Valve device and cleaning apparatus

Abstract

The present invention relates to a valve device, particularly for a steam cleaning apparatus, comprising at least one first inlet for a medium in the form of steam, wherein the at least one first inlet is fluidically connected to a first outlet for distributing the medium in the form of steam, wherein at least one first valve is arranged or implemented between the at least one first inlet and the first outlet, wherein the at least one first valve is implemented in the form of a solenoid valve. An improved cleaning device and an improved method for controlling and / or regulating a valve device comprising at least one first valve are further proposed. FIGURE IN ABRIDGED: Fig. 11

Description

Title of the invention: Valve device and cleaning apparatus

[0001] The present invention relates to a valve device, in particular for a steam cleaning apparatus, comprising at least a first inlet for a medium in the form of vapor, in which the at least a first inlet is fluidically connected to a first outlet allowing the distribution of the medium in the form of vapor, in which at least a first valve is arranged or made between the at least a first inlet and the first outlet.

[0002] The present invention further relates to a cleaning apparatus, in particular in the form of a steam cleaning apparatus, comprising a boiler for holding a liquid medium, in particular for holding water, and a heating device for heating the boiler in order to evaporate at least partially the liquid medium in order to produce a medium in the form of steam, in which the cleaning apparatus includes a distribution device with a valve device for distributing the liquid medium and / or in the form of steam.

[0003] The present invention further relates to a method of 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 particularly known as steam cleaning devices. These are designed to subject a surface to be cleaned to a liquid medium, in particular to a hot liquid medium and / or a hot medium in the form of vapor.

[0005] In order to adjust the quantity of liquid and / or steam media dispensed, a special valve, referred to below as a steam hydraulic valve, can be used in steam cleaning appliances. With such a steam hydraulic valve, a mixture of steam and hot water, or a specific ratio of steam and hot water, can be adjusted in any convenient way by the user to perform various cleaning actions. This allows, in particular, the use of dry steam and small quantities of steam for irons or delicate surfaces. The supply of wet steam, up to a hot water spray, can be used, in particular, for cleaning heavily soiled corners and / or for removing rinse water resulting from cleaning.

[0006] Such a hydraulic steam valve is described in particular in document DE 102 58 832 AL. With said valve, the distribution of steam and hot water can be adjusted by a user in the desired manner.

[0007] One problem associated with known valve devices is, in particular, their mechanical structure. In order to be able to predefine, especially with high precision, To achieve the desired quantities of steam and / or water, or the steam-to-hot-water mixing ratios, very tight manufacturing tolerances are required for the individual components of the valve device. This not only leads to problems during the manufacturing of the steam-hydraulic valves, but also, when manufacturing tolerances are too high, to undesirable deviations in the quantities of steam and water actually dispensed, or in the steam-to-hot-water mixing ratio, from the dispensing quantities or mixing ratios adjusted by a user during the operation of the cleaning device, which includes such a valve device in the form of a steam-hydraulic valve.

[0008] An object of the present invention is therefore to improve a valve device, a cleaning apparatus and a method of the type described above so that a quantity of steam that can be distributed by the cleaning apparatus can in particular be defined as precisely as possible.

[0009] The present objective is achieved for a valve device of the type described above by implementing at least a first valve in the form of a solenoid valve.

[0010] Instead of a manually operated mechanical valve, such as that described in DE 102 58 832 A1, using a valve device in which at least one valve is implemented as a solenoid valve offers numerous advantages. In particular, with a valve device implemented as proposed, it is possible to predefine a distribution quantity, for example of steam, with high precision, regardless of whether manufacturing tolerances are met as desired during the manufacture of the valve device. By rhythmically opening and closing at least one valve, it is possible to adjust a distribution quantity with high precision. In particular, pulse duration modulation can be used for this purpose.The solenoid valve can operate at a specific pulse-duration modulation frequency, remaining open for any portion of a period. For a predefined pulse-duration modulation frequency, for example, within a range of approximately 5 Hz to approximately 100 Hz, a user can set or adjust the amount of hot steam dispensed as desired. This dispensed amount is then adjusted via a duty cycle, also known as the duty cycle, within a period predetermined by the pulse-duration modulation frequency. Furthermore, the use of a solenoid valve offers the particular advantage of electrical control. For example, a user can adjust the amount of steam dispensed using a manual input unit without having to use a mechanical switching element on the cleaning equipment.In other words, the design of the valve device with at least one solenoid valve allows. In particular, remote control of the valve device and therefore of the cleaning unit that includes such a valve device. Overall, the operation of the cleaning unit can be simplified and also significantly improved for the user.

[0011] It is advantageous for the valve device to include at least one second inlet for a liquid medium, for this at least one second inlet to be fluidically connected to a second outlet for dispensing the liquid medium, and for at least one second valve to be arranged or implemented between this at least one second inlet and the second outlet. As explained, a connection between this at least one second inlet and the second outlet can be opened and closed with this at least one second valve in order to dispense a liquid medium introduced by the at least one second inlet at the second outlet or to interrupt a dispensing. In particular, the first outlet and the second outlet can be fluidically separated from each other, so that, for example, a vapor medium and a liquid medium can be dispensed and metered independently of each other.

[0012] The at least one second valve is preferably implemented in the form of a solenoid valve. This design allows, in particular, for the second solenoid valve to also be controlled by pulse duration modulation. The advantages can then also be transferred to the at least one second valve, as explained above in connection with the at least one first valve. In particular, distribution quantities can also be predefined with high precision thanks to the at least one second valve, especially independently of manufacturing tolerances that are unavoidable during the manufacture of the at least one second valve.

[0013] Ideally, the first outlet includes 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 at least one first inlet and at least one second inlet of the valve device. A mixture of the two media can also be dispensed from the first outlet, which includes or forms the second outlet. Of course, either medium can also be dispensed through the first and only outlet. To do this, at least one first valve is opened and at least one second valve is closed, or vice versa.

[0014] For applications where only two media are supplied by the cleaning device and whose distribution must be controlled by means of the valve device, it is advantageous for the valve device to include only a first inlet and a second inlet. The first inlet can, for example, be used to supply a medium in the form of vapor, and the second inlet can be used to supply a liquid medium.

[0015] It is advantageous for the first and second valves to be implemented as solenoid valves. The distribution of two media can thus be controlled simply, in particular independently of each other, by means of pulse duration modulation.

[0016] According to another preferred embodiment, the solenoid valve may be provided to include a valve seat and a movable valve piston cooperating with the valve seat, in order to open the valve to an open position in which the valve piston releases the valve seat, and to close the solenoid valve to a closed position in which the valve piston closes the valve seat, and the solenoid valve may 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 with the help of the electromagnet. In particular, electrical control of the solenoid valve can be implemented in a simple manner.In principle, it is also possible 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 designed to move the valve piston from the closed position to the open position. Such a design has the particular advantage that the electromagnet then 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 for the valve device to include a housing body and for at least one first inlet, first outlet, and first valve to be arranged or formed within the housing body. In this way, the valve device can be made particularly compact.

[0019] Preferably, at least one second inlet, second outlet, and second valve are arranged or formed within the housing body. This makes it possible, in particular, to achieve a particularly compact structure for the valve assembly with two valves.

[0020] For a simple and particularly clear possibility of connecting the valve devices to the supply lines of media in the form of steam and / or liquids, it is advantageous that at least one first inlet and at least one second inlet be arranged or made parallel to each other at the level of the housing body.

[0021] It is advantageous for the solenoid valve to include at least one return element to automatically move the piston from the open position to the closed position when the solenoid valve is deactivated. Such a design This is particularly advantageous because the solenoid valve only requires a power supply to the electromagnet—that is, its activation—to open, i.e., to move from the closed position to the open position. If the electromagnet is not powered, 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 implemented simply and economically when at least one return element is in the form of a spring. In particular, it can be implemented in the form of a helical spring. Preferably, it is designed as a pressure spring that is compressed when the solenoid valve moves from the closed position to the open position.

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

[0024] It is advantageous for the solenoid valve to include a valve chamber with a valve chamber inlet and a valve chamber outlet, and for the valve chamber outlet to be surrounded by the valve seat. The valve chamber outlet can thus be closed simply, since the valve piston rests against the valve seat and thereby closes the valve chamber outlet.

[0025] The valve device can be made simple and compact when the valve chamber inlet and outlet are arranged or formed parallel to each other within the valve chamber. In particular, the valve device can be manufactured in a simple manner. For example, the valve chamber inlet and outlet can be formed as bores in the housing body.

[0026] In order to reliably control the distribution of liquids using the valve device, it is advantageous for the inlet of the valve chamber to be fluidically connected to at least one first inlet or to at least one second inlet. For example, if two valve chambers are provided, one can be connected to at least one first inlet and the other to at least one second inlet. Thus, the distribution of two different media can be easily controlled separately according to the media using the valve device.

