Washing device

Abstract

To provide a washing device which performs a treatment step of one or a plurality of articles to be treated.SOLUTION: A washing device (1000) includes: a housing (200); and one or more panels (400) which are provided in the housing (200) and which has at least one surface each of which includes one or more nozzles facing an article to be treated by a fluid discharged by the nozzle. The panel (400) can move by a movement mechanism in order to adjust a distance from the article.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a laundry machine, and more particularly to a laundry machine with washing and drying functions. [Background technology]

[0002] Traditional washing and drying equipment features a tumble drum to contain the items being washed and dried. The drum is rotatable, distributing water and heat evenly. In addition to producing unwanted noise and vibration during the wash and dry cycle, drum problems are likely to appear over time, including worn drum bearings and drive belts, water leaks from the drum, damage inside the drum, and misaligned drums, which can lead to washer failure and the ineffective washing and drying of items.

[0003] However, the primary concern of users would be the condition of the items being processed in such washing and drying equipment. Tangling and wrinkling of items are common problems caused by overloading or uneven loading in the drum, mixing of heavy and light fabrics in the same load, loose agitators, and aggressive wash cycles. Furthermore, as the items rotate, they rub against each other, essentially rubbing against each other. For items made of fibers, friction can damage the fibers and cause pilling. Furthermore, snaps, hooks, and catches on the items can cause damage to other parts of the same item, other items, or the drum. Solid objects left in the pockets of the items, or otherwise inserted incorrectly into the drum, can also cause similar damage to the items and the washing machine. Tearable materials such as tissues break down during the wash cycle and release lint and paper waste that can stick to the laundry, making it unsightly and clogging the drainage system of the washing machine.

[0004] Thus, various washing and drying machines have been introduced that allow clothes to be hung and processed without the use of a rotatable drum. One example is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,060,106, which describes a machine that washes and dries clothes in one machine. Clothes and other items are placed in the machine with a space between the hangers. A manifold with arms extends on either side of the items to be processed, and the manifold is vertically movable so that the arms can move along the length of the items to be processed. The arms have a set of pipes that spray cleaning fluids such as wash water and rinse water. In addition, the arms have another set of pipes that blow air over the items to dry them. After the cycle is completed, the clothes and other items can be left in the machine until they are needed.

[0005] US Patent No. 7,089,768 discloses a cabinet-type washing machine that uses a conveyor belt to move the laundry in a circular fashion, which passes through the various successive stages of the washing cycle, including the actual washing process, a downstream pre-dehumidification, and a drying and pressing stage, all within the same housing of the washing machine.

[0006] Patent document 3 (US Pat. No. 7,060,106) utilizes a movable manifold, which ejects the washing solution onto different parts of the garment as the manifold moves, so that the entire garment is not treated at the same time, which may result in uneven water distribution and heat distribution. Furthermore, the distance between the arms is fixed, limiting the application of thicker garments or articles that may affect the movement of the manifold and the effectiveness of washing and drying. On the other hand, Patent document 2 requires a housing with a large space through which the laundry can circulate to go through the different steps of the wash cycle. The size and weight of the laundry must be taken into consideration, as these may affect the circulating motion, and each part of the housing for the different treatment steps must have enough space to accommodate the laundry.

[0007] The present invention is introduced to provide a washing device that solves all the above problems. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 7,060,106 [Patent Document 2] U.S. Patent No. 7,089,768 [Patent Document 3] U.S. Patent No. 7,060,106 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] The main object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine that performs a treatment process for one or more treated articles. The treatment includes any one or combination of washing, rinsing, soaking, drying and / or scenting the articles. In particular, the treatment does not require rotation of the articles, which may cause damage, tangling and wrinkling of the articles. Another object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine that effectively and uniformly treats articles, in which at least a substantial portion or the entire articles may be treated simultaneously by use of one or more panels having nozzles disposed thereon for discharging fluids for treating the substantial portion or the entire articles. Each panel may be used to eject different fluids for various processes or treatments of one wash cycle.

