Treatment module of a laundry treatment apparatus, laundry treatment apparatus and method of operating a laundry treatment apparatus

Abstract

The invention relates to a treatment module (7) for a laundry treatment apparatus (1), comprising a plurality of treatment brushes (17), which are each provided for contact with laundry (5) to be treated. In order to perform a smooth treatment in the best possible way, every two treatment brushes (17) form at least one pair (33), and are arranged in or can be arranged in a treatment position with respect to one another, in which treatment position the treatment brushes (17) of the at least one pair (33) are opposite one another, such that, when the laundry (5) is positioned between the treatment brushes (17) of the at least one pair (33), these treatment brushes are in contact with the laundry (5) on both sides.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a processing module for a garment processing apparatus, comprising a plurality of processing brushes respectively configured to contact the garment to be processed. Furthermore, this invention relates to a garment processing apparatus having the aforementioned processing module, and also to a method for operating the garment processing apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] In particular, the following apparatus is disclosed for garment processing equipment, in which garments are typically hung individually and subjected to corresponding processing. Here, in this type of equipment, and in some cases also referred to as a garment processing cabinet, a movable processing module is often provided, by which the introduced garments are processed in at least one processing step. Here, this type of processing module may have a processing brush that contacts the introduced garments during the processing step to smooth them.

[0003] WO 2020 / 084315 A1 discloses a garment processing device configured as a garment processing cabinet, which has a processing chamber into which garments to be processed can be individually introduced. Furthermore, a processing module is provided within the processing chamber, which is vertically movable within the chamber and has a flexible steam head. The garments to be processed unfold in the processing chamber to smooth them, wherein the steam head of the processing module contacts the garments during processing. Additionally, processing brushes are provided on the opposite side of the steam head, and each processing brush contacts that side of the garment during processing. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Based on the above-mentioned prior art, the present invention aims to provide a processing module for a garment processing device, wherein the processing module can remove as many wrinkles / creases as possible from garments introduced into the garment processing device within the framework of smoothing processing.

[0005] The features of the technical solution according to the present invention solve the aforementioned task. This technical solution reflects the advantageous development of the present invention. Furthermore, a garment processing device (the processing module of the present invention is applied to this garment processing device) is the subject of the present invention. In addition, the present invention also relates to methods for operating the garment processing device.

[0006] According to the present invention, the processing module includes a plurality of processing brushes, each processing brush being used to contact the garment to be processed. Here, the processing module of the present invention is intended for use in garment processing equipment so as to smooth the garment introduced into the processing chamber as comprehensively as possible by means of the processing brushes, both in the processing chamber and during the smoothing process.

[0007] In the context of this invention, the processing brush relates to components of a processing module that, during the processing of the garment, come into contact with the garment at bristles or bristle-like protrusions to introduce mechanical stress into the garment, thereby at least partially reducing wrinkles / creases. Here, the bristles or bristle-like elements are preferably made of a resilient plastic material.

[0008] The processing module is preferably configured to be movably housed within the garment processing apparatus so that, during contact between the processing brush and the garment, the processing module moves at least once along the garment to be processed, thereby achieving smoothing of the garment. For this purpose, a corresponding guide is provided, particularly on the processing module side, by which the processing module, in its installed state, is guided within a corresponding guiding device of the garment processing apparatus to present guided movement within the garment processing apparatus. More preferably, one or more drive devices are provided on the processing module side, by which drive motion can be transmitted to the drive module.

[0009] The present invention now includes the technical teaching that each pair of processing brushes forms at least one pair and is arranged, or can be arranged, in a processing position in which the at least one pair of processing brushes are opposite each other such that when clothing is placed between the at least one pair of processing brushes, they contact the clothing on both sides. In other words, in the processing module of the present invention, at least one pair is provided, each consisting of two processing brushes. In the processing position of the at least one pair of processing brushes, the processing brushes are positioned such that when clothing to be processed is placed between the processing brushes, each of the at least one pair of processing brushes contacts the clothing. Here, the at least one pair of processing brushes acts on the clothing between them from both sides. In one variation, the at least one pair of brushes is permanently positioned relative to each other in the processing position, while in an alternative variation, the at least one pair of processing brushes can be positioned in the processing position from another location.

[0010] Here, this type of embodiment of the processing module has the advantage that mechanical stress can be introduced into the garment from both sides through the contact between the at least one pair of brushes and the garment at the processing position, thus achieving reliable smoothing of wrinkles / creases. The permanent positioning of the brushes at the processing position allows for a simple structure of the processing module, particularly when the processing module moves along the garment to be processed only once. In contrast, positioning the brushes at the processing position from another location allows for multiple movements along the garment in one direction of movement, while during movements in the opposite direction, contact between the brushes and the garment is avoided by strategically leaving the processing position, which could otherwise introduce new wrinkles / creases into the garment. For this purpose, a corresponding movable housing of the brushes within the processing module can be achieved.

