Valve device and cleaning device

Abstract

The invention relates to a valve device, in particular for a steam cleaning device, with at least one first inlet for a vaporous medium, wherein the at least one first inlet is fluidly connected to a first outlet for the discharge of vaporous medium, wherein at least one first valve is arranged or formed between the at least one first inlet and the first outlet, wherein the at least one first valve is formed in the form of a solenoid valve. Furthermore, an improved cleaning device and an improved method for controlling and / or regulating a valve device with at least one first valve are proposed.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a valve device, in particular for a steam cleaning device, with at least one first inlet for a vaporous medium, wherein the at least one first inlet is fluidly connected to a first outlet for the discharge of vaporous medium, wherein at least one first valve is arranged or formed between the at least one first inlet and the first outlet.

[0002] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a cleaning device, in particular in the form of a steam cleaning device, comprising a boiler for receiving a liquid medium, in particular for receiving water, and a heating device for heating the boiler to at least partially evaporate the liquid medium to produce a vaporous medium, wherein the cleaning device comprises a dispensing device with a valve device for dispensing liquid and / or vaporous medium.

[0003] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for controlling and / or regulating a valve device with at least one first valve, in particular a valve device of the type described above.

[0004] Cleaning devices of the type described above are known in particular in the form of steam cleaning devices. These are designed to expose a surface to be cleaned to a fluid medium, in particular a hot vaporous and / or a hot liquid medium.

[0005] To regulate the delivery rate of the liquid and / or vaporous medium, it is known to use a special valve in steam cleaning devices, which is referred to below as a vapor-hydro valve. With such a vapor-hydro valve, the mixture of steam and hot water, or the ratio of steam to hot water, can be adjusted by the user to virtually any desired consistency in order to perform various cleaning tasks. In particular, dry steam and small amounts of steam can be used for irons or delicate surfaces. The application of wet steam, up to and including the spraying of hot water, can be used especially to clean heavily soiled corners and / or to rinse away the dirty water generated during cleaning.

[0006] Such a vapor-hydro valve is described in particular in DE 102 58 832 A1. With this valve, the output of steam and hot water can be adjusted by a user as desired.

[0007] A particular problem with known valve devices is their mechanical design. To be able to specify steam and / or water quantities, or mixing ratios of steam and hot water, as desired and, in particular, with high accuracy, very tight manufacturing tolerances of the individual components of the valve device are required. This leads to problems not only in the production of vapor-hydro valves, but also, if manufacturing tolerances are too large, to undesirable deviations between the actual delivered steam and water quantities, or the mixing ratio of steam and hot water, and the delivery quantities or mixing ratios set by a user during operation of the cleaning device, which includes such a valve device in the form of a vapor-hydro valve.

[0008] It is therefore an object of the present invention to improve a valve device, a cleaning device and a method of the type described above in such a way that, in particular, the amount of steam that can be released by the cleaning device can be specified as precisely as possible.

[0009] This problem is solved according to the invention in a valve device of the type described above by the fact that the at least one first valve is designed in the form of a solenoid valve.

[0010] Using a valve device in which the at least one first valve is designed as a solenoid valve, instead of a manually operated mechanical valve such as that known from DE 102 58 832 A1, offers numerous advantages. In particular, a valve device designed as proposed allows for highly precise control of a delivery quantity, for example, of steam, regardless of whether manufacturing tolerances are met as desired during the production of the valve device. The delivery quantity can be set with high precision by synchronously opening and closing the at least one first valve. Pulse duration modulation can be used for this purpose. The solenoid valve can be operated at a specific pulse duration modulation frequency, with the solenoid valve being opened for any fraction of a period.By setting a suitable pulse-width modulation frequency, for example, in a range of approximately 5 Hz to approximately 100 Hz, the output quantity of hot steam can be precisely controlled or adjusted by the user. The output quantity is then adjusted via a duty cycle within a period defined by the pulse-width modulation frequency. Furthermore, the use of a solenoid valve offers the particular advantage of being electrically controllable. For example, a user can adjust the output quantity of the vaporous medium using a handheld control unit, without having to use a mechanical switching element on the cleaning device. In other words, the design of the valve assembly with at least one solenoid valve enables remote control of the valve assembly and thus also of the cleaning device that incorporates such a valve assembly.Overall, this simplifies the handling of the cleaning device and significantly improves it for the user.

[0011] It is advantageous if the valve device includes at least one second inlet for a liquid medium, if the at least one second inlet is fluidly connected to a second outlet for dispensing liquid medium, and if at least one second valve is arranged or formed between the at least one second inlet and the second outlet. As explained, the at least one second valve can thus open and close a connection between the at least one second inlet and the second outlet in order to dispense a liquid medium introduced through the at least second inlet at the second outlet or to interrupt a dispensing process. In particular, the first outlet and the second outlet can be fluidly separated from each other, so that, for example, a vaporous medium and a liquid medium can be dispensed and metered independently of each other.

[0012] Preferably, the at least one second valve is designed as a solenoid valve. This design makes it possible, in particular, to control the second solenoid valve by means of pulse duration modulation. The advantages, as explained above in connection with the at least one first valve, are then also transferable to the at least one second valve. In particular, this allows dispensing quantities to be specified with high precision using the at least one second valve, especially independently of manufacturing tolerances that are unavoidable in the production of the at least one second valve.

[0013] Advantageously, the first outlet encompasses or forms the second outlet. Such a design makes it possible, in particular, to supply two different media, for example, steam and liquid, separately through the at least one first inlet and the at least one second inlet of the valve device. A mixture of both media can then be discharged from the first outlet, which encompasses or forms the second outlet. Of course, it is also possible to selectively discharge either one or the other medium through the first and only outlet. For this purpose, either the at least one first valve is opened and the at least one second valve is closed, or vice versa.

[0014] For applications where the cleaning device provides only two media and their dispensing is to be controlled by the valve device, it is advantageous if the valve device comprises only a first inlet and a second outlet. For example, the first inlet can be used to supply a vaporous medium and the second inlet to supply a liquid medium.

[0015] It is advantageous if the first and second valves are designed as solenoid valves. This allows the dispensing of two media to be controlled independently of each other in a simple manner, particularly using pulse duration modulation.

[0016] According to a further preferred embodiment, the solenoid valve may comprise a valve seat and a movable valve piston interacting with the valve seat for opening the valve in an open position, in which the valve piston releases the valve seat, and for closing the solenoid valve in a closed position, in which the valve piston covers the valve seat. The solenoid valve may also include an electromagnet for moving the valve piston. Such a design of the solenoid valve makes it particularly easy to move the solenoid valve from the open position to the closed position by moving the valve piston using the electromagnet. In particular, this makes electrical control of the solenoid valve easily achievable.In principle, it is also conceivable to use the electromagnet to move the valve piston from the closed position to the open position and from the open position to the closed position.

[0017] Preferably, the electromagnet is arranged and configured to move the valve piston from the closed position to the open position. Such a design has the particular advantage that the electromagnet only needs to be energized to move the valve body to the open position, i.e., to open the solenoid valve.

[0018] It is advantageous if the valve assembly comprises a housing body and if the at least one first inlet, the first outlet, and the first valve are arranged or formed on the housing body. This allows the valve assembly to be designed in a particularly compact manner.

[0019] Preferably, the at least one second inlet, the second outlet, and the second valve are arranged or formed on the housing body. This allows, in particular, a very compact design of the valve assembly with two valves.

[0020] For a simple and, in particular, clear connection of the valve devices to supply lines of vaporous and / or liquid media, it is advantageous if the at least one first inlet and the at least one second inlet are arranged or designed parallel to each other on the housing body.

[0021] It is advantageous if the solenoid valve includes at least one return element for automatically moving the valve piston from the open position to the closed position when the electromagnet is deactivated. Such a design is particularly advantageous because the solenoid valve only requires current to the electromagnet—that is, activation—to open, i.e., to move it from the closed position to the open position. If the electromagnet is not energized, the at least one return element automatically forces the valve piston back from the open position to the closed position.

[0022] The valve device can be designed in a simple and cost-effective manner if the at least one return element is in the form of a spring. In particular, it can be in the form of a helical spring. Preferably, it is in the form of a compression spring that is compressed when the solenoid valve moves from the closed position to the open position.

[0023] It is advantageous if the at least one return element is supported on one side by a housing support surface of the housing body and on the other side by a valve piston support surface of the valve piston, and if the housing support surface faces towards the valve seat and if the valve piston support surface faces towards the housing support surface. With such an arrangement, the valve piston of the solenoid valve can be held in the closed position simply and reliably by the at least one return element when the electromagnet is not energized.

[0024] It is advantageous if the solenoid valve comprises a valve chamber with a valve chamber inlet and a valve chamber outlet, and if the valve chamber inlet is surrounded by the valve seat. The valve chamber outlet can then be easily closed by the valve piston resting against the valve seat, thus sealing the valve chamber outlet.

[0025] The valve assembly can be designed in a simple and compact manner if the valve chamber inlet and outlet are arranged or formed parallel to each other on the valve chamber. In particular, the valve assembly can be manufactured easily in this way. For example, the valve chamber inlet and outlet can be formed as bores in the housing body.

[0026] To reliably control the dispensing of fluids with the valve device, it is advantageous if the valve chamber inlet is fluidly connected to either the first or the second inlet. For example, if two valve chambers are provided, one can be fluidly connected to the first inlet and the other to the second inlet. This allows the dispensing of two different media to be easily controlled separately using the valve device.

[0027] The valve device can be designed particularly easily if the valve chamber is in the form of a blind hole and if the solenoid valve is inserted into the blind hole. Specifically, the solenoid valve can be screwed into the blind hole. For this, only an internal thread needs to be formed on the blind hole, which corresponds to an external thread on the valve body of the solenoid valve.

[0028] To enable, in particular, the dispensing of mixtures of two different fluid media, it is advantageous if the valve device includes a mixing chamber and if the mixing chamber is fluidly connected to the at least one first inlet and the first outlet. In this way, different media can be supplied to the mixing chamber, where they then mix and can be dispensed as a mixture through the first outlet.

[0029] Advantageously, the mixing chamber is fluidly connected to at least one second inlet. This allows the fluid media supplied through the at least one first inlet and the at least one second inlet to be fed separately into the mixing chamber in a defined manner, where they then mix. The mixture of fluid media can then be discharged through the first outlet.

