EP1853758A1 - Dispositif de defroissage et machine a laver et secher utilisant ce dernier - Google Patents

Dispositif de defroissage et machine a laver et secher utilisant ce dernier

Info

Publication number
EP1853758A1
EP1853758A1 EP06716146A EP06716146A EP1853758A1 EP 1853758 A1 EP1853758 A1 EP 1853758A1 EP 06716146 A EP06716146 A EP 06716146A EP 06716146 A EP06716146 A EP 06716146A EP 1853758 A1 EP1853758 A1 EP 1853758A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
steam
refresher
set forth
clothes
base
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP06716146A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP1853758A4 (fr
Inventor
Seong Hai Jeong
Soung Bong Choi
Byung Hwan Ahn
Hyeok Deok Kim
Deug Hee Lee
Hung Myong 102-302 Dongwon Apt. CHO
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
LG Electronics Inc
Original Assignee
LG Electronics Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from KR1020050016822A external-priority patent/KR100710221B1/ko
Priority claimed from KR1020050016831A external-priority patent/KR100845844B1/ko
Priority claimed from KR1020050017045A external-priority patent/KR20060095403A/ko
Priority claimed from KR1020050017053A external-priority patent/KR100755846B1/ko
Priority claimed from KR1020050016811A external-priority patent/KR100845843B1/ko
Priority claimed from KR1020050016816A external-priority patent/KR100808172B1/ko
Application filed by LG Electronics Inc filed Critical LG Electronics Inc
Priority claimed from PCT/KR2006/000696 external-priority patent/WO2006091057A1/fr
Publication of EP1853758A1 publication Critical patent/EP1853758A1/fr
Publication of EP1853758A4 publication Critical patent/EP1853758A4/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F73/00—Apparatus for smoothing or removing creases from garments or other textile articles by formers, cores, stretchers, or internal frames, with the application of heat or steam 
    • D06F73/02—Apparatus for smoothing or removing creases from garments or other textile articles by formers, cores, stretchers, or internal frames, with the application of heat or steam  having one or more treatment chambers
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F58/00—Domestic laundry dryers
    • D06F58/10—Drying cabinets or drying chambers having heating or ventilating means
    • D06F58/14—Collapsible drying cabinets; Wall mounted collapsible hoods

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an apparatus for clothes, and more particularly, to a new clothes refresher capable of de- wrinkling and sterilizing clothes.
  • apparatuses for clothes are designed t ⁇ perform a variety of operations associated with clothes.
  • Examples of these apparatuses for clothes include a washing , machine for washing clothes, a drying machine for drying wet clothes, and Qther various appliances.
  • the drying machine is adapted to perform a drying operation in a state wherein clothes are put in as one lump, and therefore, has a problem in that entangled portions of the clothes are difficult to be efficiently dried.
  • the dual type drying machine is, a drying appliance configured in such a fashion that the drying cabinet having a space for receiving a variety of clothes is mounted at an upper side of the drum type drying machine having a rotary drum, and the drying cabinet is configured to receive hot air.
  • the drying cabinet is used to dry clothes received therein or to enable long term storage of the clothes.
  • An object of the present invention devised to solve the problem lies on an apparatus which enables short term storage of clothes and can perform a refresh operation for de- wrinkling and sterilizing the clothes stored.
  • Another object of the present invention devised to solve the problem lies on a new. refresher which can be used independently based on configuration thereof, and can achieve an improvement in installation and portability thereof.
  • a farther object of the present invention devised to solve the problem lies on a new refresher which is compatible, with a washing apparatus, such as a washing machine or clothes drying machine, and can cooperate with the washing apparatus.
  • the object of the present invention can be achieved by providing a clothes refresher comprising: a body configured to receive clothes therein; and a steam supply device to supply steam into the body in order to supply the steam to the clothes.
  • the steam supply device may be a steam generator mounted in the clothes refresher, or may be a separate external device provided at the outside of the refresher.
  • the external device include a drying machine or washing machine having a steam generator.
  • the clothes refresher may comprise a base having a water storage space; a body configured to receive clothes therein; and a steam generator to heat water stored in the base to generate steam, in order to supply the steam to the clothes received in the body.
  • the clothes refresher may further comprise a cover to cover the base, and the body may have a foldable structure to be received inside the cover and the base in a folded state.
  • the base may have an inlet opening to supply water from an external source into the water storage space, and a passage extending from the inlet opening to the water storage space.
  • the inlet opening may be provided with an opening/ closing door for opening and closing thereof.
  • the steam generator may include: a heat-radiating heater mounted in the water storage space of the base; and a controller to control the heat-radiating heater.
  • the cover may be provided with a holder bar for hanging the clothes thereon.
  • the cover may be formed with an outlet opening to discharge air or steam.
