A wind gripping mechanism and a clothes care machine

Abstract

This application provides a wind-powered garment-grabbing mechanism and a garment care machine. The wind-powered garment-grabbing mechanism includes a fan and a suction housing. The fan has an airflow inlet and an airflow outlet. The suction housing has a suction duct and two suction ports arranged opposite each other at the beginning of the suction duct along the airflow direction. The end of the suction duct along the airflow direction is connected to the airflow inlet. The distance between the two suction ports gradually increases from the side closer to the airflow inlet to the side farther away from the airflow inlet, forming a garment-grabbing space between the two suction ports. Using the wind-powered garment-grabbing mechanism of this application embodiment can achieve better ironing results.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of electrical equipment technology, and in particular to a wind-powered clothing-grabbing mechanism and a clothing care machine. Background Technology

[0002] With the fast pace of life and improved living standards, people are increasingly demanding faster drying speeds and smoother appearances for their clothes, and are also paying more attention to the sterilization and disinfection of clothing. The sterilization and drying efficiency of traditional natural air drying processes are greatly affected by factors such as weather and drying space. The air drying process usually consumes a lot of time, and natural air drying cannot make the surface of the clothes smooth. Common garment care products on the market, such as garment steamers, require manual assistance to iron clothes, have low automation, and do not have a clothes drying function. Therefore, upgraded garment care products that integrate automatic ironing, odor removal, and rapid drying, namely vertical ironing systems (or garment care machines), have emerged.

[0003] The ironing process of a garment care machine is actually a process in which heat and moisture act simultaneously on vertically hung clothes for a period of time, causing the surface of the clothes to deform. However, in the operation of related garment care machines, the external force is insufficient. After absorbing steam, the clothes generally have no other external force besides their own weight. The weight of the clothes after absorbing steam is not enough to smooth out the wrinkles on the surface of the clothes caused by washing and storage. As a result, the ironing effect of garment care machines is relatively poor. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this, the present application aims to provide a wind-powered garment gripping mechanism and garment care machine that can improve ironing effect.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, one embodiment of this application provides a wind-powered clothing-catching mechanism, comprising:

[0006] The fan has an airflow inlet and an airflow outlet;

[0007] The suction shell has a suction duct and two suction ports that are arranged opposite each other at the beginning of the suction duct along the airflow direction. The end of the suction duct along the airflow direction is connected to the airflow inlet. The distance between the two suction ports gradually increases from the side closer to the airflow inlet to the side farther away from the airflow inlet, and a clothing adsorption space is formed between the two suction ports.

[0008] In one embodiment, the air intake duct includes two sub-ducts, the distance between the two sub-ducts gradually increases from the end of the sub-duct along the airflow direction to the beginning of the airflow direction, and each sub-duct is provided with an air intake at the beginning of the airflow direction.

[0009] In one embodiment, the ends of the two sub-ducts are connected to each other along the airflow direction.

[0010] In one embodiment, the angle between each of the air intakes and the horizontal plane is greater than or equal to 45 degrees and less than 90 degrees.

[0011] In one embodiment, the angle between each of the air intakes and the horizontal plane is greater than or equal to 67.5 degrees and less than 90 degrees.

[0012] In one embodiment, the two air intakes are arranged symmetrically.

[0013] In one embodiment, the suction housing is provided with suction grilles at each of the suction ports.

[0014] In one embodiment, the fan includes an upper volute having the airflow inlet and a first notch, a lower volute having a second notch, a rotor, and a second drive motor. The upper and lower volutes are connected to each other to enclose a rotor cavity. The first and second notches together constitute the airflow outlet. The rotor and the second drive motor are disposed within the rotor cavity, and the second drive motor is drivenly connected to the rotor.

[0015] Another embodiment of this application provides a garment care machine, comprising:

[0016] Clothing hanging mechanism;

[0017] The main unit, located below the garment hanging mechanism, includes a housing, a steam generating mechanism, and a wind-powered garment-grabbing mechanism as described in any one of claims 1-8. The housing has a receiving cavity and a steam outlet and an exhaust port communicating with the receiving cavity. The steam generating mechanism is located within the receiving cavity, and its steam outlet is connected to the steam outlet. A suction shell is located on the housing, and two suction ports are located outside the housing, with the side of the two suction ports away from the airflow inlet facing the garment hanging mechanism. A fan is located within the receiving cavity, and the airflow outlet is connected to the exhaust port. When garments are hung on the garment hanging mechanism, the lower side of the garments extends into the garment adsorption space.

[0018] In one embodiment, the garment care machine further includes a housing, in which the main unit and the garment hanging mechanism are housed.

[0019] In one embodiment, the housing includes a shell and a cover plate with a first air vent. The wind-powered clothing grabbing mechanism further includes a connecting cover with a second air vent. The shell has the receiving cavity, the top of which is open. The cover plate covers the open portion at the top of the receiving cavity. The connecting cover is disposed within the receiving cavity and connected to the fan and the cover plate. The suction shell is disposed outside the cover plate and connected to the cover plate. The suction duct communicates with the airflow inlet of the fan through the first air vent and the second air vent.

[0020] In one embodiment, the clothing hanging mechanism includes a support frame, a clothing hanging rod, and a drive assembly. The clothing hanging rod is rotatably connected to the support frame, and the drive assembly is driven to the clothing hanging rod to drive the clothing hanging rod to swing in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the clothing hanging rod.

[0021] In one embodiment, the driving assembly includes a first driving motor and a transmission rod. A first end of the transmission rod is driven to the first driving motor, and a second end of the transmission rod is connected to the clothing hanging rod. The first driving motor drives the transmission rod to reciprocate, causing the transmission rod to drive the clothing hanging rod to swing in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the clothing hanging rod.

[0022] In one embodiment, the host unit further includes a hot air assembly disposed on the airflow path between the airflow outlet and the exhaust outlet.

