(19)
(11) EP 3 192 921 B1

(12) EUROPEAN PATENT SPECIFICATION

(45) Mention of the grant of the patent:
11.03.2020 Bulletin 2020/11

(21) Application number: 17151281.7

(22) Date of filing: 12.01.2017
(51) International Patent Classification (IPC): 
D06F 87/00(2006.01)

(54)

GARMENT STEAMER

DÄMPFER FÜR KLEIDUNGSSTÜCKE

APPAREIL À VAPEUR POUR VÊTEMENTS


(84) Designated Contracting States:
AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

(30) Priority: 13.01.2016 CN 201620030426 U

(43) Date of publication of application:
19.07.2017 Bulletin 2017/29

(73) Proprietor: BSH Hausgeräte GmbH
81739 München (DE)

(72) Inventor:
  • Schröder, Bernd
    83278 Traunstein (DE)


(56) References cited: : 
EP-A1- 1 897 986
US-A1- 2004 050 118
JP-A- 2005 224 757
   
       
    Note: Within nine months from the publication of the mention of the grant of the European patent, any person may give notice to the European Patent Office of opposition to the European patent granted. Notice of opposition shall be filed in a written reasoned statement. It shall not be deemed to have been filed until the opposition fee has been paid. (Art. 99(1) European Patent Convention).


    Description

    Technical Field



    [0001] The present invention relates to the field of household appliances, and specifically, to a garment steamer.

    Related Art



    [0002] A garment steamer has been a household appliance commonly used by people. The working principle of the garment steamer is mainly generating steam in a host and discharging the steam from a nozzle through a gas pipeline, to iron clothes by using the steam.

    [0003] Some clothes inevitably have bacteria as long exposed in external environments. Users generally conduct disinfection by using a disinfectant fluid. However, the disinfectant fluid has an odor and damages clothes to some extent. In the prior art, a garment steamer involved with a negative ion technology has been provided, and the garment steamer disinfects clothes by using a negative ion generator. However, negative ions achieve good effects in aspects such as odor cleaning and dust removal, but do not have an obvious sterilization effect.

    [0004] Document JP 2005 22 47 57 A discloses a plasma cleaning apparatus mounted on the iron body, using chemicals and detergents. A plasma cleaning apparatus for decomposing and removing odor and dirt adhered to clothes or the like. The ironing type cleaning apparatus is provided with a base and an introduction port for introducing steam blowned out from the bottom surface of the base, a pair of metal electrodes for generating plasma and discharge port for discharging generated radical and the like exposed to the plasma. The steam taken in through the introduction port is guided between a pair of parallel plate type metal electrodes. A pair of metal electrodes are connected to a plasma generating power source, and a predetermined electric field is applied to generate a plasma discharge between the pair of metal electrodes. Water vapor taken from the introduction port is exposed to plasma and hydroxyl radicals are discharged toward the object to be cleaned from the discharge port.

    [0005] Document EP 1 897 986 A1 discloses a fabric cleaning apparatus and US 2004 050 118 A1 discloses a garment steamer for domestic use.Currently, for the problem that the garment steamer in the prior art cannot implement both odor removal and sterilization, an effective solution has not yet been provided.

    SUMMARY



    [0006] The present invention provides a garment steamer, to resolve at least a problem that a garment steamer in the prior art cannot implement both odor removal and sterilization.

    [0007] To resolve the problem, one aspect of the present invention provides a garment steamer, having a host and a nozzle connected with the host by using a gas pipeline, where the garment steamer is provided thereon with a plasma generator, where plasmas generated by the plasma generator are released through a plasma outlet disposed on the nozzle wherein the plasma generator is disposed in a part where the nozzle is bonded to the gas pipeline. Such disposition can avoid loss of plasmas during conveying, and improve utilization of the plasmas. The plasma generator mainly includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a housing, and the electrode includes such a structure as a metal wire shape, a zigzag shape, or a sharp needle shape. When ionizing air, the plasma generator generates lots of positive ions and negative ions, the negative ions are more than the positive ions, and a certain amount of ozone is also generated. The negative ions can achieve effects of dust removal and odor removal and promote human health. The generated ozone can kill bacteria quickly.
    The plasma generator is disposed in the nozzle, and the nozzle is internally provided with a conveying device that sends the plasmas generated by the plasma generator to the plasma outlet. The plasma generator is a separate device, may be controlled separately, and can still be used when a steaming function of the garment steamer is not used, so that a function of disinfection and sterilization at a low temperature is achieved for some clothes that cannot be ironed at a high temperature.
    The conveying device includes a channel and a fan, where one end of the channel is aligned with the plasma outlet. The separate conveying device, such as the fan and the channel, is disposed to send the plasmas out of the plasma outlet.

