EP3421657A1 - A garment care system with water pump - Google Patents
A garment care system with water pump Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP3421657A1 EP3421657A1 EP17177852.5A EP17177852A EP3421657A1 EP 3421657 A1 EP3421657 A1 EP 3421657A1 EP 17177852 A EP17177852 A EP 17177852A EP 3421657 A1 EP3421657 A1 EP 3421657A1
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- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- water
- pressure
- deformable container
- water pump
- care system
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Classifications
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- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F75/00—Hand irons
- D06F75/08—Hand irons internally heated by electricity
- D06F75/10—Hand irons internally heated by electricity with means for supplying steam to the article being ironed
- D06F75/12—Hand irons internally heated by electricity with means for supplying steam to the article being ironed the steam being produced from water supplied to the iron from an external source
Definitions
- the invention relates to a garment care system.
- the invention more particularly relates to a garment care system comprising an iron and a separate base unit.
- the core function of a garment care steam appliance is to generate steam for garment treatment.
- Steam is the key element to deliver result, and, most of the time, performance of a garment care steam appliance is rated by steam performance.
- a garment care steam appliance comprises a steam engine in which water is supplied, wherein the steam engine converts the water into steam instantaneously.
- water dosing performance plays an important role in steam generation performance. Dosing can be simply done by gravity, but, for fast steam response and higher steam pressure, special technical solutions are normally used including water pumps, in order to achieve fast, pressured, and controllable water dosing. In such application, to improve water delivery performance becomes the key path of improving overall product performance.
- a garment care system comprising an iron and a base unit connected via a hose.
- the iron comprises a steam engine for receiving water from the base unit via the hose.
- the base unit comprises a water tank for storing water, a volume deformable container, an electric valve arranged between the hose and the volume deformable container, and a water pump for pumping water from the water tank into the volume deformable container, wherein an open state and closed state of the electric valve is controllable from the iron so that in a closed state of the electric valve, a water pressure is built up in the volume deformable container by actuating the water pump, and in an open state of the valve, pressurized water in the volume deformable container is delivered into the hose.
- the valve can be controllable from the iron while being arranged in the base unit. This will reduce the space needed for components in the iron itself. It is noted that more components are arranged inside the base unit as compared to the state of the art systems. However, this will not give any problems, since the base unit is normally not move by the user, and can be designed so as to provide sufficient space for additional components.
- the volume deformable container is an elastically deformable tube arranged in the base unit between the water pump and the electric valve.
- the base unit comprises a deformable reservoir in fluid communication with an output of the water pump and an input the electric valve.
- the hose comprises an electrical wire to carry an electrical control signal for controlling the opening/closing of the electric valve.
- the base unit comprises a control unit connected to the electrical wire.
- control unit is adapted, upon receiving the electrical control signal, to open the electric valve, and activate the water pump .
- the base unit further comprises a pressure regulator for regulating water pressure in the volume deformable container.
- the pressure regulator comprises a pressure relief valve arranged to release water out of the volume deformable container into the water tank, if water pressure in the volume deformable container exceeds a given threshold (TH1).
- TH1 a given threshold
- the pressure regulator comprises a pressure sensor for measuring water pressure in the volume deformable container, the pressure sensor being connected to the control unit, the control unit being adapted to generate a control signal to the water pump for stopping the water pump if the water pressure in the volume deformable container exceeds a given threshold (TH2).
- TH2 a given threshold
- the pressure regulator corresponds to a pressure switch connected to the water pump, the pressure switch being arranged for switching off the water pump if the water pressure in the volume deformable container exceeds a given threshold (TH3).
- TH3 a given threshold
- the pressure regulator corresponds to a pressure switch connected to the water pump , the pressure switch being arranged for switching on the water pump if the water pressure in the volume deformable container drops below a given threshold (TH4).
- TH4 a given threshold
- FIG. 1 shows a garment care system 1 according to an embodiment of the invention.
- the garment care system 1 comprises an iron 2 and a base unit 3 connected via a hose 41.
- the iron 2 comprises a steam engine 21 for receiving water from the base unit 3 via the hose 41.
- the base unit 3 comprises a water tank 31 for storing water, a volume deformable container 32, and an electric valve 33 arranged between the hose 41 and the volume deformable container 32.
- the base unit also comprises a water pump 34 for pumping water from the water tank 31 into the volume deformable container 32.
- the electric valve has an open state and a closed state.
- a water pressure is built up in the volume deformable container 32 by actuating the water pump 34, and in the open state of the valve, pressurized water in the volume deformable container 32 is delivered into the hose 41.
- the hose 41 comprises an electrical wire 42 to carry an electrical control signal for (indirectly) controlling the opening/closing of the electric valve 33.
- the iron 2 comprises a user actuated element 22 to generate the electrical control signal.
- the user actuated element 22 is an on/off switch, or a sensor for detecting the presence of a user, or the motion of the iron.
- the base unit 3 comprises a control unit 35 connected to the electrical wire 42.