[0010] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine capable of applying articles of various thicknesses, in which the panels are movable according to the thickness of the articles to provide an effective space for processing the articles. The washing machine provides sufficient space for the articles to be hung and a suitable distance for fluid, especially pressurized fluid, to be applied to the articles accordingly. Furthermore, the present invention also aims to provide a space-saving washing machine with emphasis on efficiency and optimal space utilization, in which two or more panels are arranged in an array, and each array of panels is configured vertically to accommodate more articles in one unit of the washing machine. Also, there is no need to reserve space for circulating the articles in the washing machine, and no additional assemblies are required for performing different processing, which consumes space. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] At least one of the preceding objects is met in whole or in part by the present invention, which provides a washing device comprising a housing and one or more panels within the housing, each having at least one surface with one or more nozzles facing an article to be treated by a fluid discharged by the nozzles, the panels being configured to be movable by a movement mechanism for adjusting the distance from the article.

[0012] In one embodiment of the invention, the movement mechanism comprises a rod connecting the panels and providing at least one track along which the panels can move, and an actuator controlling the movement of the panels.

[0013] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the laundry apparatus further comprises a sensor for detecting the thickness of the item.

[0014] Preferably, the moving mechanism is configured to move one or more panels in response to a detected thickness of an article placed adjacent to one panel or between two panels.

[0015] The article is preferably suspended from the moving mechanism by a hanger.

[0016] Preferably, the washing apparatus further comprises a water supply system for supplying fluid in the form of water to be ejected from the nozzle, the water supply system including a water source and a pump for controlling the pressure of the water.

[0017] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the housing is formed with a detergent inlet for receiving a detergent.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the system further comprises a heating system including a heater and a compressor for supplying a heated fluid in the form of air into the housing through the nozzle.

[0019] According to a preferred embodiment, the housing comprises a fragrance product receiver at a position after the heating system with respect to the direction of entry of the heating fluid into the panel.

[0020] Preferably, the laundry apparatus comprises at least one array of panels each including two spaced apart panels arranged at least substantially vertically parallel.

[0021] The washing apparatus preferably comprises an array of two or more panels arranged vertically.

[0022] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, each panel has a fluid supply compartment formed therein for containing fluid to be ejected from the nozzles.

[0023] Furthermore, each panel is preferably configured to have a plurality of nozzles arranged in a grid on its surface.

[0024] Preferably, the nozzles in each panel are arranged in rows or columns, with one row or column connected to an adjacent row or column by a tube.

[0025] The laundry apparatus preferably further comprises a drainage system for removing unwanted water from the housing.

[0026] According to a preferred embodiment, the laundry apparatus further comprises a ventilation system for exhausting moisture, unwanted air, or both, from the housing. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0027] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0028] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the laundry apparatus with the door closed. [Diagram 2] 1 is a perspective view of a laundry machine with the door open, the laundry machine having one array of panels. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a laundry apparatus with the door open, the laundry apparatus having an array of two panels stacked in a vertical configuration, one on top of the other. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the connection of a water supply system and a heating system to the panel. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a panel on which nozzles are arranged in a grid pattern. [Figure 6] This is a front view of the interior of a panel in which nozzles connected by tubes are arranged in a row. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0029] In order that the present invention may be more fully understood, reference will now be made in detail to a preferred embodiment thereof which is illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

[0030] Disclosed herein is a laundry apparatus 1000 used to treat one or more articles. The term "treatment" includes various steps or actions, such as washing, drying, scenting, etc., performed to clean, maintain, or enhance the condition or appearance of the articles. A laundry cycle in a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes, but is not limited to, washing and drying steps. The articles are preferably clothing, but may be other articles requiring treatment as defined above.

[0031] 1-3, the laundry machine 1000 has a housing 200 with a door 210 that allows access to the interior of the housing 200. The housing 200 preferably has a front, a rear, a top, a bottom and two sides, the front being a front door, the rear being a rear wall, the top being a ceiling, the bottom being a bottom and the two sides being side walls. FIG. 1 shows the exterior of the laundry machine 1000 with the door 200 in a closed position. A control panel 900 is provided to allow a user to configure the laundry machine 1000, such as selecting the type of treatment to be performed, starting and stopping the laundry machine 1000 to perform a wash cycle, the duration of each treatment or wash cycle, adjusting the water volume, water pressure, water temperature, heated air temperature, heated air pressure and other parameters related to the process of the treatment.

