CN1969082B - Refreshing machines and devices for washing or drying - Google Patents

Abstract

An apparatus for clothes, more particularly, a new clothes refresher for de-wrinkling and sterilizing clothes is disclosed. The clothes refresher includes a body (400) configured to receive clothes therein, and a stem supply device (200) to supply steam into the body (400) in order to supply the steam to the clothes.

Description

Refreshing machines and devices for washing or drying

technical field

The present invention relates to a device for clothes and more particularly to a new clothes refresher capable of de-wrinkling and sanitizing clothes.

Background technique

Generally, devices for clothing are designed to perform various clothing-related operations. Examples of these devices for clothes include washing machines for washing clothes, dryers for drying wet clothes, and various other devices.

Among these various devices for clothes, the dryer is adapted to perform a drying operation on clothes placed therein in bundles, and therefore, there is a problem that it is difficult to efficiently dry the entangled parts of the clothes.

In addition, if the dried clothes are left in the dryer for a long time, the wrinkles of the clothes increase and deepen, resulting in the need for ironing the clothes, which is troublesome. Therefore, storing clothes in the dryer is out of the question.

For these reasons, the trend in recent years requires a new drying device capable of increasing drying capacity and allowing clothes to be stored for a long period of time. US Published Patent Applications US 2004/0194339A1 and US 2004/0154194A1 disclose dual dryers in which a tumble dryer is provided with a single drying compartment.

This double dryer is a drying appliance constructed in such a way that a drying compartment is mounted on the upper side of a tumble dryer with a rotating drum, the drying compartment having A space for receiving various clothes, and the drying compartment is configured to receive hot air.

If hot air is supplied from the tumble dryer to the drying compartment, the drying compartment is used to dry clothes placed therein or to enable long-term storage of clothes.

However, the above-mentioned drying compartment has a problem that the drying compartment must be integrally formed with the tumble dryer in order to perform the drying operation.

This is because the drying compartment can only receive hot air when it is connected to the tumble dryer.

For this reason, it is not possible to use the drying compartment independently of the tumble dryer, and the drying compartment can only be controlled when the full power of the dual dryer is applied.

Furthermore, the drying compartments of the above-mentioned dual dryers do not have a refresh operation for de-wrinkling and sanitizing clothes, and are not suitable for short-term storage of clothes.

Contents of the invention

technical problem

It is an object of the present invention to solve the problems associated with devices that allow short-term storage of clothes and that perform refurbishment operations on the stored clothes with de-wrinkling and disinfection.

Another object of the present invention is to solve the problems existing in a new refurbishment machine which can be used individually according to its structure and achieves improved installation and portability.

Another object of the present invention is to solve the problems of a new refresher machine compatible with and cooperating with washing appliances such as washing machines or clothes dryers.

technical solution

The object of the present invention can be achieved by providing a clothes refresher comprising: a main body configured to accommodate clothes therein; and a steam supply device for supplying steam into the main body so as to supply Supply steam.

The steam supply device may be a steam generator installed in the clothes refresher, or a separate external device arranged outside the refresher. Examples of the external device include a drying or washing machine with a steam generator.

When the steam supply device is included in the refresher machine, the clothes refresher may include: a base having a water storage space; a body configured to accommodate clothes therein; and heating water stored in the base And the steam generator that produces steam provides steam to the clothes in the main body.

Preferably, such a clothes refresher may further include a cover for covering the base, and the main body may have a foldable structure so as to be received in the cover and the base in a folded state.

Preferably, the base may have: an inlet hole for supplying water from an external water source into the water storage space; and a channel extending from the inlet hole to the water storage space. Here, the entrance hole may be provided with an opening/closing door for opening and closing the entrance hole.

The steam generator may include: a radiation heater installed in the water storage space of the base; and a controller controlling the radiation heater.

Preferably, the cover may be provided with a fixing rod for hanging clothes thereon. Preferably, the cover may be provided with an outlet hole for venting air or steam.

Preferably, the main body may be provided with a zipper so that the clothes can be put in and taken out of the main body in a simple manner. Preferably, the main body can be made of flexible material, and the zipper is used to open the inner space of the main body.

Preferably, the base may be provided with a partition placed over the water storage space. The partition is used to separate the inner space of the base from the inner space of the main body, so that even if the clothes accidentally fall from the fixing rod, the clothes in the main body can be prevented from falling into the base. In this case, the partition can be provided with a plurality of injection nozzles.

Preferably, the partition is in the form of a grid so that the steam generated in the steam generator of the base can be supplied into the inner space of the body without a separate member.

Preferably, the clothes refresher may further include a steam supply pipe, which is connected between the water storage space and the cover, and whose length can be extended and shortened, and is suitable for delivering the steam generated in the water storage space To the clothes inside the main body.

According to the up and down movement of the cover, the length of the steam supply pipe can be automatically extended and shortened, and can also be adjusted manually. This length adjustment enables the supply of steam to desired areas within the body. For example, when the clothes are short, the length of the steam supply pipe is adjusted to the height of the clothes, thereby realizing the effective supply of steam.

The clothes refresher may further include a blower for circulating the inner air. The blowing device may include an axial flow fan sucking and discharging air in an axial direction. The blowing device may also include a centrifugal fan that sucks air in an axial direction and discharges air in a radial direction.

The blowing means may be mounted in the base. Preferably, the blowing device is installed such that its air discharge direction faces the water storage space.

A blowing device may be mounted at the cover. Preferably, the blowing means is mounted at an outlet hole provided on the cover. In this case, the blowing device enables the internal air of the main body to be effectively discharged to the outside, thereby facilitating the circulation of the air inside the main body.

The clothes refresher may further include a steam injection device for injecting steam generated by the steam generator into the inner space of the main body.

In particular, the steam injection means may be an upper steam injection means for injecting steam into the upper space of the main body. The steam injection device may also be a lower steam injection device for injecting steam into the lower space of the main body.