  • the body may be formed with a zipper for putting the clothes into the body and taking out the clothes from the body in a simplified manner.
  • the body may be made of a flexible material, and the zipper is used to open the inner space of the body.
  • the base may be provided with a partition placed above the water storage space. The partition serves to separate the inner space of the base from the inner space of the body, to prevent the clothes received in the body from dropping into the base even if the clothes are carelessly dropped from the holder bar.
  • the partition may be formed with a plurality of injection nozzles.
  • the partition has a lattice form to supply the, steam generated in the steam generator of the base to the inner space of the body without requiring a separate structure.
  • the clothes refresher may former comprise a steam supply pipe connected between the water storage space and the cover to be extendible and con- tractible in length, and adapted to transfer the steam generated in the water storage space to the clothes received in the body.
  • the length of the steam supply pipe may be automatically extended and contracted in accordance with upward and downward movements of the cover, or may be manually regulated. Such a regulation in length enables the supply of steam to a desired region inside the body. For example, when the clothes are short, the length of the steam supply pipe is regulated to reach a height where the clothes are located, to achieve efficient supply of steam.
  • the clothes refresher may farther comprise a blowing device to circulate internal air.
  • the blowing device may include an axial flow fan to suck and discharge air in an axial direction, or may include a centrifugal fan to suck air in an axial direction and to discharge the air in a radial direction.
  • the blowing device may be mounted in the base. Preferably, the blowing device is mounted such that an air discharge direction thereof faces the water storage space.
  • the blowing device may be mounted at the cover. Preferably, the blowing device is mounted at the outlet opening formed at the cover. In this case, the blowing device allows the internal air of the body to be efficiently discharged to the outside, to thereby facilitate the circulation of air inside the body.
  • the clothes refresher may further comprise a steam injection device to inject the steam generated by the steam generator to the inner space of the body.
  • the steam injection device may be an upper steam injection device to ⁇ inject the steam into an upper space of the body, or a lower steam injection device to inject the steam into a lower space of the body.
  • the upper steam injection device may include: a steam injection pipe provided at the "cover and having a steam injector; and a steam supply pipe having one end communicating with the steam injection pipe and the other end communicating with the water storage space of the base, the steam supply pipe being extendible and con- tractible in length.
  • the length of the steam supply pipe may be automatically extended and contracted in accordance with upward and downward movements of the cover, or may be manually regulated. Such a' regulation in length enables the supply of steam to a desired region inside the body. For example, when the clothes are short, the length of the steam supply pipe is regulated to reach a height where the clothes are located, to achieve efficient supply of steam.
  • the steam supply pipe may be detachably connected to the steam injection pipe. In a state wherein the steam supply pipe is connected to the steam injection pipe, the steam is supplied into the upper space of the body. Conversely, in a state wherein the steam supply pipe is separated from the steam injection pipe, the steam is supplied to a , region where a distal end of the steam supply pipe is located.
  • the steam injection pipe may take the form of a holder bar for hanging the clothes thereon. Since the steam is supplied to a region right above the clothes hung on the holder bar, a refresh operation of the clothes can be efficiently accomplished.
  • the lower steam injection device may include a steam injection pipe mounted at the partition that separates the water storage space of the base from the body.
  • the steam injection pipe may have a steam injector to inject the steam generated in the water storage space to the inner space of the body.
  • the lower steam injection device may take the form of an elongated slot formed at the partition.
  • the lower steam injection device may include a steam injection arm having a plurality of steam injection holes and placed longitudinally above the partition by a long length.
  • the clothes refresher may be formed with a connection opening for the connection of a steam flow pipe, to receive steam supplied from an external source through the steam flow pipe.
  • the external source for supplying steam may be a drying machine or washing
  • connection opening may be formed at the base or the cover.
  • the clothes refresher may be provided with a sensor for sensing the connection or separation of the steam flow pipe, such that the steam generator mounted therein is appropriately controlled based on the connection or separation of the steam flow pipe.
  • the base may include a water container for storing water therein.
  • the water container may be detachably mounted in the water storage space.
  • the steam generator may include: an electric heating coil to heat the water container in order to generate steam; and a controller to control the electric heating coil.
  • the base may be formed with a closable mounting opening to put or take out the water container into or from the base.
  • the electric heating coil may be mounted at the water container, and the water container or base may be provided with a connection terminal to be electrically connected to the electric heating coil and the controller. [46] If the electric heating coil is mounted at the water container, heat generated from the electric heating coil can be directly transferred to the water stored in the water container. [47] In another aspect of the present invention, provided herein is a drying machine or washing machine comprising: a receiving unit for providing a receiving space; and a clothes refresher to be mounted in the receiving unit. [48] The clothes refresher may be configured as stated above.
  • the present invention provides a clothes refresher for enabling short term storage of clothes and for enabling a refresh operation for sterilizing and de- wrinkling the clothes during the short term storage, to achieve an improvement in satisfaction of users.