[0023] In one embodiment, the housing is provided with an exhaust grille at the exhaust port.

[0024] In one embodiment, the steam generating mechanism includes a water tank, a water pump, a steam generator, a heating device, and a controller;

[0025] The heating device includes a housing, an electric heating element, and a temperature control element. The housing has a heating cavity and an inlet and an outlet communicating with the heating cavity. The electric heating element is disposed inside the heating cavity. The temperature control element is disposed on the housing and its temperature measuring end extends into the heating cavity to monitor the temperature inside the heating cavity.

[0026] The outlet of the water tank is connected to the inlet of the steam generator, the steam outlet of the steam generator is connected to the inlet of the heating device, the outlet of the heating device is connected to the steam outlet, the water pump is installed on the pipeline between the outlet of the water tank and the inlet of the steam generator, and the controller is electrically connected to the temperature control element and the electric heating element respectively, so as to control the electric heating element according to the monitoring results of the temperature control element.

[0027] This application provides a wind-powered garment-grabbing mechanism and a garment care machine. The wind-powered garment-grabbing mechanism creates negative pressure within the fan as airflow is drawn in from the two air inlets of the suction housing. Therefore, both air inlets generate significant suction. Furthermore, since the distance between the two air inlets on the suction housing gradually increases from the side closer to the airflow inlet towards the side farther away (i.e., the two air inlets are inclined), the suction at each air inlet generates both a horizontal component and a vertically downward component. When the lower side of the garment extends into the garment-grabbing space, the horizontal component of the suction at each air inlet pulls both sides of the lower side of the garment towards the corresponding air inlet, while the vertically downward component continuously provides a significant downward pulling force to the garment. This allows the suction at both air inlets to continuously pull and stretch the garment, promoting the full expansion of the internal fibers and resulting in a better ironing effect. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a garment care machine according to an embodiment of this application;

[0029] Figure 2 for Figure 1 The exploded view shown is of a garment care machine, in which some structures inside the casing are omitted.

[0030] Figure 3 for Figure 1 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of the wind-powered clothes-catching mechanism.

[0031] Figure 4 for Figure 3 The diagram shows a partial structural cross-sectional view of the suction housing.

[0032] Figure 5 for Figure 1 The diagram shows the garment care machine in its stored state.

[0033] Figure 6 for Figure 2 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of the clothing hanging mechanism.

[0034] Figure 7 for Figure 6 The diagram shows the arrangement of the clothing hanging mechanism inside the housing.

[0035] Figure 8 for Figure 1 The diagram shows the structure of the fan in the wind-powered clothes-grabbing mechanism.

[0036] Figure 9 for Figure 1 The diagram shows the internal structure of the garment care machine's casing.

[0037] Figure 10 for Figure 9 The diagram shows the external structure of the heating device.

[0038] Figure 11 for Figure 10 A cross-sectional view of the heating device shown;

[0039] Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view of a heating device according to another embodiment of this application;

[0040] Figure 13 This is a cross-sectional view of a heating device according to another embodiment of this application;

[0041] Figure 14 for Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the heating system of the steam generating mechanism shown;

[0042] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a garment care machine according to another embodiment of this application. Point B in the figure represents the garments suspended on the garment hanging mechanism.

[0043] Figure 16 for Figure 15 AA sectional view.

[0044] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0045] Main unit 10; Housing 11; Receiving cavity 11a; Steam outlet 11b; Exhaust vent 11c; Exhaust grille 11d; Shell 111; Cover plate 112; First air vent 112a; Steam generating mechanism 12; Water tank 121; Water pump 122; Steam generator 123; Heating device 124; Outer shell 1241; Heating cavity 1241a; Inlet 1241b; Outlet 1241c; Mounting base 1241d; Insertion hole 1241e; First side wall 1241f; Second side wall 1241g; Third side wall 1241h; Fourth side wall 1241i; Mounting column 1241j; Electric heating element 1242; Temperature control element 1243; Connecting piece 1243a; Baffle 1244; First baffle 1244a; Second baffle 1244b; Third baffle 124 4c; Thermostat 1245; Controller 125; Air pump 126; Wind-powered clothes-grabbing mechanism 13; Suction housing 131; Suction port 131a; Clothes adsorption space 131b; Suction grille 131c; Sub-air duct 131d; Fan 132; Air inlet 132a; Air outlet 132b; Upper volute 1321; Lower volute 1322; Fan wheel 1323; Connecting cover 133; Second air outlet 133a; Roller 14; Hot air assembly 15; Clothes hanging mechanism 20; Support frame 21; Support plate 211; Clothes hanging rod 22; Sub-horizontal bar 221; Sub-vertical bar 222; Limiting groove 222a; Drive assembly 23; First drive motor 231; Transmission rod 232; Insertion post 232a; Cover 30; Grip part 30a; Lifting assembly 50; Box 60. Detailed Implementation

[0046] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and technical features in the embodiments of this application can be combined with each other, and the detailed descriptions in the specific implementation should be understood as explanations of the purpose of this application and should not be regarded as undue limitations on this application.

[0047] In the description of this application, the terms "upper" and "lower" or their orientation or positional relationship are based on the appendix. Figure 1 The orientation or positional relationship of "front", "back", "left", and "right" is based on the attached... Figure 6 The directions or positional relationships shown are as follows, where "bottom" is an attachment. Figure 1 The term "down" should be understood to mean that these directional terms are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0048] This application provides a wind-powered clothing-catching mechanism 13. Please refer to [link / reference]. Figures 1 to 4The wind-powered clothing-grabbing mechanism 13 includes a fan 132 and a suction shell 131. The fan 132 has an airflow inlet 132a and an airflow outlet 132b. The suction shell 131 has a suction duct and two suction ports 131a arranged opposite each other at the beginning of the suction duct along the airflow direction. The end of the suction duct along the airflow direction is connected to the airflow inlet 132a. The distance between the two suction ports 131a gradually increases from the side closer to the airflow inlet 132a to the side farther away from the airflow inlet 132a. That is, both suction ports 131a are inclined, and the distance between the two suction ports 131a on the side closer to the airflow inlet 132a is greater than the distance between the two suction ports 131a on the side farther away from the airflow inlet 132a. A clothing adsorption space 131b is formed between the two suction ports 131a.

