Treatment module for 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 appliance (1), said treatment module comprising a plurality of treatment brushes (17), each of which is provided for contact with a laundry item (5) to be treated. In order to design a smoothing process to be as optimal as possible, each pair of treatment brushes (17) form at least one pair (33) and are or can be positioned relative to one another in one treatment position each, in which treatment position the treatment brushes (17) of the at least one pair (33) are located opposite one another in such a way that, when a laundry item (5) is positioned between the treatment brushes (17) of the at least one pair (33), they are in contact with both sides of said laundry item (5).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a treatment module for a laundry treatment device, comprising several treatment brushes, each designed for contact with a piece of laundry to be treated. The invention further relates to a laundry treatment device with the aforementioned treatment module and to a method for operating a laundry treatment device.

[0002] Laundry treatment devices include those in which individual garments can be hung and treated. Such devices, sometimes also called laundry treatment cabinets, often contain a movable treatment module that performs a treatment on each garment in at least one step. This treatment module may include brushes that come into contact with the garment during the treatment step to smooth it.

[0003] WO 2020 / 084315 A1 describes a laundry treatment device designed as a laundry treatment cabinet, which has a treatment chamber into which individual items of laundry can be placed. The treatment chamber also includes a treatment module that can be moved vertically within the chamber and has a flexible steam head. The item of laundry to be treated is stretched in the treatment chamber for smoothing, with the steam head of the treatment module coming into contact with the item during the treatment. Treatment brushes are also provided on the opposite side of the steam head, which come into contact with that side of the laundry during the treatment process.

[0004] A treatment module with the features of the preamble of claim 1 is known from WO87 / 00218A1

[0005] Based on the prior art described above, the object of the present invention is to create a treatment module for a laundry treatment device, wherein this treatment module should enable the wrinkles / creases of a piece of laundry placed in the laundry treatment device to be removed as far as possible within the framework of a smoothing process.

[0006] This problem is solved starting from the preamble of claim 1 in conjunction with its characterizing features. The subsequent dependent claims each describe advantageous embodiments of the invention. A laundry treatment device in which a treatment module according to the invention is used is further the subject of claims 4 to 6. In addition, claims 7 to 9 each relate to a method for operating a laundry treatment device.

[0007] According to the invention, a treatment module comprises several treatment brushes, each designed for contact with a piece of laundry to be treated. The treatment module according to the invention is intended for use in a laundry treatment device in order to smooth the laundry placed in the treatment chamber as thoroughly as possible during a smoothing process using the treatment brushes.

[0008] According to the invention, the treatment brushes are components of the treatment module, each of which, during the treatment of a garment to be treated, comes into contact with the garment via bristles or bristle-like, protruding elements in order to introduce mechanical stress into the garment and thus at least partially reduce wrinkles / creases. The bristles or bristle-like elements preferably consist of an elastic plastic material.

[0009] The treatment module is preferably designed for a movable mounting in the laundry treatment device to enable at least one pass of the treatment module along the garment to be treated, with the treatment brushes in contact with the garment, thereby smoothing the garment. For this purpose, the treatment module is provided with corresponding guide elements by which, when installed, the treatment module is guided in corresponding guides within the laundry treatment device, thus ensuring a guided movement. Furthermore, the treatment module preferably includes one or more drive devices by which drive movements can be transmitted to the drive module.

[0010] The invention further comprises the technical teaching that two treatment brushes form at least one pair and are arranged relative to each other in a treatment position, or can be arranged in a treatment position in which the treatment brushes of the at least one pair are positioned opposite each other such that, when a garment is positioned between the treatment brushes of the at least one pair, they are in contact with the garment on both sides. In other words, the treatment module according to the invention provides at least one pair, each consisting of two treatment brushes. In a treatment position of the treatment brushes of the at least one pair, the treatment brushes are positioned relative to each other such that, when a garment to be treated is positioned between the treatment brushes, each of the treatment brushes of the at least one pair comes into contact with the garment.The treatment brushes of at least one pair then act on both sides of the interposed garment. In one variant, the brushes of at least one pair are permanently positioned relative to each other in the treatment position, while in an alternative variant, the treatment brushes of at least one pair can be positioned in the treatment position from a different angle.

[0011] This type of treatment module design has the advantage that the bilateral contact of the brushes of at least one pair with the garment in the treatment position introduces mechanical tension into the garment on both sides, thus reliably smoothing wrinkles and creases. Permanently positioning the brushes in the treatment position allows for a simpler design of the treatment module, particularly when the treatment module only needs to be passed over the garment once.In contrast, positioning the brushes in the treatment position from a different angle allows for multiple passes along the garment in one direction, while moving in the opposite direction by deliberately leaving the treatment position prevents contact between the brushes and the garment, which could otherwise lead to the creation of new creases. For this purpose, a corresponding movable brush holder must be implemented in the treatment module.