- the control unit 35 is arranged to control the electric valve 33 and the water pump 34.
- the open state and closed state of the electric valve 33 is controllable from the iron 2 by actuating the user actuated element 22.
- connection pipe 37 arranged in the base unit 3 into a water pipe 44 arranged in the hose 41.
- pipe 37 can be part of pipe 44, meaning that pipe 37 and pipe 44 form a same pipe.
- the water will flow through the water pipe 44 into the steam engine 21 so as to create steam, which will leave the iron via one or more openings (not shown in Figure 1 ).
- the volume deformable container 32 is an elastically deformable tube arranged in the base unit 3 between the water pump 34 and the electric valve 33. If the electrical valve 33 is closed, and the water pump 34 is activated, a water pressure is built up in the volume deformable container 32.
- Figure 1 also shows a power plug 5 for connection to a power supply.
- the components of the base unit 2 can be powered as well as the components of the iron 2, which receive the electrical power via a power line 43 arranged in the hose 41.
- Figure 2 shows a garment care system 1 according to a further embodiment of the invention.
- Figure 2 corresponds to Figure 1 except for an additional pressure regulator 36 for regulating water pressure in the volume deformable container 32.
- the base unit 3 functions as a water delivery system for the iron 2 which is able to generate steam instantaneously via dosing water into its steam engine 21.
- a certain amount of water can be stored under pressure, which can be used to create fast water release, a jet water dosing effect, when discharged.
- the base unit 2 may have the following working cycles.
- the water storage in the volume deformable container 32 is about 0.4g with a water pressure of 0.8bar, and it takes 0.5sec pumping time under ⁇ 225g/min pumping rate to build.
- the water storage in the volume deformable container 32 is about 2g with a water pressure up to 3bar, and it takes about 1 sec pumping time under about 225g/min pumping rate to build.
- the pressure regulator 36 comprises a pressure relief valve 36a arranged to release water out of the volume deformable container 32 into the water tank 31, if water pressure in the volume deformable container 32 exceeds a given threshold TH1.
- a pressure relief valve 36a arranged to release water out of the volume deformable container 32 into the water tank 31, if water pressure in the volume deformable container 32 exceeds a given threshold TH1.
- the pressure regulator 36 comprises a pressure sensor 36b for measuring water pressure in the volume deformable container 32.
- the pressure sensor 36b is connected to the control unit 35, the control unit 35 being adapted to generate a control signal to the water pump 34 for stopping the water pump 34 if the water pressure in the volume deformable container 32 exceeds a given threshold TH2.
- the threshold TH2 can be a fixed value.
- the threshold (TH2) is a variable parameter determined by the control unit 35.
- the pressure regulator 36 corresponds to a pressure switch 36c connected to the water pump 34.
- the pressure switch 36c is arranged for switching off the water pump 34 if the water pressure in the volume deformable container 32 exceeds a given threshold TH3.
- the pressure switch 36c is also arranged for switching on the water pump 34 if the water pressure in the volume deformable container 32 drops below a given threshold TH4.
- value of TH1, TH2, TH3 , TH4 can be the same.
- the base unit 3 comprises a deformable reservoir 39 in fluid communication with an output of the water pump 34 and an input the electric valve 33.
- the deformable reservoir 39 is arranged to store and keep pressure for the water amount used for fast water stream generation.
- the deformable reservoir 39 can be container made out of a flexible material.
- the deformable reservoir 39 can comprises rigid walls, but having a movable biased part (e.g. a piston) so as to be provide for a variable volume depending on the pressure of its interior.
- the deformable reservoir 39 has a rigid outer wall and with compressible material inside (such as air) so as to be provide for a volume deformable storage depending on the pressure of its interior.
- the deformable reservoir 39 can be the only volume deformable container in the base unit 3.
- the tube 32 can be deformable as well. In that case, two volume deformable containers are arranged in the base unit 3.
- the pressure regulator 36 shown in Figures 2-5 could also be present in the base unit 3 with the deformable reservoir 39. The pressure regulator 36 could be arranged in the deformable reservoir 39 or in the deformable tube 32.
- control unit 35 is adapted, upon receiving the electrical control signal from the actuated element 22, to open the electric valve 33, and activate the water pump 34. This allows delivering a flow of water in the hose 41, for example a continuous flow of water.
- the opening of the electric valve 33 and the activation of the water pump 34 are performed simultaneously. Alternatively, the electric valve 33 is opened just before the water pump 34 is activated.
- Figure 7 shows a flow chart of a method of controlling water flow in a known garment care system having no electric valve. The method steps can be performed by a controller arranged to control the water pump and a temperature control arranged in the system.
- the method of controlling starts with receiving a request of steam triggering, see block 701.
- a signal confirmation decision is made by the controller (optionally after filtering and noise cancellation processes), see 702.
- the controller confirms the signal which is received is a request, and not noise or interference. This can be normally done by software buffering and/or multiple sampling and comparing.
