阅读说明：本技术 对衣物护理设备引水的方法 (Method for conducting water to clothes care equipment ) 是由 江信贤 K·克恩 谢耀贤 于 2020-08-17 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明涉及一种对衣物护理设备引水的方法,该衣物护理设备包括：移动单元,具有蒸汽发生器；底座；绳索,用于连接底座和移动单元；水箱和第一泵,第一泵布置在底座中,用于经由绳索将水从水箱泵送至蒸汽发生器。该方法包括：启动蒸汽发生器的加热的步骤(S1)；检测到蒸汽发生器的温度(T)具有等于或大于给定第一升高温度(T1)的温度的第一步骤。在蒸汽发生器的温度(T)具有等于或大于给定第一升高温度(T1)的温度之后,该方法包括启动所述第一泵的步骤(S3)；检测到蒸汽发生器具有等于或大于给定第二升高温度(T2)的温度(T)的第二步骤(S4),第二升高温度等于(T2)或大于第一升高温度(T1)。在蒸汽发生器具有等于或大于给定第二升高温度(T2)的温度(T)之后,该方法包括停止蒸汽发生器的加热的步骤(S5)；测量针对蒸汽发生器的至少一个温度降低速率的步骤(S6)。在蒸汽发生器的至少一个温度降低速率(R)已经超过特定阈值(TH)之后,该方法包括停止第一泵的步骤(S7)。(The present invention relates to a method of priming a garment care device, the garment care device comprising: a moving unit having a steam generator; a base; a rope for connecting the base and the moving unit; a water tank and a first pump, the first pump being arranged in the base for pumping water from the water tank to the steam generator via the cord. The method comprises the following steps: a step (S1) of starting heating of the steam generator; a first step of detecting that the temperature (T) of the steam generator has a temperature equal to or greater than a given first elevated temperature (T1). After the temperature (T) of the steam generator has a temperature equal to or greater than a given first elevated temperature (T1), the method comprises the step of activating the first pump (S3); a second step (S4) of detecting that the steam generator has a temperature (T) equal to or greater than a given second elevated temperature (T2), the second elevated temperature being equal to (T2) or greater than the first elevated temperature (T1). After the steam generator has a temperature (T) equal to or greater than a given second elevated temperature (T2), the method includes the step of stopping heating of the steam generator (S5); a step of measuring at least one temperature decrease rate for the steam generator (S6). After at least one rate of temperature decrease (R) of the steam generator has exceeded a certain Threshold (TH), the method comprises the step of stopping the first pump (S7).)

1. A method of draining a garment care device (100), the garment care device (100) comprising:

-a mobile unit (101) having a steam generator (102) and a temperature sensor;

-a base (103);

-a rope (104) for connecting the base (103) and the mobile unit (101); and

-a water tank (105) and a first pump (P1) arranged in the base (103) for pumping water from the water tank (105) to the steam generator (102) via the cord (104);

the method comprises the following steps:

-a step (S1) of initiating heating of the steam generator (102);

-a first step (S2) of detecting, using the temperature sensor, that the steam generator (102) has a temperature (T) equal to or greater than a given first elevated temperature (T1);

-a step (S3) of activating the first pump (P1) after the steam generator (102) has a temperature (T) equal to or greater than the given first elevated temperature (T1);

-a second step (S4) of detecting, using the temperature sensor, that the steam generator (102) has a temperature (T) equal to or greater than a given second elevated temperature (T2), the second elevated temperature (T2) being equal to or greater than the first elevated temperature (T1);

-a step (S5) of stopping heating of the steam generator (102) after the steam generator (102) has a temperature (T) equal to or greater than the given second elevated temperature (T2);

-a step (S6) of measuring at least one rate of temperature decrease for the steam generator (102) using the temperature sensor;

-a step (S7) of stopping the first pump (P1) after at least one rate of temperature decrease (R) of the steam generator (102) has exceeded a certain Threshold (TH).

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one rate of temperature decrease (R) is measured as elapsed time for a given amount of temperature decrease.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one rate of temperature decrease (R) is measured as a temperature decrease over a given consumption period.

4. A method according to claim 2 or 3, wherein said at least one rate of temperature decrease (R) comprises a plurality of successive rates of temperature decrease exceeding said certain Threshold (TH).

5. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the step (S6) of measuring at least one rate of temperature decrease (R) for the steam generator (102) is initiated in any of the following cases:

-starting immediately after the moment when the steam generator (102) has reached the second elevated temperature (T2) and heating of the steam generator (102) has been stopped; or

-after a certain duration of time has elapsed from the moment the steam generator (102) has reached the second elevated temperature (T2) and the heating of the steam generator (102) has been stopped.

6. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the step (S3) of activating the first pump (P1) comprises setting a water flow rate of the first pump (P1) at [ 3; 30 g/mn.

7. The method according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising, after the step (S7) of stopping the first pump (P1), a step (S8) of setting the apparatus in an operating mode allowing either:

-reducing the temperature of the first steam generator (102) by activating the first pump (P1), and/or

-delivering pressurized steam by the first steam generator (102) by activating the first pump (P1).

8. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the given first elevated temperature (T1) is between [ 90; 150 degrees Celsius, and the given second elevated temperature (T2) is in the range of [ 130; 190 deg. C.

9. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising the step (S9) of: stopping the first pump (P1) if the at least one rate of temperature decrease of the steam generator (102) does not exceed the certain Threshold (TH) after a given duration (Dmax) has elapsed since the step (S1) of initiating heating of the steam generator (102).

10. The method of claim 9, further comprising the step of setting the device to a secure mode of operation (S10).

11. A laundry care appliance (100) comprising:

-a mobile unit (101) comprising a steam generator (102) and a temperature sensor;

-a base (103);

-a rope (104) for connecting the base (103) and the mobile unit (101);

-a water tank (105) and a first pump (P1), the first pump (P1) being arranged in the base (103) for pumping water from the water tank (105) to the steam generator (102) via the cord (104);

the laundry care device (100) further comprises a Micro Control Unit (MCU) adapted to control heating of the pump (P1) and the steam generator (102) based on the temperature signal received from the temperature sensor, wherein the Micro Control Unit (MCU) is adapted to perform the steps of the method according to any of claims 1-10.

12. The garment care device (100) according to claim 11, wherein the moving unit (101) is a steam iron (101) or a steaming device head.

13. Laundry care appliance (100) according to claim 11 or 12, wherein said base (103) further comprises a second steam generator (106), said second steam generator (106) being supplied with water from said water tank (105) by a second pump (P2) for generating steam being transported from said base (103) to said moving unit (101) via said cord (104); optionally, wherein the Micro Control Unit (MCU) is adapted to control the second pump (P2).

14. A computer program product comprising instruction code which, when executed by a Micro Control Unit (MCU) of a laundry care device (100) according to any one of claims 11 to 13, causes the laundry care device (100) to perform the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

Technical Field

The invention relates to a method for priming a garment care device.

The invention also relates to a garment care device for carrying out the method.

The invention can be used in the field of clothing care.

Background

The known laundry care appliance comprises:

-a mobile unit comprising a steam generator;

-a base;

-a cable for connecting the base and the mobile unit;

-a water tank and a pump arranged in the base for pumping water from the water tank to the steam generator via the cord.

In these known laundry care apparatuses, after a user has actuated a steam trigger arranged on the mobile unit, water is pumped from the water tank to the steam generator in order to generate steam by the mobile unit.

For example, the generated steam is used to treat the laundry, such as removing wrinkles.

The above-mentioned laundry care appliance has technical limitations in the following sense: after the user actuates the steam trigger arranged on the mobile unit, there is a relatively long delay before the steam generator finally generates steam. In other words, such laundry care devices have insufficient steam generation responsiveness, which may affect laundry treatment efficiency, thereby resulting in a negative user experience.

CN103374812A discloses a steam type electric iron and a control method for controlling the iron.

US2009/084007a1 discloses a steam iron comprising a soleplate, a main body and a control panel. The base includes a water tank, a steam generator, and a pump connected between the water tank and the steam generator.

WO2005/054564a1 discloses a method of ironing a fabric and an apparatus for performing the method.

Disclosure of Invention

It is an object of the present invention to propose a method of priming a garment care device which avoids or mitigates the above mentioned problems.

The invention is defined by the independent claims. The dependent claims define advantageous embodiments.

To this end, the method according to the invention is for priming a laundry care appliance comprising: a moving unit including a steam generator and a temperature sensor; a base; a rope for connecting the base and the moving unit; a water tank and a first pump, the first pump being arranged in the base for pumping water from the water tank to the steam generator via the cord.

