JP2017524411A - Steam generating head for clothing - Google Patents

Abstract

The present application relates to a clothing steam generation head (10) including a main body (11) functioning as a handle and a steam nozzle 12 connected to the main body (11). The body (11) includes a connector (17) for coupling the garment steam generating head (10) to the steam supply hose (16) of the garment steam generator. The connector (17) includes a coupling element (19) rotatable relative to the body (11) and the steam nozzle (12), thereby connecting the steam supply hose (16) to the coupling element (19). The body (11) and the steam nozzle (12) can be rotated relative to the steam supply hose (16) together. The clothing steam generating head (10) further includes a link pipe (21) connected between the connector (17) and the steam nozzle (12). The link pipe (21) is made from a flexible material that allows rotation of the coupling element (19) relative to the body (11).

Description

  The present invention relates to the field of clothing steam generators, and more particularly to a clothing steam generation head or steam supply hose for use in a clothing steam generator.

  A clothing steam generator typically includes a water reservoir, a steam generator, a steam supply hose, and a clothing steam generating head. Water from the water reservoir is converted to steam by a steam generator, and the steam is transferred from the steam generator to a clothing steam generating head via a steam supply hose. The steam supply hose has low resistance to steam flow, contains insulation to keep the hose surface temperature low and avoid heat loss from the steam carried through this hose, and operates during the lifetime It must be durable to withstand stress. As a result, the steam supply hoses of clothing steam generators are often stiff and bulky.

  The clothing steam generation head is the main user interface for steam supply, and the steam supply hose is directly connected to the clothing steam generation head. The user holds the garment steam generating head with one hand and uses the steam generating head to stretch the garment with the other free hand and place the garment steam generating head on the garment in a generally vertical direction. Remove wrinkles from clothing by sliding with a stroke.

  Manual movement of a heavy garment steam generating head can be tired and can cause the user to feel tired. This fatigue can be exacerbated by a rigid steam supply hose connected directly to the garment steam generating head, reducing the operability of the garment steam generating head and moving the steam generating head as needed. The user needs to exert force to flex the stiff hose. Further, after use of the garment steam generator, the steam supply hose and the garment steam generation head may be twisted with respect to the stationary steam generator and are placed on the holder or stand while not in use. The twist must be taken to return the steam supply hose and clothing steam generating head to the required orientation.

  A conventional garment steam generation head is disclosed in Patent Document 1, and the garment steam generation head includes a handle, and a rotatable steam generation head is attached to the handle. The steam generating head can rotate relative to the handle, but the handle is fixedly secured to the steam supply hose of the clothing steam generator.

  Patent Document 2 discloses a steam generator for clothes including a steam nozzle, a handle, and a steam hose. The handle and the steam nozzle are rotatable with respect to the steam hose.

  Patent Document 3 discloses a steam generator for clothes including a steam nozzle, a handle, and a steam guide pipe. A spring is provided in the steam guide pipe to reduce the amount of condensed water sprayed from the steam nozzle.

Chinese Patent No. 2015567490 Specification China Utility Model No. 201,933,340 China Utility Model No. 201,883,320 Specification

  It is an object of the present invention to provide a garment steam generation head, a steam supply hose, and a garment steam generator that substantially reduce or overcome one or more of the problems described above.

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

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a clothing steam generation head including a main body that functions as a handle and a steam nozzle connected to the main body, and the main body includes the steam generation head for clothing and the steam generator for clothing. A connector for coupling to the steam supply hose, the connector including a coupling element rotatable relative to the body and the steam nozzle so that when the steam supply hose is connected to the coupling element, the body and steam The nozzle can be rotated together with the steam supply hose,
The garment steam generating head further includes a link pipe connected between the connector and the steam nozzle, the link pipe being made from a flexible material that allows rotation relative to the body of the coupling element.

