METHOD AND DEVICES FOR FEEDING LAUNDRY ITEMS TO A WASHING MACHINE, SUCH AS IN PARTICULAR A MALFUNCTION

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for feeding laundry items to a laundry machine, such as in particular a mangle, according to the preamble of claim 1, as well as to devices for feeding laundry items to a laundry machine, such as in particular a mangle, according to the preamble of claim 8.

[0002] Devices of the type discussed here are referred to in technical jargon as "feed machines." These are used to spread out laundry items and, in the spread-out state, feed them to the mangle or other laundry machine with the extended front edge leading in the feed direction. The extended front edge of the laundry item runs perpendicular to the feed direction.

[0003] WO 2018 / 130418 A1 discloses an input machine having loading stations and a spreading device downstream in the feed direction with at least one pair of spreading clamps. A central section of the front transverse edge of a respective item of laundry is placed manually or automatically, for example by a handling device, on the respective loading station and transferred to the converging spreading clamps. In the area of ​​the spreading device, before the front edge of the laundry is fully stretched out, its length is measured. Based on the measured length of the front edge of the laundry, the spreading clamps are moved apart in a targeted manner until the front edge of the laundry is sufficiently stretched. The spread-out item of laundry is then placed directly onto a feed conveyor or a deposit bar, which transfers the laundry to the feed conveyor.Measuring the length of the front edge of a garment while it is hanging in the spreader clamps will result in a longer spreading process. This reduces the feeding capacity of laundry items to the ironer or other laundry machine.

[0004] Based on the above, the object of the invention is to provide a method and a device for feeding laundry items to a laundry machine, such as in particular a mangle, which increases the feeding capacity of laundry items to the mangle or other laundry machine.

[0005] A method for achieving this objective comprises the measures of claim 1. Accordingly, the measurement of the front edge of the laundry item, which runs transversely to the feed direction, takes place before the spreading device, namely in the area of ​​the respective loading station. The opposite corners of the front edge of the laundry item are then suspended from a pair of loading clamps at the respective loading station. The sag of the front edge of the laundry item is determined at the respective loading station without contact, for example optoelectronically. Because the sag of the laundry item is still relatively large at this time, the front edge, especially in the case of larger laundry items, is not yet reliably detectable, for example, because it is twisted. This does not permit contactless measurement of the front edge. For this reason, a greater spacing of the loading clamps is provided.The distance is so much greater than before that a V-shaped shape of the front edge of the laundry is always achieved, especially with larger items. This allows the sagging of the front edge of the laundry to be determined at each loading station with at least a near-contactless method. This also makes it possible to measure unsorted laundry items of different sizes without contact.

[0006] It is preferably provided that the laundry item is transferred from the loading clamps to the spreader clamps at the distance between the loading clamps or to each other when the sag is detected, or that the laundry item is taken from the loading clamps by the spreader clamps. Because the measurement of the front edge, namely the front transverse edge, occurs at a larger or increased distance between the loading clamps, in that they are sufficiently far apart to form the V-shaped sag, the front transverse edge is essentially already initially stretched or pre-stretched, but in both cases not yet fully and / or sufficiently stretched.When the laundry is transferred or picked up by the spreading device at a greater distance between the loading clamps, the spreading clamps can be spaced a correspondingly larger distance apart, which shortens the travel distance of the spreading clamps for stretching the front edge of the laundry. This reduces the duration of the spreading process.

[0007] An advantageous embodiment of the method provides for the lowest point, or at least the approximately lowest point, of the sag of the front edge of the laundry item hanging from the loading clamps, which are spaced apart, to be measured optoelectronically using a non-contact method. This can preferably be performed using an imaging device, such as a camera or a line scan camera, a sensor strip, a laser fan, or a laser curtain. Such non-contact measuring methods can be carried out quickly and with great reliability and provide data, preferably digital data, which allow the width or length of the front edge, in particular the front transverse edge, of the laundry item to be automatically calculated based on the non-contact determination of the lowest point, or approximately lowest point, of the sag of the laundry item hanging from the loading clamps.

[0008] An advantageous further development of the method provides for the distance of the determined lowest point of the V-shaped sag of the front edge of the laundry item when hanging from the loading clamps to an imaginary straight connecting line between the adjacent loading clamps, each holding one of the opposite corners of the V-shaped sagging front edge of the laundry item, in particular the clear or outer distance between them, to be determined. From this distance, the length of the front edge of the laundry item can be automatically determined, especially by taking into account the distance between the two loading clamps.This allows the length of the front edge of the laundry hanging from the loading clamps to be reliably determined in front of the spreading device, preferably by calculation, using non-contact optoelectronic measurement of the sagging of the front edge of the laundry hanging from the loading clamps. This is especially true for larger laundry items.

