EP3622109B1

EP3622109B1 - Garment care device with single user actuator for the selection of operating modes

Info

Publication number: EP3622109B1
Application number: EP18753431.8A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Chee Keong Ong; SANKARALINGAM Tamilselvan THIRUMAZHISAI; LinFang XU; Seek Mooi YAP; Winson Garcia LIM
Original assignee: Koninklijke Philips NV
Current assignee: Koninklijke Philips NV
Priority date: 2017-08-25
Filing date: 2018-08-21
Publication date: 2020-10-07
Anticipated expiration: 2038-08-21
Also published as: WO2019038256A1; CN111051601B; EP3447186A1; CN111051601A; RU2728650C1; EP3622109A1

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to the field of domestic appliances, and more specifically garment care devices.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Steam iron is an example of domestic appliance. In steam irons, buttons are commonly used to activate various modes and/or to change settings. For example, there are buttons used as a mode selector button that changes either the steam rate or temperature, or a steam actuator button that controls the output of steam. Others include shot of steam button, rinsing buttons. There is an increasing demand to have a higher number of modes and settings to choose from by the user, in order to improve ironing experience and performance. However, this demand often results in the situation that the corresponding steam irons are equipped with a high number of buttons and knobs.
Implementing a higher number of buttons and knobs is difficult in view of the limited space and form factor on most of household devices. Moreover, if the buttons and knobs are of reduced size, this creates inconvenience for user when manipulating the device for mode selection.
Document US 2006/195252 discloses a manual input navigation device comprising a sensor for manipulating graphical elements on a mobile device user interface. Upon the generation of an input navigation signal, the current tilt angle is stored as a reference tilt angle and the relative position of a graphical element is altered based on the difference between the current tilt angle and the reference tilt angle.
Document US 2006/081588 discloses an interface for an iron with a graphical display indicating the current temperature selection, user controls for adjusting the current temperature selection, and a ready indicator adapted to indicate when the iron is at the currently selected temperature.
Document US 2009/153466 discloses a method for activating and deactivating a scrolling operation including activating a scrolling operation of a display of the mobile unit, sensing at least one of a motion and an orientation of the mobile unit and scrolling the display based on the sensed motion or orientation.
Document US 2010/037184 discloses a portable electronic device including a motion detection module configured for determining a direction of movement of the device when the orientation of the device has been changed.
Document US 2012/254646 discloses a method for controlling a screen protection function of a portable electronic device including a gravity sensor and a display screen, wherein the display screen enters a power saving mode if the tilt angle, as measured by the gravity sensor, exceeds a present tilt angle range.

OBJECT AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to propose an improved device that avoids or mitigates above-mentioned problems.
The invention is defined by the independent claims. The dependent claims define advantageous embodiments.
To this end, the device according to the invention comprises is adapted to take different angular orientations during use. The device comprises:

a sensor connected to a control unit for determining an angular orientation (A) of the device (100) during use,
a user actuator for generating a trigger signal to the control unit for each actuation of the user actuator,
an interface for displaying at least one operating mode of a plurality of operating modes of the device,

detect, based on the determined angular orientation, that the device is in a predetermined angular orientation,
trigger the successive display on the interface of a different operating mode taken among the plurality of operating modes, for each successive trigger signal generated only when the device is in the predetermined angular orientation, and
apply to the device, the latest operating mode displayed on the interface .

With this solution, it becomes possible to activate a plurality of different operating modes using only one user actuator. As a result, the implementation becomes much easier. Moreover, this contributes to a cost-effective solution.
The invention also relates to a method of selecting an operating mode in a device as described above.
Detailed explanations and other aspects of the invention will be given below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

