WO2015197114A1

WO2015197114A1 - Hand-held steam device

Info

Publication number: WO2015197114A1
Application number: PCT/EP2014/063361
Authority: WO
Inventors: Michael SCHÖNEWALD; Tobias ENTERLEIN
Original assignee: Alfred Kärcher Gmbh & Co. Kg
Priority date: 2014-06-25
Filing date: 2014-06-25
Publication date: 2015-12-30
Also published as: EP3160660A1; EP3160660B1; EP3160660C0; JP2017522177A; JP6487948B2; CN106457317A

Abstract

The invention relates to a hand-held steam device comprising a housing (12) and a pressure accumulator device (70) having a steam valve (100) arranged in an internal space (24) of the housing (12), wherein the housing (12) comprises a housing shell device (14) having a first housing shell (16) and a second housing shell (18), said first housing shell (16) and said second housing shell (18) being connected to one another, wherein the housing shell device (14) has an opening (50) leading to the internal space (24), characterised in that a housing insert (58) is arranged on the opening (50), closing said opening (50), and in that at least one of the following elements is arranged on the housing insert (58): a steam outlet actuating element (92); a moving lever element (108) that can act on the steam valve (100) in order to actuate same; and a child safety lock actuating element (94).

Description

Hand-steamer

The invention relates to a manual steam appliance, comprising a housing and an accumulator device with a steam valve, which is arranged in an interior of the housing, wherein the housing comprises a housing shell means having a first housing shell and a second housing shell, and the first housing shell and the second housing shell connected to each other.

Manual steam devices are used, for example, for cleaning purposes by means of steam or in connection with ironing applications.

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

Steam units are for example from EP 0 875 194 AI, the

DE 200 Ol 650 U l, US 6,314,972 Bl, DE 201 11 327 U l, the

US Pat. No. 6,382,142, DE 202 0 959 U 1, DE 202 02 643 U 1, US Pat

DE 203 00 618 U l, DE 103 51 878 B3, EP 1 527 827 A2, the

DE 20 2006 009 634 U 1, EP 0 269 369 A2, US Pat. No. 6,615,515 B1, US Pat

US 2008/0022480 A1, EP 7 254 116 A2, DE 20 2009 006 788 U1, EP 2 275 282 A1, WO 2011/127976 A1, CN 201524670 U, US Pat

CN 102049393 A, the CN 201711302 U, the CN 201823723 U, the

CN 2019669703 U, JP 2000-202382 A, CN 2629854 Y or the

CN 2768907 Y known.

The invention has for its object to provide a hand-held steam device, which is easy to manufacture with a simple structure. This object is achieved with the hand-held steam device mentioned at the beginning

The invention is achieved in that the housing shell device has an opening to the interior, that at the opening a housing insert is arranged, which closes the opening, and that on the housing insert at least one of the following elements is arranged: a steam release actuator, a movable lever element, which is acted upon by the steam valve for its actuation, a child safety actuator.

In the solution according to the invention, the housing insert, which closes the opening, is used to hold actuating elements of the manual steam device. In particular, the steam release actuator, the movable lever member and the child safety actuator are positioned on the housing insert. It can thereby keep the number of components low.

It is thereby possible to use the housing shell device only as a fairing.

The production of the hand-held steam device is thereby facilitated. Only a small number of components or modules have to be connected to one another. In particular, the steam delivery actuator acts on the lever member. In turn, the lever element can act on the steam valve to open or close it. The lever member forms a translation between the steam delivery actuator and the steam valve. It is advantageous if the child safety actuating element acts on the lever element, wherein in a blocking position of the child safety actuating element an actuation of the steam valve is blocked by the lever element and in a release position an actuation of the steam valve by the Lever element is released. It can thereby be the lever element, which transmits, for example, a compressive force on the pressure delivery actuator to the steam valve, also use for a child safety. The number of components can be minimized.

It is favorable if a guide for movement of the lever element is arranged on the housing insert. As a result, optimized operation can be achieved while minimizing the number of components. Conveniently, the lever element is at least in a partial area pivotally mounted on the housing insert and in particular in the

Interior arranged. About the pressure output actuator can be realized pivoting, which in turn is the steam valve actuated.

Conveniently, the lever member has an effective range for the steam delivery actuator, wherein upon pressure of the steam delivery actuator on the effective range, the lever member acts on the steam valve and this opens. It can be achieved with minimized number of components and simple design of the handheld steamer optimized operation.

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

It is advantageous if a rear part device is provided, which resets the lever element when the steam delivery actuating element is not actuated. This results in a safe and optimized operation for the handheld steamer.

The rear part device in particular acts on the steam valve and / or it engages the lever element in order to effect a return. In one embodiment, the rear part device comprises a spring device. The spring means provides a corresponding elastic return force. In one embodiment, the spring device is formed on the lever element by inherent elasticity.

