CN101305124A - Cleaning device for steam irons - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a cleaning device (1) for a steam iron (2) having a sole (22) with at least two steam outlets (23a to 23g), wherein the steam outlets (23a to 23g ) into the steam chamber (21) of the steam iron, wherein the cleaning device (1) consists of an independent system which has a first cleaning element (13c, 13d, 13e) and at least A second cleaning element, wherein the first cleaning element can be introduced into the first steam outlet and the second cleaning element can be introduced into the second steam outlet.

Description

Cleaning device for steam irons

technical field

The invention relates to a cleaning device for a steam iron, wherein the steam iron has an iron sole with at least two steam outlets and the steam outlets lead into a steam chamber of the steam iron.

Background technique

A steam iron is known from German publication DE 32 04 796 A1 in which a reservoir for evaporated water can be replaced with a water pump as a cleaning device. The reservoir and the water pump can be supported on the soleplate or sole of the steam iron and can be fastened to the handle of the steam iron. The water pump presses water for cleaning through the steam chamber formed in the sole of the iron and through the steam channels formed in the sole of the iron. The water flows out of the steam outlet, which is formed in the sole of the iron and opens into the steam duct or steam chamber. However, the cleaning of steam irons, in particular of the steam chamber, can only be carried out very inadequately. In particular, steam residues such as hydroalkali deposits in the steam chamber and steam outlet cannot be removed satisfactorily by known steam irons. Furthermore, in the known steam irons, corresponding parts have to be replaced in a complex manner in order to complete the cleaning process. The steam iron has to be almost disassembled in order to fit corresponding cleaning devices into the steam iron in order to be able to carry out corresponding cleaning. This also has a very negative effect on the wear and mechanical stability of the steam iron.

Contents of the invention

It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a cleaning device for a steam iron with which cleaning can be effected effortlessly and reliably.

This object is achieved by a cleaning device with the features of claim 1 .

The cleaning device according to the invention for a steam iron, in particular for a steam chamber and/or a steam channel, is formed as a separate and independent system from the steam iron. A further basic idea of the invention is that the cleaning device has a first cleaning element and at least one second cleaning element for cleaning at least the steam chamber. In this case, the first cleaning element can be introduced into a first steam outlet of the steam iron and the second cleaning element can be introduced into a second steam outlet of the steam iron. The steam outlet is formed on the sole of the steam iron and leads to the steam chamber or respectively to a steam channel connecting the steam outlet to the steam chamber. The introduction of the cleaning element into the respective steam outlet also means that the cleaning element is attached or merely mechanically coupled to the steam outlet. The connection between the cleaning element and the steam outlet can thus be realized in such a way that the cleaning element and the steam outlet rest against each other. With the cleaning device according to the invention, the steam iron, in particular the steam chamber and the lines leading to the steam chamber, can be cleaned reliably and effortlessly. As a result, aqueous alkali deposits in the steam chamber and lines, such as the steam outlet, can be effectively removed. Furthermore, it is no longer necessary to modify the structure of the steam iron, in particular to replace parts, in order to carry out the cleaning process. Increased wear and reduced mechanical stability of the steam iron can thus also be avoided.

The cleaning elements are preferably designed in such a way that they can be guided at least partially into the steam outlet in a fitted and precise manner. A sealed connection of the cleaning element to the steam outlet can thus be produced. As a result, the cleaning element can be positioned at least partially within the steam outlet without play.

The number of cleaning elements preferably corresponds to the number of steam outlets. As a result, all the steam outlets can be occupied by the cleaning element, so that liquids or dissolved deposits in the steam chamber cannot undesirably flow out of the steam outlets and contaminate or damage surrounding objects during the cleaning process.

The cleaning process can thus be carried out cleanly and effortlessly. It is no longer necessary to take additional measures for preventing an uncontrolled and undesired escape of cleaning fluid.