[0012] The treatment brushes forming at least one pair and facing each other in the treatment position are preferably designed with corresponding shapes. In the treatment position, the brushes of a pair are positioned particularly parallel to each other, so that a linear or planar contact is formed between the brushes and the garment positioned between them. More preferably, the brushes of the at least one pair are each located in a separate plane in the treatment position, with these planes being parallel to each other and also aligned with a plane in which the garment to be treated is arranged in its width and height.

[0013] According to the invention, the treatment brushes of the at least one pair are designed as rotatable round brushes. In this case, the treatment brushes of the at least one pair are brushes that are equipped with bristles or bristle-like elements on a cylindrical base body and can be rotated to make contact with the garment. Alternatively or additionally to this embodiment, the treatment brushes of the at least one pair are designed as strip brushes. These strip brushes have an elongated, strip-like base body, which is provided with bristles or bristle-like elements on one side.

[0014] If the treatment module provides for several pairs, the two aforementioned variants can be combined by forming at least one pair with round brushes and at least one pair with strip brushes. Such an embodiment is not part of the invention according to the claims.

[0015] The use of multiple pairs of brushes has the advantage that it allows different areas of the garment to be treated to be smoothed. Preferably, the brush pairs are oriented such that the treatment brushes of one or more pairs are aligned with their longitudinal or rotational axes in a horizontal direction, thus in the width direction of the garment, while the treatment brushes of one or more other pairs are oriented with their longitudinal or rotational axes in a vertical direction, thus in the height direction of the garment.This enables multi-axis clamping of the garment to be treated, by having treatment brushes of one or more pairs introduce tensions in the vertical direction and in particular away from a hanging device of the garment, while the treatment brushes of one or more other pairs create tensions in the lateral direction of the garment to be treated.

[0016] In a further development of one or both of the aforementioned embodiments, the bristles of each individual brush are oriented at an angle away from a central plane of the brush. Advantageously, this results in the intermediate piece of laundry being stretched in the width direction of the brush, which improves the smoothing effect. However, other angular positions of the individual bristles relative to the base body of the respective brush are also conceivable within the scope of the invention.

[0017] In a further development of the treatment module, the treatment brushes of at least one pair are geometrically adapted to the characteristics, such as the geometry, of the garment being treated. Thus, the treatment brushes of the pair(s) can be arranged in the treatment module in such a way that certain areas of the garment are specifically excluded, such as the collar of a shirt. Alternatively, a separate pair of treatment brushes can be provided for a specific area of ​​the garment, with the arrangement of the brushes adapted to the characteristics of that area.For example, several pairs of treatment brushes can be provided for the button placket of a shirt to be treated, which are aligned vertically on both sides of the button placket in order to create lower tensions in the horizontal direction in the area of ​​the button placket, which would otherwise cause wrinkles around the buttonholes of the button placket.

[0018] It is an advantageous embodiment of the invention, which can be used alternatively or in combination with one of the aforementioned embodiments, that a treatment brush is part of two pairs in which this treatment brush, in the treatment position, is simultaneously opposite two other treatment brushes. In this case, this treatment brush is thus simultaneously involved in two pairs of treatment brushes, which has the advantage that different pairs with a lower number of treatment brushes can be formed. This correspondingly reduces the manufacturing effort for realizing the treatment module according to the invention. Furthermore, particularly when the treatment brushes are designed as round brushes, this creates the effect of increasing the contact areas of the treatment brushes with the garment to be treated, which enhances the smoothing effect.

[0019] In an advantageous embodiment, which is not part of the invention, the treatment brushes of the at least one pair are each received in an associated frame part, wherein the frame parts are movable for positioning the individual treatment brush in the treatment position. Advantageously, this allows the positioning of the individual treatment brush in the treatment position, and additionally, it also allows the individual treatment brush to be positioned via the frame part in a position different from the treatment position, in which it cannot come into contact with a piece of laundry placed between the treatment brushes of a pair.This makes it possible to bring the treatment brushes into contact with an intervening garment only when the treatment module and the garment are moving relative to each other in the desired direction. Contact is prevented in the opposite direction by targeted positioning to avoid reintroducing creases or wrinkles. Preferably, the frame parts of the treatment module can be moved relative to each other to bring the frame parts towards or away from each other, thereby bringing the treatment brushes into or removing them from the treatment position. Alternatively, however, it is also possible to tilt the individual frame part and thus also the treatment brush.

[0020] According to one embodiment, which is not part of the invention, the treatment brushes are each arranged on a telescopic rod, the ends of which are movably guided in a frame. Advantageously, this allows for greater freedom in guiding the treatment brushes along the garment to be treated, by deliberately tilting the treatment brushes within the frame and thereby compensating for length differences via the respective telescopic rod.

