Abstract: The invention relates to a portable device (1100) comprising a bottom surface (BS) intended to be in contact with a textile (TXT). The portable device comprises an image sensor (5) for taking an image of a textile, and an illumination system (6) for illuminating a portion of the textile when said image is being taken. The portable device also comprises a control unit (8a) for executing an algorithm stored in the portable device, using the taken image as an input of said algorithm, to obtain a classification of the textile. The image sensor and the control unit are integrated within the portable device. The image sensor has an active surface sensitive to light, which is oriented compared to said bottom surface (BS), with an absolute value of the orientation angle being in the range 15-70 degrees; and/or the illumination system (6) has a light source oriented compared to the said bottom surface (BS), with an absolute value of the orientation angle being in the range 15-70 degrees.

Abstract: A portable textile treatment device includes a heatable soleplate for contacting and treating the textile, an image sensor and an illumination system. The image sensor has an active surface sensitive and takes an image of the textile, and the illumination system has a light source that illuminates a portion of the textile when the image is being taken. The portable device also includes a control unit configured to execute an algorithm stored in the portable device for obtaining a classification of the textile based on taken image, and based on the classification for controlling at least one operating parameter of the portable textile treatment device. The image sensor and/or light source are oriented with respect to the surface of the heatable soleplate, with an absolute value of an orientation angle being in the range from 15 to 70° C.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of operating a textile treatment device comprising a heatable soleplate intended to be in contact with a textile for treating the textile. The method comprises a first step (1001) of setting a first temperature target for the heatable soleplate, and a step (1002) of detecting movement of said textile treatment device. If the step (1002) of 5 detecting movement did not detect any movement of said textile treatment device during more than a given first time duration, a step (1004) of actively decreasing the temperature of the heatable soleplate (4) up to reaching a first given temperature having a value below said first temperature target.

Abstract: The invention relates to a portable textile treatment device (1) comprising a heatable sole plate (4) intended to be in contact with a textile (TXT) for treating the textile. The portable textile treatment device also comprises an image sensor (5) for taking an image of the textile to be treated, an illumination system (6) for illuminating a portion of the textile when said image is being taken. The portable device also comprises a control unit (8) configured for executing an algorithm stored in said portable textile treatment device, using the taken image as an input of said algorithm, to obtain a classification of the textile; and controlling, based on said classification, at least one operating parameter of the portable textile treatment device. The image sensor and the control unit are integrated within the portable textile treatment device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of operating a textile treatment device comprising a heatable soleplate intended to be in contact with a textile for treating the textile. The method comprises a first step (1001) of setting a first temperature target for the heatable soleplate, and a step (1002) of detecting movement of said textile treatment device. If the step (1002) of 5 detecting movement did not detect any movement of said textile treatment device during more than a given first time duration, a step (1004) of actively decreasing the temperature of the heatable soleplate (4) up to reaching a first given temperature having a value below said first temperature target.

Abstract: The present application relates to an accessory (1) for a steaming device (2) comprising a tray to receive a sole plate (6) of a steaming device during a cleaning cycle so that steam and/or scale is directed into said tray, the tray having an opening (14) so that when a sole plate of a steaming device is received on the tray, steam can egress out of the tray in a direction away from said steaming device through said opening.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device (1) for generating steam. The device (1) comprises a plate (2) forming a surface, and a heating element (3) to heat the plate (2) to a predetermined temperature being at least above water evaporation temperature. The plate (2) is inclined at an angle compared to the horizontal direction to define an upper end and a lower end. The device (1) also comprises a water inlet arrangement (4) for dispensing water onto the plate (2) proximate the upper end, a control unit (11) to control the flow of water dispensed onto the plate (2), and a scale collection container (5) disposed adjacent to the plate (2). The control unit (11) is configured to control the flow of water dispensed onto the plate (2) and the temperature of the plate (2) so that substantially all the water dispensed onto the plate (2) evaporates before it reaches the lower end (15) of the plate (2).