[0030] Advantageously, the valve chamber outlet is fluidly connected to the mixing chamber. This allows a fluid medium to be directed from the valve chamber into the mixing chamber through the valve chamber outlet. This is particularly effective, as described above, when the valve piston of the respective solenoid valve or valve is in the open position. The fluid connection between the valve chamber and the mixing chamber can be interrupted by the valve piston when it moves into the closed position.

[0031] It is advantageous if the mixing chamber is oriented transversely, particularly vertically, in one direction relative to the valve piston and / or relative to the at least one first outlet and / or the at least one second inlet and / or to the first outlet and / or to the second outlet. Such a design makes it possible, in particular, to form the valve assembly on a housing body by means of bores, some of which may be blind bores and some of which may be through bores. For example, the mixing chamber and inlets can be designed as blind bores, and the outlets as through bores that connect the area surrounding the housing body to the mixing chamber.

[0032] The valve device can be easily designed if the mixing chamber includes a blind hole in the housing body and if one open end of the blind hole is sealed fluid-tight. The blind hole can be easily formed, in particular, by drilling a hole in the housing body. Sealing the open end of the blind hole thus creates a simple cavity within the housing body.

[0033] According to a further preferred embodiment, the at least one first inlet may comprise a first inlet nozzle projecting from the housing body of the valve device, and / or the at least one second inlet may comprise a second inlet nozzle projecting from the housing body of the valve device, and / or the first outlet may comprise a first outlet nozzle projecting from the housing body of the valve device, and / or the second outlet may comprise a second outlet nozzle projecting from the housing body of the valve device. This design makes it particularly easy to connect the nozzle-shaped inlets and outlets with hoses or other lines to supply or discharge fluid media from the valve device.The nozzle-shaped inlets and outlets can be designed in particular in the form of hose nipples or quick-connect fittings, as are known from pneumatics.

[0034] Preferably, the first outlet port forms or encompasses the second outlet port. This allows, in particular, a fluid mixture to be discharged from the valve assembly through the first outlet port.

[0035] The valve assembly can be easily constructed if the first inlet port is inserted, in particular screwed, into a first blind hole in the housing body, and / or if the second inlet port is inserted, in particular screwed, into a second blind hole in the housing body, and / or if the first outlet port is inserted, in particular screwed, into a third blind hole in the housing body, and / or if the second outlet port is inserted, in particular screwed, into a fourth blind hole in the housing body. For example, the specified blind holes can be drilled into the housing body. The blind holes can, in particular, be provided with internal threads into which hose nipples with an external thread can then be screwed, which also have a nipple for engaging with a hose or the like.

[0036] The manufacture of the valve device can be further simplified if the first blind hole and / or the second blind hole and / or the third blind hole and / or the fourth blind hole are parallel or substantially parallel to each other or aligned.

[0037] It is advantageous if the first blind hole is fluidly connected to the first valve chamber, in particular the first valve chamber inlet, via a first connecting channel, and / or if the second blind hole is fluidly connected to the second valve chamber, in particular the second valve chamber inlet, via a second connecting channel. This design makes it easy to supply fluids to the first and second valve chambers, respectively, through the connecting channels via the first and second blind holes.

[0038] A particularly compact design of the valve device can be achieved in particular if the first connecting channel extends transversely, especially vertically, to the first blind hole and / or if the second connecting channel extends transversely, especially vertically, to the second blind hole.

[0039] In principle, it is possible for all inlets and outlets to point away from the main body in the same direction. In particular, they can all point parallel to each other in the same direction. However, it is advantageous if the first and second outlet ports, on the one hand, and the first and second inlet ports, on the other, are arranged or designed to project from the housing body in opposite directions. Such a design facilitates the simple connection of media supply and discharge lines to the valve assembly. Furthermore, the housing body can be made as small as possible, since different sides of it can be used for the arrangement and design of the inlets and outlets. If all inlets and outlets point in the same direction, they should preferably be located on the same side of the housing body.

[0040] To direct fluids from the valve chamber to the mixing chamber, it is advantageous if each valve chamber outlet is fluidly connected to the mixing chamber via an outlet connecting channel. When the valve piston assumes the open position, fluid can flow from the valve chamber into the mixing chamber through the respective outlet connecting channel.

[0041] For simple manufacturing of the valve device and a compact design, it is advantageous if the first connecting channel and / or the second connecting channel and / or the outlet connecting channel run parallel to each other or are aligned.

[0042] For optimal valve operation, it is advantageous if each valve piston runs coaxially to or is aligned with an outlet connection channel. In particular, this allows for an optimized seal between the respective valve chamber outlet and the associated valve piston.

[0043] In principle, it is conceivable that the free cross-sections of all valve chamber outlets of the solenoid valves are identical. However, it is advantageous if the free cross-sections, especially the diameters, of the valve chamber outlets of the solenoid valves differ for vaporous and liquid media. The predefined free cross-sections allow for the simple and reliable specification of maximum fluid flow rates.

[0044] It is advantageous if the free cross-section of the valve chamber outlet for the liquid medium is smaller than the free cross-section of the valve chamber outlet for the vaporous medium. This design has the particular advantage that the dispensing of the liquid medium can also be very precisely metered.

[0045] According to a further preferred embodiment, the solenoid valve can have exactly two defined switching positions, wherein, in particular, a first switching position defines a maximally open position, especially the fully open position, and wherein, in particular, a second switching position defines a maximally closed switching position, especially the fully closed position. Pulse-duration modulation control can be easily implemented with such a solenoid valve. For example, a liquid medium is dispensed when the solenoid valve assumes the first switching position. Dispensing of the liquid medium is prevented when the solenoid valve assumes the second switching position. This also applies accordingly to the dispensing of a gaseous medium.

[0046] To control and / or regulate the discharge of fluids as desired, it is advantageous if the valve assembly includes a control and / or regulating device for controlling and / or regulating a flow rate through the at least one first valve. In particular, the discharge of a fluid, for example steam or liquid, can be metered as desired by appropriately controlling the valve assembly with the control and / or regulating device.

[0047] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the control and / or regulating device is designed to control and / or regulate a flow rate through the at least one second valve. In particular, this allows the at least one first valve and the at least one second valve to be controlled and / or regulated independently of each other by the control and / or regulating device.

[0048] Preferably, the control and / or regulating device is configured to control the solenoid valves to specify a delivery quantity of liquid and / or vaporous medium by pulse duration modulation. This configuration makes it possible, in particular, to define two specific switching positions for each solenoid valve using the control and / or regulating device, in order to open and close the solenoid valves. In the respective open position, media can flow through the valves. In the respective closed position, the flow through and thus the delivery of the respective fluid from the valve device is prevented or interrupted.

[0049] It is advantageous if the control and / or regulating device is designed to specify a pulse duration modulation frequency for each solenoid valve. In particular, the pulse duration modulation frequency can be individually set for each solenoid valve. This makes it possible, especially for the dispensing of liquid and fluid media, to use different, optimized pulse duration modulation frequencies to control the respective solenoid valves.

[0050] It is advantageous if the control device is designed to specify the pulse duration modulation frequency in a range of approximately 5 Hz to approximately 100 Hz, particularly in a range of approximately 10 Hz to approximately 30 Hz. Controlling the solenoid valves by means of pulse duration modulation with pulse duration modulation frequencies in the specified ranges enables, in particular, a defined and highly precise dispensing of fluids, both liquid and gaseous. Specifically, pulse duration modulation frequencies in the specified ranges make it possible to achieve a quasi-continuous dispensing of fluid media at the outlet of the valve device.

[0051] It is advantageous if the control and / or regulating device is designed to control the delivery quantity of liquid and / or vaporous medium by specifying the duty cycle of the pulse duration modulation for each solenoid valve, particularly for each solenoid valve individually. The duty cycle of the pulse duration modulation specifies, for example, the percentage of a period for which the respective solenoid valve is open or closed. For example, at a duty cycle of 50%, the solenoid valve is open for half a period and closed for half a period.

[0052] Preferably, the control and / or regulating device is configured to specify the duty cycle in a range of approximately 5% to approximately 100%. If the duty cycle is 0%, the respective solenoid valve is completely closed for one period. For example, the duty cycle can specify what proportion of a period the solenoid valve is open or closed.

[0053] It is advantageous if the control and / or regulating device is designed to freely specify the duty cycle within a period defined by the pulse duration modulation frequency for the at least one solenoid valve. This design makes it possible, in particular, to specify a fluid delivery quantity with high precision. Manufacturing tolerances can be easily compensated for by such a design. For this purpose, the control and / or regulating device can be specifically configured to calibrate each valve individually, so that the desired delivery quantity specified by the user can actually be delivered.

[0054] Advantageously, the control and / or regulating device is designed for stepless and / or discrete control of the delivery quantities of liquid and / or vaporous medium. Thus, depending on requirements, the control and / or regulating device can specify delivery quantities either steplessly, discretely, or partially steplessly and partially discretely.

[0055] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the control and / or regulating device is designed to control different operating modes of the valve assembly. In particular, it can be designed to control a cleaning mode and / or a flushing mode and / or an anti-scaling mode to prevent scaling of the at least one solenoid valve, especially its valve seat. In the cleaning mode, which is intended for cleaning objects or surfaces, the control and / or regulating device can, in particular, specify a delivery quantity of gaseous and / or liquid media. In the flushing mode, the valve assembly can, in particular, be flushed with a gaseous and / or liquid fluid in a defined manner. In an anti-scaling mode, the solenoid valves can be opened or closed at regular or irregular intervals to prevent the valve piston from seizing on the respective valve seat.

[0056] Preferably, the control and / or regulating device is designed to open the at least one solenoid valve, when it is closed, for a period of time, particularly at regular intervals, in anti-limescale mode, in order to moisten the valve seat. This prevents drying out and thus the formation of limescale deposits in the area of ​​the valve seat. In particular, this ensures a permanently tight seal of the solenoid valve.

[0057] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the control and / or regulating device is designed to open at least one solenoid valve for the humidification period in anti-limescale mode if the at least one solenoid valve has not been opened for a predetermined closure period. This ensures, in particular, that the valve seat does not dry out and that the solenoid valve piston cannot seize on the valve seat. This guarantees the continuous and reliable operation of each solenoid valve.

[0058] It is advantageous if the control and / or regulating device is designed to specify the closure duration with a value in the range of approximately 30 seconds to approximately 5 minutes, particularly approximately 1 minute, and / or to specify the humidification time with a value of 5 ms to approximately 100 ms, particularly approximately 10 ms. With closure durations and humidification times in the specified ranges, it can be ensured, in particular, that the function of each solenoid valve can be maintained permanently.