[0027] The valve device is particularly easy to implement when the valve chamber is formed in the form of a blind valve chamber hole and when the solenoid valve is inserted into the blind valve chamber hole. In particular, the solenoid valve can be screwed into the blind valve chamber hole. To do this, it is sufficient to create an internal thread in the blind valve chamber hole that corresponds to an external thread present on the valve body of the solenoid valve.

[0028] To allow, in particular, the distribution of mixtures of two different fluid media, it is advantageous for the valve device to include a mixing chamber and for the mixing chamber to be fluidically connected to at least one first inlet and one first outlet. In particular, different media can be fed into the mixing chamber, which then mix within the chamber and can be dispensed from the first outlet.

[0029] Ideally, the mixing chamber is fluidically connected to at least one second inlet. The fluid media supplied by at least one first inlet and at least one second inlet can thus be conveyed separately into the mixing chamber in a defined manner and then mixed there. The mixture of the fluid media can then be distributed through the first outlet.

[0030] Advantageously, the valve chamber outlet is fluidically connected to the mixing chamber. In particular, a fluid medium can be guided from the valve chamber to the mixing chamber via the valve chamber outlet. This is made possible, as described above, when the valve piston of the solenoid valve or the respective valve is in the open position. The fluidic connection between the valve chamber and the mixing chamber can be broken by the valve piston when it is in the closed position.

[0031] It is advantageous for the mixing chamber to be oriented in a transverse direction, particularly perpendicular, to the valve piston and / or to at least one first outlet and / or to 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 implement the valve device within a housing body using bores that may be partly blind bores and partly through bores. For example, the mixing chamber and the inlets may be made in the form of blind holes, and the outlets in the form of through bores, which connect a portion of the housing body to the mixing chamber.

[0032] The valve device can be implemented simply when the mixing chamber includes a blind hole in the housing body and when one open end of the blind hole is sealed against liquids. The hole A blind hole can thus be easily created by drilling a hole in the housing body. If the blind hole is closed at the open end, a cavity in the housing body can then be easily created.

[0033] According to another preferred embodiment, at least one first inlet may be provided to include a first inlet pipe projecting from the valve body, and / or at least one second inlet may include a second inlet pipe projecting from the valve body, and / or the first outlet may include a first outlet pipe projecting from the valve body, and / or the second outlet may include a second outlet pipe projecting from the valve body. This design, in particular, allows for the simple connection of the pipe-shaped inlets and outlets to pipes or other conduits for supplying or draining fluids to the valve.Tubular inlets and outlets can be made in particular in the form of pipe fittings or quick-connect fittings, as known in the field of pneumatics.

[0034] Preferably, the first outlet pipe forms or includes the second outlet pipe. In particular, a fluid mixture can be discharged from the valve device through the first outlet pipe.

[0035] The valve device can be implemented simply by inserting the first inlet pipe, in particular by screwing it in, into a first blind hole in the housing body and / or by inserting the second inlet pipe, in particular by screwing it in, into a second blind hole in the housing body and / or by inserting the first outlet pipe, in particular by screwing it in, into a third blind hole in the housing body and / or by inserting the second outlet pipe, in particular by screwing it in, into a fourth blind hole in the housing body. For example, the indicated blind holes can be drilled in the housing body. In particular, the blind holes can be provided with internal threads, into which pipe fittings having an external thread can then be screwed, these pipe fittings further having a nipple for connection to a pipe or similar fitting.

[0036] The manufacture of the valve device can be further simplified when the first blind hole and / or the second blind hole and / or the third blind hole and / or the fourth blind hole extend or are oriented in a parallel or essentially parallel manner with respect to each other.

[0037] It is advantageous for the first blind hole to be fluidically connected to the first valve chamber, in particular to the first valve chamber inlet, by a first connecting channel and / or for the second blind hole to be connected by Fluidic flow to the second valve chamber, specifically to the second valve chamber inlet, via a second connecting channel. This design allows fluids to be easily routed through either the first or second blind hole using the connecting channels of the first or second valve chamber.

[0038] A particularly compact structure of the valve device can be achieved in particular when the first connecting channel extends transversely, in particular perpendicularly, with respect to the first blind hole and / or when the second connecting channel extends transversely, in particular perpendicularly, with respect to the second blind hole.

[0039] In principle, it is possible for all the inlets and outlets of the main body to face in the same direction. In particular, they can face parallel to each other in the same direction. However, it is advantageous for the first and second outlet pipes on the one hand, and the first and second inlet pipes on the other, to be arranged or project from the housing body in opposite directions. Such a design makes it particularly easy to connect the supply and discharge lines to the valve device. In particular, the housing body can also be as small as possible, since different lateral surfaces of it can be used for the arrangement or construction of the inlets and outlets.If all inputs and outputs face in the same direction, they should preferably be located on the same lateral surface of the housing body.

[0040] To convey fluids from the valve chamber to the mixing chamber, it is advantageous for each valve chamber outlet to be fluidically connected to the mixing chamber via an outlet connecting channel. If the valve piston is in the open position, a fluid can flow from the valve chamber into the mixing chamber through the respective outlet connecting channel.

[0041] For easy manufacturing of the valve device and a compact structure thereof, it is advantageous that the first connecting channel and / or the second connecting channel and / or the outlet connecting channel extend or are oriented parallel to each other.

[0042] For optimal operation of the valve device, it is advantageous for each valve piston to extend or be oriented coaxially with respect to an outlet connecting channel. In particular, optimized sealing of the respective valve chamber outlet can be achieved with the associated valve piston.

[0043] In principle, it is conceivable that the free cross-sections of all the valve chamber outlets of the solenoid valves are identical. It is advantageous that the free cross-sections, in particular the diameters, of the valve chamber outlets of the Solenoid valves are differentiated for vapor and liquid media. Thanks to predefined free sections, maximum fluid distribution quantities can be easily and reliably predefined.

[0044] It is advantageous for the free area of ​​the valve chamber outlet intended for the liquid medium to be smaller than the free area of ​​the valve chamber outlet intended for the vapor medium. This design has the particular advantage that the distribution of the liquid medium can also be very precisely metered.

[0045] According to another preferred embodiment, the solenoid valve may be provided with exactly two defined switching positions: a first switching position defining, in particular, a maximum open position, specifically the open position, and a second switching position defining, in particular, a maximum closed switching position, specifically the closed position. Such a solenoid valve makes it easy to implement pulse-duration modulation control. For example, a liquid medium is dispensed when the solenoid valve is in the first switching position. Dispensing of the liquid medium is prevented when the solenoid valve is in the second switching position. This applies correspondingly to the dispensing of a medium in gaseous form.

[0046] In order to control and / or regulate the distribution of fluids as desired, it is advantageous for the valve device to include a control and / or regulation device to control and / or regulate a flow through at least one first valve. The distribution of a fluid, for example steam or a liquid, can be metered as desired by correspondingly controlling the valve device with the control and / or regulation device.

[0047] It is further advantageous that the control and / or regulation device be designed to control and / or regulate a flow through at least one second valve. In particular, at least one first valve and at least one second valve can be controlled and / or regulated independently of each other by the control and / or regulation device.

[0048] Preferably, the control and / or regulation device is designed to control the solenoid valves to predefine a quantity of liquid and / or vapor medium dispensed by modulating the pulse duration. This design allows, in particular with the control and / or regulation device, for two defined switching positions to be predetermined for each solenoid valve in order to open and close the valves. In the respective open position, the media can pass through the valves. In the respective closed position, a flow and therefore distribution of the respective fluid by the valve device is prevented or interrupted.

[0049] It is advantageous for the control and / or regulation device to be designed to predefine a pulse duration modulation frequency for each solenoid valve. In particular, the pulse duration modulation frequency can be predefined individually for each solenoid valve. This makes it possible, in particular, to use different optimized pulse duration modulation frequencies to control the respective solenoid valves for the distribution of liquid media and fluids.

[0050] It is advantageous for the control and / or regulation device to be designed to predefine the pulse duration modulation frequency within a range of approximately 5 Hz to approximately 100 Hz, particularly within a range of approximately 10 Hz to approximately 30 Hz. Controlling the solenoid valves by pulse duration modulation with pulse duration modulation frequencies within the specified ranges allows, in particular, for a defined and highly accurate distribution of fluids, whether liquid or gaseous. Specifically, pulse duration modulation frequencies within the specified ranges enable the implementation of a quasi-continuous distribution of fluid media at the valve device outlet.

