WO2025082786A1 - Combined steam-generating and steam-dispensing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a combined steam-generating and steam-dispensing apparatus (100) having a backwards-compatible connection device (104) for releasably connecting the steam-dispensing apparatus (106) to the steam-generating apparatus (102), which is in particular backwards-compatible, wherein the connection device (104) comprises the following: - at least one steam-generating-side connection unit (108) and at least one corresponding, steam-dispensing-side connection unit (110), which can be releasably connected to one another for allowing steam to pass through and electrical contact to be made; - a steam-line-connection element (128), which is incorporated in the steam-generating-side connection unit (108), and a corresponding steam-line-connection element (130), which is incorporated in the steam-dispensing-side connection unit (110); and - a plurality of contact-element pairs (A, A', B, B', C, C', D, D', E, E', F, F', G, G', H, H') for realizing a communication interface (109), by means of which analogue and/or digital signals can be transmitted, wherein each contact-element pair (A, A', B, B', C, C', D, D', E, E', F, F', G, G', H, H') has a contact element (A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H), which is arranged in the steam-generating-side connection unit (108), and a corresponding contact element (A', B', C', D', E', F', G', H'), which is arranged in the steam-dispensing-side connection unit (110), and wherein the steam-generating apparatus (102) is set up for unidirectional and/or bidirectional communication with the steam-dispensing apparatus (106).

Description

COMBINED STEAM GENERATION AND STEAM DELIVERY DEVICE

The invention relates to a combined steam generation and steam discharge device with a connection device for detachably connecting the steam discharge device to the steam generation device, which is, wherein the connection device comprises the following: at least one steam generation-side connection unit and at least one steam discharge-side connection unit, which are detachably connectable to one another for steam passage and electrical contact; a steam line connection element, which is comprised by the steam generation-side connection unit, and a corresponding steam line connection element, which is comprised by the steam discharge-side connection unit; and a plurality of contact element pairs, wherein each contact element pair has a contact element, which is arranged in the steam generation-side connection unit, and a corresponding contact element, which is arranged in the steam discharge-side connection unit.

In practice, combined steam generation and steam delivery devices with a connection device for detachably connecting the steam delivery device to the steam generation device are known. The connection device not only connects the steam lines of the steam generation and steam delivery devices to each other for steam transmission, but also simultaneously establishes electrical contact. This enables, for example, the device electronics of the steam generation device, which controls steam generation and delivery, to recognize the type of steam delivery device. Thus, various steam delivery devices can be operated with one steam generation device.

The steam generating device can, for example, be a steam cleaner that is compatible with both a steam cleaning gun or floor nozzle and a steam iron. With such a combination of steam cleaner, steam cleaning gun or floor nozzle, and steam iron, floors, other surfaces, or fixtures can be cleaned, as well as clothes can be ironed.

For example, WO 2012/000768 A2 discloses a combined steam generation and steam dispensing device which has a connection device for detachably connecting the steam dispensing device to a steam generation device. The connection device can be used to operate either an iron or a floor nozzle. This combined steam generation and steam delivery device has proven its worth in practice.

An improved vacuum cleaner is already known from EP 0430478 A1, in which a signal is transmitted from the handle of the tube piece to the suction motor, whereby the vacuum cleaner can be operated via the handle.

EP 1 121 891 A2 discloses a control device that is detachably mounted on the handle of a cleaning device and by means of which user inputs can be transmitted to a receiver device in the device body. The control device is connected to the means for controlling the various functions of the cleaning device.

DE 94 08 167 U1 also discloses a circuit configuration for a steam ironing and cleaning appliance for coordinating the combined output of a steam boiler heater and an iron heater. The iron is connected via a combination plug-in system containing a code that is recognized by the steam generator. A control unit then regulates the output of the steam boiler heater.

It would be desirable that information from the steam generating device could also be made available to the user in the area of the steam dispensing device without having to abandon the existing connection device.

The object of the present invention is to provide a combined steam generating and steam dispensing device with an improved connection device.

This object is achieved by a combined steam generation and steam delivery device according to the invention with a connection device for detachably connecting the steam delivery device to the steam generation device, which is in particular downwardly compatible, wherein the connection device comprises the following: at least one steam generation-side connection unit and at least one corresponding steam delivery-side connection unit, which are detachably connectable for steam passage and electrical contacting and in particular for signal transmission; a steam line connection element, which is comprised by the steam generation-side connection unit, and a corresponding steam line connection element, which is comprised by the steam delivery-side connection unit; and several contact element pairs for implementing a communication interface, by means of which analog and/or digital signals can be transmitted, wherein each pair of contact elements comprises a contact element arranged in the steam generation-side connection unit and a corresponding contact element arranged in the steam discharge-side connection unit, and wherein the steam generation device is configured for unidirectional and/or bidirectional communication with the steam discharge device.

The present invention incorporates the consideration that a steam generating device, such as a steam appliance base station, is provided to which various steam dispensing devices, such as an iron, a steam gun, or a floor nozzle, can be connected. Depending on the configuration of the respective steam dispensing device, a simple communication interface for the unidirectional transmission of analog or digital signals or a serial communication interface for the bidirectional transmission of digital signals can be implemented.