[0049] This application also provides a garment care machine; please refer to [link / reference]. Figures 1 to 8 The garment care machine includes a garment hanging mechanism 20 and a main unit 10 disposed below the garment hanging mechanism 20. The main unit 10 includes a housing 11, a steam generating mechanism 12, and a wind-powered garment gripping mechanism 13 provided in any embodiment of this application. The housing 11 has a receiving cavity 11a and a steam outlet 11b and an exhaust port 11c communicating with the receiving cavity 11a. The steam generating mechanism 12 is disposed in the receiving cavity 11a and the steam outlet end of the steam generating mechanism 12 is connected to the steam outlet 11b. A suction shell 131 is disposed on the housing 11, and two suction ports 131a are located outside the housing 11, with the side of the two suction ports 131a away from the airflow inlet 132a facing the garment hanging mechanism 20. A fan 132 is disposed in the receiving cavity 11a, and the airflow outlet 132b is connected to the exhaust port 11c. When the garment is hung on the garment hanging mechanism 20, the lower side of the garment extends into the garment adsorption space 131b.

[0050] Specifically, depending on the type of clothing, the lower part of the clothing can be the hem of a shirt or skirt, the cuff of pants, or the lower area of ​​everyday items such as bed sheets when they are hanging.

[0051] During operation, the fan 132 of the wind-powered garment-grabbing mechanism 13 can draw external airflow into the air intake duct from the air intake port 131a. The airflow entering the air intake duct flows into the fan 132 from the air intake port 132a, then flows out from the air outlet 132b and is discharged to the outside of the housing 11 through the exhaust port 11c on the housing 11, so as to realize the circulation of airflow.

[0052] The steam generating mechanism 12 is used to generate the steam required for ironing clothes. After the steam flows out through the steam outlet 11b, it can diffuse to the surface of the clothes, allowing the fibers on the surface of the clothes to fully stretch.

[0053] The clothing hanging mechanism 20 is used to hang clothing.

[0054] In this embodiment, during the process of drawing airflow into the fan 132 from the two air inlets 131a, a negative pressure is formed inside the fan 132. Therefore, a large suction force is generated at both air inlets 131a. Please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 4 Because the distance between the two air inlets 131a on the suction shell 131 in this embodiment gradually increases from the side closer to the airflow inlet 132a to the side farther away from the airflow inlet 132a, i.e. the two air inlets 131a are inclined, the suction force at each air inlet 131a will generate a horizontal component and a vertical downward component. When the lower side of the garment extends into the garment adsorption space 131b, the horizontal component of the suction force at each air inlet 131a will pull the two sides of the lower side of the garment toward the corresponding air inlet 131a, while the vertical downward component of the suction force at each air inlet 131a can continuously provide a large vertical downward pulling force to the garment. Thus, the suction force at the two air inlets 131a can continuously pull the garment, thereby promoting the full expansion of the internal fibers of the garment and achieving a better ironing effect.

[0055] The fan 132 in this embodiment can have various structural forms. For example, please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 8 The fan 132 includes an upper volute 1321 with an airflow inlet 132a and a first notch, a lower volute 1322 with a second notch, a fan wheel 1323, and a second drive motor. The upper volute 1321 and the lower volute 1322 are connected to each other to enclose the fan wheel cavity. The first notch and the second notch together form the airflow outlet 132b. The fan wheel 1323 and the second drive motor are disposed in the fan wheel cavity. The second drive motor is driven to rotate the fan wheel 1323, which can create a negative pressure in the fan wheel cavity.

[0056] Additionally, please see Figure 15 and Figure 16 The garment care machine of this embodiment can also be equipped with a housing 60, with the main unit 10 and garment hanging mechanism 20 placed inside the housing 60. That is, the main unit 10 and garment hanging mechanism 20 can be fixed inside the housing 60 in a detachable or non-detachable manner, or they can be placed directly inside the housing 60, meaning the main unit 10 and garment hanging mechanism 20 can be directly removed from the housing 60. When the garment care machine is working, the steam generated by the steam generating mechanism 12 can circulate within the housing 60, thereby preventing steam loss and improving ironing efficiency.

[0057] Of the horizontal and vertically downward components of the suction force generated at the air inlet 131a, the vertically downward component continuously pulls the clothing downwards. Therefore, the vertically downward component plays a crucial role in promoting the full expansion of the internal fibers of the clothing. Given the same suction force at the air inlet 131a, the tilt angle of the air inlet 131a affects the magnitude of the vertically downward component. Therefore, to ensure that the suction force at the air inlet 131a provides a larger vertically downward component, please refer to [the relevant documentation / reference needed]. Figure 4 Preferably, the angle α between each air intake 131a and the horizontal plane is greater than or equal to 45 degrees and less than 90 degrees. More preferably, the angle α between each air intake 131a and the horizontal plane is greater than or equal to 67.5 degrees and less than 90 degrees.

[0058] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 4 The two air intakes 131a are symmetrically arranged, meaning that the angle α between the two air intakes 131a and the horizontal plane is the same. This allows the downward vertical force at the two air intakes 131a to be relatively balanced. For details on the symmetrical arrangement of the two air intakes 131a, please refer to... Figure 4 Preferably, the included angle b between the two air inlets 131a can be greater than 0 degrees and less than or equal to 90 degrees. More preferably, the included angle b between the two air inlets 131a can be greater than 0 degrees and less than or equal to 45 degrees.