Preferably, at least the first cleaning element is hollow and designed for introducing cleaning liquid into the vapor chamber. In addition, at least the second cleaning element is also advantageously designed to be hollow and designed to drain cleaning liquid from the vapor chamber. In this way, it is effectively ensured that the desired cleaning liquid is supplied into the steam chamber via the at least one cleaning element in a targeted and controlled manner and that the cleaning liquid and the deposits dissolved and washed away by the cleaning liquid in the steam chamber are And dirt is removed in a reliable and safe manner by at least a second cleaning element and can be conveyed from the steam chamber. The flow of cleaning liquid can thus be regulated in a targeted manner and optimized with regard to effective cleaning of the steam chamber.

Preferably, the cleaning device has at least one closure element, which can be introduced into the steam outlet. The fact that the cleaning device has both the cleaning element and the closing element makes it possible for steam irons with a plurality of steam outlets that all steam outlets are occupied by a cleaning element or a closing element in each case. This ensures that, on the one hand, the steam iron, in particular the steam chamber, is cleaned in a purposeful and clean manner, and on the other hand, an undesired escape of liquid from the numerous steam outlets is prevented. In addition, these closure elements also enable efficient and cost-effective cleaning without having to introduce a cleaning element into each steam outlet, but by means of a single cleaning element for introducing cleaning fluid and a single outlet for cleaning fluid. The cleaning element can already be cleaned well, wherein the other steam outlets are blocked by the closing element. This makes it possible to generate less pressure for the introduction of the cleaning liquid through the specified cleaning elements, even if the cleaning liquid has to be pumped in through many cleaning elements, thus requiring only further developments on the delivery device for introducing the cleaning liquid into the steam chamber. less requirements. For example, a smaller pressure pump is thus available, which requires only reduced costs and generally reduced space requirements.

The cleaning element and/or the closing element are preferably formed as mechanically stable hollow cylinders. It can also be provided that the cleaning element and/or the closing element is at least partially elastic. Possible materials for the cleaning part and/or the closing part can be plastic, metal, light metal, steel or the like. The list of materials is exemplary only and the liquid required for cleaning the steam iron can be selected. The shape of the cleaning element and/or the closing element and its material structure can be designed according to the situation with regard to the simple and reliable introduction of the cleaning element and/or the closing element into the steam outlet. This can also depend on how the sole of the iron and the steam outlet are constructed or arranged.

The cleaning element and/or closure element are preferably arranged mechanically fixed on the cleaning device. Provision can be made for the cleaning element and/or closure element to be formed in one piece with the cleaning device. A one-piece construction here does not only mean that the cleaning device and the cleaning part and/or the closure part are produced in a single production process, for example a casting process. It's actually based on a combined structure. On the other hand, a one-piece structure also refers to a structure in which the cleaning device on the one hand and the cleaning element and/or closure element on the other are produced in separate production processes and are then connected by a non-detachable connection, such as welding, gluing or Similar means are mechanically interconnected. However, it can also be provided that the cleaning element and/or the closing element are detachably connected to the cleaning device. For example, a screw connection or a plug connection can be provided. This ensures that the cleaning element or the closure element can be removed and cleaned individually or replaced in case of a defect.

The cleaning device is preferably designed in such a way that a recess is formed on the top side of the cleaning device, into which the steam iron can be placed or positioned in order to carry out the cleaning process. The shape of the depression is preferably adapted at least to the shape of the sole of the steam iron. As a result, the steam iron can be reliably fixed and positioned in a stable manner while carrying out the cleaning process.

Preferably, the cleaning element and/or the closing element are positioned exactly in the well, especially at the bottom of the well, so that the steam iron can be installed in the well and the cleaning element and/or the closing element are automatically introduced into the corresponding inside the steam outlet. It is not necessary to introduce the cleaning element and/or the closing element individually and individually into this structure. As a result, the steam iron is automatically brought into a secure and optimal position by simply fitting it into the recess in order to carry out the cleaning process reliably. The reliable and precise insertion of the cleaning element and/or the closing element is performed automatically here, thereby preventing possible insertion of the cleaning element and/or the closing element into the "wrong" steam outlet. In this case, "wrong" steam outlets are those steam outlets that prevent the introduction of cleaning elements and/or closure elements into those steam outlets which ensure suboptimal flow of the steam chamber and/or steam channel through the cleaning liquid. cleaning process.

