WO2018166574A1

WO2018166574A1 - Method for operating a steam generating apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2018166574A1
Application number: PCT/EP2017/055806
Authority: WO
Inventors: Juliane AUTH; Benjamin KUTZ; Tobias Dux
Original assignee: Alfred Kärcher SE & Co. KG
Priority date: 2017-03-13
Filing date: 2017-03-13
Publication date: 2018-09-20
Also published as: DE112017007232A5; CN110382953A

Abstract

Provided is a method for operating a steam generating apparatus, wherein the steam generating apparatus as a through-flow heater (14) having a heating device (16) for steam generation and a pump (22) for delivering liquid to the through-flow heater (14), and wherein one or more steam discharge appliances (42a, 42b) are or can be connected, wherein the method involves: – measuring one or more variables which can influence a steam state of steam generated at the through-flow heater (14), – calculating control data for a power setting of the pump (22) and/or of the heating device (16) in order to generate a defined steam state; and – controlling the pump (22) and the heating device (16) with the corresponding control data in order to generate steam having the defined steam state.

Description

Method for operating a steam generating device

The invention relates to a method for operating a steam generating device.

The invention has for its object to provide a method of the type mentioned, in which different modes of operation can be set in a simple manner and in particular different

Steam conditions are available.

This object is achieved according to the invention in the aforementioned method, that the steam generating device comprises a water heater with a heater for generating steam and a pump for conveying liquid to the water heater, and wherein one or more steam dispensers are connected or can be connected, and that the method includes:

Measuring one or more quantities which may affect a vapor state of steam generated at the flow heater,

Calculating drive data for a power setting of the pump and / or the heater to produce a defined steam condition; and

Control of the pump and the heater with the corresponding control data for generating steam with the defined vapor state. By using a water heater, short heating times for steam generation can be achieved. The steam generating device can be formed with low weight and manufactured inexpensively. By measuring one or more variables that may affect the vapor state of the generated vapor, optimized driving of the pump and heater with respect to a corresponding power setting can be achieved. It can then set the steam state defined for a special steam dispenser and also regulate.

For example, steam may be made for an iron which has a lower moisture content than steam for cleaning purposes.

In particular, as a variable which influences the steam state, a temperature is determined at the instantaneous water heater. This results in an optimized adjustability, in particular for a power setting on the heater.

It may additionally or alternatively be provided that a temperature of steam at the steam dispensing device such as an iron or a cleaning gun is determined. It is also advantageous if, as a further variable which influences the vapor state, a system fluid and in particular a pressure of liquid which is supplied in the flow heater (by the pump) is determined.

It is particularly advantageous if both system fluid pressure measurement data and temperature data are determined and a corresponding control of the pump of the heating device is carried out on the basis of this determined data.

It is favorable if the defined vapor state is set by an operator and / or predetermined by the type of the connected vapor dispensing device or, in particular, automatically predefined. There are so many possible uses. For example, the type of connected steam dispenser can be automatically recognized and it is then possible that the steam state is automatically set by specifying performance data for the pump and the heater. For example, if an iron is connected, then the appropriate steam condition for the steam provided to the iron can then be automatically adjusted.

It can also be provided that a state of a connected steam dispenser is determined and taken into account in the calculation of the control data. The state is, for example, an operating state and / or a setting state of the steam dispenser. This results in an optimized mode of operation.

It is advantageous if a fill level of a tank for liquid is determined and if a fill level or a fill level threshold falls below a steam generation is stopped and / or an indication is performed. This results in a safe operation.

It is furthermore advantageous if a valve for a steam dispenser and in particular a solenoid valve is actuated and in particular is actuated using measurement data of the size or the variables which can influence the steam generation. There are so many possible uses.

It is advantageous if a temperature monitoring is carried out with respect to a minimum temperature and / or a maximum temperature at the instantaneous water heater. This results in a safe operation. If, for example, a too high temperature is detected, then an automatic shutdown can take place. If, for example, an excessively low temperature is detected, the steam generation can be interrupted accordingly.

It is furthermore favorable if a pressure monitoring with respect to a minimum system fluid pressure and / or a maximum system fluid pressure is carried out. is guided, wherein in particular one or more self-switching valves are provided for pressure monitoring.

By the pressure relief valve device can be ensured that no excessive pressure in the system is applied, which can damage hoses and connections, for example. By means of a vacuum valve device can be ensured that do not prevail too low pressures in the system. If, for example, after operation during cooling, a negative pressure, then the pump can suck liquid from a tank. The next time it is turned on (especially when a controllable valve is closed) there is so much fluid in the system that a pressure increase due to evaporation can exceed a triggering pressure of a pressure relief valve device.

It is favorable if a tank for liquid is assigned an ion exchanger and the duration of use of the ion exchanger is monitored. As a result, the maintenance of the steam generating device can be kept low.

In particular, the service life of the ion exchanger is determined by running time. When the pump is in operation, then in principle also liquid is transported through the ion exchanger and this "ages". By summing the running times of the pump so you have a measure of the previous operating times and thus for the life of the ion exchanger. It is favorable if a set or determined water hardness is taken into account in the calculation of the activation data. This results in an optimized operation while minimizing the maintenance effort.

In one embodiment, it is provided that an actuator is actuated, which is associated with the heating device and causes their power setting via the electrical energy supply to the heater. In particular, the actuator comprises an electronic switching device, by means of which it is possible to controllably switch whether an electrical power supply to the Heating device is effected or not. It can then turn by the duration of switching perform a power setting.

In particular, a wave packet control (oscillation packet control) of the heating device then takes place. In this case, a signal is switched only in zero crossings. It can be provided a whole-wave control (switched on and off during the whole periods of a grid frequency), or it can be provided a half-wave control in which only half-waves are switched.

In particular, the actuator switches the electric power supply of the heater with respect to on and off. In particular, wave packet control (oscillation packet control) of the heater occurs. This results in a simple structure with a simple controllability and controllability.

It is favorable if the actuator is connected to the mains current or to a conducted current and a switching device of the actuator switches on and off phases for the electrical energy supply of the heating device. The grid current provides a time scale over the period of the grid current. It can then be set by selecting the number of halfwaves or fullwaves with which on-phases or off-phases of the electric power supply of the heater are set, a power adjustment.

In particular, then, the heater may have only a single heating element, which is supplied via the actuator with electrical energy. It results in minimized manufacturing complexity easy adjustability.

It is advantageous if zero crossings are detected at a mains current and / or at a mains voltage. This can be used to generate digital current pulses that Can cause supply to the heater. It can then be set in turn in a simple manner, how many such current pulses are switched through within a predetermined period of time to the heater. It is thus possible to easily effect a power setting of the heating device.

