Clothing treatment device

The clothing treatment device addresses fabric damage and user discomfort by using a temperature-controlled mist-like treatment liquid system, ensuring safe operation for different fabric types.

JP2025185921APending Publication Date: 2025-12-23PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2024094421
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-06-11
Publication Date
2025-12-23

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing clothing treatment devices may damage delicate fabrics with high-temperature steam and pose discomfort to users due to the direct spraying of steam.

Method used

A clothing treatment device with a garment holder, atomizer, temperature detector, and temperature adjuster to control the temperature of the mist-like treatment liquid, ensuring it does not exceed a safe threshold for the fabric and user comfort.

Benefits of technology

Prevents damage to clothing and user discomfort by adjusting the temperature of the treatment liquid based on detection, maintaining a safe temperature for various fabric types.

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Abstract

To provide a clothing treatment device capable of inhibiting discomfort from being felt by a user and inhibiting clothing from being damaged, depending on a temperature of an atomized treatment liquid supplied.SOLUTION: A clothing treatment device includes: a clothing holding part capable of holding clothing in a state of being spread in a width direction; an atomization part which atomizes a treatment liquid for subjecting the clothing held by the clothing holding part to prescribed treatment; a treatment liquid supply part which is arranged below the clothing holding part and supplies the atomized treatment liquid produced by the atomization part to the clothing held by the clothing holding part; a temperature detection part which detects a temperature of the treatment liquid atomized by the atomization part; and a temperature control part which controls the temperature of the atomized treatment liquid supplied to the clothing, on the basis of a detection result of the temperature detection part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1
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Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a clothing processing device that performs a predetermined process on clothing. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a clothing treatment device. The clothing treatment device is a device for smoothing out wrinkles in clothing, and supplies steam, a treatment liquid for smoothing out wrinkles, to the clothing. In detail, the clothing treatment device includes a hanger for holding the clothing in a spread-out state, a support for supporting the hanger, a steamer for generating steam, and a clothing cover for covering the clothing from above.

[0003] The user can hang clothes on the hanger supported by the pole. As a result, the clothes are held by the hanger. The garment cover is a bag-shaped body with an opening facing downwards, and the steam generated by the steamer flows into the garment cover through the opening at the bottom end of the garment cover. This steam fills the space enclosed by the garment cover. This steam promotes the smoothing of wrinkles in the clothes. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-23425 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the technology described in Patent Document 1, the temperature inside the clothing cover is set with a focus solely on removing wrinkles and deodorizing clothing. Therefore, excessively high-temperature steam may be supplied to clothing made of delicate fibers, potentially damaging the clothing. Furthermore, unlike the technology described in Patent Document 1, devices that do not include a clothing cover may spray relatively high-temperature steam onto users positioned nearby, potentially causing discomfort to the user.

[0006] The present disclosure aims to provide a clothing treatment device that can prevent users from feeling uncomfortable or clothing from being damaged, depending on the temperature of the mist-like treatment liquid supplied. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A clothing treatment device according to the present disclosure performs a predetermined treatment on clothing and includes a garment holder capable of holding the clothing in a widthwise spread state, an atomizer that atomizes a treatment liquid for performing the predetermined treatment on the clothing held by the garment holder, a treatment liquid supply unit disposed below the garment holder and supplying the atomized treatment liquid generated by the atomizer to the clothing held by the garment holder, a temperature detector that detects the temperature of the treatment liquid atomized by the atomizer, and a temperature adjuster that adjusts the temperature of the atomized treatment liquid supplied to the clothing based on the detection result of the temperature detector. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the above-described clothing treatment device, it is possible to prevent the user from feeling uncomfortable and the clothing from being damaged, depending on the temperature of the sprayed treatment liquid that is supplied. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a clothing processing device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a front view including a partial cross-sectional view of the clothing processing device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a plan view of the clothing processing device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4A] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a duct member of the clothing treatment device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of a duct member of the clothing treatment device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4C]FIG. 4C is a cross-sectional view of a duct member of the clothing treatment device of the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a front view of one garment holding unit of the garment processing device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a front view of another garment holding section of the garment processing device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a side view of the garment processing device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, showing a state in which a hanger is hung on the intermediate holding part. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the clothing processing device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, in which the lower support part is contracted. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an enlarged front view of the periphery of the lower support part of the clothing processing device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic enlarged front view of the periphery of a lower support part in a modified example of the clothing processing device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a plan view of a clothing processing device according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a plan view of a clothing processing device according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a plan view of a clothing processing device according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a plan view of a clothing processing device according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a plan view of a clothing processing device according to the sixth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 16A] FIG. 16A is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the left discharge section of a clothing disposal device according to a sixth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 16B] FIG. 16B is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the front discharge section of the clothing treatment device according to the sixth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the housing of the clothing treatment device according to the seventh embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the upper surface of the housing of the clothing treatment device according to the eighth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a front view including a partial cross-sectional view of a clothing processing device according to a ninth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a front view including a partial cross-sectional view of a clothing processing device according to a tenth embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, first to tenth embodiments of the laundry treatment device will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art, for example, detailed descriptions of well-known matters or redundant descriptions of substantially identical configurations may be omitted. Note that the accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0011] First Embodiment FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a clothing processing device 100 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a front view including a partial cross-sectional view of the clothing processing device 100, and FIG. 3 is a plan view of the clothing processing device 100. While the drawings illustrate front-to-back, up-down, and left-to-right directions for ease of explanation and understanding, these directions do not limit the manner in which the clothing processing device 100 is used. In the following description, the left-to-right direction in each drawing may be referred to as the width direction of the clothing S or the clothing processing device 100, and the front-to-back direction in each drawing may be referred to as the depth direction of the clothing processing device 100. The clothing processing device 100 removes wrinkles from the clothing S and is configured to supply water vapor (a mist of processing liquid) to the clothing S.

[0012] (Overall configuration of clothing treatment device) The clothing processing device 100 includes a substantially cylindrical box-shaped housing 110, a garment holding unit 120 configured to hold the garments S on the housing 110 in a state where they are spread out in the width direction, and a columnar support unit 121 erected from the housing 110 to support the garment holding unit 120 at an elevated position. As will be described later, the housing 110 contains various components for supplying water vapor to the garments S held by the garment holding unit 120. The housing 110 is configured not to impede the outflow of water vapor from the housing 110 or the supply of water vapor to the garments S held by the garment holding unit 120.

[0013] The garment holder 120 is a substantially triangular member having a width sufficient to maintain the garment S in a state where it is spread out in the width direction. When the garment S is hung on the garment holder 120, it is held in an exposed state (i.e., not covered by anything). The support 121 extends in the vertical direction and has an upper support part 121A and a lower support part 121B. The lower support part 121B extends upward from the center of the housing 110. The upper support part 121A is connected to the upper end of the lower support part 121B and extends further upward, supporting the garment holder 120 from below. As will be described in detail below, the garment holder 120 is detachably connected to the upper end of the upper support part 121A.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 1, the housing 110 has a housing top surface 110T (top surface). The support member 121 extends from the housing top surface 110T. Four discharge sections are formed on the housing top surface 110T: a right discharge section 155 and a left discharge section 156 (a pair of first discharge sections, one on the left and one on the right), and a front discharge section 157 and a rear discharge section 158 (a pair of second discharge sections, one on the front and one on the left). These discharge sections discharge water vapor as a treatment liquid onto the clothes S held in the clothes holder 120.

[0015] 2, the housing 110 has a liquid storage section 130, an atomization section 140, a treatment liquid supply section 150, a fan 160 (airflow generation section), a temperature detection section 170, and a control section 180. The liquid storage section 130 stores water, which is a treatment liquid used to smooth out wrinkles in the clothes S held by the clothes holding section 120. The atomization section 140 is configured to allow the treatment liquid to flow in from the liquid storage section 130 and to heat the treatment liquid to generate a mist of the treatment liquid (water vapor).

[0016] A treatment liquid supply unit 150 is provided above the atomization unit 140, supplying a mist of treatment liquid to the garments S held by the garment holder 120. The treatment liquid supply unit 150 is disposed below the garment holder 120 and is configured to be able to release a mist of treatment liquid upward from below the garments S held by the garment holder 120. In detail, the treatment liquid supply unit 150 has a main supply channel 151, a pair of left and right first branch supply channels 152, and a pair of front and rear second branch supply channels 153 so that the supply range of the mist of treatment liquid below the garments S held by the garment holder 120 can be expanded in the width direction and front-rear direction of the garment holder 120. The right discharge unit 155, left discharge unit 156, front discharge unit 157, and rear discharge unit 158 ​​also constitute part of the treatment liquid supply unit 150.

