EP4647546A1

EP4647546A1 - Steaming device comprising switch assembly for controlling the steaming device

Info

Publication number: EP4647546A1
Application number: EP24181333.6A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Lianping SUN; Peng Yin
Original assignee: Versuni Holding BV
Current assignee: Versuni Holding BV
Priority date: 2024-05-09
Filing date: 2024-06-11
Publication date: 2025-11-12
Also published as: CN223921841U

Abstract

Provided is a steaming device (100) comprising a steamer head (102). The steamer head comprises a handle (120), a main body (122), and a joint (124) connecting the handle and the main body. The steaming device further comprises a switch assembly (130) for controlling at least one working parameter of the steaming device. The switch assembly comprises a user-actuatable collar member (132) being rotatable by a user around, and relative to, the joint to control the at least one working parameter.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a steaming device comprising a switch assembly for controlling the steaming device.
The invention may be used in the field of garment care.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various types of steaming device are known for steaming garments to remove creases through the use of heat and moisture provided by steam. One type of steaming device is a steam iron. The steam iron is an electric appliance used for ironing garments.
Conventionally, push button(s) or slide switch(es) are included in a steaming device to control on/off status of the steaming device's power supply.
To satisfy use requirements, small dimensions and user convenience features tend to be expected by consumers. Incorporating user interface(s), such as the above-mentioned push button(s) or slide switch(es), into a steaming device in a way that is both spatially efficient and convenient for the user, whilst also minimizing risk of unintentional actuation by the user, remains a challenge.

OBJECT AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to propose a steaming device having a switch assembly that is incorporated into the steaming device in a spatially efficient manner, as well as being convenient for the user to operate and/or less susceptible to erroneous actuation by the user.
The invention is defined by the independent claims. The dependent claims define advantageous embodiments.
To this end, the steaming device according to the invention comprises a steamer head, the steamer head comprising:

a handle,
a main body,
a joint connecting the handle and the main body, and
a switch assembly for controlling at least one working parameter of the steaming device, the switch assembly comprising a user-actuatable collar member being rotatable around the joint about a rotation axis to control the at least one working parameter, the rotation axis extending through the joint from the handle to the main body.

