EP3635169A1

EP3635169A1 - Garment care system with movement sensor and hose cord

Info

Publication number: EP3635169A1
Application number: EP18753440.9A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Orhan KAHYA; Mohankumar Valiyambath Krishnan; Yao Hean CHIAH; Winson Garcia LIM
Original assignee: Koninklijke Philips NV
Current assignee: Koninklijke Philips NV
Priority date: 2017-08-25
Filing date: 2018-08-21
Publication date: 2020-04-15
Anticipated expiration: 2038-08-21
Also published as: RU2729293C1; CN111201346B; CN111201346A; EP3635169B1; WO2019038295A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a garment care system (10) for treating garments. The garment care system (10) comprises a hand unit (12) for treating garments, and a movement sensor (126) cooperating with a first microcontroller (110) arranged in the hand unit (12) for generating a digital movement signal characterizing the movement of the hand unit (12). The garment care system also comprises a base unit (11) for resting the hand unit (12), a hose cord (13) for connecting the base unit (11) and the hand unit (12). The hose cord (13) comprises a duct for carrying a fluid from the base unit (11) to the hand unit (12), and a single communication wire for carrying the digital movement signal from the hand unit (12) to the base unit (11), and for bidirectional digital communication between the base unit (11) and the hand unit (12). This solution allows reducing the number of wires in the hose cord.

Description

GARMENT CARE SYSTEM WITH MOVEMENT SENSOR AND HOSE CORD

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to the field of garment care.

Background of the Invention

Garment care systems comprising a base unit and a hand unit connected by a hose cord are known. They are sometimes referred to as pressurized steam generators. In this known type of product architecture, the hand unit transfers a signal to the base unit reflecting that user is requesting the generation of steam to be provided to the hand unit via the hose cord. The signal is transferred in an analog form on a dedicated electrical wire.

This type of product has some limitations in case additional signals, for example signals from sensors arranged in the hand unit, would be needed to be transferred from the hand unit to the base unit. Those limitations are linked to the fact that known hose cord can only accommodate a very limited number of different electrical wires, in view of the limited cross-section of the hose cord, and also in order to keep a certain level of mechanical flexibility of the hose cord during manipulation by user.

Document US 2009/121825 discloses a communication system for transferring data over a single wire between a first and second system for use within an ironing system.

Document US 2013/125427 discloses an iron comprising a control unit connected to a sensor, configured to monitor at least one motion dependent variable of the iron and generate a reference signal, and configured to control a water outflow rate of at least one water outlet opening of the iron based on the reference signal.

Document JP H04 208200 discloses a method to perform ironing by controlling a heater in accordance with a frequency of detection of a status detecting sensor within a predetermined time.

Document JP H05 76700 discloses a method of detecting the temperature gradient of a base, a position and an operation of an iron to change correspondingly a water supply amount of an electrically driven water supply device. Document WO 82/03520 discloses a method of detecting the last used of an energised appliance and shutting off the appliance after a given time has elapsed from this last use without further use. Document WO 2005/014917 discloses an ironing system comprising an iron with at least one operating means, such as: heating; steaming; steering; blowing; or suctioning means. The system comprise at least one sensor adapted to detect an ironing surface, a user or a movement induced by the user, wherein the operating means is activated when the sensor is activated. Object and Summary of the Invention

It is an object of the present invention to propose an improved garment care system comprising a base unit and a hand unit connected by a hose cord, that avoids or mitigates above- mentioned problems.

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

The garment care system for treating garments according to the invention comprises:

- a hand unit for treating garments,

- a movement sensor cooperating with a first microcontroller arranged in the hand unit, for generating a digital movement signal characterizing the movement of the hand unit,

- a base unit for resting the hand unit, wherein the hand unit comprises a soleplate being in contact with a steam chamber, the base unit being adapted to vary the temperature of the steam chamber based on said digital movement signal,

- a hose cord for connecting the base unit and the hand unit, the hose cord comprising: a) a duct for carrying a fluid from the base unit to the hand unit,

b) a single communication wire for carrying the digital movement signal from the hand unit to the base unit, and for bidirectional digital communication between the base unit and the hand unit. By providing a garment care system having a single communication wire for bidirectional digital communication between the base unit and the hand unit, signal, such as the digital movement signal which is generated by the hand unit, can be transferred to the base unit on this single communication wire. Moreover, because the hand unit and the base unit are implicitly arranged for serial communication, the number of wires in the hose cord can be limited to only one wire. With this solution, it thus becomes possible to have more than one sensor generating a plurality of signals towards the hand unit, without having to add electrical wires in the hose cord. In other words, the number of sensors (or the number of signals generated by a given sensor) can be increased without increasing the cost of the hose cord, as the corresponding signals are transferred serially with the base unit. Moreover, by implementing only a single communication wire, the mechanical flexibility of the hose cord is ensured.