In particular, a pulsating direct current is generated from a mains current. It may be previously provided a transformation of a mains voltage to a lower (peak) voltage. In particular, a one-way rectifier causes the conversion of the mains voltage or the transformed voltage in the pulsating DC voltage. A signal is generated (in particular via a detector device), which can be interpreted binary by a microcontroller. The control and / or regulating device can use the binary signal as a clock input for the control of the actuator for switching on and off the heater, which control in turn is in particular a wave packet control (oscillation packet control). The detector device essentially converts the pulsating DC voltage into a signal which, as mentioned, can be interpreted in binary form. Flanks in the binary signal that cause a change of state (the change of a binary value) correspond to zero crossings of a sine wave (the line voltage or the transformed voltage).

For example, when switching the actuator, the heater with one or more half-waves or full waves of the electrical energy supply (and in particular to digital current pulses) acted upon. This results in a simple way of setting the power.

The invention further relates to a steam generating device. It is a water heater provided with a heater for generating steam, a pump for conveying liquid to the water heater is provided at least one port to which a steam dispenser is connected or is connectable is provided, min At least one temperature sensor device which is assigned to the instantaneous water heater is provided, at least one pressure sensor device for determining a system fluid pressure is provided, and a control and / or regulating device is provided, with which the temperature sensor device and the pressure sensor device are signal-effectively connected, which the pump for a power adjustment and the heater of the flow heater for power adjustment, and which comprises a drive unit which provides control data for the pump and the heater based on measured values of the temperature sensor means and the pressure sensor means.

By providing a water heater, a steam generating device with short heating times, low weight and ease of manufacture can be realized.

In this solution, the control and / or regulating device, which controls the pump and the heating device as active components, provides sensor data relating to temperature measured values and pressure measured values. The drive unit may then calculate and provide the required drive data to the pump and heater.

It can thereby provide a steam generating device which can provide, for example, cleaning steam or steam for an iron. For example, higher moisture content steam for cleaning purposes or lower moisture steam for ironing purposes can be provided.

This corresponding steam state or steam quality is effected by appropriate power setting on the pump and the heating device. For example, it can be automatically detected which steam dispensing device is connected to the connection or an operator can make appropriate specifications. This results in extensive steam generation options with simple operability and simple design of the steam generating device.

In particular, a controllable valve and in particular a solenoid valve, which is controlled by the control and / or regulating device, are arranged on a fluid flow path. For example, a steam output can be switched on or switched off via the controllable valve. It can also be provided that, if a corresponding steam dispensing device is connected, which has its own valve, the controllable valve is open. The control via the control and / or regulating device results in additional control options for the system.

It is advantageous if the controllable valve is connected downstream of the water heater and in particular the connection is connected upstream. As a result, for example, can easily perform a fault monitoring.

It is advantageous if the controllable valve has a recognition device for its state, which is signal-effectively connected to the control and / or regulating device. As a result, the control and / or regulating device at each time, whether the controllable valve is open or closed. For example, a separate operability of the controllable valve can then be provided by an operator via a corresponding lever or knob, and the control and / or regulating device knows the corresponding state of the controllable valve. It is favorable if at least one liquid tank is provided. Liquid (in particular water) for the generation of steam can be stored at the at least one liquid tank. In one exemplary embodiment, a fill level sensor device is associated with the at least one liquid tank, which is signal-effectively connected to the control and / or regulating device, wherein in particular the control unit determines its control data using measurement data of the fill level sensor device. This makes it possible, for example, if a level that is too low at the at least one liquid tank is determined to switch off the system. In particular, the active components pump and heater are then turned off.

It can also be provided that an ion exchange device is associated with the at least one liquid tank, and in particular at least one ion exchange cartridge is arranged on the at least one liquid tank. This makes it possible to perform a cleaning or filtering of the liquid. It is favorable if the pressure sensor device for determining the system fluid pressure is positioned on a fluid flow path between the pump and the flow heater and in particular the determined system fluid pressure is a fluid pressure. This makes it possible to easily determine a relevant system parameter which can be used for the control and / or regulation of the system.

In one embodiment, a pressure storage device is provided which is disposed on a fluid flow path between the pump and the flow heater. This results in an optimized mode of operation.

The pressure storage device is for example a piece of tubing or comprises such. This results in a simple structural design. It is advantageous if a pressure relief valve device is provided, which is arranged on a fluid flow path between the pump and the at least one connection. The pressure relief valve device is connected downstream, for example, the water heater. Preferably, it is located between the pump and the water heater. It can thus be prevented that an overpressure can occur in the system, which can damage hoses and connections, for example. It is also advantageous if a vacuum valve device is provided, which is arranged downstream of a fluid flow path of the pump and is arranged in particular between the pump and the water heater. For example, a negative pressure may occur during cooling after operation. This can cause the pump to suck liquid from a tank. At a next switch-on (especially if a controllable valve is closed), there would then be so much fluid in the system that a pressure increase due to the evaporation exceeds the triggering pressure of a safety valve of a pressure relief valve device. The temperature sensor device expediently comprises at least one temperature sensor which measures the temperature at the instantaneous water heater.

This provides a relevant parameter for a steam condition and in particular for steam quality. It is thereby a simple control or regulation of the water heater with respect to power setting of the heater possible.

The at least one temperature sensor can be arranged on a surface of the water heater or be positioned in a recess on the water heater.

It is also advantageous if the pressure sensor device has at least one pressure sensor for the direct determination of the system fluid pressure on the fluid includes. This results in an optimized controllability or controllability of the system.

It is advantageous if a steam dispenser is connected or connectable to the at least one connection via a detachable coupling device. This results in extensive application possibilities. This results in an optimized adaptation of the steam (via adjustment by the control and / or regulating device) to the corresponding intended use.

In particular, the coupling device is associated with a recognition device for a type of steam dispenser. The corresponding detection data may be used by the control and / or regulating means to adjust the corresponding steam state depending on the type of steam dispenser. For example, the liquid content in steam for an iron should be lower than in steam for cleaning purposes.

Accordingly, it is advantageous if the detection device is signal-effectively connected to the control and / or regulating device in order to enable a corresponding control or regulation.

It is also advantageous if the coupling device comprises a plug and a mating connector, wherein a fluid-effective connection is provided via the coupling device and in particular additionally a signal-effective connection (wired or wireless) is provided. This makes it easy to connect different steam dispensers to the connection. By means of an additional signal-effective connection, corresponding parameter data which are or are set on the steam dispenser can be transmitted to the control and / or regulating device. These can in turn be used to calculate control data. It is favorable if a status determination device for a set state is provided on a steam dispensing device and / or on a main device. For example, different parameters or the like may be set on the steam generator on the main unit and / or on the steam dispenser, and the corresponding settings may in turn be used to calculate drive data for the pump and heater.

It is advantageous if the state detection device is signal-effectively connected to the control and / or regulating device.

