EP3929349A1 - Garment steamer with a laser sensor - Google Patents
Garment steamer with a laser sensor Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP3929349A1 EP3929349A1 EP20182215.2A EP20182215A EP3929349A1 EP 3929349 A1 EP3929349 A1 EP 3929349A1 EP 20182215 A EP20182215 A EP 20182215A EP 3929349 A1 EP3929349 A1 EP 3929349A1
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- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- steam
- distance
- garment
- steamer
- laser sensor
- 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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- 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
- D06F87/00—Apparatus for moistening or otherwise conditioning the article to be ironed or pressed
Definitions
- the invention relates to a garment steamer having a steam generator and control means for controlling steam output from the steam generator.
- the invention may be used in the field of garment care.
- Garment steamers typically comprise a steam generator for generating steam, and a steamer head having steam vents from which the generated steam passes out of the steamer head and towards a garment being treated.
- Garment steamers tend to be used for steaming garments, fabric-like materials hung over a steaming board or laid over a hard surface, or for steaming hanging upholstery, drapes, etc. Such steam treating may be for the purpose of removing wrinkles, refreshing or straightening fabric, etc.
- Such garment steamers may include a trigger in the form of one or more elastically loaded push buttons to control the steam release or steam generation process according to when the steam is required for treating the garment.
- the push button(s) may provide a trigger control for the user to release steam from the steamer head as-needed.
- the push button(s) is/are usually integrated into the handle of the garment steamer, which is a convenient location for the user.
- the push button(s) may, however vary in size, shape and placement across various steamer models.
- pushing of the push button causes a signal to be sent directly to a controller that controls a water pump.
- the controller controls the water pump to pump a suitable amount of water from a water tank to the steam generator in order to generate steam.
- the steam generator is enclosed in a base of a stand garment steamer or is mounted in the steamer head itself.
- the garment steamer has a steam generator and an electronic valve for controlling the release of steam from the steam generator.
- the push button controls the electronic valve via a controller.
- the trigger control provided by the push button(s) has advantages, such as energy and water efficiency benefits, there are certain disadvantages.
- the user may experience physical fatigue due to the requirement to maintain pressure on the push button in order for steam delivery to be maintained.
- the requirement to push the button also adds a further step which the user must perform in order to steam treat a garment or fabric.
- Some garment steamers may not provide such a trigger control, such that the steam output is continuous while the device is switched on.
- water pools in the steam generator which results in continuous generation of steam.
- Users of such garment steamers may accordingly not experience the above-described disadvantages of the push button, but control over the steam release/generation process itself is nonetheless limited.
- Such devices may also have inherent problems associated with higher water and energy consumption.
- the garment steamer according to the invention comprises:
- the steamer head comprises a front plate having steam vents for expelling steam, and the laser sensor is arranged on the front plate.
- the laser sensor is mounted in a casing having a front surface, the front surface:
- the laser sensor in this manner assists to ensure correspondence between the measured distance and the distance between the garment and the area of the steamer head from which steam is expelled. Moreover, if the front surface is recessed from the front plate 106, this prevents protruding edge catching onto garment as well as enables the front plate to contact well with garment being treated.
- control means are adapted to stop the delivery of steam from the steam generator if the distance is larger than a given distance threshold, and allow the delivery of steam from the steam generator if the distance is smaller than the given distance threshold.
- control means are adapted to allow the delivery of steam with a first steam rate from the steam generator if the distance is within a first range of distance, and allow the delivery of steam with a second steam rate from the steam generator if the distance is within a second range of distance.
- the first steam rate in this example is different from the second steam rate.
- control means are adapted to turn-off an electrical supply to the steam generator if the distance remains the same during a certain time duration.
- the laser sensor can be used to determine when the garment steamer is idle and should be turned off to conserve water and energy.
- control means are adapted to generate a visual and/or sound information based on the distance.
- Such visual and/or sound information can guide the user to use the garment steamer in a safe and effective manner.
- control means comprise a pump to carry water from a water source to the steam generator, and a microcontroller to actuate the pump based on the distance.
- control means control the production of steam by the steam generator based on the distance measured via the laser sensor.
- control means comprise an electronic valve to control the flow of steam from the steam generator, and a microcontroller to actuate the electronic valve based on the distance.
- the casing preferably comprises a cover window.
- the cover window can act as a barrier to protect the laser sensor, e.g. from dust and condensed water.
- the cover window has a thickness which is less than 2.0 mm, and more preferably equal or less than 1.5 mm.
- This maximum thickness of the cover window limits attenuation of light passing out of/into the laser sensor. Also, limiting the thickness of the cover window allows minimizing internal light reflection/refraction, and thus reducing the noise or false sensing.
- the laser sensor comprises an optical sensing element, an air gap being arranged between the optical sensing element and the cover window.
- This air gap prevents any contact between the optical sensing element and the cover window, which facilitates the mounting of the cover window in the steamer head.
- the air gap is equal or less than 0.5 mm, and more preferably equal or less than 0.3 mm.
- This relatively small value of the air gap helps to minimize internal reflection of laser light from the cover window itself that would otherwise happen with larger value for the air gap.
- a rubber gasket is arranged between the casing and the front plate, or between a front plate holder of the steamer head and the front plate.
- This rubber gasket assists to insulate the laser sensor from the heat of the front plate during use of the garment steamer. This may lessen the risk of the sensing capability of the laser sensor being compromised by the elevated temperatures within the steamer head, and may also lessen the risk of heat-damage to the laser sensor.
- the laser sensor is a time-of-flight laser sensor.
- Such a time-of-flight laser sensor can be readily assembled into the steamer head, and is less prone to interference by ambient light. Moreover, such a time-of-flight laser sensor can benefit from being relatively insensitive to the different colors and reflectance properties of different fabric types.
- a garment steamer comprising a steam generator for generating steam, and a steamer head comprising a laser sensor for measuring the distance between the steamer head and a garment placed in front the laser sensor.
- the garment steamer further comprises control means configured to control, based on the measured distance, the delivery of steam from the steam generator.
- Figs. 1A to 1D depict a steamer head 100 of a (handheld) garment steamer for treating a garment.
- the garment steamer also comprises a steam generator 102 for generating steam.
- the steam generator 102 is included in the steamer head 100.
- Water can be pumped to the steamer head 100 from a water tank arranged in the steamer head, or alternatively from a water source (not visible) in a base unit which is separate from the steamer head 100, and the steam generator 102 evaporates the water supplied thereto in order to generate the steam for treating garments.
- the water can be supplied to the steamer head 100 via a tube between the water source and the steamer head 100.
- the steam generator 102 is included in a base unit of the garment steamer which is separate from the steamer head 100.
- the garment steamer corresponds to a so-called stand garment steamer.
- the steam generated by the steam generator 102 is supplied, via a suitable thermally robust hose, to the steamer head 100.
- the garment steamer may also comprise a second steam generator in the steamer head.
- the steamer head 100 comprises a laser sensor 104 for measuring the distance between the steamer head 100 and a garment placed in front the laser sensor 104.
- the laser sensor 104 can operate based on a principle of light reflectance from the garment.
- an optical element included in the laser sensor 104 has a laser light source, such as a laser diode, which transmits light towards the garment.
- the sensing element also comprises a light sensor for sensing the light reflected back from the garment.
- the laser light transmitted and sensed by the laser sensor 104 can have any suitable wavelength. Infra-red wavelengths, between 700 nm and 1 mm, e.g. about 940 nm, are preferred because the ranging provided by the laser sensor 104 is less sensitive to the visible colour and visible light reflectance properties of different fabric types.
- the laser sensor 104 is a time-of-flight laser sensor 104.
- This type of laser sensor 104 operates by transmitting light pulses towards a target, e.g. a garment or fabric, which light pulses are reflected back to the laser sensor 104 from the target. By computing the time-of-flight of the light pulses, the proximity of the target relative to the laser sensor 104 can be determined.
- Such a time-of-flight laser sensor 104 can also be readily assembled into the steamer head 100, is minimally prone to interference by ambient light, and benefits from being relatively insensitive to the different colors and reflectance properties of different fabric types.
- time-of-flight laser sensor 104 is the VL53L0X time-of-flight laser sensor from ST Micro-electronics.
- This time-of-flight laser sensor 104 comprises a vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser as the laser diode-based laser light source.
- the steamer head 100 is configured to maintain an operating temperature of the laser sensor 104 of 50°C to 70°C, such as 60°C. This may enable optimal performance of the laser sensor 104, e.g. the time-of-flight laser sensor 104.
- the garment steamer also comprises control means (not visible in Figs. 1A to ID) to control, based on the measured distance, the delivery of steam from the steam generator 102.
- control means will be described in more detail herein below with reference to Figs. 6 to 15 .
- the steamer head 100 comprises a front plate 106 having steam vents 108 for expelling steam.
