Solid Finishing Device for Jackets

Abstract

It is an object of this invention to rearrange an installing location for a steam separator, enable a small-sized formation of a device as well as space-saving to be realized, utilize heat outputted from the steam separator in a jacket drying process and to activate heat energy of steam. This invention comprises the torso 2 on which the jacket 1 is put, the nozzle 3 for blowing steam inside the jacket 1 put on the torso 2, the heat exchanger 4 for discharging heat of the steam inside the jacket 1 put on the torso 2, and a steam separator 6 for removing water droplets from the steam heat exchanged with this heat exchanger 4 and having its temperature decreased. The steam having water droplets removed with the steam separator 6 is supplied to the nozzle 3. This invention is constituted such that the cylindrical base frame 10 is arranged in its raised state below the torso 2, the steam separator 6 is arranged within the base frame 10 together with the heat exchanger 4.

Description

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a solid finishing device for jackets (such as a jacket or a coat). More practically, this invention relates to a finishing device in which a jacket is put on a torso simulating to a chest of a human body, either steam or hot air is blown against the inner part of the jacket to remove wrinkles.

2. Description of the Related Art

As a convventional device of this type, there has been provided a system described in the specification of U.S. Pat. No. 4,199,088, for example.

The related art device of this type is formed to comprise a torso on which a jacket is put, a nozzle for blowing steam inside the jacket put on the torso, and a heat exchanger for discharging heat of the steam inside the jacket put on the torso.

In addition, the related art device of this type is sometimes formed such that there is provided a steam separator for removing water droplets from the steam heat exchanged by the heat exchanger and of which temperature is decreased.

However, the related art device of this type has been usually set such that the steam separator is arranged under its exposed state at the rear part of the torso, for example.

Accordingly, in accordance with the related art device of this type, there occurred a possibility that an operator erroneously touches the steam separator to make a burn and there was a problem that since the forward or rearward size of the device, for example, was elongated, either an installing space or an occupying space was required to be wide.

In addition, since the steam separator is warmed with steam flowed from the heat exchanger, the heat is dispersed from its outer surface.

However, as described above, the related art machine was made such that the steam separator was arranged under its exposed state at a rearward side of the torso and the like. Accordingly, in the case of the related art machine, heat energy outputted from the outer surface of the steam separator was lost and the heat energy of steam was not utilized.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

This invention has been devised in view of the problems found in the related art.

Accordingly, the technical problem to be solved by this invention consists in providing the solid finishing device for jackets in which the installing location for the steam separator is rechecked, a small-sized formation and space-saving of the device can be carried out, heat outputted from the steam separator is utilized for drying processing for the jacket and it can be utilized sufficiently without applying uselessly the heat energy of the steam.

In order to resolve such a problem as above, this invention employs such technical means.

That is, as shown in FIG. 1 and the like, this invention comprises a torso on which a jacket is put, a nozzle for blowing steam inside the jacket put on the torso, a heat exchanger for discharging heat of the steam inside the jacket put on the torso, a steam separator for removing water droplets from the steam heat exchanged with this heat exchanger and having its temperature decreased, and is characterized in that a cylindrical base frame is arranged in its raised state below said torso, said steam separator is arranged within the base frame together with the heat exchanger, and the steam having water droplets removed with the steam separator is supplied to said nozzle. (claim 1)

The device of this invention is made such that the cylindrical base frame is arranged in its raised state below the torso in this way and the aforesaid steam separator is arranged within the base frame together with the heat exchanger.

Accordingly, in accordance with this invention, since the steam separator is stored within an upward or downward range of the torso, an installing space or occupying space can be reduced and the space-saving can be realized.

In addition, this invention can utilize heat outputted from the steam separator for drying the jacket together with heat outputted from the heat exchanger. Accordingly, in accordance with this arrangement, as compared with that of the related art machine for drying a jacket only with the heat exchanger, it is possible to make a fast jacket drying processing while increasing a temperature of the hot air and the heat energy of steam is not uselessly used.

In addition, in the case of this invention, since the steam separator is not exposed, it is possible to prevent an operator from being erroneously burned.

Further, since this invention is made such that the steam separator and the heat exchanger are arranged together within the lower base frame of the torso, this invention enables a length of the pipe to be shortened, a piping work to be facilitated and further enables a piping cost to be reduced.