  The connector can be configured such that the body and the steam nozzle are rotatable relative to the coupling element, thereby enabling rotation about the axis of rotation relative to the steam supply hose coupled to the coupling element. And the steam nozzle is freely rotatable 360 ° around the axis of rotation relative to the coupling element. This allows the body of the steam generating head for clothing and the steam nozzle to be connected to the steam supply hose during use without tangling or twisting the steam supply hose or without increasing the resistance to the operability of the steam generating head for clothes. There is an advantage that it can be rotated frequently.

  The connector can include a securing element secured to the body, and the coupling element can be movably attached to the securing element. The securing element can advantageously hold the coupling element within the body of the garment steam generating head.

  In order to prevent vapor from passing between the fixing element and the coupling element, an elastic seal can be provided between the fixing element and the coupling element. As a result, there is no leakage of the supplied steam, the steam supply to the steam nozzle is optimized, and there is an advantage that the heating of the body of the clothing steam generating head is reduced.

  The coupling element and the fixing element are each a circular tubular element arranged coaxially with one being at least partially received within the other, the coupling element being fixed along a common axis of the coupling element and the fixing element. It can rotate with respect to the element. This has the advantage that the relative rotational movement of these two elements is facilitated and a simple connector that is relatively easy to manufacture and assemble is obtained.

  The coupling element may include a tubular member having a peripheral flange, and the fixation element may include an annular groove in the body in which the peripheral flange is received. This configuration not only allows for the rotational movement of the coupling element, but also limits the axial movement of the coupling element within the body, making it a reliable and resilient connector configuration Can be provided.

  The coupling element and the fixing element can be configured as a ball and socket joint. The securing element can include at least a partially spherical recess, and the coupling element can include an at least partially spherical member that is rotatably received within the recess of the securing element. This has the advantage of allowing not only a rotational movement about the axis of the coupling element, but also a pivoting movement about a plane around the rotational axis.

  The securing element may be a separate component from the body and may be secured in the body. This makes it possible to fix the connector configuration (arrangement) within the body shape of the existing garment steam generating head, thereby minimizing the application of existing manufacturing tools and mechanisms. Thereby, when an uncomplicated body structure is required, the manufacturing tool can be further simplified, and there is an advantage that the connector can be assembled in advance before being fitted to the body of the steam generating head for clothes.

  The securing element may be formed integrally with the body. As a result, it is possible to simplify the assembly during production while reducing the number of parts of the vapor generation head for clothing, and there is an advantage that the assembly and production can be performed more quickly.

  The present invention also provides a water storage tank, a steam generator that generates steam from water supplied from the water tank, a steam supply hose that supplies steam from the steam generator, and a steam supply hose as described above. A garment steam generating head connected to the garment steam generating head, the garment steam generating head configured to be rotatable relative to the steam supply hose together with the body and the steam nozzle .

  Alternatively, the connector may be a steam supply hose part rather than a garment steam generation head part, and the connector embodiment described above may alternatively be used when the connector is a steam supply hose part. it can.

  These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from and will be elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter.

It is the schematic of the steam generator for clothes containing the steam generation head for clothes of one Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing of the steam generation head for clothes of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing of the steam generation head for clothes of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a portion of the garment steam generation head of FIG. 3, showing a cut away portion showing a connector within the garment steam generation head. It is sectional drawing of the steam generation head for clothes of the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of a part of the garment steam generating head of FIG. 5, showing a cut-out portion showing a connector in the garment steam generating head.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a clothing steam generator 1 including a clothing steam generation head 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the clothing steam generating head 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The clothing steam generator 1 has a housing 2 that houses a water tank 3 and a steam generator 4. The steam supply hose 16 is connected to the steam generator 4 and the clothing steam generation heads 10, 30, 50, and supplies steam from the steam generator 4 to the clothing steam generation heads 10, 30, 50.

  Referring to FIG. 2, the steam generation head 10 for clothing according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a main body 11 and a steam nozzle 12 connected to the main body 11. The steam nozzle 12 includes a plurality of holes 13 in the end face 14 of the steam nozzle 12, and the steam is discharged through the holes 13 when used. A steam duct 15 extends into the body 11 and carries steam to the steam nozzle 12 via the steam generating head 10. In use, the steam supply hose 16 of the clothing steam generator 1 is connected to the clothing steam generation head 10, supplies steam to the clothing steam generation head 10, and is discharged through the hole 13 of the steam nozzle 12. .