In particular, at least one of the following can be set by way of the control and / or regulating device by activating the active components pump and flow heater: steam state, moisture content of discharged steam, steam quality, steam quantity, steam pulse. There are also other settings possible.

For example, an automatic setting by the control and / or regulating device is provided in particular by detecting a connected steam dispensing device and / or an adjustment by the control and / or regulating device (via corresponding control data) via operator input is provided. The operator input can be done on a steam dispenser or on a main unit with the connection.

In one embodiment, driving the heater of the water heater is provided as on-off control for a heater. A power setting of the heater then takes place by how long an on-state or off-state exists. This results in a simple adjustability. In particular, there is a simple adjustability in connection with a water heater, wherein the heater has only a single heating element. The on-off control is in particular a wave packet control (oscillation packet control), in which a signal is only in Zero crossings is switched. In this case, for example, there is a whole-wave control, in which whole periods of the mains frequency are switched on or off, or a half-wave control takes place in which half-waves are switched.

In one embodiment, an input device is provided which is signal-effectively connected to the control and / or regulating device. Parameters set on the input device can then be taken into account in the calculation of activation data.

The steam generating device may include one or more steam dispensers (as "accessories").

In particular, the actuation unit comprises a calculation unit with stored accounting rules and / or calculation algorithms. For example, typical system states are recorded in the defined invoice rules.

In one exemplary embodiment, a data transmission device is provided, which is or comprises in particular a radio module, and which is signal-effectively connected to the control and / or regulating device. Parameter settings or the like can then be transmitted to the control and / or regulating device via the data transmission device, as a result of which, in turn, in particular, control data can be influenced in a wireless manner.

A data transmission of the data transmission device can be unidirectional (input only) or bi-directional for data transmission and data reception.

In particular, at least one operator device with a data interface for data of the data transmission device is then provided. The Operator device can be proprietary. It can also be formed by a smartphone, for example.

In an advantageous embodiment, an actuator of an electronic switching device for adjusting the power of the heater of the water heater is provided, wherein the actuator is controlled by the control and / or regulating device. The actuator is in particular an electronic circuit breaker, which performs the power setting (controlled by the control and / or regulating device) on the heating device. This results in a simple structure with minimal control effort or control effort.

It is advantageous if the actuator is at least partially heat transfer effective connected to a fluid flow path and in particular connected to a fluid flow path for liquid. It is thus possible in a simple manner to perform liquid cooling (water cooling) on an electronic power switching part of the actuator.

For example, a heat exchanger is arranged on the fluid flow path and the actuator is at least partially heat transfer-effective via the heat exchanger connected to the fluid flow path. It can thereby achieve effective cooling.

For example, the actuator comprises one or more (in particular antiparallel connected) thyristors and in particular one or more TRIAC. It can thus be achieved in a simple manner an electrical energy to the heater, which is controllable (via a corresponding gate) by the control and / or regulating device. In principle, such an actuator can be supplied directly with mains current, and a power setting on the heating device can then be carried out, in particular via the setting of switching periods (based on half cycles or periods). It is particularly advantageous if the heater of the water heater has a single heating element. Efficient controllable or controllable steam generation can also be achieved for different steam dispensing devices with little effort in terms of design and production engineering.

In a steam generating apparatus, a flow heater is provided with a heater for generating steam, a pump for conveying liquid to the water heater is provided in a fluid flow path, an actuator for adjusting the power of the heater is provided, and a control and / or regulating device is provided which the Actuator controls, wherein the actuator comprises a switching device which switches the heating or non-heating heating, and wherein the power setting of the heater is carried out over setting of switching periods.

The provision of a water heater results in a fast heating and a low weight. It is a cost-effective production or production of the steam generating device possible.

By using an actuator with an (electronic) switching device which controls the heater, it is easy to perform a power adjustment. It is particularly possible to use a heater with only a single heating element, in which case a simple power setting is possible.

The power setting on the heater can be realized in a simple manner via the setting of switching periods. This results in a simple controllability or controllability. In particular, the power setting on the heater can be performed easily via a vibration packet controller (wave packet controller). In such a control method, a signal is switched only at zero crossings. It can be done switching on and off of whole periods of a mains frequency (full wave control) or it can be switched half-waves (half-wave control).

For example, half-waves can be detected from a mains voltage and the switching device then switches corresponding voltage signals to the heating device, the switching or non-switching being predetermined by the control and / or regulating device.

By the number of switched-through half-waves in a certain predetermined period, the power can be adjusted.

For example, a certain number of voltage periods can be specified. A period corresponds to a period of the mains voltage. For example, a period pack with twelve periods is specified. The control and / or regulating device specifies how many whole waves (in the case of full-wave control) or half-waves (in the case of half-wave control) in such a period package lead to a circuit of the electrical power supply to the heating device. For example, if there is a low power requirement, then a larger number of full wave / halfwaves will not be switched. If there is a greater energy demand, then a larger number of full wave / half waves is switched. At maximum power demand, for example, all full-wave / half-waves are switched, so that in particular for each half-wave, a corresponding pulse of the electrical energy supply of the heater is provided. In the other case that there is no power requirement, no whole wave / half wave is switched to an electric power supply within the periodic packet. This results in a simple structure extensive control options and control options.

It is advantageous if the heating device has only a single heating element. This results in a simple controllability or controllability in a structurally simple design.

It is advantageous if the actuator and in particular the switching device is connected to the mains. This results in a simple structure. The period of the mains current provides a "time scale" which can be used for power adjustment.

In one embodiment, the switching device comprises a switchable diode device. It can thus effect an effective heating. In one embodiment, it is provided that a (sine) mains voltage is transformed into a lower voltage by a transformer. The diode device generates a pulsating DC voltage from this transformed voltage. A detector device detects, for example from sine half-waves (in a half-wave control), a signal that can be interpreted binary by a microcontroller. The control and / or regulating device uses the binary signal as the clock input for the activation of the actuator for switching on and off the heater.

By way of example, the switching device comprises one or more thyristors and in particular one or more TRIACs. For example, a gate of such a switching device, which is a power switching device, is then controlled via the control and / or regulating device. The heating device can then be switched (controlled) via the switching device to provide a corresponding current. This in turn makes it easy to set the power.

It is advantageous if a cooling device for cooling the actuator is present. This allows a heater to be used effectively. It is particularly advantageous if the cooling device is formed on the fluid flow path and / or is heat-effectively coupled to the fluid flow path. The flowing fluid and in particular the flowing liquid can then be used for cooling at least part of the actuator and in particular of a power circuit part.

For the same reason, it is advantageous if a heat exchanger is arranged and / or formed on the fluid flow path, to which the actuator is at least partially thermally coupled. This results in an effective cooling and thus safe operation.

