Patent Description:
The invention may be used in the field of garment care.

Various types of garment care device are known in which water contained in a water tank is pumped to a steam generator to generate steam for treating garments.

An example of such a garment care device is a so-called pressurized steam generator (PSG) iron having a hand unit connected to a separate base comprising the water tank. The steam generator is included in the hand unit. By pumping water from the water tank in the base to the steam generator in the hand unit, pressurized steam can be generated. This pressurized steam can assist to make ironing of garments quicker.

Including the water tank in the base can enable prolonged ironing sessions involving relatively large ironing loads. This is because the water tank can have a greater capacity than if the water tank were to be included in the hand unit. As well as requiring less frequent refilling, arranging the water tank in the base can avoid that the weight of the water in the water tank hampers handling of the hand unit.

In response to actuation of a steam trigger, a high pressure pump in the base pumps water towards the hand unit via a hose. The water is thus transported to the steam generator in the hand unit where the steam is generated nearly instantaneously. This can allow users to enjoy powerful steam delivery akin to that provided by a boiler system, but via a design which is more compact than such a boiler system.

However, enhancing the responsiveness of such types of garment care device remains a challenge. In particular, a key goal is to minimize the lag between steam trigger actuation and steam delivery.

<CIT> discloses a steam iron comprising an ironing unit, a water supply unit, and a control unit in communication with the ironing unit and the water supply unit. The steam iron also comprises a steam switch that is activated by the control unit when the ironing unit is heated to a temperature of <NUM> or more, and runs a first use mode when the activated steam switch is pressed for the first time. The first use mode includes a high flow stage in which a water pump included in the water supply unit pumps water at a high flow rate of <NUM> to <NUM>/minute for a high flow period of <NUM> to <NUM> seconds.

<CIT> discloses a method of heating water in a household appliance comprising pumping water from a water supply to a heater through a conduit at a lower power level depending on a condition corresponding to air being in the pump, and pumping water from the water supply to the heater at a higher power level.

It is an object of the invention to propose a garment care device that avoids or mitigates the above-mentioned problem.

To this end, the garment care device according to the invention comprises:.

After power-up of the garment care device, pumping water with such a relatively high flow rate for such a relatively short duration can allow relatively rapid filling of the water fluid transport volume. In this manner, delay in steam generation can be shortened, thereby improving user experience and performance of garment steaming.

In some embodiments, the power-up of the garment care device corresponds to a power-up occurring for the first time in the lifetime of the garment care device.

The power-up occurring for the first time in the lifetime of the garment care device may correspond to a first power-up of the garment care device from its factory power setting.

In embodiments in which the power-up corresponds to the power-up occurring for the first time in the lifetime of the garment care device, the first predetermined flow rate is preferably in the range [<NUM>;<NUM>] g/minute and the first predetermined duration is in the range [<NUM>;<NUM>] seconds.

For example, when the power-up corresponds to the power-up occurring for the first time in the lifetime of the garment care device, the first predetermined flow rate is <NUM>/minute for the first predetermined duration of <NUM> seconds.

In some embodiments, the power-up of the garment care device corresponds to a subsequent power-up occurring after a power-up having occurred for the first time in the lifetime of the garment care device.

The subsequent power-up(s) may correspond to the power-up(s) taking place after the power-up occurring for the first time in the lifetime of the garment care device and a first power-down. The subsequent power-up(s) correspond to power-up(s) the garment care device for subsequent ironing session(s) occurring hours/days/weeks after the completion of a prior ironing session.

In embodiments in which the power-up corresponds to the subsequent power-up, the first predetermined flow rate is preferably in the range [<NUM>;<NUM>] g/minute and the first predetermined duration is in the range [<NUM>;<NUM>] seconds.

For example, when the power-up corresponds to the subsequent power-up, the first predetermined flow rate is <NUM>/minute for the first predetermined duration of <NUM> second.

Preferably, the first predetermined duration is a cumulated time duration when the steam trigger is actuated repeatedly.

For example, the pump is actuated with the first predetermined flow rate as a result of one or a plurality of repeated (i.e. successive) actuations of the steam trigger, with the cumulated time duration of the one or plurality of repeated actuations corresponding to the first predetermined duration.

In some embodiments, after actuating the pump with said first predetermined flow rate during said first predetermined duration, the control unit is further adapted to:
iv) actuate the pump with a second predetermined flow rate in the range [<NUM>;<NUM>] g/minute for a second duration, said second duration having a value larger than (or equal to) the difference between a predetermined duration threshold and the first predetermined duration, in response to said actuation signal.