Brief description of the drawings

The present invention will further be explained with reference to exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 schematically shows a first embodiment of a garment care system for treating garments in accordance with the invention,

Fig.2 shows example readings from a sensor of the type accelerometer used in a garment care device according to the invention when being rested and oriented in three different orientations,

Fig.3 shows example readings from a sensor of the type accelerometer used in a garment care device according to the invention when being moved in three different orientations,

Fig.4A-4B illustrate examples of signals generated by an accelerometer used as sensor in a garment care device according to the invention,

Fig. 5 schematically shows an embodiment of a hand unit of the garment care system in accordance with the invention,

Fig. 6 schematically shows an embodiment of a base unit of the garment care system in accordance with the invention,

Fig. 7 schematically shows a second embodiment of a garment care system for treating garments in accordance with the invention,

Fig.8A-8B-8C-8D illustrate various predefined displacement patterns used as a reference in a garment care device according to the invention,

Fig. 9a schematically shows a first embodiment of a hose cord for use in the garment care system in accordance with the invention,

Fig. 9b schematically shows a second embodiment of a hose cord for use in the garment care system in accordance with the invention.

Detailed description of embodiments

Fig. la schematically shows a first embodiment of a garment care system 10 in accordance with the invention.

The garment care system 10 comprises a hand unit 12 for treating garments. The garment care system 10 comprises also comprises a movement sensor 126 arranged in the hand unit 12. The movement sensor 126 and the first microcontroller 110 are adapted to generate a digital movement signal characterizing the movement of the hand unit 12.

The garment care system 10 also comprises a base unit 11 for resting the hand unit 12.

The garment care system 10 also comprises a hose cord 13 connecting the base unit 11 and the hand unit 12. The hose cord 13 comprises a duct 135 for carrying a fluid from the base unit 11 to the hand unit 12. The hose cord 13 also comprises a single communication wire 134a for carrying the digital movement signal from the hand unit 12 to the base unit 11, and for bidirectional digital communication between the base unit 11 and the hand unit 12.

For example, the hand unit 12 is a steam iron for ironing garments. Alternatively the hand unit 12 is a steamer head for spraying steam over garments.

Preferably, the digital movement signal corresponds to any one of acceleration signal, velocity signal, angular position signal, position signal, dual positions signal. Alternatively, those sensors can be used in combination in the hand unit 12. For example, a dual positions signal can generated by a so-called ball sensor.

The movement sensor 126 cooperates with a first microcontroller 110 as follows.

Preferably, the first microcontroller 110 is adapted to simply re-direct the signal generated by movement sensor 126 on the single communication wire 134a.

Alternatively, the digital movement signal sent on the single communication wire 134a corresponds to a processed or identified digital movement signal (for example short user's stroke, long user's stroke, device moving, device not moving, horizontal movement of the device, vertical movement of the device, speed of the device, movement strength and /or a combination thereof) after analysis by the microcontroller of the sensor information (e.g. level of acceleration signal(s), duration of acceleration , movement of ball sensor, frequency of acceleration value). The processed or identified digital movement signal is then sent by the first microcontroller 110 on the single communication wire 134a. The digital movement signal may also comprise an orientation of the hand unit.

Preferably, the movement sensor 126 is an acceleration sensor of the type Micro Electronical Systems (MEMS) which is adapted to generate at least one acceleration signal along a axis X, Y, Z forming an orthonormal reference, with Z corresponding to a vertical direction, and X-Y forming a horizontal plane.