[0017] The main supply path 151 extends upward from the atomization unit 140 to allow the atomized treatment liquid to flow upward from the atomization unit 140. A pair of left and right first branch supply paths 152 branch off to the left and right from the upper end of the main supply path 151 and extend obliquely upward. A pair of front and rear second branch supply paths 153 branch off to the front and rear from the upper end of the main supply path 151 and extend obliquely upward. In other words, the pair of first branch supply paths 152 are configured to allow the atomized treatment liquid to flow obliquely upward in the width direction. Furthermore, the pair of second branch supply paths 153 are configured to allow the atomized treatment liquid to flow obliquely upward in the front-rear direction.

[0018] Fan 160 communicates with main supply path 151. When fan 160 rotates, a forced upward airflow is generated in main supply path 151. As a result, the atomized water vapor is given a flow velocity and is emitted from each emission section at a predetermined flow velocity. If fan 160 is provided, the strength of the airflow can be changed as desired by controlling the rotation speed, etc. Note that even if the degree of control is not as flexible as with fan 160, fan 160 does not have to be provided as long as the atomization section 140 is configured to generate a predetermined airflow by increasing the internal pressure due to vaporization of moisture and controlling that increase.

[0019] The temperature detection unit 170 detects the temperature of the treatment liquid atomized by the atomization unit 140. As an example, the temperature detection unit 170 is configured with a thermocouple. In another example, the temperature detection unit 170 may be an IC temperature sensor that utilizes the temperature characteristics of a transistor or a diode, or may be a resistance temperature detector, a thermistor, or the like. In this embodiment, the temperature detection unit 170 is disposed in a portion of the main supply path 151 so as to be exposed to the flow path of the atomized treatment liquid. Note that the location of the temperature detection unit 170 is not limited to the main supply path 151, and may be anywhere in the supply path of the atomized treatment liquid. The temperature detection unit 170 inputs a signal corresponding to the detected temperature of the treatment liquid to the control unit 180.

[0020] The control unit 180 adjusts the temperature of the mist of treatment liquid supplied to the clothes S based on the detection result of the temperature detection unit 170. In this embodiment, the control unit 180 is electrically connected to the atomization unit 140 and the fan 160. The control unit 180 adjusts the temperature of the mist of treatment liquid by adjusting the heating output of the atomization unit 140. The control unit 180 can also adjust the temperature of the mist of treatment liquid by adjusting the flow rate of the airflow generated by the fan 160. The control unit 180 functions as a temperature adjustment unit in this embodiment.

[0021] A mesh cover 200 (FIG. 3) is attached to the housing top surface 110T of the housing 110. The mesh cover 200 has a circular shape, and a ring-shaped portion surrounding the support portion 121 is opened in a mesh pattern. The right discharge portion 155, left discharge portion 156, front discharge portion 157, and rear discharge portion 158 described above each open upward directly below the mesh cover 200. The right discharge portion 155 communicates with the right first branch supply path 152 of the pair of left and right first branch supply paths 152, and the left discharge portion 156 communicates with the left first branch supply path 152. The front discharge portion 157 communicates with the front second branch supply path 153 of the pair of front and rear second branch supply paths 153, and the rear discharge portion 158 communicates with the rear second branch supply path 153.

[0022] 3, in this embodiment, a right discharge section 155 and a left discharge section 156 are disposed directly below the garment holder 120 that holds the garment S in a plan view. That is, the pair of discharge sections are disposed on both the left and right sides (outside both widthwise sides) of the support section 121 vertically below the garment holder 120, and are disposed in a position overlapping with or adjacent to the garment holder 120 in a plan view. Furthermore, a front discharge section 157 and a rear discharge section 158 are disposed in front of and behind the support section 121. In other words, the front discharge section 157 and the rear discharge section 158 are disposed on both sides of the support section 121 in a depth direction that is perpendicular to the width direction and the up-down direction, respectively.

[0023] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 3, the housing 110 has an operation unit 500. The operation unit 500 is disposed on the housing top surface 110T of the housing 110, in front of the support unit 121, more specifically, in front of the front discharge unit 157. The operation unit 500 can be operated by a user of the clothing processing device 100, and includes operation buttons and a display panel (not shown). If the display panel is a touch panel, the user can input a predetermined command by pressing a part of the panel.

[0024] Next, the peripheral structure of the pair of left and right first branch supply paths 152 and the pair of front and rear second branch supply paths 153 will be described in further detail with reference to each drawing in Fig. 4. The treatment liquid supply unit 150 has a duct member 300 (guide member) and a funnel member 350. Fig. 4A is a perspective view of the duct member 300 of the clothing treatment device 100 of this embodiment. Fig. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the center of the duct member 300 cut along the left-right direction. Fig. 4C is a cross-sectional view of the center of the duct member 300 cut along the front-rear direction.

[0025] The duct member 300 is disposed above the atomizing unit 140 and guides the atomized treatment liquid generated by the atomizing unit 140 toward the right discharge unit 155, the left discharge unit 156, the front discharge unit 157, and the rear discharge unit 158. The duct member 300 has a main body unit 301 having a conical shape tapering downward. A pair of circular pipe units 302 (second guide units) are formed in the center of the main body unit 301, on both the front and rear sides of the center of the main body unit 301. Each circular pipe unit 302 penetrates the main body unit 301 from top to bottom and is exposed at the top and bottom surfaces of the main body unit 301, respectively. The pair of circular pipe units 302 communicate with the front discharge unit 157 and the rear discharge unit 158. Each circular pipe unit 302 and the inner circumferential surface of the main body unit 301 are connected by a pair of front and rear side ribs 304, respectively. Furthermore, the pair of circular pipe units 302 are connected to each other at the front and rear by a center rib 305.

[0026] Meanwhile, a pair of curved portions 303 (first guide portions) are formed on both the left and right sides of the pair of circular pipe portions 302 of the main body portion 301. Each curved portion 303 has a shape in which a part of the main body portion 301 is recessed radially inward. Each curved portion 303 extends at an angle along the conical slope of the main body portion 301. The pair of curved portions 303 communicate with the right discharge portion 155 and the left discharge portion 156.

[0027] Inside the housing 110, a conical funnel member 350 (FIGS. 4B and 4C) is connected to the upper end of the main supply passage 151. The funnel member 350 has a circular opening 351 located in the center thereof, and communicates with the atomization unit 140 through the main supply passage 151. When the mesh cover 200 is removed from the housing 110 and the duct member 300 is placed on the funnel member 350, the funnel member 350 supports the duct member 300 from below, and a pair of left and right first branch supply passages 152 and a pair of front and rear second branch supply passages 153 are formed.

[0028] 4B , a central space 300S is formed in the center of the duct member 300. The central space 300S is in communication with an opening 351 of the funnel member 350. A pair of first branch supply paths 152 is formed on both the left and right sides of the central space 300S by a pair of left and right curved portions 303 and the funnel member 350. The right discharge portion 155 and the left discharge portion 156 described above are disposed at the upper ends of the pair of first branch supply paths 152. The first branch supply paths 152 are formed so that the atomized treatment liquid is discharged in the left and right directions, respectively, at an angle θ1 relative to the horizontal plane, as indicated by the arrows.

[0029] Similarly, as shown in Fig. 4C, a pair of second branch supply paths 153 are formed on both the front and rear sides of the central space 300S by the duct member 300 and the funnel member 350. The pair of second branch supply paths 153 are connected to a pair of circular pipe portions 302. The aforementioned front discharge portion 157 and rear discharge portion 158 are disposed at the upper end of each circular pipe portion 302. The second branch supply paths 153 are formed so that the atomized treatment liquid is discharged in the front and rear directions at an angle θ2 relative to the horizontal plane, as indicated by the arrows. In this embodiment, the angle θ2 is a right angle or approximately a right angle.

[0030] In this embodiment, the angle θ2 at which the mist of water vapor is emitted from the front emission section 157 relative to the horizontal plane is set to be larger than the angle θ1 at which the mist of water vapor is emitted from the left emission section 156 relative to the horizontal plane. In other words, the direction in which the front emission section 157 emits the mist of water vapor is closer to a vertically upward direction than the direction in which the left emission section 156 emits the mist of water vapor. In this case, the left emission section 156 emits the mist of water vapor radially outward from the support section 121 as the center, more so than the front emission section 157. The above applies similarly when the left emission section 156 is replaced with the right emission section 155.