An actuating element for starting/stopping the cleaning process is preferably provided in the recessed bottom region. Thus, if the actuating part is actuated during the installation of the steam iron into the recess, the cleaning process can be started automatically by the installation of the steam iron into the recess. If the steam iron is removed from the fixed position in the recess, the cleaning process can be automatically stopped accordingly. The duration of the cleaning process can thus be adjusted individually by the user of the steam iron, since the cleaning process can not only be started but also stopped by installing or removing the steam iron from the recess.

Of course, the cleaning device can also be advantageously designed in such a way that the duration of the cleaning process can be adjusted, wherein it can be provided that activation and/or deactivation are indicated by optical or acoustic signals. It can also be provided that the duration of the cleaning process is arbitrarily determined by the cleaning device itself, for example shortening or lengthening the duration of the cleaning process arbitrarily depending on the amount of dissolved deposits in the vapor chamber of the cleaning liquid discharged by the cleaning element. For this purpose, for example, a sensor can be provided which detects particles, for example alkali particles, in the discharged cleaning liquid and transmits them to the control unit of the cleaning device. If the amount is relatively high, it can be inferred from this that a further holding time is required for cleaning, so that the deposits can continue to be dissolved. However, if this amount is very low, it can be inferred from this that the steam chamber is already very clean and the duration of the cleaning process can be shortened.

The cleaning device advantageously has a first container for receiving cleaning liquid introduced into the steam chamber. Preferably, the cleaning device has a second container for receiving cleaning liquid discharged from the steam chamber. One of the at least two containers can have a connection for filling and/or draining. It can also be provided that at least one of the two containers can be removed from the cleaning device.

Description of drawings

The invention is described in detail below with the aid of the drawings. In the attached picture:

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a cleaning device according to the invention,

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a cleaning device and a steam iron according to the invention,

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a detail of the cleaning device according to the invention according to FIG. 1 ,

Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the steam iron.

Identical or functionally identical components are identified with the same reference symbols in the figures.

Detailed ways

A cleaning device 1 for a steam iron is shown in perspective in FIG. 1 . The cleaning device is designed for cleaning a steam iron 2 ( FIG. 4 ), which has an iron sole 22, wherein at least two steam outlets 23a to 23g are formed in this iron sole 22, from which steam can be discharged to the iron things. The steam outlets 23a to 23g lead to the steam chamber 21 ( FIG. 2 ) of the steam iron 2 or are respectively connected to the steam chamber 21 of the steam iron 2 via steam ducts.

As can be seen in FIG. 1 , the cleaning device 1 has a top surface 11 in which a recess 12 is formed. As shown in FIG. 1 , the recess 12 has a bottom region 12 a and a wall region 12 b. The depression 12 is formed in such a way that it at least partially corresponds to the shape of the sole of the steam iron.

In the exemplary embodiment, the cleaning device 1 has a plurality of cleaning elements and closure elements. The closure elements are indicated by reference numerals 13a, 13b, 13f and 13g. Furthermore, the cleaning device 1 has three cleaning elements 13c, 13d and 13e in the present exemplary embodiment. The cleaning elements 13c, 13d and 13e are formed cylindrically. In the illustration according to FIG. 1 , the cleaning element 13 d is designed to introduce cleaning liquid into the steam chamber of the steam iron. The cleaning elements 13c and 13e are designed in this embodiment to discharge cleaning liquid and deposits dissolved in the cleaning liquid.