Rotation of the rotatable collar member around the joint can provide a convenient way for the user to control the working parameter(s), noting that the rotatable collar member is positioned proximal to where the user grasps the steamer head, in other words the handle. This convenient positioning of the rotatable collar member can nonetheless also assist in minimizing risk of the user unintentionally actuating a user-actuatable part of the switch assembly.
Furthermore, by arranging the rotatable collar member around the joint between the handle and the main body, the design can provide spatially efficient arrangement of a user-actuatable part of the switch assembly.
The steaming device can comprise a steam generator and a heater arranged to heat the steam generator. In some embodiments, the steam generator is arranged in the steamer head.
In some embodiments, the switch assembly is arranged so that rotation of the rotatable collar member by the user in a first direction controls the steaming device in a first manner, e.g. switching off one or more electrical components of the steaming device, and rotating the rotatable collar member in a second direction opposite the first direction controls the steaming device in a second manner different from the first manner, e.g. switching on the one or more electrical components of the steaming device.
In some embodiments, the rotatable collar member is rotatable by the user about the rotation axis to control power supply to the steaming device.
In some embodiments, the rotatable collar member is rotatable by the user about the rotation axis between a first angular orientation in which the switch assembly causes power supply to the steaming device to be activated and a second angular orientation in which power supply to the steaming device is deactivated.
The switch assembly can, in such embodiments, be regarded as being arranged, via rotation of the rotatable collar member, to control switching on and off of all electrical circuit signals of the steaming device.
In some embodiments, the rotatable collar member is rotatable by the user about the rotation axis to control power supply to (at least) the heater.
In some embodiments, the rotatable collar member is rotatable by the user about the rotation axis between a first angular orientation in which the switch assembly causes power supply to the heater to be activated and a second angular orientation in which power supply to the heater is deactivated.
Rotatable mounting of the rotatable collar member can be implemented in any suitable manner. In some embodiments, the joint comprises a cylindrical part around which the rotatable collar member is rotatable about the rotation axis. In such embodiments, contact between a cylindrical inner surface of the rotatable collar member and an exterior surface of the cylindrical part can assist to retain the rotatable collar member in its mounted position while allowing the rotatable collar member to rotate about the rotation axis.
In some embodiments, the cylindrical part is a part of the handle that protrudes towards the main body. This can provide a relatively straightforwardly manufacturable way of rotatably mounting the rotatable collar member.
The electrical switching functionality of the switch assembly can be implemented in any suitable manner. In some embodiments, the switch assembly comprises a microswitch actuatable to control the working parameter(s). For example, the microswitch is actuatable to activate/deactivate power supply to (at least) the heater of the steaming device.
In some embodiments, the microswitch is used to generate an on/off electrical signal, which electrical signal is used by the control circuitry of the steaming device to activate/deactivate an electrical relay, with output connectors of the relay being electrically arranged in series with the heater (and/or other circuits).
The microswitch preferably has a fixed position, e.g. relative to the main body, so that the rotatable collar member is rotatable about the rotation axis relative to the microswitch, with the rotatable collar member comprising a protrusion arranged to move against and actuate the microswitch during rotation of the rotatable collar member about the rotation axis.
This can provide a relatively simple and robust way of arranging the switch assembly so that rotation of the rotatable collar member actuates the microswitch.
In such embodiments, the protrusion can be against and thus actuating the microswitch when the rotatable collar member is in the first angular orientation, e.g. so as to activate power supply to (at least) the heater of the steaming device. When the rotatable collar member is in the second angular orientation, the protrusion can be spatially removed from the microswitch, e.g. so that power supply to (at least) the heater of the steaming device is deactivated.
In some embodiments, the switch assembly comprises a rotation restriction mechanism adapted to restrict rotation of the rotatable collar member around the joint to an angular range of less than 180 degrees, preferably less than 90 degrees. Such a rotation restriction mechanism can help the user to control the working parameter(s), since a degree of manipulation of the rotatable collar member required from the user to control the working parameter(s) can be reduced.
The rotation restriction mechanism can have any suitable design. In some embodiments, the rotation restriction mechanism comprises one or more arcuate slots defined in one of the joint and the rotatable collar member, with each of the arcuate slots curving, in a circular arc centered by the rotation axis, between a first end and a second end of the respective arcuate slot. One or more protruding members provided in the other of the joint and the rotatable collar protrude into the slot(s) and are arranged to slide, guided by the respective slot, between the first end and the second end, with the first end and the second end each defining a limit of rotation of the rotatable collar member.
Such an arcuate slots(s)-protruding member(s) arrangement can provide a relatively robust and straightforward way of implementing the rotation restriction mechanism.
In some embodiments, the switch assembly comprises a securing mechanism adapted to releasably secure the rotatable collar member at one or more angular orientations, for example the first orientation and/or the second orientation, selectable via rotation of the rotatable collar member about the rotation axis.
As well as assisting to avoid unintentional rotation of the rotatable collar member away from the intended angular orientation, the securing mechanism can provide audible and/or tactile feedback to the user to confirm adoption of the intended angular orientation, for example the first orientation and/or the second orientation.
The securing mechanism can be implemented in any suitable manner. In some embodiments, the securing mechanism comprises at least one recess defined in one of the joint and the rotatable collar member, and at least one spring-loaded pin member provided in the other of the joint and the rotatable collar member, with the at least one spring-loaded pin member being receivable in the at least one recess when the rotatable collar member is rotated about the rotation axis to reach the one or more angular orientations. Such a recess(es)-spring-loaded pin member(s) arrangement can provide a relatively straightforward way of implementing the securing mechanism.
The rotatable collar member can have any suitable exterior surface, provided that the rotatable collar member can be actuated/rotated by the user. In some embodiments, the rotatable collar member comprises a convex, e.g. partial ball-shaped, exterior surface.
Such a convex/partial ball-shaped exterior surface can provide a convenient and comfortable profile for the user to contact when rotating the rotatable collar member.
In some embodiments, the steamer head comprises a steam trigger for controlling steam delivery from the steamer head. Such a steam trigger can provide a convenient and intuitive way of controlling the steam delivery.
Alternatively or additionally, the steaming device can comprise a water tank and a pump for pumping water from the water tank to the steam generator.
In some embodiments, the steaming device comprises a base unit, with the water tank being included in the base unit. In such embodiments, the steaming device comprises a hose cord for fluidly connecting the base unit to the steamer head.
In some embodiments, the water tank is included in the base unit, with the steam generator being arranged in the steamer head. In such embodiments, the pump can pump water from the water tank in the base unit to the steam generator in the steamer head via the hose cord.
In some embodiments, the base unit comprises a docking cradle for docking the steamer head. The docking cradle can provide a convenient place for safely resting the steamer head when the steamer head is not being held by the user.
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:

