EP3067460B1 - Method for folding laundry - Google Patents

Method for folding laundry Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP3067460B1
EP3067460B1 EP16000279.6A EP16000279A EP3067460B1 EP 3067460 B1 EP3067460 B1 EP 3067460B1 EP 16000279 A EP16000279 A EP 16000279A EP 3067460 B1 EP3067460 B1 EP 3067460B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
laundry
folding
item
criterion
items
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP16000279.6A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP3067460A1 (en
Inventor
Wilhelm Bringewatt
Engelbert Heinz
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Herbert Kannegiesser GmbH and Co
Original Assignee
Herbert Kannegiesser GmbH and Co
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Herbert Kannegiesser GmbH and Co filed Critical Herbert Kannegiesser GmbH and Co
Publication of EP3067460A1 publication Critical patent/EP3067460A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3067460B1 publication Critical patent/EP3067460B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F89/00—Apparatus for folding textile articles with or without stapling

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a method for folding laundry items.
  • Items of laundry are folded automatically in laundries using folding machines.
  • the items of laundry are folded lengthways and/or crossways at least once. In this process, several layers of the item of laundry are placed on top of each other in an overlapping manner.
  • folding crossways the items of laundry are shortened in length.
  • the "length" of the items of laundry refers to the direction in which they extend in the direction of transport through the folding machine.
  • folding lengthways the dimension of the items of laundry that extends across the length of the items of laundry, usually the width, is reduced.
  • Optimum folding results are achieved when the layers placed on top of each other are either the same length and/or the fold lines or fold edges of the respective item of laundry are congruent.
  • the desired overlaps (called the overlap dimension) are not achieved for various reasons, in particular due to the dimensions and/or material properties of the items of laundry, but also influences from the folding machine, such as wear and tear on the folding machine. This applies in particular to so-called mixed operation of the folding machine, in which items of laundry of different sizes and types are to be folded in any irregular order. This usually results in what is known as an overlap difference. This overlap difference is tolerated to a certain extent, but it should be as small as possible.
  • the folding quality is no longer sufficient because the edges or borders or ends of the layers of laundry placed on top of each other do not lie precisely enough on top of each other. If the overlap difference becomes so large that it results in an intolerable impairment of the folding quality, attempts have been made to reduce the overlap difference by changing the mechanical settings of the folding machine. This often requires longer downtimes of the folding machine and a certain amount of skill and experience from the person changing the settings. In many cases, changes to the settings of the folding machine are not made for cost reasons and poor folding results are accepted. In mixed operation, the folding machine is set to an estimated average value.
  • the invention is based on the object of creating a method for folding laundry items, which automatically compensates for at least a large extent for overlap differences, taking into account the influencing factors affecting the folding quality, in particular in mixed operation.
  • a method for solving this problem has the measures of claim 1. Accordingly, the folding process is carried out based on at least one criterion (folding criterion) in such a way that the respective item of laundry is folded at least approximately with the intended overlap dimension.
  • the thickness and/or the weight of the respective item of laundry are also taken into account as at least one criterion that influences the overlap dimension.
  • the at least one criterion leads to 3 to the desired overlap dimension and to the smallest possible, ideally none, overlap difference. The process is therefore particularly suitable for mixed operation of folding machines.
  • the method provides for determining at least one criterion before folding or before starting the respective folding process of the item of laundry in question, preferably by at least one direct or indirect measurement of the item of laundry or on the item of laundry.
  • the folding process is set, in particular controlled and/or regulated, based on at least one criterion or folding criterion, in such a way that the item of laundry can be expected to be folded with the intended overlap and thus with no or almost no overlap difference. In this way, the folding machine is automatically and individually adjusted to the item of laundry to be folded.
  • the method also provides for the setting, in particular the control and/or regulation of the folding process, to be carried out using at least one correction value that has been derived from at least one criterion. Suitable correction values are thus available for the respective criterion and/or different criteria, which can be used to set, control and/or regulate the folding process or the folding machine.
  • the respective correction value is determined based on at least one criterion of the item of laundry. It is preferably provided that several correction values are determined based on and/or in relation to at least two criteria. Correction values are preferably set up for different values or value ranges, for example lengths or length ranges on the one hand and thicknesses or thickness ranges on the other. In an advantageous embodiment of the method, the correction values obtained in this way are assigned to an at least two-dimensional matrix or stored as such a matrix, for example in a control system of the folding machine. The correction value corresponding to and/or suitable for the folding criteria of the item of laundry to be folded next can be taken from the matrix and used to set, control or regulate the folding machine.
  • the correction values related to the lengths or widths are stored in the matrix as one criterion of the laundry items and at least one other criterion. This makes it possible to extract a correction value from the matrix that matches the length and/or width of the respective laundry item depending on at least one other criterion of the same. This procedure is based on the knowledge that for larger or smaller laundry items, the correction values are different. pieces, the correction values change and/or at least one other criterion of the same depends on the length and width.
  • the method preferably provides for the folding process to be specifically and individually adjusted to the next item of laundry to be folded, in particular to be controlled or regulated, using a correction value from the matrix that corresponds to the item of laundry to be folded.
  • the distance of, for example, folding templates for folding the item of laundry lengthways and/or the correct time for folding the item of laundry crossways is set or determined using the correction value from the matrix that matches the item of laundry to be folded next.
  • the method can be used particularly advantageously if the criteria for the laundry items are, on the one hand, the length and/or width of the respective laundry item and, on the other hand, the thickness, stiffness, volume, weight, temperature and/or an image of the respective laundry item determined by an imaging process.
  • Correction values can thus be created for all or some of these criteria, which are stored in a two-dimensional or more than two-dimensional matrix depending on the number of criteria.
  • a correction value assigned to the respective length or width of the next laundry item to be folded can then be taken from this matrix, which correction value takes into account the at least one further criterion of the laundry item in question, preferably depends on it and/or is related to it.
  • laundry items of different sizes and also laundry items with otherwise differing criteria, in particular properties can be folded one after the other in the folding machine precisely with as little overlap difference as possible.
  • a folding machine parameter in particular a criterion corresponding to the age or state of wear of the folding machine, for example the number of operating hours of the folding machine, to carry out the method according to the invention.
  • the correction values previously determined and stored in the matrix can be adapted to the state of the folding machine, in particular the number of operating hours, and deviations due to age or wear can thus be compensated so that they do not negatively affect the folding quality.
  • the length, width, thickness, stiffness, temperature and/or the weight of the item of laundry must be determined before the first folding takes place.
  • the appropriate correction value which has preferably been determined and/or calculated based on the folding result of the last folded item of laundry with the same criteria, can then be taken from the matrix and the folding machine can be set and/or operated accordingly in order to be able to fold the respective item of laundry precisely and with high folding quality with the smallest possible overlap difference.
  • Another possible further development of the method involves determining at least one criterion of the respective item of laundry using an imaging process or scanning. This not only makes it possible to determine the size of the respective item of laundry, but also the volume of the item of laundry, the type of fabric or surface structure or the type of item of laundry, for example flat laundry or clothing. This makes it possible to determine criteria of the respective item of laundry to be folded that cannot be determined in any other way or can only be determined inaccurately. Several different criteria can also be determined using a photographic or scanned image of the respective item of laundry.
  • a data carrier assigned to it can be, for example, a barcode, a QR code or data from an RFID chip. This reading of the criteria can completely or partially replace determining the criteria through measurements and/or images.
  • the correction values are derived, preferably calculated, from the at least one criterion of the respective item of laundry using reference and/or empirical values.
  • This process does not use static correction values, which would also be possible in principle, but dynamic, so-called "flowing" correction values. In this way, the previously determined correction values are checked and, if necessary, adjusted and thus brought up to date.
  • the Fig.1 and 2 show one of many possible devices for automatically folding items of laundry 10.
  • the items of laundry 10 can be flat laundry such as bed linen, table linen or towels, but also items of clothing such as bathrobes, which can be folded in an irregular order, i.e. mixed, using the method according to the invention.
  • the device shown serves to fold the laundry items 10 crosswise in three consecutive cross-folding stations 11, 12 and 13.
  • the invention is not limited to this. It also relates to folding devices with a larger or smaller number of cross-folding stations 11, 12 and 13 or even just a single cross-folding station 11.
  • the laundry items 10 are transported one after the other in the direction of travel 14 through the folding device. Depending on the size of the respective laundry item 10, it is folded crosswise by just one cross-folding station 11, two cross-folding stations 11, 12 or all three cross-folding stations 11, 12 and 13.
  • the laundry items 10 can be transported through the folding device either lengthways or crossways, and can also be transported alternately, in the direction of travel 14.
  • the "length" of the laundry item refers to the distance between parallel edges of the laundry item in the direction of travel 14.
  • this is the actual length and for laundry items 10 transported crossways through the folding device, this is the width of the same.
  • Cross-folding means that the laundry items 10 are provided with a cross-fold in the active cross-folding station 11, 12 or 13, which runs transversely to the direction of travel 14.
  • the laundry items 10 are folded lengthwise in each cross-folding station 11, 12 or 13, i.e. their length or width is halved and the number of layers is doubled. This results in several layers of laundry items being placed on top of each other. 10, whereby the layers of laundry placed on top of each other when folded crosswise ideally overlap completely.
  • the folding device shown with only three cross-folding stations 11, 12 and 13 has several belt conveyors 15, 16, 17, 18 and 19.
  • the belt conveyors 15 to 19 each have a belt that runs across the entire working width of the folding device or several narrower belts arranged next to one another, which together extend across the entire working width of the folding device.
  • a first belt conveyor 15 is preferably driven continuously in the same direction, namely the direction of travel 14. The same preferably applies to the belt conveyor 19 for transporting away the finished folded items of laundry 10. Its upper run 20 therefore also only moves in the direction of travel 14.
  • the first belt conveyor 15, which also serves to transport the item of laundry 10 to be folded to the cross-folding stations 11, 12 and 13, is guided around its deflection drums, at least one of which can be driven.
  • An upper run 21 of the belt conveyor 15 has an approximately roof-shaped course.
  • Belt conveyors 16, 17 with a straight upper run 22, 23 are arranged on top of or below one another to the side of a downward-facing section of the upper run 21 of the belt conveyor 15. Narrow gaps are formed between the upper runs 21, 22 and 23 of the belt conveyors 15, 16 and 17, each of which forms a cross-folding gap 24, 25 of the cross-folding station 11 or 12.
  • the cross-folding station 13 is formed in a different way.
  • the belt conveyor 18 is placed under the lower end of the upper run 21 of the belt conveyor 15.
  • a cross-folding gap of the third cross-folding station 13 is formed between a lower deflection drum at the end of the upper run 21 of the belt conveyor 15 and an upper run 26 of the belt conveyor 18.
  • a guide drum 28 arranged next to the deflection drum at the lower end of the belt conveyor 15 is assigned to this.
  • the guide drum 28 forms a through-passage gap 29 at the lower end of the belt conveyor 15.
  • the belt conveyor 19 used to transport folded laundry items 10 is arranged downstream of the belt conveyor 18 for this purpose in such a way that the fully folded laundry item 10 can be transferred from the rear end of the belt conveyor 18 to the belt conveyor 19.
  • the folding device shown can have a longitudinal folding station before the first transverse folding station 11.
  • This longitudinal folding station serves to fold all or only to provide certain items of laundry 10 with at least one longitudinal fold, which folds over at least one edge region of the item of laundry 10 to be folded lengthwise, thereby creating at least one longitudinal fold line running parallel to the direction of travel 14.
  • both opposite edge regions of the item of laundry 10 to be folded lengthwise are folded over one after the other, so that two parallel longitudinal fold lines are created and the item of laundry then lies in three layers on top of one another.
  • the longitudinal folding takes place around so-called folding templates. These are thin, ruler-like strips of material with outer edges running parallel to the direction of travel 14. Outer edge areas of the item of laundry 10 to be folded lengthwise are placed around these outer edges, with the longitudinal fold lines created during the longitudinal folding being located on the longitudinal outer edges of the folding templates.
  • the distances between the folding templates are adjustable, namely they can be moved together and apart transversely to the direction of travel 15, whereby the distance between the outer longitudinal edges of the folding templates running parallel to the direction of travel 14 changes. This adjustment is usually carried out automatically depending on the type and size of the item of laundry 10 to be folded lengthwise and the desired fold, in particular the overlap.
  • the method according to the invention is not only suitable for the Fig.1 and 2 shown folding machine with three transverse folding stations 11, 12, 13, but also for folding machines with transverse folding stations and at least one longitudinal folding station, but also folding machines with only at least one longitudinal folding station.
  • the folding process is carried out automatically based on at least one criterion (folding criterion) in such a way that the respective item of laundry 10 is folded at least approximately with the predetermined overlap dimension.
  • Cross-folding is usually carried out with an overlap dimension in which the layers lying on top of one another are the same size and/or the edges of all layers lie on top of one another in such a way that they form an imaginary cuboid, and consequently there is no overlap difference.
  • An overlap difference would exist if a layer protrudes or recedes over the entire cuboid on any side.
  • the method according to the invention aims to automatically adjust or to adjust or readjust so that the specified overlap dimension is maintained and when folding with layers placed congruently on top of each other there is no overlap difference or at least the overlap difference is minimized.
  • the automatic setting, adjustment or correction of the folding machine is carried out according to the method according to the invention based on at least one criterion of the item of laundry 10 to be folded, preferably several criteria. If different items of laundry 10 with the same or different folds are to be folded one after the other in the folding machine 10, the folding machine can be specifically adjusted to this based on the criteria of the respective item of laundry, namely based on individual setting values, preferably correction values, for the respective item of laundry 10. If identical items of laundry 10 are to be folded one after the other, the folding machine 10 can nevertheless be adjusted if the previous item of laundry 10 was folded with an overlap difference or too large an overlap difference. In this case, the folding machine is only adjusted for correction purposes, not to adapt to different items of laundry. For the sake of simplicity, we will always refer to "correction values" below, even if, strictly speaking, the adjustment of the folding machine to different items of laundry does not only involve such values, but rather combined setting and correction values.
  • the criteria of the laundry items 10 for controlling the folding process are such that the laundry items 10 can be folded at least with approximately the intended overlap dimensions, preferably without an overlap difference.
  • the criteria can be different, depending on how large the spectrum of different laundry items 10 is that are to be folded one after the other on the folding machine. For example, a first criterion is whether it is flat laundry or so-called shaped parts such as clothing items.
  • Further criteria are the thickness of the respective item of laundry. This has an influence on the overlap size or the overlap difference, because table linen made of thin fabric behaves very differently when folded than towels or bathrobes made of thicker terry cloth material.
  • Another criterion is the stiffness of the material of the respective item of laundry 10. Very flexible items of laundry 10 can be folded more tightly than less flexible, stiffer items of laundry 10.
  • Another criterion is the length and/or width of the respective item of laundry 10. The length is decisive for the cross-folding, in particular the number of cross-folds, of items of laundry 10 that pass through the folding machine lengthwise, while the width is decisive for the at least one longitudinal fold is important.
  • the width measurement is decisive for the cross folds and the length measurement for the longitudinal folds.
  • the weight, temperature and/or volume of the laundry item 10 can also serve as criteria. If, for example, the area (length and width) of the laundry item is known by measurement, the thickness can be determined from the volume without having to measure it separately.
  • the weight of the laundry item 10 provides an indication of the stiffness depending on the size, because specifically heavy laundry items 10 are generally stiffer than specifically lighter laundry items 10.
  • Another criterion for the folding process which does not depend on the laundry items 10, is the condition of the folding machine.
  • the folding result changes with increasing wear of the folding machine, for example stretching of the belts of the belt conveyors. Therefore, the age of the folding machine or the time since the last maintenance is an important criterion.
  • This criterion can be expressed using the number of operating hours since the folding machine was put into service and/or the last maintenance.
  • the criteria directly relating to the laundry items 10 can be individually determined by measurements on the respective laundry item 10 before the first folding process begins, but can also be read from data carriers that are assigned to the respective laundry item 10 by providing each laundry item 10 with a data carrier that contains the individual criteria and, if necessary, further data of the respective laundry item 10.
  • the data carriers can be barcodes, QR codes, RFID chips or other data carriers suitable for laundry items 10. If these contain the required criteria, the criteria can be read individually for the respective laundry item 10 from the data carriers without measurements.
  • the thickness of the The thickness of the laundry item 10 can be determined by a distance sensor above a defined point over which the laundry item 10 runs, for example the upper run 20 of the belt conveyor 15. The thickness of the laundry item 10 is then determined from the distance value of the distance sensor to the upper run 20 of the belt conveyor 15 when the laundry item 10 is not present, subtracted from the smaller distance when the laundry item 10 is present and runs past the distance sensor.
  • the thickness of the laundry item 10 can also be determined by a mechanical scanning device that touches it, for example a feeler wheel.
  • the length and/or width of the item of laundry 10 can preferably be determined in a contactless manner by sensors at suitable points on the folding machine before the first folding station.
  • throughput sensors can determine the dimensions, preferably width, of the item of laundry 10 transverse to the direction of travel 14.
  • the dimensions, in particular the length of the items of laundry 10 in the direction of travel 14, are preferably determined by a contactless sensor in conjunction with a displacement sensor.
  • the displacement sensor which can be assigned to the drive of a deflection drum of the belt conveyor 15, for example, is started when the front edge of the item of laundry 10 passes the sensor and stopped when the rear edge of the item of laundry 10 passes the same sensor.
  • the weight of the respective item of laundry 10 can be determined by scales, in particular weight sensors or load cells.
  • a scale or load cell can be integrated into the folding machine. It is preferably located in front of the folding machine.
  • the stiffness of the laundry item 10 is preferably determined by a distance sensor, preferably in or in front of the first transverse folding gap 24. If, before the transverse folding, the laundry item 10 is first transported by the belt conveyor 15 across the transverse folding gap 24 to the upper run 22 of the belt conveyor 16, whereby the laundry item 10 is deflected by approximately 90° in the embodiment shown, a larger radius is formed during the deflection across the transverse folding gap 24 for a stiff laundry item 10 than for a flexible laundry item.
  • the distance sensor determines a distance proportional to this radius, from which the stiffness of the respective laundry item 10 can be derived using comparative or empirical values.
  • Fig.3 a two-dimensional matrix with two criteria of the relevant item of laundry 10 is shown with correction values partially entered.
  • the length of the items of laundry 10 is entered on the ordinate and the thickness on the abscess.
  • the length is the direction in which the items of laundry extend in the direction of travel 14. This length is decisive for the overlap dimension or overlap difference for the cross-folding of the items of laundry 10. For items of laundry 10 entered crosswise, the length would be the actual width of the items of laundry 10.
  • the width of the laundry items 10 is important.
  • a separate or different matrix would be used, in which the width values of the laundry items 10 are plotted on the ordinate, which can also be the actual length of the laundry items 10 passing across the folding machine.
  • a correction value is entered in each matrix field 30, whereby in the Fig.3 For reasons of simplification, correction values are entered only in a part of the matrix fields 30.
  • Each matrix field 30 extends in the embodiment shown of the Fig.3 over a certain length and thickness range of laundry items 10. In the Fig.3 Each matrix field is assigned to an area of 100 mm length and 2 mm thickness of laundry items 10. The correction value in the matrix field 30 then applies to these areas.
  • the matrix is stored in the memory of a control or regulation system of the folding machine. This applies in particular to the correction values in the respective matrix field 30. If, for example, before the relevant cross-fold, the length of the item of laundry 10 to be folded is determined to be 1,240 mm and the thickness is 4.5 mm, the correction value -8 would be taken from the associated matrix field 30, which can represent a correction factor, but can also be an adjustment value. The control or regulation system then initiates the corresponding setting of the folding machine.
  • the time at which the belt conveyor 16 is reversed is then determined based on this setting. This determines how far the front end 31 of the item of laundry 10 must have run up the upper run 22 of the belt conveyor 16 until the direction of rotation of the belt conveyor 16 is reversed and the item of laundry 10 runs with a preferably central area into the cross-folding gap 24 of the first cross-folding station 14, where the first cross-fold of the item of laundry 10 is done by placing two layers of the same, ideally of the same length, on top of each other.
  • the determination of how far the item of laundry 10 must have run up the upper run 22 of the belt conveyor 16 so that the belt conveyor 16 can be reversed is done in a well-known manner by sensors and/or position measuring devices.
  • the correction value -8 means that the cross-folding process is initiated before half the length of the item of laundry 10 has run up the upper run 22 of the belt conveyor 16. It is the other way round with a positive correction value.
  • the longitudinal folding is carried out in a similar way using a specially created matrix with correction values for the longitudinal folding.
  • These correction values can be values that correspond directly to the distance between the outer edges of the two parallel folding blades, whereby the ideal distance between the folding templates corresponding to the overlap dimension is multiplied by a correction value or the correction value is added or subtracted - depending on the sign, in order to bring the distance between the folding templates to a modified, corrected distance.
  • the correction value is the value by which the distance between the folding templates must be adjusted in order to achieve the optimal overlap dimension with as little overlap difference as possible.
  • correction values for other or more than two in the Fig. 3 criteria shown as examples. If a third criterion is to be taken into account, for example the stiffness of the laundry item 10, the correction values would have to be taken from a three-dimensional matrix. It is also conceivable to use the Fig.3 to form the two-dimensional matrix shown with other criteria, such as the length and stiffness and/or the length and number of operating hours of the folding machine.
  • the correction values in the respective matrix can be determined in various ways. For example, they can be based on experience and/or previous measurements.
  • the folding results achieved in at least the first cross-folding station 11 or also in a longitudinal folding station are measured and thus checked to see whether there is an overlap difference and how large this is.
  • This measurement or check does not necessarily have to be carried out after the cross-folding or longitudinal folding has been completed.
  • the measurement can also be carried out shortly before the end of the cross-folding or longitudinal folding process.
  • the Fig.1 and 2 The sensors shown are provided just before the cross-folding gap 24.
  • the sensor 32 is assigned to the upper run 21 of the belt conveyor 15 and the sensor 33 to the upper run 22 of the belt conveyor 16.
  • the distances of the sensors 32, 33 to the cross-folding gap 24 are the same length.
  • the sensor 32 assigned to the belt conveyor 21 detects a rear end 34 of the item of laundry 10 passing through it at the end of the first cross-folding process, while the sensor 32 assigned to the belt conveyor 16 detects the front end 31 of the item of laundry shortly before it enters the cross-folding gap 24.
  • An overlap difference exists if the front end 31 and the rear end 34 of the item of laundry 10 pass the sensors 32 and 33 at different times.
  • the correction value in the relevant matrix field 30, which corresponds to the length and thickness of the currently folded item of laundry is changed or corrected and/or overwritten with a new correction value.
  • This adjusted or changed correction value is then used to cross-fold the next item of laundry 10, which is to be folded cross-wise in the length and thickness range of the associated matrix field 30 with the new, updated correction value.
  • the procedure described above in connection with the first cross-folding station 11 can also be carried out at one or each subsequent cross-folding station 12, 13. However, it may be sufficient to use the method according to the invention only at one cross-folding station, and not necessarily the first cross-folding station 11.
  • the process is basically the same at longitudinal folding stations.
  • a separate matrix is then created and used for longitudinal folding.
  • This matrix can be used in the same way as the matrix in Fig.3 be constructed. Only then the width of the laundry items 10 is entered on the ordinate instead of the length.
  • other criteria of the laundry items 10 can also be used to form the matrix, or more than two criteria, so that a three-dimensional or more than three-dimensional matrix is produced.
  • the distances of the folding templates set to the width of the laundry item 10 to be folded are then automatically corrected with the correction value belonging, for example, to the width and thickness range into which the laundry item falls, so that those distances of the folding templates that deviate from the nominal distance by the correction value, namely are correspondingly larger or smaller, are automatically set.
  • the matrix for longitudinal folds can also be adjusted to the folding result achieved with the current correction value by determining the result after the longitudinal fold and the correction value of the laundry items 10 is changed or adjusted with the same criteria, in particular values or value ranges of these criteria, as in the previously folded laundry item 10.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Textile Engineering (AREA)
  • Treatment Of Fiber Materials (AREA)