- the next block 704 indicates a water dosing flowrate pattern decision, which is made based on the sensed temperature of the steam engine and a pre-determined look-up table, in order to perform certain water dosing flowrate pattern based on the temperature reading.
- a water dosing flowrate pattern decision which is made based on the sensed temperature of the steam engine and a pre-determined look-up table, in order to perform certain water dosing flowrate pattern based on the temperature reading.
- the temperature control of the steam engine is adjusted to prepare for incoming water and use cases change, see block 705.
- many garment care systems use dynamic control, ie. system setting will change according to user behavior, like vertical mode, auto steam etc...and those garment care systems keep monitoring these status and make changes accordingly.
- a pump start timing check 706, which is necessary to protect pump and its control circuit by switching around zero point of alternative current that drives the pump.
- a pump driving signal is output to a pump driving circuitry, see 707, so as to activate the water pump.
- the water pump primes (i.e. sucks water to fill its inlet and internal air vacancy), sucking water from water source, once received driving signal, see block 709. After that, water will start moving towards steam engine, see block 710.
- the arrow 715 indicates the time delay between the receiving of the trigger and the moving of the water. Since the water only starts to move after the controller has confirmed its working statue and has decided how it should react to the triggering demand, the time delay may be significant. In many state of the art systems, this delay can be up to a hundred micro-seconds (for example 200 micro-seconds), which negatively affects user experience, as indicated in the Background section of the invention.
- the improved method of controlling starts with receiving a request of steam triggering, see block 801.
- the controller 35 outputs a electric valve ON signal, see block 803 to actuate the electric valve 33.
- the next block 805 indicates a dosing pattern decision, similar to 704.
- a pump driving signal is output to the water pump driving circuitry, similar to 707, see 808, so as to activate the water pump.
- early electric valve ON signal can be output, see block 803.
- the electric valve 33 will thus be activated quickly after that, see 810, and the water will start moving before the pump is activated, see block 811, which refers to the 'leading water moving'. Movement of the water before the pump is activated is possible, since the water in the volume deformable container 32 was put under pressure in earlier operating steps (not shown in Figure 8 ).
- Figure 8 shows that due to the pump driving signal, see the block 808, the water pump is primed, see block 812, and the following water will start moving, see block 813.
- the arrow 815 indicates the time delay between the receiving of the trigger and the moving of the (leading) water. Since this water already start to move after the controller has confirmed its working statue, the time delay is less than in Figure 7 . The water already starts to move before controller 35 makes any other fundamental decision, see blocks 804-807.
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- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Textile Engineering (AREA)
- Irons (AREA)
- Professional, Industrial, Or Sporting Protective Garments (AREA)
Abstract
There is provided a garment care system (1) comprising an iron (2) and a base unit (3) connected via a hose (41). The iron comprises a steam engine (21) for receiving water from the base unit via the hose. The base unit comprises a water tank for storing water, a volume deformable container (32), an electric valve (33) arranged between the hose and the volume deformable container, and a water pump (34) for pumping water from the water tank into the volume deformable container, wherein an open state and closed state of the electric valve is controllable from the iron so that in a closed state of the electric valve, a water pressure is built up in the volume deformable container by actuating the water pump, and in an open state of the valve, pressurized water in the volume deformable container is delivered into the hose.
Description
- The invention relates to a garment care system. The invention more particularly relates to a garment care system comprising an iron and a separate base unit.
- The core function of a garment care steam appliance is to generate steam for garment treatment. Steam is the key element to deliver result, and, most of the time, performance of a garment care steam appliance is rated by steam performance. There are many ways for a garment care steam appliance to indicate steam performance, however, to an ordinary user, the time delay in the steam start is one of the most obvious factor for him/her to judge product performance.
- Typically, a garment care steam appliance comprises a steam engine in which water is supplied, wherein the steam engine converts the water into steam instantaneously. In such an appliance, water dosing performance plays an important role in steam generation performance. Dosing can be simply done by gravity, but, for fast steam response and higher steam pressure, special technical solutions are normally used including water pumps, in order to achieve fast, pressured, and controllable water dosing. In such application, to improve water delivery performance becomes the key path of improving overall product performance.
- It is an object of the present invention to propose an improved garment care system that substantially alleviates or overcomes one or more of the problems mentioned above. The invention is defined by the independent claims. The dependent claims define advantageous embodiments.
- According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a garment care system comprising an iron and a base unit connected via a hose. The iron comprises a steam engine for receiving water from the base unit via the hose. The base unit comprises a water tank for storing water, a volume deformable container, an electric valve arranged between the hose and the volume deformable container, and a water pump for pumping water from the water tank into the volume deformable container, wherein an open state and closed state of the electric valve is controllable from the iron so that in a closed state of the electric valve, a water pressure is built up in the volume deformable container by actuating the water pump, and in an open state of the valve, pressurized water in the volume deformable container is delivered into the hose.