The upper steam injection device may include: a steam injection pipe, which is arranged at the cover and has a steam injector; a steam supply pipe, one end of which communicates with the steam injection pipe, and the other end communicates with the water storage space of the base, the The length of the steam supply pipe can be extended and contracted.

The length of the steam supply pipe can be automatically extended and contracted according to the upward and downward movement of the cover, and can also be adjusted manually. This length adjustment enables the supply of steam to desired areas within the body. For example, when the clothes are short, the length of the steam supply pipe is adjusted to the height of the clothes, thereby realizing the effective supply of steam.

The steam supply pipe is detachably connected to the steam injection pipe. In a state where the steam supply pipe is connected to the steam injection pipe, steam is supplied into the upper space of the main body. On the contrary, in a state where the steam supply pipe is separated from the steam injection pipe, steam is supplied to the region where the end of the steam supply pipe is located.

Preferably, the steam injection tube may be in the form of a fixed pole for hanging clothes thereon. Since the steam is supplied directly above the clothes hung on the fixing rod, the refreshing operation of the clothes can be efficiently performed.

The lower steam injection device may include a steam injection pipe installed at a partition separating the water storage space of the base from the main body. The steam injection pipe may have a steam injector injecting steam generated in the water storage space into the inner space of the main body.

When a bulkhead is included in the garment refresher, the lower steam injection means may be in the form of an elongated slot provided at the bulkhead. In addition, the lower steam injection device may include a steam injection arm having a plurality of steam injection holes and positioned above the partition plate for a certain length in the longitudinal direction.

Such a clothes refresher may be provided with a connection hole for connecting a steam circulation pipe so as to receive steam supplied from an external steam source through the steam circulation pipe.

Here, the external steam source for supplying steam may be a dryer or a washing machine having a steam generator.

Preferably, the connection hole may be provided at the base or the cover.

Preferably, the clothes refresher may be provided with a sensor for detecting the connection and disconnection of the steam circulation pipe, so as to properly control the steam generator installed therein according to the connection or disconnection of the steam circulation pipe.

The base may include a water tank for storing water therein. The water tank is detachably installed in the water storage space.

In this case, the steam generator may include: an electric heating coil heating the water tank to generate steam; and a controller controlling the electric heating coil.

Preferably, the base can be provided with a closable mounting hole for putting the water tank into the base or removing the water tank from the base.

The electric heating coil can be installed at the water tank, and the water tank or the base can be provided with a connection terminal for electrical connection with the electric heating coil and the controller.

If the electric heating coil is installed at the water tank, the heat generated by the electric heating coil can be directly transferred to the water stored in the water tank.

In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a dryer or a washing machine including: a receiving unit for providing a receiving space; and a clothes refresher installed in the receiving unit.

The clothes refresher can be constructed as described above.

Beneficial effect

The present invention provides a clothes refresher, which can store clothes for a short period of time, and perform wrinkle-removing and disinfection refresh operations on the clothes during the short-term storage, thereby improving user satisfaction.

In particular, the refresher of the present invention can be controlled independently of conventional tumble dryers or separate drying units. This refreshing machine is designed to perform only the refreshing operation of clothes, thereby having the effect of improving user satisfaction.

Furthermore, the clothes refresher according to the present invention can be used in conjunction with a dryer or a washing machine having a separate steam generator, and can also be used independently of such a dryer or washing machine. Alternatively, the refresher can be installed in a dryer or washing machine.

In addition, the refresher machine according to the present invention has a device capable of circulating steam, and is adapted to perform a refreshment operation by allowing the steam to impinge on clothes to cause the clothes to shake. This achieves the effect of further improving the restoration performance.

Meanwhile, the machine for washing clothes or drying wet clothes according to the present invention has a clothes refreshing function, thereby improving user's convenience.

Description of drawings

Some embodiments of the present invention are shown in the accompanying drawings, which are used to better understand the present invention, and together with the description, serve to explain the principle of the present invention.

In these drawings:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a refresher machine according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a sectional view along line I-I among Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is the back view of Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is a perspective view for explaining the refresher machine in Fig. 1 in a state of use;

Fig. 5 is a sectional view along line II-II among Fig. 4;

Fig. 6 is the back view of Fig. 4;

Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 represent the recovery machine that is provided with grill partition;

Fig. 9 shows the recovery machine that is provided with blowing device;

Figure 10 shows a refresher provided with a partition with spray nozzles;

Fig. 11 to Fig. 21 represent the recovery machine according to another embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 22 to Fig. 28 show the recovery machine according to another embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 29 to Fig. 33 show the recovery machine according to another embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 34 to Fig. 37 represent the recovery machine according to another embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 38 to Fig. 44 represent the recovery machine according to another embodiment of the present invention;

Figures 45 to 51 show various rejuvenation machines according to other embodiments of the present invention.

Detailed ways

Reference will now be made in detail to some preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings.

A refresher machine according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 10 .

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the refresher basically includes: a base 100 , a steam generator 200 , a cover 300 , and a main body 400 .

Here, the substrate 100 is configured to have a space for storing a predetermined amount of water required to generate steam.

Although not shown in the drawings, it is desirable that the water storage space of the base 100 is provided with a discharge portion for draining water, which discharges water to the outside after completion of the refreshing operation. Preferably, the discharge portion is located on the lower surface of the substrate 100 . More preferably, the discharge section is provided with a valve designed to be opened and closed electrically.

In particular, it is desirable that the base 100 is also provided with an inlet hole 110 in order to introduce water into the water storage space.

Preferably, the inlet hole 110 is formed at a position substantially higher than an appropriate level of water stored in the water storage space. This is for preventing the stored water from leaking.

It is desirable that the base 100 is also provided with an inlet channel 120 between the inlet hole 110 and the water storage space. This is for the sake of obtaining precise introduction of water.

