Steaming device comprising switch assembly

Abstract

Provided is a steaming device (100) comprising a handle (102), control circuitry (114A, 114B) for controlling working parameters of the steaming device, and a switch assembly (116) arranged in or proximal to the handle. The switch assembly comprises an actuator (118) being moveable by a user in a first direction (D1) and being moveable by the user in a second direction (D2) different to the first direction. The switch assembly and the control circuitry are arranged such that at least one movement of the actuator by the user in the first direction generates a first control signal for controlling one or more of the working parameters, and at least one movement of the actuator by the user in the second direction generates a second control signal for controlling one or more of the working parameters. The second control signal is different from the first control signal.

Description

[0001] STEAMING DEVICE COMPRISING SWITCH ASSEMBLY

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The invention relates to a steaming device comprising control circuitry and a switch assembly for controlling the steaming device.

[0004] The invention may be used in the field of garment care.

[0005] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0006] Various types of steaming device are known for steaming garments to remove creases through the use of heat and moisture provided by steam. One type of steaming device is a steam iron. The steam iron is an electric appliance used for ironing garments.

[0007] To satisfy use requirements, small dimensions and user convenience features tend to be expected by consumers. Steaming devices, such as steam irons, tend to have two separate buttons, with one of the buttons being provided for switching the steaming device on / off, and the other button being provided to select the ironing or steaming mode.

[0008] This design has been found to lack convenience from the user’s point of view. In particular, the provision of two separate buttons can increase the risk of the user making a mistake when operating the steaming device.

[0009] Patent EP2847376B1 discloses an iron comprising a supplementary water tank which is suitable to supply water to a heated soleplate. A control button is suitable to cooperate with a switch for operating a boiler and a solenoid valve for producing and supplying steam from a machine frame. A pumping unit is operated for pumping water from tank to heated soleplate in a first active position of button. The pumping unit is operated in a second active position of button, so as to obtain a production of steam by passage of water from tank to heated soleplate.

[0010] Patent JP2007313115A discloses a steam iron capable of flexibly varying a steam amount. The iron body includes a pump device for supplying water in a cassette tank to a vaporizing chamber. A pressure sensor for detecting force imposed on the steam iron in ironing is arranged in the upper part of a handle part and electrically connected to a board. A steam amount control means varies the flow rate of the pump device in response to the pressure detected by the pressure sensor so as to vary the steam amount.

[0011] OBJECT AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] It is an object of the invention to propose a steaming device that avoids or mitigates one or more of the above-mentioned problems.

[0013] The invention is defined by the independent claims. The dependent claims define advantageous embodiments.

[0014] To this end, the steaming device according to the invention comprises: a handle, control circuitry for controlling working parameters of the steaming device, and a switch assembly arranged in or proximal to the handle, the switch assembly comprising: an actuator being moveable 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 being moved by the user, the actuator being moveable by the user away from the neutral position in a first direction and being moveable by the user away from the neutral position in a second direction opposite from the first direction, wherein the switch assembly and the control circuitry are arranged such that at least one movement of the actuator by the user in the first direction generates a first electrical control signal, and at least one movement of the actuator by the user in the second direction generates a second electrical control signal, the second electrical control signal being different from the first control signal, said first and second electrical control signals being used by the control circuitry to control said working parameters.

[0015] Thus, the different first and second electrical control signals for controlling the steaming device are conveniently and spatially efficiently provided via movements of the same actuator in different directions. Generating the first and second electrical control signals via different movements of the same actuator can also assist to mitigate the risk of user errors conventionally associated with steaming devices having a plurality of buttons. Moreover, the biasing assembly means that the actuator automatically returns to the neutral position following movement of the actuator by the user in either the first direction or the second direction.

[0016] The actuator can, for example, be regarded as having three positions: a backward position, a central / neutral position, and a forward position, with the central / neutral position being returned to by default.

[0017] This automatic return to the neutral position can enhance convenience of use of the steaming device. In particular, automatic return to the neutral position assists the control of the steaming device using the actuator, since a degree of movement of the actuator in the first direction required to generate the first electrical control signal is unaltered by a previous movement of the actuator by the user in the second direction. Similarly, a degree of movement of the actuator in the second direction required to generate the second electrical control signal is unaltered by a previous movement of the actuator by the user in the first direction.