It is particularly advantageous if at least one spring is arranged between an active region of the lever element and an effective region of the steam valve. This at least one spring has sufficient rigidity. It ensures the transmission of force between the effective range of the lever element and the effective range of the steam valve. (In one direction, the power transmission provides for an opening operation of the steam valve, and if the rear part of the steam valve also causes the lever element to return, then the spring also provides power in the opposite direction.) At least one spring has a variable height due to spring design. The at least one spring can thereby compensate for tolerances in the housing production. It is realized a safe operation of the operation of the steam valve, even if such manufacturing tolerances are present.

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.

It is particularly advantageous if the pressure storage device is held on the housing insert. This results in a simple construction of the hand-held steam device with simplified manufacturability. The Druckspeicherein- direction must not be fixed by screws or the like, for example, in the housing shell means. An investment in corresponding contact elements is sufficient for a fixation, this positive fixation then by holding the pressure storage device to the Housing insert is secured. The housing insert thereby has the function of holding the functional elements, namely the actuating elements and the pressure storage device beyond the closure function of the opening.

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 one or more contact elements prevent over their blocking effect slipping of the pressure storage device in the housing shell means. A fixation of the pressure storage device (as a whole) to the housing insert then a further mobility is locked and there is a fixation in the housing.

In one embodiment, the pressure storage device has a nozzle, which is held on the housing insert. This results in a simple way a fixation of the pressure storage device to the

Housing insert.

In particular, a seal between the nozzle and the housing insert is arranged to prevent the penetration of fluid into the housing at the

Prevent housing insert.

At the neck, in particular, a detachable lid is arranged, which is accessible via the housing insert from the outside. The nozzle has an opening, which is a maintenance opening. Due to the closure with a detachable lid, which is in particular a security closure, maintenance access is also possible from outside the housing to the pressure storage device. 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 is associated with a connection plane at which the first Housing shell and the second housing shell are interconnected. This results in a simple structure.

It is favorable if the opening of the housing shell device, on which the housing insert sits, lies on the connection plane. This results in a simple structure with easy manufacturability.

In one embodiment, an insertion direction of the housing insert to the housing shell means is oriented transversely and in particular perpendicular to a connecting 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 embodiment, it is provided that the opening of the housing shell means is dimensioned so that the pressure storage device can be brought through this opening into the interior. This results in a simple manufacturability.

Advantageously, the housing insert is fixed to the housing shell device. The fixation takes place for example by form-locking elements such as screws and / or bolts or additionally or alternatively, for example by an adhesive bond.

It is particularly advantageous if a first assembly is provided, which comprises the steam delivery actuating element, the child safety actuating element and the lever element, and a second assembly is provided, which comprises the pressure storage device, wherein the first assembly and the second assembly are arranged and / or held on the housing insert. This can be a total of the number of Minimizing components and the manual steam appliance according to the invention can be produced in a simple manner.

In one embodiment, the housing insert has an angled or curved shape. This makes it possible, for example, to arrange actuators in the vicinity of a handle, so that when holding on the handle an operation, for example via a thumb is possible. Spaced to such actuators can be arranged on the housing insert, for example, a detachable lid (the detachable lid is in particular not connected to the housing insert, but with the pressure storage device).

In one embodiment, the pressure storage device is held on a first region of the housing insert, and on a second region, which is angled or bent relative to the first region, the steam release actuator and / or the child safety actuator are arranged. This results in an ergonomically optimized design. The following description of preferred embodiments is used in

In conjunction with the drawings, the detailed 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; 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 a perspective view of the pressure storage device with removed heating.

A handheld steamer, shown in the drawings and indicated generally at 10 in Figure 1, 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 connected to one another at a connection plane 20 (FIG. 1). In particular, the first housing shell 16 and the second housing shell 18 are 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 connection 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 Gehäuseschalenein- device 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

The housing shell device 14 has a ring element 46 at the opening 36. 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, in the region of the connection plane 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 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 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. Through the housing insert 58, the housing shell means 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. This serves for the fluid-tight closure of the housing 12.

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 58th the position of the accumulator 70 in the housing 12 is finally fixed.

In principle, it is also possible for the pressure storage device 70 to be positioned on the corresponding first housing shell 16 or the second housing shell 18, for example when the housing shell device 14 is open, 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. It is a raised edge 86 is provided, which surrounds a recess 88. In the recess 88 is the Opening 84 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 to 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 arranged displaceably in a direction / opposite direction 104 in a valve housing 106. 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 of 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 the valve body 102 being lifted off a valve seat 116 against the action of the spring force of the spring device 114. 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 in order 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 sufficient to cause 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 for example in a groove (and in particular Annular groove) of the effective region 110 and correspondingly radially fixed 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 inherent elasticity that due to this inherent elasticity after release of the steam delivery actuator 92, a provision is made.

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 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 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 for a relative fixation of both the first assembly and the second assembly to the housing 12. The housing 12 with the housing shell means 14 then effectively serves only as a cladding for these assemblies. The fixation on the housing 12 is defined by the housing insert 58 (for the accumulator 70 in FIG

Cooperation with the abutment elements 78).

The corresponding hand-held steam generator 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.

It may already be held on the housing insert 58, the pressure storage device 70 or the housing insert 48 is subsequently fixed to the pressure storage device 70 and fixed to the housing shell device 14.