[0059] It is understandable that in some embodiments, the two air intakes 131a may also be asymmetrically arranged, which means that the angle α between the two air intakes 131a and the horizontal plane is different.

[0060] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The suction shell 131 is equipped with suction grilles 131c at each suction port 131a. That is to say, each suction port 131a is equipped with a suction grille 131c. The suction grille 131c has the function of guiding air. During ironing, the two sides of the bottom of the clothes can be adsorbed onto the suction grille 131c at the corresponding suction port 131a under the action of suction. Thus, it is easier for the suction to continuously pull the clothes.

[0061] The dimensions of each grille in the air intake grille 131c and the spacing between two adjacent grille pieces can be determined as needed and are not limited here.

[0062] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 4The suction duct includes two sub-ducts 131d. The distance between the two sub-ducts 131d gradually increases from the end of the sub-duct 131d along the airflow direction to the beginning of the airflow direction. Each sub-duct 131d is provided with an air intake 131a at the beginning of the airflow direction. That is to say, the two sub-ducts 131d can also be inclined. The inclined sub-ducts 131d can guide the airflow entering the sub-duct 131d, thereby accelerating the airflow speed and increasing the suction force at the air intake 131a.

[0063] Further, in one embodiment, please refer to Figure 4 The ends of the two sub-ducts 131d are connected to each other along the airflow direction, which makes it easier for the fan 132 to draw the airflow in the two sub-ducts 131d into the fan 132 from the airflow inlet 132a, thereby improving the suction efficiency of the fan 132.

[0064] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The housing 11 includes a shell 111 and a cover plate 112 with a first air vent 112a. The wind-powered clothing grabbing mechanism 13 also includes a connecting cover 133 with a second air vent 133a. The shell 111 has a receiving cavity 11a with an open top. The cover plate 112 covers the open top of the receiving cavity 11a. The connecting cover 133 is disposed inside the receiving cavity 11a and connected to the fan 132 and the cover plate 112. The suction shell 131 is disposed outside the cover plate 112 and connected to the cover plate 112. The suction duct is connected to the airflow inlet 132a of the fan 132 through the first air vent 112a and the second air vent 133a. Thus, it is convenient to install the wind-powered clothing grabbing mechanism 13 and can form a relatively sealed airflow path between the suction vent 131a and the airflow outlet 132b of the fan 132, so as to better form negative pressure inside the fan 132.

[0065] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 2 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 The clothing hanging mechanism 20 includes a support frame 21, a clothing hanging rod 22, and a drive assembly. The clothing hanging rod 22 is rotatably connected to the support frame 21, and the drive assembly is driven to drive the clothing hanging rod 22 to swing in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the clothing hanging rod 22.

[0066] Specifically, the clothing hanging rod 22 is used to hang clothes. Under the drive of the drive assembly 23, the clothing hanging rod 22 can reciprocate relative to the support frame 21. That is, the clothing hanging rod 22 can rotate alternately in the clockwise and counterclockwise directions. Thus, the clothing hanging rod 22 can swing in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the clothing hanging rod 22. Therefore, when clothes are hanging on the clothing hanging rod 22, the clothing hanging rod 22 can drive the clothes to swing in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the clothing hanging rod 22.

[0067] When the garment care machine is working, the garment hanging mechanism 20 drives the garment to swing in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the garment hanging rod 22, while the wind-powered garment gripping mechanism 13 uses negative pressure to continuously provide a downward force to the garment. In other words, the garment is constantly straightened during the swinging process. Thus, by working together, the garment hanging mechanism 20 and the wind-powered garment gripping mechanism 13 can better smooth out the wrinkles on the surface of the garment caused by washing and storage, thereby further improving the ironing effect.

[0068] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the clothing hanging rod 22 of the clothing hanging mechanism 20 swings in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the clothing hanging rod 22. This is equivalent to the clothing swinging in the back-and-forth direction of the garment care machine during the ironing process. Compared with swinging the clothing hanging rod 22 along the axial direction (equivalent to the clothing swinging in the left-right direction of the garment care machine), the space for the clothing to swing in the back-and-forth direction of the garment care machine is much larger than the space for swinging in the left-right direction. In other words, by swinging the clothing hanging rod 22 in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the clothing hanging rod 22, the clothing hanging mechanism 20 can increase the range of motion of the clothing, allowing the clothing to have a larger contact area with the steam generated by the steam generating mechanism 12. This can promote the absorption of steam by the clothing to a certain extent, thereby increasing the weight of the clothing after absorbing steam, which is more conducive to straightening the clothing.

[0069] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 The drive assembly 23 includes a first drive motor 231 and a transmission rod 232. A first end of the transmission rod 232 is connected to the first drive motor 231, and a second end is connected to the clothing hanging rod 22. The first drive motor 231 drives the transmission rod 232 to reciprocate, causing the transmission rod 232 to swing along a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the clothing hanging rod 22. In other words, the first drive motor 231 can drive the transmission rod 232 to swing by reciprocating the transmission rod 232.

[0070] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7The clothing hanging rod 22 includes a horizontal bar 221 and two vertical bars 222. Each end of the horizontal bar 221 along its extension direction is provided with a vertical bar 222. The first end of each vertical bar 222 is rotatably connected to the support frame 21, and the second end of each vertical bar 222 is connected to the horizontal bar 221. The second end of the transmission rod 232 is connected to one of the two vertical bars 222.

[0071] Specifically, the two sub-vertical rods 222 and the sub-horizontal rod 221 can be fixed together by non-removable methods such as welding, or by detachable methods such as plugging, snapping, or fastening. The two sub-vertical rods 222 can also be integrally formed with the sub-horizontal rod 221. The sub-horizontal rod 221 is used to hang clothes, and the second end of the transmission rod 232 is connected to one of the two sub-vertical rods 222, which facilitates the swinging of the clothes hanging rod 22.