The orientation of the hand unit may be measured in terms of axis X, axis Y, and axis Z. When the hand unit 12 is being used to press a garment on a surface (such as an ironing board) with a soleplate 129a, the hand unit 12 may be considered to be in a horizontal position X-Y. In other words, the iron 12 is oriented as such that the surface of the soleplate 129a is substantially in the X-Y plane. When a user stands the hand unit 12 on its end, such that the soleplate 129a does not touch a garment on an ironing board, for example, then the hand unit 12 may be considered to be orientated such that the surface of the soleplate 129a is in a plane substantially perpendicular to the X-Y plane. In this orientation, the hand unit 12 may be considered to be "upright". In addition to these two specific orientations, the sensor is capable of determining an orientation and movement of the iron 12 in any other orientation. The movement of the hand unit 12 can be measured in terms of the change in position of the hand unit 12 along the X axis, Y axis and/or the Z axis. In addition to the direction of motion of the hand unit 12, an amount of movement (e.g. an absolute and/or relative distance) can be measured. A speed of movement of the iron 12 may also be measured by the sensor 126. The first microcontroller 110 may be configured to adjust an operating parameter of the hand unit 12 based on a predetermined relationship between the measured orientation and/or the identified motion of the hand unit and predefined displacement pattern. To this end, the hand unit 12 may include storage means, such as a memory, for storing a database or look-up table. The database or look-up table may include a plurality of relationships, each relationship defining an operating parameter adjustment to be made responsive to a determination that the hand unit is in a particular orientation and/or that the hand unit has moved in a particular way.

The orientation and the motion of the hand unit 12 are discussed below with reference to Figures 2 and 3.

Fig.2 shows example readings from a sensor 126 of the type accelerometer used in a hand unit 12 according to the invention when being rested and oriented in three different orientations.

The first row (a) shows accelerometer data measured in the X, Y and Z directions when the hand unit is in a "horizontal" orientation (e.g. when the hand unit is oriented with the surface of the soleplate 129a in contact with a horizontal surface, such as a garment to be pressed). In this orientation, the sensor 126 does not register a change from the calibrated level in the X or Y-directions, but does register a measurement (equivalent to the Earth's gravitational pull having value 1 g = 9.81 m/s²) in the Z-direction.

In row (b), the hand unit is inclined with respect to the horizontal surface (e.g. the ironing board), which may be typical if the hand unit is based in base unit 11. In this orientation, the sensor 126 measures no acceleration along the y axis, but measures some acceleration along both the X axis and the Z axis.

In row 4c, the hand unit is in an "upright" position, in which the hand unit is oriented such that the surface of the soleplate 129a may be substantially vertical. In this orientation, the sensor 126 measures an acceleration equivalent to the gravitational pull of the earth along the -X axis, but measures no acceleration along either the Y axis or the Z axis.

Fig.3 shows example readings from a sensor 126 of the type accelerometer used in a hand unit 12 according to the invention when being moved in three different orientations.

The hand unit 12 is considered to be held "horizontally" (i.e. in the X-Y plane), and moved in the directions indicated by the arrows.

In row (a), the hand unit 12 is shown to be moving forwards and backwards (e.g. along the X axis, in a +X direction, then a -X direction, then a +X direction, and so on). With this motion, the sensor 126 measures acceleration along the Z axis equivalent to the Earth's gravitational pull, but measures no acceleration along the Y axis. The acceleration measured by the sensor 126 along the X axis varies as the hand unit is moved one way then the other.

Row (b) represents movement of the hand unit from side to side, along the Y axis. Again, the sensor measures acceleration along the Z axis equivalent to the Earth's gravitational pull, but measures no acceleration along the X axis. In this example, however, the acceleration along the Y axis varies as the hand unit moves one way (in the +Y direction) then the other way (in the -Y direction) along the Y axis.

Row (c) is representative of the hand unit being moved diagonally in the X-Y plane. The acceleration along the Z axis is equivalent to the Earth's gravitational pull. However, in this example, the acceleration measured along the X axis and the Y axis varies as the hand unit is moved diagonally one way, then the other.

A predefined displacement pattern may correspond to the amount of an average linear displacement along a given direction D of the hand unit 12. For example, the given direction D corresponds to X axis, as illustrated in row (a) of Fig.3. In other words, the average linear displacement may correspond to an average value of a stroke length of a user using the hand unit.

By definition, the stroke length along a given direction D, corresponds to the linear distance of the hand unit between a starting position with zero speed, to the next position with zero speed.

By definition, the average value of a stroke length of a user is the average linear distance that allows classifying a stroke length between a short stroke and a long stroke. A short stroke is smaller than the average linear distance, a long stroke is larger than the average linear distance.

