CN111465731B

CN111465731B - Garment care device with motion sensor

Info

Publication number: CN111465731B
Application number: CN201880044649.XA
Authority: CN
Inventors: M·瓦利雅姆巴斯·克里施南; 谢耀贤; O·卡亚; W·G·林
Original assignee: Koninklijke Philips NV
Current assignee: Fansongni Holdings Ltd
Priority date: 2017-08-25
Filing date: 2018-08-21
Publication date: 2021-10-15
Anticipated expiration: 2038-08-21
Also published as: EP3779029A1; EP3447187A1; WO2019038287A1; RU2750446C1; EP3625388B1; EP3625388A1; EP3779029B1; CN111465731A

Abstract

The invention relates to a garment care device (100) comprising: a sensor (101) for generating an output signal characterizing a motion of the garment care device. The sensor (101) is an accelerometer. The control unit (102) is coupled to the sensor (101). The control unit (102) is adapted to identify a characteristic of the output signal and compare it with a characteristic of a predefined displacement pattern. The predefined displacement pattern corresponds to an amount of linear displacement along a given direction of the garment care device. The control unit (102) is adapted to adjust at least one operating parameter of the garment care device based on a result of the comparison between the characteristic of the output signal and the characteristic of the predefined displacement pattern.

Description

Garment care device with motion sensor

Technical Field

The invention relates to the field of garment care.

Background

In the field of garment care, some known steam iron products are equipped with a ball sensor that allows a determination between a first position (e.g. horizontal) and a second position (e.g. vertical). This type of sensor is mainly used for safety purposes. For example, if the ball sensor is identified as being in a first position (e.g., horizontal) for a period of time above a certain threshold, the power to the device is automatically turned off to avoid burning of the ironing stand or garment. For example, if the ball sensor is identified as being in a second position (e.g., upright), steam generation is stopped to avoid injury to the user by the hot steam.

However, this type of ball sensor has some significant limitations linked to the fact that it can only detect binary changes in the position of the device.

Document US 2013/125427 discloses an iron comprising: a water reservoir; a heatable base plate; at least one water outlet; a water atomization and distribution unit; a sensor; and a control unit.

Document JP H04319398 discloses an iron adapted to adjust the temperature of the soleplate in response to a condition sensor determining that the iron is in a given condition.

Document JP H04208200 discloses an iron adapted to control the energy supplied to a heater according to the frequency of the reciprocating movement detected over a predetermined time.

Document JP H0576700 discloses an iron adapted to vary the water supply of an electrically driven water supply system by detecting the temperature gradient of the base, the position and operation of the iron.

Document US 2010/242314 discloses a steam iron comprising: a sensor for detecting and measuring the movement of the steam iron, wherein the steam generation can be adjusted based on the speed of movement and the tilt angle of the iron.

Document DE 212007000070 discloses an iron comprising: heating the soleplate; spraying means for spraying the product into one or more different areas; and control means for selectively, automatically or upon user command, selectively delivering the product to only one or some of the different zones.

Document US 2010/037495 discloses a steam appliance having: a water pump controlled by an actuator or motion switch in response to movement of the appliance.

Disclosure of Invention

It is an object of the present invention to propose a garment care device which avoids or mitigates the above mentioned problems.

The invention is defined by the independent claims. The dependent claims define advantageous embodiments.

To this end, the garment care device according to the invention comprises:

a sensor for generating an output signal characterizing a motion of a garment care device, wherein the sensor is an accelerometer,

a control unit coupled to the sensor, the control unit adapted to:

a) identifying characteristics of the output signal and comparing it with characteristics of a predefined displacement pattern, wherein the predefined displacement pattern corresponds to an amount of linear displacement along a given direction of the garment care device,

b) adjusting at least one operating parameter of the garment care device based on a result of the comparison between the characteristic of the output signal and the characteristic of the predefined displacement pattern.

Adjusting the operating parameters of the garment care device while taking into account the movement of the garment care device in comparison with the predefined displacement pattern allows having an optimal setting of the operating mode of the device. In particular, user gesture recognition may be used to influence the ironing parameters accordingly. With this solution, the ironing parameters can be optimized to obtain an improved ironing result without causing burning or scorching of the garment.

The invention also relates to a corresponding method of adjusting at least one operating parameter in a garment care device.

A detailed description and other aspects of the present invention will be given below.

Drawings

Certain aspects of the invention will now be described with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter and considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which like parts or sub-steps are designated in a like manner:

figure 1 depicts a first embodiment of a garment care device according to the invention,

figures 2A to 2B illustrate examples of signals generated by an accelerometer used as a sensor in a garment care device according to the invention,

figure 3 depicts a second embodiment of a garment care device according to the invention,

fig. 4 shows example readings from a sensor of the accelerometer type, when resting and oriented in three different orientations, for use in a garment care device according to the invention,

fig. 5 shows example readings from a sensor of the accelerometer type, when moved in three different orientations, for use in a garment care device according to the invention,

figure 6 depicts a third embodiment of a garment care device according to the invention,

figure 7 depicts a fourth embodiment of a garment care device according to the invention,

figures 8A to 8B to 8C illustrate various predefined displacement patterns for reference in a garment care device according to the present invention,

fig. 9 depicts a flow chart of a method according to the invention.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 depicts a first embodiment of a garment care device 100 according to the invention.