Abstract: The invention relates to a portable device (1100) comprising a bottom surface (BS) intended to be in contact with a textile (TXT). The portable device comprises an image sensor (5) for taking an image of a textile, and an illumination system (6) for illuminating a portion of the textile when said image is being taken. The portable device also comprises a control unit (8a) for executing an algorithm stored in the portable device, using the taken image as an input of said algorithm, to obtain a classification of the textile. The image sensor and the control unit are integrated within the portable device. The image sensor has an active surface sensitive to light, which is oriented compared to said bottom surface (BS), with an absolute value of the orientation angle being in the range 15-70 degrees; and/or the illumination system (6) has a light source oriented compared to the said bottom surface (BS), with an absolute value of the orientation angle being in the range 15-70 degrees.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for generating steam. The device (1) comprises a first plate (2) being inclined at a positive first angle (A0) compared to the horizontal direction (H) to define a first upper end (2a) and a first lower end (2b), a heating element (3) to heat the first plate (2) to a predetermined temperature being at least above water evaporation temperature, a water inlet arrangement (4) for dispensing water onto the first plate (2), a second plate (5) being inclined at a negative second angle (B0) compared to the horizontal direction (H) to define a second upper end (5a) and a second lower end (5b), the second upper end (5a) adjoining the first lower end (2b), and a container (6) extending at least below said first lower end (2b), said container (6) being arranged for collecting scale flakes falling from the first plate (2). This solution allows creating a larger volume for the collection of scale, thus increasing the operating life of the device (1).

Abstract: A steam iron (10) comprises a steam generator (15) having a main body portion (15a) including an electrical heating element (16) to heat the steam generator (15), and an ironing plate (13) coupled to the steam generator (15) via a thermal coupling and configured to be passively heated by conduction of heat from the steam generator (15) via the thermal coupling. The thermal coupling between the steam generator (15) and the ironing plate (13) comprises an indirect thermal path formed by a flange (22) of the steam generator (15), the flange (22) being in contact with the ironing plate (13) and being spaced from the main body portion (15a) of the steam generator (15), the flange (22) also being configured to space the main body portion (15a) of the steam generator (15) from the ironing plate (13) to restrict the conduction of heat from the main body portion (15a) of the steam generator (15) to the ironing plate (13).

Abstract: The present application relates to a steam iron head (30). The steam iron head (30) has a steam pathway (40) along which steam flows. A cyclonic chamber (61) is along the steam pathway (40). The steam iron head (30) also has a flow inlet (62) to the cyclonic chamber (61), a flow outlet (63) from the cyclonic chamber (61), and a conduit (67) in the cyclonic chamber (61) defining the flow outlet (63). The conduit (67) upstands in the cyclonic chamber (61) and has an opening in a free end (68) of the conduit through which the flow of steam exits the cyclonic chamber (61). The conduit (67) is provided with a rib (91) to restrict the flow of water droplets formed on an outer surface of the conduit from passing through the flow outlet (63). The present application also relates to a steam system iron (10) having a steam iron head (30).

Abstract: The invention relates to a garment steaming appliance comprising a sole plate assembly (1) comprising a steam channel (6) for receiving a flow of steam, an ironing plate (3) comprising an ironing surface (4) and an opposing upper surface, wherein the steam channel (6) extends along the upper surface of the ironing plate (3), and a vent (7) extending through said ironing plate (3) from said steam channel (6) to said ironing surface (4). The steam channel (6) is configured to divide the flow of steam into multiple flow paths that reconverge above said vent (7) from different directions to control the direction of the resultant flow of steam out of said vent (7) relative to said ironing surface (4).

Abstract: The present application relates to a steam device comprising a steam chamber having a steam generating surface onto which liquid water is provided to be evaporated into steam, a fabric treating plate comprising a fabric treating face and at least one steam vent through which steam is expelled onto a fabric to be steamed, an outlet flow section located between the steam generating surface and the fabric treating face wherein the outlet flow section defines an indirect flow path between the steam chamber and the at least one steam vent and a heater for heating the outlet flow section such that liquid water which enters the outlet flow section from the steam chamber is evaporated into steam. The outlet flow section comprises at least one boundary surface with a plurality of recesses for reducing the flow rate of liquid water travelling through the outlet flow section.

