IRONING MACHINE

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE OF RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims foreign priorities of Chinese Patent Application No. 202410875234.4, filed on Jun. 30, 2024, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to technical field of ironing equipment, and in particular to an ironing machine.

BACKGROUND

Ironing machine usually uses steam to iron clothes, the portability and ironing effect of the ironing machine are both very important. However, the existing portable ironing machines have poor ironing effects. Moreover, the ironing machine needs to be used in conjunction with an ironing board to achieve better ironing effect, which is extremely inconvenient for users to carry.

SUMMARY

In order to overcome the defect as aforementioned, the purpose of the present disclosure is to provide an ironing machine.

In a first aspect of the present disclosure, an ironing machine is provided. The ironing machine comprises a housing having an air outlet, a steam generator arranged in the housing, a reservoir coupled to the housing, and configured for supplying aqueous media to the steam generator, and a working part coupled to the housing; wherein the working part comprises a heat equalization member having a thermal equalization zone and a suction member having an air suction zone, the heat equalization member is coupled to the steam generator, the steam generator and the heat equalization member are together defined a steam reheat chamber, the suction member is arranged on the periphery of the heat equalization member.

In a second aspect of the present disclosure, an ironing machine is provided. The ironing machine comprises a housing having an air outlet, a steam generator arranged in the housing, a reservoir coupled to the housing, and configured for supplying aqueous media to the steam generator, and a working part coupled to the housing; the working part has at least one steam outlet and at least one suction inlet; wherein at least one of the working part and the steam generator defines a steam reheat chamber communicated to the at least one steam outlet, the ironing machine comprises an air duct cavity arranged inside of the housing, the at least one suction inlet and the air outlet are in fluid communication with the air duct cavity to form a primary airflow channel of the ironing machine.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present disclosure more clearly, the drawings required to be used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly described below. It is obvious that the drawings in the following description are only some embodiments of the present disclosure.

For one of ordinary skill in the art, other drawings may also be obtained according to these drawings without paying any creative effort.

FIG. 1 is a perspective schematic diagram of an ironing machine according to an embodiment of the present application.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the ironing machine according to an embodiment of the present application.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the ironing machine according to an embodiment of the present application.

FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating localized structural details of the ironing machine according to an embodiment of the present application.

FIG. 5 is a partial schematic diagram of a localized structure of the ironing machine according to an embodiment of the present application.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the ironing machine according to an embodiment of the present application, wherein phantom lines indicate schematic positional relationships of a first compartment, a second compartment, and a third compartment.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the ironing machine according to an embodiment of the present application, wherein directional arrow a denotes airflow trajectory and directional arrow b represents steam propagation path.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Technical solutions of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, in which the same numbers refer to the same or similar elements unless otherwise specified. It will be appreciated that the described embodiments represent some, rather than all, of the embodiments of the present disclosure. Other embodiments conceived or derived by those having ordinary skills in the art based on the described embodiments without inventive efforts should fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

Embodiments of the present disclosure shown in the drawings will be described in detail below. When describing the accompanying drawings, unless otherwise noted, the same reference number in different drawings indicate the same or similar elements. The embodiments described below do not represent all of the possible embodiments of the present disclosure. Instead, the embodiments described below are only some devices and methods that are consistent with various aspects of invention defined by the claims.

Referring to the FIGS. 1-5, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides an ironing machine 100. The ironing machine 100 is a common household appliance primarily configured to remove wrinkles from garments and restore them to a smooth, wrinkle-free state through the application of heat and pressure. During operation, the user may select different heat levels based on the material composition of the fabric and desired temperature requirements. For instance, cotton and linen fabrics typically require elevated temperature settings to achieve effective wrinkle removal, whereas delicate or synthetic materials such as silk and polyester necessitate lower temperature configurations to prevent thermal damage. The ironing machine 100 may further comprise a temperature adjustment knob or a digital display interface, thereby enabling the user to conveniently select optimal temperature settings tailored to specific garment materials.

The handheld portable ironing machine 100 may be provided to facilitate compact storage and transportation, wherein the handheld ironing machine enables superior portability relative to conventional upright irons. Specifically adapted for travel or business trip applications, the handheld portable ironing machine may be configured to be compactly stowed within luggage compartments or carry-on bags, thereby occupying minimal spatial volume while maintaining operational readiness.

