US20190136445A1 - Ironing system with water delivery mechanism - Google Patents
Ironing system with water delivery mechanism Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20190136445A1 US20190136445A1 US16/304,328 US201716304328A US2019136445A1 US 20190136445 A1 US20190136445 A1 US 20190136445A1 US 201716304328 A US201716304328 A US 201716304328A US 2019136445 A1 US2019136445 A1 US 2019136445A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- steam iron
- water
- soleplate
- base unit
- steam
- 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.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F79/00—Accessories for hand irons
- D06F79/02—Stands or supports neither attached to, nor forming part of, the iron or ironing board
- D06F79/023—Stands or supports neither attached to, nor forming part of, the iron or ironing board with means for supplying current to the iron
- D06F79/026—Stands or supports neither attached to, nor forming part of, the iron or ironing board with means for supplying current to the iron for cordless irons
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- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F75/00—Hand irons
- D06F75/08—Hand irons internally heated by electricity
- D06F75/10—Hand irons internally heated by electricity with means for supplying steam to the article being ironed
- D06F75/12—Hand irons internally heated by electricity with means for supplying steam to the article being ironed the steam being produced from water supplied to the iron from an external source
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- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F75/00—Hand irons
- D06F75/08—Hand irons internally heated by electricity
- D06F75/10—Hand irons internally heated by electricity with means for supplying steam to the article being ironed
- D06F75/14—Hand irons internally heated by electricity with means for supplying steam to the article being ironed the steam being produced from water in a reservoir carried by the iron
Definitions
- the present invention relates to an ironing system with water delivery mechanism, in particular to an ironing system comprising a steam iron and a base unit.
- the invention has some applications in the field to garment care.
- a cordless steam iron with energy and water charging offers convenience to users by freeing them from a cord, as compared to more traditional solutions in which energy and steam/water are provided by a cord.
- a cordless steam iron thus does not restrict freedom of movement of the user.
- Prior art U.S. Pat. No. 6,176,026B1 discloses a cordless steam iron provided with an external reservoir assembly for automatically re-filling an internal reservoir when the iron rests on an iron stand.
- the reservoir assembly includes a removable bottle that can be readily filled with water and then placed upside down in a water container.
- a valve automatically maintains the water level in the container (and the internal reservoir) to a desired maximum level see chain-dotted line A. Water valves cooperate with one another and open automatically when the iron is placed on the stand, to allow water to flow from the container to the reservoir.
- an ironing system comprising a steam iron and a base unit adapted to cooperate with each other such that the steam iron can take a first position in which the steam iron is docked on the base unit, and a second position in which the steam iron is undocked from the base unit, the steam iron being cordlessly detached from the base unit in the second position.
- the steam iron comprises:
- the base unit comprises:
- a main contributor to the temperature drop of the soleplate is linked to the amount of water consumed during steam ironing of garments. Therefore, the variation of the sensed soleplate temperature can be used to determine the amount of water to be provided by the water delivery mechanism to the water reservoir when the steam iron is in the first position.
- an ironing system according to the above aspect can determine the amount of water to be provided by the water delivery mechanism to the water reservoir when the steam iron is in the first position without using a water sensor in the steam iron. Moreover, this reduces the manufacturing costs when compared to systems including a water sensor.
- a pump is used at full power to fill a water reservoir of a cordless steam iron when it is docked until, for example, the water reservoir is determined to be full by means of sensed back pressure.
- the controller can achieve that a proper amount of water is supplied to the water reservoir to reduce the side effects of water being over-supplied and under-supplied, without using sensed back pressure. This can enable that the water reservoir is filled-in to the proper or near correct amount, with reduced stress on the components of the steam iron and/or base unit (e.g. seals).
- the variation of temperature corresponds to the difference between the temperature of the soleplate when the steam iron is in a current first position, and the temperature of the soleplate when the steam iron was in a previous first position.
- Measuring the drop of temperature between two successive docking in the first position, when the iron is just undock and when the iron is just docked back, allows an estimation of the amount of water used during ironing, and thus fill-in the water reservoir with about the same amount of water when the steam iron is retuned in the first position.
- the controller is further adapted to determine the amount of water, based on a time duration between two successive docking of the steam iron on the base unit.
- the controller is further adapted to determine, based on the sensed soleplate temperature, a thermal energy amount to be stored in the soleplate by the power supply unit, and to determine, based on the thermal energy amount, the amount of water to be supplied to the water reservoir, such that the amount of water can be fully transformed into steam by the thermal energy amount.
- the temperature sensor is arranged in a location taken from the set of locations defined by the base unit and the steam iron.
- Arranging the temperature sensor in the iron, and sensing soleplate temperature directly, allows an accurate sensing of core temperature.
- the steam iron embeds a source of energy to supply the temperature sensor (e.g. battery), arranging the temperature sensor in the steam iron allows conducting temperature sensing even when the steam iron is undocked from the base unit.
- the controller is arranged in a location taken from the set of locations defined by the base unit and the steam iron.
- Arranging the controller in the base unit allows an easy implementation considering the relatively large space in the base unit and accessibility to continuous power supply.
- Arranging the controller in the steam iron allows conducting calculations even when the steam iron is undocked from the base unit, provided that the steam iron embeds a source of energy to supply the controller (e.g. battery).
- the steam iron comprises a heating element for receiving energy supplied by the power supply unit.
- Using a heating element in the steam iron defines a cost-effective solution for heating the soleplate.
- the heating element and the power supply unit are adapted to be electrically connected when the steam iron is in the first position.
- the base unit comprises an induction system powered by the power supply unit for generating electromagnetic energy towards the steam iron when the steam iron is in the first position.
- the controller is further adapted to generate a first alert signal when the steam iron is in the second position, if the time duration elapsed since the steam iron was undocked from the first position exceeds a given time duration threshold.
- this alert signal reminds the user to return the steam iron on the base unit if the undocked period is too long, which would anyway reflects the need to supplying energy to the soleplate and/or fill-in water in the water reservoir.
- the user can re-dock the steam iron before the performance of steam generation is reduced due to a lack of thermal energy and/or water. This can enhance ironing performance.
- the controller is further adapted to generate a second alert signal when the steam iron is in the first position, after the thermal energy amount is stored in the soleplate and the amount of water supplied to the water reservoir.
- This alert mechanism allows informing the user that the steam iron is ready for ironing. Hence, premature (i.e. too early) undocking from the base unit may be avoided.
- the present invention also relates to a method of determining, in an ironing system as described above, an amount of water and energy to be supplied from the base unit to the steam iron.
- FIG. 1 shows a schematic graph of temperature variation against water consumed during ironing
- FIGS. 2 a and 2 b show an ironing system according to the invention in first and second positions, respectively;
- FIG. 3 shows a schematic graph of temperature against time during ironing
- FIG. 4 is a flow chart of operation of an ironing system according to the invention.
- FIG. 5 shows a flow chart of a method according to the invention.
- FIGS. 2 a and 2 b show an ironing system 20 according to the invention.
- the ironing system 20 comprises a steam iron 200 and a base unit 250 .
- FIG. 2 a represents the steam iron 200 in a first position P 1 being undocked from the base unit 250
- FIG. 2 b represents the steam iron 200 in a second position P 2 being docked on the base unit 250 .
- the steam iron 200 and the base unit 250 are adapted to cooperate with each other such that the steam iron 200 can take a first position P 1 in which the steam iron 200 is docked on the base unit 250 , and a second position P 2 in which the steam iron 200 is undocked from the base unit 250 .
- the steam iron 200 is cordlessly detached from the base unit 250 in the second position. In other words, no cords to carry electricity, water, signals, etc . . . are linking the steam iron 200 and the base unit 250 .
- the steam iron 200 includes a water reservoir 201 arranged to store water.
- the steam iron 200 also comprises a soleplate 202 for generating steam from the water in the water reservoir 201 when the steam iron 200 is in the second position P 2 .
- the base unit 250 comprises a water delivery mechanism 251 for supplying water to the water reservoir 201 when the steam iron 200 is in the first position P 1 .
- the base unit 250 also comprises a power supply unit 252 for supplying energy to the soleplate 202 when the steam iron 200 is in the first position P 1 , for heating the soleplate 202 .
- the ironing system 20 further comprises a temperature sensor 203 for sensing temperature of the soleplate 202 .
- the ironing system 20 also comprises a controller 253 for determining, based on a variation of temperature of the soleplate, an amount of water to be supplied to the water reservoir 201 by the water delivery mechanism 251 .
