Steam treatment apparatus comprising switch assembly

Abstract

There is provided a steam treatment device (100) comprising a switch assembly, the steam treatment device comprising a handle (102), a control circuit (114A, 114B) for controlling an operating parameter of the steam treatment device, and a switch assembly (116) disposed in or proximal to the handle. The switch assembly includes an actuator (118) movable by the user in a first direction (D1) and by the user in a second direction (D2) different from the first direction. The switch assembly and the control circuit are arranged such that at least one movement of the actuator in a first direction by a user generates a first control signal for controlling one or more of the operating parameters, and at least one movement of the actuator in the second direction by the user generates a second control signal for controlling one or more of the operating parameters. The second control signal is different from the first control signal.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a steam treatment device comprising a control circuit and a switch assembly for controlling the steam treatment device.

[0002] The present disclosure can be used in the field of garment care. BACKGROUND

[0003] It is known that various types of steam treatment devices treat garments with steam to remove wrinkles by using the heat and moisture provided by the steam. One type of steam treatment device is a steam iron. A steam iron is an electric appliance for ironing garments.

[0004] To meet the usage requirements, consumers tend to expect small size and user convenience features. Steam treatment devices, such as steam irons, tend to have two independent buttons, wherein one button is provided for turning the steam treatment device on / off, and the other button is provided for selecting an ironing or steam treatment mode.

[0005] From a user's perspective, this design lacks convenience. In particular, providing two independent buttons can increase the risk of user error when operating the steam treatment device.

[0006] Patent EP2847376B1 discloses an iron comprising an auxiliary water tank adapted to supply water to a heating soleplate. A control button is adapted to cooperate with a switch for operating a water boiler and a solenoid valve for generating and supplying steam from the housing. In a first activation position of the button, a pumping unit is operated for pumping water from the water tank to the heating soleplate. In a second activation position of the button, the pumping unit is operated so as to generate steam by passage of water from the water tank to the heating soleplate.

[0007] Patent JP2007313115A discloses a steam iron capable of flexibly changing the amount of steam. The iron body includes a pump device for supplying water in a cartridge water tank to an evaporation chamber. A pressure sensor for detecting a force applied to the steam iron at the time of ironing is arranged in an upper portion of a handle portion and electrically connected to a board. A steam amount control means changes a flow rate of the pump device in response to the pressure detected by the pressure sensor, thereby changing the amount of steam. SUMMARY

[0008] It is an object of the present disclosure to propose a steam treatment device that avoids or mitigates one or more of the above-mentioned problems.

[0009] To this end, the steam treatment device according to the present disclosure comprises:

[0010] - a handle,

[0011] - a control circuit for controlling an operating parameter of the steam treatment device, and

[0012] - a switch assembly arranged in or proximal to the handle, the switch assembly comprising:

[0013] - an actuator movable by a user relative to the handle, and

[0014] - a biasing assembly arranged to bias the actuator to a neutral position when the actuator is not moved by the user, the actuator being movable by the user in a first direction away from the neutral position and being movable by the user in a second direction opposite to the first direction away from the neutral position,

[0015] wherein the switch assembly and the control circuit are arranged such that at least one movement of the actuator in the first direction by the user generates a first electrical control signal and at least one movement of the actuator in the second direction by the user generates a second electrical control signal different from the first control signal, said first and second electrical control signals being used by the control circuit to control said operating parameter.

[0016] Hence, different first and second electrical control signals for controlling the steam treatment device are conveniently and spatially efficiently provided via movement of the same actuator in different directions. Generating the first and second electrical control signals via different movements of the same actuator can also contribute to mitigating the risk of user errors typically associated with steam treatment devices having multiple buttons.

[0017] Further, the biasing assembly implies that the actuator automatically returns to the neutral position after movement of the actuator in the first direction or the second direction by the user.

[0018] For example, the actuator can be considered to have three positions: a rearward position, a central / neutral position, and a forward position, with a default return to the central / neutral position.

[0019] This automatic return to the neutral position can enhance the ease of use of the steam treatment device. In particular, the automatic return to the neutral position facilitates the use of the actuator to control the steam treatment device, as the extent of movement of the actuator in the first direction required to generate the first electrical control signal is not altered by previous movement of the actuator in the second direction by the user. Similarly, the extent of movement of the actuator in the second direction required to generate the second electrical control signal is not altered by previous movement of the actuator in the first direction by the user.

[0020] It should be noted that in the present context, the term "proximal to the handle" is intended to mean a position in which the switch assembly is arranged in the steam treatment device sufficiently close to the handle for a user to be able to move the actuator while gripping the handle, preferably using the same hand with which the handle is gripped. For example, when a user of the steam treatment device holds the handle with his / her left or right hand, the user can easily actuate the actuator via the thumb of the hand holding the handle.