By subsequently lowering the flow rate to the second predetermined flow rate in this manner, the risk of oversupplying water to the steam generator when the water fluid transport volume is closer to being filled with water may be lessened. This may assist to minimize undesirable "spitting" of liquid water from the garment care device.

Preferably, the second duration is a cumulated time duration when the steam trigger is actuated repeatedly.

The garment care device preferably comprises a user interface adapted to enable user selection of one or more steaming modes, wherein the control unit is further adapted to, following actuating the pump with said second predetermined flow rate for the second duration, control the pump based on said user selection.

The one or more steaming modes preferably comprise a higher steam rate mode in which the pump is controlled by the control unit to pump the water at a higher flow rate, and a lower steam rate mode in which the pump is controlled by the control unit to pump the water at a lower flow rate. The higher steam rate mode can be regarded as a "MAX" mode, and the lower steam rate mode can be regarded as an "ECO" mode.

In embodiments in which the pump is actuated with the above-mentioned second predetermined flow rate for the second duration, the control unit can be further adapted to, following actuating the pump with said first predetermined flow rate for the first predetermined duration and actuating the pump with said second predetermined flow rate for the second duration, control the pump based on said user selection.

In some embodiments, the garment care device comprises:.

The internal volume of the hose may account for at least a portion of the above-mentioned water fluid transport volume.

The first predetermined flow rate and the first predetermined duration, in particular when the power-up is the subsequent power-up, can be selected according to the material used to make the hose. For example, silicone rubber has been found to result in more water evaporation in the hose between uses than EPDM. For this reason, the first predetermined flow rate and the first predetermined duration when the subsequent power-up is detected may be selected such that the volume of water pumped towards the steam generator compensates for this greater evaporation in the case of the hose being made of silicone rubber.

Further provided is a method of controlling a garment care device, the garment care device comprising:.

In some embodiments, the detecting comprises:.

In embodiments in which the detecting comprises detecting the power-up corresponding to a power-up occurring for the first time in the lifetime of the garment care device, said actuating preferably comprises:.

In embodiments in which the detecting comprises detecting the power-up corresponding to the subsequent power-up, said actuating preferably comprises:.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises, after actuating the pump with said first predetermined flow rate during said first predetermined duration,.

In some embodiments, the garment care device further comprises a user interface adapted to enable user selection of one or more steaming modes, and the method further comprises, following actuating the pump with said second predetermined flow rate for said second duration, controlling the pump based on said user selection.

The one or more steaming modes preferably comprise a higher steam rate mode in which the pump is controlled to pump the water at a higher flow rate, and a lower steam rate mode in which the pump is controlled to pump the water at a lower flow rate.

The garment care device controlled by the method preferably comprises.

A computer program product is also provided, which computer program product comprises instructions codes which, when executed by the control unit of the garment care device defined above, cause the garment care device to implement the method as defined above.

Embodiments described herein in relation to the garment care device are applicable to the method and computer program product, and embodiments described herein in relation to the method and computer program product, for example the control logic used in such a computer program product, are applicable to the garment care device.

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 :.

<FIG> depicts a garment care device <NUM> according to a non-limiting example. The garment care device <NUM> comprises a water tank <NUM> for storing water, and a steam generator <NUM>. The garment care device comprises a pump <NUM> for pumping water from the water tank <NUM> to the steam generator <NUM> to generate steam.

A water fluid transport volume FV is defined between the outlet O1 of water tank <NUM> and the inlet IN1 of the steam generator <NUM>. The pump <NUM> is arranged to pump the water from the water tank <NUM> through the water fluid transport volume FV to reach the steam generator <NUM>.

In the example shown in <FIG>, the garment care device <NUM> comprises a treatment plate <NUM> in which at least one steam outlet <NUM> is provided. In this case, the steam generated by the steam generator <NUM> is released from the garment care device <NUM> via the at least one steam outlet <NUM>.

In some embodiments, such as the example depicted in <FIG>, the garment care device <NUM> comprises a base <NUM> comprising the water tank <NUM>, and a hand unit <NUM> comprising the steam generator <NUM>. In such embodiments, the garment care device <NUM> further comprises a hose <NUM> for carrying water from the base <NUM> to the hand unit <NUM>.

The internal volume of the hose <NUM> may account for at least a portion of the above-mentioned water fluid transport volume FV, as shown in <FIG>. This aspect will further described in the following.