The average linear displacement of the garment care device may include more than a single straight line between two points. For example, the average linear displacement may be measured in a first and second direction, wherein the second direction is orthogonal to the first. In this way, it is possible to determine that the garment care device is travelling in an arc by measuring the average linear displacement in both the first and second directions. The shape of the arc may be determined by the relative size of the average linear displacement in the first direction and the average linear displacement in the second direction. Further, the size of the arc may be determined by the absolute size of the average linear displacement in the first and second directions. Additional directions may also be measured to identify more complex movement characteristics for comparison with the predefined displacement pattern.

Fig.4A is an illustration of an example of a signal AS generated by an accelerometer used in a hand unit according to the invention.

The unit for the vertical axis of the graph is in milli g (or abbreviated as "mg"), with 1 g = 9.81 m/s².

In the present case, the sensor 126 is an accelerometer, and the output signal generated by the sensor 126 is an acceleration signal AS varying along the time in the given direction D, such as, for example, the X axis.

The characteristics of the output signal correspond to the time interval dl between two consecutive zero-crossing points of the output signal. The characteristics of the predefined signal correspond to a given duration threshold dO:

If the measured time interval dl is smaller than the given duration threshold dO, the stroke of the user using the hand unit is identified as a short stroke.

If the measured time interval dl is larger than the given duration threshold dO, the stroke of the user using the hand unit is identified as a long stroke. The given duration threshold dO corresponds to the average value of the time interval between two consecutive zero-crossing points of the output signal corresponding to an average value of a user's stroke length. It is noted that in case the output signal generated by the sensor 126 contains a certain level of noise, for example +/- 50 mg, the time interval dl between two consecutive zero-crossing points of the output signal should be calculated with an offset corresponding to the estimated value of the noise level. An example is illustrated in Fig.4B. Preferably, the given duration threshold dO has a value in the range [200; 800] ms, preferably

550 ms.

Typically, an average value for a short stroke has is less than 20 cm, and an average value for a long stroke is more than 20 cm.

In the embodiment of Fig.l, the first microcontroller 110 may be adapted to adjust an operating parameter of the hand unit 12, in particular adjust the temperature of a steam chamber 129b such that:

if the time interval dl is larger than the given duration threshold dO, the first microcontroller 110 is adapted to set the temperature of the steam chamber 129b to a first temperature value Tl. This means that long strokes of user are identified. In that case, a first temperature Tl is set for the steam chamber 129b.

if the time interval dl is smaller than the given duration threshold dO, the first microcontroller 110 is adapted to set the temperature of the steam chamber 129b to a second temperature value T2. This means that short strokes of user are identified. In that case, a second temperature T2 is set for the steam chamber 129b.

Adjusting the temperature of the steam chamber 129b also results in a variation of temperature of the soleplate 129a.

For example, Tl < T2, such as Tl = 175 degrees and T2 = 180 degrees. This selection of temperatures is relevant if it is primarily considered that short strokes reflect a situation in which user is ironing a relatively small area with tough wrinkles that requires higher temperature.

Alternatively, Tl > T2, such as Tl = 155 degrees and T2 = 150 degrees. This selection of temperatures is relevant if it is primarily considered that long strokes reflect a situation in which user is ironing a relatively large area over which higher thermal energy can be dissipated without burning the garments.

It is noted that the temperature difference of 5 degrees between Tl and T2 is just given as an example. More generally, the temperature absolute difference between Tl and T2 could be up to 30 degrees.

Fig. 5 schematically shows an embodiment of a hand unit 12 of the garment care system in accordance with the invention, while Fig. 6 schematically shows an embodiment of a base unit 11 of the garment care system in accordance with the invention.

As illustrated, the base unit 11 comprises a second microcontrollerl20.

The second microcontrollerl20 and the first microcontrollerllO are arranged for serial

communication via the single communication wire 134a.

It is noted that in the above the term microcontroller is used, but that the invention also envisages alternative devices, such as microprocessors (with associated memory and any auxiliary circuits or dedicated communication modules.

Preferably, as illustrated in Fig. 5 and Fig. 6, the base unit 11 comprises a first interface 111 coupled to the second microcontrollerl20. The first interface 111 corresponds to an Input/Output unit. The second microcontrollerl20 is coupled to the hose cord 13 through the first interface 111.

The hand unit 12 comprises a second interface 121 coupled to the first microcontrollerllO.

The second interface 121 corresponds to an Input/Output unit. The first microcontrollerllO is coupled to the hose cord 13 through the second interface 121.