Fig.1 depicts a device according to the invention,
Fig.2A and fig.2B illustrate a device according to the invention in an initial angular orientation and a final angular orientation, respectively,
Fig.3 depicts an interface in a device according to the invention,
Fig.4 depicts a flow chart of a method according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Fig.1 depicts a device 100 according to the invention.
The device 100 is adapted to take different angular orientations during use. Those different angular orientations are for example the consequence of the device being manipulated by user.
The device 100 comprises a sensor 101 connected to a control unit 102 for determining an angular orientation (A) of the device 100 during use.
The device 100 also comprises a user actuator 103 for generating a trigger signal to the control unit 102 for each actuation of the user actuator 103.
The device 100 also comprises an interface 104 for displaying at least one operating mode of a plurality of operating modes of the device 100.
The control unit 102 is also adapted to :

detect, based on the determined angular orientation (A), that the device 100 is in a predetermined angular orientation (A1).
trigger the successive display on the interface 104 of a different operating mode taken among the plurality of operating modes, for each successive trigger signal generated only when the device 100 is in the predetermined angular orientation (A1).
apply to the device 100, the latest operating mode displayed on the interface 104.

Preferably, the control unit 102 is adapted to apply to the device 100, the latest operating mode displayed on the interface 104, when the device 100 returns to an initial angular orientation A0 different than the predetermined angular orientation A1.
Alternatively, the control unit 102 is adapted to apply to the device 100, the latest operating mode displayed on the interface 104, when the device 100 is in the predetermined angular orientation A1. For example:

solution 1: the control unit 102 is adapted to immediately apply to the device 100 the operating mode displayed on the interface 104. Or,
solution 2: the control unit 102 is adapted to detect that the user actuator 103 has not been actuated during more than a predetermined time duration since the last actuation. In that case, the latest operating mode displayed on the interface 104 will be applied to the device 100 after this predetermined time duration has elapsed. For example, the predetermined time duration is 1 second.

The fact that the device can take different angular orientations during use reflects the fact that given the portable nature of the device, user can move manually the device in all kinds of direction (left, right, top, down, or a combination thereof).
The sensor 101 is preferably taken among the set defined by accelerometer, gyroscope, ball sensor, or any sensor that could give orientation information. Preferably, the sensor 101 is arranged in the handle 109.
If the sensor 101 corresponds to an accelerometer, it is preferably of the type Micro ElectroMechanical Systems (MEMS). For example, a three-axis accelerometer can be used to generate three acceleration signals along three main axis X, Y, Z of an orthonormal reference, with Z corresponding to a vertical direction, and X-Y forming an horizontal plan. This accelerometer, even when the device is not dynamically moving, is able to measure a change of static acceleration along anyone of axis X, Y, Z, between a first static position of the device and a second static position of the device. For example, when the accelerometer is in a first position in which axis X, Y are in an horizontal plan, the acceleration value along axis Z equals 1 g = 9.81 m/s² (i.e. Earth gravity) and 0 along axis X, Y. If the accelerometer is moved to a second position, for example by tilting the device in a plane parallel to plane formed by axis X-Z, the acceleration value along axis X, Y and Z will vary in dependence of the sine and/or cosine of the tilt angle (A). Depending on the variations of the acceleration value along axis X, Y and Z, the corresponding angular orientation (A) of the device can be derived. For example, a pre-filled-in look-up table(s) linking value of acceleration to a corresponding angle value can be used. The pre-filled values can be obtained by measurement, or via using formula given in the sensor datasheet for calculating tilt angles from acceleration value.
The variations of the acceleration value along only one axis can be used, for example axis Z.

To this end, for example, the following look-up 1 table can be used:

Look-up table 1

Angular orientation (A)	Acceleration value on Z axis (milli g)
0	1031
5	1026
10	1014
15	996
20	972
25	938
30	897
35	853
40	803
45	727
50	659
55	587
60	515
65	438
70	358
75	267
80	181
85	95
90	-2

The unit for the acceleration value is in milli g (or abbreviated as "mg"), with 1 g = 9.81 m/s².
With the above look-up table 1, let assume that the lower threshold of the predetermined angular orientation A1 is set to 35 degrees. In that case, if the value of the acceleration measured is below 853 milli g, it can be considered that the device is in the predetermined angular orientation.