Referring to the FIGS. 1-3, the ironing machine 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure can include a main body 110, a steam generator 120, and a working part 130.

The steam generator 120 can be disposed in the main body 110, a steam reheat chamber 121 can be defined by at least one of the working part 130 and the steam generator 120. The working part 130 can be provided with a steam outlet 142 and a suction inlet 152, the steam outlet 142 can be in fluid communication with the steam reheat chamber 121. Referring to FIG. 4 and arrow b in FIG. 7, steam generated by the steam generator 120 can be ejected through the steam reheat chamber 121 and the steam outlet 142. The steam reheat chamber 121 can be a sealed cavity, steam vaporized by the steam generator 120 can be subsequently conveyed through the steam reheat chamber 121, thereby the steam can be subjected to secondary heating to prevent steam condensation caused by thermal dissipation. This configuration can mitigate water expulsion phenomena during operation, ensure consistent steam output volume, and consequently enhance operational performance of the ironing machine 100.

As shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 7, the main body 110 can be provided with an air outlet 111, and the interior of the main body 110 can have an air duct cavity 116. The suction inlet 152 and the air outlet 111 can be in fluid communicated via the air duct cavity 116 to form a primary airflow channel of the ironing machine. Ambient airflow can be entered into the housing 112 through the suction inlet 152, and can be guided by the air duct cavity 116 toward the air outlet 111, and can be ultimately ejected through the air outlet 111, as shown by arrow a in FIG. 7. This integrated suction mechanism can eliminate the necessity for a dedicated ironing board, thereby achieving optimal garment-smoothing efficacy without auxiliary equipment. Such self-contained airflow management can enhance portability and user convenience during transportation.

The ironing machine 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure can implement the steam reheat chamber 121 interposed between the working part 130 and the steam generator 120. Water vaporized by the steam generator 120 can be subsequently conveyed through the steam reheat chamber 121, and the steam can be subjected to secondary heating in the steam reheat chamber 121 to prevent the steam condensation caused by thermal dissipation, which may cause water spraying. By reducing the water spray of the ironing machine 100 and ensuring the amount of steam sprayed out, the performance of the ironing machine 100 can be improved.

Referring to the FIGS. 2-3, in some embodiments of the present disclosure, the main body 110 can include a housing 112, a reservoir 1123, a motor 114, and a control unit.

The housing 112 can have an opening 1121, the steam generator 120 can be disposed in the housing 112 and arranged adjacent to the opening 1121. The working part 130 can be arranged at the opening 1121 to seal the opening 1121, and the steam reheat chamber 121 can also be arranged at the opening 1121.

The air duct cavity 116 can be provided in the housing 112, the air outlet 111 can be provided on the housing 112 and fluidly communicated with the air duct cavity 116. The air duct cavity 116 can include a first compartment 115 and a second compartment 1125, the first compartment 115 can be communicated with the suction inlet 152, the second compartment 1125 can be communicated with the air outlet 111. The suction inlet 152 and the air outlet 111 can be communicated through the air duct cavity 116 to establish the primary airflow channel of the ironing machine. The reservoir 1123 can be detachably engaged with the housing 112, the reservoir 1123 can be fluidly communicated with the steam generator 120 through a water conduit 1131. The reservoir 1123 can be configured to store and supply aqueous media to the steam generator 120. To facilitate hydraulic transfer, a pump 1132 can be provided in the housing 112 to provide directional motive force for fluid propulsion.

The air duct cavity 116 can be provided in the housing 112, the air outlet 111 can be provided on the housing 112 and fluidly communicated with the air duct cavity 116. The air duct cavity 116 can include a first compartment 115 and a second compartment 1125, the first compartment 115 can be communicated with the suction inlet 152, the second compartment 1125 can be communicated with the air outlet 111. The suction inlet 152 and the air outlet 111 can be communicated through the air duct cavity 116 to establish the primary airflow channel of the ironing machine. The reservoir 1123 can be detachably engaged with the housing 112, the reservoir 1123 can be fluidly communicated with the steam generator 120 through a water conduit 1131. The reservoir 1123 can be configured to store and supply aqueous media to the steam generator 120. To facilitate hydraulic transfer, a pump 1132 can be provided in the housing 112 to provide directional motive force for fluid propulsion.