[0021] The switch assembly can have any suitable design, as long as at least one movement of the actuator in the first direction by a user results in the generation of the first electrical control signal, and movement of the actuator in the second direction by a user results in the generation of the second electrical control signal. For example, the switch assembly comprises a double pole on-off-on switch assembly, such as a double pole on-off-on toggle switch assembly.

[0022] In some embodiments, the switch assembly comprises a first microswitch and a second microswitch, wherein the first microswitch is arranged to trigger the generation of the first electrical control signal by at least one movement of the actuator in the first direction, and the second microswitch is arranged to trigger the generation of the second electrical control signal by at least one movement of the actuator in the second direction. The first and second microswitches can provide a particularly convenient way of generating different first and second electrical control signals.

[0023] In some embodiments, the switch assembly comprises a central core that is movable relative to the handle. In such embodiments, the central core comprises a first contact member and a second contact member, wherein the central core is coupled to the actuator such that movement of the actuator in the first direction causes the first contact member to move against and actuate the first microswitch, and movement of the actuator in the second direction causes the second contact member to move against and actuate the second microswitch. Such a central core can provide a relatively directly realizable way of actuating the first and second microswitches via movement of the actuator in the first and second directions, respectively.

[0024] In some embodiments, the central core is rotatable relative to the handle such that movement of the actuator in the first direction causes the central core to rotate in a first rotational direction, thereby causing the first contact member to move against and actuate the first microswitch, and movement of the actuator in the second direction causes the central core to rotate in a second rotational direction, thereby causing the second contact member to move against and actuate the second microswitch.

[0025] The biasing assembly can be arranged in any suitable way, as long as the biasing assembly is able to bias the actuator to the neutral position when the actuator is not moved by a user. In some embodiments, the biasing assembly comprises a first spring for moving the actuator back to the neutral position after the actuator has been moved in the first direction, and a second spring for moving the actuator back to the neutral position after the actuator has been moved in the second direction.

[0026] For example, each of the first spring and the second spring is a coil spring.

[0027] In some embodiments, the switch assembly comprises a first stopper element arranged to define a travel limit of the actuator in the first direction, and / or a second stopper element arranged to define a travel limit of the actuator in the second direction. The first and / or second stopper element can help to minimize the risk of damaging the switch assembly (e.g. its first and second microswitches) due to excessive movement of the actuator.

[0028] For example, the first stopper element and / or the second stopper element protrude from the central core and abut a handle housing comprised in the handle to terminate movement of the actuator in the first direction and / or the second direction.

[0029] More generally, the steam generator comprised in the steam treatment device can comprise a heater.

[0030] In such embodiments, the first electrical control signal preferably controls the power supply to the heater. For example, the user can repeatedly push the actuator in the first direction, e.g. in the forward direction, to generate the first electrical control signal for controlling the heater.

[0031] In some embodiments, the first electrical control signal initiates (e.g. turns on) or deactivates (e.g. turns off) the power supply to the heater.

[0032] In some embodiments, the second electrical control signal successively selects a steam treatment device mode from a plurality of steam treatment device modes. For example, successive movements of the actuator in the second direction each generate one of said electrical second control signals selecting a steam treatment device mode.

[0033] For example, the user can repeatedly pull the actuator in the second direction, e.g. in the backward direction, to generate the second electrical control signal for selecting one of the plurality of steam treatment device modes.

[0034] In some embodiments, the plurality of steam treatment device modes comprises:

[0035] - a higher steam rate mode delivered by the steam generator,

[0036] - a lower steam rate mode delivered by the steam generator, the lower steam rate mode having a lower steam rate than the higher steam rate mode,

[0037] - a dry mode in which the steam generator does not deliver steam, and / or

[0038] - a rinse cleaning mode in which an elevated water flow rate is dosed into the steam generator to expel scale particles out of the steam generator.

[0039] The steam treatment device preferably comprises a user interface for communicating information to a user related to the operation of the steam treatment device.

[0040] The user interface can be configured in any suitable manner as long as the user interface is capable of communicating information to the user. In some embodiments, the user interface comprises one or more light-emitting elements, the illumination of which is indicative of a steam treatment device mode selected from a plurality of steam treatment device modes.

[0041] In embodiments in which the second electrical control signal successively selects a steam treatment device mode from a plurality of steam treatment device modes, the control circuit can be configured to control the user interface to indicate the steam treatment device mode selected from the plurality of steam treatment device modes.

[0042] In some embodiments, the light-emitting elements are associated with icons that illustrate the steam treatment device modes. For example, each light-emitting element is arranged adjacent to one of the icons. In this way, the illumination of the light-emitting element adjacent to one of the icons is indicative of the steam treatment device mode illustrated by that icon.