- By using an electric valve, the valve can be controllable from the iron while being arranged in the base unit. This will reduce the space needed for components in the iron itself. It is noted that more components are arranged inside the base unit as compared to the state of the art systems. However, this will not give any problems, since the base unit is normally not move by the user, and can be designed so as to provide sufficient space for additional components.
- Optionally, the volume deformable container is an elastically deformable tube arranged in the base unit between the water pump and the electric valve.
- Optionally, the base unit comprises a deformable reservoir in fluid communication with an output of the water pump and an input the electric valve.
- Optionally, the hose comprises an electrical wire to carry an electrical control signal for controlling the opening/closing of the electric valve.
- Optionally, the base unit comprises a control unit connected to the electrical wire.
- Optionally, the control unit is adapted, upon receiving the electrical control signal, to open the electric valve, and activate the water pump .
- Optionally, the base unit further comprises a pressure regulator for regulating water pressure in the volume deformable container.
- Optionally, the pressure regulator comprises a pressure relief valve arranged to release water out of the volume deformable container into the water tank, if water pressure in the volume deformable container exceeds a given threshold (TH1).
- Optionally, the pressure regulator comprises a pressure sensor for measuring water pressure in the volume deformable container, the pressure sensor being connected to the control unit, the control unit being adapted to generate a control signal to the water pump for stopping the water pump if the water pressure in the volume deformable container exceeds a given threshold (TH2).
- Optionally, the pressure regulator corresponds to a pressure switch connected to the water pump, the pressure switch being arranged for switching off the water pump if the water pressure in the volume deformable container exceeds a given threshold (TH3).
- Optionally, the pressure regulator corresponds to a pressure switch connected to the water pump , the pressure switch being arranged for switching on the water pump if the water pressure in the volume deformable container drops below a given threshold (TH4).
- Detailed explanations and other aspects of the invention will be given below.
- These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from and elucidated further with reference to the embodiments described by way of example in the following description and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which
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Figure 1 shows a garment care system according to an embodiment of the invention; -
Figure 2 shows a garment care system according to a further embodiment of the invention; -
Figure 3 shows an embodiment wherein the pressure regulator comprises a pressure relief valve arranged to release water out of the volume deformable container; -
Figure 4 shows an embodiment wherein the pressure regulator comprises a pressure sensor for measuring water pressure; -
Figure 5 shows an embodiment wherein the pressure regulator corresponds to a pressure switch connected to the water pump; -
Figure 6 shows an embodiment wherein the base unit comprises a deformable reservoir; -
Figure 7 shows a flow chart of a simplified control flow of a typical garment care system having no electric valve, and -
Figure 8 shows a flow chart of an improved control flow of a typical garment care system having an electric valve. - The figures are purely diagrammatic and not drawn to scale. In the Figures, elements which correspond to elements already described may have the same reference numerals.
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Figure 1 shows agarment care system 1 according to an embodiment of the invention. Thegarment care system 1 comprises aniron 2 and abase unit 3 connected via ahose 41. Theiron 2 comprises asteam engine 21 for receiving water from thebase unit 3 via thehose 41. Thebase unit 3 comprises awater tank 31 for storing water, a volumedeformable container 32, and anelectric valve 33 arranged between thehose 41 and the volumedeformable container 32. The base unit also comprises awater pump 34 for pumping water from thewater tank 31 into the volumedeformable container 32. - The electric valve has an open state and a closed state. In the closed state of the electric valve 33 a water pressure is built up in the volume
deformable container 32 by actuating thewater pump 34, and in the open state of the valve, pressurized water in the volumedeformable container 32 is delivered into thehose 41. - In the embodiment of
Figure 1 , thehose 41 comprises anelectrical wire 42 to carry an electrical control signal for (indirectly) controlling the opening/closing of theelectric valve 33. Theiron 2 comprises a user actuatedelement 22 to generate the electrical control signal. For example, the user actuatedelement 22 is an on/off switch, or a sensor for detecting the presence of a user, or the motion of the iron. Thebase unit 3 comprises acontrol unit 35 connected to theelectrical wire 42. Thecontrol unit 35 is arranged to control theelectric valve 33 and thewater pump 34. The open state and closed state of theelectric valve 33 is controllable from theiron 2 by actuating the user actuatedelement 22. If the electric valve is opened, water immediately flows from thedeformable container 32 through aconnection pipe 37 arranged in thebase unit 3 into awater pipe 44 arranged in thehose 41. It is noted thatpipe 37 can be part ofpipe 44, meaning thatpipe 37 andpipe 44 form a same pipe. The water will flow through thewater pipe 44 into thesteam engine 21 so as to create steam, which will leave the iron via one or more openings (not shown inFigure 1 ). - In the embodiment of