[0031] As described above, in this embodiment, four supply paths are formed by the duct member 300 and the funnel member 350. Note that another member forming part of the supply paths may be interposed between the mesh cover 200 and the funnel member 350. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 4B , a hole 300H is opened in a protruding portion of the duct member 300 that forms the central space 300S. The hole 300H is capable of communicating with the atomization unit 140 through the funnel member 350 and the main supply path 151. When the atomized treatment liquid adheres to the support member 121, the condensed liquid may flow down the support member 121 and fall into the duct member 300. Even in such a case, in this embodiment, the hole 300H can return water droplets that have accumulated on the upper surface of the duct member 300 to the atomization unit 140 through the main supply path 151. For example, when some of the water vapor released from the front release section 157 and the rear release section 158 adheres to the support section 121 and condenses, the resulting water droplets flow downward along the support section 121, causing the water droplets to accumulate on the upper surface of the duct member 300. As described above, the hole 300H allows the water droplets to fall downward. It is desirable to provide at least one hole 300H, and it is more desirable to provide a plurality of holes 300H.

[0032] (Operation of clothing treatment device) 2 heats the treatment liquid supplied from the liquid storage section 130 to atomize the treatment liquid (i.e., generate water vapor). The temperature of the treatment liquid that has turned into water vapor is higher than the ambient temperature due to heating by the atomization section 140, and the treatment liquid tends to flow upward. Therefore, the atomized treatment liquid flows out of the atomization section 140 through the central main supply path 151 that extends upward from the atomization section 140. Thereafter, this treatment liquid flows through the first branch supply path 152 and the second branch supply path 153, and rises upward from the release sections 155-158.

[0033] The mist of treatment liquid discharged upward from the pair of front and rear discharge sections 157 and 158 may adhere to the center of the garments S held by the garment holder 120. The mist of treatment liquid discharged from the right discharge section 155 may adhere to the right side of the garments S held by the garment holder 120. The mist of treatment liquid discharged from the left discharge section 156 may adhere to the left side of the garments S held by the garment holder 120. As shown in FIG. 4B , the pair of left and right first branch supply paths 152 are arranged at an angle. Therefore, the mist of treatment liquid discharged from the right discharge section 155 and the left discharge section 156 rises while moving outward in the width direction due to the airflow generated by the fan 160, and eventually adheres to the garments S.

[0034] That is, in this embodiment, the mist of treatment liquid is discharged vertically upward from the front discharge section 157 and the rear discharge section 158, while the mist of treatment liquid is discharged upward and outward in the width direction from the right discharge section 155 and the left discharge section 156. In other words, the angle θ2 at which the mist of water vapor is discharged from the front discharge section 157 and the rear discharge section 158 relative to the horizontal plane is set to be larger than the angle θ1 at which the mist of water vapor is discharged from the right discharge section 155 and the left discharge section 156, respectively, relative to the horizontal plane.

[0035] In this embodiment, the treatment liquid supply unit 150 is disposed on both sides of the support unit 121 in the width direction, and includes a right discharge unit 155 and a left discharge unit 156 that discharge the mist of treatment liquid at least upward. Therefore, compared to a case where a discharge unit is disposed only on one side of the support unit 121, for example, the left or right side, the treatment liquid can be supplied to the garments S efficiently on both sides in the width direction.

[0036] During operation of the clothing treatment device 100, the temperature detection unit 170 detects the temperature of the treatment liquid atomized by the atomization unit 140. Then, the control unit 180 (temperature adjustment unit) adjusts the temperature of the atomized treatment liquid supplied to the clothing S based on the detection result of the temperature detection unit 170. The adjusted temperature of the treatment liquid may be set according to the characteristics of the clothing S or according to the user's wishes.

[0037] This configuration makes it possible to prevent the user from feeling uncomfortable or damage to the clothing S, depending on the temperature of the supplied mist of treatment liquid. As an example, the temperature at which the user feels uncomfortable due to heat is 70 degrees.

[0038] In particular, in this embodiment, the atomization unit 140 is configured to atomize the treatment liquid by heating it, and the control unit 180 adjusts the temperature of the atomized treatment liquid by adjusting the output for heating of the atomization unit 140.

[0039] In this configuration, the atomization unit 140 heats the treatment liquid, so that the temperature of the mist of treatment liquid becomes higher than the ambient temperature. As a result, the mist of treatment liquid can flow upward toward the clothes S held by the clothes holder 120 above the treatment liquid supply unit 150. This allows for a stable supply of the mist of treatment liquid to the clothes S. Furthermore, the control unit 180 adjusts the temperature of the mist of treatment liquid by adjusting the heating output of the atomization unit 140. This allows for stable adjustment of the temperature of the mist of treatment liquid.

[0040] The control unit 180 may reduce the heating output of the atomizing unit 140 when the temperature of the treatment liquid detected by the temperature detection unit 170 exceeds a preset threshold value.

[0041] This configuration prevents the mist of treatment liquid from significantly exceeding a preset threshold value, thereby preventing excessively high-temperature treatment liquid from scattering around the clothing treatment device 1 or being supplied to the clothing S. As an example, the threshold value is set to 60 degrees.

[0042] The control unit 180 may also adjust the temperature of the atomized treatment liquid by adjusting the flow rate of the airflow generated by the fan 160 .

[0043] As shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 180 is also electrically connected to the fan 160 and can adjust the rotation speed thereof. Therefore, the control unit 180 may adjust the temperature of the atomized treatment liquid by adjusting the rotation speed of the fan 160 instead of the output of the atomization unit 140. As an example, the control unit 180 may increase the rotation speed of the fan 160, thereby increasing the flow rate of the airflow flowing into the atomized treatment liquid, thereby lowering the temperature of the treatment liquid. The control unit 180 may adjust the temperature of the treatment liquid by controlling both the atomization unit 140 and the fan 160.

[0044] In this configuration, the airflow is blown onto the mist of the treatment liquid, thereby enabling a stable supply of the mist of the treatment liquid to the clothes S. Furthermore, the control unit 180 can stably adjust the temperature of the mist of the treatment liquid by adjusting the flow rate of the airflow generated by the fan 160.

[0045] Furthermore, the control unit 180 may increase the flow rate of the airflow blown onto the treatment liquid when the temperature of the treatment liquid detected by the temperature detection unit 170 exceeds a preset threshold value.

[0046] This configuration prevents the mist of treatment liquid from significantly exceeding a preset threshold value, thereby preventing excessively high-temperature treatment liquid from scattering around the clothing treatment device 1 or being supplied to the clothing S.

[0047] The control unit 180 may include a predetermined memory unit. The preset threshold value may be set according to the type of clothing S held in the clothing holder 120. This configuration can reliably prevent various types of clothing S from being damaged by the temperature of the mist treatment liquid. For example, for clothing S made of fibers that are relatively susceptible to heat, such as wool or cashmere, the threshold value is set to 50°C. On the other hand, for clothing S made of fibers such as cotton or linen, the threshold value is set to 60°C, as described above. Furthermore, information about the fibers constituting the clothing S may be input by the user via the operation unit 500, for example. The control unit 180 can manage the upper limit of the temperature of the treatment liquid by referring to the threshold value stored in the memory unit that corresponds to the input fiber information.

[0048] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the clothing processing device 100 holds the clothing S in the clothing holder 120 in an exposed state. This eliminates the need for the user to cover the clothing S with a cover or store the clothing S in a closet after hanging the clothing S on the clothing holder 120. This simplifies the preparation work for smoothing out wrinkles from the clothing S. Furthermore, the clothing S held by the clothing holder 120 is exposed to the outside and is not covered with a clothing cover. This prevents water droplets from the inner surface of the clothing cover from wetting the clothing S and prevents odors from transferring from the clothing S to the clothing cover, eliminating the need to clean the clothing cover.

[0049] For example, when the garments S are covered with a cover or stored in a closet, a space for filling with the mist of treatment liquid is formed by the cover or closet. On the other hand, when the garment treatment device 100 holds the garments S in an exposed state, such a space cannot be formed around the garments S. However, even if a space for filling with the mist of treatment liquid is not formed around the garments S, the treatment liquid supply unit 150 can spread the mist of treatment liquid across the entire garments hung on the garment holder 120 in a widthwise direction. That is, the treatment liquid supply unit 150 has a right discharge unit 155 and a left discharge unit 156 spaced apart in the widthwise direction, and the mist of treatment liquid is discharged from these discharge units 155, 156. In other words, the supply area of ​​the mist of treatment liquid is expanded in the width direction below the garment holder 120 by the supply paths 151, 152 of the treatment liquid supply unit 150, and the mist of treatment liquid is then released from the release units 155, 156. Therefore, the mist of treatment liquid can be supplied across the entire width of the garments S hung on the garment holder 120 in a state where it is expanded in the width direction.