- the controller 253 may correspond to a microcontroller unit (MCU), or more generally a processing unit or a calculator executing instructions of a computer program stored in a local memory (not shown).
- MCU microcontroller unit
- the controller 253 may correspond to a microcontroller unit (MCU), or more generally a processing unit or a calculator executing instructions of a computer program stored in a local memory (not shown).
- FIGS. 2 a and 2 b show the system schematically, and that various electrical and water flow interconnections (e.g. between the water reservoir 201 and the soleplate 202 ) are not shown for convenience.
- Table 1 is an example of the relation between the amount of water evaporated by the soleplate, and the corresponding temperature of the soleplate. This example is given for a soleplate having a thermal mass of 500 g. The corresponding curve C 1 is illustrated in FIG. 1 .
- the above Table 1 can be stored in a memory in the steam iron or in the base unit, as a thermal characteristic of the soleplate implemented in the steam iron.
- the curve C 1 can be approximated by a linear relation:
- the controller 253 determines the amount of water to be supplied to the water reservoir 201 by the water delivery mechanism by dividing the variation of temperature by this slope coefficient.
- the slope coefficient depends on the design parameters of the iron such as thermal mass, material used, etc . . . .
- the design parameters of the iron such as thermal mass, material used, etc . . . .
- the variation of temperature corresponds to the difference between the temperature of the soleplate 202 when the steam iron 200 is in a current first position P 1 , and the temperature of the soleplate 202 when the steam iron 200 was in a previous first position P 1 .
- the steam iron 200 comprises a heating element 204 , a water interface 205 , and an electrical interface 206 .
- the soleplate 202 comprises an ironing plate 202 a and a steam generator 202 b.
- the base unit 250 includes a power supply 252 , a water interface 255 , an electrical interface 256 , an external water inlet 257 , an external power inlet 258 , and a user interfacing means 259 .
- the water delivery mechanism 251 comprises a water tank 251 a and a pump 251 b.
- the water tank 251 a of the water delivery mechanism 251 may also be provided separately to the apparatus comprising the pump, for example by being arranged fluidly connected to the base unit.
- the base unit 250 When the steam iron 200 is in the first position P 1 , the base unit 250 provides water to fill the water reservoir 201 . Water is pumped from the water tank 251 a to the steam iron 200 by the pump 251 b via a connection between the water interfaces 205 and 255 when the steam iron is in the first position P 1 .
- This connection can take many forms, and embodiments of the invention are not limited by any particular water interface type.
- the pump 251 b and the water tank 251 a provide the water delivery mechanism 251 in this embodiment. However, other embodiments can have other water delivery mechanisms.
- the base unit 250 When the steam iron 200 is in the first position P 1 , the base unit 250 provides power to heat the soleplate 202 .
- the base unit 250 provides electrical power to the heating element 204 which heats the soleplate 202 .
- the electrical power is provided from the base unit 250 to the steam iron 200 via an electrical connection between the electrical interfaces 206 and 256 when in the first position P 1 .
- This connection can take many forms, and embodiments of the invention are not limited by any particular electrical interface type.
- the steam iron is in the second position P 2 and the ironing plate 202 a contacts the garment.
- the steam generator 202 b in this embodiment, is a separate component to the ironing plate 202 a .
- Water from the water reservoir 201 is provided to the steam generator 202 b , where it is heated using stored thermal energy of the steam generator 202 b.
- the steam can then pass through holes in the ironing plate 202 a in order to provide steam to the garment.
- the heating element 204 heats the ironing plate 202 a and the steam generator 202 b when in the first position.
- the ironing system may be arranged so that the heating element 204 heats the steam generator 202 b to a higher temperature than the ironing plate 202 a. This can maximise stored thermal energy.
- the soleplate 202 may be provided by a combined ironing plate and steam generator, e.g. a single plate for contacting garments and generating steam.
- the water tank 251 a is connected to the external water inlet 257 (e.g. mains water or a suitable inlet to enable the user to refill the water tank 251 a ), and the power supply 252 is connected to the external power inlet 258 (e.g. mains electrical supply).
- the external water inlet 257 e.g. mains water or a suitable inlet to enable the user to refill the water tank 251 a
- the power supply 252 is connected to the external power inlet 258 (e.g. mains electrical supply).
- the controller 253 is further adapted to determine the amount of water, based on a time duration between two successive docking of the steam iron 200 on the base unit 250 . More explanation on this will be given with reference to FIG. 3 .
- FIG. 3 shows a graph of temperature along axis 1 (e.g. in ° C.) against time along axis 3 (e.g. in s).
- Dotted curve 5 a corresponds to temperature loss when dry ironing and plain curve 5 b corresponds to temperature loss when steam ironing.
- the controller 253 measures the temperature of the soleplate to be T 0 , at time t 0 .
- T 0 is the temperature of the soleplate 202 measured just prior to undocking at time t 0 .
- a measured temperature of T 1 at time t 1 would indicate 100% steam ironing, and from that a certain amount of water consumption during ironing can be determined (e.g. from a look-up table).
- a measured temperature of T 3 at time t 1 would indicate 0% steam ironing (i.e. 100% dry ironing), which would imply no water consumption during ironing.
- the controller 253 can use the two reference curves 5 a and 5 b to calculate the amount of water used to generate steam. In particular, as an example, the controller 253 can calculate two extreme cases where the user could have gone to T 2 by using least and most amount of steaming (see curves 6 a and 6 b ). These two numbers can be used by the controller 253 in order to decide how much water will be put in the water reservoir 201 .
- the controller 253 is further adapted to determine, based on the sensed soleplate temperature, a thermal energy amount to be stored in the soleplate 202 by the power supply unit 252 , and to determine, based on the thermal energy amount, the amount of water to be supplied to the water reservoir 201 , such that the amount of water can be fully transformed into steam by the thermal energy amount.
- the temperature sensor 203 is arranged in a location taken from the set of locations defined by the base unit 250 and the steam iron 200 .
- the temperature sensor may correspond to a passive component (for example a so-called “NTC”). If the temperature sensor 203 is arranged in the steam iron, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 a and 2 b , the temperature sensor 203 is electrically connected to the base unit 250 when the steam iron in the first position P 1 . If the temperature sensor 203 is arranged in the base unit 250 , the steam iron must be adapted such that the soleplate gets into contact with or proximate to the temperature sensor 203 when the steam iron in the first position P 1
- the controller 253 is arranged in a location taken from the set of locations defined by the base unit 250 and the steam iron 200 . If the controller 253 is arranged in the base unit 250 , as illustrated in FIGS. 2 a and 2 b , the controller 253 is electrically connected to the base unit 250 .
- the controller 253 is arranged in the steam iron 200 , and the controller 253 is electrically connected to a battery (not shown) arranged in the steam iron, which is for example charged when the steam iron is in the first position P 1 .
- the steam iron 200 comprises a heating element 204 for receiving energy supplied by the power supply unit 252 .
- the heating element 204 and the power supply unit 252 are adapted to be electrically connected when the steam iron 200 is in the first position P 1 .
- the base unit 250 comprises an induction system powered by the power supply unit 252 for generating electromagnetic energy towards the steam iron 200 when it is in the first position P 1 , which is converted into thermal energy in the steam iron 200 by metal or coil (not shown).
- the controller 253 is further adapted to generate a first alert signal when the steam iron 200 is in the second position P 2 , if the time duration elapsed since the steam iron 200 was undocked from the first position P 1 exceeds a given time duration threshold.
- This signal is used to indicate the user to return the steam iron 200 to the first position P 1 , for example after about 20 seconds when the steam iron is in the second position P 2 .
- the controller 253 is further adapted to generate a second alert signal when the steam iron 200 is in the first position P 1 , after the sufficient thermal energy amount is stored in the soleplate 202 and the matched amount of water supplied to the water reservoir 201 .
- the first alert signal and the second alert signal may correspond to an alert via visual, audible, mechanical or other means.
- the alerts are generated to user via the user interfacing means 259 that may correspond to a display, a speaker, or a vibrating system.
- the power supply 252 supplies power to the controller 253 , the pump 251 b , and the user interfacing means 259 , as well as to other components of the base unit 250 controlled by the controller 253 . Hence, the power supply 252 powers various elements of the base unit 250 . Also, as discussed below, when in the first position P 1 , the power supply 252 supplies power to the heating element 204 and temperature sensor 203 in the steam iron 200 .
- a user is performing cordless ironing using the steam iron 200 in the second position P 2 .
- no power is provided to the heating element 204 when the in the second position P 2 .
