WO2009124972A1 - Steam ironing device comprising fake steam outlets - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed is a steam ironing device, in particular a steam iron or a steam ironing station, comprising: an ironing sole (4) that has a sole plate (2) which is interspersed with steam outlets (6); and a steam generation system that has an evaporation chamber (10) which is connected to the steam outlets (6) and is formed on the top side (2a) of the sole plate (2) and into which evaporation liquid (W) can be optionally introduced via an inlet (14). The sole plate (2) has at least one fake steam outlet (20). The disclosed steam ironing device is characterized in that the at least one fake steam outlet (20) extends through the sole plate (2) at least to the top side (2a) thereof in the form of a through-hole and is sealed (22; 24) on the top side (2a) in a liquid-tight and steam-tight manner.

Description

 - -

Steam ironing device with steam outlet dummies

TECHNICAL AREA

The present invention relates to a steam ironing device according to the preamble of patent claim 1.

STATE OF THE ART

Steam ironing devices, in particular steam irons or steam ironing stations, are known, comprising: a soleplate which is one of

Steam outlet openings penetrated sole plate has; and a

Steam generating system, with an associated with the steam outlet openings evaporation chamber, which is formed at the top of the sole plate and in which evaporation liquid via an inlet opening is selectively introduced.

To simplify the construction and reduce the manufacturing cost, the sole plate is usually designed as a one-piece aluminum injection-molded construction. In the manufacture of the sole plate, a heating device for heating the soleplate and / or the evaporation chamber is readily poured into the sole plate. In cheaper Dampfbügelvorrichtungen the bottom of such a sole plate acts directly as a contact surface for the ironing. Although the underside of the soleplate can also be coated or additionally provided with a thin metal plate, in particular to improve its sliding properties and the visual appearance, this increases the manufacturing outlay and the

Production costs. The soleplate has in plan generally approximately the shape of an isosceles triangle. And the introduction opening for the evaporation liquid into the evaporation chamber is mostly located in a front, i. to the apex facing area of the sole plate, usually in the front third of the sole plate.

The steam outlets are formed in these simpler steam ironing apparatuses mainly in an array of one or more arcuate or horseshoe-shaped rows on the side portions of the soleplate. In a middle area - -

the sole plate, however, in particular in a middle and front area or within the enclosed by the horseshoe-shaped row front area, steam outlet openings in these simple constructions are usually not or only with great design effort feasible. This is due to the fact that the steam outlet openings in this area would then inevitably lead into the evaporation chamber or a region of the evaporation chamber in which the introduction opening is located, through which the evaporation liquid passes into the evaporation chamber. Accordingly, there would be a risk that liquid not yet evaporated would escape from the steam outlet openings located in this area and reach the ironed article. This is undesirable. Although there are constructive measures to reduce or prevent the unwanted escape of non-vaporized liquid through steam outlet openings which are located in the vicinity of the inlet opening, but the solutions are quite complex and expensive. Therefore, in simpler steam ironing constructions, one dispenses either entirely with steam outlet openings in a middle and front area of the sole plate and in the vicinity of the inlet openings, or steam outlet dummies are provided in these (and possibly also other) areas of the sole plate.

In known steam ironing devices of the type described above, as illustrated by way of example in FIG. 12, which shows a cross-sectional view through a portion of a sole plate 2, the steam outlet dummies 200 are small indentations formed on the underside 2b of the sole plate 2 are provided. The shape and size of these dummies 200 are modeled on "real" steam outlet openings 6. Such dummies 200 are evidently recognizable as such and have no further function.

DE 35 45 753 A1 discloses a steam ironing device in which "real" steam outlet openings are also provided in a front and / or middle region of the soleplate and in the immediate vicinity of the inlet opening In this area, arranged steam outlet openings emerge, the steam outlet openings on the top (inside) of the soleplate are surrounded by rib-like walls that form a liquid barrier and lime barrier (so are almost "liquid-tight"), but leave a passage open for steam (ie "open to the vapor" This will be - -

achieved in that these walls rise from the top of the sole plate almost to the underside of a lid which closes the soleplate at the top. Between the top of a respective wall and the underside of the lid thus remains a small gap, which serves as a vapor passage opening. In particular, if many steam outlet openings are provided in a front and middle region of the soleplate, therefore, a plurality of such walls is required. However, this leads to a structurally quite expensive and expensive construction.

PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

The invention is based on the object or the technical problem of providing a steam ironing device with a simple soleplate which, in addition to real steam outlet openings, also has steam outlet dummies which, however, are not obviously recognizable as such and which can preferably and optionally be converted into actual steam outlet openings, in particular to those steam outlet openings which are located in a front and / or middle region of the soleplate and in the immediate vicinity of the inlet opening or within a region of the soleplate enclosed by a curved or horseshoe-shaped row of steam outlet openings.

This object is achieved by a steam ironing device according to the invention with the features of claim 1.

This steam ironing apparatus, in particular a steam iron or a steam ironing station, comprises: a soleplate, which has a sole plate (or a corresponding main body) penetrated by steam outlet openings; a steam generating system having an evaporation chamber communicating with the steam outlets and formed at the top of the sole plate and into which evaporation liquid is selectively introduced via one or at least one introduction port; wherein the soleplate has at least one dummy steam outlet dummy, but preferably a plurality of steam outlet dummies. The steam ironing device is characterized in that the at least one steam outlet opening dummy (starting from the underside of the soleplate, which acts as an ironing surface) takes the form of - -

a passage opening extends through the sole plate away at least up to the top and is sealed there liquid-tight and vapor-tight.

The steam ironing device according to the invention is equipped in a previously known manner with a container for evaporation liquid, in particular water, or with such a connectable. It also has: a preferably electric heating device for heating the soleplate and / or the evaporation chamber and / or a steam distribution system; an ironing temperature setting element (optional); and an operating element for selectively activating and deactivating the steam generating system, e.g. in the form of a so-called steam switch.

The sole plate itself can basically be one or more parts. Preferably, it is configured in one piece, e.g. as a one-piece aluminum injection molding construction. The underside of the sole plate can also be coated or provided with an additional thin metal plate. Since the thickness or plate thickness of the soleplate may vary locally depending on the constructive embodiment, "upper side" of the soleplate shall be understood as the upper surface or soleplate level at which the upper outlet of a respective steam outlet opening is located. At the earliest there, the steam outlet mock-up dummy is then sealed liquid-tight and vapor-tight at its upper part, so that the steam outlet mock-up dummy has a minimum depth corresponding to the local thickness (measured without any additional elements such as ribs on top, etc However, the depth may also be significantly greater when needed, as will be explained below.

The liquid and vapor-tight seal or a corresponding closure may be an integral part of the sole plate. However, there are also separate or additional sealing elements possible, which are directly or indirectly (eg via an intermediate element) connected to the sole plate. The seal or the sealing element must be ironing temperature resistant. This means that these elements are designed to be so temperature-resistant that at the temperatures occurring during ironing or steam ironing (usually about 70 ° C - 190 ° C, but possibly also up to about 260 ° C), the liquid and vapor-tightness the dummy remains safely maintained. - -

As a separate or additional sealing element, e.g. also in combination with other mechanical components, in particular a castable, curable sealant, e.g. a silicone compound, to be used. However, the invention is not limited to such a separate sealing element.

Due to the construction according to the invention, the steam outlet opening dummy with respect to the evaporation chamber and / or an optionally provided steam distribution chamber (or a steam distribution channel) is sealed liquid and vapor-tight. The seal preferably adjoins directly to the evaporation chamber and / or the steam distribution chamber.

The solution according to the invention makes it possible to achieve an external appearance of the steam outlet dummy, which hardly or is not distinguishable from a "real" steam outlet when viewed from the underside of the soleplate ago.

Since the liquid and vapor-tight seal of the steam outlet dummy is located on the (free) top of the sole plate, the shape, size and function of the seal can be independent or largely independent of the size and arrangement of the dummy free. Thus, the seal can be formed, for example, as a arranged at the top of the sole plate housing into which the upper outlet of the dummy opens and which encloses a cavity which is larger and possibly deeper than the cavity of the steam outlet dummy itself. Such a sealing housing or cavity can be used for a single or a plurality of dummies according to the invention, which simplifies the overall construction of the soleplate. This construction not only increases the depth of the steam outlet dummy as such, but when viewed from the underside of the soleplate, the impression of a steam outlet opening creates the impression of a deep opening opening into a cavity, similar to the exterior appearance of a normal steam outlet. which flows into an interior of the soleplate or in a steam distribution chamber or the like, (completely) is equal.