[0051] It is advantageous for the control and / or regulation device to be designed to control the distribution quantity of liquid and / or vapor medium by predefining the duty cycle of the pulse duration modulation for each solenoid valve, in particular for each solenoid valve individually. The duty cycle of the pulse duration modulation predefines, for example, what percentage of a period the respective solenoid valve is open or closed. For example, for a duty cycle of 50%, the solenoid valve is open for half a period and is closed for half a period.

[0052] Preferably, the control and / or regulation device is designed to predefine the duty cycle within 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 indicate what proportion of a period the solenoid valve is open or closed.

[0053] It is advantageous for the control and / or regulation device to be designed to freely predefine the duty cycle within a period predefined by the pulse duration modulation frequency for at least one solenoid valve. This design makes it possible, in particular, to predefine a fluid distribution quantity with high precision. Such a design makes it particularly easy to compensate for manufacturing tolerances. To this end, the device control and / or regulation can be specifically designed to calibrate each valve device individually, so that the desired quantity of distribution specified by a user can then be effectively distributed.

[0054] Advantageously, the control and / or regulation device is designed to continuously and / or discretely control the quantities of liquid and / or vapor media dispensed. Thus, depending on the requirements, the control and / or regulation device can predefine quantities of continuous, discrete, or partially continuous or partially discrete dispensing.

[0055] It is further advantageous for the control and / or regulating device to be designed to control different operating modes of the valve device. In particular, it can be designed to control a cleaning mode and / or a rinsing mode and / or an anti-calcification mode to prevent calcification of at least one solenoid valve, especially its valve seat. In cleaning mode, which is intended for cleaning objects or surfaces, a specific quantity of gaseous and / or liquid medium can be predefined by means of the control and / or regulating device. In rinsing mode, the valve device can be rinsed in a defined manner with a gaseous and / or liquid fluid. In an anti-calcification mode, the solenoid valves can be opened or closed at regular or irregular intervals to prevent the valve piston from seizing at the respective valve seat.

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

[0057] Furthermore, it is advantageous for the control and / or regulation device to be designed, in anti-limescale mode, to open at least one solenoid valve for the humidification time if at least one solenoid valve has not been opened for a predefined closed period. This ensures, in particular, that the valve seat does not dry out and that the solenoid valve piston cannot become stuck to the valve seat. This ensures the long-lasting and reliable operation of each solenoid valve.

[0058] It is advantageous for the control and / or regulation device to be designed to predefine the closing time with a value in the range of approximately 30 seconds to approximately 5 minutes, in particular approximately 1 minute, and / or to predefine the humidification time with a value between 5 ms and approximately 100 ms, in particular approximately 10 ms. With closing times and times humidification within the indicated ranges, it is particularly possible to ensure that the operation of each solenoid valve can be maintained sustainably.

[0059] According to another preferred embodiment, the valve device may be provided to include damping elements for attenuating noise from the movement of the valve pistons during the opening and / or closing of at least one solenoid valve. In particular, the damping elements may be arranged or constructed so that the valve piston bears against one or more damping elements in the open position and in the closed position.

[0060] The valve device can be made simple and economically when the damping elements are made of rubber. In this way, the noise of the valve piston movement can be easily reduced or even completely eliminated.

[0061] The objective defined in the preamble is further achieved according to the present invention by means of a cleaning device as described in the preamble, in that the valve device is made in the form of one of the advantageous embodiments, described above, of valve devices.

[0062] Implementing the cleaning device with such a valve arrangement therefore offers, in particular, the advantages described above in relation to preferred embodiments of valve arrangements. Fluids, especially liquid and gaseous media, can be applied in the desired and defined manner to the surfaces and objects to be cleaned using such a cleaning device.

[0063] It is advantageous for the boiler to include a first boiler outlet for the liquid medium and a second boiler outlet for the gaseous medium, and for at least one first inlet of the valve device to be fluidically connected to the first boiler outlet and for at least one second inlet of the valve device to be fluidically connected to the second boiler outlet. Such a design makes it possible, in particular, to draw two media, i.e., a liquid medium and a medium in the form of steam or gas, from a single boiler. The distribution of the two media by the cleaning apparatus can then be controlled and / or regulated with the valve device in one of the ways described above.

[0064] Furthermore, it is advantageous for the cleaning device to include a service device for use by a user to control the distribution of the medium. In particular, the service device can be implemented in the form of a human-machine interface. Such a human-machine interface is also called an HMI. It allows, for example, the conversion of manual inputs from a user into electrical control signals and their transmission to a control and / or regulation device through which the valve device of the device Cleaning can be ordered. The control device can in particular be efficiently connected in terms of control to the control and / or regulation device by cable or also via a wireless link, for example via a radio or infrared link.

[0065] For cleaning surfaces or objects, it is advantageous for the cleaning apparatus to have a media outlet that is connected, or can be connected, to a media hose, and for the media outlet to be fluidically connected to the first and / or second outlet of the valve device. This design makes it possible, in particular, to distribute a liquid or gaseous medium through the media outlet. The precise quantity distributed—that is, one medium or the other, or a mixture of media—can then be predetermined as described above by means of the valve device.

[0066] For the operation of the cleaning device, it is advantageous for a free end of the medium hose to be connected or to be able to be connected to a handpiece and for the control device to be located or incorporated into the handpiece. A user can thus control the dispensing of one or more media particularly easily by activating the control device on the handpiece held in one hand during the cleaning operation.

[0067] Advantageously, the quantity of liquid and / or vapor medium dispensed can be predefined by means of the service device. For example, a user can predefine, via the service device, whether the cleaning apparatus should dispense steam, water, or a mixture of water and steam. Through the service device, implemented as an input unit, the user can utilize the control and / or regulation device cooperating with it to apply one or more media in the desired manner to an object to be cleaned.

[0068] For a user, it is advantageous for handling purposes that a quantity of liquid and / or vapor medium to be dispensed can be predefined by means of the control device. For example, a dispensing quantity can be predefined via a certain flow rate.

[0069] According to another preferred embodiment, the control and / or regulating device may be efficiently connected to the control device in order to control the valve device according to the quantity of liquid and / or vapor medium dispensed, as adjusted by the control device. A user then does not need to operate or adjust a valve on the cleaning apparatus, as is the case with the hydraulic steam valve described in DE 102 58 832 A1. In particular, a change in the dispensing quantity can be easily made with one hand by a user without taking their eyes off the object being cleaned.

[0070] It is advantageous for the valve device to be arranged at a distance from the boiler and / or thermally insulated from the boiler. This design has the particular advantage of reducing the risk of drying out of the valve chambers of the solenoid valves and, in particular, of calcification of the valve seats.

[0071] Preferably, the cleaning apparatus is in the form of a steam cleaning apparatus. The steam cleaning apparatus may be specifically designed to distribute hot steam and / or hot water for cleaning purposes, i.e., either one or the other medium, or a mixture containing any proportion of the media. Thus, depending on the cleaning action, the quantity of liquid or gaseous medium to be distributed can be predefined by the user as desired.

[0072] The goal mentioned in the preamble is further achieved by a method of the type described in the preamble according to the present invention, in that with the present method the flow rate, in particular a quantity of distribution of liquid medium and / or in vapor form, can be controlled and / or regulated by modulation of pulse duration thanks to at least a first valve.

[0073] As already explained in detail, the improved process proposed allows for the more economical and easier manufacture of valve devices, since manufacturing tolerances, which are practically unavoidable in the manufacture of valve devices, can be easily compensated for by the process. Essentially, each valve device can be calibrated to allow for predetermined dispensing quantities with high accuracy, regardless of manufacturing tolerances.

[0074] Ideally, with the method, a pulse duration modulation frequency is predefined for the valve. The pulse duration modulation frequency directly predefines a period duration during which a duty cycle, in the case of a valve, a ratio between the opening and closing times of the valve during a period, can be defined.

[0075] Preferably, the pulse duration modulation frequency is predefined within a range of approximately 5 Hz to approximately 100 Hz. Predefining pulse duration modulation frequencies within this range has the particular advantage of ensuring the reliable operation of the solenoid valves. If the pulse duration modulation frequencies are too high, this can lead to a situation where the magnetic field generated by the solenoid valve's electromagnet cannot dissipate, causing the valve to fail to close.

[0076] It is advantageous to predefine, according to the present method, the duty cycle of the pulse duration modulation for at least one valve in order to control a The quantity of liquid and / or vapor medium dispensed. The longer the valve remains open, the greater the quantity dispensed. A duty cycle of 0% corresponds to the valve being permanently closed for one period, while a duty cycle of 80% corresponds to the valve being open for four-fifths of the period. Consequently, the required quantity of medium to be dispensed can be defined very precisely.

[0077] In order to be able to predefine appropriate distribution quantities for cleaning operations, it is advantageous that, according to the present process, the duty cycle be predefined in a range between approximately 5% and approximately 100%.

