Hand-held steam generator for steam treatment of a steaming material

Abstract

The invention relates to a handheld steam generator (2) for steam treatment of a material to be steamed, comprising a device housing (4) having an outlet section (6) from which gaseous fluid can exit the device housing (4), a reservoir (8) in which a first fluid can be arranged, which is in fluid communication with the device housing (4) and which can be connected to or arranged on the device housing (4), an evaporator unit (10) arranged between the reservoir (8) and the outlet section (6), through which the first fluid can be drawn from the reservoir (8), evaporated and supplied to the outlet section (6), and an adapter (12) comprising at least one adapter body (14) that can be arranged or is arranged on the outlet section (6) of the device housing (4), which comprises at least one continuous channel-like adapter guide (16).by which the evaporated first fluid can be supplied from the outlet section (6) through the adapter body (14) to a vapor outlet area (18) of the adapter body (14), which comprises at least one reservoir unit (20) that can be fixed or is fixed to the adapter body (14) and in which a second fluid can be arranged, which comprises at least one atomizing agent (22) functionally assigned to the reservoir unit (20), which is automatically operable and by which the second fluid can be atomized and supplied to the vapor outlet area (18).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a handheld steam generator for steam treatment of a material to be steamed, comprising a device housing having an outlet section from which gaseous fluid can exit the device housing, a reservoir in which a first fluid can be arranged, which is in fluid communication with the device housing and which can be connected to or arranged on the device housing, at least one evaporator unit arranged between the reservoir and the outlet section, through which the first fluid can be drawn from the reservoir, evaporated and supplied to the outlet section, and an adapter comprising at least one adapter body that can be arranged or is arranged on the outlet section of the device housing, which comprises at least one continuous channel-like adapter guide through which the evaporated first fluid can be supplied from the outlet section through the adapter body to a steam outlet area of ​​the adapter body.which includes at least one reservoir unit that can be fixed or is fixed to the adapter body and in which a second fluid can be arranged, which includes at least one atomizing device functionally assigned to the reservoir unit, which is automatically operable and through which the second fluid can be atomized and supplied to the vapor outlet area.

[0002] Handheld steam generators for steam treatment of a material being steamed include mobile devices that can be handled by the user's hands, ideally by only one hand.

[0003] Steam generators in various designs are known from the prior art. These are used for refreshing and smoothing textiles. For example, creases in textiles can be smoothed out using steam. Similarly, steam brushes or steam irons can be used to remove creases from worn but lightly soiled textiles.

[0004] Furthermore, it is known from the prior art to use so-called ironing waters for refreshing textiles and removing unpleasant odors. These are aqueous preparations containing small amounts of perfume oil. They can, for example, be poured directly into a refill tank unit of ironing systems and used to generate steam.

[0005] Furthermore, it is known to use sprayable fabric refreshers to remove bad odors.

[0006] When using ironing water in refill tank units, it has proven problematic that perfume oils have a different evaporation behavior than the added water and can therefore accumulate in the refill tank unit of the ironing system during use.

[0007] Handheld steam generators of this type are known from DE 10 2019 123 704 A1 and CN 215 561 408 U.

[0008] One object of an embodiment of the invention is to propose a handheld steam generator for the steam treatment of a steam product, in which a fragrance can be added more easily and the risk of accumulation in the handheld steam generator is at least reduced.

[0009] This task is solved in the aforementioned handheld steam generator for the steam treatment of a steamed material by the fact that the atomizing agent is electrically operable and includes an electrically operable piezoelectric atomizer.

[0010] Because the handheld steam generator comprises a housing in which the reservoir and evaporator unit are arranged, as well as an adapter body through which the steam generated in the housing can flow and through which a second fluid can be atomized by the atomizing agent and supplied to the steam, the item being steamed can be refreshed by both steam and ironing water.

[0011] Due to the spatial separation and the placement of the reservoir unit on the adapter, the individual components installed in the device housing are not affected by the second fluid.

[0012] Because the atomizing device is electrically operated, the second fluid can be atomized as needed. Since the atomizing device includes a piezoelectric atomizer, it can achieve different atomization rates depending on the frequency.