It should be noted, the reservoir 1123 and the housing 112 can be detachably engaged via snap-fit couplings or equivalent fastening mechanisms, thereby enabling reservoir disengagement for refilling operations.

The motor 114 can be disposed in the air duct cavity 116, and configured to generate suction forces to drive airflow circulation. The control unit can be arranged in the housing 112 and electrically interfaced with the motor 114 and steam generator 120. The control unit can be programmed to regulate operational parameters of the motor 114, the steam generator 120, and the pump 1132. The running motor 114 can generate suction to drive the airflow, so that the airflow can be entered into the housing 112 from the suction inlet 152.

Referring to the FIG. 3 and FIG. 6, in some embodiments of the present disclosure, the housing 112 can be defined with a first compartment 115, a second compartment 1125, and a third compartment 1124, which are spatially separated from each other. The steam generator 120 can be disposed in the first compartment 115, a suction surface 151 can be positioned on one side of a suction member 150 opposite the steam generator 120, the suction surface 151 can be provided with the suction inlet 152 penetrated through the suction member 150. The air duct cavity 116 can be fluidly communicated with the suction inlet 152, the air outlet 111 can be positioned at a top portion of the housing 112 and communicated with the second compartment 1125. The pump 1132 can be disposed in the third compartment 1124.

The motor 114 can be arranged in the first compartment 115, the control unit can be arranged in the third compartment 1124. This compartmentalized architecture facilitates segregation of hydraulic, electrical, and pneumatic pathways, thereby enhancing operational safety parameters of the ironing machine 100.

The first compartment 115 can be provided with the opening 1121, and the third compartment 1124 can be provided with a heat dissipation port. The steam generator 120 can be arranged close to the opening 1121, the motor 114 can be arranged at one side of the steam generator 120 away from the opening 1121.

Referring to the FIG. 2 and FIG. 4, in some embodiments of the present disclosure, the working part 130 can include a heat equalization member 140 and a suction member 150. The heat equalization member 140 can be operatively coupled to the steam generator 120, the steam outlet 142 can be penetrated through the heat equalization member 140. The steam generator 120 and the heat equalization member 140 can be cooperatively defined with the steam reheat chamber 121. Serving as a primary thermal interface component, the heat equalization member 140 can be configured to distribute heat uniformly. Steam generated by the steam generator 120 can be ejected through the steam outlet 142 toward target garments, to optimize wrinkle removal with synergistic interaction between the heat equalization member's thermal conduction and the steam.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the suction member 150 can be arranged adjacent to the heat equalization member 140. In some implementations, the suction member 150 can be coupled to the heat equalization member 140. The suction inlet 152 can be extended through the suction member 150, the heat equalization member 140 and the suction member 150 can be arranged on the same side of the steam generator 120.

Referring to the FIG. 2 and FIG. 4, in some embodiments of the present disclosure, the heat equalization member 140 can be provided with a groove 143, the steam outlet 142 can be arranged in the groove 143. During operational engagement, the garment can be retained against the working part 130, a concave steam area can be formed between the garment and the groove 143. The steam accumulated in this area can increase the surface temperature of the garment, which is conducive to improve the ironing effect, reduce the probability of steam being drawn into the housing, and improve the utilization rate of steam.

As shown in FIG. 4, in order to enhance ironing effect, the surface of the heat equalization member 140 away from the steam generator 120 and the surface of the suction member 150 away from the steam generator 120 can be on the same plane. Since the surface of the heat equalization member 140 and the suction member 150, and surface of the garment to be ironed are on the same plane, the ironing effect of the heat equalization member 140 and the suction member 150 on the garment can be smoother.

Referring to the FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, in some embodiments of the present disclosure, the working part 130 can further include a filter plate 160 operatively coupled to the heat equalization member 140. The filter plate 160 can have at least one filter aperture 161 penetrated through the filter plate 160, the filter plate 160 and the suction member 150 can be arranged on the periphery of the heat equalization member 140. The filter plate 160 and the suction member 150 can be arranged in a stacked configuration, the filter plate 160 can be arranged at one side of the suction member 150 towards the steam generator 120. The filter aperture 161 can be in fluid communication with the suction inlet 152. This structural arrangement enables the filter plate 160 to perform particulate filtration on airflow entering the air duct cavity 116, thereby preventing foreign matter ingress into the housing 112.