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft ein Verfahren zum Falten von Wäschestücken.The invention relates to a method for folding laundry items.

Wäschestücke, und zwar vor allem Flachwäsche (Tischdecken, Handtücher, Bettbezüge, Kopfkissen, Bettlaken und ähnliche), aber auch Bekleidungsstücke wie zum Beispiel Bademäntel oder Berufsbekleidung, werden in Wäschereien automatisch mit Faltmaschinen gefaltet. Dabei werden die Wäschestücke zumindest einmal längs- und/oder quergefaltet. Hierbei werden mehrere Lagen des Wäschestücks überlappend übereinandergelegt. Beim Querfalten werden die Wäschestücke in der Länge verkürzt. Unter "Länge" der Wäschestücke ist dabei die Erstreckungsrichtung desselben in Transportrichtung durch die Faltmaschine gemeint. Beim Längsfalten wird das sich quer zur Länge der Wäschestücke erstreckende Maß derselben, üblicherweise die Breite, verringert. Demzufolge entstehen beim Längsfalten Faltlinien der Wäschestücke, die parallel zur Durchlaufrichtung derselben durch die Faltmaschine verlaufen. Beim Querfalten hingegen verlaufen die Faltlinien der Wäschestücke quer zur Durchlaufrichtung derselben durch die Faltmaschine.Items of laundry, especially flat linen (tablecloths, towels, bed covers, pillows, bed sheets and the like), but also items of clothing such as bathrobes or workwear, are folded automatically in laundries using folding machines. The items of laundry are folded lengthways and/or crossways at least once. In this process, several layers of the item of laundry are placed on top of each other in an overlapping manner. When folding crossways, the items of laundry are shortened in length. The "length" of the items of laundry refers to the direction in which they extend in the direction of transport through the folding machine. When folding lengthways, the dimension of the items of laundry that extends across the length of the items of laundry, usually the width, is reduced. As a result, when folding lengthways, fold lines are created on the items of laundry that run parallel to the direction in which they pass through the folding machine. When folding crossways, on the other hand, the fold lines on the items of laundry run across the direction in which they pass through the folding machine.

