WO2005014917A1

WO2005014917A1 - Ironing system with sensor

Info

Publication number: WO2005014917A1
Application number: PCT/CH2004/000463
Authority: WO
Inventors: Serge Voitchovsky
Original assignee: Laurastar S.A.
Priority date: 2003-08-12
Filing date: 2004-07-22
Publication date: 2005-02-17

Abstract

Ironing system comprising an iron (1) at least one operating means such as heating, steaming, steering, blowing or suctioning means, characterized by the fact that it comprises : - at least one sensor adapted to directly or indirectly detect an ironing surface (2), a user or a movement induced by said user; - actuating means adapted to actuate at least one of said operating means when said sensor is activated.

Description

IRONING SYSTEM WITH SENSOR

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to ironing systems and more precisely to ironing systems which can be handled in an easy and user-friendly way.

State of the art

Ironing systems usually comprise several operation modes such as heating, steaming, blowing or suctioning.

In order to activate one or more of those operating modes, the user has to push a button which is placed either on the iron or elsewhere on the ironing system, e.g. on the steam generator.

Such ironing systems are disclosed, for instance, in patent application EP 0 750 066 A1.

Summary of the invention

An objective of the invention is to provide a user-friendly ironing system.

Another objective of the invention aims at relieving the user from using his fingers for activating an operating mode.

Those and other objectives are achieved with the present invention which concerns an ironing system comprising an iron and at least one operating means such as heating, steaming, steering, blowing or suctioning means.

The ironing system according to the invention is characterized by the fact that it comprises :

- at least one sensor adapted to directly or indirectly detect an ironing surface, a user or a movement induced by said user;

- actuating means adapted to actuate at least one of said operating means when said sensor is activated.

In one embodiment of the invention the sensor is of contact-less type, e.g. an optical sensor, and is adapted to detect the presence of a user . For instance, the sensor may be activated when the user approaches the iron handle. In another embodiment of the invention the sensor is of contact-less type and is adapted to detect an ironing surface near the iron. For that purpose the sensor may be of capacitive coupling type.

In another embodiment of the invention the sensor is of contact type and is adapted to detect when a user grasps the iron, preferably the handle, or when the iron touches an ironing surface.

For this application a particularly advantageous configuration consists in using a sensor made of a z-axis accelerometer and of a strain gauge situated in the iron handle.

When the ironing system comprises blowing and/or suctioning means, the actuating means may be adapted to actuate blowing or suctioning when the user grasps the iron.

In another embodiment of the invention the sensor is of movement type and is adapted to detect when the iron moves. This embodiment is particularly advantageous for ironing systems with steaming means wherein the actuating means are adapted to generate steam when the iron moves and to stop the generation of steam when the iron does not move. Preferably the actuating means are adapted to generate steam when the iron moves forwards and to stop the generation of steam when the iron moves backwards.

When using a movement sensor it is particularly advantageous to have a z-axis accelerometer together with a strain gauge situated in the iron handle.

Alternatively the movement sensor may consist of a 3-axis accelerometer or of an optical correlator or of a z-axis accelerometer and of a sliding handle switch.

Of course, several sensors as previously defined can be simultaneously used. The invention will be discussed in a more detailed way below. To this effect some examples and related figures will be taken.

Figure 1 shows an ironing system which can be used with the present invention.

Figure 2 shows an iron according to one embodiment of the invention. Figure 3 is a diagram showing the different interfaces between the elements of an ironing system according to the invention.

Figure 4 is a diagram showing different operating states with a partial (medium) power automatic use.

Figure 5 is a diagram showing different operating states with a full power automatic use.

Figure 6 shows what is meant by forwards or backwards motion.

Figure 7 shows a capacity sensor.

Figure 8 shows a pressure or constraint gauge sensor.

Figure 9 shows a light sensor. Figure 10 shows a probe sensor.

Figure 11 shows a capacitive sensor.

Figure 12 shows a magnetic sensor.

Figure 13 shows an inductive sensor.

Figure 14 shows an ultrasonic sensor. Figure 15 shows a marble sensor.

Figure 16 shows an embodiment of the invention with a cable and a winder.