For the same reason, it is favorable if the heat exchanger is arranged on the fluid flow path between the pump and the flow heater and, in particular, liquid cooling of the actuator is provided. It can be achieved as an effective cooling and heat dissipation.

In one embodiment, the actuator is associated with a detector device for detecting zero crossings of a mains current or a mains voltage. The detector device generates the clock with which the control and / or regulating device controls the actuator (the clock being the clock of the mains voltage or of the mains current). By the detector device, a digital signal can be generated from a sine signal of the mains current or the mains voltage. The detector device essentially converts a pulsating DC voltage, which is generated from the mains voltage, into a signal which can be interpreted in binary form. For example, a positive sine half-wave is assigned a voltage value of 3.3 V and a negative sine wave a voltage of 0 V. The edges which cause a state change correspond to zero crossings of the sine half-wave. In one embodiment, the detector device comprises or is a Schmitt trigger, in order to be able to provide power supply pulses in a simple manner. When using a Schmitt trigger, a digital edge can be adjusted. (For zero-crossing detection without an explicit detector device, zero-crossing detection depends on an internal edge detection of a microcontroller.) This can cause a zero-crossing detection to be staggered, which can lead to unwanted heating of an actuator and disruption.) By using a detector device, especially with a Schmitt trigger avoids such problems. Alternatively, it is also possible that a time shift of a zero crossing detection is compensated by a software solution. In an alternative embodiment, the detector device comprises or is formed by a Zener diode.

It is particularly advantageous if a time control for the power setting of the heating device by means of switching and non-switching by the actuator to the heating device is provided. In principle, energy supply pulses are provided, and these can be provided in a controlled manner (controlled) to the heating device. The number of energy pulses provided within a given period determines the

Power of heating by the heater. The switching and non-switching of pulses of electrical energy supply can be predetermined by the control and / or regulating device. The corresponding control is, in particular, a wave packet control (oscillation packet control). A signal is switched only in zero crossings (of the mains current or the mains voltage). In principle, whole periods of the mains frequency can be switched on or off (full wave control) or half periods (half wave control). By ensuring that negative and positive half-waves occur with equal frequency, DC components can be avoided during half-wave control. In particular, a pulse of the electrical energy supply is generated from a half-wave or period of a mains voltage or a mains current. This results in a simple structure. It may then be provided that, in a periodic packet of a plurality of periods, a number of half-waves or full-waves are set controlled, which lead to an electrical power supply to the heating device. For example, a period pack with n periods is specified for the specific period of time. Depending on the power setting then the number of half-waves or full waves within this period package depends on the power requirement of the heater.

It is advantageous if the flow heater is assigned a temperature sensor device which provides temperature measurement signals to the control and / or regulating device, the actuator performing the power setting of the heating device of the flow heater on the basis of determined temperature measured values. As a result, an optimized control or regulation can be achieved. In particular, defined steam conditions can be set.

For the same reason, it is favorable if a pressure sensor device is provided which provides pressure measuring signals to the control and / or regulating device and control signals for the actuator for setting the power of the heating device are determined on the basis of temperature measured values and pressure measured values. This results in an optimized adjustability and it can be adjusted in particular a vapor state. Different steam conditions can be controlled or regulated, for example for different steam dispensers. It is advantageous if a liquid tank is provided for the provision of liquid (in particular water). From this liquid provided can then generate steam. Furthermore, it is favorable if at least one connection is provided for the connection of a steam dispenser and is provided for detachable connection. There are so many possible uses. In one embodiment, the steam generating device includes at least one steam dispenser connected to the at least one port. In particular, a set of steam dispensers is provided wherein one or more steam dispensers may be connected.

A method is provided for operating a steam generating device, wherein the steam generating device comprises a pump and a water heater with a heating device, in which the heating device is supplied with electrical energy via an actuator, wherein the actuator is connected to mains current, in which the actuator is a switching device which provides the heater with electrical energy switched, in which the actuator is controlled with respect to the circuit and non-switching, and in which a power setting of the heater over the period of switching and non-switching takes place.

The method according to the invention has the advantages already explained in connection with the device according to the invention.

Further advantageous embodiments have already been explained in connection with the device according to the invention.

In particular, the power adjustment takes place in that within a predetermined period, which may also include several periods (in particular with respect to a mains voltage) is selected, within how many half-waves or periods switching of an electrical power supply to the heater. The following description of preferred embodiments is used in conjunction with the drawings for further explanation of the invention. FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a steam generating device according to the invention;

Figure 2 is a partial view of the steam generating device according to

FIG. 1 shows a heating device for a continuous flow heater;

FIG. 3 shows a block diagram relating to a schematic process sequence for heating the instantaneous water heater; Figure 4 (a) shows schematically a mains voltage;

Figure 4 (b) shows schematically the course of a voltage with which a

Heating device is acted upon (or can be acted upon); and

FIG. 5 schematically shows various possibilities for the communication between the steam generating device and steam dispensing devices and / or operator devices. An embodiment of a steam generating device according to the invention, which is shown schematically in Figure 1 and designated 10, comprises a housing 12. In the housing 12, a water heater 14 is arranged to generate steam. The instantaneous water heater 14 has a heating device 16.

The heater 16 is powered by an actuator 18 with electrical energy to bring liquid (especially water) to evaporate. The heating device 16 has in particular a single heating element 20.

In the housing 12, a pump 22 is further arranged. The pump 22 conveys liquid (in particular water) from a likewise arranged in the housing 12 tank 24 to the water heater 14th

The tank 14 is in particular a fresh water tank. It can be detachably mounted on the housing 12. Preferably, a coupling is formed on the housing such that connection of the tank 24 to a conduit 26 to the pump 28 is closed when the tank 24 is removed. When the tank 24 is fitted to the housing 12 in a corresponding receptacle, the closure to the conduit 26 is opened so that fluid communication with the pump 22 is established automatically upon proper insertion of the tank 24.

It is also possible in principle for the tank 24 to be positioned outside the housing 12.

It is also possible in principle for a plurality of tanks 24 to be provided.

In one embodiment, an ion exchanger 28, in particular in the form of a cartridge, is positioned in the tank 24. The ion exchanger 28 serves for the purification of liquid (especially water).

Fluid is delivered to the steam generating device 10 within the housing 12 through a fluid flow path 30. The fluid flow path 30 comprises a fluid path 32 which leads from the pump 22 to the flow heater 14. In the liquid path 32, liquid (especially water) is conveyed from the tank 24 through the pump 22 to the flow heater 14 for generating steam. In one embodiment, a pressure relief valve device 34 is arranged with one or more pressure relief valves on the liquid path 32. In particular, a pressure relief valve is connected upstream of the flow heater 14.