[0059] According to a further preferred embodiment, the valve device may include damping elements for damping movement noise of the valve pistons when opening and / or closing the at least one solenoid valve. In particular, the damping elements may be arranged or designed such that the valve piston bears against one or more damping elements in the open and closed positions.

[0060] The valve mechanism can be designed simply and cost-effectively if the damping elements are made of rubber. This allows for a simple reduction or even complete elimination of valve piston movement noise.

[0061] The problem set out at the beginning is further solved in a cleaning device of the invention described at the beginning by the fact that the valve device is designed in the form of one of the advantageous embodiments of valve devices described above.

[0062] Designing the cleaning device with such a valve assembly offers, in particular, the advantages already described above in connection with preferred embodiments of valve assemblies. Fluids, especially liquid and gaseous media, can be applied to surfaces and objects to be cleaned in a desired and defined manner using such a cleaning device.

[0063] It is advantageous if the boiler comprises a first boiler outlet for the liquid medium and a second boiler outlet for the gaseous medium, and if the at least one first inlet of the valve device is fluidly connected to the first boiler outlet, and if the at least one second inlet of the valve device is fluidly connected to the second boiler outlet. Such a configuration makes it possible, in particular, to draw two media, namely a liquid and a vaporous or gaseous medium, from a single boiler. The discharge of the two media by the cleaning device can then be controlled and / or regulated by the valve device in one of the ways described above.

[0064] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the cleaning device includes an operating device for user operation to control the dispensing of a cleaning medium. In particular, the operating device can be designed as a human-machine interface (HMI). Such an HMI enables manual user input to be converted into electrical control signals and fed to a control and / or regulation device, which can then control the valve assembly of the cleaning device. The operating device can be connected to the control and / or regulation device via a wired connection or a wireless connection, such as a radio or infrared connection.

[0065] For cleaning surfaces or objects, it is advantageous if the cleaning device has a media outlet that is connected or connectable to a media hose, and if the media outlet is fluidly connected to the first and / or second outlet of the valve device. This design makes it possible, in particular, to dispense a liquid or gaseous medium through the media outlet. The specific medium dispensed—that is, one medium, another, or a mixture of media—can then be determined by the valve device as described above.

[0066] For ease of use of the cleaning device, it is advantageous if one free end of the media hose is connected or connectable to a handpiece, and if the operating device is located on or integrated into the handpiece. This allows the user to easily control the dispensing of one or more media, particularly by operating the device on the handpiece, which they hold in one hand during the cleaning process.

[0067] Advantageously, the operating unit allows the user to preset the dispensing quantity of liquid and / or vaporous medium. For example, a user can specify via the operating unit whether the cleaning device should dispense steam, water, or a mixture of water and steam. Using the operating unit, which serves as an input device, the user can utilize the control and / or regulating unit that interacts with it to apply one or more media to the object being cleaned in the desired manner.

[0068] For the user, it is advantageous for handling if a delivery quantity of liquid and / or vaporous medium can be preset using the operating device. For example, a delivery quantity can be specified via a certain flow rate.

[0069] According to a further preferred embodiment, the control and / or regulating device can be effectively connected to the operating device for controlling the valve device depending on the delivery quantity of liquid and / or vaporous medium set by the operating device. In this case, the user does not need to operate or adjust a valve on the cleaning device, as is the case with the vapor-hydro valve known from DE 102 58 832 A1. In particular, a change in the delivery quantity can be easily achieved by the user with one hand, without taking their eyes off the object being cleaned.

[0070] It is advantageous if the valve assembly is positioned at a distance from the boiler and / or thermally insulated from the boiler. This design has the particular advantage of reducing the risk of solenoid valve chambers drying out and, in particular, the risk of valve seats becoming scaled.

[0071] Preferably, the cleaning device is designed as a steam cleaning device. The steam cleaning device can be configured, in particular, to dispense hot steam and / or hot water, either one or the other medium, or a mixture containing any desired proportion of both, for cleaning purposes. This allows the user to specify the quantity of liquid or gaseous medium dispensed, depending on the cleaning task.

[0072] The problem set out at the beginning is further solved in a method of the type described at the beginning according to the invention in that the flow rate, in particular a delivery quantity of liquid and / or vaporous medium, through the at least one first valve can be controlled and / or regulated by pulse duration modulation.

[0073] As already explained in detail, the proposed further development of the method enables the production of valve devices to be realized more cost-effectively and easily, since manufacturing tolerances, which are practically unavoidable in the production of valve devices, can be easily compensated for by the method. In principle, it is conceivable that each valve device could be calibrated in order to specify discharge quantities with high precision, regardless of manufacturing tolerances.

[0074] Advantageously, the method specifies a pulse duration modulation frequency for the valve. This pulse duration modulation frequency directly defines a period within which a duty cycle—in the case of a valve, the ratio of the valve's opening and closing times during one period—can be specified.

[0075] Preferably, the pulse duration modulation frequency in this method is set within a range of approximately 5 Hz to approximately 100 Hz. Setting pulse duration modulation frequencies within this range has the particular advantage of ensuring the continued functionality of the solenoid valves. If the pulse duration modulation frequencies are set too high, this can lead to a situation where the magnetic field generated by the solenoid valve's electromagnet cannot dissipate, preventing the valve from closing.

[0076] It is advantageous if, in the method for controlling the delivery quantity of liquid and / or vaporous medium, the duty cycle of the pulse duration modulation is predefined for at least one valve. The longer the respective valve remains open, the greater the delivery quantity. While a duty cycle of 0% corresponds to the valve being continuously closed for one period, a duty cycle of 80% corresponds to the valve being open for a time equal to 4 / 5 of the period. Accordingly, the delivery quantity of the medium to be dispensed can be specified very precisely.

[0077] In order to specify suitable dispensing quantities for cleaning tasks, it is advantageous if the duty cycle is specified in a range of approximately 5% to approximately 100% in the process.