[0050] Because the mist of treatment liquid is generated by heating in the atomizing unit 140, the temperature of the mist of treatment liquid discharged from the discharge units 155, 156 is higher than the temperature of the outside air around the clothing treatment device 100. Therefore, the mist of treatment liquid discharged from the discharge units 155, 156 rises upward and can adhere to the area from the bottom hem of the clothing S to the top of the clothing S. Therefore, treatments such as wrinkle removal, odor removal, and refreshing can be promoted over the entire clothing.

[0051] On the other hand, in this configuration, the surroundings of the garments S are more open than when a garment storage unit with a closed space such as a garment cover or closet is used. Therefore, it is desirable to relatively increase the amount of mist-like treatment liquid supplied to the garments S. Furthermore, there is a possibility that a small amount of mist-like treatment liquid may splash onto a user positioned around the garment processing device 1. Even in such a case, in the above configuration, the control unit 180 adjusts the temperature of the mist-like treatment liquid supplied to the garments S based on the detection result of the temperature detection unit 170. As a result, it is possible to prevent discomfort to nearby users and damage to the garments S, depending on the temperature of the mist-like treatment liquid supplied. Regarding the temperature of the treatment liquid, either the treatment effect on the garments S or the comfort felt by the user may be prioritized depending on the environment in which the garment processing device 100 is installed and the user's intention.

[0052] In addition, when the garment holder 120 is fixed to the support part 121 and cannot be removed, if garments S that do not fit the width of the garment holder 120 are held by the garment holder 120, the garments S will not be held in a natural shape, and unwanted wrinkles will likely form or an unnatural shape different from when the garment is worn. In such cases, it becomes difficult for the treatment solution released from each release part to adhere evenly to the garments S. To address this problem, in this embodiment, the garment holder 120 is detachable from the support part 121. Therefore, by attaching a garment holder 120 that corresponds to the shape of the garments S, the treatment solution released from the right release part 155 and the left release part 156 can be efficiently supplied to a wide area of ​​the garments S. In addition, when the garment holder 120 is attached to the support part 121, the garment holder 120 is prevented from moving relative to the support part 121.

[0053] In this embodiment, the angle θ2 at which the front discharge section 157 and the rear discharge section 158 discharge the mist of treatment liquid relative to the horizontal plane is set to be larger than the angle θ1 at which the right discharge section 155 and the left discharge section 156 discharge the mist of treatment liquid relative to the horizontal plane. Specifically, the right discharge section 155 and the left discharge section 156 discharge the mist of treatment liquid upward and outward in the width direction, and the front discharge section 157 and the rear discharge section 158 discharge the mist of treatment liquid vertically upward.

[0054] This configuration prevents the mist of treatment liquid discharged from the discharge unit from being sprayed onto the user, even if the user approaches the clothes S while the clothing treatment device 100 is operating. Specifically, the clothes S are supported by the garment holder 120 so that they are spread out in the width direction. For this reason, the user often approaches the clothes S from the front or rear of the clothing treatment device 100. In this case, the mist of treatment liquid discharged from the front discharge unit 157 and the rear discharge unit 158, which are located on both the front and rear sides of the support unit 121, rises vertically upward, so that the mist of treatment liquid is less likely to splash onto the user, as described above. Note that, as will be described later, even when the mist of treatment liquid is discharged from the front discharge unit 157 and the rear discharge unit 158 ​​at a predetermined angle, the treatment liquid rises in a direction that is relatively closer to vertically upward than the right discharge unit 155 and the left discharge unit 156, thereby achieving the same effect as described above. Furthermore, the right discharge portion 155 and the left discharge portion 156 discharge the treatment liquid in mist form outward in the width direction, so that the treatment liquid can be supplied to the clothes S over a wide range in the width direction.

[0055] In addition, in this embodiment, a fan 160 is provided to impart a predetermined flow velocity to the mist of treatment liquid generated by the atomization unit 140. If the fan 160 is provided, the strength of the airflow can be changed as desired by controlling the rotation speed and the like of the fan 160.

[0056] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the operating unit 500 is disposed on the front side of the front discharge unit 157 on the housing top surface 110T of the housing 110. This allows the user to easily operate the laundry treatment device 100. Furthermore, when the user accesses the operating unit 500, the mist of treatment liquid discharged from the front discharge unit 157 is prevented from being sprayed onto the user. Note that the same effect is achieved when the operating unit 500 is disposed behind the rear discharge unit 158.

[0057] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the duct member 300 of the treatment liquid supply unit 150 is disposed above the atomization unit 140 and serves as a guide member that guides the mist of treatment liquid generated by the atomization unit 140 toward the right discharge unit 155, the left discharge unit 156, the front discharge unit 157, and the rear discharge unit 158. Therefore, compared to the case where a unique member is used to guide the mist of treatment liquid to each discharge unit, the duct member 300 is less susceptible to the assembly tolerances between the multiple members, and multiple discharge positions for the mist of treatment liquid can be positioned with high precision on the housing top surface 110T.

[0058] Moreover, in this embodiment, the duct member 300 has a main body portion 301, and a pair of circular pipe portions 302 and a pair of curved portions 303 formed on the main body portion 301. A flow path connected to each discharge portion is formed by the pair of circular pipe portions 302 and the pair of curved portions 303. Therefore, compared to a case where multiple flow paths are formed using more members, the structure of the portion connected to each discharge portion can be simplified, and the occurrence of contamination and clogging of the flow paths can be suppressed.

[0059] Additionally, in this embodiment, the funnel member 350 supports the duct member 300 from below, so that a pair of first branched supply paths 152 that connect to the right discharge portion 155 and the left discharge portion 156 and serve as a flow path for the atomized treatment liquid are formed between the pair of curved portions 303 of the duct member 300 and the funnel member 350. Therefore, for example, when performing maintenance on the clothing treatment device 100, the pair of first branched supply paths 152 can be easily opened by removing the duct member 300 from the funnel member 350.

[0060] Furthermore, in this embodiment, at least one hole 300H is formed in the duct member 300. The hole 300H is formed so as to penetrate the main body portion 301 from top to bottom, and can guide droplets hanging down from the support portion 121 toward the atomization portion 140. This makes it possible to return droplets generated by the atomized treatment liquid adhering to the support portion 121 to the atomization portion 140 side. As a result, it is possible to prevent liquid from accumulating around the support portion 121, particularly around its lower end portion, which could lead to contamination.

[0061] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3 , the right discharge section 155 and the left discharge section 156 are disposed directly below (vertically below) the garment S held in the garment holder 120, thereby enabling the rising steam to be applied efficiently to the garment S. Furthermore, the right discharge section 155 and the left discharge section 156 are disposed directly below (vertically below) the garment holder 120; in other words, the right discharge section 155 and the left discharge section 156 are disposed in a position overlapping the garment holder 120 in a plan view. This enables the steam to be applied more efficiently and reliably to the garment S. Note that as long as the rising steam is applied to the garment S, the right discharge section 155 and the left discharge section 156 do not have to be disposed completely overlapping the garment holder 120 in a plan view, but may be disposed in a position that substantially overlaps, such as partially overlapping in the vicinity thereof. Furthermore, even if the right and left discharge ports 155 and 156 do not overlap the garment holder 120 in plan view, a configuration in which the two discharge ports are positioned close to each other across the garment holder 120 in the depth direction and face the garment holder 120 can be regarded as being in a position that substantially overlaps the garment holder 120. In other words, the right and left discharge ports 155 and 156 only need to be positioned in a position that overlaps the garment holder 120 or faces the garment holder 120 in plan view so that the discharged mist of treatment liquid can reach the garment holder 120.

[0062] In this embodiment, the right discharge section 155 and the left discharge section 156 are disposed on both outer sides of the support section 121 in the width direction. This allows the mist-like water vapor to be evenly applied to both sides of the clothing S in the width direction.

[0063] Furthermore, in this embodiment, mist-like water vapor can be emitted from the front and rear discharge sections 157 and 158, which are arranged side by side in the depth direction, in addition to the right and left discharge sections 155 and 156. This allows more water vapor to be applied to the clothes S.

[0064] In particular, in this embodiment, a front discharge section 157 and a rear discharge section 158 are disposed on both the front and rear outer sides of the support section 121. Therefore, below the garment S held in the garment holder 120, mist-like treatment liquid is discharged to the front, back, left and right of the support section 121, and rises upward. Therefore, the mist-like treatment liquid diffuses so as to envelop the garment S from below, allowing the garment S to be effectively smoothed out of wrinkles.

[0065] 1, in this embodiment, the garment holder 120 attached to the support 121 is positioned on an extension of the central axis of the support 121. Therefore, even when garments S are hung on the garment holder 120, the garment processing device 100 is less likely to lose its balance, and the garment processing device 100 can be prevented from tipping over. Therefore, processing liquid can be stably supplied to the garments S during processing operation.