[0009] It is conceivable that the distance between the two loading clamps forming a pair of loading clamps of the respective loading station is smaller when hooking adjacent corners of the front edge of the laundry item than when the contactless detection of the V-shaped sag of the front edge of the laundry item takes place in the area of ​​the respective loading station. As a result, the loading clamps of the respective loading station for hooking adjacent corners of the laundry item are still close together, as usual, which can facilitate the manual, but also automated, hooking of adjacent corners of the front edge of the laundry item into the two loading clamps of the respective loading station.Then, after the adjacent corners of the front edge of the laundry item have been hooked into place, the adjacent loading clamps of the respective pair of loading clamps are moved apart, increasing their distance so much that the front edge of the laundry hangs from the loading clamps in a V-shaped sag. This means that, unlike closely spaced loading clamps, the front edge of the laundry item is no longer twisted. After or as a result of the moving apart of the loading clamps, a V-shaped sag is formed, allowing the contactless measurement of the front edge, which is still sagging but less than originally, especially its at least approximately deepest point.

[0010] Alternatively, it is also conceivable to provide the pair of loading clamps in the respective loading station with a fixed, unchanging distance from each other. This distance would then be greater than usual, ensuring a measurable V-shaped sag at the front edge of the laundry hanging from the loading clamps, even large items. With such a fixed, larger distance between the loading clamps, they can be part of a multiple clamp system.

[0011] The insertion or hanging of opposite corners of the front edge, in particular the front transverse edge, of the respective item of laundry into two loading clamps of the respective loading station can be carried out by one or more operators (manually), but also fully or partially automated or mechanized, for example by at least one handling device, a robot, transport devices or the like.

[0012] According to an advantageous embodiment of the method, several loading clamps are combined into a group at each loading station. Such a group can comprise not only two identical loading clamps, but also more than two identical loading clamps. Such a group of several loading clamps is then a multiple clamp with two, three, or even more than three loading clamps.

[0013] A multiple clamp with three, preferably identical, loading clamps has two outer loading clamps and an inner loading clamp arranged in between. The inner loading clamp can be arranged centrally between the outer loading clamps, but also slightly off-center. With such a multiple clamp, the opposite corners of a front edge of the respective laundry item can be hooked either into the two outer loading clamps or into one outer and the inner loading clamp. The inner loading clamp is used in particular for smaller laundry items, for example napkins, whose adjacent corners of an edge are not as far apart as the outer loading clamps. If the inner loading clamp is arranged centrally between the outer loading clamps, two options arise because the outer loading clamps are the same distance from the central, inner loading clamp.If the inner clamp is positioned off-center between the outer clamps, there will be different distances between the outer loading clamps and the inner loading clamp.

[0014] It can further be provided that at least one loading clamp of each group of several loading clamps of the multiple clamp is assigned a means which determines whether a corner of the laundry item is located in the respective loading clamp. If this means emits a signal, this means the presence of a corner in the respective loading clamp, whereas an absent signal indicates the absence of a corner in the respective loading clamp, or vice versa. The means can be a contact, button, sensor, light barrier or even a camera. It is preferably provided that each loading clamp, i.e. all loading clamps of a multiple clamp, is assigned such a means.Particularly in the case of multiple clamps with three or more loading clamps, the means for detecting the presence of a corner in at least the inner loading clamp can provide the information that the inner loading clamp is occupied by a corner of a piece of laundry, which must be a small item of laundry with an edge that is smaller than the distance between the outer loading clamps. The control system can then process this signal to indicate that a small item of laundry with only a slightly sagging front edge is held in an outer and inner loading clamp. Based on this information, the length of the front edge of the item of laundry can then be omitted because it can be assumed that the spreading distance of such small items of laundry by the spreading device is only small.

[0015] A device for achieving the object stated above has the features of claim 8. In this device, the two loading clamps of the respective loading station are provided with a greater spacing, at least for measuring the length of the sagging front edge of the laundry item. A greater spacing is understood to be a spacing that is significantly greater than the previously usual spacing of the loading clamps of a respective pair of loading clamps. The larger or increased spacing of the loading clamps of each loading station is at least 1.5 times to 3 times the average previous spacing of loading clamps of known feed machines. Due to the larger spacing of the loading clamps, a defined V-shaped sag forms under the loading clamps holding adjacent corners of the front edge, even with large laundry items.This sag, in particular the lowest point or at least nearly the lowest point, can be reliably determined, preferably measured, without contact by a measuring device, in particular an optoelectronic measuring device. From this, the length of the front edge, in particular the front transverse edge, of laundry items of any size in the area of ​​the loading station, i.e., in front of the spreading device, can be reliably and automatically determined with sufficiently accurate measurement results, preferably mathematically.

[0016] A design of the device is conceivable in which the adjacent loading clamps of the or each loading station, which hold two adjacent corners of the respective laundry item, are at a fixed distance from one another. This distance is increased compared to previous devices of this type (feed machines). Preferably, the distance between the loading clamps of the respective, in particular each, pair of loading clamps is increased to such an extent that even the sagging of large laundry items takes on a defined or definable V-shape.

