Machine for perfuming linen

Abstract

The present patent application relates to a machine (1) for perfuming the linen comprising an external casing (2) including an opening door (5) suitable to allow the access to an internal chamber (3) configured to house the items to be perfumed, in which nozzles (4) for nebulizing a perfumed substance are arranged.

Description

[0001] MACHINE FOR PERFUMING LINEN

[0002] DESCRIPTION

[0003] The present patent application relates to a machine for perfuming objects such as linen, fabrics, sponges, items of clothing in general. The preferred application field is that of laundries or hotel facilities.

[0004] With respect to the machines present in the industrial laundries, the herein proposed machine has a stand-alone configuration and it can be easily transported, even thanks to the possible presence of wheels. Therefore, the machine can be placed at technical rooms or in the service spaces of hotels or accommodation facilities in general, for perfuming the items independently from the type of laundry service used by the facility, either an internal or an external one, so as to be able to to meet the customers’ requests in any moment.

[0005] More in detail, the proposed machine comprises an external casing including an opening door suitable to allow the access to an internal chamber in which the items to be perfumed are to be housed. The opening is connected to a series of leverages suitable to allow the access to the internal chamber when the door is opened and to lock the linen inserted in the latter when the door is closed again. Nozzles for nebulizing the fragrance or detergent, which is a perfumed substance in liquid form, are arranged in the internal chamber. For commanding the perfuming cycle and its execution automatically, the machine includes an interface configured to allow a user to set or select the operating parameters of the perfuming cycle, as well as a control unit to control the activation of the nozzles according to the above-mentioned parameters.

[0006] A machine having the technical features mentioned above is defined in the independent claim 1. Additional technical features of the above-mentioned machine are set forth in the dependent claims.

[0007] Other advantages, features and use modes of the present invention will result evident from the following detailed description of some embodiments, shown by way of example and not for limiting purposes.

[0008] Brief description of figures

[0009] The Figures of the enclosed drawings will be referred to, wherein:

[0010] ■ Figure 1 shows a front perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the machine according to the present patent application;

[0011] ■ Figure 2 shows a preferred embodiment of a fluidic scheme of the plant for collecting and dispensing the fragrance according to the present patent application;

[0012] ■ Figure 3 shows a front schematic view of the preferred embodiment of the machine of Figure 1 ;

[0013] ■ Figure 4 shows a schematic view of the machine of Figure 3 according to the cross-sectional plane A-A;

[0014] ■ Figures 5 and 6 show respectively a perspective enlargement of each one of the details of Figure 4 designated with B and C;

[0015] ■ Figure 7 shows a right lateral schematic view of the preferred embodiment of the machine of Figure 1 ; and

[0016] ■ Figure 8 shows a perspective enlargement of the detail of Figure 7 designated with D.

[0017] It will be understood that the above-mentioned Figures are introduced for purely illustrating, and not limiting, purposes.

[0018] Detailed description of preferred embodiments

[0019] Various embodiments and variants of a machine according to the present patent application will be described hereinafter and this with reference to the above-mentioned Figures.

[0020] Analogous components are designated in the different figures with the same numeral reference.

[0021] The different embodiments and variants described hereinafter are subject to be used in combination, where compatible.

[0022] The present invention relates to a stand-alone machine for perfuming linen, fabrics, sponges, items of clothing in general et similia', for sake of simplicity, reference will be made hereinafter to perfuming linen items.

[0023] With reference to the enclosed Figure 1 , a preferred embodiment of a machine for perfuming linen according to the present patent application is designated by the numeral reference 1.

[0024] The machine 1 is provided with an external casing 2, which preferably includes all components enlisted hereinafter in the description, by making the machine 1 particularly compact and suitable for transportation. In particular, the machine has a light structure, for example made of aluminium profiles, which is movable by wheels 9.

[0025] The machine 1 first of all includes an internal chamber 3 configured for housing the linen items to be perfumed according to a perfuming cycle, which can be selected or set by the user according to modes which will be examined deeply hereinafter. The chamber 3 preferably has a height comprised between 10 cm and 36 cm. Preferably, the internal chamber 3 comprises a bottom wall wherein there are a plurality of small through-holes configured to allow the passage of air and fine dust. A pump for sucking the exceeding fine dust can be provided at such bottom wall.

[0026] The access to such chamber 3 is allowed selectively by the, preferably manual, motion of an opening door 5 which can belong to the above-mentioned external casing 2, and which more in particular is connected to a system of levers which ‘opens’ a passage for accessing the chamber 3. Preferably, the opening door 5 is configured to be lifted to implement an opening configuration, wherein the access to the internal chamber 3 is allowed, and to be lowered to implement a closing configuration wherein the access to the internal chamber 3 is not allowed. According to preferred configurations, the opening door 5 and / or the internal chamber 3 are arranged at a portion of upper end of the machine 1.