Figure 1 , the volumedeformable container 32 is an elastically deformable tube arranged in thebase unit 3 between thewater pump 34 and theelectric valve 33. If theelectrical valve 33 is closed, and thewater pump 34 is activated, a water pressure is built up in the volumedeformable container 32. -
Figure 1 also shows apower plug 5 for connection to a power supply. By plugging in thepower plug 5, the components of thebase unit 2 can be powered as well as the components of theiron 2, which receive the electrical power via apower line 43 arranged in thehose 41. -
Figure 2 shows agarment care system 1 according to a further embodiment of the invention.Figure 2 corresponds toFigure 1 except for anadditional pressure regulator 36 for regulating water pressure in thevolume deformable container 32. - The
base unit 3 functions as a water delivery system for theiron 2 which is able to generate steam instantaneously via dosing water into itssteam engine 21. In the water delivery system, during its working cycles, a certain amount of water can be stored under pressure, which can be used to create fast water release, a jet water dosing effect, when discharged. Thebase unit 2 may have the following working cycles. - I) The
controller 35 closes theelectric valve 33 and keeps thewater pump 34 running for a certain time with a certain rate, and then, a certain amount of water is pushed intodeformable tube 32 by the pumping action. The deformed volume size of thedeformable tube 32 determines the amount of stored water; energy is stored by this deformation caused by additional pumping when theelectric valve 33 is closed; the chamber formed by the deformed tube applies pressure onto stored water ; and the pressure regulator determines the pressure level. - II) When water supply is requested to do steam generation, the
controller 35 opens theelectric valve 33 and turns on thewater pump 34. Thanks to above mentioned setup, a very fast moving water stream is generated immediately by the pre-stored water in thedeformable tube 32 under the pre-stored pressure. The generation of the water stream is instantaneous once theelectric valve 33 is opened, which is independent from pumping action and its momentum and volume also help to compensate negative effects from resistance and absorption by piping line. Eventually, the fast response water stream creates a fast dosing intosteam engine 21 to achieve fast steam start, meanwhile, following water flow pushed by pump catches up and keep steam running as per request. - III) Once steam generation is no longer needed, the
controller 35 closes theelectric valve 33 and lets thewater pump 34 to refill thedeformable tube 32 and rebuild the pressure, what is the repeat of the first step. - For example, in an embodiment, wherein capacity of the steam engine to generate steam is low, the water storage in the
volume deformable container 32 is about 0.4g with a water pressure of 0.8bar, and it takes 0.5sec pumping time under ∼225g/min pumping rate to build. - In another embodiment, wherein steam engine capability is high, the water storage in the
volume deformable container 32 is about 2g with a water pressure up to 3bar, and it takes about 1 sec pumping time under about 225g/min pumping rate to build. - In an embodiment, shown in
Figure 3 , thepressure regulator 36 comprises apressure relief valve 36a arranged to release water out of thevolume deformable container 32 into thewater tank 31, if water pressure in thevolume deformable container 32 exceeds a given threshold TH1. By releasing water out of thevolume deformable container 32 if a certain threshold is exceeded, it avoids that the pressure and volume will become too high. In this way unwanted damage to thevolume deformable container 32 can be avoided, and pressure inside thevolume deformable container 32 is regulated. - In another embodiment, as shown in
Figure 4 , thepressure regulator 36 comprises apressure sensor 36b for measuring water pressure in thevolume deformable container 32. Thepressure sensor 36b is connected to thecontrol unit 35, thecontrol unit 35 being adapted to generate a control signal to thewater pump 34 for stopping thewater pump 34 if the water pressure in thevolume deformable container 32 exceeds a given threshold TH2. The threshold TH2 can be a fixed value. Alternatively, the threshold (TH2) is a variable parameter determined by thecontrol unit 35. - In another embodiment, as shown in
Figure 5 , thepressure regulator 36 corresponds to apressure switch 36c connected to thewater pump 34. Thepressure switch 36c is arranged for switching off thewater pump 34 if the water pressure in thevolume deformable container 32 exceeds a given threshold TH3. In an embodiment, thepressure switch 36c is also arranged for switching on thewater pump 34 if the water pressure in thevolume deformable container 32 drops below a given threshold TH4. By the controlled switching on and off of thewater pump 34, the water pressure in thevolume deformable container 32 can be held within limits. - In above embodiments, value of TH1, TH2, TH3 , TH4 can be the same.