The garment care device 100 comprises a sensor 101, such as an accelerometer, for generating an output signal characterizing a movement of the garment care device 100.

The garment care device 100 further comprises a control unit 102 coupled to the sensor 101.

The control unit 102 is adapted to identify a characteristic of the output signal and to compare it with a characteristic of a predefined displacement pattern. The predefined displacement pattern may correspond to an amount of linear displacement of the garment care device along a given direction.

The linear displacement of the garment care device may comprise a single straight line between the two points, but may also comprise more than just a single straight line between the two points.

For example, linear displacement may be measured in a first direction and a second direction, where the second direction is orthogonal to the first direction. In this way, it can be determined that the garment care device is travelling in the form of an arc by measuring linear displacements in the first direction and the second direction. The shape of the arc may be determined by the relative magnitudes of the linear displacement in the first direction and the linear displacement in the second direction. Further, the size of the arc may be determined by the absolute size of the linear displacement in the first direction and the second direction. Other directions may also be measured to identify more complex motion characteristics for comparison with predefined displacement patterns.

The control unit 102 is further adapted to adjust at least one operating parameter of the garment care device 100 based on the result of the comparison between the characteristic of the output signal and the characteristic of the predefined displacement pattern.

It should be understood that the sensor 101 may also include a processing unit (not shown) for generating an output signal. Alternatively, the processing unit may correspond to the control unit 102.

In order to provide a more efficient ironing experience, a garment care device constructed in accordance with the present invention is provided with sensors capable of measuring orientation and/or motion data, which may be used to adjust one or more operating parameters of the garment care device, or to activate or deactivate specific functions, which may assist a user of the garment care device or improve safety aspects of the iron.

Although embodiments of the invention have been described with respect to a steam iron, i.e. an iron capable of generating steam and spraying steam towards a garment, it will be appreciated that the scope of the invention is not limited to a steaming device, but is intended to cover irons without steam generating functionality.

The garment care device 100 includes a body 103 and a handle 109. Preferably, the sensor 101 is arranged in the handle 109.

By positioning the sensor 101 and/or the control unit 102 in the handle 109, the risk of damaging those components (e.g., due to water leaking from the reservoir 105) may be reduced. Furthermore, an additional protective housing (not shown) may provide additional protection for the sensor 101 and/or the control unit 102.

For example, for generating steam, the garment care device depicted in fig. 1 comprises a water tank 105, a steam generator 106 receiving water from the reservoir 105. The steam generated in the steam generator 106 exits via the steam discharge port 107 in the soleplate S. To control the amount of steam generated, the user manually actuates the steam mode selector 104 a. Movement of the steam mode selector 104a causes movement of the dosing pin 104 b. The dosing pin 104b is thus moved up or down to change the amount of water entering the steam chamber.

For example, the sensor 101 is an accelerometer of the microelectromechanical system (MEMS) type, adapted to generate at least one acceleration signal along any axis X, Y, Z forming an orthogonal reference, wherein Z corresponds to the vertical direction and X-Y forms the horizontal plane.

The orientation of the garment care device can be measured in terms of axis X, axis Y and axis Z. When the garment care device 100 is used to press a garment against a surface having a sole plate S, such as an ironing board, the garment care device 100 is considered to be in a horizontal position X-Y. In other words, the iron 100 is oriented such that the surface of the soleplate S is substantially in the X-Y plane (or parallel to the X-Y plane). For example, when the user stands the garment care device 100 on its end such that the sole plate S does not contact a garment on an ironing board, the garment care device 100 is considered to be oriented such that the surface of the sole plate S is in a plane substantially perpendicular to the X-Y plane. In this orientation, the garment care device 100 may be considered "upright". In addition to these two specific orientations, the sensors are also able to determine a certain orientation, and the movement of the iron 100 in any other orientation.

The motion of the garment care device 100 may be measured based on changes in the position of the garment care device 100 along the X-axis, Y-axis, and/or Z-axis. In addition to the direction of motion of the garment care device 100, the amount of motion (e.g., absolute distance and/or relative distance) may be measured. The speed of movement of the iron 100 can also be measured by the sensor 101.

The control unit 102 is configured to: adjusting an operating parameter of the garment care device 100 based on a predetermined relationship between the measured orientation and/or the identified motion of the garment care device and the predefined displacement pattern. The predefined displacement pattern may correspond to a linear displacement of the garment care device along a given direction. To this end, the garment care device 100 may comprise a storage means (such as a memory) for storing a database or a look-up table. For example, the database or look-up table includes a plurality of relationships, each relationship defining an operating parameter adjustment that is made in response to determining that the garment care device is in a particular orientation and/or that the garment care device has been moved in a particular manner.

The orientation and movement of the garment care device 100 is discussed below with reference to fig. 4 and 5.

Fig. 4 shows example readings from an accelerometer type sensor 101 used in a garment care device 100 according to the invention when the sensor 101 is resting and oriented in three different orientations.