- the front plate 106 may be formed from any suitable material, such as a metal or metal alloy.
- a coating e.g. a sol-gel-type coating, can optionally be applied to such a metallic front plate 106.
- the treatment surface of the front plate 106 which comes into contact with the fabric being treated may therefore be defined by a surface of such a coating.
- the laser sensor 104 is arranged on or within the front plate 106.
- the laser sensor 104 is arranged on or in the front plate 106 in which the steam vents 108 are provided, steam is advantageously expelled in the direction of the garment from which the distance to the steamer head 100 is measured.
- this configuration assists to avoid the sensing region of the laser sensor 104 no longer facing and sensing a garment when the user is positioning the steamer head 100 in order to steam extremities of the garment.
- the front plate 106 (at least partly) delimits an aperture 110 in which the laser sensor 104 is located.
- the laser sensor 104 is preferably mounted in a casing 112, 114 having a front surface, the front surface:
- Mounting the laser sensor 104 in this manner assists to ensure correspondence between the measured distance and the distance between the garment and the area of the steamer head 100 from which steam is expelled. Moreover, if the front surface is recessed from the front plate 106, this prevents protruding edge catching onto garment as well as enables the front plate to contact well with garment being treated.
- the casing 112, 114 comprises a sensor holder 112 and a cover window 114.
- the laser sensor 104 is mounted in the sensor holder 112, and the cover window 114 is placed over the sensor holder 112. In this case, an outer surface of the cover window 114 is flush with the treatment surface of the front plate 106.
- At least a portion of the cover window 114 is optically transmissive for the wavelengths of light transmitted and received by the laser sensor 104 in order for the distance to be measured between the steamer head 100 and the garment.
- the cover window 114 has an optical transmissivity of greater than 80%, and more preferably greater than 90%, at such light wavelengths. This assists to minimize distortion of photon beams transmitted from/reflected to the laser sensor 104.
- the cover window 114 In order to maximize the transmissivity of the cover window 114, its thickness is minimized, preferably equal or less than 2.0 mm, more preferably equal or less than 1.5 mm, such as between 0.5 mm and 1.5 mm, e.g. about 1.0 mm. Also, limiting the thickness of the cover window allows minimizing internal light reflection/refraction, and thus reducing the noise or false sensing.
- the cover window 114 is preferably a glass cover window 114.
- the glass for the glass cover window 114 is selected according to its robustness, particularly at the temperatures of the front plate 106 during use of the garment steamer, and optical transmissivity.
- Gorilla ® glass from Corning, Inc. has been found to be suitable for such a glass cover window 114.
- a rubber gasket 116 is arranged between the casing 112, 114 and the front plate 106, or between a front plate holder 122 of the steamer head and the front plate 106.
- This rubber gasket 116 may assist to insulate the laser sensor 104 from the heat of the front plate 106, which can have a temperature of more than 100°C, such as for example around 130°C, during use of the garment steamer. This may lessen the risk of the sensing capability of the laser sensor 104 being compromised by the elevated temperatures within the steamer head 100, and may also lessen the risk of heat damage to the laser sensor 104.
- the rubber gasket 116 serves the additional purpose of insulating a housing assembly 118A, 118B of the steamer head 100 from the front plate 106 during use of the garment steamer. Such heat insulation assists to minimize heat transfer from the front plate 106 to a handle portion 120 of the housing assembly 118A, 118B which is grasped by the user.
- the rubber gasket to insulate the laser sensor and the steamer head housing from the front plate is integrally formed. In another example, two separate rubber gasket may be used.
- the rubber gasket 116 also serves the purpose of sealing the steamer head 100 to minimize water leakage between the front plate 106 and the housing assembly 118A, 118B.
- the rubber gasket 116 can be formed from any suitable thermally resistant elastomeric material, such as silicone rubber.
- the material from which the housing assembly 118A, 118B can be formed is not particularly limited.
- the housing assembly 118A, 118B is preferably formed from a plastic, such as polypropylene or polybutylene terephthalate, to assist in making the steamer head 100 more lightweight.
- the housing assembly 118A, 118B is defined in this example by a first housing part 118A and a second housing part 118B.
- the internal components of the steamer head 100, and in particular the steam generator 102, are enclosed by the first housing part 118A and the second housing part 118B of the housing assembly 118A, 118B, together with the front plate 106.
- the front plate 106 together with the rubber gasket 116, is assembled onto the housing assembly 118A, 118B via a front plate holder 122.
- the sensor holder 112 is also mounted on the front plate holder 122.
- Fig. 1D provides a view of the separate components of the steamer head 100.
- the front plate holder 122 comprises a recessed region 124 in which the sensor holder 112 is received during assembly of the steamer head 100.
- the recessed region 124 is shaped and dimensioned to complement the profile of the sensor holder 112.
- FIG. 1D shows part of the steam generator 102, and in particular the steam distribution plate 126 of the steam generator 102 in which steam channels 128 are defined.
- Each of the steam channels 128 aligns with a respective steam vent 108 of the front plate 106 when the steamer head 100 is assembled.
- the steamer head 100 comprises a user interface 130, in this case in the form of a push button.
- the control means and the laser sensor 104 enable control over the steam delivered by the steam generator 102 without requiring such a push button 130 to be continuously pressed when steam is required. But additionally providing a user interface 130 enables further options for controlling the garment steamer.
- control means can be triggered to initiate the (automated) control over the delivery of steam from the steam generator 102 based on the measured distance, by a user input entered via the user interface 130, e.g. a single press and release of the push button 130.
- the garment steamer is configured to permit manual control over the steam delivery from the steam generator 102 in a first mode, e.g. by continuously pushing the push button 130, and the above-described control over the steam delivery in which the control means controls the delivery of steam from the steam generator 102 based on the measured distance in a second mode.
- the user interface 130 may, for instance, be configured to enable the user to select either the first mode or the second mode.
- an electrical connection 132 extends from the laser sensor 104.
- This electrical connection 132 carries sensor signals from the laser sensor 104 to the control means, e.g. to a microcontroller included in the control means.
- Figs. 2A to 2J depict a sequence of assembly steps used to fabricate the above-described steamer head 100.
- Fig. 2A shows mounting of the laser sensor 104 in the sensor holder 112.
- the sensor holder 112 delimits an opening 134 which aligns with an optical sensing element 136 included in the laser sensor 104.
- the optical sensing element 136 transmits light towards the garment and receives light returning from the garment.
- Providing the opening 134 in the sensor holder 112 assists to minimize blocking or attenuation of the light passing out of or into the sensing element 136 by the sensor holder 112.
- the optical sensing element 136 is preferably mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB) 138. As shown in Fig. 2A , the sensor holder 112 includes a cavity 140 in which the PCB 138 is accommodated.
- PCB printed circuit board
- the laser sensor 104 is received in the cavity 140, remaining space in the cavity 140 is preferably filled with a suitable thermal padding to minimize the risk of the sensing capability of the laser sensor 104 being compromised by the elevated temperatures within the steamer head 100. Such thermal padding may also protect the laser sensor 104 from thermal damage.
- a resin such as silicone paste, can provide such thermal padding and also assist to secure the laser sensor 104 within the cavity 140.
- FIG. 2A Also evident in Fig. 2A are holes 142 which enable the sensor holder 112 to be fastened to the front plate holder 122 via suitable fasteners 144, e.g. screws. This fastening is shown in Fig. 2B .
- the sensor holder 112 whilst holding the laser sensor 104, is secured to the front plate holder 122. This affords the front plate holder assembly shown to the right of the arrow in Fig. 2B .
- Fig. 2C depicts covering of the optical sensing element 136 of the laser sensor 104 with the cover window 114.
- the arrows in Fig. 2D represent securing of the cover window 114 over the optical sensing element 136 by filling a groove or grooves 146 around the cover window 114 with a suitable adhesive or resin, such as silicone paste or epoxy resin.
- the cover window 114 has an optically transmissive region 148, which optically transmissive region aligns with the optical sensing element 136 when the cover window 114 is secured over the laser sensor 104, and a non-transmissive region 150 surrounding the optically transmissive region 148.
- the non-transmissive region 150 may assist to improve the performance of the laser sensor 104 by blocking extraneous light which would otherwise interfere with the sensing of the reflected light returning to the optical sensing element 136 from the garment.
- the non-transmissive region 150 can, for example, be provided by painting the cover window 114, other than in the optically transmissive region 148, with an opaque, e.g. black, paint.
- Fig. 2F shows the cover window 114 assembled onto the front plate holder assembly.
- the rubber gasket 116 is assembled onto the front plate holder 122.
- the rubber gasket 116 (at least partly) delimits an open area 152 in which the cover window 114 is received.
- the rubber gasket 116 does not block light from exiting and entering the optical sensing element 136 of the laser sensor 104.
- Fig. 2H shows the front plate 106 being assembled onto the rubber gasket 116.