Figs.1A to 1C provide views of a steaming device according to an example,
Fig.2A shows a steamer head of the steaming device shown in Figs. 1A to 1C,
Fig.2B provides an exploded view of the steamer head shown in Fig.2A,
Fig.3 provides an interior view of a switch assembly of the steaming device,
Figs.4A and 4B provide views of a rotatable collar member included in the switch assembly shown in Fig.3,
Fig.5 provides another view of the switch assembly shown in Fig.3, and
Fig.6 shows part of the steamer head shown in Figs.2A and 2B.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Provided is a steaming device comprising a steamer head. The steamer head comprises a handle, a main body, and a joint connecting the handle and the main body. The steaming device further comprises a switch assembly for controlling at least one working parameter of the steaming device. The switch assembly comprises a user-actuatable collar member being rotatable by a user around, and relative to, the joint to control the at least one working parameter.
Figs. 1A to 1C depict a steaming device 100 according to an example. The steaming device 100 is suitable for steaming or ironing a garment.
The steaming device 100 comprises a steamer head 102. The steamer head 102 is moveable over the garment being steamed or ironed using the steaming device 100.
The steamer head 102 can include a treatment plate 103 delimiting at least one steam vent through which steam is deliverable from the steaming device 100.
The treatment plate 103 can be formed from any suitable material. In some embodiments, the treatment plate 103 comprises a metal alloy and/or a metal, e.g. aluminum. For example, the metal alloy- and/or metal-comprising treatment plate 103 can be coated with a coating, such as a metal oxide coating.
The steamer head 102 is, for example, in the form of an ironing head for ironing a garment. In such embodiments, the steamer head's 102 treatment plate 103 can be pressed against the garment, as well as steam being delivered to the garment via the at least one steam vent.
More generally, and referring to Fig.1C, a steam generator 104 included in the steaming device 100, for example included in the steamer head 102, can generate the steam provided by the steaming device 100. In such embodiments, a heater 106 is arranged to heat the steam generator 104, and thereby vaporize water in the steam generator 104.
For example, the heater 106 is arranged to heat a steam chamber included in the steam generator 104.
Preferably, the heater 106 is arranged to heat the treatment plate 103, as well as being arranged to heat the steam generator 104, e.g. the steam chamber thereof.
The heater 106 can have any suitable design. In at least some embodiments, the heater 106 comprises a tubular heating element. For example, the heater 106 comprises a tubular heating element arranged to heat the steam generator 104 as well as being arranged to heat the treatment plate 103.
In some embodiments, and still referring to Fig.1C, the steaming device 100 comprises a pump 108 for pumping water to the steam generator 104, for example to the steam chamber included in the steam generator 104.
Controlling how much water is pumped by the pump 108 to the steam generator 104 can provide a convenient way of controlling how much steam is generated, and thus the amount of steam delivered, e.g. a rate of steam delivery, by the steaming device 100.
In some embodiments, and with continued reference to Fig.1C, the steamer head 102 comprises a steam trigger 109 for controlling steam delivery from the steamer head 102. Thus, user-actuation of the steam trigger 109 can enable the user to adjust steam delivery from the steamer head 102.
Such a steam trigger 109 can provide a convenient and intuitive way for the user to control the steaming device's 100 steam delivery.
In embodiments in which the steaming device 100 comprises the pump 108, the steam trigger 109 can be arranged to control the pump 108. For example, the steam trigger 109 is actuatable to control a flow rate of water to the steam generator 104, and thus a rate of steam delivery from the steamer head 102.
Irrespective of the precise manner in which the pump 108 is controlled, the pump 108 can be arranged to pump water from a water tank 110 to the steam generator 104.
The water tank 110 can accordingly store the water to be used for generating steam. When steam delivery is required, the pump 108 can be controlled, e.g. via user-actuation of the steam trigger 109, to pump the water from the water tank 110 to the steam generator 104.
It is noted that the water tank 110 can be formed of any suitable material. In some embodiments, at least part of the water tank 110 is formed from a plastic material.
Alternatively or additionally, the water tank 110 can be at least partly transparent or translucent to enable the user to view a level of the water inside the water tank 110.