The first row (a) shows accelerometer data measured in the X, Y and Z directions when the garment care device is in a "horizontal" orientation (e.g., when the garment care device is oriented such that a surface of the soleplate S contacts a horizontal surface, such as a horizontal surface of an ironing board on which garments to be ironed are arranged). In this orientation, the sensor 101 does not record changes in the X-direction or Y-direction according to the calibration level, but records measurements in the Z-direction (equivalent to earth, with a value of 1 g-9.81 m/s)²Universal gravitation).

In row (b) the garment care device is tilted with respect to a horizontal surface, such as an ironing board, as would be typical if the garment care device is located in a dock or on a base unit. In this orientation, the sensor 101 does not measure acceleration along the y-axis, but does measure acceleration along the X-axis and Z-axis.

In row (c), the garment care device is in an "upright" position, wherein the garment care device is oriented such that the surface of the base plate S may be substantially vertical. In this orientation, accelerometer 120 measures acceleration equivalent to earth's gravitational force along the-X axis, but does not measure acceleration along the Y or Z axes.

Fig. 5 shows example readings from a sensor 101 of the accelerometer type used in a garment care device 100 according to the invention when the sensor 101 is moved in three different orientations.

The garment care device 100 is considered to be held "horizontally" (i.e., in the X-Y plane) and moved in the direction indicated by the arrow.

In row (a), the garment care device 100 is shown moving forward and backward (e.g., along the X axis, in the + X direction, then the-X direction, then the + X direction, and so on). Under such motion, the sensor 101 measures acceleration equivalent to earth's gravitational force along the Z-axis, but does not measure acceleration along the Y-axis. The acceleration measured by the sensor 101 along the X-axis varies as the garment care device is moved in one way and then in another way.

Line (b) represents the movement of the garment care device from side to side along the Y-axis. Further, the sensor measures acceleration equivalent to earth's gravitational force along the Z-axis, but does not measure acceleration along the X-axis. However, in this example, the acceleration along the Y-axis varies as the garment care device moves along the Y-axis in one manner (in the + Y direction) and then in another manner (in the-Y direction).

Line (c) represents moving the garment care device diagonally in the X-Y plane. Acceleration along the Z-axis is equivalent to earth's gravitational force. However, in this example, as the garment care device is moved diagonally in one direction and then in another direction, the acceleration measured along the X-axis and the Y-axis changes.

Preferably, the predefined displacement pattern corresponds to a linear displacement amount along a given direction D of the garment care device 100. For example, as illustrated in row (a) in fig. 5, the given direction D corresponds to the X-axis.

In other words, the linear displacement may correspond to a value of a stroke length of the user using the garment care device.

By definition, the stroke length along a given direction D corresponds to the linear distance of the garment care device between a starting position with zero velocity and the next position with zero velocity.

By definition, the value of the stroke length of the user is a linear distance that allows classifying the stroke length between a short stroke and a long stroke. The short stroke is less than the linear distance and the long stroke is greater than the linear distance.

Fig. 2A is a diagram of an example of a signal AS generated by an accelerometer used in a garment care device according to the invention.

The vertical units of the graph are milli g (or abbreviated as "mg"), where 1g is 9.81m/s²。

In the present case, the sensor 101 is an accelerometer, and the output signal generated by the sensor 101 is an acceleration signal AS that varies over time in a given direction D (such AS, for example, the X-axis).

The characteristic of the output signal corresponds to the time interval between two consecutive zero crossings of the output signal. The characteristics of the predefined signal correspond to a given duration threshold d 0:

if the measured time interval d1 is less than the given duration threshold d0, the stroke of the user using the garment care device is identified as a short stroke.

If the measured time interval d1 is greater than the given duration threshold d0, the stroke of the user using the garment care device is identified as a long stroke.

The given duration threshold d0 corresponds to an average value of the time interval between two consecutive zero crossings of the output signal, which average value corresponds to an average value of the stroke length of the user.

Therefore, the above-mentioned linear displacement of the garment care device may also be referred to as "average linear displacement of the garment care device".

Preferably, a given duration threshold d0 has a duration in the range [ 200; a value within 800 ms, preferably 550 ms.

Typically, the short stroke has an average value of less than 20cm and the long stroke has an average value of more than 20 cm.

To improve the robustness of the stroke characteristic of the user, instead of only considering one time interval between two consecutive zero-crossings of the output signal, a plurality of consecutive time intervals between two consecutive zero-crossings of the output signal may be considered and an average of those consecutive time intervals is calculated to obtain an average time interval d 1' to be compared with the duration threshold d0 and a classification regarding short/long strokes is similarly obtained as explained above for d 1.

Alternatively, the characteristics of the predefined signal correspond to a first duration threshold d0_1 and a second duration threshold d0_ 2:

if the measured time interval d1 is less than the first duration threshold d0 — 1, the stroke of the user using the garment care device is identified as a short stroke,

if the measured time interval d1 is greater than the second duration threshold d0_2, the stroke of the user using the garment care device is identified as a long stroke.