Figure 17 shows mono directional sensors.

Figure 18 shows a sensor including a pendulum.

Figure 19 shows a sensor including an accelerometer. Figure 20 shows a sensor including strain gauges.

Figure 21 shows an optical sensor.

Figure 22 shows magnetoresistive sensors.

Figure 23 shows ultrasonic sensors and an ultrasonic generator.

Figure 24 shows an iron according to the invention incorporating a capacitive sensor and a motion sensor.

Figure 25 is an enlarged view of the sensors of figure 24. List of numerical references 1. Iron 2. Board 3. Iron support 4. Steam generator 5. Fan 6. 1^st leg 7. 2^nd leg 8. Water tank 9. Main switch and selector 1 10.Monotube 11. Handle 12. Motion sensor (selector 4) 13. Manual switch (selector 5) 14. Fan switch (selector 3) 15.Soleplate 16. Temperature selector (selector 2) 17. Visual indicator 18. Electrical contacts 19. Strain gauge 20. Pressure sensor 21. Photosensor 22. Ironing surface 23. Probe 24. Access hole 25. Electrical switch 26. Magnetic sensor 27. Magnet 28. Magnetic flux 29. Magnetic circuit 30. Grid (magnetic material)

31. Ultrasonic sensor

32. Ultrasonic waves

33. Marble ball

34. Iron orientation sensor 35. Cable/wire

36. Winder

37. Winder holder

38. Unidirectional sensor

39. Pendulum 40. Slit

41. Optical sensor

42. Hinge (or motor axle)

43. Accelerometer

44. Strain gauge 45. Optical sensor

46. Access hole

47. Optics

48. Magnet

49. Magnet 50.2-Axis magnetic sensor

51. Microphones

52. Ultrasonic generator

53. Power supply & Signal connection

54. Electrodes (capacitive detection) 55. Electronic board (motion sensor)

56. Electronic board power supply Definitions of terms used

Back: Round part of the iron soleplate 5. Board: Flat surface 2 used for the ironing (see Fig. 1 ). It is mainly composed of a plastic shell (at the bottom), a metallic grid (on top) and a stretched cover.

Fan: Device 5 placed into the plastic shell (bottom of the board) and used to blow or suck air through the board 2 (Fig. 1 ).

Forced steam or manual mode: Operating mode where steam is always generated whatever signal is given by the motion and the ironing position sensors.

Full mode: Automatic operating mode (motion and ironing position sensors active) with the fan 5 operating at 100% of the maximal power (when switched on).

Iron: Part 1 of the system used for ironing (see Fig 2). Iron grasping: Iron handle 11 held by the left or right hand.

Ironing position or IP: The ironing position is defined by the iron soleplate 15 (or only part of the soleplate 15) in contact with the ironing surface.

Ironing surface (or IS): The ironing surface is any surface used for ironing. It can be a piece of cloth laying on the ironing board or on a sleeve board (most frequent case). It can also be the board stretch cover, a piece of cloth held vertically (e.g. for smoothing out purposes) or any other surface (e.g. a table next to the ironing device).

Iron rest: Stand 3 situated at one end of the board 2 where the iron 1 can be placed. Iron tip (or tip): Pointed part of the iron soleplate 15.

Main switch: Switch 9 used to power the ironing device on and off.

Medium mode: Automatic operating mode (motion and ironing position sensors active) with the fan 5 operating at 50% of the maximal power (when switched on).

Microswitch: Switch placed into the iron handle and used to control some iron features (e.g. fan mode).

Quiet mode: Operating mode where the fan 5 is always switched off and where the motion sensor and the ironing position sensor are ignored.

Silicon mat: Piece of silicon used to put the hot iron on another place than on the rest. The mat can be placed anywhere (e.g. on the board itself, on a table, etc.). Softpressing sole-plate (or SSP): Plate of aluminum and plastic (Teflon) that can be placed on the iron soleplate. The model used at the moment is about 1.4 mm thick.

TBC: To be discussed.

TBD: To be defined. Steam generator: Black part of the device located under the board. The steam generator 4 contains the main heater (used to convert water into steam), some electronics and the water tank 8 (see Fig. 1). x-axis: see Fig. 1. y-axis: see Fig. 1. z-axis: see F ig.1.