It is also possible in principle for the pressure storage 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 is closed and subsequently 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 sits, which is a closure element for the Pressure storage device 70 and thus for the maintenance opening 80, at the second region 134 of the storage container 130th

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 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 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 extension direction of the steam valve 100 is in particular transversely (and in particular perpendicular) to a connection direction between the first region 132 and the third region 136 oriented.

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 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. 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 of this part 168 into the second region 134 is the second wall 148 in one embodiment.

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). In particular, liquid is introduced into the storage container 130 via the opening 80. 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 lent 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 direction of gravity 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 in turn housing dimensions 12th 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

A handheld steamer comprising a housing (12) and accumulator means (70) having a vapor valve (100) disposed in an interior space (24) of the housing (12), said housing (12) including housing shell means (14 ) having a first housing shell (16) and a second housing shell (18), and the first housing shell (16) and the second housing shell (18) are interconnected, characterized in that the housing shell means (14) has an opening (50) the interior space (24), that a housing insert (58) is arranged at the opening (50), which closes the opening (50), and that at least one of the following elements is arranged on the housing insert (58): a steam release actuating element (92), a movable lever member (108), which is acted upon by the steam valve (100) for its actuation, a child safety actuator (94).

Second hand-steam device according to claim 1, characterized in that the steam delivery actuating element (92) acts on the lever element (108).

3. Hand-steam device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the child-safety actuating element (94) acts on the lever element (108), wherein in a locking position (96) of the child-safety actuating element (94) actuation of the steam valve (100) is locked by the lever element (108) and in a release position (98) an actuation of the steam valve (100) by the lever element (108) is released.

4. Hand steam device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that on the housing insert (58) is arranged a guide for a movement of the lever element (108).

5. hand steam device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lever element (108) is mounted at least in a partial region pivotally mounted on the housing insert (58) and in particular in the interior (24) is arranged.

6. Hand-steam device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lever element (108) has an effective range (118) for the steam delivery actuating element (92), wherein upon pressure of the steam delivery actuating element (92) on the effective range (118 ) the lever element (108) acts on the steam valve (100) and this opens.

7. hand-steam device according to claim 6, characterized in that the steam valve (100) is closed when the lever member (108) does not act with sufficient force on the steam valve.

8. hand-held steam device according to one of the preceding claims,

characterized by a retainer (122) which returns the lever member (108) when the steam delivery actuator (92) is not actuated.

9. hand steam device according to claim 8, characterized in that the rear part device (122) acts on the steam valve (100) and / or on the lever element (108) engages.

10. Hand steam device according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the return device comprises a spring device (122).

11. Hand-steam device according to claim 10, characterized in that the spring device is formed on the lever element by inherent elasticity.

12. Hand-steam device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that between an active region (112) of the lever element (108) and an active region (110) of the steam valve (100) at least one spring (114) is arranged.

13. Hand steam device according to 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 means (14).

14. Hand steam device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pressure storage device (70) on the

Housing insert (58) is held.

15. Hand steam device according to claim 14, characterized in that the pressure storage device (70) in the interior (24) is inserted and in particular by the housing insert (58) is fixed.

16. Hand steam device according to claim 15, characterized in that on the first housing shell (16) and / or the second housing shell (18) at least one contact element (78) for the pressure storage device (70) is arranged.

17. Hand-steam device according to one of claims 14 to 16, characterized

characterized in that the pressure storage device (70) has a connection piece (68) which is held on the housing insert (58).

18. Hand steam device according to claim 17, characterized in that a seal (72) between the nozzle (68) and the housing insert (58) is arranged.

19. Hand steam device according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that on the nozzle (68) a releasable cover (82) is arranged, which on the housing insert (58) is accessible from the outside.

20. Hand steam device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first housing shell (16) and the second housing shell (18) has a connection plane (20) is assigned to which the first housing shell (16) and the second housing shell (18 ) are interconnected.

21. Hand steam device according to claim 20, characterized in that the opening (50) of the housing shell means (14) on the connection plane (20).

22. Hand steam device according to claim 20 or 21, characterized in that an insertion direction (60) of the housing insert (58) to the

Housing shell means (14) transversely and in particular perpendicular to a connecting direction (22) between the first housing shell (16) and the second housing shell (18) is oriented.

23. Hand steam device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the opening (50) of the housing shell means (14) is dimensioned so that the pressure storage device (70) through this opening (50) through into the interior (24) can be brought ,

24. Hand steam device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing insert (58) on the housing shell means (14) is fixed.

25. Hand steam device according to one of the preceding claims,

characterized by a first assembly comprising the vapor delivery actuator (92), the child safety actuator (94) and the lever member (108), and a second assembly including the pressure storage device (70), the first assembly and the second assembly Assembly are arranged on the housing insert (58) and / or held.

26. Hand steam device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing insert (58) has an angled or curved shape.

27. Hand-held steam generator according to claim 26, characterized in that at a first region (64) of the housing insert (58) the pressure storage device (70) is held and at a second region (90), which with respect to the first region (64) angled is or bent, the steam delivery actuator (92) and / or the child safety actuator (94) are arranged.