Comparing the measured time interval d1 with the two duration thresholds d0_1 and d0_2 avoids a possibly inaccurate stroke classification due to the boundary-limited classification between short and long strokes. This means that: when the measured time interval d1 is between d0_1 and d0_2, the corresponding stroke may be classified as a "medium stroke" (i.e., a stroke longer than a short stroke but shorter than a long stroke).

Preferably, the first duration threshold d0_1 has a duration in the range [ 100; 350] ms, and the second duration threshold d0_2 has a value in the range [ 450; a value within 800 ms, preferably 500 ms.

Preferably, in addition to taking into account the time interval d1 between two consecutive zero crossings of the output signal, another characteristic of the output signal taken into account corresponds to the measured amplitude a1 of the output signal between two consecutive zero crossings.

In this case:

the characteristic of the output signal corresponds to the time interval (d1) between two consecutive zero-crossings of the output signal and the measured amplitude (a1) of the output signal between two consecutive zero-crossings.

The characteristics of the predefined signal correspond to a given duration threshold (d0) and a given amplitude threshold (a 0).

The control unit (102) is adapted to classify the movements of the garment care device according to short stroke and long stroke as follows:

if the measured time interval (d1) is less than the given duration threshold (d0) and if the measured amplitude (a1) is less than the given amplitude threshold a0, the stroke of the user using the garment care device is identified as a short stroke,

if the measured time interval (d1) is greater than the given duration threshold (d0) and if the measured amplitude (a1) is greater than the given amplitude threshold a0, the stroke of the user using the garment care device is identified as a long stroke.

Preferably, a given amplitude threshold a0 has a threshold value in the range [ 100; 300] mg, preferably 200 mg.

Preferably, the measured amplitude a1 corresponds to the average value of the output signal between two consecutive zero crossings of the output signal, such as using the absolute value of an arithmetic mean or a simple average.

Alternatively, if the output signal is in digital form, the output signal between two consecutive zero-crossings of the output signal having a value above the given amplitude threshold a0 is considered to be greater than the given amplitude threshold a0 only if the number of samples between the two consecutive zero-crossings is greater than a number threshold. The quantity threshold may also be expressed as a percentage, such as 50%.

An output signal between two consecutive zero-crossings of the output signal having a value above the given amplitude threshold a0 is considered to be smaller than the given amplitude threshold a0 if the number of samples between the two consecutive zero-crossings is smaller than a number threshold.

Preferably, instead of considering only a given duration threshold (d0), a first duration threshold (d0_1) and a second duration threshold (d0_2) may be used.

In this case, the control unit (102) is adapted to classify the movements of the garment care device according to short stroke and long stroke as follows:

if the measured time interval (d1) is smaller than the first duration threshold (d0_1) and if the measured amplitude (a1) is smaller than the given amplitude threshold a0, the stroke of the user using the garment care device is identified as a short stroke,

if the measured time interval (d1) is greater than the second duration threshold (d0_2) and if the measured amplitude (a1) is greater than the given amplitude threshold a0, the stroke of the user using the garment care device is identified as a long stroke.

As mentioned above, instead of only considering one time interval between two consecutive zero crossings of the output signal, a plurality of consecutive time intervals between two consecutive zero crossings of the output signal may be considered in order to improve the robustness of the stroke characteristic of the user. The following were used:

if there are at least two (e.g. 3) consecutive time intervals between two consecutive zero-crossings having an amplitude smaller than the threshold amplitude a0 (e.g. <200mg) and having a duration d1 smaller than the first duration threshold d0 — 1 (e.g. <300ms), the device is considered to have a short stroke motion,

a device is considered to have a long stroke motion if there are at least two (e.g. 3) consecutive time intervals between two consecutive zero-crossings having an amplitude larger than the threshold amplitude a0 (e.g. >200mg) and having a duration d1 larger than the second duration threshold d0 — 2 (e.g. >500 ms).

In the above case, it should be noted that in the case where the output signal generated by the sensor 101 comprises a certain level of noise (for example a noise level with an amplitude of +/-50 mg), the time interval d1 between two consecutive zero crossings of the output signal is preferably calculated with an offset equal to the value of the noise level. An example is illustrated in fig. 2B.

In the embodiment of fig. 1, the control unit 102 is adapted to adjust at least one operating parameter of the garment care device 100, in particular to adjust the temperature of the steam generator 106, such that:

if the time interval d1 is greater than the given duration threshold d0, the control unit 102 is adapted to setting the temperature of the steam generator 106 to a first temperature value T1. This means that: a long stroke of the user is identified. In that case, a first temperature T1 is set for the steam generator 106.

If the time interval d1 is smaller than the given duration threshold d0, the control unit 102 is adapted to setting the temperature of the steam generator 106 to the second temperature value T2. This means that: a short stroke of the user is identified. In that case, a second temperature T2 is set for the steam generator 106.

Adjusting the temperature of the steam generator also causes a change in the temperature of the soleplate S.

For example, T1< T2, such as T1-175 degrees, and T2-180 degrees. This choice of temperature is important if the short stroke is primarily considered to reflect the following: the user is ironing relatively small areas with severe wrinkles, which require high temperatures.