SENSOR SYSTEM SPECIFICATONS

As described previously at least one of the following three "events" must be detected:

- iron grasping (11)

- ironing position (12)

- iron direction of motion (13)

One or several sensors can be used to detect each event. In order to decrease sensor device complexity and cost, it would be advantageous to use the same sensor (or at least several sensors of the same type) to detect two of the three events, or even the three events described above.

Some precautions must be taken though to ensure that the sensor is working reliably with right- and left-handed users and for various finger arrangement on the handle (e.g. fingers spread open).

In order to authorize steam generation (in the automatic mode and in case of forward motions), the sensor must detect when the iron soleplate (or part of the soleplate) is very near or in contact with the ironing surface (ironing board or sleeveboard). Authorizing steam generation when the iron is held vertically is treated by the manual operating mode and will be preferably not possible in automatic mode. For some types of sensors, ironing surface detection requires the presence of components (magnets, coils, etc.) inside the board itself. In that case the design of a dedicated sleeveboard must be planned. For safety reasons (burning hazards), it is important that no steam can be unintentionally generated when the iron is "in air"! SENSOR EVALUATION CRITERIA

Sensor location

A sensor can require a specific location in order to work properly or to reach a good enough sensitivity (iron handle, top of the grid of the board, soleplate, etc.). Some sensors do not require a specific location and some other require parts or components at several locations (e.g. iron and board). If the sensor requires parts inside the board (e.g. magnets), a dedicated sleeveboard has to be designed. Depending on sensor Iocation(s), the ironing device has to be partially or totally redesigned. Obviously the number of parts to redesign has a strong influence on the project development cost and schedule. An advantageous solution is to use a unique sensor unit (regrouping 11 , 12 and 13) placed inside a volume already available in existing ironing systems. Even in that case minor modifications are necessary to ensure the electrical connections and mechanical fastening of the sensor unit.

Sensor complexity

Two criteria can be used to compare sensor complexity. The first criterion states that the sensor complexity is directly related to the number of parts or components of the sensor. Thus a switch based sensor is much less complex than an optical mouse like sensor (only electro-mechanical component in the first case and an assembly of optical, electronics and mechanical components in the second case). The second criterion is given by the signal "quality" provided by the sensor. For example the signal generated by an integrated accelerometer is quite simple to handle and interpret whereas the signal of a vibration sensor (as a "ball-in-tube" sensor) can be difficult to interpret and will require important signal processing.

Reliability

The evaluation of sensor device reliability is complex as it must take into account the sensor complexity (number of parts, configuration), the signal quality provided by the sensor (signal type, localized on non-localized detection), and the sensor sensitivity to dirt (cloth particles, water condensation) and to electromagnetic perturbations. For example sensors requiring a direct access or a physical contact with the ironing surface are more exposed to dirt and therefore are less reliable than sensors completely enclosed within the iron. Sensors with an important sensitivity to heat can be less reliable for this application because the temperature inside the iron handle can be relatively important (up to 50°C inside the handle). Some sensors have a limited sensitive area (e.g. switch, probes, etc.) and are therefore dependent of local measurement conditions that can reduce their reliability (e.g. contact quality, part of the soleplate used, presence of hard parts, etc.).

IRON HANDLING DETECTION Mechanical sensors

Switch A mechanical switch can be placed onto the handle under the soft grip. This is a low cost and reliable solution. In this case the handle has to be modified to ensure handling detection whatever hand is used (right or left) and without regard to the grappling position. For this purpose a large plate connected to the switch can be used.