The entrance hole 110 is preferably provided with an opening/closing door 130 so as to be selectively opened and closed.

The steam generator 200 is a constituent element of the refresher for selectively heating and evaporating water stored in the substrate 100 .

The steam generator 200 includes a thermal radiation heater 210 and a controller 220 .

The radiation heater 210 is installed such that one end thereof is located in the water storage space of the substrate 100, and the other end is located outside the water storage space, said other end being provided with a terminal.

In this case, it is desirable to provide a gasket 211 at the region where the terminal radiant heater 210 is provided for preventing water leakage.

Particularly preferably, the radiant heater 210 may be a sheath heater. Here, the sheath heater refers to a heater in which a coil of the heater is surrounded by a highly thermally conductive material such as aluminum or copper so that the coil is not exposed. This is to prevent the coil from coming into contact with the stored water.

The controller 220 is located in the inner space of the substrate 100 separated from the water storage space, and is adapted to control the heat radiation operation of the heater 210 .

Preferably, an operation panel 140 is provided on a front surface of the base 100 for manually controlling the controller 220 . The reason for disposing the operation panel 140 on the front surface of the base 100 is to keep the operation panel 140 at a fixed position regardless of the folding and unfolding operation of the main body 400, and to ensure that the user can easily The operation panel 140 is manually operated.

In the case of the steam generator 200 described above, if the water level of the water stored in the water storage space of the base 100 falls below the minimum water level, the heat radiation heater 210 is exposed, which causes a risk of fire.

For this reason, although not shown in the drawings, it is desirable that the steam generator 200 or the base 100 include at least one of a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, and a water level sensor in order to prevent the water level from falling below a predetermined water level.

The cover 300 is a constituent element of the refresher for selectively closing the upper surface of the base 100, preferably, the cover is configured to have a predetermined space therein,

In the space of the cover 300, a fixing rod 310 is provided for hanging clothes thereon. Both ends of the fixing rod 310 are connected to two shorter sides of the rectangular cover 300 facing each other.

Of course, it should be understood that both ends of the fixing rod 310 may be connected to the two longer sides of the cover 300 facing each other.

Preferably, the cover 300 is provided with an outlet hole 320 for discharging part of the air or steam in the space of the cover 300 .

The outlet hole 320 may be in the form of a simple hole, but may also be formed with an adjustable degree of opening.

The main body 400 is a constituent element of the refresher, and the main body 400 is connected between the base 100 and the cover 300 . Preferably, the main body 400 is made of foldable flexible material.

In particular, the main body 400 is configured to define a predetermined receiving space for receiving clothes, which can be refreshed when the main body is unfolded. The surface of the main body 400 is provided with a member for selectively opening the receiving space.

Preferably, the member for opening and closing the receiving space of the main body 400 is a zipper.

The means for opening and closing the receiving space must allow the user to easily put the clothes in the main body 400 and take them out of the main body 400 easily, and in addition, prevent the closed body 400 from steam leaked outside.

Of course, it should be understood that the member for opening and closing the receiving space may be selected from various members other than the zipper.

Especially, when the main body 400 is made of a flexible material, it is desirable that the recovery machine further includes a support member 500. When the main body 400 is fully unfolded, as shown in FIGS. 3 to 6, the support member 500 is used to support the main body 400.

Both ends of the support member 500 are preferably connected to the rear surfaces of the base 100 and the cover 300, and are adapted to be folded and unfolded like a chain link. Although not shown in the figure, it should be understood that the supporting member 500 can be in a telescopic structure so that its length can be extended and contracted.

The operation sequence of the refresher machine having the above-mentioned structure will be described below.

First, in the initial state of the refresher, the cover 300 closes the upper surface of the base 100, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 .

In this closed state, the main body 400 is hidden inside the cover 300 and the base 100 while also being in a folded state.

Then, when the garment refreshment operation is to be performed, the cover 300 is opened from the base 100 .

With the opening operation of the cover 300, the main body 400 is exposed from between the cover 300 and the base 100, and is gradually unfolded.

Referring to Figures 4 to 6, the main body 400 is shown in a fully unfolded state.

After the main body 400 is fully unfolded, the main body 400 can be continuously held in this unfolded state by the support member 500 .

Furthermore, in this fully unfolded state of the main body 400 , the zipper is operated to open the inner surface of the main body 400 .

After the clothes to be refreshed are hung on the hangers, these hangers are hung on the fixing rods 310 inside the cover 300 in turn, and then the slide fastener is operated again to close the inner space of the main body 400.

In this way, the garment is received within the main body 400 .

After that, the controller 220 of the steam generator 200 is controlled so as to operate the heat radiation heater 210 .

If the heater 210 performs radiation heating according to the above-described sequential process, water stored in the substrate 100 is heated and evaporated, resulting in generation of steam.

The steam generated as described above rises from the inner space of the base 100 to be supplied into the main body 400 and then to clothes received in the main body 400 .

As a result, clothes can be sterilized and wrinkled using high-temperature steam, thereby realizing a refresh operation of clothes.

Since the inner space of the main body 400 for receiving clothes has a small volume, the refreshing operation of clothes can be performed in a short time. This has the advantage that even if the storage time of the clothes is short, the clothes can be effectively refreshed.

Meanwhile, in the middle of the above sequence, if the main body 400 is still filled with steam after the refreshing operation is performed, the refreshed clothes are wetted with steam.

For this reason, it is desirable that the outlet hole 320 formed at the cover 300 should be opened if a refreshing operation is performed.

Meanwhile, in the above-mentioned refreshing machine, the water storage space of the base 100 for receiving the water required for steam generation is configured to communicate with the inner space of the main body 400, so there is a danger that the lower end of the clothes may Can come into contact with water, or when hanging clothes on the fixed rod 310 can accidentally make clothes drop into the water.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 2 , in a state where the cover 300 closes the base 100 , the main body 400 may be wetted by water stored in the base 100 .