[0011] The at least one pair of processing brushes, which are positioned opposite each other in the processing position, are preferably implemented to have corresponding shapes. In the processing position, the pair of brushes are positioned, in particular, parallel to each other, such that the brushes make line contact or surface contact with the garment located between them, respectively. More preferably, the at least one pair of brushes are preferably located in a plane in the processing position, wherein these planes are parallel to each other and also aligned with the planes in which the garment to be processed is arranged in its width and height directions.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one pair of treatment brushes is implemented as rotatable circular brushes. In this case, the at least one pair of treatment brushes exists in the form of brushes, which are equipped with bristles or bristle-like elements on a cylindrical body and are rotatable to contact clothing. As an alternative or supplement to this embodiment, the at least one pair of treatment brushes can be implemented as strip brushes. Here, these strip brushes have an elongated slat-like base, on one side of which bristles or bristle-like elements are provided.

[0013] If multiple pairs of brushes are provided in the processing module of the present invention, the two variations described above can be mixed together, in such a way that at least one pair is formed by circular brushes and at least one pair by strip brushes. The advantage of using multiple pairs of brushes is that they allow them to move along different areas of the garment to be treated and smooth it. Particularly preferably, these brush pairs are oriented such that one or more pairs of processing brushes are oriented horizontally along their longitudinal or rotational axis and thus in the width direction of the garment to be treated, while one or more pairs of other processing brushes are oriented vertically along their longitudinal or rotational axis and thus in the height direction of the garment to be treated. This allows for multi-axial expansion of the garment to be treated, in that one or more pairs of processing brushes introduce stress in the height direction, and particularly away from the hanging device of the garment, while one or more pairs of other processing brushes induce stress in the width direction of the garment to be treated.

[0014] In one or both of the extended embodiments described above, the bristles of each brush are oriented obliquely away from the mid-plane of the brush. Advantageously, this allows the garment to spread out between them in the width direction of the brush, improving the smoothing effect. However, in the context of this invention, other angular positions of individual bristles relative to the base of the respective brush can also be considered.

[0015] In an extended embodiment of the invention, the geometry of the at least one pair of processing brushes is adapted to the shape of the garment to be processed, for example, its geometry. Therefore, one or more pairs of processing brushes can be arranged in the processing module such that specific areas of the garment to be processed are selectively exposed, such as the collar area of ​​a shirt. Alternatively, a separate pair of processing brushes can be provided for specific areas of the garment to be processed, adapted to the garment's shape in the corresponding area based on the arrangement of the relevant processing brushes. In this way, for example, multiple pairs of processing brushes can be provided for the button strip of a shirt to be processed, oriented vertically on both sides of the button strip to generate lower horizontal stress in the area of ​​the button strip, which would otherwise cause wrinkles / creases around the buttonholes of the button strip.

[0016] In an advantageous possible embodiment of the invention, which may be used here as an alternative or in combination with one of the embodiments described above, the processing brush is part of two pairs, in which the processing brush is simultaneously opposed to two other processing brushes in the processing position. In this case, the processing brush participates in both pairs of processing brushes simultaneously, which has the advantage that different pairs can be formed with a smaller number of processing brushes. This correspondingly reduces the manufacturing cost of the processing module used to implement the invention. On the other hand, here, particularly when the processing brush is implemented as a circular brush, the contact area between the processing brush and the garment to be treated is increased, which improves the achievable smoothing effect.

[0017] In an extended embodiment of the invention, the at least one pair of processing brushes are respectively housed in corresponding frame portions, wherein the frame portions are movable to position each processing brush in the processing position. Advantageously, this allows for the positioning of each processing brush in the processing position, and, in addition, for positioning each processing brush above the frame portion at a position different from the processing position, in which the processing brushes cannot contact the garment placed between the pair of processing brushes. This ensures that the processing brushes only contact the garment located between them when the processing module and the garment move relative to each other in the desired direction of movement, and contact is canceled in the opposite direction of movement by targeted positioning in different positions to prevent the introduction of new wrinkles / creases. Particularly preferably, the frame portions of the processing module can be moved relative to each other so that the frame portions move toward or away from each other, thereby enabling or canceling the occupancy of the processing positions by the processing brushes. However, as an alternative, tilting of each individual frame portion can also be provided, thereby also enabling tilting of the processing brushes housed therein.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the invention, treatment brushes are respectively arranged on telescopic rods, the ends of which are movably guided within a frame. Advantageously, this allows the treatment brushes to move along the garment to be treated with greater freedom of movement, by means that the treatment brushes are positioned at a targeted angle within the frame and length compensation is achieved here through the corresponding telescopic rods.

[0019] Furthermore, the subject of this invention is a garment processing apparatus having a processing chamber into which garments to be processed can be introduced. Preferably, the garment processing apparatus is implemented in the form of a garment processing cabinet, into which garments to be processed can be introduced individually. An input compartment may be provided upstream of the processing chamber and / or an output compartment downstream, wherein multiple garments to be processed sequentially and individually in the input compartment can be suspended, or multiple garments already individually processed in the processing chamber can be received or accommodated in the output compartment. The transfer of individual garments between the input compartment, processing chamber, and output compartment is further preferably carried out via a shaft, with the garments suspended on the shaft by a suspension device, particularly in the form of hangers.

