WO2011076826A1 - Steam generator having an actuating element - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a steam generator (30) for an ironing station (10) for generating a steam discharge, comprising an actuating element (35), wherein a steam discharge rate of the steam discharge can be selected from exactly two steam discharge rates by means of the actuating element (35). The invention allows a steam generator to be provided for an ironing station, using simple designs and cost-effective means, said generator allowing simpler operation of the ironing.station. The steam generator can in particular save energy. Better ironing results can also be made possible by the steam generator.

Description

 Steam generator with actuator

description

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to a steam generator for an ironing station for generating a steam ejection having an actuating element.

Background of the invention

For example, from International Publication WO 2006/067756 A2 a steam generator is known which can generate steam at a variable steam discharge rate. The user can set the steam discharge rate within a certain range, e.g. choose between Low, Medium and High. The steam discharge rate is controlled by a temperature sensor in the low and medium settings. When set to High, the steam discharge rate is controlled by a temperature sensor and a pressure sensor. The patent US 5,307,440 discloses a steam generator having a power saving mode with reduced heating power. In addition, the user can choose from several steam output rates. This is possible because two parallel valves are provided to control the steam delivery, which can be controlled individually or jointly depending on the desired steam discharge rate.

From the patent application US 2006/0188239 A1 a steam apparatus for garments is known, which in addition to a high-power operating position for the steam also has a rest position with low power. For this purpose, a switch is provided with which one of two heating elements can be turned off to bring the device in the rest position. The problem underlying the invention

The invention has for its object to provide a comparison with the prior art improved steam generator. In particular, a steam generator is to be provided which can be easily operated. Next, a steam generator is to be provided, which may have improved energy consumption.

Solution According to the Invention The reference numbers in all claims have no limiting effect but are merely intended to improve their readability.

The solution of the problem is achieved by a steam generator with the features of claim 1.

A steam generator for an ironing station is a steam generator to which an iron can be connected via a hose, and which can provide the iron with steam for ironing via the hose. For this purpose, the steam generator generates a steam output. A steam discharge rate is the amount of steam that is released in a given time unit. Usually, the steam discharge rate in grams per minute (g / min) is measured.

An operating range here is to be understood as meaning a range of steam discharge rates which has at least two steam discharge rates. Advantageously, the user may select the optimum first and second steam ejection rates for the current ironing task from the first and second operating ranges so as to achieve an improvement in ironing results. For example, the first and second steam discharge rate can be matched to the material of the ironing stock. It is an achievable advantage of the actuator of the invention that the user can operate the steam generator at an energy efficient steam discharge rate by selecting the lower steam output rate by operating the actuator from two steam discharge rates. As a result, the steam generator with be operated as low as possible energy consumption. Advantageously, by selecting the lower steam discharge rate, an improvement of the ironing results can be achieved; In particular, a thorough moistening of the items to be ironed due to a high steam output rate can be prevented. It is another achievable advantage that the user can select the higher steam discharge rate by operating the actuator to increase the smoothing effect of an iron connected to the steam generator.

It is another achievable advantage that the ironing results are improved by the actuator, over which a steam discharge rate is selectable from exactly two steam discharge rates. In this case, the invention makes use of the fact that the user can also select the steam ejection rate during a pressing operation by a simple actuation of the actuating element. Since only two steam ejection rates are selectable via the actuator, the user can concentrate better on the actual ironing process. By virtue of the invention, it can be advantageously avoided that the user is confused as to which steam discharge rate is most suitable for the current ironing task. The fact that the user only has the choice of two steam discharge rates, can also be counteracted incorrect operation. It can also be achieved by the ease of use that users use the option more often, which can lead to higher energy savings.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION Advantageous embodiments and developments, which can be used individually or in combination with one another, are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the actuating element can be brought into exactly two positions. By operating the actuator, it is preferable to switch between the first and second steam discharge rates. Particularly preferably, in a first position of the actuating element, the first and in a second position of the actuating element, the second steam discharge rate is selected, wherein the actuating element, for example by actuation of the first to the second Position, and can be brought by re-actuation from the second to the first position. The actuating element can be designed, for example, as a push-button switch or as a slide switch. Particularly preferably, the steam generator to a display element, which may be arranged for example on the actuating element. Preferably, the display element indicates whether the first or second steam discharge rate is selected. The display element may be, for example, a light source that illuminates at selected first steam ejection rate, and dark at selected second steam ejection rate.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the first and second operating regions overlap each other, the first and second operating regions each having at least two steam ejection rates not included in the other operating region. In a further particularly preferred embodiment, the number of steam discharge rates of the first operating region corresponds to the number of steam discharge rates of the second operating region.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the second steam discharge rate corresponds to the difference between the first steam discharge rate and a predetermined value. This means that the steam ejection rate can be reduced by a predetermined amount by operating the actuator. Of course, the invention also encompasses embodiments in which the second steam ejection rate is controlled by further operations, such as e.g. by division, may result from the first steam ejection rate. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the second steam discharge rate corresponds to the quotient of the first steam discharge rate and a specified value. In this embodiment of the invention, the steam ejection rate can be reduced to half, for example, by operating the actuator.