[0043] For example, a first light-emitting element is adjacent to a first icon that illustrates a lower steam rate mode, a second light-emitting element is adjacent to a second icon that illustrates a higher steam rate mode, a third light-emitting element is adjacent to a third icon that illustrates a dry mode, and a fourth light-emitting element is adjacent to a fourth icon that illustrates a rinse cleaning mode.

[0044] In some embodiments, and regardless of whether the first electrical control signal controls the supply of electrical power to the heater of the steam generator, the steam treatment device comprises a water pump for dosing water into the steam generator to generate steam.

[0045] In such embodiments, the control circuit is preferably configured to control the flow rate of the water pump based on which of the higher steam rate mode, the lower steam rate mode, the dry mode, and / or the rinse cleaning mode is selected.

[0046] In some embodiments, the steam treatment device comprises a handle coupled to a body, wherein the body comprises a treatment plate that bounds at least one steam spout through which steam can be delivered from the steam treatment device.

[0047] In such embodiments, the control circuit can be arranged in at least one of the handle and the body. For example, the control circuit is arranged in both the handle and the body.

[0048] A detailed explanation and other aspects of the present disclosure will be given below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0049] Specific aspects of this disclosure will now be explained with reference to embodiments described below and considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein the same portions or sub-steps are specified in the same manner:

[0050] FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B An external view of a sample steam treatment unit is provided.

[0051] FIG. 1C Provided FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B The image shows an internal view of the steam treatment equipment.

[0052] FIG. 2A Provided FIG. 1C An enlarged view of a portion of the interior of the steam treatment equipment shown in the image.

[0053] FIG. 2B Provided FIG. 1C and FIG. 2A A perspective view of a portion of the interior of a steam treatment device shown in the image.

[0054] FIG. 3 A portion of the handle of the steam treatment equipment is shown.

[0055] FIG. 4 A portion of a switching assembly for controlling a steam treatment device is shown.

[0056] FIG. 5 Provides another view of a part of the switch component.

[0057] FIG. 6 Provided FIGS. 1A-1C The exploded view of the steam treatment equipment shown in the figure, and

[0058] FIG. 7 The user interface of the steam treatment equipment is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0059] A steam treatment apparatus is provided, comprising a handle, control circuitry for controlling operating parameters of the steam treatment apparatus, and a switching assembly disposed in or near the handle. The switching assembly includes an actuator movable by a user in a first direction and also movable by the user in a second direction different from the first direction. The switching assembly and control circuitry are arranged such that the user generates a first electrical control signal for controlling one or more operating parameters upon at least one movement of the actuator in the first direction, and generates a second electrical control signal for controlling one or more operating parameters upon at least one movement of the actuator in the second direction. The second electrical control signal is different from the first control signal.

[0060] FIGS. 1A-1C A steam treatment apparatus 100 is depicted in accordance with one example. The steam treatment apparatus 100 is suitable for use in treating or ironing garments with steam. The steam treatment apparatus 100 includes a handle 102 that a user of the steam treatment apparatus 100 can grasp in order to move the steam treatment apparatus 100 over a garment being treated with steam using the steam treatment apparatus 100.

[0061] The steam treatment apparatus 100 is, for example, in the form of a steam iron.

[0062] The steam treatment apparatus 100 can include a main body 104 coupled to a first end of the handle 102, where the main body 104 includes a treatment plate 106 that bounds at least one steam spout through which steam can be delivered from the steam treatment apparatus 100.

[0063] In some embodiments, and as FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B The main body 104 is pivotably coupled to the handle 102, best shown.

[0064] This pivotable coupling of the handle 102 to the main body 104 can facilitate steam treatment of a garment. For example, this pivotable coupling can enable switching between a first configuration in which the handle 102 extends over at least a portion of the main body 104 (see, for example, FIG. 1A ) and a second configuration in which the main body 104 extends away from the first end of the handle 102 (see, for example, FIG. 1B ).

[0065] The ability to take on the second configuration, which can be considered an extended configuration, can facilitate steam treatment of a garment or portion of a garment that is further away from a user. Switching from the second / extended configuration to the first configuration can facilitate making the steam treatment apparatus 100 more compact, for example, for storage.

[0066] In embodiments such as FIGS. 1A-1C shown, in which the steam treatment apparatus 100 is a steam iron, and the handle 102 is pivotably coupled to the main body 104, the steam treatment apparatus 100 can thus be considered a steam iron with a rotatable handle 102.

[0067] The handle 102 can include handle housings 102A, 102B. In some embodiments, and with reference to FIG. 1C , the handle housings 102A, 102B include a first (e.g., upper) handle housing portion 102A and a second (e.g., lower) handle housing portion 102B.