- the steam iron 200 includes a mechanism (not shown) for ensuring that steam is generated only in the second position P 2 .
- this mechanism ensures that steam is not generated when the steam iron 200 is in the first position P 1 . It will be appreciated that there are a variety of forms such a mechanism could take (e.g. a gravity controlled switch or mechanical valve), and embodiments of the invention are not limited in this way.
- the user may continue cordless ironing until an indication on the user interfacing means 259 informs the user to dock the iron 200 on the base unit, otherwise directly dock the iron 200 on the base unit before an indication on the user interfacing means 259 is generated.
- the user docks the steam iron 200 with the base unit 250 .
- the user puts the steam iron 200 into the first position P 1 .
- the user may have ironed a portion of a garment and may need to rearrange the garment.
- the user may dock the steam iron with the base unit.
- the controller 253 determines the temperature variation of the soleplate 202 by reading status of the temperature sensor 203 .
- the controller 253 in the first position P 1 , can get temperature reading from the temperature sensor 203 via the electrical connection between the electrical interfaces 206 and 256 when in the first position P 1 .
- the temperature sensor 203 comprises a thermistor in contact with the soleplate 202 .
- embodiments of the invention can use other forms of temperature sensor.
- step S 14 based on the sensed variation of temperature, the controller 253 calculates the amount of water consumed during ironing and how much water is left in the water reservoir 201 .
- the controller 253 controls the power supply 252 to supply power to heat the soleplate 202 to a desired ironing temperature.
- the power supply 252 can supply electrical power to the heating element 204 via the electrical connection between the electrical interfaces 206 and 256 .
- the controller 253 controls the power supply 252 to supply energy to heat the soleplate 202 to a desired temperature set point.
- the soleplate 202 is heated to a desired ironing temperature (e.g. 200° C.), based on information from the temperature sensor 203 .
- the temperature set point is a temperature (e.g. 200° C.) of the steam generator 202 b.
- the power of heating element 204 is fixed, and the ON-OFF time of the heating element 204 is controlled by the controller 253 .
- the controller 253 varies the heating of the heating element 204 by controlling the supply of electrical power from the power supply 252 .
- the heating element 204 may be controlled by the controller 253 to have varying heating power.
- the main cause of temperature drop of the soleplate 202 is the conversion of water to steam.
- the drop in temperature of the soleplate 202 can be related to the drop in water in the water reservoir 201 .
- the controller 253 can use the drop in temperature of the soleplate 202 to determine the amount of water left in the water reservoir 201 , without the need for a dedicated water sensor to detect the level of water in the reservoir 201 .
- the controller 253 calculates an amount of water to supply to the water reservoir 201 via the connection between the water interfaces 205 and 255 , as well as a flow rate of the pump 251 b based on the calculated amount of water left in the water reservoir 201 from step S 14 .
- the capacity of the water reservoir 201 is fixed (i.e. it is a design feature) and the controller 253 may know that the water reservoir 201 was filled the last time the steam iron 200 was docked to a certain level (e.g. full). Using this information, the controller 253 can determine the amount of water left in the water reservoir 201 together with the soleplate temperature information.
- the controller 253 can determine that a certain drop in temperature of the soleplate 202 equates to a temperature drop associated with converting half the water in the water reservoir 201 to steam, and thus the controller 253 can control the water reservoir 251 to supply an amount of water equal to half the volume of the water reservoir 201 to the water reservoir 201 .
- the amount of water supplied to the water reservoir 201 can be supplied without needing a water sensor in the steam iron 200 .
- the controller 253 controls the pump 251 b to supply water to the water reservoir 201 via the connection between the water interfaces 205 and 225 .
- steps S 16 and S 17 occur in parallel.
- the pumping rate and time pattern of the pump 251 b are variable. Using the above embodiment, achieving smooth and soft charging patterns that minimize shocks and stress applied onto water delivery system can be achieved.
- the pumping rate transition may also be gradual. For example, by knowing the amount of water needed to supply to the water reservoir 201 , a gradual pumping rate transition can be achieved, further minimising stress on the system 20 . For example, by gradual it is meant that the flow rate of water pumped to the water reservoir 201 in the steam iron decreases over time according to a given value known by the controller.
- the controller 253 can determine that not all the water is used, and rather than simply pumping the water to partially full water reservoir 201 with high pumping rate and/or pressure with full pumping time, the controller 253 can moderate pumping rate or shorten pumping time according to calculated water condition in reservoir. This minimize over pumping to reduce stress on the system 20 .
- heating of the heating element 204 and the supply of the water to the water reservoir 201 are done simultaneously. Furthermore, the controller 253 can control the heating and water pumping in a balanced way. Hence, the appropriate balance between thermal energy and water supply can be achieved. This balance can be obtained by not pumping more water to the water reservoir 201 than thermal energy enough to convert the stored water in the water reservoir 201 into steam. In other words, the amount of water and amount of thermal energy can be matched.
- the controller 253 can be arranged to control a water delivery rate of the pump 251 b so that a time taken to provide the required amount of water to the water reservoir 201 is the same as a time taken to supply the required thermal energy amount to the soleplate 202 .
- step S 18 once the controller 253 has supplied sufficient water and power to the steam iron 200 is in the first position P 1 , the steam iron 200 is charged in water and thermal energy and is thus ready for more ironing. At this point, the readiness of the steam iron 200 is displayed, for example on the user interfacing means 259 .
- the user interfacing means 259 can alert the user when the steam iron 200 is ready for ironing.
- the alert mechanism may alert the user that the soleplate 202 is at the desired temperature and that the water reservoir 201 is full. Hence, premature undocking may be avoided.
- the user can then undock the steam iron 200 and can begin cordless ironing again (step S 11 ), until the user interfacing means 259 indicates that is time to re-dock the steam iron 200 , if the un-docking duration exceeds a given duration threshold.
- the user has the freedom to choose when to dock and undock, and that is not fixed by the appliance.
- the system can record energy and water charged and lost condition by knowing charged and used temperature as well as a time span to decide what to do for next cycles.
- the water reservoir 201 has for example a volume of 10 cm 3 .
- the steam iron 200 may generate a continuous amount of steam rate of 30 g/min in average for around 20 seconds when in the second position P 2 (for 100% steam ironing). It might typically take four minutes to iron one whole garment.
- user should dock the steam iron 200 multiple times (e.g. around four to five times) to top up the water in the water reservoir 201 and to re-heat the soleplate 202 during the ironing process.
- water and energy are charged in a balanced way, done by power and flow regulation.
- a heating element 204 of 3200 Watts power may be used, with a water reservoir 201 able to store 10 cm 3 of water after previous charge-user cycle, with the soleplate 202 generating steam at an average 30 g/minute steam rate for 20 seconds, and a 500 g active mass of the soleplate 202 .
- the pump 251 b may be capable to supply 120 g/minute, but it is preferably regulated to reduce pumping rate to about 50 g/minute, to match with energy flow. As a result, it might typically take about 11 seconds for the base unit 250 to provide a balanced amount of heat and water to the steam iron 200 . If energy is fully consumed by last ironing cycles, known from temperature sensing, it may take around 15 seconds (i.e.
- the pumping rate of the pump 251 b may be adjusted to equivalent 40 g/minute to make total energy balance. Whilst energy and water are being provided to the steam iron 20 , the controller 253 performs temperature reading, energy balance calculations, heating element 204 ON/OFF power control and pump 251 b ON/OFF rate control.
- the ironing system may use a “safety factor” for the amount of water determined by controller 253 and supplied to the water reservoir.
- the controller 253 may assume a certain error margin for determining the water amount (based on temperature and time, and in some embodiments usage patterns of the device) that has been consumed in ironing.
- the controller may then control the supply of water to the steam iron so that an amount of water is provided that is less than the calculated water amount, while taking into account this error margin.
- the accuracy of such a system may be very high, as the majority of the energy is taken by steam generation.
- the controller 253 can correlate the energy loss to water consumption the amount of water used to generate steam, i.e. to cause temperature drop.
- there is a water release path from the water reservoir 201 which allow excess water to pass in case there is over-charge of water.
- fully relying on such a water release path would increase stress in water delivery system during releasing.
- a system with only a water release path would have increased stress compared to embodiments of the invention.
- the controller 253 is further arranged to predict the usage pattern of the steam iron 200 by using multiple temperature changes and time span information, for example, based on repeated measurements, the controller 253 may estimate that the next movement of the user (e.g. with a certain mix of steam and dry ironing). The controller 253 may store information on such a usage pattern and use it to estimate when call back is required.