[0066] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a housing 110 is further provided that houses the atomization unit 140 and the treatment liquid supply unit 150 so as not to interfere with the supply of the atomized treatment liquid from the treatment liquid supply unit 150 to the garments S held by the garment holding unit 120. In this configuration, the atomization unit 140 and the treatment liquid supply unit 150 can be stably housed in the housing 110.

[0067] In this embodiment, the width of the housing 110 in the width direction is set smaller than the width of the garment holding section 120. With this configuration, the garment processing device 100 can be made compact.

[0068] Note that some of the mist-like treatment liquid emitted from the emission units 155-158 may float in the room where the clothing treatment device 100 is installed without adhering to the clothing S. Such treatment liquid humidifies the room. Therefore, the clothing treatment device 100 can have not only the function of smoothing out wrinkles from the clothing S but also the function of humidifying the room.

[0069] (Function of clothing holding part) 5 and 6 are front views of the garment holders 120A and 120B of the garment processing device 100 of this embodiment. As described above, in this embodiment, the garment holder 120 of FIG. 1 is detachable from the upper support portion 121A of the support portion 121. Instead of the garment holder 120, the garment holder 120A of FIG. 5 or the garment holder 120B of FIG. 6 can be attached to the upper support portion 121A. The garment holders 120A and 120B have different width dimensions. As a result, wrinkles can be removed from a variety of garments S in addition to jackets, shirts, etc.

[0070] For example, the garment holder 120A in FIG. 5 is narrower than the garment holder 120 in FIG. 1. This type of garment holder 120A can accommodate children's garments S. The garment holder 120B in FIG. 6 is wider than the garment holder 120 in FIG. 1. This type of garment holder 120B can accommodate large adult-sized garments S. By selecting a garment holder according to the size of the garments S and attaching it to the support member 121 in this way, treatment liquid can be efficiently and stably supplied to multiple garments S having various width dimensions.

[0071] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the garment holder 120 is detached from the support 121, the intermediate holder 120C can be attached to the upper end of the upper support 121A. FIG. 7 is a side view of the garment processing device 100 of this embodiment, showing a hanger H hung on the intermediate holder 120C. The intermediate holder 120C can be attached to the support 121 instead of the garment holder 120. The intermediate holder 120C can hold hangers H already present in the home. The hangers H can hold garments S in a state where they are spread out in the width direction. Therefore, a garment holder such as a general-purpose hanger H can be supported by the support 121 via the intermediate holder 120C. Furthermore, for example, the processed garments S can be stored together with the hangers H in a closet or the like. As shown in FIG. 7, the intermediate holding part 120C has a lower end connected to the support part 121, extends upward from the lower end, and has a curved shape that curves away from the center line CL of the support part 121 in the radial direction (rearward in FIG. 7). The upper end of the intermediate holding part 120C curves again toward the center line CL and has a hook part P (locking part) that can hold (lock) a hanger H. In this embodiment, when viewed along the width direction, the hook part P of the intermediate holding part 120C attached to the support part 121 is arranged so as to overlap with the center line CL of the support part 121, in other words, on an extension line of the central axis of the support part 121. As a result, the hanger H hung on the hook part P is also arranged so as to overlap with the center line CL. Therefore, the center of gravity of the garments S held by the hanger H is likely to be located on the center line CL, which can prevent the garment processing device 100 from tipping forward or backward due to the weight of the garments S.

[0072] The above-mentioned garment holders 120A, 120B, and intermediate holder 120C can form part of the garment processing device 100 together with the garment holder 120. In addition, the garment holders 120A, 120B, and intermediate holder 120C can form a garment holder set for the garment processing device 100 separately from the garment processing device 100.

[0073] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the lower support part 121B constituting part of the support part 121 is extendable in the vertical direction. Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the clothing processing device 100 of this embodiment, with the lower support part 121B in a contracted state. Fig. 9 is an enlarged front view of the lower support part 121B of the clothing processing device 100 of this embodiment.

[0074] As shown in FIG. 9 , the lower support part 121B has an outer tube 51 and an inner tube 52. The inner tube 52 is inserted into the cylindrical interior of the outer tube 51. The length of the support part 121 can be changed by sliding the inner tube 52 up and down relative to the outer tube 51. A known structure can be used for a locking mechanism for locking the position of the inner tube 52 relative to the outer tube 51. As an example, the inner tube 52 may have multiple protrusions spaced apart along the vertical direction. Each protrusion can be retracted into the inner tube 52, and in this state, the inner tube 52 can slide relative to the outer tube 51. On the other hand, when the protrusions protrude outward from the inner tube 52 due to the biasing force of a spring (not shown), the protrusions catch on the upper end of the outer tube 51, preventing the inner tube 52 from moving downward.

[0075] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9 , a mark T (indicator) is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the outer cylinder 51. The mark T indicates the desired position (height) of the lower end of the garment S held in the garment holder 120. The outermost widthwise edge of the garment S held in the garment holder 120 is determined by the width of the garment holder 120. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 9 , the position of the mark T is set in advance so that the lower corner of the garment S held in the garment holder 120 is positioned on the emission trajectory (emission area) of the mist-like water vapor emitted from the left discharge portion 156. In other words, the mark T provides an indicator for aligning the position of the lower end of the garment S held in the garment holder 120 with the emission area where the mist-like treatment liquid is emitted from the right discharge portion 155 and the left discharge portion 156. Therefore, the user can easily set the position of the lower end of the garment S according to the position of the mark T. As a result, the treatment liquid release area and the lower end of the clothes S can be easily aligned, so that the steam released from the left release section 156 can be directed at the clothes S without waste, reducing the proportion of steam that rises without hitting the clothes S. It is also possible to prevent excessive steam from hitting a part of the clothes S due to the clothes S being positioned too low. The above is also true for the right side of the clothes S.

[0076] If the operating unit 500 has a display unit, the display unit may display a message such as "Adjust the length of the pole (supporting part) so that the bottom end of the garment S is aligned with the mark T." Alternatively, the mark T may be made luminous in advance using an LED or the like, and the mark T may emit light for a predetermined time after the main power of the garment processing device 100 is turned on, making it easier to align the bottom end of the garment S.

[0077] (Variation) Instead of the above embodiment, the following modified example can be adopted. Fig. 10 is a schematic enlarged front view of the lower support part 121B in a modified example of the clothing processing device 100 of this embodiment. Note that in Fig. 10, the support part 121 in Fig. 9 is omitted from the illustration, and the center line CL of the support part 121 is shown. In this modified example, two marks T1 and T2 are provided in advance on the outer tube 51. Also, adult clothing S is designated as clothing S1, and its width is designated as a first width, and children's clothing S, which is narrower than adult clothing, is designated as clothing S2, and its width is designated as a second width.

[0078] The mark T1 in FIG. 10 is provided to correspond to the width of the garment holder 120 in FIG. 1, for example. In this case, when an adult garment S1 having a first width is hung on the garment holder 120, the user adjusts the length of the support part 121 using the mark T1 (first mark) as an index so that the bottom end of the garment S1 coincides with the mark T1. In this case, the mist of steam emitted from the left release part 156 can be efficiently directed toward the bottom left corner of the garment S1. As a result, the steam adheres to the entire width of the garment S1, achieving effects such as wrinkle removal.

[0079] Assume that the garment holder 120A shown in FIG. 5 is attached to the support unit 121 of the garment processing device 100. In this case, if a user hangs a child's garment S2 having a second width on the garment holder 120A and adjusts the length of the support unit 121 so that the bottom end of the garment S2, indicated by the dashed line in FIG. 10, coincides with the mark T1, the mist of water vapor emitted from the left discharge unit 156 passes below the bottom end of the garment S2. As a result, a large amount of water vapor rises without adhering to the garment S2. For this reason, in this modification, a mark T2 (second mark) is provided corresponding to the garment holder 120A. The mark T2 is positioned below the mark T1. The user adjusts the length of the support unit 121 so that the bottom end of the garment S2, indicated by the dashed line in FIG. 10, coincides with the mark T2. In this case, the mist of water vapor emitted from the left discharge unit 156 can be efficiently directed toward the bottom left corner of the garment S2. As a result, the water vapor adheres to the entire width of the garment S2, and wrinkle removal effect can be achieved.

[0080] 6, which has a wider garment holder 120B, another mark may be provided above the mark T1. As described above, in this modification, multiple marks at different vertical positions are provided on the support part 121 to correspond to the different widths of the garment holders 120, 120A, 120B, etc. Therefore, even when garments S of different widths are supported by the support part 121, it is possible to efficiently apply mist-like steam toward the lower corners of each garment S.

