RU2405876C2 - Device for cleaning iron - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: textile, paper.

SUBSTANCE: device (1) for cleaning is made as a separate system containing at least the first cleaning element (13c, 13d, 13e) for cleaning steam chamber and at least a second cleaning element. The first cleaning element (13c, 13d, 13e) is made with the possibility to enter into the first steam exhaust port of a soleplate (2), and the second cleaning element is made with the possibility to enter into the second steam exhaust port of a soleplate (2). The steam exhaust ports (23a-23g) enter the steam chamber (21) of the steam iron (2).

EFFECT: increased reliability of cleaning iron and reduction the cost of its implementation.

12 cl, 4 dwg

Description

Technical field

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

State of the art

From the German description DE 3204796 A1, a steam iron is known in which a container for evaporated water is made replaceable by a water pump serving as a cleaning device. The tank and the water pump are made with the possibility of support on the bottom or on the sole of the steam iron and with the possibility of mounting on the handle of the steam iron. To perform cleaning, the water pump supplies water through a steam chamber made in the sole and through a steam channel made in the sole. Water exits from the steam outlet openings that are made in the sole and enter the steam channel or the steam chamber. However, cleaning the steam iron, especially the steam chamber, can be very inadequate. In particular, the removal of deposits caused by steam, such as calcareous deposits, in the steam chamber and in the steam outlet openings cannot be carried out satisfactorily in known steam irons. In addition, a well-known iron requires a complex replacement of the corresponding parts in order to facilitate the cleaning process. The steam iron should be disassembled, as it were, in order to be able to integrate an appropriate cleaning device into the steam iron, with which it will be possible to carry out the corresponding cleaning. Last but not least, it significantly harms the mechanical stability of the steam iron and leads to its additional wear.

Disclosure of invention

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a device for cleaning a steam iron with which the cleaning process can be carried out at low cost and reliably.

This problem is solved thanks to the cleaning device, which has the features of claim 1 of the claims.

The cleaning device proposed by the present invention for a steam iron, especially for a steam chamber and / or steam channels, is made in the form of a system separate and independent of the steam iron. An essential idea of the invention is that the cleaning device comprises for cleaning at least a steam chamber a first cleaning element and at least a second cleaning element. In this case, the first cleaning element is configured to be inserted into the first steam outlet of the steam iron, and the second cleaning element is configured to enter into the second steam outlet of the steam iron. Steam outlet openings are provided on the sole of the steam iron and enter the steam chamber or into the steam channel connecting the steam outlet to the steam chamber. By introducing the cleaning elements into the respective steam outlet openings is also meant the installation or only the mechanical connection of the cleaning elements to the steam outlet openings. Thus, the connection between the cleaning element and the steam outlet should occur so that the cleaning element and the steam outlet are adjacent to each other. Thanks to the cleaning device proposed by the present invention, reliable and low-cost cleaning of the steam iron, especially the steam chamber and the supply tubes to the steam chamber, can be provided. Lime deposits deposited in the steam chamber and in the supply pipes, for example also in the steam outlet openings, can thereby be effectively removed. In addition, it is no longer necessary to change the steam iron in its structural design, in particular to replace parts in order to be able to carry out the cleaning process. Thus, this can contribute to the elimination of increased wear, as well as contribute to the mechanical stability of the steam iron.

Preferably, the cleaning elements are adapted to be inserted into the steam outlet with an exact fit, at least in part. Due to this, it can be achieved that the cleaning elements and the steam outlet create a sealing connection. Thus, the cleaning elements can be positioned without a gap, at least partially in the steam outlet openings.

The number of cleaning elements preferably corresponds to the number of steam outlets. Due to this, it can be achieved that all the steam outlet openings are occupied by cleaning elements, and thus, during the cleaning process, liquid or dissolved sediments in the steam chamber do not undesirably flow out of the steam outlet openings and cannot create pollution or damage on the surrounding objects.