In the solution according to the invention, the at least one steam outlet dummy can also with little effort to a "real" - -

Convert steam outlet. For this purpose, the liquid-tight and vapor-tight seal used for the steam outlet dummy must be made "vapor permeable." This can be done, for example, by mechanically opening, eg, drilling or, in a finished soleplate, the seal in a region remote from the top of the soleplate Or, in an injection mold of the soleplate, a member may be inserted at a mold portion forming said upper portion of the seal, which forms a passage at said finished soleplate at said portion of the seal is then vapor permeable, while the lower portion functions as a fluid barrier and / or limescale barrier Thus, a single soleplate type can be used for both simple soleplate designs where the soleplate has fume outlet dummies and more elaborate soleplate cons tions where e.g. a larger number of steam outlet openings may be used in a middle and front region of the sole plate or within a front region of the sole plate surrounded by a horseshoe-shaped row of steam outlet openings, and / or in the vicinity of the introduction opening. Furthermore, mixed forms of said soleplate constructions can be realized in this way. This reduces the variety of types of required soleplates and the complexity of the tools and molds required for their

Manufacture are required, and thus streamlines and simplifies the production.

Further preferred and advantageous design features of the steam ironing device according to the invention are the subject of the dependent claims, which find their support in the following description and the drawings.

Preferred embodiments of the invention with additional design details and other advantages are described and explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. - -

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

It shows:

Figure 1 is a schematic plan view of a substantial portion of an upper surface of a sole plate of a steam iron according to the invention according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a schematic sectional view through the soleplate of FIG. 1 along the lines N-II in FIG. 1; FIG.

Fig. 3 is a schematic sectional view through an inventive

Steam iron according to a second embodiment;

4 shows a schematic sectional view through a steam iron according to the invention according to a third embodiment;

Fig. 5 is a schematic sectional view through an inventive

Steam iron according to a fourth embodiment;

Fig. 6 is a schematic sectional view through an inventive

Steam iron according to a fifth embodiment;

7 shows a schematic sectional view through a steam iron according to the invention according to a sixth embodiment;

Fig. 8 is a schematic sectional view through an inventive

Steam iron according to a seventh embodiment;

9 is a schematic sectional view through an inventive

Steam iron according to an eighth embodiment;

10 is a schematic sectional view through an inventive

Steam iron according to a ninth embodiment; - -

11 is a schematic sectional view through an inventive

Steam iron according to a tenth embodiment; and

Fig. 12 is a schematic sectional view through a substantial portion of a soleplate of a steam iron according to the prior art.

PRESENTATION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the following description and in the figures, the same components and components are also identified by the same reference numerals to avoid repetition, unless further differentiation is necessary or useful.

1 is a schematic plan view of a substantial, front to middle portion of an upper side of a sole plate 2 of a steam iron according to the invention according to a first embodiment. Fig. 2 shows a schematic sectional view through the sole plate 2 along the lines N-II in Fig. 1. The sole plate 2, which forms part of a soleplate 4, is designed in this example as a one-piece aluminum injection molding construction and penetrated by steam outlet openings 6. The steam iron itself has a steam generating system, with one with the steam outlet openings 6 via a steam distribution system, which

Steam distribution channels 8 has, in communication evaporation chamber 10, which is formed on the upper side 2 a of the sole plate 2. More specifically, in this embodiment, a lower part of the evaporation chamber 10 and a lower part of the steam distribution channels 8 are formed by upper concave portions of the sole plate 2. These concave areas are essentially formed by walls 11 and partitions, respectively, which are formed on the upper side 2 a of the sole plate 2. The evaporation chamber 8 and the steam distribution channels 8 are on the upper side by a cover 12 (see FIG. 2) waterproof and vapor-tight. Sole plate 2 and cover 12 form the main components of the soleplate. 4

The steam iron is further equipped with a container for evaporation liquid (here: water W). The water W is selectively introduced into the evaporation chamber 10 via an inlet opening 14. The introduction opening 14 is in this example an outlet opening of a metering valve 16, which on the lid 12th - -

is arranged. The water W is dripped (e.g., by gravity) or injected (e.g., by means of a micropump) through this overhead introduction port 14 into the vaporization chamber 10. In Figs. 1 and 2, the point at which the introduction port 14 is located above that portion of the sole plate 2 which forms part of the vaporization chamber is indicated by the reference E.