Similarly, the variations of the acceleration value along axis X and/or Y can be used, with the following look-up table 2:

Look-up table 2

Angular orientation (A)	Acceleration value on X or Y axis (milli g)
0	-3
5	98
10	191
15	275
20	357
25	441
30	515
35	584
40	653
45	744
50	802
55	856
60	905
65	948
70	980
75	1010
80	1027
85	1036
90	1041

Using acceleration value along axis X and/or Y is advantageous in case the lower threshold of the predetermined angular orientation A1 is below 30 degrees, for example 10 degrees. Indeed, since the change of the acceleration value varies with the sine of the orientation angle A, the change of acceleration angle is more important for small angles, contrary to using acceleration value along the Z axis which varies with the cosine of the orientation angle. The accuracy of determining the angular orientation (A) is thus improved.
The accelerometer preferably incorporates a processing module to directly derive the angular orientation (A) of the device. Alternatively, if the accelerometer is not equipped with this processing module, the necessary processing can be performed by the control unit 102.
If the sensor 101 corresponds to a gyroscope, the orientations along axis X, Y, Z are directly measured by the sensor. Knowing the orientations in a three-dimensional reference allows deriving the corresponding angular orientation (A) of the device 100.
If the sensor 101 corresponds to a ball sensor, only a binary information on the angular orientation of the device can be determined. For example, it can only be determined that the angular orientation of the device is above a certain threshold angle. The threshold angle reflects the angle the ball inside the sensor is able to move from an initial position to a final position inside the sensor.
Preferably, the predetermined angular orientation (A1) is an angle of at least 10 degrees between a horizontal surface (X-Y) and a reference planar surface (S) of the device 100. For example, the predetermined angular orientation (A1) has an angle value of 15 degrees.
Preferably, the reference planar surface (S) corresponds to a planar treatment surface of the device. If the device is a steam iron, the reference planar surface (S) is a soleplate used for ironing garments.
Fig.2A and fig.2B illustrate a device according to the invention in an initial angular orientation A0 and a final angular orientation, respectively.
In fig.2A, the reference planar surface (S) of the device 100 is parallel to horizontal surface (X-Y). So in the present example, the initial angular orientation A0 has a value of 0 degree. If the device is a steam iron, this situation may correspond to having the device being used onto a horizontal ironing board.
In fig.2B, the angular orientation (A) of the device has been modified by user, for example by tilting the tip of the device, such that the reference planar surface (S) and the horizontal surface (X-Y) form an angle A=A1, for example of at least 10 degrees.
The user actuator may for example correspond to a push button, a rotating button, a tactile touch button.
Preferably, the user actuator 103 is arranged on the top surface of the handle 109 of the device, next to the interface/display 104, as depicted in Fig.1. However, the user actuator 103 can also be arranged at different locations on the device, such as inside the hollow part of the handle 109.
The user actuator generates a trigger signal for each actuation of the user actuator. However, the term actuation is not limited to a single action by the user. Indeed, an actuation may also correspond to a more complex action, such as a double click on the user actuator that will generate only one trigger signal.
The interface 104 may for example correspond to:

names of the at least one of the plurality of operating modes which are successively back-illuminated (for example using light emitting diodes)
a LCD screen on which the names of the at least one of the plurality of operating modes are successively displayed,
individual lights (for example light emitting diodes) arranged adjacent to each name of the at least one of the plurality of operating modes being marked on the device, the individual lights being successively illuminated.

Let consider an example in which the at least one operating mode comprises only one operating mode. In this case, when the device 100 is in the predetermined angular orientation A1, actuating the user actuator 103 will result in the display of this operating mode in the interface 104. Actuating the user actuator 103 a second time will result in stopping the display of this operating mode in the interface 104. For example, if the device is a steam iron, the only one operating mode to choose from in the interface may correspond to applying a non-steaming mode (i.e. dry mode) to the steam iron when the device 100 returns to an initial angular orientation (A0) different than the predetermined angular orientation (A1). In other words, the plurality of operating modes may simply comprise: a steam mode; and a non-steam mode.
Fig.3 depicts an interface in a device according to the invention,
Let consider an example in which the plurality of operating modes comprises:

a first operating mode M1,
a second operating mode M2,
a third operating mode M3,
a fourth operating mode M4.