The method according to the invention comprises the following steps:

-a step of starting heating of the steam generator;

-a first step of detecting with a temperature sensor that the steam generator has a temperature equal to or greater than said given first elevated temperature;

-a step of activating the first pump after the steam generator has a temperature equal to or greater than said given first elevated temperature;

-a second step of detecting with a temperature sensor that the steam generator has a temperature equal to or greater than a given second elevated temperature, said second elevated temperature being equal to or greater than said first elevated temperature;

-a step of stopping heating of the steam generator after the steam generator has a temperature equal to or greater than said given second elevated temperature;

-a step of measuring at least one rate of temperature decrease for the steam generator using a temperature sensor;

-a step of stopping the first pump after at least one rate of temperature decrease of the steam generator has exceeded a certain threshold.

The method allows that the water circuit transporting water between the foot and the steam generator arranged in the mobile unit has been primed with water before the user uses the laundry care appliance to treat laundry. The method is therefore preferably implemented in a start-up phase of the device, i.e. immediately after the user switches on the device, before the device indicates to the user that the start-up phase is complete and the device is ready to be used.

In particular, the water circuit may comprise a water pipe arranged in the cord, and other water pipe portions or water paths arranged in the base and/or the moving unit for transporting water between the base and the steam generator.

When a significant drop in the temperature of the steam generator is detected, the water circuit for transporting water between the base and the steam generator arranged in the mobile unit is filled with water, reflecting that the water circuit is filled with water and that the water has now reached the steam generator.

As a result, when the user actuates the steam trigger, the water circuit is already filled with water (i.e. all air has been replaced by water), so that water can be instantaneously dosed into the steam generator and steam is also instantaneously generated. In other words, there is no delay between the actuation of the steam trigger and the generation of steam.

Furthermore, this object can be quickly achieved when a water circuit is used to transport water from the base to the mobile unit in order to quickly cool down the temperature of the steam generator and the soleplate attached to the steam generator, for example when the soleplate is coupled to a safety feature in a device that has detected a need to reduce the temperature of the soleplate.

The invention also relates to a garment care device implementing the steps of the above method.

The invention also relates to a computer program product comprising instruction codes for implementing the above-mentioned method steps.

A detailed description and other aspects of the present invention will be given below.

Drawings

Certain aspects of the present invention will now be explained with reference to the embodiments described below, and considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like parts or sub-steps are designated in a like manner:

figure 1 shows a garment care device according to the invention;

FIG. 2 shows a flow chart of a method according to the invention;

fig. 3 shows a first series of signals when using the method according to the invention;

fig. 4 shows a second series of signals when using the method according to the invention.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 shows a garment care device 100 according to the invention.

The laundry care apparatus 100 includes:

a mobile unit 101 having a steam generator 102 and a temperature sensor;

-a base 103;

a rope 104 for connecting the base 103 and the moving unit 101;

a water tank 105 and a first pump P1, the first pump P1 being arranged in the base 103 for pumping water from the water tank 105 to the steam generator 102 via the cord 104.

The cord 104 may correspond to a hose cord comprising at least one water tube to carry water from the water tank 105 to the steam generator 102.

The temperature sensor may detect a temperature of the steam generator, such as a temperature within the steam generator. The temperature sensor may for example comprise or consist of a thermistor.

The temperature sensor may be in thermal contact with the steam generator. For example, the temperature sensor may be mounted on or in a wall of the steam generator.

Preferably, as shown, the moving unit 101 is a steam iron 101 or a steaming device head (not shown).

Preferably, as shown, the base 103 further comprises a second steam generator 106, the second steam generator 106 being supplied with water from the water tank 105 by a second pump P2 to generate steam which is transported from the base 103 to the mobile unit 101 via the rope 104.

The base 103 comprises a micro control unit MCU adapted to actuate the pump P1 and/or P2, retrieve the temperature signal from the temperature sensor, and perform various measurements and calculations by running a computer program product comprising instruction code implementing the method steps according to the invention to be described hereinafter.

Fig. 2 shows a flow chart of a method according to the invention.

The various steps of the method will also be described in connection with fig. 3, fig. 3 showing a first series of signals when using the method according to the invention.

The method comprises a step S1 of initiating heating of the steam generator 102. The step begins at time t 0. At this point, the temperature T of the steam generator 102 is T0, which may be, for example, near the ambient room temperature at which the apparatus is located. After the heating of the steam generator 102 has been initiated, the temperature of the steam generator 102 increases more or less linearly depending on the characteristics of the steam generator 102.