[0032] 2 and 3 show the washing machine 1000 with the door 210 open to allow the articles to be treated to enter and leave the washing machine 1000. The door 210 is preferably located at the front of the washing machine 1000 and is in the form of a swing door. The housing 200 has a cavity for treating the articles. The washing machine 1000 includes one or more panels 400 having at least one surface provided with one or more nozzles 410 for discharging fluids for treating the articles, and the articles are preferably positioned adjacent to the nozzles 410 of one panel 400 at a distance sufficient to accommodate the articles without the need to fold or entangle the articles. The one or more panels 400 are vertically positioned and held by a rod 300 attached to the inner wall of the housing 200. The rod 300 is preferably attached to the top of the inner side wall of the housing 200 and the panel 400 is hung from the rod 300 with its surface facing the side wall of the housing 200. The panel 400 extends from the top to the bottom of the cavity, leaving space at the bottom of the cavity to contain unwanted fluids, such as unwanted water, before being drained from the housing 200. The articles are each hung from the rod 300 by a hanger, preferably oriented so that the articles have their front and back facing the surface of the panel 400. If the article is clothing, the hanger may be a clothes hanger.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the washing machine 1000 comprises at least one array of panels, each including two spaced apart panels 400 arranged at least substantially vertically parallel. The space between two adjacent panels 400 should be sufficient for at least, preferably one article to be placed therebetween, with a suitable predetermined distance between the article and the nozzles 410. In the situation where an article is placed between two adjacent panels 400, both panels 400 can have surfaces with nozzles 410 facing the article, from which fluid is ejected from opposite directions, respectively, towards opposite parts of the article, such as the front and rear of the article. It is also possible to have only one panel 400 with nozzles 410 facing the article. FIG. 2 shows an example of a washing machine 1000 with one array of panels.

[0034] In an embodiment of the washing machine having two or more arrays of panels 400 as shown in FIG. 3, the arrays of panels 400 are arranged in a vertical configuration with one array of panels 400 stacked on top of another such that the washing machine 1000 has one or more levels of panels 400. Each level of panels 400 can be contained in its own compartment separated by a partition. The panels 400 extend from the top to the bottom of each compartment, leaving space at the bottom to contain unwanted fluids such as unwanted water before being drained from the housing 200. To provide substantial or preferably complete treatment coverage of the articles, each panel 400 has a size similar to or larger than the average or maximum possible size of the articles to be washed. In particular, the distribution of the nozzles 410 occupies an area similar to or larger than the average or maximum possible surface area of ​​the articles to be washed.

[0035] The washing device 1000 incorporates a movement mechanism that allows the panels 400 to move along the rod 300. The movement mechanism is composed of the rod 300 that connects the panels 400 and provides at least one track that defines a path along which the panels 400 can move, and an actuator that controls the movement of the panels 400. A single track can be provided along the rod 300 so that one panel 400 can move along the entire track, or multiple panels 400 of the same array can be configured to move along the same track. In another embodiment, each panel 400 can have its own track on the rod 300 so that the panel 400 has a limited movable path. In yet another embodiment, there is at least one track provided for each single panel 400, while there is at least another track shared by each of the multiple panels 400. As for the actuator, it can be driven by various power sources including electric, pneumatic, hydraulic, and piezoelectric systems to enable linear movement of the panels 400 along the track.

[0036] The laundry device 1000 further includes a sensor for detecting the thickness of the article. Examples of applicable sensors include, but are not limited to, a capacitive sensor, a laser sensor, etc. The moving mechanism is configured to move one or more panels 400 according to the detected thickness of an article placed adjacent to one panel 400 or between two panels 400 to maintain a predetermined distance between the article and the adjacent panel 400.

[0037] A water supply system is provided to supply fluid in the form of water in the water supply line for processing the items. According to FIG. 4, the water supply system may include a water source 710 and a pump 720. The term "water source" as used herein may refer to components that allow water from a nearby water source or an external water source to be directed to the washing device 1000. The components include hoses connected to a water tap or valve. Meanwhile, the pump 720 is used to increase the pressure of the water and create a flow to transport the water from one place to another. The water supply must have sufficient water pressure to supply the washing device 1000. Sufficient water pressure is required for the washing device 1000 to perform the washing process with water at a desired speed. A pressure regulator may be added to the water supply system to control the water pressure and reduce it to a predetermined level.