[0072] in addition, Figure 6 and Figure 7 The support frame 21 shown is composed of two mutually separated and spaced support plates 211. The first end of each sub-vertical rod 222 is rotatably connected to the corresponding support plate 211. The sub-horizontal rod 221 is located between the two support plates 211. In some embodiments, the support frame 21 can also be a single integral structure instead of being divided into two mutually separated support plates 211.

[0073] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 A limiting groove 222a is provided on the sub-vertical rod 222 connected to the second end of the transmission rod 232, and a plug-in post 232a is formed on the second end of the transmission rod 232. The plug-in post 232a is inserted into the limiting groove 222a. That is to say, when the transmission rod 232 is connected to the clothes hanging rod 22, it is only necessary to insert the plug-in post 232a on the transmission rod 232 into the limiting groove 222a on the clothes hanging rod 22. This makes it easy to assemble and disassemble the clothes hanging rod 22.

[0074] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 7 The first drive motor 231 is located on the side of the support frame 21 away from the clothes hanging rod 22. The transmission rod 232 is rotatably connected to the support frame 21. That is, the clothes hanging rod 22 and the first drive motor 231 are respectively located on opposite sides of the support frame 21. The transmission rod 232 passes through the support frame 21 so that the first end of the transmission rod 232 is driven by the first drive motor 231, and the second end of the transmission rod 232 is connected to the clothes hanging rod 22. This facilitates the arrangement of the first drive motor 231 and allows the support frame 21 to support and position the transmission rod 232, making the transmission rod 232 more stable during rotation.

[0075] Please see Figure 15 and Figure 16 In some embodiments, the clothing hanging mechanism 20 may also be a non-swinging structure, which means that the clothing hanging mechanism 20 is only used to hang clothing and cannot cause the clothing to swing.

[0076] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 7 The garment care machine also includes a cover 30 with an open bottom, and a garment hanging mechanism 20 is disposed inside the cover 30.

[0077] Specifically, the support frame 21 can be fixed inside the cover 30. When clothes are hung on the clothes hanging rod 22, the lower side of the clothes protrudes from the opening at the bottom of the cover 30. The cover 30 not only protects the clothes hanging mechanism 20, but also makes the clothes care machine more aesthetically pleasing.

[0078] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The garment care machine also includes a lifting assembly 50, which connects the housing 11 and the cover 30 so that the cover 30 can rise or fall relative to the housing 11.

[0079] Specifically, the lifting assembly 50 can be Figure 1 The telescopic rod shown can also be a lifting mechanism driven by a motor or other structures that can have lifting functions. By raising or lowering the cover 30 relative to the housing 11, the distance between the clothing hanging mechanism 20 and the wind-powered clothing grabbing mechanism 13 can be easily adjusted, thereby accommodating clothing of different sizes.

[0080] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 When the lifting component 50 is a lifting structure such as a telescopic rod that needs to be lifted by human force, the outer surface of the cover 30 can also be provided with a gripping part 30a to facilitate the user to apply force.

[0081] In addition, a roller 14 can be provided at the bottom of the housing 11. The roller 14 can be a universal wheel, a directional wheel, etc., which makes it easy to move the main unit 10 and the clothing hanging mechanism 20.

[0082] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 5 When the cover 30 descends to its limit relative to the housing 11, the cover 30 covers the housing 11, and the suction shell 131 extends into the cover 30. In other words, when the garment care machine is not in use, the cover 30 can be moved downwards to cover the housing 11 and form a storage state, which makes it easy to store the garment care machine.

[0083] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 9The main unit 10 also includes a hot air assembly 15, which is disposed in the airflow path between the air outlet 132b and the exhaust port 11c. Thus, the airflow discharged from the air outlet 132b of the fan 132 can be heated and then discharged to the outside of the casing 11 through the exhaust port 11c, thereby providing hot airflow for drying clothes.

[0084] The hot air assembly 15 can be any assembly capable of heating airflow. For example, the hot air assembly 15 can be a positive temperature coefficient thermistor (PTC thermistor) or a heating wire.

[0085] It should be noted that the position of the exhaust vent 11c on the housing 11 can be adjusted as needed; however, to facilitate the provision of hot airflow for drying clothes, please refer to 1 and 2 for examples. Figure 2 The exhaust vent 11c can be located on the top of the housing 11.

[0086] Further, in one embodiment, please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The casing 11 can also be equipped with an exhaust grille 11d at the exhaust port 11c. The exhaust grille 11d can guide the hot airflow discharged from the exhaust port 11c so that the hot airflow can be better directed to the clothes.

[0087] In addition, when the garment care machine is equipped with a cabinet 60, the exhaust grille 11d can guide the hot airflow to be distributed more evenly within the cabinet 60, thereby improving drying efficiency.

[0088] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 9 and Figure 14The steam generating mechanism 12 includes a water tank 121, a water pump 122, a steam generator 123, a heating device 124, and a controller 125. The heating device 124 includes a housing 1241, an electric heating element 1242, and a temperature control element 1243. The housing 1241 has a heating chamber 1241a and an inlet 1241b and an outlet 1241c communicating with the heating chamber 1241a. The electric heating element 1242 is disposed inside the heating chamber 1241a. The temperature control element 1243 is disposed on the housing 1241, and the temperature measuring end of the temperature control element 1243 extends into the heating chamber 1241a to control the heating. The temperature inside cavity 1241a is monitored; the outlet of water tank 121 is connected to the inlet of steam generator 123, the steam outlet of steam generator 123 is connected to the inlet 1241b of heating device 124, the outlet 1241c of heating device 124 is connected to steam outlet 11b, water pump 122 is installed on the pipeline between the outlet of water tank 121 and the inlet of steam generator 123, and controller 125 is electrically connected to temperature control element 1243 and electric heating element 1242 respectively, so as to control electric heating element 1242 according to the monitoring results of temperature control element 1243.

