EP4198191A1

EP4198191A1 - A device for longitudinally folding a textile item and an extension module therefore

Info

Publication number: EP4198191A1
Application number: EP21214408.3A
Authority: EP
Inventors: David Wollants; Dimitri COKELAERE; Yves Dabrowiecki
Original assignee: Texprofin
Current assignee: Texprofin
Priority date: 2021-12-14
Filing date: 2021-12-14
Publication date: 2023-06-21

Abstract

The invention provides a device (100) for longitudinally folding a textile item (900). The device (100) comprises a conveyor system (110) for transporting the textile item (900) through the device (100), first and second folding template parts (120, 125) for setting fold positions (901, 902) along the textile item (900); and moveable first and second folding blades (130, 135) for folding the textile item (900) over the folding template parts (120, 125). The folding blades (130, 135) are moved by means of a drive system which is positioned in the device (100) above the conveyor system (110). The invention also provides an extension module (200) for a device (100) for longitudinally folding a textile item (900), wherein the extension module (200) provides the folding blades (130, 135) and the drive system, and wherein the extension module (200) is arranged for being installed on the device (100) above the conveyor system (110) of the device (100).

Description

Technical field

The present invention relates to a device for longitudinally folding a textile item. The present invention also relates to an extension module for a device for longitudinally folding a textile item, and a device for longitudinally folding a textile item comprising said extension module. The present invention also relates to a laundry folding machine comprising the device for longitudinally folding a textile item according to the present invention. The present invention also relates to a method for longitudinally folding a textile item by means of the device according to the present invention.

Background art

A laundry folding machine for folding a textile item know from the prior art typically comprises machine comprises a first device for feeding the textile item into the laundry folding machine, a second device for longitudinally folding the textile item coming from the first device, a third device for cross folding the textile item coming from the second device; and a fourth device for stacking the textile item coming from the third device.
The device for longitudinally folding the textile item of such a laundry folding machine typically comprises a conveyor system, such as a conveyor belt, for transporting the textile item through the device in a longitudinal direction. The device further comprises a first and second folding template part extending along the longitudinal direction above the conveyor system. Each one of the first and second folding template part is provided to lie on the textile item when the textile item is transported through the device and to determine as such respectively a first and second longitudinal fold position along the textile item. The device further comprises a first and second folding blade extending along the longitudinal direction above the conveyor system. The device is provided such that the textile item is transported over both the first and second folding blade when the textile item is transported through the device. Each one of the first and second folding blade is moveable in a transverse direction in order to fold the textile item over respectively the first and second folding template part. The device further comprises a drive system connected to both the first and second folding blade. The drive system is provided for moving the first and second folding blade independently in the transverse direction. In the device known from the prior art the drive system is positioned below the conveyor system.
Such a device has however the disadvantage that the drive system, being positioned below the conveyor system, is difficult to access for maintenance or repairs. Usually, this requires fully opening the conveyor system before the drive system can be accessed, which is however time-consuming.