In some embodiments, such as shown in Figs.1A to 1C, the steaming device 100 comprises a base unit 111, which base unit 111 comprises the water tank 110, and a hose cord 112 for fluidly connecting the base unit 111 to the steamer head 102. By incorporating the water tank 110 in the base unit 111, rather than in the steamer head 102, a capacity of the water tank 110 can be increased without compromising maneuverability of the steamer head 102. Such a higher capacity water tank 110 can enable the user to operate the steaming device 100 for longer before having to refill the water tank 110.
In some embodiments, the water tank 110 is detachably mountable to the base unit 111.
In such embodiments, the water tank 110 can be detached from the base unit 111 when the water tank 110 is to be (re-)filled with water or emptied.
To this end, the water tank 110 can, for instance, include a handle member HA, e.g. a strap handle member HA, graspable by the user to assist the user to detach the water tank 110 from the base unit 111.
In some embodiments, the base unit 111 comprises a handle element 113 graspable by the user to maneuver the base unit 111 as a whole, e.g. including the water tank 110.
Alternatively or additionally, the base unit 111 can include a support foot 114 for allowing the base unit 111 to rest on a horizontal surface, such as a floor surface or a surface of a horizontally orientated ironing board.
In some embodiments, such as shown in Figs.1A to 1C, the base unit 111 comprises a docking cradle 116 for docking the steamer head 102. The docking cradle 116 can provide a convenient place for safely resting the steamer head 102 when the steamer head 102 is not being held by the user.
The docking cradle 116 can be arranged in any suitable manner. In some embodiments, such as shown in Figs. 1A to 1C, the docking cradle 116 is provided, at least in part, by a recessed portion defined in the base unit 111,
This can assist to make the steaming device 100 more compact when the steamer head 102 is docked in/on the docking cradle 116.
It is generally noted, referring to Fig.1C, that the steaming device 100 can include control circuitry 117, 118 controllable to determine at least one working parameter of the steaming device 100. The control circuitry 117, 118 can be controlled, for example, to operate the heater 106 and/or the pump 108.
The control circuitry 117, 118 can be configured in any suitable manner in order to determine the working parameter(s) of the steaming device 100. In at least some embodiments, the control circuitry 117, 118 includes one or more processors, e.g. microcontroller(s), configured to determine the working parameter(s) of the steaming device 100.
The control circuitry 117, 118 can be included in the steamer head 102 and/or the base unit 111. It is noted that in the non-limiting example shown in Fig.1C, the control circuitry 117, 118 comprises steamer head control circuitry 117 arranged in the steamer head 102 and base unit control circuitry 118 arranged in the base unit 111.
A housing, e.g. a plastic housing, of the base unit 111 can house components included in the base unit 111, such as the pump 108, the base unit control circuitry 118, etc.
Turning to the design of the steamer head 102, and referring now to Figs.1C, 2A and 2B, the steamer head 102 comprises a handle 120, a main body 122, and a joint 124 connecting the handle 120 and the main body 122. The treatment plate 103 can be included in the main body 122 of the steamer head 102.
Referring to Fig.2B, the handle 120 can comprise a handle casing 120A, 120B. In some embodiments, the handle casing 120A, 120B comprises a first, e.g. upper, handle casing portion 120A and a second, e.g. lower, handle casing portion 120B.
In such embodiments, component(s) of the steaming device 100 can be housed in the handle 120 between the first handle casing portion 120A and the second handle casing portion 120B. For example, at least part of the control circuitry 117, 118, e.g. at least part of the steamer head control circuitry 117, is housed in the handle 120 between the first handle casing portion 120A and the second handle casing portion 120B.
It is noted that the steam trigger 109 can be arranged to be user-actuatable while the user is grasping the handle 120, and is preferably user-actuatable by the same hand that is grasping the handle 120.
In some embodiments, the steam trigger 109 protrudes from the handle 120, for example protrudes from the lower handle casing portion 120B, towards the main body 122.
With continued reference to Fig.2B, the main body 122 can comprise a main body casing 122A, 122B, 122C, e.g. in addition to the treatment plate 103.
The main body casing 122A, 122B, 122C preferably comprises an upper cover portion 122A arranged distal with respect to the treatment plate 103, and a lower main portion 122B arranged between the upper cover portion 122A and the treatment plate 103. It is noted that the upper cover portion 122A of the main body casing 122A, 122B, 122C can be regarded, for example, as a decorative cover.
In some embodiments, and still referring to Fig.2B, the main body casing 122A, 122B, 122C comprises a skirt portion 122C arranged between the lower main portion 122B and the treatment plate 103.
For example, a sealing member 125, for example a silicone sealing member 125, can be arranged between the lower main portion 122B and the skirt portion 122C.