- the controller 253 can use stored data on temperature/time to determine the time when the water reservoir 201 is going to be emptied and activate a call-back alert before then.
- the predetermined threshold can be set to be one or two seconds before it is estimated by the controller 253 (e.g. based on a starting water amount, e.g. 10 g for a full water reservoir 201 ) that the water reservoir 201 is going to be emptied.
- the user can re-dock the steam iron 201 before steam producing performance is reduced due to a lack of water and/or energy. This can help ensure optimum ironing performance.
- the invention also relates to a method of determining, in an ironing system 20 as described previously and comprising a steam iron 200 and a base unit 250 , an amount of water to be supplied from the base unit 250 to the steam iron 200 , the base unit 250 and the steam iron 200 being adapted to cooperate with each other such that the steam iron 200 can take a first position P 1 in which the steam iron 200 is docked on the base unit 250 , and a second position P 2 in which the steam iron 200 is undocked from the base unit 250 , the steam iron 200 being cordlessly detached from the base unit 250 in the second position P 2 , the steam iron 200 comprising a water reservoir 201 arranged to store water and a soleplate 202 for generating steam from water in the water reservoir 201 when the steam iron 200 is in the second position P 2 , the base unit 250 comprising water delivery mechanism 251 for supplying water to the water reservoir 201 when the steam iron 200 is in the first position P 1 and a power supply unit 252 for
- the method comprises the steps of:
- the step of determining SS 2 comprises a step SS 3 of calculating the variation of temperature between the temperature of the soleplate 202 when the steam iron 200 is in a current first position P 1 , and the temperature of the soleplate 202 when the steam iron 200 was in a previous first position P 1 .
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Abstract
The invention relates to an ironing system (20) comprising a steam iron (200) and a base unit (250) adapted to cooperate with each other such that the steam iron (200) can take a first position (P1) in which the steam iron (200) is docked on the base unit (250), and a second position (P2) in which the steam iron (200) is undocked from the base unit (250). The steam iron (200) is cordlessly detached from the base unit (250) in the second position (P2). The steam iron (200) comprises a water reservoir (201) arranged to store water, and a soleplate (202) for generating steam from water in the water reservoir (201) when the steam iron (200) is in the second position (P2). The base unit (250) comprises a water delivery mechanism (251) for supplying water to the water reservoir (201) when the steam iron (200) is in the first position (PI), and a power supply unit (252) for supplying energy to the soleplate (202) when the steam iron (200) is in the first position (P1), for heating the soleplate (202). The ironing system (20) further comprises a temperature sensor (203) for sensing temperature of the soleplate (202), a controller (253) for determining, based on a variation of temperature of the soleplate, an amount of water to be supplied to the water reservoir (201) by the water delivery mechanism (251). This solution allows an improved water fill-in of the water reservoir.
Description
- The present invention relates to an ironing system with water delivery mechanism, in particular to an ironing system comprising a steam iron and a base unit.
- The invention has some applications in the field to garment care.
- A cordless steam iron with energy and water charging offers convenience to users by freeing them from a cord, as compared to more traditional solutions in which energy and steam/water are provided by a cord. A cordless steam iron thus does not restrict freedom of movement of the user.
- However, the ability of generating steam in known cordless systems is not optimal, since it has to be compromised due to the limited thermal energy stored in the steam iron, and to the limited amount of water stored in the steam iron.
- This may result in situations where the thermal energy stored in the steam iron is not sufficient to generate steam, resulting in water spitting on the garments being ironed. This may also result in situations where the thermal energy stored in the steam iron is sufficient to generate steam, but the water stored in the steam iron is not sufficient and/or has been fully used-up.
- There is thus a need to find solutions for cordless steam irons to ensure a more optimal compromise between stored thermal energy for generating steam and water amount stored in the steam iron.
- Prior art U.S. Pat. No. 6,176,026B1 discloses a cordless steam iron provided with an external reservoir assembly for automatically re-filling an internal reservoir when the iron rests on an iron stand. The reservoir assembly includes a removable bottle that can be readily filled with water and then placed upside down in a water container. A valve automatically maintains the water level in the container (and the internal reservoir) to a desired maximum level see chain-dotted line A. Water valves cooperate with one another and open automatically when the iron is placed on the stand, to allow water to flow from the container to the reservoir.
- It is an object of the invention to provide an improved ironing system that substantially alleviates or overcomes one or more of the problems mentioned above.
- The invention is defined by the independent claims. The dependent claims define advantageous embodiments.
- According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an ironing system comprising a steam iron and a base unit adapted to cooperate with each other such that the steam iron can take a first position in which the steam iron is docked on the base unit, and a second position in which the steam iron is undocked from the base unit, the steam iron being cordlessly detached from the base unit in the second position.
- The steam iron comprises:
-
- a water reservoir arranged to store water,
- a soleplate for generating steam from water in the water reservoir when the steam iron is in the second position,
- The base unit comprises:
-
- a water delivery mechanism for supplying water to the water reservoir when the steam iron is in the first position,
- a power supply unit for supplying energy to the soleplate when the steam iron is in the first position, for heating the soleplate.
- The ironing system is characterized in that it comprises:
-
- a temperature sensor for sensing temperature of the soleplate,
- a controller for determining, based on a variation of temperature of the soleplate, an amount of water to be supplied to the water reservoir by the water delivery mechanism.
- A main contributor to the temperature drop of the soleplate is linked to the amount of water consumed during steam ironing of garments. Therefore, the variation of the sensed soleplate temperature can be used to determine the amount of water to be provided by the water delivery mechanism to the water reservoir when the steam iron is in the first position. Hence, an ironing system according to the above aspect can determine the amount of water to be provided by the water delivery mechanism to the water reservoir when the steam iron is in the first position without using a water sensor in the steam iron. Moreover, this reduces the manufacturing costs when compared to systems including a water sensor.
- In some conventional systems, a pump is used at full power to fill a water reservoir of a cordless steam iron when it is docked until, for example, the water reservoir is determined to be full by means of sensed back pressure. However, such conventional systems put stress on the seals and the piping system within the steam iron and/or base unit. In contrast, using an ironing system according to the invention, the controller can achieve that a proper amount of water is supplied to the water reservoir to reduce the side effects of water being over-supplied and under-supplied, without using sensed back pressure. This can enable that the water reservoir is filled-in to the proper or near correct amount, with reduced stress on the components of the steam iron and/or base unit (e.g. seals).
- In a preferred embodiment, the variation of temperature corresponds to the difference between the temperature of the soleplate when the steam iron is in a current first position, and the temperature of the soleplate when the steam iron was in a previous first position.
- Measuring the drop of temperature between two successive docking in the first position, when the iron is just undock and when the iron is just docked back, allows an estimation of the amount of water used during ironing, and thus fill-in the water reservoir with about the same amount of water when the steam iron is retuned in the first position.
- In a preferred embodiment, the controller is further adapted to determine the amount of water, based on a time duration between two successive docking of the steam iron on the base unit.
- On top of temperature sensing, adding the time duration between two successive docking of the steam iron on the base unit allows a more accurate determination of the amount of water to be filled-in the water reservoir. Indeed, the longer this time duration, the higher the probability that non-steaming period of time have occurred as well, also contributing to causing a drop of temperature of the soleplate (although for a combination of dry ironing and steam ironing the error margin is not high because the heat energy used to convert water into steam is much higher than heat loss during dry ironing). Using the time duration between two successive docking of the steam iron, together with the sensed drop of temperature, allows a more accurate determination of the water consumption.
- In a preferred embodiment, the controller is further adapted to determine, based on the sensed soleplate temperature, a thermal energy amount to be stored in the soleplate by the power supply unit, and to determine, based on the thermal energy amount, the amount of water to be supplied to the water reservoir, such that the amount of water can be fully transformed into steam by the thermal energy amount.
- This allows a proper fill-in of water in the water reservoir, because the amount of water which is filled-in can be fully evaporated based with the thermal energy stored in the soleplate. This also allows that the steam iron can be undocked anytime from the base unit, while safeguarding that the amount of water filled-in the water reservoir could be fully evaporated. As a result, water spitting risk during ironing of garments that would be caused by a lack of thermal energy in the soleplate will be reduced.
- In a preferred embodiment, the temperature sensor is arranged in a location taken from the set of locations defined by the base unit and the steam iron.