    [0008] Preferably, the nozzle is provided thereon with a steam outlet, where the steam outlet and the plasma outlet are the same structure. A separate plasma outlet may be disposed, or the steam outlet and the plasma outlet may be disposed as the same structure, so that the structure is simpler.

    [0009] In an embodiment which is not part of the invention, the plasma generator is disposed on the host, where the plasmas generated by the plasma generator are sent onto the nozzle through the gas pipeline. The plasma generator may be disposed in a steam generator or an atomization device in the host, and the generated plasmas are conveyed into the nozzle through the gas pipeline.

    [0010] Preferably, the garment steamer is provided thereon with a control device that controls the plasma generator to work.

    [0011] Preferably, the control device is provided with a plasma generator switch and a steam switch. The plasma generator may be used together with the steaming function of the garment steamer, or may be used separately.

    [0012] Preferably, the control device is disposed on the nozzle, where the control device is connected with the host by using an electric wire disposed on the gas pipeline. The control device is disposed on the nozzle, and connected with the host by using an electric wire, which facilitates an instant operation of a user.

    [0013] Preferably, the plasma generator switch and the steam switch are disposed on a gripping portion of the nozzle. Switch buttons are disposed on the gripping portion of the nozzle, which is more humanized and facilitates a user operation.

    [0014] By means of the present invention, a problem that a garment steamer in the prior art cannot implement both odor removal and sterilization is resolved, the garment steamer has functions of sterilization and odor removal, and the functions can be used separately from a steaming function of the garment steamer.

    BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS



    [0015] The accompanying drawings described herein are intended to provide further understanding of the present invention and are composition part of this application. The exemplary embodiments of the present invention and descriptions thereof are intended to explain the present invention, and not to constitute an improper limitation to the present invention. In the accompanying drawings:

    FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a garment steamer in a first embodiment which is not part of the invention;

    FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram (1) of a nozzle in the first embodiment which is not part of the invention;

    FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram (2) of the nozzle in the first embodiment which is not part of the invention;

    FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a nozzle in a second embodiment; and

    FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a control device in a second embodiment.


    DETAILED DESCRIPTION



    [0016] The following describes in detail the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings by using embodiments.

    [0017] In a first embodiment, a garment steamer is provided. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the garment steamer in the first embodiment which is not part of the invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a nozzle in the first embodiment.

    [0018] As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2: The garment steamer 1 has a host 2 and a nozzle 4 connected with the host 2 by using a gas pipeline 3, where the garment steamer 1 is provided thereon with a plasma generator 5. When ionizing air, the plasma generator 5 generates lots of positive ions and negative ions, the negative ions are more than the positive ions, and a certain amount of ozone is also generated. The negative ions can achieve effects of dust removal and odor removal and promote human health. The generated ozone can kill bacteria quickly.

    [0019] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, said embodiment not being part of the invention, the plasma generator 5 is disposed on the host 2, where plasmas generated by the plasma generator 5 are sent onto the nozzle 4 through the gas pipeline 3. The plasma generator 5 may be disposed in a steam generator or an atomization device on the host 2, and the generated plasmas are conveyed into the gas pipeline 3 and released through a plasma outlet 41 disposed on the nozzle 4, where a steam outlet 42 and the plasma outlet 41 are disposed separately, to work separately.

    [0020] Preferably, FIG. 2 and 3 are a schematic diagram of the nozzle in the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the nozzle 4 is provided thereon with a steam outlet 42, where the steam outlet 42 and the plasma outlet 41 are the same structure, so that the structure is simpler and more convenient.