  • the refresher of the present invention can be controlled independently of a conventional drum type drying machine or separate drying apparatus.
  • the refresher is designed to specifically perform the refresh operation of clothes only, having the effect of achieving an improvement in satisfaction of users.
  • the clothes refresher in accordance with the present invention may cooperate with or be independent of the drying machine or washing machine, which has a separate steam generator. Alternatively, the refresher may be mounted in the drying machine or washing machine.
  • the refresher in accordance with the present invention has a device to circulate steam, and is adapted to perform the refresh operation by allowing the steam to collide with the clothes so as to shake the clothes. This has the effect of achieving a former improvement in refresh performance.
  • a machine for washing clothes or drying wet clothes in accordance with the present invention has a clothes refresh function, to achieve an improvement in convenience of use.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a refresher in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along the line I-I of FIG. 1.
  • FIG. 3 is a rear view of FIG. 1.
  • FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating the refresher of FIG. 1, which is in use.
  • FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along the line II-II of FIG. 4.
  • FIG. 6 is a rear view of FIG. 4.
  • FIGs. 7 and 8 illustrate the refresher provided with a lattice partition.
  • FIG. 9 illustrates the refresher provided with a blowing device.
  • FIG. 10 illustrates the refresher provided with a partition having injection nozzles.
  • FIGs. 11 to 21 illustrate a refresher in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIGs. 22 to 28 illustrate a refresher in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIGs. 29 to 33 illustrate a refresher in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIGs. 34 to 37 illustrate a refresher in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIGs. 38 to 44 illustrate a refresher in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIGs. 45 to 51 illustrate different various refreshers in accordance with other embodiments of the present invention.
  • the refresher basically comprises a base 100, a steam, generator 200, a cover 300, and a body 400.
  • the base 100 is configured to have a space for storing a predetermined amount of water required to generate steam.
  • the water storage space of the base 100 be formed with a discharge portion for discharging the water, which remains after completing a refresh operation, to the outside.
  • the discharge portion is located at a lower surface of the base 100.
  • the discharge portion is provided with a valve, which is designed to be electrically opened and closed.
  • the base 100 be further formed with an inlet opening 110 to introduce water into the water storage space.
  • the inlet opening 110 is formed at a position approximately higher than an appropriate level of water stored in the water storage space. This is for the sake of preventing leakage of the water stored.
  • the base 100 be further provided with an inlet passage 120 between the inlet opening 110 and the water storage space. This is for the sake of achieving the accurate introduction of water.
  • the inlet opening 110 is preferably provided with an opening/closing door 130, to be selectively opened and closed.
  • the steam generator 200 which is one constituent element of the refresher, serves to selectively heat and evaporate the water stored in the base 100.
  • the steam generator 200 includes a heat-radiating heater 210, and a controller 220.
  • the heat-radiating heater 210 is installed such that one end thereof is located in the water storage space of the base 100 and the other end thereof, which is formed with a terminal, is located at the outside of the water storage space. [83] In this case, it is desirable that a region of the heat-radiating heater 210, where the terminal is formed, be provided with a packing 211 for preventing leakage of water.
  • the heat-radiating heater 210 may be preferably a sheath heater.
  • the sheath heater means a heater wherein a coil thereof is surrounded by a highly heat conductive material, such as for example, aluminum or copper, so as not to be exposed to the outside. This is for the sake of preventing the coil from being brought into contact with the stored water.
  • the controller 220 is located in an inner space of the base 100 separated from the water storage space, and is adapted to control a heat-radiating operation of the heater 210.
  • an operation panel 140 is provided at a front surface of the base 100 for manual control of the controller 220.
  • the reason why the operation panel 140 is located at the front surface of the base 100 is to keep the operation panel 140 at a fixed position regardless of folding and unfolding operations of the body 400, and also, to ensure easy manual operation of the operation panel 140 regardless of the user's height.
  • the steam generator 200 or the base 100 contain at least one of a temperature sensor, humidity sensor, and water level sensor, in order to prevent the level of water from dropping below a predetermined water level.
  • the cover 300 which is one constituent element of the refresher, serves to selectively close an upper surface of the base 100, and preferably, is configured to have a predetermined space therein. .
  • a holder bar 310 is provided in the space of the cover 300 to hang a clothes hanger thereon.
  • the holder bar 310 is connected at both ends thereof to two shorter side surfaces of the rectangular cover 300 facing each other.
  • both the ends of the holder bar 310 may be connected to opposite longer side surfaces of the cover 300 facing each other.
  • the cover 300 is preferably formed with an outlet opening 320 to discharge part of air or steam existing in the space of the cover 300.
  • the outlet opening 320 may take the form of a simple opening, but may be formed to be adjustable in the degree of opening thereof.