Abstract: The present application relates to a steam device comprising a steam generator (60), at least one steam vent (37) through which steam is emitted from the steam device, a steam path (50) between the steam generator (60) and the at least one steam vent (37). The steam path (50) has a base (53) along which scale is able to pass. The steam device also comprises a noise generator (60) configured to act on steam generated by the steam generator (60) to generate noise. The noise generator (60) is spaced from the base (53) of the steam path (50) so that scale is not obstructed by the noise generator (60).

Abstract: The invention relates to a fabric sensor (1) for determining a fabric type. The fabric sensor (1) comprises a first structural component (2) comprising a first sensing surface (3), and a second structural component (4) comprising a second sensing surface (5). The first structural component (2) and the second structural component (4) are movable relative to each other to form a closed arrangement wherein the first sensing surface (3) and the second sensing surface (5) hold the fabric. The fabric sensor (1) also comprises a thickness measurement mechanism (6) for measuring a thickness of the fabric when the fabric is held between the first sensing surface (3) and the second sensing surface (5). The fabric sensor (1) also comprises a processing unit (7) coupled to the thickness measurement mechanism (6) and at least one of the first sensing surface (3) and the second sensing surface (5).

Abstract: A garment cleaning appliance comprises a housing (1) having a chamber (2) to receive garments to be cleaned, and a steam generator (6) for supplying steam to the chamber (2) to clean the garments in the chamber (2). The appliance also includes a condensing element (9) arranged to condense the steam such that condensate is directed onto the garments.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for generating steam. The device (1) comprises a first plate (2) being inclined at a positive first angle (AO) compared to the horizontal direction (H) to define a first upper end (2a) and a first lower end (2b), a heating element (3) to heat the first plate (2) to a predetermined temperature being at least above water evaporation temperature, a water inlet arrangement (4) for dispensing water onto the first plate (2), a second plate (5) being inclined at a negative second angle (BO) compared to the horizontal direction (H) to define a second upper end (5a) and a second lower end (5b), the second upper end (5a) adjoining the first lower end (2b), and a container (6) extending at least below said first lower end (2b), said container (6) being arranged for collecting scale flakes falling from the first plate (2). This solution allows creating a larger volume for the collection of scale, thus increasing the operating life of the device (1).

Abstract: The present application relates to a hand-held steaming device (10). The hand-held steaming device comprises a steam generating surface (4A), a heater (5) to heat the steam generating surface, a water supply unit (6) to supply water to the steam generating surface and a sensor (12) configured to detect the inclination of the steam generating surface with respect to the horizontal. The hand-held steaming device further comprises a controller (11) configured to perform a user selectable descaling process wherein the heater is operated to heat the steam generating surface to a first temperature and the water supply unit is operated to supply water to the steam generating surface at a first flow rate to remove scale from the steam generating surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a spray nozzle comprising an elastomeric tube (1) comprising a proximal end (7) through which a fluid is intended to enter said tube (1), and a distal end (8). The spray nozzle also comprises a slit (9) formed in the elastomeric tube (1) between the proximal end (7) and the distal end (8), for spraying the fluid out from the elastomeric tube (1). The elastomeric tube (1) includes a reinforcing element (10, 11) for limiting deformation of the elastomeric tube (1). By providing a slit in a tube between the proximal and distal ends of the tube, the slit can be sized to provide a broad spread pattern to the spray. The reinforcing element prevents over-expansion or deformation of the elastomeric tube.

Abstract: A garment steaming device includes a steam generator (20) having a heater (22) and an ironing surface (32) against which a fabric of a garment is locatable. An intermediate section (50) is disposed between the steam generator and the ironing surface to transfer heat from the steam generator to the ironing surface so that the ironing surface is indirectly heated by the steam generator via the intermediate section. The operating temperature of the ironing surface is not user selectable during use. Furthermore, the intermediate section is configured to have a thermal transmittance so that, during use, heat transfer from the steam generator to the ironing surface is controlled and the temperature of the ironing surface is maintained between 90° C. and 155° C. when the ironing surface is located against a fabric in each of a stationary condition and a moving condition.