The handle casing 120A, 120B and the main body casing 122A, 122B, 122C can each be formed from any suitable material, such as a plastic material.
Also evident in the view provided in Fig.2B are constituent parts of the steam generator 104. In the non-limiting example depicted in Fig.2B, the steam generator 104 comprises a main steam generator body 104A, and a cover member 104B. In this non-limiting example, the steam chamber is provided by an interior space defined in the main steam generator body 104A; the interior space being closed by the cover member 104B.
The steam generator 104 can include, in addition to the main steam generator body 104A and the cover member 104B, a bottom plate 104C. The bottom plate 104C is arranged adjacent to the treatment plate 103.
More generally, the steaming device 100 comprises a switch assembly 130 for controlling working parameter(s) of the steaming device 100. For example, the switch assembly 130 is arranged to control the control circuitry 117, 118 to determine the working parameter(s) of the steaming device 100.
Referring to Figs.1C, 2A and 2B, the switch assembly 130 comprises a user-actuatable collar member 132 that is rotatable by the user around, and relative to, the joint 124 to control the working parameter(s).
Rotation of the rotatable collar member 132 around the joint 124 can provide a convenient way for the user to control the working parameter(s), noting that the rotatable collar member 132 is positioned proximal to where the user grasps the steamer head 102, in other words the handle 120. This convenient positioning of the rotatable collar member 132 can nonetheless also assist in minimizing risk of the user unintentionally actuating a user-actuatable part of the switch assembly 130.
Furthermore, by arranging the rotatable collar member 132 around the joint 124 between the handle 120 and the main body 122, the design can provide spatially efficient arrangement of a user-actuatable part of the switch assembly 130.
Referring specifically to Fig.1C, the user-actuatable collar member 132, as well as being arranged around the joint 124, can be rotated about a rotation axis A1 that extends through the joint 124 from the handle 120 to the main body 122.
In some embodiments, and referring to Figs.1C and 2B, the handle 120 connects to the upper cover portion/decorative cover 122A, with the rotatable collar member 132 being arranged around the joint 124 extending from the handle 120 to the upper cover portion 122A.
The working parameter(s) controllable via user-actuation, in other words user-rotation, of the rotatable collar member 132 is/are not particularly limited. In some embodiments, the rotatable collar member 132 is rotatable by the user about the rotation axis A1 to control power supply to the heater 106.
In some embodiments, the switch assembly 130 is arranged so that rotation of the rotatable collar member 132 by the user in a first direction controls the steaming device 100 in a first manner, e.g. switching off one or more electrical components of the steaming device 100, and rotating the rotatable collar member 132 in a second direction opposite the first direction controls the steaming device 100 in a second manner different from the first manner, e.g. switching on the one or more electrical components of the steaming device 100.
In some embodiments, the rotatable collar member 132 is rotatable by the user about the rotation axis A1 between a first angular orientation in which the switch assembly 130 causes power supply to the heater 106 to be activated and a second angular orientation in which power supply to the heater 106 is deactivated.
In such embodiments, the switching assembly 130 is, for example, arranged so that rotation of the rotatable collar member 132 from the first angular orientation to the second angular orientation is in a first direction, and rotation of the rotatable collar member 132 from the second angular orientation to the first angular orientation is in a second direction opposite the first direction.
This can assist the user to avoid controlling the steaming device 100 in unintended ways by helping to avoid confusion about how the rotatable collar member 132 should be rotated in order to control the steaming device 100 in the desired manner.
In some embodiments, the rotatable collar member 132 is rotatable by the user about the rotation axis A1 between a first angular orientation in which the switch assembly 130 causes power supply to the steaming device 100 to be activated and a second angular orientation in which power supply to the steaming device 100 is deactivated.
The switch assembly 130 can, in such embodiments, be regarded as being arranged, via rotation of the rotatable collar member 132, to control switching on and off of all electric circuit signals of the steaming device 100.
Thus, for example, power supply to the heater 106 can be activated together with the rest of the steaming device 100 when the rotatable collar member 132 is in the first angular orientation, and the power supply to the heater 106 can be correspondingly deactivated together with the rest of the steaming device 100 when the rotatable collar member 132 is in the second angular orientation.