[0021] The invention also relates to a laundry treatment device comprising a treatment chamber into which a garment to be treated can be placed. The laundry treatment device is preferably designed in the form of a laundry treatment cabinet into which garments to be treated can be placed individually. An input magazine can be arranged upstream of the treatment chamber of the laundry treatment device and / or an output magazine downstream, wherein several garments can be hung in the input magazine and subsequently treated individually in the treatment chamber, or the output magazine receives several garments that have already been treated individually in the treatment chamber.The transfer of the individual piece of laundry between the incoming magazine, treatment chamber and outgoing magazine is preferably carried out via a magazine axis, on which the piece of laundry is hung with a hanging device, in particular in the form of a clothes hanger.

[0022] In the laundry treatment device, the treatment module is designed according to one or more of the aforementioned variants, wherein the treatment brushes of at least one pair of the treatment module can be brought into contact on both sides with the inserted laundry item positioned between them to perform a smoothing process. Advantageously, this results in a laundry treatment device in which the treatment brushes of the treatment module reliably smooth and thus eliminate wrinkles / creases.

[0023] Preferably, during the smoothing process, the garment to be treated is contacted by the treatment brushes of the treatment module either over its entire surface or at least a portion of its surface, in order to achieve the most complete smoothing possible. This complete or at least extensive contact with the garment to be treated is particularly preferably achieved via several pairs of treatment brushes, the pairs of which, as already described above regarding the treatment brushes, can be oriented differently relative to each other.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the aforementioned laundry treatment device, the item of laundry to be treated is inserted into the treatment chamber via a suspension device. The treatment module and the suspension device can be moved relative to each other within the treatment chamber to control the smoothing process. Thus, the suspension device and the treatment module can move relative to each other during the smoothing process. A movable receptacle for the treatment module is particularly preferred in the treatment chamber of the laundry treatment device, allowing the treatment module to move relative to the stationary suspension device and, consequently, to the stationary item of laundry being treated during the smoothing process.Alternatively, it would also be conceivable to move the hanging device and the piece of laundry suspended from it during the smoothing process, while the treatment module remains in one position.

[0025] In a further development of the invention, the treatment module can be moved and transferred to a parking position for inserting and removing the garment from the treatment chamber. The treatment module can thus be moved into a parking position, which, according to the invention, can be located at or above a magazine axis via which the garment is inserted into or removed from the treatment chamber. Furthermore, the parking position can also be located below the area in which the garment to be treated is moved within the treatment chamber. If the parking position is located above the magazine axis, no collision with the garment or its suspension device can occur due to its positioning in the parking position.If, on the other hand, the parking position is at the level of the magazine axis, it is conceivable within the scope of the invention that the treatment module could be divided accordingly or provided with openings through which a suspension device of the laundry item to be treated can pass over the magazine axis during insertion or removal.

[0026] A laundry treatment device according to the invention is operated such that, first, a piece of laundry to be treated is placed in the treatment chamber of the laundry treatment device, and then the treatment brushes of the at least one pair of treatment modules are brought into contact with the laundry item positioned between them to initiate a smoothing process. During the smoothing process, the treatment module and a hanging device holding the laundry item to be treated are then moved relative to each other.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the invention, the garment is brought into contact with the treatment brushes at least once during the smoothing process, either over its entire surface or over a portion of its surface. Particularly preferred is repeated contact between the treatment brushes and the garment, achieved by repeatedly passing the treatment module, and thus the treatment brushes, over the garment to be treated. As previously described, the treatment brushes can preferably be moved out of the treatment position to prevent unintended contact between the treatment brushes and the garment during the return movement of the treatment module relative to the garment.

[0028] It is an advantageous embodiment of the invention that the inserted garment and the treatment module comprising round brushes are moved relative to each other during the smoothing process, wherein the individual round brush of the treatment module rotates at a rotational speed that corresponds to the rolling speed of the round brush on the garment during the relative movement of the treatment module to the garment. This has the advantage that abrasion of the garment is avoided, thus protecting the material of the garment being treated.

[0029] As a variation, which is not part of the invention, it is also conceivable that one brush of each pair is omitted and instead the remaining brush is used to work through the two layers of the garment against a pressure plate. For this purpose, the pressure plate would, for example, have a smooth surface, at least on the side facing the brush. The pressure plate can be stationary, and in addition to a large, stationary pressure plate, a pressure plate that moves with the treatment module and thus with the brush can also be used. The latter could then also be shaped to correspond to the brush, for example with a (shallow) cylindrical recess for a round brush pressing against it from the opposite side.In addition, a pressure plate for the treatment could also be placed stationary or movable in an interior area of ​​the garment to be treated, whereby treatment brushes are then used against the pressure plate from one, but preferably both, outer sides of the garment.