[0038] A piping system is used to connect the water supply system and the panels 400 to supply water. Preferably, the piping system is composed of a main pipe, a first pipe branching from the main pipe and connected to the water supply system, and a number of smaller pipes branching from the main pipe and connected to the panels 400, respectively. Alternatively, the piping system is composed of a water supply pipe connecting the water supply system to each panel 400, or a water supply pipe is connected between the water supply system and the panel 400 closest to the water supply system, so that water passes from one panel 400 to the subsequent panel 400 in sequence until the last panel 400. However, other arrangements and configurations of the piping system are also applicable as long as the water flow from the water supply system to the panels 400 is possible. Inside the washing apparatus 1000 along the water supply line, a water inlet valve can be provided to control the flow of water to the washing apparatus 1000 and / or one or more panels 400. When the washing process begins, the valve is opened and pressurized water enters the washing apparatus 1000.

[0039] The laundry machine 1000 may incorporate a dispenser for detergent. An exemplary dispenser has one or more compartments for detergent and, optionally, fabric softener. With reference to Figures 2-4, the laundry machine 1000 may have a detergent inlet 500 formed as part of the dispenser for receiving detergent. Additionally, the laundry machine 1000 may also have a fabric softener inlet formed as part of the dispenser for receiving fabric softener. During the washing process, pressurized water is used to mix with the detergent and / or fabric softener, and the mixture is distributed through a piping system to the panel 400 for ejection from the panel 400 for interaction with the items.

[0040] A heating system is provided to enable drying of the articles. As shown in FIG. 4, an exemplary heating system includes a heater 810 and a compressor 1000 for supplying heated fluid in the form of air into the housing 200 through a nozzle 410. The heater 810 heats the air entering the washing device 1000, and the compressor 820 is used to generate compressed heated air, which allows for rapid drying due to the high speed discharge of the heated air, and allows for uniform drying over the entire surface of the articles, reducing moisture retention or uneven drying. The compressed heated air can be used to blow off excess moisture and particles from the surface of the articles by precision drying. The pressure of the compressor 820 can be adjusted manually or automatically, depending on the type of compressor 820 and its control system.

[0041] Heated air, compressed or not, can be supplied from the heating system into the panels 400 through a heated air supply line, which can be supplied through the same piping system used for the water flow mentioned above, or through a separate piping system used for the air flow. In the situation where the same piping system is used, there is a second piping branching off from the same main piping, which is connected to the heating system, and the heated air is supplied to each panel 400 through the same small piping branching off from the main piping. Alternatively, a different piping system can be applied, consisting of an air pipe connecting the heating device to each panel 400 through a small pipe branching off from the air pipe, or an air pipe connecting between the heating device and the nearest panel 400, with the heated air passing through one panel 400 to the following panel 400 in sequence until the last panel 400. It should be noted that other arrangements and configurations of the piping system can also be applied for the air flow from the heating system to the panels 400.

[0042] To enable the scenting process to take place, the housing 200 is provided with a fragrance product receiver 600, as shown in figures 2 to 4. The fragrance product can be a fragrance pod, a laundry scent booster or a scent bead, designed to add a pleasant scent to the articles and possibly also to the washing machine 1000. The fragrance product works by releasing a fragrance, for example contained in a pod, as the washing cycle proceeds. The fragrance product receiver is preferably located after the heating system, with respect to the direction of entry of the heated fluid through the heated air supply line into the panel 400, so that the fragrance product releases the scent contained therein to mix with the heated air, so that the scenting process can be carried out simultaneously with the drying process of the articles. However, the scenting can also take place during the washing process. When the fragrance product is exposed to water, the fragrance is released into the water and dispersed in the articles. For example, the water dissolves the outer layer of the fragrance pod, releasing the fragrance into the water. During rinsing, remaining perfume traces are further distributed within the housing as the item is rinsed.

[0043] 5 and 6, which respectively show a preferred embodiment of the panel, one surface of the panel is provided with a plurality of nozzles 410 arranged in a grid. Although not shown in the accompanying figures, one or more nozzles 410 may also be formed on the opposing surface of the panel 400. In particular, the grid pattern resembles a dot grid pattern characterized by rows and columns of nozzles aligned at equal intervals. The rows or columns of nozzles 410 may be connected to adjacent rows or columns by tubes in the panel 400. As depicted in FIG. 2, it can be seen that a plurality of tubes 420 are connected in alternating fashion every two adjacent columns. For example, a first tube connects the first and second columns on the left side, indicating that fluid flows from the right side of the first column to the left side and through the first tube into the left side of the second column, while a second tube connects the second and third columns on the right side, indicating that fluid flows from the left side of the second column to the right side and through the second tube into the right side of the third column. The tubes 420 are arranged in this alternating fashion until the liquid is delivered to the last column. It should be noted that the positional relationships such as "left" and "right" are merely examples for explaining the flow of fluid, and the installation position of tube 420 is not limited to such positions.