Rotatable mounting of the rotatable collar member 132 can be implemented in any suitable manner. In some embodiments, and referring to Figs.1C, 2B and 3, the joint 124 comprises a cylindrical part 124A around which the rotatable collar member 132 is rotatable about the rotation axis A1. In such embodiments, contact between a cylindrical inner surface 133 of the rotatable collar member 132 and an exterior surface of the cylindrical part 124A can assist to retain the rotatable collar member 132 in its mounted position while allowing the rotatable collar member 132 to rotate about the rotation axis A1.
It is noted that the cylindrical inner surface 133 can delimit an aperture that, as well as receiving the cylindrical part 124A, extends through the rotatable collar member 132.
In some embodiments, and still referring to Fig.2B, the cylindrical part 124A is a part of the handle 120 that protrudes towards the main body 122. This can provide a relatively straightforwardly manufacturable way of rotatably mounting the rotatable collar member 132. For example, the cylindrical part 124A and the handle 120 can be molded, e.g. injection molded, as a single piece.
In some embodiments, the joint 124 includes one or more attachment members 124B, 124C that extend(s) from the handle 120 towards the main body 122, and is/are secured to corresponding attachment element(s) included in the main body 122. For example, a plurality of attachment members 124B, 124C can be arranged around the cylindrical part 124A.
The attachment member(s) 124B, 124C is/are, for example, part(s) of the handle 120, e.g. together with the cylindrical part 124A.
In some embodiments, and irrespective of precisely how the joint 124 is constructed, the joint 124 is arranged to connect the handle 120 to the main body 122 such that the handle 120 and the main body 122 do not move relative to each other.
Fixing the handle 120 and the main body 122 relative to each other in this manner can assist to provide the steamer head 100 with a robust construction.
The electrical switching functionality of the switch assembly 130 can be implemented in any suitable manner. In some embodiments, and referring to Fig.3, the switch assembly 130 comprises a microswitch 134 actuatable to control the working parameter(s). For example, the microswitch 134 is actuatable to activate/deactivate power supply to (at least) the heater 106.
In some embodiments, the microswitch 134 is actuatable to activate/deactivate power supply to the steaming device 100. In such embodiments, the microswitch 134 can control switching on and off of all electrical circuit signals of the steaming device 100.
For example, the microswitch 134 is used to generate an on/off electrical signal, which electrical signal is used by the control circuitry 117, 118 of the steaming device 100 to activate/deactivate an electrical relay, with output connectors of the relay being electrically arranged in series with the heater 106 (and/or other circuits).
In some embodiments, the microswitch 134 has a fixed position, e.g. relative to the main body 122, so that the rotatable collar member 132 is rotatable about the rotation axis A1 relative to the microswitch 134.
Referring now to Fig.4A, the rotatable collar member 132 preferably comprises a protrusion 136 arranged to move against and actuate the microswitch 134 during rotation of the rotatable collar member 132 about the rotation axis A1. The protrusion 136 is, for example, in the form of a bulge that protrudes from an underside of a base portion 137 of the rotatable collar member 132 that faces the main body 122.
In such embodiments, the protrusion 136 can be against and thus actuating the microswitch 134 when the rotatable collar member 132 is in the first angular orientation, e.g. so as to activate power supply to the steaming device 100, or at least the heater 106 of the steaming device 100. When the rotatable collar member 132 is in the second angular orientation, the protrusion 136 can be spatially removed from the microswitch 134, e.g. so that power supply to the steaming device 100, or at least the heater 106, is deactivated.
It is noted that when the microswitch 134 is actuated, the microswitch 134 can move relative to a microswitch body 135 in or to which the microswitch 134 is moveably mountable.
In some embodiments, the switch assembly 130 comprises a rotation restriction mechanism adapted to restrict rotation of the rotatable collar member 132 around the joint 124 to an angular range of less than 180 degrees, preferably less than 90 degrees. Such a rotation restriction mechanism can help the user to control the working parameter(s), since a degree of manipulation of the rotatable collar member 132 required from the user to control the working parameter(s) can be reduced.