When the device 100 is in the initial angular orientation (A0) different than the predetermined angular orientation (A1), let assume for example that the second operating mode M2 was already applied to the device 100.
In this case, when the device 100 gets in the predetermined angular orientation A1:

the second operating mode M2 is by-default displayed in the interface 104, and other operating modes not displayed (alternatively displayed with lower light intensity), as illustrated in Fig.3 (a),
actuating a first time the user actuator 103 will result in the display of the third operating mode M3 in the interface 104, and other operating modes not displayed (alternatively displayed with lower light intensity), as illustrated in Fig.3 (b),
actuating a second time the user actuator 103 will result in the display of the fourth operating mode M4 in the interface 104, and other operating modes not displayed (alternatively displayed with lower light intensity), as illustrated in Fig.3 (c),
actuating a third time the user actuator 103 will result in the display of the first operating mode M1 in the interface 104, and other operating modes not displayed (alternatively displayed with lower light intensity), as illustrated in Fig.3 (d),
actuating a fourth time the user actuator 103 will result in the display of the second operating mode M2 in the interface 104, as illustrated in Fig.3 (a).

If the user actuator 103 is continued to be actuated, this above process of successively displaying the various operating modes repeats recursively.
Alternatively to the above process, when the device 100 gets in the predetermined angular orientation A1, there are no by-default operating modes displayed in the interface 104, and actuating a first time the user actuator 103 will result in the display of the first operating mode M1 in the interface 104, and other operating modes not displayed (alternatively displayed with lower light intensity).
For example, if the user actuator 103 is actuated such that the latest operating mode displayed on the interface 104 is the fourth operating mode M4, then when the device leaves the predetermined angular orientation (A1), the fourth operating mode M4 is applied to the device without any user action.
According to the invention, the device is a garment care device, and preferably the plurality of operating modes comprises a dry mode (i.e. non-steaming mode). In this operating mode, the device does not generate steam.
According to the invention, the device is a garment care device, and preferably the plurality of operating modes comprises a steaming mode (i.e. steaming mode). In this operating mode, the device is able to generate steam.
Preferably, the steaming mode comprises a first steaming mode with low steam generation and a second steaming mode with high steam generation.
Preferably, the steaming mode comprises a third steaming mode characterized by generating steam if the device 100 is moving when the device 100 is in the initial angular orientation (A0) different than the predetermined angular orientation (A1), and not generating steam if the device 100 is not moving when the device 100 is in the initial angular orientation (A0) different than the predetermined angular orientation (A1).
For example, the movement information is measured by the control unit 102 connected to the sensor 101.
Preferably, the steaming mode comprises a fourth steaming mode characterized by generating pulsed steam.
Preferably, the control unit 102 is further adapted to modify, when the device 100 is in the initial angular orientation (A0), some characteristics of the latest operating mode displayed on the interface 104), based on a trigger signal generated when the device 100 is in the initial angular orientation (A0).
For example:

If the latest operating mode applied to the device is dry mode, then actuating the user actuator may generate a burst of steam,
If the latest operating mode applied to the device is steaming mode with low steam generation, then actuating the user actuator may generate an increased flow of steam,
If the latest operating mode applied to the device is steaming mode with high steam generation, then actuating the user actuator may generate an even increased flow of steam,
If the latest operating mode applied to the device is steaming mode with high steam generation, then actuating the user actuator may generate a decreased flow of steam,
If the latest operating mode applied to the device is steaming mode if movement of the device is detected, then actuating the user actuator may generate steam even if the device does not have any movement.

It is noted that according to the invention, the predetermined angular orientation (A1) may comprise a plurality of predetermined angular ranges, each angular range being associated to a different set of operating modes. In each of those angular ranges, the selection of operating mode is done similarly as explained above.
For example, the predetermined angular orientation (A1) comprises:

a first range of angles (for example between 10-45 degrees compared to a horizontal plan) which is used to select among a first set of operating modes (for example the four operating modes M1-M2-M3-M4 described above), and
a second range of angles (for example between 45-90 degrees compared to a horizontal plan) which is used to select among a second set of operating modes (for example a first vertical steaming mode M5 and a second vertical steaming mode M6).

