RU2762861C9 - System for clothing care with water pump - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: clothing care.

SUBSTANCE: system (1) for closing care is proposed, containing iron (2) and base unit (3) connected by means of hose (41) with a cord. The iron contains steam generator (21) for receiving water from the base unit through the hose with the cord. The base unit contains a water tank for water storage, container (32) made with the possibility of volumetric deformation, electric valve (33) located between the hose with the cord and the container made with the possibility of volumetric deformation, and water pump (34) for injecting water from the water tank to the container made with the possibility of volumetric deformation, wherein it is possible to control an open state and a closed state of the electric valve from the iron in such a way that, in the closed state of the electric valve, increase in the water pressure is provided in the container made with the possibility of volumetric deformation by actuating the water pump, and in the open state of the electric valve, water under pressure located in the container made with the possibility of volumetric deformation is supplied to the hose with the cord.

EFFECT: elimination of a time delay before the steam start, thereby improving device performance.

14 cl, 8 dwg, 1 tbl

Description

FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY

The invention relates to a clothing care system. More specifically, the invention relates to a garment care system comprising an iron and a separate base unit.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The main function of the garment care steamer is to generate steam to treat the garment. Steam is a key element to ensure results and, in most cases, the performance of a garment care steamer is judged by the steam parameters. There are many ways to specify steam settings in a garment care steamer, but for the average user, the time delay before steam starts is one of the most obvious factors in evaluating product performance.

Typically, a garment care steam appliance comprises a steam generator to which water is supplied, the steam generator instantaneously converting the water into steam. In such a device, the water dosing parameters play an important role in the steam generation performance. Dosing can simply be done by gravity, but for fast steam response and higher steam pressure, special solutions are usually used, including water pumps, to achieve fast and controlled dosing of pressurized water. In such an application, improving the performance of the water supply becomes the main way to improve the overall performance of the product.

Published patent application WO 2007/013002 A2 discloses a steam ironing device comprising a pressurized water reservoir, such as a spring-loaded water reservoir.

Published application FR 2853671 A1 relates to steam irons in which a water pump in the base unit supplies pressurized water to the evaporation chamber.

Published application EP 0117852 A2 discloses a steam ironing device comprising a steam iron, the body of which is provided with a steam generation evaporative chamber in communication with a plurality of through holes formed in the soleplate of the iron. The unit for supplying water to the evaporation chamber for generating steam contains a water tank, structurally independent of the iron, a channel for supplying water from the tank to the evaporation chamber and a shut-off valve located in the iron and configured to be controlled by a manual control located on the handle of the iron, to control the water supply through the channel to the steam generation chamber.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved garment care system that substantially eliminates or overcomes one or more of the above problems.

The invention is defined by independent claims. The dependent claims define preferred embodiments.

According to a first aspect of the invention, a garment care system is provided comprising an iron and a base unit connected via a corded hose. The iron contains a steam generator for receiving water from the base unit through a hose with a cord. The base unit contains a water tank for storing water, a container made with the possibility of volumetric deformation, an electric valve located between a hose with a cord and a container made with the possibility of volumetric deformation, and a water pump for pumping water from the water tank into a container made with the possibility of volumetric deformation, and it is possible to control the open state and the closed state of the electric valve from the iron in such a way that in the closed state of the electric valve, an increase in water pressure in the container, made with the possibility of volumetric deformation, is provided by activating the water pump, and in the open state electric valve, water is supplied to the hose with a cord under pressure, located in a container made with the possibility of volumetric deformation.

Through the use of an electric valve, said valve can be controlled from the iron and located in the base unit. This will reduce the space required for the components in the iron itself. It should be noted that, compared to systems known in the art, more components are located within the base unit. However, this does not lead to any problems since the user usually does not move the base unit, which can be configured to provide sufficient space for additional components.

Preferably, the volumetrically deformable container is a resiliently deformable tube located in the base unit between the water pump and the electric valve.

Preferably, the base unit includes a deformable reservoir in fluid communication with a water pump outlet and an electric valve inlet.