Preferably, the first interface 111 and the second interface 121 are arranged for using a serial asynchronous receiver/transmitter communication protocol.

In particular, the communication protocol is defined by the base unit 11 being adapted to periodically sending to the hand unit 12 a command signal on the single communication wire 134a, and the hand unit 12 being adapted to sending to the base unit 11 the digital movement signal after receiving the command signal. This solution avoids conflicting situations where signals would be sent at the same time by the hand unit 12 and by the base unit 11 on the single communication wire 134a. Preferably, the base unit 11 is adapted to periodically sending the command signal with a time period in the range [10 ms; 100 ms]:

- if the time period is larger than 100ms, the user can feel the delay when he press the steam trigger, or when he moves the iron before the iron enters in an auto steam mode,

- if the time period is smaller than 10ms, less data are able to be sent in one period because it is too short between a current and a next period. The difference between the two time periods will indeed determine how much data can be sent.

For example, the time period is 30 ms. As illustrated in Fig. 1, the base unit 11 comprises a steam generator 119b for generating steam as fluid in the hose cord 13. The base unit 11 may be adapted to vary the temperature of the steam generator 119b based on the digital movement signal obtained from sensor 126 as described above. For example, if the hand unit 12 moves above a certain value (for example the acceleration or the velocity of the hand unit 12 is above a certain threshold), then the temperature of the steam generator 119b is increased by a certain quantity.

The steam generator 119b may be supplied in water by a pump 149 from a water reservoir 119a.

Fig. 7 schematically shows a second embodiment of a garment care system for treating garments in accordance with the invention.

In this embodiment, the base unit 11 only comprises a pump 149 for providing water as fluid in the hose cord 13, from water reservoir 119a, and the base unit 11 is adapted to vary the flow rate of the pump 149 based on the digital movement signal.

For example, if the hand unit 12 moves above a certain value (for example the acceleration or the velocity of the hand unit 12 is above a certain threshold), then the flow rate of the pump increased by a certain quantity. Alternatively, the pump is activated when the hand unit moves and the pump is stopped when the hand unit is not moved by the user.

More specifically, the first microcontroller 110 may be adapted to adjust an operating parameter of the garment care system, in particular adjust the flow rate of the pump 149 such that:

- if the time interval dl is larger than the given duration threshold dO, the first

microcontroller 110 is adapted to activate the pump 149 with a first flow rate value F 1. This means that long strokes of user are identified. In that case, a first flow rate value FR1 is applied to the pump 149.

if the time interval dl is smaller than the given duration threshold dO, the first microcontroller 110 is adapted to activate the pump 149 with a second flow rate value F 2. This means that short strokes of user are identified. In that case, a second flow rate value FR2 is applied to the pump 149.

Adjusting the flow rate value applied to the water pump allows varying the amount of steam that exits the steam vents of the hand unit.

For example, FR1 < FR2, such as FR1 = 25 g/mn and FR2 = 31 g/mn. This selection of flow rate is relevant if it is primarily considered that short strokes reflect a situation in which user is ironing a relatively small area with tough wrinkles that requires a higher amount of steam.

Alternatively, FR1 > FR2, such as FR1 = 45 g/mn and FR2 = 40 g/mn. This selection of flow rate is relevant if it is primarily considered that long strokes reflect a situation in which user is ironing a relatively large area over which higher amount of steam can be absorbed by the garments.

It is noted that the flow rate absolute difference between FR1 and FR2 is just given as an example. More generally, the flow rate difference between could be up to 50 g/mn or up to 100 g/mn.

It is noted that in the embodiment of Fig.7, the first microcontroller 110 can also be adapted to adjust the temperature of the steam chamber 129b, as in the embodiment of Fig.l. Further, the first microcontroller 110 may be adapted to control the amount of steam that exits the steam chamber 129b such that:

if the time interval dl is larger than the given duration threshold dO, the first microcontroller 110 is adapted to set the amount of steam that exits steam chamber 129b to a first steam rate value SRI. This means that long strokes of user are identified.

if the time interval dl is smaller than the given duration threshold dO, the first microcontroller 110 is adapted to set the amount of steam that exits steam chamber 129b to a second steam rate value SR2. This means that short strokes of user are identified.