- In another embodiment depicted in
Figure 6 , thebase unit 3 comprises adeformable reservoir 39 in fluid communication with an output of thewater pump 34 and an input theelectric valve 33. Thedeformable reservoir 39 is arranged to store and keep pressure for the water amount used for fast water stream generation. Thedeformable reservoir 39 can be container made out of a flexible material. Alternatively, thedeformable reservoir 39 can comprises rigid walls, but having a movable biased part (e.g. a piston) so as to be provide for a variable volume depending on the pressure of its interior. Alternatively, thedeformable reservoir 39 has a rigid outer wall and with compressible material inside (such as air) so as to be provide for a volume deformable storage depending on the pressure of its interior. - It is noted that the
deformable reservoir 39 can be the only volume deformable container in thebase unit 3. Alternatively, thetube 32 can be deformable as well. In that case, two volume deformable containers are arranged in thebase unit 3. It is further noted that thepressure regulator 36 shown inFigures 2-5 could also be present in thebase unit 3 with thedeformable reservoir 39. Thepressure regulator 36 could be arranged in thedeformable reservoir 39 or in thedeformable tube 32. - In an specific embodiment, the
control unit 35 is adapted, upon receiving the electrical control signal from the actuatedelement 22, to open theelectric valve 33, and activate thewater pump 34. This allows delivering a flow of water in thehose 41, for example a continuous flow of water. The opening of theelectric valve 33 and the activation of thewater pump 34 are performed simultaneously. Alternatively, theelectric valve 33 is opened just before thewater pump 34 is activated. - The advantage of implementing the
electric valve 33 in the garment care system and properly controlling theelectric valve 33 and thewater pump 34 will be further discussed with reference toFigure 7 andFigure 8 . - Considering building blocks and cost constrain of a domestic garment care steam appliance, most likely only single core and single task processor will be used, also, its clock speed will not be too fast. In order to control multiple function units with limited processing power, some priorities have to be defined. In a typical control logic of a garment care steam appliance, in order to ensure proper core functionalities, processes related to temperature management normally take higher order than flow control. Most of the time, flow control decision is one of the result of temperature management decision. Counting process priorities and processing cycles, it easily takes about 0.1 sec before controller can give commands for water dispensing and about another 0.1sec to decide how it should be dispensed in certain kind of way.
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Figure 7 shows a flow chart of a method of controlling water flow in a known garment care system having no electric valve. The method steps can be performed by a controller arranged to control the water pump and a temperature control arranged in the system. - The method of controlling starts with receiving a request of steam triggering, see
block 701. - Next, a signal confirmation decision is made by the controller (optionally after filtering and noise cancellation processes), see 702. In this step, the controller confirms the signal which is received is a request, and not noise or interference. This can be normally done by software buffering and/or multiple sampling and comparing.
- Then, a temperature check of the steam engine temperature is performed, see 703.
- The
next block 704 indicates a water dosing flowrate pattern decision, which is made based on the sensed temperature of the steam engine and a pre-determined look-up table, in order to perform certain water dosing flowrate pattern based on the temperature reading. Below table is an example of such a look-up table:Temperature (°C) Dosing Rate > 200 150 g/min 140∼200 135 g/min 130∼140 75 g/min 120∼130 56 g/min 110∼120 15 g/min < 110 OFF - Next, the temperature control of the steam engine is adjusted to prepare for incoming water and use cases change, see
block 705. Indeed, , many garment care systems use dynamic control, ie. system setting will change according to user behavior, like vertical mode, auto steam etc...and those garment care systems keep monitoring these status and make changes accordingly. It is followed by a pump start timing check 706, which is necessary to protect pump and its control circuit by switching around zero point of alternative current that drives the pump. - Next, a pump driving signal is output to a pump driving circuitry, see 707, so as to activate the water pump.
- Other control processes, see 708, may follow not related to the pumping. First, the water pump primes (i.e. sucks water to fill its inlet and internal air vacancy), sucking water from water source, once received driving signal, see
block 709. After that, water will start moving towards steam engine, seeblock 710. - In
Figure 7 , thearrow 715 indicates the time delay between the receiving of the trigger and the moving of the water. Since the water only starts to move after the controller has confirmed its working statue and has decided how it should react to the triggering demand, the time delay may be significant. In many state of the art systems, this delay can be up to a hundred micro-seconds (for example 200 micro-seconds), which negatively affects user experience, as indicated in the Background section of the invention. - Thanks to the introducing of electric valve as described above with reference to
Figures 1-6 , it is possible to provide for a short cut for early water movement. This will be explained with reference toFigure 8 which shows a flow chart of a method of controlling performed by thecontroller 35 according to the invention. - The improved method of controlling starts with receiving a request of steam triggering, see
block 801. - Next, a signal confirmation decision is made by the controller (optionally after filtering and noise cancellation processes), see 802.
- Then, the
controller 35 outputs a electric valve ON signal, seeblock 803 to actuate theelectric valve 33. - Then, a temperature check of the steam engine temperature is performed, similar to 703, see 804.
- The
next block 805 indicates a dosing pattern decision, similar to 704. - Next, the temperature adjustment is performed, similar to 705, see
block 806, followed by a pump start timing check 807, similar to 706. - Next, a pump driving signal is output to the water pump driving circuitry, similar to 707, see 808, so as to activate the water pump.
- Other control processes, similar to 708, see 809, may follow not related to the pumping.