Alternatively, T1> T2, such as T1 ═ 155 degrees, and T2 ═ 150 degrees. This choice of temperature is important if the main consideration of long stroke reflects the following: the user is ironing a relatively large area over which a high amount of heat energy can be dissipated without burning the garment.

It should be noted that the 5 degree temperature difference between T1 and T2 is given as an example only. More generally, the absolute difference in temperature between T1 and T2 may be as much as 30 degrees.

Fig. 3 depicts a second embodiment of a garment care device 300 according to the invention.

This second embodiment is based on the first embodiment of fig. 1, with the difference that: a water pump 110 is used to deliver water from the water tank 105 to the steam generator 106.

The control unit 102 is adapted to adjust at least one operating parameter of the garment care device 300, in particular the flow rate of the water pump 110, such that:

the control unit 102 is adapted to start the water pump 110 at a first flow value FR1 if the time interval d1 is greater than the given duration threshold d 0. This means that: a long stroke of the user is identified. In that case, a first flow value FR1 is applied to the water pump 110.

The control unit 102 is adapted to start the water pump 110 at a second flow value FR2 if the time interval d1 is smaller than the given duration threshold d 0. This means that: a short stroke of the user is identified. In that case, a second flow value FR2 is applied to the water pump 110. Adjusting the flow value applied to the water pump allows the amount of steam exiting the steam vent 107 to be varied.

For example, FR1< FR2, such as FR1 ═ 25g/mn, and FR2 ═ 31 g/mn. This choice of flow is important if the short stroke is primarily considered to reflect the following: the user is ironing relatively small areas with severe wrinkles, which require a high amount of steam.

Alternatively, FR1> FR2, such as FR1 ═ 45g/mn, and FR2 ═ 40 g/mn. This choice of flow is important if the main consideration of long stroke reflects the following: the user is ironing a relatively large area over which the garment can absorb a high amount of steam.

It should be noted that the absolute difference in flow between FR1 and FR2 is given as an example only. More generally, the flow difference between the two may be as much as 50 g/mn.

It should be noted that in the embodiment of fig. 3, as also in the embodiment of fig. 1, the control unit 102 may also be adapted to adjust the temperature of the steam generator 106.

Fig. 6 depicts a third embodiment of a garment care device 600 according to the invention.

This embodiment comprises a mobile unit 601 cooperating with a base unit 602 via a hose line 603. The base unit 602 comprises a water reservoir 604 and a water pump 605 for providing water as fluid in a hose line 603. The water reaching the movable unit 601 is evaporated in the steam generator 606. The control unit 102 is preferably arranged in the base unit 602 and communicates with the sensor 101 via wires embedded inside the hose line 603. Hose line 603 is also adapted to supply power to steam generator 606.

The control unit 102 is adapted to adjust at least one operating parameter of the garment care device 600, in particular the flow rate of the water pump 605, such that:

the control unit 102 is adapted to start the water pump 110 at a first flow value FR11 if the time interval d1 is greater than the given duration threshold d 0. This means that: long strokes are identified. In that case, a first flow value FR11 is applied to the water pump 110.

The control unit 102 is adapted to start the water pump 110 at a second flow value FR22 if the time interval d1 is smaller than the given duration threshold d 0. This means that: a short stroke is identified. In that case, a second flow value FR22 is applied to the water pump 110.

For example, FR11< FR22, such as FR11 ═ 50g/mn, and FR22 ═ 100 g/mn. This choice of flow is important if the short stroke is primarily considered to reflect the following: the user is ironing relatively small areas with severe wrinkles, which require a high amount of steam.

Alternatively, FR11> FR22, such as FR11 ═ 150g/mn, and FR22 ═ 100 g/mn. This choice of flow is important if the main consideration of long stroke reflects the following: the user is ironing a relatively large area over which the garment can absorb a high amount of steam.

It should be noted that the absolute difference in flow between FR11 and FR22 is given as an example only. More generally, the flow difference between the two may be as much as 100 g/mn.

It should be noted that in the embodiment of fig. 6, as also in the embodiment of fig. 1, the control unit 102 may also be adapted to adjust the temperature of the steam generator 606.

Fig. 7 depicts a fourth embodiment of a garment care device 700 according to the invention. This embodiment comprises a mobile unit 701 cooperating with a base unit 702 via a hose line 703. The base unit 702 includes a water reservoir 704, a boiler 707, and a water pump 705 for providing water to the boiler 707. The boiler 707 generates steam as a fluid in the hose line 703. The steam reaching the movable unit 701 is further heated in the steam generator 706. The control unit 102 is preferably arranged in the base unit 702 and communicates with the sensor 101 via wires embedded inside the hose line 703. The hose line 703 is also adapted to supply power to the steam generator 706.

The control unit 102 is adapted to adjust at least one operating parameter of the garment care device 700, in particular to adjust the temperature of the boiler 707 such that:

if the time interval d1 is greater than the given duration threshold d0, the control unit 102 is adapted to setting the temperature of the boiler 707 to a first temperature value T11. This means that: long strokes are identified.

If the time interval d1 is smaller than the given duration threshold d0, the control unit 102 is adapted to setting the temperature of the boiler 707 to a second temperature value T22. This means that: a short stroke is identified.