Disclosure of the invention

It is an aim of the present invention to provide a device for longitudinally folding a textile item, which is easy in maintenance.
This aim is achieved according to the invention with a device for longitudinally folding a textile item showing the technical characteristics of the first independent claim, and an extension module for a device for longitudinally folding a textile item showing the technical characteristics of the second independent claim.
Therefore, the present invention provides a device for longitudinally folding a textile item. The device comprises a conveyor system for transporting the textile item through the device in a longitudinal direction. Preferably, the conveyor system is a conveyor belt. The device comprises a first folding template part or ski and a second folding template part or ski extending along the longitudinal direction above the conveyor system. Each one of the first folding template part and the second folding template part is provided to lie on the textile item when the textile item is transported through the device and to determine as such respectively a first longitudinal fold position and a second longitudinal fold position along the textile item. The device comprises a first folding blade or bar and a second folding blade or bar extending along the longitudinal direction above the conveyor system. The device is provided such that the textile item is transported over the first folding blade and the second folding blade when the textile item is transported through the device. Each one of the first folding blade and the second folding blade is moveable in a transverse direction in order to fold the textile item, which is transported over the first folding blade and the second folding blade, over respectively the first folding template part and the second folding template part. The transverse direction is transverse to the longitudinal direction, preferably substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The device comprises a drive system connected to the first folding blade and the second folding blade. The drive system is provided for moving, i.e. for driving the movement of, the first folding blade and the second folding blade in the transverse direction. The drive system is positioned in the device above the conveyor system, i.e. above the level of the conveyor system.
The drive system being positioned in the device above the conveyor system offers the advantage that the drive system is readily accessible for repairs and maintenance, such that they can be performed quickly.
Furthermore, the present invention provides an extension module for a device for longitudinally folding a textile item. The extension module comprises a first folding blade or bar and a second folding blade or bar extending along a longitudinal direction. Each one of the first folding blade and the second folding blade is moveable in a transverse direction, transverse to the longitudinal direction, in order to fold the textile item, preferably over respectively a first folding template part and a second folding template part of the device, when the extension module is installed in the device. The extension module comprises a drive system connected to the first folding blade and the second folding blade. The drive system is provided for moving, i.e. for driving the movement of, the first folding blade and the second folding blade in the transverse direction. The extension module is arranged for being installed on the device above, i.e. above the level of, a conveyor system of the device for transporting the textile item through the device in the longitudinal direction.
The extension module arranged for being installed in the device above the conveyor system offers the advantage that the drive system of the extension module is readily accessible for maintenance and repairs, such that they can be performed quickly.
The extension module is also beneficial for extending an existing device for longitudinally folding a textile item with the possibility of folding a textile item over the folding template parts of said device with folding blades, if said device is only provided with other means for folding the textile item over the folding template parts, such as for example air nozzles expulsing air jets which lift the textile item over the folding template parts.
The extension module is also beneficial for providing a base device comprising at least the conveyor system, the first folding template part and the second folding template part with the functionality of folding a textile item over the folding template parts of the base device with folding blades. Alternatively, such a base device can also be extended with another type of extension module which provides other means for folding the textile item over the folding template parts of the base device, such as for example air nozzles expulsing air jets which lift the textile item over the folding template parts. The use of such a base device in combination with the extension module of the present invention or the other type of extension module described above, is beneficial in the process of manufacturing a device for longitudinally folding a textile item, as it allows to easily diversify between different types of devices for longitudinally folding a textile item having different means for folding the textile item over the folding template parts.
In an embodiment of the device or the extension module according to the present invention the drive system is positioned in the device or extension module along the periphery of the device or the extension module.
This embodiment offers the advantage that even with the drive system installed above the folding blades, the folding template parts and the conveyor system remain readily accessible from above for maintenance and repairs, or in case a textile item might get stuck inside the device while being folded longitudinally.
In an embodiment of the device or the extension module according to the present invention the drive system is positioned in the device or the extension module above, i.e. above the level of, the first folding blade and the second folding blade.
This embodiment offers the advantage that the access to the drive system from above is not hindered by the presence of the folding blades, such that the drive system is readily accessible for repairs and maintenance.
In an embodiment of the device or the extension module according to the present invention the drive system is connected to a first end and a second end, viewed along the longitudinal direction, of the first folding blade for moving the first folding blade via the first end and the second end of the first folding blade. In an embodiment of the device or the extension module according to the present invention the drive system is connected to a first end and a second end, viewed along the longitudinal direction, of the second folding blade for moving the second folding blade via the first end and the second end of the second folding blade.
These embodiments are beneficial for providing the drive system along the periphery of the device or the extension module, such that the drive system is readily accessible for repairs and maintenance.
In an embodiment of the device or the extension module according to the present invention the drive system is provided for moving the first end and the second end of the first folding blade in a synchronised manner. In an embodiment of the device or the extension module according to the present invention the drive system is provided for moving the first end and the second end of the second folding blade in a synchronised manner.
These embodiments are beneficial for avoiding torsion of the folding blade, i.e. either one of the first folding blade and the second folding blade, while the folding blade is being moved by means of the drive system, such that the folding blade is moved in a more stable manner for a good folding result, and such that the risk of damage to the folding blade is decreased.
Moving the first end and the second end of the folding blade in a synchronised manner may for example by done by means of a separate motor of the drive system for each one of the first end and the second end of the folding blade, wherein the motors are synchronised with each other, for example by a control unit. Moving the first end and the second end of the folding blade in a synchronised manner may for example also be done by means of a single motor in combination with a transfer means, such as for example a rotation axle or a belt and pulley system, wherein the motor is connected to the transfer means for driving the movement of the transfer means, and wherein the transfer means is further connected to the first end and the second end of the folding blade for moving the first end and the second end of the folding blade. It should however be remarked that any other suitable means known to the skilled person can be used for moving the first end and the second end of the folding blade in a synchronised manner.
In an embodiment of the device or the extension module according to the present invention the drive system is provided for moving the first folding blade by means of a single first motor. Preferably, the first motor is an electric motor. Preferably, the first motor is a servomotor. In an embodiment of the device or the extension module according to the present invention the drive system is provided for moving the second folding blade by means of a single second motor. Preferably, the second motor is an electric motor. Preferably, the second motor is a servomotor.
The use of a single motor for driving the movement of the folding blade is beneficial for a simple design and maintenance of the device according to the present invention.
In an embodiment of the device or the extension module according to the present invention the drive system comprises a first transfer means, preferably a first rotation axle, at a first longitudinal side of the device or the extension module. The first transfer means extends along the longitudinal direction. The first motor is provided for driving the first transfer means. The first transfer means is connected at a first end and a second end, viewed along the longitudinal direction, respectively to the first end and the second end of the first folding blade for moving the first folding blade via the first end and the second end of the first folding blade. In an embodiment of the device or the extension module according to the present invention the drive system comprises a second transfer means, preferably a second rotation axle, at a second longitudinal side of the device or the extension module. The second longitudinal side is opposite of the first longitudinal side in the transverse direction. The second transfer means extends along the longitudinal direction. The second motor is provided for driving the second transfer means. The second transfer means is connected at a first end and a second end, viewed along the longitudinal direction, respectively to the first end and the second end of the second folding blade for moving the second folding blade via the first end and the second end of the second folding blade.
