Clothes treatment equipment
The clothes treatment device addresses uneven pressure and garment placement issues by using a sliding and rotating pressure plate mechanism with clips, enhancing uniformity and ease of use for wrinkle removal.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2021110376
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2021-07-01
- Publication Date
- 2026-01-14
- Estimated Expiration
- 2041-07-01
AI Technical Summary
Conventional clothes treatment devices face issues such as uneven pressure application, leading to unintended wrinkles or creases, incomplete garment compression, and difficulty in securing garments during the pressing process.
The device incorporates a sliding mechanism in the door of the trouser trimmer, allowing the first pressure plate to rotate and slide, ensuring uniform pressure application and easy garment placement, with a hinge structure enabling the sub-plate to move up and down and rotate, and includes clips for securing the garment ends.
This design reduces the frequency of unintended wrinkles, ensures uniform pressure across all garment areas, and facilitates easier garment placement, improving the formation of intended creases.
Smart Images

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Abstract
Description
[Technical Field]
[0001] The present invention relates to a clothes treating apparatus, and more particularly to an apparatus for removing wrinkles from clothes. [Background technology]
[0002] Clothes processing machines are devices developed for washing and drying clothes at home or at dry cleaners, and for removing wrinkles from clothes. Clothes processing machines are classified into washing machines, dryers, washer / dryers with both washing and drying functions, clothing care machines, and steamers for removing wrinkles from clothes.
[0003] A steamer is a device that applies steam to clothes to remove wrinkles. Unlike a regular iron, a steamer does not apply heat directly to the clothes (for example, by placing a hard object on the clothes), but instead applies heat to the clothes through convection to remove wrinkles.
[0004] On the other hand, a clothes care machine is a device for keeping clothes comfortable and clean. It removes fine dust from clothes, deodorizes, dries clothes, and gives them a fragrance. It also prevents static electricity, removes wrinkles from clothes using dehumidified air or steam, and sterilizes and disinfects clothes.
[0005] According to Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2099179, the clothing treatment device can remove wrinkles while deodorizing by placing clothing in the storage space inside the cabinet and supplying hot air from a supply unit located at the bottom of the cabinet or compressing the clothing.
[0006] In addition, in the laundry treatment device, hot air or steam is supplied to the clothes while they are spread out under their own weight in the cabinet, drying, deodorizing, and removing wrinkles. In addition, a presser installed inside the door applies pressure to the surface of the clothes, effectively removing wrinkles from the clothes or forming creases in the clothes, eliminating the need for ironing after washing and drying.
[0007] In particular, the inside of the door is equipped with a means called a pressure or pants press that uses steam to remove unwanted wrinkles and folds and create the desired creases or pleats in the clothing (creases intended from the garment design stage).
[0008] However, since the pressure rotates from one side to the other, the pressure is applied to the garment starting from one side and then from one side to the other, which results in a problem that the garment is not compressed evenly because a relatively large amount of pressure is applied to the part of the garment that is closest to the pressure and a relatively small amount of pressure is applied to the part of the garment that is further away from the pressure.
[0009] Furthermore, when the garment is compressed by pressure, the fixed shape of the garment may be broken or displaced due to the pressure.
[0010] Furthermore, since the clothes cannot be fixed after being placed, it is not possible to prevent the clothes from shifting position when pressure is applied. Furthermore, conventional clothes treatment devices have the problem of creating many wrinkles in the clothes or wrinkles in the wrong direction.
[0011] Another problem is that the height at which the clothes are placed on the inner surface of the door is high, and not only does it take up most of the inner surface of the door, but also only a portion of the entire length of the clothes is pressurized. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]
[0012] The problem to be solved by this disclosure is to reduce the frequency with which unintended wrinkles or creases occur when clothing is compressed from one side.
[0013] Another problem solved by this disclosure is to apply uniform pressure to clothing to remove folds and unintended wrinkles in the clothing and to improve the formation of predetermined, intended wrinkles.
[0014] This disclosure also addresses the problem of applying pressure to all areas of the garment.
[0015] Another problem that the present disclosure addresses is to make it easier to place the garment to be compressed. [Means for solving the problem]
[0016] In order to reduce the phenomenon of trousers being pushed up that occurs in conventional trouser trimmers that open from the left and right, a sliding motion is implemented in the door (or second pressure plate) of the trouser trimmer. That is, the door of the trouser trimmer can be raised by rotating or sliding. At this time, the first pressure plate (or sub-plate) and the base plate (or rear plate) are separated, but by rotating or sliding the door, it can be lowered downwards. When pressing, the trousers placed on the first pressure plate are pressed simultaneously in all areas, which has the effect of reducing the phenomenon of trousers being pushed up.
[0017] The door includes a locking device for pressing the trousers, and the locking device can be unlocked by operating a handle on the door. The door and the first pressure plate are provided with openings to facilitate steaming the trousers when the trouser management machine is in use, and the machine includes a hinge for opening and closing the door in the vertical direction.
[0018] The first pressure plate or sub-plate is a structure for setting the trousers in place, and has a hinge structure that allows the sub-plate to move up and down and rotate left and right. The up and down movement is linked to the door of the trousers management machine, and when the door is lifted, the sub-plate automatically slides upward. Then, since there is a rotatable hinge structure on either the left or right side, the trousers can be set in place after rotating and opening the sub-plate as shown in Figure 4(c). More detailed sliding hinge structures are shown in Figures 6 and 7. The sub-plate also has fixing clips on both sides that secure the top and bottom ends of the trousers.
[0019] The process for putting on the pants is as follows. Pull the handle at the bottom of the door to unlock it, then lift it up to secure it, exposing the sub-plate on which the pants are placed. To put on the pants, rotate the sub-plate in one direction and secure the bottom of the pants to the fixing clip (or first clip) on the rear surface of the sub-plate. The fixing clip can be installed variably depending on the length of the pants, and after securing the bottom of the pants, the pants are secured to the fixing clip (or second clip) at the top of the pants on the front surface of the sub-plate.
[0020] After the trousers are placed, the sub-plate is rotated back to its original position and the door of the trousers management machine is closed so that pressure can be applied to the trousers.
[0021] In order to solve the above problems, we provide a clothing treatment device that includes: a cabinet including an input port on one side; a first chamber located inside the cabinet and receiving clothing through the input port; a second chamber located below the first chamber and forming a space separated from the first chamber; a steam unit located inside the second chamber and generating steam and supplying it to the first chamber; a door rotatably connected to the cabinet and opening and closing the input port; an inner surface of one side of the door located toward the first chamber; a base plate connected to the inner surface of the door; a first shaft arranged in parallel in the height direction of the door; a second shaft arranged perpendicular to the height direction of the door; a first pressure plate rotatably connected to the inner surface of the door or the base plate via the first shaft and arranged opposite the base plate, on which trousers are placed and pressed; and a second pressure plate rotatably connected to the inner surface of the door or the base plate via the second shaft and arranged opposite the first pressure plate.
[0022] The first pressure plate is located at the bottom of one surface facing the base plate and includes a first clip for fastening either the bottom or the top of the trousers.
[0023] The first pressure plate includes a second clip located at the lower part of the other surface facing the second pressure plate, for fastening the other of the bottom hem and the top end of the trousers.
[0024] The second clip is an angled clip, and forms a predetermined gap between itself and the first pressure plate, and fastens the trousers by inserting a part of one side of the trousers into the predetermined gap.
[0025] In addition, the length of the second pressure plate is shorter than that of the first pressure plate, so that when the second pressure plate is rotationally coupled to the first pressure plate, the second clip is exposed to the outside of the first pressure plate.
[0026] The first pressure plate includes a first surface which faces the base plate; a second surface which faces the second pressure plate; and a curved placement end portion which connects the first surface and the second surface and on which the trousers are placed, and the curvature of the curved surface connected to the first surface of the placement end portion is different from the curvature of the curved surface connected to the second surface.
[0027] The mounting end is connected to the first surface by a curved surface and has a shape that protrudes toward the second pressure plate.
[0028] The first surface includes a first groove recessed in the length direction of the door to prevent interference with the seams of the pants, and the second surface also includes a second groove recessed in the length direction of the door to prevent interference with the seams of the pants.
[0029] The base plates are joined to the inner surface of the door at a predetermined distance from each other.
[0030] The base plate includes a clip receiving portion that is recessed or penetrated in a shape corresponding to the first clip when the first pressure plate presses the base plate.
[0031] The width of the second pressure plate is greater than the width of the first pressure plate and the base plate.
[0032] The device further includes a blower unit provided in the second chamber for drawing in air from the first chamber; a heat pump unit provided in the second chamber for dehumidifying and heating the drawn-in air; a first opening penetrating the first pressure plate in the thickness direction; and a second opening penetrating the second pressure plate in the thickness direction at a position corresponding to the first opening; and the trousers can be exposed to dehumidified and heated air and steam through the first opening and the second opening.
[0033] The second pressure plate includes protective sides formed by bending each of the two sides of the second pressure plate in a direction toward the inner surface of the door, and when the second pressure plate presses the first pressure plate and the base plate, the protective sides can cover both sides of the base plate and both sides of the first pressure plate.