Optimale Faltergebnisse werden erzielt, wenn bei der jeweiligen Faltung die übereinander gelegten Lagen entweder gleich lang sind und/oder die Faltlinien oder Faltkanten des jeweiligen Wäschestücks deckungsgleich übereinander liegen. In der Praxis werden aus verschiedenen Gründen, und zwar insbesondere aufgrund der Abmessungen und/oder Materialeigenschaften der Wäschestücke, aber auch von der Faltmaschine stammende Einflüsse, beispielsweise Verschleiß der Faltmaschine, die gewünschten Überlappungen (Überlappungsmaß genannt) nicht erreicht. Das gilt vor allem bei einem sogenannten Mischbetrieb der Faltmaschine, bei dem in der Größe und Art verschiedene Wäschestücke in beliebiger, unregelmäßiger Reihenfolge zu falten sind. Es kommt daher in der Regel zu einer sogenannten Überlappungsdifferenz. Diese Überlappungsdifferenz wird zwar in einem gewissen Umfang toleriert, sie sollte aber möglichst gering sein. Bei einer zu großen Üperlappungsdifferenz ist keine ausreichende Faltqualität mehr gegeben, weil Kanten bzw. Ränder oder Enden der übereinander gelegten Lagen der Wäschestücke nicht aureichend genau übereinander liegen. Wenn die Überlappungsdifferenz so groß wird, dass das eine nicht mehr tolerierbare Beeinträchtigung der Faltqualität zur Folge hat, wird bisher versucht, die Überlappungsdifferenz durch Veränderung der mechanischen Einstellungen der Faltmaschine zu reduzieren. Das erfordert vielfach längere Stillstandszeiten der Faltmaschine und einiges Geschick sowie Erfahrungen der die Einstellung verändernden Person. Vielfach wird es auch aus Kostengründen unterlassen, Veränderungen an der Einstellung der Faltmaschine vorzunehmen und schlechte Faltergebnisse hingenommen. Beim Mischbetrieb wird die Faltmaschine auf einen geschätzten Mittelwert eingestellt.Optimum folding results are achieved when the layers placed on top of each other are either the same length and/or the fold lines or fold edges of the respective item of laundry are congruent. In practice, the desired overlaps (called the overlap dimension) are not achieved for various reasons, in particular due to the dimensions and/or material properties of the items of laundry, but also influences from the folding machine, such as wear and tear on the folding machine. This applies in particular to so-called mixed operation of the folding machine, in which items of laundry of different sizes and types are to be folded in any irregular order. This usually results in what is known as an overlap difference. This overlap difference is tolerated to a certain extent, but it should be as small as possible. If the overlap difference is too large, the folding quality is no longer sufficient because the edges or borders or ends of the layers of laundry placed on top of each other do not lie precisely enough on top of each other. If the overlap difference becomes so large that it results in an intolerable impairment of the folding quality, attempts have been made to reduce the overlap difference by changing the mechanical settings of the folding machine. This often requires longer downtimes of the folding machine and a certain amount of skill and experience from the person changing the settings. In many cases, changes to the settings of the folding machine are not made for cost reasons and poor folding results are accepted. In mixed operation, the folding machine is set to an estimated average value.

Aus der DE 34 19 146 A1 ist ein Verfahren zum mehrfachen Quer- und Längsfalten von Wäschestücken bekannt. Dazu werden vor dem Falten die Länge und Breite des ungefalteten Wäschestücks abgetastet. In Abhängigkeit vom Ergebnis dieser Abtastung werden unterschiedliche programmgesteuerte Faltungen der Wäschestücke durchgeführt. Es ist hieraus aber nicht bekannt, automatisch einen Ausgleich von Überlappungsdifferenzen unter Berücksichtigung von die Faltqualität beeinflussenden Kriterien durchzuführen.From the EN 34 19 146 A1 A method for multiple cross and length folding of laundry items is known. To do this, the length and width of the unfolded laundry item are scanned before folding. Depending on the result of this scanning, different program-controlled folds of the laundry items are carried out. However, it is not known from this to automatically compensate for overlap differences taking into account criteria that influence the folding quality.

Aus der EP 0 612 879 A1 ist es bekannt, die Dicke des jeweils zu faltenden Wäschestücks in eine Dateneingabevorrichtung einzugeben oder mittels einer Messeinrichtung zu bestimmen. Anhand der Dicke des jeweiligen Wäschestücks wird dann die Spaltweite des Querfaltspalts an die Dicke des Wäschestücks angepasst. Dadurch soll ein optimaler Transport des jeweiligen Wäschestücks in und durch den Faltspalt gewährleistet sein. Bei dem genannten Dokument ist es aber nicht vorgesehen, die Dicke des jeweiligen Wäschestücks heranzuziehen, um Einfluss auf das Überlappungsmaß beim Falten der Wäschestücke zu nehmen.From the EP 0 612 879 A1 It is known to enter the thickness of the item of laundry to be folded into a data input device or to determine it using a measuring device. Based on the thickness of the item of laundry, the width of the cross-folding gap is then adjusted to the thickness of the item of laundry. This is intended to ensure optimal transport of the item of laundry into and through the folding gap. However, the document mentioned does not provide for the thickness of the item of laundry to be used to influence the amount of overlap when folding the items of laundry.

Ausgehend vom Vorstehenden liegt der Erfindung die Aufgabe zugrunde, ein Verfahren zum Falten von Wäschestücken zu schaffen, womit automatisch mindestens größtenteils ein Ausgleich von Überlappungsdifferenzen unter Berücksichtigung der die Faltqualität beeinflussenden Einflussgrößen erfolgt, insbesondere im Mischbetrieb.Based on the above, the invention is based on the object of creating a method for folding laundry items, which automatically compensates for at least a large extent for overlap differences, taking into account the influencing factors affecting the folding quality, in particular in mixed operation.

Ein Verfahren zur Lösung dieser Aufgabe weist die Maßnahmen des Anspruchs 1 auf. Demnach erfolgt der Faltvorgang anhand mindestens eines Kriteriums (Faltkriterium) derart, dass das jeweilige Wäschestück mindestens annähernd mit dem vorgesehenen Überlappungsmaß gefaltet wird. Dazu werden auch die Dicke und/oder das Gewicht des jeweiligen Wäschestücks als mindestens ein Kriterium, das das Überlappungsmaß beeinflusst, berücksichtigt. Die Berücksichtigung des mindestens einen Kriteriums führt 3 zum gewünschten Überlappungsmaß und zu einer geringstmöglichen, idealerweise keiner, Überlappungsdifferenz. Das Verfahren eignet sich daher besonders beim Mischbetrieb von Faltmaschinen.A method for solving this problem has the measures of claim 1. Accordingly, the folding process is carried out based on at least one criterion (folding criterion) in such a way that the respective item of laundry is folded at least approximately with the intended overlap dimension. For this purpose, the thickness and/or the weight of the respective item of laundry are also taken into account as at least one criterion that influences the overlap dimension. Taking into account the at least one criterion leads to 3 to the desired overlap dimension and to the smallest possible, ideally none, overlap difference. The process is therefore particularly suitable for mixed operation of folding machines.

Das Verfahren sieht es vor, mindestens ein Kriterium vor dem Falten bzw. vor Beginn des jeweiligen Faltvorgangs des betreffenden Wäschestücks zu ermitteln, und zwar bevorzugt durch mindestens eine direkte oder indirekte Messung des Wäschestücks oder am Wäschestück.The method provides for determining at least one criterion before folding or before starting the respective folding process of the item of laundry in question, preferably by at least one direct or indirect measurement of the item of laundry or on the item of laundry.

Es ist vorgesehen, dass anhand des mindestens einen Kriteriums bzw. Faltkriteriums der Faltvorgang so eingestellt, insbesondere gesteuert und/oder geregelt wird, dass das Falten des Wäschestücks mit dem vorgesehenen Überlappungsmaß und somit ohne oder nahezu ohne Überlappungsdifferenz erwartet werden kann. Es wird so praktisch die Faltmaschine automatisch individuell auf das jeweils zu faltende Wäschestück eingestellt.It is intended that the folding process is set, in particular controlled and/or regulated, based on at least one criterion or folding criterion, in such a way that the item of laundry can be expected to be folded with the intended overlap and thus with no or almost no overlap difference. In this way, the folding machine is automatically and individually adjusted to the item of laundry to be folded.

Das Verfahren sieht es auch vor, die Einstellung, insbesondere die Steuerung und/oder Regelung des Faltvorgangs anhand wenigstens eines Korrekturwerts vorzunehmen, der von mindestens einem Kriterium abgeleitet worden ist. Es stehen so für das jeweilige Kriterium und/oder unterschiedliche Kriterien passende Korrekturwerte zur Verfügung, die herangezogen werden können, um den Faltvorgang bzw. die Faltmaschine einzustellen, zu steuern und/oder zu regeln.The method also provides for the setting, in particular the control and/or regulation of the folding process, to be carried out using at least one correction value that has been derived from at least one criterion. Suitable correction values are thus available for the respective criterion and/or different criteria, which can be used to set, control and/or regulate the folding process or the folding machine.

Es ist vorgesehen, dass der oder der jeweilige Korrekturwert anhand mindestens eines Kriteriums des Wäschestücks ermittelt wird. Bevorzugt ist es vorgesehen, dass mehrere Korrekturwerte anhand und/oder bezogen auf mindestens zwei Kriterien ermittelt werden. Vorzugsweise werden Korrekturwerte für unterschiedliche Werte oder Wertebereiche, zum Beispiel Längen bzw. Längenbereiche einerseits und Dicken bzw. Dickenbereiche andererseits, aufgestellt. Bei einer vorteilhaften Ausgestaltungsmöglichkeit des Verfahrens werden die so erhaltenen Korrekturwerte einer mindestens zweidimensionalen Matrix zugeordnet bzw. als eine solche Matrix abgespeichert, beispielsweise in einer Steuerung der Faltmaschine. Aus der Matrix kann für das jeweils als nächstes zu faltende Wäschestück der den Faltkriterien desselben entsprechende und/oder passende Korrekturwert entnommen und zur Einstellung, Steuerung bzw. Regelung der Faltmaschine herangezogen werden.It is provided that the respective correction value is determined based on at least one criterion of the item of laundry. It is preferably provided that several correction values are determined based on and/or in relation to at least two criteria. Correction values are preferably set up for different values or value ranges, for example lengths or length ranges on the one hand and thicknesses or thickness ranges on the other. In an advantageous embodiment of the method, the correction values obtained in this way are assigned to an at least two-dimensional matrix or stored as such a matrix, for example in a control system of the folding machine. The correction value corresponding to and/or suitable for the folding criteria of the item of laundry to be folded next can be taken from the matrix and used to set, control or regulate the folding machine.

Bei einer dehnbaren Ausgestaltung des Verfahrens sind die Korrekturwerte bezogen auf die Längen bzw. Breiten als ein Kriterium der Wäschestücke und mindestens ein weiteres Kriterium in der Matrix abgelegt bzw. abgespeichert. So ist es möglich, ein zur Länge und/ oder Breite des jeweiligen Wäschestücks in Abhängigkeit von mindestens einem weiteren Kriterium desselben passenden Korrekturwert der Matrix zu entnehmen. Diese Verfahrensweise geht von der Erkenntnis aus, dass bei größeren oder kleineren Wäsche-4 stücken sich die Korrekturwerte ändern und/oder mindestens ein anderes Kriterium desselben von der Länge und Breite abhängig ist. So ist es vor allem im Mischbetrieb möglich, zur Größe des jeweils als nächstes zu faltenden Wäschestücks aus der Matrix einen passenden Korrekturwert zu entnehmen, wonach die Faltmaschine eingestellt wird, so dass diese daraufhin das jeweilige Wäschestück individuell passend zu den Kriterien exakt, das heißt mit möglichst geringer Überlappungsdifferenz, faltet.In an extensible design of the method, the correction values related to the lengths or widths are stored in the matrix as one criterion of the laundry items and at least one other criterion. This makes it possible to extract a correction value from the matrix that matches the length and/or width of the respective laundry item depending on at least one other criterion of the same. This procedure is based on the knowledge that for larger or smaller laundry items, the correction values are different. pieces, the correction values change and/or at least one other criterion of the same depends on the length and width. In mixed operation in particular, it is possible to take a suitable correction value from the matrix for the size of the next piece of laundry to be folded, after which the folding machine is set so that it then folds the respective piece of laundry individually in accordance with the criteria exactly, i.e. with as little overlap difference as possible.