For example, SRI < SR2, such as SRI = 100 g/mn and SR2 = 150 g/mn. This selection of steam rate is relevant if it is primarily considered that short strokes reflect a situation in which user is ironing a relatively small area with tough wrinkles that requires a higher amount of steam. Alternatively, SRI > SR2, such as SRI = 180 g/mn and SR2 = 150 g/mn. This selection of steam rate is relevant if it is primarily considered that long strokes reflect a situation in which user is ironing a relatively large area over which higher amount of steam can be absorbed by the garments.

It is noted that the steam rate absolute difference between SRI and SR2 is just given as an example. More generally, the steam rate difference between could be up to 150 g/mn.

Fig.8A-8B-8C-8D illustrate various predefined displacement patterns used as a reference in a hand unit according to as aspect of the invention.

The predefined displacement pattern may correspond to any one of the following displacement patterns:

a given short repeated arc movements of the garment care device, as illustrated in Fig.8A: this movement may reflect pressing garment in a region around a button, a given repeated circular or elliptical movement of the garment care device, as illustrated in Fig.8B: this movement may reflect pressing a particularly wrinkled area of the garment.

a given succession of elementary movements between an horizontal plane and a vertical plane, as illustrated in Fig.8C: for example, the movement pattern corresponds to a change of position of the device from a horizontal position into an upright position, followed by a movement to tilt the device to one side.

Above reference displacement patterns are preferably stored in a memory. For example, the acceleration signal of each of those displacement patterns is stored. When the garment care device is in use, the output signal of the sensor 126 is successively compared to any one of those stored acceleration signals. If the output signal of the sensor 126 matches with one of those stored acceleration signal, an operating parameter of the garment care device can be adjusted by the control unit as follows:

if the displacement pattern of Fig.8A is identified, the first microcontroller 110 may adjust the operating parameter of the garment care device in order to increase the generation of steam, or trigger a burst of steam,

if the displacement pattern of Fig.8B is identified, the first microcontroller 110 may adjust the operating parameter of the garment care device in order to increase the generation of steam, or trigger a burst of steam, or increase the temperature of the steam generator (so indirectly increase the temperature of the soleplate 129a). if the displacement pattern of Fig.8C is identified: In a first example, the amount of steam generated is increased if the device is tilted to the right, and the amount of steam generated is decreased if the device is tilted to the left. In a second example, first steaming mode (e.g. continuous steam) is triggered if the device is tilted to the right, and a second steaming mode (e.g. pulsed steam) is triggered if the device is tilted to the left.

Detecting the displacement pattern of Fig.8A may be conducted as follows:

1) Y axis has pulse with a peak > 50mg and peak width of > 100ms, measured from the time it passes threshold of detection (>50 mg corresponding to the noise threshold, if any) going-up and threshold of detection going-down.

2) X axis has no considerable peak. Peak < 50mg (threshold of noise)

3) Preferably a minimum of two measurements that steps 1) and 2) is consecutively satisfied before the system recognize this sideways movement pattern.

Detecting the displacement pattern of Fig.8B may be conducted as follows, for clockwise direction:

2) X axis also has same condition as step 1).

3) It is needed to verify that the Y axis is > X axis value when Y is rising. Preferably, a minimum of two consecutive acceleration data is needed to verify that Y axis rises above X axis.

4) Steps 1) 2) 3) need to be verified preferably two times to confirm clockwise direction.

Detecting the displacement pattern of Fig.8B may be conducted as follows, for counter clockwise direction:

2) X axis also has same condition as step 1).

3) It is needed to verify that the X axis is > Y axis value when X is rising. Preferably, a minimum of two consecutive acceleration data is needed to verify that X axis rises above Y axis.

4) Steps 1) 2) 3) need to be verified preferably two times to confirm counter clockwise

direction. Detecting the displacement pattern of Fig.8C may be conducted as follows:

1) First, the Z axis will confirm a vertical position as it goes from lg to Og. The X axis will be changing from Og to 1 g. The value depends on the specific angle, in this case it is assumed that the angle is the ideal case of 90 deg.

2) After that, at this vertically oriented heel resting position (70 deg to 130 deg range), the tilting to the right is identified using 3 axis:

a) X axis should have a value between Og and +/-1 g depending on the angle

b) Y axis should have a value between Og and +/-lg depending on the angle

c) Z axis should be near Og.

Value for 2a ) and 2b) can be lg multiplied by sine or cosine of the angle in degrees.

3) Both conditions 1 and 2 should be confirmed for at least 500ms.