[0017] The distance between the two loading clamps of the respective pair of loading clamps at the respective loading station is preferably 350 mm to 600 mm. A distance of 400 mm to 500 mm is particularly advantageous. In contrast, the clear distances between the two loading clamps of each loading station in known devices averaged only about 200 mm. By making the clear distance between the loading clamps of the respective pair of loading clamps at least 1.5 times greater, it is achieved that the sag of the laundry item that forms between opposite corners of the front edge has a defined, in particular V-shaped or possibly also U-shaped shape, even with large items of laundry. A sag with such a defined shape can be determined reliably and with sufficient accuracy in a contactless manner, in particular using optoelectronic means.Above all, the deepest point of the sag or at least the approximately deepest point of the sag can be reliably and accurately determined and / or measured without contact.

[0018] It is conceivable that the two loading clamps of the respective loading station, holding two adjacent corners of the respective item of laundry, form a double clamp. In this case, the adjacent loading clamps have a constant, fixed distance between them. Operators then insert the opposite corners of the front edge of the item of laundry into the loading clamps at a correspondingly greater distance. It has been shown that such a suspension of the opposite corners of the respective item of laundry into the loading clamps is ergonomically advantageous because, with arms aligned parallel, the respective operator holds the respective corners at a distance that corresponds to, or at least approximately corresponds to, the increased distance between the loading clamps of the respective pair of loading clamps according to the invention.The respective operator therefore does not need to move his or her arms and hands together or apart further than is ergonomically comfortable in order to hook the adjacent corners of the front edge of the respective item of laundry into the pair of loading clamps of the respective loading station.

[0019] Alternatively, it is also conceivable to design the spacing of the loading clamps of the respective loading station so that it can be varied. In this case, at least one loading clamp of each loading station is movably mounted on a clamp body. The spacing of the loading clamps of the pair of loading clamps can be changed such that the minimum spacing is less than 350 mm and the maximum spacing is up to 600 mm, preferably up to 500 mm. This means, for example, that the spacing of the loading clamps of the respective pair of loading clamps for hanging the corners bordering the front transverse edge of the respective item of laundry on both sides into the loading clamps can be smaller than previously usual, while this spacing is increased to the larger spacing after the item of laundry has been hung on the loading clamps, but before the sag of the front edge is measured. This spacing can be 134 times to 3 times the shorter spacing.In this way, the measurement of the sagging front edge can be carried out reliably when the loading clamps are moved apart and the V-shaped sag is greater, while the hanging of adjacent corners of the front edge of the laundry item can be carried out with the usual smaller distance between the adjacent loading clamps of each pair of loading clamps.

[0020] An advantageous development of the device has the features of claim 11. Accordingly, it is provided that each loading station has at least one group with at least three loading clamps. This allows adjacent corners of a front edge of a respective item of laundry to be selectively suspended from two selected loading clamps of the group of at least three loading clamps. Since the at least three loading clamps of the respective group are at least partially spaced apart, smaller items of laundry can be suspended from less spaced loading clamps, preferably an outer and the inner loading clamp, while larger items of laundry can be suspended with the opposite corners of their front edge from outer loading clamps that are at a maximum distance from one another.

[0021] Preferably, the loading clamps of the respective group are arranged on a multiple clamp or form such a clamp. Preferably, the loading clamps of the multiple clamp are connected to one another. Such a connection can be fixed, so that the distances between the loading clamps of the respective group cannot be changed.

[0022] According to an advantageous embodiment of the device, each multiple clamp has two outer loading clamps and at least one inner loading clamp arranged between them. If the multiple clamp has three, preferably identical, loading clamps, the inner loading clamp can be arranged centrally between the outer clamps, but also off-center. With an off-center inner loading clamp, the outer loading clamps are spaced the greatest apart, while the inner loading clamp has different distances from the outer loading clamps, with the inner loading clamp being spaced a different distance from one outer loading clamp than from the other outer loading clamp.This allows laundry items of different sizes with opposite corners of a front edge to be hung in selected loading clamps of the multiple clamp, and in particular small laundry items can be hung in the multiple clamp if the distance between adjacent corners of the front edge is smaller than the distance between the outer loading clamps.

[0023] It is conceivable that the or each inner loading clamp is movably assigned to the multiple clamp. This makes it possible to adjust the distance between the respective inner loading clamp and the outer loading clamps as needed.

[0024] Preferred embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a device according to a first embodiment, Fig. 2 is a side view of the device of the Fig. 1 , Fig. 3 a front view of the device of the Fig. 1, Fig. 4 a front view of a loading station of the device of Fig. 1 to 3 with a pair of loading clamps consisting of two loading clamps arranged close to each other according to the prior art, Fig. 5 a view according to the Fig. 4 with two loading clamps which are spaced apart from each other according to the invention, Fig. 6 a side view of the loading station according to the Fig. 5 with a measuring device for determining the lowest point of a sag of the laundry hanging on loading clamps having a greater distance, Fig. 7 a view analogous to Fig. 5 with an alternative embodiment with three loading clamps combined into a group, and Fig. 8 a perspective view of a device according to another embodiment.

[0025] The figures show a device designed as a feeder machine 9. The device or feeder machine 9 serves to spread out laundry items 10 shown in some figures, in particular unsorted, consecutive laundry items 10 of different sizes, and to feed them in the spread-out state to a mangle not shown in the figures or to another laundry treatment device, for example, a folding machine.