[0020] In the garment processing equipment, the processing module is implemented according to one or more of the above variations, wherein at least a pair of processing brushes of the processing module can contact the introduced garment located between them on both sides to perform a smoothing process. Advantageously, a garment processing equipment is realized in this way, in which reliable smoothing can be achieved by the processing brushes of the processing module, thereby removing wrinkles / creases.

[0021] Preferably, during the smoothing process, the garment to be treated is contacted by the processing brushes of the processing module on its entire surface or at least a portion of its surface to achieve the smoothing of the garment as completely as possible. This complete or at least large-area contact with the garment to be treated is particularly preferably achieved by multiple pairs of processing brushes, wherein, as described above with respect to the processing brushes, the pairs may be placed with different orientations relative to each other.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the aforementioned garment processing apparatus, the garment to be processed is introduced into the processing chamber via a hanging device. Here, the processing module and the hanging device within the processing chamber can move relative to each other to perform a smoothing process. To perform the smoothing process, the hanging device and the processing module can move relative to each other, and particularly preferably, the processing module is provided as a movable receiver within the processing chamber of the garment processing apparatus so that during the smoothing process, the processing module moves relative to the stationary hanging device and thus relative to the stationary garment to be processed. However, as an alternative, it is also conceivable that the hanging device and the garment suspended thereon move during the smoothing process, while the processing module remains at a certain position.

[0023] In an extended embodiment of the invention, the processing module is movable and can be moved to a parking position to bring clothing into and remove it from the processing chamber. That is, the processing module can be moved to the parking position, where, within the framework of the invention, the processing module can be located at or above the height of the shaft, through which items are brought into or removed from the processing chamber. Furthermore, the parking position can also be positioned below an area in the processing chamber where the clothing to be processed moves. Here, if the parking position is above the shaft, collisions with the clothing or its hanging device will not occur due to its positioning in the parking position. Conversely, if the parking position is at the height of the shaft, within the framework of the invention, it is conceivable that the processing module is accordingly designed as a split unit or provided with an outlet through which the hanging device of the clothing to be processed can be reached via the shaft during introduction or removal.

[0024] In the context of this invention, the garment processing apparatus operates as follows: first, the garment to be processed is introduced into the processing chamber of the garment processing apparatus; then, at least one pair of processing brushes of the processing module comes into contact with the garment located between them to perform a smoothing process. Then, during the smoothing process, the processing module and the hanging device receiving the garment to be processed move relative to each other.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the invention, during the smoothing process, the garment comes into contact with the processing brush at least once on its entire surface or a portion thereof. Particularly preferably, multiple contacts occur between the processing brush and the garment, in such a way that the processing module, and thus the processing brush, is guided multiple times onto the garment to be processed. As previously described, the processing brush may preferably move out of the processing position individually to avoid any undesirable contact between the processing brush and the garment during the rearward movement of the processing module relative to the garment to be processed.

[0026] One possible advantageous embodiment of the invention is that the introduced garment and the processing module with circular brushes move relative to each other during the smoothing process, wherein the respective circular brushes of the processing module rotate at a rotational speed corresponding to the rolling speed of the brushes on the garment during the relative movement of the processing assembly relative to the garment. This has the advantage of avoiding abrasion on the garment, thereby protecting the material of the garment to be processed.

[0027] As a variation of the solution of the present invention, it is also conceivable to omit one brush from each pair and instead have the remaining brush work against the pressure plate through both layers of the garment. For this purpose, the pressure plate must be designed, for example, to have at least one smooth surface facing the brush. Here, the pressure plate can be fixed in position, wherein, in addition to a large, fixed pressure plate, a pressure plate that moves with the processing module and thus with the brush can also be used. The latter can then be shaped to correspond to the brush, for example having a (flat) cylindrical recess for the round brush pressing in from the opposite side. Furthermore, the pressure plate for processing can also be fixedly or movably placed in the inner region of the garment to be processed, and then the processing brush can work against the pressure plate from one side, preferably from both outer sides of the garment.

[0028] This invention is not limited to specific combinations of features of the invention and its solutions. In addition, there is the possibility of combining individual features with each other; these individual features may come from the technical solutions of this invention, the description of preferred embodiments given below, or directly from the accompanying drawings. References to the technical solutions of this invention using reference numerals should not limit the scope of protection of this invention. Attached Figure Description

[0029] The accompanying drawings illustrate advantageous embodiments described below. In the drawings:

[0030] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a garment processing apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0031] Figure 2 Show Figure 1 A detailed view of the garment processing device, which has a processing module corresponding to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 3 Show Figure 2 Another view of the processing module;

[0033] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a processing module corresponding to a second possible embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0034] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a processing module according to a third embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0035] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a processing module corresponding to a fourth possible embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0036] Figure 7 Show Figure 6 Another view of the processing module;

[0037] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of a processing module according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0038] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of a processing module corresponding to a sixth possible embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0039] Figure 10 A schematic diagram of a processing module according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0040] Figure 11 A schematic diagram corresponding to the processing module of the eighth possible embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0041] Figure 12 Show Figure 11 Another view of the processing module;