In order to optimize aerodynamic performance of the filter plate 160, in some embodiments, both the filter aperture 161 and the suction inlet 152 can be multiple. The total area of the filter apertures 161 is greater than the total area of the suction inlets 152. Specifically, the ratio of total area of the filter apertures to total area of the suction inlets can be ranged from 1.3 to 1.8. Preferably, the ratio can be 1.3, 1.5, or 1.8, which collectively increase gas flow passage dimensions to enhance volumetric flow capacity while maintaining laminar flow characteristics.

In some embodiments, a filter layer can be provided between the filter plate 160 and the suction member 150, which is configured to intercept and remove airborne particulates, dust, and other contaminants. The filter layer can comprise a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter element characterized by a multi-layered fibrous matrix with densely interwoven fibers forming a microporous barrier. The airflow drawn in through the suction member 150 can be passed through the filter layer firstly. The flow deceleration effect induced by the fibrous matrix prolongs particle-fiber interaction duration, thereby maximizing contaminant capture efficiency. This configuration not only enhances system-wide filtration performance but also protects downstream components from particulate accumulation, while providing modular accessibility for maintenance operations.

In some embodiments, in order to facilitate installation of the filter layer, the suction member 150 can be provided a first buffer slot 153 on side of the suction member towards the filter plate 160. The filter layer can be arranged in the first buffer slot 153, the suction inlet 152 and the filter aperture 161 can be communicated with the first buffer slot 153.

In some embodiments, the filter plate 160 can be provided with a second buffer slot 162 on side of the filter layer 160 away from the suction member 150. The second buffer slot 162 can be oriented towards the housing 112, the second buffer slot 162 can be communicated with the filter aperture 161 and the air outlet 111. This configuration allows airflow turbulence attenuation in the second buffer slot 162, thereby reducing aerodynamic noise generation through suppression of vortical flow phenomena.

As shown in FIG. 2, in some embodiments, both the suction member 150 and the filter plate 160 can be in a ring shape, and the heat equalization member 140 can be embedded in the inner ring of the filter plate 160. In exemplary implementations, the heat equalization member 140 can be a metallic plate structure, such as an aluminum alloy construct. The heat equalization member 140 can be in contacted with the steam generator 120, the heat from the steam generator 120 can be conducted to the heat equalization member 140, thereby enabling auxiliary thermal treatment of garments in conjunction with steam application to achieve synergistic wrinkle elimination.

Referring to FIG. 5, the working part 130 can include a working surface 131 configured for garment contact during operation. The working surface 131 can comprise a thermal equalization zone 141 and an air suction zone 151. The thermal equalization zone 141 can be provided with the steam outlet 142 fluidly communicated to the steam reheat chamber 121, the suction inlet 152 can be provided on the air suction zone 151, and the suction inlet 152 can be in communicated with the air outlet 111. Defining the area of the thermal equalization zone 141 as S1 and the area of the air suction zone 151 as S2, the ratio S1/(S1+S2) can be ranged from 0.4 to 0.7. Preferably, the ratio can be 0.4, 0.45, or 0.7. It should be noted, increasing the surface area of the thermal equalization zone 141 S1 can expand thermal contact area with garments, enhancing wrinkle removal efficacy through conductive heating complementation of steam application and operational efficiency via accelerated heat transfer rates.

By optimizing the area relationship between the thermal equalization zone 141 and the air suction zone 151, the contact area between the thermal equalization zone 141 and the target garment can be increased.

As shown in FIG. 5, in some embodiments, multiple suction inlets 152 can be provided. The ratio of total area of all suction inlets 152 to total area of the surface of the suction member 150 away from the steam generator 120 can range from 0.3 to 0.5. Preferably, the total area of all suction inlets 152 can account for 30% or 50% of the total area of the surface of the suction member 150 away from the steam generator 120.

It is understandable that the suction efficiency of motor 114 is related to the surface through-hole area, which is the amount of airflow passing through. When the amount of airflow, the suction force reflected by motor 114 will be decreased.

Therefore, the through-hole area of the suction inlets 152 should be increased to obtain greater suction force, to enhance the ironing effect.

The foregoing embodiments are merely illustrative rather than restrictive of the technical solutions of the present application. While detailed descriptions reference preceding implementations, those skilled in the art shall recognize that modifications to recorded technical solutions or equivalent substitutions of partial technical features may be implemented without departing from the essential spirit and scope defined by the claims of this application.