Bevorzugt sieht es das Verfahren vor, anhand eines mit dem zu faltenden Wäschestück korrespondierenden Korrekturwerts aus der Matrix den Faltvorgang gezielt und individuell auf das als nächstes zu faltende Wäschestück abzustimmen, insbesondere zu steuern oder zu regeln. Bevorzugt wird anhand des zum jeweils als nächstes zu faltenden Wäschestück passenden Korrekturwerts aus der Matrix der Abstand von zum Beispiel Faltschablonen zum Längsfalten des Wäschestücks und/oder der richtige Zeitpunkt zum Querfalten des Wäschestücks eingestellt bzw. bestimmt.The method preferably provides for the folding process to be specifically and individually adjusted to the next item of laundry to be folded, in particular to be controlled or regulated, using a correction value from the matrix that corresponds to the item of laundry to be folded. Preferably, the distance of, for example, folding templates for folding the item of laundry lengthways and/or the correct time for folding the item of laundry crossways is set or determined using the correction value from the matrix that matches the item of laundry to be folded next.

Besonders vorteilhaft lässt sich das Verfahren einsetzen, wenn als Kriterien der Wäschestücke einerseits die Länge und/oder Breite des jeweiligen Wäschestücks und andererseits die Dicke, die Steifigkeit, das Volumen, das Gewicht, die Temperatur und/oder ein durch ein bildgebendes Verfahren ermitteltes Abbild des jeweiligen Wäschestücks verwendet wird. Für alle oder einige dieser Kriterien lassen sich so Korrekturwerte bilden, die je nach Anzahl der Kriterien in einer zweidimensionalen oder mehr als zweidimensionalen Matrix abgelegt werden. Aus dieser Matrix kann dann ein der jeweiligen Länge bzw. Breite des als nächstes zu faltenden Wäschestücks zugeordneter Korrekturwert entnommen werden, der das mindestens eine weitere Kriterium des betreffenden Wäschestücks berücksichtigt, vorzugsweise hiervon abhängt und/oder hierauf bezogen ist. So können in der Faltmaschine nacheinander unterschiedlich große Wäschestücke und auch Wäschestücke mit im Übrigen voneinander abweichenden Kriterien, insbesondere Eigenschaften, exakt mit möglichst geringer Überlappungsdifferenz gefaltet werden.The method can be used particularly advantageously if the criteria for the laundry items are, on the one hand, the length and/or width of the respective laundry item and, on the other hand, the thickness, stiffness, volume, weight, temperature and/or an image of the respective laundry item determined by an imaging process. Correction values can thus be created for all or some of these criteria, which are stored in a two-dimensional or more than two-dimensional matrix depending on the number of criteria. A correction value assigned to the respective length or width of the next laundry item to be folded can then be taken from this matrix, which correction value takes into account the at least one further criterion of the laundry item in question, preferably depends on it and/or is related to it. In this way, laundry items of different sizes and also laundry items with otherwise differing criteria, in particular properties, can be folded one after the other in the folding machine precisely with as little overlap difference as possible.

Es ist auch denkbar, zusätzlich einen Faltmaschinenparameter insbesondere ein mit dem Alter bzw. Verschleißzustand der Faltmaschine korrespondierendes Kriterium, beispielsweise die Anzahl der Betriebsstunden der Faltmaschine, zur Durchführung des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens heranzuziehen. Beispielsweise können so die zuvor ermittelten und in der Matrix hinterlegten Korrekturwerte an den Zustand der Faltmaschine, insbesondere die Anzahl der Betriebsstunden, angepasst und somit alters- oder verschleißbedingt Abweichungen kompensiert werden, damit sie die Faltqualität nicht negativ beeinflussen.It is also conceivable to additionally use a folding machine parameter, in particular a criterion corresponding to the age or state of wear of the folding machine, for example the number of operating hours of the folding machine, to carry out the method according to the invention. For example, the correction values previously determined and stored in the matrix can be adapted to the state of the folding machine, in particular the number of operating hours, and deviations due to age or wear can thus be compensated so that they do not negatively affect the folding quality.

Beispielsweise können die Länge, Breite, Dicke, Steifigkeit, Temperatur und/oder das Gewicht des Wäschestücks ermittelt werden, bevor die erste Faltung desselben erfolgt. Anhand der so ermittelten bzw. gemessenen Kriterien des als nächstes zu faltenden Wäschestücks kann dann der passende Korrekturwert, der vorzugsweise anhand des Faltergebnisses des zuletzt gefalteten Wäschestücks gleicher Kriterien ermittelt und/oder errechnet worden ist, aus der Matrix entnommen werden und dementsprechend die Faltmaschine eingestellt und/oder betrieben werden, um so das jeweilige Wäschestück mit möglichst geringer Überlappungsdifferenz exakt und mit hoher Faltqualität falten zu können.For example, the length, width, thickness, stiffness, temperature and/or the weight of the item of laundry must be determined before the first folding takes place. Based on the criteria determined or measured in this way for the next item of laundry to be folded, the appropriate correction value, which has preferably been determined and/or calculated based on the folding result of the last folded item of laundry with the same criteria, can then be taken from the matrix and the folding machine can be set and/or operated accordingly in order to be able to fold the respective item of laundry precisely and with high folding quality with the smallest possible overlap difference.

Eine andere Weiterbildungsmöglichkeit des Verfahrens sieht es vor, mindestens ein Kriterium des jeweiligen Wäschestücks durch ein bildgebendes Verfahren bzw. Scannen zu ermitteln. So lässt sich nicht nur die Größe des jeweiligen Wäschestücks ermitteln, vielmehr auch das Volumen des Wäschestücks, die Gewebeart bzw. Oberflächenstruktur oder die Art des Wäschestücks, beispielsweise Flachwäsche oder Bekleidungsstück. So lassen sich Kriterien des jeweiligen zu faltenden Wäschestücks ermitteln, die auf andere Weise nicht oder nur ungenau ermittelt werden können. Durch ein fotografisches oder gescanntes Abbild des jeweiligen Wäschestücks lassen sich auch mehrere unterschiedliche Kriterien ermitteln.Another possible further development of the method involves determining at least one criterion of the respective item of laundry using an imaging process or scanning. This not only makes it possible to determine the size of the respective item of laundry, but also the volume of the item of laundry, the type of fabric or surface structure or the type of item of laundry, for example flat laundry or clothing. This makes it possible to determine criteria of the respective item of laundry to be folded that cannot be determined in any other way or can only be determined inaccurately. Several different criteria can also be determined using a photographic or scanned image of the respective item of laundry.

Zusätzlich ist es auch denkbar, mindestens ein Kriterium des jeweiligen Wäschestücks aus einem diesem zugeordneten Datenträger auszulesen. Beim Datenträger kann es sich beispielsweise um einen Barcode, einen QR-Code oder Daten eines RFID-Chips handeln. Dieses Auslesen der Kriterien kann ganz oder teilweise ein Ermitteln der Kriterien durch Messungen und/oder Abbildungen ersetzen.In addition, it is also conceivable to read at least one criterion of the respective item of laundry from a data carrier assigned to it. The data carrier can be, for example, a barcode, a QR code or data from an RFID chip. This reading of the criteria can completely or partially replace determining the criteria through measurements and/or images.

Bevorzugt ist es vorgesehen, aus dem mindestens einen Kriterium des jeweiligen Wäschestücks anhand von Referenz- und/oder Erfahrungswerten die Korrekturwerte abzuleiten, vorzugsweise zu errechnen. Insbesondere ist es möglich, von Überlappungsdifferenzen gefalteter Wäschestücke die Korrekturwerte oder geänderte Korrekturwerte abzuleiten bzw. zu errechnen. Es entsteht so ein quasi selbstlernendes Verfahren, das die Faltergebnisse gefalteter Wäschestücke ermittelt und erforderlichenfalls den zum Falten dieses Wäschestücks verwendeten Korrekturwert verändert, anpasst bzw. korrigiert. Es werden bei diesem Verfahren keine statischen Korrekturwerte verwendet, was grundsätzlich auch möglich wäre, sondern dynamische, nämlich sozusgen "fließende" Korrekturwerte. So werden die vorher festgelegten Korrekturwerte überprüft und erforderlichenfalls angepasst und somit auf den neusten Stand gebracht.It is preferably provided that the correction values are derived, preferably calculated, from the at least one criterion of the respective item of laundry using reference and/or empirical values. In particular, it is possible to derive or calculate the correction values or changed correction values from overlap differences of folded items of laundry. This creates a quasi self-learning process that determines the folding results of folded items of laundry and, if necessary, changes, adjusts or corrects the correction value used to fold this item of laundry. This process does not use static correction values, which would also be possible in principle, but dynamic, so-called "flowing" correction values. In this way, the previously determined correction values are checked and, if necessary, adjusted and thus brought up to date.

Bevorzugte Ausführungsbeispiele der Erfindung werden nachfolgend anhand der Zeichnung näher erläutert. In dieser zeigen:

Fig. 1
eine schematische Seitenansicht einer Vorrichtung zum Falten von Wäschestücken vor einer ersten Querfaltung,
Fig. 2
die Vorrichtung der Fig. 1 kurz vor dem Ende einer ersten Querfaltung, und
Fig. 3
ein Beispiel einer zweidimensionalen Matrix zur Durchführung des Verfahrens.
Preferred embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the drawing, in which:
Fig.1
a schematic side view of a device for folding laundry items before a first transverse fold,
Fig.2
the device of Fig.1 shortly before the end of a first transverse fold, and
Fig. 3
an example of a two-dimensional matrix for performing the procedure.

Die Fig. 1 und 2 zeigen eine von vielen möglichen Vorrichtungen zum automatischen Falten von Wäschestücken 10. Bei den Wäschestücken 10 kann es sich um Flachwäschen wie zum Beispiel Bettwäsche, Tischwäsche oder Handtücher, aber auch Bekleidungsstücke wie zum Beispiel Bademäntel handeln, die mit dem erfindungsgemäßen Verfahren in unregelmäßiger Reihenfolge, also gemischt, gefaltet werden können.The Fig.1 and 2 show one of many possible devices for automatically folding items of laundry 10. The items of laundry 10 can be flat laundry such as bed linen, table linen or towels, but also items of clothing such as bathrobes, which can be folded in an irregular order, i.e. mixed, using the method according to the invention.

Die gezeigte Vorrichtung dient dazu, die Wäschestücke 10 in drei aufeinanderfolgenden Querfaltstationen 11, 12 und 13 quer zu falten. Die Erfindung ist hierauf aber nicht beschränkt. Sie bezieht sich auch auf Faltvorrichtungen mit einer größeren oder kleineren Anzahl Querfaltstationen 11, 12 und 13 oder auch nur einer einzigen Querfaltstation 11.The device shown serves to fold the laundry items 10 crosswise in three consecutive cross-folding stations 11, 12 and 13. However, the invention is not limited to this. It also relates to folding devices with a larger or smaller number of cross-folding stations 11, 12 and 13 or even just a single cross-folding station 11.