[0078] The description below of preferred embodiments of the present invention serves as a more detailed explanation supported by the figures. It shows:

[0079] [Fig.1]: a schematic, perspective and partially transparent representation of an embodiment of a cleaning apparatus in the form of a steam cleaning apparatus;

[0080] [Fig.2]: another perspective view of the arrangement of the [Fig.1];

[0081] [Fig.3]: a partially cutaway side view of the arrangement of the [Fig.1];

[0082] [Fig.4]: another perspective view, partially in cutaway view, of the arrangement of the [Fig.l];

[0083] [Fig.5]: a perspective view of an embodiment of a valve device;

[0084] [Fig.6]: another perspective view of the arrangement of the [Fig.5];

[0085] [Fig.7]: a cross-sectional view along line 7-7 of [Fig.5];

[0086] [Fig.8]: a cross-sectional view along line 8-8 of [Fig.5];

[0087] [Fig.9]: a cross-sectional view along line 9-9 of [Fig.5];

[0088] [Fig. 10]: a schematic representation of the structure of a cleaning device including a valve device and a control and / or regulation device;

[0089] [Fig. 11]: a cross-sectional view, similar to that of [Fig. 7], of another mode of construction of a valve device comprising a single solenoid valve;

[0090] [Fig. 12]: a schematic representation of a pulse duration modulation for five different and discreet steam levels of a cleaning device;

[0091] [Fig. 13]: another schematic representation of a duration modulation pulse for five different and discrete steam levels of a cleaning device with mixing of a liquid medium for a steam level;

[0092] [Fig. 14]: another schematic representation of a duration modulation pulse for five different and discrete steam levels of a cleaning device with mixing of a liquid medium for a steam level;

[0093] [Fig. 15]: a representation, provided by way of example, of the dependence of a quantity of steam distributed on the duty cycle of the pulse duration modulation; and

[0094] [Fig. 16]: a representation, provided by way of example, of the dependence of a quantity of steam distributed on the duty cycle of the pulse duration modulation; and

[0095] Figures 1 to 4 represent, by way of example, an embodiment of a cleaning apparatus 10 in the form of a steam cleaning apparatus 12. A purely schematic structure of such a cleaning apparatus 10 is shown by way of example in [Fig. 10]

[0096] The cleaning apparatus 10 includes a boiler 14 for receiving a liquid medium 18. The boiler 14 is specifically designed to receive water. In addition, the cleaning apparatus includes a heating device 16 associated with the boiler 14 and for heating the boiler 14 in order to at least partially evaporate the liquid medium 18 received in the boiler 14, in order to produce a medium in the form of steam 20, for example, in order to produce hot steam.

[0097] The cleaning device 10 also includes a distribution device 22 comprising a valve device 24. The distribution device 22 is designed to distribute liquid media and / or vapor media 18, 20.

[0098] The boiler 14 includes a first boiler outlet 26 for the liquid medium 18 and a second boiler outlet 28 for the gaseous medium 20. The valve device 24 includes a first inlet 30 and a second inlet 32. The first inlet 30 is fluidically connected to the first boiler outlet 26 by a first connecting pipe 34. The second inlet 32 ​​is fluidically connected to the second boiler outlet 28 by a second connecting pipe 36.

[0099] The cleaning device 10, in particular the valve device 24, includes a control and / or regulating device 38.

[0100] The valve device 24 includes an outlet 40 which is fluidically connected by a third connecting line 44 to a medium outlet 42 of the cleaning device 10.

[0101] The middle outlet 42 is connected or can be connected to a middle pipe 46.

[0102] A free end 48 of the pipe for medium 46 is connected or can be connected to a Handpiece 50. The handpiece 50 includes a handpiece outlet 52 for distributing the liquid medium 18 and / or the medium in vapor form 20 onto an object to be cleaned. The handpiece outlet 52 may, in particular, be in the form of a nozzle 54.

[0103] A service device 56 is provided for handling the cleaning device 10. In the embodiments shown in the figures, it is carried out under the in the form of a human-machine interface (HMI). A user can control a medium distribution using the service device 56. This will be explained in detail later.

[0104] With the service device 56 which is arranged or made at the level of the handpiece 56, a user can directly predefine in particular a quantity of liquid medium 18 and / or medium in vapor form 20 when handling the handpiece 56. For this purpose, the control and / or regulation device 38 is efficiently connected in terms of control to the service device 56 via at least one control cable 58 or alternatively efficiently in terms of control via a wireless radio link, in order to control the valve device 24 according to the quantity of liquid medium and / or medium in vapor form adjusted by the user.

[0105] The valve device 24 comprises a first valve 60 and a second valve 62. The first valve 60 is implemented in the form of a solenoid valve 64. The second valve 62 is implemented in the form of a solenoid valve 66. The electromagnets 68 and 70 of the solenoid valves 64 and 66 are electrically connected to the control and / or regulating device 38 via pairs of power cables 72 and 74. This allows the electromagnets 68 and 70 to be powered in order to move the valve pistons 76 or 78 of the electromagnets 64 and 66 following a current supply to the electromagnets 68 and 70.

[0106] The valve device 24 is arranged at a distance from the boiler 14 and, optionally or alternatively, thermally insulated from the boiler 14.

[0107] The structure of the valve device 24 is explained in more detail below in connection with figures 5 to 9.

[0108] The valve device 24 comprises a parallelepiped-shaped housing body 80. The first inlet 30, the second inlet 32, and the outlet 40 are respectively arranged and formed at the boiler. Preferably, the first valve 60 and the second valve 62 are also arranged or formed at the housing body 80. Optionally, a second outlet may also be arranged or formed at the housing body 80.

[0109] The first valve 60 is arranged or made between the first inlet 30 and the outlet 40 of the valve device 24. The second valve 62 is arranged or made between the second inlet 32 ​​and the outlet 40.

[0110] The valve device 24 includes a single outlet 40 which forms a common outlet 40. In other words, the two valves 60 and 62 are separated on the inlet side and connected to each other on the outlet side in a fluidic manner.

[0111] The two valves 60 and 62 have an identical structure, so only the structure of one of the two valves 60, 62 is described in detail below.

[0112] Each of the two solenoid valves 64, 66 comprises a valve seat 82 or 84 and a The movable valve pistons 76 and 78 cooperate with the valve to open the respective solenoid valves 64 and 66 to the open position. In the open position, the valve pistons 76 and 78 release the corresponding valve seat 82 and 84. To close the solenoid valves 64 and 66 to the closed position, the valve pistons 76 and 78 move towards the respective valve seat 82 and 84, closing it.

[0113] Each solenoid valve 64, 66 includes an electromagnet 68, 70 for moving the respective valve piston 76, 78. The electromagnets 68, 70 are arranged and designed to move the valve pistons 76, 78 from the closed position to the open position. In the closed position, fluid communication is interrupted between the first inlet 30 and the outlet 40, and between the second inlet 32 ​​and the outlet 40, respectively. In the open position of the first valve 60, flow is possible from the first inlet 30 to the outlet 40. In the open position of the second valve 62, flow is similarly possible from the second inlet 32 ​​to the outlet 40.

[0114] The longitudinal axes 66 and 88 of the first inlet 30 and the second inlet 32 ​​are oriented parallel to each other. The first inlet 30 and the second inlet 32 ​​are thus oriented parallel to each other at the level of the housing body 80.

[0115] Each solenoid valve 64, 66 includes a return element 90 for automatically moving the respective valve piston 76, 78 from the open position to the closed position when the solenoid valve 68 or 70 is deactivated. The return element 90 is in the form of a helical spring 92.

[0116] The return element 90 rests on a housing support surface 94, which is arranged on or directly associated with the housing body 80, and on a valve piston support surface 96 of the valve pistons 76, 78. The housing support surface 94 faces the respective valve seat 82. The valve piston support surface 96 points towards the housing support surface 94. Thus, the return element 90 extends into a region located 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.

[0117] Each solenoid valve 64, 66 includes a valve chamber 98 comprising 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 directed towards the valve chamber 98.

[0118] The valve pistons 76, 78 comprise a housing 104 open towards the associated valve seat 82, 84 and within which a sealing body 106 is inserted. It has a sealing surface, not shown in further detail, cooperating with the associated valve seat 82, 84 which rests in the closed position on the associated valve seat 82, 84 and thus closes the valve chamber outlet 102. If the valve pistons 76, 78 are moved away from the valve seat 86 due to the action of the electromagnets 68, 70, the sealing body 106 releases the valve seat 82, 84, so that the valve chamber outlet 102 is fluidically connected to the valve chamber 98.

[0119] The valve chamber inlet 100 and the valve chamber outlet 102 are oriented or made parallel to each other at the level of the valve chamber 98.