Preferably, the corded hose comprises an electrical wire for transmitting an electrical control signal to control the opening/closing of the electrical valve.

Preferably, the base unit includes a control unit connected to an electrical wire.

Preferably, the control unit is configured to open the electric valve and actuate the water pump upon receiving the electric control signal.

Preferably, the base unit also includes a pressure regulator for controlling the water pressure in the volumetrically deformable container.

Preferably, the pressure regulator includes a pressure relief valve configured to release water from the volumetrically deformable container into the water reservoir if the water pressure in the volumetrically deformable container exceeds a predetermined threshold value (TH1).

Preferably, the pressure regulator comprises a pressure sensor for measuring water pressure in the volumetrically deformable container, wherein the pressure sensor is connected to a control unit configured to generate a control signal to the water pump to stop the water pump if the water pressure in the volumetrically deformable container is the possibility of volumetric deformation, exceeds the specified threshold value (TH2).

Preferably, the pressure regulator corresponds to a pressure switch connected to the water pump, the pressure switch being configured to turn off the water pump if the water pressure in the volumetrically deformable container exceeds a predetermined threshold value (TH3).

Preferably, the pressure regulator corresponds to a pressure switch connected to the water pump, the pressure switch being configured to turn on the water pump if the water pressure in the volumetrically deformable vessel falls below a predetermined threshold value (TH4).

Detailed explanations and other aspects of the invention follow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from and explained in more detail with reference to the embodiments, the following description describing the embodiments by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which

in FIG. 1 shows a garment care system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

in FIG. 2 shows a garment care system in accordance with another embodiment of the invention;

in FIG. 3 shows an embodiment in which the pressure regulator includes a pressure relief valve configured to drain water from a volumetrically deformable container;

in FIG. 4 shows an embodiment in which the pressure regulator includes a pressure transducer for measuring water pressure;

in FIG. 5 shows an embodiment in which the pressure regulator corresponds to a pressure switch connected to a water pump;

in FIG. 6 shows an embodiment in which the base unit includes a deformable reservoir;

in FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a simplified control process of a conventional garment care system not including an electric valve, and

in FIG. 8 is a flow chart of an improved control process of a conventional garment care system incorporating an electric valve.

These figures are purely schematic and are not drawn to scale. In the figures, elements corresponding to elements already described may have the same reference numerals.

IMPLEMENTATION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows a garment care system 1 according to an embodiment of the invention. The garment care system 1 comprises an iron 2 and a base unit 3 connected via a hose 41 with a cord. The iron 2 includes a steam generator 21 for receiving water from the base unit 3 through a hose 41 with a cord. The base unit 3 includes a water tank 31 for storing water, a volatility container 32, and an electric valve 33 located between the corded hose 41 and the volatility container 32. The base unit also includes a water pump 34 for pumping water from the water tank 31 into the volumetrically deformable tank 32.

The electric valve has an open state and a closed state. When the electric valve 33 is in the closed state, an increase in water pressure in the tank 32, made with the possibility of volumetric deformation, is ensured by actuating the water pump 34, and when the valve is in the open state, it is supplied to the hose 41 with a cord of water under pressure in the tank 32 , made with the possibility of volumetric deformation.

In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the corded hose 41 includes an electrical wire 42 for transmitting an electrical control signal to control the opening/closing of an electrical valve 33. The iron 2 includes a user actuated element 22 for generating an electrical control signal. For example, the user actuated element 22 is an on/off switch or a sensor for sensing the user's presence or the movement of the iron.

The base unit 3 includes a control unit 35 connected to the electrical wire 42. The control unit 35 is configured to control the electric valve 33 and the water pump 34. The open state and the closed state of the electric valve 33 can be controlled from the iron 2 indirectly via the control unit 35 by actuating into action element 22, driven by the user.