Die Wäschestücke 10 werden nacheinander in Durchlaufrichtung 14 durch die Faltvorrichtung transportiert. Je nach Größe des jeweiligen Wäschestücks 10 wird dieses von nur einer Querfaltstation 11, zwei Querfaltstationen 11, 12 oder allen drei Querfaltstationen 11, 12 und 13 quergefaltet. Die Wäschestücke 10 können entweder längsgerichtet oder quergerichtet, und zwar auch in einem Wechsel, in Durchlaufrichtung 14 durch die Falteinrichtung hindurchtransportiert werden. Wenn im Folgenden von "Länge" des Wäschestücks die Rede ist, bezieht sich das auf den Abstand paralleler Ränder des Wäschestücks in Durchlaufrichtung 14. Bei längsgerichtet durch die Faltvorrichtung transportierten Wäschestücken 10 ist das die tatsächliche Länge und bei quergerichtet durch die Faltvorrichtung transportierten Wäschestücken 10 die Breite derselben. Querfalten bedeutet, dass die Wäschestücke 10 in der jeweils aktiven Querfaltstation 11, 12 bzw. 13 mit einer Querfalte versehen werden, die quer zur Durchlaufrichtung 14 verläuft. Hierbei werden die Wäschestücke 10 in jeder Querfaltstation 11, 12 bzw. 13 der Länge nach gefaltet, also jeweils in ihrer Länge bzw. Breite halbiert und die Anzahl der Lagen verdoppelt. Dabei kommt es zum Übereinanderlegen mehrerer Lagen der Wäschestücke 10, wobei sich die beim Querfalten übereinandergelegten Lagen der Wäschestücke idealerweise vollständig überlappen.The laundry items 10 are transported one after the other in the direction of travel 14 through the folding device. Depending on the size of the respective laundry item 10, it is folded crosswise by just one cross-folding station 11, two cross-folding stations 11, 12 or all three cross-folding stations 11, 12 and 13. The laundry items 10 can be transported through the folding device either lengthways or crossways, and can also be transported alternately, in the direction of travel 14. When the "length" of the laundry item is mentioned below, this refers to the distance between parallel edges of the laundry item in the direction of travel 14. For laundry items 10 transported lengthways through the folding device, this is the actual length and for laundry items 10 transported crossways through the folding device, this is the width of the same. Cross-folding means that the laundry items 10 are provided with a cross-fold in the active cross-folding station 11, 12 or 13, which runs transversely to the direction of travel 14. In this case, the laundry items 10 are folded lengthwise in each cross-folding station 11, 12 or 13, i.e. their length or width is halved and the number of layers is doubled. This results in several layers of laundry items being placed on top of each other. 10, whereby the layers of laundry placed on top of each other when folded crosswise ideally overlap completely.

Die in den Fig. 1 und 2 gezeigte Faltvorrichtung mit nur drei Querfaltstationen 11, 12 und 13 verfügt über mehrere Gurtförderer 15, 16, 17, 18 und 19. Die Gurtförderer 15 bis 19 verfügen jeweils über einen über die gesamte Arbeitsbreite der Faltvorrichtung durchgehenden Gurt oder mehrere nebeneinanderliegend angeordnete schmalere Gurte, die sich zusammengenommen über die gesamte Arbeitsbreite der Faltvorrichtung erstrecken. Ein erster Gurtförderer 15 wird vorzugsweise kontinuierlich in gleicher Richtung, nämlich Durchlaufrichtung 14, angetrieben. Gleiches gilt vorzugsweise für den Gurtförderer 19 zum Abtransport fertig gefalteter Wäschestücke 10. Sein Obertrum 20 bewegt sich folglich auch nur in Durchlaufrichtung 14.The Fig.1 and 2 The folding device shown with only three cross-folding stations 11, 12 and 13 has several belt conveyors 15, 16, 17, 18 and 19. The belt conveyors 15 to 19 each have a belt that runs across the entire working width of the folding device or several narrower belts arranged next to one another, which together extend across the entire working width of the folding device. A first belt conveyor 15 is preferably driven continuously in the same direction, namely the direction of travel 14. The same preferably applies to the belt conveyor 19 for transporting away the finished folded items of laundry 10. Its upper run 20 therefore also only moves in the direction of travel 14.

Der erste Gurtförderer 15, der auch zum Herantransport des jeweils zu faltenden Wäschestücks 10 an die Querfaltstationen 11, 12 und 13 dient, ist um ihre Umlenktrommeln geführt, von denen mindestens eine antreibbar ist. Ein Obertrum 21 des Gurtförderers 15 weist einen etwa dachförmigen Verlauf auf. Seitlich neben einem abwärtsgerichteten Abschnitt des Obertrums 21 des Gurtförderers 15 sind über- bzw. untereinander Gurtförderer 16, 17 mit einem geradlinig verlaufenden Obertrum 22, 23 angeordnet. Zwischen den Obertrumen 21, 22 und 23 der Gurtförderer 15, 16 und 17 sind schmale Spalträume gebildet, die jeweils einen Querfaltspalt 24, 25 der Querfaltstation 11 bzw. 12 bilden.The first belt conveyor 15, which also serves to transport the item of laundry 10 to be folded to the cross-folding stations 11, 12 and 13, is guided around its deflection drums, at least one of which can be driven. An upper run 21 of the belt conveyor 15 has an approximately roof-shaped course. Belt conveyors 16, 17 with a straight upper run 22, 23 are arranged on top of or below one another to the side of a downward-facing section of the upper run 21 of the belt conveyor 15. Narrow gaps are formed between the upper runs 21, 22 and 23 of the belt conveyors 15, 16 and 17, each of which forms a cross-folding gap 24, 25 of the cross-folding station 11 or 12.

In abweichender Weise ist die Querfaltstation 13 gebildet. Bei dieser ist der Gurtförderer 18 unter dem unteren Ende des Obertrums 21 des Gurtförderers 15 platziert. Zwischen einer unteren Umlenktrommel am Ende des Obertrums 21 des Gurtförderers 15 und einem Obertrum 26 des Gurtförderers 18 wird ein Querfaltspalt der dritten Querfaltstation 13 gebildet. Diesem ist eine neben der Umlenktrommel am unteren Ende des Gurtförderers 15 angeordnete Leittrommel 28 zugeordnet. Die Leittrommel 28 bildet einen Durchlaufspalt 29 am unteren Ende des Gurtförderers 15.The cross-folding station 13 is formed in a different way. In this case, the belt conveyor 18 is placed under the lower end of the upper run 21 of the belt conveyor 15. A cross-folding gap of the third cross-folding station 13 is formed between a lower deflection drum at the end of the upper run 21 of the belt conveyor 15 and an upper run 26 of the belt conveyor 18. A guide drum 28 arranged next to the deflection drum at the lower end of the belt conveyor 15 is assigned to this. The guide drum 28 forms a through-passage gap 29 at the lower end of the belt conveyor 15.

Der zum Abtransport gefalteter Wäschestücke 10 dienende Gurtförderer 19 ist dem Gurtförderer 18 zu diesem Zweck derart nachgeordnet, dass das jeweils fertig gefaltete Wäschestück 10 vom hinteren Ende des Gurtförderers 18 an den Gurtförderer 19 übergebbar ist.The belt conveyor 19 used to transport folded laundry items 10 is arranged downstream of the belt conveyor 18 for this purpose in such a way that the fully folded laundry item 10 can be transferred from the rear end of the belt conveyor 18 to the belt conveyor 19.

Die gezeigte Faltvorrichtung kann vor der ersten Querfaltstation 11 eine Längsfaltstation aufweisen. Diese in den Figuren nicht gezeigte Längsfaltstation dient dazu, alle oder nur bestimmte Wäschestücke 10 mit mindestens einer Längsfaltung zu versehen, die mindestens einen Randbereich des längs zu faltenden Wäschestücks 10 umklappt und dabei mindestens eine parallel zur Durchlaufrichtung 14 verlaufende Längsfaltlinie entsteht. In der Regel werden beide gegenüberliegenden Randbereiche des längs zu faltenden Wäschestücks 10 nacheinander umgeklappt, so dass zwei parallele Längsfaltlinien entstehen und das Wäschestück danach dreilagig übereinander liegt.The folding device shown can have a longitudinal folding station before the first transverse folding station 11. This longitudinal folding station, not shown in the figures, serves to fold all or only to provide certain items of laundry 10 with at least one longitudinal fold, which folds over at least one edge region of the item of laundry 10 to be folded lengthwise, thereby creating at least one longitudinal fold line running parallel to the direction of travel 14. As a rule, both opposite edge regions of the item of laundry 10 to be folded lengthwise are folded over one after the other, so that two parallel longitudinal fold lines are created and the item of laundry then lies in three layers on top of one another.

Die Längsfaltung erfolgt um sogenannte Faltschablonen. Das sind dünne, linealartige Materialstreifen mit parallel zur Durchlaufrichtung 14 verlaufende Außenkanten. Um diese Außenkanten werden äußere Randbereiche des längs zu faltenden Wäschestücks 10 herumgelegt, wobei die beim Längsfalten entstehenden Längsfaltlinien sich an den längsgerichteten Außenkanten der Faltschablonen befinden. Um das Überlappungsmaß der übereinander gelegten Lagen des längs zu faltenden Wäschestücks 10 einstellen bzw. anpassen zu können, sind die Abstände der Faltschablonen verstellbar, nämlich quer zur Durchlaufrichtung 15 zusammen- und auseinanderbewegbar, wodurch sich der Abstand der parallel zur Durchlaufrichtung 14 verlaufenden äußeren Längskanten der Faltschablonen verändert. Diese Verstellung erfolgt üblicherweise automatisch in Abhängigkeit von Art und der Größe des längs zu faltenden Wäschestücks 10 und der gewünschten Faltung, insbesondere des Überlappungsmaßes.The longitudinal folding takes place around so-called folding templates. These are thin, ruler-like strips of material with outer edges running parallel to the direction of travel 14. Outer edge areas of the item of laundry 10 to be folded lengthwise are placed around these outer edges, with the longitudinal fold lines created during the longitudinal folding being located on the longitudinal outer edges of the folding templates. In order to be able to set or adapt the overlap of the layers of the item of laundry 10 to be folded lengthwise, the distances between the folding templates are adjustable, namely they can be moved together and apart transversely to the direction of travel 15, whereby the distance between the outer longitudinal edges of the folding templates running parallel to the direction of travel 14 changes. This adjustment is usually carried out automatically depending on the type and size of the item of laundry 10 to be folded lengthwise and the desired fold, in particular the overlap.

Die Ausgestaltung und die automatische Verstellung der Faltschablonen ist bekannt, so dass hierauf nicht näher eingegangen wird.The design and automatic adjustment of the folding templates is known, so it will not be discussed in more detail here.

Das erfindungsgemäße Verfahren eignet sich nicht nur für die in den Fig. 1 und 2 gezeigte Faltmaschine mit drei Querfaltstationen 11, 12, 13, sondern auch für Faltmaschinen mit Querfaltstationen und mindestens eine Längsfaltstation, aber auch Faltmaschinen mit nur mindestens einer Längsfaltstation.The method according to the invention is not only suitable for the Fig.1 and 2 shown folding machine with three transverse folding stations 11, 12, 13, but also for folding machines with transverse folding stations and at least one longitudinal folding station, but also folding machines with only at least one longitudinal folding station.

Beim erfindungsgemäßen Verfahren erfolgt automatisch anhand mindestens eines Kriteriums (Faltkriteriums) der Faltvorgang derart, dass das jeweilige Wäschestück 10 mindestens annähernd mit dem vorgegebenen Überlappungsmaß gefaltet wird. Das Querfalten erfolgt üblicherweise mit einem Überlappungsmaß, bei dem die übereinander liegenden Lagen gleich groß sind und/oder die Ränder aller Lagen das Übereinanderliegen, dass sie einen gedachten Quader ergeben, folglich keine Überlappungsdifferenz gegeben ist. Eine Überlappungsdifferenz wäre vorhanden, wenn eine Lage über den gesamten Quader an irgendeiner Seite herausragt oder zurückspringt. Das erfindungsgemäße Verfahren zielt darauf ab, die Faltmaschine automatisch so einzustellen bzw. zu justieren oder nachzustellen, dass das vorgegebene Überlappungsmaß eingehalten wird und beim Falten mit deckungsgleich übereinander gelegten Lagen keine Überlappungsdifferenz vorhanden ist oder wenigstens die Überlappungsdifferenz minimiert wird.In the method according to the invention, the folding process is carried out automatically based on at least one criterion (folding criterion) in such a way that the respective item of laundry 10 is folded at least approximately with the predetermined overlap dimension. Cross-folding is usually carried out with an overlap dimension in which the layers lying on top of one another are the same size and/or the edges of all layers lie on top of one another in such a way that they form an imaginary cuboid, and consequently there is no overlap difference. An overlap difference would exist if a layer protrudes or recedes over the entire cuboid on any side. The method according to the invention aims to automatically adjust or to adjust or readjust so that the specified overlap dimension is maintained and when folding with layers placed congruently on top of each other there is no overlap difference or at least the overlap difference is minimized.