[0026] The laundry items 10 are preferably so-called flat laundry items. These can include bed linen, especially duvet covers, pillowcases, and sheets, but also table linen, such as tablecloths, placemats, and napkins.

[0027] The mangle or other laundry treatment device is arranged behind the input machine 9, viewed in the feed direction 11. The input machine 9 has at least one feed conveyor 12 formed by a belt conveyor, which transports a spread-out item of laundry 10 or, in the case of multi-lane devices, also several smaller items of laundry 10 lying side by side in multiple lanes in the feed direction 11 to the mangle or other laundry treatment machine.

[0028] Several loading stations 13, preferably identical, are arranged on a front side or in front of the device. Fig. 1 to 6 The device shown has three equally spaced loading stations 13. However, the invention is not limited to this. The device can have more than three or fewer than three loading stations 13, or even just a single loading station 13.

[0029] Each of the preferably identical loading stations 13 has a pair of loading clamps 14 with two preferably identical loading clamps 15. In the device shown in the figures, an operator 16 is assigned to each loading station 13. The operator 16 places opposite or adjacent corners 17 of a front edge 18 of the respective laundry item 10 into one of the two loading clamps 15 of the pair of loading clamps 14 of the loading station 13 in front of which they are currently located. For this purpose, the adjacent corners 17 of the front edge 18 of the respective laundry item 10 are hooked into the loading clamps 15, so that the laundry item 10 hangs with the corners 17 on the two loading clamps 15 of the pair of loading clamps 14.

[0030] The Fig. 1 to 6The loading clamps 15 shown are combined at a fixed, unchangeable distance to form a multiple clamp, which in this exemplary embodiment is a double clamp 19. Alternatively, the loading clamps can also be separate. The two loading clamps 15 of the loading clamp pair 14 or the double clamp 19 are carried by a carriage 20, which can be moved by a conveyor of the respective loading station 13, taking along the loading clamp pair 14 or the double clamp 19, on a path that rises relative to the feed direction 11. The conveyor can be a continuous conveyor, for example with a circulating conveyor belt, strap, chain or the like, but also a discontinuous conveyor, for example a shuttle cylinder, which moves the carriage 20 with the loading clamp pair 14 or the double clamp 19 up and down in opposite directions.

[0031] From the in the Fig. 1 to 6In the loading position of the loading clamps 15 of the loading station 13 shown, the carriage 20 with the loading clamps 15 or double clamps 19 assigned to it is raised into a transfer position of the adjacent corners 17 of the front edge 18 of the item of laundry 10 to a spreading device (not shown) arranged behind the loading stations 13 as seen in the feed direction 11. The spreading device has at least one pair of spreading clamps (also not shown in the figures) consisting of several, preferably identical, spreading clamps. In a spreading device with one pair of spreading clamps, this serves all three loading stations 13 alternately. However, it is also conceivable for the spreading device to have several pairs of spreading clamps. The spreading clamps of a pair of spreading clamps can be moved independently of one another across the entire working width of the device on a horizontal track, preferably a rail, running transversely to the feed direction 11.The spreading clamps moved together behind a respective loading station 13 take over the adjacent corners 17 of the front edge 18 of the respective item of laundry 10 from the raised loading clamps 15 of the respective loading station 13. However, it is also conceivable that the corners are pushed by the two loading clamps 15 of the respective loading clamp pair 14 into the two spreading clamps of the spreading clamp pair.

[0032] After the spreading clamps have taken over adjacent corners 17 of the front edge 18 of the laundry item 10, which runs transversely to the feed direction 11, the spreading clamps are moved apart in opposite directions by a corresponding drive of the spreading device to stretch out the front edge 18 of the laundry item 10. This results in the laundry item 10 being spread out. Furthermore, the spreading clamps of the respective pair of spreading clamps are moved so that the respective laundry item is positioned centrally in front of the feed conveyor 12 in the case of a single-lane ironer or other laundry machine. In the case of multi-lane ironers or other laundry machines, the spreading clamps move the respective smaller laundry item centrally in front of the respective lane.

[0033] After the spreading clamps have spread out the respective item of laundry 10 and moved it centrally in front of the respective track of the feed conveyor 12, a front edge region of the item of laundry 10 with the front edge 18 stretched out by the spreading clamps is either placed directly on the feed conveyor 12 or indirectly on a depositing strip, which then deposits the front edge region of the item of laundry onto the feed conveyor 12.

[0034] In a special manner according to the invention, the spacing between the loading clamps 15 of the loading clamp pair 14 or the double clamp 19 is designed to be large enough that the front edge 18 of the respective laundry item 10 can be measured contactlessly, in particular optoelectronically, at the respective loading station 13. This measurement takes place with the opposite corners 17 of the front edge 18 of the respective laundry item 10 hanging in adjacent loading clamps 15 of the loading clamp pair 14. The front edge 18 of the laundry item 10 still sags.

