 124a and the second flank 124b extend laterally away from the effective region 112 to the left and right, respectively.

The first flank 124a and the second flank 124b each have one

Contact surface 126, via which they abut against a counter surface 128. The mating surface is formed on the housing insert 58. For example, it is formed on the first region 64 in the vicinity of the nozzle 66.

By touching the contact surface 126 with the counter surface 128, a guide for the mobility of the lever member 108 in the interior 24 of the housing 12 is formed. Associated with the lever element 108 is a rear part device which, when the steam release actuating element 92 is released, lifts the lever element 108 back. For this purpose, the lever element 108 may be assigned its own rear part device. It may be provided a spring device which is formed with the lever member 108. It can also be provided that the lever element 108 has such an inherent elasticity that due to this inherent elasticity after release of the steam delivery actuating element 92, a return takes place. In one embodiment, the spring means 114 of the steam valve 100 is also used to return the lever member 108. When an operator pushes the steam release actuator 92 with sufficient force, the effective portion 112 of the lever member 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. When the corresponding force is withdrawn, then the spring means 114 causes a retraction of the valve body 102, which is pressed against the valve seat 116. As a result, the effective region 110 is also displaced and the lever element 112 can thereby be moved back into a starting position (non-actuating position).

The handheld steamer 10 operates 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 the essential functional parts and controls of the handheld steam device 10. In particular, the steam delivery actuator 92 is arranged as a control element and the child safety actuator 94 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 member 108) form a first assembly of the handheld steamer. This first assembly is fully disposed on the housing insert 58.

The pressure storage device 70 forms a second assembly of the manual steam device. This second assembly is held on the housing insert 58. The housing insert 58 provides relative fixation of both the first

Assembly as well as the second assembly on the housing 12. The housing 12 with the housing shell means 14 then serves, so to speak, only as a cladding for these assemblies. The fixation on the housing 12 is through the housing insert 58 (for the pressure storage device 70 in FIG

Cooperation with the abutment elements 78).

The corresponding manual steam device 10 can be produced 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 means 14. By final fixation of the housing insert 58 on the housing shell device 14 and the final fixation of the second assembly is achieved on the housing 12.

In one exemplary embodiment, the opening 50 of the housing shell device 14 is made so large that when the housing shell device 14 is produced with the first housing shell 16 and 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 may already be held on the housing insert 58 or the housing insert 48 is subsequently fixed to the pressure storage device 70 and fixed to the housing shell device 14.

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

By the solution according to the invention, the number of components can be minimized. The production of the manual steam device is simplified. The spring device 122 allows safe actuation of the steam valve 100 even with manufacturing tolerances. This in turn simplifies manufacturing. The pressure storage device 70 has a storage tank 130 (pressure vessel). The storage container comprises a first region 132, a second region 134, which is arranged on the first region, and a third region 136, on which the first region 132 is arranged. Via the third region 136, the storage container 130 is fixed on or in the vicinity of the underside 52 in the interior 24 of the housing 12 via the attachment element or elements 78.

In one embodiment, the third region 136 is removable from the first region 132, wherein the first region 132 and the third region 136 are fluid-tightly interconnected, for example, by screws or bolts.

At the third area 136, a heating device 138 and in particular electrical heating device is arranged. By means of this, steam (in particular water vapor) can be generated in the storage container 130 from liquid (in particular water) and stored there in a retrievable manner.

An electrical connection device 140, by means of which the heating device 138 can be connected to a power supply, is provided on the housing 12 in order to provide the necessary electrical energy to the heating device 138.

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

At the second region 134 of the neck 68 is formed with the opening 80. Accordingly, the lid, which is a closure element for the pressure storage device 70 and thus for the maintenance opening 80, also sits on the second area 134 of the storage container 130.

The steam valve 100 is seated on the first area 132. Between the second region 134 and the first region 132, a recess 144 is formed on the storage container 130. The indentation is bounded 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 are transversely and, for example, perpendicular to one another. They are connected.