The hose <NUM> is preferably made of silicone rubber material or EPDM material. The significance of the selection of the material for the hose <NUM> in relation to control of the pump <NUM> after power-up of the garment care device <NUM> will be discussed in more detail herein below.

The garment care device <NUM> comprises a control unit <NUM>, <NUM>, and a steam trigger <NUM>. The steam trigger <NUM> is actuatable by the user in order to control the garment care device <NUM>, and in particular to control the garment care device's <NUM> steam generation.

The steam trigger <NUM> is preferably included in the hand unit <NUM> of the garment care device <NUM> such that the user can control operation of the garment care device <NUM> via the steam trigger <NUM> while applying the steam generated by the steam generator <NUM> to a garment (not shown). The steam trigger <NUM> is, for instance, arranged under a handle <NUM> of the hand unit <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>.

In some embodiments, the garment care device <NUM> comprises a user interface <NUM> adapted to enable user selection of one or more steaming modes. The user interface <NUM> as depicted in <FIG> is located on the hand unit <NUM>. Alternatively, the user interface <NUM> may be located on the base <NUM>.

The one or more steaming modes preferably comprise a higher steam rate mode in which the pump <NUM> is controlled by the control unit <NUM>, <NUM> to pump the water at a higher flow rate, and a lower steam rate mode in which the pump <NUM> is controlled by the control unit <NUM>, <NUM> to pump the water at a lower flow rate. The higher steam rate mode can be regarded as a "MAX" mode, and the lower steam rate mode can be regarded as an "ECO" mode.

For example, the so-called "MAX" steam mode corresponds to successive steps of decreasing water flow rates when the steam trigger is continuously actuated, such as:.

For example, the so-called "ECO" steam mode corresponds to successive steps of decreasing water flow rates, lower than water flow rates in "MAX" mode, when the steam trigger is continuously actuated, such as:.

In the non-limiting example shown in <FIG>, the control unit <NUM>, <NUM> is arranged in the base <NUM>. In this case, electrical wiring <NUM> is provided between the hand unit <NUM> and the base <NUM>. In particular, the electrical wiring <NUM> can connect the steam trigger <NUM> in the hand unit <NUM> to the control unit <NUM>, <NUM> in the base <NUM>.

In examples in which the user interface <NUM> is included in the hand unit <NUM>, the electrical wiring <NUM> can connect the user interface <NUM> to the control unit <NUM>, <NUM>.

In other examples (not shown), the various components of the garment care device are each included in the hand unit. Accordingly, the water tank, the steam generator, the pump, the steam trigger and the control unit are included in the hand unit, e.g. together with the treatment plate.

More generally, the control unit <NUM>, <NUM> is adapted to:.

After power-up of the garment care device <NUM>, pumping water with such a relatively high flow rate for such a relatively short duration can allow relatively rapid filling of the water fluid transport volume FV. In this manner, delay in steam generation can be shortened, thereby improving user experience and performance of garment steaming.

The above-mentioned control over the pump <NUM> differs from certain known garment care devices in which, after power-up, water is pumped at a relatively low flow rate to avoid flooding the steam generator, which may not have yet reached a temperature sufficient to vaporize water. In the case of the present disclosure, an opposite approach is taken in which water is pumped at a relatively high flow rate first (but for a limited duration) when the steam trigger <NUM> is actuated for the first time after the power-up of the garment care device <NUM>, so that water can reach the steam generator <NUM> more quickly.

The water fluid transport volume FV is defined as the sum of the following volumes of water:.

The water fluid transport volume FV is in the range <NUM> to <NUM> milliliters, preferably <NUM> to <NUM> milliliters, more preferably <NUM> to <NUM> milliliters, more preferably <NUM> to <NUM> milliliters, such as about <NUM> milliliters.

The first volume of water is in the range <NUM> to <NUM> milliliters.

It is noted that between the outlet O1 of water tank <NUM> and the inlet IN0 of the hose <NUM>, as illustrated on <FIG>, only a water pump <NUM> is inserted along the water flow path.

However, there could have additional element(s) fluidly arranged along this water flow path, such as:.

The second volume of water is in the range <NUM> to <NUM> milliliters.

For example, with a hose having an internal diameter of <NUM> milliliters with a length of <NUM> meter, the second volume of water is about to <NUM> milliliters.

For example, with a hose having an internal diameter of <NUM> milliliters with a length of <NUM> meters, the water volume FV is about <NUM> milliliters.