- Arranging the temperature sensor in the iron, and sensing soleplate temperature directly, allows an accurate sensing of core temperature. When the steam iron embeds a source of energy to supply the temperature sensor (e.g. battery), arranging the temperature sensor in the steam iron allows conducting temperature sensing even when the steam iron is undocked from the base unit.
- Arranging the temperature sensor in the base unit allows an easy implementation considering the relatively large space in the base unit and ease of wiring.
- In a preferred embodiment, the controller is arranged in a location taken from the set of locations defined by the base unit and the steam iron.
- Arranging the controller in the base unit allows an easy implementation considering the relatively large space in the base unit and accessibility to continuous power supply. Arranging the controller in the steam iron allows conducting calculations even when the steam iron is undocked from the base unit, provided that the steam iron embeds a source of energy to supply the controller (e.g. battery).
- In a preferred embodiment, the steam iron comprises a heating element for receiving energy supplied by the power supply unit.
- Using a heating element in the steam iron defines a cost-effective solution for heating the soleplate.
- In a preferred embodiment, the heating element and the power supply unit are adapted to be electrically connected when the steam iron is in the first position.
- Using this electrical connection between the heating element and the power supply unit defines a cost-effective solution for supplying electrical energy to the heating element for thermal energy generation.
- In a preferred embodiment, the base unit comprises an induction system powered by the power supply unit for generating electromagnetic energy towards the steam iron when the steam iron is in the first position.
- Using an induction system to provide energy to the steam iron avoids any electrical connector between the base unit and the steam iron.
- In a preferred embodiment, the controller is further adapted to generate a first alert signal when the steam iron is in the second position, if the time duration elapsed since the steam iron was undocked from the first position exceeds a given time duration threshold.
- The generation of this alert signal reminds the user to return the steam iron on the base unit if the undocked period is too long, which would anyway reflects the need to supplying energy to the soleplate and/or fill-in water in the water reservoir. As a result, the user can re-dock the steam iron before the performance of steam generation is reduced due to a lack of thermal energy and/or water. This can enhance ironing performance.
- In a preferred embodiment, the controller is further adapted to generate a second alert signal when the steam iron is in the first position, after the thermal energy amount is stored in the soleplate and the amount of water supplied to the water reservoir.
- This alert mechanism allows informing the user that the steam iron is ready for ironing. Hence, premature (i.e. too early) undocking from the base unit may be avoided.
- The present invention also relates to a method of determining, in an ironing system as described above, an amount of water and energy to be supplied from the base unit to the steam iron.
- These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter.
- Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
-
FIG. 1 shows a schematic graph of temperature variation against water consumed during ironing; -
FIGS. 2a and 2b show an ironing system according to the invention in first and second positions, respectively; -
FIG. 3 shows a schematic graph of temperature against time during ironing; -
FIG. 4 is a flow chart of operation of an ironing system according to the invention; -
FIG. 5 shows a flow chart of a method according to the invention. -
FIGS. 2a and 2b show anironing system 20 according to the invention. Theironing system 20 comprises asteam iron 200 and abase unit 250.FIG. 2a represents thesteam iron 200 in a first position P1 being undocked from thebase unit 250, whileFIG. 2b represents thesteam iron 200 in a second position P2 being docked on thebase unit 250. - The
steam iron 200 and thebase unit 250 are adapted to cooperate with each other such that thesteam iron 200 can take a first position P1 in which thesteam iron 200 is docked on thebase unit 250, and a second position P2 in which thesteam iron 200 is undocked from thebase unit 250. - The
steam iron 200 is cordlessly detached from thebase unit 250 in the second position. In other words, no cords to carry electricity, water, signals, etc . . . are linking thesteam iron 200 and thebase unit 250. - The
steam iron 200 includes awater reservoir 201 arranged to store water. Thesteam iron 200 also comprises asoleplate 202 for generating steam from the water in thewater reservoir 201 when thesteam iron 200 is in the second position P2. - The
base unit 250 comprises awater delivery mechanism 251 for supplying water to thewater reservoir 201 when thesteam iron 200 is in the first position P1. Thebase unit 250 also comprises apower supply unit 252 for supplying energy to thesoleplate 202 when thesteam iron 200 is in the first position P1, for heating thesoleplate 202. - The
ironing system 20 further comprises atemperature sensor 203 for sensing temperature of thesoleplate 202. Theironing system 20 also comprises acontroller 253 for determining, based on a variation of temperature of the soleplate, an amount of water to be supplied to thewater reservoir 201 by thewater delivery mechanism 251. - The
controller 253 may correspond to a microcontroller unit (MCU), or more generally a processing unit or a calculator executing instructions of a computer program stored in a local memory (not shown). - It will be appreciated that
FIGS. 2a and 2b show the system schematically, and that various electrical and water flow interconnections (e.g. between thewater reservoir 201 and the soleplate 202) are not shown for convenience. - The determination of the water amount by the
controller 253 will now be explained in more details along withFIG. 1 and the following Table 1. -
Temperature (deg C.) for a soleplate Water amount evaporated (g) having a thermal mass of 500 g 0 200 0.5 197 1 194 1.5 190 2 187 2.5 184 3 181 3.5 178 4 174 4.5 171 5 168 5.5 165 6 162 - Table 1 is an example of the relation between the amount of water evaporated by the soleplate, and the corresponding temperature of the soleplate. This example is given for a soleplate having a thermal mass of 500 g. The corresponding curve C1 is illustrated in
FIG. 1 . - For example, if the variation of temperature of the soleplate is between an initial temperature T0=190 degC and a final temperature T1=171 degC, it can be determined that the corresponding amount of water evaporated that caused this drop of temperature is m1−m0=4.5−1.5=3 grams. This amount of water evaporated corresponds to the amount of water determined by
controller 253 to be filled-in the water reservoir. - The above Table 1 can be stored in a memory in the steam iron or in the base unit, as a thermal characteristic of the soleplate implemented in the steam iron.
- Alternatively, in case the temperature of the soleplate decreases quasi-linearly with the amount of water evaporated by the soleplate, as illustrated in the example of
FIG. 1 , the curve C1 can be approximated by a linear relation: -
T=−6.33*m+200 - The amount of water evaporated by the soleplate (and corresponding to the amount to be filled-in) is expressed as follows:
-
(m2−m1)=(T1−T2)/6.33 - So only the slope coefficient of the curve C1 (having absolute value 6.33 in the present example) needs to be stored in memory. The
controller 253 then determines the amount of water to be supplied to thewater reservoir 201 by the water delivery mechanism by dividing the variation of temperature by this slope coefficient. The slope coefficient depends on the design parameters of the iron such as thermal mass, material used, etc . . . . For any given design, with required design parameters, there is a corresponding curve that is stored and used bycontroller 253. - Preferably, the variation of temperature corresponds to the difference between the temperature of the
soleplate 202 when thesteam iron 200 is in a current first position P1, and the temperature of thesoleplate 202 when thesteam iron 200 was in a previous first position P1. - The
steam iron 200 comprises aheating element 204, awater interface 205, and anelectrical interface 206. In this embodiment, thesoleplate 202 comprises anironing plate 202 a and asteam generator 202 b. - The
base unit 250 includes apower supply 252, awater interface 255, anelectrical interface 256, anexternal water inlet 257, anexternal power inlet 258, and a user interfacing means 259. - In this embodiment, the
water delivery mechanism 251 comprises awater tank 251 a and apump 251 b. Thewater tank 251 a of thewater delivery mechanism 251 may also be provided separately to the apparatus comprising the pump, for example by being arranged fluidly connected to the base unit. - When the
steam iron 200 is in the first position P1, thebase unit 250 provides water to fill thewater reservoir 201. Water is pumped from thewater tank 251 a to thesteam iron 200 by thepump 251 b via a connection between the water interfaces 205 and 255 when the steam iron is in the first position P1. This connection can take many forms, and embodiments of the invention are not limited by any particular water interface type. Thepump 251 b and thewater tank 251 a provide thewater delivery mechanism 251 in this embodiment. However, other embodiments can have other water delivery mechanisms. - When the
steam iron 200 is in the first position P1, thebase unit 250 provides power to heat thesoleplate 202. In this embodiment, thebase unit 250 provides electrical power to theheating element 204 which heats thesoleplate 202. The electrical power is provided from thebase unit 250 to thesteam iron 200 via an electrical connection between theelectrical interfaces - During ironing, the steam iron is in the second position P2 and the
ironing plate 202 a contacts the garment. Thesteam generator 202 b, in this embodiment, is a separate component to theironing plate 202 a. Water from thewater reservoir 201 is provided to thesteam generator 202 b, where it is heated using stored thermal energy of thesteam generator 202 b. The steam can then pass through holes in theironing plate 202 a in order to provide steam to the garment. In this embodiment, theheating element 204 heats theironing plate 202 a and thesteam generator 202 b when in the first position. While embodiments are not limited to a particular arrangement of theironing plate 202 a andsteam generator 202 b, it will be appreciated that the ironing system may be arranged so that theheating element 204 heats thesteam generator 202 b to a higher temperature than theironing plate 202 a. This can maximise stored thermal energy. - In other embodiments, the
soleplate 202 may be provided by a combined ironing plate and steam generator, e.g. a single plate for contacting garments and generating steam. - The