[0027] The opening door 5 is further connected to a system of leverages 6, preferably cam leverages, suitable to move two mechanical elements 7 arranged inside the chamber 3 and configured to implement a pliers-like tightening of the herein inserted linen at a closing configuration of said opening door 5. The pliers-like tightening is determined between a first mechanical element, implementing a lower resting base for the linen inserted in the machine 1 , and a second mechanical element, preferably in the shape of an upper bar, which clasp between each other thanks to a system of leverages. The pliers-like tightening is conceived to allow an optimal grip of the linen which, so arranged and through rotation, is perfumed both on the external and internal side.

[0028] Such leverages 6 can be arranged inside the chamber 3, for safety reasons and not to affect the compactness of the machine 1 itself.

[0029] According to preferred variants, means can be comprised in the chamber 3 for moving the linen, for example in the shape of a rotating basket (preferably connected to an electric gear motor) wherein the housing of the linen is provided, suitably configured to perform the overturning of the same. Such motion means is configured to be activated during the perfuming cycle, with the purpose of allowing a homogeneous perfuming of the linen items.

[0030] One or more nozzles 4 are arranged inside the internal chamber 3, which are configured to nebulize a liquid perfumed substance, more simply a fragrance, which for example can be collected from a containment can housed inside the casing 2.

[0031] Preferably, the nozzles 4 are arranged in peripheral position, at internal walls of the internal chamber 3.

[0032] With reference to Figure 2, a preferred embodiment of a fluidic scheme of the plant is shown, allowing the collection of the fragrance from the containment can thanks to the activation of a first low-pressure pump. Tubes for collecting the fragrance are inserted inside the can and configured to bring the fragrance to the nozzles, and make the exceeding one which is not dispensed to flow back. The fragrance collected by the tubes is then filtered and the pressure thereof is further increased by a high-pressure pump, to direct it then to the nozzles arranged inside the internal chamber (in Figure 2 three nozzles are represented by pure way of example).

[0033] The dispensing of the fragrance is adjusted by a valve connected to a central control unit, thereabout it will be discussed hereinafter. The containment can of the fragrance is preferably placed at the lower portion of the machine 1. Still at such lower portion, there can be the drain of the liquid sucked by a fan placed on the bottom of the internal chamber 3, ending with a tap. Moreover, the air sucked by the fan can be made to come out from the machine by a suitable duct.

[0034] With reference again to Figure 1 , the machine 1 comprises a control unit configured to control the activation of the nozzles 4 and of the means for moving the linen according to the operating parameters, or exercise parameters, of a perfuming cycle set or selected by a human operator by means of an interface instrument 8.

[0035] In particular, the interface 8 for the manual control allows to start the perfuming cycle which, once started, continues automatically until the perfuming activity is completed.

[0036] The exercise parameters can include one or more of the following:

[0037] 1 . Number of high-speed rotations requested to the basket during the perfuming cycle;

[0038] 2. Number of slow-speed rotations requested to the basket during the perfuming cycle;

[0039] 3. Duration in time (seconds) for dispensing the fragrance during the rotations of the basket;

[0040] 4. Delay in closing a recirculation valve to avoid the nozzles from dripping at the end of the dispensing cycle;

[0041] 5. Duration of sucking the fragrance at the end of dispensing (seconds) before allowing the operator to access the loading area;

[0042] 6. Delay in stopping to suck the fragrance (seconds) even after the opening of the door 5.

[0043] The interface 8, preferably arranged at the external surface of the casing 2 so as to be easily accessible by the operators, is configured to allow to display and set the operating parameters of the perfuming cycle and / or select a perfuming cycle with pre-set parameters. Preferably, the interface 8 comprises a display touch screen to perform such procedures.

[0044] According to preferred variants, the control unit and the interface 8 are placed in a pulpit 11 arranged in position adjacent to the working area of the operator, laterally with respect to the opening door.

[0045] The control unit can be further connected to a sensor, for example a volumetric sensor, detecting the level of the residual fragrance in the containment can. Such sensor can be arranged externally to the containment can. When the fragrance level is lower than a predetermined threshold value, the control unit can determine to show a corresponding alarm message on the display of the interface 8.

[0046] Moreover, the control unit can be programmed to show on the display of the interface 8 alarm messages inherent to dangerous situations, for example due to malfunctions of the machine or to wrong behaviour by the operator; in this case, the central unit could command a forced stop of the perfuming cycle. The alarms could also be associated to the activation of warning lights or the emission of acoustic signals.

[0047] Alternatively or additionally, such alarms can be transmitted to remote control means associated to the interface 8, configured to allow to control the consumption, the operating parameters and / or the performances of the machine 1 itself by an operator, which can be in remote position with respect to the positioning of the latter. Such means for example can include pc or smartphone provided with an App programmed to transmit and receive data from the interface 8 by preferably wireless connection means.