The transfer means being arranged in the longitudinal direction along the longitudinal sides of the device or the extension module is beneficial for providing the drive system along the periphery of the device or the extension module, such that the drive system is readily accessible for repairs and maintenance.
The use of a single motor in combination with transfer means for driving the movement of the folding blade via its first end and second end also provides a simple means that enables to move the first end and the second end of the folding blade in a synchronised manner.
In an embodiment of the device or the extension module according to the present invention the drive system comprises a first guide at a first transverse side of the device or the extension module. The first guide extends along the transverse direction. The drive system comprises a second guide at a second transverse side of the device or the extension module. The second transverse side is opposite of the first transverse side in the longitudinal direction. The second guide extends along the transverse direction. The drive system comprises a first carriage on the first guide which is moveable along the transverse direction on the first guide. The first carriage is connected to the first end of the first folding blade. The drive system comprises a second carriage on the second guide which is moveable along the transverse direction on the second guide. The second carriage is connected to the second end of the first folding blade. In an embodiment of the device or the extension module according to the present invention the drive system comprises a third guide at the first transverse side of the device or the extension module. The third guide extends along the transverse direction. The drive system comprises a fourth guide at the second transverse side of the device or the extension module. The fourth guide extends along the transverse direction. The drive system comprises a third carriage on the third guide which is moveable along the transverse direction on the third guide. The third carriage is connected to the first end of the second folding blade. The drive system comprises a fourth carriage on the fourth guide which is moveable along the transverse direction on the fourth guide. The fourth carriage is connected to the second end of the second folding blade.
The inventors have found the carriages moveable on the guides and connected to the ends of the folding blades a beneficial means for quickly moving the folding blades in a smooth and stable manner, in order to avoid torsion in the folding blades and possible damage.
In an embodiment of the device or the extension module according to the present invention the first end of the first transfer means is connected to the first carriage at the first transverse side of the device or the extension module by means of a first drive belt. The second end of the first transfer means is connected to the second carriage at the second transverse side of the device or the extension module by means of a second drive belt. In an embodiment of the device or the extension module according to the present invention the first end of the second transfer means is connected to the third carriage at the first transverse side of the device or the extension module by means of a third drive belt. The second end of the second transfer means is connected to the fourth carriage at the second transverse side of the device or the extension module by means of a fourth drive belt.
In an embodiment of the device according to the present invention the first folding template part is moveable in the transverse direction for setting the first longitudinal fold position along the textile item. The drive system is further provided for moving the first folding template part in the transverse direction. In an embodiment of the device according to the present invention the second folding template part is moveable in the transverse direction for setting the second longitudinal fold position along the textile item. The drive system is further provided for moving the second folding template part in the transverse direction.
In an embodiment of the device according to the present invention the drive system is connected to a first end, viewed along the longitudinal direction, of the first folding template part. The drive system is provided for moving the first folding template part via the first end of the first folding template part. In an embodiment of the device according to the present invention the drive system is connected to a first end, viewed along the longitudinal direction, of the second folding template part. The drive system is provided for moving the second folding template part via the first end of the second folding template part.
In an embodiment of the device according to the present invention the drive system is provided for simultaneously moving the first folding template part and the second folding template part in the opposite direction.
In an embodiment of the device according to the present invention the drive system is provided for moving the first folding template part and the second folding template part by means of a single third motor. Preferably, the third motor is an electric motor. Preferably, the third motor is a servomotor.
In an embodiment of the device according to the present invention the drive system comprises a fifth guide on a first predetermined transverse side of a first transverse side and a second transverse side of the device. The fifth guide extends along the transverse direction. The drive system comprises a fifth carriage on the fifth guide which is moveable along the transverse direction on the fifth guide. The fifth carriage is connected to the first end of the first folding template part. In an embodiment of the device according to the present invention the drive system comprises a sixth guide on a second predetermined transverse side of a first transverse side and a second transverse side of the device. The sixth guide extends along the transverse direction. The drive system comprises a sixth carriage on the sixth guide which is moveable along the transverse direction on the sixth guide. The sixth carriage is connected to the first end of the second folding template part.
In an embodiment of the device according to the present invention the first predetermined transverse side and the second predetermined transverse side are the same .The third motor is provided for driving a fifth drive belt. The fifth drive belt is connected to the fifth carriage for moving the fifth carriage and thus the first folding template part. The fifth drive belt is connected to the sixth carriage for moving the sixth carriage and thus the second folding template part.
In an embodiment of the device according to the present invention the fifth carriage and the sixth carriage are connected to opposite moving parts of the fifth drive belt.
Furthermore, the present invention provides a device for longitudinally folding a textile item. The device comprises an extension module according to the present invention. The device comprises a conveyor system for transporting the textile item through the device in the longitudinal direction. Preferably, the conveyor system is a conveyor belt. The device comprises a first folding template part and a second folding template part extending along the longitudinal direction above the conveyor system. Each one of the first folding template part and the second folding template part is provided to lie on the textile item when the textile item is transported through the device and to determine as such respectively a first longitudinal fold position and a second longitudinal fold position along the textile item. The extension module is installed in the device above the conveyor system such that the first folding blade and the second folding blade extend along the longitudinal direction above the conveyor system, such that the textile item is transported over the first folding blade and the second folding blade when the textile item is transported through the device, and such that the first folding blade and the second folding blade, when moved in the transverse direction, fold the textile item, which is transported over the first folding blade and the second folding blade, over respectively the first folding template part and the second folding template part.
Furthermore, the present invention provides a laundry folding machine for folding a textile item. The laundry folding machine comprises a first device, i.e. a feeding table, for feeding the textile item into the laundry folding machine. The laundry folding machine comprises a second device, i.e. a longfold section, according to the present invention for longitudinally folding the textile item coming from the first device. The laundry folding machine comprises a third device, i.e. a crossfold section, for cross folding the textile item coming from the second device. The laundry folding machine comprises a fourth device, i.e. a sorting and stacking section, for sorting and stacking the textile item coming from the third device.
Furthermore, the present invention provides a method for longitudinally folding a textile item by means of the device according to the present invention. The method is controlled by at least one control unit of the device. The method comprises the step of transporting the textile item on the conveyor system. Thereby, the first folding template part and the second folding template part are positioned on the textile item. Thereby, the textile item is transported over the first folding blade and the second folding blade. The method comprises the step of moving each one of the first folding blade and the second folding blade in the transverse direction by means of the drive system in order to fold the textile item, which is transported over the first folding blade and the second folding blade, over respectively the first folding template part and the second folding template part.