With previously known combined steam generation and steam delivery devices, such as those described in WO 2012/000768 A2, only unidirectional transmission of analog signals has been possible, i.e., the steam generation device detects which connected contact element pairs have a voltage present and, if applicable, how high the voltage level is. New-generation steam delivery devices, on the other hand, are already configured, for example through the use of at least one microcontroller and/or a UART circuit, to independently evaluate user inputs and to bidirectionally exchange analog and/or digital signals with the device electronics of the steam generation device. Preferably, a further microcontroller is arranged on the main board of the steam generation device or is included therein.

A steam generating device according to the invention is therefore preferably designed to interact with steam dispensing devices of the new generation and to realize a communication interface for signal transmission, as well as to interact in a downwardly compatible manner with previously conventional steam dispensing devices.

The steam generating device and the selected steam dispensing device are connectable to one another via a connecting device, wherein the connecting device preferably comprises two connecting units, one of which is arranged on the steam generating device and the other of which is connected to or arranged on the steam dispensing device, ie the connecting device comprises a steam generating-side connecting unit and a corresponding steam dispensing-side connecting unit. If both When the connection units are connected to each other as intended, it is possible to conduct steam from the steam generation device to the connected steam delivery device. Analog and/or digital signals can also be transmitted, with a signal being understood as the basic element of analog and/or digital communication.

To conduct the steam, the connection device comprises two corresponding steam line connection elements, which are connected to each other by joining the connection units. The connection between the steam line connection elements is preferably sealed in such a way that no steam enters the connection device during steam passage.

The contact elements arranged in the steam generation-side connection unit are preferably designed as female contact elements in the form of plug sockets, whereas the contact elements arranged in the steam discharge-side connection unit are preferably designed as male contact elements in the form of plugs.

However, it is also conceivable that the contact elements on the steam generation side are male-shaped and the contact elements on the steam discharge side are female-shaped.

It should be understood that after the connection of the connection units of the connection device, the contact element pairs are connected to one another or interlock in such a way that reliable signal transmission is possible during operation of the combined steam generation and steam dispensing device.

It can be provided that the contact elements of the steam-generation-side connection unit are connected to the device electronics of the steam generation device, in particular to a circuit board of the device electronics. The device electronics comprise, for example, a circuit board on which, among other things, a microcontroller can be arranged. The other elements or assemblies, unless otherwise stated below, are assumed to be known and are not listed in detail. This makes it possible to process signals received from the steam dispensing device or to send commands in the form of signals to the steam dispensing device.

It is advantageous if the bidirectional communication interface includes the following: a pair of extra-low voltage contact elements; a first pair of data exchange contact elements; a second pair of data exchange contact elements; a pair of protective conductor contact elements and/or a pair of ground contact elements; and in particular three pairs of supply voltage contact elements.

The power supply of the steam dispensing device is preferably ensured via the pair of low-voltage contact elements.

The three supply voltage contact element pairs in particular are provided, for example, so that heating elements in the steam generating device and/or steam dispensing device can be supplied with power.

When connecting a steam dispensing device in the form of a steam gun or a floor nozzle, preferably only one or more heating elements in the steam generating device are supplied with electricity to heat the water contained in a container.

When connecting a steam dispensing device in the form of an iron which additionally has one or more heating elements, one or more heating elements of the steam generating device and one or more heating elements of the iron must be supplied with electricity.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the first data exchange contact element pair and the second data exchange contact element pair have opposite data exchange directions.

For example, the first data exchange contact element pair is intended to transmit signals from the steam dispensing device to the steam generating device, whereas the second data exchange contact element pair is intended to transmit signals from the steam generating device to the steam dispensing device. However, the reverse case is also conceivable, so that the first pair transmits in the direction of the steam dispensing device and the second pair in the direction of the steam generating device.

It can be provided that the first data exchange contact element pair has a steam generation-side receiving contact element and a steam discharge-side transmitting contact element. A receiving contact element is preferably understood to be a contact element which is connected to a receiving connection point of the circuit board, so that signals received via the receiving contact element can be evaluated and the steam generation and/or release can be controlled and/or regulated accordingly.

A transmitting contact element is preferably understood to be a contact element which is connected to a transmitting connection point of the circuit board, so that commands or instructions can be sent to the steam dispensing device in the form of signals via the transmitting contact element.

The connection of the contact elements and other peripheral elements or assemblies to the circuit board is preferably carried out by means of plug connections, which is why the respective connection point is preferably realized via pin connections.

It can further be provided that the second data exchange contact element pair has a steam generation-side transmitting contact element and a steam discharge-side receiving contact element.

It is also advantageous if the steam-generation-side contact element of the first data exchange contact element pair is connected to a first analog-to-digital converter of the device electronics, and/or if the steam-generation-side contact element of the second data exchange contact element pair is connected to a second analog-to-digital converter of the device electronics. The analog-to-digital converters can be identical or coincident.