[0044] The nozzles 410 are designed to control and direct the flow of fluid, such as water or heated air, exiting the interior of the panel 400. The nozzles 410 are used to control the speed and direction of the fluid flow and to accelerate the fluid flow by narrowing the passage of the nozzles 410 through which the fluid 410 passes. Thus, the nozzles 410 are suitable for use in the wash cycle of washing and drying applications. For example, in the washing process, a water jet, which is a stream or jet of water, can be propelled at high speeds through each nozzle 410 to direct a high velocity stream of cleaning solution, which is water or a mixture of water and detergent, to remove dirt, debris, or contaminants.

[0045] Each panel 400 is formed with a fluid supply compartment therein for receiving the fluid discharged from the nozzle 410. The panel 400 is preferably hollow with a space therein, so that the fluid supply compartment may be a space within the panel that communicates with the nozzle 410 so that the fluid in the fluid supply compartment may be discharged from the nozzle 410 towards the article to be treated. In another preferred embodiment of the laundry device 1000 having a piping system connecting the water supply system and the heating system to only one panel 400, if the panels 400 of the same array need to transfer fluid to the subsequent panels 400, the panels 400 may form fluid transfer conduits or compartments therein that allow the fluid to flow from one panel to the other, until the last panel 400 has one or more panel fluid outlets, which may be panel water outlets and / or panel air outlets. The piping system is configured to be able to supply fluid to both the fluid supply compartment and the fluid transfer conduits or compartments of each panel 400.

[0046] The washing machine 1000 further includes a drainage system having a machine water outlet formed in the housing 200 for removing waste water from the housing 200. The waste water can be used to treat items. An external hose can be connected to the machine water outlet to direct the waste water to a destination for disposal. In the case of a washing machine 1000 with two or more levels partitioned by a partition plate, the partition plate may be formed with a partition outlet for directing the waste water to the machine outlet, in which case the partition outlet may be connected to the machine outlet by a conduit, or the waste water may freely flow from the partition outlet to the machine outlet. In the case of a washing machine 1000 with two or more levels without a partition, the waste water falls freely to the bottom of the cavity and is discharged outside the housing 200 through the machine water outlet.

[0047] Each panel 400 may be formed with a panel water outlet for removing waste water within each panel 400. In the case of linked panels 400 where fluid is transferred from one panel 400 to another panel 400 until the last panel 400, the last panel 400 is formed with a panel water outlet for removing waste water from all panels 400 in the same array. Water from the panel outlets may be discharged into the housing 200 for outlet from the appliance outlet. Alternatively, one or more panel water outlets may be connected by a conduit to the appliance water outlet to drain the waste water out of the housing 200 without the need to discharge the waste water from the panel into the housing 200. A drain pump may be incorporated into the drain system to carry the waste water away from the laundry appliance 1000.

[0048] Furthermore, the laundry machine 1000 may also be configured with a ventilation system for discharging moisture, unwanted air, or both from the housing 200. Hereinafter, to facilitate the description of the ventilation system, the moisture and unwanted air are collectively referred to as "unwanted air". The housing 200 is formed with an apparatus air outlet for discharging unwanted air from the housing 200 to the outside. An exhaust duct may be connected to the apparatus air outlet. In the case of a laundry machine 1000 having two or more levels divided into compartments by a partition, the partition may be formed with a compartment air outlet for directing unwanted air to the apparatus air outlet, in which case the compartment air outlet may be connected to the apparatus air outlet by a conduit, or the unwanted air may freely flow from the compartment air outlet to the apparatus air outlet. In the case of a laundry machine 1000 having two or more levels without a partition, the unwanted air flows freely out of the housing 200 through the apparatus air outlet.