[0030] The invention is not limited to the specified combination of features of the main claim or the dependent claims. Furthermore, it is possible to combine individual features, even those that arise from the claims, the subsequent description of preferred embodiments, or directly from the drawings. The reference in the claims to the drawings by means of reference numerals is not intended to limit the scope of protection of the claims.

[0031] Advantageous embodiments, which are explained below, are illustrated in the drawings. They show: Fig. 1 a schematic view of a laundry treatment device according to a preferred embodiment of the invention; Fig. 2 a detailed view of the laundry treatment device Fig. 1 with a treatment module according to a first embodiment of the invention; Fig. 3 another view of the treatment module from Fig. 2 ; Fig. 4 a schematic view of a treatment module which is not part of the invention; Fig. 5 a schematic representation of a treatment module which is not part of the invention; Fig. 6 a schematic view of a treatment module which is not part of the invention; Fig. 7 further views of the treatment module from Fig. 6 ; Fig. 8 a schematic representation of a treatment module according to a second embodiment of the invention; Fig. 9 a schematic view of a treatment module according to a third embodiment of the invention; Fig. 10 a schematic representation of a treatment module according to a fourth embodiment of the invention; Fig. 11 a schematic view of a treatment module which is not part of the invention; Fig. 12 another view of the treatment module from Fig. 11 ; Fig. 13 a view of the laundry treatment machine from Fig. 1 with a treatment module according to a fifth embodiment of the invention; Fig. 14 Another view of the laundry treatment machine with the treatment module made of Fig. 13 ; Fig. 15 a schematic representation of a treatment module which is not part of the invention; Fig. 16 another view of the treatment module from Fig. 15 ; Fig. 17 Views of an alternative design option for a treatment brush; Fig. 18 a view of another alternative embodiment of a treatment brush; Fig. 19 a view of a treatment module that is not part of the invention; and Fig. 20 a schematic representation of a treatment module which is not part of the invention.

[0032] Out of Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a laundry treatment device 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. The laundry treatment device 1 comprises a treatment chamber 2, upstream of which is an infeed magazine 3 and downstream of which is an outfeed magazine 4. In the infeed magazine 3 of the laundry treatment device 1, several items of laundry 5 to be treated can be suspended on hanging devices 6 and individually fed from the infeed magazine 3 into the treatment chamber 2 to subject each item of laundry 5 to a smoothing process to remove wrinkles / creases. Following the smoothing process, the treated item of laundry 5 is then transferred to the outfeed magazine, from which it can subsequently be removed.A transfer between the incoming magazine 3 and the treatment chamber 2, as well as between the treatment chamber 2 and the outgoing magazine, is accomplished via a magazine axis – not shown in further detail here. The hanging devices 6 are clothes hangers, each holding a single item of laundry, in this example a shirt.

[0033] In Fig. 1 A coordinate system is also indicated, with the x-direction representing the width direction of the laundry items 5, the y-direction representing the height direction of the laundry items 5, and the z-direction representing the depth direction of the laundry items 5. The laundry items 5 are also moved in the z-direction from the input magazine 3 into the treatment chamber 2 and from there into the output magazine 4.

[0034] Fig. 2 shows a detailed view of laundry treatment device 1 from Fig. 1 in the area of ​​the treatment chamber 2, in which a treatment module 7 according to a first embodiment of the invention is provided. This treatment module 7 is guided by guide elements 8 and 9 so as to be displaceable in the y-direction on associated guides 10 and 11 of the laundry treatment device 1 and serves to smooth the laundry item 5 currently located in the treatment chamber 2. The treatment module 7 can be moved in the y-direction relative to the laundry item 5 by means of a drive device (not shown here), guided by the guide elements 8 and 9 on the guides 10 and 11.

[0035] The treatment module 7 comprises a frame 12, via which the guide elements 8 and 9 are connected. The frame 12 is arranged in an xz-plane surrounding the laundry item 5 currently placed in the treatment chamber, such that the laundry item 5 lies within an interior area of ​​the frame 12. As the treatment module 7 moves in the y-direction, this frame 12 moves around the laundry item 5. A steam head 13 is mounted in the frame 12 on at least one side of the laundry item 5. Water vapor or an aerosol can be introduced into the interior of the frame 12 through this steam head to treat the laundry item 5. The steam head 13 is connected within the frame 12 via lines 14 to an evaporator 15 and a tank 16.While the evaporator 15 is attached to the treatment module 7 and moves together with it, the tank 16 is stationary inside the treatment chamber 2 of the laundry treatment device 1. In particular, the tank 16 is accessible from the outside for filling. In principle, it would also be conceivable to arrange a tank on the outside of the laundry treatment device 1.