[0018] It is noted that the term “proximal to the handle” in this context is intended to mean that the switch assembly is arranged in the steaming device sufficiently close to the handle to enable the user to move the actuator while the user is grasping the handle, preferably using the same hand that is grasping the handle. For example, when a user of the steaming device holds the handle with his / her left hand or right hand, user can easily actuate the actuator via his / her thumb of the hand holding the handle.

[0019] The switch assembly can have any suitable design provided that the at least one movement of the actuator by the user in the first direction causes the first electrical control signal to be generated, and the movement of the actuator by the user in the second direction causes the second electrical control signal to be generated. For example, the switch assembly comprises a bipolar On-Off-On switch assembly, such as a bipolar On-Off-On toggle switch assembly.

[0020] In some embodiments, the switch assembly comprises a first microswitch and a second microswitch, with the first microswitch being arranged to trigger generation of the first electrical control signal by the at least one movement of the actuator in the first direction, and the second microswitch being arranged to trigger generation of the second electrical control signal by the at least one movement of the actuator in the second direction. The first and second microswitches can provide a particularly convenient way of generating the different first and second electrical control signals.

[0021] In some embodiments, the switch assembly comprises a central core moveable relative to the handle. In such embodiments, the central core comprises a first contact member and a second contact member, with the central core being coupled to the actuator such that the movement of the actuator in the first direction causes the first contact member to move against and actuate the first microswitch, and the 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 straightforwardly implementable way of actuating the first microswitch and the second microswitch via movement of the actuator in the first direction and the second direction respectively.

[0022] In some embodiments, the central core is rotatable relative to the handle so that the movement of the actuator in the first direction rotates the central core in a first rotational direction to cause the first contact member to move against and actuate the first microswitch, and the movement of the actuator in the second direction rotates the central core in a second rotational direction to cause the second contact member to move against and actuate the second microswitch.

[0023] The biasing assembly can be arranged in any suitable manner provided that the biasing assembly is capable of biasing the actuator to the neutral position when the actuator is not being moved by the user. In some embodiments, the biasing assembly comprises a first spring for moving the actuator back to the neutral position following movement of the actuator in the first direction, and a second spring for moving the actuator back to the neutral position following movement of the actuator in the second direction.

[0024] For example, each of the first spring and the second spring is a helical spring.

[0025] In some embodiments, the switch assembly comprises a first stopper element arranged to define a limit of travel of the actuator in the first direction, and / or a second stopper element arranged to define a limit of travel of the actuator in the second direction. The first and / or second stopper elements can help to minimize the risk of damage to the switch assembly, e.g. the first and second microswitches thereof, by excessive movement of the actuator. For example, the first stopper element and / or the second stopper element protrude(s) from the central core, and abut(s) a handle casing included in the handle to terminate the movement of the actuator in the first direction and / or the second direction.

[0026] More generally, a steam generator included in the steaming device can comprise a heater.

[0027] In such embodiments, the first electrical control signal preferably controls power supply to the heater. For example, the user can push the actuator in the first direction, e.g. in a forward direction, repeatedly to generate the first electrical control signal used to control the heater.

[0028] In some embodiments, the first electrical control signal activates (e.g. starts) or deactivates (e.g. stops) power supply to the heater.

[0029] In some embodiments, the second electrical control signal successively selects a steaming device mode from a plurality of steaming device modes. For example, successive movements of the actuator in the second direction each generate one of said electrical second control signal that selects the steaming device mode.

[0030] For example, the user can pull the actuator in the second direction, e.g. in a backward direction, repeatedly to generate the second electrical control signal used to select one of the plurality of steaming device modes.

[0031] In some embodiments, the plurality of steaming device modes comprises: a higher steam rate mode delivered by the steam generator, a lower steam rate mode delivered by the steam generator, the lower steam rate mode having a lower steam rate compared to the higher steam rate mode, a dry mode in which no steam is delivered by the steam generator, and / or a flush clean mode in which an elevated water flow rate is dosed into the steam generator to expel scale particles out of the steam generator.

[0032] The steaming device preferably comprises a user interface for communicating to the user information relevant to operation of the steaming device. The user interface can be configured in any suitable manner provided that the user interface is capable of communicating the information to the user. In some embodiments, the user interface comprises one or more lighting elements whose illumination indicates the steaming device mode selected from the plurality of steaming device modes.

[0033] In embodiments in which the second electrical control signal successively selects the steaming device mode from the plurality of steaming device modes, the control circuitry can be configured to control the user interface to indicate the steaming device mode selected from the plurality of steaming device modes.