[0120] The valve chamber inlet 100 is fluidically 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 62.

[0121] The valve chamber 98 is in the form of a blind hole in the valve chamber 108. The solenoid valve 64, 66 is inserted, i.e., screwed into, the blind hole in the valve chamber 108. For this purpose, an internal thread 110, corresponding to an external thread on a sleeve body 114 of the solenoid valve 64, 66, is formed in the blind hole in the valve chamber 108. The valve pistons 76, 78 are movably guided within the sleeve body 114 relative to a longitudinal axis 116 thereof. The electromagnets 68, 70 surround one of the sleeve bodies 114, respectively. They are fixed, at their ends, to the sleeve body 114 by means of a nut 118.

[0122] In order to supply the electromagnets 68 and 70 respectively, two connecting contacts 120 and 122, which are electrically efficiently connected to the control and / or regulation device 38 via the connecting cable pairs 72 and 74, are arranged at each solenoid valve 64, 66.

[0123] The valve device 24 further includes a mixing chamber 124. In the open position of both valves 60, 62, the mixing chamber 124 is fluidically connected to the first inlet 30, the second inlet 32 ​​and the outlet 40.

[0124] In order to achieve this fluidic connection, the outlet of valve chamber 102 is fluidically connected to the mixing chamber 124.

[0125] The housing body 80 is parallelepiped in shape and has a first lateral surface 126 and a second lateral surface 128. The two lateral surfaces 126 and 128 are rectangular and extend parallel to each other. They are connected to each other by a third lateral surface 130. The third lateral surface 130 is also rectangular. The front surfaces 132 and 134 of the housing body 80 are essentially square.

[0126] The valve chambers 98 are oriented perpendicular to the third lateral surface 130. The longitudinal axes 116 are also perpendicular to the third lateral surface. The longitudinal axes 86 and 88 extend perpendicularly to the first lateral surface 126. A longitudinal axis 136, which is defined by the outlet 40, extends perpendicularly to the second lateral surface 128. Thus, the longitudinal axis 136 extends parallel to the longitudinal axes 86 and 88.

[0127] The mixing chamber 124 defines a longitudinal axis of mixing chamber 138 which is oriented perpendicular to the front surfaces 132 and 134 and therefore also transversely, namely perpendicularly, to the longitudinal axes 86, 88 and 116.

[0128] Given the orientations described, the mixing chamber 124 is oriented in a transverse direction, namely perpendicular, to the valve pistons 76, 78 and transverse, namely perpendicular, to the first inlet 30 and the second inlet 32 ​​as well as to the outlet 40.

[0129] The mixing chamber 124 is made in the form of a blind hole 140 in the housing body 80. It includes an open end 142 through the front surface 132 and closed in a liquid-tight manner with a closing element 144 in the form of a closing screw, using an annular seal 146.

[0130] The first inlet 30 includes a first inlet pipe 148 which protrudes from the housing body 80. The second inlet 32 ​​includes a second inlet pipe 150 which also protrudes from the housing body 80 of the valve device 24. The outlet 40 also includes an outlet pipe 152 which protrudes from the housing body 80. The outlet pipe 152 forms a common outlet pipe for both valves 60, 62.

[0131] The first inlet tube 148 is inserted, i.e. screwed, into a first blind hole 154 in the housing body 80. The second inlet tube 150 is inserted, i.e. screwed, into a second blind hole 156 in the housing body 80. The outlet tube 152 is inserted, i.e. screwed, into a third blind hole 158 in the housing body 80.

[0132] The three blind holes 154, 156 and 158 extend parallel to each other or are oriented parallel to each other. The blind holes 154, 156 and 158 define the longitudinal axes 86, 88 and 136.

[0133] The first blind hole 154 is connected by a first connecting channel 160 to the valve chamber 98 of the first valve 60, i.e., to the inlet of the valve chamber 100 of the first valve 60. The second blind hole 156 is connected to the valve chamber 98 of the second valve 62, i.e., to the inlet of the valve chamber 100 of the second valve 60 by a second connecting channel which is not shown in the figures but which is parallel to the first connecting channel 160.

[0134] The connecting channels 160 extend transversely, i.e. perpendicularly, to the blind holes 154 and 156. Thanks to said design, a medium flowing from the inlets 30 and 32 into the respective valve chamber 98 is deflected by 180° in the valve chamber, then is directed into the mixing chamber 124 by means of an outlet connecting channel 162 in a direction parallel to the inlet of the valve chamber 100. The outlet connecting channels 162 connect the mixing chamber 124 and the respective valve chambers 98 in a fluidic manner.

[0135] The outlet pipe 152 on the one hand and the inlet pipes 148, 150 on the other hand protrude from the housing body 80 in opposite directions, that is to say on the one hand away from the second lateral surface 128 and on the other hand away from the first lateral surface 126.

[0136] The first and second connecting channels 160 and the output connecting channels 162 extend parallel to each other or are oriented parallel to each other, i.e. parallel to the longitudinal axes 116. The valve pistons 76, 78 are made or oriented coaxially with respect to the output connecting channels 162.

[0137] The free cross-sections, i.e., the diameter, of the valve chamber outlets 102 or the outlet connecting channels 162 of the solenoid valves 64, 66 differ. In the embodiment shown in Figures 5 to 8, the outlet connecting channel 162 of the first valve 60 for the liquid medium has a diameter of 1 mm. The outlet connecting channel 162 of the second valve 62 for the vapor medium 20 has a diameter of 2 mm. Thus, 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 vapor medium 20.

[0138] To operate the cleaning device 10, the solenoid valves 64, 66 are used so as to predefine exactly two defined switching positions in order to control a quantity of distribution of liquid medium and / or in the form of vapor 18, 20. These are the closed position, which interrupts the fluid connection between the first inlet 30 or the second inlet 32 ​​on the one hand and the outlet 40 on the other hand, and the open position, in which a fluid connection is established between the first inlet 30 or the second inlet 32 ​​on the one hand and the outlet 40 on the other hand, when the valve pistons 76, 80 are away from the associated valve seats 82 or 84.

[0139] With the control and / or regulation device 38, the solenoid valves 64, 66 are controlled so that the quantity of liquid medium 18 or medium in vapor form 20 dispensed is predefined by the user via the device service 56 flows through the media outlet 42 and the media pipe 46 to the handpiece outlet 52 and can be distributed from there onto the object to be cleaned, for example a surface to be cleaned.

[0140] If the solenoid valves 64, 66 move to the open position, the liquid medium 18 and the vapor medium 20 can flow from the inlets 30, 32 to the outlet 40 according to the predefined cross-sections of the valve chamber outlets 102.

[0141] Unlike the mechanically operated valve described in document DE 102 58 832 A1, a quantity of distribution for the valve device 24 is not achieved by modifying a free section of an associated flow channel intended for media 18, 20 between the inlets 30, 32 and the outlet 40. On the contrary, the solenoid valves 64 and 66 allow them to be periodically switched into one of the two defined switching positions by means of appropriate control of the control and / or regulating device 38. The two defined switching positions are in particular a first switching position which defines a maximum open position, i.e. the opening position, and a second switching position which defines a maximum closed position, i.e. the closing position.Thus, the flow rates through the first valve 60 and the second valve 62 can be controlled with the control and / or regulation device 38.

[0142] The flow rate is zero when valves 60, 62 are in the closed position. The flow rate is at its maximum when valves 60, 62 are in the open position. In order to adjust any flow rate between zero and the maximum flow rate, the control and / or regulation device 38 is designed to control solenoid valves 64, 66 to predefine a quantity of liquid and / or vapor medium 18, 20 by modulating the pulse duration. During pulse duration modulation, valves 60, 62 are opened and closed periodically.

[0143] Figure 12 shows, by way of example, five switching schemes for the solenoid valve 66 in order to predefine five different steam levels. As is known, a period T of the pulse duration modulation corresponds to the reciprocal value of the pulse duration modulation frequency. The period T is shown by way of example in Figure 12.

[0144] The pulse duration modulation frequency can be predefined within a range of 5 Hz to approximately 100 Hz using the control and / or regulation device 38. Thus, the period duration is within a range of 0.01 s to 0.2 s. In particular, the pulse duration modulation frequency can also be predefined within a range of 10 Hz to approximately 30 Hz. so that the duration of period T is then in a range between 0.03 s and 0.1 s.

[0145] The quantity of distribution or flow rate at the respective valve 60, 62 can be predefined by means of 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 duration of period T. This corresponds to the steam level 0 on [Fig. 12]

[0146] If the duty cycle represents 100% of the period T, this corresponds to the permanently open position. At steam level 4, which can be preset via the second valve 62, the maximum distribution quantity or flow rate is preset for the medium in steam form 20.