[0089] Specifically, the temperature control element 1243 of the heating device 124 can monitor the temperature inside the heating chamber 1241a and transmit the monitoring results to the controller 125. The controller 125 can control the electric heating element 1242 according to the monitoring results of the temperature control element 1243. Thus, the temperature inside the heating chamber 1241a can be controlled within the target temperature range, thereby heating the steam flowing into the heating device 124 from the steam generator 123 into high-temperature steam.

[0090] For example, the temperature control element 1243 has an upper temperature limit and a lower temperature limit. If the temperature control element 1243 detects that the temperature in the heating chamber 1241a rises to the upper temperature limit, the temperature control element 1243 transmits the corresponding monitoring result to the controller 125, so that the controller 125 controls the electric heating element 1242 to stop working. If the temperature control element 1243 detects that the temperature in the heating chamber 1241a drops to the lower temperature limit, the temperature control element 1243 transmits the corresponding monitoring result to the controller 125, so that the controller 125 controls the electric heating element 1242 to resume working. Thus, the temperature in the heating chamber 1241a can be effectively controlled.

[0091] Furthermore, the temperature control element 1243 can have an adjustable upper temperature limit and a lower temperature limit. That is, the upper temperature limit and lower temperature limit of the temperature control element 1243 can be adjusted as needed. If the controller 125 determines that the temperature in the heating chamber 1241a rises to the set upper temperature limit based on the monitoring results, it controls the electric heating element 1242 to stop working. If the controller 125 determines that the temperature in the heating chamber 1241a drops to the set lower temperature limit based on the monitoring results, it controls the electric heating element 1242 to resume working. Thus, high-temperature steam at different temperatures can be provided for different needs.

[0092] For example, the controller 125 can also adjust the heating power of the electric heating element 1242 to meet different heating requirements.

[0093] The heating device 124 of this application embodiment can heat the steam flowing into the heating device 124 to high-temperature steam of 140°C or higher.

[0094] In one embodiment, the temperature control element 1243 can be a negative temperature coefficient thermistor (NTC thermistor). NTC thermistors have high detection accuracy and are more suitable for high-precision temperature measurement.

[0095] In some embodiments, the temperature control element 1243 may also be a positive temperature coefficient thermistor.

[0096] In related technologies, garment care machines are generally equipped with only a steam generator 123. The steam generated by the steam generator 123 has a relatively low temperature, making it difficult to obtain high-temperature steam with a relatively high temperature.

[0097] In this embodiment, when the steam generating mechanism 12 is working, the water pump 122 delivers water from the water tank 121 to the steam generator 123 and heats it in the steam generator 123. The steam generated after heating is delivered to the heating device 124 and heated again in the heating device 124. Thus, the steam can be heated to the target temperature, thereby obtaining high-temperature steam with a relatively high temperature. The high-temperature steam with a relatively high temperature can fully stretch the fibers of the clothing, thereby greatly improving the ironing effect.

[0098] In one embodiment, the outer casing 1241 can be a stainless steel casing, which not only enables the heating device 124 to have a faster thermal response.

[0099] For ease of disassembly and assembly of the temperature control element 1243, please refer to the example provided. Figure 10 and Figure 11The outer surface of the housing 1241 may be provided with a mounting base 1241d having a socket 1241e. The socket 1241e communicates with the heating chamber 1241a. A mounting plate is provided on the side wall of the temperature control element 1243. The temperature measuring end of the temperature control element 1243 extends into the heating chamber 1241a through the socket 1241e. The mounting plate and the mounting base 1241d can be fastened together by fasteners such as screws and bolts.

[0100] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 10 and Figure 11 The temperature measuring end of the temperature control element 1243 is positioned near the outlet 1241c within the heating chamber 1241a. After sufficient heating, the steam in the heating chamber 1241a can reach a high temperature at the outlet 1241c. Therefore, positioning the temperature measuring end of the temperature control element 1243 near the outlet 1241c improves the accuracy of temperature measurement.

[0101] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 11 The electric heating element 1242 is suspended inside the heating chamber 1241a, meaning that the electric heating element 1242 is in a suspended state inside the heating chamber 1241a. For example, the electric heating element 1242 can be fixed by welding. The electric heating element 1242 does not contact the side wall of the heating chamber 1241a. This allows the electric heating element 1242 to have sufficient contact with the steam inside the heating chamber 1241a, thereby improving the heat exchange effect.

[0102] In one embodiment, please refer to Figures 11 to 13 The heating device 124 also includes at least one baffle 1244, meaning that one or more baffles 1244 can be provided. The baffle 1244 is disposed within the heating chamber 1241a to create a flow channel extending from the inlet 1241b to the outlet 1241c within the heating chamber 1241a. Providing a flow channel increases the flow path of steam within the heating chamber 1241a, thereby improving the heating effect of the heating element.

[0103] There are various ways in which the baffle 1244 can be disposed within the heating chamber 1241a. For example, in one embodiment, please refer to... Figure 11The heating chamber 1241a has a first sidewall 1241f and a second sidewall 1241g disposed opposite to each other. An inlet 1241b and an outlet 1241c are disposed on the first sidewall 1241f, and a baffle 1244 is disposed between the inlet 1241b and the outlet 1241c. One side of the baffle 1244 is connected to the first sidewall 1241f, and the opposite side of the baffle 1244 is spaced apart from the second sidewall 1241g. That is, the inlet 1241b and the outlet 1241c can be disposed on the same side of the heating chamber 1241a, and a baffle 1244 can be disposed between the inlet 1241b and the outlet 1241c to separate them. Essentially, the baffle 1244 divides the heating chamber 1241a into a flow channel with two flow segments.