Regarding Fig.8D, it depicts a hand unit according to the invention as described previously comprising a steam chamber. The sensor 126 (not shown) is adapted to generate an acceleration signal AS varying along the time in a vertical direction Z. The at least one operating parameter comprises the steam amount generated by the steam generator, such that if the acceleration signal AS along the vertical direction Z is above a threshold larger than 1 g, the steam mount generated by the steam generator is reduced, alternatively stopped.

The above threshold assumes that when the garment care device does not move and its soleplate is in a horizontal position, the acceleration measured on the Z axis equals 1 g.

For example, the threshold is 1 g + 50 mg.

Preferably, an additional condition is that the acceleration signal AS along the vertical direction Z should be larger than this threshold during a certain duration, for example 80 ms.

Since this relatively fast sudden lift-up of the garment care device may characterizes a potential risk for the user, the first microcontroller 110 may adjust the steam mount accordingly.

Reducing the steam amount may either results in decreasing the steam amount by a certain percentage, or completely stopping the generation of steam.

Detecting the displacement pattern of Fig.8D may be conducted as follows:

1) Z axis has pulse with a peak > 50mg and peak width of > 50ms, measured from the time it passes threshold of detection (>50 mg corresponding to the noise threshold, if any) going-up and threshold of detection going-down.

2) It's important to note that the Z axis is at about lg reference point. So the motion threshold should be lg +/- 50mg to take into account the noise level. Preferably, as illustrated in Fig. 1 and Fig. 7, the hand unit 12 comprises a soleplate 129a being in contact with a steam chamber 129b, and the base unit 11 is adapted to vary the temperature of the steam chamber 129b based on the digital movement signal as described above.

For example, if the hand unit 12 moves above a certain value (for example the acceleration or the velocity of the hand unit 12 is above a certain threshold), then the temperature of the steam chamber 129b is increased by a certain quantity. Alternatively, the temperature of the steam chamber is increased when the hand unit moves and the temperature of the steam chamber is decreased when the hand unit is not moved by the user.

Fig. 9a schematically shows a first embodiment of a hose cord for use in the garment care system in accordance with the invention.

The hose cord comprises the single communication wire 134a.

The hose cord also comprises also comprises the duct 135 for carrying a fluid (in particular water or steam from the base unit 11 to the hand unit 12)

The hose cord also comprises three power wires 131, 132, 133 for supplying electrical power to the hand unit 12. In particular, the three power wires 131, 132, 133 correspond to the earth, live and neutral, respectively.

The power wire 133 is used as neutral for electrical signals carried by the single

communication wire 134a.

The hose cord 13 may also further include an outer sheath 139, which is used to protect the power wires 131, 132, 133, the single communication wire 134a, and the duct 135.

Preferably, the base unit 11 is adapted to offset by a given DC value, the voltage on the single communication wire 134a, for providing power supply to the movement sensor 126. For example, the value of the DC voltage is 24 Volts. This means that the communication wire 134a is not only used to carry signals between the hand unit and the base unit, but also used to provide power supply to the movement sensor.

communication wire 134a, and as neutral of the DC voltage carried by the single communication wire 134a.

Fig. 9b schematically shows a second embodiment of a hose cord for use in the garment care system in accordance with the invention. In this embodiment, compared to the hose cord as illustrated in Fig. 9a, the hose cord 13 further comprises an additional wire 134b, and the base unit 11 is adapted to apply a given DC value on the additional wire 134b, for providing power supply to the movement sensor 126. For example, the value of the DC voltage is 24 Volts. This means that the communication wire 134a is only used to carry signals between the hand unit and the base unit, and the power supply to the movement sensor 126 is provided separately via the additional wire 134b.

communication wire 134a, and as neutral of the DC voltage carried by the additional wire 134b. If the movement sensor 126 is an acceleration sensor of the type Micro Electro-Mechanical

Systems (MEMS), this sensor can be used to control, for example, the heating element in the hand unit 12 depending on the orientation and/or movements of the hand unit 12. In this way, a stationary iron may be controlled by the base unit 11 to be heated less than a moving iron, thus adjusting the heating to the iron's use. Other sensors, such as temperature sensors or light sensors, may also be used.

Preferably, the hand unit 12 comprises at least one light unit 124, such as light-emitting diode ("LED").

The light unit 124 may for example be controlled such as it reflects the movement of the hand unit: for example with flashing light having a frequency being proportional to the movement value or amplitude.