Brief description of the drawings

The invention will be further elucidated by means of the following description and the appended figures.

Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a laundry folding machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 shows a perspective view on a device for longitudinally folding a textile item according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 shows a perspective view on an extension module according to a first embodiment of the present invention, as used in the device of Figure 2.
Figure 4 shows a side view on the extension module of Figure 3.
Figure 5 shows a cross section through the extension module of Figure 4 along the lines A-A.
Figure 6 shows a perspective view on an extension module according to a second embodiment of the present invention, suitable for use in the device of Figure 2.
Figure 7 shows a top view on the extension module of Figure 6.
Figure 8 shows a perspective view from the front on the drive system for the folding template parts of the device of Figure 2.
Figure 9 shows a back perspective view from the back on the drive system for the folding template parts of the device of Figure 2.
Figures 10-11 show a method for longitudinally folding a textile item according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Modes for carrying out the invention

The present invention will be described with respect to particular embodiments and with reference to certain drawings but the invention is not limited thereto but only by the claims. The drawings described are only schematic and are non-limiting. In the drawings, the size of some of the elements may be exaggerated and not drawn on scale for illustrative purposes. The dimensions and the relative dimensions do not necessarily correspond to actual reductions to practice of the invention.
Furthermore, the terms first, second, third and the like in the description and in the claims, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a sequential or chronological order. The terms are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and the embodiments of the invention can operate in other sequences than described or illustrated herein.
Moreover, the terms top, bottom, over, under and the like in the description and the claims are used for descriptive purposes and not necessarily for describing relative positions. The terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and the embodiments of the invention described herein can operate in other orientations than described or illustrated herein.
The term "comprising", used in the claims, should not be interpreted as being restricted to the means listed thereafter; it does not exclude other elements or steps. It needs to be interpreted as specifying the presence of the stated features, integers, steps or components as referred to, but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps or components, or groups thereof. Thus, the scope of the expression "a device comprising means A and B" should not be limited to devices consisting only of components A and B. It means that with respect to the present invention, the only relevant components of the device are A and B.
Figure 2 shows a device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention for longitudinally folding a textile item 900, and further details of the device 100 are shown in the Figures 3-9.
The device 100 can be used in a laundry folding machine 800 for folding a textile item 900, of which a schematic representation is shown in Figure 1. Such a laundry folding machine 800 usually comprises: a first device 810, i.e. a feeding table, for feeding the textile item 900 into the laundry folding machine 800; a second device 820, i.e. a longfold section, for longitudinally folding the textile item 900 coming from the first device 810; a third device 830, i.e. a crossfold section, for cross folding the longitudinally folded textile item 900 coming from the second device 820; and a fourth device 840, i.e. a sorting and stacking section, for sorting and stacking the longitudinally and cross folded textile item 900 coming from the third device 830. In such a laundry folding machine 800 the device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention can be used as the second device 820.
The device 100 extends along a longitudinal direction L, a transverse direction T transverse, preferably perpendicular, to the longitudinal direction L, and a height direction H perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L and the transverse direction T. The device 100 has a first longitudinal side 101 and a second longitudinal side 102, which extend along the longitudinal direction L, and which are arranged opposite of each other in the transverse direction T. The device 100 also has first transverse side 103 and a second transverse side 104, which extend along the transverse direction T between the ends of the first longitudinal side 101 and the second longitudinal side 102, and which are arranged opposite of each other in the longitudinal direction L.
The device 100 is provided at the first transverse side 103 for being fed with a spread out textile item 900. The textile item 900 is preferably a rectangular textile item 900, such as for example a towel, which is preferably inserted into the device 100 at the first side 103 with the sides of textile item 900 extending along the longitudinal direction L and the transverse direction T.
The device 100 comprises a conveyor system 100 for transporting the textile item 900 through the device 100 in the longitudinal direction L from the first transverse side 103 to the second transverse side 104. In the embodiment shown, the conveyor system 110 is composed of a plurality of conveyor belts 111, 112, 113, 114, 115 on which the spread out textile item 900 is lying when the textile item 900 is being transported through the device 100. It should however be clear that any other suitable conveyor system known to the skilled person can be used.
The device 100 also comprises a first folding template part 120 and a second folding template part 125, which extend along the longitudinal direction L above the conveyor system 110. The folding template parts 120, 125 are positioned opposite of each other around the mid-line of the conveyor system 110 in the transverse direction T. The folding template parts 120, 125 are arranged such that the textile item 900 is transported on the conveyor system 110 with the folding template parts 120, 125 resting on the textile item 900, such as can be seen in the Figures 10-13. In this way the first folding template part 120 and the second folding template part 125 determine respectively a first longitudinal fold position 901 and a second longitudinal fold position 902 along the textile item 900 in the longitudinal direction L. The folding template parts 120, 125 are moveable in the transverse direction T by means of a drive system of the device 100 to set the respective longitudinal fold positions 901, 902 along the textile item 900, as will be explained in further detail below.