[0104] In another embodiment, please refer to Figure 12 The heating chamber 1241a also has a third sidewall 1241h and a fourth sidewall 1241i disposed opposite to each other between the first sidewall 1241f and the second sidewall 1241g. An inlet 1241b is disposed on the third sidewall 1241h, and an outlet 1241c is disposed on the fourth sidewall 1241i. Both the inlet 1241b and the outlet 1241c are close to the second sidewall 1241g. A baffle 1244 can still be disposed between the inlet 1241b and the outlet 1241c. One side of the baffle 1244 is connected to the second sidewall 1241g, and the opposite side of the baffle 1244 is spaced apart from the first sidewall 1241f. In other words, the inlet 1241b and the outlet 1241c can also be disposed on opposite sides of the heating chamber 1241a, with a baffle 1244 separating the inlet 1241b and the outlet 1241c.

[0105] In another embodiment, please refer to Figure 13The inlet 1241b is still located on the third side wall 1241h, and the outlet 1241c is located on the fourth side wall 1241i. Both the inlet 1241b and the outlet 1241c are close to the second side wall 1241g. Three baffles 1244 are spaced apart between the inlet 1241b and the outlet 1241c. For ease of description, the three baffles 1244 can be referred to as the first baffle 1244a, the second baffle 1244b, and the third baffle 1244c, respectively. The first baffle 1244a... One side of the first baffle 1244a and one side of the third baffle 1244c are both connected to the second sidewall 1241g. The opposite sides of the first baffle 1244a and the third baffle 1244c are spaced apart from the first sidewall 1241f. The second baffle 1244b is located between the first baffle 1244a and the third baffle 1244c. One side of the second baffle 1244b is connected to the first sidewall 1241f, and the opposite side of the second baffle 1244b is spaced apart from the second sidewall 1241g. In other words, three baffles 1244 are set between the inlet 1241b and the outlet 1241c to separate the inlet 1241b and the outlet 1241c. This is equivalent to the three baffles 1244 dividing the heating chamber 1241a into a flow channel with four flow segments. Compared with setting one baffle 1244, setting three baffles 1244 can increase the length of the flow channel and prolong the residence time of steam in the heating chamber 1241a, thereby further increasing the temperature of the steam flowing out from the outlet 1241c.

[0106] It is understandable that when multiple baffles 1244 are provided inside the heating chamber 1241a, the number of baffles 1244 is not limited to three. Depending on the needs, there can be two or more baffles 1244; no limitation is imposed here. However,

[0107] It should be noted that the presence of baffles 1244 not only increases the flow path of steam in the channel, but also increases the disturbance to the steam. The more baffles 1244 there are, the greater the pressure loss of the entire heating device 124. Therefore, in practical applications, the appropriate number of baffles 1244 can be selected according to the needs.

[0108] In one embodiment, please refer to Figures 11 to 13 The electric heating element 1242 is a heating tube. The heating tube extends from the end of the flow channel that is connected to the inlet 1241b to the end of the flow channel that is connected to the outlet 1241c. In other words, there is a heating tube in the entire flow channel. During the flow of steam in the flow channel, it can continuously exchange heat with the heating tube, thereby further improving the heating effect of the heating tube.

[0109] For example, the power of the heating element in this embodiment can be less than or equal to 500W, wherein a heating element with a power of 300W can heat steam at 100°C to 180°C.

[0110] In addition, the heating element can have various shapes, such as U-shaped, W-shaped, etc., without any restrictions.

[0111] For example, please refer to Figure 12 When the heating tube is W-shaped and a baffle 1244 is provided in the heating cavity 1241a, the flow channels on both sides of the baffle 1244 can be configured with unequal widths to facilitate the arrangement of the heating tube in the heating cavity 1241a.

[0112] It should be noted that the electric heating element 1242 described in the embodiments of this application is not limited to a heating tube. In some embodiments, the electric heating element 1242 can also be any component with heating function such as a PTC heating element, a spiral tube heater, or a film heater.

[0113] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 10 The heating device 124 also includes a temperature controller 1245. The temperature controller 1245 is disposed on the outer surface of the housing 1241 and corresponds to the position of the heating cavity 1241a. In other words, the position of the temperature controller 1245 on the outer surface of the housing 1241 needs to ensure that the temperature inside the heating cavity 1241a can be detected.

[0114] Specifically, the thermostat 1245 is electrically connected to the electric heating element 1242 to protect the electric heating element 1242 by controlling its on / off state, preventing it from burning dry. The thermostat 1245 can be a snap-action thermostat 1245.

[0115] Since the temperature near the outlet 1241c of the heating chamber 1241a is relatively high, in order to improve the accuracy of detection, the temperature controller 1245 can be positioned near the outlet 1241c of the heating chamber 1241a on the outer surface of the housing 1241.

[0116] For ease of disassembly and assembly of the thermostat 1245, please refer to the example provided. Figure 10 The outer surface of the outer casing 1241 can be provided with a mounting groove, and a mounting post 1241j is provided in the mounting groove. The temperature sensing surface of the thermostat 1245 extends into the mounting groove, and the thermostat 1245 and the mounting post 1241j can be fastened together by fasteners such as screws and bolts.

[0117] Furthermore, a thermal grease layer can be installed in the mounting slot, and the thermal grease layer is in contact with the temperature sensing surface of the temperature controller 1245. In other words, the mounting slot can hold thermal grease, which can help transfer the heat in the heat conduction cavity from the outer shell 1241 to the temperature sensing surface of the temperature controller 1245, thereby improving the detection accuracy of the temperature controller 1245.

[0118] In some embodiments, a fuse may also be provided on the outer surface of the housing 1241, and the fuse is connected in series with the electric heating element 1242. The fuse can also monitor the temperature inside the heating chamber 1241a. When the thermostat 1245 fails and cannot monitor the temperature inside the heating chamber 1241a normally, if the fuse detects that the temperature inside the heating chamber 1241a exceeds the safe temperature, the fuse will melt and cannot be reset, and the heating device 124 will fail. In other words, the simultaneous provision of the thermostat 1245 and the fuse can provide dual protection for the heating device 124, thereby improving the safety of the heating device 124.