  The clothing steam generation head 10 includes a connector 17 for coupling the steam supply hose 16 to the clothing steam generation head 10. The connector 17 includes a first fixing element 18 and a second rotatable coupling element 19. The fixing element 18 is a circular tubular element having an inflow end 18 a and an outflow end 18 b and is fixedly fixed in the body 11 of the garment steam generating head 10. The coupling element 19 is also a circular tubular element having an inflow end 19a and an outflow end 19b. The coupling element 19 has a hollow bore whose diameter is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the inflow end 18 a of the fixing element 18. The fixing element 18 and the coupling element 19 are connected in coaxial alignment with the inflow end 18a of the fixing element received in the hollow bore of the outflow end 19b of the coupling element 19 (common axis in FIG. 2). See XX). Thereby, the fixing element 19 can freely rotate with respect to the fixing element 19 around the common axis XX.

  The outflow end 18 b of the securing element 18 includes a first raised outer surface 20 for securing and holding the flexible link pipe 21 that connects the securing element 18 to the steam duct 15. The steam duct 15 similarly includes a raised end 22 that secures and holds the flexible link pipe 21 to the steam duct 15.

  In use, the steam supply hose 16 of the clothing steam generator 1 (see FIG. 1) is coupled to the inflow end 19 a of the coupling element 19. The inflow end 19 a of the coupling element 19 includes a second raised outer surface 23 for securing and holding the steam supply hose 16 when connected to the steam supply hose 16. Next, the steam passes from the steam generator 4 (see FIG. 1) of the clothing steam generator 1 through the steam supply hose 16, through the coupling element 19 and the fixing element 18 of the connector 17, and the flexible link pipe. 21 through the steam duct 15 and discharged through the holes 13 in the end face 14 of the steam nozzle 12 to hit the garment to be steamed.

  The securing element 18 includes two spaced circumferential recess grooves 24 around the outer peripheral surface of the inflow end 18a. A sealing gasket 25 is disposed at 24 in each groove. In the illustrated embodiment, the sealing gasket has a rubber O-ring 25, but other configurations of gaskets may be used within the scope of the present invention. In use, the O-ring 25 prevents vapor from leaking between the fixing element 18 and the coupling element 19. The sealing gasket 25 is lubricated to reduce friction between the sealing gasket 25 and the rotatable coupling element 19.

  Since the coupling element 19 is freely rotatable with respect to the fixed element 18, the body 11 and the steam nozzle 12 of the garment steam generating head 10 are freely rotatable with respect to the steam supply hose 16. This significantly reduces the resistance to operating the garment steam generating head 10, which is due to the stiff steam supply hose 16. It also means that the steam supply hose 16 is not twisted by the rotation of the clothing steam generating head 10, and the steam supply hose 16 is supplied with steam before returning the clothing steam generating head 10 to the holder (not shown) of the clothing steam generator 1. This means that it is not necessary to unwind or untangle the hose 16 after use.

  The rotatable coupling element 19 includes an annular groove 26 and the body 11 includes an internal flange 27. The inner flange 27 of the body 11 is received in the annular groove 26 of the rotatable coupling element 19, so that the rotatable coupling element 19 is rotatable relative to the body 11. When the rotatable coupling element 19 is urged in the axial direction of the main body 11, the inner flange 27 of the main body 11 is pressed around the annular groove 26 of the rotatable coupling element 19, The movement of the rotatable coupling element 19 relative to the body 11 is prevented. Accordingly, the rotatable coupling element 19, that is, the steam supply hose 16 attached to the coupling element 19, is prevented from being pulled out of the body 11 of the steam generating head 10 during use. It will be appreciated that alternative configurations that limit axial movement of the rotatable coupling element 19 relative to the body 11 are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention. For example, in one embodiment (not shown), the rotatable coupling element includes an outer flange and the body includes an annular groove or a pair of upstanding lips that receive the outer flange of the rotatable coupling element.