[0013] The items being steamed can be textiles, such as clothing, furniture or curtains.

[0014] The reservoir can be located on the device housing and be either detachably or permanently integrated into it. Furthermore, the reservoir can include an external fluid tank that is separate from the device housing and supplies the initial fluid to the evaporator unit, for example, via a hose.

[0015] The evaporation unit can include an evaporator that heats and evaporates the first fluid. In addition, the evaporation unit can include a suction device, such as a pump, through which the first fluid can be drawn from the reservoir and fed to the evaporator.

[0016] In the steam outlet area, the first fluid, which is generated in vapor form in the device housing, and the second fluid, which is atomized in the adapter, flow together and are mixable there.

[0017] The device housing can be of any design. It is advantageous if the housing includes a manually accessible section. This manually accessible section can be located between the storage medium and the evaporator unit.

[0018] The reservoir can be detachably arranged on the device housing, meaning it can be removed and reattached. Furthermore, embodiments of the steam product are also conceivable in which the reservoir and the device housing form a single, integrated component.

[0019] It is conceivable to have embodiments of the handheld steam generator in which the adapter body can be attached or fixed to the outlet section of the device housing, either detachably or permanently.

[0020] If the adapter body can be detachably attached to the outlet section of the device housing, the handheld steam generator can be retrofitted with the adapter if a second fluid is to be used. In all cases where only the material to be steamed is to be treated with the first fluid, the adapter can be detached and removed from the device housing.

[0021] If the adapter body is permanently attached to the outlet section of the device housing, it can, for example, form a single, integrated component with the device housing.

[0022] The atomizing agent and the evaporator unit can, in principle, be designed in any way they wish, provided that they fulfill the function of atomizing the second fluid in the case of the atomizing agent, in particular converting it into a spray form, and of converting the first fluid from a liquid to a gaseous state in the case of the evaporator unit.

[0023] It proves advantageous if the evaporator unit can be operated electrically.

[0024] To supply the atomizing agent and / or the evaporator unit with electrical energy, an embodiment of the handheld steam generator comprises a first electrical energy source with which at least the evaporator unit can be supplied with electrical energy, wherein the first electrical energy source comprises an external power source connectable to the evaporator unit via a cable-like conductor, and / or wherein the first electrical energy source comprises a first electrical energy storage device, which can be arranged or is arranged in particular in the device housing, and / or a second electrical energy source arranged in the adapter body with which at least the atomizing agent can be supplied with electrical energy, wherein the second electrical energy source comprises a second electrical energy storage device.

[0025] The first energy storage device and / or the second energy storage device can include a battery and / or a rechargeable battery.

[0026] In principle, it is conceivable that in one embodiment of the handheld steam generator, the vaporizer unit and / or the atomizer are activated immediately upon connection to an external power source. In one embodiment of the handheld steam generator, this includes a first manually operated switch located on the device housing, by which at least the vaporizer unit can be activated and deactivated, and / or a second manually operated switch located on the adapter body, by which at least the atomizer can be activated and deactivated.

[0027] If the handheld steam generator includes a first manually operated switch located on the device housing, this switch can be used to start the vaporization unit. If a second manually operated switch is also provided for activating the atomizing fluid, the atomizing fluid can only be activated when the material to be vaporized is to be treated with the second fluid. This allows for the optional activation of the atomizing fluid and, consequently, the supply of the second fluid.

[0028] The first fluid can, for example, consist of water. The second fluid can, for example, consist of a fragrance, in particular an oil, an aqueous solution containing oil, or a suspension.

[0029] It proves advantageous if the atomizing device can be supplied with electrical energy by the first energy source and / or by the second energy source and / or if the atomizing device can be put into operation and taken out of operation again by the first manually operated switch and / or by the second manually operated switch.

[0030] If the atomizer can be powered by the first energy source, a second energy source in the adapter is unnecessary. The same applies if the atomizer can be switched on and off using the first switch. This allows both the vaporizer unit and the atomizer to be activated simultaneously when the first switch is pressed, resulting in a compact and component-reduced design for the handheld vapor generator.