The cleaning process can be carried out, thereby, cleanly and economically. Additional precautions are no longer required to avoid uncontrolled and undesired release of cleaning fluid.

Preferably, at least the first cleaning element is hollow and configured to introduce cleaning liquid into the steam chamber. Further, advantageously at least the second cleaning element is also hollow and designed to divert the cleaning liquid from the steam chamber. In an effective manner, this can ensure that the necessary cleaning liquid is targeted and controlled through at least one cleaning element into the steam chamber, and this cleaning liquid, as well as precipitation and impurities dissolved and washed away in the steam chamber by the cleaning liquid, can be reliably removed from the steam chamber through at least a second cleaning element. The flow of cleaning fluid can thus be purposefully adjusted and optimized for efficient cleaning of the steam chamber.

Preferably, the cleaning device comprises at least one closure element configured to be inserted into the steam outlet. Due to the fact that the cleaning device has both cleaning elements and locking elements in a steam iron, which has a plurality of steam outlet openings in the sole, it can be ensured that all these steam outlet openings are occupied by cleaning elements or locking elements. Due to this, on the one hand, targeted and accurate cleaning of the steam iron, in particular the steam chamber, can be guaranteed, and on the other hand, unwanted liquid from many of these steam outlet openings can be prevented. In addition, these shut-off elements can contribute to the fact that, for efficient and economical cleaning, it is not necessary to introduce a cleaning element into each steam outlet. On the contrary, due to one single cleaning element for input and one single cleaning element for draining the cleaning liquid, very good cleaning is achieved, while the other steam outlet openings are closed by locking elements. This contributes to the fact that for the introduction of the cleaning fluid through the provided cleaning element requires less pressure than in the case when the cleaning fluid must be supplied through many cleaning elements. As a result, less demands must be placed on the feed device for introducing the cleaning fluid into the steam chamber. For example, due to this, a smaller discharge pump can be used, which affects cost reduction and generally requires less space.

Preferably, the cleaning elements and / or locking elements are in the form of mechanically stable hollow cylinders. It may also be provided that the cleaning elements and / or locking elements are at least partially made flexible. As possible materials for cleaning elements and / or locking elements, plastic, metal, light metal, steel, etc. may be provided. The materials mentioned are for illustrative purposes only and may be selected depending on the fluid required to clean the steam iron. The shaping of the cleaning and / or locking elements, as well as their appearance, can be made taking into account the simple and reliable entry of the cleaning elements and / or locking elements into the steam outlet, depending on the situation. Among other things, this may depend on how the sole and the steam vents are made or arranged.

The cleaning elements and / or locking elements are preferably mechanically stationary on the cleaning device. It may be provided that the cleaning elements and / or locking elements are integrally formed with a cleaning device. Integral execution here also means the manufacture of a cleaning device and cleaning elements and / or locking elements in a single manufacturing process, for example, in the casting process. This is based on an almost integrated design. On the other hand, integral execution also means one in which the cleaning device on the one hand and the cleaning elements and / or locking elements, on the other hand, are manufactured in separate manufacturing processes and then mechanically connected to each other by means of an integral connection, for example, using a welded joint, an adhesive joint, or the like. However, it may also be provided that the cleaning elements and / or locking elements are connected to the cleaning device with the possibility of separation. In this connection, for example, a threaded connection or a plug connection can be provided. Due to this, it can be guaranteed that the cleaning elements or locking elements can be dismantled and separately cleaned or individually replaced in case of a defect.

Preferably, the cleaning device is configured such that a recess is provided on the upper side of the cleaning device, into which a steam iron can be supplied to carry out the cleaning process. Preferably, the shape of the recess fits at least to the shape of the sole of the steam iron. Due to this, it can be achieved that the steam iron is stably held and rigidly positioned during the cleaning process.