  3 and 4 show a clothing steam generation head 30 according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 shows an enlarged cutaway view of a part of the clothing steam generation head 30. Features similar to the vapor generating head 10 for clothing of the first embodiment retain the same reference numerals and will not be described again.

  The difference in the clothing steam generation head 30 of the second embodiment includes a differently configured connector 37 for coupling the steam supply hose 16 of the clothing steam generator (not shown) to the clothing steam generation head 30. That is. In the second embodiment, the connector 37 includes a coupling element 39 in the form of a tube rotatably held within the body 11 of the garment steam generating head 30. The coupling element 39 includes a peripheral flange 40 which is received in a fixing element 38 in the form of an annular groove 38 on the inner surface of the body 11. The annular groove 38 may be formed integrally with the body 11 of the garment steam generating head 30 within the scope of the present invention, or a separate component secured within the body 11 of the garment steam generating head 30. It may be. The annular groove 38 can be defined between two annular upstanding lips 38A projecting inwardly from the inner surface of the body 11, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, or the thickness of the inner wall of the body 11 It can be formed as an inner recess (not shown). This causes the coupling element 39 to rotate about the longitudinal axis of the coupling element 39 (shown as the axis “Y” in FIGS. 3 and 4) relative to the body 11 and the steam nozzle 12 of the garment steam generating head 30. Is possible.

  The coupling element 39 includes an inflow end 39a having a first raised outer surface 41 and an outflow end 39b having a second raised outer surface 42. An elongated flexible link pipe 21 connects the outflow end 39b of the coupling element 39 to the steam duct 15, is held by the second raised outer surface 42 at the outflow end 39b of the coupling element 39, and the steam duct 15 Is held in the steam duct 15 by the raised end 22 of. The link pipe 21 is sufficiently flexible to allow a significant degree of rotation of the coupling element 39 relative to the body 11 of the garment steam generating head 30. In this embodiment, the link pipe 21 is manufactured from a flexible material, such as silicone rubber.

  In use, the steam supply hose 16 of the garment steam generator 1 (see FIG. 1) is connected to the inflow end 39a of the coupling element 39 and is fixed to the inflow end 39a by the first raised outer surface 41. Held. Next, the steam passes from the steam generator 4 of the clothing steam generator 1 (see FIG. 1), through the steam supply hose 16, through the coupling element 39, through the flexible link pipe 21, and into the steam duct. 15 and is discharged through a hole 13 in the end face 14 of the steam nozzle 12 to hit the garment to be steamed.

  Since the coupling element 39 is rotatable relative to the body 11 of the clothing steam generating head 30, the body 11 and the steam nozzle 12 of the clothing steam generating head 30 are rotatable relative to the steam supply hose 16. This significantly reduces the resistance to operating the garment steam generating head 30, which is due to the rigid steam supply hose 16.

  5 and 6 show a clothing steam generation head 50 according to a third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6 shows an enlarged cutaway view of a part of the clothing steam generation head 50. Features similar to the vapor generating head 10 for clothing of the first embodiment retain the same reference numerals and will not be described again.

  The difference of the steam generation head 50 for clothing of the third embodiment is that a connector 57 having a different configuration for coupling the steam supply hose 16 of the clothing steam generator 1 (see FIG. 1) to the clothing steam generation head 50 is provided. Is to include. In the third embodiment, the connector 57 includes a coupling element 59 in the form of a tube that is rotatably held within the body 11 of the garment steam generating head 50. The coupling element 59 includes a partial spherical portion 60 on its way along its length, which is received by a securing element 58 in the form of a partial spherical recess 58 formed in the inner surface of the body 11. Is done. The partial spherical recess 58 may be formed integrally with the body 11 of the garment steam generating head 50 or within the scope of the present invention, or may be a separate fixed fixed in the body 11 of the garment steam generating head 50. It may be a component. Thus, the coupling element 59 is held in the body 11 in a “ball and socket” type configuration, and the longitudinal axis of the body relative to the body 11 and the steam nozzle 12 of the garment steam generating head 50 (FIG. 5). And can be pivoted substantially in the plane indicated by axis A and axis B in FIG. 6 as well as being rotatable along the axis “Z” in FIG. Thereby, the coupling element 59 gives a significant degree of rotational movement to the body 11 and the steam nozzle 12 of the garment steam generating head 50.