[0042] Figure 13 Show Figure 1 A view of a garment processing device having a processing module according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 14 Showing with Figure 13 Another view of the garment processing equipment in the middle processing module;

[0044] Figure 15 A schematic diagram corresponding to the processing module of the tenth embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0045] Figure 16 Show Figure 15 Another view of the processing module;

[0046] Figure 17 A view illustrating a possible embodiment of the process of replacing the brush;

[0047] Figure 18 A view showing another alternative implementation of the brush processing method;

[0048] Figure 19 A view showing a processing module according to another alternative implementation; and

[0049] Figure 20 A schematic diagram of a processing module according to another alternative implementation is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0050] from Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a garment processing apparatus 1 corresponding to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is provided. Here, the garment processing apparatus 1 has a processing chamber 2, an input chamber 3 disposed upstream of the processing chamber, and an output chamber 4 disposed downstream of the processing chamber. Here, multiple garments 5 to be processed can be suspended on a hanging device 6 in the input chamber 3 of the garment processing apparatus 1, and the garments are supplied individually from the input chamber 3 to the processing chamber 2, so that each individual garment 5 undergoes a smoothing process in the processing chamber 2 to eliminate wrinkles / creases. After the smoothing process, the processed garments 5 are then transferred to the output chamber, from which they can then be removed. Here, the transfer between the input chamber 3 and the processing chamber 2, and between the processing chamber 2 and the output chamber, is carried out via a shaft—not further shown in this example. In this example, the hanging device 6 relates to hangers, on which one garment is hung; in this example, the garment relates to a shirt.

[0051] In addition, Figure 1 The diagram also shows a coordinate system, in which the corresponding width direction of garment 5 is oriented in the x-direction, the corresponding height direction of garment 5 is oriented in the y-direction, and the corresponding depth direction of garment 5 is oriented in the z-direction. Here, in the z-direction, garment 5 also moves from input chamber 3 to processing chamber 2, and from processing chamber 2 to output chamber 4.

[0052] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 A detailed view of the garment processing device 1 in the processing chamber 2 is provided, showing the processing module 7 corresponding to the first embodiment of the present invention. Here, the processing module 7 is movably guided in the y-direction on corresponding guide devices 10 and 11 of the garment processing device 1 via guides 8 and 9 and is used to smooth the garment 5 currently located in the processing chamber 2. Here, the processing module 7 can move relative to the garment 5 in the y-direction via a drive device (not further shown in this example) while being guided on guide devices 10 and 11 via guides 8 and 9.

[0053] The processing module 7 includes a frame 12 through which guides 8 and 9 are connected to each other. This frame is arranged in the xz plane surrounding the garment 5 placed in the processing chamber, such that the garment 5 is located within the interior region of the frame 12. During movement of the processing module 7 in the y-direction, the frame 12 moves around the garment 5. A steam head 13 is housed on at least one side of the garment 5 within the frame 12, through which water vapor or aerosol can be introduced into the interior region of the frame 12 to apply the water vapor or aerosol to the garment 5 located there. The steam head 13 is connected within the frame 12 to an evaporator 15 and a chamber 16 via a conduit 14. The evaporator 15 is fixed to the processing module 7 and moves with it, while the chamber 16 is fixedly positioned within the interior region of the processing chamber 2 of the garment processing equipment 1. Access to the chamber 16 from the outside is provided to facilitate filling the chamber. Furthermore, it is also conceivable, in principle, that the chamber be positioned on the outside of the garment processing equipment 1.

[0054] In addition to the steam head 13, the processing module 7 also includes multiple processing brushes 17. These processing brushes 17 are each constructed as rotatable circular brushes 22 and are arranged in pairs opposite each other in the processing position within the frame 12, such as... Figure 3 As exemplarily shown, this is achieved by means of a pair of 33 circular brushes 22. Here, the corresponding pair of brushes 33 are positioned relative to each other in the processing position within the frame 12 such that they contact the garment on both sides in the inner region of the frame 12. Here, as the processing module 7 moves in the y-direction, the processing brushes 17 introduce stress into the garment 5, thereby smoothing the garment.

[0055] Here, round brushes 18 to 32 are arranged in pairs in the frame 12 in parallel xy planes, so that multiaxial stress is introduced into the relevant areas of the garment 5 during the movement of the processing module 7. In this way, the sleeves 34 and 35 of the garment 5 are smoothed by round brushes 18, 19, 20 and 30, 31 and 32, while round brushes 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28 and 29 are used to smooth the chest and abdominal areas 36 and the back area (not visible here) of the garment 5. Here, round brushes 24, 25 and 26 are guided above the button bar 37 of the garment 5 on the front side of the garment 5, and are placed lower in the y direction in the frame 12 compared with round brushes 21, 22 and 23 and 27, 28 and 29, so as to selectively expose the collar area 38 of the garment 5 during processing.