[0036] In addition to the steam head 13, the treatment module 7 also includes several treatment brushes 17, each of which is designed as a rotatable round brush 18 to 32 and is arranged in pairs opposite each other in treatment positions within the frame 12, as shown in Fig. 3 This is exemplified by a pair 33 of round brushes 22. In the treatment position, the brushes of each pair 33 are positioned relative to each other in the frame 12 such that they make contact on both sides with the garment located inside the frame 12. During movement of the treatment module 7 in the y-direction, the treatment brushes 17 introduce tension into the garment 5, thereby smoothing it.

[0037] The round brushes 18 to 32 are arranged in pairs within the frame 12 in parallel xy-planes such that, during movement of the treatment module 7, multi-axial stresses are introduced into the corresponding areas of the garment 5. Thus, round brushes 18, 19, 20 and 30, 31 and 32 smooth the sleeves 34 and 35 of the garment 5, while round brushes 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28 and 29 smooth the chest and abdominal area 36 and the back area of ​​the garment 5 (not shown here). The round brushes 24, 25 and 26 are guided over a button placket 37 of the garment 5 on a front side and are positioned further down in the y-direction in the frame 12 compared to the round brushes 21, 22 and 23 as well as 27, 28 and 29, in order to specifically avoid treating a collar area 38 of the garment 5.

[0038] As particularly in Fig. 3 As indicated, the treatment module 7 is moved upwards and downwards in the y-direction during the smoothing process, with the round brushes 18 to 32 rotating in each movement. The rotation of the round brushes 19, 22, 25, 28, and 31 can each be adjusted to apply a slight force away from the suspension device 6 into the garment 5. Alternatively, the rotation of the round brushes 19, 22, 25, 28, and 31 can advantageously be selected such that the rotational speed of each individual round brush 19, 22, 25, 28, and 31 corresponds to the rolling speed of each individual round brush 19, 22, 25, 28, and 31 on the garment 5 during the movement of the treatment module 7.

[0039] Fig. 4 Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a treatment module 39, which is not part of the invention. This treatment module 39 largely corresponds to the variant according to the following: Fig. 2 and 3, with the difference that the treatment brushes 17 have been wholly or partially replaced by strip brushes 40, which are rigidly positioned in the frame 12. As shown in Fig. 4 As can be seen, these strip brushes also form 40 pairs 41 and are positioned opposite each other on both sides of the garment 5 in the frame 12 in a treatment position in which they come into contact with the garment 5 when the treatment module 39 moves along it in the y-direction. In contrast to the variant according to the Fig. 2 and 3 However, the brushes only pass along the laundry item 5 once in a direction away from the hanging device 6, as passing in the opposite direction could lead to the reintroduction of creases / wrinkles due to contact between the brush strips 40 and the laundry item 5. Otherwise, the embodiment corresponds to the variant according to Fig. 2 and 3, so that reference is made to what has been described here.

[0040] Out of Fig. 5 A schematic view of a treatment module 42 is shown, which is implemented according to an example and can also be used with the laundry treatment device 1. This treatment module 42 largely corresponds to the treatment module 39 from [reference missing]. Fig. 4 , in contrast, the treatment module 42 now has two frame parts 43 and 44, which are provided on both sides of the intermediate piece of laundry 5, which is positioned directly in the treatment chamber, and each of which carries one of the bar brushes 40 of the individual pair 41. These frame parts 42 and 44 can now be moved not only in the y-direction but also in the z-direction, as indicated by the dashed arrows in Fig. 5 This indicates that the treatment module 42 can pass over the garment 5 multiple times during the smoothing process, whereby the brush strips 40 of each pair 41 are only brought into contact with the garment 5 during a movement of the treatment module 42 and thus also of the frame parts 43 and 44 in the y-direction and away from the suspension device 6, while during a movement of the treatment module 42 towards the suspension device 6 in the y-direction, the frame parts 43 and 44 are first moved apart in the z-direction in order to lift the brush strips 40 from the garment 5 until the treatment module 42 has been placed again in an upper end position in the area of ​​the suspension device 6. Then the frame parts 43 and 44 are moved towards each other again in the z direction in order to bring the strip brushes 40 back into contact with the piece of laundry 5 in the treatment position.Furthermore, the design option corresponds to . Fig. 5 according to the previous variant Fig. 4 , so that reference is made to what has been described here.