The rotation restriction mechanism can have any suitable design. In some embodiments, and referring to Figs.4A, 4B, 5 and 6, the rotation restriction mechanism comprises one or more arcuate slots 140A, 140B, 140C defined in one of the joint and the rotatable collar member 124, 132, with each of the arcuate slots 140A, 140B, 140C curving, in a circular arc centered by the rotation axis A1, between a first end 142A, 142B, 142C and a second end 144A, 144B, 144C of the respective arcuate slot 140A, 140B, 140C. One or more protruding members 146A, 146B, 146C provided in the other of the joint and the rotatable collar 132, 124 protrude into the slot(s) 140A, 140B, 140C and are arranged to slide, guided by the respective slot 140A, 140B, 140C, between the first end 142A, 142B, 142C and the second end 144A, 144B, 144C, with the first end 142A, 142B, 142C and the second end 144A, 144B, 144C each defining a limit of rotation of the rotatable collar member 132.
Such an arcuate slots(s)-protruding member(s) arrangement can provide a relatively robust and straightforward way of implementing the rotation restriction mechanism.
It is noted that in the non-limiting example shown in Figs.4A, 4B, 5 and 6, the arcuate slots 140A, 140B, 140C, in this case three arcuate slots 140A, 140B, 140C, are defined in the rotatable collar member 132, and more specifically in the base portion 137 of the rotatable collar member 132. In this case, the protruding members 146A, 146B, 146C protrude from the main body 122, e.g. from the upper cover portion/decorative cover 122A, into the slots 140A, 140B, 140C.
In other examples (not shown in the Figures), the arcuate slot(s) is/are defined in the joint 124, e.g. in a portion of the upper cover portion/decorative cover 122A, and the protruding member(s) is/are included in the rotatable collar member 132, for example protruding from the base portion 137 of the rotatable collar member 132 towards the main body 122.
In some embodiments, the switch assembly 130 comprises a securing mechanism 150; 152A, 152B adapted to releasably secure the rotatable collar member 132 at one or more angular orientations, for example the first orientation and/or the second orientation, selectable via rotation of the rotatable collar member 132 about the rotation axis A1.
As well as assisting to avoid unintentional rotation of the rotatable collar member 132 away from the intended angular orientation, the securing mechanism 150; 152A, 152B can provide audible and/or tactile feedback to the user to confirm adoption of the intended angular orientation, for example the first orientation and/or the second orientation.
The securing mechanism 150; 152A, 152B can be implemented in any suitable manner. In some embodiments, and as best shown in Figs.4A and 5, the securing mechanism 150; 152A, 152B comprises at least one recess 152A, 152B defined in one of the joint and the rotatable collar member 124, 132, and at least one spring-loaded pin member 150 provided in the other of the joint and the rotatable collar member 132, 124, with the at least one spring-loaded pin member 150 being receivable in the at least one recess 152A, 152B when the rotatable collar member 132 is rotated about the rotation axis A1 to reach the one or more angular orientations.
Such a recess(es)-spring-loaded pin member(s) arrangement can provide a relatively straightforward way of implementing the securing mechanism 150; 152A, 152B.
In some embodiments, and still referring to Figs.4A and 5, a first recess 152A of the at least one recess 152A, 152B corresponds to the first orientation, and a second recess of the 152B of the at least one recess 152A, 152B corresponds to the second orientation.
It is noted that the spring-loaded pin member 150 can be biased/sprung to engage with the recess(es) 152A, 152B in any suitable manner. In some embodiments, the spring-loaded pin member 150 is biased to engage with the recess(es) 152A, 152B via a spring 154, e.g. a helical spring 154.
In some embodiments, the spring-loaded pin member(s) 150 and the recess(es) 152A, 152B are arranged to enable release of the spring-loaded pin member(s) 150 from the recess(es) 152A, 152B when sufficient force is applied by the user to rotate the rotatable collar member 132.
For example, end(s) of the spring-loaded pin member(s) 150 and the recess(es) 152A, 152B that receive(s) the end(s) can each have a rounded shape that enables the spring-loaded pin-member(s) 150 to slip out of the recess(es) 152A, 152B, against the biasing of the spring-loaded pin member(s) 150, when the user applies sufficient force to rotate the rotatable collar member 132.
In some embodiments, the recess(es) 152A, 152B are defined in the rotatable collar member 132, e.g. in the base portion 137 of the rotatable collar member 132, with the spring-loaded pin member(s) 150 being arranged in the joint 124. In such embodiments, the spring-loaded pin member(s) 150 can, for instance, protrude through the upper cover portion/decorative cover 122A.
The rotatable collar member 132 can have any suitable exterior surface 158, provided that the rotatable collar member 132 can be actuated/rotated by the user. In some embodiments, and as best shown in Figs.3, 4B and 5, the rotatable collar member 132 comprises a convex, e.g. partial ball-shaped, exterior surface 158. Such a convex/partial ball-shaped exterior surface can provide a convenient and comfortable profile for the user to contact when rotating the rotatable collar member 132.
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 steaming device (100) comprising a steamer head (102), the steamer head comprising:
- a handle (120),