If an overpressure in the liquid path 32 is detected, then the corresponding relief valve closes, so that the flow heater 14 is protected against excess liquid supply. In one embodiment, a vacuum valve device 36 is provided, which comprises one or more vacuum valves. This vacuum valve device 36 is assigned in particular to the fluid path 32. The vacuum valve device 36 closes the liquid path 32 from the pump 22 to the flow heater 14 when too low a pressure (in the liquid) is detected.

By the vacuum valve device 36 and by the pressure relief valve device 34 is monitored on the fluid flow path 30 and in particular on the liquid path 32 that no too low pressures and too high pressures with respect to the supply of liquid to the water heater 14 are present. The monitoring takes place in particular on the pressure relief valve device 34 itself and the vacuum valve device 36 itself by appropriate design of one or more pressure relief valves or vacuum valves.

In one embodiment, an accumulator 38 is disposed on the fluid path 32. This pressure accumulator 38 is arranged in particular on the liquid path 32 between the pump 22 and the water heater 14 and thus the water heater 14 upstream.

In one embodiment, the pressure accumulator 38 is formed by a (extended) piece of tubing in particular without metal mesh in the hose. The steam generating device 10 comprises a connection 40, which is arranged downstream of the flow heater 14 and at which steam can be dispensed. To the port 40, a steam dispenser 42a, 42b can be connected. The steam generating device 10 comprises a main unit with the housing 12 (the actual steam generator) to which steam dispensers 40a, 40b are connectable or connected.

In the embodiment shown, a steam pistol 42a is connected to the connection 40.

Also shown is an iron 42b, which alternatively (or in addition to another terminal) can be connected. The corresponding steam dispenser 42a, 42b uses the steam produced by the steam generating device 10 on the flow heater 14.

In one exemplary embodiment, a steam dispensing device 42a, 42b can be connected to the steam generating device 10 or a plurality of steam dispensing devices 42a, 42b can be connected.

In a further embodiment, a steam dispensing device 42a, 42b is connected to the steam generating device 10 or several steam dispensing devices are connected. In particular, a set of different steam dispensers may be provided as "accessories" for the corresponding steam dispenser.

The steam generating device 10 has a controllable valve 44, which in particular is a solenoid valve. Via this controllable valve 44, the steam output at the port 40 can be controlled. In one exemplary embodiment, the controllable valve 44 is connected downstream of the instantaneous water heater 14 and is arranged between the instantaneous water heater 14 and the connection 40. But it is also possible in principle that the controllable valve 44 is connected upstream of the water heater 14.

The terminal 40 is associated with a coupling device 46. Via this coupling device 46, a fluid-effective connection with a steam dispensing device 42a, 42b can be produced.

It may additionally be provided that the coupling device 46 has a device for a signal-effective connection with a control and / or regulating device 48 and the corresponding steam dispensing device 42a, 42b. This allows unidirectional or bi-directional data exchange between the steam dispenser 42a, 42b and the control and / or regulating device 48.

Furthermore, it is possible for the coupling device 46 to have a device in order to enable an electrical power supply of the steam dispensing device 42a, 42b to the housing 12 via the "main device".

In one exemplary embodiment, the coupling device 46 is designed as a plug-mating plug device in which, for example, a plug 50 is arranged on the steam output device 42a, 42b and a mating plug 52 is arranged on the main device.

If the plug 50 is correctly positioned on the mating connector 52, then a corresponding fluid-efficient connection is made and, optionally, an electrical connection made. The coupling device 46 is associated with a detection device 54, through which the type of a connected steam dispenser 42a, 42b can be seen. This recognition device 54 is signal-effectively (indicated in Figure 1 by the reference numeral 56) connected to the control and / or regulating device 48.

The detection device 54 detects the type of the connected steam dispensing device 42a, 42b, for example, via an appropriate sensor, for example, whether an iron 42b is connected, or a handgun 42a is connected. The corresponding detection can be done for example by mechanical means or via appropriate signal exchange. The corresponding detection signals are provided via the signal-effective connection 56 of the control and / or regulating device 48.

The steam generating device 10 includes an input device 58 for operators on which an operator can make adjustments.

The input device 58 for the operator is signal-effectively (indicated by the reference numeral 60) connected to the control and / or regulating device 48. The control and / or regulating device 48 controls the operation of the steam generating device 10.

The flow heater 14 is associated with a temperature sensor device 62 with one or more temperature sensors 64. The temperature sensor device measures temperatures at the instantaneous water heater 14. The corresponding measured value signals are transmitted to the control and / or regulating device 48. For this purpose, the temperature sensor device 62 signal effective (indicated by the reference numeral 66) connected to the control and / or regulating device 48.

For example, a temperature sensor 64 touches the continuous flow heater 14 on the surface or is inserted in a corresponding recess on the instantaneous water heater 14. For example, a temperature sensor 64 is as

NTC sensor formed. A temperature sensor 64 may also include a fuse component. The fuse component is designed in particular as a thermal fuse, which burns at an excess temperature.

Furthermore, a pressure sensor device 68 with one or more pressure sensors 70 is provided. The pressure sensor device 68 is signal-effectively connected to the control and / or regulating device 48 (indicated by reference numeral 72 in FIG. 1).

The pressure sensor device 68 measures pressure values of a system fluid. The corresponding system fluid pressure values are then provided to the control and / or regulating device 48. In particular, the pressure sensor device 68 is arranged so that pressures in liquid are determined as system fluid. The pressure sensor device 68 is then connected to the fluid path 32.

It may be provided that the tank 24 is associated with a level sensor device 74 with one or more level sensors 76. Via a level sensor 76, the level of liquid in the tank 24 can be determined.

The fill level sensor device 74 outputs its measured values to the control and / or regulating device 48 via a signal-effective connection 78.

The control and / or regulating device 48 controls or regulates a power setting on the pump 22 and the heating device 16. For this purpose, the Control and / or regulating device 48 signal-effectively connected to the pump 22 for the transmission of control data (indicated by the reference numeral 80). For example, a thyristor is arranged in an electrical line between the pump 22 and the control and / or regulating device 48.

Furthermore, the control and / or regulating device 48 is connected to the heating device 16 and in particular to the actuator 18 in order to provide corresponding activation data. This is indicated in Figure 1 by the reference numeral 82nd

The control and / or regulating device 48 has a drive unit 84 which calculates drive data for the pump 22 and the actuator 18 and provides it corresponding to the pump 22 and the actuator 18.

The drive unit 84 is formed in particular by an electronic circuit which is arranged on a circuit board 86. The drive unit 84 calculates its drive data in a calculation unit 92 based on the measurement data of the temperature sensor device 62 and the pressure sensor device 68.

In particular, for a defined steam state, pressure values required by the instantaneous water heater 14 can be adjusted via the pump 22 and temperature values at the instantaneous water heater 14.