The device 100 also comprises a first folding blade 130 and a second folding blade 135, which extend, like the folding template parts 120, 125, along the longitudinal direction L above the conveyor system 110. The folding blades 130, 135 are positioned opposite of each other around the mid-line of the conveyor system 110 in the transverse direction T outside of the area in which the folding template parts 120, 125 are positioned, and above the level of the folding template parts 120, 125 in the height direction H. The folding blades 130, 135 are arranged such that the textile item 900 is transported on the conveyor system 110 over the folding blades 130, 135, such as can be seen in Figure 10. For this purpose, each one of the first folding blade 130 and the second folding blade 135 is provided with a tilted section 133, 138 at its first end 131, 136 located at the first transverse side 103 of the device 100. These tilted sections 133, 138 tilt downwards towards the first ends 131, 136 of the folding blades 130, 135, such that when the textile item 900 is entered into the device 100 at the first transverse side 103 it moves up onto folding blades 130, 135 via said tilted sections 133, 138. The folding blades 130, 135 is moveable in the transverse direction T by means of the drive system of the device 100 in order to fold the textile item 900, which is transported over the folding blades 130, 135, over the folding template parts 120, 125, such as can be seen in Figure 11 for the first folding blade 130 and the first folding template part 120 and in Figure 12 for the second folding blade 135 and the second folding template part 125.
The device 100 is provided at the first transverse side 103 with a first beam 140 and a third beam 160 and at the second transverse side 104 with a second beam 150, which beams 140, 150, 160 extend along the transverse direction T between the first longitudinal side 101 and the second longitudinal side 102 of the device 100, and which are positioned in the height direction H above the level of the conveyor system 110, the folding template parts 120, 125 and the folding blades 130, 135.
At the bottom the first beam 140 is provided with a first guide, track or rail 141 and a third guide, track or rail 145, which guides 141, 145 extend along the transverse direction T. The first guide 141 and the third guide 145 may be two separate guides, but may also be arranged in extension of each other and connected such that they form a single guide. On the first guide 141 and the third guide 145 there is arranged respectively a first carriage 142 and a third carriage 146, which carriages 142, 146 are moveable in the transverse direction T on the corresponding guides 141, 145. The second beam 150 is similarly provided at the bottom with a second guide, track or rail 151 and a fourth guide, track or rail 155, on which respectively a second carriage 152 and a fourth carriage 156 is moveably arranged in the transverse direction T.
The first guide 141 and the first carriage 142 on the one hand and the second guide 151 and the second carriage 152 on the other hand are arranged opposite of each other in the longitudinal direction L. The first folding blade 131 is connected at the first end 131 to the first carriage 142 via a first arm 143, and at a second end 132, opposite of the first end 131 along the longitudinal direction L, to the second carriage 152 via a second arm 153. Similarly, the third guide 145 and the third carriage 146 on the one hand and the fourth guide 155 and the fourth carriage 156 on the other hand are arranged opposite of each other in the longitudinal direction L. The second folding blade 135 is connected at the first end 136 to the third carriage 146 via a third arm 147, and at a second end 137, opposite of the first end 136 along the longitudinal direction L, to the fourth carriage 156 via a fourth arm 157. The first arm 143 extends outwards in the transverse direction T from the first end 131 of the first folding blade 130 towards the first longitudinal side 101 of the device 100, and finally inwards and upwards in the height direction H towards a furthest end of the first carriage 142. The third arm 147 extends outwards in the transverse direction T from the first end 136 of the second folding blade 135 towards the second longitudinal side 102 of the device 100, and finally inwards and upwards in the height direction H towards a furthest end of the third carriage 146. Thereby, the first arm 143 and the third arm 147 are positioned closely to the beginning of the conveyor system 110, such that the textile item 900 moves over the first arm 143 and the third 147 when the textile item 900 enters into the device 100 at the first transverse side 103.
With the folding blades 130, 135 connected in this way to the carriages 142, 146, 152, 156, each folding blade 130, 135 can be moved in the transverse direction T for folding the textile item 900 over the corresponding folding template part 120, 125 by moving the corresponding carriages 142, 146, 152, 156 in the transverse direction T on the corresponding guides 141, 145, 151, 155.
The drive system for the first folding blade 130 is provided with a single first motor 171 which drives the movement of both the first carriage 142 and the second carriage 152, and as such also the movement of the first folding blade 130. The drive system for the second folding blade 135 is provided with single second motor 174 which drives the movement of both the third carriage 146 and the fourth carriage 156, and as such also the movement of the second folding blade 135. Preferably, the first motor 171 and the second motor 174 are electric servo motors, but it should however be clear that any other suitable type of motor known to the skilled person can be used. The first motor 171 and the second motor 174 can be arranged at the first beam 140, such as shown in the embodiment of Figures 2-5, or at the second beam 150, such as shown in the embodiment of Figure 6 and 7. Other positions for the first motor 171 and/or the second motor 174 may however also be chosen, preferably along the periphery of the device 100. Preferably, the first motor 171 and the second motor 174 are positioned as close as possible to a power source and/or a control unit of the device 100, to reduce the amount of wiring in the device 100.