water tank 251 a is connected to the external water inlet 257 (e.g. mains water or a suitable inlet to enable the user to refill thewater tank 251 a), and thepower supply 252 is connected to the external power inlet 258 (e.g. mains electrical supply). - Preferably, the
controller 253 is further adapted to determine the amount of water, based on a time duration between two successive docking of thesteam iron 200 on thebase unit 250. More explanation on this will be given with reference toFIG. 3 . -
FIG. 3 shows a graph of temperature along axis 1 (e.g. in ° C.) against time along axis 3 (e.g. in s).Dotted curve 5 a corresponds to temperature loss when dry ironing andplain curve 5 b corresponds to temperature loss when steam ironing. - When the user undocks the
steam iron 200, thecontroller 253 measures the temperature of the soleplate to be T0, at time t0. Hence, T0 is the temperature of thesoleplate 202 measured just prior to undocking at time t0. - Once the
steam iron 200 is re-docked, a measured temperature of T1 at time t1 would indicate 100% steam ironing, and from that a certain amount of water consumption during ironing can be determined (e.g. from a look-up table). A measured temperature of T3 at time t1 would indicate 0% steam ironing (i.e. 100% dry ironing), which would imply no water consumption during ironing. - If the measured temperature is T2 at time t1, then it can be assumed that the ironing performed by the user was a combination of dry ironing and steam ironing. The
controller 253 can use the tworeference curves controller 253 can calculate two extreme cases where the user could have gone to T2 by using least and most amount of steaming (seecurves controller 253 in order to decide how much water will be put in thewater reservoir 201. - Preferably, the
controller 253 is further adapted to determine, based on the sensed soleplate temperature, a thermal energy amount to be stored in thesoleplate 202 by thepower supply unit 252, and to determine, based on the thermal energy amount, the amount of water to be supplied to thewater reservoir 201, such that the amount of water can be fully transformed into steam by the thermal energy amount. - Preferably, the
temperature sensor 203 is arranged in a location taken from the set of locations defined by thebase unit 250 and thesteam iron 200. The temperature sensor may correspond to a passive component (for example a so-called “NTC”). If thetemperature sensor 203 is arranged in the steam iron, as illustrated inFIGS. 2a and 2b , thetemperature sensor 203 is electrically connected to thebase unit 250 when the steam iron in the first position P1. If thetemperature sensor 203 is arranged in thebase unit 250, the steam iron must be adapted such that the soleplate gets into contact with or proximate to thetemperature sensor 203 when the steam iron in the first position P1 - Preferably, the
controller 253 is arranged in a location taken from the set of locations defined by thebase unit 250 and thesteam iron 200. If thecontroller 253 is arranged in thebase unit 250, as illustrated inFIGS. 2a and 2b , thecontroller 253 is electrically connected to thebase unit 250. - Possibly, the
controller 253 is arranged in thesteam iron 200, and thecontroller 253 is electrically connected to a battery (not shown) arranged in the steam iron, which is for example charged when the steam iron is in the first position P1. - Preferably, the
steam iron 200 comprises aheating element 204 for receiving energy supplied by thepower supply unit 252. Theheating element 204 and thepower supply unit 252 are adapted to be electrically connected when thesteam iron 200 is in the first position P1. - Possibly, the
base unit 250 comprises an induction system powered by thepower supply unit 252 for generating electromagnetic energy towards thesteam iron 200 when it is in the first position P1, which is converted into thermal energy in thesteam iron 200 by metal or coil (not shown). - Preferably, the
controller 253 is further adapted to generate a first alert signal when thesteam iron 200 is in the second position P2, if the time duration elapsed since thesteam iron 200 was undocked from the first position P1 exceeds a given time duration threshold. - This signal is used to indicate the user to return the
steam iron 200 to the first position P1, for example after about 20 seconds when the steam iron is in the second position P2. - Preferably, the
controller 253 is further adapted to generate a second alert signal when thesteam iron 200 is in the first position P1, after the sufficient thermal energy amount is stored in thesoleplate 202 and the matched amount of water supplied to thewater reservoir 201. - For example, the first alert signal and the second alert signal may correspond to an alert via visual, audible, mechanical or other means. The alerts are generated to user via the user interfacing means 259 that may correspond to a display, a speaker, or a vibrating system.
- The
power supply 252 supplies power to thecontroller 253, thepump 251 b, and the user interfacing means 259, as well as to other components of thebase unit 250 controlled by thecontroller 253. Hence, thepower supply 252 powers various elements of thebase unit 250. Also, as discussed below, when in the first position P1, thepower supply 252 supplies power to theheating element 204 andtemperature sensor 203 in thesteam iron 200. - The operation of the
ironing system 20 will be explained in more details in relation toFIG. 4 . - At step S11 of
FIG. 4 , a user is performing cordless ironing using thesteam iron 200 in the second position P2. In this embodiment, no power is provided to theheating element 204 when the in the second position P2. - During cordless ironing, water from the
water reservoir 201 is converted to steam using heat from thesoleplate 202. This depletes the amount of water in thewater reservoir 201 and lowers the temperature of thesoleplate 202. In this embodiment, when thesteam iron 200 is in the second position P2, water may be provided from thewater reservoir 201 to thesoleplate 202 for steam ironing. Hence, steam may be generated by thesteam iron 200 in the second position P2. This can continue until thewater reservoir 201 is emptied. In this example, ironing can be 100% steam ironing, dry ironing or a combination, though as discussed below, embodiments of the invention are not limited in this way. - In this embodiment, the
steam iron 200 includes a mechanism (not shown) for ensuring that steam is generated only in the second position P2. In this embodiment, this mechanism (not shown) ensures that steam is not generated when thesteam iron 200 is in the first position P1. It will be appreciated that there are a variety of forms such a mechanism could take (e.g. a gravity controlled switch or mechanical valve), and embodiments of the invention are not limited in this way. - In this embodiment, the user may continue cordless ironing until an indication on the user interfacing means 259 informs the user to dock the
iron 200 on the base unit, otherwise directly dock theiron 200 on the base unit before an indication on the user interfacing means 259 is generated. - At step S12, the user docks the
steam iron 200 with thebase unit 250. In other words, the user puts thesteam iron 200 into the first position P1. For example, the user may have ironed a portion of a garment and may need to rearrange the garment. At this point, the user may dock the steam iron with the base unit. - Then at step S13, the
controller 253 determines the temperature variation of thesoleplate 202 by reading status of thetemperature sensor 203. In this embodiment, in the first position P1, thecontroller 253 can get temperature reading from thetemperature sensor 203 via the electrical connection between theelectrical interfaces temperature sensor 203 comprises a thermistor in contact with thesoleplate 202. However, embodiments of the invention can use other forms of temperature sensor. - In step S14, based on the sensed variation of temperature, the
controller 253 calculates the amount of water consumed during ironing and how much water is left in thewater reservoir 201. - Then, at step S15, the
controller 253 controls thepower supply 252 to supply power to heat thesoleplate 202 to a desired ironing temperature. In this embodiment, when in the first position P1, thepower supply 252 can supply electrical power to theheating element 204 via the electrical connection between theelectrical interfaces - Thus, at step S15, the
controller 253 controls thepower supply 252 to supply energy to heat thesoleplate 202 to a desired temperature set point. Thesoleplate 202 is heated to a desired ironing temperature (e.g. 200° C.), based on information from thetemperature sensor 203. In this embodiment, the temperature set point is a temperature (e.g. 200° C.) of thesteam generator 202 b. - In this embodiment, the power of
heating element 204 is fixed, and the ON-OFF time of theheating element 204 is controlled by thecontroller 253. In other words, thecontroller 253 varies the heating of theheating element 204 by controlling the supply of electrical power from thepower supply 252. In other embodiments, theheating element 204 may be controlled by thecontroller 253 to have varying heating power. - It can be assumed that whilst the
steam iron 200 is in the second position P2, the main cause of temperature drop of thesoleplate 202 is the conversion of water to steam. As discussed, when in the second position P2, as an approximation, the drop in temperature of thesoleplate 202 can be related to the drop in water in thewater reservoir 201. As a result, thecontroller 253 can use the drop in temperature of thesoleplate 202 to determine the amount of water left in thewater reservoir 201, without the need for a dedicated water sensor to detect the level of water in thereservoir 201. - At step S16, the
controller 253 calculates an amount of water to supply to thewater reservoir 201 via the connection between the water interfaces 205 and 255, as well as a flow rate of thepump 251 b based on the calculated amount of water left in thewater reservoir 201 from step S14. - The capacity of the
water reservoir 201 is fixed (i.e. it is a design feature) and thecontroller 253 may know that thewater reservoir 201 was filled the last time thesteam iron 200 was docked to a certain level (e.g. full). Using this information, thecontroller 253 can determine the amount of water left in thewater reservoir 201 together with the soleplate temperature information. - For example, by knowing the volume of water previously in the
water reservoir 201, thecontroller 253 can determine that a certain drop in temperature of thesoleplate 202 equates to a temperature drop associated with converting half the water in thewater reservoir 201 to steam, and thus thecontroller 253 can control thewater reservoir 251 to supply an amount of water equal to half the volume of thewater reservoir 201 to thewater reservoir 201. - As a result, the amount of water supplied to the
water reservoir 201 can be supplied without needing a water sensor in thesteam iron 200. - At step S17, the
controller 253 controls thepump 251 b to supply water to thewater reservoir 201 via the connection between the water interfaces 205 and 225. - Preferably, steps S16 and S17 occur in parallel.