The method further comprises a first step S2 of detecting that the steam generator 102 has a temperature T equal to or greater than a given first elevated temperature T1. This means that the temperature measurement of the steam generator 102 is performed periodically, e.g. every second. In the illustration of FIG. 3, the steam generator 102 has a temperature T at time T1 that is equal to or greater than the given first elevated temperature T1. Preferably, the first elevated temperature T1 is given at [ 90; 150 degrees celsius, for example 120 degrees celsius.

After the steam generator 102 has a temperature T equal to or greater than the given first elevated temperature T1, the method further includes a step S3 of activating the first pump P1. In the illustration of fig. 3, this may occur at time t1 or later. Thus, water is pumped from the tank 105 and begins to flow along a water circuit formed by:

a water line section between the water tank 105 and the first pump P1,

the interior of the first pump P1,

a portion of water pipe in the base 103 downstream of the first pump P1,

a water pipe portion in the hose line 104,

water pipe sections in the mobile unit 101 upstream of the steam generator 102.

This is usually the path followed by the water for the first time the garment care device is used.

In case the water circuit has been partly filled with water, for example if the user has recently used the laundry care device, the water will continue to flow along the water circuit from the point where the water has drained or evaporated.

The method further includes a second step S4 of detecting that the steam generator 102 has a temperature T equal to or greater than a given second elevated temperature T2, the second elevated temperature being equal to T2 or greater than the first elevated temperature T1. This means that the temperature measurement of the steam generator 102 is performed periodically, e.g. every second. In the illustration of FIG. 3, the steam generator 102 has a temperature T at time T2 that is equal to or greater than the given second elevated temperature T2. Preferably, the given second elevated temperature T2 is between [ 130; 190 degrees celsius, such as 150 degrees celsius.

After the steam generator 102 reaches the given second elevated temperature T2, the method further includes a step S5 of stopping heating of the steam generator 102. At this point in time, the given second elevated temperature T2 is considered to be a high temperature sufficient for the steam generator 102 to generate a sufficient amount of steam, for example, once the start-up phase of the plant is completed.

The method further comprises the step of measuring at least one rate of temperature decrease for the steam generator (102) (S6).

As the supply of energy to the steam generator 102 is stopped, the temperature of the steam generator 102 will be gradually decreased in sequence. It should be noted that immediately after stopping heating the steam generator 102, the temperature of the steam generator 102 may still rise slightly until the hottest areas of the steam generator 102 are in temperature equilibrium with the cooler areas of the steam generator 102. This is illustrated in fig. 3 by the temperature overshoot OV. In any case, the presence of such an overshoot OV does not affect the robustness of the measurements and calculations carried out by the method according to the invention.

As long as the water pumped from the water tank 105 does not reach the steam generator 102, the temperature of the steam generator 102 will typically decrease relatively slowly, mainly via energy losses caused by thermal convection and/or conduction in the ambient air (if the mobile unit 101 is placed on a support during the start-up phase). Conversely, when the water pumped from the water tank 105 reaches the steam generator 102, the rate of temperature decrease R of the steam generator 102 will be higher, in particular when a certain threshold value TH is exceeded. The method according to the invention uses this way to identify that water pumped from the water tank 105 has reached the steam generator 102. This means that the measurement of the rate of temperature decrease R of the steam generator 102 is performed periodically, e.g. every second.

After the at least one rate of temperature decrease R of the steam generator 102 has exceeded the certain threshold TH, the method further includes a step S7 of stopping the first pump P1. In the illustration of fig. 3, step S7 of stopping the first pump P1 occurs at time t 3.

Preferably, at least one temperature decrease rate R is measured as elapsed time for a given amount of temperature decrease.

For example, the elapsed time for a given temperature reduction, e.g., 3 degrees celsius, is measured and compared to a time threshold, e.g., 4 seconds. If the measured elapsed time (e.g. 3 seconds) is less than the time threshold, it means that the water pumped from the water tank 105 has reached the steam generator 102.

Alternatively, at least one rate of temperature decrease R is measured as a temperature decrease over a given consumption period.

For example, the temperature decrease for a given elapsed time, e.g. 4 seconds, is measured and compared to a temperature threshold, e.g. 3 degrees celsius. If the measured temperature decrease (e.g., 4 degrees celsius) is greater than the temperature threshold, this means that the water pumped from the water tank 105 has reached the steam generator 102.