[0056] Especially Figure 3As shown, during the smoothing process, the processing module 7 moves up and down along the y-direction, during which the circular brushes 18 to 32 rotate. The rotation of the circular brushes 19, 22, 25, 28, and 31 can be configured to introduce a slight force away from the suspension device 6 into the garment 5. However, alternatively, the rotation of the circular brushes 19, 22, 25, 28, and 31 can be advantageously selected such that, during the movement of the processing module 7, the rotational speed of each individual circular brush 19, 22, 25, 28, and 31 corresponds to the rolling speed of each individual circular brush 20, 22, 25, 28, and 31 on the garment 5.

[0057] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a processing module 39 corresponding to the second embodiment of the present invention is shown. This processing module 39 can also be implemented in the garment processing device 1. Here, this processing module 39 largely corresponds to the one according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 and 3 A variant, the difference being that the processing brush 17 has been wholly or partially replaced by a strip brush 40, which is rigidly placed within the frame 12. (As...) Figure 4 As shown, these strip brushes 40 also form pairs 41 and are positioned in processing positions on both sides of the garment 5 within the frame 12, in which the strip brushes contact the garment as the processing module 39 moves along the garment 5 in the y-direction. However, here, according to... Figure 2 and Figure 3 Compared to the variant, only one movement along the garment 5 is made in the direction away from the hanging device 6, because a reverse movement could cause wrinkles / creases to reappear due to the contact between the brush 40 and the garment 5. In other respects, this embodiment corresponds to... Figure 2 and 3 For variations, please refer to the explanations in these figures.

[0058] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the processing module 42 is disclosed, which corresponds to a third possible embodiment of the present invention and can also be used in the garment processing device 1. Here, the processing module 42 largely corresponds to Figure 4 The processing module 39, compared to the aforementioned processing module 42, now has two frame portions 43 and 44, which are arranged between them and on either side of the garment 5 in the garment compartment, and each frame portion carries a strip brush 40 in a separate pair 41. Figure 5As indicated by the dashed arrows, these frame portions 42 and 44 can now move in the z direction in addition to the y-direction. This allows the processing module 42 to move multiple times along the garment 5 during the smoothing process, wherein the individual brushes 40 of each pair 41 only contact the garment 5 during the movement of the processing module 42 and therefore the frame portions 43 and 44 in the y-direction and away from the direction of the suspension device 6. During the movement of the processing module 42 in the y-direction toward the suspension device 6, the frame portions 43 and 44 first move away from each other in the z-direction to lift the brushes 40 from the garment 5 until the processing module 42 is again positioned at the upper end of the area of ​​the suspension device 6. Thereafter, the frame portions 43 and 44 again move toward each other in the z-direction so that the brushes 40 contact the garment 5 again in the processing position. In other respects, according to Figure 5 Possible embodiments correspond to those based on Figure 4 Previous variations thereof can be referenced to the description given for the figure.

[0059] also, Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a processing module 45 according to a fourth possible embodiment of the present invention is shown. Here, this processing module 45 can also be used in the garment processing device 1. Here, this processing module 45 largely corresponds to the embodiment according to... Figure 4 A variation thereof, in which a frame 46 movable in the y-direction is provided, the frame 46 housing strip brushes 40 opposed to each other on both sides of the garment to be treated. Here, the latter... Figure 7 The processing module 45 is visible in another view. Here, the frame 46 is now designed to allow... Figure 6 The upper part of the processing module 45 selectively exposes the collar area 38 of the garment 5, so that no contact occurs between the strip brush 40 and the garment 5. In other aspects, according to... Figure 6 The variant corresponds to according to Figure 4 Variations thereof are therefore provided with reference to the description given with reference to the figures. Here, within the framework of the present invention, it is also conceivable to follow... Figure 5 The implementation method is Figure 6 The possible embodiments are modified such that the frame 46 is correspondingly subdivided into two frame portions that can move relative to each other, and the processing module 46 can move multiple times along the garment 5.

[0060] Figure 8 The structure of the processing module 47 corresponding to the fifth embodiment of the present invention is disclosed, which can also be used in... Figure 1 In garment processing equipment. As already according to Figure 2 and 3As in processing module 7, here, a plurality of processing brushes 17 in the form of rotatable circular brushes 48, 49, and 50 are again housed in the frame of processing module 47 (not shown in more detail in this figure), these circular brushes being positioned opposite each other on both sides of the garment 5 to be processed, forming pairs 51 and 52. According to... Figure 2 and 3 Unlike the variant, the circular brush 49 here is simultaneously part of both 51 and 52, because the circular brush 49 is opposite to both the circular brush 48 and the circular brush 50 in the processing position. Therefore, the circular brush 49 contacts the garment 5 on both sides using both the circular brush 48 and the circular brush 50, wherein... Figure 2 and 3 Compared to the variant, the contact area is expanded here. (This is in contrast to the previous version.) Figure 2 and 3 Similar to the variant, the frame and therefore the round brushes 48 to 50 can move in the y-direction so that the round brushes 48 to 50 move along the garment 5 over the largest possible area and smooth it. For example, regarding... Figure 2 and 3 As described in the variant, the respective rotational speeds of the round brushes 48 to 50 can be designed to introduce a force direction away from the suspension device 6, or they can be designed to introduce pure rolling of the round brushes 48 to 50 on the garment 5. Figure 8 The structure shown can be used with Figure 2 and Figure 3 A similar structure is used for one or more processing brushes 17 shown in the figure.