The first and/or second analog-to-digital converters are preferably integrated into the microcontroller of the device electronics. In other words, the function of a first and/or second analog-to-digital converter is preferably provided via the microcontroller of the device electronics.

Alternatively, the first and/or second analog-digital converter can each be designed as a separate element, which is preferably arranged on the circuit board of the device electronics or is included therein, and can be connected to the microcontroller of the device electronics.

By providing an analog-to-digital converter function on the corresponding contact elements of the first and second data exchange contact element pair, it is ensured that An older-generation steam dispenser can be detected and operated. The two data exchange contact element pairs, using the connected analog-to-digital converters, can detect whether a steam dispenser is connected, what type of steam dispenser it is, and/or whether steam delivery is activated or deactivated.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the steam generation-side contact element of the first data exchange contact element pair is configured such that digital and/or analogue reception signals can be retrieved in a cyclic manner.

If a steam dispensing device is connected to the steam generating device, which is configured to implement a serial communication interface, digital signals, i.e. high and low signals, for example, are transmitted via the first and second data exchange contact element pair, which can preferably be retrieved cyclically by the steam generating device.

When connecting an older generation steam dispensing device, which only implements different circuits for controlling the steam dispensing and the heating elements via the contact element pairs, a cyclical call of the analogue-to-digital converter function of the first data exchange contact element pair can be carried out, for example, in order to determine the presence of a permanent voltage.

For example, the application of a permanent voltage, which is preferably caused by the low-voltage contact element and the first data exchange contact element of the steam-dispensing-side connection unit being connected to one another, makes it possible to determine that an older generation steam-dispensing device is connected to the downward-compatible steam-generating device.

The level of the permanently applied voltage level, which can be adjusted, for example, by arranging an ohmic resistor between the low-voltage contact element and the first data exchange contact element of the steam-discharge-side connection unit, allows the downwardly compatible steam generating device to determine the type of connected steam discharge device.

For example, when connecting an older generation steam dispensing device in the form of a floor nozzle, which does not have a microcontroller or UART circuit, a voltage of 1 V can be applied between the pair of low voltage contact elements and the first data exchange A low voltage of, for example, approximately 0 V to 12 V, for example 0 V to 5 V, in a particular example 3.3 V to 5 V, is applied to the pair of contact elements.

To differentiate in the case of downward compatible use, for example in the case of an older generation steam dispensing device in the form of an iron, half the low voltage can be applied between the low voltage contact element pair and the first data exchange contact element pair by using an ohmic resistor.

A hand or floor nozzle directly or indirectly on a handle device (for example, encompassed by a steam gun), an iron or the like can accordingly be distinguished from one another by the height or level of the voltage signal detected via the first data exchange contact element pair and converted by the first analog-to-digital converter.

It is advantageous if a level of a permanently applied voltage can be detected by means of the first analog-digital converter and if the presence of a further voltage can be detected by means of the second analog-digital converter.

Preferably, on the side of an older generation steam dispensing device, such as an iron or a steam gun without a device for serial communication, the low-voltage contact element is connected to the second data exchange contact element, wherein the connection can be closed or interrupted by means of a switching element arranged in the connection.

When the switching element is closed, a low voltage is present between the low-voltage contact element and the second data exchange contact element.

This continuously applied low voltage can be detected via the second analog-to-digital converter, which is connected to the second data exchange contact element on the steam generation side. The detected and converted signal then causes, for example, a valve element and/or a pump device to be switched and steam to be released from the container toward the steam delivery device. The valve element can be or comprise a solenoid valve.

Conversely, opening the connection between the low-voltage contact element and the second data exchange contact element of the steam delivery side Connection unit by means of the switching element closes the valve element, whereby the steam supply towards the steam dispensing device is interrupted or stopped.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the steam dispensing device comprises a human-machine interface (HMI) for user-side operation of the combined steam generation and steam dispensing device, wherein the human-machine interface is preferably arranged on a handle device of the steam dispensing device, and wherein the human-machine interface preferably has a microcontroller which is connected to the steam dispensing-side contact elements and via which the user inputs for the control and/or regulation of the combined steam generation and steam dispensing device are recorded.

The human-machine interface allows the user to make settings regarding the steam dispensing process directly via the steam dispensing device.

Alternatively or additionally, the human-machine interface can be used to provide the user with data or information about the status of the steam generation device, such as the amount of water in the tank or the steam temperature. The user no longer needs to read this data or information from the steam generation device.

Preferably, the microcontroller processes incoming user inputs and incoming information from the steam generating device and forwards the result to the steam generating device or the user.

It is advantageous if the human-machine interface comprises a UART circuit by means of which serial, bidirectional communication between the steam dispensing device and the steam generating device can be realized.

Using a UART circuit, a serial communication interface can be realized between the steam dispensing device and the steam generating device, via which bidirectional digital signals can be exchanged.