Therefore, the above-mentioned refurbishment machine requires a separate structure to solve the above-mentioned problems. In order to meet this need, the refresher of the present invention further includes a partition 170 inside the base 100, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 .

Preferably, the partition 170 is configured to separate the water storage space of the base 100 from the space above the water storage space, while allowing the steam generated by the steam generator 200 to be effectively supplied to the main body 400 receiving the clothes. within the interior space.

To this end, the partition 170 may be in the form of a grid or a mesh.

When the partition 170 is in the form of a grid or a mesh, steam can be distributed throughout the partition 170 , and thus, the steam can be uniformly supplied into the entire inner space of the main body 400 .

More preferably, the partition 170 is detachably connected to the inner wall surface of the base 100 in consideration of cleaning the inner space of the base 100 .

By using the partition 170, even in the state where the cover 300 closes the base 100, the main body 400 is placed on the partition 170 so as to maintain a stable folded state without being wetted by the water stored in the base 100. danger.

In addition, in the state in which the cover 300 opens the base 100, especially in the state in which the main body 400 is unfolded in order to use this refresher machine, as shown in FIG. of water.

Referring to FIG. 9 , a blowing device 630 may be installed at the cover 300 so as to facilitate efficient circulation of steam in the inner space of the main body 400 .

The blowing device 630 can discharge the air inside the main body 400 to the outside, and make the steam and air circulate effectively.

The reason for providing the blowing device 630 at the cover 300 is to efficiently supply the generated steam to the uppermost space of the refresher in consideration of the fact that steam is generated in the lowermost space of the refresher.

Referring to FIG. 10 , a partition 821 having a plurality of injection nozzles 822 for injecting steam may be provided.

These injection nozzles 822 are configured to protrude upward from the partition 821 by a predetermined height, and each injection nozzle has a hollow tubular form.

Preferably, the inner diameter of the injection nozzle 822 in the form of a hollow tube gradually decreases toward its upper end, especially toward the steam discharge side, so that an increase in steam injection pressure can be obtained. This facilitates the refreshing operation of clothes with steam.

As described above, although the refresher according to the present invention has the basic effect of sterilizing and de-wrinkling clothes, it can also remove odors from clothes when perfume is added to the water storage space of the base. Therefore, it should be understood that by providing some functional additives, various effects can be obtained for this rejuvenator.

pattern of invention

A clothes refresher according to another embodiment of the present invention will be explained below with reference to FIGS. 11 to 21 . In this embodiment, the blowing device is included in the refresher.

As shown in Figures 11 to 13, the blowing device 600 may be placed in a substrate. In this case, it is desirable that the blowing device 600 is located outside the water storage space. The blowing device 600 includes: an axial fan 601 that sucks and discharges air in an axial direction; and a motor 602 that rotates the axial fan 601 . Preferably, the motor 602 is mounted to eliminate the risk of short circuits due to steam. In addition, it is desirable that the blowing device 600 is installed to discharge air toward the water storage space. The blowing device 600 is used to circulate the steam, and is also used to vibrate or slightly shake the clothes by the impact between the steam and the clothes, thereby helping the clothes refreshing operation.

Referring to Figures 14 and 15, a grid partition 170 is preferably disposed above the water storage space and the blowing device so as to allow steam to pass through.

Referring to FIGS. 16 and 17, alternatively, the blowing device may be installed to discharge air upward in an oblique direction.

In this case, the blowing device 610 includes: an axial fan 612 that absorbs and discharges air in an axial direction; and a motor 612 that rotates the axial fan. The axial fan is installed such that its rotation axis has a predetermined inclination.

As shown in Figure 17, the refresher of the present invention allows air to come into direct contact with the clothes, thereby enabling more effective contact between the steam and the clothes.

Referring to FIGS. 18 and 19 , optionally, the blowing device 620 may include: a centrifugal fan 621 designed to suck air in the axial direction and discharge the sucked air in the radial direction.

In addition to a centrifugal fan 621 that axially sucks air and radially discharges the sucked air, the blowing device 620 includes: a motor 622 that rotates the centrifugal fan 621 ; and a housing 623 that guides a flow path of air discharged from the centrifugal fan 621 . The housing 623 is provided with: a suction hole corresponding to the axial direction of the centrifugal fan 621; and a discharge hole corresponding to the radial direction of the centrifugal fan. Here, the discharge holes can be oriented facing upwards, or they can be inclined upwards.

For the above structure, if the blowing device starts to operate during the refresh operation, as shown in Figure 19, then the steam generated in the steam generator is first sucked into the blowing device in the axial direction, and then along the radial direction of the blowing device. discharge in the direction. In this case, centrifugal fans can successfully achieve higher flow rates than axial fans. Therefore, centrifugal fans are suitable for large-capacity refurbishment machines.

Referring to FIGS. 20 and 21 , optionally, the blowing device 630 may be disposed inside the cover 300 . In this case, the blowing device 630 includes a centrifugal fan 631 to suck air in the axial direction and discharge the sucked air in the radial direction.

In addition to the centrifugal fan 631 that sucks air in the axial direction and discharges the sucked air in the radial direction, the blowing device 630 includes: a motor 632 that rotates the centrifugal fan 631 ; and a housing 633 that guides a flow path of air discharged from the centrifugal fan 631 . The casing 633 is provided with: a suction hole corresponding to an axial direction of the centrifugal fan 631 ; and a discharge hole corresponding to a radial direction of the centrifugal fan 631 . Here, it is preferred that the suction opening is oriented downwards and the discharge opening is oriented towards the opposite side of the cover.

With this structure, if the blowing device starts to operate during the refresh operation, as shown in FIG. . In this case, the steam generated in the steam generator 200 first passes through the clothes according to the flow of air. Then, the steam is sucked into the blowing device 630, and then is discharged into the inner space of the refresher. When the steam circulates due to the circulation of the air, it has the effect of preventing the steam from accumulating on a specific part of the clothes. Furthermore, when air is drawn over the clothes, the steam can come into contact with the clothes once evaporated, thus resulting in reduced heat loss from the steam.