Thus, in the case of this invention, it is preferable that as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the steam separator is arranged below the heat exchanger in a lateral orientation along a forward/rearward direction of the torso. (claim 2)

Because, in accordance with this arrangement, a flow of heat ascending from the heat exchanger is not disturbed with the steam separator. In addition, in this case, a reason why this state occurs consists in the fact that heat outputted from the steam separator is merged with heat outputted from the heat exchanger to increase a temperature of hot air and this can be utilized for drying the jacket. In addition, in this case, since the steam separator is arranged in a lateral orientation, air supplied from below the steam separator can be struck uniformly against the outer peripheral surface of the steam separator and heat is discharged efficiently. Further, in the case of this invention, as compared with the case in which the steam separator is arranged in a vertical orientation, a height of the base frame can be restricted and further air inlet for generating hot air can be easily formed at the lower part of the base frame.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 6 or the like, it is preferable that a pair of right and left side presses for use in pushing and widening both skirts of the jacket put on the torso and tensioning them are oscillatably arranged at the upper part of the raised supporting frame through a lateral shaft extending along a forward or rearward direction of the torso, stoppers for preventing the upper portions of the side presses from being inclined inwardly around said lateral shaft are arranged at both sides of the cylindrical base frame in a raised state. (claim 3)

Because, in accordance with this arrangement, when hot air is applied to the skirts to cause the lower portions of the side presses to be pushed outwardly around the lateral shaft and turned, the stoppers can prevent the upper portions of the side presses from being inclined inwardly and accordingly it is possible to prevent the skirts from lapping with air pressure.

In addition, in this case, this invention is preferably set such that some protrusions contacted with the side presses to receive the side presses are arranged to be protruded against the sides of the torso at the upper portions of the stoppers and the protruding length of the protrusions is formed in such a way that it may be adjusted. (claim 4)

Because, in accordance with this arrangement, it is possible to set the inclination angles of the side presses in response to the type of jacket or its size and its finished state can be made superior.

In addition, in this case, as shown in FIG. 5 and the like, it is preferable that the protrusions are bolts threadably fitted to the upper portions of the stoppers with their heads being faced toward the sides of the torso. (claim 5)

Because, in accordance with this arrangement, it is possible that the adjustment of the length of the protrusion is obtained easily at a low cost by its construction. In this case, the bolts include screws.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view for showing one preferred embodiment of the device of this invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view for showing the device of this invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the device of this invention.

FIG. 4 is a substantial plan view showing the device of this invention.

FIG. 5 is a substantial perspective view showing a stopper.

FIG. 6 is a substantial front view illustrating an action of the stopper.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The best preferred embodiment for carrying out this invention will be described as follows:

In FIG. 1 and the like, 1 denotes a jacket and 2 denotes a torso on which the jacket 1 is put. This torso 2 is made such that both shoulders 2a are formed in such a way that they can be expanded to a side part in compliance with the size of the jacket 1.

Reference numeral 3 denotes a nozzle for use in blowing steam inside the jacket 1 wound around this torso. As shown in FIG. 2, this nozzle 3 is constructed such that a pair of front and rear nozzles 3 are raised.

Reference numeral 4 denotes a heat exchanger for use in discharging steam heat inside the jacket 1 worn on the torso 2. The heat exchanger 4 is practically formed by a radiator. As shown in FIG. 2, the heat exchanger 4 is connected to a steam flow inlet 5 and then steam is supplied from this steam flow inlet 5.

In addition, 6 denotes a steam separator and a water separator for use in removing water droplets from steam of which temperature is decreased through a heat exchanging with the heat exchanger 4. To this steam separator 6 is connected a drain discharging pipe 7. The heat exchanger 4 and the steam separator 6 are connected with a pipe passage 8 and the steam separator 6 and the nozzle 3 are connected with a pipe passage 9.

Reference numeral 10 denotes a cylindrical base frame arranged below the torso 2 under its raised state. This base frame 10 in this preferred embodiment is formed into a rectangular cylindrical shape with its sectional shape being rectangular. In addition, an air flow inlet 11 is opened at the lower part of the base frame 10 and it is formed such that air from a blower 12 can be supplied into the base frame 10 through the air flow inlet 11.

The aforesaid steam separator 6 is arranged within the base frame 10 together with the heat exchanger 4. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, in the case of this preferred embodiment, the steam separator 6 is arrange at the lower side of the heat exchanger 4 while being arranged laterally along a forward or rearward direction of the torso 2.

In addition, 13 denotes a pair of right and left side expanders for use in pushing and widening both side skirts of the jacket 1 put on the torso 2 and tensioning them. The side expanders 13 are arranged at raised supporting frames 14 in such a way that they may be oscillated through a lateral shaft 15 (see FIGS. 2 and 6).

Reference numeral 16 denotes stoppers for preventing the upper portions of the side expanders 13 from being inclined inwardly around the aforesaid lateral shaft 15. The stoppers 16 are arranged at both sides of the cylindrical base frame 10 in their raised state. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 or the like, the stoppers 16 are practically raised vertically at both sides of the base frame 10, their upper portions are bent into crank shapes, the vertical raised locations 16a are provided with protrusions 17 contacted with the side expanders 13 to receive the side expanders 13 while being protruded to the sides of the torso 2.