- the cover window 114 is received within an aperture 110 provided in the front plate 106, as previously described.
- the steam generator 102 is affixed to the front plate holder 122, as shown in Fig. 2I , which affords a steam generator assembly.
- the steam generator assembly is subsequently enclosed between the first housing part 118A and the second housing part 118B of the housing assembly 118A, 118B, as shown in Fig. 2J .
- Fig. 3 provides a cutaway view of part of the steamer head 100.
- the steam generator 102 in this example has a steam generator cover 154. With this arrangement, only a relatively small degree of radiation heat transfer, as represented by the arrow 156 in Fig. 4 , is provided from the steam generator 102 to the laser sensor 104. This may assist the laser sensor 104 to operate within its intended/specified temperature range.
- areas 158A, 158B for example made of the resin, e.g. silicone paste or epoxy resin, used to adhere the cover window 114 to the front plate holder 122.
- the cover window 114 is directly adhered to the sensor holder 112.
- a tolerance 160 of 0.5 mm to 1 mm is provided between the front plate 106 and the cover window 114. This may assist to prevent that thermal expansion of the front plate 106 impinges on or damages the cover window 114.
- Fig. 5A provides an enlarged view (rotated by 90 degrees) of a part of the steamer head shown in Fig. 4 .
- An air gap 162 is arranged between the (top of the) optical sensing element 136 and the cover window 114.
- the (thickness of the) air gap is equal or less than 0.5 mm, more preferably equal or less than 0.3 mm.
- Elements 158A and 158B are arranged between the front plate holder 122 and the cover window 114.
- the air gap is determined in particular by the following parameters:
- the thickness 166 of the cover window 114 is also preferably less than 2.0 mm, and more preferably equal or less than 1.5 mm, as previously described.
- the combined depth 164, 166 of the air gap and the cover window 114 is less than 2.0 mm. This may minimize internal reflection and attenuation of the light passing out of and into the optical sensing element 136 of the laser sensor 104.
- Fig. 5B provides an alternative embodiment of Fig. 5A .
- Fig. 5B differs from Fig. 5A in that elements 158A and 158B are arranged between the sensor holder 112 and the cover window 114.
- Fig. 6 provides a block diagram of a garment steamer 200 according to an example.
- the garment steamer 200 comprises the laser sensor 104, and the control means 202A, 204A.
- the laser sensor 104 is for measuring the distance between the steamer head 100 and a garment placed in front the laser sensor 104, as previously described.
- the control means 202A, 204A are configured to control, based on the measured distance, the delivery of steam from the steam generator 102.
- control means 202A, 204A comprise a pump 204A to carry water from a water source to the steam generator 102, and a microcontroller 202A configured to actuate the pump 204A based on the measured distance.
- the pump 204A and the water source in this example are preferably provided in a base unit which is separate from the steamer head 100.
- a cord carrying a water tube connects the base unit to the steamer head 100.
- the cord may also carry electrical wiring between the steam head 100 and the base unit.
- the pump and water source e.g. a water tank
- the pump and water source are integrated in the steamer head.
- Such electrical wiring can, for example, carry sensory signals from the laser sensor 104 to the microcontroller 202A, when the microcontroller 202A is included in the base unit.
- the arrow between the block 104 corresponding to the laser sensor and the block 202A representing the microcontroller denotes the transfer of sensory signals or data from the laser sensor 104 to the microcontroller 202A.
- the arrow between the block 202A corresponding to the microcontroller and the block 204A representing the pump denotes control signals which control the actuation of the pump 204A. Controlling the supply of water pumped to the steam generator 102 by the pump 204A based on the distance measured between the steamer head 100 and the garment enables convenient control over the delivery of steam from the steam generator 102.
- Fig. 7 provides an alternative example in which the control means 202B, 204B comprise an electronic valve 204B configured to control the flow of steam from the steam generator 102, and a microcontroller 202B to actuate the electronic valve 204B based on the measured distance.
- the delivery of steam from the steam generator 102 is thus controlled by the electronic valve 204B controlling the flow of steam from the steam generator 102, as opposed to the control over the production of steam described above in relation to the example of Fig. 6 .
- Fig. 8 provides a block diagram of an exemplary garment steamer 200.
- the steamer head 100 of the garment steamer 200 comprises a first power supply 206 which supplies power to the laser sensor 104, an auxiliary controller 208, and a first communications module 210.
- the garment steamer 200 shown in Fig. 7 further comprises a base unit 212.
- the base unit 212 comprises a second power supply 214 which supplies power to a main controller 216, a steam generator driving and control circuit 218, and a second communications module 220.
- the first communications module 210 and the second communications module 220 communicate with each other, as represented in Fig. 7 by the double-headed arrow therebetween, such that sensory signals or data from the laser sensor 104 of the steamer head 100 are communicated to the main controller 216 and the steam generator driving and control circuit 218. The latter may then provide control signals for controlling the delivery of steam by the steam generator 102 according to the measured distance between the steamer head 100 and the garment, as previously described.
- the processing of the sensory data is implemented in the main controller 216 and the steam generator driving and control circuit 218 in the base unit 212. But by also at least partially processing the sensory data using the auxiliary controller 208 in the steamer head 100, and transmitting the thus processed data to the main controller 216 in the base unit 212, noise can be reduced relative to the scenario in which all processing of the sensory data is performed within the base unit 212.
- Exemplary control methods for controlling the delivery of steam by the steam generator 102 will now be described with reference to Figs. 9 to 15 .
- Such methods are implementable via a suitably configured controller, such as the microcontrollers 202A, 202B described above in relation to Figs. 6 and 7 .
- the controller can be pre-programmed with a suitable algorithm to control the above-described pump 204A or electronic valve 204B according to the measured distance of the steamer head 100 from the garment, with reference to one or more given threshold distances.
- the proximity sensor e.g. the laser sensor 104
- the proximity sensor can automatically compute the target distance between the steamer head 100 and the garment/fabric up to a range of 2 meters in less than 30 ms.
- Fig. 9 provides a flowchart of a control method 300 according to a first example.
- operation box 302 the distance between the steamer head 100 and the garment is obtained via a proximity sensor, e.g. the above-described laser sensor 104.
- decision box 304 it is determined whether or not the distance is larger than a given distance threshold, such as 35 mm to 40 mm. If yes, the steam is stopped or is not delivered from the steam generator 102 in operation box 306. If no, the delivery of steam from the steam generator 102 is allowed in operation box 308.
- a given distance threshold such as 35 mm to 40 mm.
- the laser sensor 104 approaches a garment 310, and the distance D between the laser sensor 104 and the fabric 310 is determined via reflection of the transmitted light 312 from the garment 310.
- the reflected light 314 is reflected back towards the laser sensor 104.
- Fig. 10 also shows the given distance threshold D1. If the measured distance D is larger than the given distance threshold D1, the steam delivery is stopped. But if the measured distance D is not larger than, in other words is equal to or less than, the given distance threshold D1, the steam delivery is allowed.
- Fig. 11 provides a flowchart of another control method 316.
- the distance D between the steamer head 100 and the garment 310 is obtained via a proximity sensor, e.g. the above-described laser sensor 104.
- decision box 304 it is determined whether or not the distance D is larger than a given distance threshold D1, such as 40 mm. If yes, the steam is stopped or is not delivered from the steam generator 102 in operation box 306. If no, it is determined in decision box 318 whether or not the distance D is larger than a second given distance threshold which is smaller than the given distance threshold D1.
- the steam delivery from the steam generator 102 is implemented at a first steam rate R1 in operation box 320. If the distance D is not larger than, in other words is less than or equal to, the second given distance threshold, the steam delivery from the steam generator 102 is implemented at a second steam rate R2 which is different from the first steam rate R1.
- the given distance threshold D1 is 40 mm
- the second given distance threshold is 10 mm.
- the second steam rate R2 is less than the first steam rate R1 in order to lessen the risk of a greater amount of steam being supplied relatively close to the garment 310 causing damage to the garment 310.
- steam in this example is delivered from the steam generator 102 with the first steam rate R1 if the distance D is within a first range of distance, and with the second steam rate R2 if the distance D is within a second range of distance. This enables enhanced control over the amount of steam being supplied to the garment 310.
- the control method 316 of Fig. 11 is schematically depicted in Figs. 12A and 12B .
- the measured distance D is greater than the given distance threshold D1
- the steam delivery from the steam generator 102 is stopped.
- the measured distance D is less than or equal to D1
- steam delivery from the steam generator 102 is allowed.
- the first range of distance is defined between the given distance threshold D1 and the second given distance threshold D2.
- steam is delivered at the first steam rate R1.
- Fig. 13 provides a flowchart of another control method 324.
- the distance D between the steamer head 100 and the garment 310 is obtained via a proximity sensor, e.g. the above-described laser sensor 104.