[0068] In such embodiments, components of the steam treatment device 100 can be housed in the handle 102 between the first handle housing portion 102A and the second handle housing portion 102B.

[0069] In addition to the treatment plate 106, the body 104 can comprise a body housing.

[0070] The handle housing 102A, 102B and the body housing can each be formed from any suitable material, such as a plastics material.

[0071] The treatment plate 106 can be formed from any suitable material. In some embodiments, the treatment plate 106 comprises a metal alloy and / or metal, for example aluminium. For example, the treatment plate 106 comprising a metal alloy and / or metal can be coated with a coating, such as a metal oxide coating.

[0072] More generally, and still with reference to FIG. 1C The steam generator 108 comprised in the steam treatment device 100 can comprise a heater 110 for heating water in the steam generator 108 to generate steam.

[0073] Preferably, the heater 110 is also arranged to heat the treatment plate 106.

[0074] The heater 110 can have any suitable design. In some embodiments, such as that shown in FIG. 1C The heater 110 comprises a tubular heating element arranged to heat water in the steam generator 108 to generate steam, and arranged to heat the treatment plate 106.

[0075] In some embodiments, and still with reference to FIG. 1C The steam treatment device 100 comprises a water pump 111 for dosing water into the steam generator 108 (e.g. into a steam chamber comprised in the steam generator 108) to generate steam.

[0076] For example, the steam treatment device 100 comprises a water tank 112A, wherein the water pump 111 is arranged to dose water from the water tank 112A into the steam generator 108.

[0077] In such embodiments, the steam treatment device 100 can further comprise a fill cap 112B which is movable to allow access to the water tank 112A so that the water tank 112A can be (re)filled with water or emptied.

[0078] The steam treatment device 100 can be powered in any suitable manner. In some embodiments, the steam treatment device 100 is battery powered / battery powerable. Alternatively or additionally, the steam treatment device 100 is powerable via a mains power supply. In the latter case, the steam treatment device 100 comprises a power cord for connecting the steam treatment device 100 to the mains power supply.

[0079] The power cord is preferably joined to the handle 102 at or proximally of a second end of the handle 102, which is distal of a first end of the handle 102 that is coupled (e.g., pivotably coupled) to the main body 104.

[0080] In some embodiments, such as FIGS. 1A-1C As shown, the power cord is joined to the handle 102 via a power cord loop 113 protruding from the second end of the handle 102.

[0081] More generally, and with reference to FIG. 1C , the steam treatment device 100 comprises control circuitry 114A, 114B for controlling working parameters of the steam treatment device 100. The control circuitry 114A, 114B can control, for example, the operation of the heater 110 and / or the water pump 111.

[0082] The control circuitry 114A, 114B can be configured in any suitable manner in order to control the working parameters of the steam treatment device 100. In at least some embodiments, the control circuitry 114A, 114B comprises one or more processors, e.g., microcontrollers, configured to control the working parameters of the steam treatment device 100.

[0083] The control circuitry 114A, 114B can be comprised in the handle 102 and / or the main body 104. It should be noted that, in the non-limiting example shown in FIG. 1C , the control circuitry 114A, 114B is comprised in the handle 102 and the main body 104.

[0084] Still with reference to FIG. 1C , the steam treatment device 100 further comprises a switch assembly 116 arranged in the handle 102. Although not shown in the figures, the switch assembly 116 can alternatively be arranged proximally of the handle 102. It should be noted that, in the present context, the term “proximally of the handle 102” is intended to mean that the switch assembly 116 is arranged in the steam treatment device 100 close enough to the handle 102 for a user to be able to move an actuator 118 of the switch assembly 116 while gripping the handle 102, preferably using the same hand with which the handle 102 is gripped.

[0085] The actuator 118 is movable by a user in a first direction D1 and is movable by a user in a second direction D2 different from the first direction D1. AsFIGS. 1A-1C As illustrated, the second direction D2 is opposite to the first direction D1.

[0086] The switch assembly 116 and the control circuitry 114A, 114B are arranged such that at least one movement of the actuator 118 by a user in the first direction D1 generates a first electrical control signal for controlling one or more of the operating parameters of the vapour treatment apparatus 100, and at least one movement of the actuator 118 by a user in the second direction D2 generates a second electrical control signal for controlling one or more of the operating parameters. The second electrical control signal is different to the first electrical control signal.

[0087] Thus, different first and second electrical control signals for controlling the vapour treatment apparatus 100 are conveniently and spatially efficiently provided via movement of the same actuator 118 in different directions.

[0088] For example, a user repeatedly moves the actuator 118 in the first direction D1 (e.g. by pushing the actuator 118 in a forward direction) in order to generate the first electrical control signal, and moves the actuator 118 in the second direction D2 (e.g. by pulling the actuator 118 in a backward direction opposite to the forward direction) in order to generate the second electrical control signal.