[0034] Of the two surfaces of the second pressure plate, the cover surface located away from the inner door surface further includes a handle for a user to grasp (handle) the second pressure plate in order to rotate the second pressure plate.
[0035] The device further includes an auxiliary shaft connected perpendicularly to the first shaft, and a connecting part rotatably connected to the auxiliary shaft; and the first pressure plate can not only rotate around the first shaft, but also rotate alongside (together with) the second shaft via the auxiliary shaft.
[0036] The pressure plate further includes a first gear connected to the connecting portion and rotating together with the connecting portion; and a second gear located on one side of the second pressure plate, connected to the first gear and rotating together with the second pressure plate; and when the second pressure plate rotates around the second shaft, the first pressure plate rotates alongside (together with) the second shaft via the second gear, the first gear, the connecting portion and the auxiliary shaft.
[0037] The transmission further includes a third gear located between the first gear and the second gear to connect the first gear and the second gear.
[0038] The second pressure plate includes a pressure surface that presses the first pressure plate and the trousers; and a cover surface located on the opposite side of the pressure surface. The second gear teeth located on only a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the second gear rotate until the cover surface is parallel (aligned) with the inner surface of the door. When the second pressure plate rotates, the first pressure plate moves from a first position where it presses the base plate to a second position where it is aligned (parallel) with the base plate, spaced a predetermined distance from the base plate.
[0039] When the second pressure plate rotates in the first rotation direction, the first gear and the connecting part rotate in the first rotation direction, and the third gear rotates in the direction opposite to the first rotation direction.
[0040] The base plate includes a gear through-hole that penetrates the base plate at a position corresponding to the first gear, so that the first gear can be prevented from interfering with the base plate when rotating. [Effects of the Invention]
[0041] This disclosure has the effect of reducing the frequency with which unintended wrinkles or creases occur when clothing is pressed from one side.
[0042] Furthermore, according to this disclosure, clothing can be uniformly pressed to remove folds and unintended wrinkles in the clothing, thereby improving the formation of predetermined, intended wrinkles.
[0043] This disclosure also allows for compression of all areas of the garment.
[0044] Furthermore, according to this disclosure, the garment to be compressed can be placed more easily. [Brief explanation of the drawings]
[0045] [Figure 1] Figure 1(a) shows an example of a conventional clothing treatment device and an example of pressure to remove wrinkles from clothing, and Figure 1(b) shows the second pressure plate opened and the first pressure plate rotated to place clothing using the pressure unit that is a feature of this disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a blower unit, a heat pump unit, and a steam unit that are installed in the second chamber. [Figure 3] 3(a) and 3(b) are diagrams illustrating a problem that occurs when trousers are pressed from one side in a conventional clothing treatment device. [Figure 4] 4(a) to 4(e) are diagrams sequentially explaining a method of using the pressure unit according to one embodiment of the disclosure. [Figure 5] FIG. 5(a) shows that the mounting end of the first pressure plate has an asymmetric cross section, and FIG. 5(b) is an enlarged view of the mounting end. [Figure 6] FIG. 6(a) shows the positions of the first rotating part and the second rotating part, and FIG. 6(b) is an enlarged view of the first rotating part and the second rotating part. [Figure 7] Figure 7(a) is an enlarged view of the first shaft, auxiliary shaft, and connecting portion, while Figures 7(b) and 7(c) are diagrams showing the mechanism by which, when the second gear rotates, a rotational force is transmitted via the first gear portion, connecting portion, and auxiliary shaft, causing the first pressure plate to rotate when the second pressure plate rotates. [Figure 8]FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the first pressure plate rotating in the vertical direction of the door by the connecting portion and the auxiliary connecting portion in order to place the clothes between the first pressure plate and the base plate. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0046] Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The configurations and control methods of the devices described below are for the purpose of explaining the embodiments of the present disclosure and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the same reference numerals refer to the same components throughout the specification.
[0047] Certain terminology used herein is for convenience of description only and is not intended to limit the illustrative embodiments.
[0048] For example, expressions such as "same" and "identical" include not only the state of being exactly the same, but also the state of having a tolerance or a difference to the extent that the same function is obtained.
[0049] For example, expressions indicating relative or absolute arrangement such as "in which direction," "along which direction," "side by side, parallel," "vertically," "at the center," "concentric," or "the same axis" include not only such arrangement but also a state of relative displacement with a tolerance or an angle or distance to the extent that the same function is obtained.
[0050] The term "wrinkles" used in this specification without explicit reference means unintentional wrinkles or folds that appear on clothing after it has been worn or after it has been washed or dried. In other words, it does not refer to intentional creases or pleats that are formed for design or function at the design stage, but rather to wrinkles that appear on the fabric as a result of use or unintentionally appear during washing or drying. Therefore, they must be removed by ironing or other means.
[0051] 1(a) shows an example of a conventional clothing treatment device 2000. The clothing treatment device 2000 includes a cabinet 150 having an input port 120 on one side, a first chamber 100 located inside the cabinet 150 and receiving clothing through the input port 120, a second chamber 200 located below the first chamber 100 and forming a space separated from the first chamber 100, a steam unit 250 (see FIG. 2) located inside the second chamber 200 and generating steam to supply to the first chamber 100, and a door 400 rotatably coupled to the cabinet 150 to open and close the input port 120. Considering typical user usage, the input port 120 is preferably located on the front side of the cabinet 150.
[0052] The clothing treatment device 2000 further includes a blower unit 220 (see FIG. 2) located inside the second chamber 200, which draws in air from the first chamber 100, and a heat pump unit 230 which dehumidifies and heats the drawn-in air and then sends it out to the first chamber 100.
[0053] The cabinet 150 is made of a metal material, but may also be made of a plastic material as long as it maintains its strength. The first chamber 100 is formed by plastic injection molding. The first chamber 100 is connected to the cabinet 150 by a frame (not shown). Alternatively, the space between the cabinet 150 and the first chamber 100 may be filled with foam plastic such as polyurethane.
[0054] Clothes including tops and bottoms are placed in the first chamber 100, and the clothes can be refreshed by the air blowing unit 220 (see FIG. 2), the heat pump unit 230 (see FIG. 2), and the steam unit 250 (see FIG. 2) located inside the second chamber 200. That is, the air blowing unit 220 (see FIG. 2), the heat pump unit 230 (see FIG. 2), and the steam unit 250 (see FIG. 2) located inside the second chamber 200 can sterilize and deodorize the clothes using steam and / or heated air, and can remove wrinkles after wearing.
[0055] The first chamber 100 includes a garment support unit 190 for placing garments at the top of the interior of the first chamber 100. The garment support unit 190 houses a hanger for hanging garments and is connected to a drive unit (not shown) that moves the garment support unit 190 back and forth. The movement of the garment support unit 190 shakes the garments, which ultimately helps to separate foreign matter, including fine dust, from the garments. In addition, while the garments placed on the garment support unit 190 are being shaken, they can be exposed to steam or moisture supplied from the second chamber 200, which can remove some of the wrinkles from the garments.
[0056] That is, in the garment support section 190, the garments are placed in a spread-out state under their own weight inside the first chamber 100 and are uniformly exposed to the dehumidified and heated air and / or steam supplied from the second chamber 200.
[0057] Generally, water boils at 100°C under atmospheric pressure, and the water vapor that is generated at this time is called steam. On the other hand, water refers to tiny water droplets of less than 1mm that float in the air at room temperature. For example, they look like dust. Generally, steam generated by heating and boiling water has a higher temperature than water, so it has better sterilizing power than water. At higher temperatures, water molecules move more actively, so it also has better permeability to clothing. Therefore, steam is more commonly used than water to refresh clothing.
[0058] The first chamber 100 is composed of an upper surface 109 of the first chamber on which the drive unit (not shown) of the garment support unit 190 is located, a bottom surface 101 of the first chamber forming the bottom, left and right side surfaces 105 and 107 of the first chamber connecting the upper surface 109 and the bottom surface 101 of the first chamber, and a rear surface 103 of the first chamber. For example, if the surface on which the insertion port 120 is formed is the front, the rear surface 103 of the first chamber is located on the opposite side.
[0059] The bottom surface 101 of the first chamber is provided with an air supply port 1011 and a steam supply port 1012 for supplying the steam generated by the steam unit 250 inside the second chamber 200 and the air dehumidified and heated by the heat pump unit 230 to the first chamber, and an air intake port 1013 for drawing air into the first chamber 100 by the blower unit 220.
[0060] As shown in FIG. 1(a), the air supply port 1011 and steam supply port 1012 are provided in the area where the bottom surface 101 of the first chamber meets the rear surface 103 of the first chamber. The area where the bottom surface 101 of the first chamber meets the rear surface 103 of the first chamber is smoothly inclined. The air intake port 1013 is located near the inlet 120 on the bottom surface 101 of the first chamber. Therefore, air within the first chamber 100 is discharged through the air supply port 1011 and drawn in through the air intake port 1013, thereby circulating. Steam is also discharged through the steam supply port 1012, condensed, drawn in through the air intake port 1013, and collected in a sump (not shown) that stores condensed water.