    [0021] In a second embodiment, a garment steamer 1 is provided, having a host 2 and a nozzle 4 connected with the host 2 by using a gas pipeline 3 (referring to FIG. 1).
    FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the nozzle in the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, a plasma generator 5 is disposed in the nozzle 4 of the garment steamer 1, and the nozzle 4 is internally provided with a conveying device 7 that sends plasmas generated by the plasma generator 5 to a plasma outlet 41. The plasma generator 5 is a separate device, may be controlled separately, and can still be used when a steaming function of the garment steamer is not used, so that a function of disinfection and sterilization at a low temperature is achieved for some clothes that cannot be ironed.
    Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the plasma generator 5 is disposed in a part 6 where the nozzle 4 is bonded to the gas pipeline 3. Such disposition in the part can avoid loss of plasmas during conveying, and improve efficiency.
    Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the conveying device 7 includes a channel 8 and a fan 9, where one end 8a of the channel 8 is aligned with the plasma outlet 41. The separate conveying device 7, such as the fan 9 and the channel 8, is disposed to send the plasmas out of the plasma outlet 41.
    Preferably, in the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the garment steamer 1 is provided thereon with a control device 10 that controls the plasma generator 5 to work, where the control device 10 is provided with a plasma generator switch 11 and a steam switch 12. By means of such disposition, the plasma generator may be used together with the steaming function of the garment steamer, or may be used separately.
    FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of the control device in the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, the control device 10 is disposed on the nozzle 4, where the control device 10 is connected with the host 2 by using an electric wire (not shown in the figure) disposed on the gas pipeline 3, and the plasma generator switch 11 and the steam switch 12 are disposed on a gripping portion 43 of the nozzle 4, which is more humanized and facilitates a user operation.

    [0022] By means of the present invention, a problem that a garment steamer in the prior art cannot implement both odor removal and sterilization is resolved, the garment steamer has functions of sterilization and odor removal, and the function can be operated separately from a steaming function of the garment steamer.

    [0023] Various specific embodiments described in the foregoing and shown in accompanying drawings are only used for illustrating the present invention.

    [0024] Any types of modification for the present invention made by persons ordinarily skilled in the art fall within the scope of the present claims.


    Claims

    1. A garment steamer (1), having a host (2) and a nozzle (4) connected with the host (2) by using a gas pipeline (3), a plasma generator (5) for ionizing air, wherein plasmas generated by the plasma generator (5) are released through a plasma outlet (41) disposed on the nozzle (4) and the plasma generator (5) is disposed in a part (6) where the nozzle (4) is bonded to the gas pipeline (3) and the plasma generator (5) is disposed in the nozzle (4) characterized in that, the nozzle (4) is internally provided with a conveying device (7) that sends the plasmas generated by the plasma generator (5) to the plasma outlet (41) and the conveying device (7) comprises a channel (8) and a fan (9), wherein one end (8a) of the channel (8) is aligned with the plasma outlet (41).
     
    2. The garment steamer according to claim 1, characterized in that, the nozzle (4) is provided thereon with a steam outlet (42); wherein the steam outlet (42) and the plasma outlet (41) are the same structure.
     
    3. The garment steamer according to claim 1, characterized in that, the garment steamer (1) is provided thereon with a control device (10) that controls the plasma generator (5) to work.
     
    4. The garment steamer according to claim 3, characterized in that, the control device (10) is provided with a plasma generator switch (11) and a steam switch (12).
     
    5. The garment steamer according to claim 4, characterized in that, the control device (10) is disposed on the nozzle (4); wherein the control device (10) is connected with the host (1) by using an electric wire (13) disposed on the gas pipeline (3).
     
    6. The garment steamer according to claim 5, characterized in that, the plasma generator switch (11) and the steam switch (12) are disposed on a gripping portion (43) of the nozzle (4).
     