Further developing the invention, it is preferably provided that the steam generator has a selector switch for the simultaneous selection of the first and second steam discharge rates. Advantageously, by the simultaneous selection, the operation of the steam generator can be facilitated, since the user advantageously by an activity, namely by pressing the selector switch, the steam ejection rates from both operating ranges can simultaneously select. In an embodiment of the invention the selector switch is a rotary switch, which may have the advantage that such a rotary switch is easy to operate. Next, the setting made the rotary switch can be easily read at any time.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the steam generator to a steam boiler. The steam boiler can be used to generate the steam pressure necessary to produce a steam output. Particularly preferably, the steam boiler has an interior whose volume is between 250ml and 350ml. Particularly preferably, the steam generator to an electric valve, through which the steam boiler can be connected to the hose of an iron. Advantageously, by opening and closing the solenoid valve, a portion of the steam in the steam boiler under pressure can be passed as steam ejection through the hose to the iron.

Preferably, the steam generator to a refill system. Advantageously, the boiler can be replaced by the refill system with a liquid, e.g. be filled with water. Particularly preferably, the refill system has a reservoir.

Advantageously, the liquid to be replenished can be stored in the storage container. Particularly preferably, the refill system has a pump.

Advantageously, the liquid to be replenished can be pumped into the boiler by the pump.

Preferably, the steam generator has a heating element for heating the steam boiler. Particularly preferably, the heating element is designed as an electric heating element. To heat the boiler, the electrical heating element can be supplied with electricity, which can heat the boiler and its contents. The invention also includes embodiments in which the steam boiler is e.g. can be heated by microwaves.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the steam generator has a sensor. Advantageously, the steam ejection rate can be controlled by the sensor. More preferably, the steam generator has a control unit connected to the sensor for controlling the steam discharge rate. According to the invention, it is preferably provided that the sensor is an electrical element. An electrical element is to be understood as meaning an element which has an electrical characteristic. Advantageously, the characteristic of the sensor can be detected electrically to control the heating element and thereby adjust the steam discharge rate. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the steam generator to a control unit. In this embodiment, the characteristic curve of the sensor is detected by the control unit, wherein the sensor supplies an electrical signal to the control unit. This signal can be, for example, the resistance value of the sensor. Particularly preferably, the actuating element and / or the selection switch is connected to the control unit via a line. Particularly preferably, the control unit is connected to the heating element. As a result, the steam discharge rate selected by the actuating element and / or selector switch can be adjusted via the temperature in the interior of the steam boiler. However, the invention also includes embodiments in which the sensor is a mechanical temperature switch, such as a bimetallic switch whose switching threshold is at a certain temperature. Particularly preferably, the mechanical temperature switch controls the heating element via a power switch. Particularly preferably, the mechanical temperature switch is displaced by the actuating element, so that its switching threshold is changed, for example reduced. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, upon actuation of the actuating element, an additional resistor is connected to the sensor. By connecting the additional resistance becomes electrically active, so that the detected electrical characteristic of the sensor can be changed. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the sensor is switched on in the second position of the actuating element. The additional resistor can be connected eg in series or parallel to the sensor. Advantageously, by adding the additional resistance, the electrical characteristic of the sensor can be changed so that the threshold from which the heating element is switched off, can be reduced or increased. This allows a simple selection of the two steam discharge rates.

In a further preferred embodiment, the sensor is a temperature sensor. Most preferably, the sensor measures the temperature within the boiler. Particularly preferably, the sensor is an NTC sensor. According to the invention of Sensor but also a pressure sensor, and measure the pressure inside the boiler.

Further developing the invention, it is preferably provided that the steam discharge rate is controlled via the temperature determined by the sensor. Advantageously, the temperature corresponds to the pressure within the boiler, so that the temperature dependent on the pressure within the boiler steam discharge rate can be controlled. Particularly preferably, the steam boiler to a safety pressure sensor, by which it can be prevented that the pressure within the boiler exceeds a critical pressure value. Upon reaching the critical pressure value, the heating element can be switched off by the safety pressure sensor. The invention also includes embodiments in which the sensor is designed as a pressure sensor, and the steam discharge rate is controlled by the pressure inside the steam boiler measured by the pressure sensor.