[0078] The foregoing description therefore includes in particular the embodiments of valve devices, cleaning devices and methods for controlling and / or regulating valve devices defined below in the form of numbered sentences: 1. Valve device (24), in particular for a steam cleaning device (12), with at least one first inlet (30) for a vaporous medium (20), wherein the at least one first inlet (30) is fluidly connected to a first outlet (40) for the discharge of vaporous medium (20), wherein at least one first valve (60) is arranged or formed between the at least one first inlet (30) and the first outlet (40), characterized in that the at least one first valve (60) is designed in the form of a solenoid valve (64). 2. Valve device according to sentence 1, characterized in that the valve device (24) comprises at least one second inlet (32) for a liquid medium (18), that the at least one second inlet (32) is fluidly connected to a second outlet (40) for the discharge of liquid medium (18) and that at least one second valve (62) is arranged or formed between the at least one second inlet (32) and the second outlet (40). 3. Valve device according to sentence 2, characterized in that the at least one second valve (62) is designed in the form of a solenoid valve (66). 4. Valve device according to sentence 2 or 3, characterized in that the first outlet (40) includes or forms the second outlet (40). 5. Valve device according to one of sentences 2 to 4, characterized in that the valve device (24) comprises only a first inlet (30) and only a second inlet (32). 6. Valve device according to one of sentences 2 to 5, characterized in that the first valve (60) and the second valve (62) are designed in the form of solenoid valves (64, 66). 7. Valve device according to one of the preceding sentences, characterized in that the solenoid valve (64, 66) comprises a valve seat (82, 84) and a movable valve piston (76, 78) cooperating with the valve seat (82, 84) for opening the solenoid valve (64, 66) in an open position in which the valve piston (76, 78) releases the valve seat (82, 84), and for closing the solenoid valve (64, 66) in a closed position in which the valve piston (76, 78) closes the valve seat (82, 84), and that the solenoid valve (64, 66) comprises an electromagnet (68, 70) for moving the valve piston (76, 78). 8. Valve device according to sentence 7, characterized in that the electromagnet (68, 70) is arranged and designed to move the valve piston (76, 78) from the closed position to the open position. 9. Valve device according to one of the preceding sentences, characterized in that the valve device (24) comprises a housing body (80) and that the at least one first inlet (30), the first outlet (40) and the first valve (60) are arranged or formed on the housing body (80). 10. Valve device according to sentence 9, characterized in that the at least one second inlet (32), the second outlet (40) and the second valve (62) are arranged or formed on the housing body (80). 11. Valve device according to sentence 9 or 10, characterized in that the at least one first inlet (30) and the at least one second inlet (32) are arranged or formed parallel to each other on the housing body (80). 12. Valve device according to one of the preceding sentences, characterized in that the solenoid valve (64, 66) comprises at least one return element (90) for automatically transferring the valve piston (76, 78) from the open position to the closed position when the electromagnet (68, 70) is deactivated. 13. Valve device according to sentence 12, characterized in that the at least one return element (90) is designed in the form of a spring (92), in particular in the form of a coil spring. 14. Valve device according to sentence 12 or 13, characterized in that the at least one return element (90) is supported on one side on a housing support surface (94) of the housing body (80) and on the other side on a valve piston support surface (96) of the valve piston (76, 78) and that the housing support surface (94) points towards the valve seat (82, 84) and that the valve piston support surface (96) points towards the housing support surface (94). 15. Valve device according to one of the preceding sentences, characterized in that the solenoid valve (64, 66) comprises a valve chamber (98) with a valve chamber inlet (100) and a valve chamber outlet (102) and that the valve chamber outlet (102) is surrounded by the valve seat (82, 84). 16. Valve device according to sentence 15, characterized in that the valve chamber inlet (100) and the valve chamber outlet (102) are arranged or formed parallel to each other on the valve chamber (98). 17. Valve device according to sentence 15 or 16, characterized in that the valve chamber inlet (100) is fluidly connected to the at least one first inlet (30) or to the at least one second inlet (32). 18. Valve device according to one of sentences 15 to 17, characterized in that the valve chamber (98) is designed in the form of a valve chamber blind hole (108) and that the solenoid valve (64, 66) is inserted into the valve chamber blind hole (108), in particular screwed in. 19. Valve device according to one of the preceding sentences, characterized in that the valve device (24) comprises a mixing chamber (124) and that the mixing chamber (124) is fluidly connected to the at least one first inlet (30) and to the first outlet (40). 20. Valve device according to sentence 19, characterized in that the mixing chamber (124) is fluidly connected to the at least one second inlet (32). 21. Valve device according to sentence 19 or 20, characterized in that the valve chamber outlet (102) is fluidly connected to the mixing chamber (124). 22. Valve device according to one of sentences 19 to 21, characterized in that the mixing chamber (124) is oriented in a direction transverse, in particular vertical, relative to the valve piston (76, 78) and / or relative to the at least one first inlet (30) and / or to the at least one second inlet (32) and / or to the first outlet (40) and / or to the second outlet (40). 23. Valve device according to one of sentences 19 to 22, characterized in that the mixing chamber (124) comprises a blind hole (140) in the housing body (80) and that an open end of the blind hole (140) is fluid-tight. 24. Valve device according to one of sentences 9 to 23, characterized in that the at least one first inlet (30) comprises a first inlet port (148) which projects from the housing body (80) of the valve device (24), and / or that the at least one second inlet (32) comprises a second inlet port (150) which projects from the housing body (80) of the valve device (24), and / or that the first outlet (40) comprises a first outlet port (152) which projects from the housing body (80) of the valve device (24), and / or that the second outlet (40) comprises a second outlet port (152) which projects from the housing body (80) of the valve device (24). 25. Valve device according to sentence 24, characterized in that the first outlet nozzle (152) encompasses or forms the second outlet nozzle (152). 26. Valve device according to sentence 24 or 25, characterized in that the first inlet port (148) is inserted, in particular screwed, into a first blind hole (154) of the housing body (80) and / or that the second inlet port (150) is inserted, in particular screwed, into a second blind hole (156) of the housing body (80) and / or that the first outlet port (152) is inserted, in particular screwed, into a third blind hole (158) of the housing body (80) and / or that the second outlet port (152) is inserted, in particular screwed, into a fourth blind hole (158) of the housing body (80). 27. Valve device according to sentence 26, characterized in that the first blind hole (154) and / or the second blind hole (156) and / or the third blind hole (158) and / or the fourth blind hole (158) run or are aligned parallel or substantially parallel to each other. 28. Valve device according to sentence 26 or 27, characterized in that the first blind hole (154) is fluidly connected to the first valve chamber (98), in particular the first valve chamber inlet (100), via a first connecting channel (160) and / or that the second blind hole (156) is fluidly connected to the second valve chamber (98), in particular the second valve chamber inlet (100), via a second connecting channel. 29. Valve device according to sentence 28, characterized in that the first connecting channel (98) extends transversely, in particular vertically, to the first blind hole (154) and / or that the second connecting channel extends transversely, in particular vertically, to the second blind hole (156). 30. Valve device according to one of sentences 24 to 29, characterized in that the first and second outlet nozzles (152) on the one hand and the first and second inlet nozzles (148, 150) on the other hand are arranged or designed to project in opposite directions from the housing body (80). 31. Valve device according to one of sentences 19 to 30, characterized in that each valve chamber outlet (102) is fluidly connected to the mixing chamber (124) via an outlet connection channel (162). 32. Valve device according to sentence 31, characterized in that the first connecting channel (160) and / or the second connecting channel and / or the outlet connecting channel (162) run parallel to each other or are aligned. 33. Valve device according to sentence 31 or 32, characterized in that each valve piston (76, 78) runs or is aligned coaxially with an outlet connection channel (162). 34. Valve device according to one of sentences 19 to 33, characterized in that the free cross-sections, in particular diameters, of the valve chamber outlets (102) of the solenoid valves (64, 66) differ for vaporous and liquid media (18, 20). 35. Valve device according to sentence 34, characterized in that a free cross-section of the valve chamber outlet (100) for the liquid medium (18) is smaller than a free cross-section of the valve chamber outlet (100) for the vaporous medium (20). 36. Valve device according to one of the preceding sentences, characterized in that the solenoid valve (64, 66) has exactly two defined switching positions, wherein in particular a first switching position defines a maximally open position, in particular the open position, and wherein in particular a second switching position defines a maximally closed position, in particular the closed position. 37. Valve device according to one of the preceding sentences, characterized in that the valve device (24) comprises a control and / or regulating device (38) for controlling and / or regulating a flow rate through the at least one first valve (60). 38. Valve device according to sentence 37, characterized in that the control and / or regulating device (38) is designed to control and / or regulate a flow rate through the at least one second valve (62). 39. Valve device according to sentence 37 or 38, characterized in that the control and / or regulating device (38) is designed to control the solenoid valves (64, 66) to specify a delivery quantity of liquid and / or vaporous medium (18, 20) by pulse duration modulation. 40. Valve device according to one of sentences 37 to 39, characterized in that the control and / or regulating device (38) is designed to specify a pulse duration modulation frequency for each solenoid valve (64, 66), in particular for each solenoid valve (64, 66) individually. 41. Valve device according to sentence 40, characterized in that the control and / or regulating device (38) is designed to specify the pulse duration modulation frequency in a range of about 5 Hz to about 100 Hz, in particular in a range of about 10 Hz to about 30 Hz. 42. Valve device according to one of sentences 37 to 41, characterized in that the control and / or regulating device (38) is designed to control a delivery quantity of liquid and / or vaporous medium (18, 20) by specifying the duty cycle of the pulse duration modulation for each solenoid valve (64, 66), in particular for each solenoid valve (64, 66) individually. 43. Valve device according to sentence 42, characterized in that the control and / or regulating device (38) is designed to specify the duty cycle in a range of about 5% to about 100%. 44. Valve device according to sentence 42 or 43, characterized in that the control and / or regulating device (38) is designed to freely specify the duty cycle within a period specified by the pulse duration modulation frequency for the at least one solenoid valve (64, 66). 45. Valve device according to one of sentences 37 to 44, characterized in that the control and / or regulating device (38) is designed for stepless and / or discrete control of the delivery quantities of liquid and / or vaporous medium (20). 46. ​​Valve device according to one of sentences 37 to 45, characterized in that the control and / or regulating device (38) is designed to control different operating modes of the valve device (24), in particular to control a cleaning mode and / or a rinsing mode and / or an anti-limescale mode to prevent liming of the at least one solenoid valve (64, 66), in particular of its valve seat (82). 47. Valve device according to sentence 46, characterized in that the control and / or regulating device is designed to open the at least one solenoid valve (64, 66) when it is closed, in particular regularly, for a humidification period in order to moisten the valve seat (84). 48. Valve device according to sentence 46 or 47, characterized in that the control and / or regulating device (38) is designed to open the at least one solenoid valve (64, 66) for the humidification time in anti-limescale mode if the at least one solenoid valve (64, 66) has not been opened for a predefinable closure period. 49. Valve device according to sentence 48, characterized in that the control and / or regulating device (38) is designed to specify the closure duration with a value in a range of about 30 seconds to about 5 minutes, in particular about 1 minute, and / or to specify the humidification time with a value of about 5 ms to about 100 ms, in particular about 10 ms. 50. Valve device according to one of the preceding sentences, characterized in that the valve device (24) comprises damping elements for damping movement noises of the valve pistons (76, 78) when opening and / or closing the at least one solenoid valve (64, 66). 51. Valve device according to sentence 50, characterized in that the damping elements are designed in the form of rubber elements. 52. Cleaning device (10), in particular in the form of a steam cleaning device, comprising a boiler (12) for receiving a liquid medium (18), in particular for receiving water, and a heating device (16) for heating the boiler (12) to at least partially evaporate the liquid medium (18) to produce a vaporous medium (20), wherein the cleaning device (10) comprises a dispensing device (22) with a valve device (24) for dispensing liquid and / or vaporous medium (18, 20), characterized in that the valve device (24) is designed in the form of a valve device (24) according to one of the preceding sentences. 53. Cleaning device according to sentence 52, characterized in that the boiler (14) comprises a first boiler outlet (26) for the liquid medium (18) and a second boiler outlet (28) for the gaseous medium (20) and that the at least one first inlet (30) of the valve device (24) is fluidly connected to the first boiler outlet (26) and that the at least one second inlet (32) of the valve device (24) is fluidly connected to the second boiler outlet (28). 54. Cleaning device according to sentence 52 or 53, characterized in that the cleaning device (10) comprises an operating device (56), in particular in the form of a human-machine interface, for operation by a user to control a media dispensing. 55. Cleaning device according to one of sentences 52 to 54, characterized in that the cleaning device (10) has a media outlet (42) which is connected or connectable to a media hose (46), and that the media outlet (42) is fluidly connected to the first and / or second outlet of the valve device (24). 56. Cleaning device according to sentence 55, characterized in that a free end (48) of the media hose (46) is connected or connectable to a handpiece (50) and that the operating device (56) is arranged or formed on the handpiece (50). 57. Cleaning device according to one of sentences 54 to 56, characterized in that a delivery quantity of liquid and / or vaporous medium (18, 20) can be specified with the operating device (56). 58. Cleaning device according to one of sentences 54 to 57, characterized in that the control and / or regulating device (38) is effectively connected to the operating device (56) for controlling the valve device (24) depending on the delivery quantity of liquid and / or vaporous medium (18, 20) set by the operating device (56). 59. Cleaning device according to one of sentences 52 to 58, characterized in that the valve device (24) is arranged at a distance from the boiler (14) and / or is thermally insulated from the boiler (14). 60. Cleaning device according to one of sentences 52 to 59, characterized in that the cleaning device (10) is designed in the form of a steam cleaning device (12). 61. Method for controlling and / or regulating a valve device (24) with at least one first valve (60, 62), in particular a valve device (24) according to one of sentences 1 to 51, characterized in that the flow rate, in particular a delivery quantity of liquid and / or vaporous medium (18, 20), through the at least one first valve (60, 62) can be controlled and / or regulated by pulse duration modulation. 62. Method according to sentence 61, characterized in that a pulse duration modulation frequency for the valve (60, 62) is specified in the method. 63. Method according to sentence 62, characterized in that the pulse duration modulation frequency is specified in a range of about 5 Hz to about 100 Hz, in particular in a range of about 10 Hz to about 30 Hz. 64. Method according to one of sentences 61 to 63, characterized in that in the method for controlling a delivery quantity of liquid and / or vaporous medium (18, 20) the duty cycle of the pulse duration modulation for the at least one valve (60, 62) is specified. 65. Method according to sentence 64, characterized in that the duty cycle is specified in a range of about 5% to about 100% in the method.