[0035] The Fig. 4 shows the loading clamps 15 of the respective loading clamp pair 14 or the double clamp 19, which are spaced apart only slightly according to the prior art. Fig. 4It can be seen that when corners 17 are hanging in the loading clamps 15 at opposite ends of the front edge 18, the sag 21 of the front edge 18 of the laundry item 10 that forms between the closely spaced loading clamps 15 is not visible because the loading clamps 15 are so close together that the parts of the sag 21 emanating from opposite loading clamps 15 overlap and / or are intertwined. The sag 21 is thus virtually nonexistent. Therefore, this sag 21 cannot be measured, at least not without contact.

[0036] The Fig. 1 and 5 In comparison, show the loading clamp pair 14 or the double clamp 19 with an increased distance, in particular an increased clear distance, between the two loading clamps 15 according to the invention. It can be seen from the Fig. 5that, due to the increased spacing between the loading clamps 15 of the loading clamp pair 14 of the respective loading station 13, the opposite corners 17 of the front edge 18 of the laundry item 10, which are held in the loading clamps 18, are spaced apart by a greater distance. As a result, a clearly recognizable V-like, preferably V-shaped, sag 22 of the front edge 18 forms, especially with larger laundry items 10, between the corners 17 of the front edge 18 of the laundry item 10, which are held at an increased spacing by the loading clamps 15. This front edge 18 can be reliably and relatively accurately determined without contact, in particular optoelectronically.

[0037] During the Fig. 4 The previously usual small distance between the loading clamps 15 of the respective loading clamp pair 14 or the double clamp 19 is in the range of 150 mm to 250 mm, the distance shown in the Fig. 1 and 5The larger spacing, in particular the clear spacing, shown according to the invention is 350 mm to 600 mm, preferably 400 mm to 500 mm. Consequently, the increased spacing of the adjacent loading clamps 15 according to the invention is approximately 1.5 to 4 times greater than the previously usual spacing.

[0038] The loading clamps 15 can be assigned means (not shown in the figures) for determining the occupancy of the respective loading clamp 15. In particular, the means serve to determine whether or not a corner 17 of the respective item of laundry 10 is located in the respective loading clamp 15. For example, the means generates a signal if the respective loading clamp 15 has a corner 17. A missing signal indicates a free loading clamp 15. The means for determining the occupancy of the respective loading clamp 15 can be designed in various ways, for example as a switch, a button, a sensor, a light barrier, or a camera.

[0039] If a signal is generated after a corner 17 has been inserted into at least one loading clamp 15, a control of the device can, for example, be used to start the measuring process for the length or width of the front edge 18 of the laundry item. Preferably, each loading clamp 15 of the loading clamp pair 14 or the double clamp 19 is assigned a means for detecting the occupancy and / or non-occupancy of the respective loading clamp 15. It is then expediently provided that the next step, for example, the measurement of the length or width of the front edge 18, is only started when the means of both loading clamps 15 detect the presence of a corner 17 of the front edge 18.

[0040] In the Fig. 6A non-contact measuring device 23 is shown. This is located behind the conveyor for moving the carriage 20 carrying the pair of loading clamps 14 or the double clamp 19 up and down. As a result, the loading clamps 15 of the respective loading station 13 with the item of laundry 10 hanging thereon are within the range of influence of the non-contact measuring device 23. The non-contact measuring device 23 shown has at least one optoelectronic measuring means which forms a laser curtain with a plurality of laser beams 24 in a vertical plane running in the feed direction 11, preferably centrally between the two loading clamps 15.If necessary, the contactless measuring device 23 can be pivoted about a horizontal axis running in the feed direction 11, whereby the plane of a plurality of laser beams 24 can be slightly pivoted relative to the vertical in order to be able to detect a lowest point 25 of the sag 22 of the front edge 18 of the laundry item 10, which may not be located centrally between the adjacent loading clamps 15.

[0041] Instead of the laser curtain, other contactless measuring devices are conceivable, for example a vertical laser bar or a sensor bar in front of and / or behind the item of laundry 10 hanging from the two loading clamps 15 of the respective loading station 19. Sensor beams emanating from the sensor bar are then essentially perpendicular to the display plane of the Fig. 5, i.e., directed at the front or back of the item of laundry 10 hanging from the two loading clamps 15, in order to determine the deepest point 25 of the sag 22 of the front edge 18 of the item of laundry 10. A line scan camera can also be provided at the location of the sensor bar. It is also conceivable to provide a sensor array or an at least two-dimensional, preferably digital, camera. Such non-contact measuring devices can also be directed at the front and / or back of the item of laundry 18 hanging from the loading clamps 15 at the respective loading station 13. However, a camera can also be arranged between the two loading clamps 15 of the loading clamp pair 14 above the sagging front edge 18 of the laundry item 10, so that it is directed from above onto the lowest point 25 or at least approximately the lowest point 25 of the V-shaped sag 22 of the front edge 18 of the laundry item 10.