The first motor 141 drives the movement of the first carriage 142 and the second carriage 152 via a first rotation axle 180, or any other type of suitable transfer means such as for example a belt and pulley system. The first rotation axle 180 is arranged at the first longitudinal side 101 of the device 100 extending in the longitudinal direction L between the first beam 140 and the second beam 150. The first motor 141 is connected to the first rotation axle 180 via a drive belt 172 and pulleys 173 for rotating the first rotation axle 180. The first rotation axle 180 is further connected at a first end 181 to a first belt and pulley system comprising a first drive belt 144 and first pulleys 144' arranged on the first beam 140 above the first guide 141, of which the first drive belt 144 is connected to the first carriage 142. At a second end 182, opposite of the first end 181 in the longitudinal direction L, the first rotation axle 180 is connected to a second belt and pulley system comprising a first drive belt 154 and first pulleys 154' arranged on the second beam 150 above the second guide 151, of which the second drive belt 154 is connected to the second carriage 152. Similarly, the second motor 147 drives the movement of the third carriage 146 and the fourth carriage 156 via second rotation axle 185, which second rotation axle 185 is arranged at the second longitudinal side 102 of the device 100 extending in the longitudinal direction L between the first beam 140 and the second beam 150. The second motor 147 is connected to the second rotation axle 185 via a drive belt 175 and pulleys 179 for rotating the second rotation axle 185. The second rotation axle 185 is further connected at a first end 186 to a third belt and pulley system comprising a third drive belt 148 and third pulleys 148' arranged on the first beam 140 above the third guide 145, of which the third drive belt 148 is connected to the third carriage 146. At a second end 187, opposite of the first end 186 in the longitudinal direction L, the second rotation axle 185 is connected to a fourth belt and pulley system comprising a fourth drive belt 158 and first pulleys 158' arranged on the second beam 150 above the fourth guide 155, of which the fourth drive belt 158 is connected to the fourth carriage 156.
In the configuration of the drive system for the first folding blade 130 and the second folding blade 135 described above, the rotation of the first rotation axle 180 by the first motor 171 causes a synchronous movement of the first carriage 142 and the second carriage 152 in the transverse direction T on respectively the first guide 141 and the second guide 151 via respectively the first belt and pulley system 144, 144' and the second belt and pulley system 154, 154', and the rotation of the second rotation axle 185 by the second motor 174 causes a synchronous movement of the third carriage 146 and the fourth carriage 156 in the transverse direction T on respectively the third guide 145 and the fourth guide 155 via respectively the third belt and pulley system 148, 148' and the fourth belt and pulley system 158, 158'. This enables the drive system to move the first end 131 and the second end 132 of the first folding blade 130 and the first end 136 and the second end 137 of the second folding blade 135 in a synchronised manner, which is beneficial for avoiding torsion and possible damage in the folding blade 130, 135. It should however be clear that other configurations of the drive system can also be used for moving the ends 131, 132, 136, 137 of the folding blades 130, 135 in a synchronised manner, such as for example by means of a separate motor for each of the ends 131, 132, 136, 137 of the folding blades 130, 135, wherein the motors associated with the same folding blade 130, 135 are synchronised with each other, for example by a control unit.
The configuration of the drive system for the first folding blade 130 and the second folding blade 135 described above, and its positioning in the device 100 above the conveyor system 110 and the folding blades 130, 135 and along the periphery of the device 100, i.e. along the first longitudinal side 101, the second longitudinal side 102, the first transverse side 103 and the second transverse side 104, is beneficial to have an easy access to the drive system and also to the folding blades 130, 135 for maintenance and repairs.
The combination of the folding blades 130, 135 and the drive system for the folding blades 130, 135 arranged on the first beam 140 and the second beam 150 may be integrated into the device 100. Said combination, may however also be provided as a separate extension module 200, such as for example shown as a first embodiment in Figures 3-5 and a second embodiment in Figure 6 and 7, to be installed on an existing device for longitudinally folding a textile item 900, which is not yet provided with the functionality of folding blades 130, 135 for folding the textile item 900 over folding template parts of said device.
In the device 100, the drive system for the folding template parts 120, 125 is arranged on the third beam 160, as shown in more detail in Figure 8 and 9. Therefore, the third beam 160 is provided at the bottom with a fifth guide, track or rail 161 and a sixth guide, track or trail 165, which guides 161, 165 extend along the transverse direction T. The fifth guide 161 and the sixth guide 165 may be two separate guides, but may also be arranged in extension of each other and connected such that they form a single guide. On the fifth guide 161 and the sixth guide 165 there is respectively arranged a fifth carriage 162 and a sixth carriage 166, which carriages 162, 166 are moveable in the transverse direction T on the corresponding guides 161, 165. The first folding template part 120 is connected at a first end 121 to the fifth carriage 162, and the second folding template part 125 is connected at a first end 126 to the sixth carriage 166, such that the folding template parts 120, 125 can be moved in the transverse direction T for setting the longitudinal fold position 901, 902 along the textile item 900 by moving the corresponding carriages 162, 166 in the transverse direction T on the corresponding guides 161, 165. The drive system for the folding template parts 120, 125 further comprises a single third motor 177, preferably an electric servo motor 177, which drives the movement of both the fifth carriage 162 and the sixth carriage 166 via a fifth belt and pulley system comprising a fifth drive belt 164 and fifth pulleys 164'. An upper part of the fifth drive belt 164 is connected to the fifth carriage 162, and a bottom part of the fifth drive belt 164 is connected to the sixth carriage 166. In this configuration of the drive system for the folding template parts 120, 125, the third motor 177, when active, causes via the fifth belt and pulley system 164, 164' a symmetric movement of the first folding template part 120 and the second folding template part 125 with respect to each other in opposite directions along the transverse direction T on the corresponding guides 161, 165.