The first predetermined flow rate being in the range [<NUM>;<NUM>] g/minute combined with the first predetermined duration not exceeding a value in the range [<NUM>;<NUM>] seconds can assist to provide efficient filling of such a water fluid transport volume FV, whilst minimizing the risk of flooding of the steam generator <NUM>.

In the non-limiting example shown in <FIG>, the control unit <NUM>, <NUM> comprises a controller <NUM>, e.g. a microcontroller <NUM>, and a pump control circuit <NUM>. In this example, the controller <NUM> detects power-up of the garment care device <NUM>, and generates the actuation signal when the steam trigger <NUM> is actuated for the first time after the power-up of the garment care device <NUM> is detected. The controller <NUM> in combination with the pump control circuit <NUM> then actuates the pump <NUM> with the first predetermined flow rate for the first predetermined duration in response to the actuation signal.

In the non-limiting examples shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the control unit <NUM> and the pump control circuit <NUM> are included in the same printed circuit board assembly <NUM>. In these particular examples, the printed circuit board assembly <NUM> is arranged in the base <NUM> of the garment care device <NUM>.

The garment care device <NUM> preferably comprises a power switch <NUM>, which power switch <NUM> is actuatable by the user of the garment care device <NUM> to cause said power-up of the garment care device <NUM>. In the non-limiting example shown in <FIG>, the power switch <NUM> is included in the base <NUM>, although it is also conceivable that the power switch is provided in the hand unit (not shown).

In such embodiments, detection of the power-up of the garment care device <NUM> can comprise detection of the power-up caused by actuation of the power switch <NUM>. To this end, the power switch <NUM> is connected to the control unit <NUM>, <NUM>. In the particular example shown in <FIG>, the power switch <NUM> is connected to the controller <NUM> included in the control unit <NUM>, <NUM>. The garment care device <NUM> can be powered in any suitable manner. In the non-limiting example shown in <FIG>, the garment care device <NUM> is connectable to a mains supply of electricity delivered via an AC power socket <NUM>. In this case, the garment care device <NUM> also comprises a power supply <NUM> for converting the mains AC power to voltage-regulated DC power for the various components of the garment steamer <NUM>.

In such an example, the power-up of the garment care device <NUM> is implemented by the user actuating the power switch <NUM> following connection of the garment care device <NUM> to the AC power socket <NUM>.

<FIG> also shows a heater <NUM> included in the steam generator <NUM>. The heater <NUM> heats the steam generator <NUM> in order to vaporize the water pumped thereto from the water tank <NUM>. The steam generator <NUM> can also include a suitable temperature sensor <NUM>, e.g. a thermistor, for sensing the temperature of the steam generator <NUM>.

In the non-limiting example shown in <FIG>, the steam trigger <NUM> and the temperature sensor <NUM> are mounted on a further printed circuit board assembly <NUM> included in the hand unit <NUM>, with the temperature sensor <NUM>, e.g. thermistor, being connected to a temperature sensor control circuit <NUM> included in the printed circuit board assembly <NUM> arranged in the base <NUM>.

More generally, the control unit <NUM>, <NUM> is preferably connected to the temperature sensor <NUM> and the heater <NUM>. In such embodiments, the control unit <NUM>, <NUM> can control the pump <NUM> and/or control the heater <NUM> based on the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor <NUM>.

In the non-limiting example shown in <FIG>, the controller <NUM> of the control unit <NUM>, <NUM> is connected to a heater control circuit <NUM>. In this case, the combination of the controller <NUM> and the heater control circuit <NUM> controls the heater <NUM>.

<FIG> provides a simplified flowchart of a method <NUM> of controlling the garment care device <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the detecting <NUM> comprises:.

The power-up occurring for the first time in the lifetime of the garment care device <NUM> may correspond to a first power-up of the garment care device <NUM> from its factory power setting.

In embodiments in which the detecting <NUM> comprises detecting the power-up corresponding to a power-up occurring for the first time in the lifetime of the garment care device <NUM>, said actuating <NUM> preferably comprises:.

For example, when the detecting <NUM> comprises detecting the power-up corresponding to a power-up occurring for the first time in the lifetime of the garment care device <NUM>, said actuating <NUM> comprises actuating the pump <NUM> with the first predetermined flow rate being <NUM>/minute for a first predetermined duration of <NUM> seconds.

Alternatively or additionally, the detecting <NUM> comprises:.

The subsequent power-up(s) may correspond to the power-up(s) taking place after the power-up occurring for the first time in the lifetime of the garment care device <NUM> and a first power-down. The subsequent power-up(s) correspond to power-up(s) the garment care device for subsequent ironing session(s) occurring hours/days/weeks after the completion of a prior ironing session.