In particular, the UART circuit requires four connections or lines, for example one for the low voltage supply, one for sending signals, one for receiving signals and a ground connection to a reference potential for the electrical circuit to ensure the functionality of the steam dispensing device. A serial communication interface therefore requires comparatively few conductive wires, reducing costs and installation effort. Furthermore, a communication interface supports data transmission over long distances, allowing the steam generation device and steam delivery device to be used at a distance from each other.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the human-machine interface has a display unit, preferably a touch display unit, and/or at least one key element.

The user can make his inputs to adjust the steam output via the display unit and/or at least one button element.

In addition, the use of a display unit enables a comprehensive presentation of information, such as selection options for the operation of the steam dispenser or the fill level of the boiler.

The following description of preferred embodiments, in conjunction with the drawings, serves to explain the invention in more detail. They show:

Fig. 1: a preferred embodiment of a steam generating and steam dispensing device according to the invention;

Fig. 2: a plan view of a preferred embodiment of a steam generation-side connection unit of a connection device according to the invention;

Fig. 3: a plan view of a preferred embodiment of a steam discharge-side connection unit of a connection device according to the invention;

Fig. 4: a schematic circuit diagram view of device electronics of a steam generating device according to the invention;

Fig. 5: a schematic circuit diagram view of a steam discharge side connection unit of a first embodiment of a steam discharge device according to the invention; Fig. 6 is a schematic circuit diagram of a steam discharge-side connection unit of a second embodiment of a steam discharge device according to the invention; and

Fig. 7 is a schematic circuit diagram view of a steam discharge side connection unit of a third embodiment of a steam discharge device according to the invention.

Fig. 1 schematically shows a preferred embodiment of a combined steam generating and steam dispensing device 100 according to the invention.

The combined steam generation and steam dispensing device 100, hereinafter referred to as device 100, comprises a steam generation device 102, which can be connected to one of the three steam dispensing devices 106 shown as examples by means of a connection device 104.

The connection device 104 comprises a steam generation-side connection unit 108 and a corresponding steam discharge-side connection unit 110, which can be detachably connected for steam transmission and electrical contact. In this case, bidirectional communication is possible via the connection unit 108.

If the steam generation-side connection unit 108 and the steam discharge-side connection unit 110 are connected to one another, a communication interface can be realized in the connection device 104, which makes it possible to transmit signals and/or data between the steam discharge device 106 and the steam generation device 102.

The connection device 104 is preferably designed as a plug connection 112, wherein the connection units 108, 110 are designed as a steam generation-side plug half 114 and a steam discharge-side plug half 116, respectively.

Further details regarding the connection device 104 are explained below in connection with Figs. 2 to 7.

The steam generation side connection unit 108 is arranged on the steam generation device 102, whereas the respective steam discharge device 106 has a corresponding connection unit 110, which is preferably connected to the steam dispensing device 106 via a connection line 118.

Fig. 1 shows, by way of example, an embodiment of the steam dispensing device 106, which is designed as a steam iron 120 (shown in the center of Fig. 1), and a different embodiment of the steam dispensing device 106, which is designed as a simple steam gun (not shown) with a hand and/or floor nozzle 122 (shown on the right in Fig. 1). Fig. 1 indicates that the steam iron 120 is currently connected to the steam generating device 102. The connection unit 108 of the steam generating device 102 is connected to the connection unit 110 of the steam iron 120, whereby both connection units 108, 110 of the connection device 104 are connected to one another for the intended operation of the device 100.

A further preferred embodiment of a steam dispensing device 106 of the device 100 according to the invention is designed as a steam gun 123 (shown on the left in Fig. 1) and preferably comprises a human-machine interface (HMI) 125, which is preferably arranged on or close enough to a handle device 127 of the steam gun 123 that a user can operate the device 100 via the human-machine interface 125. The steam gun 123 is connected to a floor nozzle 122 via a pipe. Alternatively, a hand nozzle could be provided, which is connected directly to the steam gun 123.

The steam generating device 102 comprises a housing 124 provided with rollers.

The housing 124 houses an electrical heating device, known per se and not shown in Fig. 1, for heating water in a container, also known per se and also not shown in Fig. 1, or in a continuous-flow heater. The water can be evaporated by heating and can be directed via the connection device 104 to the steam iron 120 or the floor nozzle 122, or any other embodiment of a steam dispensing device 106.

The steam generating device 102 further comprises device electronics 126, which will be explained in more detail below in connection with Fig. 4.

In this case, different nozzle attachments can be optionally connected to a free end of the steam dispensing device 106, depending on the intended use. The human-machine interface 125 comprises the steam discharge-side connection unit 110 and/or is in particular electrically connected thereto.

Furthermore, the human-machine interface 125 comprises a microcontroller and a display unit 1251 and/or at least one key element.

The microcontroller enables the processing of user input and the provision of data to the steam generating device 102.

The display unit 1251, which is preferably designed as a touchscreen, enables the user to enter his operating requests, i.e. he can, for example, select the desired functions from a displayed menu or obtain information about the status of the device 100.

Alternatively or additionally, the user can also operate the device 100 via at least one key element.