- Due to the limited number of steps required to operate the electric valve, early electric valve ON signal can be output, see
block 803. Theelectric valve 33 will thus be activated quickly after that, see 810, and the water will start moving before the pump is activated, seeblock 811, which refers to the 'leading water moving'. Movement of the water before the pump is activated is possible, since the water in thevolume deformable container 32 was put under pressure in earlier operating steps (not shown inFigure 8 ). - Similar to the processes of
Figure 7 ,Figure 8 shows that due to the pump driving signal, see theblock 808, the water pump is primed, seeblock 812, and the following water will start moving, seeblock 813. - In
Figure 8 , thearrow 815 indicates the time delay between the receiving of the trigger and the moving of the (leading) water. Since this water already start to move after the controller has confirmed its working statue, the time delay is less than inFigure 7 . The water already starts to move beforecontroller 35 makes any other fundamental decision, see blocks 804-807. - The present of the
electric valve 33 together with its operating in advance scheme thanks to its simple activation process, seeFigure 8 , water starts to move much earlier compared to that in original systems. Although there is only limited amount of 'leading water', it's sufficient to cover the time delay caused by processing time. Since steam generation is started earlier, steam response becomes faster and total steam start delay will be less, which is beneficial for the user ironing experience. - It will be appreciated that the above description for clarity has described embodiments of the invention with reference to different functional units and processors. However, it will be apparent that any suitable distribution of functionality between different functional units or processors may be used without deviating from the invention. For example, functionality illustrated to be performed by separate units, processors or controllers may be performed by the same processor or controllers. Hence, references to specific functional units are only to be seen as references to suitable means for providing the described functionality rather than indicative of a strict logical or physical structure or organization.
- It is noted, that in this document the word 'comprising' does not exclude the presence of other elements or steps than those listed and the word 'a' or 'an' preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements, that any reference signs do not limit the scope of the claims, that the invention may be implemented by means of both hardware and software, and that several 'means' or 'units' may be represented by the same item of hardware or software, and a processor may fulfill the function of one or more units, possibly in cooperation with hardware elements. Further, the invention is not limited to the embodiments, and the invention lies in each and every novel feature or combination of features described above or recited in mutually different dependent claims.
Claims (13)
- A garment care system (1) comprising an iron (2) and a base unit (3) connected via a hose (41), wherein the iron (2) comprises a steam engine (21) for receiving water from the base unit (3) via the hose (41), wherein the base unit (3) comprises:- a water tank (31) for storing water,- a volume deformable container (32),- an electric valve (33) arranged between the hose (41) and the volume deformable container (32),- a water pump (34) for pumping water from the water tank (31) into the volume deformable container (32),wherein an open state and closed state of the electric valve (33) is controllable from the iron (2) so that in a closed state of the electric valve (33), a water pressure is built up in the volume deformable container (32) by actuating the water pump (34), and in an open state of the valve, pressurized water in the volume deformable container (32) is delivered into the hose (41).
- A garment care system according to claim 1, wherein the volume deformable container (32) is an elastically deformable tube arranged in the base unit (3) between the water pump (34) and the electric valve (33).
- A garment care system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the base unit (3) comprises a deformable reservoir (39) in fluid communication with an output of the water pump (34) and an input the electric valve (33).
- A garment care system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hose (41) comprises an electrical wire (42) to carry an electrical control signal for controlling the opening/closing of the electric valve (33).
- A garment care system according to claim 4, wherein the iron (2) comprises a user actuated element (22) to generate the electrical control signal.
- A garment care system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base unit (3) comprises a control unit (35) connected to said electrical wire (42).
- A garment care system according to claim 6, wherein the control unit (35) is adapted, upon receiving said electrical control signal, to open the electric valve (33), and activate the water pump (34).
- A garment care system according to claim 7, wherein the control unit (35) is adapted to first open the electric valve (33), then to secondly activate the water pump (34).
- A garment care system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base unit (3) further comprises a pressure regulator (36) for regulating water pressure in the volume deformable container (32).
- A garment care system according to claim 9, wherein the pressure regulator (36) comprises a pressure relief valve (36a) arranged to release water out of the volume deformable container (32) into the water tank (31), if water pressure in the volume deformable container (32) exceeds a given threshold (TH1).
- A garment care system according to claim 9, wherein the pressure regulator (36) comprises a pressure sensor (36b) for measuring water pressure in the volume deformable container (32), the pressure sensor (36b) being connected to the control unit (35), the control unit (35) being adapted to generate a control signal to the water pump (34) for stopping the water pump (34) if the water pressure in the volume deformable container (32) exceeds a given threshold (TH2).
- A garment care system according to claim 9, wherein the pressure regulator (36) corresponds to a pressure switch (36c) connected to the water pump (34), the pressure switch (36c) being arranged for switching off the water pump (34) if the water pressure in the volume deformable container (32) exceeds a given threshold (TH3).
- A garment care system according to claim 9, wherein the pressure regulator (36) corresponds to a pressure switch (36c) connected to the water pump (34), the pressure switch (36c) being arranged for switching on the water pump (34) if the water pressure in the volume deformable container (32) drops below a given threshold (TH4).