[0061] In order to more smoothly send the condensed water condensed inside the first chamber 100 to the second chamber 200 through the air intake port 1013, the bottom surface 101 of the first chamber is inclined downward from the rear surface 03 of the first chamber toward the inlet 120.
[0062] 1(a), in the clothing treatment device 2000, a water supply tank 310 for supplying water to the steam unit 250 and a drain tank 330 for draining and storing condensed water collected in a sump (not shown) are provided in front of the second chamber 200. A tank module frame (not shown) for forming a tank installation space (not shown) in which the water supply tank 310 and the drain tank 330 are installed is also provided, allowing the tank installation space (not shown) to be separated from the second chamber 200. That is, the tank installation space 351 and the second chamber 200 are located below the first chamber 100, and the tank installation space is located near the door 400, with the second chamber 200 located behind the tank installation space.
[0063] The water supply tank 310 and the water drain tank 330 are detachably mounted on a tank module frame (not shown), or the water supply tank 310 and the water drain tank 330 may be integrally combined and detachably mounted at the same time.
[0064] The door 400 includes an inner door surface 401 that is located at the rear of the door 400 or in a direction from the door 400 toward the first chamber 100 when the door 400 is closed. The door 400 is rotatably connected to the cabinet 150 by a hinge system to open and close the input port 120.
[0065] When the user closes the door 400, the front surfaces of the water supply tank 310 and the drain tank 330 face the door inner surface 401, and when the user opens the door 400, the front surfaces of the water supply tank 310 and the drain tank 330 are exposed to the outside. In addition, the water supply tank 310 and the drain tank 330 include a water supply tank window 313 and a drain tank window 333 on their respective front surfaces, allowing the water levels stored in the water supply tank 310 and the drain tank 330 to be immediately checked.
[0066] A water supply tank handle 315 and a water drain tank handle 335 are provided on the front of the water supply tank 310 and the front of the drain tank 330, respectively. When a user pulls the water supply tank handle 315 and the drain tank handle 335, the water supply tank 310 and the drain tank 330 rotate around the front edge of the water supply tank and the front edge of the drain tank, respectively, and are separated from the tank module frame (not shown). When attaching them to the tank module frame (not shown), the water supply tank 310 and the drain tank 330 are similarly rotated to be placed on the tank module frame (not shown).
[0067] In the conventional clothing processing device 2000, a clothing fixing unit 405 is located on the inner door surface 401 or inside the first chamber 100, and after the pants (P) are placed inversely on the clothing hanger 403, the clothing hanger 403 is hung on the clothing fixing unit 405, and a pressure unit 50 is located to pressurize the pants fixed by the clothing fixing unit 405 and the clothing hanger 403.
[0068] The reason for hanging the pants P upside down, i.e., with the bottom hem facing up, is that the waist part of the pants P, i.e., the top of the pants P (pant waist), is heavier than the bottom part of the pants P, i.e., the pant leg, so the weight of the pants P applies tension to the pants P, spreading them out evenly.
[0069] The press 50 includes a support plate 51 that is connected to the inner surface of the door 401 to support the garment, and a rotating plate 52 that rotates toward the support plate 51 to apply pressure to the trousers P. When the rotating plate 52 rotates toward the support plate 51 and engages with it, the trousers P can be compressed. After that, the door 400 is closed, and the trousers P are exposed to steam and dehumidified, heated air inside the first chamber 100 to remove wrinkles. At this time, a rotating plate through-hole 54 is provided through the rotating plate 52 to allow the steam to easily penetrate the trousers P, and an additional recess 55 is provided on the surface of the rotating plate that comes into contact with the trousers P to prevent the seams along the length of the trouser legs from being pressed.
[0070] 2, the second chamber 200 includes an air blowing unit 220 for drawing air into the first chamber 100, a steam unit 250 for generating steam from water supplied from a water supply tank 310 and then supplying the steam to the first chamber 100, and a heat pump unit 230 for dehumidifying and heating the air drawn in by the air blowing unit 220 and then discharging the air into the first chamber 100. A control unit (not shown) for controlling the air blowing unit 220, the steam unit 250, and the heat pump unit 230 is also provided.
[0071] Therefore, in order to supply the dehumidified and heated air to the first chamber 100, the air inside the first chamber 100 is sucked through the intake duct 221 after generating a suction force using the blower fan 226. The air is then transferred to the heat pump unit 230 for heat exchange, and is then supplied to the first chamber 100 again.
[0072] 2, the blower unit 220 includes a blower fan 226 and an intake duct 221. If the direction where the inlet 120 is located is defined as the front and the direction where the rear of the first chamber is located is defined as the rear, the intake duct 221 is provided in front of the blower fan 226, and a tank module frame (not shown) is provided in front of the intake duct 221. Therefore, the tank module frame can separate the tank installation space 351 and the second chamber 200.
[0073] The water supply tank 310 and the drainage tank 330 set in the tank module frame are located near one of the two sides of the cabinet 150. For example, the water supply tank 310 is located closer to the right side of the cabinet 150 than the left side of the cabinet in the tank installation space (not shown), and conversely, the drainage tank 330 is located closer to the left side of the cabinet 150 than the right side of the cabinet 150.
[0074] Similar to the position of the water supply tank 310, the steam unit 250 is positioned closer to the right side of the cabinet 150 than to the left side of the cabinet 150 inside the second chamber 200. This is to simplify the connecting flow path through which water moves from the water supply tank 310 to the steam unit 250 by arranging the steam unit 250 behind the water supply tank 310.
[0075] The steam unit 250 can use a heater to heat water located within the steam unit 250, and the generated steam communicates with a steam supply port 1012 provided on the bottom surface 101 of the first chamber along a steam flow path (not shown).
[0076] If the water tank 310 is positioned closer to the left side of the cabinet 150 than to the right side of the cabinet 150, the steam unit can be positioned correspondingly closer to the left side of the cabinet 150 than to the right side of the cabinet 150.
[0077] The intake duct 221 also includes an intake duct inlet 2213 that is connected to the air intake port 1013 provided on the bottom surface 101 of the first chamber to draw in air from the first chamber 100. The intake duct inlet 2213 also forms an inclined flow path, which allows condensed water generated on the first chamber 100 and the door 400 to easily move along the inclined flow path through the intake duct inlet 2213 that is connected to the bottom surface 101 of the first chamber and into a sump (not shown) provided at the bottom of the intake duct 221.
[0078] The intake duct 221 is located in front of the blower fan 226, and the steam unit 250 and heat pump unit 230 are located behind the blower fan 226. The heat pump unit 230 is supported by a supporter 265. The supporter 265 is provided on a base 210 that forms the bottom of the second chamber 200. Therefore, the supporter 265 forms a predetermined distance between the base 210 and the heat pump unit 230, and forms a predetermined installation space between the supporter 265 and the base 210. The steam unit 250 is located in the installation space and is coupled to the supporter 265 in the installation space. While FIG. 2 shows an example in which the control unit 270 is located below the steam unit 250 in the installation space of the supporter 265, the control unit 270 may be located anywhere in the second chamber 200, such as behind the steam unit 250.
[0079] The heat pump unit 230 further includes a housing 231 that includes a first heat exchanger (or evaporator) (not shown) and a second heat exchanger (or condenser) (not shown) therein, and an air outlet 2312 that communicates with an air supply port 1011 provided in the first chamber 100 to discharge the air that has been dehumidified and heated in the housing 231 to the first chamber 100. A compressor (not shown) and an expansion valve (not shown) for circulating the refrigerant are located outside the supporter 265.
[0080] Unlike Fig. 2, the blower unit circulates air in the first chamber, and the evaporator and condenser can be provided in a duct that moves the air circulated by the blower unit. That is, the blower unit is composed of an intake duct 221, a blower fan 226, a connecting duct (corresponding to the housing in Fig. 2), and an exhaust duct (corresponding to the air outlet in Fig. 2), and the heat pump unit includes an evaporator and condenser provided in the connecting duct, and a compressor and expansion unit provided outside the blower unit.
[0081] 1(b), the door 400 includes a door inner surface 401 positioned toward the first chamber 100, a door gasket 486 provided on the door inner surface 401 and configured to tightly contact the edge of the cabinet 150 to form a seal between the door 400 and the cabinet 150, and door liners 482 and 484 provided on the door inner surface 401 to direct condensed water generated in the first chamber 100 to the bottom surface 101 of the first chamber when the door 400 is closed. In some embodiments, the door 400 has a structure that allows the first chamber 100 and the tank installation space 351 to be opened and closed simultaneously. In other embodiments, multiple doors are provided on the cabinet 150, and each door opens and closes the first chamber 100 and the tank installation space 351 individually. The door liners 482 and 484 are provided to face the first chamber 100 when the door 400 is closed and include an upper door liner 482 and a lower liner part 484. The door liners 482, 484 can discharge condensed water generated on the surface of the door liners 482, 484 into a sump (not shown) provided below the intake duct through an air intake port 1013 provided on the bottom surface 101 of the first chamber.