[0061] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of a processing module 53 according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention is shown, which can also be used for Figure 1 In the garment processing device 1, the processing module 53 includes multiple rotatable, fixed-position circular brushes 54, 55, 56, and 57 as processing brushes 17, arranged in pairs opposite to each other on different sides of the garment 5 to be processed. Figure 9 In the diagram shown, for each of these pairs, only one of the two circular brushes 54, 55, 56, or 57 can be seen, while the corresponding other is obscured by the corresponding visible circular brush on the other side of the garment 5 in the plane of the diagram.

[0062] Circular brushes 54 and 55 are oriented along the x-direction, while circular brushes 56 and 57 are oriented along the y-direction. To achieve a smooth finish on garment 5, force F is introduced into garment 5 by rotating circular brushes 54 to 57, as follows: Figure 9 As shown by the middle arrow. Therefore, the smoothing of the garment in the y-direction is achieved by the pair of circular brushes 54 and 55, and the smoothing of the garment in the x-direction is achieved by the pair of circular brushes 56 and 57.

[0063] This is also implemented in a similar way in the case of processing module 58, which... Figure 10 The diagram schematically illustrates, and corresponds to, a seventh possible embodiment of the invention. In this processing module 58, a plurality of rotatable, fixed-position circular brushes 59, 60, and 61 are again provided as processing brushes 17, which are positioned in pairs on both sides of the garment 5 to be processed in corresponding processing positions to smooth the garment 5 within the framework of the smoothing process. Figure 9 The circular brushes 59, 60, or 61 seen in the aforementioned variations are the same as those in the previous variations. Figure 10 The circular brushes 59, 60, or 61, visible respectively, overlap, with the other brush in the pair positioned on the opposite side of the garment 5 to be treated. Here, the paired brushes 59 and 60 are each oriented along the y-direction, while the paired brush 61 is oriented along the x-direction. (This is in accordance with...) Figure 9 Similar to the variant, here the rotation directions of the fixed-position circular brushes 59, 60, and 61 are chosen such that the direction of rotation of the brushes 59 to 61 is such that the brushes 59 to 61 introduce a pair of... Figure 10 The force F is in the direction shown. However, according to... Figure 9 The difference between the aforementioned variant and the one is that the hanging device 6 of the garment 5 is used as an upper support point.

[0064] also, Figure 11 and 12 A schematic diagram of processing module 62 is shown, which is implemented according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention and can also be used in garment processing device 1. Similarly, processing module 62 has a plurality of circular brushes 63 and 64, which serve as processing brushes 17 for processing garments 5 introduced into the processing chamber of garment processing device 1. Figure 9 and 10 Similar to the aforementioned variant, circular brushes 63 and 64 form pairs, in which... Figure 11 and 12 The circular brushes 63 or 64, arranged in a overlapping manner, are positioned relative to each other in each processing position, so that the two circular brushes 63 or 64 in each pair can contact the garment 5 located between them on both sides.

[0065] The paired circular brushes 63 or 64 are each arranged on the telescopic rod 65, and these telescopic rods are... Figure 12 The circular brush 63 is shown in the diagram. The telescopic rod 65 is guided at its ends within the frame 66, wherein the respective ends are movable relative to the frame 66 in the x-direction. Thus, as... Figure 12 As shown, this allows the circular brush 63 or 64 to be guided along the x-direction onto the garment 5 to smooth it. Figure 12 In this context, it can also be seen that circular brushes 63 or 64 can be arranged at an angle in the xy plane, as shown in... Figure 12As illustrated by the circular brush 63, the upper and lower ends of the telescopic rod 65 do not move in parallel. Here, the telescopic rod 65 can represent the length compensation required for an inclined arrangement. Figure 11 In the middle, round brushes 63 and 64 are moved laterally to a position so that garment 5 can enter the position between round brushes 63 and 64 in the z-direction. Figure 12 In the image, circular brushes 63 and 64 are shown during the smoothing process.

[0066] also, Figure 13 and 14 A processing module 67 corresponding to the ninth possible embodiment of the present invention is shown, which can also be used for Figure 1 In the garment processing equipment 1. Here, processing module 67 basically corresponds to the processing module 67 according to the garment processing equipment 1. Figure 2 and Figure 3 The variation differs in that, within the frame 68 of the processing module 67, in addition to the x-direction-oriented pair 69 of the rotatable circular brushes 70 and 71, pairs of rotatable circular brushes 72 and 73 or 74 are also provided on both sides, each arranged obliquely in the xy plane. The pair 69 of circular brushes 70 and 72 is used to smooth the chest and abdominal areas 36 of the garment 5, while the pair of circular brushes 72 and 73 or 74 is used to smooth the sleeves 34 or 35, respectively.

[0067] During the smoothing process, the processing module 67 moves up and down along the y-axis, during which the circular brushes 70 to 74 each rotate. The rotation of the circular brushes 70 to 74 can be configured such that a force slightly away from the suspension device 6 is introduced into the garment 5. However, alternatively, the rotation of the brushes can be selected such that the rotational speed of each of the circular brushes 70 to 74 corresponds to the rolling speed of each of the circular brushes 70-74 on the garment 5 during the movement of the processing module 67.