[0041] Furthermore, it shows Fig. 6 A schematic representation of a treatment module 45, which is not part of the invention. This treatment module 45 can also be used in the laundry treatment device 1. This treatment module 45 largely corresponds to the variant according to Fig. 4 ...by providing a frame 46 that is movable in the y-direction and which accommodates opposing strip brushes 40 on both sides of the garment to be treated. The latter can be seen from the further views of the treatment module 45 in Fig. 7 This is evident. The frame 46 is now designed in such a way that in a Fig. 6 In the depicted upper layer of the treatment module 45, the collar area 38 of the garment 5 is specifically excluded, and accordingly, no contact between the groin brushes 40 and the garment 5 can occur here. Furthermore, the variant corresponds to Fig. 6 otherwise according to the variant Fig. 4 , so that reference is made to what has been described here. Within the scope of the invention, a modification of the embodiment from would also be possible. Fig. 6 according to the type of embodiment Fig. 5 It is conceivable that the frame 46 is accordingly divided into two frame parts that are relatively movable to each other, and that multiple passes along the garment 5 with the treatment module 46 could take place.

[0042] Out of Fig. 8 A structure of a treatment module 47 according to a second embodiment of the invention emerges, as is also the case with the laundry treatment device from Fig. 1 can be applied. As with treatment module 7 according to the Fig. 2 and 3 Within a framework of treatment module 47 – not shown here – several treatment brushes 17 in the form of rotatable round brushes 48, 49 and 50 are again included, which are positioned opposite each other on both sides of the garment 5 to be treated, forming pairs 51 and 52. In contrast to the variant according to the Fig. 2 and 3 However, in this case, the round brush 49 is simultaneously part of both pair 51 and pair 52, as it is positioned opposite both round brush 48 and round brush 50 in the treatment position. This ensures that round brush 49, together with round brush 48 and round brush 50, makes contact with the garment 5 on both sides, with the contact area being larger compared to the variant described below. Fig. 2 and 3 is enlarged. As with the variant after the Fig. 2 and 3 The frame, and therefore also the round brushes 48 to 50, can be moved in the y-direction to smooth the laundry item 5 over as large an area as possible with the round brushes 48 to 50. As already mentioned in the variant according to the Fig. 2 and 3 As described, the respective rotational speed of the round brushes 48 to 50 can be designed to introduce a force direction away from the suspension device 6 or simply to allow the round brushes 48 to 50 to roll on the laundry item 5. The Fig. 8 The setup shown can be used analogously in the one described in Fig. 2 and 3 The setup shown can be used with one or more of the treatment brushes shown therein.

[0043] Fig. 9 shows a schematic view of a treatment module 53 according to a third embodiment of the invention, as also used in the laundry treatment device 1 from Fig. 1 This treatment module 53 provides several rotatable, stationary round brushes 54, 55, 56 and 57 as treatment brushes 17, arranged in pairs opposite each other on different sides of a piece of laundry 5 to be treated. The pairs shown in the illustration are not included here. Fig. 9 Only one of the two round brushes 54 or 55 or 56 or 57 is visible, while the other is hidden on the other side of the piece of laundry 5 in the drawing plane by the visible round brush.

[0044] While the round brushes 54 and 55 are each oriented in the x-direction, the round brushes 56 and 57 are each oriented in the y-direction. To smooth the garment 5, a force F is introduced into the garment 5 via each of the rotating round brushes 54 to 57, as shown in Fig. 9 as indicated by the arrows. Accordingly, the pairs of round brushes 54 and 55 smooth the garment in the y-direction, and the pairs of round brushes 56 and 57 smooth the garment in the x-direction.

[0045] Similarly, this is also implemented in the case of treatment module 58, which is located in Fig. 10 schematically depicted and designed according to a fourth embodiment of the invention. In the treatment module 58, several rotatable, stationary round brushes 59, 60 and 61 are again provided as treatment brushes 17, which are positioned in pairs in a respective treatment position on both sides of the garment 5 to be treated in order to smooth the garment 5 as part of a smoothing process. As already in the previous embodiment according to Fig. 9 is identical to the one in the Fig. 10 Each of the round brushes 59, 60, and 61 shown has a different round brush of the pair arranged on the other side of the laundry item 5 to be treated. The pairs of round brushes 59 and 60 are each oriented in the y-direction, while the pair of round brushes 61 is oriented in the x-direction. As already seen in the variant according to Fig. 9 The rotation directions of the stationary round brushes 59, 60 and 61 are selected such that forces F are transmitted via the pairs of round brushes 59 to 61 with the in Fig. 10 The indicated directions will be initiated. In contrast to the previous variant, after Fig. 9 However, in this case the hanging device 6 of the laundry item 5 is used as the upper support point.

[0046] Furthermore, the Fig. 11 and 12Schematic views of a treatment module 62, which is designed according to an example and can also be used with the laundry treatment device 1. Again, the treatment module 62 comprises several round brushes 63 and 64, which serve as treatment brushes 17 for treating a piece of laundry 5 placed in the treatment chamber of the laundry treatment device 1. As with the previous variants according to the Fig. 9 and 10 , the round brushes 63 and also the round brushes 64 each form pairs in which the in Fig. 11 and 12 The round brushes 63 and 64 are positioned congruently behind one another in a treatment position relative to each other, so that the two round brushes 63 and 64 of the individual pair can come into contact on both sides with the piece of laundry 5 positioned between them.