The steam iron is further provided with an electric heater 18 for heating the soleplate 4, i. here in particular the sole plate 2 and the evaporation chamber 10, provided. The electric heating device 18 is integrated in the sole plate 2. Moreover, the iron has an ironing temperature setting element (optional) and a control element for selectively activating and deactivating the steam generating system, e.g. a so-called steam switch. In the configuration shown in Figs. 1 and 2, it flows in the vaporization chamber

10 generated water vapor to a subsequent to the evaporation chamber 10 cavity, which is located in a rear portion of the sole plate 2 and the

Soleplate 4 is (not shown in FIG. 1) and from there into the steam distribution channels 8. In addition, however, if necessary, further vapor outlets may be provided to the channels 8, for example in the walls

11 are attached.

The sole plate 2 has at least one, in the present case, however, a plurality of steam outlet dummies 20, which extend starting from the acting as ironing surface bottom 2b of the sole plate 2 each in the form of a through hole through the sole plate 2 away at least up to the top 2a and there are sealed liquid-tight and vapor-tight. The steam outlet dummies

20 are arranged in the present embodiment at a central and front portion of the sole plate 2, which is surrounded by the arcuate series of steam outlet openings 6. This area of the sole plate 2 is also located in the immediate vicinity of the inlet opening 14 and thus in the vicinity of the point E, in the steam ironing operation, the introduced into the evaporation chamber 10 water W strikes the surface of the hot sole plate 2 and evaporates. Since this aggregate state change of the water W does not take place abruptly, but requires a certain amount of time (Leidenfrost effect), the introduced water W is present in this area in both a liquid and gaseous state. As a result of the above - -

said sealing the steam outlet dummies 20, these are also sealed relative to the evaporation chamber 10 and the steam distribution channels 8, so that through the steam outlet dummies 20 neither water nor steam can reach the outside of the sole plate 2.

The liquid and vapor-tight sealing of the steam outlet dummies in the present example is an integral part of the sole plate 2 and its cover 12. For this purpose, a kind of housing 22 or housing base body is formed on the upper side 2a of the sole plate, which / a cavity H encloses, in which the respective, passing through the actual sole plate 2 passing through steam outlet dummy 20 at the top 2a of the sole plate 2 opens liquid-tight and vapor-tight. The cavity H thus adjoins the mouth or the upper outlet 20a of the steam outlet opening dummy 20 directly or completely. And the cavity H itself (except for the mouth 20a) to the sole plate 2 and the top 2a through the housing 22 and the housing walls 22a, 22b, 22c liquid-tight and vapor-tight, in particular with respect to the steam chamber 10 and / or Steam distribution channels 8.

As can be seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, in this example portions of the walls 11 and the lid 12 simultaneously form portions of the housing 22 and portions of its housing walls 22a, 22b and 22c. The width B (and preferably also the

Length or, in the case of symmetrical, round casings, the diameter) of the liquid-tight and vapor-tight cavity H is greater than the diameter D of a respective steam outlet opening dummy. And also the volume of the cavity H is greater than that in the passage area of the sole plate 2 located volume of a respective steam outlet dummy 20 so a single housing cavity H not only multiple steam outlet dummies 20 are assigned, but it arises when looking at the dummy 20 of the bottom 2b of the sole plate 2 also gives the impression of a dark and deep opening, which is hardly or not distinguishable from a "real" steam outlet opening 6.

It can also be seen in FIG. 2 that some wall regions of the housing walls, ie in this case their side walls 22a, 22b, are formed completely integrally with the sole plate 2. These side walls 22a, 22b extend from an upper soleplate area, which is adjacent to the upper exit 20a of the steam outlet opening. - -

Dummy 20 is adjacent to the lid 12. There, the upper edges of the side walls 22a, 22b are liquid-tight and vapor-tight manner with the lid 12 connected. In the present variant, this is done by pressing the lid 12 with the upper edges of the side walls 22a, 22b. Both the lid 12 and the side walls 22a, 22b can be plastically deformed. Also cover 12 and side walls 22a, 22b may have areas which ensure a positive engagement between these elements. The lid 12 is also connected in a water-tight and liquid-tight manner with its edge 12a to a circumferential outer wall 13 of the sole plate 2 or of its steam-carrying regions; In addition, a water and liquid tight seal 24, e.g. a ironing temperature resistant, hardenable silicone compound, applied to the connection area. Any breakthroughs in the lid 12, which open into water and / or steam-carrying inner regions of the soleplate 4, are preferably also sealed accordingly. In the iron according to the invention, the cover 12 thus not only closes the sole plate

2 as such, but also acts as a liquid-tight and vapor-tight closure for the cavity H, which is associated with the steam outlet dummies 20.