The human-machine interface 125 is, for example, permanently integrated into the steam gun 123 or detachably connected to the steam gun 123, whereby maintenance work, such as changing the battery or updating the firmware of the microcontroller, can be carried out on the human-machine interface 125 in a simple manner if necessary.

Fig. 2 shows a plan view of a preferred embodiment of a steam generation-side connection unit 108 of the connection device 104.

The steam generation-side connection unit 108 comprises a steam line connection element 128 and, in the present example, a low-voltage contact element A; a first data exchange contact element B; a second data exchange contact element C; a protective conductor contact element D; a ground contact element E; and three supply voltage contact elements F, G, H. In a corresponding manner, Fig. 3 shows a plan view of a preferred embodiment of a steam discharge-side connection unit 110 of the connection device 104.

The steam discharge-side connection unit 110 comprises a steam line connection element 130, which corresponds to the steam line connection element 128, and a low-voltage contact element A', which corresponds to the low-voltage contact element A; a first data exchange contact element B', which corresponds to the first data exchange contact element B; a second data exchange contact element C, which corresponds to the data exchange contact element C; a protective conductor contact element D', which corresponds to the protective conductor contact element D; a ground contact element E', which corresponds to the protective conductor contact element E; and three supply voltage contact elements F', G', H', which correspond to the three supply voltage contact elements F, G, H.

It should be understood that the spatial arrangement of the contact elements in the connection units 108, 110 in Figs. 2 and 3 is only exemplary and accordingly other arrangements are also possible.

Contact elements A to H are female contact elements in the form of sockets, whereas contact elements A' to H' are male, pin-shaped contacts. Of course, it would also be possible for contact elements A to H to be male and contact elements A' to H' to be female.

The advantages of the illustrated arrangement of the steam line connection elements 128, 130, the contact elements A to H or A' and H' as well as the further elements of the connection unit 108, 110 and their respective function can be found, for example, in WO 2012/000768 A1.

Fig. 4 shows a schematic circuit diagram view of a preferred embodiment of the device electronics 126 of the steam generating device 102 according to the invention. Of the steam generation-side connection unit 108, only the contact elements A to H are shown schematically, the respective implementation of which in the device electronics 126 is in the foreground below.

The device electronics 126 comprises a circuit board 132 which controls and/or regulates the connected or attached elements or assemblies and on which a microcontroller 133 is arranged which, among other things, implements one or more analog-to-digital converters for one or more of the contact elements A to H of the steam generation-side connection unit 110.

The circuit board 132 is connected to a male connector 136 via a plug connection 134. The connector 136 allows the device 100 to be connected to a power supply network to supply the device 100 with a mains voltage.

The plug 136, for example, has a neutral conductor N, an outer conductor L and a protective conductor PE.

In this case, a relay circuit 138 is arranged on the circuit board 132, with which the circuit between the neutral conductor N and the outer conductor L can be closed or interrupted for a standby mode.

A first heating element 142 is connected to the circuit board 132 via a plug connection 140, wherein a thermal fuse 144 can be arranged in one electrical connecting line and a water shortage thermostat 146 and a pressure switch 148 can be arranged in the other electrical connecting line. The thermal fuse 144 serves to switch off the first heating element 142 when a critical excess temperature is reached.

The first heating element 142 preferably has a heating power of at least approximately 1000 W or more.

A second heating element 150 is connected in parallel to the first heating element 142 and can preferably be switched on or off separately from the first heating element 142.

The second heating element 150 preferably has a heating power of 700 W and is preferably switched on depending on the type of steam dispensing device 106 connected. By means of the first and/or second heating element 142, 150, the water contained in a container and in particular boiler 152 can be evaporated.

The water shortage thermostat 146 is controlled and/or regulated via the microcontroller 133.

The pressure switch 148 monitors the pressure in the vessel 152 during operation. The first heating element 142 is switched off when the maximum operating pressure in the vessel 152 is reached and switched on again when the pressure in the vessel 152 drops due to steam extraction.

The container 152 has a connection 154 for a protective earth, which is connected to the protective conductor PE of the plug 136.

A valve element 158, which is designed as a solenoid valve in the present case, and a pump 160 are connected to the circuit board 132 via a plug connection 156.

The valve element 158 is opened to release steam, and the pump 160 conveys the steam flow towards the steam dispensing device 106.

A further valve element 162, which in this case is connected to the circuit board 132 via a plug connection 166, serves to control and/or regulate the amount of steam released.

The circuit board 132 is further connected, for example via a plug connection 170, to a fan 168 which, for example, air-cools a cable drum or the like.

In addition, the circuit board 132 is connected via a plug connection 172 to an LED board 174, by means of which various states or operating modes of the device 100 can be displayed to the user on the steam generating device 102.

The contact elements A, B, C and E of the steam generation-side connection unit 108 are connected to the circuit board via a plug connection 176.

The contact element A is connected to a low voltage connection point VCC (voltage at the common collector) of the board 132, via which a low voltage of for example 3.3 V or 5 V and which is preferably connected to the microcontroller 133.