Adjusting the temperature of the boiler allows for varying the amount of steam generated in the boiler 707.

For example, T11< T22, such as T11-140 degrees, and T22-150 degrees. This choice of temperature is important if the short stroke is primarily considered to reflect the following: the user is ironing relatively small areas with severe wrinkles, which require a high amount of steam.

Alternatively, T11> T22, such as T11-140 degrees, and T22-130 degrees. This choice of temperature is important if the main consideration of long stroke reflects the following: the user is ironing a relatively large area over which the garment can absorb a high amount of steam.

It should be noted that the temperature difference between T11 and T22 is given as an example only. More generally, the absolute difference in temperature between T11 and T22 may be as much as 25 degrees.

It should be noted that in the embodiment of fig. 7, as also in the embodiment of fig. 1, the control unit 102 may also be adapted to adjust the temperature of the steam generator 706.

The embodiment of fig. 7 may further comprise a valve 708 arranged at the outlet of the boiler 707. This valve 708 is controlled by the control unit 102 to be more or less open to regulate the amount of steam leaving the boiler 707 and provided in the hose line 703.

In this particular embodiment, the control unit 102 is adapted to adjust at least one operating parameter of the garment care device 700, in particular the amount of steam leaving the boiler 707, such that:

if the time interval d1 is greater than the given duration threshold d0, the control unit 102 is adapted to setting the amount of steam leaving the boiler 707 to a first steam rate (steam rate) value SR 1. This means that: long strokes are identified.

If the time interval d1 is less than a given duration threshold d0, the control unit

102 is adapted to setting the amount of steam leaving the boiler 707 to a second steam rate value SR 2.

This means that: a short stroke is identified.

For example, SR1< SR2, such as SR1 ═ 100g/mn, and SR2 ═ 150 g/mn. This choice of steam rate is important if the short stroke is primarily considered to reflect the following: the user is ironing relatively small areas with severe wrinkles, which require a high amount of steam.

Alternatively, SR1> SR2, such as SR1 ═ 180g/mn, and SR2 ═ 150 g/mn. This choice of steam rate is important if the main consideration of long stroke reflects the following: the user is ironing a relatively large area over which the garment can absorb a high amount of steam.

It should be noted that the absolute difference in steam rate between SR1 and SR2 is given as an example only. More generally, the difference in steam rate between the two may be as much as 150 g/mn.

It should be noted that if the stroke is classified as "medium stroke", the operating parameters of the garment care device (temperature of the steam generator, flow rate of the water pump, temperature of the boiler, amount of steam leaving the boiler) preferably remain unchanged.

Fig. 8A to 8B to 8C illustrate various predefined displacement patterns for reference in a garment care device according to the present invention.

Preferably, in further embodiments of the

garment care device

100, 300, 600, 700 according to the invention, the predefined displacement pattern corresponds to any one of the following displacement patterns:

as illustrated in fig. 8A, a given short repetitive arc motion of the garment care device: this movement may reflect the garment being pressed in the area around the button.

As illustrated in fig. 8B, a given repetitive circular or elliptical motion of the garment care device: this movement may reflect a particularly puckered area of the compression garment.

Preferably, the above-mentioned reference displacement pattern is stored in a memory. For example, the acceleration signal for each of those displacement patterns is stored. When the garment care device is in use, the output signal of the sensor 101 is successively compared with any one of those stored acceleration signals. If the output signal of the sensor 101 matches one of those stored acceleration signals, the operating parameters of the garment care device can be adjusted by the control unit as follows:

if the displacement pattern shown in fig. 8A is identified, the control unit 102 may adjust the operating parameters of the garment care device, to increase the generation of steam or to trigger a burst of steam,

if the displacement pattern shown in fig. 8B is identified, the control unit 102 may adjust the operating parameters of the garment care device to increase the generation of steam or to trigger a burst of steam or to increase the temperature of the steam generator (thus indirectly the temperature of the soleplate S).

The displacement pattern shown in fig. 8A can be detected as follows:

1) the Y-axis has a pulse with a peak value >50mg and a peak width >100ms, measured from the time it passes the detection threshold (>50mg, corresponding to the noise threshold (if any)) rise and the detection threshold fall.

2) The X-axis has no distinct peak. Peak <50mg (noise threshold)

3) Preferably, at least two measurements of step 1) and step 2) are satisfied in succession before the system identifies the lateral motion pattern.

For the clockwise direction, the displacement pattern shown in fig. 8B may be detected as follows:

2) The X axis also has the same conditions as in step 1).

3) Verification is required: when Y rises, the Y axis > X axis value. Preferably, at least two consecutive acceleration data are required to verify that the Y-axis rises above the X-axis.

4) Preferably, step 1)2)3) needs to be verified twice to confirm the clockwise direction.

For the counterclockwise direction, the displacement pattern shown in fig. 8B may be detected as follows:

2) The X axis also has the same conditions as in step 1).

3) Verification is required: when X rises, the X axis > Y axis value. Preferably, at least two consecutive acceleration data are required to verify that the X-axis rises above the Y-axis.

4) Preferably, step 1)2)3) needs to be verified twice to confirm the counter-clockwise direction.