Die automatische Einstellung, Anpassung oder Korrektur der Faltmaschine erfolgt gemäß dem erfindungsgemäßen Verfahren anhand mindestens eines Kriteriums des jeweils zu faltenden Wäschestücks 10, vorzugsweise mehrerer Kriterien. Wenn bei der Faltmaschine 10 nacheinander unterschiedliche Wäschestücke 10 mit gleichen oder unterschiedlichen Faltungen gefaltet werden sollen, kann anhand der Kriterien des jeweiligen Wäschestücks die Faltmaschine hierauf gezielt eingestellt werden, und zwar anhand individueller Einstellwerte, vorzugsweise Korrekturwerte, für das jeweiligen Wäschestück 10. Wenn nacheinander gleiche Wäschestücke 10 zu falten sind, kann gleichwohl eine Verstellung der Faltmaschine 10 erfolgen, wenn das vorangehende Wäschestück 10 mit einer Überlappungsdifferenz oder zu großer Überlappungsdifferenz gefaltet wurde. Dann findet die Verstellung der Faltmaschine nur zu Korrekturzwecken statt, aber nicht zur Anpassung an unterschiedliche Wäschestücke. Im Folgenden wird der Einfachheit halber stets von "Korrekturwerten" gesprochen, auch wenn es sich bei der Anpassung der Faltmaschine an unterschiedliche Wäschestücke streng genommen nicht nur um solche handelt, sondern um kombinierte Einstell- und Korrekturwerte.The automatic setting, adjustment or correction of the folding machine is carried out according to the method according to the invention based on at least one criterion of the item of laundry 10 to be folded, preferably several criteria. If different items of laundry 10 with the same or different folds are to be folded one after the other in the folding machine 10, the folding machine can be specifically adjusted to this based on the criteria of the respective item of laundry, namely based on individual setting values, preferably correction values, for the respective item of laundry 10. If identical items of laundry 10 are to be folded one after the other, the folding machine 10 can nevertheless be adjusted if the previous item of laundry 10 was folded with an overlap difference or too large an overlap difference. In this case, the folding machine is only adjusted for correction purposes, not to adapt to different items of laundry. For the sake of simplicity, we will always refer to "correction values" below, even if, strictly speaking, the adjustment of the folding machine to different items of laundry does not only involve such values, but rather combined setting and correction values.

Die Kriterien der Wäschestücke 10 zur Steuerung des Faltvorgangs sind derart, dass die Wäschestücke 10 mindestens mit annähernd vorgesehenen Überlappungsmaßen, vorzugsweise ohne eine Überlappungsdifferenz, gefaltet werden können. Die Kriterien können verschiedenartig sein, je nachdem, wie groß das Spektrum der unterschiedlichen Wäschestücke 10 ist, die nacheinander auf der Faltmaschine gefaltet werden sollen. Beispielsweise ist ein erstes Kriterium, ob es sich um Flachwäsche oder sogenannte Formteile wie zum Bekleidungsstücke handelt.The criteria of the laundry items 10 for controlling the folding process are such that the laundry items 10 can be folded at least with approximately the intended overlap dimensions, preferably without an overlap difference. The criteria can be different, depending on how large the spectrum of different laundry items 10 is that are to be folded one after the other on the folding machine. For example, a first criterion is whether it is flat laundry or so-called shaped parts such as clothing items.

Weitere Kriterien sind die Dicke des jeweiligen Wäschestücks. Diese hat Einfluss auf das Überlappungsmaß bzw. die Überlappungsdifferenz, weil sich aus dünnem Gewebe bestehende Tischwäsche beim Falten ganz anders verhält als Handtücher oder Bademäntel aus dickerem Frotteematerial. Ein weiteres Kriterium ist die Steifigkeit des Materials des jeweiligen Wäschestücks 10. Sehr flexible Wäschestücke 10 können enger gefaltet werden als weniger flexible, steifere Wäschestücke 10. Ein weiteres Kriterium ist die Länge und/oder Breite des jeweiligen Wäschestücks 10. Die Länge ist bei längsgerichtet die Faltmaschine durchlaufenden Wäschestücken 10 für das Querfalten, insbesondere die Anzahl der Querfaltungen, maßgeblich, während die Breite für die mindestens eine Längsfaltung von Bedeutung ist. Wenn die Wäschestücke 10 nicht der Länge nach gefaltet werden, sondern quer durch die Faltmaschine laufen, ist das Breitenmaß für die Querfaltungen maßgeblich und das Längenmaß für die Längsfaltungen. Weiterhin können als Kriterien das Gewicht, die Temperatur und/oder das Volumen des Wäschestücks 10 dienen. Wenn beispielsweise die Fläche (Länge und Breite) des Wäschestücks durch Messung bekannt ist, lässt sich aus dem Volumen die Dicke ermitteln, ohne diese separat messen zu müssen. Das Gewicht des Wäschestücks 10 gibt in Abhängigkeit von der Größe einen Anhaltspunkt für die Steifigkeit, weil spezifisch schwere Wäschestücke 10 in der Regel steifer sind als spezifisch leichtere Wäschestücke 10.Further criteria are the thickness of the respective item of laundry. This has an influence on the overlap size or the overlap difference, because table linen made of thin fabric behaves very differently when folded than towels or bathrobes made of thicker terry cloth material. Another criterion is the stiffness of the material of the respective item of laundry 10. Very flexible items of laundry 10 can be folded more tightly than less flexible, stiffer items of laundry 10. Another criterion is the length and/or width of the respective item of laundry 10. The length is decisive for the cross-folding, in particular the number of cross-folds, of items of laundry 10 that pass through the folding machine lengthwise, while the width is decisive for the at least one longitudinal fold is important. If the laundry items 10 are not folded lengthwise but run across the folding machine, the width measurement is decisive for the cross folds and the length measurement for the longitudinal folds. The weight, temperature and/or volume of the laundry item 10 can also serve as criteria. If, for example, the area (length and width) of the laundry item is known by measurement, the thickness can be determined from the volume without having to measure it separately. The weight of the laundry item 10 provides an indication of the stiffness depending on the size, because specifically heavy laundry items 10 are generally stiffer than specifically lighter laundry items 10.

Ein weiteres Kriterium für den Faltvorgang, das nicht von den Wäschestücken 10 abhängt, ist der Zustand der Faltmaschine. Insbesondere verändert sich das Faltergebnis mit zunehmendem Verschleiß der Faltmaschine, beispielsweise Dehnungen der Gurte der Gurtförderer. Deswegen ist das Alter der Faltmaschine oder das Zurückliegen der letzten Wartung ein wichtiges Kriterium. Dieses Kriterium lässt sich ausdrücken anhand der Betriebsstundenzahl seit Indienststellung und/oder der letzten Wartung der Faltmaschine.Another criterion for the folding process, which does not depend on the laundry items 10, is the condition of the folding machine. In particular, the folding result changes with increasing wear of the folding machine, for example stretching of the belts of the belt conveyors. Therefore, the age of the folding machine or the time since the last maintenance is an important criterion. This criterion can be expressed using the number of operating hours since the folding machine was put into service and/or the last maintenance.

Die direkt die Wäschestücke 10 betreffenden Kriterien können durch Messungen am jeweiligen Wäschestück 10 vor Beginn des ersten Faltvorgangs individuell ermittelt werden, aber auch aus Datenträgern ausgelesen werden, die dem jeweiligen Wäschestück 10 zugeordnet sind, indem jedes Wäschestück 10 mit einem Datenträger versehen ist, der die individuellen Kriterien und gegebenenfalls weitere Daten des jeweiligen Wäschestücks 10 aufweist. Bei den Datenträgern kann es sich um Barcodes, QR-Codes, RFID-Chips oder andere für Wäschestücke 10 geeignete Datenträger handeln. Wenn diese die benötigten Kriterien beinhalten, können die Kriterien individuell für das jeweilige Wäschestück 10 ohne Messungen aus den Datenträgern ausgelesen werden.The criteria directly relating to the laundry items 10 can be individually determined by measurements on the respective laundry item 10 before the first folding process begins, but can also be read from data carriers that are assigned to the respective laundry item 10 by providing each laundry item 10 with a data carrier that contains the individual criteria and, if necessary, further data of the respective laundry item 10. The data carriers can be barcodes, QR codes, RFID chips or other data carriers suitable for laundry items 10. If these contain the required criteria, the criteria can be read individually for the respective laundry item 10 from the data carriers without measurements.

Alternativ oder zusätzlich ist es auch denkbar, das jeweilige Wäschestück 10 vor dem ersten Faltvorgang zu scannen oder durch mindestens eine Kamera oder sonstige bildgebende Verfahren mindestens ein Bild des jeweiligen Wäschestücks 10 zu erzeugen, woraus vor allem die Dicke, Länge, Breite, Art und/oder das Volumen des betreffenden Wäschestücks 10 ermittelbar, insbesondere errechenbar oder durch Algorithmen ableitbar sind.Alternatively or additionally, it is also conceivable to scan the respective item of laundry 10 before the first folding process or to generate at least one image of the respective item of laundry 10 by means of at least one camera or other imaging method, from which the thickness, length, width, type and/or volume of the respective item of laundry 10 can be determined, in particular calculated or derived by means of algorithms.

Denkbar ist es auch, vor dem ersten Faltvorgang individuelle Messungen vom oder am betreffenden Wäschestück 10 durchzuführen. Beispielsweise kann die Dicke des Wäschestücks ermittelt werden durch einen Abstandssensor über einer definierten Stelle, über die das Wäschestück 10 hinwegläuft, beispielsweise dem Obertrum 20 des Gurtförderers 15. Die Dicke des Wäschestücks 10 ergibt sich dann aus dem Abstandswert des Abstandssensors zum Obertrum 20 des Gurtförderers 15 beim Nichtvorhandensein des Wäschestücks 10 subtrahiert vom geringeren Abstand beim Vorhandensein und Vorbeilaufen des Wäschestücks 10 am Abstandssensor. Die Dicke des Wäschestücks 10 kann aber auch durch eine dieses berührende mechanische Abtasteinrichtung ermittelt werden, beispielsweise ein Tastrad.It is also conceivable to carry out individual measurements of or on the item of laundry 10 in question before the first folding process. For example, the thickness of the The thickness of the laundry item 10 can be determined by a distance sensor above a defined point over which the laundry item 10 runs, for example the upper run 20 of the belt conveyor 15. The thickness of the laundry item 10 is then determined from the distance value of the distance sensor to the upper run 20 of the belt conveyor 15 when the laundry item 10 is not present, subtracted from the smaller distance when the laundry item 10 is present and runs past the distance sensor. The thickness of the laundry item 10 can also be determined by a mechanical scanning device that touches it, for example a feeler wheel.

Die Länge und/oder Breite des Wäschestücks 10 lässt sich bevorzugt berührungslos durch Sensoren an geeigneten Stellen der Faltmaschine vor der ersten Faltstation derselben ermitteln. Hierzu können Durchlaufsensoren die Abmessung, vorzugsweise Breite, des Wäschestücks 10 quer zur Durchlaufrichtung 14 feststellen. Die Abmessung, insbesondere Länge der Wäschestücke 10 in Durchlaufrichtung 14, wird bevorzugt durch einen berührungslosen Sensor in Verbindung mit einem Wegaufnehmer ermittelt. Der Wegaufnehmer, der beispielsweise dem Antrieb einer Umlenktrommel des Gurtförderers 15 zugeordnet sein kann, wird gestartet beim Vorbeilaufen der Vorderkante des Wäschestücks 10 am Sensor und gestoppt beim Vorbeilaufen der Hinterkante des Wäschestücks 10 am gleichen Sensor.The length and/or width of the item of laundry 10 can preferably be determined in a contactless manner by sensors at suitable points on the folding machine before the first folding station. For this purpose, throughput sensors can determine the dimensions, preferably width, of the item of laundry 10 transverse to the direction of travel 14. The dimensions, in particular the length of the items of laundry 10 in the direction of travel 14, are preferably determined by a contactless sensor in conjunction with a displacement sensor. The displacement sensor, which can be assigned to the drive of a deflection drum of the belt conveyor 15, for example, is started when the front edge of the item of laundry 10 passes the sensor and stopped when the rear edge of the item of laundry 10 passes the same sensor.

Das Gewicht des jeweiligen Wäschestücks 10 kann durch Waagen, insbesondere Gewichtssensoren oder Wägezellen, ermittelt werden. Eine solche Waage bzw. Wägezelle kann in die Faltmaschine integriert sein. Vorzugsweise befindet sie sich vor der Faltmaschine.The weight of the respective item of laundry 10 can be determined by scales, in particular weight sensors or load cells. Such a scale or load cell can be integrated into the folding machine. It is preferably located in front of the folding machine.

Die Steifigkeit des Wäschestücks 10 wird bevorzugt durch einen Abstandssensor, vorzugsweise in oder vor dem ersten Querfaltspalt 24, ermittelt. Wenn vor dem Querfalten das Wäschestück 10 vom Gurtförderer 15 zunächst über den Querfaltspalt 24 hinweg auf das Obertrum 22 des Gurtförderers 16 transportiert wird, wobei eine Umlenkung des Wäschestücks 10 um im gezeigten Ausführungsbeispiel um etwa 90° stattfindet, bildet sich bei der Umlenkung über den Querfaltspalt 24 hinweg bei einem steifen Wäschestück 10 ein größerer Radius aus als bei einem flexiblen Wäschestück. Der Abstandssensor ermittelt einen zu diesem Radius proportionalen Abstand, woraus anhand von Vergleichs- oder Erfahrungswerten die Steifigkeit des jeweiligen Wäschestücks 10 ableitbar ist.The stiffness of the laundry item 10 is preferably determined by a distance sensor, preferably in or in front of the first transverse folding gap 24. If, before the transverse folding, the laundry item 10 is first transported by the belt conveyor 15 across the transverse folding gap 24 to the upper run 22 of the belt conveyor 16, whereby the laundry item 10 is deflected by approximately 90° in the embodiment shown, a larger radius is formed during the deflection across the transverse folding gap 24 for a stiff laundry item 10 than for a flexible laundry item. The distance sensor determines a distance proportional to this radius, from which the stiffness of the respective laundry item 10 can be derived using comparative or empirical values.