[0147] In order to reduce the quantity dispensed, a duty cycle of 50% is defined as steam level 2. The second valve 62 is open for half the duration of period T and is closed for half the duration of period T. This leads on average to a quantity dispensed or a flow rate corresponding to approximately 2 / 3 of the quantity dispensed or the flow rate of steam level 4.

[0148] If the duty cycle is reduced to 25%, as schematically shown in [Fig. 12] for steam level 1, 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 level 4, the quantity dispensed or the flow rate is reduced by approximately half.

[0149] Correspondingly, a third steam level 3 can be defined with a duty cycle of 75%. This is also schematically shown in [Fig. 12]. At steam level 3, the solenoid valve 66 remains open for more than three-quarters of the period T and is closed for only one-quarter of the period T. Thus, the quantity of steam or the flow rate can be reduced by approximately 15% compared to steam level 4.

[0150] Figure 15 schematically shows the quantity of vapor as a function of the duty cycle, which is called the Dutycycle on Figure 15.

[0151] The control and / or regulation device 38 is further designed to predefine a pulse duration modulation frequency for each solenoid valve 64, 66 individually. For the simplest possible design of the valve device 24, the same pulse duration modulation frequency is chosen for both solenoid valves 64 and 66.

[0152] As described, the control and / or regulation device 38 is designed to control a quantity of distribution of liquid and / or vapor medium 18, 20 by pre-defining the duty cycle of the pulse duration modulation for each solenoid valve 64, 66, in particular for each solenoid valve 64, 66 individually.

[0153] Preferably, the control and / or regulation device is designed to predefine the duty cycle within a range of approximately 5% to approximately 100%. In order to be able to adjust any distribution quantity or flow rate located between zero and the maximum distribution quantity or maximum flow rate predetermined by the opening position of the respective valve 60, 62, the control and / or regulation device 38 is designed to freely predefine the duty cycle within a predetermined period, by means of the pulse duration modulation frequency, for the solenoid valves 64, 66.

[0154] In conjunction with [Fig. 12], discrete distribution quantities of a medium in vapor form 20 have been shown. Of course, it is also possible to continuously predefine a distribution quantity of medium in vapor form 20 with the control and / or regulation device 38, and consequently also of liquid medium 18 by controlling the solenoid valve 64. To do this, the duty cycle is predetermined so that the quantity of vapor associated with the duty cycle shown in [Fig. 15] is distributed. In other words, the duty cycle is determined from the relationship, shown in [Fig. 15], affecting the desired quantity of vapor. The relationship between the quantity of vapor and the duty cycle can, in particular, be stored in a storage device of the control and / or regulation device 38, so that the duty cycle can be calculated for any quantity of vapor desired by the user.

[0155] Figure 16 shows the relationship between the quantity of water distributed and the duty cycle for solenoid valve 64. Between a duty cycle of 25% and a duty cycle of 100%, we find an almost linear curve of the function, about half the amount of water distributed for a duty cycle of 100% being distributed for a duty cycle of 25%.

[0156] Fig. 13 shows in dotted line the switching curve at the solenoid valve 66. The steam level 2 with a 50% duty cycle is superimposed here on a water distribution level with a 45% duty cycle. The switching curve of the water distribution level is shown as a dashed line. Therefore, the valve device 24 also allows the distribution of a mixture of liquid medium 18 and vapor medium 20.

[0157] Taking into account figures 15 and 16, we thus obtain for the average switching curve shown on [Fig. 13] a quantity of steam of about 32 g per minute with a duty cycle of 50% for solenoid valve 66 and a quantity of water of about 270 g per minute with a duty cycle of 45% for solenoid valve 64.

[0158] The pulse duration modulation curve is chosen, for the switching curve of [Fig. 13], so that both solenoid valves 64 and 66 open simultaneously, then that solenoid valve 64 closes a little before solenoid valve 66, so that both solenoid valves 64 and 66 are closed for half the duration of period T.

[0159] However, it is not mandatory to control the solenoid valves 64 and 66 in the manner schematically shown in [Fig. 13]. [Fig. 14] shows an alternative distribution of a mixture of medium in vapor form 20 and liquid medium 18. Here, solenoid valve 66 is initially opened to distribute medium in vapor form 20. After approximately two-thirds of its opening time, solenoid valve 64 is also opened and then remains open for more than 45% of the period duration. Solenoid valve 66 is closed after half of the period duration T has elapsed. This results in a situation in which, initially, only solenoid valve 66 is open. Both solenoid valves 64 and 66 are open for approximately 10% of the period duration.Next, only solenoid valve 64 is open for approximately 35% of the period duration, until both solenoid valves 64 and 66 are closed simultaneously at the end of the period for approximately 20% of the period duration. Here too, the distribution quantities of liquid medium 18 and vapor medium 20 are obtained, as explained in relation to [Fig. 13].

[0160] The possibility of electrically controlling the valves 60 and 62 also allows for the control of different operating modes of the valve device 24. In particular, a cleaning mode, a rinsing mode and an anti-calcification mode can be controlled in order to prevent calcification of the solenoid valves 64, 66. The anti-calcification mode is used in particular to prevent calcification of the valve seats 82, 84.

[0161] In anti-calcification mode, the respective solenoid valve 64, 66, when closed, is briefly opened for a humidification period to moisten the valve seat 82, 84. The anti-calcification mode is preferably superimposed on normal operation, i.e., a cleaning mode or a cleaning operation of the valve device 24 or the cleaning device 10. The opening of the solenoid valves 64, 66 occurs in anti-calcification mode even when a user does not request liquid dispensing. By briefly opening the solenoid valves 64, 66, the valve seat 82, 84 is kept moist, so that limescale deposits cannot form in the area of ​​the valve seat 82, 84.To this end, the control and / or regulation device in anti-calcification mode controls the solenoid valves 64, 66 so that they are open for a humidification period if the solenoid valve 64, 66 has not been open for a certain closed duration, which can be optionally predefined. This makes it possible to prevent the valve piston 76, 78 from becoming blocked at the valve seat 82, 84.

[0162] The valve pistons 76 and 78 are automatically returned to the closed position by the return elements 90 when the power supply to the electromagnets 68 and 70 is interrupted. In other words, when the electromagnets 68 and 70 are not energized. Thanks to this design, the valve device 24 consumes electricity only during operation, but not if no medium distribution is requested by the user or if the cleaning device 10 is out of service.

[0163] The control and / or regulation device 38 is further designed such that the closing time can be predefined with a value in the range of approximately 30 seconds to approximately 5 minutes. In particular, the closing time can be approximately 1 minute. This means that upon expiry of the closing time, if the solenoid valve 64, 66 has not been opened during this closing time, the solenoid valve 64, 66 will open briefly. The opening can be predefined by means of the 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 at the expiry of the closing time with solenoid valve 64, 66 not open, the respective solenoid valve 64, 66 is opened during the humidification time, then closed again, even if a user does not request distribution of medium.

[0164] The valve device 24 may optionally include damping elements to reduce noise from the movement of the valve pistons 76, 78 during the opening and / or closing of the solenoid valves 64, 66. Such damping elements may, in particular, be made of rubber. They are not shown in the figures for clarity.

[0165] The cleaning apparatus 10 or the valve device 24 enables, by virtue of the particular design of the control and / or regulation device 38, the implementation of a method for controlling and / or regulating the valve device 24, in which the flow rate, in particular a quantity of liquid and / or vapor medium 18, 20, is controlled and / or can be regulated by means of at least one of the valves 60, 62 by pulse duration modulation. In the present method, a pulse duration modulation frequency is predefined for the respective valve 60, 62. In the present method, the pulse duration modulation frequency is predefined in a range between approximately 5 Hz and approximately 100 Hz. Preferably, the pulse duration modulation frequency is in a range between approximately 10 Hz and approximately 30 Hz.

[0166] With the present method, a quantity of liquid and / or vapor medium 18, 20 can be controlled by means of the duty cycle of the pulse duration modulation for the respective valve 60, 62, as explained in detail above in relation to Figures 12 to 16. The present method allows in particular to predefine a duty cycle within a range between 5% and approximately 100%.

[0167] Figure 11 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of a valve device 24 comprising only a single valve 64. The cross-sectional view corresponds to that of Figure 7. In other words, this valve device 24 comprises only one valve 64 instead of two valves 64 and 66. It can be used to control the distribution of a liquid medium 18 or a medium in vapor form 20. Such a valve device 24 can be used, for example, for steam cleaning apparatus 12 for which no distribution of a liquid medium 18 is desired. For a more detailed description of the structure of the valve device 24, reference is made to the above description in conjunction with Figures 5 to 8 to avoid repetition.