- decision box 304 it is determined whether or not the distance D is larger than a given distance threshold D1, such as 40 mm. If yes, the steam is stopped or is not delivered from the steam generator 102 in operation box 306. If no, steam delivery is initiated in operation box 308.
- first visual and/or sound information is issued to the user via a suitable (further) user interface, for example by a green light being on and a red light being off, in operation box 328. If no, second visual and/or sound information is issued to the user via the further user interface, for example by the abovementioned green light being off and the abovementioned red light being on. The first and second visual and/or sound information are different from each other.
- the visual and/or sound information is issued based on the measured distance D. This can guide the user to use the garment steamer 200 in a safe and effective manner, for example by indicating to the user when the steamer head 100 is too close to the fabric 310.
- the control method 324 of Fig. 13 is schematically depicted in Figs. 14A and 14B .
- steam delivery from the steam generator 102 is allowed because the steamer head 100 is within the given distance threshold D from the garment 310.
- the distance D is larger than the third given distance threshold D3, such that the further user interface 332A issues the first visual and/or sound information.
- the distance D is less than the third given distance threshold D3, such that the further user interface 332B issues the second visual and/or sound information.
- Fig. 15 provides a flowchart of another control method 334.
- the distance D between the steamer head 100 and the garment 310 is obtained via a proximity sensor, e.g. the above-described laser sensor 104.
- decision box 304 it is determined whether or not the distance D is larger than a given distance threshold D1, such as 40 mm. If no, steam delivery is initiated in operation box 308.
- the steam is stopped or is not delivered from the steam generator 102 in operation box 306, and it is determined in decision box 336 whether or not the steam delivery has been stopped for a certain time duration, e.g. 10 minutes. If yes, the electrical supply to the steam generator 102 is tuned off in operation box 338.
- the proximity sensor e.g. the laser sensor 104
- the proximity sensor can be used to determine when the garment steamer 200 is idle and should be turned off to conserve water and energy.
- control methods 300, 316, 324, and 334 can be effectively implemented using the laser sensor 104, e.g. the time-of-flight laser sensor 104, described above.
- Alternative proximity sensors may also be employed in such methods, such as ultrasonic proximity sensors.
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Abstract
The invention relates to a garment steamer comprising a steam generator for generating steam, and a steamer head (100) comprising a laser sensor (104) for measuring the distance between the steamer head (100) and a garment placed in front the laser sensor (104). The garment steamer further comprises control means configured to control, based on the measured distance, the delivery of steam from the steam generator.
Description
- The invention relates to a garment steamer having a steam generator and control means for controlling steam output from the steam generator. The invention may be used in the field of garment care.
- Garment steamers typically comprise a steam generator for generating steam, and a steamer head having steam vents from which the generated steam passes out of the steamer head and towards a garment being treated. Garment steamers tend to be used for steaming garments, fabric-like materials hung over a steaming board or laid over a hard surface, or for steaming hanging upholstery, drapes, etc. Such steam treating may be for the purpose of removing wrinkles, refreshing or straightening fabric, etc.
- Such garment steamers may include a trigger in the form of one or more elastically loaded push buttons to control the steam release or steam generation process according to when the steam is required for treating the garment. In this way, the push button(s) may provide a trigger control for the user to release steam from the steamer head as-needed.
- The push button(s) is/are usually integrated into the handle of the garment steamer, which is a convenient location for the user. The push button(s) may, however vary in size, shape and placement across various steamer models.
- In one example, pushing of the push button causes a signal to be sent directly to a controller that controls a water pump. In response to the push button signal, the controller controls the water pump to pump a suitable amount of water from a water tank to the steam generator in order to generate steam. Depending upon the model, the steam generator is enclosed in a base of a stand garment steamer or is mounted in the steamer head itself.
- In another example, the garment steamer has a steam generator and an electronic valve for controlling the release of steam from the steam generator. In such a design, the push button controls the electronic valve via a controller.
- Whilst the trigger control provided by the push button(s) has advantages, such as energy and water efficiency benefits, there are certain disadvantages. For example, the user may experience physical fatigue due to the requirement to maintain pressure on the push button in order for steam delivery to be maintained. The requirement to push the button also adds a further step which the user must perform in order to steam treat a garment or fabric.
- Some garment steamers may not provide such a trigger control, such that the steam output is continuous while the device is switched on. In these designs, water pools in the steam generator which results in continuous generation of steam. Users of such garment steamers may accordingly not experience the above-described disadvantages of the push button, but control over the steam release/generation process itself is nonetheless limited. Such devices may also have inherent problems associated with higher water and energy consumption.
- It is an object of the invention to propose garment steamer that 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 steamer according to the invention comprises:
- a steam generator for generating steam,
- a steamer head comprising a laser sensor for measuring the distance between the steamer head and a garment placed in front the laser sensor,
- control means to control, based on the distance, the delivery of steam from the steam generator.
- By controlling the delivery of steam from the steam generator according to the distance between the steamer head and the garment, steam can be supplied as-needed to the garment, with associated water and energy consumption benefits. Moreover, the requirement for the user to, for instance, maintain pressure on a push button in order for steam to be delivered to the garment is obviated.
- Preferably, the steamer head comprises a front plate having steam vents for expelling steam, and the laser sensor is arranged on the front plate.
- This means that steam is expelled in the direction of the garment from which the distance to the steamer head is measured.
- Preferably, the laser sensor is mounted in a casing having a front surface, the front surface:
- being flush with the front plate, or
- being recessed from the front plate.
- Mounting the laser sensor in this manner assists to ensure correspondence between the measured distance and the distance between the garment and the area of the steamer head from which steam is expelled. Moreover, if the front surface is recessed from the
front plate 106, this prevents protruding edge catching onto garment as well as enables the front plate to contact well with garment being treated. - In one example, the control means are adapted to stop the delivery of steam from the steam generator if the distance is larger than a given distance threshold, and allow the delivery of steam from the steam generator if the distance is smaller than the given distance threshold.
- Thus, steam is only supplied once the steamer head is within range of the garment.
- Alternatively or additionally, the control means are adapted to allow the delivery of steam with a first steam rate from the steam generator if the distance is within a first range of distance, and allow the delivery of steam with a second steam rate from the steam generator if the distance is within a second range of distance. The first steam rate in this example is different from the second steam rate.
- This enables enhanced control over the amount of steam being supplied to the garment.
- Preferably, the control means are adapted to turn-off an electrical supply to the steam generator if the distance remains the same during a certain time duration.
- In this way, the laser sensor can be used to determine when the garment steamer is idle and should be turned off to conserve water and energy.
- Preferably, the control means are adapted to generate a visual and/or sound information based on the distance.
- Such visual and/or sound information can guide the user to use the garment steamer in a safe and effective manner.
- In an embodiment, the control means comprise a pump to carry water from a water source to the steam generator, and a microcontroller to actuate the pump based on the distance.
- Thus, the control means control the production of steam by the steam generator based on the distance measured via the laser sensor.
- In another embodiment, the control means comprise an electronic valve to control the flow of steam from the steam generator, and a microcontroller to actuate the electronic valve based on the distance.
- When the garment steamer comprises the casing, the casing preferably comprises a cover window.
- The cover window can act as a barrier to protect the laser sensor, e.g. from dust and condensed water.
- Preferably, the cover window has a thickness which is less than 2.0 mm, and more preferably equal or less than 1.5 mm.
- This maximum thickness of the cover window limits attenuation of light passing out of/into the laser sensor. Also, limiting the thickness of the cover window allows minimizing internal light reflection/refraction, and thus reducing the noise or false sensing.
- Preferably, the laser sensor comprises an optical sensing element, an air gap being arranged between the optical sensing element and the cover window.
- This air gap prevents any contact between the optical sensing element and the cover window, which facilitates the mounting of the cover window in the steamer head.
- Preferably, the air gap is equal or less than 0.5 mm, and more preferably equal or less than 0.3 mm.
- This relatively small value of the air gap helps to minimize internal reflection of laser light from the cover window itself that would otherwise happen with larger value for the air gap.
- Preferably, a rubber gasket is arranged between the casing and the front plate, or between a front plate holder of the steamer head and the front plate.
- This rubber gasket assists to insulate the laser sensor from the heat of the front plate during use of the garment steamer. This may lessen the risk of the sensing capability of the laser sensor being compromised by the elevated temperatures within the steamer head, and may also lessen the risk of heat-damage to the laser sensor.
- Preferably, the laser sensor is a time-of-flight laser sensor.
- Such a time-of-flight laser sensor can be readily assembled into the steamer head, and is less prone to interference by ambient light. Moreover, such a time-of-flight laser sensor can benefit from being relatively insensitive to the different colors and reflectance properties of different fabric types.
- Detailed explanations and other aspects of the invention will be given below.