Priority Applications (6)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP17177852.5A EP3421657A1 (en) | 2017-06-26 | 2017-06-26 | A garment care system with water pump |
RU2020103351A RU2762861C9 (en) | 2017-06-26 | 2018-06-22 | System for clothing care with water pump |
CN201880042799.7A CN110799696B (en) | 2017-06-26 | 2018-06-22 | Garment care system with water pump |
EP18732090.8A EP3645782B1 (en) | 2017-06-26 | 2018-06-22 | A garment care system with water pump |
PCT/EP2018/066694 WO2019002111A1 (en) | 2017-06-26 | 2018-06-22 | A garment care system with water pump |
PL18732090T PL3645782T3 (en) | 2017-06-26 | 2018-06-22 | A garment care system with water pump |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP17177852.5A EP3421657A1 (en) | 2017-06-26 | 2017-06-26 | A garment care system with water pump |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP3421657A1 true EP3421657A1 (en) | 2019-01-02 |
Family
ID=59215651
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP17177852.5A Withdrawn EP3421657A1 (en) | 2017-06-26 | 2017-06-26 | A garment care system with water pump |
EP18732090.8A Active EP3645782B1 (en) | 2017-06-26 | 2018-06-22 | A garment care system with water pump |
Family Applications After (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP18732090.8A Active EP3645782B1 (en) | 2017-06-26 | 2018-06-22 | A garment care system with water pump |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (2) | EP3421657A1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN110799696B (en) |
PL (1) | PL3645782T3 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2019002111A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
FR3102997A1 (en) * | 2019-11-08 | 2021-05-14 | Tsann Kuen (Zhangzhou) Enterprise Co., Ltd. | STEAM IRON DEVICE |
Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP0328453A1 (en) * | 1988-02-10 | 1989-08-16 | Seb S.A. | Steam iron comprising a device for supplying water to the steam generating chamber |
US5341585A (en) * | 1992-05-08 | 1994-08-30 | Rowenta-Werke Gmbh | Steam iron with pump and pressure reservoir |
US5638622A (en) * | 1995-07-04 | 1997-06-17 | Rowenta-Werke Gmbh | Steam iron with pump and pressure reservoir |
FR2853671A1 (en) * | 2003-04-14 | 2004-10-15 | Kai Tung Augustine Fung | Domestic steam iron for ironing fabric, has steam generator with vaporization chamber heated by heating unit at specific temperature to transform cold water under pressure introduced into chamber into steam |
WO2007013002A2 (en) * | 2005-07-29 | 2007-02-01 | Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. | Method for generating a burst of steam from a steam iron |
Family Cites Families (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4535556A (en) * | 1983-03-01 | 1985-08-20 | Alfredo Cavalli | Steam ironing apparatus with a separate water reservoir |
CN100532698C (en) * | 2006-09-08 | 2009-08-26 | 徐万群 | Split electric steam iron |
GB0901855D0 (en) * | 2009-02-05 | 2009-03-11 | Strix Ltd | Electric steam generation |
-
2017
- 2017-06-26 EP EP17177852.5A patent/EP3421657A1/en not_active Withdrawn
-
2018
- 2018-06-22 PL PL18732090T patent/PL3645782T3/en unknown
- 2018-06-22 WO PCT/EP2018/066694 patent/WO2019002111A1/en unknown
- 2018-06-22 EP EP18732090.8A patent/EP3645782B1/en active Active
- 2018-06-22 CN CN201880042799.7A patent/CN110799696B/en active Active
Patent Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP0328453A1 (en) * | 1988-02-10 | 1989-08-16 | Seb S.A. | Steam iron comprising a device for supplying water to the steam generating chamber |
US5341585A (en) * | 1992-05-08 | 1994-08-30 | Rowenta-Werke Gmbh | Steam iron with pump and pressure reservoir |
US5638622A (en) * | 1995-07-04 | 1997-06-17 | Rowenta-Werke Gmbh | Steam iron with pump and pressure reservoir |
FR2853671A1 (en) * | 2003-04-14 | 2004-10-15 | Kai Tung Augustine Fung | Domestic steam iron for ironing fabric, has steam generator with vaporization chamber heated by heating unit at specific temperature to transform cold water under pressure introduced into chamber into steam |
WO2007013002A2 (en) * | 2005-07-29 | 2007-02-01 | Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. | Method for generating a burst of steam from a steam iron |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
FR3102997A1 (en) * | 2019-11-08 | 2021-05-14 | Tsann Kuen (Zhangzhou) Enterprise Co., Ltd. | STEAM IRON DEVICE |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
RU2762861C2 (en) | 2021-12-23 |
CN110799696B (en) | 2022-07-05 |
CN110799696A (en) | 2020-02-14 |
RU2020103351A (en) | 2021-07-27 |
PL3645782T3 (en) | 2021-09-27 |
RU2020103351A3 (en) | 2021-10-18 |
EP3645782A1 (en) | 2020-05-06 |
EP3645782B1 (en) | 2021-05-19 |
WO2019002111A1 (en) | 2019-01-03 |
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