For example, for the operating modes M1-M2-M3-M4, the control unit 102 is adapted to apply to the device 100, the latest operating mode displayed on the interface 104, when the device 100 returns to an initial angular orientation A0 different than the predetermined angular orientation A1.
For example, for the operating modes M5-M6, the control unit 102 is adapted to apply to the device 100, the latest operating mode displayed on the interface 104, when the device 100 is in the predetermined angular orientation A1.
Preferably, the device is a garment care device corresponding to any one of the following types:

dry iron: this type of device comprises a soleplate forming a reference planar surface similar to the reference planar surface (S) as depicted in Fig.1.
steam iron: this type of device corresponds to the embodiment depicted in Fig.1.
pressurized steam generator: this type of device comprises a base connected to an iron via a hose cord, either the hose carrying water, either the hose cord carrying steam. The iron has a structure similar as the embodiment depicted in Fig.1.
handheld garment steamer: this type of device comprises a planar front plate from which steam exits. The planar front plate forms a reference planar surface similar to the reference planar surface (S) as depicted in Fig. 1 . However, considering that during use the by-default orientation of the planar front plate is vertical, the angular orientation A corresponds to the angle between a vertical plane (X-Z or Y-Z) and the reference planar surface.
stand garment steamer: this type of device comprises a base connected to a portable steamer. The steamer head comprises a planar front plate from which steam exits. The planar front plate forms a reference planar surface similar to the reference planar surface (S) as depicted in Fig.1. However, considering that during use the by-default orientation of the planar front plate is vertical, the angular orientation A corresponds to the angle between a vertical plane (X-Z or Y-Z) and the reference planar surface.
stain remover device: this type of device comprises a planar front end for treating stain. The planar front end can be considered as a reference planar surface (S) similarly as depicted in Fig.1. The angular orientation A corresponds to the angle between horizontal plane X-Y and the reference planar surface. The at least one operating mode may for example correspond to stain treatment with chemical agent, rinsing the stain area with water, drying the stain area.

For example, to generate steam, the garment care device depicted in Fig. 1 comprises a water tank 105, a steam chamber 106 receiving water from the reservoir 105. The steam generated in the steam chamber 106 exits via steam vents 107 in the soleplate S. In order to control the amount of steam generated, a water pump 108 is arranged between the water tank 105 and the steam chamber 106. The opening/closing of the water pump 108 is controlled by the control unit 102.
Fig.4 depicts a flow chart of a method according to the invention of selecting an operating mode of a device taken among a plurality of operating modes, the device being adapted to take different angular orientations during use.
The method comprises the steps of:

determining (401) an angular orientation (A) of the device (100) during use,
detecting (402), based on the determined angular orientation (A), that the device (100) is in a predetermined angular orientation (A1),
generating (403) at least one trigger signal, when the device (100) is in the predetermined angular orientation (A1),
triggering (404) the successive display, on an interface of the device, of a different operating mode taken among the plurality of operating modes, for each successive trigger signal generated only when the device (100) is in the predetermined angular orientation (A1), and
applying (405) to the device (100), the latest operating mode displayed on the interface (104).

The above embodiments as described are only illustrative, and not intended to limit the technique approaches of the present invention. Although the present invention is described in details referring to the preferable embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that the technique approaches of the present invention can be modified or equally displaced without departing from the protective 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 should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

A garment care device (100) adapted to take different angular orientations during use, the device (100) comprising:
- a sensor (101) connected to a control unit (102) for determining an angular orientation (A) of the device (100) during use,

- a user actuator (103) for generating a trigger signal to said control unit (102) for each actuation of the user actuator (103),