[0047] The round brushes 63 and 64, which are arranged in pairs, are each mounted on a telescopic rod 65, which is in Fig. 12 for the round brushes 63. The telescopic rods 65 are guided at their ends in a frame 66, whereby the respective ends can be moved relative to the frame 66 in the x-direction. This allows the round brushes 63 or 64 to be guided over the laundry item 5 in the x-direction for smoothing, as shown in Fig. 12 is indicated. In Fig. 12 It can also be seen that the round brushes 63 and 64 can be tilted in the xy-plane, as shown in the example of round brush 63 in Fig. 12 This is illustrated by the fact that the upper and lower ends of the telescopic rod 65 are not moved parallel to each other. The telescopic rod 65 can thus provide the length compensation required for the inclined position. Fig. 11 The round brushes 63 and 64 are moved laterally into a position to allow the laundry item 5 to be placed between the round brushes 63 and 64 in the z-direction. Fig. 12 The round brushes 63 and 64 are then shown during a smoothing process.

[0048] Furthermore, the Fig. 13 and 14 a treatment module 67 according to a fifth embodiment of the invention, which is also used in the laundry treatment device 1 Fig. 1 This can be applied. Treatment module 67 essentially corresponds to the variant according to the Fig. 2 and 3, with the difference that in frame 68 of the treatment module 67, in addition to a pair 69 of rotatable round brushes 70 and 71 oriented in the x-direction, pairs of rotatable round brushes 72 and 73 or 74 are provided on both sides, each arranged at an angle in the xy-plane. While the pair 69 of round brushes 70 and 72 is intended for smoothing the chest and abdominal area 36 of the garment 5, the pairs of round brushes 72 and 73 or 74 are each intended for smoothing one sleeve 34 or 35, respectively.

[0049] During the smoothing process, the treatment module 67 is moved upwards and downwards in the y-direction, with the round brushes 70 to 74 rotating in each movement. The rotation of the round brushes 70 to 74 can again be adjusted to apply a slight force away from the suspension device 6 into the garment 5. Alternatively, the rotation of the round brushes can be selected so that the rotational speed of each individual round brush 70 to 74 corresponds to the rolling speed of each round brush 70 to 74 on the garment 5 during the movement of the treatment module 67.

[0050] Out of Fig. 15 A view of a treatment module 75 according to an example is shown, whereby this treatment module 75 is also used in the laundry treatment device 1. Fig. 1 The treatment module 75 has a frame 76 in which two pairs of round brushes 77 and 78 are held as treatment brushes 17. The round brushes 77 and 78 of each pair are positioned relative to each other in treatment positions to make contact with the garment 5 positioned between them. The round brushes 77 and 78 of the pairs are arranged at an angle in the xy-plane, with the round brushes 77 being inclined in the opposite direction to the round brushes 78.

[0051] Fig. 16 Figure 1 shows the application of the treatment module 75 in the laundry treatment device 1 in a top view. In contrast to the previous versions, when a laundry item 5 to be treated is fed from the infeed magazine 3 into the treatment chamber 2, or when a previously treated laundry item is transferred from the treatment chamber 2 to the outfeed magazine 4, the treatment module 75 is moved to a parking position located at the level of a magazine axis 80, along which the laundry items are transported between the infeed magazine 3, treatment chamber 2, and outfeed magazine 4. In the previous versions, however, it was necessary to move the respective treatment module to a higher parking position to avoid a collision with the laundry item 5 when feeding it into the treatment chamber 2.

[0052] In the variant according to Fig. 16 The frame 76 of the treatment module 75 is now provided in the z-direction with a recess 80 and 81 respectively on both a front and a back side, of which recess 80 is also in Fig. 15 as can be seen. Through the openings 80 and 81, the respective suspension device 6 can be guided past the frame 76 of the treatment module 75.

[0053] Finally, in the Fig. 17 and 18 Each of the treatment brushes shown in section 17 illustrates possible modifications, demonstrating how they can be used alternatively in the variants described above. For example, it shows... Fig. 17 A round brush 82 in which bristles 83 are arranged inclined away from a central plane 84 of the round brush 82. These inclinations of the bristles 83 ensure that, upon contact with the laundry item to be treated, 5 transverse forces are introduced, as indicated in the lower detail view. Such an orientation of bristles can, in principle, also be implemented in strip brushes.

[0054] In Fig. 18 A round brush 85 is shown, which is provided with bristle-like elements 86 in the form of elastic surfaces that extend longitudinally over the round brush 85 and come into contact with the laundry item 5 to be treated when the round brush 85 rotates. These bristle-like elements can also be provided analogously in strip brushes.

