CN114787442A

CN114787442A - Ironing machine with two-axis rotatable ironing board

Info

Publication number: CN114787442A
Application number: CN202080084221.5A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 高鹏; 沈喜宝
Original assignee: Koninklijke Philips NV
Current assignee: Fansongni Holdings Ltd
Priority date: 2019-12-05
Filing date: 2020-11-25
Publication date: 2022-07-22
Also published as: EP3832009A1; EP4069903B1; WO2021110493A1; KR20220101746A; EP4069903A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a garment ironing machine (100) for treating garments. The garment ironing machine (100) comprises a base plate (101), a lever assembly (102) extending from the base plate (101) along a substantially vertical axis (YY), an ironing board (103) for supporting the garment during treatment, a coupling element (104) for coupling the ironing board (103) and the lever assembly (102). The coupling element (104) is adapted to allow the rotation of the ironing board (103) about a first axis (a1) substantially perpendicular to said vertical axis (YY) and to allow the rotation of the ironing board (103) about a second axis (a2) substantially perpendicular to said first axis (a 1). This solution makes it possible to handle the garment in terms of how to set the inclination of the ironing board more flexibly, with less effort and better desired results.

Description

Ironing machine with two-axis rotatable ironing board

Technical Field

The invention relates to a clothes ironing machine.

The invention can be used in the field of garment care.

Background

Vertical garment ironing machines having a pole assembly with an ironing board attached thereto are known. Ironing boards are used to provide back support for garments being ironed.

However, in those known apparatuses, the ironing board is vertically attached, which may cause some inconvenience when a user irons clothes against the ironing board.

US 2016/047083 a1 discloses a laundry treating apparatus including a cabinet and a supporting portion capable of being drawn out of the cabinet.

CN 108060566 a discloses a suspended ironing machine.

US 2019/234007 a1 discloses a rotatable ironing board assembly.

CN 207760608U discloses an ironing board positioning mechanism, an ironing board assembly and a suspended ironing machine.

Disclosure of Invention

The object of the present invention is to propose an improved garment ironing machine for treating garments which avoids or alleviates the above-mentioned problems.

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

To this end, the garment ironing machine according to the invention comprises:

-a base for receiving the device,

a rod assembly extending from the base along a substantially vertical axis,

-an ironing board for supporting the garment during treatment,

-a coupling element for coupling an ironing board and a pole assembly, the coupling element comprising:

i) a first pivoting coupler for allowing rotation of the ironing board about a first axis substantially perpendicular to the vertical axis, an

ii) a second pivoting coupler for allowing rotation of the ironing board about a second axis substantially perpendicular to the first axis, wherein the second pivoting coupler couples the ironing board to the first pivoting coupler, the first pivoting coupler thereby allowing the second pivoting coupler to rotate with the ironing board about the first axis.

This solution proposes a garment ironing machine with an ironing board that has the flexibility of handling the garment against the ironing board, while providing the user with the possibility of tilting the ironing board between a vertical orientation and a horizontal orientation.

The tilting of the ironing board may be achieved by rotating the ironing board around the first axis. Such rotation about the first axis enables the ironing board to tilt between a horizontal orientation and a vertical orientation. The configuration of the coupling element means that the surface of the ironing board being steamed can remain facing the user when the ironing board is rotated from a vertical orientation about the second axis (perpendicular to the first axis).

This solution thus makes it possible to handle the garment in terms of how to set the inclination of the ironing board more flexibly, with less effort and better desired results.

A detailed explanation and other aspects of the present invention will be given below.

Drawings

Certain aspects of the invention will now be considered with reference to the embodiments described below, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like parts or sub-steps are designated in like manner:

figure 1A depicts a front view of a garment ironing machine according to the invention when the ironing board is vertically extended,

figure 1B depicts a side view of figure 1A,

figure 2A depicts a front view of the garment ironing machine according to the invention when the ironing board is tilted by 30 degrees with respect to the vertical,

figure 2B depicts a side view of figure 2A,

figure 3 depicts a top view of the garment ironing machine according to the invention before rotating anticlockwise around a vertical axis when the ironing board is oriented horizontally,

figure 4A depicts a top view of the garment ironing machine according to the invention after a counter-clockwise rotation around a vertical axis when the ironing board is oriented horizontally,