The cleaning device 1 has in this embodiment two separate containers (not shown), wherein the first container is used to contain cleaning liquid and is connected to the cleaning element 13d via a corresponding piping system (not shown). The cleaning members 13c and 13e are connected to the second container through a piping system not shown.

As can be seen, the cleaning elements 13c to 13e are formed by vertically aligned uprights, which have a bottom part of the iron, by means of which the uprights are positioned on the bottom part 12a.

A pressure pump (not shown) may be provided for bringing cleaning liquid into the steam chamber 21 ( FIG. 2 ) of the steam iron 2 via the cleaning element 13 d. The cleaning element 13d can also be designed as a nozzle.

In a similar manner, it can be provided that the cleaning elements 13c and 13e are connected to suction pumps, by means of which cleaning liquid and dissolved deposits and dirt can be quickly sucked out. As a result, the fluid flow can be freely controlled and regulated, the dissolution of stubborn deposits is improved and the cleaning process is also accelerated. In addition, it is also possible to prevent cleaning liquid from clogging up in the steam channel 21 ( FIG. 2 ) or in the supply and discharge lines. Especially at locations where it is difficult to quickly discharge the cleaning liquid, a cleaner and more reliable cleaning process can be facilitated by such ejection and suction of the cleaning liquid.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 1 , the cleaning elements 13c to 13e and the closure element 13a. 13b, 13f, 13g are arranged in the front end part of the contracted structure. In the present exemplary embodiment both the cleaning elements 13c to 13e as well as the closing elements 13a, 13b, 13f and 13g are detachably connected to the bottom part 12a and consist of metal.

Furthermore, it can be seen that an actuating element 14 is formed in the bottom region 12a. When installing the steam iron 2 ( FIG. 2 ) into the recess 12 , this actuating element 14 is pressed downwards by the iron sole 22 ( FIG. 4 ) of the steam iron 2 and thus switches on the cleaning process. In a corresponding manner, when the steam iron 2 is removed, the actuating part 14 is moved upwards again, whereby the cleaning process ends.

Furthermore, the cleaning device 1 shown has a switch 15 , by means of which the cleaning process is switched on and off (no cleaning process).

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the cleaning device 1 according to the invention, in which it can be seen that a steam iron 2 is inserted into the recess 12 . It can also be seen that the steam chamber 21 of the steam iron 2 is arranged there. For exemplary illustration, the steam iron 2 is shown open in the corresponding position. The cleaning elements 13c to 13e and the closing elements 13a, 13b, 13f and 13g shown in FIG. 4) Quantity. Thus, as shown in FIG. 2 , when the steam iron 2 is installed in the well 12 , a cleaning element 13c to 13e or a closing element 13a , 13b , 13f and 13g is introduced into each steam outlet 23a to 23g .

FIG. 3 shows a detail of the cleaning device 1 according to FIG. 1 . As can be seen, the cleaning elements 13c to 13e and the closing elements 13a, 13b, 13f and 13g are each formed by uprights and positioned in such a way that they form a curve. As can be seen in Figure 3, the closure parts 13a, 13b, 13f and 13g are closed on their top faces, so that liquid cannot pass through the steam outlets 23a to 23g ( Figure 4) Inflow or outflow. The cylindrical closure parts 13 a , 13 b , 13 f and 13 g can also be hollow on the inside or can also be solid.

As can also be seen, the actuating element 14 is arranged directly next to the cleaning elements 13c to 13e and the closing elements 13a, 13b, 13f and 13g. This has the advantage that the cleaning process cannot be started or stopped in an undesired manner when the steam iron 2 is mounted unevenly or removed from the recess 12 . If the handling part 14 is arranged, for example, at the rear end of the bottom part 12a and therefore just positions the cleaning parts 13c to 13e and the closing parts 13a, 13b, 13f and 13g on the other end of the bottom part 12a, it may thus occur that when the steam iron 2 When installed in the recess 12, the rear end of the sole of the iron has come into contact with the operating part 14 and thus starts the cleaning process, although the steam outlet provided in the sole of the iron at the front end or on the front of the steam iron 2 has not yet been at least partially placed in the cleaning process. The parts 13c to 13e and the closing parts 13a, 13b, 13f and 13g can spray cleaning fluid in an undesired manner. A similar situation can also occur when the cleaning process is completed and the steam iron 2 is removed from the recess 12 in an unbalanced manner corresponding to the above-mentioned situation.