In embodiments in which the detecting <NUM> comprises detecting the power-up corresponding to the subsequent power-up, said actuating <NUM> preferably comprises:.

For example, when the detecting <NUM> comprises detecting the power-up corresponding to a subsequent power-up, said actuating <NUM> comprises actuating the pump <NUM> with the first predetermined flow rate being <NUM>/minute for the first predetermined duration of <NUM> second.

In embodiments in which the garment care device <NUM> comprises the above-described hose <NUM> for carrying water from the base <NUM> to the hand unit <NUM>, the first predetermined flow rate and the first predetermined duration following detection of the subsequent power-up are preferably set according to the material used to make the hose <NUM>.

For example, silicone rubber has been found to result in more water evaporation in the hose <NUM> between uses than EPDM. Although silicone rubber and EPDM can be regarded as fluid non-permeable materials, they are actually porous at microscopic level, resulting in water inside the hose evaporating over time when the garment care device <NUM> is not being used, particularly over relatively long periods of non-use.

For this reason, the first predetermined flow rate and the first predetermined duration when the subsequent power-up is detected may be selected such that the volume of water pumped towards the steam generator <NUM> compensates for this greater evaporation in the case of a hose made of silicone rubber. The first predetermined flow rate may be relatively high to ensure that this greater filling required for the hose <NUM> made of silicone rubber takes place sufficiently quickly.

In some embodiments the method <NUM> further comprises, after actuating <NUM> the pump <NUM> with said first predetermined flow rate during said first predetermined duration,.

By subsequently lowering the flow rate to the second predetermined flow rate in this manner, the risk of oversupplying water to the steam generator <NUM> when the water fluid transport volume FV is closer to being filled with water may be lessened. This may assist to minimize undesirable "spitting" of liquid water from the garment care device <NUM>.

It is preferred to have the second duration (with lower flow rate) longer than the first predetermined duration (with higher flow rate) for the following reasons:.

In embodiments in which the garment care device <NUM> comprises the above-described user interface <NUM> adapted to enable user selection of one or more steaming modes, the method <NUM> can further comprise, following actuating the pump <NUM> with said second predetermined flow rate for the second duration, controlling <NUM> the pump <NUM> based on said user selection.

For example, the pump <NUM> may be controlled in step <NUM> according to the above-described higher steam rate ("MAX") mode or according to the above-described lower steam rate ("ECO") mode.

In the non-limiting example shown in <FIG>, following actuating <NUM> the pump <NUM> with said first predetermined flow rate for the first predetermined duration and actuating <NUM> the pump <NUM> with said second predetermined flow rate for the second duration, the pump <NUM> is controlled in step <NUM> based on said user selection.

<FIG> and <FIG> provide a flowchart <NUM> of control logic used to control a garment care device <NUM>. The start <NUM> of the control logic is shown in <FIG>. The garment care device <NUM> is initially in a standby state, as denoted by operation box <NUM>.

Decision box <NUM> questions whether or not a power-up of the garment care device <NUM> is detected. If such a power-up is detected, the control logic proceeds to decision box <NUM>.

Decision box <NUM> questions whether or not the temperature of the steam generator <NUM>, e.g. as determined by the above-described temperature sensor <NUM>, is lower than <NUM>.

If the temperature is not lower than <NUM>, the control logic proceeds to operation box <NUM> in which the heater <NUM> is controlled to heat the steam generator <NUM> to <NUM>. The control logic then proceeds to decision box <NUM>.

Decision box <NUM> questions whether or not the steam trigger <NUM> is actuated. If the steam trigger <NUM> is actuated, the control logic proceeds to decision box <NUM>. Decision box <NUM> questions whether or not the temperature of the steam generator <NUM> is greater than or equal to <NUM>. If the temperature of the steam generator <NUM> is lower than <NUM>, the control logic reverts to operation box <NUM> and the heater <NUM> is controlled to heat the steam generator <NUM> to <NUM>.

If, on the other hand, the temperature of the steam generator is greater than or equal to <NUM>, the control logic proceeds to (<NUM>) in <FIG>, which will be described herein below.

Returning to decision box <NUM>, if the temperature is lower than <NUM>, the control logic proceeds to operation box <NUM> in which the heater <NUM> is controlled to heat the steam generator <NUM> for <NUM> minutes. The control logic then proceeds to decision box <NUM>.