  • the body 400 which is one constituent element of the refresher, is connected between the base 100 and the cover 300.
  • the body 400 is made of a foldable flexible material.
  • the body 400 is configured to define a predetermined receiving space for receiving clothes, which will be subjected to a refresh operation, when it is unfolded.
  • a surface of the body 400 is provided with a structure for selective opening of the receiving space.
  • the structure for opening and closing the receiving space of the body 400 may be preferably a zipper. ⁇ [97] Such a structure for opening and closing the receiving space rrust allow a user to easily put clothes into the body 400 and take out the clothes from the body 400, and also, prevent steam present in the closed body 400 from leaking to the outside.
  • the structure for opening and closing the receiving space may be selected from among a variety of configurations other than the zipper.
  • the refresher further comprise a supporter 500 to support the body 400 when the body
  • the supporter 500 is preferably connected at both ends thereof to rear surfaces of both the base 100 and the cover 300 and adapted to be folded and unfolded like a link.
  • the supporter 500 may take a telescopic configuration to be extendible and contractible in length thereof.
  • the cover 300 closes the upper surface of the base 100 as shown in FIGs. 1 to 3.
  • the body 400 is hidden inside the cover 300 and the base 100 while being in a folded state.
  • the cover 300 is opened away from the base 100.
  • the body 400 is exposed from between the cover 300 and the base 100, and is gradually unfolded.
  • Referring to FIGs. 4 to 6 the body 400 is shown in a completely unfolded state.
  • the body 400 After being completely unfolded, the body 400 is able to be continuously kept in the unfolded state by the supporter 500. [108] Also, in the completely unfolded state of the body 400, the zipper is operated to open the inner surface of the body 400. [109] After clothes to be refreshed are hung on hangers, and in turn, the hangers are hung on the holder bar 310 inside the cover 300, the zipper is again operated to close the inner space of the body 400.
  • the controller 220 of the steam generator 200 is controlled to operate the heat-radiating heater 210.
  • the heater 210 operates to radiate heat in accordance with the above described serial procedure, the water stored in the base 100 is heated and evaporated, resulting in generation of steam.
  • the steam generated as stated above rises from the inner space of the base 100, to be supplied into the body 400, and consequently, to be supplied to the clothes received in the body 400.
  • the clothes are able to be sterilized and de- wrinkled by the high- temperature steam, to accomplish a refresh operation of the clothes.
  • the inner space of the body 400 for receiving the clothes has a small volume, in particular, the refresh operation of the clothes can be performed within a short time.
  • the body 400 may be wet by the water stored in the base 100.
  • the refresher of the present invention may further comprise a partition 170 inside the base 100 as shown in FIGs. 7 and 8.
  • the partition 170 is configured to separate the water storage space of the base 100 from a space above the water storage space while allowing the steam generated by the steam generator 200 to be efficiently supplied into the inner space of the body 400 where the clothes are received.
  • the partition 170 may take the form of a lattice grill or mesh.
  • the steam is able to be distributed throughout the partition 170, and therefore, is able to be uniformly - • supplied into the overall inner space of the body 400.
  • the partition 170 may be detachably coupled to an inner wall surface of the base 100, for the sake of cleaning of the inner space of the base 100.
  • the partition 170 prevents the lower end of the clothes from reaching the water stored in the base 100.
  • a blowing device 630 may be mounted at the cover 300, to facilitate efficient circulation of the steam in the inner space of the body 400.
  • the blowing device 630 is able to discharge air inside the body 400 to the outside, and to achieve efficient circulation of steam and air.
  • blowing device 630 is provided at the cover 300 is to efficiently supply the steam generated to the uppermost space of the refresher in consideration of the fact that the steam is generated in the lowermost space of the refresher.
  • a partition 821 having a plurality of injection nozzles 822 for the injection of steam may be provided.
  • the injection nozzles 822 are configured to protrude upward from the partition 821 by a predetermined height, and each has a hollow tubular form.
  • the injection nozzle 822 having the hollow tubular form, gradually decreases in an inner diameter toward an upper end thereof, more particularly, toward a steam discharge side, in order to achieve an increase in a steam injection pressure. This facilitates the refresh operation of clothes using the steam.
  • the refresher in accordance with the present invention has the basic effects of sterilizing and de-wrinkling clothes, it is also able to remove bad smells of the clothes when perfume is added into the water storage space of the base. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the refresher can achieve a variety of effects in accordance with functional additives supplied thereto.
  • Mode for the Invention
  • FIGs. 11 to 21 a refresher for clothes in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention will be explained with reference to FIGs. 11 to 21.
  • a blowing device is included in the refresher.
  • a blowing device 600 may be placed in the base.
  • the blowing device 600 includes an axial flow fan 601 to axially suck and , discharge air, and a motor 602 to rotate the axial flow fan 601.