The contact element B is connected to the receiving connection point RX (receive) of the board 132, via which the board 132 receives signals in order to then further process or evaluate them.

The receiving connection point RX is also directly or indirectly connected to a first analog-to-digital converter, which is preferably provided via the microcontroller 133, so that it is possible to detect and evaluate both digital and analog signals via the contact element B as a whole.

The contact element C is connected to the transmit connection point TX (transmit) of the board 132, via which signals can be sent.

The transmit connection point TX is directly or indirectly connected to a second analog-to-digital converter, which is preferably also provided by the microcontroller 133, so that not only digital signals can be sent via the contact element C, but also analog signals can be detected and evaluated. Alternatively, the transmit connection point TX is directly connected to the digital input pin of the microcontroller 133.

It should be understood that both digital signals can be received via the contact element B or the receiving connection point RX, and the additional function of the first analog-to-digital converter makes it possible to detect the type of connected steam dispensing device 106.

The signal retrieval via the receiving connection point RX is preferably carried out cyclically, wherein voltage level changes between "high" and "low" are detected when an incoming digital signal from a steam dispensing device 106, which, for example, has a UART circuit for digital communication.

The first analog-to-digital converter is also preferably called up cyclically, whereby upon detection of a permanent voltage level and determination of the magnitude of the voltage level, conclusions can be drawn about the type of steam dispensing device 106 connected.

For example, a steam dispensing device 106 is detected as not connected if a continuous zero signal or low signal is detected during the cyclic signal poll. Preferably, the second analog-to-digital converter is only activated when a steam dispensing device 106 that is not configured or capable of digital communication has been determined by means of the first analog-to-digital converter.

The contact element D is connected to the protective earth 154 of the container 152 and the contact element E is connected to a ground connection GND of the circuit board 132.

The contact element F is connected to the outer conductor L of the plug 136 and the contact element G is connected to the neutral conductor N of the plug 136.

The contact element H is connected to the second heating element 150.

The connector 176 also connects a probe 178 to the circuit board 132. The probe 178 is located in the container 152 and monitors the water or steam temperature there.

It should be understood that the connectors 134, 140, 156, 166, 170, 172, and 176 represent only one possibility for conductively connecting the corresponding elements or assemblies to the circuit board 132. The respective poles can, for example, also be conductively connected directly to the corresponding connection point on the circuit board 132.

Fig. 5 shows a schematic circuit diagram of a steam discharge-side connection unit 110 of an embodiment of the steam discharge device 106, which is designed as a steam gun 123, as shown on the left in Fig. 1. The steam line connection element 130 is not shown here.

The steam dispensing device 106 in Fig. 5 is preferably a steam dispensing device 106 with a human-machine interface (HMI) 125, which has a microcontroller and a UART circuit and a display unit 1251.

Such a steam dispensing device 106 enables the realization of a bidirectional communication interface between the steam dispensing device 106 and the steam generating device 102, via which digital signals can be exchanged.

A steam dispensing device 106 with a human-machine interface 125, such as the steam gun 123, allows a user to control the entire device 100 to be fully operated or adjusted from the steam dispensing device 106. This is advantageous because the generally heavier steam generating device 102 remains on the floor and is spatially separated from the steam dispensing device 106. Accordingly, a user preferably does not have to make any adjustments to the steam generating device 102 during operation of the device 100 and can, moreover, remain at the work site.

Accordingly, the contact element A' is configured to supply the human-machine interface 125, in particular the microcontroller, with a low voltage of preferably 3.3 V or 5 V, together with the corresponding contact element A of the steam generation-side connection unit 108.

The contact element B' is connected to a transmit connection point TX of the microcontroller and enables the transmission of digital signals from the microcontroller to the corresponding contact element B of the steam generation side connection unit 108 or the steam generation device 102, which is connected to the receive connection point RX of the circuit board 132.

Conversely, the contact element C is connected to a receiving connection point RX of the microcontroller and enables the reception of digital signals from the corresponding contact element C of the steam generation side connection unit 108 or the steam generation device 102, which is connected to the transmitting connection point TX of the circuit board 132.

The contact element E' is connected to the corresponding ground GND via the corresponding contact element E.

The contact elements D' and G' are not occupied in this case.

The contact elements F' and H' are connected to one another, whereby after connection to the corresponding contact elements F and H of the steam generation side connection unit 108, the mains voltage is applied as a supply voltage between the neutral conductor N and the outer conductor L and the first and second heating elements 142, 150 of the steam generation device 102, connected in parallel, heat and evaporate the water in the container 152.

On a steam dispensing device 106, designed for example as a steam gun 123, with a human-machine interface 125, for example, the said Human-Machine Interface 125 make the following settings or select operating options:

Start/stop steam delivery,

Adjust the amount of steam,

Steam mode (continuous steam, intermittent steam, increasing/decreasing steam pressure, user-defined mode, etc.), activate/deactivate child lock, instructions for use of accessories, instructions for use of descaling, settings, and

Output information.