[0034] In some embodiments, the lighting elements are associated with icons that illustrate the steaming device mode. Each lighting element is, for instance, arranged adjacent to one of the icons. In this way, illumination of the lighting element adjacent to one of the icons indicates the steaming device mode illustrated by that icon.

[0035] For example, a first lighting element is adjacent to a first icon illustrating the lower steam rate mode, a second lighting element is adjacent to a second icon illustrating the higher steam rate mode, a third lighting element is adjacent to a third icon illustrating the dry mode, and a fourth lighting element is adjacent to a fourth icon illustrating the flush clean mode.

[0036] In some embodiments, and irrespective of whether or not the first electrical control signal controls power supply to the steam generator’s heater, the steaming device comprises a water pump for dosing water into the steam generator to generate steam.

[0037] In such embodiments, the control circuitry is preferably configured to control 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 flush clean mode is selected.

[0038] In some embodiments, the steaming device comprises a main body coupled to the handle, with the main body comprising a treatment plate delimiting at least one steam vent through which steam is deliverable from the steaming device.

[0039] In such embodiments, the control circuitry can be arranged in at least one of the handle and the main body. For example, the control circuitry is arranged in the handle and in the main body. Detailed explanations and other aspects of the invention will be given below.

[0040] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] Particular aspects of the invention will now be explained with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter and considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which identical parts or sub-steps are designated in the same manner:

[0042] Figs.1 A and IB provide exterior views of a steaming device according to an example, Fig.1C provides an interior view of the steaming device shown in Figs.1 A and IB, Fig.2A provides an enlarged view of part of the interior of the steaming device shown in Fig.lC,

[0043] Fig.2B provides a perspective view showing a portion of the interior of the steaming device shown in Figs.1C and 2A,

[0044] Fig.3 shows part of a handle of the steaming device,

[0045] Fig.4 shows part of a switch assembly for controlling the steaming device,

[0046] Fig.5 provides another view of a portion of the switch assembly,

[0047] Fig.6 provides an exploded view of the steaming device shown in Figs.1 A to 1C, and Fig.7 shows a user interface of the steaming device.

[0048] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0049] Provided is a steaming device comprising a handle, control circuitry for controlling working parameters of the steaming device, and a switch assembly arranged in or proximal to the handle. The switch assembly comprises an actuator being moveable by a user in a first direction and being moveable by the user in a second direction different to the first direction. The switch assembly and the control circuitry are arranged such that at least one movement of the actuator by the user in the first direction generates a first electrical control signal for controlling one or more of the working parameters, and at least one movement of the actuator by the user in the second direction generates a second electrical control signal for controlling one or more of the working parameters. The second electrical control signal is different from the first control signal.

[0050] Figs.1 A to 1C depict a steaming device 100 according to an example. The steaming device 100 is suitable for steaming or ironing a garment. The steaming device 100 comprises a handle 102 that a user of the steaming device 100 can grasp in order to move the steaming device 100 over the garment being steamed using the steaming device 100. The steaming device 100 is, for example, in the form of a steam iron.

[0051] The steaming device 100 can include a main body 104 coupled to a first end of the handle 102, with the main body 104 comprising a treatment plate 106 delimiting at least one steam vent through which steam is deliverable from the steaming device 100.

[0052] In some embodiments, and as best shown in Figs.1 A and IB, the main body 104 is pivotably coupled to the handle 102.

[0053] Such pivotable coupling of the handle 102 to the main body 104 can facilitate steaming of a garment. For example, this pivotable coupling can enable switching between a first configuration in which the handle 102 extends over at least part of the main body 104 (see, e.g., Fig.lA), and a second configuration in which the main body 104 extends away from the first end of the handle 102 (see, e.g., Fig. IB).

[0054] Capability to adopt the second configuration, which can be regarded as an extended configuration, can assist steaming a garment, or a part of a garment, situated further away from the user. Switching from the second / extended configuration to the first configuration can help to make the steaming device 100 more compact, e.g. for storage.

[0055] In embodiments, such as shown in Figs.1 A to 1C, in which the steaming device 100 is a steam iron, and the handle 102 is pivotably coupled to the main body 104, the steaming device 100 can accordingly be regarded as being a steam iron with a rotatable handle 102.

[0056] The handle 102 can comprise a handle casing 102A, 102B. In some embodiments, and referring to Fig. lC, the handle casing 102A, 102B comprises a first, e.g. upper, handle casing portion 102A and a second, e.g. lower, handle casing portion 102B.