[0081] Furthermore, a predetermined message may also be displayed on the display unit of the operation unit 500 for the above-mentioned marks T1 and T2. Furthermore, if the garment processing device 100 can detect the characteristics of the garment holder 120 attached to the support unit 121, the corresponding mark may be displayed on the display unit according to the detected width of the garment holder 120, or the corresponding mark may be illuminated.

[0082] Second Embodiment FIG. 11 is a plan view of a clothing treatment device 100 according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. In the first embodiment, the right discharge section 155, the left discharge section 156, the front discharge section 157, and the rear discharge section 158 are all arranged around the support section 121, as shown in FIG. 3. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this arrangement. As shown in FIG. 11, the right discharge section 155 and the left discharge section 156 may be arranged near the outer periphery of the housing top section 110T of the housing 110. In this case, the mist-like water vapor can be diffused over a wider area in the width direction. Other features of the first embodiment, such as the relative positions of the right discharge section 155 and the left discharge section 156 with respect to the garment holder 120 in a plan view, the angle at which the mist-like treatment liquid is discharged from each discharge section, the fact that the garment holder 120 is detachable from the support section 121, and the fact that the control section 180 can adjust the temperature of the mist-like treatment liquid according to the detection result of the temperature detection section 170, are also applicable to this embodiment. The same applies to the following embodiments.

[0083] <Third embodiment> Fig. 12 is a plan view of a clothing processing device 100 according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. In the second embodiment described above, similar to the first embodiment, the right discharge section 155 and the left discharge section 156 discharge mist-like water vapor obliquely upward, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. As shown in Fig. 12, when the right discharge section 155 and the left discharge section 156 are disposed near the outer periphery of the housing top surface section 110T, the right discharge section 155 and the left discharge section 156 may discharge mist-like water vapor vertically upward, similar to the front discharge section 157 and the rear discharge section 158.

[0084] <Fourth embodiment> Fig. 13 is a plan view of a clothing processing device according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. In the second embodiment of Fig. 11, the garment holder 120 overlaps with the right and left discharge sections 155 and 156 in a plan view. However, as shown in Fig. 13, the right and left discharge sections 155 and 156 may be disposed near the garment holder 120 in a plan view. In this embodiment, the right and left discharge sections 155 and 156 each extend in the width direction of the garment holder 120 in an elongated hole shape behind the garment holder 120. Even in this configuration, the right and left discharge sections 155 and 156 are disposed in positions where they at least partially overlap with the garments S held in the garment holder 120 in a plan view. Furthermore, the right and left discharge sections 155 and 156 are disposed in positions where rising mist-like water vapor emitted from the right and left discharge sections 156 eventually contact the garment holder 120. Therefore, the mist-like water vapor emitted from each emission section can stably reach the clothes S held in the clothes holding section 120.

[0085] Fifth Embodiment FIG. 14 is a plan view of a clothing processing device according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 14, a pair of right and left discharge sections 155 and 156 may be arranged on both the front and rear sides of the garment holder 120. Even in this configuration, the right and left discharge sections 155 and 156 are positioned so that they at least partially overlap the garments S held in the garment holder 120 in a plan view. The right and left discharge sections 155 and 156 are positioned so that the rising mist of water vapor emitted from each discharge section eventually contacts the garment holder 120. This allows the mist of water vapor emitted from each discharge section to stably reach the garments S held in the garment holder 120. In the configuration shown in FIG. 14, each right discharge section 155 is positioned so that the area surrounded by the pair of front and rear right discharge sections 155 overlaps with the garment holder 120 in a plan view. Similarly, the left discharge sections 156 are arranged so that the area surrounded by the pair of front and rear left discharge sections 156 in a plan view overlaps with the garment holding section 120. The arrangement of the discharge sections in the fourth and fifth embodiments can also be applied to other embodiments.

[0086] Sixth Embodiment FIG. 15 is a plan view of a clothing processing device 100 according to a sixth embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 16A is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the left discharge section 156 of the clothing processing device 100 according to this embodiment. FIG. 16B is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the front discharge section 157 of the clothing processing device 100 according to this embodiment. In the second embodiment of FIG. 11, similar to the first embodiment, the front discharge section 157 and the rear discharge section 158 discharge mist-like water vapor vertically upward, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. As shown in FIG. 15, the front discharge section 157 and the rear discharge section 158 may also discharge mist-like water vapor diagonally upward, similar to the right discharge section 155 and the left discharge section 156.

[0087] 16A and 16B, the angle θ2 at which the front discharge portion 157 discharges the mist of water vapor relative to the horizontal plane may be set larger than the angle θ1 at which the left discharge portion 156 discharges the mist of water vapor relative to the horizontal plane. In other words, the direction in which the front discharge portion 157 discharges the mist of water vapor is closer to a vertically upward direction than the direction in which the left discharge portion 156 discharges the mist of water vapor. In this case, the left discharge portion 156 discharges the mist of water vapor radially outward from the support portion 121 as the center, more so than the front discharge portion 157. The above description is also applicable when the left discharge portion 156 is replaced with the right discharge portion 155.

[0088] Because the garment S held in the garment holder 120 has a greater width in the left-right direction than a thickness in the front-to-back direction, it is desirable for the right discharge section 155 and the left discharge section 156 to discharge mist-like water vapor further outward in the width direction. In contrast, the front discharge section 157 and the rear discharge section 158 do not need to discharge mist-like water vapor relatively far outward in the front-to-back direction. Therefore, in this embodiment, the front discharge section 157 and the rear discharge section 158 discharge mist-like water vapor in a direction that is relatively close to vertically upward.

[0089] In this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, an operating unit 500 that can be operated by the user is disposed in front of the front discharge unit 157. If the user approaches the operating unit 500 to stop the clothing processing device 100 while the clothing processing device 100 is emitting mist-like water vapor, it is undesirable for the mist-like water vapor emitted from the front discharge unit 157 to be sprayed onto the user. From this perspective, too, setting the discharge angle of the front discharge unit 157 to an angle that is relatively close to vertically upward allows the user to use the clothing processing device 100 more safely. Note that even when the operating unit 500 is disposed on the rear discharge unit 158 ​​side, setting the discharge angle of the rear discharge unit 158 ​​in the same manner allows for safe use.

[0090] Seventh Embodiment 17 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the housing 110 of the clothing processing device 100 according to the seventh embodiment of the present disclosure. In this embodiment, a standing wall 115 is disposed on the housing upper surface 110T. The standing wall 115 stands upright from the housing upper surface 110T in front of the front discharge section 157, and is disposed between the front discharge section 157 and the operation section 500. The standing wall 115 may be formed of a part of a cylindrical shape centered on the support section 121. Alternatively, the standing wall 115 may be formed of a flat plate shape extending in the left-right direction.

[0091] 17, when mist-like water vapor is released from front release portion 157, the airflow containing the mist-like water vapor comes into contact with the inner surface of standing wall 115 and changes its direction of travel vertically upward. As a result, the mist-like water vapor is reduced from spreading toward operation unit 500, and similarly to the above, the mist-like water vapor is prevented from being sprayed onto the user operating operation unit 500.

[0092] 17, the water droplets W generated by water vapor adhering to the inner surface of the standing wall 115 can be returned to the inside of the housing 110 via the second branch supply path 153. When the clothing treatment device 100 is not in use, the water droplets W enter the atomization unit 140 through the main supply path 151, and are vaporized again into mist-like water vapor the next time the clothing treatment device 100 is used.

[0093] 17 is provided, the forward movement of water vapor can be prevented as described above, and therefore the angle at which the mist water vapor is released from the front release portion 157 with respect to the horizontal plane may be set smaller than when the standing wall 115 is not provided. In another embodiment, the standing wall 115 may be provided between the rear release portion 158 and the operating unit 500 provided behind the rear release portion 158.

[0094] Eighth Embodiment FIG. 18 is a front view of the housing top surface 110T of the housing 110 of the clothing processing device 100 according to the eighth embodiment of the present disclosure. In this embodiment, a pair of light projecting units 600 (illumination units, indicator presenting units) are provided on the housing top surface 110T adjacent to the left release unit 156 and the front release unit 157, respectively. The light projecting units 600 emit linear guide light L (pointing light). The guide light L is formed so as to be parallel to the direction in which mist-like water vapor is released from the left release unit 156 and the front release unit 157. In other words, the guide light L indicates the release area of ​​the mist-like water vapor released from the left release unit 156 and the front release unit 157. The guide light L has a brightness that is visible to the naked eye regardless of the brightness of the room, day or night.