[0049] Each panel 400 may be formed with a panel air outlet for removing unwanted air within each panel 400. In the case of interlocking panels 400 where fluid is transferred from one panel 400 to another panel 400 until the last panel 400, the last panel 400 is formed with a panel air outlet for removing unwanted air from all panels 400 in the same array. Air from the panel outlet may be discharged into the housing to be directed to the outside from the appliance outlet. Alternatively, to the extent that unwanted air does not need to be discharged from the panel 400 into the housing 200, one or more panel air outlets may be connected to the appliance air outlet by a conduit to exhaust the unwanted air outside the housing 200. Inside the laundry machine 1000, a built-in fan or blower may be added to the ventilation system to help circulate the unwanted hot air within the laundry machine 400 and exhaust it through the exhaust duct.

[0050] In operation, the washing machine 400 may be configured to perform a preferred embodiment of a wash cycle consisting of a wash step and a drying step. The wash step begins with spraying water from the nozzle 401 towards the items to wet them and remove dirt, debris or contaminants from the items, preferably for about one minute. The detergent and possibly also fabric softener are then dissolved in water to create a soapy solution to wet and saturate the laundry items and prepare them for washing. This step allows for loosening of dirt and stains, especially on fabric items, before they are rinsed. The soapy solution is allowed to soak for several minutes, preferably three minutes. This is a soaking step to remove any contamination, including dirt, debris and bacteria. The wash step then proceeds to a rinse step, where detergent-free water is sprayed from the nozzle towards the items. The soapy solution is then rinsed away, preferably for one minute. Once the rinse is complete, the waste water used in the wash is removed from the washing machine 1000 by the drainage system. The wash cycle then proceeds to a drying step, where heated air is emitted from the nozzle towards the clothes. Scenting can be performed simultaneously with the drying process where the exhausting heated air is scented. Once the drying process is completed, waste air is exhausted from the laundry machine 1000 through the ventilation system.

[0051] While the above description contains many specifics, it is understood that the preferred aspect of the embodiment may be varied within the scope of the appended claims without being deemed a departure from the invention.

Claims

1. A laundry device (1000), comprising: A housing (200), and one or more panels (400) in said housing (200), each having at least one surface with one or more nozzles (410) facing an article to be treated by the fluid discharged by the nozzles (410); Equipped with The panel (400) is configured to be movable by a moving mechanism that adjusts the distance from the article, The movement mechanism of the washing device comprises a rod (300) that connects the panel (400) and provides at least one track along which the panel (400) can move, and an actuator that controls the movement of the panel (400).

2. The laundry apparatus (1000) of claim 1, further comprising a sensor for detecting a thickness of the item.

3. The laundry device (1000) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the moving mechanism is configured to move the one or more panels (400) depending on a detected thickness of an item adjacent to one panel (400) or placed between two panels (400).

4. The laundry apparatus (1000) of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the article is hung from the rod (300) by a hanger.

5. A washing device (1000) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a water supply system for supplying a fluid in the form of water to be ejected from the nozzle (410), the water supply system including a water source (710) and a pump (720) for controlling the pressure of the water.

6. The laundry device (1000) of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the housing is formed with a detergent inlet (500) for receiving a detergent.

7. The laundry device (1000) of any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a heating system including a heater (810) and a compressor (820) for supplying heated fluid in the form of air into the housing (200) through the nozzle (410).

8. 8. The laundry apparatus (1000) of claim 7, wherein the housing (200) comprises a fragrance product receiver (600) at a position after the heating system with respect to a direction of entry of heating fluid into the panel (400).

9. 9. A laundry device (1000) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising an array of at least one panel (400), each including two spaced apart panels (400) arranged parallel to each other at least substantially in the vertical direction.

10. 10. The laundry apparatus (1000) of claim 9 comprising an array of two or more vertically arranged panels (400).

11. The laundry device (1000) of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein each panel (400) defines a fluid supply compartment therein for receiving fluid dispensed from the nozzles (410).

12. The laundry device (1000) of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein each panel (400) is configured to have a plurality of nozzles (410) arranged in a grid pattern on its surface.

13. The washing device (1000) of claim 12, wherein the plurality of nozzles (410) of each panel (400) are arranged in a plurality of rows or columns, each row or column being connected to an adjacent row or column by a tube (420).

14. The laundry apparatus (1000) of any one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising a drainage system for removing unwanted water from the housing (200).

15. The laundry apparatus (1000) of any one of claims 1 to 14, further comprising a ventilation system for exhausting moisture, unwanted air, or both from the housing (200).

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