[0057] In such embodiments, component(s) of the steaming device 100 can be housed in the handle 102 between the first handle casing portion 102 A and the second handle casing portion 102B.

[0058] The main body 104 can comprise a main body casing, in addition to the treatment plate 106. The handle casing 102 A, 102B and the main body casing can each be formed from any suitable material, such as a plastic material.

[0059] The treatment plate 106 can also be formed from any suitable material. In some embodiments, the treatment plate 106 comprises a metal alloy and / or a metal, e.g. aluminum. For example, the metal alloy- and / or metal-comprising treatment plate 106 can be coated with a coating, such as a metal oxide coating.

[0060] More generally, and still referring to Fig.lC, a steam generator 108 included in the steaming device 100 can comprise a heater 110 for heating water in the steam generator 108 to generate steam.

[0061] Preferably, the heater 110 is also arranged to heat the treatment plate 106.

[0062] The heater 110 can have any suitable design. In some embodiments, such as that shown in Fig. lC, the heater 110 comprises a tubular heating element. For example, the heater 110 comprises a tubular heating element arranged to heat water in the steam generator 108 to generate steam as well as being arranged to heat the treatment plate 106.

[0063] In some embodiments, and with continued reference to Fig. lC, the steaming device 100 comprises a water pump 111 for dosing water into the steam generator 108, e.g. into a steam chamber included in the steam generator 108, to generate steam.

[0064] For example, the steaming device 100 comprises a water tank 112A, with the water pump 111 being arranged to dose the water from the water tank 112A to the steam generator 108.

[0065] In such embodiments, the steaming device 100 can also include a fill cap 112B being moveable to allow access to the water tank 112 A so that the water tank 112A can be (re-)filled with water or emptied.

[0066] The steaming device 100 can be powered in any suitable manner. In some embodiments, the steaming device 100 is battery powered / powerable. Alternatively or additionally, the steaming device 100 is powerable via a mains supply of electricity. In the latter case, the steaming device 100 comprises a power cord for connecting the steaming device 100 to the mains supply of electricity.

[0067] The power cord is preferably joined to the handle 102 at or proximal to a second end of the handle 102 that is distal from the first end at which the handle 102 is coupled, e.g. pivotably coupled, to the main body 104.

[0068] In some embodiments, such as that shown in Figs.1 A to 1C, the power cord is joined to the handle 102 via a power cord grommet 113 that protrudes from the second end of the handle 102.

[0069] More generally, and referring to Fig. lC, the steaming device 100 comprises control circuitry 114A, 114B for controlling working parameters of the steaming device 100. The control circuitry 114A, 114B can control, for example, operation of the heater 110 and / or the water pump 111.

[0070] The control circuitry 114A, 114B can be configured in any suitable manner in order to control working parameters of the steaming device 100. In at least some embodiments, the control circuitry 114A, 114B includes one or more processors, e.g. microcontroller(s), configured to control working parameters of the steaming device 100.

[0071] The control circuitry 114A, 114B can be included in the handle 102 and / or the main body 104. It is noted that in the non-limiting example shown in Fig.1C, the control circuitry 114A, 114B is included in the handle 102 and in the main body 104.

[0072] Still referring to Fig.lC, the steaming device 100 further comprises a switch assembly 116 arranged in the handle 102. Whilst not shown in the Figures, the switch assembly 116 can alternatively be arranged proximal to the handle 102. It is noted that the term “proximal to the handle 102” in this context is intended to mean that the switch assembly 116 is arranged in the steaming device 100 sufficiently close to the handle 102 to enable the user to move an actuator 118 of the switch assembly 116 while the user is grasping the handle 102, preferably using the same hand that is grasping the handle 102.

[0073] The actuator 118 is moveable by a user in a first direction DI and is moveable by the user in a second direction D2 different to the first direction DI . As illustrated in Figs.1 A to 1C, the second direction D2 is opposite from the first direction DI. The switch assembly 116 and the control circuitry 114A, 114B are arranged such that at least one movement of the actuator 118 by the user in the first direction DI generates a first electrical control signal for controlling one or more of the steaming device’s 100 working parameters, and at least one movement of the actuator 118 by the user in the second direction D2 generates a second electrical control signal for controlling one or more of the working parameters. The second electrical control signal is different from the first electrical control signal.