Alternatively (not shown), the electrical wire 42 is directly connected to the electrical valve 33 to control its open state and closed state by actuating the user actuated element 22. In this case, the time response for opening or closing the electric valve 33 may be faster, for example, several tens of milliseconds faster than indirect control of the electric valve 33 via the control unit 35.

The control of the valve may be provided by any suitable mechanism. For example, control may be directly from user actuated element 22 such that control unit 35 controls the pump and user actuated element 22 directly controls valve 33.

When the electric valve is opened, water immediately flows from the deformable container 32 through the connecting tube 37 located in the base unit 3 to the water tube 44 located in the corded hose 41 . It should be noted that tube 37 may form part of tube 44, i. e. tube 37 and tube 44 form one tube. Water will be allowed to flow through the water tube 44 into the steam generator 21 so as to produce steam that will exit the iron through one or more holes (not shown in FIG. 1).

In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the volumetrically deformable container 32 is a resiliently deformable tube located in the base unit 3 between the water pump 34 and the electric valve 33. When the electric valve 33 is closed and the water pump 34 is actuated, the pressure is increased. water in the tank 32, made with the possibility of volumetric deformation.

FIG. 1 also shows a power plug 5 for connection to a power source. By connecting the power plug 5, power can be supplied to the components of the base unit 2 as well as the components of the iron 2 receiving power through the power line 43 provided in the corded hose 41 .

FIG. 2 shows a garment care system 1 according to another embodiment of the invention. FIG. 2 corresponds to FIG. 1 with the exception of an additional pressure regulator 36 for controlling the pressure of water in the volumetrically deformable container 32.

The base unit 3 functions as a water supply system for the iron 2 configured to instantly generate steam by metering water into its steam generator 21 . In the water supply system during its operating cycles, it is possible to store a certain amount of water under pressure, which can be used to provide a rapid release of water, the effect of dispensing a jet of water, when released. The base unit 2 may have the following operating cycles.

I) The controller 35 closes the electric valve 33 and keeps the water pump 34 running for a certain period of time at a certain flow rate, and then causes a certain amount of water to be forced out into the deformable tube 32 by a pumping action. The size of the deformable volume of the deformable tube 32 determines the amount of water stored; this deformation, due to the additional pumping when the electric valve 33 is closed, saves energy; a chamber formed by a deformed tube applies pressure to the stored water; and the pressure regulator determines the pressure level.

II) Upon requesting steam generation at the water supply, the controller 35 opens the electric valve 33 and turns on the water pump 34. With the above configuration, a very high velocity water flow is immediately generated from the pre-stored water in the deformable tube 32 under pre-storage pressure. The generation of the water flow takes place immediately after the opening of the electric valve 33, regardless of the pumping action, and its momentum and volume also help to compensate for the negative effects of pipeline resistance and absorption. The fast response water flow then provides a fast metered output to the steam generator 21 to achieve a fast start of steam output, followed by a further water flow pushed by the pump that maintains steam output on demand.

III) When steam generation is no longer required, the controller 35 closes the electric valve 33 and allows the deformable tube 32 to be refilled and the water pump 34 to be pressurized again, which is a repetition of the first step.

For example, in an embodiment in which the steam generator has a low steam generating capacity, the volume of water stored in the volumetrically deformable vessel 32 is approximately 0.4 g at a water pressure of 0.8 bar, and the rise takes 0.5 sec. pumping time at a pumping speed of ~225 g/min.

In another embodiment, in which the steam generator has a high steam generation capacity, the volume of stored water in the volumetrically deformable vessel 32 is approximately 2 g at a water pressure of no more than 3 bar, and the increase takes 1 second of pumping time at a rate of pumping ~225 g/min.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the pressure regulator 36 includes a pressure relief valve 36a configured to discharge water from the deformable container 32 into the water container 31 when the pressure of the water in the deformable container 32 exceeds a predetermined threshold value TH1. The release of water from the container 32, made with the possibility of volumetric deformation, when a certain threshold value is exceeded, prevents the formation of excessive pressure and volume. Thus, undesirable damage to the volumetrically deformable container 32 can be prevented, and the pressure inside the volumetrically deformable container 32 can be controlled.