- As a result, a suitable amount of water can supplied to the
water reservoir 201 by the pump 25 lb. This contrasts to using a conventional system in which a pump in a dock is activated whenever the steam iron is docked. - In a preferred embodiment, the pumping rate and time pattern of the
pump 251 b are variable. Using the above embodiment, achieving smooth and soft charging patterns that minimize shocks and stress applied onto water delivery system can be achieved. - The pumping rate transition may also be gradual. For example, by knowing the amount of water needed to supply to the
water reservoir 201, a gradual pumping rate transition can be achieved, further minimising stress on thesystem 20. For example, by gradual it is meant that the flow rate of water pumped to thewater reservoir 201 in the steam iron decreases over time according to a given value known by the controller. - It may happen that a user only uses certain amount of the water in the
water reservoir 201. Thecontroller 253 can determine that not all the water is used, and rather than simply pumping the water to partiallyfull water reservoir 201 with high pumping rate and/or pressure with full pumping time, thecontroller 253 can moderate pumping rate or shorten pumping time according to calculated water condition in reservoir. This minimize over pumping to reduce stress on thesystem 20. - It is preferred that heating of the
heating element 204 and the supply of the water to thewater reservoir 201 are done simultaneously. Furthermore, thecontroller 253 can control the heating and water pumping in a balanced way. Hence, the appropriate balance between thermal energy and water supply can be achieved. This balance can be obtained by not pumping more water to thewater reservoir 201 than thermal energy enough to convert the stored water in thewater reservoir 201 into steam. In other words, the amount of water and amount of thermal energy can be matched. - The
controller 253 can be arranged to control a water delivery rate of thepump 251 b so that a time taken to provide the required amount of water to thewater reservoir 201 is the same as a time taken to supply the required thermal energy amount to thesoleplate 202. - At step S18, once the
controller 253 has supplied sufficient water and power to thesteam iron 200 is in the first position P1, thesteam iron 200 is charged in water and thermal energy and is thus ready for more ironing. At this point, the readiness of thesteam iron 200 is displayed, for example on the user interfacing means 259. - Hence, the user interfacing means 259 can alert the user when the
steam iron 200 is ready for ironing. For example, the alert mechanism may alert the user that thesoleplate 202 is at the desired temperature and that thewater reservoir 201 is full. Hence, premature undocking may be avoided. - The user can then undock the
steam iron 200 and can begin cordless ironing again (step S11), until the user interfacing means 259 indicates that is time to re-dock thesteam iron 200, if the un-docking duration exceeds a given duration threshold. The user has the freedom to choose when to dock and undock, and that is not fixed by the appliance. The system can record energy and water charged and lost condition by knowing charged and used temperature as well as a time span to decide what to do for next cycles. - In this embodiment, the
water reservoir 201 has for example a volume of 10 cm3. As an example, thesteam iron 200 may generate a continuous amount of steam rate of 30 g/min in average for around 20 seconds when in the second position P2 (for 100% steam ironing). It might typically take four minutes to iron one whole garment. With this volume for the water reservoir, user should dock thesteam iron 200 multiple times (e.g. around four to five times) to top up the water in thewater reservoir 201 and to re-heat thesoleplate 202 during the ironing process. In this embodiment, in each cycle, water and energy are charged in a balanced way, done by power and flow regulation. - According to the invention, a
heating element 204 of 3200 Watts power may be used, with awater reservoir 201 able to store 10 cm3 of water after previous charge-user cycle, with thesoleplate 202 generating steam at an average 30 g/minute steam rate for 20 seconds, and a 500 g active mass of thesoleplate 202. Thepump 251 b may be capable to supply 120 g/minute, but it is preferably regulated to reduce pumping rate to about 50 g/minute, to match with energy flow. As a result, it might typically take about 11 seconds for thebase unit 250 to provide a balanced amount of heat and water to thesteam iron 200. If energy is fully consumed by last ironing cycles, known from temperature sensing, it may take around 15 seconds (i.e. ofheating element 204 ON time) to recharge the energy (considering losses) of thesoleplate 202. As a result, the pumping rate of thepump 251 b may be adjusted to equivalent 40 g/minute to make total energy balance. Whilst energy and water are being provided to thesteam iron 20, thecontroller 253 performs temperature reading, energy balance calculations,heating element 204 ON/OFF power control and pump 251 b ON/OFF rate control. - The ironing system may use a “safety factor” for the amount of water determined by
controller 253 and supplied to the water reservoir. For example thecontroller 253 may assume a certain error margin for determining the water amount (based on temperature and time, and in some embodiments usage patterns of the device) that has been consumed in ironing. The controller may then control the supply of water to the steam iron so that an amount of water is provided that is less than the calculated water amount, while taking into account this error margin. - For an ironing session in which each ironing time after undocked is about 30 second, the accuracy of such a system may be very high, as the majority of the energy is taken by steam generation. By reading temperature change, as well as and time span preferably, the
controller 253 can correlation the energy loss to water consumption the amount of water used to generate steam, i.e. to cause temperature drop. In some embodiments, there is a water release path from thewater reservoir 201, which allow excess water to pass in case there is over-charge of water. However, fully relying on such a water release path would increase stress in water delivery system during releasing. As a result, a system with only a water release path (and no fully accurate determination of water amount) would have increased stress compared to embodiments of the invention. - In some embodiments, the
controller 253 is further arranged to predict the usage pattern of thesteam iron 200 by using multiple temperature changes and time span information, for example, based on repeated measurements, thecontroller 253 may estimate that the next movement of the user (e.g. with a certain mix of steam and dry ironing). Thecontroller 253 may store information on such a usage pattern and use it to estimate when call back is required. - As an example, if the
controller 253 determines, based on repeated measurements, that the user typically irons with 50% steam ironing and 50% dry ironing, then thecontroller 253 can use stored data on temperature/time to determine the time when thewater reservoir 201 is going to be emptied and activate a call-back alert before then. - By activating a call back function, the user's ironing experience can be improved. For example, the predetermined threshold can be set to be one or two seconds before it is estimated by the controller 253 (e.g. based on a starting water amount, e.g. 10 g for a full water reservoir 201) that the
water reservoir 201 is going to be emptied. As a result, the user can re-dock thesteam iron 201 before steam producing performance is reduced due to a lack of water and/or energy. This can help ensure optimum ironing performance. - As shown in the flow chart of
FIG. 5 , the invention also relates to a method of determining, in anironing system 20 as described previously and comprising asteam iron 200 and abase unit 250, an amount of water to be supplied from thebase unit 250 to thesteam iron 200, thebase unit 250 and thesteam iron 200 being adapted to cooperate with each other such that thesteam iron 200 can take a first position P1 in which thesteam iron 200 is docked on thebase unit 250, and a second position P2 in which thesteam iron 200 is undocked from thebase unit 250, thesteam iron 200 being cordlessly detached from thebase unit 250 in the second position P2, thesteam iron 200 comprising awater reservoir 201 arranged to store water and asoleplate 202 for generating steam from water in thewater reservoir 201 when thesteam iron 200 is in the second position P2, thebase unit 250 comprisingwater delivery mechanism 251 for supplying water to thewater reservoir 201 when thesteam iron 200 is in the first position P1 and apower supply unit 252 for supplying energy to thesoleplate 202 when thesteam iron 200 is in the first position P1, for heating thesoleplate 202. - The method comprises the steps of:
-
- sensing SS1 the temperature of the
soleplate 202, - determining SS2, based on a variation of temperature of the soleplate, an amount of water to be supplied to the
water reservoir 201 by thewater delivery mechanism 251.