[0079] The following description of preferred embodiments of the invention, in conjunction with the drawing, serves for further explanation. The drawing shows: Fig. 1: a schematic, perspective and partially openwork representation of an embodiment of a cleaning device in the form of a steam cleaning device; Fig. 2: another perspective view of the arrangement from Fig. 1; Fig. 3: a partially cut-away side view of the arrangement made of Fig. 1; Fig. 4: another perspective, partially cropped view of the arrangement Fig. 1; Fig. 5: a perspective view of an embodiment of a valve device; Fig. 6: another perspective view of the arrangement from Fig. 5; Fig. 7: a sectional view along line 7-7 in Fig. 5; Fig. 8: a sectional view along line 8-8 in Fig. 5; Fig. 9: a sectional view along line 9-9 in Fig. 5; Fig. 10: a schematic representation of the structure of a cleaning device with a valve device and a control and / or regulating device; Fig. 11: a sectional view similar Fig. 7 of a further embodiment of a valve device comprising a single solenoid valve; Fig. 12: a schematic representation of pulse duration modulation for five different, discrete steam levels of a cleaning device; Fig. 13: a further schematic representation of a pulse duration modulation for five different, discrete steam stages of a cleaning device with the addition of a liquid medium at one steam stage; Fig. 14: a further schematic representation of a pulse duration modulation for five different, discrete steam stages of a cleaning device with the addition of a liquid medium at one steam stage; Fig. 15: an exemplary representation of the dependence of a delivered steam quantity on the duty cycle of the pulse duration modulation; and Fig. 16: an exemplary representation of the dependence of a delivered quantity of water on the duty cycle of the pulse duration modulation.

[0080] In the Fig. Figures 1 to 4 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a cleaning device 10 in the form of a steam cleaning device 12. A purely schematic structure of such a cleaning device 10 is shown by way of example in Fig. 10 shown.

[0081] The cleaning device 10 comprises a vessel 12 for holding a liquid medium 18. The vessel 12 is specifically designed to hold water. Furthermore, the cleaning device comprises a heating device 16, which is associated with the vessel 12, for heating the vessel 12 in order to at least partially vaporize the liquid medium 18 held in the vessel 12 in order to generate a vaporous medium 20, for example, to generate hot steam.

[0082] The cleaning device 10 further comprises a dispensing device 22 with a valve device 24. The dispensing device 22 is designed for dispensing liquid and / or vaporous media 18, 20.

[0083] The boiler 14 comprises a first boiler outlet 26 for the liquid medium 18 and a second boiler outlet 28 for the gaseous medium 20. The valve assembly 14 comprises a first inlet 30 and a second inlet 32. The first inlet 30 is fluidly connected to the first boiler outlet 26 via a first connecting line 34. The second inlet 32 ​​is fluidly connected to the second boiler outlet 28 via a second connecting line 36.

[0084] The cleaning device 10, in particular the valve device 24, comprises a control and / or regulating device 38.

[0085] The valve device 24 comprises an outlet 40, which is fluidly connected via a third connecting line 44 to a media outlet 42 of the cleaning device 10.

[0086] The media outlet 42 is connected or connectable to a media hose 46.

[0087] A free end 48 of the media hose 46 is connected to, or can be connected to, a handpiece 50. The handpiece 50 includes a handpiece outlet 52 for dispensing the liquid medium 18 and / or the vaporous medium 20 onto an object to be cleaned. The handpiece outlet 52 can, in particular, be in the form of a nozzle 54.

[0088] For handling the cleaning device 10, an operating device 56 is provided. In the embodiments shown in the figures, it is designed as a human-machine interface (HMI). A user can control the dispensing of media using the operating device 56. This will be explained in more detail later.

[0089] With the operating device 56, which is arranged or formed on the handpiece 56, a user can directly specify a dispensing quantity of the liquid medium 18 and / or vaporous medium 20 while handling the handpiece 56. For this purpose, the control and / or regulating device 38 is effectively connected to the operating device 56 via at least one control line 58 or alternatively via a wireless radio connection in order to control the valve device 24 depending on the dispensing quantity of liquid medium and / or vaporous medium set by the user with the operating device 56.

[0090] The valve assembly 24 comprises a first valve 60 and a second valve 62. The first valve 60 is designed as a solenoid valve 64. The second valve 62 is designed as a solenoid valve 66. Electromagnets 68 and 70 of the solenoid valves 64 and 66 are electrically connected to the control and / or regulating device 38 via supply line pairs 72 and 74. This enables the electromagnets 68 and 70 to be energized, thereby moving the valve pistons 76 and 78 of the solenoid valves 64 and 66, respectively.

[0091] The valve device 24 is arranged at a distance from the boiler 14 and is optionally or alternatively thermally insulated from the boiler 14.

[0092] The construction of the valve device 24 is described below in conjunction with the Fig. 5 to 9 explained in more detail.

[0093] The valve assembly 24 comprises a cuboid housing body 80. The first inlet 30, the second inlet 32, and the outlet 40 are arranged or formed on this housing body. Preferably, the first valve 60 and the second valve 62 are also arranged or formed on the housing body 80. Optionally, a second outlet can also be arranged or formed on the housing body 80.

[0094] The first valve 60 is arranged or formed between the first inlet 30 and the outlet 40 of the valve assembly 24. The second valve 62 is arranged or formed between the second inlet 32 ​​and the outlet 40.

[0095] The valve assembly 24 comprises a single outlet 40, which forms a common outlet 40. In other words, the two valves 60 and 62 are separate on the inlet side and fluidically connected to each other on the outlet side.

[0096] The two valves 60 and 62 are identical in their construction, so only the construction of one of the two valves 60, 62 will be described in detail below.

[0097] Each of the two solenoid valves 64, 66 comprises a valve seat 82 or 84 and a movable valve piston 76, 78 that interacts with it to open the respective solenoid valve 64, 66 in an open position. In the open position, the valve pistons 76, 78 release the respective associated valve seat 82, 84. To close the solenoid valves 64, 66 in a closed position, the valve pistons 76, 78 are moved towards the respective valve seat 82, 84 and close it.

[0098] Each solenoid valve 64, 66 includes an electromagnet 68, 70 to move the respective valve piston 76, 78. The electromagnets 68, 70 are arranged and configured to move the valve pistons 76, 78 from the closed position to the open position. In the closed position, a fluid connection between the first inlet 30 and the outlet 40, or between the second inlet 32 ​​and the outlet 40, is interrupted. In the open position of the first valve 60, flow from the first inlet 30 to the outlet 40 is possible. In the open position of the second valve 62, flow from the second inlet 32 ​​to the outlet 40 is possible.

[0099] Longitudinal axes 66 and 88 of the first inlet 30 and the second inlet 32 ​​are aligned parallel to each other. The first inlet 30 and the second inlet 32 ​​are thus arranged or formed parallel to each other on the housing body 80.

[0100] Each solenoid valve 64, 66 includes a return element 90 for automatically transferring the respective valve piston 76, 78 from the open position to the closed position when the electromagnet 68 or 70 is deactivated. The return element 90 is designed in the form of a spring 92, which is implemented as a helical spring.

[0101] The return element 90 is supported on one side by a housing support surface 94, which is arranged on or directly associated with the housing body 80, and on the other side by a valve piston support surface 96 of the valve pistons 76, 78. The housing support surface 94 points towards the respective valve seat 82, 84. The valve piston support surface 96 points towards the housing support surface 94. Thus, the return element 90 extends in a region between the housing support surface 94 and the valve piston support surface 96. The return element 90 surrounds an end region of the valve piston 76, 78 facing the valve seat 82, 84.

[0102] Each solenoid valve 64, 66 comprises a valve chamber 98 with a valve chamber inlet 100 and a valve chamber outlet 102. The valve chamber outlet 102 is surrounded by the valve seat 82 or 84. The valve seat 82, 84 forms a conical sealing surface facing into the valve chamber 98.

[0103] The valve pistons 76, 78 comprise a receptacle 104 open towards the associated valve seat 82, 84, into which a sealing element 106 is inserted. The sealing element 106 has a sealing surface (not shown) that interacts with the associated valve seat 82, 84 and, in the closed position, rests against the associated valve seat 82, 84, thus closing the valve chamber outlet 102. When the valve pistons 76, 78 are moved away from the valve seat 86 by the action of the electromagnets 68, 70, the sealing element 106 releases the valve seat 82, 84, so that the valve chamber outlet 102 is fluidly connected to the valve chamber 98.

[0104] The valve chamber inlet 100 and the valve chamber outlet 102 are aligned or formed parallel to each other on the valve chamber 98.

[0105] The valve chamber inlet 100 is fluidly connected to the first inlet 30 in the case of the first valve 60 and to the second inlet 32 ​​in the case of the second valve 32.

[0106] The valve chamber 98 is designed in the form of a blind valve chamber cavity 108. The solenoid valve 64, 66 is inserted into the blind valve chamber cavity 108, specifically by screwing it in. For this purpose, an internal thread 110 is formed on the blind valve chamber cavity 108, which corresponds to an external thread on a sleeve body 114 of the solenoid valve 64, 66. The valve pistons 76, 78 are each movably guided within the sleeve body 114 with respect to a longitudinal axis 116 thereof. The electromagnets 68, 70 each surround one of the sleeve bodies 114. They are each secured at their ends to the sleeve body 114 by a nut 118.

[0107] To energize the electromagnets 68 and 70, two connection contacts 120 and 122 are arranged on each solenoid valve 64, 66, which are electrically connected to the control and / or regulating device 38 via the connecting line pairs 72 and 74.

[0108] The valve assembly 24 further comprises a mixing chamber 124. The mixing chamber 124 is fluidly connected to the first inlet 30, the second inlet 32 ​​and the outlet 40 when the two valves 60, 62 are in the open position.

[0109] To form this fluid connection, the valve chamber outlet 102 is fluidly connected to the mixing chamber 124.

[0110] The housing body 80 is cuboid in shape and has a first side surface 126 and a second side surface 128. The two side surfaces 126 and 128 are rectangular and parallel to each other. They are connected to each other via a third side surface 130. The third side surface 130 is also rectangular. The end faces 132 and 134 of the housing body 80 are essentially square.

[0111] The valve chambers 98 are oriented perpendicular to the third side surface 130. The longitudinal axes 116 also run perpendicular to the third side surface. The longitudinal axes 86 and 88 run perpendicular to the first side surface 126. A longitudinal axis 136, which defines the outlet 40, runs perpendicular to the second side surface 128. Thus, the longitudinal axis 136 runs parallel to the longitudinal axes 86 and 88.