Fig. 6 shows a schematic circuit diagram of a steam-discharge-side connection unit 110 of an embodiment of the steam discharge device 106, which is designed as a conventional steam gun, for example, for connecting a hand and/or floor nozzle 122 (as shown on the right in Fig. 1). The steam line connection element 130 is also not shown.

The steam dispensing device 106 in Fig. 6, for example, is a conventional steam dispensing device 106 for backward compatible use. After connecting the connection units 108, 110, a unidirectional communication interface is realized, since only analog signals are transmitted from the steam dispensing device 106 to the steam generating device 102.

The contact elements A' and B' are connected to one another, whereby after connection to the corresponding contact elements A and B of the steam generation-side connection unit 108, a low voltage of preferably 3.3 V or 5 V is applied between the contact element pairs A, A' and B, B'.

The applied low voltage is converted into a permanent high signal by the first analog-to-digital converter, which is connected to contact element B. The signal level can be used to determine the type of connected steam dispensing device 106; in this case, a steam gun or floor nozzle 122 is detected.

The contact element A' is also connected to the contact element C, wherein a switching element 180 is arranged in the connection between the contact element A' and the contact element C. As soon as the switching element 180 is actuated by the user in such a way that the connection between the contact elements A' and C is closed, the low voltage of 3.3 V is present between the connected contact element pairs A, A' and C, C.

The applied low voltage is detected by the second analog-digital converter, which is connected to the contact element C, and converted into a digital signal, which causes the valve element 158 to be switched and the water vapor can be conveyed by means of the pump 160 from the container 152 in the direction of the vapor dispensing device 106.

The steam passage to the steam dispensing device 106 and the steam dispensing via the steam dispensing device 106 can be interrupted or stopped by the user by means of the switching element 180 by interrupting the connection between the contact elements A' and C by the open position of the switching element 180.

The contact elements D', E' and G' are not occupied in this case.

The contact elements F' and H' are connected to each other, whereby - as in the first embodiment in Fig. 5 - the two heating elements 142, 150 are connected in parallel and together heat the water in the container 152.

Fig. 7 shows a schematic circuit diagram view of a steam-discharge-side connection unit 110 of an embodiment of the steam discharge device 106, which is designed as a steam iron 120, as shown centrally in Fig. 1. Consequently, the steam line connection element 130 is also not shown.

The steam dispensing device 106 in Fig. 7, for example, is a steam dispensing device 106 configured as an iron 120. This could be a conventional steam dispensing device 106. After connecting the connection units 108, 110, only a unidirectional communication interface is implemented, since only analog signals are transmitted from the steam dispensing device 106 to the steam generating device 102.

It should be understood that when transmitting analog signals, either an analog voltage value or a digital value, i.e. in particular the states "high" or "low", is detected. The contact elements A' and B' are also connected to each other here, whereby after connection to the corresponding contact elements A and B of the steam generation-side connection unit 108, a low voltage is present between the contact element pairs A, A' and B, B'.

However, a resistance element 182, preferably a 10 kΩ resistor, is arranged in the connection between the contact elements A' and B', whereby the applied low voltage is reduced; for example, with a 10 kΩ resistor, to approximately 1.7 V.

The applied, reduced low voltage of approximately 1.7 V, for example, is converted into a digital signal of approximately half the value by the first analog-to-digital converter of the microcontroller 133, which is connected to the contact element B. Due to the different signal level, the device electronics 126 can thus detect that a different type of steam dispensing device 106 is connected, in this case an iron 120.

The contact element A' is also connected to the contact element C, with a switching element 180 also being arranged in the connection between the contact element A' and the contact element C. Consequently, the same applies to the switching of the solenoid valve 158 for releasing the steam as explained in connection with the second embodiment in Fig. 6.

The contact element D' is connected to a protective earth 184.

The contact elements E' and H' are not occupied.

The contact elements F' and G' are connected to each other, with a third heating element 186 being arranged in the connection between the two contact elements F' and G'.

By connecting contact element F' to contact element G', the second heating element 150 is turned off and the first heating element 142 is connected in parallel with the third heating element 186. As a result, only the first heating element 142 heats the water in the container 152, whereas the third heating element 186 in the iron 120 heats the soleplate.

It is advantageous that a conventional steam dispensing device 106, such as that provided by the floor nozzle 122 and the steam iron 120, can be recognized by the steam generating device 102 even in the absence of a UART circuit and a corresponding microcontroller, so that the steam generating device 102 can be recognized via the steam generating side Connection unit 108 proves to be downward compatible and can be used with the conventional steam dispensing device 106.