  • the, motor 602 is mounted to eliminate a risk of short circuit due to steam.
  • the blowing device 600 is mounted to discharge air toward the water storage space.
  • the blowing device 600 serves to bring about circulation of steam, and also, to apply a shock to clothes or slightly shake the clothes via collision between the steam and the clothes, thereby functioning as an assistant for a clothes refresh operation.
  • the lattice partition 170 is preferably provided above the water storage space and the blowing device to allow the passage of steam.
  • a blowing device may be mounted to discharge air upward in an oblique direction.
  • the blowing device 610 includes an axial flow fan 612 to axially suck and discharge air, and a motor 612 to rotate the axial flow fan.
  • the axial flow fan is mounted such that a rotary axis thereof has a predetermined inclination angle.
  • the refresher of the present embodiment acts to allow air to come into direct contact with clothes, so as to accomplish more efficient contact between the steam and the clothes.
  • a blowing device 620 may include a centrifugal fan 621 designed to suck air in an axial direction and to discharge the sucked air in a radial direction.
  • the blowing device 620 includes a motor 622 to rotate the centrifugal fan 621, and a case 623 to guide a flow path of the air discharged from the centrifugal fan 621.
  • the case 623 is formed with a suction hole to correspond to the axial direction of the centrifugal fan 621, and a discharge hole to correspond to the radial direction of the centrifugal fan.
  • the discharge hole may be oriented to face upward or to be tilted upward.
  • the steam generated in the steam generator is first sucked axially into the blowing device, and then, is discharged in the radial direction of the blowing device.
  • the centrifugal fan can successfully achieve higher flow rate of air than the axial flow fan. Therefore, the centrifugal fan is suitable for use in a large capacity refresher.
  • the blowing device 630 may be provided inside the cover 300.
  • the blowing device 630 includes a centrifugal fan 631 to suck air in an axial direction and to discharge the sucked air in a radial direction.
  • the blowing device 630 includes a motor 632 to rotate the centrifugal fan 631, and a case 633 to guide a flow path of the air discharged from the centrifugal fan 631.
  • the case 633 is formed with a suction hole to correspond to the axial direction of the centrifugal.fan 631, and discharge holes to correspond to the radial direction of the centrifugal fan 631.
  • the suction hole is oriented to face downw ard, and the discharge holes are oriented to face opposite sides of the cover.
  • the blowing device sucks air upward in the inner space of the refresher, and discharges the air toward opposite sidewalls of the cover 300.
  • the steam generated in the steam generator 200 first passes through the clothes.
  • the steam is sucked into the blowing device 630 and then, is again discharged into the inner space of the refresher.
  • the circulation of steam is brought about by the circulation of air, it has the effect of preventing the s,team from being concentrated on a specific portion of the clothes.
  • the air is sucked above the clothes, the steam is able to come into contact with the clothes as soon as being evaporated, and therefore, this results in a reduction in heat loss of the steam.
  • a refresher in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention will be explained with reference to FIGs. 22 to 28.
  • a steam injection device is included in the refresher.
  • An upper steam injection device 700 for injecting steam into an upper space of the body 400 is provided between the base 100 and the cover 300.
  • the upper steam injection device 700 is configured to inject the steam generated by the steam generator 200 into the upper space of the body 400 adjacent to the cover 300.
  • 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 in the cover 300, and has a steam injector
  • the steam supply pipe 702 extends between the base 100 and the steam injection pipe 701 to communicate with the water storage space of the base 100.
  • the steam supply pipe 702 is configured to be extendible and contractible in length.
  • the steam supply pipe 702 has a telescopic structure such that the length thereof is extendible and contractible in accordance with the unfolding and folding operations of the body 400.
  • the steam supply pipe 702 is detachably connected to the steam injection pipe 701. [153] When the steam supply pipe 702 is detachably connected to the steam injection pipe
  • a packing is provided at a joint between the steam supply pipe
  • the steam supply pipe 702 is illustrated and explained to be located in the body 400, it will be appreciated that the steam supply pipe 702 may be located at the outside of the body 400.
  • One end of the steam supply pipe 702 communicates with the water storage space of the base 100, and the other end of the steam supply pipe 702 communicates with the steam injection pipe 701. Accordingly, as the body 400 is folded and unfolded, the length of the steam supply pipe 702 is contractible and extendible in a telescopic manner.
  • the steam supply pipe 702 may have a plurality of longitudinal pleats, which are adapted to be folded and unfolded in a bellows manner, to be extendible and contractible in length.
  • the steam generated by the heat radiating operation of the heater 210, rises along the steam supply pipe 702, and is injected into the upper space of the body 400 through the steam injection holes 611 of the steam injection pipe 701 that communicates with the steam supply pipe 702.
  • FIG. 27 illustrates another upper steam injection device.