It is possible to carry out an electronic regulation of the steam generation at the instantaneous water heater 14 in order to obtain, for example for a defined operating range, a constant outlet temperature for the steam or a constant vapor composition. The control and / or regulating device 48 controls the controllable valve 44 (a signal-effective connection is indicated in Figure 1 by the reference numeral 88). In one embodiment, a TRIAC is disposed on a respective line, or two antiparallel connected thyristors are arranged.

As a result, it can be ensured, for example, that steam can only be delivered to the connection 40 when it has the required quality or the required state.

At the control and / or regulating device 48, for example, the "life" of the ion exchanger 28 can be monitored. For example, it can be registered and stored as the running times of the pump 22 are. This total running time (summed over corresponding operating periods) is a measure of the liquid flow rate through the ion exchanger 28 and thus it can be determined whether its service life has been reached.

If, for example, the service life is exceeded, a corresponding display 90 takes place that the ion exchanger 28 must be replaced.

Via the control and / or regulating device 48 and thereby via its control unit 84, a defined steam state for the steam generated by the water heater 14 can be set. This steam state relates, for example, to the temperature or the moisture content of steam output. You can adjust the steam quality. Furthermore, the amount of steam or a steam pulse can be set defined.

It is possible to carry out this steam state or further settings with regard to the steam generation via the operator's instructions on the input device 58 for the operator. It is alternatively or additionally possible for the setting by the drive unit 84 to be above the recognized type of the Steam dispenser 42a, 42b is set and in particular automatically adjusted.

The control and / or regulating device 48 with its control unit 84 has the calculation unit 92, which calculates the control data based on measured values of the temperature sensor device 62 and the pressure sensor device 68 on the basis of predetermined rules and / or algorithms. In principle, it is also possible that a separate sensor device is provided for measuring the quality of the steam.

This is then arranged in particular between the flow heater 14 and the controllable valve 44.

The calculation unit 92 is, for example, part of the drive unit 84 or may be separate from it. The control unit 84 forms the interface for controlling the pump 22 and the flow heater 14. It is also possible, for example, that when the level sensor device 74 indicates too low a level at the tank 24, the system is "shut down" and in particular the heater 16 and the pump 22 are not operated. The actuator 18 comprises a switching device 94 and in particular an electronic switching device 94 for the connected provision of electrical energy to the heating device 16 and in particular to the heating element 20. (The actuator 18 may be considered as part of the heating device 16 or separate from it.)

In particular, the switching device is an electronic switching device which comprises one or more thyristors and in particular comprises one or more TRIACs. The actuator 18 is in particular heat-efficaciously coupled to the fluid flow path 30 and in particular to the fluid path 32 with a partial region. As a result, cooling and in particular water cooling of at least part of the actuator 18 is possible.

In particular, the electronic power unit of the switching device 94 is thermally coupled to effect effective cooling. In one embodiment, a heat exchanger 96 is disposed on the liquid path 32. This heat exchanger 96 is in particular the pump 22 downstream of the pump 22 and the water heater 14 positioned. It is heat-effectively connected to at least a portion of the actuator 18 in order to effect effective cooling can.

The actuator 18 provides the heating element 20 electrical energy. The actuator 18 is connected to mains voltage (indicated in Figure 2 by the reference numeral 98).

Associated with the actuator 18 is a detector device 100 which detects zero crossings and / or edges in the mains current or the mains voltage (or a voltage or current derived therefrom, for example by transformation).

The detector device 100 is, for example, a Schmitt trigger. The line voltage is, as indicated in Figure 4 (a), periodic with the line period.

The detector device 100 detects periods. As a result, it is possible to provide 18 half-waves (in the case of a half-wave control) in digital form (reference symbol 102 according to FIG. 4 (b)) to the actuator 18.

It is basically provided that the actuator 18 can pass both positive half-waves and negative half-waves. The control and / or regulating device 48 determines via its control unit 84 which half-waves are transmitted by the actuator 18. In principle, as many positive and negative half-waves should be passed through in order to generate no load with a DC component.

In principle, these digital half-waves can then be provided as electrical energy supply signals via this actuator 18.

The number of set half-waves, in turn, is given to the actuator 18 by the control and / or regulating device 48 via its control unit 84, so that a power setting on the heating device 16 is made possible accordingly.

If, for example, the actuator 18 has a TRIAC circuit, then a gate of the TRIAC is triggered via the drive unit 84 and it is determined whether digital half-waves 102 act on the heating element 20 or not.

In principle, the activation of the heating element 20 is an on-off control, that is, a defined voltage is applied or not.

The duration is determined by how many halfwaves are applied. This period in turn is determined by the drive unit 84.

For example, it is possible that a decision of the drive unit 84 with respect to the application of electrical energy to the heating element 20 for individual periods (based on the grid voltage 98) or for a period pack with several periods (or half-waves) is taken.

It can then, for example, a period pack completely connected to the heating element 20 or parts of a package can be switched through (and the remaining parts are not turned on). Non-switched half-waves or periods in a package need not necessarily be adjacent. It is thus possible in a simple manner a power setting on the heater 16.

In Figure 3, this method is indicated schematically. Mains voltage or mains current (reference number 98) is provided.

The detector device 100 is followed by a zero-crossing detection or an edge detection. An edge detection is in the actual sense also a zero-crossing detection in which a digital signal is generated from a sine signal. When using a Schmitt trigger as a detector device, the digital edge can be adjusted. For a zero-crossing detection without an explicit detector unit, there is a dependency on the internal edge detection of a microcontroller. This can be offset in time to a zero crossing detection; This leads to unnecessary heating of the actuator and more interference.

For example, it is also possible to compensate a time-shifted zero-crossing detection with corresponding software outlay.

The control and / or regulating device 48 with its control unit 84 and its calculation unit 92 calculates, inter alia, on the basis of measurement data of the temperature sensor device 62, the corresponding control data to which the actuator 18 then acts , which again leads to a corresponding electrical Energieversorgungsbeaufschlagung of the heating element 20.

It can basically be provided that the mains voltage is transformed to a low voltage level.

With regard to the detection of a zero crossing by the detector device 100, it may be provided that not exactly the zero crossing is detected, but a voltage which is adjacent to the zero crossing.

Flank detection can increase EMC compatibility.

It can be one or more capacitors for improved

EMC compatibility be provided. In particular, the actuator 18 and the flow heater 14 are connected in series. A capacitor is connected in parallel to this series of actuator 18 and water heater 14th

It is also possible that the actuator 18 comprises a delay element in order to be able to compensate for a phase shift between current and voltage.

With regard to period packages, a decision can be made for a fixed number of periods, such as six periods (or twelve half cycles). Only after expiry of these six periods is a new decision taken (at the control and / or regulating device 48).