[0031] If the atomizing medium can be supplied with electrical energy as a second power source and / or can be switched on and off via a second switch, the adapter can be designed as a self-contained unit. This allows the adapter to provide a second fluid atomized or sprayed without being connected to the device housing. Furthermore, a self-contained adapter design eliminates the need for contacts at the outlet and on the adapter body. This facilitates the spatial separation of live parts and moisture.

[0032] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the handheld steam generator, at least one control unit is provided in the adapter body, by which the atomizing agent can be controlled and, in particular, at least one atomization rate of the atomizing agent can be set.

[0033] It is conceivable to have embodiments of the handheld steam generator in which the reservoir unit can be attached or fixed to the adapter body, either detachably or permanently.

[0034] If the reservoir is detachably attachable to the adapter body, or fixed in place, it can be easily removed and reattached. This is particularly advantageous when the reservoir is cartridge-like and full reservoirs are exchanged for empty ones.

[0035] If the reservoir is permanently fixed to the adapter body, it can, for example, form a single, integral component with the adapter body. This proves particularly advantageous if the reservoir can be manually filled with the second fluid.

[0036] Furthermore, it proves advantageous if the reservoir unit comprises a reservoir body that is detachably or indetachably arranged in or on the adapter body, which surrounds a cavity in which the second fluid can be arranged or is arranged, which includes an outlet on the side facing the atomizing means through which the cavity can be brought into fluid contact with the atomizing means, and which includes an opening on the side facing away from the adapter body through which the cavity is accessible from the outside, and if the reservoir unit comprises a lid-like or hood-like closing element that can be detachably arranged on the reservoir body and by which the opening can be completely closed.

[0037] By providing a reservoir that is detachably or permanently attached to or within the adapter body, a refillable element is easily created. The fact that the reservoir can be sealed with the closure element prevents the unintentional leakage of a second fluid. This creates a simple, refillable reservoir.

[0038] The sealing element can be made of a material that, when attached to the reservoir, seals the cavity in the area of ​​the opening. Furthermore, an additional sealing agent can be provided, positioned between the reservoir and the sealing element.

[0039] In a further development of the latter embodiment, it is provided that the storage body is entirely or at least partially transparent or translucent and that the cavity is visible from the outside and / or that the closure element includes at least one viewing window section through which the storage body can be seen.

[0040] Due to this design of the reservoir body and closure element, a user of the handheld steam generator can easily see from the outside whether there is still sufficient second fluid in the reservoir or whether second fluid needs to be added.

[0041] To facilitate the mixing of the spray-like second fluid with the vaporous first fluid, it proves advantageous if the adapter body has a funnel-shaped recess extending from the vapor outlet area to the outlet of the reservoir body and tapering from the vapor outlet area towards the outlet of the reservoir body.

[0042] Because the funnel-shaped recess widens from the outlet towards the vapor exit area, the flow velocity of the spray-like second fluid decreases progressively. This facilitates mixing with the vapor-like first fluid in the vapor exit area. Furthermore, this geometric design reduces the risk of condensation of the spray in the outlet area.

[0043] Within the device housing, the first fluid, vaporized by the evaporator unit, can be fed to the outlet section in any desired manner. In embodiments of the handheld steam generator, it proves advantageous if the device housing includes at least one channel-like guide through which at least the gaseous first fluid can be guided from the evaporator unit to the outlet section and which opens into the channel-like adapter guide.

[0044] In a further development of the latter embodiment, it is provided that the device housing comprises at least two, in particular at least four, in particular at least six, channel-like guide means through which at least the gaseous first fluid can be guided from the evaporator unit to the outlet section and / or that the adapter body comprises at least two, in particular at least four, in particular at least six, continuous channel-like adapter guides through which the evaporated first fluid can be supplied from the outlet section through the adapter body to the vapor outlet area of ​​the adapter body, in particular wherein each channel-like adapter guide is assigned to a channel-like guide means.