Electronic sensors

Capacitive

Iron grappling is detected by measuring capacity variations C_h between two electrical contacts placed into the iron grip (see Fig. 7). The capacity changes when a hand is present on the grip. No moving parts are required and hence the "movement" feeling is avoid. This solution requires only slight handle modifications. Piezoelectric sensors or strain gauges

As shown in Fig. 8. pressure or strain gauges can be used to detect ironing position. More precisely these sensors can be used to determine whether the iron is held in air (important constant pressure or force on the sensor due to the iron's own weight) or if it lays onto a surface (no or low forces acting on the sensors). This solution is relatively simple and reliable but it does not allow to make the difference between the board and the iron rest (or any surface used to set the iron). Pressure sensors (piezoelectric sensors) have a high stiffness and therefore can work without noticeable deformations or movements. For this application, strain gauges are more suitable than piezoelectric sensors since they can detect static deformations. They are also less expensive than piezoelectric sensors. Strain, gauges must stick together with the part subject to mechanical strain (bending) and thus the iron upper body must be modified to allow such deformations. Finally sensor design must provide thermal insulations (or thermal compensation) and electronic perturbations shielding.

Optical sensors

Visible light intensity

As shown in Fig. 9 below day light intensity (visible spectrum) can be used to detect the presence of a hand on the iron handle. The basic idea is to place a photodetector into the handle. This photodetector is used to measure the daylight level passing through one or several holes in the handle. When the hand grasps the handle, some or all holes are obstructed and hence light intensity level decreases. This technique requires only low cost electronic components (phototransistors).

Infrared detection

This solution is similar to the previous one. Instead of monitoring the visible light level, it is the light level in the 1R light emitted by the human body (hence by the hand) which is detected. Thermal sensors

Hand temperature

A temperature sensor (e.g. PTC, NTC) can be placed into the handle to detect hand temperature. As for light intensity detection the sensor position on the handle is very important to work properly for both right- and left-handed users. As a capacitive sensor, the temperature sensor presents the advantage of being less sensitive to dirt or condensation problems. Yet its reaction time can be slightly too long or its sensitivity to thermal perturbations (i.e. hot air) can be too important. Moreover the sensor thermal insulation from the heat generated by the soleplate can be an issue.

IRONING POSITION Mechanical

Contact probe As shown in Fig. 10 a contact probe passing through the soleplate and connected to a switch can simply be used to detect whether the iron lays on a surface (at least the portion of the soleplate where the probe is located) or not. In order to make a difference between a rest and an ironing position, special iron rests and mats must be used

Electronic sensors Vertical accelerometer

An accelerometer placed into the iron can be used to monitor vertical accelerations along the z-axis (see Fig.1). After a first positive acceleration along the z-axis (iron taken out of the rest position) and a motion in air (moderate positive and negative accelerations), the iron is considered in ironing position when or only small positive and negative accelerations are detected. This solution presents the advantage that the same sensor (2D accelerometer) can be used to monitor both the ironing position and the iron motion. Another advantage is that the accelerometer can directly be integrated onto a PCB placed into the iron handle. Therefore only small mechanical modifications have to be brought to the actual iron. Finally, contrary to most other solutions, this sensor is not localized in the soleplate region.

Capacitive

Since the iron is connected to the table (via the steam generator unit), it is possible to use capacity variations between the iron soleplate and the metallic grid of the board. When the iron gets close or lays on the ironing board, the capacity is bigger than when the iron is in air (far away from the grid). Moreover it is theoretically possible to use the same detection principle as with the sleeveboard without any modification (the sleeveboard must be placed onto the ironing board). The sleeveboard and ironing board are then in series. This solution does not require any modification of the iron. A first issue is to get a sensor sensitive enough to detect when the iron is at rest on the mat (with the mat placed on the ironing board) or used on the board. Another issue is to ensure that parasitic capacities (user-to-infinity and table-to-infinity) do not influence sensor reliability (an electrical connection between the iron and the metallic grid of the board might be necessary).

Optical sensors

Visible light intensity

This solution is identical to the one described in Fig. 9 and is based on visible light intensity detection. The difference is that the access hole or window must be drilled through the soleplate and the photodetector placed into the soleplate. When the iron is "in air" the light intensity detected is higher than when the iron lays on the board. This is a "localized" sensor and the hole position must be carefully chosen in order to ensure sufficient reliability. This sensor requires modifications of the soleplate.