[0082] The door gasket 486 is attached to the door inner surface 401 so as to surround the door inner surface 401. The door 400 and the cabinet 150 are sealed by the door gasket 486. The door gasket 486 can also seal the first chamber 100 and the tank installation space 351 individually.
[0083] FIG. 1(b) shows a clothing treatment device 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and shows an example of a pressure unit 500 that is different from the pressure unit 50 provided in a conventional clothing treatment device 2000 for removing wrinkles from trousers.
[0084] That is, the clothing treatment device 1000 includes a cabinet 150 having an input port 120 on one side, a first chamber 100 located inside the cabinet 150 and accommodating clothing through the input port 120, a second chamber 200 located below the first chamber 100 and forming a space separated from the first chamber 100, a steam unit 250 (see FIG. 2) provided inside the second chamber 200 and generating steam to supply to the first chamber, a door 400 rotatably coupled to the cabinet 150 and opening and closing the input port 120, and a door 400 on one side of the door facing the first chamber 100. the door 400 is provided with an inner door surface 401 positioned in the direction of the arrow A; a base plate 510 connected to the inner door surface 401; a first shaft 5611 (see FIG. 6) arranged in parallel in the height direction of the door 400; a second shaft 5621 arranged perpendicular to the height direction of the door 400; a first pressure plate 530 rotatably connected to the inner door surface 401 or the base plate 510 via the first shaft 5611 (see FIG. 6) and disposed opposite the base plate 510, on which the trousers are placed and pressed; and a second pressure plate 550 rotatably connected to the inner door surface 401 or the base plate 510 via the second shaft 5621 and disposed opposite the first pressure plate 530, which presses the trousers.
[0085] The second pressure plate 550 is connected to the base plate 510 and / or the first pressure plate 530 to pressurize the base plate 510 and / or the first pressure plate 530, but alternatively, it may simply be connected to the base plate 510 and / or the first pressure plate 530 to protect the trousers placed on the first pressure plate 530, or may simply function as a cover to protect the base plate 510 and / or the first pressure plate 530.
[0086] In particular, the pressure applying unit 500 includes a base plate 510 connected to the door inner surface 401, a first shaft 5611 (see Figure 6) arranged in parallel in the height direction of the door 400, a second shaft 5621 arranged perpendicular to the height direction of the door 400, a first pressure applying plate 530 rotatably connected to the door inner surface 401 or the base plate 510 via the first shaft 5611 (see Figure 6) and arranged opposite the base plate 510, on which pants (P) are placed and pressed, and a second pressure applying plate 550 rotatably connected to the door inner surface 401 or the base plate 510 via the second shaft 5621 and arranged opposite the first pressure applying plate 530, which presses the pants.
[0087] The pressure unit 500 is large and includes a second pressure plate 550 that can rotate in the vertical direction of the door 400, a first pressure plate 530 that can rotate in the horizontal direction of the door 400, and a base plate 510 that is coupled to the inner surface of the door. The first pressure plate 530 and the second pressure plate 550 rotate around a first shaft 5611 (see FIG. 6) that is provided along the height direction of the door and a second shaft 5621 that is provided perpendicular to the first shaft 5611 (see FIG. 6), respectively.
[0088] When the second pressure plate 550 rotates along the width direction of the door 400, i.e., around the axial direction of the second shaft, the first pressure plate 530, which places and secures the trousers, is exposed. At this time, the first pressure plate 530 can rotate while maintaining a constant height using the first shaft 5611 (see FIG. 6). In other words, it can rotate left and right around the first shaft, just like the door 400.
[0089] 1(b) shows an example in which the first pressure plate 530 rotates about a first shaft 5611 provided on the left side of the first pressure plate 530, and the second pressure plate 550 rotates about a second shaft 5621 provided on the upper side of the second pressure plate 550, but alternatively, the first shaft 5611 may be provided on the right side of the first pressure plate 530, and the second shaft 5621 may be provided on the lower side of the second pressure plate 550. In other words, it is only necessary that the first pressure plate 530 and the second pressure plate 550 rotate about their respective axial directions by the first shaft 5611 and the second shaft 5621, and it is not important on which side they are located.
[0090] That is, depending on whether the user is left-handed or right-handed, the first and second shafts of the pressure unit can be positioned on opposite sides and configured to rotate in opposite directions. This feature is called reversible.
[0091] Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram of a pressure 50 of a conventional clothing treatment device 2000. In particular, Figure 3(a) shows a rotating plate 52 rotating toward a support plate 51 on which trousers (P) are placed, and Figure 3(b) shows a schematic diagram of the rotating plate 52 rotating to connect with the support plate 51 and pressurizing the trousers (P) positioned between the rotating plate 52 and the support plate 51.
[0092] The rotating plate 52 rotates by a rotating joint (not shown), e.g., a hinge, provided on one of both sides of the rotating plate 52 to pressurize the trousers P. At this time, the trousers P are pressed from the side where the rotating joint is located. That is, the trousers P are pressed from the R2 region close to the rotating joint. When the rotating plate 52 completely rotates and faces the support plate 51, that is, when the other side of the rotating plate 52 is connected to the support plate 51, the trousers P are pressed up to the R1 region.
[0093] Therefore, uniform pressure is not applied to the pants P while the rotary plate 52 is rotating. In this case, a relatively large amount of pressure is applied to the portion of the pants P that is close to the rotary joint (region R1), and a relatively small amount of pressure is applied to the portion of the pants P that is farther from the rotary joint (region R2), resulting in a problem that the pants P cannot be compressed uniformly.
[0094] Furthermore, when the pants (P) are pressed by the rotary plate 52, the fixed shape of the clothes may be broken or displaced due to the pressure of the rotary plate 52. Therefore, in the conventional clothes treatment device 2000, problems such as excessive wrinkles occurring in the clothes or wrinkles occurring in a completely different direction than intended may occur, as shown by the dotted circle in Figure 3(b). Figure 3(b) shows such cases in an exaggerated manner to emphasize them.
[0095] In addition, the pants (P) are simply placed on the clothing placement section 56 (see Figure 1(a)) and cannot be fixed in place, so the position of the clothing cannot be prevented from changing when pressure is applied.
[0096] In addition, when the trousers (P) are placed on the inner surface of the door along their entire length without being folded, the height of the clothing placement area 56 (see FIG. 1(a)) is inconvenient. Also, it occupies most of the inner surface of the door 401, which reduces the usability of the inner surface of the door 401.
[0097] To solve the above-mentioned problems, this disclosure relates to an example of a clothing treatment device 1000 including a pressure unit 500 shown in Fig. 1(b). The pressure unit 500 can fold the trousers by a first pressure plate 530, so that the space occupied by the pressure unit 500 or the trousers (P) on the door inner surface 401 is reduced to about half.
[0098] Meanwhile, the pants P can be secured by clips or the like provided on the first pressure plate 530. Even if the first pressure plate 530 rotates completely along the height direction of the door, i.e., around the first axis, similar to the rotation direction of the door 400, the first pressure plate 530 does not immediately engage with the base plate 510 to pressurize the pants P. Instead, the first pressure plate 530 and the base plate 510 can be arranged facing each other with a predetermined distance between them. Then, when the second pressure plate 550 rotates along the width direction of the door, i.e., around the second axis 5621, to engage with the first pressure plate 530 and the base plate 510, the first pressure plate can be engaged with the base plate 510. In this case, the base plate 510 and the first pressure plate 530 face each other parallel to each other, and the first pressure plate 530 approaches the base plate 510, so that the entire area of the pants P is simultaneously and uniformly pressed. This will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 4 to 8.
[0099] 4 is a diagram showing a method of using the pressure unit 500 provided on the door 400 to remove wrinkles from pants P. The pressure unit 500 can be provided on the inner surface 401 of the door or on the side surface 105 of the first chamber, and FIG. 4 shows an example in which the pressure unit 500 is provided on the inner surface 401 of the door.
[0100] 4(c), the pressure unit 500 includes a base plate 510 connected to the door inner surface 401, a first shaft 5611 (see FIG. 6) arranged in parallel in the height direction of the door 400, a second shaft 5621 arranged perpendicular to the height direction of the door 400, a first pressure plate 530 rotatably connected to the door inner surface 401 or the base plate 510 via the first shaft 5611 (see FIG. 6) and arranged opposite the base plate 510, on which the trousers are placed and pressed, and a second pressure plate 550 rotatably connected to the door inner surface 401 or the base plate 510 via the second shaft 5621 and arranged opposite the first pressure plate 530, which presses the trousers.
[0101] Considering only the pressing unit 500, the pressing unit 500 includes a second pressing plate 550 that rotates up and down on the door inner surface 401, a first pressing plate 530 that rotates left and right on the door inner surface 401, and a base plate 510 that is coupled to the door inner surface. The first pressing plate 530 and the second pressing plate 550 rotate around a first shaft 5611 (see FIG. 6) that is provided along the height direction of the door and a second shaft 5621 that is provided perpendicular to the first shaft 5611 (see FIG. 6), respectively.