[0089] The actuator 118 can have any suitable design, so long as the actuator 118 is movable by a user in the first and second directions D1, D2. In some embodiments, and as FIGS. 1A-1C illustrated, the actuator 118 is in the form of a lever.

[0090] In some embodiments, the first electrical control signal controls the supply of electrical power to the heater 110. Thus, at least one movement of the actuator 118 in the first direction D1 can result in the generation of the first electrical control signal which controls (e.g. activates or deactivates) the supply of electrical power to the heater 110.

[0091] For example, a user can repeatedly push the actuator 118 in the first direction D1, e.g. in a forward direction, to generate the first electrical control signal for turning on or off the heater 110.

[0092] Alternatively or additionally, the second electrical control signal successively selects a vapour treatment apparatus mode from a plurality of vapour treatment apparatus modes. For example, successive movements of the actuator 118 in the second direction D2 each generate a said second electrical control signal which selects one of the vapour treatment apparatus modes.

[0093] For example, the user can repeatedly pull the actuator 118 in the second direction D2, e.g., in a backward direction, to generate a second electrical control signal for selecting one of a plurality of steam treatment apparatus modes.

[0094] In other words, each of the steam treatment apparatus modes can be selected one by one by successive movements of the actuator 118 in the second direction D2, e.g., by successive pulling movements of the actuator 118 in the second, backward direction D2.

[0095] In some embodiments, the plurality of steam treatment apparatus modes includes a higher steam rate mode in which the steam generator 108 delivers a higher steam rate and a lower steam rate mode in which the steam generator 108 delivers a lower steam rate than in the higher steam rate mode.

[0096] The steam rate can be varied in any suitable manner. In embodiments in which the steam treatment apparatus 100 includes the water pump 111, the control circuitry 114A, 114B is preferably configured to control the flow rate of the water pump 111 based on which of the higher steam rate mode or the lower steam rate mode is selected.

[0097] For example, the water pump 111 is controlled to provide a water flow rate in the range of 10 to 19 g / min, e.g., about 17 g / min, to the steam chamber of the steam generator 108 when the lower steam rate mode is selected and a water flow rate in the range of 20 to 30 g / min, e.g., about 25 g / min, when the higher steam rate mode is selected.

[0098] In such embodiments, the set temperature of the treatment plate 106 is in the range of 115 to 145 °C when the lower steam rate mode is selected and in the range of 120 to 150 °C when the higher steam rate mode is selected.

[0099] As an alternative or in addition to the higher and lower steam rate modes, the plurality of steam treatment apparatus modes can include a dry mode in which the steam generator 108 does not deliver steam.

[0100] The dry mode can be implemented in any suitable manner. In embodiments in which the steam treatment apparatus 100 includes the water pump 111, the control circuitry 114A, 114B is preferably configured to control the water pump 111 such that the water pump 111 does not pump water to the steam generator 108 when the dry mode is selected.

[0101] As an alternative or in addition to the higher and lower steam rate modes and / or the dry mode, the plurality of steam treatment apparatus modes can include a flush cleaning mode in which an elevated water flow rate is dosed into the steam generator 108 to dislodge scale particles from the steam generator 108.

[0102] The flush cleaning mode can be implemented in any suitable manner. In embodiments in which the steam treatment apparatus 100 includes the water pump 111, the control circuitry 114A, 114B is preferably configured to control the water pump 111 to provide a water flow rate in the range of 60 to 90 g / min (e.g., about 75 g / min) to the steam chamber of the steam generator 108.

[0103] The switch assembly 116 can have any suitable design so long as user movement of the actuator 118 in the first direction D1 results in generation of the first electrical control signal and user movement of the actuator 118 in the second direction D2 results in generation of the second electrical control signal. For example, the switch assembly 116 includes a double pole on-off-on switch assembly 116.

[0104] In some embodiments, and as FIG. 1C and FIG. 2A As best shown, the switch assembly 116 includes a first microswitch 120 and a second microswitch 122, with the first microswitch 120 arranged to trigger generation of the first electrical control signal by at least one movement of the actuator 118 in the first direction D1 and the second microswitch 122 arranged to trigger generation of the second electrical control signal by at least one movement of the actuator 118 in the second direction D2. The first and second microswitches 120, 122 can provide a particularly convenient way of generating different first and second electrical control signals.

[0105] In some embodiments, and still referring to FIG. 1C and FIG. 2A , the steam treatment apparatus 100 includes a central core 124 that is movable relative to the handle 102, with the central core including a first contact member 126 and a second contact member 128. In such embodiments, the central core 124 is coupled (e.g., attached) to the actuator 118 such that movement of the actuator 118 in the first direction D1 causes the first contact member 126 to move against and actuate the first microswitch 120 and movement of the actuator 118 in the second direction D2 causes the second contact member 128 to move against and actuate the second microswitch 122.