Decision box <NUM> questions whether or not the steam trigger <NUM> is actuated. If the answer to decision box <NUM> is "yes" (abbreviated in "Y" in the flow chart), the control logic proceeds to decision box <NUM>. Decision box <NUM> questions whether or not the above-mentioned <NUM> minutes period of heating the steam generator <NUM> has been reached or exceeded. If the answer to decision box <NUM> is "no" (abbreviated in "N" in the flow chart), the control logic reverts to the operation box <NUM>. If the answer to decision box <NUM> is "yes", the control logic proceeds to decision box <NUM>.

Regarding decision box <NUM>, it is noted that when the steam generator <NUM> temperature is relatively low, in this case below <NUM>, the power-up detected in <NUM> can be regarded as a "cold start", meaning that the garment care device <NUM> is being powered up after a relatively long rest time. On the other hand, if the steam generator <NUM> temperature is higher, in this case greater than or equal to <NUM>, the garment care device <NUM> is treated as having been powered-down, e.g. being off or in the standby state, only a relatively short while ago and subsequently restarted. The temperature of the steam generator <NUM> can thus indicate a relatively short "rest time" of the garment care device <NUM>.

More generally, the garment care device <NUM> preferably comprises the above-described temperature sensor <NUM> for sensing the temperature of the steam generator <NUM>. In such embodiments, the control unit <NUM>, <NUM> is adapted to actuate the pump <NUM> with the first predetermined flow rate for the first predetermined duration in response to the actuation signal and the sensed temperature of the steam generator <NUM> being greater than or equal to a predetermined temperature threshold.

For example, the predetermined temperature threshold is between <NUM> and <NUM>, preferably between <NUM> and <NUM>, such as about <NUM> or about <NUM>. The predetermined temperature threshold being set in such a range may permit the above-described "cold start" to be distinguished from the above-described "rest time".

When the steam generator <NUM> includes the above-described heater <NUM> controlled by the control unit <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, the control unit <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> is preferably adapted to control the heater <NUM> to heat the steam generator <NUM> in response to the power-up. In such embodiments, the control unit <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> can include the above-mentioned heater control circuit <NUM>.

In such embodiments, the control unit <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> is preferably adapted to control the heater <NUM> to heat the steam generator <NUM> for a predetermined heating duration and/or to a given temperature prior to actuating the pump <NUM> with the first predetermined flow rate for the first predetermined duration. This may assist to lessen the risk of flooding of the steam generator <NUM>.

For example, the control unit <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> is adapted to control the heater <NUM> to heat the steam generator <NUM> for the predetermined heating duration and/or to the given temperature in response to the power-up and the sensed temperature of the steam generator <NUM> being greater than or equal to the above-mentioned predetermined temperature threshold.

Returning to <FIG>, decision box <NUM> questions whether or not a flag value is equal to a first value, for example "<NUM>". If the answer is "yes", the power-up corresponds to the above-described power-up occurring for the first time in the lifetime of the garment care device <NUM>. In this scenario, the control logic proceeds to operation box <NUM> in which the pump <NUM> is actuated with the first predetermined for the first predetermined duration.

In this particular example, when the flag value is equal to "<NUM>", the pump <NUM> is actuated with the first predetermined flow rate in the range [<NUM>;<NUM>] g/minute for the first predetermined duration in the range [<NUM>;<NUM>] seconds, as previously described.

Note that the first value of the flag is set during manufacturing.

The control logic then proceeds from operation box <NUM> to operation box <NUM>. In operation box <NUM>, the flag value is set to a second value, for example "<NUM>". Changing the flag value from "<NUM>" to "<NUM>" in this manner means that when the power-up corresponds to the above-described subsequent power-up, the answer to the decision box <NUM> will be "no".

From operation box <NUM>, the control logic proceeds to operation box <NUM> in which the pump <NUM> is actuated, in response to the actuation signal, with the above-described second predetermined flow rate in the range [<NUM>;<NUM>] g/minute for the second duration having a value larger than (or equal to) the difference between:.

The control logic then proceeds to (<NUM>) in <FIG>, which will be described herein below.

In the scenario in which the answer to the decision box <NUM> is "no" the above-described subsequent power-up of the garment care device <NUM> is detected, and the control logic proceeds to operation box <NUM> in which the pump <NUM> is actuated with the first predetermined flow rate for the first predetermined duration. In this particular example, the pump <NUM> is actuated with the first predetermined flow rate in the range [<NUM>;<NUM>] g/minute for the first predetermined duration in the range [<NUM>;<NUM>] seconds, as previously described.