[0102] In this specification, rotation in the vertical direction of the door 400 means rotation around an axis arranged in parallel in the width direction of the door 400, and rotation in the horizontal direction of the door 400 means rotation around an axis arranged in parallel in the height direction of the door 400. The height direction and the width direction of the door 400 are perpendicular to each other. Therefore, the first axis 5611 (see FIG. 6) and the second axis 5621 are perpendicular to each other, and the first axis 5611 and the auxiliary axis 5612 (see FIG. 6) connected to the first axis are also perpendicular to each other. Therefore, the second axis 5621 and the auxiliary axis 5612 (see FIG. 6) are parallel to each other.
[0103] In this specification, penetrating in the thickness direction means penetrating the upper and lower surfaces formed by the width and length in the direction from the upper surface to the lower surface or from the lower surface to the upper surface in the case of a member such as a plate-shaped member whose width and length are much longer than its height (or thickness).
[0104] 4(a) and 4(b), when the door 400 is opened, the second pressure plate 550 of the pressure unit 500 is exposed to the outside. Therefore, the second pressure plate 550 can function as a cover to protect the base plate 510 and the first pressure plate 530. Furthermore, when trousers P are placed on the pressure unit 500, the second pressure plate 550 can also pressurize a portion of the trousers, including the waist area, as shown in FIG. 4(c). The second pressure plate 550 includes a pressure surface 555 facing the trousers and a cover surface 558 located on the opposite side of the pressure surface. The second pressure plate 550 further includes a second opening 552 penetrating the thickness of the second pressure plate 550, i.e., from the pressure surface 555 toward the cover surface 558. The second opening 552, together with the first opening 532 penetrating the first pressure plate 530 (described later), can facilitate steam penetration into the trousers P placed on the pressure unit 500, thereby improving the moisture content of the clothing.
[0105] In addition, the cover surface 558 has a handle 551 that allows the user to grasp the second pressure plate 550 in order to rotate the second pressure plate 550 up and down. Preferably, the handle 551 is located at the bottom of the cover surface 558. The handle 551 may be a simple knob, but it may also have the function of unlocking the lock hook 542 and the lock hole 547, which will be described later. In other words, pulling the handle 551 can release the connection between the lock hook 542 and a catch portion (not shown) located in the lock hole 547.
[0106] In addition, the second pressure plate 550 may also protect the sides of the base plate 510 and the first pressure plate 530 to function as a cover to protect the first pressure plate 530 and the base plate 510. In this case, the second pressure plate 550 further includes protective side surfaces 559 formed by bending both sides of the second pressure plate 550 in a direction toward the door inner surface 401. For this reason, the width of the second pressure plate 550 is greater than the widths of the first pressure plate 530 and the base plate 510.
[0107] The door inner surface 401 can rotate (A1) in the vertical direction of the door via the second shaft 5621 on which the second pressure plate 550 is arranged in parallel along the width direction of the door 400. Of course, it can also rotate in the opposite direction as shown by the arrow in Figure 4(e).
[0108] When the second pressure plate 550 rotates along the width direction of the door and bends upward, i.e., when the cover surface 558 faces the door inner surface 401, the door inner surface 401 is recessed toward the inside of the door by a length corresponding to the thickness of the second pressure plate 550 to form a recessed space 402 that accommodates the second pressure plate 550, in order to minimize the protrusion of the second pressure plate 550 from the door inner surface 401.
[0109] 4(a) shows that the user has opened the door 400 to expose the pressure unit 500, and FIG. 4(b) shows that the user has rotated the second pressure plate 550 around the second shaft 5621 provided along the width direction of the door 400 to place pants P, and placed them in the recessed space 402. The pressure surface 555 includes a recessed prevention groove 557 to prevent the seam of the pants P from being pressed. The prevention groove 557 is formed along the length of the pressure surface 555 and prevents the seam (or stitch) created during sewing of the front and back panels of the pants from being pressed when the second pressure plate 550 is closed. This is because the seam generally protrudes beyond the fabric of the pants, and pressing it can cause unwanted wrinkles or creases around the seam.
[0110] 4(b) and 4(c), the first pressure plate 530 is located between the base plate 510 and the second pressure plate 550. The first pressure plate 530 includes a first surface 535 facing the second pressure plate, a second surface 538 facing the base plate 510, and a first shaft 5611 that is provided along the height direction of the door 400 and rotates the first pressure plate 530 left and right. The first shaft 5611 rotatably connects the first pressure plate 530 to the door inner surface 401 or the base plate 510. The first shaft 5611 allows the first pressure plate 530 to rotate left and right (A2).
[0111] Meanwhile, the first pressure plate 530 includes a first clip 531 and a second clip 533 for securing the trousers P placed on the first pressure plate 530. The first clip 531 is located at the bottom of the second surface 538, and the second clip 533 is located at the bottom of the first surface 535. The first clip 531 secures a portion of the trousers that includes the trouser hem. Referring to FIG. 4(d), the second clip 533 can secure both sides of the portion opposite the trouser hem, i.e., both sides of the waist and the trouser legs connected to the waist.
[0112] The first pressure plate 530 further includes a placement end 539 at its upper end, which is the end where the trousers P are placed. The placement end 539 has a curved surface, which can prevent unwanted wrinkles or creases from occurring when the trousers P are placed on it.
[0113] The mounting end portion 539 includes a first curved surface 5391 (see FIG. 5(b)) connected to the first surface 535 and a second curved surface 5392 (see FIG. 5(b)) connecting the first curved surface and the second surface 538. The first curved surface 5391 (see FIG. 5(b)) and the second curved surface 5392 (see FIG. 5(b)) have different curvatures and are asymmetrical. That is, the first curved surface 5391 (see FIG. 5(b)) protrudes in a direction away from the door inner surface 401 more than the first surface 535. Therefore, the first curved surface 5391 (see FIG. 5(b)) has a larger radius of curvature than the second curved surface 5392 (see FIG. 5(b)).
[0114] The first pressure plate 530 further includes a first opening 532 penetrating through the thickness of the first pressure plate 530. The first opening 532 is located in the first pressure plate 530 in a position corresponding to the position of the second opening 552 provided in the second pressure plate 550. This is to facilitate steam penetration into the trousers P through the second opening 552 when the second pressure plate 550 is closed, i.e., when the second pressure plate 550 rotates around the second axis and the pressure surface 555 of the second pressure plate 550 is positioned facing the first pressure plate 530 and the trousers P.
[0115] In addition, both sides of the first pressure plate 530, i.e., the first side 535 and the second side 538, respectively include a first groove 536 and a second groove 537 that are recessed along the length of the first pressure plate 530 to prevent the seams of the trousers (P) from being pressed when pressure is applied.
[0116] Meanwhile, the first pressure plate 530 has a first clip 531 and a second clip 533 for fastening the placed trousers (P). The first clip 531 is provided on the second surface 538 and is U-shaped. Unless an external force is applied to the first clip 531, it is a biased member that applies force only in the direction of pressing the garment inserted into the clip toward the first pressure plate 530. For example, the first clip 531 is made of an elastic member and is a biased member that uses elastic force.
[0117] The first clip 531 includes a clip fixing part 5311 that fixes and couples the first clip 531 to the first pressure plate 530, and clip support parts 5312 that are bent and extend from both ends of the clip fixing part. When the trousers P are inserted into the clip support parts 5312, an elastic force acts toward the first pressure plate 530, thereby fixing the trousers P.
[0118] The second clip 533 is located at the bottom of the first surface 535 facing the second pressure plate 550 and prevents the opposite portion of the trousers secured by the first clip 531 from moving. Preferably, the first clip 531 secures the trouser leg hems, and the second clip 533 secures the opposite portion, i.e., both sides of the waist. The second clip 533 is an angled clip like an angled bracket. The second clip 533 may be made of an elastic member and secure the trousers like a clamp, but preferably it is a pair of angled clips connected to each side of the bottom of the first surface 535. Therefore, the angled second clip 533 forms a predetermined gap 5331 between the second clip 533 and the first surface 535. The gap 5331 is always maintained constant, and both sides of the trousers can be inserted into the predetermined gap 5331 to secure the trousers.
[0119] The second clip 533, which secures the trousers using a predetermined gap 5331, does not exert a physical force such as elasticity like the first clip 531. This is because the lengths of the trousers P placed on the first pressure plate 530 are different. That is, the lengths of adult trousers and children's trousers are different. If the positions of the first clip 531 and the second clip 533 are fixed to match the length of adult trousers, the trousers cannot be secured. Therefore, once the first clip 531 is secured, the position of the second clip 533 must be adjustable. However, adjusting the position of the second clip 533 requires additional components, which increases the thickness of the first pressure plate 530 and complicates the device. To solve this problem simply, the second clip 533 secures the trousers P by inserting both sides of the trousers P from both sides of the first pressure plate 530, rather than securing the ends of the trousers P.