[0106] Such a central core 124 can provide a relatively straightforward way of actuating the first and second microswitches 120, 122 via movement of the actuator 118 in the first and second directions D1, D2, respectively.

[0107] It should be noted that the actuator 118 (e.g. in combination with the central core 124) can be considered as e.g. a toggle switch.

[0108] In some embodiments, such as FIGS. 1A-1C , FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B illustrate, the central core 124 is rotatable relative to the handle 102 such that movement of the actuator 118 in the first direction D1 causes the central core 124 to rotate in a first rotational direction, thereby causing the first contact member 126 to move against and actuate the first microswitch 120, and movement of the actuator 118 in the second direction D2 causes the central core 124 to rotate in a second rotational direction (different from the first rotational direction), thereby causing the second contact member 128 to move against and actuate the second microswitch 122.

[0109] Such rotational movement of the central core 124 can be implemented in any suitable way. In some embodiments, and with reference to FIG. 2B and FIGS. 3-5 a pair of cylindrical protrusions 129A protrude from the central core 124 and are rotatably received in a cylindrical opening or recess 129B defined in the handle 102 (e.g. in the first handle housing portion 102A of the handle 102).

[0110] Other ways of rotatably mounting the central core 124 are conceivable, such as arranging a pair of cylindrical protrusions on the handle 102, e.g. on the first handle housing portion 102A, and rotatably receiving the cylindrical protrusions in a cylindrical opening or recess defined in the central core 124.

[0111] More generally, and as best illustrated in FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B the switch assembly 116 comprises a biasing assembly arranged to bias the actuator 118 to a neutral position when the actuator 118 is not moved by a user. Thus, the actuator 118 is movable by a user in the first direction D1 away from the neutral position, and is movable by a user in the second direction D2 away from the neutral position.

[0112] By biasing assembly is meant that the actuator 118 automatically returns to the neutral position after movement of the actuator 118 in the first direction D1 or the second direction D2 by a user.

[0113] For example, the actuator 118 can be considered to have three positions: a rearward position, a central / neutral position, and a forward position, with a default return to the central / neutral position.

[0114] This automatic return to the neutral position can enhance the ease of use of the steam treatment device 100. In particular, the automatic return to the neutral position facilitates control of the steam treatment device 100 using the actuator 118, as the extent of movement of the actuator 118 in the first direction D1 required to generate the first electrical control signal is not altered by prior movement of the actuator 118 in the second direction D2 by a user. Similarly, the extent of movement of the actuator 118 in the second direction D2 required to generate the second electrical control signal is not altered by prior movement of the actuator 118 in the first direction D1 by a user.

[0115] The biasing assembly can be arranged in any suitable manner, so long as the biasing assembly is able to bias the actuator 118 to the neutral position, but enable the actuator 118 to move in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 against the bias provided by the biasing assembly to cause generation of the first electrical control signal and the second electrical control signal.

[0116] In some embodiments, and as FIG. 2A , FIG. 2B , FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 As best shown, the biasing assembly includes a first spring 130 for moving the actuator 118 back to the neutral position after movement of the actuator 118 in the first direction D1, and a second spring 132 for moving the actuator 118 back to the neutral position after movement of the actuator 118 in the second direction D2.

[0117] For example, each of the first spring 130 and the second spring 132 is a coil spring.

[0118] The first spring 130 and the second spring 132 can be mounted in various ways. In some embodiments, and with reference to FIG. 5 For example, the first spring 130, in the form of a coil spring, is partially received in a first recess 133A defined in the central core 124. Similarly, the second spring 132, in the form of a coil spring, can be partially received in a second recess 133B defined in the central core 124.

[0119] An upper portion of each of the first spring 130 and the second spring 132 can contact an internal surface of the handle housing 102A, 102B, for example an internal surface of the first handle housing portion 102A.

[0120] In one non-limiting example, rotation of the central core 124 in the first rotational direction results in compression of the first spring 130 between the first recess 133A and an interior surface of the first handle housing portion 102A. Subsequent recovery of the first spring 130 after the user releases the actuator 118 returns the actuator 118 to the neutral position. Similarly, rotation of the central core 124 in the second rotational direction results in compression of the second spring 132 between the second recess 133B and an interior surface of the first handle housing portion 102A, with subsequent recovery of the second spring 130 returning the actuator 118 to the neutral position.