Claims

A device (100) for longitudinally folding a textile item (900), wherein the device (100) comprises:
a conveyor system (110) for transporting the textile item (900) through the device (100) in a longitudinal direction (L);

a first folding template part (120) and a second folding template part (125) extending along the longitudinal direction (L) above the conveyor system (110), wherein each one of the first folding template part (120) and the second folding template part (125) is provided to lie on the textile item (900) when the textile item (900) is transported through the device (100) and to determine as such respectively a first longitudinal fold position (901) and a second longitudinal fold position (902) along the textile item (900);

a first folding blade (130) and a second folding blade (135) extending along the longitudinal direction (L) above the conveyor system (110), wherein the device (100) is provided such that the textile item (900) is transported over the first folding blade (130) and the second folding blade (135) when the textile item (900) is transported through the device (100), and wherein each one of the first folding blade (130) and the second folding blade (135) is moveable in a transverse direction (T) in order to fold the textile item (900) over respectively the first folding template part (120) and the second folding template part (125);

a drive system connected to the first folding blade (130) and the second folding blade (135), and provided for moving the first folding blade (130) and the second folding blade (135) in the transverse direction (T);
characterised in that the drive system is positioned in the device (100) above the conveyor system (110).
The device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the drive system is positioned in the device (100) along the periphery of the device (100).
The device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the drive system is positioned in the device (100) above the first folding blade (130) and the second folding blade (135).
The device (100) according to any one of the claims 1-3, wherein the drive system is connected to a first end (131) and a second end (132) of the first folding blade (130) for moving the first folding blade (130) via the first end (131) and the second end (132) of the first folding blade (130), and/or wherein the drive system is connected to a first end (136) and a second end (137) of the second folding blade (135) for moving the second folding blade (135) via the first end (136) and the second end (137) of the second folding blade (135).
The device (100) according to claim 4, wherein the drive system is provided for moving the first end (131) and the second end (132) of the first folding blade (130) in a synchronised manner, and/or wherein the drive system is provided for moving the first end (136) and the second end (137) of the second folding blade (135) in a synchronised manner.
The device (100) according to any one of the claims 1-5, wherein the drive system is provided for moving the first folding blade (130) by means of a single first motor (171), and/or wherein the drive system is provided for moving the second folding blade (135) by means of a single second motor (174).
The device (100) according to claim 6, at least in combination with claim 4 or 5, wherein the drive system comprises:
a first transfer means (180) at a first longitudinal side (101) of the device, wherein the first transfer means (180) extends along the longitudinal direction (L), wherein the first motor (171) is provided for driving the first transfer means (180), wherein the first transfer means (180) is connected at a first end (181) and a second end (182) respectively to the first end (131) and the second end (132) of the first folding blade (130) for moving the first folding blade (130) via the first end (131) and the second end (132) of the first folding blade (130);
and/or
a second transfer means (185) at a second longitudinal side (102) of the device (100), wherein the second transfer means (185) extends along the longitudinal direction (L), wherein the second motor (174) is provided for driving the second transfer means (185), wherein the second transfer means (185) is connected at a first end (186) and a second end (187) respectively to the first end (136) and the second end (137) of the second folding blade (135) for moving the second folding blade (135) via the first end (136) and the second end (137) of the second folding blade (135).
The device (100) according to any one of the claims 1-7, at least in combination with claim 4, wherein the drive system comprises:
a first guide (141) at a first transverse side (103) of the device (100), wherein the first guide (141) extends along the transverse direction (T);