- 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:
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Figs. 1A to 1D provide views of a steamer head of a garment steamer according to an example; -
Figs. 2A to 2J depict a sequence of assembly steps used to fabricate the steamer head shown inFigs. 1A to 1D ; -
Fig. 3 provides a cutaway view of part of the steamer head shown inFigs. 1A to 1D ; -
Fig. 4 provides a cross-sectional view of the steamer head shown inFigs. 1A to 1D ; -
Fig. 5A provides an enlarged view of a part of the steamer head shown inFig. 4 ; -
Fig. 5B provides an alternative embodiment ofFig. 5A ; -
Fig. 6 provides a block diagram of a garment steamer according to an example; -
Fig. 7 provides a block diagram of a garment steamer according to another example; -
Fig. 8 provides a block diagram of a garment steamer according to a further example; -
Fig. 9 provides a flowchart of a steam generator control method according to an example; -
Fig. 10 schematically depicts approach of a sensor of the garment steamer towards a fabric for illustrating the control method ofFig. 9 ; -
Fig. 11 provides a flowchart of a steam generator control method according to another example; -
Figs. 12A and 12B schematically depict approach of a sensor of the garment steamer towards a fabric for illustrating the control method ofFig. 11 ; -
Fig. 13 provides a flowchart of a steam generator control method according to yet another example; -
Figs. 14A and 14B schematically depict approach of a sensor of the garment steamer towards a fabric for illustrating the control method ofFig. 13 ; and -
Fig. 15 provides a flowchart of a steam generator control method according to a further example. - Provided is a garment steamer comprising a steam generator for generating steam, and a steamer head comprising a laser sensor for measuring the distance between the steamer head and a garment placed in front the laser sensor. The garment steamer further comprises control means configured to control, based on the measured distance, the delivery of steam from the steam generator.
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Figs. 1A to 1D depict asteamer head 100 of a (handheld) garment steamer for treating a garment. The garment steamer also comprises asteam generator 102 for generating steam. - In this example, the
steam generator 102 is included in thesteamer head 100. Water can be pumped to thesteamer head 100 from a water tank arranged in the steamer head, or alternatively from a water source (not visible) in a base unit which is separate from thesteamer head 100, and thesteam generator 102 evaporates the water supplied thereto in order to generate the steam for treating garments. In this example, the water can be supplied to thesteamer head 100 via a tube between the water source and thesteamer head 100. In another example, thesteam generator 102 is included in a base unit of the garment steamer which is separate from thesteamer head 100. In this case, the garment steamer corresponds to a so-called stand garment steamer. The steam generated by thesteam generator 102 is supplied, via a suitable thermally robust hose, to thesteamer head 100. In addition to the steam generator in the base, the garment steamer may also comprise a second steam generator in the steamer head. - The
steamer head 100 comprises alaser sensor 104 for measuring the distance between thesteamer head 100 and a garment placed in front thelaser sensor 104. - Any
suitable laser sensor 104 can be used. Thelaser sensor 104 can operate based on a principle of light reflectance from the garment. In this case, an optical element included in thelaser sensor 104 has a laser light source, such as a laser diode, which transmits light towards the garment. The sensing element also comprises a light sensor for sensing the light reflected back from the garment. - The laser light transmitted and sensed by the
laser sensor 104 can have any suitable wavelength. Infra-red wavelengths, between 700 nm and 1 mm, e.g. about 940 nm, are preferred because the ranging provided by thelaser sensor 104 is less sensitive to the visible colour and visible light reflectance properties of different fabric types. - Preferably, the
laser sensor 104 is a time-of-flight laser sensor 104. This type oflaser sensor 104 operates by transmitting light pulses towards a target, e.g. a garment or fabric, which light pulses are reflected back to thelaser sensor 104 from the target. By computing the time-of-flight of the light pulses, the proximity of the target relative to thelaser sensor 104 can be determined. - Such a time-of-
flight laser sensor 104 can also be readily assembled into thesteamer head 100, is minimally prone to interference by ambient light, and benefits from being relatively insensitive to the different colors and reflectance properties of different fabric types. - An example of a suitable time-of-
flight laser sensor 104 is the VL53L0X time-of-flight laser sensor from ST Micro-electronics. This time-of-flight laser sensor 104 comprises a vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser as the laser diode-based laser light source. - Preferably, the
steamer head 100 is configured to maintain an operating temperature of thelaser sensor 104 of 50°C to 70°C, such as 60°C. This may enable optimal performance of thelaser sensor 104, e.g. the time-of-flight laser sensor 104. - The garment steamer also comprises control means (not visible in
Figs. 1A to ID) to control, based on the measured distance, the delivery of steam from thesteam generator 102. The control means will be described in more detail herein below with reference toFigs. 6 to 15 . - In the example shown in
Figs. 1A to 1D , thesteamer head 100 comprises afront plate 106 having steam vents 108 for expelling steam. - The
front plate 106 may be formed from any suitable material, such as a metal or metal alloy. A coating, e.g. a sol-gel-type coating, can optionally be applied to such a metallicfront plate 106. The treatment surface of thefront plate 106 which comes into contact with the fabric being treated may therefore be defined by a surface of such a coating. - The
laser sensor 104 is arranged on or within thefront plate 106. By arranging thelaser sensor 104 on or in thefront plate 106 in which the steam vents 108 are provided, steam is advantageously expelled in the direction of the garment from which the distance to thesteamer head 100 is measured. Moreover, this configuration assists to avoid the sensing region of thelaser sensor 104 no longer facing and sensing a garment when the user is positioning thesteamer head 100 in order to steam extremities of the garment. - As shown in
Figs. 1A ,1C, and 1D , the front plate 106 (at least partly) delimits anaperture 110 in which thelaser sensor 104 is located. - The
laser sensor 104 is preferably mounted in acasing - being flush with the
front plate 106, or - being recessed from the
front plate 106. For example the recess is in the order of a millimeter. - Mounting the
laser sensor 104 in this manner assists to ensure correspondence between the measured distance and the distance between the garment and the area of thesteamer head 100 from which steam is expelled. Moreover, if the front surface is recessed from thefront plate 106, this prevents protruding edge catching onto garment as well as enables the front plate to contact well with garment being treated. - In the example shown in
Figs. 1A to 1D , thecasing sensor holder 112 and acover window 114. Thelaser sensor 104 is mounted in thesensor holder 112, and thecover window 114 is placed over thesensor holder 112. In this case, an outer surface of thecover window 114 is flush with the treatment surface of thefront plate 106. - At least a portion of the
cover window 114 is optically transmissive for the wavelengths of light transmitted and received by thelaser sensor 104 in order for the distance to be measured between thesteamer head 100 and the garment. For example, thecover window 114 has an optical transmissivity of greater than 80%, and more preferably greater than 90%, at such light wavelengths. This assists to minimize distortion of photon beams transmitted from/reflected to thelaser sensor 104. - In order to maximize the transmissivity of the
cover window 114, its thickness is minimized, preferably equal or less than 2.0 mm, more preferably equal or less than 1.5 mm, such as between 0.5 mm and 1.5 mm, e.g. about 1.0 mm. Also, limiting the thickness of the cover window allows minimizing internal light reflection/refraction, and thus reducing the noise or false sensing. - The
cover window 114 is preferably aglass cover window 114. The glass for theglass cover window 114 is selected according to its robustness, particularly at the temperatures of thefront plate 106 during use of the garment steamer, and optical transmissivity. For example, Gorilla® glass from Corning, Inc. has been found to be suitable for such aglass cover window 114. - Preferably, a
rubber gasket 116 is arranged between thecasing front plate 106, or between afront plate holder 122 of the steamer head and thefront plate 106. - This
rubber gasket 116 may assist to insulate thelaser sensor 104 from the heat of thefront plate 106, which can have a temperature of more than 100°C, such as for example around 130°C, during use of the garment steamer. This may lessen the risk of the sensing capability of thelaser sensor 104 being compromised by the elevated temperatures within thesteamer head 100, and may also lessen the risk of heat damage to thelaser sensor 104. - In the example shown in
Figs. 1A to 1D , therubber gasket 116 serves the additional purpose of insulating ahousing assembly steamer head 100 from thefront plate 106 during use of the garment steamer. Such heat insulation assists to minimize heat transfer from thefront plate 106 to ahandle portion 120 of thehousing assembly - The
rubber gasket 116 also serves the purpose of sealing thesteamer head 100 to minimize water leakage between thefront plate 106 and thehousing assembly - The
rubber gasket 116 can be formed from any suitable thermally resistant elastomeric material, such as silicone rubber. - The material from which the
housing assembly housing assembly steamer head 100 more lightweight. - As shown in
Figs. 1A and 1B , thehousing assembly first housing part 118A and asecond housing part 118B. The internal components of thesteamer head 100, and in particular thesteam generator 102, are enclosed by thefirst housing part 118A and thesecond housing part 118B of thehousing assembly front plate 106. - The
front plate 106, together with therubber gasket 116, is assembled onto thehousing assembly front plate holder 122. In this example, thesensor holder 112 is also mounted on thefront plate holder 122. -