[0045] By providing at least two, in particular at least four, and in particular at least six, channel-like guides and channel-like adapter guides, the area exposed to steam is increased by the steam outlet area. The steaming result can be further improved if at least the adapter guides with their openings in the steam outlet area are arranged in a line and / or are arranged symmetrically or point-symmetrically with respect to a center point of the steam outlet area.

[0046] Finally, it proves advantageous if the recess, particularly in the middle of the steam outlet area, is arranged between two, particularly between four, particularly between six, adapter guides.

[0047] In such cases, the recess is centered on the mirror-symmetrical or point-symmetrical adapter guides. If the adapter guides are arranged with their openings in front of a line, three adapter guides can be positioned on one side of the recess and three on the opposite side – viewed from the center point of the steam outlet area. The recess can open into the steam outlet area at a distance from this line, without contact.

[0048] Further features, details and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the attached patent claims, from the graphic representation and the following description of a preferred embodiment of the handheld steam generator.

[0049] The drawing shows: Figure 1: A perspective exploded view of a first embodiment of the handheld steam generator; Figure 2: An exploded view of an adapter of the handheld steam generator according to Figure 1 Figure 3: A schematic sectional view through the adapter according to Figure 1 along line AA.

[0050] The figures show a handheld steam generator, designated with reference numeral 2, for the steam treatment of a material to be steamed. The handheld steam generator 2 comprises a housing 4, which has an outlet section 6. Gaseous fluid can escape from the housing 4 through the outlet section 6.

[0051] Furthermore, the handheld steam generator 2 includes a storage medium 8 in which a first fluid can be arranged and which is arranged on the device housing 4 establishing a fluid connection to the device housing 4.

[0052] Furthermore, the handheld steam generator 2 includes at least one evaporation unit 10 arranged between storage medium 8 and outlet section 6, through which the first fluid can be drawn from the storage medium 8, evaporated and supplied to the outlet section 6.

[0053] Furthermore, the embodiment of the handheld steam generator 2 shown in the figures includes an adapter 12 that can be detachably attached to the device housing 4. The adapter 12 comprises an adapter body 14, which in the embodiments shown in the figures is formed from several individual components. The adapter body 14 allows the adapter 12 to be positioned at the outlet section 6 of the device housing 4. The adapter 12 also includes several continuous channel-like adapter guides 16 through which the vaporized first fluid can be fed from the outlet section 6 through the adapter body 14 to a steam outlet area 18 of the adapter body 14.

[0054] Furthermore, the adapter 12 includes a reservoir unit 20, which is fixed to the adapter body 14 and in which a second fluid can be arranged. An atomizing agent 22 is functionally assigned to the reservoir unit 20. The atomizing agent 22 is automatically operable and atomizes the second fluid, which can then be supplied to the vapor outlet area 18.

[0055] In the embodiment shown in the figures, the adapter body 14 is detachably arranged on the outlet section 6 of the device housing 4.

[0056] In the embodiment shown in the figures, the device housing 4 itself comprises six channel-like guide means 24 through which at least the gaseous first fluid can be guided from the evaporator unit 10 to the outlet section 6. These six channel-like guide means 24 open into six channel-like adapter guides 16 of the adapter 12 when the adapter 12 is arranged with the adapter body 14 on the device housing 4.

[0057] Figure 1 Figure 1 shows an embodiment of the handheld steam generator 2, in which both the evaporator unit 10 and the atomizer 22 are electrically operable. For this purpose, the handheld steam generator 2 comprises a first energy source 26 with which the evaporator unit 10 can be operated. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the first energy source 26 can be connected to a power source by means of a cable, the cable terminating in the device housing 4.

[0058] The adapter 12 includes a second energy source 28 for operating the atomizing medium 22, which is arranged in the adapter body 14 and is formed by a battery.

[0059] For operation, in particular for commissioning and decommissioning the evaporation unit 10, the handheld steam generator 2 comprises a first manually operable switch 30, which is arranged on the device housing 4.

[0060] To activate the second energy source 28 and thereby the atomizing medium 22, the handheld steam generator 2 includes a second manually operable switch 32 on the adapter 12.