With reference to fig. 8C, there is depicted a garment care device according to the present invention as previously described according to any of the embodiments shown in fig. 1-3-6-7 comprising a steam generator. The sensor 101 (not shown) is adapted to generate an acceleration signal AS that varies with time in the vertical direction Z. The at least one operating parameter comprises an amount of steam generated by the steam generator such that if the acceleration signal AS in the vertical direction Z is above a threshold value larger than 1g, the amount of steam generated by the steam generator is reduced, alternatively the amount of steam generated by the steam generator is stopped.

The above threshold values assume that: when the garment care device is not moving and its floor is in a horizontal position, the acceleration measured in the Z-axis is equal to 1 g.

For example, the threshold is 1g +50 mg.

Preferably, the additional conditions are: during a certain duration (e.g. 80ms), the acceleration signal AS in the vertical direction Z should be greater than the threshold value.

Since such a relatively quick snap-up of the garment care device may characterize a potential hazard to the user, the control unit 102 adjusts the steam base accordingly.

Reducing the amount of steam may cause the amount of steam to be reduced by a certain percentage, or the generation of steam to be stopped completely.

The displacement pattern shown in fig. 8C can be detected as follows:

1) the Z-axis has a pulse with a peak value >50mg and a peak width >50ms, measured from the time it passes the rise of the detection threshold (>50mg, corresponding to the noise threshold (if any) and the fall of the detection threshold).

2) It is important to note that the Z axis is at about the 1g reference point. Therefore, the motion threshold should be 1g +/-50mg to account for noise levels.

Fig. 9 depicts a flow chart of a method of adjusting at least one operating parameter in a garment care device, such as the

garment care devices

100, 300, 600, 700 previously described, in accordance with the present invention.

The method comprises the following steps:

generating an output signal (901) characterizing the motion of the garment care device,

comparing (902) a characteristic of the output signal with a characteristic of a predefined displacement pattern,

based on a result of the comparison between the characteristic of the output signal and the characteristic of the predefined displacement pattern, at least one operating parameter of the garment care device is adjusted (903).

Preferably, the predefined displacement pattern corresponds to a linear displacement along a given direction D of the garment care device, and the output signal is an acceleration signal varying over time in the given direction D. Preferably, the given direction D is the X-axis.

The comparing step 902 includes: the time interval d1 between two successive zero crossings of the output signal is compared with a given duration threshold d 0. This corresponds to what has been described above for a garment care device.

Preferably, the comparing step 902 further comprises: the average amplitude a1 of the output signal between two consecutive zero crossings is compared to a given amplitude threshold a 0. This corresponds to what has been described above for a garment care device.

The above-described embodiments are described only for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the technical method of the present invention. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the preferred embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications may be made to the technical method of the present invention or equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope of the claims of the present invention. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. Any reference signs in the claims shall not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

1. A garment care device (100, 300, 600, 700) comprising:

a sensor (101) for generating an output signal characterizing a motion of the garment care device, wherein the sensor (101) is an accelerometer,

a control unit (102) coupled to the sensor (101), the control unit (102) being adapted to:

a) identifying a characteristic of the output signal and comparing the characteristic of the output signal to a characteristic of a predefined displacement pattern, wherein the predefined displacement pattern corresponds to an amount of linear displacement along a given direction of the garment care device,

b) adjusting at least one operating parameter of the garment care device based on a result of the comparison between the characteristic of the output signal and the characteristic of the predefined displacement pattern,

and characterized in that the garment care device further comprises a steam generator (106, 606, 706), wherein the sensor (101) is adapted to generate an Acceleration Signal (AS) that varies in time in a vertical direction (Z), wherein the at least one operating parameter comprises an amount of steam generated by the steam generator (106, 606, 706), such that:

if the Acceleration Signal (AS) is higher than 1.05g, or

If the acceleration signal is above 1.05g for a predetermined duration,

the amount of steam generated by the steam generator (106, 606, 706) is reduced or stopped.

2. Garment care device according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined duration is 80 ms.

3. Garment care device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit (102) is adapted to identify a characteristic of the output signal in order to classify the movement of the garment care device according to a short stroke and a long stroke when the garment care device is used by a user.

4. The garment care device of claim 3, wherein:

said output signal is an Acceleration Signal (AS) varying with time in said given direction,

the characteristic of the output signal corresponds to a time interval (d1) between two consecutive zero-crossings of the output signal,

the characteristics of the predefined signal correspond to a given duration threshold (d0),

the control unit (102) is adapted to: classifying the motion of the garment care device based on short stroke and long stroke as follows:

a) if the measured time interval (d1) is less than the given duration threshold (d0), the motion of the garment care device is identified as a short stroke,

b) if the measured time interval (d1) is greater than the given duration threshold (d0), the motion of the garment care device is identified as a long stroke.

5. The garment care device of claim 3, wherein:

the characteristics of the predefined signal correspond to a first duration threshold (d0_1) and a second duration threshold (d0_2),

a) if the measured time interval (d1) is less than the first duration threshold (d0_1), the stroke of the user using the garment care device is identified as a short stroke,

b) if the measured time interval (d1) is greater than the second duration threshold (d0_2), the stroke of the user using the garment care device is identified as a long stroke.