[0068] Figure 15 A view of a processing module 75 according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein the processing module 75 can also be used for Figure 1 In the garment processing device 1, the processing module 75 has a frame 76 that houses two pairs of circular brushes 77 and 78 as processing brushes 17. Each pair of circular brushes 77 or 78 is positioned relative to each other in the processing position so as to contact the garment 5 located between them. The paired circular brushes 77 and 78 are arranged obliquely in the xy plane, with brush 77 inclined in the direction opposite to that of brush 78.

[0069] Figure 16The application of the processing module 75 in the garment processing device 1 is shown in a top view. Unlike the aforementioned variant, when the garment 5 to be processed is fed from the input chamber 3 into the processing chamber 2, or when processed garments are transferred from the processing chamber 2 to the output chamber 4, the processing module 75 moves to a parking position at the height of the shaft 80, through which the garments are transported between the input chamber 3, processing chamber 2, and output chamber 4. Conversely, in the aforementioned variant, to feed the garment 5, the corresponding processing module needs to be moved to the upper parking position to avoid collision with the garment 5.

[0070] According to Figure 16 In a variant, the frame 76 of the processing module 75 now has an outlet 80 or 81 on the front and rear sides along the z-direction, respectively, wherein the outlet 80 can also be located at... Figure 15 As seen in the image. Here, outlets 80 and 81 enable the corresponding suspension device 6 to move the frame 76 through the processing module 75.

[0071] Finally, Figure 17 and Figure 18 The diagram shows possible variations of a single processing brush 17, which could serve as alternatives to the aforementioned changes. Therefore, Figure 17 A circular brush 82 is shown, wherein bristles 83 are inclined away from the mid-plane 84 of the circular brush 82. The inclination of the bristles 83 introduces a lateral force upon contact with the garment 5 to be treated, as shown in the detailed view below. This orientation of the bristles can also be achieved in principle in a strip brush.

[0072] Therefore, in Figure 18 The image shows a circular brush 85 with bristle-like elements 86 in the form of an elastic surface. These elastic surfaces extend longitudinally along the brush 85 and contact the garment 5 to be treated as the brush rotates. These bristle-like elements can also be arranged in a strip brush in a similar manner.

[0073] also, Figure 19 and Figure 20 Views of processing modules 87 and 88 are shown respectively, representing variations of the solution of the present invention. According to... Figure 19 In the processing module 87, as a distinction, a processing brush 17 is provided only on one side of the garment 5. This brush is constructed as a rotatable circular brush and can be specifically designed according to one or more of the aforementioned variations. A fixed pressure plate 89 is provided on the side of the garment 5 opposite to the processing brush 17. The processing brush 17 presses against this pressure plate to smooth the garment 5. Therefore, the pressure plate 89 serves as a support for the processing brush 17 during the smoothing process. Preferably, the pressure plate 89 has a smooth surface on the side facing the processing brush 17.

[0074] According to Figure 20 In a variant, a pressure plate 89 is also provided in the processing module 88, and the processing brush 17 operates against this pressure plate. Here, in accordance with... Figure 19 The difference from the aforementioned embodiment is that the pressure plate 89 is placed in the inner area of ​​the garment 5 to be treated, so that one layer of the garment 5 is smoothed between the treatment brush 17 and the pressure plate 89. Particularly preferably, here, an additional treatment brush is provided on the side of the pressure plate 89 opposite to the treatment brush 17 shown, so as to smooth another layer of the garment accordingly.

[0075] According to embodiments of the present invention, the processing modules, when used in a garment processing device, can provide optimal smoothing for the introduced garments.