[0048] Preferably, the machine 1 comprises a safety locking system 12 configured to prevent the opening door 5 from moving during the execution of a perfuming cycle, which can be activated / deactivated automatically by the control unit, and further configured for manually actuated locking / unlocking.

[0049] With reference to Figures 3, 4 and 6, an exemplification of the system of leverages 6 is shown more in detail, preferably associated to the means for moving the linen by a cam having openings suitably shaped to allow the transformation of the rotational motion of the levers for opening the (not represented) external door into a contextual motion of the devices for accessing the linen-carrying basket.

[0050] With reference to the details of Figures 5 and 7, exemplifications of the internal and external portions of the casing of the machine, carrying the means for the rotation of the linen-carrying basket, are shown. The actuation of such means internal to the casing is implemented by activating the gear motor visible in Figure 7 and 8 which is installed outside such casing for safety and accessibility reasons.

[0051] With reference again to the interface 8, the latter can further include a button panel consisting of: a bright button to command starting the set / selected perfuming cycle; a luminous gem of consent to open the door; an emergency button shaped like a mushroom to stop the cycle, and once having used it, in order to make subsequently to re-start the machine, it is necessary to rotate the button and re-start the cycle.

[0052] According to a preferred embodiment, a perfuming cycle performed by the machine according to the present application can provide the following steps to be performed by an operator: connecting the power cable of the machine to the distribution network; switching-on the machine by clockwise rotation of the switch placed in the panel on the side of the machine; opening the door for inserting the linen, at the same time of which the leverage applied to the same opens the loading area to receive / sustain it; loading the linen on the resting plane; tightening the product by cam leverage and closing of the door; starting the cycle by the interface.

[0053] The subsequent steps, instead, are performed automatically, after starting the cycle controlled by the operator: rotation of the linen; nebulization of the perfume by the nozzles; sucking the fine dust from the holed plane placed on the bottom of the internal chamber.

[0054] For its operation, the machine can even be provided with a suitable power supply panel and electromechanical management panel inside of which there are the timers for adjusting the duration of the perfuming cycle.

[0055] The present invention has been sofar described with reference to preferred embodiments. It is to be meant that other embodiments belonging to the same inventive core may exist, as defined by the protective scope of the herebelow reported claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A machine (1) for perfuming linen, provided with an external casing (2) and comprising: an internal chamber (3) configured for housing the linen to be perfumed according to a perfuming cycle; one or more nozzles (4) arranged inside said internal chamber (3) and configured to nebulize a liquid perfumed substance; wherein said external casing (2) comprises an opening door (5) suitable to allow the access to said internal chamber (3), said machine (1 ) further comprising: an interface (8) configured to allow a user to set the operating parameters of a perfuming cycle and / or to select a perfuming cycle with pre-set parameters and a control unit configured to control the activation of said one or more nozzles (4) according to the operating parameters of the perfuming cycle set or selected by means of said interface (8).

2. The machine (1) according to claim 1 , wherein said opening door (5) is configured to be lifted to implement an opening configuration wherein the access to said internal chamber (3) is allowed, and to be lowered to implement a closing configuration wherein the access to said internal chamber (3) is not allowed.

3. The machine (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said opening door (5) and / or said internal chamber (3) are arranged at an upper end portion of said machine (1 ).

4. The machine (1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said nozzles are arranged in peripheral position, at internal walls of said internal chamber (3).

5. The machine (1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said opening door (5) is connected to a system of leverages (6) adapted to move two mechanical elements (7) configured to implement a pliers-like tightening of thelinen inserted into the internal chamber (3) at a closing configuration of said opening door (5).

6. The machine (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a safety locking system (12) configured to prevent said opening door (5) from moving while executing a perfuming cycle.

7. The machine (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising means for moving the linen arranged inside said internal chamber (3), wherein said control unit is configured to control the activation of said means for moving the linen according to the operating parameters of the perfuming cycle set or selected by means of said interface (8).

8. The machine (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein said means for moving the linen comprises a rotating basket, connected to an electric gear motor, configured to house the linen.

9. The machine (1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said internal chamber (3) comprises a bottom wall wherein there are a plurality of through-holes configured to allow the passage of air and fine dust.

10. The machine (1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, including a can containing a liquid perfumed substance and a sensor detecting the level of the residual liquid perfumed substance in the can, wherein said control unit is connected to said sensor and, if such level is lower than a predetermined threshold, it makes that a corresponding alarm message is shown on a display of said interface (8).

11. The machine (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising remotely control means of said interface (8), configured to allow to control the consumption, the operating parameters and / or the performances of the machine (1) itself by an App.

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