The side walls 20b of the housing walls pointing in FIG. 1 to the longitudinal and central axis A of the sole plate 2 simultaneously form side walls of the evaporation chamber 10 in this area. Depending on the embodiment, the sole plate 2 can

Subareas of the housing walls also form portions of walls of the steam distribution system or other portions of the sole plate 2. The cavity H can also be divided by dividing elements, ribs, walls, or the like.

In the second embodiment of the steam iron according to the invention shown in FIG.

3 penetrates an upper portion 26 of the side walls 22a, 22b of the housing walls the lid 12, but does not protrude at its upper side 12b or only slightly out of this. On the connection region between the edge 12a of the lid 12 and the peripheral outer wall 13 and on the cover

Penetration region of the upper portion 26 is a ironing temperature resistant, liquid-tight and vapor-tight sealant 24 applied. As a result, the lid 12 is liquid-tight and vapor-tight with respect to the sole plate 2 and the cavity H closed. Section 26 can also be used as an assembly or centering aid - -

be used to position the cover 12 in a simple manner accurately on the sole plate 2.

In the third embodiment of the steam iron according to the invention according to Fig. 4, one e.g. tongue-like shaped upper portion 28 (hereinafter referred to as tongue 28) of the side walls 22a, 22b, the lid 12 and is positively deformed against the top 12a of the lid 12, i. angled here. As a result, the lid 12 is liquid-tight and vapor-tight pressed against said wall portions. The respective tongue 28 can also be used as an assembly or centering to position the cover 12 in a simple manner accurately on the sole plate 2.

The fourth embodiment of the steam iron according to the invention according to FIG. 5 corresponds largely to the variant according to FIG. 4, but the liquid-tight and vapor-tight sealing compound is in each case between the cover 12 and the upper edges of the side walls 22a, 22b and the other sole plate associated with the cover 12. Walls 1 1, 13 are provided. Furthermore, a separate cavity H in the form of a substantially cylindrical hole is provided for each individual steam outlet dummy dummy 20. This cavity H is enclosed by a pipe section 30 integrally formed with the sole plate 2, which extends from the upper side 2a of the sole plate 2 to the lower side 12c of the cover 12 and is closed at its upper side by the cover 12. The hole or the cavity H can also be conical, which allows for easier molding of the sole plate 2 from an injection mold during injection molding of the sole plate 2. The cavity can also be made by machining, but this is more expensive. The pipe section 30 could in principle also be designed as a separate component.

In the fifth embodiment of the steam iron according to the invention shown in FIG. 6, the cavity H does not extend to the bottom 12 c of the lid 12, but is made lower. The liquid and vapor-tight housing 22 is designed as an integral bulge provided on the upper side 2 a of the sole plate 2. The steam outlet opening dummy 20 and the cavity H are configured as a conical hole, which tapers towards the top of the housing 22, which in turn enables the soleplate 2 to be more easily ejected from an injection mold during injection molding of the soleplate. The basic shape of the housing 22 may, for example, frustoconical - -

or be cylindrical. Likewise, however, the housing 22 may be configured as a kind of rib. This rib can then serve as a housing for one or more steam outlet dummies 20. In this case, the gap S between the top of the housing 22 and the bottom 12c of the lid 12 can then be used as a vapor passage opening to direct steam from the vaporization chamber 10 to one or more vapor distribution channels 8. This is indicated in Fig. 6 by an arrow. The lower part of the web-like or rib-like housing 22, however, can act as a liquid and / or lime barrier. Such a housing therefore has an advantageous multiple function.