[0120] The second pressure plate 550 is coupled to the door inner surface 401 or the base plate 510. Fig. 4 shows an example in which the second pressure plate 550 is coupled to the base plate 510. The first pressure plate 530 can also be coupled to the door inner surface 401 or the base plate 510, but Fig. 4 shows an example in which the second pressure plate 550 is coupled to the base plate 510.
[0121] The first pressure plate 530 includes a lock pin 546 coupled to a distal side edge located opposite to an end (proximal side edge) where the first axis 5611 is located, in a direction perpendicular to the first axis or along the width direction of the door. The base plate 510 includes a lock pin coupling portion 541 provided at a position corresponding to the lock pin 546 for coupling therewith.
[0122] Therefore, when the first pressure plate 530 rotates around the first shaft 5611 and approaches the base plate 510, the first pressure plate 530 and the base plate 510 can be coupled together by fastening the lock pin 546 to the lock pin coupling part 541. The lock pin coupling part 541 is made of an elastic member. Therefore, when the lock pin 546 is received in the lock pin coupling part 541, the diameter of the lock pin 546 is smaller than the receiving opening of the lock pin coupling part 541, so that it can be inserted into the lock pin coupling part 541 with a small external force and coupled together. The locking device between the first pressure plate 530 and the base plate 510 may be provided in other ways. That is, any coupling method may be used as long as the base plate 510 and the first pressure plate 530 can be coupled and separated from each other and the coupling between the base plate 510 and the first pressure plate 530 can be maintained after coupling.
[0123] The base plate 510 further includes a lock hook 542 for coupling with the second pressure plate 550. While an example in which the lock hook 542 has an angled shape is shown, any shape is possible as long as it allows coupling / separation between the base plate 510 and the second pressure plate 550. The lock hook 542 is inserted into a lock hole 547 provided in the second pressure plate 550 to maintain the lock between the base plate 510 and the second pressure plate 550. The lock hole 547 is located on the pressure surface 555, and a catch (not shown) for coupling with the lock hook 542 is located inside the lock hole 547.
[0124] The width of the base plate is greater than the width of the first pressure plate. Therefore, the joining surface of the base plate that faces the first pressure plate has a portion that does not come into contact with the first pressure plate near both sides of the base plate. Since there is a locking hook located near each side, there is no interference due to the locking hook when the base plate and the first pressure plate are joined.
[0125] Therefore, when the second pressure plate 550 is coupled to the base plate 510, a catch (not shown) located inside the lock hole 547 and the lock hook 542 are fastened together for locking. When the handle 551 is pulled to release the lock hook 542 and the catch, the lock hook 542 comes out of the lock hole 547. This is one of various methods, and the second pressure plate 550 and the base plate 510 may be coupled in a different manner.
[0126] 4(d) shows an arrangement in which, after the trousers P are placed on the first pressure plate 530, the first pressure plate 530 is rotated again about a first axis 5611 to face the base plate 510. The first pressure plate 530 further includes a connecting member for connecting with the base plate 510. FIG. 4(e) shows that the second pressure plate 550 is rotated about a second axis 5621 to connect with the first pressure plate 530 and the base plate 510. Therefore, after the trousers P are placed on the first pressure plate 530, they are pressed by the second pressure plate 550, the first pressure plate 530, and the base plate 510.
[0127] 4(a), the second clip 533 can be exposed to the outside even when the second pressure plate 550 is rotated and closed to face the first pressure plate 530. Since the second clip 533 protrudes from the first pressure plate 530, the height of the second pressure plate 550 can be shorter than the height of the first pressure plate 530.
[0128] Although not shown in Fig. 4(d), as will be described later, a portion of the trousers P located between the first pressure plate 530 and the base plate 510 may not be compressed until the second pressure plate 550 rotates to compress the trousers. That is, in the state of Fig. 4(d), the first pressure plate 530 and the base plate 510 may be positioned side by side and facing each other with a predetermined distance between them. Alternatively, the first pressure plate 530 may rotate and engage with the base plate 510 to compress a portion of the trousers P located between the first pressure plate 530 and the base plate 510.
[0129] 4(c), the base plate 510 includes a coupling surface 511 that applies pressure to the pants placed on the first pressure plate, and a mounting surface 512 that is located opposite the coupling surface 511 and couples the base plate 510 to the door inner surface 401. The door inner surface 401 can also function as the base plate 510 instead of the base plate 510. Preferably, the base plate 510 is spaced a predetermined distance from the door inner surface 401, and the base plate 510 can be coupled to the door inner surface using a support member (not shown). The support member is an elastic member that maintains a constant pressure between the base plate 510 and the first pressure plate 530 to tightly fit the pants P.
[0130] When the base plate 510 is in close contact with the first pressure plate 530 without the trousers P placed thereon, the base plate 510 further includes a clip receiving portion 513 that is recessed into a shape corresponding to the shape of the first clip and receives the first clip 531 to prevent the base plate 510 from being damaged by the first clip 531 protruding from the first pressure plate 530. The clip receiving portion 513 may be recessed or may be completely penetrated.
[0131] Considering that the first clip 531 is located below the first pressure plate 530, the clip receiving portion 513 can also be located below the base plate 510. Because the clip fixing portion 5311 of the first clip is located below the first pressure plate, the portion of the base plate corresponding to the clip fixing portion of the first clip in the clip receiving portion 513 is shorter than the other portion of the base plate 510. That is, the first length (P1) of the portion of the base plate corresponding to the clip fixing portion 5311 is shorter than the second length (P2) of the other portion of the base plate.
[0132] Although not shown, the base plate 510 may also include a pressure prevention groove (not shown) at a position corresponding to the second groove 537 of the first pressure plate 530 to prevent the seam of the trousers (P) from being pressed between the first pressure plate 530 and the base plate 510 from being pressed.
[0133] FIG. 5(a) shows that the mounting end 539 has an asymmetric cross section, and FIG. 5(b) shows an enlarged view of this.
[0134] 5(a), the bottom of the trousers (P) is secured by the first clip 531 located on the second surface 538, and the middle of the trousers is placed on the smoothly connected curved surface of the placement end 539. The remaining part of the trousers (P) is then placed on the first surface. Because the remaining part of the trousers (P) is longer than the length of the first pressure plate, part of the waist of the trousers (P) may be positioned below the underside of the first pressure plate. Therefore, the second clip does not secure the end of the trousers (P), but can secure both sides by inserting them into the predetermined gap 5331.
[0135] The placing end 539 has a curved surface, and can prevent unwanted wrinkles or creases from occurring even when the trousers (P) are placed on it.
[0136] 5(b), the mounting end portion 539 includes a first curved surface 5391 connected to the first surface 535 and a second curved surface 5392 connecting the first curved surface 5391 and the second surface 538. The first curved surface 5391 and the second curved surface 5392 have different curvatures and are asymmetrical. That is, the first curved surface 5391 protrudes further away from the door inner surface 401 than the first surface 535. Therefore, when the center of the first pressure plate is indicated by a dashed-dotted line, the radius of curvature (S1) of the first curved surface 5391 is greater than the radius of curvature (S2) of the second curved surface 5392, based on the dashed-dotted line. In other words, the curvature of the first curved surface 5391 is smaller than that of the second curved surface 5392. The radius of curvature of the second curved surface 5392 is similar to half the thickness of the first pressure plate 530 , while the radius of curvature of the first curved surface 5391 is greater than half the thickness of the first pressure plate 530 .
[0137] Meanwhile, the overall length of the trousers (P) (the length of the outer seam) is longer than the sum of the lengths of the first surface 535, the placement end 539, and the second surface 538. In this case, the waist of the trousers is positioned below the second clip 533. The base plate 510 and the second surface apply pressure to the trousers (P) from the hem to the mid-height of the trouser legs, and the remaining part of the trousers, including the waist (excluding the trouser legs), is placed on the first surface 535 via the placement end 539. At this time, the part where wrinkles are actually removed is not the trouser waist but the trouser legs. Furthermore, the trouser waist is different from the trouser legs, and the seam position is different. Therefore, the part that actually needs to be pressed to remove wrinkles is the trouser legs excluding the trouser waist.
[0138] Therefore, in order to apply pressure only to the desired portion of the placed pants (P), the radius of curvature of the first curved surface 5391 is increased so that the entire portion of the pants located between the second surface 538 and the base plate 510 is pressed, removing wrinkles, and tension is generated by the weight of the remaining portion of the pants past the placement end 539, so that the pants are pressed in a straight and taut state overall, making the intended crease on the pants more clearly and conspicuous. Such a wrinkle is called a "tuck" (clearly visible pants' leg crease).
[0139] Considering the radius of curvature of the first curved surface 5391, the trousers P will be separated from the first pressure plate 530 after passing the first curved surface 5391 unless the second pressure plate 550 is connected to the first pressure plate 530. Of course, depending on the shape of the second pressure plate 550, the part located between the first surface 535 and the second pressure plate 550 can also be pressed.
[0140] 6(a) shows the positions of the first rotating portion 561 and the second rotating portion 562. FIG. 6(b) shows an enlarged view of the first rotating portion 561 and the second rotating portion 562.