[0095] With this configuration, for example, when the clothing processing device 100 is turned on, as shown in FIG. 18 , guide light L is emitted from the pair of light-projecting units 600. Therefore, the user can adjust the length of the support unit 121 to adjust the position of the lower end of the clothing S held by the clothing holder 120 so that the lower corners of the clothing S are closer to the guide light L, thereby efficiently applying mist-like water vapor to the clothing S. For example, by setting the support unit 121 relatively long for wide clothing SA and relatively short for narrow clothing SB, the lower corners of the clothing SA and SB can be brought closer to the guide light L. In this way, instead of the marks T, T1, and T2 used in the previous embodiment, the height of the support unit 121, i.e., the height of the clothing S, may be adjusted using the guide light L.

[0096] Ninth Embodiment Fig. 19 is a front view of a clothing processing device 100 according to a ninth embodiment of the present disclosure. In the first embodiment, as shown in Fig. 2, the clothing S is held by the clothing holder 120 in an exposed state. The present disclosure is not limited to this. As shown in Fig. 19, when using the clothing processing device 100, a clothing cover C may be attached to wrap the clothing S. In this case, the lower surface of the clothing cover C is open downward, and the mist-like water vapor emitted from the emission sections 155-158 enters the interior of the clothing cover C and can achieve effects such as removing wrinkles from the clothing S.

[0097] 3, the right and left discharge sections 155 and 156 are positioned directly below (vertically downward) or in the vicinity of the garment S held in the garment holder 120, thereby enabling steam to be applied to the garments efficiently. Furthermore, the right and left discharge sections 155 and 156 are positioned directly below (vertically downward) or in the vicinity of the garment holder 120, thereby enabling steam to be applied to the garments S even more efficiently.

[0098] Tenth Embodiment 20 is a front view including a partial cross-sectional view of a clothing treatment device according to a tenth embodiment of the present disclosure. In this embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, the clothing treatment device 100 has an air blowing mechanism 161 (airflow generating unit). The air blowing mechanism 161 includes a right air blowing unit 162 and a left air blowing unit 163. The control unit 180 is capable of controlling the air blowing mechanism 161 in addition to the atomization unit 140, and is configured to use the air blowing mechanism 161 to expand the supply range of the mist of treatment liquid in the width direction.

[0099] 20, the flow path through which the atomized treatment liquid flows is composed only of a main supply path 151 (supply path) extending upward from the atomization part 140. The upper end of the main supply path 151 communicates with a right discharge part 155 and a left discharge part 156 adjacent to the lower end of the support part 121.

[0100] The mist of treatment liquid is discharged upward from the right discharge portion 155 and the left discharge portion 156. The blower mechanism 161 generates an air current that is blown onto the mist of treatment liquid that has passed through the main supply path 151. The blower mechanism 161 is disposed at the end of the top surface of the housing 110 and is configured to blow an air current obliquely upward onto the mist of treatment liquid that has been discharged upward from the right discharge portion 155 and the left discharge portion 156. In detail, the blower mechanism 161 has a right blower 162 attached to the housing 110 on the right side of the support portion 121, and a left blower 163 attached to the housing 110 on the left side of the support portion 121. The right blower 162 is configured to generate an air current obliquely upward to the left. The left blower 163 is configured to generate an air current obliquely upward to the right. The right blower 162 and the left blower 163 are electrically connected to a control unit 180 housed in the housing 110 .

[0101] In this embodiment, the control unit 180 (temperature adjustment unit) adjusts the flow rate of the airflow generated by the air blowing mechanism 161, thereby adjusting the temperature of the atomized treatment liquid.

[0102] In this configuration, the airflow is blown onto the mist of the treatment liquid, thereby enabling a stable supply of the mist of the treatment liquid to the clothes S. Furthermore, the control unit 180 can stably adjust the temperature of the mist of the treatment liquid by adjusting the flow rate of the airflow generated by the blower mechanism 161.

[0103] In addition, in this embodiment, the control unit 180 may increase the flow rate of the airflow blown onto the processing liquid when the temperature of the processing liquid detected by the temperature detection unit 170 exceeds a preset threshold value.

[0104] This configuration prevents the mist of treatment liquid from significantly exceeding a preset threshold value, thereby preventing excessively high-temperature treatment liquid from scattering around the clothing treatment device 1 or being supplied to the clothing S.

[0105] Also in this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the threshold value may be set according to the type of clothing S held in the clothing holder 120. In this case, an example of the method for setting the threshold value is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0106] This configuration can stably prevent the clothes S from being damaged by the temperature of the mist of treatment liquid.

[0107] Furthermore, the control unit 180 can control the blower mechanism 161 so that both the right blower 162 and the left blower 163 are stopped, or so that the right blower 162 and the left blower 163 are alternately operated.

[0108] While the control unit 180 stops both the right blower 162 and the left blower 163, the mist of treatment liquid generated by the atomization unit 140 is discharged upward through the right discharge unit 155 and the left discharge unit 156. In this case, the mist of treatment liquid mainly adheres to the center of the garment S hung on the garment holder 120. This mode is applicable, for example, to a case where a towel is hung on the center of the garment holder 120.

[0109] On the other hand, when the control unit 180 activates the left air blower 163 while keeping the right air blower 162 stopped, an air current directed diagonally upward to the right hits the mist of treatment liquid discharged from the right discharge unit 155 and the left discharge unit 156. The mist of treatment liquid rides on this air current and flows diagonally upward to the right, and adheres to the right side of the clothes S hung on the clothes holder 120.

[0110] Conversely, when the control unit 180 activates the right air blower 162 while stopping the left air blower 163, an air current directed diagonally upward to the left hits the mist of treatment liquid discharged from the right discharge unit 155 and the left discharge unit 156. The mist of treatment liquid rides on this air current and flows diagonally upward to the left, and adheres to the left side of the garments S hung on the garment holder 120.

[0111] <Other embodiments> As described above, the first to tenth embodiments have been described as examples of the technology disclosed in this application. However, the technology in this disclosure is not limited to these and can be applied to embodiments in which modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. are made. Furthermore, it is also possible to combine the components described in the above multiple embodiments to create a new embodiment. Therefore, other embodiments will be described below as examples.

[0112] In the first to tenth embodiments, the clothing treatment device 100 supplies water vapor to the clothing S as a mist of treatment liquid. However, the clothing treatment device 100 may supply other treatment liquid for a predetermined treatment to the clothing S in the form of a mist using the atomizing unit 140. For example, the clothing treatment device 100 may be configured to supply a disinfectant liquid, a deodorizing liquid, a moisturizing liquid, a liquid fragrance, a liquid containing a water repellent agent, a liquid containing an anti-UV agent, or a liquid containing a stain-resistant agent to the clothing S. When a deodorizing liquid is released from the clothing treatment device 100, a deodorizing effect is obtained for the room in which the clothing treatment device 100 is installed. When a liquid fragrance is released from the clothing treatment device 100, the room in which the clothing treatment device 100 is installed can be filled with a desired fragrance.

[0113] In the first to tenth embodiments, the atomization unit 140 of the clothing treatment device 100 generates a mist of the treatment solution by heating the treatment solution. However, this is not limited to this. The atomization unit 140 may be a non-heating type that atomizes the treatment solution, for example, by generating ultrasonic waves. When the atomization unit 140 atomizes the treatment solution without heating, the clothing treatment device 100 may have a fan 160, as described in the first embodiment, to deliver the mist of the treatment solution to the clothing S. The airflow generated by the fan 160 allows the mist of the treatment solution to reach the clothing S held by the clothing holding unit 120 above the treatment solution supply unit 150. Note that a pressurizing unit that pressurizes the mist of water vapor may be provided instead of the fan 160. Alternatively, a heating device may be provided in the treatment solution supply unit 150 to heat the mist of the treatment solution. In this case, the control unit 180 functions as a temperature adjustment unit that controls the heating device.

[0114] In the first to tenth embodiments, the garment holder 120 is configured with components that form a closed space that is approximately triangular in front view. However, the garment holder 120 may have other shapes as long as it can hold the garments S to be processed by the garment processing device 100 in a state where they are spread out in the width direction. For example, the garment holder 120 may be configured with a horizontally elongated rod or a horizontally elongated plate.

[0115] The operation unit 500 is not limited to being disposed in front of the front ejection portion 157 on the housing top surface 110T of the housing 110, and may be disposed in another location. For example, the operation unit 500 may be disposed behind the rear ejection portion 158 on the housing top surface 110T.

[0116] In the first to tenth embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2, the temperature detection unit 170 is described as being disposed in correspondence with the main supply path 151, but the location of the temperature detection unit 170 is not limited to this. As an example, the temperature detection unit 170 may be disposed in at least one of the right discharge unit 155 and the left discharge unit 156 (a pair of discharge units). In such a configuration, the temperature of the treatment liquid mist discharged from the discharge unit and directed toward the clothes S can be detected with high accuracy immediately before being discharged. In this case, the temperature detection unit 170 may be disposed near the discharge unit.