A refresher machine according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 22 to 28 . In this embodiment, the steam injection device is included in the refresher.

An upper steam injection device 700 for injecting steam into the upper space of the main body 400 is provided between the base 100 and the cover 300 . The upper steam injection device 700 is configured to inject the steam 200 generated by the steam generator 200 into the upper space of the body 400 adjacent to the cover 300 .

Here, as shown in FIGS. 22 and 25 , the upper steam injection device 700 includes a steam injection pipe 701 and a steam supply pipe 702 .

The steam injection pipe 701 is provided inside the cover 300 and has a steam injector 611 including a plurality of holes formed at the bottom of the cover 300 adjacent to the upper space of the main body 400 .

The steam supply pipe 702 extends between the base 100 and the steam injection pipe 701 , and communicates with the water storage space of the base 100 . The steam supply pipe 702 is configured such that its length can be extended and contracted.

Specifically, the steam supply pipe 702 has a telescopic structure so that the length of the steam supply pipe can be extended and contracted as the main body 400 is unfolded and folded.

Preferably, the steam supply pipe 702 is detachably connected with the steam injection pipe 701 .

When the steam supply pipe 702 is detachably connected with the steam injection pipe 701, more preferably, a gasket is provided between the steam supply pipe 702 and the steam injection pipe 701 to seal the steam passage.

In this embodiment, although the steam supply pipe 702 is described and explained as being located inside the main body 400 , it should be understood that the steam supply pipe 702 may also be located outside the main body 400 .

One end of the steam supply pipe 72 communicates with the water storage space of the substrate 100 , and the other end of the steam supply pipe 702 communicates with the steam injection pipe 701 . Therefore, when the main body is folded and unfolded, the length of the steam supply pipe 702 is extended and contracted in a telescopic manner.

Meanwhile, although not shown in the drawings, the steam supply pipe 702 may have a plurality of longitudinal pleats adapted to be folded and unfolded in the form of a bellows so that its length can be extended and shortened.

Steam generated by heat radiation operation of the heater 210 rises along the steam supply pipe 702 and is injected into the upper space of the main body 400 through the steam injection hole 611 of the steam injection pipe 701 communicating with the steam supply pipe 702 .

Figure 27 shows another upper steam injection device.

Here, the steam injection pipe 711 is integrally formed in the cap 300 and has a predetermined space therein. The steam injection pipe 711 has a steam injector 713 formed on the bottom surface of the cover 800 .

The steam injector 713 has an elongated groove extending in the longitudinal direction of the cover 300 , more specifically in the left-right direction thereof.

Although not shown in the figures, it should be understood that the steam injector may take the form of a plurality of holes, or in the form of a plurality of nozzles.

In the same manner as the steam supply pipe 702 described above, preferably, the length of the steam supply pipe 712 can be extended and shortened, and the steam supply pipe 712 is detachably connected with the steam injection pipe 711 .

Figure 28 shows another upper steam injection device.

In this example, steam is supplied into the inner space of the main body 400 through the fixing rod 310 provided in the cover 300 .

Specifically, the steam injection device includes: a fixed rod 310 having a plurality of steam injectors 311 ; and a steam supply pipe 722 .

The steam injector 311 of the fixed rod 310 takes the form of a plurality of nozzles arranged along the longitudinal direction of the fixed rod 310 .

Although not shown in the drawings, it should be understood that the steam injector of the fixing rod 310 may take the form of an elongated slot extending along the longitudinal direction of the fixing rod 310 .

In the same manner as the above-mentioned steam supply pipe, preferably, the length of the steam supply pipe 722 can be extended and shortened, and the steam supply pipe 722 is detachably connected to the fixed rod 310 so as to communicate with the internal space of the fixed rod 310 .

With the above structure, the steam generated by the steam generator 200 can be supplied into the upper space of the main body 400 through the steam supply pipe 722 and the steam injector 311 of the fixed rod 310, so as to realize the refreshing operation of clothes.

A refresher according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 29 to 33 . In this embodiment, a lower steam injection device is included in the refresher.

The lower steam injection device is used to inject the steam generated in the steam generator into the lower space of the main body.

As shown in Figures 29 and 31, the lower steam injection device includes a steam injection pipe 810, which is configured to communicate with the water storage space of the substrate 100, and has a plurality of steam injection holes 811 to inject steam into In the lower space of the main body 400 .

Steam generated in the steam generator is supplied into the lower space of the main body 400 through the steam injection hole 811 of the steam injection pipe 810 .

Figure 32 shows another lower steam injection device.

The lower steam injector includes a steam injector 830 formed at the base 100 in communication with the water storage space of the base 100 and adapted to enable steam to be directly injected into the lower space of the main body 400 .

Here, the steam injector 830 takes the form of an elongated slot extending in the longitudinal direction of the substrate 100 .

Although not shown in the figures, it should be understood that the steam injector may take the form of a plurality of holes, as well as a plurality of nozzles.

Figure 33 shows another lower steam injection device.

The lower steam injection device includes a steam injection arm 840 configured to communicate with the water storage space of the substrate 100 . Specifically, the steam injection arm 840 protrudes into a lower space of the body 400 adjacent to the substrate 100, and has a plurality of steam injectors 841 arranged along a longitudinal direction thereof.

Preferably, the steam injector 841 may take the form of a nozzle.

With this structure, the steam generated by the steam generator 200 can be supplied into the lower space of the main body 400 through the steam injector 841 of the steam injection arm 840, thereby enabling the refreshing operation of clothes.

A refresher machine according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 34 to 37 . In this embodiment, means for receiving steam from an external steam source is included in the refresher machine.

As shown, the steam supply unit 900 is disposed on at least one of the base 100 and the cover 300 to receive steam from an external steam source.