[0141] As described above, the first pressure plate 530 can rotate in the left-right direction of the door 400 based on the first shaft 5611, and the second pressure plate 550 can rotate in the up-down direction of the door 400 based on the second shaft 5621. In addition, when the second pressure plate rotates to open the door, the first pressure plate 530 also rotates in the same direction, and the first pressure plate 530 and the base plate 510 change from a state in which they are pressing on the trousers to a state in which they are no longer pressing on the trousers.
[0142] To enable such rotation, the first pressure plate 530 further includes a first rotating part 561 that is coupled to the door inner surface 401 or the base plate 510 and rotates the first pressure plate 530 around a first axis 5611 and in a direction perpendicular to the first axis 5611.
[0143] The second pressure plate 550 further includes a second rotating part 562 coupled to the door inner surface 401 or the base plate 510 to rotate the second pressure plate about a second axis, i.e., a direction perpendicular to the first axis.
[0144] The first rotating part 561 includes a first shaft 5611 provided in the height direction of the door 400, an auxiliary shaft 5612 connected perpendicularly to the first shaft 5611, and a connecting part 5615 rotatably connected to the auxiliary shaft 5612. Therefore, the first pressure plate 530 can rotate in the left-right direction of the door 400 via the first shaft 5611, and can also rotate in the up-down direction of the door 400 via the auxiliary shaft 5612.
[0145] In addition, the first rotating part 561 further includes a fixing part 5614 that fixes the first shaft 5611 to one side of the first pressure plate. One side of the first pressure plate is provided with a shaft recess 534 that can accommodate the first shaft 5611, and has a bracket-shaped fixing part 5614 that fixes the first shaft 5611 inserted into the shaft recess 534, so that the first shaft 5611 is fixed within the shaft recess 534. Therefore, the first pressure plate 530 can rotate in the left-right direction of the door around the first shaft 5611.
[0146] The auxiliary shaft 5612 extends perpendicular to the first shaft 5611 and protrudes through the fixing part 5614. The first shaft 5611 and the auxiliary shaft 5612 are integrally formed. The first shaft 5611 and the auxiliary shaft 5612 ultimately form a T-shaped combination of two cylindrical shafts. Therefore, the first pressure plate 530 can rotate both around the first shaft 5611 and the auxiliary shaft 5612.
[0147] The first rotating part 561 further includes a connecting part 5615 connected to the auxiliary shaft 5612, a first gear 5613 coupled to the connecting part to transmit rotational force, a first gear shaft 56131 which is the rotation shaft of the first gear 5613, and a first support part 5618 coupled to the door inner surface 401 or the base plate 510 to support the first gear shaft 56131.
[0148] The first gear 5613 and the connecting part 5615 are coupled to rotate together when the first gear 5613 rotates. Therefore, when the first gear 5613 rotates, the connecting part 5615 also rotates, and as a result, the first pressure plate 530 rotates in the same direction around the auxiliary shaft 5612. At this time, the first pressure plate 530 rotates by a radius corresponding to the length of the connecting part 5615. Also, due to the weight of the first pressure plate 530, the first pressure plate 530 rotates while always facing the base plate 510 side by side, as shown in FIG. 8. In other words, since the connecting part 5615 simply rotates, the auxiliary shaft 5612 connected to the connecting part 5615 moves along the trajectory of the connecting part 5615 as a result of the rotation of the connecting part 5615, and thus it appears to rotate; however, the angle between the first pressure plate 530 and the base plate 510 does not actually change as a result of the rotation of the first pressure plate 530. From the perspective of vector calculus, the curl vector value of the base plate due to its rotation is 0. However, since it appears to be rotating, this specification refers to all of these as rotating.
[0149] The second rotating part 562 includes a second shaft 5621 for rotating the second pressure plate 550 in the vertical direction of the door or in a direction perpendicular to the first shaft, and a second gear 5623 that rotates together with the second pressure plate 550 around the second shaft 5621. The second gear 5623 and the second shaft 5621 are integrally formed. The second gear shaft that is the rotation center of the second gear 5623 may be an axis different from the second shaft 5621, but here, a case where the second gear shaft is the same axis as the second shaft for rotating the second pressure plate will be illustrated.
[0150] When the second pressure plate 550 rotates, the second gear 5623 and the second shaft 5621 rotate together because they are connected to the second pressure plate 550. The second pressure plate 550 further includes a second support part 5625 that is connected to the door inner surface 401 or the base plate 510 and supports the rotation of the second gear shaft.
[0151] 7(b), the first support portion 5618 not only supports the first gear 5613 but also supports a third gear 5633, which is an idle gear located between the first gear 5613 and the second gear 5623. The third gear 5633 prevents the diameter of the first gear 5613 or the second gear 5623 from increasing when the first gear and the second gear 5623 are separated from each other. Therefore, although the first gear 5613 and the second gear 5623 can be directly engaged with each other, an example in which they are indirectly connected using the third gear 5633 is shown here.
[0152] 6(b), the base plate 510 further includes a gear through-hole 5191 that penetrates the base plate 510 in the thickness direction at a position corresponding to the first gear 5613. This is to prevent collision or interference with the base plate depending on the size of the first gear 5613. As described above, the base plate 510 is spaced a predetermined distance from the door inner surface 401, so even if the first gear 5613 protrudes toward the mounting surface through the gear through-hole 5191, it will not hit the door inner surface 401.
[0153] Figure 7(a) is an enlarged view of the first shaft, auxiliary shaft, and connecting part. Figures 7(b) and 7(c) show the mechanism by which the rotation of the second gear transmits torque via the first gear, connecting part, and auxiliary shaft, causing the second pressure plate to rotate, which in turn causes the first pressure plate to rotate.
[0154] 7(a), the first pressure plate 530 rotates left and right (Rot 1) by a first shaft 5611 arranged in parallel in the height direction of the door. The dashed-dotted line indicates the center of the cross section of the first shaft 5611. It can also rotate up and down (Rot 2) by an auxiliary shaft 5612 arranged perpendicular to the first shaft 5611.
[0155] 7(b) shows that the pressure surface 555 of the second pressure plate 550 is positioned opposite the first pressure plate 530, and the second pressure plate 550 is combined with the first pressure plate 530 or the base plate 510 to pressurize the placed trousers. At this time, the first pressure plate naturally presses the base plate 510 and the trousers. If there are no trousers placed, the first pressure plate will be in close contact with the base plate 510. This position is called the first position.
[0156] 7(c) shows the case where the user opens the second pressure plate 550, that is, rotates the second pressure plate 550 via the second shaft 5621 so that the cover surface 558 faces the door inner surface 401. At this time, the first pressure plate 530 can rotate by rotating the connecting part 5615. However, due to the weight of the first pressure plate 530, it always faces the base plate 510 while being spaced a predetermined distance from it. This position is called the second position.
[0157] When the user opens the second pressure plate 550, the handle 551 of the second pressure plate 550, which was located below the second shaft 5621, is now positioned above. That is, the pressure surface 555 faces the base plate 510, and the cover surface 558 is exposed to the outside. The pressure surface 555 is now exposed to the outside, and the cover surface 558 faces the door inner surface 401.
[0158] Meanwhile, the handle 551 is not only a means for rotating the second pressure plate 550, but also a means for releasing the connection between the second pressure plate 550, the base plate 510, and the first pressure plate 530. That is, when a user pulls the handle 551, a locking device (not shown) that maintains the connection between the second pressure plate 550, the base plate 510, and the first pressure plate 530 is released.
[0159] When the user opens the second pressure plate 550, the first pressure plate 530 moves from the first position to the second position. When the second pressure plate 550 rotates, the second gear 5623 rotates in the same first rotation direction as the second pressure plate 550. When the second gear 5623 rotates, the third gear 5633 rotates in a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction. In addition, the first gear 5613 rotates in the first rotation direction.
[0160] When the first gear 5613 rotates in the first rotational direction, the connecting portion 5615, which is coupled thereto, also rotates in the first rotational direction. At this time, the auxiliary shaft 5612, which is rotatably connected to the connecting portion 5615, moves in the first rotational direction via the connecting portion 5615. Accordingly, the first pressure plate 530 also moves in the first rotational direction via the first shaft 5611 connected to the auxiliary shaft 5612. As a result, as shown in FIG. 7(c), in the second position, the base plate 510 and the first pressure plate face each other while maintaining a predetermined separation distance (L1). The separation distance is the maximum distance between the base plate 510 and the first pressure plate 530. Furthermore, in the first position, the separation distance is shorter than the distance between the first gear shaft 56131 and the auxiliary shaft 5612.
[0161] 7(b) and 7(c), the second gear 5623 has gear teeth 5624 only on a portion of its outer periphery. This is to limit the portion that engages with the third gear 5633 to the portion where the gear teeth are provided. In other words, if the entire outer periphery of the second gear 5623 were provided with gear teeth, when the second pressure plate 550 rotates in the first position, the first pressure plate 530 would immediately rotate, and ultimately the first pressure plate 530 would not be at the second position but would be positioned much higher. In this case, interference with the first support part 5618 and the like would occur. Therefore, in order to prevent unnecessary movement of the first pressure plate 530, i.e., to ensure that the first pressure plate 530 moves only between the first and second positions, the gear teeth 5624 of the second gear are provided only on a portion of the outer periphery of the second gear 5623. In this case, when the second pressure plate 550 rotates, the first pressure plate 530 does not rotate immediately, but rotates after a certain delay time. Figure 7(c) shows that the gear teeth of the second gear and the gear teeth of the third gear are engaged at the second position.