  The coupling element 59 includes an inflow end 59a and an outflow end 59b that include first and second raised outer surfaces 61, 62, respectively. An elongate flexible link pipe 21 connects the outflow end 59b of the coupling element 59 to the steam duct 15 and is held to the outflow end 59b of the coupling element 59 by a second raised outer surface 62 and It is held in the steam duct 15 by the raised end 22. The link pipe 21 is sufficiently flexible to allow a significant degree of rotation of the coupling element 59 relative to the body 11 of the garment steam generating head 50. In this embodiment, the link pipe 21 is manufactured from a flexible material, such as silicone rubber.

  In use, the steam supply hose 16 of the garment steam generator 1 (see FIG. 1) is connected to the inflow end 59a of the coupling element 59 and is fixed to the inflow end 59a by the first raised outer surface 61. Held. Next, the steam passes from the steam generator 4 of the garment steam generator 1 (see FIG. 1), through the steam supply hose 16, through the coupling element 59, through the flexible link pipe 21, and into the steam duct. 15 and is discharged through a hole 13 in the end face 14 of the steam nozzle 12 to hit the garment to be steamed.

  Since the coupling element 59 is rotatable with a significant degree of freedom relative to the body 11 of the garment steam generating head 50, the body 11 and the steam nozzle 12 of the garment steam generating head 50 are relative to the steam supply hose 16. It can be rotated. This significantly reduces the resistance to operating the garment steam generating head 50, which is due to the stiff steam supply hose 16.

  An optional deformation mechanism of the garment steam generating head 50 of the third embodiment is shown in FIG. 6, and this deformation mechanism fixes the ball and socket joint composed of the fixing element 58 and the coupling element 59. Includes configuration. This is a partial spherical shape of the coupling element 59 including a grub screw 63 extending through the wall of the body 11 in the region of the fixing element 58 and a notch groove 64 in which the end of the grub screw 63 is located. Part 60. Thus, with this configuration, the coupling element 59 can only be rotated within a predetermined range of movement relative to the body 11 (as defined by the dimensions of the groove 64) and Make sure to hold substantially. In this way, the partial spherical recess of the securing element 58 need not extend to some extent around the partial spherical portion 60 of the coupling element 59, as shown in FIG.

  In the embodiment described above, the garment steam generating head 10, 30, 50 includes the connectors 17, 37, 57 having the coupling elements 19, 39, 59, and the coupling elements 19, 39, 59 include the body 11 and the steam nozzle. The main body 11 is movable so as to facilitate the rotatable movement relative to the steam supply hose 16. However, it should be understood that in an alternative embodiment (not shown), the steam generation head includes a plurality of connectors, each connector having a coupling element movable relative to the body of the steam generation head and the steam nozzle. It is. In such an embodiment (not shown), the steam duct includes first and second steam duct portions and a second connector having a second coupling element. The first steam duct portion is in fluid communication with the steam supply hose, and the second steam duct portion is in fluid communication with a hole in the end face of the steam nozzle. The second connector is similar to the method in which the connectors 17, 37, 57 described above in connection with the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-6 are coupled to the steam supply hose 16 and the link pipe 21. Combine the two steam duct sections. For example, the second connector can have features similar to the connector 37 described above in connection with the second embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, wherein the second connector is the body of the steam generating head. Including a second coupling element in the form of a tube having a peripheral flange received in a second securing element disposed on the inner surface of the tube. The second connector (not shown) further facilitates the rotational movement of the body 11 and the steam nozzle 12 relative to the flexible hose 16, and the link pipe 21 when the steam supply hose 16 rotates relative to the body 11. Is prevented from being pressed against the inner surface of the main body 11.