The present invention makes it possible with simple structural and cost-effective means to provide a steam generator for an ironing station, which can enable a simplified operation of the ironing station. In particular, energy can be saved by the steam generator. Next can be made possible by the steam generator improved ironing results.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Further advantageous embodiments will be described in more detail below with reference to two exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawings, to which the invention is not limited.

They show schematically:

Figure 1 is an ironing station with iron and steam generator. Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of a steam generator; 3 shows a control panel of the steam generator; 4 shows a characteristic of the steam generator; 5 shows a second control panel of the steam generator; and finally

Fig. 6 is a characteristic of the steam generator.

Detailed description based on two embodiments

In the following description of two preferred embodiments of the present invention, like reference characters designate like or similar components.

The first embodiment will be explained below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. Shown in Fig. 1 is an ironing station 10 with an iron 20 and a steam generator 30 for generating a steam ejection. The iron 20 is connected via a hose 21 to the steam generator 30. The steam produced by the steam generator 30 is conducted through the hose 21 to the iron 20. 2, a schematic diagram of the steam generator 30 is shown. The steam generator 30 has a steam boiler 31 with an interior volume of 300 ml for generating a vapor pressure and an electric heating element 32 for heating the steam boiler 31. By the heating element 32, the water contained in the steam boiler 31 is heated, so that steam is generated at a certain pressure, wherein pressure and temperature in the interior of the boiler 31 correspond to each other. The boiler 31 is connected to the hose 21 via an electrovalve 37 so that by opening and closing the solenoid valve 37, a portion of the pressurized steam exits the steam boiler 31 and can be supplied to the iron 20 through the hose 21 as steam , The steam discharge rate of the steam output, ie the amount of steam in a given Time unit is discharged from the steam generator 30 to the iron 20 is controlled by the pressure in the interior of the boiler 31.

The steam generator 30 further has a refilling system with a storage tank 33 for filling the steam boiler 31. The refill system has a pump 38 through which the water in the reservoir 33 can be pumped into the boiler 31. This ensures that there is always enough water in the steam boiler 31 to produce the steam output.

The steam generator further has a sensor 34 for controlling the heating element 32. The sensor 34 is an NTC sensor designed as a temperature sensor and measures the temperature within the boiler 31. The temperature detected by the sensor 34 controls the pressure corresponding to the temperature in the interior of the boiler 31, and thus the steam discharge rate. The sensor 34, which is designed as an NTC sensor, is an electrical element having an electrical characteristic which is detected by the control unit 39. In this case, the control unit 39 determines the electrical resistance of the sensor 34, and thus the temperature in the interior of the steam boiler 31. On the basis of the determined temperature, the control unit 39 regulates the current through the heating element 32, so that the pressure in the interior of the boiler 31 is adjusted. In addition, the control unit 39 controls the solenoid valve 37 so that the steam discharge can be generated at the desired steam discharge rate.

The steam generator 30 further includes an actuator 35 disposed on a control panel 40, by which a steam ejection rate of the steam ejection from just a first 51 and a second steam ejection rate 53 can be selected. The actuator 35 is designed as a key switch and can be brought in exactly two positions. By actuating the actuating element 35, it is possible to switch between the first 51 and second steam discharge rate 53, the first 51 being selected in a first position of the actuating element 35 and the second steam ejection rate 53 being selected in a second position of the actuating element 35. The first 51 and second steam discharge rates 53 are shown in FIG. 4 shows a characteristic of the steam generator, wherein on one axis the steam discharge rate, marked R, and on other axis, the temperature in the interior of the boiler 31, marked T, is shown.

In the actuator 35 in the first position, that is, when selecting the first steam discharge rate 51, the temperature in the interior of the boiler 31 is between 140 ° C and 145 ° C, wherein the pressure in the interior is about 4 bar, and a first steam discharge rate 51st of 90 g / min is generated. In the actuator 35 in the second position, so when selecting the second steam discharge rate 53, the temperature in the interior of the boiler 31 is between 120 ° C and 125 ° C, wherein the pressure in the interior is about 2 bar, and a second steam discharge rate of 53 50 g / min is generated. The second steam discharge rate 53 thus corresponds to the difference between the first steam discharge rate 51 and a fixed value of 40 g / min.

When the actuating element 35 in the second position, ie upon actuation of the actuating element 35, the sensor 34, an additional resistor, which is not shown in the figures for reasons of representation, connected in parallel. By connecting the additional resistance becomes electrically active, thereby changing the detected by the control unit 39 electrical characteristic of the sensor 34. This reduces the threshold from which the heating element 32 is turned off, so that the temperature in the interior of the boiler 31 is reduced ,

By operating the actuator 35, the user can reduce the steam ejection rate of the steam ejection to save energy and prevent moisture penetration of the iron due to excessive steam ejection rate. Upon renewed actuation of the actuator 35, the originally set steam ejection rate is again selected. The user can thus between the first 51 and second steam discharge rate 53 back and forth during the ironing operation by the actuator 35.