In this case, the second microcontrollerl20 is adapted to control the light unit 124 via the single communication wire 134a, based on the digital movement signal carried on the single communication wire 134a from the hand unit 12 to the base unit 11.

In accordance with the invention, it is possible using only a single communication wire (or a single pair of communication wires for the base unit 11 and the hand unit 12 to communicate. In particular, LED(s) in hand unit 12 may be controlled from the base unit 11, while sensors in the hand unit 12 may be read out from the base unit 11, their data being transmitted from the hand unit 12 to the base unit 11 on the single communication wire 134a.

It will be understood that the description of the invention given above is not intended to limit the invention in any way. Singular nouns and the articles "a" and "an" are of course not meant to exclude the possibility of plurals. It will further be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments mentioned above and that many additions and modifications are possible without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appending claims.

Claims

1. A garment care system (10) for treating garments, the garment care system (10) comprising:

- a hand unit (12) for treating garments,

- a movement sensor (126) cooperating with a first microcontroller (110) arranged in the hand unit (12), for generating a digital movement signal characterizing the movement of the hand unit (12),

- a base unit (11) for resting the hand unit (12), wherein the hand unit (12) comprises a soleplate (129a) being in contact with a steam chamber (129b), the base unit (11) being adapted to vary the temperature of the steam chamber (129b) based on said digital movement signal,

- a hose cord (13) for connecting the base unit (11) and the hand unit (12), the hose cord (13) comprising:

a) a duct (135) for carrying a fluid from the base unit (11) to the hand unit (12), b) a single communication wire (134a) for carrying said digital movement signal from the hand unit (12) to the base unit (11), and for bidirectional digital communication between the base unit (11) and the hand unit (12).

2. The garment care system (10) according to claim 1, wherein the digital movement signal further comprises an orientation of the hand unit (12).

3. The garment care system according to claim 1, wherein the digital movement signal

corresponds to any one of acceleration signal, velocity signal, angular position signal, position signal, dual positions signal.

4. The garment care system according to claim 2, wherein the movement sensor (126) is an acceleration sensor of the type Micro Electro-Mechanical Systems (M EMS).

5. The garment care system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein:

the base unit (11) comprises a second microcontroller (120),

the second microcontroller (120) and the first microcontroller (110) are arranged for serial communication via the single communication wire (134a).

6. The garment care system according to claim 5, wherein the base unit (11) comprises a first interface (111) coupled to the second microcontroller (120), and wherein the hand unit (12) comprises a second interface (121) coupled to the first microcontroller (110).

7. The garment care system according to claim 6, wherein the first interface (111) and the second interface (121) are arranged for using a serial asynchronous receiver/transmitter communication protocol.

8. The garment care system according to claim 7, wherein said communication protocol is defined by the base unit (11) being adapted to periodically sending to the hand unit (12) a command signal on said single communication wire (134a), and the hand unit (12) being adapted to sending to the base unit (11) said digital movement signal after receiving said command signal.

9. The garment care system according to claim 8, wherein the base unit (11) is adapted to periodically sending said command signal with a time period in the range [10 ms; 100 ms].

10. The garment care system according to claim 1, wherein the base unit (11) comprises a steam generator (119b) for generating steam as said fluid, the base unit (11) being adapted to vary the temperature of the steam generator (119b) based on said digital movement signal.

11. The garment care system according to claim 1, wherein the base unit (11) comprises a pump (149) for providing water as said fluid, the base unit (11) being adapted to vary the flow rate of said pump (149) based on said digital movement signal.

12. The garment care system according to claim 1, wherein the base unit (11) is adapted to offset by a given DC value, the voltage on said single communication wire (134a), for providing power supply to said movement sensor (126).

13. The garment care system according to claim 1, wherein the hose cord (13) further comprises an additional wire (134b), and wherein the base unit (11) is adapted to apply a given DC value on said additional wire (134b), for providing power supply to said movement sensor (126).

14. The garment care system according to claim 5, wherein the hand unit (12) comprises a light unit (124), the second microcontroller (120) being adapted to control said light unit (124) via said single communication wire (134a), based on said digital movement signal carried on said single communication wire (134a) from the hand unit (12) to the base unit (11).

15. The garment care system according to any of claims 1 to 14, wherein the hose cord (13) further comprises three power wires (131, 132, 133) for supplying electrical power to the hand unit (12).