[0117] (Effects, etc.) The clothing processing device 100 of the present disclosure has the following features and provides the following effects.

[0118] (Technology 1) A clothing treatment device according to the present disclosure performs a predetermined treatment on clothing and includes a garment holder capable of holding the clothing in a widthwise spread state, an atomizing unit that atomizes a treatment liquid for applying the predetermined treatment to the clothing held by the garment holder, a treatment liquid supply unit disposed below the garment holder and supplying the atomized treatment liquid generated by the atomizing unit to the clothing held by the garment holder, a temperature detection unit that detects the temperature of the treatment liquid atomized by the atomizing unit, and a temperature adjustment unit that adjusts the temperature of the atomized treatment liquid supplied to the clothing based on the detection result of the temperature detection unit.

[0119] In this configuration, the treatment liquid supply unit can supply a mist of treatment liquid to the clothes held in the garment holder. This allows the clothes to undergo a predetermined treatment. Furthermore, the temperature adjustment unit adjusts the temperature of the mist of treatment liquid supplied to the clothes based on the detection result of the temperature detection unit. This prevents discomfort to the user and damage to the clothes that may occur due to the temperature of the mist of treatment liquid supplied.

[0120] (Technology 2) In the clothing treatment device described in Technology 1, the atomization unit may be configured to atomize the treatment liquid by heating it, and the temperature adjustment unit may adjust the temperature of the atomized treatment liquid by adjusting the output for heating the atomization unit.

[0121] In this configuration, the atomizing unit heats the treatment liquid, so the temperature of the mist of treatment liquid becomes higher than the ambient temperature. Therefore, the mist of treatment liquid can flow upward toward the garments held by the garment holder above the treatment liquid supply unit. This allows for a stable supply of the mist of treatment liquid to the garments. Furthermore, the temperature adjusting unit adjusts the temperature of the mist of treatment liquid by adjusting the heating output of the atomizing unit. This allows for stable adjustment of the temperature of the mist of treatment liquid.

[0122] (Technology 3) In the second technique, the temperature adjusting unit may reduce the output for heating the atomizing unit when the temperature of the treatment liquid detected by the temperature detecting unit exceeds a preset threshold value.

[0123] This configuration prevents the temperature of the mist of treatment liquid from significantly exceeding a preset threshold, thereby preventing excessively hot treatment liquid from scattering around the clothing treatment device or being applied to the clothing.

[0124] (Technology 4) In any of Techniques 1 to 3, the processing liquid supply unit may include a supply path through which the mist of processing liquid flows, and an airflow generating unit that generates an airflow to be blown onto the mist of processing liquid that has passed through the supply path, and the temperature adjusting unit may adjust the temperature of the mist of processing liquid by adjusting the flow rate of the airflow generated by the airflow generating unit.

[0125] In this configuration, the airflow is blown onto the mist of treatment liquid, thereby stably supplying the mist of treatment liquid to the clothes. Furthermore, the temperature adjustment unit can stably adjust the temperature of the mist of treatment liquid by adjusting the flow rate of the airflow generated by the airflow generation unit.

[0126] (Technology 5) In Technique 4, the temperature adjustment unit may increase the flow rate of the airflow blown onto the treatment liquid when the temperature of the treatment liquid detected by the temperature detection unit exceeds a preset threshold.

[0127] This configuration prevents the temperature of the mist of treatment liquid from significantly exceeding a preset threshold, thereby preventing excessively hot treatment liquid from scattering around the clothing treatment device or being applied to the clothing.

[0128] (Technology 6) In the third or fifth technique, the threshold value may be set according to the type of clothing held by the clothing holder.

[0129] This configuration can stably prevent various types of clothing from being damaged by the temperature of the atomized treatment liquid.

[0130] (Technology 7) In any of the techniques 1 to 6, the device may further include a support section extending in the vertical direction and supporting the garment holding section, and the treatment liquid supply section may have a pair of release sections arranged on both sides of the support section in the width direction and releasing the atomized treatment liquid at least upward.

[0131] In this configuration, a pair of release sections are arranged on both sides of the support section in the width direction, so that the mist-like water vapor can be evenly applied to both sides of the garment in the width direction.

[0132] (Technology 8) In the seventh technique, the temperature detection unit may be disposed in at least one of the pair of emission units.

[0133] With this configuration, the temperature of the treatment liquid mist emitted from the emission section and directed toward the clothes can be detected with high accuracy immediately before it is emitted.

[0134] (Technology 9) In any one of the first to eighth techniques, the garment holding portion may hold the garment in an exposed state.

[0135] In this configuration, the garments are kept exposed to the outside, so the user does not need to store the garments in a garment storage unit such as a garment cover or closet, and preparation for applying the treatment solution to the garments can be easily performed.

[0136] On the other hand, in this configuration, the area around the garments is more open than when a garment storage unit with a closed space such as a garment cover or closet is used. Therefore, it is desirable to relatively increase the amount of mist treatment liquid supplied to the garments. Furthermore, there is a possibility that a small amount of mist treatment liquid may splash onto users positioned around the garment treatment device. Even in such a case, in the above configuration, the temperature adjustment unit adjusts the temperature of the mist treatment liquid supplied to the garments based on the detection result of the temperature detection unit. As a result, it is possible to prevent discomfort to nearby users and damage to the garments due to the temperature of the mist treatment liquid supplied. [Industrial Applicability]

[0137] The technology of the present disclosure is suitably used to apply various treatments to clothing, such as smoothing out wrinkles in clothing, sterilizing clothing, adding fragrance to clothing, moisturizing clothing, improving the UV resistance of clothing, or preventing clothing from becoming soiled. [Explanation of symbols]

[0138] 100 Clothes treatment device 110 Case 120 Clothing holder 121 Support part 140 Atomization section 150 Processing liquid supply unit 151~153 Supply route 155 Right discharge part (1st discharge part) 156 Left discharge part (1st discharge part) 157 Front discharge part (second discharge part) 158 Later release part (second release part) 160 Fan (airflow generating part) 161 Blower mechanism (airflow generating part) 162 Right blower 163 Left ventilation section 170 Temperature detection unit 180 control unit (temperature control unit)

Claims

1. A clothing processing device that performs a predetermined process on clothing, a garment holder capable of holding the garment in a state in which the garment is spread in the width direction; an atomizing unit that atomizes the treatment liquid for applying the predetermined treatment to the clothes held by the clothes holding unit; a treatment liquid supply unit disposed below the garment holder and configured to supply the treatment liquid mist generated by the atomization unit to the garments held by the garment holder; a temperature detection unit that detects the temperature of the treatment liquid atomized by the atomization unit; a temperature adjusting unit that adjusts the temperature of the mist of treatment liquid supplied to the laundry based on the detection result of the temperature detecting unit; A clothing treatment device comprising:

2. the atomization unit is configured to atomize the treatment liquid by heating the treatment liquid, The clothing treating device according to claim 1 , wherein the temperature adjusting unit adjusts the temperature of the atomized treatment liquid by adjusting an output for heating the atomizing unit.

3. The clothing treating device according to claim 2 , wherein the temperature adjusting unit reduces an output for heating the atomizing unit when the temperature of the treatment liquid detected by the temperature detecting unit exceeds a preset threshold value.

4. The processing liquid supply unit a supply path through which the atomized treatment liquid flows; an airflow generating unit that generates an airflow to be blown onto the atomized treatment liquid that has passed through the supply path, The clothing treatment device according to claim 1 , wherein the temperature adjusting unit adjusts the temperature of the mist of treatment liquid by adjusting the flow rate of the airflow generated by the airflow generating unit.

5. The clothing treatment device according to claim 4 , wherein the temperature adjustment unit increases the flow rate of the airflow blown onto the treatment liquid when the temperature of the treatment liquid detected by the temperature detection unit exceeds a preset threshold value.

6. The clothing processing device according to claim 3 or 5, wherein the threshold value is set according to the type of clothing held in the clothing holding section.

7. The garment holder further includes a support portion extending in the vertical direction and supporting the garment holder portion. The clothing treating device according to claim 1 , wherein the treatment liquid supply unit has a pair of discharge units arranged on both sides of the support unit in the width direction and configured to discharge the atomized treatment liquid at least upward.

8. The clothing processing device according to claim 7 , wherein the temperature detection unit is disposed in at least one of the pair of discharge units.

9. The clothing processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the clothing holding section holds the clothing in an exposed state.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Clothing treatment apparatus and control method

    JP2021023425A