Magnetic sensors

Magnet based sensor

With a permanent or an electromagnet placed into the board, it is possible to determine the iron distance from the board with a magnetic sensor placed into the iron (see Fig. 12). It is also possible to place the magnet into the iron and the sensor into the board, although having the sensor into the iron presents the advantage of allowing the utilization of the same PCB as the one used for the motion sensor (if any) and to reduce thermal problems (Curie limit) for permanent magnets. In order to limit magnetic losses into metallic parts, the board grid and the iron soleplate must be made of non-magnetic materials (it is the cas for the alpha soleplate but not for the grid). In order to make the difference between an iron on the board or at rest on the map, it can be necessary to use magnetic materials in mat manufacturing. A dedicated sleeveboard (having magnets) must also be used. In order to have reliable enough sensors, a magnet array (providing a homogenous enough magnetic field over the whole board surface) or a 2D magnetic sensor (enabling to detect magnetic field orientation) can be necessary. An important advantage is that this sensor does not require any iron modification.

Inductive As shown in Fig. 13 an inductive sensor can be used to detect when the iron is close to or in contact with the board. The voltage induced at a secondary coil (Uj) when an alternating voltage is applied to a primary coil (U_p) will be directly related to the magnetic circuit permeance and hence to the presence/absence of the magnetic grid close to the soleplate. This sensor requires that the grid used in the ironing board and in the sleeveboard be made of magnetic material. In order to get a sufficient sensitivity, the sensor (at least the magnetic circuit) must be placed into the soleplate which can present some issues due to temperature (especially with the low sensors available on the market). The soleplate must hence be redesigned. Inductive sensors ensure only a limited detection within a zone close to the sensor. Therefore the sensor location must be carefully selected.

Acoustic (ultrasonic)

As for the inductive sensor presented previously, an ultrasonic sensor can be used to detect the presence of a surface near the iron soleplate (see Fig. 14). Since the sensor has a limited detection surface, the ultrasonic sensor must be placed in the tip or central region of the iron. Unfortunately, due to thermal constraints, a commercial ultrasonic sensor that can be directly inserted into the soleplate is unlikely to be found. The sensor has thus to be placed into the iron body and, as a consequence, an access hole for the acoustic waves has to be made into the soleplate (i.e. soleplate modifications). An other solution, also based on ultrasonic transducers, is to monitor impedance variations (as seen by the ultrasonic generator) when the iron lays on a surface. In that case, the sensor can be placed anywhere into the iron (e.g. onto a PCB placed into the handle) as long as a mechanical contact is ensured between the sensor and the iron body.

IRON MOTION DIRECTION Mechanical sensors Probe (friction)

As described in in Fig. 10 the iron motion can be determined by means of the same probe as used to detect iron contacts with the ironing surface. In this case it is the displacement or deformation of the probe due to friction forces that is detected by switches or constraint gauges. This system presents the advantage of combining ironing position and motion detection with the sensor device. Another advantage is its simplicity and a relatively low cost (for the sensor device).

Marble

Marble sensor is an improvement of the probe sensor device. As shown in Fig. 5 the marble sensor is based on the same principle as the one used in computer mice. In this sensor the probe is replaced by a marble. The direction of motion is obtained by monitoring marble rotation direction. As for the probe device the ironing position detection can be combined within the marble sensor device. The marble sensor reduces "sticking" problems but suffers from the same drawbacks as the probe sensor (localized detection, dirt sensitivity, size). Moreover it can be more sensitive to cloth particles (dirt issues) than the probe sensor and will require more maintenance and cleaning. The marble sensor requires important modifications of the soleplate (access hole, marble cavity). Moreover the soleplate must be designed so as to allow sensor device maintenance. Cable and winder

As shown in Fig. 16 the basic idea is to use a cable or wire connected on one side to the iron and winded around a winder on the other side. The winder is immovably attached to the board and holds the cable under a slight tension. The back and forth motions of the iron are detected by a rotational sensor placed inside the winder. In order to detect when the iron is turned over (angle D_c below ±90°), an orientation sensor placed at the cable connection with the iron has to be used. It can simply be a rotating plastic and an electrical switch (see top right corner of Fig. 16). It would be very interesting if the monotube were used instead of the cable. Unfortunately it is unlikely (even by modifying the winder mechanism) that the monotube can be made flexible enough. An advantage of this solution is that only modifications of the iron body are required. Electronic sensors Vibration sensors

Various mono- or bi-directional vibration sensors can be used to detect iron motions. A first possibility is to use commercially available ball-in-tube sensors (Fig. 17). In case of PCB motion (hence of iron motion), the metallic ball inside the tube closes the electrical circuit (as a switch) in one sensor and open it in the other one. Both ball-in-tube sensor could be combined into a bi-direction sensor. Such a sensor is less expensive than an accelerometer.