- sensing SS1 the temperature of the
- Preferably, the step of determining SS2 comprises a step SS3 of calculating the variation of temperature between the temperature of the
soleplate 202 when thesteam iron 200 is in a current first position P1, and the temperature of thesoleplate 202 when thesteam iron 200 was in a previous first position P1. - 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 scope of the technique approaches of the present invention, which will also fall into 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 (13)
1. An ironing system comprising a steam iron and a base unit adapted to cooperate with each other such that the steam iron can take a first position in which the steam iron is docked on the base unit, and a second position in which the steam iron is undocked from the base unit, the steam iron being cordlessly detached from the base unit in the second position;
wherein the steam iron comprises:
a water reservoir arranged to store water,
a soleplate for generating steam from water in the water reservoir when the steam iron is in the second position,
wherein the base unit comprises:
a water delivery mechanism for supplying water to the water reservoir when the steam iron is in the first position,
a power supply unit for supplying energy to the soleplate when the steam iron is in the first position, for heating the soleplate,
wherein the ironing system further comprises:
a temperature sensor for sensing temperature of the soleplate,
wherein the ironing system also comprises:
a controller for determining, based on a variation of temperature of the soleplate, an amount of water to be supplied to the water reservoir by the water delivery mechanism.
2. An ironing system according to claim 1 , wherein said variation of temperature corresponds to the difference between the temperature of the soleplate when the steam iron is in a current first position, and the temperature of the soleplate when the steam iron was in a previous first position.
3. An ironing system according to claim 2 , wherein the controller is further adapted to determine said amount of water, based on a time duration between two successive docking of the steam iron on the base unit.
4. An ironing system according to claim 1 , wherein the controller is further adapted to determine, based on the sensed soleplate temperature, a thermal energy amount to be stored in the soleplate by the power supply unit, and to determine, based on said thermal energy amount, said amount of water to be supplied to the water reservoir, such that said amount of water can be fully transformed into steam by said thermal energy amount.
5. An ironing system according to claim 1 , wherein the temperature sensor is arranged in a location taken from the set of locations defined by the base unit and the steam iron.
6. An ironing system according to claim 1 , wherein the controller is arranged in a location taken from the set of locations defined by the base unit and the steam iron.
7. An ironing system according to claim 1 , wherein the steam iron comprises a heating element for receiving energy supplied by the power supply unit.
8. An ironing system according to claim 7 , wherein the heating element and the power supply unit are adapted to be electrically connected when the steam iron is in the first position.
9. An ironing system according to claim 1 , wherein the base unit comprises an induction system powered by the power supply unit for generating electromagnetic energy towards the steam iron when the steam iron is in the first position.
10. An ironing system according to claim 1 , wherein said controller is further adapted to generate a first alert signal when the steam iron is in the second position, if the time duration elapsed since the steam iron was unlocked from the first position exceeds a given time duration threshold.
11. An ironing system according to claim 4 , wherein said controller is further adapted to generate a second alert signal when the steam iron is in the first position, after the thermal energy amount is stored in the soleplate and the amount of water supplied to the water reservoir.
12. A method of determining, in an ironing system comprising a steam iron and a base unit, an amount of water to be supplied from the base unit to the steam iron, the base unit and the steam iron being adapted to cooperate with each other such that the steam iron can take a first position in which the steam iron is docked on the base unit, and a second position in which the steam iron is undocked from the base unit, the steam iron being cordlessly detached from the base unit in the second position, the steam iron comprising a water reservoir arranged to store water and a soleplate for generating steam from water in the water reservoir when the steam iron is in the second position, the base unit comprising water delivery mechanism for supplying water to the water reservoir when the steam iron is in the first position and a power supply unit for supplying energy to the soleplate a when the steam iron is in the first position, for heating the soleplate, the method being wherein it comprises the steps of:
sensing the temperature of the soleplate,
determining, based on a variation of temperature of the soleplate, an amount of water to be supplied to the water reservoir by the water delivery mechanism.
13. A method according to claim 12 , wherein the step of determining comprises a step of calculating the variation of temperature between the temperature of the soleplate when the steam iron is in a current first position, and the temperature of the soleplate when the steam iron was in a previous first position.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP16171468.8 | 2016-05-26 | ||
EP16171468 | 2016-05-26 | ||
PCT/EP2017/062064 WO2017202706A1 (en) | 2016-05-26 | 2017-05-19 | Ironing system with water delivery mechanism |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20190136445A1 true US20190136445A1 (en) | 2019-05-09 |
Family
ID=56081331
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US16/304,328 Abandoned US20190136445A1 (en) | 2016-05-26 | 2017-05-19 | Ironing system with water delivery mechanism |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20190136445A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP3464706A1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN109154127A (en) |
RU (1) | RU2018146052A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2017202706A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
KR102184331B1 (en) * | 2020-02-04 | 2020-11-30 | (주)티케이케이 | Auto water supply steam iron |
Families Citing this family (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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ES2684852A1 (en) * | 2017-03-31 | 2018-10-04 | Bsh Electrodomésticos España, S.A. | Steam ironing device to detect the lack of water. (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding) |
WO2020053907A1 (en) * | 2018-09-10 | 2020-03-19 | De' Longhi Appliances S.R.L. Con Unico Socio | Support base |
GB2581505B (en) * | 2019-02-20 | 2021-05-12 | Delonghi Braun Household Gmbh | Steam Station with water tank |
CN110338640A (en) * | 2019-07-16 | 2019-10-18 | 宁波奥克斯电气股份有限公司 | A kind of electricity control method of steam box, control device and electric steam box |
EP3786346A1 (en) * | 2019-08-29 | 2021-03-03 | Koninklijke Philips N.V. | Method of water priming a garment care device |
CN112779748B (en) * | 2019-11-08 | 2022-06-28 | 漳州灿坤实业有限公司 | Instant steam ironing device |
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US4827104A (en) * | 1986-10-16 | 1989-05-02 | Dart Industries Inc. | Phototransistor relay electronic temperature control for cordless irons |
JP2563529B2 (en) * | 1988-10-20 | 1996-12-11 | 松下電器産業株式会社 | Induction heating iron |
JP2679282B2 (en) * | 1989-08-04 | 1997-11-19 | 松下電器産業株式会社 | Cordless steam iron |
EP0493765B1 (en) * | 1990-12-26 | 1995-10-11 | Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. | An ironing apparatus |
US6176026B1 (en) * | 1999-08-11 | 2001-01-23 | Simatelex Manufactory Co., Ltd. | Steam iron with power and water supplying stand |
FR2804136B1 (en) * | 2000-01-20 | 2002-03-01 | Seb Sa | STEAM IRON WITH PRESSURE HOT WATER UNDER PRESSURE |
CN104264432B (en) * | 2012-12-04 | 2016-06-29 | 张建炜 | A kind of electric iron of automatic water-filling |
CN103374812A (en) * | 2013-07-09 | 2013-10-30 | 广东新宝电器股份有限公司 | Vapor-type electric iron and control method thereof |
-
2017
- 2017-05-19 RU RU2018146052A patent/RU2018146052A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2017-05-19 US US16/304,328 patent/US20190136445A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2017-05-19 CN CN201780032224.2A patent/CN109154127A/en active Pending
- 2017-05-19 EP EP17724358.1A patent/EP3464706A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2017-05-19 WO PCT/EP2017/062064 patent/WO2017202706A1/en unknown
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
KR102184331B1 (en) * | 2020-02-04 | 2020-11-30 | (주)티케이케이 | Auto water supply steam iron |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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RU2018146052A (en) | 2020-06-26 |
WO2017202706A1 (en) | 2017-11-30 |
CN109154127A (en) | 2019-01-04 |
EP3464706A1 (en) | 2019-04-10 |
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