- an interface (104) for displaying at least one operating mode of a plurality of operating modes of said device (100),
wherein the control unit (102) is adapted to:
- detect, based on the determined angular orientation (A), that the device (100) is in a predetermined angular orientation (A1),

- trigger the successive display on said interface (104) of a different operating mode taken among said plurality of operating modes, for each successive trigger signal, and

- apply to said device (100), the latest operating mode displayed on said interface (104),

- and characterized in that the control unit is adapted to trigger the successive display on said interface (104) of a different operating mode taken among said plurality of operating modes, for each successive trigger signal generated only when the device (100) is in said predetermined angular orientation (A1).
Device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said predetermined angular orientation (A1) is an angle of at least 10 degrees between an horizontal surface (X-Y) and a reference planar surface (S) of the device (100).
Device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said predetermined angular orientation (A1) comprise a plurality of predetermined angular ranges, each angular range being associated to a different set of operating modes.
Device as claimed in claim 2, further comprising a planar treatment surface, wherein said planar treatment surface defines said reference planar surface (S).
Device as claimed in any one of the claims 1 to 4, wherein the control unit (102) is further adapted to apply to said device (100), the latest operating mode displayed on said interface (104), when the device (100) returns to an initial angular orientation (A0) different than said predetermined angular orientation (A1).
Device as claimed in any one of the claims 1 to 4, wherein the control unit (102) is further adapted to apply to said device (100), the latest operating mode displayed on said interface (104), when the device (100) is in said predetermined angular orientation (A1).
Device as claimed in any of claim 5 to 6, wherein the control unit (102) is further adapted to modify, when the device (100) is in said initial angular orientation (A0), some characteristics of said latest operating mode, based on said trigger signal generated when the device (100) is in said initial angular orientation (A0).
Device as claimed in any one of the claims 1 to 7, corresponding to a garment care device, wherein said plurality of operating modes comprises a dry mode.
Device as claimed in any one of the claims 1 to 8, corresponding to a garment care device, wherein said plurality of operating modes comprises a steaming mode.
Device as claimed in claim 9, wherein said steaming mode comprises a first steaming mode with low steam generation and a second steaming mode with high steam generation.
Device as claimed in claim 9 or 10, wherein said steaming mode comprises a third steaming mode characterized by generating steam if the device (100) is moving when the device (100) is in an initial angular orientation (A0) different than the predetermined angular orientation (A1), and not generating steam if the device (100) is not moving when the device (100) is in the initial angular orientation (A0) different than the predetermined angular orientation (A1).
Device as claimed in claim 9, 10 or 11, wherein said steaming mode comprises a fourth steaming mode characterized by generating pulsed steam.
Device as claimed in any one of the claims 1 to 12, wherein said sensor (101) is taken among the set defined by accelerometer, gyroscope, ball sensor.
Device as claimed in claim 13, wherein said sensor (101) is an accelerometer generating acceleration values along at least one axis (X, Y, Z), the control unit (102) being adapted to derive said angular orientation (A) from acceleration values along said at least one axis (X, Y, Z).
Device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, corresponding to any of the types defined by dry iron, steam iron, pressurized steam generator, handheld garment steamer, stand garment steamer, stain remover.
Method of selecting an operating mode of a garment care device taken among a plurality of operating modes, the device being adapted to take different angular orientations during use, the method comprising the steps of:
- determining (401) an angular orientation (A) of the device (100) during use,

- detecting (402), based on the determined angular orientation (A), that the device (100) is in a predetermined angular orientation (A1),

- generating (403) at least one trigger signal, when the device (100) is in said predetermined angular orientation (A1),

- triggering (404) the successive display, on an interface of the device, of a different operating mode taken among said plurality of operating modes, for each successive trigger signal, and

- applying (405) to said device (100), the latest operating mode (M1, M2, M3, M4) displayed on said interface (104),

- and characterised by:

- triggering (404) the successive display, on said interface (104) of the device (100), of a different operating mode (M1, M2, M3, M4) taken among said plurality of operating modes (M1, M2, M3, M4), for each successive trigger signal generated only when the device (100) is in said predetermined angular orientation (A1).