Fig. 1D provides a view of the separate components of thesteamer head 100. Thefront plate holder 122 comprises a recessedregion 124 in which thesensor holder 112 is received during assembly of thesteamer head 100. As shown inFig. 1D , the recessedregion 124 is shaped and dimensioned to complement the profile of thesensor holder 112. - The view provided in
Fig. 1D shows part of thesteam generator 102, and in particular thesteam distribution plate 126 of thesteam generator 102 in which steamchannels 128 are defined. Each of thesteam channels 128 aligns with arespective steam vent 108 of thefront plate 106 when thesteamer head 100 is assembled. - In the example shown in
Figs. 1A to 1D , thesteamer head 100 comprises auser interface 130, in this case in the form of a push button. The control means and thelaser sensor 104 enable control over the steam delivered by thesteam generator 102 without requiring such apush button 130 to be continuously pressed when steam is required. But additionally providing auser interface 130 enables further options for controlling the garment steamer. - For example, the control means can be triggered to initiate the (automated) control over the delivery of steam from the
steam generator 102 based on the measured distance, by a user input entered via theuser interface 130, e.g. a single press and release of thepush button 130. - This could improve the safety of the garment steamer because the automatic steam control is only initiated once the user has entered the input via the
user interface 130. This could assist to mitigate the risk that a body part of the user, e.g. a hand, in front of thefront plate 106 accidentally causes steam to be delivered towards the body part. - In another example, the garment steamer is configured to permit manual control over the steam delivery from the
steam generator 102 in a first mode, e.g. by continuously pushing thepush button 130, and the above-described control over the steam delivery in which the control means controls the delivery of steam from thesteam generator 102 based on the measured distance in a second mode. - The
user interface 130 may, for instance, be configured to enable the user to select either the first mode or the second mode. - As shown in
Figs. 1A to 1D , anelectrical connection 132, e.g. electrical wiring, extends from thelaser sensor 104. Thiselectrical connection 132 carries sensor signals from thelaser sensor 104 to the control means, e.g. to a microcontroller included in the control means. -
Figs. 2A to 2J depict a sequence of assembly steps used to fabricate the above-describedsteamer head 100. -
Fig. 2A shows mounting of thelaser sensor 104 in thesensor holder 112. In this example, thesensor holder 112 delimits anopening 134 which aligns with anoptical sensing element 136 included in thelaser sensor 104. Theoptical sensing element 136 transmits light towards the garment and receives light returning from the garment. Providing theopening 134 in thesensor holder 112 assists to minimize blocking or attenuation of the light passing out of or into thesensing element 136 by thesensor holder 112. - The
optical sensing element 136 is preferably mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB) 138. As shown inFig. 2A , thesensor holder 112 includes acavity 140 in which thePCB 138 is accommodated. - Once the
laser sensor 104 is received in thecavity 140, remaining space in thecavity 140 is preferably filled with a suitable thermal padding to minimize the risk of the sensing capability of thelaser sensor 104 being compromised by the elevated temperatures within thesteamer head 100. Such thermal padding may also protect thelaser sensor 104 from thermal damage. - A resin, such as silicone paste, can provide such thermal padding and also assist to secure the
laser sensor 104 within thecavity 140. - Also evident in
Fig. 2A areholes 142 which enable thesensor holder 112 to be fastened to thefront plate holder 122 viasuitable fasteners 144, e.g. screws. This fastening is shown inFig. 2B . Thus, thesensor holder 112, whilst holding thelaser sensor 104, is secured to thefront plate holder 122. This affords the front plate holder assembly shown to the right of the arrow inFig. 2B . -
Fig. 2C depicts covering of theoptical sensing element 136 of thelaser sensor 104 with thecover window 114. The arrows inFig. 2D represent securing of thecover window 114 over theoptical sensing element 136 by filling a groove orgrooves 146 around thecover window 114 with a suitable adhesive or resin, such as silicone paste or epoxy resin. - Preferably, the
cover window 114, as shown inFig. 2E , has an opticallytransmissive region 148, which optically transmissive region aligns with theoptical sensing element 136 when thecover window 114 is secured over thelaser sensor 104, and anon-transmissive region 150 surrounding the opticallytransmissive region 148. Thenon-transmissive region 150 may assist to improve the performance of thelaser sensor 104 by blocking extraneous light which would otherwise interfere with the sensing of the reflected light returning to theoptical sensing element 136 from the garment. - The
non-transmissive region 150 can, for example, be provided by painting thecover window 114, other than in the opticallytransmissive region 148, with an opaque, e.g. black, paint. -
Fig. 2F shows thecover window 114 assembled onto the front plate holder assembly. - In
Fig. 2G , therubber gasket 116 is assembled onto thefront plate holder 122. The rubber gasket 116 (at least partly) delimits anopen area 152 in which thecover window 114 is received. Thus, therubber gasket 116 does not block light from exiting and entering theoptical sensing element 136 of thelaser sensor 104. -
Fig. 2H shows thefront plate 106 being assembled onto therubber gasket 116. Thecover window 114 is received within anaperture 110 provided in thefront plate 106, as previously described. - The
steam generator 102 is affixed to thefront plate holder 122, as shown inFig. 2I , which affords a steam generator assembly. The steam generator assembly is subsequently enclosed between thefirst housing part 118A and thesecond housing part 118B of thehousing assembly Fig. 2J . - There is preferably no direct contact between the
steam generator 102 and thelaser sensor 104, such that heat transfer is mostly by radiation instead of conduction. Maximizing the distance between thelaser sensor 104 and thesteam generator 102 assists to keep such heat transfer to a minimum. -
Fig. 3 provides a cutaway view of part of thesteamer head 100. Thesteam generator 102 in this example has asteam generator cover 154. With this arrangement, only a relatively small degree of radiation heat transfer, as represented by thearrow 156 inFig. 4 , is provided from thesteam generator 102 to thelaser sensor 104. This may assist thelaser sensor 104 to operate within its intended/specified temperature range. - As illustrated in
Fig. 4 andFig. 5B , there are shownshows areas cover window 114 to thefront plate holder 122. In other examples, thecover window 114 is directly adhered to thesensor holder 112. - Preferably, a
tolerance 160 of 0.5 mm to 1 mm is provided between thefront plate 106 and thecover window 114. This may assist to prevent that thermal expansion of thefront plate 106 impinges on or damages thecover window 114. -
Fig. 5A provides an enlarged view (rotated by 90 degrees) of a part of the steamer head shown inFig. 4 . - An
air gap 162 is arranged between the (top of the)optical sensing element 136 and thecover window 114. Preferably, the (thickness of the) air gap is equal or less than 0.5 mm, more preferably equal or less than 0.3 mm.Elements front plate holder 122 and thecover window 114. The air gap is determined in particular by the following parameters: - the spacing 164 between the front plate holder 122and the
cover window 114, which is determined by the thickness ofelements - the cumulated thickness of
PCB 138 and theoptical sensing element 136. - The
thickness 166 of thecover window 114 is also preferably less than 2.0 mm, and more preferably equal or less than 1.5 mm, as previously described. - Thus, in a preferred embodiment, the combined
depth cover window 114 is less than 2.0 mm. This may minimize internal reflection and attenuation of the light passing out of and into theoptical sensing element 136 of thelaser sensor 104. -
Fig. 5B provides an alternative embodiment ofFig. 5A . -
Fig. 5B differs fromFig. 5A in thatelements sensor holder 112 and thecover window 114. -
Fig. 6 provides a block diagram of agarment steamer 200 according to an example. Thegarment steamer 200 comprises thelaser sensor 104, and the control means 202A, 204A. - The
laser sensor 104 is for measuring the distance between thesteamer head 100 and a garment placed in front thelaser sensor 104, as previously described. The control means 202A, 204A are configured to control, based on the measured distance, the delivery of steam from thesteam generator 102. - In the example of
Fig. 6 , the control means 202A, 204A comprise apump 204A to carry water from a water source to thesteam generator 102, and amicrocontroller 202A configured to actuate thepump 204A based on the measured distance. - The
pump 204A and the water source in this example are preferably provided in a base unit which is separate from thesteamer head 100. In this case, a cord carrying a water tube connects the base unit to thesteamer head 100. The cord may also carry electrical wiring between thesteam head 100 and the base unit. In a handheld steamer, the pump and water source (e.g. a water tank) are integrated in the steamer head. - Such electrical wiring can, for example, carry sensory signals from the
laser sensor 104 to themicrocontroller 202A, when themicrocontroller 202A is included in the base unit. - The arrow between the
block 104 corresponding to the laser sensor and theblock 202A representing the microcontroller denotes the transfer of sensory signals or data from thelaser sensor 104 to themicrocontroller 202A. - Similarly, the arrow between the
block 202A corresponding to the microcontroller and theblock 204A representing the pump denotes control signals which control the actuation of thepump 204A. Controlling the supply of water pumped to thesteam generator 102 by thepump 204A based on the distance measured between thesteamer head 100 and the garment enables convenient control over the delivery of steam from thesteam generator 102. -