  • a steam injection pipe 711 is integrally formed in the cover 300 to have a predetermined space therein.
  • the steam injection pipe 711 has a steam injector 713 formed at a bottom surface of the cover 300.
  • the steam injector 713 includes an elongated slot extending in a longitudinal direction of the cover 300, more particularly, in a leftward and rightward direction thereof.
  • the steam injector may take the form of a plurality of holes, or may take the form of a plurality of nozzles.
  • a steam supply pipe 712 is extendible and contractible in length, and is detachably connected to the steam injection pipe 711.
  • FIG. 28 illustrates yet another upper steam injection device.
  • the steam injection device includes the holder bar 310 having a plurality of steam injectors 311, and a steam supply pipe 722.
  • the steam inj ectors 311 of the holder bar 310 take the form of a plurality of nozzles arranged along a longitudinal direction of the holder bar 310.
  • the steam injectors of the holder bar v 310 may take the form of an elongated slot extending in the longitudinal direction of the holder bar 310.
  • the steam supply pipe 722 is extendible and contractible in length, and is detachably connected to the holder bar 310 to communicate with the inner space of the holder bar 310.
  • a refresher in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention will be explained with reference to FIGs. 29 to 33.
  • a lower steam injection device is included in the refresher.
  • the lower steam injection device serves to inject the steam generated in the steam generator into a lower space of the body.
  • the lower steam injection device includes a steam injection pipe 810 configured to communicate with the water storage space of the base
  • FIG. 32 illustrates another lower steam injection device.
  • the lower steam injection device includes a steam injector 830, which is formed at the base 100 to comrrunicate with the water storage space of the base 100, and is adapted to enable direct injection of steam into the lower space of the body 400.
  • the steam injector 830 takes the form of an elongated slot extending in a longitudinal direction of the base 100.
  • the steam injector may take the form of a plurality of holes, or may take the form of a plurality of nozzles.
  • FIG. 33 illustrates yet 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 base 100.
  • the steam injection arm 840 protrudes into the lower space of the body 400 adjacent to the base 100, and has a plurality of steam injectors 841 arranged in a longitudinal direction thereof. ' .
  • the steam injectors 841 may take the form of nozzles.
  • the steam generated by the steam generator 200 is able to be supplied into the lower space of the body 400 through the steam injectors 841 of the steam injection arm 840, to achieve the refresh operation of clothes.
  • a refresher in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention will be explained with reference to FIGs. 34 to 37.
  • a structure for receiving steam from an external surce is included in the refresher.
  • a steam supply unit 900 is provided on at least one of the base 100 and the cover 300 to receive steam from an external surce.
  • the steam supply unit 900 includes a pipe connection opening 910 to enable detachable connection of a steam flow pipe, and an opening/closing door 920 to selectively open and close the pipe connection opening 910.
  • the pipe connection opening 910 is configured to allow the connection of a conventional hose.
  • the above described steam supply unit 900 is illustrated and explained to be formed at a peripheral surface of the base 100, it will be appreciated that the steam supply unit 900 may be formed at a peripheral surface or upper surface of the cover 300. [188] In particular, it is desirable that the steam supply unit 900 further include a reader
  • the reader 930 may be selected from among a variety of elements including a limit switch and proximity sensor.
  • the steam generator 200 of the refresher may • be controlled to operate even when the steam is supplied from an external surce through the steam supply unit 900, if necessary.
  • the washing apparatus 10 includes a steam generator 20 that is configured to generate steam independently of the refresher, and that the steam generator 20 is connected to a steam flow pipe 30.
  • the steam flow pipe 20 is configured to be selectively pulled out of the washing apparatus 10.
  • the opening/closing door 920 which closes the pipe connection opening 910 of the refresher, is operated to open the pipe connection opening 910.
  • the reader 930 provided at the pipe connection opening 910 recognizes the connection of the steam flow pipe 30, and provides the recognized information to the controller 220 of the refresher, so as to prevent the operation of the steam generator 200 provided in the refresher.
  • the steam generator 200 may be omitted.
  • the refresher includes the steam generator 200.
  • One end of the steam flow pipe 30, which is connected at the other end thereof to the steam generator 20 of the washing apparatus 10, may be connected to communicate with the cover 300 rather than the base 100.
  • FIGs. 38 to 44 illustrate a machine for washing clothes or drying wet clothes, which includes the refresher.
  • the washing apparatus 10 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a box-shaped case 30 provided at the bottom thereof to form the outer appearance of the washing apparatus 10, and a box-shaped drawer type receiving unit 40 provided in the case 30 to be pulled out of and pushed into the case 30.
  • the drawer type receiving unit 40 has an open upper surface and internally defines a receiving space.
  • the washing apparatus 10 in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention receives the refresher for refreshing clothes inside the drawer type receiving unit 40.