Then, the control logic proceeds to (<NUM>) in <FIG>.

Turning to <FIG>, in operation box <NUM> the pump <NUM> is controlled based on predefined flow control logic of a user selected steaming mode. In other words, the pump <NUM> is controlled by the control unit <NUM>, <NUM> to pump the water according to the steam mode which has been selected by the user via the user interface <NUM>. For example, in operation box <NUM> the pump <NUM> is controlled according to the above-described higher steam rate ("MAX") mode or the above-described lower steam rate ("ECO") mode.

Decision box <NUM> questions whether or not the steam trigger <NUM> is released. If the steam trigger <NUM> is not released, the control logic reverts to operation box <NUM>. If the steam trigger <NUM> is released, the control logic proceeds to operation box <NUM>. In operation box <NUM>, the pump is in an "off state" in which the pump <NUM> does not pump water.

Decision box <NUM> questions whether or not the garment care device <NUM> is powered down or is idle. If the answer to decision box <NUM> is "no", the control logic proceeds to decision box <NUM>.

Decision box <NUM> questions whether or not the steam trigger <NUM> is actuated. If the answer to decision box <NUM> is "yes", the control logic reverts to operation box <NUM> in which the pump <NUM> is controlled based on predefined flow control logic of the user selected steaming mode. If the answer to decision box <NUM> is "no", the control logic reverts to decision box <NUM>.

If the answer to decision box <NUM> is "yes", the control logic ends at <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the above-mentioned second duration is based on a predetermined duration threshold in the range [<NUM>; <NUM>] seconds.

The value of the second duration is preferably larger than (or equal to) the difference between the predetermined duration threshold and the first predetermined duration.

For example, if the first predetermined duration is <NUM> seconds and the predetermined duration threshold is <NUM> seconds, the second duration is larger than (or equal to) <NUM>-<NUM>=<NUM> seconds. This may apply when the water fluid transport volume FV is tubular and has an internal diameter relatively large of <NUM> and a length of <NUM> meter.

For example, if the first predetermined duration is <NUM> seconds and the predetermined duration threshold is <NUM> seconds, the second duration is larger (or equal) than <NUM>-<NUM>=<NUM> seconds. This may apply when the water fluid transport volume FV is tubular and has an internal diameter relatively smaller of <NUM> and a length of <NUM> meter.

Some examples are illustrated in the following <FIG>.

<FIG> provides a graphical representation of a first scenario in which the steam trigger <NUM> is actuated continuously for <NUM> seconds. In this scenario, the water fluid transport volume FV is partially filled by the first predetermined flow rate (<NUM>/minute) for the first predetermined duration (<NUM> seconds) during stage <NUM>.

The remainder of the water fluid transport volume FV is filled at stage <NUM> and stage <NUM>, with a relatively lower flow rate of <NUM>/minute. This relatively lower flow rate corresponds to the second predetermined flow rate.

Note that at the start of stage <NUM>, which is not a predictable time, the fluid transport volume FV could already be fully filled-in with water. In this case, this means that additional water pumped into the fluid transport volume FV would cause water to reach the inside of the steam generator. As a result, at the start of stage <NUM>, some steam may be generated by the steam generator.

In this scenario of <FIG>, let assume that the predetermined duration threshold is <NUM> seconds. The value of the second duration is preferably larger than (or equal to) the difference between the predetermined duration threshold and the first predetermined duration, so larger than (or equal to) <NUM>-<NUM>=<NUM> seconds.

The vertical dotted line <NUM> shows the time at which the cumulated duration of the first predetermined duration and the second duration have already reached the value of the predetermined threshold duration.

The cumulated duration of the steam trigger during stage <NUM> and stage <NUM>, corresponding to the second duration, is <NUM> - <NUM> = <NUM> seconds. This value is larger than the above-calculated <NUM> seconds.

At the start of stage <NUM>, the steam trigger <NUM> is released for <NUM> seconds, in this example from <NUM> seconds to <NUM> seconds.

When the steam trigger <NUM> is actuated again at time <NUM> seconds, since the cumulated duration of the first predetermined duration and the second duration in this example is larger than (or equal to) the predetermined duration threshold of <NUM> seconds, steam is generated at stage <NUM> by selecting a flow rate profile associated to the user selected steam mode, e.g. "MAX" or "ECO", and no more using the first predetermined flow rate nor the second predetermined flow rate.

<FIG> provides a graphical representation of a second scenario in which the steam trigger <NUM> is actuated continuously for <NUM> seconds. In this scenario, the water fluid transport volume FV is partially filled by the first predetermined flow rate (<NUM>/minute) for the first predetermined duration (<NUM> seconds) during stage <NUM>.