  It will be understood that the term “comprising” does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article “a, an” does not exclude a plurality. A single processor may fulfill the functions of several items recited in the claims. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measured cannot be used to advantage. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the claim.

  Although the claims describe specific combinations of features for this application, the scope of the disclosure of the present invention is either express or implied, or any generalization of them, Whether any claim alleviates any or all of the same technical problems as those of the parent invention, whether or not they relate to the same invention as presently claimed. However, it should be understood to include any novel features and combinations of features disclosed herein. In this way, the Applicant informs that a new claim may be devised by such features and / or combinations of features during the course of the application of this application or during the course of further applications derived from this application. deep.

Claims (12)

A clothing steam generating head including a body functioning as a handle and a steam nozzle connected to the body, the body coupling the clothing steam generating head to a steam supply hose of the clothing steam generator The connector includes a coupling element that is rotatable relative to the body and the steam nozzle so that when the steam supply hose is connected to the coupling element, the body and The steam nozzle together is rotatable relative to the steam supply hose;
The garment steam generating head further includes a link pipe connected between the connector and the steam nozzle, the link pipe made of a flexible material that allows rotation of the coupling element relative to the body. To be
Steam generating head for clothing.   The connector is configured such that the body and the steam nozzle are rotatable with respect to the coupling element, whereby when connected to the coupling element, about a rotation axis relative to the steam supply hose. The garment steam generating head according to claim 1, wherein the body and the steam nozzle can freely rotate 360 degrees around the rotation axis with respect to the coupling element.   The steam generation head for clothes according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the connector includes a fixing element fixed to the body, and the coupling element is movably attached to the fixing element.   4. The garment steam generating head according to claim 3, wherein an elastic seal is provided between the fixing element and the coupling element to prevent steam from passing between the fixing element and the coupling element. .   Each of the coupling element and the securing element is a circular tubular element arranged coaxially with one being at least partially received within the other, the coupling element comprising the coupling element and the securing element 5. The garment steam generating head according to claim 3, wherein the garment steam generating head is rotatable relative to the fixed element along a common axis (XX).   4. The garment steam generating head of claim 3, wherein the coupling element includes a tubular member having a peripheral flange, and the securing element includes an annular groove in the body in which the peripheral flange is received.   The garment steam generating head according to claim 3, wherein the coupling element and the fixing element are configured as a ball and socket joint.   The garment vapor according to claim 7, wherein the fixation element includes at least a partial spherical recess, and the coupling element includes at least a partial spherical member rotatably received in the recess of the fixation element. Generating head.   The clothing steam generation head according to any one of claims 3 to 8, wherein the fixing element is a component separate from the main body and is fixedly fixed in the main body.   The clothing steam generating head according to any one of claims 3 to 8, wherein the fixing element is formed integrally with the main body. A steam supply hose for use in a clothing steam generator, wherein the steam supply hose is a connector for coupling the steam supply hose to a clothing steam generating head that functions as a handle for the clothing steam generator The connector includes a coupling element that is rotatable relative to the steam supply hose so that when the garment steam generating head is connected to the coupling element, the steam supply hose is coupled to the garment. Can be rotated with respect to the steam generating head
The steam supply hose is configured to connect to the steam nozzle of the clothing steam generating head via a link pipe connected between the connector and a steam nozzle, and the link pipe is connected to the coupling element. Made from a flexible material that allows rotation relative to the steam supply hose,
Steam supply hose.   A water storage tank, a steam generator for generating steam from the water supplied from the water storage tank, a steam supply hose for supplying steam from the steam generator, and a steam generation head for clothing connected to the steam supply hose A garment steam generator comprising: a garment steam generating head or the steam supply hose such that a body and a steam nozzle together are rotatable relative to the steam supply hose. A garment steam generator configured according to any one of claims 11 to 12.

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