Preferably, the cleaning elements and / or locking elements are precisely positioned in the recess, especially in the region of the bottom of the recess, so that the steam iron can be inserted into the recess, and the cleaning elements and / or locking elements can be automatically inserted into the corresponding steam outlet. Separate and piece input of cleaning elements and / or locking elements in this design is not required. The steam iron can thus be brought into a reliable and optimal position by simple installation in a recess in order to be able to reliably carry out the cleaning process. Also, reliable and accurate input of the cleaning elements and / or locking elements is performed automatically, as a result of which the cleaning elements and / or locking elements can be prevented from entering the “wrong” steam outlet openings. In this case, “incorrect” steam outlet openings means that the case where cleaning elements and / or shut-off elements are inserted into the steam outlet openings, which, as applied to the flow of the cleaning liquid through the steam chamber and / or steam channels, can guarantee only the cleaning process, which worse than optimal.

Preferably, an actuator for starting / stopping the cleaning process is located in the bottom of the recess. Due to this, it can be achieved that the cleaning process is automatically started when the steam iron is installed in the recess. Accordingly, automatic shutdown of the cleaning process is achieved when the steam iron is again removed from a hard fit in the recess. Thus, the duration of the cleaning process can be individually adjusted by the user of the steam iron, since both the start and stop of the cleaning process can be caused by the installation or removal of the steam iron from the recess.

Of course, the cleaning device is also preferably made in such a way that the duration of the cleaning process can be adjusted, and it can be provided that a start and / or stop is signaled by an optical and / or acoustic signal. It can also be provided that the duration of the cleaning process itself is individually recognized by the cleaning device, for example, due to the fact that depending on the dissolved amount of precipitation in the steam chamber that passes through the cleaning element to drain this cleaning liquid, the duration of the cleaning process individually decreases or increases . For this, for example, a sensor can be provided that detects the number of particles, for example lime particles, in the discharge cleaning fluid and transmits data to the control unit of the cleaning device. If the amount is relatively large, then it can be concluded that a different cleaning time is required so that other precipitates can be dissolved. If this quantity is very small, then it can be concluded that the steam chamber is already very clean, and the cleaning time can be reduced.

The cleaning device preferably has a first reservoir for receiving a cleaning fluid that is introduced into the steam chamber. Preferably, the cleaning device has a second reservoir configured to receive a cleaning fluid exiting the steam chamber. At least one of these two tanks may have a connection for filling and / or emptying. It may also be provided that at least one of the two tanks is removed from the cleaning device.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The present invention is explained below in more detail using schematic drawings. They show the following.

Figure 1: axonometric projection proposed by the present invention, a cleaning device.

Figure 2: axonometric projection proposed by the present invention, a cleaning device with a steam iron.

Figure 3: axonometric projection of a fragment proposed by the present invention, the cleaning device according to figure 1.

Figure 4: axonometric projection of a steam iron.

In the figures, identical or functionally identical elements are denoted by the same symbols.

The implementation of the invention

1 shows a cleaning device 1 for a steam iron in a perspective view. The cleaning device 1 serves to clean the steam irons 2 (Fig. 4), which have a sole 22, and in the sole 22 at least two steam outlet openings 23a-23g are made, from which steam can exit onto objects that are ironed. The steam outlet openings 23a-23g enter the steam chamber 21 (FIG. 2) of the steam iron 2 or are connected to the steam chamber 21 of the steam iron 2 through the steam channel.

As can be seen from FIG. 1, the cleaning device 1 has an upper side 11 in which a recess 12 is formed. As shown in FIG. 1, the recess 12 has a bottom 12a and a wall 12b. The recess 12 is designed so that it matches the shape of at least one sole of the steam iron in at least areas.

The cleaning device 1 has in this embodiment a plurality of cleaning elements and locking elements. The locking elements are indicated by 13a, 13b, 13f and 13g. Further, the cleaning device 1 has, in this embodiment, three cleaning elements 13b, 13c and 13d. The cleaning elements 13b, 13c and 13d are made in the form of hollow cylinders. In the view of FIG. 1, the cleaning element 13d is configured to introduce cleaning liquid into the steam chamber of the steam iron. The cleaning elements 13c and 13e in this embodiment are designed to discharge cleaning fluid and sediments dissolved in the cleaning fluid.