    Ansprüche

    1. Dampfglätter (1) mit einem Grundgerät (2) und einer Düse (4), die mithilfe eines Gasschlauchs (3) mit dem Grundgerät (2) verbunden ist, und einem Plasmagenerator (5) zum Ionisieren von Luft, wobei von dem Plasmagenerator (5) erzeugte Plasmen über einen an der Düse (4) angeordneten Plasmaauslass (41) abgegeben werden und der Plasmagenerator (5) in einem Teil (6), an dem die Düse (4) mit dem Gasschlauch (3) verbunden ist, und in der Düse (4) angeordnet ist, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Düse (4) innen mit einer Fördervorrichtung (7) versehen ist, die die von dem Plasmagenerator (5) erzeugten Plasmen zum Plasmaauslass (41) leitet, und die Fördervorrichtung (7) einen Kanal (8) und ein Gebläse (9) umfasst, wobei ein Ende (8a) des Kanals (8) auf den Plasmaauslass (41) ausgerichtet ist.
     
    2. Dampfglätter nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Düse (4) mit einem Dampfauslass (42) versehen ist, wobei es sich bei dem Dampfauslass (42) und dem Plasmaauslass (41) um die gleiche Konstruktion handelt.
     
    3. Dampfglätter nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Dampfglätter (1) mit einer Steuervorrichtung (10) versehen ist, die den Betrieb des Plasmagenerators (5) steuert.
     
    4. Dampfglätter nach Anspruch 3, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Steuervorrichtung (10) mit einem Plasmageneratorschalter (11) und einem Dampfschalter (12) versehen ist.
     
    5. Dampfglätter nach Anspruch 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Steuervorrichtung (10) an der Düse (4) angeordnet ist, wobei die Steuervorrichtung (10) mithilfe eines an dem Gasschlauch (3) angeordneten Stromkabels (13) mit dem Grundgerät (1) verbunden ist.
     
    6. Dampfglätter nach Anspruch 5, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Plasmageneratorschalter (11) und der Dampfschalter (12) an einem Griffabschnitt (43) der Düse (4) angeordnet sind.
     


    Revendications

    1. Défroisseur à vapeur (1), présentant un serviteur (2) et une buse (4) raccordée au serviteur (2) en utilisant un tuyau de gaz (3), un générateur de plasma (5) permettant d'ioniser l'air, dans lequel les plasmas générés par le générateur de plasma (5) sont libérés à travers une sortie de plasma (41) disposée sur la buse (4) et le générateur de plasma (5) est disposé dans une partie (6) où la buse (4) est collée au tuyau de gaz (3) et le générateur de plasma (5) est disposé dans la buse (4), caractérisé en ce que la buse (4) est dotée intérieurement d'un dispositif de convoyage (7) qui envoie les plasmas générés par le générateur de plasma (5) à la sortie de plasma (41) et le dispositif de convoyage (7) comprend un canal (8) et un ventilateur (9), dans lequel une extrémité (8a) du canal (8) est alignée à la sortie de plasma (41).
     
    2. Défroisseur à vapeur selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que la buse (4) est dotée d'une sortie de vapeur (42), dans lequel la sortie de vapeur (42) et la sortie de plasma (41) ont la même structure.
     
    3. Défroisseur à vapeur selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que le défroisseur à vapeur (1) est doté d'un dispositif de commande (10) qui commande le fonctionnement du générateur de plasma (5).
     
    4. Défroisseur à vapeur selon la revendication 3, caractérisé en ce que le dispositif de commande (10) est doté d'un commutateur de générateur de plasma (11) et d'un commutateur de vapeur (12).
     
    5. Défroisseur à vapeur selon la revendication 4, caractérisé en ce que le dispositif de commande (10) est disposé sur la buse (4) ; dans lequel le dispositif de commande (10) est raccordé au serviteur (2) en utilisant un fil électrique (13) disposé sur le tuyau de gaz (3).
     
    6. Défroisseur à vapeur selon la revendication 5, caractérisé en ce que le commutateur de générateur de plasma (11) et le commutateur de vapeur (12) sont disposés sur une partie de prise (43) de la buse (4).
     




    Drawing

















    Cited references

    REFERENCES CITED IN THE DESCRIPTION



    This list of references cited by the applicant is for the reader's convenience only. It does not form part of the European patent document. Even though great care has been taken in compiling the references, errors or omissions cannot be excluded and the EPO disclaims all liability in this regard.

    Patent documents cited in the description