  • the refresher basically includes the base 100, steam generator 200, cover 300, and body 400.
  • the refresher may be configu red to receive steam from the washing apparatus.
  • the steam generator 200 may be omitted.
  • the drawer type receiving unit 40 is pulled and opened forward of the washing apparatus 10, and then, the refresher installed in the drawer type receiving unit 40 is operated.
  • FIGs. 41 to 44 illustrate a variety of installation examples of the refresher usable with the washing apparatus 10 of the present invention.
  • the refresher usable with the washing apparatus 10 of the present invention may be configured to be independently used, or may be installed in the drawer type receiving unit 40, which is designed to be pulled out of or pushed into the case 30 provided at the bottom of the washing apparatus 10.
  • the drawer type receiving unit 40 is configured to be laterally pulled out of and pushed into the case 30 of the washing apparatus 10 from a right-side surface of the case 30, and the refresher is received in the drawer type receiving unit 40.
  • FIG. 43 a pair of refreshers may be received in the bottom of the washing apparatus 10, to be coupled to opposite lateral surface of the washing apparatus 10 when in use.
  • the overall size of the refresher is adjustable such that three refreshers are received in the bottom of the washing apparatus 10 to be coupled to front and lateral surfaces of the washing apparatus 10 when in use.
  • the refresher may be coupled to the top of the washing apparatus 10.
  • FIGs. 45 to 47 illustrate a refresher in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
  • the refresher in accordance with the present embodiment includes the base 100 having a water container 1170, steam generator 1170, 1211, 1212, and 1213, cover
  • the base 100 is configured to form a body of the refresher in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.
  • the base 100 has a spa ⁇ e for storing a predetermined amount of water required to generate steam.
  • the base 100 is provided with a mounting opening 1110 such that the water container 1170 can be put into the base 100.
  • the mounting opening 1110 is formed at a front surface of the base.
  • it is desirable that the mounting opening 1110 is provided with an opening/ closing door 1130, to be selectively opened and closed.
  • the water container 1170 which is one constituent element of the refresher, is selectively provided in the base 100, and is configured to have a predetermined storage space for storing the water required to generate steam.
  • the water container 1170 has a cylindrical vessel form having an open upper surface for the input of water and the discharge of steam.
  • the steam generator which is one constituent element of the refresher, serves to selectively heat and evaporate the water stored in the water container 1170.
  • the steam generator basically includes a heat conductive plate 1171, electric heating coil 1212, and controller 1213.
  • the heat conductive plate 1171 is provided at an inner wall surface of the water container 1170, more particularly, at a bottom side of the water container 1170 to be mounted in the base 100.
  • the overall bottom surface of the water container 1170 may be provided with the heat conductive plate 1171.
  • a bottom surface of the base 100 is preferably provided with a supporting member 1211 to couple the water container 1170 to,the base 100.
  • the electric heating coil 1212 is placed in the supporting member 1211.
  • the heat conductive plate 1171 is preferably made of a material having a high heat conductivity. When high-temperature heat is supplied from the electric heating coil
  • the heat conductive plate 1171 serves to rapidly conduct the heat ' throughout the water container 1170.
  • the electric heating coil 1212 is provided at an inner location of the base 100 where a lower surface of the water container 1170 is mounted, to provide the heat conductive plate 1171 with high- temperature heat. [228] In this case, it is desirable that the electric heating coil 1212 comes into contact, on at least one location thereof, with the heat conductive plate 1171, to achieve efficient heat conduction. [229]
  • the controller 1213 is provided in the inner space of the base 100, to control the heat radiating operation of the electric heating coil 1212.
  • at least one of a temperature sensor, humidity sensor, and water level sensor is provided at the steam generator 1170, 1211, 1212, and
  • the blowing device 640 is placed in the base 100 at the outside of the water container 1170.
  • the partition 170 is provided above the water container 1170 and the blowing device 640 to allow the passage of steam.
  • FIG. 47 illustrates an alternative refresher which is provided with a blowing device
  • FIG. 48 illustrates another partition 1160 configured to separate the water storage space from the remaining inner space of the base 100.
  • FIG. 49 is a sectional view for explaining an alternative configuration of the above described steam generator.
  • the alternative steam generator basically includes a heat conductive plate 1221, an electric heating coil 1222, a power connection terminal 1224, and a controller 1223.
  • the heat conductive plate 1221 is provided at the inner wall surface of the water container 1170, more particularly, at the bottom side of the water container 1170 to be mounted on the base 100.
  • the electric heating coil 1222 is prpvided beneath the heat conductive plate 1221.
  • the electric heating coil 1222 is provided in a space between the lower surface of the water container 1170 and the heat conductive plate 1221. More preferably, the electric heating coil 1222 is configured to come into close contact with the lower surface of the heat conductive plate 1221.