[0162] The same applies when the user rotates the second pressure plate 550 to close the door. In this case, the first pressure plate 530 starts rotating at the same time as the second pressure plate 550 at the second position, and after a certain time delay after the first pressure plate 530 reaches the first position, the second pressure plate 550 is coupled to the first pressure plate 530 and base plate 510. In other words, the pressure surface 555 is coupled to face the first pressure plate 530.
[0163] At this time, unlike the press 50 (see FIG. 1) provided in the conventional clothing treatment device 2000, the first pressure plate 530 presses the trousers (P) while facing the base plate 510, so the trousers (P) can be pressed evenly at once. Therefore, the pressing phenomenon of the trousers, which occurs when pressure is applied from one side due to rotation, and the resulting wrinkles can be minimized.
[0164] FIG. 8 shows that the first pressure plate 530 rotates in the vertical direction of the door by the connecting portion 5615 and the auxiliary connecting portion 5715 so that the trousers (P) are placed between the first pressure plate 530 and the base plate 510 .
[0165] 7, when the first pressure plate 530 rotates due to the connecting part, it rotates while facing the base plate 510. Therefore, when the connecting part 5615 rotates due to the weight of the base plate 510, the angle at which the base plate 510 is viewed does not change. To further ensure this, one of the two sides of the first pressure plate 530 to which the connecting part is connected further includes an auxiliary connecting part 5715 below the connecting part.
[0166] Unlike the connecting part 5615, which has a first gear 5613 and transmits rotational force when the second pressure plate 550 rotates, the auxiliary connecting part 5715 simply rotates by being hinged to the base plate 510 or the door inner surface 401. Therefore, while the connecting part 5615 actively rotates the first pressure plate 530, the auxiliary connecting part 5715 plays a role of manually guiding the base plate 510 so that it always rotates facing the first pressure plate 530 when the first pressure plate 530 rotates by the connecting part 5615.
[0167] The connecting portion 5615 and the auxiliary connecting portion 5715 are provided on only one side of the first pressure plate 530. This is because the first pressure plate 530 also needs to rotate about the first shaft 5611.
[0168] 8(a) schematically shows the first pressure plate 530, the connecting portion 5615, and the auxiliary connecting portion 5715 in the first position. The auxiliary connecting portion 5715 includes a dependent shaft 57131 for hinged connection to the base plate 510 or the door inner surface 401, and a dependent auxiliary shaft 5712 arranged in parallel with the auxiliary shaft 5612 for rotation of the first pressure plate 530. The roles of the dependent shaft 57131 and the dependent auxiliary shaft 5712 are similar to those of the first gear shaft 56131 and the auxiliary shaft 5612.
[0169] 8(b) shows that the first pressure plate 530 has moved to the second position, and the first pressure plate 530 and the base plate 510 are spaced apart by a predetermined distance L1. The user then rotates the first pressure plate 530 via the first shaft 5611 and places and secures the trousers on the first pressure plate 530 using the first clip 531 and the second clip 533. Then, by rotating the first pressure plate 530 in the opposite direction again, the trousers P are positioned between the base plate 510 and the first pressure plate 530, as shown in FIG. 8(c). Then, by rotating the second pressure plate 550 downward, the first pressure plate 530 moves from the second position to the first position, pressing down on the trousers P.
[0170] This disclosure can be implemented in various forms, and the scope of the rights is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Therefore, if a modified embodiment includes the elements of the claims of this disclosure, it is recognized as belonging to the scope of the rights of this disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]
[0171] 1000: Clothes treatment device 100: First chamber 101: Bottom of first chamber 1011: Air supply port 1012: Steam supply port 1013: Air intake port 120: Inlet 190: Clothing support section 150: Cabinet 200: Second chamber 210: Base part 220: Blower unit 221: Intake duct 230: Heat pump unit 250: Steam unit 310: Water tank 313: Water tank window 315: Water tank handle 330: Drainage tank 333: Drainage tank window 335: Drainage tank handle 400: Door 401: Inside of door 403: Clothes hanger 405: Clothing fixing part 500: Pressure part 510: Base plate 511: Bonding surface 512: Mounting surface 513: Clip storage section 530: First pressure plate 531: First clip 5311: Clip fixing part 5312: Clip support part 532: First opening 533: Second clip 535: 1st surface 536: 1st groove 537: 2nd groove 538: 2nd side 539: Mounting end 550: Second pressure plate 551: Handle 552: Second opening 555: Pressure surface 557: Prevention groove 558: Cover surface 559: Protective side 561: First rotating part 5611: First axis 5612: Auxiliary shaft 5614: Fixed part 5615: Connection part 5613: 1st gear 56131: 1st gear shaft 5618: 1st support part 562: Second rotating part 5621: Second axis 5623: Second gear 5625: Second support part 563: Third gear section 5633: Third gear 5715: Auxiliary connection part 57131: Subordinate shaft 5712: Subordinate auxiliary shaft
Claims
1. A clothing treatment device, cabinet with one-sided loading opening; a first chamber located inside the cabinet for receiving garments through the insertion opening; a second chamber located below the first chamber to form a space separated from the first chamber; a steam unit provided inside the second chamber and configured to generate steam and supply the steam to the first chamber; a door rotatably coupled to the cabinet for opening and closing the input opening; an inner door surface located toward the first chamber among the surfaces of the door; a base plate coupled to the inner surface of the door; a first shaft arranged in parallel in the height direction of the door; a second axis provided perpendicular to the height direction of the door; a first pressure plate that is rotatably coupled to the inner surface of the door or the base plate via the first shaft and is disposed opposite the base plate, and that places and applies pressure to the trousers; and a second pressure plate rotatably coupled to the door inner surface or the base plate via the second shaft and disposed opposite the first pressure plate; The first pressure plate is a first clip located on a first surface of the first pressure plate facing the base plate, the first clip configured to fasten one of the hem or the waist of the trousers; A clothing processing device characterized by comprising: a second clip located on a second surface, which is the other surface of the first pressure plate opposite the second pressure plate, and configured to secure the other of the hem or waist of the trousers.
2. The clothing processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the first clip is located at a lower portion of the first surface.
3. The clothing processing device according to claim 2, wherein the second clip is located at a lower portion of the second surface.
4. The second clip is a clip having an angled shape, and forming a predetermined gap between the clip and the first pressure plate; The clothing processing device according to claim 3, wherein the trousers are fixed by inserting a part of one side of the trousers into the predetermined gap.
5. The length of the second pressure plate is shorter than the length of the first pressure plate, When the second pressure plate is rotationally coupled to the first pressure plate, The clothing treating device according to claim 3, wherein the second clip is exposed to the outside of the first pressure plate.
6. the first pressure plate includes a curved placement end portion that connects the first surface and the second surface and on which the trousers are placed; The clothing processing device according to claim 3, wherein the placement end has a curved surface connected to the first surface and a curved surface connected to the second surface that have different curvatures.
7. The mounting end portion is a curved surface connected to the first surface; The laundry treatment device according to claim 6, characterized in that the second pressure plate has a shape that protrudes toward the second pressure plate.
8. The first surface of the first pressure plate is provided with a first groove recessed in the length direction of the door to prevent interference with a seam provided in the trousers; The clothing processing device according to claim 7, wherein the second surface of the first pressure plate has a second groove recessed in the length direction of the door to prevent interference with seams on the trousers.
9. The clothing treating device according to claim 1, wherein the base plates are coupled to the inner surface of the door at a predetermined distance from each other.
10. The clothing treating device according to claim 1, wherein the base plate includes a clip receiving portion that is recessed or penetrated into a shape corresponding to the first clip when the first pressure plate presses the base plate.
11. The laundry treatment device according to claim 1 , wherein the width of the second pressure plate is greater than the widths of the first pressure plate and the base plate.
12. a blower unit provided in the second chamber for drawing in air from the first chamber; a heat pump unit provided in the second chamber for dehumidifying and heating the drawn air; a first opening extending through the first pressure plate in a thickness direction; and a second opening penetrating the second pressure plate in a thickness direction at a position corresponding to the first opening; The clothing treating device according to claim 11, wherein the trousers are exposed to dehumidified heated air and steam through the first opening and the second opening.
13. The clothing processing device according to claim 12, wherein the second pressure plate has protective sides formed by bending both sides of the second pressure plate in a direction toward the inner surface of the door.
14. The clothing processing device according to claim 13, characterized in that, of both surfaces of the second pressure plate, the cover surface located away from the inner door surface further comprises a handle for a user to grasp the second pressure plate in order to rotate the second pressure plate.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Clothes care machine with door body blowing and trouser line management functions
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Garment presser
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