[0074] Thus, the different first and second electrical control signals for controlling the steaming device 100 are conveniently and spatially efficiently provided via movements of the same actuator 118 in different directions.

[0075] For example, the user moves the actuator 118 in the first direction DI, e.g. by pushing the actuator 118 in a forward direction, repeatedly 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 the forward direction, in order to generate the second electrical control signal.

[0076] The actuator 118 can have any suitable design provided that the actuator 118 is moveable by the user in the first and second directions DI, D2. In some embodiments, and as shown in Figs.1 A to 1C, the actuator 118 is in the form of a lever.

[0077] In some embodiments, the first electrical control signal controls power supply to the heater 110. Thus, at least one movement of the actuator 118 in the first direction DI can cause generation of the first electrical control signal that controls, for example activates or deactivates, the power supply to the heater 110.

[0078] For example, the user can push the actuator 118 in the first direction DI, e.g. in a forward direction, repeatedly to generate the first electrical control signal used to start or stop the heater 110.

[0079] Alternatively or additionally, the second electrical control signal successively selects a steaming device mode from a plurality of steaming device modes. For example, successive movements of the actuator 118 in the second direction D2 each generate one said second electrical control signal that selects the steaming device mode.

[0080] For example, the user can pull the actuator 118 in the second direction D2, e.g. in a backward direction, repeatedly to generate the second electrical control signal used to select one of the plurality of steaming device modes.

[0081] In other words, each of the steaming device 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, backwards direction D2.

[0082] In some embodiments, the plurality of steaming device modes comprises a higher steam rate mode delivered by the steam generator 108 and a lower steam rate mode delivered by the steam generator 108, with the lower steam rate mode having a lower steam rate compared to the higher steam rate mode.

[0083] The steam rate can be varied in any suitable manner. In embodiments in which the steaming device 100 includes the water pump 111, the control circuitry 114A, 114B is preferably configured to control flow rate of the water pump 111 based on which of the higher steam rate mode or the lower steam rate mode is selected.

[0084] For example, the water pump I l l is controlled to provide a water flow rate to the steam chamber of the steam generator 108 in the range of 10 to 19 g / minute, e.g. about 17 g / minute, when the lower steam rate mode is selected, and in the range of 20 to 30 g / minute, e.g. about 25 g / minute, when the higher steam rate mode is selected.

[0085] In such embodiments, a set temperature of the treatment plate 106 is, for instance, in the range of 115 to 145 degrees Celsius when the lower steam rate mode is selected, with the set temperature of the treatment plate 106 being in the range 120 to 150 degrees Celsius when the higher steam rate mode is selected.

[0086] As an alternative or in addition to the higher and lower steam rate modes, the plurality of steaming device modes can include a dry mode in which no steam is delivered by the steam generator 108. The dry mode can be implemented in any suitable manner. In embodiments in which the steaming device 100 includes the water pump 111, the control circuitry 114A, 114B is preferably configured to control the water pump 111 so that no water is pumped by the water pump 111 to the steam generator 108 when the dry mode is selected.

[0087] As an alternative or in addition to the higher and lower steam rate modes and / or the dry mode, the plurality of steaming device modes can include a flush clean mode in which an elevated water flow rate is dosed into the steam generator 108 to expel scale particles out of the steam generator 108.

[0088] The flush clean mode can be implemented in any suitable manner. In embodiments in which the steaming device 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 to the steam chamber of the steam generator 108 in the range of 60 to 90 g / minute, e.g. about 75 g / minute.

[0089] The switch assembly 116 can have any suitable design provided that the at least one movement of the actuator 118 by the user in the first direction DI causes the first electrical control signal to be generated, and the movement of the actuator 118 by the user in the second direction D2 causes the second electrical control signal to be generated. For example, the switch assembly 116 comprises a bipolar On-Off-On switch assembly 116.

[0090] In some embodiments, and as best shown in Figs.1C and 2A, the switch assembly 116 comprises a first microswitch 120 and a second microswitch 122, with the first microswitch 120 being arranged to trigger generation of the first electrical control signal by the at least one movement of the actuator 118 in the first direction DI, and the second microswitch 122 being arranged to trigger generation of the second electrical control signal by the 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 the different first and second electrical control signals.

[0091] In some embodiments, and still referring to Figs. lC and 2A, the steaming device 100 comprises a central core 124 moveable relative to the handle 102, with the central core comprising 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 the movement of the actuator 118 in the first direction DI causes the first contact member 126 to move against and actuate the first microswitch 120, and the 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.