6. The garment care device of claim 3, wherein:

the characteristic of the output signal corresponding to a time interval (d1) between two consecutive zero-crossings of the output signal and a measured amplitude (a1) of the output signal between the two consecutive zero-crossings,

the characteristics of the predefined signal correspond to a given duration threshold (d0) and a given amplitude threshold (a0),

a) if the measured time interval (d1) is less than the given duration threshold (d0) and if the measured amplitude (a1) is less than the given amplitude threshold (a0), the stroke of the user using the garment care device is identified as a short stroke,

b) if the measured time interval (d1) is greater than the given duration threshold (d0) and if the measured amplitude (a1) is greater than the given amplitude threshold (a0), then the stroke of the user using the garment care device is identified as a long stroke.

7. The garment care device of claim 3, wherein:

the characteristic of the output signal corresponds to a time interval (d1) between two consecutive zero-crossings of the output signal and a measured amplitude (a1) of the output signal between the two consecutive zero-crossings,

the characteristics of the predefined signal correspond to a first duration threshold (d0_1), a second duration threshold (d0_2) and a given amplitude threshold (a0),

a) if the measured time interval (d1) is less than the first duration threshold (d0_1) and if the measured amplitude (a1) is less than the given amplitude threshold (a0), the stroke of the user using the garment care device is identified as a short stroke,

b) if the measured time interval (d1) is greater than the second duration threshold (d0_2) and if the measured amplitude (a1) is greater than the given amplitude threshold (a0), the stroke of the user using the garment care device is identified as a long stroke.

8. Garment care device according to any one of claims 3 to 7, further comprising a water pump (110, 605) for delivering water into the steam generator (106, 606), wherein the at least one operating parameter comprises a flow rate of the water pump (110, 605) such that:

-the control unit (102) is adapted to start the water pump (110, 605) at a first flow value (FR1, FR11) if the motion of the garment care device is identified as long stroke,

the control unit (102) is adapted to start the water pump (110, 605) at a second flow value (FR2, FR22) if the motion of the garment care device is identified as a short stroke.

9. Garment care device according to any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein the at least one operating parameter further comprises a temperature of the steam generator (106, 606, 706), such that:

if the movement of the garment care device is identified as a long stroke, the control unit (102) is adapted to set the temperature of the steam generator (106, 606, 706) to a first temperature value (T1),

if the movement of the garment care device is identified as a short stroke, the control unit (102) is adapted to set the temperature of the steam generator (106, 606, 706) to a second temperature value (T2).

10. Garment care device according to any one of claims 3 to 7, further comprising a boiler (707) arranged in the base unit (702), wherein the at least one operating parameter further comprises a temperature of the boiler (707), such that:

if the motion of the garment care device is identified as a long stroke, the control unit (102) is adapted to set the temperature of the boiler (707) to a first temperature value (T11),

the control unit (102) is adapted to set the temperature of the boiler (707) to a second temperature value (T22) if the motion of the garment care device is identified as a short stroke.

11. Garment care device according to any one of claims 3 to 7, further comprising a boiler (707) arranged in the base unit (702), wherein the at least one operating parameter further comprises an amount of steam exiting the boiler (707), such that:

-the control unit (102) is adapted to set an amount of steam leaving the boiler (707) to a first steam rate value (SR1) if the motion of the garment care device is identified as a long stroke,

the control unit (102) is adapted to set an amount of steam leaving the boiler (707) to a second steam rate value (SR2) if the motion of the garment care device is identified as a short stroke.

12. Garment care device according to claim 1, wherein the predefined displacement pattern corresponds to any one of the following displacement patterns:

given a short repetitive arc motion of the garment care device,

given a repetitive circular or elliptical motion of the garment care device,

a given continuous basic displacement component in the horizontal plane.

13. A method of adjusting at least one operating parameter in a garment care device, the method comprising the steps of:

generating (901) an output signal characterizing a motion of the garment care device, wherein the output signal is an acceleration signal over time in a given direction,

comparing (902) a characteristic of the output signal with a characteristic of a predefined displacement pattern, wherein the predefined displacement pattern corresponds to an amount of linear displacement along the given direction of the garment care device,

adjusting (903) at least one operating parameter of the garment care device based on a result of the comparison between the characteristic of the output signal and the characteristic of the predefined displacement pattern,

and in that the garment care device comprises a steam generator, wherein the at least one operating parameter comprises an amount of steam generated by the steam generator, and the method further comprises:

generating an Acceleration Signal (AS) that varies with time in the vertical direction (Z), an

If the Acceleration Signal (AS) is higher than 1.05g, or

If the acceleration signal is above 1.05g for a predetermined duration,

the amount of steam generated by the steam generator is reduced or stopped.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the step of comparing (902) comprises: identifying characteristics of the output signal to classify the motion of the garment care device according to a short stroke and a long stroke when the garment care device is used by a user.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the step of comparing (902) comprises: the time interval (d1) between two consecutive zero crossings of the output signal is compared with a given duration threshold (d 0).