[0112] The mixing chamber 124 defines a mixing chamber longitudinal axis 138, which is oriented perpendicular to the end faces 132 and 134 and thus also transversely, namely perpendicularly, to the longitudinal axes 86, 88 and 116.

[0113] Taking into account the described orientations, the mixing chamber 124 is oriented in one direction transversely, namely perpendicularly, to the valve pistons 76, 78 and transversely, namely perpendicularly, to the first inlet 30 and to the second inlet 32 ​​as well as to the outlet 40.

[0114] The mixing chamber 124 is formed in the form of a blind hole 140 in the housing body 80. It comprises an open end 142 that penetrates the end face 132 and is closed fluid-tight with a sealing element 144 in the form of a sealing screw using a ring seal 146.

[0115] The first inlet 30 comprises a first inlet port 148, which projects from the housing body 80. The second inlet 32 ​​comprises a second inlet port 150, which also projects from the housing body 80 of the valve assembly 24. The outlet 40 also comprises an outlet port 150, which projects from the housing body 80. The outlet port 152 forms a common outlet port for both valves 60 and 62.

[0116] The first inlet nozzle 148 is inserted into a first blind hole 154 of the housing body 80, namely screwed in. The second inlet nozzle 150 is inserted into a second blind hole 156 of the housing body 80, namely screwed in. The outlet nozzle 152 is inserted into a third blind hole 158 of the housing body 80, namely screwed in.

[0117] The three blind holes 154, 156, and 158 run parallel to each other or are aligned parallel to each other. The blind holes 154, 156, and 158 define the longitudinal axes 86, 88, and 136.

[0118] The first blind hole 154 is fluidly connected to the valve chamber 98 of the first valve 60 via a first connecting channel 160, specifically to the valve chamber inlet 100 of the first valve 60. The second blind hole 156 is connected to the valve chamber 98 of the second valve 62 via a second connecting channel, which is not shown in the figures but runs parallel to the first connecting channel 160, specifically to the valve chamber inlet 100 of the second valve 60.

[0119] The connecting channels 160 extend transversely, i.e., perpendicularly, to the blind holes 154 and 156. This design deflects the medium flowing from the inlets 30 and 32 into the respective valve chamber 98 by 180° within the valve chamber and then directs it in a direction parallel to the valve chamber inlet 100 through an outlet connecting channel 162 into the mixing chamber 124. The outlet connecting channels 162 fluidly connect the mixing chamber 124 and the respective valve chambers 98.

[0120] The outlet nozzle 152 on the one hand and the inlet nozzles 148, 150 on the other hand protrude from the housing body 80 in opposite directions, namely on the one hand away from the second side surface 128 and on the other hand away from the first side surface 126.

[0121] The first and second connecting channels 160 and the exhaust connecting channels 162 run parallel to each other or are aligned parallel to each other, namely parallel to the longitudinal axes 116. The valve pistons 76, 78 are designed or aligned coaxially with the exhaust connecting channels 162.

[0122] The free cross-sectional areas, namely diameters, of the valve chamber outlets 102 and the outlet connecting channels 162 of the solenoid valves 64, 66 differ. In the exemplary embodiment of the Fig. From 5 to 8, the outlet connection channel 162 of the first valve 60 for the liquid medium has a diameter of 1 mm. The outlet connection channel 162 of the second valve 62 for the vaporous medium 20 has a diameter of 2 mm. Therefore, the free cross-section of the valve chamber outlet 100 for the liquid medium 18 is smaller than the free cross-section of the valve chamber outlet 100 for the vaporous medium 20.

[0123] To operate the cleaning device 10, the solenoid valves 64, 66 are used in such a way that they define exactly two switching positions for controlling a delivery quantity of liquid and / or vaporous medium 18, 20. These are the closed position, which interrupts a fluid connection between the first inlet 30 or the second inlet 32 ​​on the one hand and the outlet 40 on the other, and the open position, in which a fluid connection between the first inlet 30 or between the second inlet 32 ​​on the one hand and the outlet 40 on the other is established when the valve pistons 76, 80 are moved away from the associated valve seats 82 and 84, respectively.

[0124] The control and / or regulating device 38 controls the solenoid valves 64, 66 in such a way that the quantity of liquid medium 18 or vaporous medium 20 specified by the user via the operating device 56 flows through the media outlet 42 and the media hose 46 to the handpiece outlet 52 and can be dispensed from there onto the object to be cleaned, for example a surface to be cleaned.

[0125] When the solenoid valves 64, 66 are moved into the open position, the liquid medium 18 and the vaporous medium 20 can flow from the inlets 30, 32 to the outlet 40 according to the specified cross-sections of the valve chamber outlets 102.

[0126] Unlike the mechanically actuated valve described in DE 102 58 832 A1, the delivery quantity of the valve device 24 is not achieved by changing the free cross-section of a respective flow channel for the media 18, 20 between the inlets 30, 32 and the outlet 40. Instead, the solenoid valves 64 and 66 allow the control unit 38 to periodically switch them to one of two defined switching positions. These two defined switching positions are, in particular, a first switching position, which defines a maximally open position (the open position), and a second switching position, which defines a maximally closed position (the closed position). In this way, flow rates through the first valve 60 and the second valve 62 can be controlled by the control unit 38.

[0127] A flow rate of zero occurs when valves 60 and 62 are in the closed position. A flow rate of maximum magnitude occurs when valves 60 and 62 are in the open position. To enable the setting of any flow rate between zero and the maximum flow rate, the control and / or regulating device 38 is configured to control the solenoid valves 64 and 66 to specify a delivery quantity of liquid and / or vaporous medium 18 and 20 by pulse duration modulation. During pulse duration modulation, valves 60 and 62 are periodically opened and closed.

[0128] In Fig. Figure 12 shows five exemplary switching profiles of the solenoid valve 66 for setting five different steam levels. As is known, one period T of the pulse duration modulation corresponds to the reciprocal of the pulse duration modulation frequency. The period T is in Fig. 12 are shown as examples.

[0129] The pulse duration modulation frequency can be set in a range of 5 Hz to approximately 100 Hz using the control and / or regulation unit 38. This results in a period of 0.01 s to 0.2 s. In particular, the pulse duration modulation frequency can also be set in a range of 10 Hz to approximately 30 Hz, so that the period T then lies in a range of 0.03 s to 0.1 s.

[0130] The delivery quantity or flow rate at each valve 60, 62 can be specified by a duty cycle. If the duty cycle is 0% of the period T, this means that the respective valve 60, 62 remains closed for the entire period T. This corresponds to Fig. 12 of steam level 0.

[0131] If the duty cycle is 100% of the period T, this corresponds to the open position, which is permanently maintained. In steam stage 4, which can be set via the second valve 62, this determines the maximum delivery quantity or flow rate for the vaporous medium 20.

[0132] To reduce the output volume, a duty cycle of 50% is specified for steam stage 2. The second valve 62 is open for half the period T and closed for half the period T. This results, on average, in an output volume or flow rate that is approximately 2 / 3 of the output volume or flow rate of steam stage 4.

[0133] If the duty cycle is reduced to 25%, as shown schematically for steam stage 1 in Fig. As shown in Figure 12, the solenoid valve 66 is open for one quarter of the period T and remains closed for three-quarters of the period. Compared to steam stage 4, this reduces the delivery quantity or flow rate to approximately half.

[0134] Similarly, a third steam stage 3 can be defined with a duty cycle of 75%. This is also shown schematically in Fig. Figure 12 shows the process. In steam stage 3, the solenoid valve 66 remains open for three-quarters of the period T and is only closed for one-quarter of the period T. This allows the steam quantity or flow rate to be reduced by approximately 15% compared to steam stage 4.

[0135] Fig. Figure 15 schematically shows the amount of steam as a function of the duty cycle, which is in Fig. 15 is referred to as the duty cycle.

[0136] The control and / or regulating device 38 is also configured to specify a pulse duration modulation frequency for each solenoid valve 64, 66 individually. For the simplest possible design of the valve assembly 24, the same pulse duration modulation frequency is selected for both solenoid valves 64 and 66.

[0137] As described, the control and / or regulating device 38 is designed to control a delivery quantity of liquid and / or vaporous medium 18, 20 by specifying the duty cycle of the pulse duration modulation for each solenoid valve 64, 66, in particular for each solenoid valve 64, 66 individually.

[0138] The control and / or regulating device 38 is configured to specify the duty cycle in a range of approximately 5% to approximately 100%. In order to be able to set any dispensing quantity or flow rate between zero and the maximum dispensing quantity or flow rate specified by the open position of the respective valve 60, 62, the control and / or regulating device 38 is configured to freely specify the duty cycle within a period specified by the pulse duration modulation frequency for the solenoid valves 64, 66.

[0139] Combined with Fig. In section 12, discrete delivery quantities of a vaporous medium 20 were presented. Of course, it is also possible to continuously specify a delivery quantity of vaporous medium 20 and, correspondingly, of liquid medium 18 by controlling the solenoid valve 64, using the control and / or regulating device 38. For this purpose, the duty cycle is set such that the Fig. 15 The amount of steam assigned to the duty cycle is released. In other words, the amount of steam in Fig. The duty cycle is determined according to the dependency shown in Figure 15 for the desired steam quantity. This dependency of the steam quantity on the duty cycle can be stored, in particular, in a storage device of the control and / or regulating unit 38, so that the duty cycle can be calculated for any steam quantity desired by the user.

[0140] Fig. Figure 16 shows the dependence of the delivered water quantity on the duty cycle for the solenoid valve 64. Between a duty cycle of 25% and 100%, the dependence is almost linear, whereby at a duty cycle of 25% approximately half the amount of water is delivered as at a duty cycle of 100%.

[0141] Fig. Figure 13 shows the switching sequence at solenoid valve 66 with a dashed line. A water dispensing stage with a duty cycle of 45% is superimposed on steam stage 2 with a duty cycle of 50%. The switching sequence of the water dispensing stage is shown with a dashed line. Therefore, a mixture of liquid medium 18 and vaporous medium 20 can also be dispensed using the valve device 24.

[0142] Taking into account the Fig. 15 and Fig. 16 thus results for the one in Fig. The average switching profile specified in 13 indicates a steam quantity of approximately 32g per minute at a duty cycle of 50% for solenoid valve 66 and a water quantity of approximately 270g per minute at a duty cycle of 45% for solenoid valve 64.