[0042] An alternative embodiment of the invention (not shown) is conceivable in which the distance between the two loading clamps 15 of the loading clamp pair 14 is not as shown in the embodiment of the Fig. 5is not fixed, but variable. The distance between the two loading clamps 15 of the respective loading clamp pair 14 can be changed, for example, by linear drives, which move both loading clamps 15 together or apart in opposite directions in the manner of spreading clamps. However, it is also conceivable to design only one loading clamp 15 of the loading clamp pair 14 so as to be movable in order to increase or decrease the distance between the loading clamps 15. With a variable distance between the loading clamps 15 of the respective loading clamp pair 14, the respective item of laundry 10 is expediently hung in the moved-together and thus, as previously usual, small distance between the loading clamps 15 by the respective operator 16 or automatically or mechanized. Following this, the loading clamps 15 are moved to the Fig. 5 shown larger distance apart until the sag 22, for example, reaches the Fig. 5shown V-like shape, in order to then determine the lowest point 25 or at least approximately the lowest point 25 at the lower vertex of the sag 22 in a contactless manner, in particular optoelectronically.

[0043] The method according to the invention will be described below with reference to the device designed as an input machine 9 of Fig. 1 to 6 and the above description is explained in more detail: In this method, the determination of the width of the front edge 18 of the laundry item 10, which runs transversely to the feed direction 11, takes place in the area of ​​the respective loading station 13, i.e., before the spreading device. For this purpose, the two loading clamps 15 of the pair 14 of loading clamps of each loading station 13 have a larger distance, in particular an increased clear distance, compared to previous devices, namely input machines 9. This distance is in the Fig. 5 represented as distance A.

[0044] The deepest point 25 or approximately the deepest point 25 of the sag 22 is determined contactlessly, in particular optoelectronically, by the non-contact measuring device 23. Digital data are preferably obtained from at least the position of the deepest point 25 or in its vicinity and related to an imaginary connecting line 26, in particular a horizontal connecting line 26, which runs transversely to the feed direction 11 through the clamp jaws of the two loading clamps 15 of the respective loading clamp pair 14 or the double clamp 19. This connecting line 26 preferably extends through half the depth of the clamp jaws of the two loading clamps 15.From the distance of the deepest point 25 of the sag 22 of the front edge 18 or at least in the vicinity of the deepest point 25 to the horizontal connecting line 26, a depth measurement of the sag 22 results at the time of the contactless determination of this deepest point 25 or at least the approximately deepest point 25. This depth measurement T is in the . Fig. 5 shown. From the known increased distance, namely the clear distance or the center distance of the loading clamps 15 of the loading clamp pair 14 of the respective loading station 13, the length of the front edge 18 of the laundry item 10 is calculated at least approximately.

[0045] Based on the length of the front edge 18 of the laundry item 10 determined before the front edge 18 of the laundry item 10 is stretched out by the spreading clamps of the spreading device in the area of ​​the respective loading station 13, the spreading clamps can be moved apart in a targeted manner to spread out the front edge 18, in particular the front transverse edge, of the laundry item 10 and to center the laundry item 10 in front of the single lane or the respective lane of the mangle or another laundry treatment machine.

[0046] If no constant larger distance between the loading clamps 15 of the respective loading clamp pair 14 is provided, but rather a variable distance between the loading chambers 15, the adjacent corners 25 of the front edge 18 of a respective item of laundry 10 can be hooked into the loading clamps 15, which are previously located close to one another. Before the deepest point 25 of the item of laundry 10 is measured, the distance between the two loading clamps 15 is then increased so that they have the distance A. This creates the necessary V-shaped sag 22 of the not yet stretched front edge 18 before the contactless measurement of the deepest point 25. The measurement of the deepest point 25 and the subsequent calculation of the length or at least the approximate length of the front edge 18 of the respective item of laundry 10 can then take place automatically in front of the spreading device in the manner described above.

[0047] The respective item of laundry 10 can be hung comfortably and without fatigue by the respective operator 16 into the loading clamps 15 having an increased spacing, because the increased spacing of the loading clamps 15 corresponds approximately to the spacing of the hands holding the adjacent corners 17 of the front edge 18 when the arms of the operator 16 are parallel.

[0048] The method is particularly suitable for laundry items 10 that are to be treated unsorted, namely both large and small items 10. In this case, the deepest point 25 of the sag of the front edge 18 of larger or largest items 10 of laundry, so-called king-size items 10, can also be reliably determined in a contactless, in particular optoelectronic, manner, before the spreading device stretches out the front edge 18 of the item 10 of laundry, thereby causing the item 10 to spread out.

[0049] As a result of the increased spacing between the loading clamps 15 of the respective loading clamp pair 14 or the double clamp 16, the laundry item 10 is pre-spread. The adjacent corners 17 of the front edge 18 of the laundry item 10 then enter the spreading clamps 18 at a greater distance, whereby the spreading clamps 18 need not be moved apart as far to reduce the sagging of the front edge 18 and the resulting stretching or spreading of the same, which shortens the process of spreading and spreading the respective laundry item 10.

[0050] The representation of the Fig. 7 corresponds to that of the Fig. 5 However, the Fig. 7 an alternative embodiment of the invention with a differently designed loading clamp 27. Otherwise, this embodiment corresponds to that of the Fig. 1 to 6 Unless otherwise stated below, the description of the embodiment corresponds to the Fig. 1 to 6 that of the Fig. 7 . Consequently, the Fig. 7 For identical parts, the same reference numbers are used, which also Fig. 1 to 6 contain.