  • the bottom surface of the water container 1170 is preferably made of a heat resistance material having a low heat conductivity. This is to prevent damage to peripheral circuit elements when the bottom surface of the water container 1170 is overheated.
  • a protrusion 1172 is formed at the water container 1170 to protrude upward by a predetermined height at a position corresponding to the center of the heat conductive plate 1221. A terminal of the electric heating coil 1222 is exposed along an inner circumference of the protrusion 1172.
  • the power connection terminal 1224 is received in the base 100, more particularly, in the protrusion 1172 of the water container 1170, to come into contact with the terminal of the electric heating coil 1222.
  • the power connection terminal 1224 serves to provide the electric heating coil
  • the controller 1223 is provided in the inner space of the base 100, and is adapted to selectively supply electric power to the power connection terminal 1224.
  • FIGs. 50 and 51 illustrate yet another embodiment of the present invention.
  • the refresher includes a steam injection device.
  • the steam injection device is provided in the base 100, and is configured to inject the steam generated by the steam generator into the lower space of the body 400 adjacent to the base 100.
  • the steam injection device is configured to communicate with a storage space of a water container 1700, and includes a steam injection pipe 1621 having a plurality of steam injection holes 1622 to inject the steam into the lower space of the body 400.
  • the present invention provides an apparatus for clothes, more particularly, a new clothes refresher having the effects of sterilizing and de-wrinkling clothes.
  • the refresher in accordance with the present invention enables short term storage of clothes, and can perform a refresh operation for removing wrinkles of clothes and also sterilizing the clothes during the short term storage. As a result, an improvement in satisfaction of users can be accomplished.
  • the refresher of the present invention can be controlled independently
  • the , refresher is designed to specifically perform the refresh operation of clothes only, having the effect of achieving an improvement in satisfaction of users.
  • the clothes refresher in accordance with the present invention may " cooperate with or be independent of the drying machine or washing machine, which has a separate steam generator.
  • the refresher may be mounted in the drjing machine or washing machine.
  • the refresher in accordance with the present invention has a device to circulate steam, and is adapted to perform the refresh operation by allowing the steam to collide with the clothes so as to shake the clothes. This has the effect of achieving a further improvement in refresh performance.
  • a machine for washing clothes or drying wet clothes in accordance with the present invention has a clothes refresh function, to achieve an improvement in convenience of use.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Textile Engineering (AREA)
  • Accessory Of Washing/Drying Machine, Commercial Washing/Drying Machine, Other Washing/Drying Machine (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un appareil pour habits, plus spécifiquement, un nouveau dispositif de défroissage d'habits permettant de défroisser et de stériliser des habits. Ce dispositif de défroissage d'habits comprend un corps (400) conçu pour recevoir les habits et un dispositif d'alimentation en vapeur (200) servant à acheminer de la vapeur dans ledit corps (400) en vue de fournir de la vapeur aux habits.
EP06716146A 2005-02-28 2006-02-28 Dispositif de defroissage et machine a laver et secher utilisant ce dernier Withdrawn EP1853758A4 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (7)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
KR1020050016822A KR100710221B1 (ko) 2005-02-28 2005-02-28 리프레쉬 장치
KR1020050016831A KR100845844B1 (ko) 2005-02-28 2005-02-28 리프레쉬 장치
KR1020050017045A KR20060095403A (ko) 2005-02-28 2005-02-28 세탁 장치
KR1020050017053A KR100755846B1 (ko) 2005-02-28 2005-02-28 리프레쉬 장치
KR1020050016811A KR100845843B1 (ko) 2005-02-28 2005-02-28 리프레쉬 장치
KR1020050016816A KR100808172B1 (ko) 2005-02-28 2005-02-28 리프레쉬 장치
PCT/KR2006/000696 WO2006091057A1 (fr) 2005-02-28 2006-02-28 Dispositif de defroissage et machine a laver et secher utilisant ce dernier

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1853758A1 true EP1853758A1 (fr) 2007-11-14
EP1853758A4 EP1853758A4 (fr) 2011-06-22

Family

ID=38573129

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP06716146A Withdrawn EP1853758A4 (fr) 2005-02-28 2006-02-28 Dispositif de defroissage et machine a laver et secher utilisant ce dernier

Country Status (1)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1853758A4 (fr)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR3139835A1 (fr) 2022-09-20 2024-03-22 Seb S.A. Appareil de défroissage comprenant une base, un toit et un rideau délimitant une enceinte de défroissage.

Non-Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
No further relevant documents disclosed *
See also references of WO2006091057A1 *

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR3139835A1 (fr) 2022-09-20 2024-03-22 Seb S.A. Appareil de défroissage comprenant une base, un toit et un rideau délimitant une enceinte de défroissage.

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP1853758A4 (fr) 2011-06-22

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