Fig. 7 provides an alternative example in which the control means 202B, 204B comprise anelectronic valve 204B configured to control the flow of steam from thesteam generator 102, and amicrocontroller 202B to actuate theelectronic valve 204B based on the measured distance. - In this example, the delivery of steam from the
steam generator 102 is thus controlled by theelectronic valve 204B controlling the flow of steam from thesteam generator 102, as opposed to the control over the production of steam described above in relation to the example ofFig. 6 . -
Fig. 8 provides a block diagram of anexemplary garment steamer 200. In this example, thesteamer head 100 of thegarment steamer 200 comprises afirst power supply 206 which supplies power to thelaser sensor 104, anauxiliary controller 208, and afirst communications module 210. - The
garment steamer 200 shown inFig. 7 further comprises abase unit 212. Thebase unit 212 comprises asecond power supply 214 which supplies power to amain controller 216, a steam generator driving andcontrol circuit 218, and asecond communications module 220. - The
first communications module 210 and thesecond communications module 220 communicate with each other, as represented inFig. 7 by the double-headed arrow therebetween, such that sensory signals or data from thelaser sensor 104 of thesteamer head 100 are communicated to themain controller 216 and the steam generator driving andcontrol circuit 218. The latter may then provide control signals for controlling the delivery of steam by thesteam generator 102 according to the measured distance between thesteamer head 100 and the garment, as previously described. - Thus, at least some of the processing of the sensory data is implemented in the
main controller 216 and the steam generator driving andcontrol circuit 218 in thebase unit 212. But by also at least partially processing the sensory data using theauxiliary controller 208 in thesteamer head 100, and transmitting the thus processed data to themain controller 216 in thebase unit 212, noise can be reduced relative to the scenario in which all processing of the sensory data is performed within thebase unit 212. - Exemplary control methods for controlling the delivery of steam by the
steam generator 102 will now be described with reference toFigs. 9 to 15 . Such methods are implementable via a suitably configured controller, such as themicrocontrollers Figs. 6 and 7 . - In other words, the controller can be pre-programmed with a suitable algorithm to control the above-described
pump 204A orelectronic valve 204B according to the measured distance of thesteamer head 100 from the garment, with reference to one or more given threshold distances. - When, for example, the
garment steamer 200 is switched on, the proximity sensor, e.g. thelaser sensor 104, can automatically compute the target distance between thesteamer head 100 and the garment/fabric up to a range of 2 meters in less than 30 ms. -
Fig. 9 provides a flowchart of acontrol method 300 according to a first example. Inoperation box 302, the distance between thesteamer head 100 and the garment is obtained via a proximity sensor, e.g. the above-describedlaser sensor 104. - In
decision box 304 it is determined whether or not the distance is larger than a given distance threshold, such as 35 mm to 40 mm. If yes, the steam is stopped or is not delivered from thesteam generator 102 inoperation box 306. If no, the delivery of steam from thesteam generator 102 is allowed inoperation box 308. - This is schematically illustrated in
Fig. 10 . Thelaser sensor 104 approaches agarment 310, and the distance D between thelaser sensor 104 and thefabric 310 is determined via reflection of the transmitted light 312 from thegarment 310. The reflectedlight 314 is reflected back towards thelaser sensor 104. -
Fig. 10 also shows the given distance threshold D1. If the measured distance D is larger than the given distance threshold D1, the steam delivery is stopped. But if the measured distance D is not larger than, in other words is equal to or less than, the given distance threshold D1, the steam delivery is allowed. - Thus, steam is only supplied once the
steamer head 100 is within range of thegarment 310. -
Fig. 11 provides a flowchart of anothercontrol method 316. Similarly to thecontrol method 300 shown inFig. 9 , inoperation box 302, the distance D between thesteamer head 100 and thegarment 310 is obtained via a proximity sensor, e.g. the above-describedlaser sensor 104. Indecision box 304 it is determined whether or not the distance D is larger than a given distance threshold D1, such as 40 mm. If yes, the steam is stopped or is not delivered from thesteam generator 102 inoperation box 306. If no, it is determined indecision box 318 whether or not the distance D is larger than a second given distance threshold which is smaller than the given distance threshold D1. - If the distance D is larger than the second given distance threshold, the steam delivery from the
steam generator 102 is implemented at a first steam rate R1 inoperation box 320. If the distance D is not larger than, in other words is less than or equal to, the second given distance threshold, the steam delivery from thesteam generator 102 is implemented at a second steam rate R2 which is different from the first steam rate R1. - For example, the given distance threshold D1 is 40 mm, and the second given distance threshold is 10 mm.
- Preferably, the second steam rate R2 is less than the first steam rate R1 in order to lessen the risk of a greater amount of steam being supplied relatively close to the
garment 310 causing damage to thegarment 310. - More generally, steam in this example is delivered from the
steam generator 102 with the first steam rate R1 if the distance D is within a first range of distance, and with the second steam rate R2 if the distance D is within a second range of distance. This enables enhanced control over the amount of steam being supplied to thegarment 310. - The
control method 316 ofFig. 11 is schematically depicted inFigs. 12A and 12B . When the measured distance D is greater than the given distance threshold D1, the steam delivery from thesteam generator 102 is stopped. When the measured distance D is less than or equal to D1, steam delivery from thesteam generator 102 is allowed. - The first range of distance is defined between the given distance threshold D1 and the second given distance threshold D2. When the measured distance D is in this first range of distance, steam is delivered at the first steam rate R1.
- When the measured distance D is less than D2, in other words when the measured distance is within the second range of distance, steam is delivered at the second steam rate R2.
-
Fig. 13 provides a flowchart of anothercontrol method 324. Similarly to thecontrol method 300 shown inFigs. 9 and11 , inoperation box 302, the distance D between thesteamer head 100 and thegarment 310 is obtained via a proximity sensor, e.g. the above-describedlaser sensor 104. Indecision box 304 it is determined whether or not the distance D is larger than a given distance threshold D1, such as 40 mm. If yes, the steam is stopped or is not delivered from thesteam generator 102 inoperation box 306. If no, steam delivery is initiated inoperation box 308. - It is determined in
decision box 326 whether or not the distance D is larger than a third given distance threshold. If yes, first visual and/or sound information is issued to the user via a suitable (further) user interface, for example by a green light being on and a red light being off, inoperation box 328. If no, second visual and/or sound information is issued to the user via the further user interface, for example by the abovementioned green light being off and the abovementioned red light being on. The first and second visual and/or sound information are different from each other. - Thus, the visual and/or sound information is issued based on the measured distance D. This can guide the user to use the
garment steamer 200 in a safe and effective manner, for example by indicating to the user when thesteamer head 100 is too close to thefabric 310. - The
control method 324 ofFig. 13 is schematically depicted inFigs. 14A and 14B . In bothFigs. 14A and 14B steam delivery from thesteam generator 102 is allowed because thesteamer head 100 is within the given distance threshold D from thegarment 310. - In
Fig. 14A , the distance D is larger than the third given distance threshold D3, such that thefurther user interface 332A issues the first visual and/or sound information. - In
Fig. 14B the distance D is less than the third given distance threshold D3, such that thefurther user interface 332B issues the second visual and/or sound information. -
Fig. 15 provides a flowchart of anothercontrol method 334. Similarly to thecontrol method 300 shown inFigs. 9 ,11 , and13 , inoperation box 302, the distance D between thesteamer head 100 and thegarment 310 is obtained via a proximity sensor, e.g. the above-describedlaser sensor 104. Indecision box 304 it is determined whether or not the distance D is larger than a given distance threshold D1, such as 40 mm. If no, steam delivery is initiated inoperation box 308. - If yes, the steam is stopped or is not delivered from the
steam generator 102 inoperation box 306, and it is determined indecision box 336 whether or not the steam delivery has been stopped for a certain time duration, e.g. 10 minutes. If yes, the electrical supply to thesteam generator 102 is tuned off inoperation box 338. - In this way, the proximity sensor, e.g. the
laser sensor 104, can be used to determine when thegarment steamer 200 is idle and should be turned off to conserve water and energy. - Whilst the above-described control methods, such as the
control methods Figs. 9 ,11 ,13 and15 , can be effectively implemented using thelaser sensor 104, e.g. the time-of-flight laser sensor 104, described above. Alternative proximity sensors may also be employed in such methods, such as ultrasonic proximity sensors. - 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 particular, although the invention has been described based on a garment steamer, it can be applied to any household appliance which can be brought into proximity with a surface to which steam is to be applied by the household appliance. 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 (15)
- A garment steamer (200) for treating a garment, the garment steamer (200) comprising:a steam generator (102) for generating steam,a steamer head (100) comprising a laser sensor (104) for measuring the distance (D) between the steamer head (100) and a garment placed in front the laser sensor (104),control means (202A, 204A; 202B, 204B) to control, based on said distance (D), the delivery of steam from the steam generator (102).