[0119] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 9 and Figure 14 The steam generating mechanism 12 also includes an air pump 126, which is connected to the pipeline between the steam generator 123 and the heating device 124, so that the air pumped in by the air pump 126 is mixed with the steam generated by the steam generator 123 and then delivered from the inlet 1241b to the heating chamber 1241a.

[0120] The air supplied by the air pump 126 mixes with the steam generated by the steam generator 123, which can pressurize the steam. As a result, the high-temperature and high-pressure steam flowing out from the heating device 124 can quickly diffuse around the clothes. In particular, when the garment care machine is equipped with a cabinet 60, the high-temperature and high-pressure steam can quickly diffuse throughout the entire cabinet 60, thereby helping to achieve rapid garment care.

[0121] The various embodiments / implementations provided in this application can be combined with each other without creating contradictions.

[0122] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit the application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application are included within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A garment care machine, characterized in that, include: Clothing hanging mechanism; The main unit, located below the garment hanging mechanism, includes a housing, a steam generator, and a wind-powered garment-grabbing mechanism. The wind-powered mechanism includes a fan and a suction housing. The fan has an airflow inlet and an airflow outlet. The suction housing has a suction duct and two suction ports positioned opposite each other at the beginning of the suction duct along the airflow direction. The end of the suction duct along the airflow direction connects to the airflow inlet. The distance between the two suction ports gradually increases from the side closer to the airflow inlet towards the side farther away, so that the suction force at the suction ports generates a horizontal component and a vertically downward component. The air inlets form a clothing adsorption space; the housing has a receiving cavity and a steam outlet and an exhaust port communicating with the receiving cavity; the steam generating mechanism is disposed in the receiving cavity and the steam outlet of the steam generating mechanism is connected to the steam outlet; the air intake shell is disposed on the housing, the two air inlets are located outside the housing, and the side of the two air inlets away from the airflow inlet faces the clothing hanging mechanism; the fan is disposed in the receiving cavity, and the airflow outlet is connected to the exhaust port; when clothing is hung on the clothing hanging mechanism, the lower side of the clothing extends into the clothing adsorption space.

2. The garment care machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The air intake duct includes two sub-ducts. The distance between the two sub-ducts gradually increases from the end of the sub-duct along the airflow direction to the beginning of the airflow direction. Each sub-duct is provided with an air intake at the beginning of the airflow direction.

3. The garment care machine according to claim 2, characterized in that, The ends of the two sub-ducts are connected to each other along the direction of airflow.

4. The garment care machine according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The angle between each of the air intakes and the horizontal plane is greater than or equal to 45 degrees and less than 90 degrees.

5. The garment care machine according to claim 4, characterized in that, The angle between each of the air intakes and the horizontal plane is greater than or equal to 67.5 degrees and less than 90 degrees.

6. The garment care machine according to claim 4, characterized in that, The two air intakes are arranged symmetrically.

7. The garment care machine according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The suction shell is provided with suction grilles at each of the suction ports.

8. The garment care machine according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The fan includes an upper volute having the airflow inlet and a first notch, a lower volute having a second notch, a wind turbine and a second drive motor. The upper volute and the lower volute are connected to each other to enclose a wind turbine cavity. The first notch and the second notch together constitute the airflow outlet. The wind turbine and the second drive motor are disposed in the wind turbine cavity, and the second drive motor is drivenly connected to the wind turbine.

9. The garment care machine according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The garment care machine also includes a housing, in which the main unit and the garment hanging mechanism are housed.

10. The garment care machine according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The housing includes a shell and a cover plate with a first air vent. The wind-powered clothing grabbing mechanism also includes a connecting cover with a second air vent. The shell has the receiving cavity, the top of which is open. The cover plate covers the open portion at the top of the receiving cavity. The connecting cover is disposed inside the receiving cavity and connected to the fan and the cover plate. The suction shell is disposed outside the cover plate and connected to the cover plate. The suction duct communicates with the airflow inlet of the fan through the first air vent and the second air vent.

11. The garment care machine according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The clothing hanging mechanism includes a support frame, a clothing hanging rod, and a drive assembly. The clothing hanging rod is rotatably connected to the support frame, and the drive assembly is driven to drive the clothing hanging rod to swing in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the clothing hanging rod.

12. The garment care machine according to claim 11, characterized in that, The drive assembly includes a first drive motor and a transmission rod. A first end of the transmission rod is driven to the first drive motor, and a second end of the transmission rod is connected to the clothing hanging rod. The first drive motor drives the transmission rod to reciprocate, causing the transmission rod to drive the clothing hanging rod to swing in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the clothing hanging rod.

13. The garment care machine according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The host unit also includes a hot air assembly, which is disposed on the airflow path between the air outlet and the exhaust port.

14. The garment care machine according to claim 13, characterized in that, The casing is equipped with an exhaust grille at the exhaust port.

15. The garment care machine according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The steam generating mechanism includes a water tank, a water pump, a steam generator, a heating device, and a controller; The heating device includes a housing, an electric heating element, and a temperature control element. The housing has a heating cavity and an inlet and an outlet communicating with the heating cavity. The electric heating element is disposed inside the heating cavity. The temperature control element is disposed on the housing and its temperature measuring end extends into the heating cavity to monitor the temperature inside the heating cavity. The outlet of the water tank is connected to the inlet of the steam generator, the steam outlet of the steam generator is connected to the inlet of the heating device, the outlet of the heating device is connected to the steam outlet, the water pump is installed on the pipeline between the outlet of the water tank and the inlet of the steam generator, and the controller is electrically connected to the temperature control element and the electric heating element respectively, so as to control the electric heating element according to the monitoring results of the temperature control element.

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