- a main body (122),

- a joint (124) connecting the handle and the main body, and

- a switch assembly (130) for controlling at least one working parameter of the steaming device, the switch assembly comprising a user-actuatable collar member (132) being rotatable around the joint about a rotation axis (A1) to control the at least one working parameter, the rotation axis extending through the joint from the handle to the main body.
The steaming device (100) according to claim 1, comprising a steam generator (104) and a heater (106) arranged to heat the steam generator, the rotatable collar member (132) being rotatable by the user about the rotation axis (A1) to control power supply to the heater.
The steaming device (100) according to claim 2, wherein the rotatable collar member (132) is rotatable by the user about the rotation axis (A1) between a first angular orientation in which the switch assembly (130) causes power supply to the heater (106) to be activated and a second angular orientation in which power supply to the heater is deactivated.
The steaming device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the joint (124) comprises a cylindrical part (124A) around which the rotatable collar member (132) is rotatable about the rotation axis (A1).
The steaming device (100) according to claim 4, wherein the cylindrical part (124A) is a part of the handle (120) that protrudes towards the main body (122).
The steaming device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein:
- the switch assembly (130) comprises a microswitch (134) actuatable to control the at least one working parameter,

- the microswitch has a fixed position relative to the main body (122) so that the rotatable collar member (132) is rotatable about the rotation axis (A1) relative to the microswitch, and

- the rotatable collar member comprises a protrusion (136) arranged to move against and actuate the microswitch during rotation of the rotatable collar member about the rotation axis.
The steaming device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the switch assembly (130) comprises a rotation restriction mechanism adapted to restrict rotation of the rotatable collar member (132) around the joint (124) to an angular range of less than 180 degrees, preferably less than 90 degrees.
The steaming device (100) according to claim 7, wherein the rotation restriction mechanism comprises:
- one or more arcuate slots (140A, 140B, 140C) defined in one of the joint and the rotatable collar member (124, 132), each of the arcuate slots curving, in a circular arc centered by the rotation axis (A1), between a first end (142A, 142B, 142C) and a second end (144A, 144B, 144C) of the respective arcuate slot, and

- one or more protruding members (146A, 146B, 146C) provided in the other of the joint and the rotatable collar member (132, 124), each of the one or more protruding members protruding into one of said slots and being arranged to slide, guided by the respective slot, between the first end and the second end, the first end and the second end each defining a limit of rotation of the rotatable collar member (132).
The steaming device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the switch assembly (130) comprises a securing mechanism (150; 152A, 152B) adapted to releasably secure the rotatable collar member (132) at one or more angular orientations selectable via rotation of the rotatable collar member about the rotation axis (A1).
The steaming device (100) according to claim 9, wherein the securing mechanism (150; 152A, 152B) comprises:
- at least one recess (152A, 152B) defined in one of the joint and the rotatable collar member (124, 132), and

- at least one spring-loaded pin member (150) provided in the other of the joint and the rotatable collar member (132, 124), the at least one spring-loaded pin member being receivable in the at least one recess when the rotatable collar member is rotated about the rotation axis (A1) to reach said one or more angular orientations.
The steaming device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the rotatable collar member (132) comprises a convex exterior surface (158).
The steaming device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the steamer head (102) comprises a steam trigger (109) for controlling steam delivery from the steamer head.
The steaming device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, comprising:
- a base unit (111) comprising a water tank (110), and

- a hose cord (112) for fluidly connecting the base unit to the steamer head (102).
The steaming device (100) according to claim 13 as according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the steam generator (104) is arranged in the steamer head (102), the steaming device comprising a pump (108) for pumping water from the base unit (111) to the steam generator via the hose cord (112).
The steaming device (100) according to claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the base unit (111) comprises a docking cradle (116) for docking the steamer head (102).