The steam valve 100 is seated 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.

At the indentation 144, the storage container 130 has a step 150. This stage is indicated by reference numeral 150 in FIG.

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

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

The steam valve 100 is arranged parallel to the opening direction 152 in the indentation 144. 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 direction of extension of the steam valve 100 is in particular oriented transversely (and in particular perpendicularly) to a connection direction between the first region 132 and the third region 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 such that the steam valve 100 does not protrude or only slightly beyond the roof 154 in the opening direction 152. In particular, the steam valve 100 projects beyond the roof 154 by an amount of at most 5 cm.

As a result, the height dimensions of the pressure storage device 70 (in a height direction parallel to the direction / opposite direction 104 or the opening direction 152) can be kept small. As a result, in turn, the corresponding height dimensions of the housing 12 can be kept low. As a result, a hand-held steam generator 10 can be realized, which can be held by hand. The steam valve 100 has a discharge port 156 for steam

(Compare 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. Via the discharge port 156, a discharge line for steam is connected to the opening 36.

On the first wall 146, a discharge opening 160 is formed at the indentation 144 (compare, for example, FIG. 12). At the discharge opening 160, the steam valve 100 is arranged. The valve housing 106 surrounds the discharge opening 160 on an outer side of the first wall 146. Via the discharge opening 160, steam can be discharged via the steam valve 100. The discharge opening 160 enables the fluid-effective connection to an inner space 162 of the storage container 130. In the region of the discharge opening 160, a tubular element 164 is arranged in the inner space 162. A part of a wall of the tubular element 164 is formed by a corresponding wall 166 of the first region 132 of the storage container 130. A portion 168 of the tubular member 164 is connected to the first wall 146. A continuation Placement of this part 168 in the second area 134 is in one embodiment, the second wall 148th

Through the tubular element 164, a subspace 170 is formed in the interior space 162 in front of the discharge opening 160. This subspace 170 is bounded by a retention grid 172. The retaining grid is fixed to the tubular element 164.

Further, a pin member 174 is disposed in the inner space 162. This pin element is in particular fixed to the wall 166 or formed on this. The pin member 174 holds the retention grid.

The retention grid 172 serves to retain particles that may be dispensed through the dispensing opening 160. The discharge opening 160 has a smaller cross-sectional area than the sub-space 170. The retention grid 172 in particular prevents clogging or damage to the discharge opening 160 or the steam valve 100.

A wall 176 is arranged in the interior space 162 and extends at least approximately parallel to the opening direction 152 and protrudes from the second area 134 into the first area 132, that is, 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 vapor space in a vapor mode of the handheld steamer 10. In this subspace 178, no liquid or as little liquid should reach as possible.

The wall 176 has, starting from the top wall 158 a greater height than the second wall 148 in continuation of the wall 168th

On the pin member 174, a surge element 180 is fixed. 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 space 162. The surge element 180 is formed closed except for one or more gaps 182, which allow a passage of steam. The

Bypass element 180 is intended to prevent the penetration of water 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. The surge element 180 is loosely applied to an inner side 186 of the wall 176 (toward the lower space 178) and / or the wall 166 in one embodiment. It may be formed there or the column 182.

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 edges 188. A tear-off edge 188 serves for "calming down" a liquid flow below the flow-deflecting element 180 in order to avoid the penetration of liquid into the sub-space 178 to a large extent.

In one embodiment, the surge element 180 has a first region 190 and a second region 192. The second region 192 is bent with respect to the first region 190.

Between the first region 190 and the second region 192, a tear-off edge 188 is then formed.

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

During operation of the manual steam device 10, the storage container 130 is initially filled with liquid (in particular water) (and in particular partially filled). Liquid is in particular through the opening 80 in the memory container 130 introduced. In a steam operation, the lid 82 is fixed to the opening 80. By operation of the heater 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 subspace 178 is ideally a pure vapor space. There is no liquid in it, so that there is only steam, which can be discharged. Between the retaining grid 172 and the surge element 180 is a certain minimum distance, which is in particular at least 1 mm.