[0051] The loading clamp 27 has three loading clamps 27, 28 and 29, preferably of the same design. The three loading clamps 27, 28 and 29 are combined into a group and firmly connected to one another to form a multiple clamp, namely a triple clamp 30. As a result, the distances between the loading clamps 27, 28 and 29 are fixed and therefore cannot be changed.

[0052] The distance "A" between the two outer loading clamps 27, 28 can be as large as the distance A between the loading clamps 15 of the Fig. 1 and 5 shown double clamps 19. However, due to the third inner loading clamp 29 between the outer loading clamps 27 and 28, it is possible to adjust the distance A between the outer loading clamps 27, 28 in the Fig. 7shown triple clamp 30, up to 1 34 times the distance A of the Fig. 5 . In the triple clamp 30 shown, the inner loading clamp 29 is located off-center between the two outer loading clamps 27 and 28. This results in an off-center offset of the inner loading clamp 29, which can be as large as in the Fig. 7 shown, but also smaller, so that the inner loading clamp 29 is only slightly offset from the center between the outer clamps 27 and 28. Alternatively, it is also conceivable to arrange the inner loading clamp 29 centrally between the outer loading clamps 27 and 28. In this case, the inner loading clamp 29 would be a middle loading clamp 29.

[0053] It is advantageous if at least the inner loading clamp 29 of the triple clamp 30, but preferably all three loading clamps 27, 28 and 29, has a means for detecting the presence or absence of a corner 17 of the front edge 18 of the laundry item 10 in the respective loading clamp 27, 28 and 29.

[0054] Due to the inner or, if applicable, central loading clamp 29, even small items of laundry, for example napkins, can be hung in the triple clamp 30, where the distance between adjacent corners 17 of the front edge 18 is so small that the adjacent corners 17 can no longer be hung in the outer loading clamps 27, 28, for example by having a distance that is smaller than the distance A. Then, such smaller items of laundry 10 can be hung in the loading clamps 28 and 29, the distance between which is slightly greater than the distance between the loading clamps 27 and 29. Even smaller items of laundry, which cannot be hung in the loading clamps 28 and 29, can be hung in the loading clamp 29 and the outer loading clamp 27, which is closer to it, due to the eccentricity of the inner loading clamp 29.

[0055] The three loading clamps 27, 28, 29 thus make it possible to hang laundry items 10 of different sizes, in particular even relatively small laundry items 10, into the triple clamp 30 by selecting the appropriate loading clamp 27, 28 or 28, 29 or 27, 29. The detection means assigned to the loading clamps 27, 28, and 29, preferably all three loading clamps 27, 28, and 29, can be used to determine in which loading clamps 27, 28, and / or 29 the respective laundry item 10 is hanging with adjacent corners 17 of the front edge 18. If, for example, it is determined that the item of laundry 10 in question is hanging in the inner loading clamp 29 and one of the outer loading clamps 27 or 28 or both outer loading clamps 27, 28, conclusions can be drawn about the size of the item of laundry 10.If necessary, in the case of smaller laundry items 10 that are or must be hooked into an inner clamp 29 by a corner 17, a conclusion can be drawn about the size of the laundry item 10. It is assumed that laundry items 10 whose one corner 17 must be hooked into the inner clamp 29 have a short front edge 18, the length of which does not need to be measured before being transferred to the spreading clamps of the spreading device in order to spread them quickly. In this case, measurement of the front edge 18 of the respective laundry item 10 can be limited to larger laundry items 10 hooked into the outer loading clamps 27 and 28.

[0056] The procedure is basically the same with triple clamps 30 as with double clamps 19. With regard to the similarities in the procedure, reference is made to the example of the Fig. 1 to 6Reference is made to the description. With the triple clamp 30, no measurement of the length or width of the front edge 18 of such laundry items 10 is required, one corner 17 of which is hooked into an inner loading clamp 29, which is determined by means for detecting the loading.

[0057] The Fig. 8 shows an embodiment of the device in which a storage station 31 is arranged upstream of the input machine 9. Loading stations 32 are then provided at the beginning of the storage station 31. The loading stations 32 can be arranged upstream of the input machine 9 of the embodiment of the Fig. 1 to 7However, the loading stations 32 are not arranged in front of the input machine 9, but rather at the beginning of the storage station 31. The storage station 31 shown has four loading stations 32 arranged next to one another. All loading stations 32 are preferably of the same design. It is also conceivable for the storage station 31 to have a smaller or larger number of loading stations 32.

[0058] Each loading station 32 is followed by a storage section 33 of the storage station 31. All storage sections 33 are preferably of the same design. In particular, they are of the same length and / or have the same storage capacity. At the end of each storage section 33 there is a transfer loop 34, which leads to a transfer station 35 at the beginning of the input machine 9. Fig. 8 In the device shown, the respective transfer station 35 replaces the loading station 13 of the device according to the Fig. 1 to 7 .