Preferably, the at least one rate of temperature decrease R comprises a plurality of consecutive rates of temperature decrease, preferably two or three consecutive rates of temperature decrease, exceeding a certain Threshold (TH). This prevents false detection of water reaching the steam generator 102. In other words, this improves the robustness (robustness) of the detection that water has reached the steam generator 102 and that the water circuit is now completely filled with water (i.e. the water circuit is drained).

For example, if three consecutive temperature decrease rates are used, when the heating of the steam generator 102 is stopped at a temperature of 150 degrees celsius at time t2, a first temperature decrease rate (R) check is performed when the steam generator 102 reaches 147 degrees celsius, then a second temperature decrease rate (R) check is performed when the steam generator 102 reaches 144 degrees celsius, and then a third temperature decrease rate (R) check is performed when the steam generator 102 reaches 141 degrees celsius. If each of these three checks results in the rate of temperature decrease R of the steam generator 102 having exceeded the particular threshold TH, it means that water has reached the steam generator 102 and the water circuit is now completely filled with water (i.e. the water circuit is drained).

Preferably, the step S6 of measuring at least one rate R of temperature decrease for the steam generator 102 is initiated in any of the following cases:

start immediately after the moment when the steam generator 102 has reached the second elevated temperature T2 and the heating of the steam generator 102 has been stopped; or

After a certain duration of time has elapsed from the moment when the steam generator 102 has reached the second elevated temperature T2 and the heating of the steam generator 102 has been stopped.

For example, if at least one temperature decrease rate R is measured as the elapsed time for a given temperature decrease amount, the measured elapsed time starts from time t2, or starts after a time delayed by a fixed value (e.g., two seconds) after time t 2.

For example, if at least one rate of temperature decrease R is measured as a temperature decrease over a given elapsed time, the measured temperature decrease starts at a temperature T2 at time T2, or at a temperature delayed by a fixed value of time (e.g., two seconds) after time T2.

Preferably, the step S3 of activating the first pump P1 includes setting the water flow rate of the first pump P1 at [ 3; 30 g/mn.

A value in this range provides a good balance between having a sufficient flow rate to complete the draining of the water circuit before the end of the start-up phase of the plant and preventing a flow rate value that would otherwise cause the steam generator 102 to overflow before stopping the first pump P1.

For example, if the total water volume of the water circuit is about 20cm3, the flow rate of the first pump P1 may be selected to be 9 g/mn.

For example, the water flow rate of the first pump (P1) may be set by varying the duty cycle at which the first pump (P1) is activated.

Preferably, after the step S7 of stopping the first pump P1, the method further comprises a step S8 of setting the apparatus in an operating mode allowing either:

-lowering the temperature of the first steam generator 102 by activating the first pump P1; and/or

Delivery of pressurized steam by the first steam generator 102 by activating the first pump P1.

Preferably, the method further includes the step (S9) of: if the at least one rate of temperature decrease of the steam generator 102 does not exceed the certain threshold value TH after the lapse of the given duration Dmax from the step S1 of starting the heating of the steam generator 102, the first pump P1 is stopped.

This situation reflects potential problems in the garment care device such as a broken or leaking water line, a long water line stroke (stroked), a pump under … … in which case the first pump P1 is preferably stopped.

The given duration Dmax is counted from time t 0. For example, Dmax is 3 mn.

Preferably, the method further comprises a step S10 of setting the apparatus in the safe mode of operation after the step S9 of stopping the first pump P1.

For example, the operational security mode may be selected from:

limiting the temperature of the steam generator 102 to a certain maximum temperature (e.g. 150 degrees),

deactivating the first pump P1 in order to reduce the temperature of the steam generator 102.

Fig. 4 shows a second series of signals when using the method according to the invention.

Fig. 4 differs from fig. 3 in that the first elevated temperature T1 has the same value as the second elevated temperature T2, for example 150 degrees celsius.

The first pump P1 is activated much later than in the scenario of fig. 3. In fact, here, the first pump P1 is activated at time t 2. This generally means that less time is available to complete the water diversion of the water circuit.

This situation is therefore preferred in the case of a water circuit in which the volume of water to be drained is relatively small.

The examples described above are merely illustrative and are not intended to limit the process of the present invention. While the invention has been described in detail with reference to the preferred embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims. 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 shall not be construed as limiting the scope.