[0121] In some embodiments, and as FIG. 2A 、 FIG. 2B and FIG. 5 best shown, the switch assembly 116 includes a first stopper element 134 arranged to define a travel limit of the actuator 118 in the first direction Dl, and / or a second stopper element 136 arranged to define a travel limit of the actuator 118 in the second direction D2.

[0122] The first and / or second stopper elements 134, 136 can help to minimize the risk of damage to the switch assembly 116 (e.g., its first and second microswitches 120, 122) due to excessive movement of the actuator 118. It should be noted that such excessive movement of the actuator 118 can present a risk of damage to the switch assembly 116 via, for example, excessive rotation of the central core 124.

[0123] For example, the first and / or second stopper elements 134, 136 are in the form of ribs protruding from the central core 124 and contact an interior surface of the handle housing 102A, 102B (e.g., an interior surface of the first handle housing portion 102A) to terminate movement of the actuator 118 in the first and / or second directions Dl, D2.

[0124] It should be noted that with reference to FIG. 6 , in embodiments in which the switch assembly 116 is arranged in the handle 102, the actuator 118 can protrude through an aperture 137 defined in the handle housing 102A, 102B (e.g., in the first handle housing portion 102A).

[0125] In some embodiments, and still with reference to FIG. 6 , a mounting member 138 is included in the handle 102 to which at least a portion of the control circuit 114B is mounted. The mounting member 138 can be considered, for example, an electronics control assembly parts bin.

[0126] In some embodiments, and with reference to FIG. 1A 、 FIG. 1B and FIG. 7The steam treatment device 100 comprises a user interface 140 for communicating information related to the operation of the steam treatment device 100 to a user.

[0127] In embodiments in which the second electrical control signal successively selects a steam treatment device mode from a plurality of steam treatment device modes, the control circuit 114A, 114B can be configured to control the user interface 140 to indicate the steam treatment device mode selected from the plurality of steam treatment device modes.

[0128] The user interface 140 can be configured in any suitable manner, as long as the user interface 140 is capable of communicating information to a user. In some embodiments, the user interface 140 comprises one or more light-emitting elements 142; 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D, the illumination of which indicates the steam treatment device mode selected from the plurality of steam treatment device modes.

[0129] Any suitable light-emitting element 142; 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D can be used in the user interface 140. In some embodiments, the light-emitting elements 142; 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D are light-emitting diodes.

[0130] In some embodiments, and with reference to FIG. 7 The light-emitting elements 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D are associated with icons exemplifying steam treatment device modes. For example, each light-emitting element 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D is arranged adjacent to one of the icons. In this way, the illumination of the light-emitting element 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D adjacent to one of the icons indicates the steam treatment device mode exemplified by that icon.

[0131] In the non-limiting example shown in FIG. 7 , the first light-emitting element 142A is adjacent to a first icon exemplifying a lower steam rate mode, the second light-emitting element 142B is adjacent to a second icon exemplifying a higher steam rate mode, the third light-emitting element 142C is adjacent to a third icon exemplifying a dry mode, and the fourth light-emitting element 142D is adjacent to a fourth icon exemplifying a rinse cleaning mode.

[0132] It should be noted that FIG. 7 The arrows 143A, 143B, 143C, 143D provided in

[0133] In particular, arrow 143A indicates the steam treatment device mode changing from the dry mode to the lower steam rate mode, arrow 143B indicates the steam treatment device mode changing from the lower steam rate mode to the higher steam rate mode, arrow 143C indicates the steam treatment device mode changing from the higher steam rate mode to the rinse cleaning mode, and arrow 143D indicates the steam treatment device mode changing from the rinse cleaning mode back to the dry mode.

[0134] Thus, each time the actuator 118 is moved in the second direction D2, e.g. backwards, the steam treatment device mode is sequentially selectable, in other words, is selected one by one with each movement of the actuator 118 in the second direction D2.

[0135] The light emitting elements 142; 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D, e.g. together with the icons, are preferably arranged in / on the housing of the steam treatment device 100. For example, the light emitting elements 142; 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D, e.g. together with the icons, are arranged in / on the main body housing (as FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B The light emitting elements 142; 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D, e.g. together with the icons, are preferably arranged in / on the housing of the steam treatment device 100. For example, the light emitting elements 142; 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D, e.g. together with the icons, are arranged in / on the main body housing (as

[0136] The above-described embodiments are merely illustrative and are not intended to limit the technical solutions of the present disclosure. Although the present disclosure is described in detail with reference to the preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that the technical solutions of the present disclosure can be modified or equivalently replaced without departing from the protection scope of the claims of the present disclosure. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a / an" does not exclude a plurality. Any reference signs in the claims should not be interpreted as limiting the scope.