figure 4B depicts a front view of the garment ironing machine according to the invention when the ironing board is in the configuration of figure 4A,

figure 4C depicts a side view of figure 4B,

figure 4D depicts an enlarged view of figure 4B,

figure 5 depicts a three-dimensional view of a coupling element realised in a garment ironing machine according to the present invention,

figure 6 depicts a cross-sectional view of the coupling element depicted in figure 4D,

figure 7 depicts a cross-sectional view of the coupling element of figure 5 when the ironing board is vertically extended,

figure 8 depicts a cross-sectional view of the coupling element of figure 5 when the ironing board is inclined by 30 degrees with respect to the vertical,

figure 9 depicts a cross-sectional view of the coupling element of figure 5 when the ironing board is oriented horizontally as in figure 3,

figure 10 depicts a three-dimensional partial view of a garment ironing machine according to the invention,

figure 11A depicts a first view of a first particular embodiment of a garment ironing machine according to the invention,

figure 11B depicts a second view of the first embodiment of figure 11A,

figure 12 depicts a second particular embodiment of a garment ironing machine according to the invention,

figure 13 depicts a third particular embodiment of a garment ironing machine according to the present invention.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1A depicts a front view of a garment ironing machine 100 for treating garments according to the invention. FIG. 1B depicts a side view of FIG. 1A.

The garment ironing machine 100 comprises a base 101.

The base 101 preferably contains a steam generator (not shown) and/or a water tank. The steam generator receives water from the water tank to generate steam. A hose cord 115 is connected to the base 101 to deliver steam or water to the steamer head 116. The steamer head 116 is intended to apply steam to the garment being treated, using the ironing board 103 as a back support. A stand 117 for the steamer head 116 is preferably arranged at the end of the ironing board 103.

For clarity, the hose cord 115 and steamer head 116 are shown only in FIG. 1A.

The garment ironing machine 100 further comprises a rod assembly 102, which rod assembly 102 extends from the base 101 along a substantially vertical axis YY.

For example, the rod assembly 102 includes a first vertical rod 102a and a second vertical rod 102b extending in parallel from the base 101.

The garment ironing machine 100 further comprises an ironing board 103 for supporting the garment during treatment.

In fig. 1A, the ironing board 103 extends vertically. In other words, the ironing board extends parallel to the substantially vertical axis YY.

The ironing board 103 is intended to be used as a back support for the garment during treatment with the steamer head 116.

The ironing machine 100 further comprises a coupling element 104 for coupling the ironing board 103 and the lever assembly 102.

The coupling element 104 is adapted to:

i) allowing the ironing board 103 to rotate about a first axis a1 substantially perpendicular to the vertical axis YY, an

ii) allowing the ironing board 103 to rotate about a second axis a2 substantially perpendicular to the first axis a 1.

In other words, the coupling element 104 is a two-axis pivot coupling.

Preferably, coupling element 104 is arranged between first vertical rod 102a and second vertical rod 102 b.

Preferably, coupling element 104 is disposed on top of rod assembly 102.

Preferably, the ironing board 103 has a given length L1, and the coupling element 104 is coupled to the ironing board 103 in the middle of the given length L1.

This improves the stability of the ironing board 103 compared to the lever assembly 102.

Figure 2A depicts a front view of the garment ironing machine according to the invention with the ironing board 103 inclined by 30 degrees with respect to the vertical direction YY.

Fig. 2B depicts a side view of fig. 2A.

Figure 3 depicts a top view of the garment ironing machine according to the present invention before rotating anticlockwise around a vertical axis (such as axis YY) when the ironing board 103 is oriented horizontally. In this illustration, it should be noted that axis a2 is also vertical.

Figure 4A depicts a top view of the garment ironing machine according to the present invention after a counter-clockwise rotation around a vertical axis (such as axis YY) when the ironing board 103 is oriented horizontally. In this figure, it should be noted that axis a2 is also vertical.

Figure 4B depicts a front view of the garment ironing machine according to the invention when the ironing board 103 is in the configuration of figure 4A.

Fig. 4C depicts a side view of fig. 4B.

Fig. 4D depicts an enlarged view of fig. 4B showing details of the coupling element 104.

Figure 5 depicts a three-dimensional view of a coupling element 104 realized in a garment ironing machine according to the invention.