a second guide (151) at a second transverse side (104) of the device (100), wherein the second guide (151) extends along the transverse direction (T);

a first carriage (142) on the first guide (141) which is moveable along the transverse direction (T) on the first guide (141), wherein the first carriage (142) is connected to the first end (131) of the first folding blade (130); and

a second carriage (152) on the second guide (151) which is moveable along the transverse direction (T) on the second guide (151), wherein the second carriage (152) is connected to the second end (132) of the first folding blade (130);
and/or
a third guide (145) at the first transverse side (103) of the device (100), wherein the third guide (145) extends along the transverse direction (T);

a fourth guide (155) at the second transverse side (104) of the device (100), wherein the fourth guide (155) extends along the transverse direction (T);

a third carriage (146) on the third guide (145) which is moveable along the transverse direction (T) on the third guide (145), wherein the third carriage (146) is connected to the first end (136) of the second folding blade (135); and

a fourth carriage (156) on the fourth guide (155) which is moveable along the transverse direction (T) on the fourth guide (155), wherein the fourth carriage (156) is connected to the second end (137) of the second folding blade (135).
The device (100) according to claim 8, at least in combination with claim 7, wherein the first end (181) of the first transfer means (180) is connected to the first carriage (142) at the first transverse side (103) of the device (100) by means of a first drive belt (144), and wherein the second end (182) of the first transfer means (180) is connected to the second carriage (152) at the second transverse side (104) of the device (100) by means of a second drive belt (154), and/or wherein the first end (186) of the second transfer means (185) is connected to the third carriage (146) at the first transverse side (103) of the device (100) by means of a third drive belt (148), and wherein the second end (187) of the second transfer means (185) is connected to the fourth carriage (156) at the second transverse side (104) of the device (100) by means of a fourth drive belt (158).
An extension module (200) for a device (100) for longitudinally folding a textile item (900), wherein the extension module (200) comprises:
a first folding blade (130) and a second folding blade (135) extending along a longitudinal direction (L), wherein each one of the first folding blade (130) and the second folding blade (135) is moveable in a transverse direction (T) in order to fold the textile item (900) when the extension module (200) is installed in the device (100); and

a drive system connected to the first folding blade (130) and the second folding blade (135), and provided for moving the first folding blade (130) and the second folding blade (135) in the transverse direction (T);
characterised in that the extension module (200) is arranged for being installed on the device (100) above a conveyor system (110) of the device (100) for transporting the textile item (900) through the device (100) in the longitudinal direction (L).
The extension module (200) according to claim 10, wherein the drive system is positioned in the extension module (200) along the periphery of the extension module (200).
The extension module (200) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the drive system is positioned in the extension module (200) above the first folding blade (130) and the second folding blade (135).
A device (100) for longitudinally folding a textile item (900), wherein the device (100) comprises:
an extension module (200) according to any one of the claims 10-12;

a conveyor system (110) for transporting the textile item (900) through the device (100) in the longitudinal direction (L);

a first folding template part (120) and a second folding template part (125) extending along the longitudinal direction (L) above the conveyor system (110), wherein each one of the first folding template part (120) and the second folding template part (125) is provided to lie on the textile item (900) when the textile item (900) is transported through the device (100) and to determine as such respectively a first longitudinal fold position (901) and a second longitudinal fold position (902) along the textile item (900);
wherein the extension module (200) is installed in the device (100) above the conveyor system (110) such that the first folding blade (130) and the second folding blade (135) extend along the longitudinal direction (L) above the conveyor system (110), such that the textile item (900) is transported over the first folding blade (130) and the second folding blade (135) when the textile item (900) is transported through the device (100), and such that the first folding blade (130) and the second folding blade (135), when moved in the transverse direction (T), fold the textile item (900) over respectively the first folding template part (120) and the second folding template part (125).
A laundry folding machine (800) for folding a textile item (900), the laundry folding machine (800) comprising:
a first device (810) for feeding the textile item (900) into the laundry folding machine (800);

a second device (820) according to any one of the claims 1-9 and 13 for longitudinally folding the textile item (900) coming from the first device (810);

a third device (830) for cross folding the textile item (900) coming from the second device (820); and

a fourth device (840) for sorting and stacking the textile item (900) coming from the third device (830).
A method for longitudinally folding a textile item (900) by means of the device (100) according to any one of the claims 1-9 and 13, wherein the method is controlled by at least one control unit of the device (100), wherein the method comprises the steps of:
transporting the textile item (900) on the conveyor system (110), wherein the first folding template part (120) and the second folding template part (125) are positioned on the textile item (900), wherein the textile item (900) is transported over the first folding blade (130) and the second folding blade (135); and

moving each one of the first folding blade (130) and the second folding blade (135) in the transverse direction (T) by means of the drive system in order to fold the textile item (900) over respectively the first folding template part (120) and the second folding template part (125).