[0143] The pulse duration modulation pattern is present during the switching process of the Fig. 13 chosen such that both solenoid valves 64 and 66 open simultaneously and then solenoid valve 64 closes slightly before solenoid valve 66, so that both solenoid valves 64 and 66 are closed for half the period T.

[0144] However, it is not absolutely necessary to install solenoid valves 64 and 66 as shown in Fig. 13 schematically depicted to be controlled. Fig. Figure 14 shows an alternative method for dispensing a mixture of vaporous medium 20 and liquid medium 18. Here, solenoid valve 66 is initially opened to dispense vaporous medium 20. After approximately two-thirds of its opening time has elapsed, solenoid valve 64 is also opened and remains open for over 45% of the period. Solenoid valve 66 is closed again after half the period T has elapsed. This results in a situation where initially only solenoid valve 66 is open. For a period of approximately 10% of the period, both solenoid valves 64 and 66 are open. Afterward, only solenoid valve 64 remains open for approximately 35% of the period, until finally, at the end of the period, both solenoid valves 64 and 66 are closed simultaneously for a period of approximately 20% of the period. The dispensing quantities of liquid medium 18 and vaporous medium 20 are the same as in the previous figure. Fig. 13 explained.

[0145] The electrical controllability of valves 60 and 62 also enables the control of different operating modes of the valve assembly 24. In particular, a cleaning mode, a flushing mode, and an anti-limescale mode can be activated to prevent limescale buildup on the solenoid valves 64 and 66. The anti-limescale mode is specifically designed to prevent limescale buildup on the valve seats 82 and 84.

[0146] In anti-scaling mode, the respective solenoid valve 64, 66, when closed, is briefly opened for a moistening period to moisten the valve seat 82, 84. The anti-scaling mode is preferably superimposed on normal operation, i.e., a cleaning mode or cleaning operation of the valve device 24 or the cleaning unit 10. The solenoid valves 64, 66 open in anti-scaling mode even if a user does not request media dispensing. This brief opening of the solenoid valves 64, 66 keeps the valve seat 82, 84 moist, thus preventing limescale deposits from forming in the area of ​​the valve seat 82, 84. For this purpose, the control and / or regulating device in anti-limescale mode controls the solenoid valves 64, 66 so that they are opened for a humidification period if the solenoid valve 64, 66 has not been opened for a certain closure period, which can be optionally specified.This prevents the valve piston 76, 78 from seizing on the valve seat 82, 84.

[0147] The valve pistons 76 and 78 are automatically returned to the closed position by the return elements 90 when the current to the electromagnets 68 and 70 is interrupted; in other words, when the electromagnets 68 and 70 are de-energized. Due to this design, the valve device 24 only consumes power during operation, but not when no media is being dispensed by the user or when the cleaning device 10 is out of operation.

[0148] The control and / or regulating device 38 is further configured such that the closure duration can be preset with a value in the range of approximately 30 seconds to approximately 5 minutes. In particular, the closure duration can be approximately 1 minute. This means that after the closure duration has elapsed, if the solenoid valve 64, 66 has not been opened for this duration, the solenoid valve 64, 66 will be opened briefly. The opening can be preset by a humidification time, which has a value in the range of approximately 5 ms to approximately 100 ms. In particular, the humidification time can be 10 ms. This means that after the closure duration has elapsed, if the solenoid valve 64, 66 remains closed, the respective solenoid valve 64, 66 will be opened for the humidification time and then closed again, even if a user does not request media discharge.

[0149] The valve assembly 24 can optionally include damping elements for damping the movement noise of the valve pistons 76, 78 when opening and / or closing the solenoid valves 64, 66. Such damping elements can be designed, in particular, in the form of rubber elements. For the sake of clarity, they are not shown in the figures.

[0150] The cleaning device 10, or the valve assembly 24, enables, through the special design of the control and / or regulating device 38, the implementation of a method for controlling and / or regulating the valve assembly 24, in which the flow rate, in particular a delivery quantity of liquid and / or vaporous medium 18, 20, through at least one of the valves 60, 62 can be controlled and / or regulated by pulse duration modulation. In this method, a pulse duration modulation frequency is specified for the respective valve 60, 62. The pulse duration modulation frequency is specified in the method within a range of approximately 5 Hz to approximately 100 Hz. Preferably, the pulse duration modulation frequency is in a range of approximately 10 Hz to approximately 30 Hz.

[0151] The method allows the delivery quantity of liquid and / or vaporous medium 18, 20 to be controlled by the duty cycle of the pulse duration modulation for the respective valve 60, 62 as above in conjunction with the Fig. Sections 12 to 16 are explained in detail. In particular, the method makes it possible to specify a duty cycle in a range from 5% to approximately 100%.

[0152] Fig. Figure 11 schematically shows a sectional view of a valve device 24 comprising only a single valve 64. The sectional view corresponds to that of the Fig. 7. In other words, this valve device 24 comprises only a single valve 64 instead of two valves 64 and 66. This valve can be used to control either the dispensing of a liquid medium 18 or of a vaporous medium 20. Such a valve device 24 can be used, for example, for steam cleaning devices 12 where the dispensing of a liquid medium 18 is not desired. For a more detailed description of the construction of the valve device 24, reference is made to the above description in conjunction with the following, in order to avoid repetition. Fig. 5 to 8 referred.

[0153] The special design of the described valve devices 24 enables steam flow control directly via an input at the operating device 56 without a mechanical or manual adjustment process, as is required for a valve known from DE 102 58 832 A1. Different steam levels, and in particular discrete steam levels, can be precisely set. The output quantities of a vaporous medium 20 and also of a liquid medium 18 can be specified both via mechanical opening cross-sections, which define maximum values, and by modulating the opening times of each solenoid valve 64, 66. In this way, discrete steam levels can be defined in particular.

[0154] The arrangement of the two solenoid valves 64 and 66 in a common housing 80 enables a compact design of the valve assembly 24. Pulse duration modulation as described, with pulse duration modulation frequencies in the specified ranges, allows for very rapid switching between steam and water volumes in the millisecond range. Furthermore, manufacturing tolerances on the valve assembly 24, particularly in the area of ​​the valve seat 82, 84 and the outlet connection channel 162, can be compensated for by appropriate calibration. This significantly reduces mechanical manufacturing effort while still enabling highly precise specification and adjustment of the quantities of liquid medium 18 and vaporous medium 20 to be discharged. Reference symbol list 10 Cleaning device 12 Steam cleaning device 14 boilers 16 Heating system 18 liquid medium 20 vaporous medium 22 Delivery facility 24 Valve device 26 first boiler outlet 28 second boiler outlet 30 first admission 32 second entrance 34 first connecting line 36 second connecting line 38 Control and / or regulating device 40 outlet 42 Media outlet 44 third connecting line 46 Media hose 48 free ending 50 handpiece 52 Handpiece outlet 54 nozzle 56 Control unit 58 Control line 60 first valve 62 second valve 64 Solenoid valve 66 Solenoid valve 68 Electromagnet 70 Electromagnet 72 Supply line pair 74 Supply line pair 76 valve pistons 78 valve pistons 80 Housing bodies 82 Valve seat 84 Valve seat 86 Longitudinal axis 88 Longitudinal axis 90 Reset element 92 springs 94 Housing support surface 96 Valve piston support surface 98 Valve chamber 100 valve chamber intake 102 Valve chamber outlet 104 recording 106 sealing bodies 108 Valve chamber blind hole 110 internal threads 112 external threads 114 shell bodies 116 Longitudinal axis 118 mother 120 connection contacts 122 Connection contact 124 Mixing room 126 first support surface 128 second support surface 130 third support surface 132 Front surface 134 Front surface 136 Longitudinal axis 138 Mixing chamber longitudinal axis 140 blind hole 142 End 144 Locking element 146 Ring seal 148 first inlet nozzle 150 second inlet nozzle 152 outlet nozzles 154 first blind hole 156 second blind hole 158 third blind hole 160 first connection channel 162 Outlet connection channel QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 102 58 832 A1 [0006, 0010, 0069, 0126, 0153]