Fig. 6 depicts a cross-sectional view of the coupling element 104 depicted in fig. 4D.

Preferably, the coupling element 104 also comprises a first mechanism M1 for adjusting the rotation angle AA of the ironing board 103 about the first axis a 1.

This first mechanism is a locking mechanism that locks the ironing board 103 at various angles around the axis a 1.

Preferably, the coupling element 104 also comprises a second mechanism M2 for adjusting the rotation angle BB of the ironing board 103 about the second axis a 2.

This second mechanism is a locking mechanism that locks the ironing board at various angles about the axis a 2.

Preferably, the coupling element 104 includes a first shaft S1 extending along a first axis a 1. The first shaft S1 is fixed in comparison to the lever assembly 102. The coupling element 104 further comprises a first rotor R1 adapted to rotate about a first axis S1.

The first shaft S1 and the first rotor R1 define a first pivotal coupling of the coupling element 104. The first pivoting coupler S1, R1 allows the ironing board 103 to rotate about a first axis a 1.

The first mechanism M1 includes a first movable pin P1 disposed in the first rotor R1 and cooperating with a first set of at least one groove (G11, G12, G13) disposed on the first shaft S1.

Preferably, the grooves are arranged circularly at predefined angular positions.

Figure 7 depicts a cross-sectional view of the coupling element of figure 5 when the ironing board is vertically extended.

In this position, the first movable pin P1 mates with the groove G11 in the first set of at least one groove. The position of the groove G11 is such that the ironing board 103 extends vertically.

Figure 8 depicts a cross-sectional view of the coupling element of figure 5 when the ironing board is tilted 30 degrees with respect to the vertical.

In this position, the first movable pin P1 mates with the groove G12 in the first set of at least one groove. The position of the groove G12 is such that the ironing board 103 is inclined by 30 degrees with respect to the vertical direction YY. More generally, any angle between 0 and 90 degrees is also similarly contemplated.

Figure 9 depicts a cross-sectional view of the coupling element of figure 5 when the ironing board is oriented horizontally.

In this position, the first moveable pin P1 mates with groove G13 in the first set of at least one groove. The position of the groove G13 is such that the ironing board 103 extends horizontally.

Preferably, the coupling element 104 includes a second axis S2 extending along the second axis a 2. The second shaft S2 is stationary compared to the first rotor R1. The coupling element 104 further comprises a second rotor R2 adapted to rotate about a second axis S2.

The second shaft S2 and the second rotor R2 define second pivot couplings S2, R2 of the coupling member 104. The second pivoting coupling S2, R2 allows the ironing board 103 to rotate about a second axis a 2.

The first pivotal couplers S1, R1 are coupled to the ironing board 103 via second pivotal couplers S2, R2. In this way, the second pivoting coupler S2, R2 is able to rotate about the first axis a1 together with the ironing board 103.

The second mechanism M2 includes a second movable pin P2 disposed in the second rotor R2 and cooperating with a second set of at least one groove disposed on the second shaft S2.

For example, as shown in fig. 6, the second movable pin P2 mates with a groove G21 in the second set of at least one groove. The position of the groove G21 is such that when it cooperates with the second movable pin P2, the longitudinal axis of the ironing board 103 is parallel to the first axis a1, as shown in fig. 4A/4B/4C.

The second set of at least one groove may comprise another groove (not shown) similarly arranged on the second shaft S2 such that when it is mated with the second movable pin P2, the longitudinal axis of the ironing board 103 is perpendicular to the first axis a1, as shown in fig. 3.

Preferably, the first and second movable pins P1 and P2 are spring loaded.

For example, the first movable pin P1 is spring loaded by spring SG1 (as shown in FIGS. 7-8-9), and the second movable pin P2 is spring loaded by spring SG2 (as shown in FIG. 10).

Figure 10 depicts a three-dimensional partial view of a garment ironing machine according to the invention.

Preferably, the second movable pin P2 is connected to the user actuatable shaft 105.

The lever 106 is mounted on the shaft 105. The lever 106 is spring loaded by spring SG 1.

Preferably, the user actuatable shaft 105 includes a hook element 107 for mating with the intermediate shaft assembly 108, the first movable pin P1 being mounted at a distal end of the intermediate shaft assembly 108.