[0076] List of reference numerals

[0077] 1. Garment processing equipment

[0078] 2 processing room

[0079] 3 Input Warehouse

[0080] 4 output compartments

[0081] 5 Clothing

[0082] 6. Suspension device

[0083] 7 processing modules

[0084] 8 guides

[0085] 9 guides

[0086] 10 guiding devices

[0087] 11 Guiding Device

[0088] 12 Framework

[0089] 13 Evaporator

[0090] 14 pipelines

[0091] 15 Evaporator

[0092] 16 boxes

[0093] 17. Processing brushes

[0094] 18 round brushes

[0095] 19 Round Brush

[0096] 20 round brushes

[0097] 21 Round Brush

[0098] 22 Round Brush

[0099] 23 Round brush

[0100] 24 Round Brush

[0101] 25 round brush

[0102] 26 Round Brush

[0103] 27 Round Brush

[0104] 28 round brush

[0105] 29 Round Brush

[0106] 30 round brush

[0107] 31 Round Brush

[0108] 32 round brush

[0109] 33 pairs

[0110] 34. Sleeves

[0111] 35 sleeves

[0112] 36. Chest and abdominal area

[0113] 37 Button Bar

[0114] 38 Collar area

[0115] 39 Processing Module

[0116] 40 brushes

[0117] 41 pairs

[0118] 42 Processing Module

[0119] 43. Framework Section

[0120] 44. Framework Section

[0121] 45 Processing Module

[0122] 46 Framework

[0123] 47 Processing Module

[0124] 48 round brush

[0125] 49 Round Brush

[0126] 50 round brush

[0127] 51 pairs

[0128] 52 pairs

[0129] 53 Processing Module

[0130] 54 Round Brush

[0131] 55 round brush

[0132] 56 round brush

[0133] 57 Round Brush

[0134] 58 Processing Modules

[0135] 59 Round Brush

[0136] 60 round brush

[0137] 61 Round Brush

[0138] 62 Processing Modules

[0139] 63 Round Brush

[0140] 64 round brush

[0141] 65 Telescopic pole

[0142] 66 Framework

[0143] 67 Processing Module

[0144] 68 Frame

[0145] 69 pairs

[0146] 70 round brush

[0147] 71 Round Brush

[0148] 72 Round Brush

[0149] 73 Round Brush

[0150] 74 Round Brush

[0151] 75 Processing Module

[0152] 76 Framework

[0153] 77 Round Brush

[0154] 78 round brush

[0155] 79 Warehouse Shaft

[0156] 80 Exports

[0157] 81 Exports

[0158] 82 round brush

[0159] 83 bristles

[0160] 84 mid plane

[0161] 85 round brush

[0162] 86 components

[0163] 87 Processing Module

[0164] 88 Processing Module

[0165] 89. Pressure plate.

Claims

1. A processing module (7; 47; 53; 58; 67) for a garment processing device (1), comprising a plurality of processing brushes (17) respectively configured to contact garments (5) to be processed, wherein every two processing brushes (17) form at least one brush pair (33; 51; 52; 69) and are respectively arranged or can be arranged in processing positions between each other, wherein the processing brushes (17) of the at least one brush pair (33; 51; 52; 69) are opposite each other such that when the garment (5) is positioned between the processing brushes (17) of the at least one brush pair (33; 51; 52; 69), the processing brushes contact the garment (5) on both sides, wherein, The processing brush (17) of the at least one brush pair (33; 51; 52; 69) is constructed as a rotatable circular brush (18-32; 48-50; 54-57; 59-61; 70-74; 82; 85), characterized in that the processing brushes of the plurality of brush pairs (33; 51; 52; 69) are oriented such that the rotatable circular brushes of one or more brush pairs (33; 51; 52; 69) are oriented horizontally along their longitudinal axis or axis of rotation and along the width direction of the garment (5) to be processed, while one or more... A plurality of other pairs of rotatable circular brushes (33; 51; 52; 69) are oriented vertically along their longitudinal axis or axis of rotation and along the height of the garment (5) to be treated, wherein the paired circular brushes are each arranged on a telescopic rod (65), the ends of which are guided in a frame (66), wherein the respective ends of the telescopic rod (65) are movable relative to the frame (66) in the width direction, such that the circular brushes can be guided onto the garment in the width direction to smooth the garment.

2. The processing module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bristles (83) of each individual rotatable circular brush are oriented at an angle away from the central plane (84) of the rotatable circular brush.

3. The processing module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, At least one processing brush (17) is part of two brush pairs in which the processing brush (17) is simultaneously opposite two other processing brushes (17) in the processing position.

4. A garment processing apparatus (1) comprising a processing chamber (2) into which garments (5) to be processed are introduced, wherein a processing module (7; 47; 53; 58; 67) is provided in the processing chamber (2), characterized in that, The processing module (7; 47; 53; 58; 67) is configured according to any one of claims 1 to 3, and the processing brush (17) of at least one brush pair (33; 51; 52; 69) of the processing module (7; 47; 53; 58; 67) is capable of contacting the introduced clothing (5) positioned between them on both sides to perform a smoothing process.

5. The garment processing equipment (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The garments to be processed (5) are introduced into the processing chamber (2) via a hanging device (6), wherein the processing modules (7; 47; 53; 58; 67) and the hanging device (6) are able to move relative to each other in the processing chamber (2) for smoothing.

6. The garment processing apparatus (1) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, The processing module (7; 47; 53; 58; 67) is movable and can be moved to a parking position in order to introduce the clothing (5) into the processing chamber (2) and to remove the clothing (5) from the processing chamber (2).

7. A method for operating a garment processing apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein garments (5) to be processed are first introduced into a processing chamber (2) of the garment processing apparatus (1), and then the processing brushes (17) of at least one brush pair (33; 51; 52; 69) of the processing modules (7; 47; 53; 58; 67) are brought into contact with the garments (5) positioned therebetween to perform a smoothing process.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The garment (5) comes into contact with the treatment brush (17) at least once on its entire surface or on a corresponding portion of its surface during the smoothing process.

9. The method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, The introduced garment (5) and the processing modules (7; 47; 53; 58; 67) move relative to each other during the smoothing process, wherein each individual circular brush of the processing modules (7; 47; 53; 58; 67) rotates at a rotational speed corresponding to the rolling speed of the circular brush on the garment (5) during the relative movement of the processing modules (7; 47; 53; 58; 67) relative to the garment (5).

Images