In the sixth embodiment of the steam iron according to the invention shown in Figure 7, the width of the cavity H is in turn greater than the diameter of the relevant steam outlet dummy 20; and the housing 22 and its cavity H do not extend to the bottom 12 c of the lid 12, but are made lower as in the variant of FIG. 6. In order to enable a simple production of the sole plate 2, in particular in an injection molding process, which is

Basic construction of the housing 22 configured open at the top. The side wall portions 22a, 22b of the housing 22 thus define on its upper side a cavity opening. And it is a separate housing cover 32 is provided, with which the cavity opening is liquid-tight and vapor-tight closed.

The seventh embodiment of the steam iron according to the invention as shown in FIG. 8 corresponds largely to the variant of FIG. 7, but the upper cavity opening is not liquid-tight and vapor-tight closed by a separate cavity cover, but by a deformed to the top 2a of the sole plate 2 portion 12 d of the lid 12 , The lid 12 accordingly has an advantageous multiple

Function. This construction reduces the number of components, simplifies assembly and is particularly suitable for sole plates, in which the side walls 22a, 22b and adjacent walls 1 1, 13 of the sole plate 2, with which the cover 12 is to be connected, have different heights.

In the eighth embodiment of the steam iron according to the invention shown in FIG. 9, the steam outlet opening dummy 20 extends in the form of a through hole through the sole plate 2 away right up to the top 2a and is there by means of a arranged on the top 2a shutter 34 liquid-tight and - -

sealed vapor-tight. The depth t of the steam outlet opening dummy 20 corresponds here so at least the local plate thickness of the sole plate. The shutter 34 is a separate component fixed to the upper surface 2a. However, such a closure 34 can in principle also be formed integrally with the sole plate 2.

In the ninth embodiment of the steam iron according to the invention according to FIG. 10, the steam outlet dummy 20 extends through the entire soleplate 4 including its soleplate 2 and cover 12 and towards the interior of the soleplate 4, in particular to its evaporation chamber 10 and / or the steam distribution channels 8 sealed liquid-tight and vapor-tight.

The tenth embodiment of the steam iron according to the invention according to FIG. 11 largely corresponds to the variant according to FIG. 2. However, the sole plate 2 is additionally provided on its underside 2b with a stainless steel sheet 36. The steam outlet dummies 20 also pass through the stainless steel sheet 36 at their lower end. 11 further illustrates how, in accordance with the invention, a steam outlet opening dummy 20 can be converted into a "genuine" steam outlet opening 6 with little effort, for which purpose the originally liquid and vapor-tight seal of the steam outlet opening dummy 20 is rendered vapor-permeable takes place in this example in that from an upper portion of a side wall 22b of the cavity H enclosing

Housing 22 a portion 22 b1 is removed, as indicated in the figure by an arrow with a dashed line. This can e.g. by drilling, milling, melting, etc. or by simply breaking out of the portion 22b1 happen. For the latter case, a predetermined breaking point or the like may be provided on the corresponding wall for this purpose.

Thus, there arises a passage or gap S, through which steam can pass from the vaporization chamber 10 or from a vapor distribution channel 8 and through which the former 20 serving as dummy dummy can flow out of the soleplate 2 or the soleplate 4. The original dummy 20 is thus a "real" steam outlet opening (indicated in the drawing in parentheses by the reference numeral 6), and the originally waterproof and vapor-tight sealed cavity H is to a steam distribution channel (in the drawing in parentheses with the reference numeral 8 indicated) The lower portion of the wall 22b, on the other hand, functions - -

as a liquid barrier and lime barrier and prevents unevaporated water from unintentionally leaking from this steam outlet opening 6 (formerly 20). Thus, e.g. a single soleplate type for both simple soleplate constructions in which the soleplate has steam outlet dummies 20 and more elaborate ones incorporating e.g. a larger number of steam outlet openings 6 are provided in a central and / or front region of the sole plate 2 or within the front region enclosed by the horseshoe-shaped series of steam outlet openings 6 (see FIG. 1) and / or in the vicinity of the inlet opening 14 become. Furthermore, mixed forms of said soleplate constructions can be realized in this way.

If the original dummy steam outlet dummy 20 with its housing 22 is in the immediate vicinity of the inlet opening 14 or the point E (see FIGS. 1 and 2), then it is particularly preferred that the passage or gap S produced is at one of the Inlet opening 14 and the point E remote and / or remote location of the housing 22 is located. In this way, the entry of unvaporized water in the cavity H is further complicated.

The invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Within the scope of protection, the steam ironing device according to the invention may also assume other than the concretely described embodiments.

In particular, features of the individual embodiments can also be combined with each other. Furthermore, variants that have been explained only in connection with a single dummy can also be applied to a variety of dummies. Although in the above examples, the at least one steam outlet opening dummy 20 has always been provided in the vicinity or even within the evaporation chamber and / or in the vicinity of the introduction opening 14, the invention is not limited to such embodiments. Rather, the dummy 20 may be provided on other portions of the sole plate, e.g. also within the steam distribution channels or in a rear area of the soleplate.

Reference signs in the claims, the description and the drawings are only for the better understanding of the invention and are not intended to limit the scope. - -

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

2 sole plate

2a top of 2

2b bottom of 2

4 soleplate

6 steam outlet (s)

8 steam distribution channels

10 evaporation chamber

11 wall / partition wall

12 lids

12a edge of 12

12b top of 12

12c bottom of 12

12d Deformed lid area

13 outer wall

14 opening

16 metering valve

18 Electric heating device

20 steam outlet dummy (s)

20a Upper exit or mouth of 20

22 housing

22a side wall

22b sidewall

22b1 section of 22b

22c wall

24 seal / silicone compound

26 Upper sections of 22a, 22b

28 tongue

30 pipe section

32 housing cover

34 closure

36 stainless steel sheet - -

A longitudinal and middle axis of 2

B width

D diameter

E position above which is 14

H cavity S gap for steam penetration t depth of 20

W water

Claims

- Patent claims A steam ironing apparatus, in particular a steam iron or a steam ironing station, comprising: a soleplate (4) having a sole plate (2) penetrated by steam outlet openings (6); a steam generating system having an evaporation chamber (10) communicating with the steam outlets (6) formed on the upper surface (2a) of the sole plate (2) and into which evaporative liquid (W) is selectively introduced via an introduction port (14); the soleplate (2) having at least one dummy steam outlet dummy (20); characterized in that the at least one steam outlet opening dummy (20) in the form of a passage opening through the sole plate (2) away at least up to their Extends upper side (2a) and there is liquid-tight and vapor-tight sealed (22; 24; 30; 32; 34). 2. steam ironing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one steam outlet opening dummy (20) at a central region, in particular at a middle and front portion of the sole plate (2) is arranged. 3. steam ironing device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one Steam outlet opening dummy (20) in a region of the sole plate (2) is located in the immediate vicinity of the introduction opening (14). 4. steam ironing device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the continuous Steam outlet opening dummy (20) at the top (2a) of the sole plate (2) liquid-tight and vapor-tight in a cavity (H) opens (20a) by walls (12; 12d; 22; 22a, 22b, 22c; 34) of a housing (22) is liquid-tight and vapor-tight. - - 5. steam ironing device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the width (B) of the liquid and vapor-tight cavity (H) at least in the region of the mouth (20a) of the steam outlet dummy (20) equal to or greater than the diameter ( D) is the steam outlet dummy (20). 6. steam ironing device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the volume of the liquid and vapor-tight cavity (H) is greater than that in the passage area of the sole plate (2) located volume of the steam outlet opening dummy (20). 7. steam ironing device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing walls (22a, 22b: 30) at least partially, in particular completely (22), integrally formed with the sole plate (2). 8. steam ironing device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sole plate (2) is associated with a cover (12) with which the sole plate (2) is closable at its top, and a portion (12c, 12d) the lid (12) a portion of the housing (22) forms. 9. steam ironing device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one upper part (28) of the wall portions (22a, 22b) of the housing walls penetrates the lid (12) and positively against the cover (12) is deformed and pressing it against said wall portions (22a, 22b), in particular pressing the lid (12) in a liquid-tight and vapor-tight manner against said wall portions (22a, 22b). - - 10. steam ironing device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing (22) wall portions (22 a, 22 b) which define at its upper side a cavity opening; and a separate cavity cover (32; 12d) is provided, with which the cavity opening is liquid-tight and vapor-tight sealable. 11. Steam ironing device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the steam outlet dummy (20) extends through the entire soleplate (4) including the sole plate (2) and cover (12) and to the interior of the soleplate (4 ) is sealed off liquid-tight and vapor-tight.