The hook 107 engages the first movable pin P1 only when the ironing board face is forward (such as in the case of fig. 1A-2A-3) to enable the ironing board to be adjusted to a vertical or inclined angle (e.g., 30 degrees from vertical).

With this structure, linear displacement triggered by a user of the user actuatable shaft 105 results in linear displacement of the intermediate shaft assembly 108.

The work of moving the ironing board 103 from the initial horizontal position as shown in figure 4B to the final vertical position as shown in figure 1A is as follows:

the user pulls the lever 106 to unlock the second movable pin P2, making a rotation about the second axis a2 possible. The user rotates the ironing board 90 degrees clockwise around the second axis a2 until the situation shown in figure 3 is reached. In this position, the user releases the lever 106, causing the second movable pin P2 to engage the groove G13. In this position, the hook 107 also engages the central axis 108 on which the first movable pin P1 is mounted.

The user pulls the lever 106 again to unlock the first movable pin P1 so that it can rotate about the axis a 1. The user rotates the ironing board about the first axis a1 until the ironing board reaches the vertical position of fig. 1A. In this position, the user releases the lever 106, causing the first movable pin P1 to engage the groove G11.

The work of moving the ironing board 103 from the initial vertical position as shown in figure 1A to the final horizontal position as shown in figure 4B is as follows:

in this position, the hook 107 has engaged the intermediate axis 108 on which the first movable pin P1 is mounted.

The user pulls the lever 106 to unlock the first movable pin P1 so that it can rotate about the axis a 1. The user rotates the ironing board 103 around the first axis a1 until the ironing board reaches a horizontal position as shown in figure 3. After the ironing board reaches the horizontal position of figure 3, the user releases the lever 106, causing the first movable pin P1 to engage with the groove G13.

The user pulls the lever 106 again to unlock the second movable pin P2, making a rotation about the second axis a2 possible. The user rotates the ironing board 90 degrees counter-clockwise around the second axis a2 until the situation shown in figures 4A-4B is reached. When this condition is reached, the user releases the lever 106, causing the second movable pin P2 to engage the groove G21.

Preferably, the coupling element 104 also comprises means to limit the rotation of the ironing board 103 around the second axis a2 to a certain angular range.

For example, as mentioned above, the angle BB may be limited to between 0 and 90 degrees, so that the ironing board 103 can only rotate around a2 between the position of fig. 3 and the position of fig. 4A.

To this end, the first specific embodiment is depicted in two views of fig. 11A and 11B.

Fig. 11A depicts a first view of the first particular embodiment of the garment ironing machine according to the invention, while fig. 11B depicts a second view of the first particular embodiment of fig. 11A. Figure 11A corresponds to the position of the ironing board as shown in figure 4B.

In this first embodiment, the second rotor R2 includes a projecting leg 111.

The first rotor R1 includes a first stop 112a disposed at a first angular position about the axis a2 and a second stop 112b disposed at a second angular position about the axis a 2. The first and second angular positions define extreme angular positions that the projecting leg 111 can reach. In other words, the projecting leg 111 can only pivot between the first and second stops. As shown in fig. 11A, the ironing board 103 can only rotate clockwise until the protruding leg 111 contacts the first stopper 112 a.

As an alternative to the first particular embodiment described above, figure 12 depicts a second particular embodiment of a garment ironing machine according to the present invention.

In this second particular embodiment, the second rotor R2 includes a retaining surface with a groove 113 extending along a circular portion. For example, the circular portion defines a 90 degree angle.

Second shaft S2 includes a protruding element 114 (shown in fig. 7-8-9), such as a pin or peg, adapted to slide into and along groove 113.

The protruding element 114 is intended to navigate inside the groove 113, between the two extremities of the groove.

As shown, the ironing board 103 comprises a protruding element 109 facing the bar assembly 102, preferably the upper part of the bar assembly. As shown in fig. 4A-4B, the protruding elements 109 are arranged to contact the lever assembly 102 when the ironing board 103 extends horizontally.

The protrusions are desirably aligned with the two bars 102a/102b so that the ironing board 103 is supported in a wider width in order to increase its rigidity and stability.

Preferably, the protruding element 109 has an adjustable length.

For example, they can be adjusted via screws 110.

Adjustment may be performed by loosening the screw and moving the adjustable block until it is in full contact with the top surface of the vertical bar element, and then tightening the screw to secure it.