[0092] Such a central core 124 can provide a relatively straightforwardly implementable way of actuating the first microswitch 120 and the second microswitch 122 via movement of the actuator 118 in the first direction DI and the second direction D2 respectively.

[0093] It is noted that the actuator 118, e.g. in combination with the central core 124, can be regarded, for example, as a toggle switch.

[0094] In some embodiments, such as shown in Figs.1 A to 1C, 2A and 2B, the central core 124 is rotatable relative to the handle 102 so that the movement of the actuator 118 in the first direction DI rotates the central core 124 in a first rotational direction to cause the first contact member 126 to move against and actuate the first microswitch 120, and the movement of the actuator 118 in the second direction D2 rotates the central core 124 in a second rotational direction (different from the first rotational direction) to cause the second contact member 128 to move against and actuate the second microswitch 122.

[0095] Such rotational movement of the central core 124 can be implemented in any suitable manner. In some embodiments, and referring to Figs.2B and 3 to 5, a pair of cylindrical protrusions 129A protrude from the central core 124 and are rotatably received in cylindrical apertures or recesses 129B defined in the handle 102, e.g. defined in the first handle casing portion 102 A of the handle 102.

[0096] Other ways of rotationally 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 casing portion 102 A, and rotatably receiving the cylindrical protrusions in cylindrical apertures or recesses defined in the central core 124.

[0097] More generally, and as best shown in Fig.2A and 2B, the switch assembly 116 comprises a biasing assembly 130, 132 arranged to bias the actuator 118 to a neutral position when the actuator 118 is not being moved by the user. The actuator 118 is thus moveable by the user away from the neutral position in the first direction DI and moveable by the user away from the neutral position in the second direction D2.

[0098] The biasing assembly 130, 132 means that the actuator 118 automatically returns to the neutral position following movement of the actuator 118 by the user in either the first direction DI or the second direction D2.

[0099] The actuator 118 can, for example, be regarded as having three positions: a backward position, a central / neutral position, and a forward position, with the central / neutral position being returned to by default.

[0100] This automatic return to the neutral position can enhance convenience of use of the steaming device 100. In particular, automatic return to the neutral position assists control of the steaming device 100 using the actuator 118, since a degree of movement of the actuator 118 in the first direction DI required to generate the first electrical control signal is unaltered by a previous movement of the actuator 118 by the user in the second direction D2. Similarly, a degree of movement of the actuator 118 in the second direction D2 required to generate the second electrical control signal is unaltered by a previous movement of the actuator 118 by the user in the first direction DI .

[0101] The biasing assembly 130, 132 can be arranged in any suitable manner provided that the biasing assembly 130, 132 is capable of biasing the actuator 118 to the neutral position, but enabling the actuator 118 to be moved in the first direction DI and the second direction D2 against the bias provided by the biasing assembly 130, 132, to cause generation of the first electrical control signal and the second electrical control signal.

[0102] In some embodiments, and as best shown in Figs.2A, 2B, 5 and 6, the biasing assembly 130, 132 comprises a first spring 130 for moving the actuator 118 back to the neutral position following movement of the actuator 118 in the first direction DI, and a second spring 132 for moving the actuator 118 back to the neutral position following movement of the actuator 118 in the second direction D2.

[0103] For example, each of the first spring 130 and the second spring 132 is a helical spring. The first spring 130 and the second spring 132 can be mounted in various ways. In some embodiments, and referring to Fig.5, the first spring 130, e.g. in the form of a helical spring, is partly received in a first recess 133A defined in the central core 124. Analogously, the second spring 132, e.g. in the form of a helical spring, can be partly received in a second recess 133B defined in the central core 124.

[0104] An upper portion of each of the first spring 130 and the second spring 132 can contact an interior surface of the handle casing 102 A, 102B, for example an interior surface of the first handle casing portion 102 A.

[0105] In a non-limiting example, rotation of the central core 124 in the first rotational direction causes compression of the first spring 130 between the first recess 133A and the interior surface of the first handle casing portion 102A. Subsequent recovery of the first spring 130, following release of the actuator 118 by the user, returns the actuator 118 to the neutral position. Analogously, rotation of the central core 124 in the second rotational direction causes compression of the second spring 132 between the second recess 133B and the interior surface of the first handle casing portion 102A, with subsequent recovery of the second spring 130 returning the actuator 118 to the neutral position.