The steam supply unit 900 includes: a pipe connection hole 910 to detachably connect a steam circulation pipe; and an opening/closing door 920 to selectively open and close the pipe connection hole 910 .

Preferably, the tube connection hole 910 is configured to allow the connection of a conventional hose.

When the refresher is to be used independently, the opening/closing door 920 closes the pipe connection hole 910 so as to prevent steam leakage.

Although the above steam supply unit 900 is described and explained as being formed on the outer peripheral surface of the base 100 , it should be understood that the steam supply unit 900 may also be provided on the outer peripheral surface or upper surface of the cover 300 .

It is particularly desirable that the steam supply unit 900 further includes a reader 930 serving as a sensor for detecting connection or disconnection of the steam circulation pipe.

If it is determined from the reading result of the reader 930 that the steam circulation pipe is connected, it is desirable to control the steam generator 200 so as not to operate.

The reader 930 can be selected from a variety of elements including a limit switch and proximity sensors.

Of course, it should be understood that, if desired, the steam generator 200 of the refresher can be controlled to operate the refresher even when steam is supplied from an external steam source through the steam supply unit 900 .

Meanwhile, when the refresher machine according to this embodiment of the present invention is used in combination with a washing machine 10 such as a washing machine or a clothes dryer, as shown in FIG. 37, the refresher machine will operate in the following sequential process .

In this case, it is assumed that the washing device 10 includes the steam generator 20 configured to generate steam independently of the refresher, and the steam generator 20 is connected to the steam circulation pipe 20 . Preferably, the steam circulation pipe 20 is configured to be selectively drawn out from the washing device 10 .

When using the washing device 10, if it is desired to utilize the steam generator 20 arranged in the washing device 10 to refresh various clothes in the refreshing machine, then the pipe connection hole 910 of the refreshing machine is operated to close or open. /Close the door 920 so that the tube connection hole 910 is opened.

Then, the steam circulation tube 30 is connected to the opened tube connection hole 910 .

If the steam circulation pipe 30 is connected, the reader 930 provided at the pipe connection hole 910 recognizes the connection of the steam circulation pipe 30, and provides identification information to the controller 220 of the reconditioning machine so as to prevent installation in the reconditioning machine The steam generator 200 is operated.

It should be understood that the opening operation of the cover 300 of the refresher machine and a series of operations for putting clothes into the main body 400 are performed in the same manner as the stand-alone operation of the refresher machine.

Then, if the steam generator 20 of the washing device 10 is operated, steam is generated from the generator 20 and delivered to the inner space of the base 100 of the refresher through the steam circulation pipe 30 .

Then, the transmitted steam rises toward the inner space of the main body 400 of the refresher to be supplied to the clothes received in the main body 400 .

It is easy to know from the above description that when the refreshing machine of the present invention is used in conjunction with the washing device 10, the steam generator 200 can be omitted. However, in order to allow the refresher to be used both independently of and in conjunction with the washing device 10, it is desirable that the refresher includes said steam generator 200.

One end of the steam circulation pipe 30 may communicate with the cover 300 instead of communicating with the base 100 . The other end of the steam circulation pipe 30 communicates with the steam generator 20 of the washing device 10 .

Figures 38 to 44 show a machine for washing clothes and drying wet clothes, including a refresher.

As shown in Figures 38 to 40, a washing device 10 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes: a box-shaped casing 30 disposed at its bottom, thereby forming the appearance of the washing device 10; and a box-shaped drawer disposed in the casing 30 The receiving unit 40 can be pulled out from the housing 30 and pushed into the housing 30. The drawer type receiving unit 40 has an open upper surface and defines a receiving space inside.

The washing device 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention receives and refreshes the clothes in the drawer receiving unit 40 .

As described above, the refresher basically includes: the base 100 ; the steam generator 200 ; the cover 300 ; and the main body 400 . Here, it should be understood that the refresher may be configured to receive steam from a washing device. In this case, the steam generator 200 may be omitted.

When the refresher is to be operated to refresh clothes, the drawer receiving unit 40 is pulled out and opened toward the front of the washing apparatus 10, and then the refresher installed in the drawer receiving unit 40 is operated.

41 to 44 show various installation examples of refreshers that can be used with the washing apparatus 10 of the present invention.

Specifically, the refurbishment machine that can be used together with the washing device 10 of the present invention can be configured to be used independently, and can also be installed in the drawer type receiving unit 40. It can be pulled out from the casing 30 at the bottom of the device 10, and can also be pushed into the casing 30. Of course, it should be understood that by changing the pulling-out and pushing-in directions and the installation position of the drawer-type receiving unit 40, the use of the reconditioning machine can be made more efficient.

Referring to FIGS. 41 and 42 , the drawer receiving unit 40 is configured to laterally pull out and push into the housing 30 of the washing device 10 from the right side surface of the housing 30 , and receive the refresher inside the drawer receiving unit 40 .

Optionally, as shown in Figure 43, a pair of rejuvenators may be received at the bottom of the washing unit 10 which are attached to opposing lateral surfaces of the washing unit 10 in use.

It should be appreciated that the overall size of the refresher is adjustable so that three refreshers can be received at the bottom of the washing unit 10 for attachment to the front and side surfaces of the washing unit 10 in use.

Alternatively, as shown in Figure 44, the refresher can be attached to the top of the washing unit.

Although not shown, it is desirable to attach the refresher to the washing device 10 by using hooks or other fastening elements so that the refresher can be selectively detached from the washing device.

45 to 47 show a refresher according to another embodiment of the present invention.

The refreshing machine according to the present invention includes: a base 100 having a water tank 1170 ; steam generators 1171 , 1211 , 1212 , 1213 ; a cover 300 ; a main body 400 ;

The base 400 is configured to form the main body of the reconditioning machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. The base 100 has a space for storing a predetermined amount of water required to generate steam.