In this scenario of <FIG>, let assume that the predetermined duration threshold is <NUM> seconds.

The value of the second duration is preferably larger than (or equal to) the difference between the predetermined duration threshold and the first predetermined duration, so larger than (or equal to) <NUM>-<NUM>=<NUM> seconds.

The cumulated duration of the steam trigger during stage <NUM> and stage <NUM>, corresponding to the second duration, is <NUM> - <NUM> = <NUM> seconds. This value is equal to the above-calculated <NUM> seconds.

<FIG> provides a graphical representation of a third scenario in which the steam trigger <NUM> is initially actuated continuously for <NUM> seconds. In this scenario, the water fluid transport volume FV is partially filled by the first predetermined flow rate (<NUM>/minute) for the first predetermined duration (<NUM> seconds) during stage <NUM>.

The second predetermined flow rate (<NUM>/minute) is then implemented at the start of stage 502A for a duration of <NUM> seconds until the steam trigger <NUM> is released at time <NUM> seconds.

At the start of stage 506A, the steam trigger <NUM> is released for <NUM> seconds, in this example from time <NUM> seconds to <NUM> seconds.

The steam trigger <NUM> is then actuated again for another continuous <NUM> seconds, between time <NUM> seconds and <NUM> seconds, corresponding to stages 502B and <NUM>.

At the start of stage 502B, the cumulated duration of the steam trigger during stage 502A is <NUM> seconds, so smaller than the above-calculated <NUM> seconds.

As a result, at the start of stage 502B, the pump is actuated with the second predetermined flow rate (<NUM>/minute), and not as per the user selected steam mode, e.g. "MAX" or "ECO".

At the start of stage 506B, the steam trigger <NUM> is released for <NUM> seconds, in this example from time <NUM> seconds to <NUM> seconds.

Note that in this third scenario, the cumulated duration of the steam trigger during stages 502A, 502B and <NUM>, corresponding to the second duration, is <NUM> + <NUM> = <NUM> seconds. This value is larger than the above-calculated <NUM> seconds.

In some embodiments, the first predetermined duration is a cumulated time duration when the steam trigger <NUM> is actuated repeatedly.

For example, the pump <NUM> is actuated with the first predetermined flow rate as a result of one or a plurality of discrete actuations of the steam trigger <NUM>, with the cumulated time duration of the one or plurality of discrete actuations corresponding to the first predetermined duration.

<FIG> provides a graphical representation of a fourth scenario in which the respective durations of each of a plurality of, in this case two, comprise a discrete actuations 500A (for <NUM> second) and 500B (for <NUM> seconds) of the steam trigger <NUM>. The steam trigger is then actuated for a cumulated time duration of <NUM>+<NUM>=<NUM> seconds.

In this example, since the first predetermined time duration is <NUM> seconds, the first predetermined flow rate is discontinued as soon as the cumulated time duration of <NUM> seconds is reached. This happens at time <NUM>, <NUM> seconds in this example.

At time <NUM>, since the steam trigger is continued to be pressed, the pump is then actuated with a second predetermined flow rate in the range [<NUM>;<NUM>] g/minute, in the present case <NUM>/mn, between time <NUM> seconds and time <NUM> seconds, so for a total duration equal to <NUM>-<NUM>=<NUM> seconds.

Claim 1:
A garment care device (<NUM>) comprising:
- a water tank (<NUM>) for storing water,
- a steam generator (<NUM>),
- a pump (<NUM>) for pumping water from the water tank to the steam generator to generate steam, a water fluid transport volume (FV) being defined between the outlet (O1) of the water tank and the inlet (IN1) of the steam generator, the pump being arranged to pump the water from the water tank through the fluid transport volume to reach the steam generator,
- a steam trigger (<NUM>), and
- a control unit (<NUM>, <NUM>) adapted to:
i) detect a power-up of the garment care device,
ii) generate an actuation signal when the steam trigger is actuated for the first time after the power-up of the garment care device is detected, and
iii) actuate the pump with a first predetermined flow rate for a first predetermined duration in response to said actuation signal, characterized in that said water fluid transport volume is in the range <NUM> to <NUM> milliliters, preferably <NUM> to <NUM> milliliters, the first predetermined flow rate is in the range [<NUM>;<NUM>] g/minute, and the first predetermined duration does not exceed a value in the range [<NUM>;<NUM>] seconds.