Im Folgenden wird das erfindungsgemäße Verfahren anhand der Fig. 3 näher erläutert. Hierbei handelt es sich um ein exemplarisches Beispiel einer möglichen einfachen Variante der Erfindung. In der Fig. 3 ist eine zweidimensionale Matrix mit zwei Kriterien des betreffenden Wäschestücks 10 mit teilweise eingetragenen Korrekturwerten dargestellt. Auf der Ordinate ist die Länge der Wäschestücke 10 aufgetragen und auf der Abszesse die Dicke. Bei der Länge handelt es sich um die Erstreckungsrichtung der Wäschestücke in Durchlaufrichtung 14. Diese Länge ist maßgeblich für das Überlappungsmaß bzw. Überlappungsdifferenz zum Querfalten der Wäschestücke 10. Bei quer eingegebenen Wäschestücken 10 wäre die Länge die eigentliche Breite der Wäschestücke 10.In the following, the method according to the invention is described using the Fig.3 explained in more detail. This is an exemplary example of a possible simple Variant of the invention. In the Fig. 3 a two-dimensional matrix with two criteria of the relevant item of laundry 10 is shown with correction values partially entered. The length of the items of laundry 10 is entered on the ordinate and the thickness on the abscess. The length is the direction in which the items of laundry extend in the direction of travel 14. This length is decisive for the overlap dimension or overlap difference for the cross-folding of the items of laundry 10. For items of laundry 10 entered crosswise, the length would be the actual width of the items of laundry 10.

Beim Längsfalten der Wäschestücke 10 kommt es auf die Breite der Wäschestücke 10 an. Hierfür käme dann eine separate oder andere Matrix zum Tragen, bei der auf der Ordinate Breitenwerte der Wäschestücke 10 aufgetragen sind, bei denen es sich um quer die Faltmaschine durchlaufende Wäschestücke 10 auch um die eigentliche Länge handeln kann.When folding the laundry items 10 lengthwise, the width of the laundry items 10 is important. For this purpose, a separate or different matrix would be used, in which the width values of the laundry items 10 are plotted on the ordinate, which can also be the actual length of the laundry items 10 passing across the folding machine.

In jedes Matrixfeld 30 ist ein Korrekturwert eingetragen, wobei in der Fig. 3 aus Vereinfachungsgründen nur in einen Teil der Matrixfelder 30 Korrekturwerte eingetragen sind. Jedes Matrixfeld 30 erstreckt sich im gezeigten Ausführungsbeispiel der Fig. 3 über einen bestimmten Längen- und Dickenbereich von Wäschestücken 10. In der Fig. 3 ist jedes Matrixfeld einem Bereich von 100 mm Länge und 2 mm Dicke von Wäschestücken 10 zugeordnet. Für diese Bereiche gilt dann der jeweils sich im Matrixfeld 30 befindliche Korrekturwert.A correction value is entered in each matrix field 30, whereby in the Fig.3 For reasons of simplification, correction values are entered only in a part of the matrix fields 30. Each matrix field 30 extends in the embodiment shown of the Fig.3 over a certain length and thickness range of laundry items 10. In the Fig.3 Each matrix field is assigned to an area of 100 mm length and 2 mm thickness of laundry items 10. The correction value in the matrix field 30 then applies to these areas.

Die Matrix ist im Speicher einer Steuerung oder Regelung der Faltmaschine abgelegt. Das gilt insbesondere für die Korrekturwerte im jeweiligen Matrixfeld 30. Wenn zum Beispiel vor der betreffenden Querfaltung die Länge des zu faltenden Wäschestücks 10 mit 1.240 mm festgestellt wird und die Dicke 4,5 mm beträgt, würde aus dem dazugehörenden Matrixfeld 30 der Korrekturwert -8 zu entnehmen sein, der einen Korrekturfaktor darstellen kann, aber auch ein Verstellmaß sein kann. Die Steuerung bzw. Regelung veranlasst dann die entsprechende Einstellung der Faltmaschine.The matrix is stored in the memory of a control or regulation system of the folding machine. This applies in particular to the correction values in the respective matrix field 30. If, for example, before the relevant cross-fold, the length of the item of laundry 10 to be folded is determined to be 1,240 mm and the thickness is 4.5 mm, the correction value -8 would be taken from the associated matrix field 30, which can represent a correction factor, but can also be an adjustment value. The control or regulation system then initiates the corresponding setting of the folding machine.

Beim Querfalten in der ersten Querfaltstation 11 wird dann anhand dieser Einstellung der Zeitpunkt des Reversierens des Gurtförderers 16 bestimmt. Dadurch wird festgelegt, wie weit das vordere Ende 31 des Wäschestücks 10 auf das Obertrum 22 des Gurtförderers 16 heraufgelaufen sein muss bis die Drehrichtung des Gurtförderers 16 umgekehrt wird und das Wäschestück 10 mit einem vorzugsweise mittleren Bereich in den Querfaltspalt 24 der ersten Querfaltstation 14 einläuft, wo die erste Querfaltung des Wäschestücks 10 erfolgt, indem zwei Lagen desselben mit idealerweise gleicher Länge übereinandergelegt werden. Die Feststellung, wie weit das Wäschestück 10 auf das Obertrum 22 des Gurtförderers 16 heraufgelaufen sein muss, damit der Gurtförderer 16 reversiert werden kann, erfolgt in an sicher bekannter Weise durch Sensoren und/oder Wegmessorgane. Der Korrekturwert -8 bedeutet, dass der Querfaltvorgang eingeleitet wird, bevor die halbe Länge des Wäschestücks 10 auf das Obertrum 22 des Gurtförderers 16 heraufgelaufen ist. Andersherum ist es bei einem positiven Korrekturwert.When cross-folding in the first cross-folding station 11, the time at which the belt conveyor 16 is reversed is then determined based on this setting. This determines how far the front end 31 of the item of laundry 10 must have run up the upper run 22 of the belt conveyor 16 until the direction of rotation of the belt conveyor 16 is reversed and the item of laundry 10 runs with a preferably central area into the cross-folding gap 24 of the first cross-folding station 14, where the first cross-fold of the item of laundry 10 is done by placing two layers of the same, ideally of the same length, on top of each other. The determination of how far the item of laundry 10 must have run up the upper run 22 of the belt conveyor 16 so that the belt conveyor 16 can be reversed is done in a well-known manner by sensors and/or position measuring devices. The correction value -8 means that the cross-folding process is initiated before half the length of the item of laundry 10 has run up the upper run 22 of the belt conveyor 16. It is the other way round with a positive correction value.

In analoger Weise erfolgt die Längsfaltung anhand einer eigens angelegten Matrix mit Korrekturwerten für die Längsfaltung. Bei diesen Korrekturwerten kann es sich um Werte handeln, die unmittelbar dem Abstand der äußeren Kanten der beiden parallelen Faltschwerter entsprechen, wobei der dem Überlappungsmaß entsprechende ideale Abstand der Faltschablonen mit einem Korrekturwert zu multiplizieren ist oder der Korrekturwert hinzuaddiert oder abgezogen wird - je nach Vorzeichen, um so den Abstand der Faltschablonen auf einen modifizierten, korrigierten Abstand zu bringen. In diesem Fall ist der Korrekturwert der Wert, um den der Abstand der Faltschablonen eingestellt werden muss, indem sich das optimale Überlappungsmaß mit möglichst keiner Überlappungsdifferenz ergibt.The longitudinal folding is carried out in a similar way using a specially created matrix with correction values for the longitudinal folding. These correction values can be values that correspond directly to the distance between the outer edges of the two parallel folding blades, whereby the ideal distance between the folding templates corresponding to the overlap dimension is multiplied by a correction value or the correction value is added or subtracted - depending on the sign, in order to bring the distance between the folding templates to a modified, corrected distance. In this case, the correction value is the value by which the distance between the folding templates must be adjusted in order to achieve the optimal overlap dimension with as little overlap difference as possible.

Denkbar ist es, Korrekturwerte für andere oder mehr als zwei in der Fig. 3 exemplarisch gezeigte Kriterien zu bilden. Wenn ein drittes Kriterium berücksichtigt werden soll, beispielsweise auch die Steifigkeit des Wäschestücks 10, wären die Korrekturwerte aus einer dreidimensionalen Matrix zu entnehmen. Auch ist des denkbar, die in der Fig. 3 gezeigte zweidimensionale Matrix mit anderen Kriterien zu bilden, beispielsweise der Länge und Steifigkeit und/oder der Länge und Betriebsstundenzahl der Faltmaschine.It is conceivable to use correction values for other or more than two in the Fig. 3 criteria shown as examples. If a third criterion is to be taken into account, for example the stiffness of the laundry item 10, the correction values would have to be taken from a three-dimensional matrix. It is also conceivable to use the Fig.3 to form the two-dimensional matrix shown with other criteria, such as the length and stiffness and/or the length and number of operating hours of the folding machine.

Die Korrekturwerte in der jeweiligen Matrix können auf verschiedene Weisen ermittelt werden. Beispielsweise können sie auf Erfahrungswerten beruhen und/oder vorangegangenen Messungen. Bevorzugt ist es vorgesehen, in mindestens der ersten Querfaltstation 11 oder auch in einer Längsfaltstation erzielte Faltergebnisse zu messen und so dahingehend zu kontrollieren, ob eine Überlappungsdifferenz gegeben ist oder wie groß diese ist. Diese Messung oder Kontrolle muss nicht zwingend nach vollständig erfolgter Quer- oder Längsfaltung geschehen. Die Messung kann auch schon kurz vor Beendigung des Quer- oder Längsfaltvorgangs erfolgen. Dazu sind in den Fig. 1 und 2 gezeigte Sensoren kurz vor dem Querfaltspalt 24 vorgesehen. Der Sensor 32 ist dem Obertrum 21 des Gurtförderers 15 zugeordnet und der Sensor 33 dem Obertrum 22 des Gurtförderers 16. Die Abstände der Sensoren 32, 33 zum Querfaltspalt 24 sind gleich lang. Der dem Gurtförderer 21 zugeordnete Sensor 32 detektiert ein am Ende des ersten Querfaltvorgangs ihn passierendes hinteres Ende 34 des Wäschestücks 10 während der dem Gurtförderer 16 zugeordnete Sensor 32 das vordere Ende 31 des Wäschestücks kurz vor dem Einlaufen in den Querfaltspalt 24 detektiert. Infolge der gleichen Abstände der Sensoren 32 und 33 zum Querfaltspalt 24 kann festgestellt werden, ob keine Überlappungsdifferenz vorhanden ist, wenn das vordere Ende 31 und das hintere Ende 34 des Wäschestücks 10 gleichzeitig die Sensoren 32 und 33 passieren. Eine Überlappungsdifferenz ist gegeben, wenn zu unterschiedlichen Zeiten das vorderer Ende 31 und das hintere Ende 34 des Wäschestücks 10 die Sensoren 32 und 33 passieren. Wird eine solche Überlappungsdifferenz festgestellt, wird der Korrekturwert im betreffenden Matrixfeld 30, das der Länge und der Dicke des momentan gefalteten Wäschestücks entspricht, geändert bzw. korrigiert und/oder mit einem neuen Korrekturwert überschrieben. Dieser angepasste bzw. veränderte Korrekturwert wird dann herangezogen zum Querfalten des nächsten Wäschestücks 10, das im Längen- und Dickenbereich des dazugehörenden Matrixfelds 30 mit dem neuen, aktualisierten Korrekturwert quer zu falten ist.The correction values in the respective matrix can be determined in various ways. For example, they can be based on experience and/or previous measurements. Preferably, the folding results achieved in at least the first cross-folding station 11 or also in a longitudinal folding station are measured and thus checked to see whether there is an overlap difference and how large this is. This measurement or check does not necessarily have to be carried out after the cross-folding or longitudinal folding has been completed. The measurement can also be carried out shortly before the end of the cross-folding or longitudinal folding process. For this purpose, the Fig.1 and 2 The sensors shown are provided just before the cross-folding gap 24. The sensor 32 is assigned to the upper run 21 of the belt conveyor 15 and the sensor 33 to the upper run 22 of the belt conveyor 16. The distances of the sensors 32, 33 to the cross-folding gap 24 are the same length. The The sensor 32 assigned to the belt conveyor 21 detects a rear end 34 of the item of laundry 10 passing through it at the end of the first cross-folding process, while the sensor 32 assigned to the belt conveyor 16 detects the front end 31 of the item of laundry shortly before it enters the cross-folding gap 24. As a result of the equal distances of the sensors 32 and 33 to the cross-folding gap 24, it can be determined whether there is no overlap difference if the front end 31 and the rear end 34 of the item of laundry 10 pass the sensors 32 and 33 at the same time. An overlap difference exists if the front end 31 and the rear end 34 of the item of laundry 10 pass the sensors 32 and 33 at different times. If such an overlap difference is detected, the correction value in the relevant matrix field 30, which corresponds to the length and thickness of the currently folded item of laundry, is changed or corrected and/or overwritten with a new correction value. This adjusted or changed correction value is then used to cross-fold the next item of laundry 10, which is to be folded cross-wise in the length and thickness range of the associated matrix field 30 with the new, updated correction value.