Alternatively, the adjustable block may be mounted on a bracket at the top of the pole assembly.

This adjustment is preferably made during manufacture.

The above-described embodiments are merely illustrative and are not intended to limit the technical method of the present invention. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will appreciate that modifications and equivalents may be made to the technical method of the present invention without departing from the scope of the claims of the present invention. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. Any reference signs in the claims shall not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

1. A garment ironing machine (100) for treating garments, the garment ironing machine (100) comprising:

-a base (101),

-a rod assembly (102) extending from the base (101) along a substantially vertical axis (YY),

an ironing board (103) for supporting the garment during treatment,

-a coupling element (104) for coupling the ironing board (103) and the lever assembly (102), the coupling element (104) comprising:

i) a first pivoting coupling (S1, R1) for allowing the ironing board (103) to rotate about a first axis (A1) substantially perpendicular to the vertical axis (YY), and

ii) a second pivoting coupler (S2, R2) for allowing rotation of the ironing board (103) about a second axis (A2) substantially perpendicular to the first axis (A1), wherein the second pivoting coupler (S2, R2) couples the ironing board (103) to the first pivoting coupler (S1, R1), the first pivoting coupler (S1, R1) thereby allowing rotation of the second pivoting coupler (S2, R2) together with the ironing board (103) about the first axis (A1).

2. Garment ironing machine according to claim 1, wherein the coupling element (104) further comprises a first mechanism (M1) for adjusting the rotation angle (AA) of the ironing board (103) about the first axis (a 1).

3. Garment ironing machine according to claim 2, wherein said coupling element (104) comprises:

-a first shaft (S1) extending along the first axis (A1), the first shaft (S1) being fixed in comparison to the wand assembly (102),

-a first rotor (R1) adapted to rotate around the first shaft (S1),

the first mechanism (M1) comprises a first movable pin (P1), said first movable pin (P1) being arranged in the first rotor (R1) and cooperating with a first set of at least one groove (G11, G12, G13) arranged on the first shaft (S1).

4. Garment ironing machine according to claim 3, wherein the coupling element (104) further comprises a second mechanism (M2) for adjusting the rotation angle (BB) of the ironing board (103) around the second axis (A2).

5. Garment ironing machine according to claim 4, wherein said coupling element (104) comprises:

-a second shaft (S2) extending along the second axis (A2), the second shaft (S2) being stationary compared to the first rotor (R1),

-a second rotor (R2) adapted to rotate around the second shaft (S2),

the second mechanism (M2) comprises a second movable pin (P2), said second movable pin (P2) being arranged in the second rotor (R2) and cooperating with a second set of at least one groove (G21) arranged on the second shaft (S2).

6. Garment ironing machine according to claim 3 or 5, wherein the grooves are arranged circularly at predetermined angular positions.

7. Garment ironing machine according to claim 5, wherein the first movable pin (P1) and/or the second movable pin (P2) are spring-loaded.

8. Garment ironing machine according to claim 5 or 7, wherein the second movable pin (P2) is connected to a user actuatable shaft (105).

9. Garment ironing machine according to claim 8, wherein the user actuatable shaft (105) comprises a hook element (107) for cooperating with a middle shaft assembly (108) such that a linear displacement of the user actuatable shaft (105) results in a linear displacement of the middle shaft assembly (108), wherein the first movable pin (P1) is mounted at the end of the middle shaft assembly (108).

10. Garment ironing machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said coupling element (104) further comprises means for limiting the rotation of the ironing board (103) around the second axis (A2) within a certain angular range.

11. Garment ironing machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the coupling element (104) is arranged on top of the lever assembly (102).

12. An ironing machine according to claim 11, wherein the rod assembly (102) comprises a first vertical rod (102a) and a second vertical rod (102b), the coupling element (104) being arranged between the first vertical rod (102a) and the second vertical rod (102 b).

13. Garment ironing machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ironing board (103) has a given length (L1), the coupling element (104) being coupled to the ironing board (103) in the middle of the given length (L1).

14. Garment ironing machine according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the ironing board (103) comprises a protruding element (109) facing the lever assembly (102), the protruding element (109) being arranged to contact the lever assembly (102) when the ironing board (103) is extended horizontally.

15. Garment ironing machine according to claim 14, wherein said protruding element (109) has an adjustable length.