Preferably, the base 100 is provided with a mounting hole 1110 so that the water tank 1170 can be put into the base 100 .

More preferably, the mounting hole 1110 is formed on the front surface of the substrate.

In addition, it is desirable that the mounting hole 1110 is provided with an opening/closing door 1130 so as to be selectively opened and closed.

The water tank 1170, which is a constituent element of the refresher, is selectively disposed in the base 100, and is configured to have a predetermined storage space for storing water required for steam generation.

The water tank 1170 is in the form of a cylindrical container with an open upper surface for input of water and discharge of steam.

The steam generator is a component of the refresher, and it is used to selectively heat and evaporate water stored in the water tank 1170 .

The steam generator basically includes: a heat conducting plate 1171 ; an electric heating coil 1212 ; and a controller 1213 .

The heat conduction plate 1171 is disposed on an inner wall surface of the water tank 1170 , more specifically, a bottom side of the water tank 1170 installed in the base 100 . Preferably, as shown in the figure, the entire bottom surface of the water tank 1170 may be provided with a heat conduction plate 1171 . In addition, the bottom surface of the base 100 is preferably provided with a support member 1211 in order to connect the water tank 1170 with the base 100 . An electric heating coil 1212 is placed within the support element 1211 .

The thermally conductive plate 1171 is preferably made of a material with high thermal conductivity. When high-temperature heat is supplied thereto from the electric heating coil 1212 , the heat conduction plate 1171 quickly transfers heat to the entire water tank 1170 .

Although it is desirable to arrange the heat conduction plate 1171 on the entire inner wall surface of the water tank 1170, it has been found that even if the heat conduction plate 1171 is provided only on the surface of the water tank 1170 to be installed in the base 100 due to consideration of an increase in production cost The bottom side can also obtain sufficient heat conduction effect.

The electric heating coil 1212 is disposed at an inner position of the lower surface of the base 100 where the water tank 1170 is to be installed, so as to provide high temperature heat to the heat conducting plate 1170 .

In this case, it is desirable that the electric heating coil 1212 is in contact with the heat conducting plate 1171 in at least one position in order to achieve efficient heat conduction.

The controller 1213 is disposed in the inner space of the substrate 100 so as to control the heat radiation operation of the electric heating coil 1212 .

Although not shown in the figure, it is preferable that at the steam generators 1170, 1211, 1212, and 1213 or at the base 100, at least one of a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, and a water level sensor is provided in order to prevent the water stored in the water tank from falling. below the predetermined water level.

The blowing device 640 is placed inside the base 100 outside the water tank 1170 .

Preferably, the partition 170 is disposed above the water tank 1170 and the blowing device 640 so as to allow steam to pass through.

Fig. 47 has shown another kind of refresher, and this refresher is provided with blowing device 650 on the upper side of water tank 1170. The blowing device 650 includes: an axial fan 651 that sucks and discharges air in an axial direction; and a motor 652 that rotates the axial fan.

FIG. 48 shows another partition 1160 configured to separate the water storage space from the remaining interior space of the substrate 100 .

At the same time, when the high-temperature heat generated by the electric heating coil 1212 is transferred to the heat conducting plate 1171 arranged in the water tank 1170, if the heat conducting plate 1171 (or the bottom surface of the water tank) is not in sufficient contact with the electric heating coil 1212, then the above-mentioned recovery The steam generator of the machine cannot realize effective heat transfer.

Therefore, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a structure that allows the heat conducting plate and the electric heating coil of the steam generator to directly contact each other will be described hereinafter.

Fig. 49 is a sectional view for explaining another structure of the above steam generator. As can be seen from FIG. 49 , another steam generator basically includes: a heat conducting plate 1221 ; an electric heating coil 1222 ; a power connection terminal 1224 ; and a controller 1223 .

The heat conduction plate 1221 is disposed on an inner wall surface of the water tank 1170 , more specifically, a bottom side of the water tank 1170 to be installed on the base 100 .

The electric heating coil 1222 is disposed under the heat conducting plate 1221 .

Preferably, the electric heating coil 1222 is disposed in a space between the lower surface of the water tank 1170 and the heat conducting plate 1221 . More preferably, the electric heating coil 1222 is configured to be in close contact with the lower surface of the heat conducting plate 1221 .

The bottom surface of the water tank 1170 is preferably made of a heat-resistant material having low thermal conductivity. This prevents damage to surrounding circuit components when the bottom surface of the water tank 1170 becomes overheated.

A protrusion 1172 is formed at the water tank 1170 to protrude upward by a predetermined height at a position corresponding to the center of the heat conduction plate 1221 . Terminals of the electric heating coil 1222 are exposed along the inner peripheral surface of the protrusion 1172 .

The power connection terminal 1224 is received in the base 100 , more specifically, in the protrusion 1172 of the water tank 1170 to be in contact with the terminal of the electric heating coil 1222 .

The power connection terminal 1224 is used to supply power to the electric heating coil 1222 .

The controller 1223 is disposed in the inner space of the substrate 100 and is suitable for selectively supplying power to the power connection terminal 1224 .

For the above structure, if the water tank 1170 storing water therein is installed in the area where the power connection terminal 1224 is located, then the electric heating coil 1222 and the power connection terminal 1224 will contact each other, so that the electric heating coil 1222 can be powered. If the controller 1223 is operated to start the refreshing operation, the electric heating coil 1222 performs a heat radiation operation using the supplied electric power.

If high temperature heat is generated by heat radiation operation of the electric heating coil 1222, the high temperature heat is transferred to the heat conduction plate 1221 in close contact with the upper surface of the electric heating coil 1222, thereby heating and evaporating water stored in the water tank 1170. Steam can be produced as the water evaporates.

Then, the steam generated in the above manner rises along the steam supply pipe 1620 and is supplied into the upper space of the main body 400 through the steam injection pipe 1610 communicated with the steam supply pipe 1620 .