To reduce the vibration sensor sensitivity to non-flat surfaces, a pendulum sensor with incremental optical detection can be used in place of ball-in-tube sensors (Fig. 18). In this case a plastic or metallic part (the pendulum) is suspended by a hinge. The hinge must be connected to the iron. The pendulum is hence free to spin in the x'z' plane. In case of motions, the pendulum will slide back and forth. Thanks to slits drilled through the pendulum, slight modulations can be detected if a light emitting diode is placed on one side and a photodetector on the other side. By using two LEDs and photodetectors, the oscillation direction can be determined and hence the motion direction of the iron. A variant of this sensor is to replace the optical detection device by a small electrical motor. The pendulum, is then suspended to the motor axle.

Horizontal accelerometers

A low cost and low-g (in the 1 to 2 g range) accelerometer can be used to monitor iron motions. An important advantage is that the accelerometer can directly be mounted onto the electronic board (PCB) and does not require any important mechanical modifications of the iron (only modifications to ensure mechanical and electrical connections with the PCB must be planned). Such a sensor yields an excellent signal quality enabling efficient and complex data treatment. Since 2- Axis and even 3-Axis accelerometer chips are available, it is possible (as discussed in point 9.42) to use the same chip to determine both the ironing position and the motion direction (Fig. 19). Moreover all the iron electronics required by the iron can be placed on the same PCB. This is particularly interesting in order to reduce manufacturing and testing costs. Accelerometer based sensors are not "localized" and therefore work whatever part of the iron soleplate is in contact with the cloth. Another advantage is that accelerometer based sensors do not require a dedicated ironing surface and can therefore be used indifferently on the board, on any sleeveboard, or even on a table.

Piezoelectric sensors or strain gauges Strain gauges can be used to detect whether the iron lays on a solid surface (e.g. board) or if it is held in air. Similarly, with an appropriate design of the iron upper part (and/or handle), the same gauges can be used to determine ironing motion direction. As shown in Fig. 20 the strength brought to the handle (and hence the direction of motion) can be measured by two strain gauges glued on each side of a mechanical part (beam) connecting the soleplate and the handle. The beam must be designed so that even under small back and forth iron motions the signal provided by the gauges are high enough to be detectable. On the other hand the beam bending must be limited enough to avoid the annoying sensation that the iron is falling apart. This sensor therefore requires a careful mechanical redesign of the whole iron (or at least from the upper part). As discussed under point 9.32 the assembly of strain gauges requires delicate gluing operations. Other drawbacks are that they are sensitive to heat and electromagnetic perturbations (which can be problematic due to the heater placed inside the iron). Finally each strain gauge requires a calibration process adding to the manufacturing costs.

Optical sensors

Optical mouse

The working principle of this motion sensor is similar to the one used in computer optical mice. The same chips as for computer mice can indeed be used. This is very interesting in terms of component cost. The iron motion direction is deduced by correlating several pictures taken at short time intervals. Since the optical sensor determines directly the motion speed, drift problems as those encountered with accelerometers are avoid. Another advantage is that the same sensor can be used to detect the ironing position .