[0059] Each loading station 32 in front of the storage station 31 has a conveyor line on which at least one double clamp 19 or a triple clamp 30 can be moved in the direction of the respective transfer station 35 of the input machine 9. In order to store a plurality of laundry items 10 on the respective storage line 33, it is provided that the conveyor line with a transport rail of each storage line 33 is provided with a plurality of preferably identical in the Fig. 8shown double clamps 19. Alternatively, they can also be triple clamps 30. The double clamps 19 or triple clamps 30 are moved along the transport rail of the respective storage section 33 after being loaded with a piece of laundry 10 in the feed direction 11 to the input machine 9. After the transfer of the item of laundry 10 hanging on the respective double clamp 19 or triple clamp 30 to the spreading clamps of the spreading device of the input machine 9, the respective double clamp 19 or triple clamp 30 is transported back along the transport rail of the storage section 33 to the loading station 32, where a next item of laundry 10 can be hooked into the empty double clamp 19 or triple clamp 30 held ready. This hooking takes place in the embodiment of the Fig. 8by operators 36. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the adjacent corners 17 of the front edge 18 of the respective item of laundry 10 are automatically hooked into the double clamps 19 or triple clamps 30. List of reference symbols:

[0060] 9Input machine 10Laundry item 11Feed direction 12Feed conveyor 13Loading station 14Pair of loading clamps 15Loading clamp 16Operator 17Corner 18Front edge 19Double clamp 20Carriage 21Sag 22Sag 23Non-contact measuring device 24Laser beam 25Deepest point 26Connecting line 27Loading clamp 28Loading clamp 29Loading clamp 30Triple clamp 31Storage station 32Loading station 33Storage section 34Transfer loop 35Transfer station 36Operator

Claims

1. A method for feeding items of laundry (10) to a laundry machine, such as in particular a mangle, with opposite corners (17) of a front edge (18), running transversely with respect to the feeding direction (11), of a respective item of laundry (10) being suspended in two loading clamps (15; 27, 28, 29) from which the item of laundry (10) is transferred to spreading clamps, which are movable transversely with respect to the feeding direction (11), of a spreading device or is taken over by the spreading clamps, the spreading clamps are moved apart in order to spread out the item of laundry (10) by stretching the front edge (18) of same, and the spread-out item of laundry (10) is deposited by the spreading clamps on a depositing strip or on a feed conveyor (12) which transports the spread-out item of laundry (10) to the mangle or to another laundry machine, characterized in that the two loading clamps (15; 27, 28, 29) holding the opposite corners (17) of the respective item of laundry (10) are at such a large or relatively large distance (A) from one another or can be brought to such a distance (A) from one another that, when the item of laundry (10) is hanging down from the two loading clamps (15; 27, 28, 29), a V-like sag (22) of the front edge (18) is formed, an at least approximately lowest point (25) of the V-like sag (22) is contactlessly determined and the length of the sagging front edge (18) of the item of laundry (10) is derived therefrom.

2. The method as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that at the distance (A) between the loading clamps (15) that exists when the sag (22) is measured, the item of laundry is transferred to the spreading clamps or is taken over by the spreading clamps from the loading clamps (15; 27, 28, 29) and / or the lowest point (25) of the sag (22) of the front edge (18) of the item of laundry (10) hanging down from the loading clamps (15; 27, 28, 29) is contactlessly and / or opto-electronically measured, preferably by at least one contactless measuring device (23), such as, for example, an imaging device, a line scan camera, a sensor strip, a camera, a laser fan or the like.

3. The method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims characterized in that the distance of the determined lowest point (25) or of the at least approximately lowest point (25) of the V-like sag (22) of the front edge (18) of the item of laundry (10) from an imaginary straight connecting line (26) through the adjacent loading clamps (15; 27, 28, 29) respectively holding one of the opposite corners (17) of the V-like sagging front edge (18) of the respective item of laundry (10) is determined and, from this, taking into account the known relatively large or increased distance between the two loading clamps (15; 27, 28, 29), the length of the front edge (18) is determined, preferably calculated.

4. The method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that opposite corners (17) of the front edge (18) of the respective item of laundry (10) are suspended in the loading clamps (15; 27, 28, 29) by at least one operator (16; 36) or automatically by means of preferably a handling device.

5. The method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the distance (A) between the loading clamps (15; 27, 28, 29) holding the opposite corners (17) of the respective item of laundry (10) is smaller during the loading or receiving of the corners (17) than during the contactless determination of the V-like sag (22) of the front edge (18) of the item of laundry (10) and / or of the lowest point (25) or of the approximately lowest point (25) of the V-like sag (22).

6. The method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that opposite corners (17) of the front edge (18) of the respective item of laundry (10) are suspended in two loading clamps (15) of a pair of loading clamps (14) or in two loading clamps (27, 28, 29) of a group of at least three loading clamps (27, 28, 29).

7. The method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is determined in which loading clamp (15; 27, 28, 29) a corner (17) of the front edge (18) of the item of laundry (10) is suspended, preferably by means of a sensor and / or feeler.