Within such a period package, for example, for a defined power setting in an area of two half-waves, an electrical power supply of the heating element 20 can be switched off. For the remaining ten half-waves of the corresponding half-wave packet, an electrical energy is applied to the heating element 20 by the actuator 18. A packet control over a plurality of periods, in particular with a fixed period, basically leads to a reduction of a DC component. This allows for more accurate adjustability of performance with different user inputs.

The actuator 18 is electrically coupled from the heat exchanger 96. In particular, a corresponding electrical insulation is provided.

It is also possible in principle that an air cooling of the actuator 18 takes place. For example, a corresponding heat sink is thermally conductively connected to the actuator 18 for this purpose. This heatsink accordingly has a large surface area.

In one exemplary embodiment, the controllable valve 44 has a detection device 104 for its state, wherein this detection device 104 is connected to the control and / or regulating device in a signal-effective manner (indicated in FIG. 1 by reference numeral 106). As a result, the state of the controllable valve 44 can be transmitted to the control and / or regulating device 48.

For example, it is possible for the controllable valve 44 to be actuated directly by an operator. About the detection device 104 can then monitor this operation. The signal-effective connection 88, in turn, makes it possible, if, for example, certain parameters exist that make an output of steam appear to make no sense, keep the controllable valve 44 closed.

In one embodiment, a state determination device 108 is provided which determines a state at a connected steam dispensing device 42a, 42b. This set state is set by an operator, for example. This state can be transmitted, for example, wirelessly (see below) or via the coupling device 46 to the control and / or regulating device 48. The state determination device 108 is part of the control and / or regulating device 48 or connected to this signal effective. It can also be part of the input device 58.

A set state on a steam dispenser 42a, 42b may affect the calculation of the drive data in the driver 84.

In one embodiment, the main unit (with the housing 12 of the steam generating device 10) comprises a data transmission device 110 (FIG. 5), which is arranged in particular on or in the housing 12 and forms part of the control and / or regulating device 48 is. The data transmission device 110 in turn comprises a radio module in one embodiment.

One or more operator devices 112, 112 'are provided, wherein a data transmission is possible between an operator device 112 and the data transmission device 110.

In principle, the data transmission can be bidirectional or unidirectional. The operator device 112 has a corresponding data interface 114 for the data transmission device 110.

The operator device 112 may be a separate "own" device, or be realized for example by a smartphone or the like.

The operator device 112 with its data interface 114 can form the input device 58 or it can be an alternative to the input device 58 done via the operator device 112 is a parameter input or made a setting.

In principle, it is possible that the operator device 112 communicates directly with the data transmission device 110 unidirectionally or bidirectionally.

However, it is also possible in principle for an operator device 112 to communicate with a server 116 (for example via cloud services), in which case the server 116 in turn communicates with the data transmission device 110 of the steam generating device 10.

It is also possible that the operator device 112 communicates with a router 118, which router 118 in turn communicates with the data transmission device 110.

Furthermore, it is possible that the operator device 112 communicates with a bridge 120 (gateway), which then in turn communicates with the data transmission device 110.

The communication channels are preferably wireless. It can also be provided via the existing power grid a powerline transmission. In principle, the router 118 may also communicate with the server 116, or the bridge 120 may communicate with the router 118 and / or the server 116.

The data transmission takes place for example via standard wireless standards such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, ZIGbee. As mentioned above, direct communication can take place between the operator device 112 and the data transmission device 110, or intermediate instances 116, 118, 120 can be provided. The steam generating device 10 functions as follows:

Liquid (especially water) is provided from the tank 24. This liquid is filtered through the ion exchanger 28 or cleaned. The pump 22 delivers the liquid in the fluid flow path 30 to the flow heater 14. There, steam is generated via the heating element 20. This is discharged at the port 40 to a steam dispenser 42a, 42b. An operator controls the controllable valve 44.

In principle, it is also possible that the controllable valve 44 is opened when a steam dispensing device 42a, 42b is effectively connected to the port 40. The drive unit 84 together with the calculation unit 92 of

Control and / or regulating device 48 performs a power adjustment of both the pump 22 and the heater 16 by.

The power setting can be controlled and / or regulated.

For this purpose, temperature measured values of the temperature sensor device 62 and pressure measured values of the pressure sensor device 68 of the control and / or regulating device 48 are transmitted. For this purpose, the calculation unit 92 calculates corresponding activation data, which are transmitted via the control unit 84 to the pump 22 and the heating device 16.

In particular, the vapor state of the generated steam, for example with regard to moisture content, steam quality, etc., can thereby be adjusted. Thus, for example, the moisture content for an iron 42b can be set lower than for a gun 42a for cleaning purposes. It can be detected by the detection device 54, which accessory (which steam dispensing device 42a or 42b) is connected to according to the steam condition, which is then set specify. For example, a steam state or further operating parameters can also be set by the input device 58 or by corresponding set states on the steam dispensing devices 42a, 42b. The control and / or regulating device 48 knows these settings via corresponding signal-effective connections and can take this into account in the calculation in the calculation unit 92 in order to provide corresponding activation data by the control unit 84.

The actuator 18 connected with a corresponding power electronics controlled causes an electrical energization of the heater 16 and in particular of the heating element 20. The actuator 18 is controlled by the control unit 84. The power adjustment is done by adjusting the time periods (in terms of the number of half periods or whole periods) of the energization of the heater 16. It is particularly provided that a transformer from the

(Sine) mains voltage generates a voltage with the same course but lower peak voltage. This transformed AC voltage is then converted via a (one-way) rectifier into a pulsating DC voltage. The detector device 100 generates from the mains voltage or the transformed mains voltage a signal which can be interpreted binary by a microcontroller.

For example, a binary sine wave of 3.3 V is associated with a positive sine half wave, and a binary voltage value of 0 V with a negative sine half wave. The edges in the binary signal that cause a state change correspond to zero crossings of the sine half-wave (the mains voltage or the transformed voltage). The control and / or regulating device 48 uses the binary signal as a timing for the activation of the actuator 18 for switching on and off of the heating element 20. The corresponding method for power control is a wave packet control (oscillation packet control), is switched at only in zero crossings.

In such a method, current and voltage transients can be largely avoided.

As mentioned above, a half-wave control or full-wave control is basically possible. In particular, it is controlled by the drive unit 84 whether or not half-cycles of the energization of the heater 16 are turned on.

In the solution according to the invention, system data and in particular pressure data are continuously recorded by the pressure sensor device 68 and the temperature data by the temperature sensor device 62 and processed at the calculation unit 92. The driver 84 then provides its corresponding control pulses. The driven active components are essentially the pump 22 and the flow heater 14 with its heating device 16.

Measurement data of the fill level sensor device 74 can be detected in order to shut down these active components automatically in the event of a lack of liquid and, if appropriate, to visually and / or acoustically indicate an insufficient fill level. The state of a connected steam dispenser 42a, 42b can be detected, wherein the corresponding recorded data can influence the control data of the control unit 84. Similarly, input data of the input device 58 and an operator device 112 are detected and taken into account.