The steam generator 30 further includes a display element 42 disposed on the actuator 35 and indicates whether the first 51 or second steam discharge rate 53 is selected. The display element 42 is a light source which illuminates when the first steam discharge rate 51 is selected, and is dark when the second steam discharge rate 53 is selected. Furthermore, the steam generator has a / Off switch 41, which is located on the control panel 40, and over which the steam generator 30 can be switched on and off.

In a second embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, which otherwise does not differ from the first embodiment, the first steam discharge rate 51 is selectable from a first operating area 52 and the second steam discharge rate 53 from a second operating area 54.

The first 52 and second operating regions 54 each consist of at least three steam discharge rates. In the following, the second embodiment will be explained with reference to a first 52 and second operating range 54 with three steam output rates for ease of illustration. Accordingly, only three positions of the selection switch 36 are shown. However, the second embodiment is not limited to this number. Fig. 6 shows a characteristic of the steam generator, wherein on one axis, the steam discharge rate, marked R, and on other axis, the temperature in the interior of the boiler 31, marked T, is shown. As can be seen in Figure 6, the first 52 and second operating regions 54 each consist of three steam discharge rates, with two steam discharge rates each representing the upper and lower limits of the range. The number of steam discharge rates of the first operating region 52 corresponds to the number of steam discharge rates of the second operating region 54. In addition, the first 52 and second operating regions 54 overlap each other, with the first 52 and second operating regions 54 each having three steam discharge rates not included in the other region ,

The steam generator 30 further comprises a selection switch 36 designed as a rotary switch for simultaneous selection of the first 51 and second steam discharge rate 53. Through the selection switch 36, the user can simultaneously set the first 51 and second steam discharge rates 53 within the first 52 and second operating areas 54, for which purpose the selector switch 36 can be brought into three positions. In FIG. 5, the selector switch 36 is in the right position, so that the right steam ejection rate from the first 52 and second operating regions 54 is selected as the first 51 and second steam ejection rates 53, respectively. In the middle or left position of the selector switch 36, the average or left steam discharge rate of the two operating ranges as the first 51 and second steam discharge rate 53 was selected.

Through the actuator 35, the user may select between the first 51 and second steam discharge rates 53. Thus, the user can select by the selection switch the optimum for the current ironing task 51 first and second steam discharge rate 53 from the first 52 and second operating region 54, and so tune the first 51 and second steam discharge rate 53 to the material of the ironing. By the actuator 35, during the ironing operation, the user may switch from the first 51 to the lower second steam discharge rate 53 to consume less energy during ironing.

The present invention makes it possible with simple structural and cost-effective means to provide a steam generator for an ironing station, which can enable a simplified operation of the ironing station. In particular, energy can be saved by the steam generator. Next can be made possible by the steam generator improved ironing results.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, the claims and the drawings may be of importance both individually and in any combination for the realization of the invention in its various forms.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10 ironing station

 20 irons

 21 hose

 30 steam generators

 31 steam boiler

 32 heating element

 33 storage tank

 34 sensor

 35 actuator

36 selector switch

37 solenoid valve

 38 pump

 39 control unit

 40 control panel

 41 on / off switch

42 display element

51 first steam discharge rate

52 first operating area

53 second steam discharge rate

54 second operating range

Claims

A steam generator (30) for an ironing station (10) with a steam boiler (31) for generating a steam ejection having an actuating element (35), characterized in that by the actuating element (35) a steam ejection rate of the steam ejection from exactly one first (51 and a second steam ejection rate (53), wherein the first steam ejection rate (51) is selectable from a first operating range (52) and the second steam ejection rate (53) from a second operating range (54) and each operating range is at least two selectable by controlling the Pressure in the boiler (31) comprises different steam discharge rates. 2 steam generator (30) according to claim 1, characterized in that the actuating element (35) can be brought in exactly two positions. 3 steam generator (30) according to claim 2, characterized in that the steam generator (30) has a selection switch (36) for the simultaneous selection of the first (51) and second steam discharge rate (53). 4 steam generator (30) according to claim 3, characterized in that the selection switch (36) is a rotary switch. 5 steam generator (30) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the steam generator (30) has a sensor (34). 6 steam generator (30) according to claim 5, characterized in that the sensor (34) is an electrical element. Steam generator (30) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that upon actuation of the actuating element (35) the sensor (34) an additional resistance is switched on. Steam generator (30) according to one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the sensor (34) is a temperature sensor. Steam generator (30) according to claim 6, characterized in that the steam discharge rate is controlled by the temperature determined by the sensor (34).