[0106] In some embodiments, and as best shown in Figs.2A, 2B and 5, the switch assembly 116 comprises a first stopper element 134 arranged to define a limit of travel of the actuator 118 in the first direction DI, and / or a second stopper element 136 arranged to define a limit of travel of the actuator 118 in the second direction D2.

[0107] The first and / or second stopper elements 134, 136 can help to minimize the risk of damage to the switch assembly 116, e.g. the first and second microswitches 120, 122 thereof, by excessive movement of the actuator 118. It is noted that such excessive movement of the actuator 118 can risk damaging the switch assembly 116 via, for instance, over-rotation of the central core 124.

[0108] For example, the first and / or second stopper elements 134, 136 is / are in the form of rib(s) that protrude(s) from the central core 124 and contact(s) the interior surface of the handle casing 102A, 102B, e.g. the interior surface of the first handle casing portion 102A, to terminate the movement of the actuator 118 in the first and / or second direction DI, D2. It is noted, with reference to Fig.6, that 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 casing 102A, 102B, e.g. defined in the first handle casing portion 102A.

[0109] In some embodiments, and still referring to Fig.6, a mounting member 138, to which at least part of the control circuitry 114B is mounted, is included in the handle 102. The mounting member 138 can be regarded, for example, as an electronic control assembly parts box.

[0110] In some embodiments, and referring to Figs.1 A, IB and 7, the steaming device 100 comprises a user interface 140 for communicating to the user information relevant to operation of the steaming device 100.

[0111] In embodiments in which the second electrical control signal successively selects the steaming device mode from the plurality of steaming device modes, the control circuitry 114 A, 114B can be configured to control the user interface 140 to indicate the steaming device mode selected from the plurality of steaming device modes.

[0112] The user interface 140 can be configured in any suitable manner provided that the user interface 140 is capable of communicating the information to the user. In some embodiments, the user interface 140 comprises one or more lighting elements 142; 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D whose illumination indicates the steaming device mode selected from the plurality of steaming device modes.

[0113] Any suitable lighting element 142; 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D can be employed in the user interface 140. In some embodiments, the lighting elements 142; 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D are light emitting diodes.

[0114] In some embodiments, and referring to Fig.7, the lighting elements 142 A, 142B, 142C, 142D are associated with icons that illustrate the steaming device mode. Each lighting element 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D is, for instance, arranged adjacent to one of the icons. In this way, illumination of the lighting element 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D adjacent to one of the icons indicates the steaming device mode illustrated by that icon. In the non-limiting example shown in Fig.7, a first lighting element 142A is adjacent to a first icon illustrating the lower steam rate mode, a second lighting element 142B is adjacent to a second icon illustrating the higher steam rate mode, a third lighting element 142C is adjacent to a third icon illustrating the dry mode, and a fourth lighting element 142D is adjacent to a fourth icon illustrating the flush clean mode.

[0115] It is noted that the arrows 143 A, 143B, 143C, 143D provided in Fig.7 denote each successive change in the steaming device mode when the actuator 118 is moved in the second direction D2.

[0116] In particular, the arrow 143A denotes the steaming device mode being changed from the dry mode to the lower steam rate mode, the arrow 143B denotes the steaming device mode being changed from the lower steam rate mode to the higher steam rate mode, the arrow 143C denotes the steaming device mode being changed from the higher steam rate mode to the flush clean mode, and the arrow 143D denotes the steaming device mode being changed from the flush clean mode back to the dry mode.

[0117] Hence each time the actuator 118 is moved in the second direction D2, e.g. backward, the steaming device modes are successively selectable, in other words selectable one by one with each movement of the actuator 118 in the second direction D2.

[0118] The lighting elements 142; 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D, e.g. together with the icons, are preferably arranged in / on the steaming device’s 100 casing. For example, the lighting elements 142; 142 A, 142B, 142C, 142D, e.g. together with the icons, are arranged in / on the main body casing (as best shown in Figs.1 A and IB). Alternatively or additionally, the lighting elements 142; 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D, e.g. together with the icons, can be arranged in / on the handle casing 102A, 102B.