As an additional component and in particular active component, a controllable valve 44 and in particular solenoid valve may be provided.

The calculation unit 92 calculates drive signals on the basis of sensor data. This calculation is based on certain control laws and / or regulatory laws that have been previously defined and, in particular, cover bandwidths of possible states.

If, for example, after detecting the change in a setting on a steam dispenser 42a, 42b or on the input device 58 or an operator device 112, this corresponding change has been detected, then a corresponding activation (start sequence) of the active components ensures a corresponding changed setting.

It is also possible that one or more temperature sensors are arranged on a steam dispenser 42a, 42b. Corresponding temperature measurement data can be used to determine the activation of active components.

It is provided, for example, that monitoring takes place with respect to a minimum temperature and / or a maximum temperature at the instantaneous water heater 54. If, for example, a maximum temperature threshold is exceeded, the heating device 16 is switched off (in particular by the control and / or regulating device 48) in order to prevent overheating. If a lower temperature threshold is exceeded, then for example, the pump 22 is turned off or can not be operated.

For example, corresponding temperature thresholds or threshold ranges are defined and stored in the control and / or regulating device 48, which require, for example, an activation of the instantaneous heater 14 with respect to operation or non-operation or activation of the pump 22 with regard to operation or non-operation. Require operation. Similarly, monitoring for minimum pressures and maximum pressures on the system may be performed. In principle, this monitoring can take place via the control and / or regulating device 48 or additionally or alternatively without explicit participation of the control and / or regulating device 48 via the overpressure valve device 34 and the vacuum valve device 36.

At the control and / or regulating device 48, for example, defined states are stored which, depending on a closed steam dispenser 42a, 42b or corresponding operator input, are aimed at by a corresponding algorithm. The active components (in particular the pump 22 and the heating device 16) are then correspondingly driven with corresponding data of the temperature sensor device 62 and of the pressure sensor device 68 as input signals. It is possible, for example, for a predefined time voltage to be provided after initiation of a start sequence, before a new start sequence can again be started at all. During this predefined period of time, the system controls itself according to specifications of the control and / or regulating device 48, without, for example, a setting change by the operator being able to trigger a new start sequence.

It can then be provided, for example, that a start sequence is aborted if an operator, during the execution of a start Sequence a switch or the like, for example, at the steam dispenser 42a, 42b let go.

As already mentioned above, it can be provided that the controllable valve 44 is automatically opened when a corresponding steam dispensing device 42a, 42b is connected to the port 40 (which then in particular has its own valve). It may also be provided that the controllable valve 44 is only opened when a corresponding button or lever is operated by an operator.

It may also be provided that the controllable valve 44 remains permanently open (if, for example, an iron 42b is connected), or a defined temperature at the instantaneous water heater 14 has not yet been reached. By the control and / or regulating device 48 can be a

Life of the ion exchange device 28 in particular over running times of the pump 22 (cumulatively registered) monitor.

It is also possible for a degree of water hardness to be predetermined at the steam generating device 10, for example via the input device 58, or it can be determined in the system itself. The corresponding information may then be used to control the system and also be used in determining the life of the ion exchange device 28.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

Steam generating device

casing

Heater

heater

actuator

heating element

pump

tank

management

ion exchanger

fluid flow path

liquid path

Pressure control valve arrangement

Vacuum valve means

accumulator

connection

main unit

a steam dispenser

b steam dispenser

Controllable valve

coupling device

Control and / or regulating device

plug

Mating connector

recognizer

Signal-effective connection

input device

Signal-effective connection

Temperature sensor means

temperature sensor Signal-effective connection

Pressure sensor device

pressure sensor

Signal-effective connection

Level sensor device

level sensor

Signal-effective connection

control unit

circuit board

Signal-effective connection

display

calculation unit

switching device

Heat exchanger

mains voltage

detector device

half-wave

recognizer

Signal-effective connection

State determination area

Data communications equipment

operator device

Data Interface

server

router

bridge

Claims

claims

A method of operating a steam generating apparatus, the steam generating apparatus comprising a flow heater (14) having a heater (16) for generating steam and a pump (22) for conveying liquid to the flow heater (14), and wherein one or more steam dispensers (42a, 42b ) are connected or connectable, the method comprising:

Measuring one or more quantities that may affect a vapor state of steam generated at the flow heater (14),

Calculating drive data for a power setting of the pump (22) and / or the heater (16) to produce a defined steam condition; and

Control of the pump (22) and the heater (16) with the corresponding control data for generating steam with the defined vapor state.

A method according to claim 1, characterized in that as a variable which influences the steam condition, a temperature at the flow heater (14) is determined.

A method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a temperature of steam at a steam dispenser (42a, 42b) is determined.

4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that as the size which influences the vapor state, a system fluid pressure and in particular a pressure of liquid, which is supplied to the water heater (14) is determined.

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the defined vapor state is set by an operator and / or by the type of the connected steam dispenser (42a, 42b) is specified and in particular automatically specified.

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a state of a connected steam dispenser (42a, 42b) is determined and taken into account in the calculation of the drive data.

7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a level of a tank (24) is determined for liquid and when falling below a level threshold or a level threshold range, a steam generation is stopped and / or an indication is performed.

8. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a valve (44) is controlled for a steam output and in particular a solenoid valve and in particular using measurement data of the size or sizes, which may affect the generation of steam is controlled.

9. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a temperature monitoring is carried out with respect to a minimum temperature and / or a maximum temperature of the water heater.

10. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a pressure monitoring with respect to a minimum system fluid pressure and / or a maximum system fluid pressure is performed, wherein for pressure monitoring in particular one or more self-switching valves are provided.

11. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an ion exchanger (28) is assigned to a tank (24) for liquid and the duration of use of the ion exchanger (28) is monitored.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that the service life of the ion exchanger (28) by running time of the pump (22) is determined.

13. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the calculation of the control data, a set or determined water hardness is taken into account.

14. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an actuator (18) is controlled, which is associated with the heating device (16) and causes their power setting via the electrical power supply to the heater (16).

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that the actuator, the electrical power supply of the heating device (16) controlled switches with respect to on and off.

16. The method according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that the actuator (18) is connected to line current or to a current derived from the mains current and a circuit means (94) of the actuator (18) on-phases and off-phases for the electrical Power supply of the heater (16) controlled switches.

17. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that the heating device (16) has a single heating element (20) which is supplied via the actuator (18) with electrical energy.

18. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 17, characterized in that zero crossings are detected at a mains current and / or a mains voltage.

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that when switching of the actuator (18) the heater is acted upon with one or more half-waves or full waves of the electrical energy supply.