Die zuvor im Zusammenhang mit der ersten Querfaltstation 11 beschriebene Verfahrensweise kann auch bei einer oder jeder nachfolgenden Querfaltstation 12, 13 erfolgen. Es kann jedoch ausreichend sein, nur an einer Querfaltstation, und zwar nicht unbedingt der ersten Querfaltstation 11, das erfindungsgemäße Verfahren einzusetzen.The procedure described above in connection with the first cross-folding station 11 can also be carried out at one or each subsequent cross-folding station 12, 13. However, it may be sufficient to use the method according to the invention only at one cross-folding station, and not necessarily the first cross-folding station 11.

Das Verfahren läuft an Längsfaltstationen prinzipiell genauso ab. Hierfür wird dann eine separate Matrix erstellt und zur Längsfaltung herangezogen. Diese Matrix kann prinzipiell genauso wie die Matrix in Fig. 3 aufgebaut sein. Nur wird auf der Ordinate statt der Länge dann die Breite der Wäschestücke 10 aufgetragen. Es können auch bei der Längsfaltung andere Kriterien der Wäschestücke 10 zur Bildung der Matrix herangezogen werden oder mehr als zwei Kriterien, so dass es zu einer drei- oder mehr als dreidimensionalen Matrix kommt. Anhand der Korrekturwerte in den einzelnen Matrixfeldern der Matrix für die Längsfaltung werden dann automatisch auf die Breite des jeweils zu faltenden Wäschestücks 10 eingestellte Abstände der Faltschablonen mit dem zum Beispiel für den Breiten- und Dickenbereich, in den das Wäschestück fällt, gehörenden Korrekturwert korrigiert, so dass solche Abstände der Faltschablonen automatisch eingestellt werden, die um den Korrekturwert vom nominellen Abstand abweichen, nämlich entsprechend größer oder kleiner sind.The process is basically the same at longitudinal folding stations. A separate matrix is then created and used for longitudinal folding. This matrix can be used in the same way as the matrix in Fig.3 be constructed. Only then the width of the laundry items 10 is entered on the ordinate instead of the length. When folding lengthwise, other criteria of the laundry items 10 can also be used to form the matrix, or more than two criteria, so that a three-dimensional or more than three-dimensional matrix is produced. Using the correction values in the individual matrix fields of the matrix for the lengthwise folding, the distances of the folding templates set to the width of the laundry item 10 to be folded are then automatically corrected with the correction value belonging, for example, to the width and thickness range into which the laundry item falls, so that those distances of the folding templates that deviate from the nominal distance by the correction value, namely are correspondingly larger or smaller, are automatically set.

Auch die Matrix für Längsfaltungen kann angepasst werden an das mit dem aktuellen Korrekturwert erzielte Faltergebnis, indem nach dem Längsfalten das Ergebnis ermittelt und der Korrekturwert der Wäschestücke 10 mit den gleichen Kriterien, insbesondere Werten bzw. Wertebereichen dieser Kriterien, wie beim zuvor gefalteten Wäschestück 10 verändert bzw. angepasst wird.The matrix for longitudinal folds can also be adjusted to the folding result achieved with the current correction value by determining the result after the longitudinal fold and the correction value of the laundry items 10 is changed or adjusted with the same criteria, in particular values or value ranges of these criteria, as in the previously folded laundry item 10.

Bezugszeichenliste:List of reference symbols:

1010
WäschestückLaundry item
1111
QuerfaltstationCross folding station
1212
QuerfaltstationCross folding station
1313
QuerfaltstationCross folding station
1414
DurchlaufrichtungDirection of flow
1515
GurtfördererBelt conveyor
1616
GurtfördererBelt conveyor
1717
GurtfördererBelt conveyor
1818
GurtfördererBelt conveyor
1919
GurtfördererBelt conveyor
2020
ObertrumUpper drum
2121
ObertrumUpper drum
2222
ObertrumUpper drum
2323
ObertrumUpper drum
2424
QuerfaltspaltCross fold gap
2525
QuerfaltspaltCross fold gap
2626
ObertrumUpper drum
2727
QuerfaltspaltCross fold gap
2828
LeittrommelGuide drum
2929
DurchlaufspaltPass-through gap
3030
MatrixfeldMatrix field
3131
vorderes Endefront end
3232
Sensorsensor
3333
Sensorsensor
3434
hinteres Enderear end

Claims (10)

  1. Method for folding items of laundry (10), wherein the items of laundry (10) are folded at least once in a folding machine for the purpose of forming layers of the respective item of laundry, which layers overlap by an intended extent of overlap, and the folding operation is realized on the basis of at least one criterion in such a way that the respective item of laundry (10) is folded at least approximately according to the intended extent of overlap, wherein the length and/or width of the respective item of laundry (10), on the one hand, and also the thickness and/or weight of the respective item of laundry (10), on the other hand, are used as criterion for the items of laundry (10), wherein the respective criterion is determined by direct or indirect measurement of the item of laundry (10) or at the item of laundry (10) before the folding or before the beginning of the respective folding operation of the respective item of laundry (10), and wherein, for the purpose of automatic individual setting of the folding machine, on the basis of the at least one criterion, according to the item of laundry (10) to be folded in each case, the folding operation is set by means of at least one correction value, which is derived from at least one criterion, in such a way that the respective item of laundry (10) is folded according to at least approximately the intended extent of overlap.
  2. Method according to Claim 1, wherein correction values are determined on the basis of and/or in relation to at least two criteria, in particular in each case for various values or various value ranges of the respective criteria, wherein preferably the correction values thus obtained are assigned to a matrix and/or are stored in the form of a matrix.
  3. Method according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein the correction values are stored or entered in relation to lengths or widths, preferably different length or width values or length- or width-value ranges, as one criterion for the items of laundry (10) and to at least one further criterion in the matrix, preferably in the matrix boxes (30) corresponding to the values or value ranges of the criteria.
  4. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the folding operation, in particular the spacing between for example folding templates for longitudinal folding of the item of laundry (10) and/or the time at which the item of laundry (10) runs into the transverse-folding station (11, 12, 13), is regulated or controlled automatically on the basis of at least one correction value from the matrix, which correction value corresponds to the item of laundry (10) to be folded.
  5. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein, as at least one criterion, use is made of a folding-machine parameter, in particular a criterion corresponding to the age or state of wear of the folding machine, for example operating hours of the folding machine.
  6. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one criterion for the item of laundry (10) is determined by an imaging method or scanning.
  7. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one criterion is read from a data carrier assigned to the respective item of laundry (10).
  8. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein, for at least one criterion, correction values are derived, preferably calculated, on the basis of reference and/or empirical values.
  9. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the correction values are derived from the determined folding quality and/or difference in overlap of folded items of laundry (10).
  10. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least some correction values are adapted or checked continuously, in particular using the folding quality of folded items of laundry (10) and/or the difference in overlap of folded items of laundry (10).
EP16000279.6A 2015-03-10 2016-02-04 Method for folding laundry Active EP3067460B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE102015002975.4A DE102015002975A1 (en) 2015-03-10 2015-03-10 Method for folding laundry items

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3067460A1 EP3067460A1 (en) 2016-09-14
EP3067460B1 true EP3067460B1 (en) 2024-05-01

Family

ID=55310621

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP16000279.6A Active EP3067460B1 (en) 2015-03-10 2016-02-04 Method for folding laundry

Country Status (2)

Country Link
EP (1) EP3067460B1 (en)
DE (1) DE102015002975A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102018216414A1 (en) * 2018-09-26 2020-03-26 BSH Hausgeräte GmbH Laundry treatment device with a laundry treatment module

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE2852190A1 (en) * 1978-12-02 1980-06-19 Kannegiesser H Gmbh Co Laundry installation with computerised process control - by means of identification marks on articles specifying customer and type
EP0612879A1 (en) * 1993-02-18 1994-08-31 Jensen Ag Burgdorf Apparatus for the automatic folding of laundry

Family Cites Families (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE3419146C2 (en) * 1983-06-06 1986-11-13 Herbert Kannegiesser Gmbh + Co, 4973 Vlotho Device for multiple cross and lengthwise folding of laundry items
DK158095C (en) * 1983-06-06 1990-08-20 Kannegiesser H Gmbh Co APPLIANCE FOR FOLDING LAUNDRY PIECES
DE102014000047A1 (en) * 2014-01-07 2015-07-09 Herbert Kannegiesser Gmbh Method and device for folding laundry items

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE2852190A1 (en) * 1978-12-02 1980-06-19 Kannegiesser H Gmbh Co Laundry installation with computerised process control - by means of identification marks on articles specifying customer and type
EP0612879A1 (en) * 1993-02-18 1994-08-31 Jensen Ag Burgdorf Apparatus for the automatic folding of laundry

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP3067460A1 (en) 2016-09-14
DE102015002975A1 (en) 2016-09-15

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP2891744B1 (en) Method for folding laundry items
DE102013208095A1 (en) RAILWAY MATERIAL CONVEYOR
EP0091713A1 (en) Method of making ready printed, numbered and cut to size bank notes, and automatic cutting machine for carrying out the method
DE3221379A1 (en) MEASURING DEVICE FOR SHEET THICKNESS IN THE TRANSPORTATION RAIL OF BOWS IN PAPER PROCESSING MACHINES
EP3569762B1 (en) Method and device for spreading laundry
EP3064327A1 (en) Method for register correction of a flat bed stamping machine
CH647476A5 (en) LEAF TRANSPORT DEVICE.
EP3516349A1 (en) Weighing apparatus and method for weighing a product
DE19936291B4 (en) Determination of cutting layers of web strands in a rotary printing machine
EP3067460B1 (en) Method for folding laundry
EP1661833B1 (en) Method and device for treating printed products
WO2006005753A1 (en) Methods and devices for positioning web processing tools or for presetting a width of cut
DE10031529A1 (en) Method for operating a continuous sheet-processing machine in which the speed of driven axles is controlled depended on the position or speed of the axles, in a feedback mechanism
EP3702517B1 (en) Method and device for folding laundry items
DE4227710C1 (en) Sewing machine and fabric cutter assembly - has independent sewing machine movement according to register of fabric edge by monitors
DE2341621C3 (en) Device for the strip center position control in front of a strip processing machine, for example a circular knife
DE1574386C2 (en) Device to ensure the lateral registration of webs arriving laterally offset
DE19703367C2 (en) Method for producing a web of predetermined width and device for carrying out the method
DE60206238T2 (en) Apparatus and method for packaging articles
DE102011003925B4 (en) Method for determining an inclined position of a fold break produced by longitudinal folding of a product by means of a longitudinal folding apparatus and longitudinal folding apparatus with means for determining such an inclined position
DE8524991U1 (en) Cutting device on the folder of rotary printing machines
DE19944216B4 (en) Embossing method and embossing device
EP2933364A1 (en) Device for applying liquor to a filament web
CH657349A5 (en) METHOD AND DEVICE FOR CORRECTION, OR RELEVANTLY PREVENTION OF THE FORWARD OR REVERSE OVERHANG OF A STACK OF CONTINUOUS FORMS FOLDED IN ZIGZAG FROM A PAPER RAIL.
EP3569761B1 (en) Method and device for feeding laundry items, in particular to a mangle

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: BA ME

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION WAS MADE

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20170309

RBV Designated contracting states (corrected)

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: EXAMINATION IS IN PROGRESS

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20210401

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: EXAMINATION IS IN PROGRESS

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: GRANT OF PATENT IS INTENDED

INTG Intention to grant announced

Effective date: 20231206

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE PATENT HAS BEEN GRANTED

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: NOT ENGLISH

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R082

Ref document number: 502016016493

Country of ref document: DE

Representative=s name: MEISSNER BOLTE PATENTANWAELTE RECHTSANWAELTE P, DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: LANGUAGE OF EP DOCUMENT: GERMAN

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R096

Ref document number: 502016016493

Country of ref document: DE

P01 Opt-out of the competence of the unified patent court (upc) registered

Effective date: 20240424