In another implementation, as shown in FIG. 4, the pressure regulator 36 includes a pressure transducer 36b for measuring the pressure of the water in the volumetrically deformable container 32. The pressure sensor 36b is connected to the control unit 35, the control unit 35 being configured to generate a control signal to the water pump 34 to stop the water pump 34 when the water pressure in the volumetrically deformable container 32 exceeds a predetermined threshold value TH2. The threshold value TH2 may have a fixed value. Alternatively, the threshold value TH2 is a variable determined by the control unit 35 .

In another implementation, as shown in FIG. 5, the pressure controller 36 corresponds to a pressure switch 36c connected to the water pump 34. The pressure switch 36c is configured to turn off the water pump 34 when the water pressure in the volumetrically deformable container 32 exceeds a predetermined threshold value TH3. In an embodiment, the pressure switch 36c is also configured to turn on the water pump 34 when the water pressure in the volumetrically deformable container 32 drops below a predetermined threshold value TH4. Controlled turning on and off of the water pump 34 makes it possible to keep the water pressure in the volumetrically deformable container 32 within certain limits.

In the above embodiments, the values of TH1, TH2, TH3, TH4 may be the same.

In another embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the base unit 3 includes a deformable reservoir 39 in fluid communication with a water pump outlet 34 and an electric valve inlet 33. The deformable reservoir 39 is configured to store and hold pressure for an amount of water used to rapidly generate a water flow. The deformable reservoir 39 may be a container made of a flexible material. Alternatively, the deformable reservoir 39 may comprise rigid walls but have a movable displaceable portion (eg a piston) such that a variable volume is provided depending on the pressure within it. Alternatively, the deformable reservoir 39 has a rigid outer wall and a compressible material inside (such as air) so that a deformable storage volume is provided depending on the pressure inside it.

It should be noted that the deformable reservoir 39 may be the only volumetrically deformable container in the base unit 3. Alternatively, the tube 32 may also be deformable. In this case, the base unit 3 contains two volumetrically deformable containers. It should also be noted that the base unit 3 with deformable reservoir 39 may also include a pressure regulator 36 shown in FIG. 2-5. The pressure regulator 36 may be located in a deformable reservoir 39 or in a deformable tube 32.

In a specific embodiment, the control unit 35 is configured to open the electric valve 33 and actuate the water pump 34 upon receiving an electrical control signal from the actuated member 22. This provides a flow of water to the hose 41 with a cord, for example, a continuous flow of water. The opening of the electric valve 33 and actuation of the water pump 34 are carried out simultaneously. Alternatively, the electrical valve 33 is opened just before the water pump 34 is actuated.

The advantage of implementing the electric valve 33 in a garment care system and properly controlling the electric valve 33 and the water pump 34 will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 7 and FIG. eight.

Given the components and financial constraints of a home steamer for clothes care, a single core, single task processor is most likely to be used, and its clock speed will not be too high. To manage multiple functional blocks with limited computing power, some priorities must be set. In the normal control logic of a garment steamer, to ensure that key functions are properly performed, processes related to temperature control generally take precedence over flow control. In most cases, the flow control decision is one of the outcomes of the temperature control decision. Considering process priorities and processing cycles, the controller is configured to generate commands to dispense water in about 0.1 seconds and decide on a certain method of dispensing it in about another 0.1 seconds.

FIG. 7 shows a flowchart of a method for controlling the flow of water in a prior art garment care system that does not include an electric valve. The method steps may be carried out by a controller configured to control a water pump and temperature control located in the system.

The control method starts by receiving a request to start steam, see block 701.

Next, the controller decides to acknowledge the signal (preferably after the filtering and noise suppression processes), see 702. In this step, the controller confirms that the received signal is a request and not noise or interference. This can usually be done by software damping and/or multiple iterations of sampling and comparison.

The steam generator temperature is then checked, see 703.