[0119] The above embodiments as described are only illustrative, and not intended to limit the technique approaches of the present invention. Although the present invention is described in details referring to the preferable embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that the technique approaches of the present invention can be modified or equally displaced without departing from the protective scope of the claims of the present invention. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A steaming device (100) comprising: a handle (102), control circuitry (114 A, 114B) for controlling working parameters of the steaming device, and a switch assembly (116) arranged in or proximal to the handle, the switch assembly comprising: an actuator (118) being moveable by a user relative to the handle, and a biasing assembly (130, 132) arranged to bias the actuator to a neutral position when the actuator is not being moved by the user, the actuator being moveable by the user away from the neutral position in a first direction (DI) and being moveable by the user away from the neutral position in a second direction (D2) opposite from the first direction, wherein the switch assembly and the control circuitry are arranged such that at least one movement of the actuator by the user in the first direction generates a first electrical control signal, and at least one movement of the actuator by the user in the second direction generates a second electrical control signal, the second electrical control signal being different from the first electrical control signal, said first and second electrical control signals being used by the control circuitry to control said working parameters.

2. The steaming device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the switch assembly (116) comprises a first microswitch (120) and a second microswitch (122), the first microswitch being arranged to trigger generation of the first electrical control signal by the at least one movement of the actuator (118) in the first direction (DI), and the second microswitch being arranged to trigger generation of the second electrical control signal by the at least one movement of the actuator in the second direction (D2).

3. The steaming device (100) according to claim 2, wherein: the switch assembly (116) comprises a central core (124) moveable relative to the handle (102), the central core comprises a first contact member (126) and a second contact member (128),the central core is coupled to the actuator (118) such that the movement of the actuator in the first direction (DI) causes the first contact member to move against and actuate the first microswitch (120), and the movement of the actuator in the second direction (D2) causes the second contact member to move against and actuate the second microswitch (122).

4. The steaming device (100) according to claim 3, wherein the central core (124) is rotatable relative to the handle (102) so that the movement of the actuator (118) in the first direction (DI) rotates the central core in a first rotational direction to cause the first contact member (126) to move against and actuate the first microswitch (120), and the movement of the actuator in the second direction (D2) rotates the central core in a second rotational direction to cause the second contact member (128) to move against and actuate the second microswitch (122).

5. The steaming device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the biasing assembly (130, 132) comprises a first spring (130) for moving the actuator (118) back to the neutral position following movement of the actuator in the first direction (DI), and a second spring (132) for moving the actuator back to the neutral position following movement of the actuator in the second direction (D2).

6. The steaming device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the switch assembly (116) comprises: a first stopper element (134) arranged to define a limit of travel of the actuator (118) in the first direction (DI), and / or a second stopper element (136) arranged to define a limit of travel of the actuator in the second direction (D2).

7. The steaming device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising a steam generator (108), the steam generator comprising a heater (110), wherein the first electrical control signal controls power supply to the heater.

8. The steaming device (100) according to claim 7, wherein the first electrical control signal activates or deactivates power supply to the heater (110).

9. The steaming device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the second electrical control signal successively selects a steaming device mode from a plurality of steaming device modes.

10. The steaming device (100) according to claim 9 as according to claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the plurality of steaming device modes comprises: a higher steam rate mode delivered by the steam generator (108), a lower steam rate mode delivered by the steam generator, the lower steam rate mode having a lower steam rate compared to the higher steam rate mode, a dry mode in which no steam is delivered by the steam generator, and / or a flush clean mode in which an elevated water flow rate is dosed into the steam generator to expel scale particles out of the steam generator.

11. The steaming device (100) according to claim 9 or claim 10, comprising a user interface (140), wherein the control circuitry (114A, 114B) is configured to control the user interface to indicate the steaming device mode selected from the plurality of steaming device modes.

12. The steaming device (100) according to claim 11, wherein the user interface (140) comprises one or more lighting elements (142; 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D) whose illumination indicates the steaming device mode selected from the plurality of steaming device modes.

13. The steaming device (100) according to any one of claims 7, 8 and 10, comprising a water pump (111) for dosing water into the steam generator (108) to generate steam.

14. The steaming device (100) according to claim 13 as according to claim 10, wherein the control circuitry (114A, 114B) is configured to control flow rate of the water pump (111) based on which of the higher steam rate mode, the lower steam rate mode, the dry mode and the flush clean mode is selected.

15. The steaming device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, comprising a main body (104) coupled to the handle (102), the main body comprising a treatment plate (106) delimiting at least one steam vent through which steam is deliverable from the steaming device, wherein the control circuitry (114A, 114B) is arranged in at least one of the handle and the main body.

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