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

By the surge element 180, the hand-held steam generator 10 can 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. Also inclination positions to the gravitational direction g are possible. The surge element 180 largely prevents the penetration of liquid into the subspace 178.

The pressure storage device 70 is compact with a minimization of the height dimensions, so that again housing dimensions 12 can be minimized, without further compromises regarding the liquid absorption capacity must be received. The pressure accumulator 70 with steam valve 100 disposed thereon can be handled as a unit in the manufacture of the handheld steamer 10 and held as a whole to the housing insert 58. The number of required components can be minimized. This in turn also facilitates the production.

In one embodiment, the steam valve 100 or essential parts of the steam valve 100 (valve body 102, valve housing 106, valve seat 116) is made of a plastic material. By the surge element 180, liquid surfaces are calmed when moving the hand-held steam generator 10 and entrainment of liquid in a vapor stream is largely prevented.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

Hand-steamer

casing

Housing shell means

First housing shell

Second housing shell

connecting plane

connection direction

inner space

bow handle

hanger

a First section

b Second subarea

wall

opening

frother

holding body

jet

contact element

ring element

locking device

opening

bottom

a First partial opening

b Second partial opening

recess

housing insert

insertion

bars

First area Socket (housing insert)

Nozzle (accumulator device)

Pressure storage device

poetry

bead

web

contact element

Opening (storage tank)

cover

opening

edge

recess

Second area

Steam release actuator

Child safety actuator

blocking position

release position

steam valve

valve body

Direction / reverse direction

valve housing

lever member

Effective range (steam valve)

Effective range (lever element)

spring means

valve seat

Effective range (lever element)

Parental Control Area

spring means

a first flank

b Second flank

contact area

counter surface 130 storage tanks

132 First area

134 Second area

136 Third area

138 heating device

140 Electrical connection device

142a flange

142b counterflange

144 indentation

146 First wall

148 Second wall

150 level

152 opening direction

154 roof

156 discharge port

158 ceiling wall

160 delivery opening

162 interior

164 tubular element

166 wall

168 partial wall

170 subspace

172 retention grid

174 pin element

176 wall

178 subspace

180 surge element

182 gap

184 level

186 inside

188 demolition hood

190 First area

192 Second area Recording room recording room

Claims

claims

An accumulator device comprising a storage container (130) having a first portion (132) and a second portion (134), wherein a closable aperture (80) is formed on the second portion (134), and a steam valve (100) attached to the second portion (134) Storage container (130) is arranged, characterized in that the storage container (130) between the first region (132) and the second region (134) has a recess (144) which through a first

Wall (146) of the first region (132) and a second wall (148) of the second region (134) is limited, and that at the first region (132) in the recess (144), the steam valve (100) sits.

Pressure accumulator device according to claim 1, characterized in that the first wall (146) and the second wall (148) are interconnected.

Pressure accumulator device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the second wall (148) is oriented transversely and in particular perpendicular to the first wall (146).

Pressure accumulator device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a step (150) is formed between the first region (132) and the second region (134) at the indentation (144).

Pressure accumulator device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second region (134) has a smaller transverse width than the first region (132).

An accumulator device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the steam valve (100) is positioned on the first wall (146) in the recess (144) and is positioned, in particular, spaced from the second wall (148).

7. Pressure accumulator device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the steam valve (100) has an actuating direction (104) for opening and closing the steam valve (100) which is at least approximately parallel to the second wall (148).

8. Pressure accumulator device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the steam valve (100) has an actuating direction (104) for opening and closing the steam valve (100) which at least approximately parallel to an opening direction (152) of the opening (80) the second area (134).

9. Pressure accumulator device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first wall (146) is oriented transversely to an opening direction (152) of the opening (80) on the second region (134).

10. Pressure accumulator device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second wall (148) is oriented at least approximately parallel to an opening direction (152) of the opening (80) on the second region (134).