[0168] The specific design of the valve devices 24 described allows for direct regulation of the steam quantity via input on the control device 56, without the need for mechanical or manual adjustment procedures required for the valve described in DE 102 58 832 AL. Different steam levels, particularly discrete steam levels, can be precisely adjusted. The distribution quantities of a medium in vapor form 20 and also of a liquid medium 18 can be predefined both through the mechanical opening sections, which define maximum values, and through modulation of the opening times of each solenoid valve 64, 66. This makes it possible, in particular, to define discrete steam levels.

[0169] The arrangement of the two solenoid valves 64 and 66 in a common housing 80 results in a compact structure for the valve device 24. Pulse-duration modulation as described, with pulse-duration modulation frequencies within the specified ranges, enables very rapid switching between steam and water quantities, on the order of a few milliseconds. Furthermore, manufacturing tolerances in the valve device 24, particularly in the region of the valve seat 82, 84 and the outlet connecting channel 162, can be compensated for by appropriate calibration. This significantly reduces mechanical manufacturing costs while still allowing for very precise pre-setting, or adjustment, of the quantities of liquid medium 18 and vapor medium 20 to be dispensed. List of digital references

[0170] 10 Cleaning device

[0171] 12 Steam cleaning appliance

[0172] 14 Boiler

[0173] 16 Heating device

[0174] 18 Liquid medium

[0175] 20 Medium in vapor form

[0176] 22 Dispensing device

[0177] 24 Valve device

[0178] 26 First boiler outlet

[0179] 28 Second boiler outlet

[0180] 30 First entry

[0181] 32 Second entry

[0182] 34 First connecting line

[0183] 36 Second connecting conduit

[0184] 38 Control and / or regulation device

[0185] 40 Exit

[0186] 42 Out of media

[0187] 44 Third connecting conduit

[0188] 46 Pipe for medium

[0189] 48 Free end

[0190] 50 Handpiece

[0191] 52 Handpiece output

[0192] 54 Nozzle

[0193] 56 Service device

[0194] 58 Control cable

[0195] 60 First valve

[0196] 62 Second valve

[0197] 64 Solenoid valve

[0198] 66 Solenoid valve

[0199] 68 Electromagnet

[0200] 70 Electromagnet

[0201] 72 Pair of power cables

[0202] 74 Pair of power cables

[0203] 76 Valve piston

[0204] 78 Valve piston

[0205] 80 Housing body

[0206] 82 Valve seat

[0207] 84 Valve seat

[0208] 86 Longitudinal axis

[0209] 88 Longitudinal axis

[0210] 90 Reminder element

[0211] 92 Spring

[0212] 94 Housing support surface

[0213] 96 Valve piston support surface

[0214] 98 Valve chamber

[0215] 100 Valve chamber inlet

[0216] 102 Valve chamber outlet

[0217] 104 Housing

[0218] 106 Sealing body

[0219] 108 Blind hole of valve chamber

[0220] 110 Internal thread

[0221] 112 External thread

[0222] 114 Sleeve body

[0223] 116 Longitudinal axis

[0224] 118 Nut

[0225] 120 Connection contact

[0226] 122 Connection contact

[0227] 124 Mixing chamber

[0228] 126 First bearing surface

[0229] 128 Second bearing surface

[0230] 130 Third bearing surface

[0231] 132 Frontal surface

[0232] 134 Frontal surface

[0233] 136 Longitudinal axis

[0234] 138 Longitudinal axis of mixing chamber

[0235] 140 Blind hole

[0236] 142 End

[0237] 144 Closing element

[0238] 146 Ring joint

[0239] 148 First inlet pipe

[0240] 150 Second inlet pipe

[0241] 152 Outlet pipe

[0242] 154 First blind hole

[0243] 156 Second blind hole

[0244] 158 Third blind hole

[0245] 160 First link channel

[0246] 162 Output Link Channel

Claims

Demands

1. Valve device (24), in particular for a steam cleaning apparatus (12), having at least one first inlet (30) intended for a medium in the form of vapor (20), in which the at least one first inlet (30) is fluidically connected to a first outlet (40) for distributing a medium in the form of vapor (20), in which at least one first valve (60) is arranged or made between the at least one first inlet (30) and the first outlet (40), characterized in that the at least one first valve (60) is made in the form of a solenoid valve (64).

2. Valve device according to claim 1, characterized in that the valve device (24) comprises at least one second inlet (32) for a liquid medium (18), in that the at least one second inlet (32) is fluidically connected to a second outlet (40) for distributing a liquid medium (18) and in that at least one second valve (62) is arranged or made between the at least one second inlet (32) and the second outlet (40).

3. Valve device according to claim 2, characterized in that a) at least one second valve (62) is made in the form of a solenoid valve (66) and / or b) the first outlet (40) comprises or forms the second outlet (40) and / or c) the valve device (24) comprises only a first inlet (30) and a second inlet (32) and / or d) the first valve (60) and the second valve (62) are made in the form of solenoid valves (64, 66).

4. A valve device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one solenoid valve (64, 66) comprises a valve seat (82, 84) and a movable valve piston (76, 78) cooperating with the valve seat (82, 84) to open at least one solenoid valve (64, 66) to an open position in which the valve piston (76, 78) releases the valve seat (82, 84) and to close at least one solenoid valve (64, 66) to a closed position in which the valve piston (76, 78) closes the valve seat (82, 84), and in that at least one solenoid valve (64, 66) includes an electromagnet (68, 70) for moving the valve piston (76, 78), wherein the electromagnet (68, 70) is particularly arranged and designed to move the valve piston (76, 78) from the closed position to the open position.

5. Valve device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the valve device (24) comprises a housing body (80) and in that at least one first inlet (30), first outlet (40) and first valve (60) are arranged or made at the level of the housing body (80), in which in particular a) at least one second inlet (32), second outlet (40) and second valve (62) are arranged or made at the level of the housing body (80) and / or b) at least one first inlet (30) and at least one second inlet (32) are arranged or made parallel to each other at the level of the housing body (80).

6. A valve device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one solenoid valve (64, 66) comprises at least one return element (90) for automatically moving the valve piston (76, 78) from the open position to the closed position when the solenoid valve (68, 70) is deactivated, wherein in particular a) the at least one return element (90) is 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) bears on the one hand on a housing support surface (94) of the housing body (80) and on the other hand on a valve piston support surface (96) of the valve piston (76, 78), and the housing support surface (94) faces the valve seat (82, 84) and the piston support surface of valve (96) looks in the direction of the housing support surface (94).

7. Valve device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one solenoid valve (64, 66) comprises a valve chamber (98) with an inlet of valve chamber (100) and a valve chamber outlet (102) and in that the valve chamber outlet (102) is surrounded by the valve seat (82, 84), in which in particular the valve chamber inlet (100) a) and the valve chamber outlet (102) are arranged or made parallel to each other at the level of the valve chamber (98) and / or b) is fluidically connected to at least one first inlet (30) or to at least one second inlet (32).

8. Valve device according to claim 7, characterized in that the valve chamber (98) is made in the form of a blind valve chamber hole (108) and in that at least one solenoid valve (64, 66) is inserted, in particular screwed, into the blind valve chamber hole (108).

9. A valve device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the valve device (24) comprises a mixing chamber (124) and in that the mixing chamber (124) is fluidically connected to at least one first inlet (30) and to the first outlet (40), wherein in particular a) the mixing chamber (124) is fluidically connected to at least one second inlet (32) and / or b) the valve chamber outlet (102) is fluidically connected to the mixing chamber (124) and / or c) at least one solenoid valve (64, 66) comprises a valve seat (82, 84) and a movable valve piston (76, 78) cooperating with the valve seat (82, 84) to open at least one solenoid valve (64, 66) to an open position in which the valve piston (76, 78) releases the valve seat (82, 84) and in order to close at least one solenoid valve (64,66) in a closed position in which the valve piston (76, 78) closes the valve seat (82, 84), and at least one solenoid valve (64, 66) includes an electromagnet (68, 70) for moving the valve piston (76, 78), in which the mixing chamber (124) is oriented in a transverse direction, in particular perpendicular, to the, valve piston (76, 78) of the at least one solenoid valve (64, 66) and / or with respect 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) at the housing body (80) and an open end of the blind hole (140) is closed in a liquid-tight manner.

10. A valve device according to any one of claims 5 to 9, characterized in that at least one first inlet (30) comprises a first inlet pipe (148) projecting from the housing body (80) of the valve device (24), and / or in that at least one second inlet (32) comprises a second inlet pipe (150) projecting from the housing body (80) of the valve device (24), and / or in that the first outlet (40) comprises a first outlet pipe (152) projecting from the housing body (80) of the valve device (24), and / or in that the second outlet (40) comprises a second outlet pipe (152) projecting from the housing body (80) of the valve device (24), wherein in particular the first outlet pipe (152) comprises or forms the second outlet pipe (152).