The cleaning device 1 in this embodiment has two separate reservoirs (not shown), the first reservoir being arranged to receive the cleaning liquid and connected to the cleaning element 13d by means of an appropriate tube system (not shown). The cleaning elements 13c and 13e are connected to the second reservoir using a tube system not shown.

As can be seen, the cleaning elements 13C-13E are made in the form of vertically oriented rods having a base with which they are positioned on the bottom 12A.

For introducing the cleaning fluid into the steam chamber 21 (FIG. 2) of the steam iron 2 (FIG. 2), a pressure pump (not shown) can be provided by the cleaning element 13d. The cleaning element 13d can also be made in the form of a nozzle.

Similarly, it can be provided that the cleaning elements 13c and 13e are connected to the suction pumps, with which the suction of the cleaning liquid, as well as dissolved sediments and contaminants can be faster. As a result, the flow can be individually controlled and adjusted, the dissolution of firmly held precipitates can be improved, and the cleaning process can also be accelerated. In addition, it can be achieved that the back pressure of the cleaning liquid in the steam chamber 21 (FIG. 2) or in the supply and discharge tubes will be prevented. Especially in places where quick removal of the cleaning fluid is only possible with great difficulty, a clean and reliable cleaning process can be achieved through such injection and absorption of the cleaning fluid.

As can be further seen from FIG. 1, the cleaning elements 13c-13e and the locking elements 13a, 13b, 13f and 13g are located in the front region, which is made narrowed. In this embodiment, both the cleaning elements 13c-13e and the locking elements 13a, 13b, 13f and 13g are detachably connected to the bottom 12a and are made of metal.

It is further seen that an actuating element 14 is made in the bottom 12a. When a steam iron 2 (FIG. 2) is installed in the recess 12, this actuating element 14 is pressed down with the sole 22 (FIG. 4) of the steam iron and, thereby, the cleaning process is started. Accordingly, when the steam iron 2 is removed, the actuator 14 again moves upward, as a result of which the cleaning process ends.

Further, the cleaning device 1 comprises a switch 15, by which the cleaning device (not the cleaning process) can be turned on and off.

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the cleaning device 1 proposed by the present invention, it being seen that the steam iron 2 is installed in the recess 12. Next, it is seen where the steam chamber 21 of the steam iron 2 is located. As an example, the steam iron 2 is shown open in the corresponding section . The number of cleaning elements 13c-13e shown in FIG. 1 and the locking elements 13a, 13b, 13f and 13g is selected such that it corresponds to the number of steam outlet holes 23a-23g in the sole of the steam iron (FIG. 4). Thus, when the steam iron 2 is installed in the recess 12, as shown in FIG. 2, a cleaning element 13c-13e or a locking element 13a, 13b, 13f and 13g is inserted into each of the steam outlet openings 23a-23g.

Figure 3 shows a fragment of the cleaning device 1 according to figure 1. As can be seen, the cleaning elements 13 c-13e and the locking elements 13a, 13b, 13f and 13g are made with a base and are positioned so that they form a curve. As can be seen in FIG. 3, the shut-off elements 13a, 13b, 13f and 13g are closed on their upper sides, and thus no liquid can enter or exit the steam outlet openings 23a-23g (FIG. 4) closed by the shut-off elements 13a 13b, 13f and 13g. The locking elements 13a, 13b, 13f and 13g, made cylindrically, can be inside both hollow and solid.