The protrusions 17 in this preferred embodiment are formed by bolts. This bolt is threadably fitted to the raised location 16a of the stopper 16 with the head 17a being faced toward the side of the torso 2. Accordingly, in the case of this preferred embodiment, a protruding length is adjusted by changing a screwing depth of the bolt acting as the protrusion 17.

The side expanders 13 are set such that the lower part of the supporting frame 14 is pivoted through the shaft 19 to the extremity end of the supporting arm 18 protruded from the side surface of the base frame 10 in a horizontal direction.

Reference numeral 20 denotes an air cylinder arranged between the lower end of the supporting frame 14 and the side surface of the base frame 10. When the rod of this air cylinder 20 is retracted, the supporting frame 14 turns outwardly around the shaft 19 by a predetermined angle, the side expanders 13 apply a tension to the skirts of the jacket 1 and in turn when the rod of this air cylinder 20 extends, the supporting frame 14 turns inwardly and is arranged at its initial state.

Further, 21 denotes a pair of front and rear skirt pressers for use in pressing the front and rear skirts of the jacket 1. In addition, 22 denotes air cylinders acting as driving devices for the skirt pressers 21. The air cylinders acting as the driving devices 22 are arranged between the lower parts of the supporting members 23 of the skirt pressers 21 and the base frame 10 in correspondence with the pair of front and rear skirt pressers 21.

When the rods of the air cylinders acting as the driving devices 22 are retracted, the skirt pressers 21 turn around the shaft rod 24 toward the torso 2 to press against the front and rear skirts of the jacket 1 and in turn when the rods of the air cylinders acting as the driving device 22 extend, the skirt pressers turn toward the front side and the rear side of the torso 2 and are moved away from the skirts.

Then, an action of this invention will be described as follows:

At first, when steam is supplied to the heat exchanger 4, heat is radiated from the heat exchanger 4, the steam is changed into hot air with air supplied from the blower 12, ascends as hot air, the steam is blown into the jacket 1 put on the torso 2. Then, the steam of which temperature has been decreased through the heat exchanging operation, passes from the heat exchanger 4 through a pipe passage 8 and enters into the steam separator 6 and water droplets are removed by the steam separator 6 as shown in FIG. 2.

Then, the steam of which water droplets have been removed with the steam separator 6 passes through a pipe passage 9, is sent to the nozzle 3 and then blown from the nozzle 3 inside the jacket 1.

In addition, in the case of this invention, heat outputted from the steam separator 6 is merged with heat outputted from the heat exchanger 4, becomes high temperature hot air and is blown inside the jacket 1.

Thus, when the hot air is blown against the jacket 1, since the skirts of the jacket 1 are usually formed in such a way that they be widened downwardly, as shown by an arrow in FIG. 6, the lower portions of the side presses 13 turn outwardly around the lateral shaft 15. Then, the upper portions of the side presses 13 are engaged with the heads 17a of the bolts acting as the protrusions 17 as indicated in FIG. 6 as a dot-dot-dash line.

With this arrangement, the upper portions of the side presses 13 are prevented from being inclined more inwardly. Accordingly, in accordance with this invention the jacket 1 is finished neat and dried without a state in which its skirts lap.

Claims

1. A solid finishing device for jackets comprising a torso on which a jacket is put, a nozzle for blowing steam inside the jacket put on the torso, a heat exchanger for discharging heat of the steam inside the jacket put on the torso, a steam separator for removing water droplets from the steam heat exchanged with this heat exchanger and having its temperature decreased, and characterized in that a cylindrical base frame is arranged in its raised state below said torso, said steam separator is arranged within the base frame together with the heat exchanger, and the steam having water droplets removed with the steam separator is supplied to said nozzle.

2. The solid finishing device for jackets according to claim 1, characterized in that the steam separator is arranged below the heat exchanger in a lateral orientation along a forward/rearward direction of the torso.

3. The solid finishing device for jackets according to claim 1, characterized in that a pair of right and left side presses for use in pushing and widening both skirts of the jacket put on the torso and tensioning them are oscillatably arranged at the upper part of the raised supporting frame through a lateral shaft extending along a forward to rearward direction of the torso, stoppers for preventing the upper portions of the side presses from being inclined inwardly around said lateral shaft are arranged at both sides of the cylindrical base frame in a raised state.

4. The solid finishing device for jackets according to claim 3, characterized in that some protrusions contacted with the side presses to receive the side presses are arranged to be protruded against the sides of the torso at the upper portions of the stoppers, and the protruding length of the protrusions is formed in such a way that it may be adjusted.

5. The solid finishing device for jackets according to claim 4, characterized in that the protrusions are bolts threadably fitted to the upper portions of the stoppers with their heads being faced toward the sides of the torso.