FIG. 4 shows a schematic perspective view of the steam iron 2 . As can be seen, the steam iron 2 has on its sole 22 seven steam outlets 23 a to 23 g which are formed in the front end of the sole 22 . The number and arrangement of the steam outlets 23a to 23g are shown by way of example only.

Claims (12)

1. cleaning device that is used for steam iron (2), this steam iron has (22) at the bottom of the flatiron that has at least two steam (vapor) outlets (23a to 23g), wherein steam (vapor) outlet (23a to 23g) leads to steaming chamber (21) the inside of steam iron (2), it is characterized in that, described cleaning device (1) conduct independently system constitutes, steaming chamber (21) has the first cleaning member (13c in order to clean at least for it, 13d, 13e) with at least one second cleaning member (13c, 13d, 13e), wherein (13c, 13d 13e) can import to first steam (vapor) outlet (23a to the 23g) the inside and the second cleaning member (13c to first cleaning member, 13d 13e) can import to second steam (vapor) outlet (23a to 23g) the inside.

2. cleaning device as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, (13c, 13d 13e) can cooperate and import to steam (vapor) outlet (23a to 23g) the inside exactly described cleaning member.

3. cleaning device as claimed in claim 1 or 2 is characterized in that, (quantity 13e) is corresponding to the quantity of steam (vapor) outlet (23a to 23g) for 13c, 13d for described cleaning member.

4. as each described cleaning device in the above-mentioned claim, it is characterized in that, the at least the first cleaning member (13c, 13d, 13e) constitute hollowly and be designed for clean liquid is imported to steaming chamber (21) the inside, (13c, 13d 13e) constitute and are designed for from steaming chamber (21) discharging clean liquid at least the second cleaning member equally hollowly.

5. each described cleaning device as in the above-mentioned claim is characterized in that, described cleaning device (1) have at least one packaged unit (13a, 13b, 13f, 13g), it can import to steam (vapor) outlet (23a to 23g) the inside.

6. cleaning device as claimed in claim 5 is characterized in that, during cleaning course in each steam (vapor) outlet (23a to 23g) the inside or import cleaning member (13c, 13d, 13e) or import packaged unit (13a, 13b, 13f, 13g).

7. as each described cleaning device in the above-mentioned claim, it is characterized in that (13c, 13d 13e) constitute as the rigid hollow cylinder body described cleaning member.

8. as each described cleaning device in the above-mentioned claim, it is characterized in that (13c, 13d 13e) are arranged on the cleaning device (1) described cleaning member regularly.

9. each described cleaning device as in the above-mentioned claim is characterized in that, goes up at the end face (11) of cleaning device (1) to constitute one recessed (12), and its moulding is (22) at the bottom of the flatiron corresponding to steam iron (2) at least partly.

10. cleaning device as claimed in claim 9, it is characterized in that, described cleaning device (13c, 13d, 13e) be arranged on to accurate positioning recessed (12) the inside, make steam iron (2) can be installed to recessed (12) the inside and make cleaning member (13c, 13d 13e) import to corresponding steam (vapor) outlet (23a to 23g) the inside automatically.

11. as claim 9 or 10 described cleaning devices, it is characterized in that, be provided for starting/stopping the control member (14) of cleaning course in lower portion (12a) the inside of recessed (12).

12. as each described cleaning device in the above-mentioned claim, it is characterized in that, described cleaning device (1) has first container that is used to hold the clean liquid that imports to steaming chamber (21) the inside, and/or has second container that is used to hold from the clean liquid of steaming chamber (21) discharge.

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