11. Valve device according to claim 10, characterized in that the first inlet pipe (148) is inserted, in particular screwed, into a first blind hole (154) of the housing body (80) and / or in that the second inlet pipe (150) is inserted, in particular screwed, into a second blind hole (156) of the housing body (80) and / or in that the first outlet pipe (152) is inserted, in particular screwed, into a third blind hole (158) of the housing body (80) and / or in that the second outlet pipe (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) extend or are oriented in a parallel or essentially parallel manner and / or b) the first blind hole (154) is fluidically connected to the first valve chamber (98), in particular to the first valve chamber inlet (100), via a first connecting channel (160), and / or the second blind hole (156) is fluidically connected to the second valve chamber (98), in particular to the second valve chamber inlet (100), via a second connecting channel, in which in particular the first connecting channel (160) extends transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the first blind hole (154) and / or in which 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 in that the first and second outlet pipes (152) on the one hand and the first and second inlet pipes (148, 150) on the other hand are arranged or projecting from the housing body (80) in opposite directions.

13. Valve device according to any one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that each valve chamber outlet (102) is fluidically connected to the mixing chamber (124) via an outlet connecting channel (162), in which in particular a) the first connecting channel (160) and / or the second connecting channel and / or the outlet connecting channel (162) extend or are oriented parallel to each other and / or b) each valve piston (76, 78) extends or is oriented coaxially with respect to an outlet connecting channel (162).

14. Valve device according to any one of claims 9 to 13, characterized in that at least one solenoid valve (64, 66) comprises a valve chamber (98) with a valve chamber inlet (100) and a valve chamber outlet (102) and in that the valve chamber outlet (102) is surrounded by the valve seat (82, 84), in that the valve device (24) comprises at least one second inlet (32) for a liquid medium (18), in that at least one second inlet (32) is fluidically connected to a second outlet (40) for distributing a liquid medium (18) and in that at least one second valve (62) is arranged or made between at least one second inlet (32) and the second outlet (40), the at least one second valve (62) is made in the form of a solenoid valve (66), in that free cross-sections, in particular diameters, of the valve chamber outlets (102) of the first valve (60) and of the second valve (62) each made in the form of a solenoid valve (64, 66), are differentiated for media (18, 20) in the form of vapor and liquid, in which a free cross-section of the valve chamber outlet (100) intended for the liquid medium (18) is in particular less than a free cross-section of the valve chamber outlet (100) intended for the medium in the form of vapor (20).

15. Valve device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one solenoid valve (64, 66) has exactly two defined switching positions, in which a first switching position defines in particular a maximum open position, in particular the opening position, and a second switching position defines in particular a maximum closed position, in particular the closing position.

16. A valve device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the valve device (24) comprises a control and / or regulation device (38) for controlling and / or regulating a flow through at least one first valve (60), wherein the valve device (24) comprises at least one second inlet (32) for a liquid medium (18), the at least one second inlet (32) is fluidically connected to a second outlet (40) for distributing a liquid medium (18), and at least one second valve (62) is arranged or made between the at least one second inlet (32) and the second outlet (40), wherein the control and / or regulation device (38) is designed a) to control and / or regulate a flow through the at least one second valve (62) and / or b) to control at least one first valve (60) and at least one second valve (62) each made in the form of a solenoid valve (64, 66) in order to define a quantity of distribution of liquid medium and / or in the form of vapor (18, 20) by modulation of pulse duration.

17. Valve device according to claim 16, characterized in that the control and / or regulating device (38) is designed to define a pulse duration modulation frequency for each solenoid valve (64, 66), in particular for each solenoid valve (64, 66) individually, wherein the control and / or regulating device (38) is in particular designed to define the pulse duration modulation frequency in a range between about 5 Hz and about 100 Hz, in particular in a range between about 10 Hz and about 30 Hz.

18. Valve device according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that the control and / or regulating device (38) is designed to control a quantity of distribution of liquid and / or vapor medium (18, 20) by pre-defining the duty cycle of the pulse duration modulation for at least one first valve (60) and at least one second valve (62), each implemented in the form of a solenoid valve (64, 66), wherein the control and / or regulating device (38) is designed a) to define the duty cycle in a range between about 5% and about 100% and / or b) to freely define the duty cycle within a period, pre-defined by means of the pulse duration modulation frequency, for at least one solenoid valve (64, 66).

19. Valve device according to any one of claims 16 to 18, characterized in that the control and / or regulation device (38) is designed to control continuously and / or discrete quantities of distribution of liquid medium and / or in vapor form (20).

20. Valve device according to any one of claims 16 to 19, characterized in that the control and / or regulating device (38) is designed to control different modes of operation of the valve device (24), in particular to control a cleaning mode and / or a rinsing mode and / or an anti-calcification mode to prevent calcification of at least one solenoid valve (64, 66), in particular of its valve seat (82), in which in particular a) the control and / or regulation device is designed to, in anti-calcification mode, open, in particular at regular intervals, at least one solenoid valve (64, 66) when it is closed, for a humidification period in order to humidify the valve seat (84) and / or (b) the control and / or regulation device (38) is designed to, in anti-calcification mode, open at least one solenoid valve (64, 66) for the humidification time if at least one solenoid valve (64, 66) has not been opened for a predefined closing time, wherein the control and / or regulation device (38) is in particular designed to predefine the closing time with a value in a range between about 30 seconds and about 5 minutes, in particular about 1 minute, and / or to predefine the humidification time with a value between about 5 ms and about 100 ms, in particular about 10 ms.

21. Valve device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the valve device (24) includes damping elements for damping the noise of movement of the valve pistons (76, 78) during the opening and / or closing of at least one solenoid valve (64, 66), wherein the damping elements are in particular made in the form of rubber elements.

22. A cleaning apparatus (10), in particular in the form of a steam cleaning apparatus, comprising a boiler (14) for holding a liquid medium (18), in particular for holding water, and a heating device (16) for heating the boiler (14) in order to at least partially evaporate the liquid medium (18) to produce a medium in the form of steam (20), wherein the cleaning apparatus (10) comprises a distribution device (22) including a valve device (24) in order to distributing a liquid medium and / or in the form of vapor (18, 20), characterized in that the valve device (24) is made in the form of a valve device (24) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the boiler (14) includes in particular a first boiler outlet (26) intended for the liquid medium (18) and a second boiler outlet (28) intended for the gaseous medium (20) and in that at least one first inlet (30) of the valve device (24) is fluidically connected to the first boiler outlet (26) and in that at least one second inlet (32) of the valve device (24) is fluidically connected to the second boiler outlet (28).

23. Cleaning apparatus according to claim 22, characterized in that the cleaning apparatus (10) comprises a service device (56), in particular in the form of a human-machine interface, intended to be used by a user to control a distribution of medium.

24. Cleaning apparatus according to claim 22 or 23, characterized in that the cleaning apparatus (10) has a media outlet (42) which is connected or can be connected to a media hose (46), and in that the media outlet (42) is fluidically connected to the first and / or second outlet of the valve device (24), in which a free end (48) of the media hose (46) is in particular connected or can be connected to a handpiece (50) and in which the service device (56) is arranged or made at the handpiece (50).

25. Cleaning apparatus according to claim 23 or 24, characterized in that a) a quantity of distribution of liquid and / or vapor medium (18, 20) can be predefined with the service device (56) and / or b) the control and / or regulation device (38) is actively connected in terms of control to the service device (56) in order to control the valve device (24) according to the quantity of distribution of liquid and / or vapor medium (18, 20) adjusted by means of the service device (56).

26. Cleaning apparatus according to any one of claims 22 to 25, characterized in that a) the valve device (24) is arranged at a certain distance from the boiler (14) and / or is thermally insulated from the boiler (14) and / or b) the cleaning device (10) is made in the form of a steam cleaning device (12).

27. ​​A 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 in that, with the present method, the flow rate, in particular a quantity of distribution of liquid and / or vapor medium (18, 20), can be controlled and / or regulated by means of at least one first valve (60, 62) by pulse duration modulation.

28. A method according to point 27, characterized in that, according to the present method, a pulse duration modulation frequency is predefined for the valve (60, 62). in which, according to the present method, the pulse duration modulation frequency is in particular predefined in a range between about 5 Hz and about 100 Hz, in particular in a range between about 10 Hz and about 30 Hz.

29. A method according to any one of claims 27 to 28, characterized in that, according to the present method, the duty cycle of the pulse duration modulation for at least one valve (60, 62) is predefined to control a quantity of liquid and / or vapor medium (18, 20) dispensed. in which, according to the present method, the duty cycle is in particular defined in a range between approximately 5% and approximately 100%.

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