Claims

1. A steam treatment device (100), the steam treatment device comprising: - Handle (102). - Control circuits (114A, 114B), said control circuits being used to control the operating parameters of the steam treatment equipment, and - A switch assembly (116), the switch assembly being disposed in or near the handle, the switch assembly comprising: -Actuator (118), the actuator being movable by a user relative to the handle, and - A biasing assembly arranged to bias the actuator to a neutral position when the actuator is not moved by the user, the actuator being movable by the user away from the neutral position in a first direction (D1) and also being movable by the user away from the neutral position in a second direction (D2) opposite to the first direction. The switching assembly and the control circuit are arranged such that the user generates a first electrical control signal for at least one movement of the actuator in the first direction, and the user generates a second electrical control signal for at least one movement of the actuator in the second direction, the second electrical control signal being different from the first electrical control signal, and the first electrical control signal and the second electrical control signal being used by the control circuit to control the operating parameters.

2. The steam treatment apparatus (100) according to claim 1, wherein the switching assembly (116) includes a first micro switch (120) and a second micro switch (122), the first micro switch being arranged to trigger the generation of the first electrical control signal by the at least one movement of the actuator (118) in the first direction (D1), and the second micro switch being arranged to trigger the generation of the second electrical control signal by the at least one movement of the actuator in the second direction (D2).

3. The steam treatment equipment (100) according to claim 2, wherein: - The switch assembly (116) includes a central core (124) that is movable relative to the handle (102). - The central core includes a first contact member (126) and a second contact member (128). - The central core is connected to the actuator (118) such that the movement of the actuator in the first direction (D1) causes the first contact member to move against and actuate the first micro switch (120), and the movement of the actuator in the second direction (D2) causes the second contact member to move against and actuate the second micro switch (122).

4. The steam treatment apparatus (100) according to claim 3, wherein the central core (124) is rotatable relative to the handle (102), such that the movement of the actuator (118) in the first direction (D1) causes the central core to rotate in the first rotational direction, thereby causing the first contact member (126) to move against and actuate the first micro switch (120), and the movement of the actuator in the second direction (D2) causes the central core to rotate in the second rotational direction, thereby causing the second contact member (128) to move against and actuate the second micro switch (122).

5. The steam treatment apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the biasing assembly includes a first spring (130) for moving the actuator (118) back to the neutral position after the actuator moves in the first direction (D1), and a second spring (132) for moving the actuator back to the neutral position after the actuator moves in the second direction (D2).

6. The steam treatment apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the switching assembly (116) comprises: - A first stop element (134), the first stop element being arranged to limit the travel limit of the actuator (118) in the first direction (D1), and / or - A second stop element (136) is arranged to limit the travel limit of the actuator in the second direction (D2).

7. The steam treatment apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, the steam treatment apparatus comprising a steam generator (108), the steam generator comprising a heater (110), wherein the first electrical control signal controls the power supply to the heater.

8. The steam treatment apparatus (100) according to claim 7, wherein the first electrical control signal starts or stops the power supply to the heater (110).

9. The steam treatment apparatus (100) according to claim 7, wherein the second electrical control signal sequentially selects a steam treatment apparatus mode from a plurality of steam treatment apparatus modes.

10. The steam treatment apparatus (100) according to claim 9, wherein the plurality of steam treatment apparatus modes include: -A higher steam rate mode supplied by the steam generator (108), - The lower steam rate mode delivered by the steam generator has a lower steam rate compared to the higher steam rate mode. - Drying mode, wherein the steam generator does not deliver steam, and / or - Rinse cleaning mode, wherein an increased water flow rate is metered into the steam generator to expel scale particles from the steam generator.

11. The steam treatment apparatus (100) according to claim 9, the steam treatment apparatus including a user interface (140), wherein the control circuitry (114A, 114B) is configured to control the user interface to indicate the steam treatment apparatus mode selected from the plurality of steam treatment apparatus modes.

12. The steam treatment apparatus (100) according to claim 11, wherein the user interface (140) includes one or more light-emitting elements (142; 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D), the illumination of the light-emitting elements indicating the steam treatment apparatus mode selected from the plurality of steam treatment apparatus modes.

13. The steam treatment apparatus (100) according to claim 10, wherein the steam treatment apparatus includes a water pump (111) for metering water into the steam generator (108) to generate steam.

14. The steam treatment apparatus (100) according to claim 13, wherein the control circuit (114A, 114B) is configured to control the flow rate of the water pump (111) based on selecting one of the higher steam rate mode, the lower steam rate mode, the drying mode, and the rinsing cleaning mode.

15. The steam treatment apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, the steam treatment apparatus comprising a body (104) coupled to the handle (102), the body comprising a treatment plate (106) defining at least one steam nozzle through which steam can be delivered from the steam treatment apparatus, wherein the control circuitry (114A, 114B) is arranged in at least one of the handle and the body.

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