List of reference symbols

100 combined steam generation and steam delivery device

102 Steam generating device

104 Connection device

106 Steam dispenser

108 steam generation side connection unit

110 steam discharge side connection unit

112 plug connection

114 steam generation side connector half

116 steam outlet side plug half

118 connecting cable

120 steam irons

122 floor nozzle

123 steam gun

124 housings

125 Human-Machine Interface

1251 display unit

126 Device electronics

127 Handle device

128 Steam line connection element

130 steam line connection element

132 circuit board

134 plug connection

136 plugs

138 Relay circuit

140 plug connection

142 first heating element

144 Thermal fuse

146 Water shortage thermostat

148 pressure switches

150 second heating element

152 containers

154 Protective earth

156 plug connection

158 valve element

160 pump 162 DC motor

164 Adjustment element

166 plug connection

168 fans

170 plug connection

176 plug connection

178 probe

180 switching element

182 resistance element

184 Protective earth

186 third heating element

A, A' Extra-low voltage contact element pair

B, B' first data exchange contact element pair

C, C second data exchange contact element pair

D, D' protective conductor contact element pair

E, E' ground contact element pair

F, F' supply voltage contact element pairs

G, G' supply voltage contact element pairs

H, H' supply voltage contact element pairs

GND Ground

L Outer conductor, phase

N neutral conductor

PE protective conductor

RX receive connection point

TX transmit connection point

VCC Low-voltage connection point

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS 1. A combined steam generation and steam delivery device (100) with a connection device (104) for detachably connecting the steam delivery device (106) to the steam generation device (102), which is in particular downwardly compatible, wherein the connection device (104) comprises the following: at least one steam generation-side connection unit (108) and at least one corresponding steam delivery-side connection unit (110), which are detachably connectable to one another for steam passage and electrical contact; a steam line connection element (128) which is comprised by the steam generation-side connection unit (108), and a corresponding steam line connection element (130) which is comprised by the steam delivery-side connection unit (110); and a plurality of contact element pairs (A, A', B, B', C, C, D, D', E, E', F, F', G, G', H, H') for implementing a communication interface by means of which analog and/or digital signals can be transmitted, wherein each contact element pair (A, A', B, B', C, C, D, D', E, E', F, F', G, G', H, H') has a contact element (A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H) which is arranged in the steam generation-side connection unit (108) and a corresponding contact element (A ¹ , B', C, D', E', F', G', H') which is arranged in the steam delivery-side connection unit (110), and wherein the steam generation device (102) is set up for unidirectional and/or bidirectional communication with the steam delivery device (106). 2. Combined steam generation and steam dispensing device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the contact elements (A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H) of the steam generation-side connection unit (108) are connected to device electronics (126) of the steam generation device (102), in particular to a circuit board (132) of the device electronics (126). 3. Combined steam generation and steam dispensing device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the bidirectional communication interface comprises: a pair of low-voltage contact elements (A, A'); a first data exchange contact element pair (B, B'); a second data exchange contact element pair (C, C); a protective conductor contact element pair (D, D') and/or a ground contact element pair (E, E'); and in particular three supply voltage contact element pairs (F, F', G, G', H, H'). 4. Combined steam generating and steam dispensing device (100) according to claim 3, characterized in that the first data exchange contact element pair (B, B') and the second data exchange contact element pair (C, C) have opposite data exchange directions. 5. Combined steam generation and steam dispensing device (100) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the first data exchange contact element pair (B, B') has a steam generation-side receiving contact element (B) and a steam dispensing-side transmitting contact element (B ¹ ). 6. Combined steam generation and steam dispensing device (100) according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the second data exchange contact element pair (C , C ) has a steam generation-side transmitting contact element (C ) and a steam dispensing-side receiving contact element (C ). 7. Combined steam generation and steam dispensing device (100) according to one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that the steam generation-side contact element (B) of the first data exchange contact element pair (B, B') is connected to a first analog-digital converter of the device electronics (126), and/or that the steam generation-side contact element (C) of the second data exchange contact element pair (C, C) is connected to a second analog-digital converter of the device electronics (126). 8. Combined steam generation and steam dispensing device (100) according to claim 7, characterized in that the first analog-digital converter and/or the second analog-digital converter is integrated into a microcontroller (133) of the device electronics (126). 9. Combined steam generation and steam dispensing device (100) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the steam generation-side contact element (B) of the first data exchange contact element pair (B, B') is configured such that digital and/or analogue received signals can be retrieved in a cyclic manner. 10. Combined steam generation and steam dispensing device (100) according to one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that a level of a permanently applied voltage can be determined by means of the first analog-digital converter, and that the application of a further voltage can be determined by means of the second analog-digital converter. 11. Combined steam generation and steam dispensing device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the steam dispensing device (106) comprises a human-machine interface (125) for user-side operation of the combined steam generation and steam dispensing device (100), wherein the human-machine interface (125) is preferably arranged on a handle device of the steam dispensing device (106), and wherein the human-machine interface (125) has a microcontroller which is connected to the steam dispensing-side contact elements (A ¹ , B', C, D', E', F', G', H'). 12. Combined steam generation and steam dispensing device (100) according to claim 11, characterized in that the human-machine interface (125) comprises a UART circuit by means of which a serial, bidirectional communication between the steam dispensing device (106) and the steam generation device (102) can be realized. 13. Combined steam generation and steam dispensing device (100) according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the human-machine interface (125) has a display unit, preferably a touch display unit, and/or at least one key element.