- Garment steamer (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said steamer head (100) comprises a front plate (106) having steam vents (108) for expelling steam, said laser sensor (104) being arranged on said front plate (104).
- Garment steamer (200) as claimed in claim 2, wherein said laser sensor (104) is mounted in a casing (112, 114) having a front surface, said front surface:- being flush with said front plate (106), or- being recessed from said front plate (106).
- Garment steamer (200) as claimed in any one of the claims 1 to 3, wherein said control means (202A, 204A; 202B, 204B) are adapted to:stop the delivery of steam from the steam generator (102) if said distance (D) is larger than a given distance threshold (D1),allow the delivery of steam from the steam generator (102) if said distance (D) is smaller than said given distance threshold (D1).
- Garment steamer (200) as claimed in any one of the claims 1 to 4, wherein said control means (202A, 204A; 202B, 204B) are adapted to:allow the delivery of steam with a first steam rate from the steam generator (102) if said distance (D) is within a first range of distance,allow the delivery of steam with a second steam rate from the steam generator (102) if said distance (D) is within a second range of distance,said first steam rate being different from said second steam rate.
- Garment steamer (200) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said control means (202) are adapted to turn-off an electrical supply to said steam generator (102) if the distance (D) remains the same during a certain time duration.
- Garment steamer (200) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said control means (202A, 204A; 202B, 204B) are adapted to generate a visual and/or sound information based on said distance (D).
- Garment steamer (200) as claimed in any one of the claims 1 to 7, wherein said control means (202A, 204A; 202B, 204B) comprise:a pump (204A) to carry water from a water source to the steam generator (102), anda microcontroller (202A) to actuate said pump (204A) based on said distance (D).
- Garment steamer (200) as claimed in any one of the claims 1 to 7, wherein said control means (202A, 204A; 202B, 204B) comprise:an electronic valve (204B) to control the flow of steam from said steam generator (102), anda microcontroller (202B) to actuate said electronic valve (204B) based on said distance (D).
- Garment steamer (200) as claimed in claim 3, wherein said casing (112, 114) comprises a cover window (114).
- Garment steamer (200) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the cover window (114) has a thickness which is equal or less than 1.5 mm.
- Garment steamer (200) as claimed in claim 10 or claim 11, wherein the laser sensor (104) comprises an optical sensing element (136), an air gap (162) being arranged between the optical sensing element (136) and the cover window (114).
- Garment steamer (200) as claimed in claim 12, wherein the air gap is equal or less than 0.5 mm.
- Garment steamer (200) as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein a rubber gasket (116) is arranged between the casing (112, 114), and the front plate (106), or between a front plate holder (122) of the steamer head and the front plate (106).
- Garment steamer (200) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the laser sensor (104) is a time-of-flight laser sensor (104).
Priority Applications (6)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP20182215.2A EP3929349A1 (en) | 2020-06-25 | 2020-06-25 | Garment steamer with a laser sensor |
KR1020227041500A KR102590531B1 (en) | 2020-06-25 | 2021-06-15 | Garment steamer with laser sensor |
EP21733109.9A EP4133126A1 (en) | 2020-06-25 | 2021-06-15 | Garment steamer with a laser sensor |
PCT/EP2021/066065 WO2021259700A1 (en) | 2020-06-25 | 2021-06-15 | Garment steamer with a laser sensor |
AU2021298066A AU2021298066B2 (en) | 2020-06-25 | 2021-06-15 | Garment steamer with a laser sensor |
CN202180033673.5A CN115552067B (en) | 2020-06-25 | 2021-06-15 | Garment steamer with laser sensor |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP20182215.2A EP3929349A1 (en) | 2020-06-25 | 2020-06-25 | Garment steamer with a laser sensor |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP3929349A1 true EP3929349A1 (en) | 2021-12-29 |
Family
ID=71143664
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP20182215.2A Withdrawn EP3929349A1 (en) | 2020-06-25 | 2020-06-25 | Garment steamer with a laser sensor |
EP21733109.9A Pending EP4133126A1 (en) | 2020-06-25 | 2021-06-15 | Garment steamer with a laser sensor |
Family Applications After (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP21733109.9A Pending EP4133126A1 (en) | 2020-06-25 | 2021-06-15 | Garment steamer with a laser sensor |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
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EP (2) | EP3929349A1 (en) |
KR (1) | KR102590531B1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN115552067B (en) |
AU (1) | AU2021298066B2 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2021259700A1 (en) |
Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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CN104862941A (en) * | 2015-06-03 | 2015-08-26 | 佛山市顺德区美的电热电器制造有限公司 | Garment steamer and ironing method thereof |
US20190318140A1 (en) * | 2018-04-13 | 2019-10-17 | Zebra Technologies Corporation | Handheld symbol reader with optical element to redirect central illumination axis |
CN110409156A (en) * | 2019-08-30 | 2019-11-05 | 北京小米移动软件有限公司 | Ironing equipment, ironing clothes method and apparatus |
Family Cites Families (13)
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DE10262253B4 (en) * | 2002-06-05 | 2010-07-15 | Johnson Controls Gmbh | Process for the treatment of cover materials of flat trim parts for the vehicle interior and flat trim part |
JP4962920B2 (en) * | 2009-06-30 | 2012-06-27 | 東芝ホームテクノ株式会社 | Iron |
CN202744852U (en) * | 2011-10-18 | 2013-02-20 | 皇家飞利浦电子股份有限公司 | Garment steamer |
CN104911884B (en) * | 2014-03-14 | 2017-04-05 | 广东美的生活电器制造有限公司 | Garment Steamer Machine and its control method and medicated clothing wood properly test device and its control method |
CN104947402B (en) * | 2014-03-31 | 2017-03-08 | 广东美的生活电器制造有限公司 | Garment Steamer Machine and its control method |
CN104818602B (en) * | 2015-05-05 | 2017-07-28 | 广东美的环境电器制造有限公司 | Garment Steamer Machine and its control method |
CN204626110U (en) * | 2015-05-05 | 2015-09-09 | 佛山市顺德区美的电热电器制造有限公司 | Garment Steamer Machine |
CN106319916B (en) * | 2015-07-07 | 2019-04-05 | 佛山市顺德区美的电热电器制造有限公司 | Garment Steamer Machine |
CN206873155U (en) * | 2017-07-11 | 2018-01-12 | 象山兑鹏电子科技有限公司 | Automatic steam ironing apparatus for clothes processing |
CN107761344A (en) * | 2017-11-17 | 2018-03-06 | 北海华源电子有限公司 | The Garment Steamer Machine of automatic ironing |
EP3502345A1 (en) * | 2017-12-22 | 2019-06-26 | Koninklijke Philips N.V. | Textile treatment device and portable device for obtaining a classification of a textile |
CN109505107A (en) * | 2019-01-04 | 2019-03-22 | 宁波海歌电器有限公司 | A kind of vapour iron based on double-unit system linkage control |
CN110158294B (en) * | 2019-05-30 | 2021-06-04 | 北京小米移动软件有限公司 | Garment steamer, control method and device thereof and storage medium |
-
2020
- 2020-06-25 EP EP20182215.2A patent/EP3929349A1/en not_active Withdrawn
-
2021
- 2021-06-15 CN CN202180033673.5A patent/CN115552067B/en active Active
- 2021-06-15 EP EP21733109.9A patent/EP4133126A1/en active Pending
- 2021-06-15 AU AU2021298066A patent/AU2021298066B2/en active Active
- 2021-06-15 WO PCT/EP2021/066065 patent/WO2021259700A1/en active Application Filing
- 2021-06-15 KR KR1020227041500A patent/KR102590531B1/en active IP Right Grant
Patent Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN104862941A (en) * | 2015-06-03 | 2015-08-26 | 佛山市顺德区美的电热电器制造有限公司 | Garment steamer and ironing method thereof |
US20190318140A1 (en) * | 2018-04-13 | 2019-10-17 | Zebra Technologies Corporation | Handheld symbol reader with optical element to redirect central illumination axis |
CN110409156A (en) * | 2019-08-30 | 2019-11-05 | 北京小米移动软件有限公司 | Ironing equipment, ironing clothes method and apparatus |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP4133126A1 (en) | 2023-02-15 |
AU2021298066A1 (en) | 2023-02-09 |
KR102590531B1 (en) | 2023-10-17 |
AU2021298066B2 (en) | 2023-07-20 |
CN115552067A (en) | 2022-12-30 |
CN115552067B (en) | 2024-04-30 |
KR20220165799A (en) | 2022-12-15 |
WO2021259700A1 (en) | 2021-12-30 |
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