[0061] To operate the atomizing agent 22 at different atomization rates, a control unit 34 is provided on the adapter 12.

[0062] Looking into the Figures 2 and 3 The reservoir unit 20 is described in more detail below: The reservoir unit 20 comprises a reservoir body 36, which is arranged in or on the adapter body 14. The reservoir body 36 surrounds a cavity 38 in which the second fluid can be arranged. On the side facing the atomizing medium 22, the reservoir body 36 includes an outlet 40 through which the cavity 38 can be brought into fluid contact with the atomizing medium 22.

[0063] On the side facing away from the adapter body 14, the reservoir body 36 includes an opening 42 through which the cavity 38 is accessible from the outside. In the embodiment shown in the figures, a hood-like closing element 44 is provided on the reservoir body 36. This element can be detachably attached to the reservoir body 36 and the opening 42 can be completely closed.

[0064] To allow the cavity 38 to be viewed from the outside, the storage body 36 is made of a transparent or translucent material. The closure element 44 includes at least one viewing window section 46 through which the storage body 36 can be viewed from the outside.

[0065] When the second fluid is atomized by the atomizing agent 22, or formed into a spray, it is fed to the vapor outlet area 18 via a funnel-shaped recess 48. The funnel-shaped recess 48 is designed such that it tapers from the vapor outlet area 18 towards the outlet 40.

[0066] The following briefly describes the operating principle of the handheld steam generator 2: When a material is to be steamed and a spray-like second fluid is to be supplied to the material in addition to the vaporous first fluid, the atomizing agent 22 is activated by pressing the second manually operated switch 32. The atomizing agent 22 atomizes the second fluid arranged in the reservoir 36 and directs it to the steam outlet area 18 via the funnel-shaped recess 48.

[0067] By actuating the first manually operated switch 30, the evaporator unit 10 is put into operation, through which the first fluid is drawn from the storage medium 8, evaporated and, via the outlet section 6, is also supplied to the steam outlet area 18 via the channel-like guide means 24 of the device housing 4.

[0068] The features of the invention disclosed in the foregoing description, in the claims and in the drawing may be essential, both individually and in any combination, in the realization of the invention in its various embodiments within the scope of protection of the following claims. Reference symbol list

[0069] 2 Handheld steam generator 4 Device housing 6 Outlet section 8 Reservoir 10 Evaporator unit 12 Adapter 14 Adapter body 16 Adapter guide 18 Steam outlet area 20 Reservoir unit 22 Atomizer 24 Channel-like guide 26 First power source 28 Second power source 30 First manually operated switch 32 Second manually operated switch 34 Control unit 36 ​​Reservoir body 38 Cavity 40 Outlet 42 Opening 44 Closure element 46 Viewing window section 48 Recess

Claims

1. Hand-held steam generator (2) for the steam treatment of a product to be steamed, with a device housing (4) that has an output section (6) from which the gaseous fluid can be discharged from the device housing (4), with a storage means (8), in which a first fluid can be arranged, which is in fluid connection with the device housing (4) and can be connected with the device housing (4) or is arranged on the device housing (4), with at least one evaporator unit (10) arranged between the storage means (8) and the outlet section (6), through which the first fluid from the storage means (8) can be suctioned, evaporated and fed to the outlet section (6), and with an adapter (12) comprising at least one adapter body (14) that is or can be arranged at the outlet section (6) of the device housing (4), that comprises at least one continuous, channel-like adapter guide (16), through which the evaporated first fluid can be fed from the outlet section (6) through an adapter body (14) to a steam output area (18) of the adapter body (14), comprising at least one reservoir unit (20) that is or can be fixed to the adapter body (14) and in which a second fluid can be arranged that comprises at least one of the atomising means (22) that is functionally assigned to the reservoir unit (20) and can be operated automatically and through which the second fluid can be atomised and fed to the steam outlet area (18), characterised in that the atomising means (22) is electrically operable and comprises an electrically operable piezoelectric atomiser.

2. Hand-held steam generator (2) according to Claim 1, characterised in that the adapter body (14) is or can be arranged detachably or non-detachably to the output section (6) of the device housing (4).