The next block 704 denotes a water dosing flow rate decision that is made based on the sensed temperature of the steam generator and a predetermined lookup table for implementing the determined water dosing flow pattern based on the temperature reading. The following table is an example of such a lookup table:

The temperature control of the steam generator is then adjusted to prepare for incoming water and register change is used, see block 705. In fact, many garment care systems use dynamic control, i. system settings will change according to user behavior, such as vertical mode, automatic steam generation, etc., with these garment care systems continuing to monitor these status reports and make appropriate changes. This is followed by checking 706 the start time of the pump, which is necessary to protect the pump and its control circuit by switching at approximately zero point of the AC supplying the pump.

Next, a pump drive signal is output to the pump drive circuit, see 707, to activate the water pump.

Other control processes may follow, see 708, not related to pumping. First, the water pump performs pumping (i.e., sucking water to fill the entire inlet and the interior space filled with air) by sucking water from the source after receiving the actuation signal, see block 709. After that, the water will begin to move towards the steam generator, see block 710.

FIG. 7, arrow 715 indicates the delay time between receiving the start signal and moving the water. Since the water only starts moving after the controller has confirmed its operating status and has decided how it should respond to a start request, the delay time can be significant. In many prior art systems, this latency can be in the hundreds of microseconds (eg, 200 microseconds), detrimental to user experience, as noted in the Background of the Invention section.

By adding an electric valve as described above with reference to FIG. 1-6, it is possible to provide the shortest path for early water movement. This will be explained with reference to FIG. 8, which shows a block diagram of the control method implemented by the controller 35 in accordance with the invention.

The advanced control method starts by receiving a steam start request, see block 801.

Next, the controller decides to acknowledge the signal (preferably after the filtering and noise suppression processes), see 802.

The controller 35 then outputs the electric valve ON signal, see block 803, to actuate the electric valve 33.

The steam generator temperature is then checked, like 703, see 804.

The next block 805 displays a dosing schedule decision like 704.

Temperature control is then performed like 705, see block 806, followed by a pump start time test 807 like 706.

Next, the pump drive signal is output to the water pump drive circuit, like 707, see 808, so as to drive the water pump.

Other control processes, like 708, see 809, that are not related to pumping, may follow.

Due to the limited number of steps required for the electric valve to operate, an early electrical valve ON signal can be provided, see block 803. After that, the electric valve 33 will be quickly actuated in this way, see 810, and water will begin to move before the pump is activated. , see block 811, which refers to "moving the leading portion of the water." Movement of water prior to activation of the pump is possible because the water in the volumetrically deformable vessel 32 was placed under pressure in earlier operational steps (not shown in FIG. 8).

Similar to the processes of FIG. 7 in FIG. 8 shows that due to the pump actuation signal, see block 808, the water pump is priming, see block 812, and the next water will start moving, see block 813.

FIG. 8, arrow 815 indicates the time delay between the receipt of the start signal and the movement of the (leading portion) of the water. Since this water has already started to move after the confirmation of its operating status by the controller, the time delay is less than in FIG. 7. The water is already moving before controller 35 has made any other fundamental decision, see blocks 804-807.

Due to the presence of the electric valve 33 with its advance operation circuit due to a simple activation process, see FIG. 8, the water begins to move much earlier compared to the original systems. Although the amount of "lead water" is limited, it is sufficient to cover the time delay due to processing time. By starting steam generation earlier, the steam response is faster and the overall steam start delay is reduced, which is advantageous for the user's ironing experience.

It should be understood that in the foregoing description, embodiments of the invention have been described with reference to various functional blocks and processors for the sake of clarity. However, it will be understood that any suitable distribution of functionality between different functional units or processors can be used without departing from the invention. For example, functionality depicted as being to be implemented by separate units, processors, or controllers may be implemented by the same processor or controllers. Therefore, references to specific functional blocks should be taken solely as references to suitable means for providing the described functionality, and not as prescribing a strict logical or physical structure or configuration.