Magnetic Magnetoresistive sensor array

2-Axis magnetoresistive sensors measuring magnetic field orientations can be used to determine the iron's position on the ironing surface. In order to determine the iron motion direction, the iron position on a time basis must be analyzed. Two electro- or permanent magnets placed into the board are necessary to ensure a full 360° motion detection (see Fig. 22). Only two magnets are required to reach a motion detection accuracy in the 2 mm range. Such a sensor device presents the advantage of working whatever part of the soleplate is in contact with the ironing board (non-localized sensor). 1-Axis and 2-Axis magnetoresistive sensors are available in small packages, they can be diretly mounted onto a PCB. As for accelerometer based sensors, a magnetoresistive sensor device can be put into the iron handle. Therefore only limited mechanical modifications are required. The sensor device is protected from dirt, cloth particles and steam condensation. Sensor sensitivity to electromagnetic perturbations can be an issue (e.g. perturbation generated by the heater placed into the soleplate). Both the iron motion direction and the ironing position can be determined with the same type of sensors. This sensor device suffers from several drawbacks. The first one is that the ironing board must be modified (magnets) and the grid must be made of nonmagnetic materials. Since the motion direction is not directly obtained from the sensor, a comparison between the actual and the previous iron position has to be calculated.

Ultrasonic

Ultrasonic sound can be used to determine the iron position on the board.

Therefore, as for the magnetoresistive sensor, monitoring iron position in a time basis will indicate iron motion. In order to ensure a full 360° motion detection, two microphones must be used (see Fig. 23). The ultrasonic source can either be placed on the board (and the microphones into the iron) or into the iron (and the microphones into the board). Such a sensor device is relatively simple to realize and requires only small modifications of the iron upper body (access holes for microphones or ultrasonic source). Any sleeveboard can be used with this type of sensors. The position detection (and hence motion detection) is much better than the 2 mm required. The components used in such an ultrasonic sensor device can be the same as those used in cellular phones.

The following tables provide an example of use of the invention.

USER FUNCTIONS:

Table 1- User functions

USER'S INTERFACES:

Table 2 - Selectors

The number of switches can even be increased if, for ergonomic reasons, more than one switch is used for each function. A solution would be to combine functions of selector 4 and selector 5 (e.g. short pushes: motion sensor switched on and off and long pushes: steam generation on and off). Preferably the option to switch the intuitive mode on and off should be located on the steam generator unit (mode 0).

VISUAL INDICATORS: Table 3 - Visual Indicators

It should be noted that the invention is not limited to the above discussed configurations, operating modes and examples of sensors but covers any embodiment being comprised in the claimed subject-matter.

Claims

1. Ironing system comprising an iron at least one operating means such as heating, steaming, steering, blowing or suctioning means, characterized by the fact that it comprises : - at least one sensor adapted to directly or indirectly detect an ironing surface, a user or a movement induced by said user; - actuating means adapted to actuate at least one of said operating means when said sensor is activated.

2. Ironing system according to claim 1 wherein said sensor is of contact-less type and is adapted to detect the presence of a user

3. Ironing system according to claim 1 wherein said sensor is of contact-less type and is adapted to detect an ironing surface near the iron.

4. Ironing system according to the previous claim wherein said sensor is of capacitive coupling type.

5. Ironing system according to claim 1 wherein said sensor is of contact type and is adapted to detect when a user grasps the iron or when the iron touches an ironing surface.

6. Ironing system according to the previous claim wherein said sensor consists of a z-axis accelerometer and of a strain gauge situated in the iron handle.

7. Ironing system according to the previous claim 5 or 6 comprising blowing and/or suctioning means and wherein said actuating means are adapted to actuate blowing or suctioning when the user grasps the iron.

8. Ironing system according to claim 1 wherein said sensor is of movement type and is adapted to detect when the iron moves.

. Ironing system according to the previous claim comprising steaming means and wherein said actuating means are adapted to generate steam when the iron moves and to stop the generation of steam when the iron does not move.

10. Ironing system according to the previous claim wherein said actuating means are adapted to generate steam when the iron moves forwards and to stop the generation of steam when the iron moves backwards.

11. Ironing system according to anyone of claim 8 to 10 wherein said sensor consists of a z-axis accelerometer and of a strain gauge situated in the iron handle.

12. Ironing system according to anyone of claim 8 to 10 wherein said sensor is a 3-axis accelerometer.

13. Ironing system according to anyone of claim 8 to 10 wherein said sensor is an optical correlator.

14. Ironing system according to anyone of claim 8 to 10 wherein said sensor consists of a z-axis accelerometer and of a sliding handle switch.

15. Ironing system according to anyone of the previous claims comprising a combination of sensors as previously defined.