3. Hand-held steam generator (2) according to Claims 1 or 2, characterised in that the evaporator unit (10) is electrically operable.

4. Hand-held steam generator (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised by a first electrical energy source (26) with which at least the evaporator unit (10) can be supplied with electrical energy, wherein the first electrical energy source (26) comprises an external energy source that can be connected via a cable-like line with the evaporator unit (10) and / or wherein the first electrical energy source (26) comprises a first electrical power storage device that, in particular, is or can be arranged in the device housing (4), and / or a second electrical energy source (28) that is arranged in the adapter body (14) and with which at least the atomising means (22) can be supplied with power, wherein the second electrical energy source (28) comprises a second electrical energy storage device.

5. Hand-held steam generator (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised by a first manually operated switch (30) that is arranged on the device housing (4) and with which at least the evaporator unit (10) can be put into operation and taken back out of operation and / or a second manually operated switch (32) that is arranged on the adapter body (14) and with which at least the atomising means (22) can be put into operation and taken back out of operation.

6. Hand-held steam generator (2) according to Claim 4 or 5, characterised in that the atomising means (22) can be supplied with electrical power by the first energy source (26) and / or the second power source (28) and / or if the atomising means (22) can be put into operation and taken back out of operation by the first manually operated switch (30) and / or by the second manually operated switch (32).

7. Hand-held steam generator (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised by at least one control unit (34) arranged in the adapter body (14), through which the atomising means (22) can be controlled and in particular at least one atomising rate can be set for the atomising means (22).

8. Hand-held steam generator (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the reservoir unit (20) is or can be fixed detachably or non-detachably on the adapter body (14).

9. Hand-held steam generator (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the reservoir unit (20), comprises a storage body (36) that is arranged in or on the adapter body (14) and is detachable or non-detachable, surrounding a cavity (38) in which the second fluid is or can be arranged, with an outlet (40) on the side facing the atomising means (22), through which the cavity (38) can be brought into fluid connection with the atomising means (22), and that comprises an opening (42) on the side facing away from the adapter body (14), through which the cavity (38) is accessible from the outside, and that the reservoir unit (20) comprises a lid-like or hood-like locking element (44) that can be arranged detachably on the storage body (36) and with which the opening (42) can be closed completely.

10. Hand-held steam generator (2) according to Claim 9, characterised in that the storage body (36) is transparent or translucent in its entirety or at least in sections and that the cavity (38) can be looked into from the outside and / or that the locking element (44) comprises at least one viewing window section (46) through which it is possible to look into the storage body (36).

11. Hand-held steam generator (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the adapter body (14) has a funnel-like recess (48) that extends from the steam output area (18) to the outlet (40) of the storage body (36) and narrows in the direction of the outlet (40) of the storage body (36).

12. Hand-held steam generator (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the device housing (4) comprises at least one channel-like guide means (24), through which at least the first fluid from the evaporator unit (10) in gas form can be supplied to the output section (6) and which leads to the channel-like adapter guide (16).

13. Hand-held steam generator (2) according to Claim 12, characterised in that the device housing (4) comprises at least two, in particular at least four, in particular at least six channel-like guide means (24), through which at least the first fluid in gas form can be supplied from the evaporator unit (10) to the output section (6) and / or that the adapter body (14) comprises two, in particular at least four, in particular at least six continuous channel-like adapter guides (16), through which the evaporated first fluid can be supplied from the output section (6), through the adapter body (14) to the steam output area (18) of the adapter body (14), in particular wherein each channel-like adapter guide (16) is allocated to a channel-like guide means (24).

14. Hand-held steam generator (2) according to Claim 13, characterised in that at least the adapter guides (16) with their outlets in the steam output area (18) are arranged in a line and / or mirror symmetrically or point symmetrically in relation to a midpoint of the steam output area (18).

15. Hand-held steam generator (2) according to Claim 14, characterised in that the recess (48), in particular in the middle of the steam output area (18), is arranged aligned between two, in particular between four, in particular between six adapter guides (16).

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