It should be noted that throughout the document, the word "comprising" does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those listed, and a description of an element using singular grammatical means does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements, that any reference numerals do not limit the scope of the claims, that the invention may be implemented in hardware and software, and that multiple "means" or "blocks" may be expressed by a single piece of hardware or software, and the processor may perform the function of one or more blocks, likely in conjunction with hardware elements. In addition, the invention is not limited to the embodiments, and the invention lies in each and all of the new features or combinations of features described above or described in various interdependent claims.

Claims (19)

1. A system (1) for caring for clothes, containing an iron (2) and a base unit (3), connected by means of a hose (41) to a cord, and the iron (2) contains a steam generator (21) for receiving water from the base unit ( 3) through the specified hose (41), and the base unit (3) contains: - a water tank (31) for storing water, - container (32), made with the possibility of volumetric deformation, - an electric valve (33) located between the hose (41) with a cord and a container (32) made with the possibility of volumetric deformation, - a water pump (34) for pumping water from the reservoir (31) for water into a container (32) made with the possibility of volumetric deformation, moreover, the control of the open state and the closed state of the electric valve (33) is provided from the iron (2) in such a way that in the closed state of the electric valve (33) an increase in water pressure in the container (32), made with the possibility of volumetric deformation, is provided by actuating water pump (34), and in the open state of the electric valve (33) supply to the hose (41) with a cord of water under pressure, located in the tank (32), made with the possibility of volumetric deformation. 2. The clothing care system according to claim 1, in which the volumetrically deformable container (32) is a resiliently deformable tube located in the base unit (3) between the water pump (34) and the electric valve (33). 3. Garment care system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the base unit (3) comprises a deformable reservoir (39) in fluid communication with a water pump outlet (34) and an electric valve inlet (33). 4. Garment care system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the corded hose (41) comprises an electrical wire (42) for transmitting an electrical control signal to control the opening/closing of the electrical valve (33). 5. Garment care system according to claim 4, wherein the iron (2) comprises an element (22) actuated by the user to generate said electrical control signal. 6. Garment care system according to claim 4, wherein the base unit (3) comprises a control unit (35) connected to said electrical wire (42). 7. Garment care system according to claim 6, wherein the control unit (35) is configured to open the electric valve (33) and activate the water pump (34) after receiving said electrical control signal. 8. Garment care system according to claim 7, in which the control unit (35) is configured to open the electric valve (33) and subsequently activate the water pump (34). 9. Garment care system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base unit (3) also comprises a pressure regulator (36) for controlling the water pressure in the volumetrically deformable container (32). 10. Garment care system according to claim 9, in which the pressure regulator (36) comprises a pressure relief valve (36a) configured to discharge water from the volumetrically deformable container (32) into the reservoir (31) for water, if the water pressure in the container (32), made with the possibility of volumetric deformation, exceeds a predetermined threshold value (TH1). 11. Garment care system according to claim 9, in which the pressure regulator (36) comprises a pressure sensor (36b) for measuring water pressure in a volumetrically deformable container (32), wherein the pressure sensor (36b) is connected to the block (35) control, which is configured to generate a control signal for supplying to the water pump (34) to stop the water pump (34) if the water pressure in the container (32), made with the possibility of volumetric deformation, exceeds a predetermined threshold value (TH2) . 12. Garment care system according to claim 9, in which the pressure regulator (36) corresponds to a pressure switch (36c) connected to the water pump (34), and the pressure switch (36c) is configured to turn off the water pump (34), if the water pressure in the container (32), made with the possibility of volumetric deformation, exceeds a predetermined threshold value (TH3). 13. Garment care system according to claim 9, wherein the pressure regulator (36) corresponds to a pressure switch (36c) connected to a water pump (34), wherein the pressure switch (36c) is configured to turn on the water pump (34), if the water pressure in the volumetrically deformable container (32) drops below a predetermined threshold value (TH4). 14. Garment care system according to claim 4 or 5, wherein said electrical wire (42) is connected to said electrical valve (33) to control the opening/closing of the electrical valve (33).

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