Claims

[1] Valve device (24), in particular for a steam cleaning device (12), with at least one first inlet (30) for a vaporous medium (20), wherein the at least one first inlet (30) is fluidly connected to a first outlet (40) for the discharge of vaporous medium (20), wherein at least one first valve (60) is arranged or formed between the at least one first inlet (30) and the first outlet (40), characterized by , that the at least one first valve (60) is designed in the form of a solenoid valve (64). [2] Valve device according to claim 1, characterized by, that the valve device (24) comprises at least one second inlet (32) for a liquid medium (18), that the at least one second inlet (32) is fluidly connected to a second outlet (40) for the discharge of liquid medium (18), and that at least one second valve (62) is arranged or formed between the at least one second inlet (32) and the second outlet (40). [3] Valve device according to claim 2, characterized by , that a) that at least one second valve (62) is designed in the form of a solenoid valve (66) and / or b) the first outlet (40) includes or forms the second outlet (40) and / or c) the valve arrangement (24) comprises only one first inlet (30) and only one second inlet (32) and / or d) the first valve (60) and the second valve (62) are designed in the form of solenoid valves (64, 66). [4] Valve device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the solenoid valve (64, 66) comprises a valve seat (82, 84) and a movable valve piston (76, 78) cooperating with the valve seat (82, 84) for opening the solenoid valve (64, 66) in an open position in which the valve piston (76, 78) releases the valve seat (82, 84), and for closing the solenoid valve (64, 66) in a closed position in which the valve piston (76, 78) closes the valve seat (82, 84), and that the solenoid valve (64, 66) comprises an electromagnet (68, 70) for moving the valve piston (76, 78), wherein in particular the electromagnet (68, 70) is arranged and configured to move the valve piston (76, 78) from the closed position to the open position. [5] Valve device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the valve device (24) comprises a housing body (80) and that the at least one first inlet (30), the first outlet (40) and the first valve (60) are arranged or formed on the housing body (80), wherein in particular a) at least one second inlet (32), the second outlet (40) and the second valve (62) are arranged or formed on the housing body (80) and / or b) the at least one first inlet (30) and the at least one second inlet (32) are arranged or formed parallel to each other on the housing body (80). [6] Valve device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the solenoid valve (64, 66) comprises at least one return element (90) for automatically transferring the valve piston (76, 78) from the open position to the closed position when the electromagnet (68, 70) is deactivated, wherein in particular a) that at least one return element (90) is designed in the form of a spring (92), in particular in the form of a helical spring, and / or b) the at least one return element (90) is supported on one side on a housing support surface (94) of the housing body (80) and on the other side on a valve piston support surface (96) of the valve piston (76, 78) and that the housing support surface (94) points towards the valve seat (82, 84) and that the valve piston support surface (96) points towards the housing support surface (94). [7] Valve device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the solenoid valve (64, 66) comprises a valve chamber (98) with a valve chamber inlet (100) and a valve chamber outlet (102) and that the valve chamber outlet (102) is surrounded by the valve seat (82, 84), wherein in particular the valve chamber inlet (100) a) and the valve chamber outlet (102) are arranged or formed parallel to each other on the valve chamber (98) and / or b) is fluidly connected to at least one first inlet (30) or to at least one second inlet (32). [8] Valve device according to claim 7, characterized by , that the valve chamber (98) is designed in the form of a valve chamber blind hole (108) and that the solenoid valve (64, 66) is inserted into the valve chamber blind hole (108), in particular screwed in. [9] Valve device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the valve device (24) comprises a mixing chamber (124) and that the mixing chamber (124) is fluidly connected to the at least one first inlet (30) and to the first outlet (40), wherein in particular a) the mixing chamber (124) with which at least one second inlet (32) is fluidly connected and / or b) the valve chamber outlet (102) is fluidly connected to the mixing chamber (124) and / or c) the mixing chamber (124) is oriented in a direction transverse, in particular vertical, relative to the valve piston (76, 78) and / or relative to the at least one first inlet (30) and / or to the at least one second inlet (32) and / or to the first outlet (40) and / or to the second outlet (40) and / or d) the mixing chamber (124) includes a blind hole (140) in the housing body (80) and that an open end of the blind hole (140) is sealed fluid-tight. [10] Valve device according to any one of claims 5 to 9, characterized by, that the at least one first inlet (30) comprises a first inlet port (148) which projects from the housing body (80) of the valve device (24), and / or that the at least one second inlet (32) comprises a second inlet port (150) which projects from the housing body (80) of the valve device (24), and / or that the first outlet (40) comprises a first outlet port (152) which projects from the housing body (80) of the valve device (24), and / or that the second outlet (40) comprises a second outlet port (152) which projects from the housing body (80) of the valve device (24), wherein in particular the first outlet port (152) comprises or forms the second outlet port (152). [11] Valve device according to claim 10, characterized by, that the first inlet nozzle (148) is inserted, in particular screwed, into a first blind hole (154) of the housing body (80) and / or that the second inlet nozzle (150) is inserted, in particular screwed, into a second blind hole (156) of the housing body (80) and / or that the first outlet nozzle (152) is inserted, in particular screwed, into a third blind hole (158) of the housing body (80) and / or that the second outlet nozzle (152) is inserted, in particular screwed, into a fourth blind hole (158) of the housing body (80), wherein in particular a) the first blind hole (154) and / or the second blind hole (156) and / or the third blind hole (158) and / or the fourth blind hole (158) are parallel or substantially parallel to each other or are aligned and / or b) the first blind hole (154) is fluidly connected to the first valve chamber (98), in particular the first valve chamber inlet (100), via a first connecting channel (160) and / or that the second blind hole (156) is fluidly connected to the second valve chamber (98), in particular the second valve chamber inlet (100), via a second connecting channel, wherein in particular the first connecting channel (98) extends transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the first blind hole (154) and / or that the second connecting channel extends transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the second blind hole (156). [12] Valve device according to claim 10 or 11, characterized by , that the first and second outlet nozzles (152) on the one hand and the first and second inlet nozzles (148, 150) on the other hand are arranged or designed to project in opposite directions from the housing body (80). [13] Valve device according to any one of claims 9 to 12, characterized by, that each valve chamber outlet (102) is fluidly connected to the mixing chamber (124) via an outlet connection channel (162), wherein in particular a) the first connecting channel (160) and / or the second connecting channel and / or the outlet connecting channel (162) run parallel to each other or are aligned and / or b) each valve piston (76, 78) is coaxial with or aligned to an outlet connection channel (162). [14] Valve device according to any one of claims 9 to 13, characterized by , that free cross-sections, in particular diameters, of the valve chamber outlets (102) of the solenoid valves (64, 66) differ for vaporous and liquid media (18, 20), wherein in particular a free cross-section of the valve chamber outlet (100) for the liquid medium (18) is smaller than a free cross-section of the valve chamber outlet (100) for the vaporous medium (20). [15] Valve device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the solenoid valve (64, 66) has exactly two defined switching positions, wherein in particular a first switching position defines a maximally open position, especially the open position, and wherein in particular a second switching position defines a maximally closed position, especially the closed position. [16] Valve device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the valve device (24) comprises a control and / or regulating device (38) for controlling and / or regulating a flow rate through the at least one first valve (60), wherein the control and / or regulating device (38) is configured a) for controlling and / or regulating a flow rate through the at least one second valve (62) and / or b) for controlling the solenoid valves (64, 66) to specify a delivery quantity of liquid and / or vaporous medium (18, 20) by pulse duration modulation. [17] Valve device according to claim 16, characterized by , that the control and / or regulating device (38) is configured to specify a pulse duration modulation frequency for each solenoid valve (64, 66), in particular for each solenoid valve (64, 66) individually, wherein in particular the control and / or regulating device (38) is configured to specify the pulse duration modulation frequency in a range of about 5 Hz to about 100 Hz, in particular in a range of about 10 Hz to about 30 Hz. [18] Valve device according to claim 16 or 17, characterized by, that the control and / or regulating device (38) is configured to control a delivery quantity of liquid and / or vaporous medium (18, 20) by specifying the duty cycle of the pulse duration modulation for each solenoid valve (64, 66), in particular for each solenoid valve (64, 66) individually, wherein in particular the control and / or regulating device (38) is configured a) to specify the duty cycle in a range of approximately 5% to approximately 100% and / or b) for freely specifying the duty cycle within a period specified by the pulse duration modulation frequency for the at least one solenoid valve (64, 66). [19] Valve device according to any one of claims 16 to 18, characterized by , that the control and / or regulating device (38) is designed to continuously and / or discretely control the quantities of liquid and / or vaporous medium (20) being discharged. [20] Valve device according to any one of claims 16 to 19, characterized bythat the control and / or regulating device (38) is configured to control different operating modes of the valve device (24), in particular to control a cleaning mode and / or a rinsing mode and / or an anti-limescale mode to prevent limescale buildup on the at least one solenoid valve (64, 66), in particular on its valve seat (82), wherein in particular a) the control and / or regulating device is designed to open the at least one solenoid valve (64, 66) when it is closed, in anti-limescale mode, in particular regularly, for a humidification period in order to moisten the valve seat (84) and / or b) the control and / or regulating device (38) is configured to open the at least one solenoid valve (64, 66) for the humidification period in anti-limescale mode if the at least one solenoid valve (64, 66) has not been opened for a predefinable closure period, wherein in particular the control and / or regulating device (38) is configured to predefine the closure period with a value in the range of about 30 seconds to about 5 minutes, in particular about 1 minute, and / or to predefine the humidification period with a value of about 5 ms to about 100 ms, in particular about 10 ms. [21] Valve device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the valve device (24) comprises damping elements for damping movement noise of the valve pistons (76, 78) when opening and / or closing the at least one solenoid valve (64, 66), wherein in particular the damping elements are designed in the form of rubber elements. [22] Cleaning apparatus (10), in particular in the form of a steam cleaning apparatus, comprising a boiler (12) for receiving a liquid medium (18), in particular for receiving water, and a heating device (16) for heating the boiler (12) to at least partially evaporate the liquid medium (18) to produce a vaporous medium (20), wherein the cleaning apparatus (10) comprises a dispensing device (22) with a valve device (24) for dispensing liquid and / or vaporous medium (18, 20), characterized by, that the valve device (24) is designed in the form of a valve device (24) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in particular the boiler (14) comprises a first boiler outlet (26) for the liquid medium (18) and a second boiler outlet (28) for the gaseous medium (20) and that the at least one first inlet (30) of the valve device (24) is fluidly connected to the first boiler outlet (26) and that the at least one second inlet (32) of the valve device (24) is fluidly connected to the second boiler outlet (28). [23] Cleaning device according to claim 22, characterized by , that the cleaning device (10) includes an operating device (56), in particular in the form of a human-machine interface, for operation by a user to control a media dispensing. [24] Cleaning device according to claim 22 or 23, characterized by, that the cleaning device (10) has a media outlet (42) which is connected or connectable to a media hose (46), and that the media outlet (42) is fluidly connected to the first and / or second outlet of the valve device (24), wherein in particular a free end (48) of the media hose (46) is connected or connectable to a handpiece (50) and that the operating device (56) is arranged or formed on the handpiece (50). [25] Cleaning device according to claim 23 or 24, characterized by , that a) a delivery quantity of liquid and / or vaporous medium (18, 20) can be specified using the operating device (56) and / or b) the control and / or regulating device (38) is effectively connected to the operating device (56) for controlling the valve device (24) depending on the delivery quantity of liquid and / or vaporous medium (18, 20) set by the operating device (56). [26] Cleaning device according to any one of claims 22 to 25, characterized by , that a) the valve device (24) is arranged at a distance from the boiler (14) and / or is thermally insulated from the boiler (14) and / or b) the cleaning device (10) is designed in the form of a steam cleaning device (12). [27] Method for controlling and / or regulating a valve device (24) with at least one first valve (60, 62), in particular a valve device (24) according to any one of claims 1 to 21, characterized by , that the flow rate, in particular a delivery quantity of liquid and / or vaporous medium (18, 20), can be controlled and / or regulated by pulse duration modulation through the at least one first valve (60, 62). [28] Method according to claim 27, characterized by, that in the method a pulse duration modulation frequency is specified for the valve (60, 62), wherein in particular in the method the pulse duration modulation frequency is specified in a range of about 5 Hz to about 100 Hz, especially in a range of about 10 Hz to about 30 Hz. [29] Method according to claim 27 or 28, characterized by , that in the method for controlling a delivery quantity of liquid and / or vaporous medium (18, 20) the duty cycle of the pulse duration modulation for the at least one valve (60, 62) is specified, in this process, the duty cycle is specified in a range of approximately 5% to approximately 100%.

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