11. Pressure accumulator device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the steam valve (100) does not project beyond a roof (154) of the second region (134) or at most by 5 cm above the roof (154) of the second region (134).

12. Pressure accumulator device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first region (132) of the storage container (130) in a steam operation has a receiving space for liquid and / or is connected to a receiving space for liquid and having a receiving space for steam.

13. Pressure accumulator device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second region (134) in one

Steam operation has a receiving space for steam.

14. Pressure accumulator device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first region (132) has a discharge opening (160) for steam, which is arranged on the first wall (146) and on which the steam valve (100) sits.

15. Pressure accumulator device according to claim 14, characterized in that the discharge opening (160) is preceded by a retaining grid (172).

16. Pressure accumulator device according to claim 15, characterized in that the retaining grid (172) is arranged on the first region (132).

17. Pressure accumulator device according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that in an interior space (162) of the storage container (130) at the discharge opening (160) a tubular element (164) is arranged, on which the retaining grid (172) sits, wherein at one first end of the tubular element (164), the discharge opening (160) opens into the tubular element (164) and an opposite second end of the tubular element (164) opens into the second region (134).

18. Pressure accumulator device according to claim 17, characterized in that a continuation of a wall (168) of the tubular element (164) at least partially forms the second wall (148).

19. Pressure accumulator device according to one of claims 14 to 18, characterized in that the discharge opening (160) is associated with a surge element (180), wherein between the discharge opening (160) and the surge element (180), a vapor space is formed.

20. Pressure accumulator device according to claim 19, characterized in that the surge element (180) in the second region (134) is arranged.

21. Pressure accumulator device according to claim 19 or 20, characterized in that the surge element (180) at least partially on an inner side (186) of the storage container (130) is applied and at least one gap (182) for a vapor passage.

22, pressure storage device according to claim 21, characterized in that the at least one gap (182) between the surge element (180) and the inner side (186) is formed.

23, pressure accumulator device according to claim 21 or 22, characterized in that the surge element (180) on the inside (186) is loosely applied.

24. Pressure accumulator device according to one of claims 21 to 23, characterized in that the at least one gap (182) has a width in the range between 0.2 mm and 1.0 mm.

25. Pressure accumulator device according to one of claims 19 to 24, characterized in that the surge element (180) has at least one flow-trailing edge (188).

26. Pressure accumulator device according to one of claims 19 to 25, characterized in that the surge element (180) has a first region (190) and a second region (192), wherein the second region (192) angled to the first region (190) is.

27. Pressure accumulator device according to claim 26, characterized in that the second region (192) of the flow element (180) is arranged towards the second region (134) of the storage container (130).

28. Pressure accumulator device according to one of claims 19 to 27, characterized in that a distance between a retaining grid (172) and the surge element (180) is at least 1 mm.

29. Pressure accumulator device according to claim 28, characterized in that the retaining grid (172) with respect to a vapor flow direction at a steam delivery closer to the discharge opening (160) than the surge element (180) and in particular the retaining grid (172) in a through the surge element (17 180) defined vapor space is located.

30. Pressure accumulator device according to one of claims 19 to 29, characterized in that on the second region (134) of the storage container (130) has a wall (176) is arranged, which separates a vapor space, which is defined by the surge element (180).

31. Pressure accumulator device according to one of claims 19 to 30, characterized in that in the interior space (162) a pin member (174) is arranged, on which the surge element (180) is fixed, in particular the pin member (176) with the first wall (146) is connected.

32. Pressure accumulator device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a heating device (138) and in particular electrical heating device.

33. An accumulator device according to claim 32, characterized in that the heating device (138) is positioned on a third region (136) of the storage container (130), wherein the first region (132) and the second region (134) at the third region ( 136) of the

Storage container are arranged.

34. Pressure accumulator device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the opening (80) at the second region (134) by a releasable lid (82) is closed.

35. Hand-held steam device, comprising an accumulator device (70)

according to one of the preceding claims.