As can be further seen, the actuating element 14 is located in close proximity to the cleaning elements 13c-13e and the locking elements 13a, 13b, 13f and 13g. The advantage of this is that if the steam iron 2 is not installed or removed uniformly from the recess 12, the cleaning process cannot be started or stopped in an undesirable manner. Since if the actuation element 14, for example, was located on the rear side of the bottom 12a and, thus, would be positioned exactly on the other end of the bottom 12a, in contrast to the cleaning elements 13c-13e and the locking elements 13a, 13b, 13f and 13g, it could be that when the steam iron 2 is installed in the recess 12, the back portion of the sole will already touch the actuator 14 and thereby start the cleaning process, although the steam outlets located on the front side of the steam iron 2 in the sole are not yet fitted on the cleaning elements 13s-13 e and at least partially mounted on the shut-off elements 13a, 13b, 13f and 13g, and thus the cleaning liquid would be sprayed in an undesirable way. A similar thing could happen when the cleaning process should end, and the steam iron 2, as described above, is unevenly removed from the recess 12.

Figure 4 shows a schematic axonometric projection of the steam iron 2. As you can see, the steam iron 2 has on its sole 22 seven steam outlet holes 23a-23g, which are made in the front region of the sole 22. The number and location of the steam outlet holes 23a-23g are given only as an example.

Claims (12)

1. A device for cleaning a steam iron (2) having a sole (22) with at least two steam outlet openings (23a-23g), wherein the steam outlet openings (23a-23g) enter the steam chamber (21) of the steam iron (2), characterized in that the cleaning device (1) is made in the form of a separate system for a steam iron, which for cleaning at least a steam chamber (21) contains a first cleaning element (13c, 13d, 13e) and at least one second cleaning element (13c, 13d, 13e), and the first cleaning element (13c, 13d, 13e) is configured to enter the first steam outlet (23a-23g) of the steam iron, and the second cleaning element (13c, 13d, 13e) configured to input a second steam outlet (23a-23g). 2. The cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that the cleaning elements (13c, 13d, 13e) are made with the possibility of entering into the steam outlet (23a-23g) with an exact fit. 3. The cleaning device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the number of cleaning elements (13c, 13d, 13e) corresponds to the number of steam outlet openings (23a-23g). 4. The cleaning device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least the first cleaning element (13C, 13d, 13e) is made hollow and is made to enter the cleaning fluid into the steam chamber (21), and at least the second cleaning the element (13c, 13d, 13e) is also hollow and is designed to drain the cleaning fluid from the steam chamber (21). 5. The cleaning device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the cleaning device (1) comprises at least one locking element (13a, 13b, 13f, 13g) configured to be inserted into the steam outlet (23a-23g ) 6. The cleaning device according to claim 5, characterized in that during the cleaning process, either a cleaning element (13c, 13d, 13e) or a locking element (13a, 13b, 13f, 13g) is inserted into each of the steam outlet openings (23a-23g) ) 7. A cleaning device according to one of claims 1, 2, 6, characterized in that the cleaning elements (13 s, 13d, 13e) are made in the form of rigid hollow cylinders. 8. A cleaning device according to one of claims 1, 2, 6, characterized in that the cleaning elements (13c, 13d, 13e) are stationary on the cleaning device (1). 9. The cleaning device according to one of claims 1, 2, 6, characterized in that on the upper side (11) of the cleaning device (1) a recess (12) is made, the shape of which at least partially corresponds to the shape of the sole (22) steam iron (2). 10. A cleaning device according to claim 9, characterized in that the cleaning elements (13c, 13d, 13e) are precisely located in the recess (12) so that the steam iron (2) can be placed in the recess (12), and the cleaning elements (13c, 13d, 13e) can be automatically inserted into the corresponding steam outlet (23a-23g). 11. The cleaning device according to claim 9, characterized in that in the bottom (12a) of the recess (12) there is an actuating element (14) for starting / stopping the cleaning process. 12. A cleaning device according to one of claims 1, 2, 6, 10, 11, characterized in that the cleaning device (1) has a first reservoir for receiving a cleaning liquid that is introduced into the steam chamber (21), and / or the second tank, made for the adoption of cleaning fluid leaving the steam chamber (21).

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