50 and 51 show another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the refresher includes steam injection means. The steam injection device is disposed in the base 100 and configured to inject the steam generated by the steam generator into the lower space of the main body 400 adjacent to the base 100 .

As shown, the steam injection device is configured to communicate with the storage space of the water tank 1700 and includes a steam injection pipe 1621 having a plurality of steam injection holes 1622 to inject steam into the lower space of the main body 400 .

It is obvious to those skilled in the art that various modifications and changes can be made to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, as long as these modifications and changes fall within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents, they should all be included in the present invention.

Industrial Applicability

The present invention provides a device for clothes, and more particularly, provides a new clothes refreshing machine which has the effect of sterilizing and de-wrinkling clothes.

The refresher machine according to the present invention is capable of storing clothes for a short period of time and performing a refreshing operation for removing wrinkles from clothes and sterilizing clothes during short-term storage. The result is increased user satisfaction.

In particular, the refresher of the present invention can be controlled in a manner independent of conventional tumble dryers or separate drying units. This kind of renewing machine is designed to only perform the renewing operation of clothes exclusively, which has the effect of improving user satisfaction.

In addition, the clothes refresher according to the present invention can be used in conjunction with a dryer or a washing machine or can be used independently, which has a separate steam generator. Optionally, the refresher can be installed in a dryer or washing machine.

In addition, the refresher machine according to the present invention has a device for circulating steam, and is suitable for performing a refreshment operation by causing the steam to collide with the clothes to shake the clothes. This can obtain the effect of further improving the restoration performance.

Meanwhile, the machine for washing clothes or drying wet clothes according to the present invention has a clothes refreshing function to improve the convenience of use.

Claims (28)

1. A clothes renewing machine, comprising: a base with a water storage space; constituted as a body in which clothing is contained; and a steam generator that heats water stored in the base to generate steam to supply the steam to the clothes contained in the main body, wherein the main body is foldable, a cover is provided at the upper side of the main body so as to cover the base, wherein a support is provided between the base and the cover so that the main body is held in an unfolded state, and Wherein, the supporting member has a chain link structure or a telescopic structure. 2. The refresher of claim 1, wherein the base has: an inlet hole for supplying water from an external water source into the water storage space; and a channel extending from the inlet hole to the water storage space. 3. The reconditioning machine according to claim 2, wherein the entrance hole is provided with a door for opening and closing the entrance hole. 4. The refresher machine according to claim 1, wherein the steam generator includes a heater installed in the water storage space of the base; and a controller to control the heater. 5. The refresher machine according to claim 1, wherein the cover is provided with a fixing bar for hanging the clothes thereon. 6. The refresher as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cover has an outlet hole for discharging air or steam. 7. The refresher machine according to claim 1, wherein the main body has a zipper for putting clothes into and taking out clothes from the main body. 8. The reconditioning machine according to claim 1, wherein the base is provided with a grill partition placed above the water storage space. 9. The refresher machine according to claim 1, further comprising a steam supply pipe arranged between the water storage space and the cover, wherein the length of the steam supply pipe can be extended and shortened, and is suitable for turning the water storage space The generated steam is delivered to the clothes contained in the main body. 10. The rejuvenation machine according to claim 1, wherein the base is provided with a partition, the partition is placed above the water storage space, and a plurality of injection nozzles are provided. 11. The refresher according to claim 1, further comprising blowing means for circulating the air. 12. The refresher as claimed in claim 11, wherein the blowing means is installed in the base. 13. The refresher machine according to claim 11, wherein the blowing device comprises an axial flow fan sucking and discharging air in an axial direction. 14. The refresher machine according to claim 11, wherein the blowing device comprises a centrifugal fan sucking air in an axial direction and discharging air in a radial direction. 15. The refresher machine according to claim 12, wherein the blowing device is installed such that its air discharge direction faces the water storage space of the base. 16. The refresher machine according to claim 11, wherein the cover is formed with an outlet hole for discharging air or steam, and a blowing device is installed at the outlet hole. 17. The refresher machine according to claim 1, further comprising a steam injection device injecting steam generated by the steam generator into the inner space of the main body. 18. The refresher machine according to claim 1, further comprising an upper steam injection device injecting steam generated by the steam generator into the upper space of the main body. 19. The refresher of claim 18, wherein the upper steam injection device comprises: a steam injection tube disposed at the cover and having a steam injector; and One end of the steam supply pipe communicates with the steam injection pipe, and the other end communicates with the water storage space of the base, and the length of the steam supply pipe can be extended or shortened. 20. The refresher machine according to claim 19, wherein the steam supply pipe is detachably connected to at least the steam injection pipe. 21. The refresher of claim 19, wherein the steam injection tube takes the form of a fixed pole for hanging the garment thereon. 22. The refresher machine according to claim 1, further comprising a lower steam injection device for injecting steam generated by the steam generator into the lower space of the main body. 23. The rejuvenation machine according to claim 22, further comprising a partition separating the water storage space of the base from the internal space of the main body, Among them, the lower steam injection device is installed on the partition, and has a steam injection pipe with a steam injector. 24. The rejuvenation machine according to claim 22, further comprising a partition separating the water storage space of the base from the internal space of the main body, Wherein, the lower steam injection device has an elongated slot formed in the partition. 25. The rejuvenation machine according to claim 22, further comprising a partition separating the water storage space of the base from the internal space of the main body, Wherein, the lower steam injection device includes a steam injection arm, which has a plurality of steam injection holes and is placed longitudinally above the partition for a certain length. 26. The refresher machine according to claim 1, wherein the refresher machine is provided with a connection hole for connecting a steam circulation pipe so as to receive steam supplied from an external steam source through the steam circulation pipe. 27. The refresher as claimed in claim 26, wherein the connection hole is formed in the base or the cover. 28. The refresher machine according to claim 26, wherein the connection hole is provided with a sensor for detecting connection or disconnection of the steam circulation pipe.

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