[0055] The Fig. 19 and 20Figures 87 and 88, respectively, are also shown, and these are not part of the invention. Regarding treatment module 87 according to... Fig. 19 The only difference is that a treatment brush 17 is provided on one side of the garment 5. This brush is designed as a rotatable round brush and can be configured according to one or more of the aforementioned variants. A stationary pressure plate 89 is provided on the opposite side of the garment 5 from the treatment brush 17. The treatment brush 17 presses the garment 5 against this pressure plate to smooth it. The pressure plate 89 then acts as a counter-support for the treatment brush 17 during the smoothing process. Preferably, the pressure plate 89 has a smooth surface on the side facing the treatment brush 17.

[0056] Even in the variant according to Fig. 20 The treatment module 88 includes a pressure plate 89 against which a treatment brush 17 operates. This differs from the previous embodiment according to... Fig. 19 The pressure plate 89 is positioned in an inner area of ​​the laundry item 5 to be treated, so that one layer of the laundry item 5 is smoothed between the treatment brush 17 and the pressure plate 89. Particularly preferably, a further treatment brush is provided on a side of the pressure plate 89 opposite the treatment brush 17 shown, in order to smooth the other layer of the laundry item accordingly.

[0057] Using the inventive embodiments of a treatment module, optimal smoothing of a laundry item can be achieved when used in a laundry treatment device. Reference symbol list:

[0058] 1 Laundry treatment device 2 Treatment chamber 3 Infeed magazine 4 Outfeed magazine 5 Garment 6 Hanging device 7 Treatment module 8 Guide element 9 Guide element 10 Guide 11 Guide 12 Frame 13 Steam head 14 Pipes 15 Evaporator 16 Tank 17 Treatment brushes 18 Round brushes 19 Round brushes 20 Round brushes 21 Round brushes 22 Round brushes 23 Round brushes 24 Round brushes 25 Round brushes 26 Round brushes 27 Round brushes 28 Round brushes 29 Round brushes 30 Round brushes 31 Round brushes 32 Round brushes 33 Pair 34 Sleeve 35 Sleeve 36 Chest and abdomen area 37 Button placket 38 Collar area 39 Treatment module 40 Strip brushes 41 Pair 42 Treatment module 43 Frame part 44 Frame part 45 Treatment module 46 Frame 47 Treatment module 48 Round brush 49 Round brush 50 Round brush 51 Pair 52 Pair 53 Treatment module 54 Round brushes 55 Round brushes 56 Round brushes 57 Round brushes 58 Treatment module 59 Round brushes 60 Round brushes 61 Round brushes 62 Treatment module 63 Round brushes 64 Round brushes 65 Telescopic pole 66 Frame 67 Treatment module 68 Frame 69 Pair 70 Round brush71 Round brush 72 Round brush 73 Round brush 74 Round brush 75 Treatment module 76 Frame 77 Round brushes 78 Round brushes 79 Magazine axis 80 Outlet 81 Outlet 82 Round brush 83 Bristles 84 Center level 85 Round brush 86 Elements 87 Treatment module 88 Treatment module 89 Pressure plate

Claims

1. Treatment module (7; 47; 53; 58; 67) for a laundry treatment device (1), comprising a number of treatment brushes (17), which are each intended for a contact with a laundry item to be treated (5), wherein two treatment brushes (17) form at least one pair of brushes (33; 51; 52; 69) in each case and are arranged in this case in a treatment position in relation to one another or are able to be arranged in the one treatment position in each case, in which the treatment brushes (17) of the at least one pair of brushes (33; 51; 52; 69) lie opposite one another so that, on positioning of a laundry item (5) between the treatment brushes (17) of the at least one pair of brushes (33; 51; 52; 69), they are in contact on both sides with said laundry item (5), wherein the treatment brushes (17) of the at least one pair of brushes (33; 51; 52; 69) are embodied as rotatable round brushes (18 - 32; 48 - 50; 54 - 57; 59 to 61; 70 - 74; 82; 85), characterised in that the pairs of brushes (33; 51; 52; 69) are aligned so that the rotatable round brushes (19, 22, 25, 28, 31; 48 - 50; 54, 55; 61; 70; 82; 85) of one or more pairs of brushes (33; 51; 52; 69) with their longitudinal axes or axes or rotation are aligned in a horizontal direction and thus in a width direction of the laundry item (5) to be treated, while the rotatable round brushes (18, 20, 21, 23, 24, 26, 27, 29, 30, 32; 48 - 50; 56, 57; 59, 60; 72, 74, 82; 85) of one or more further pairs of brushes (33; 51; 52; 69) with their longitudinal axes or axes of rotation are oriented in a vertical direction and thus in a height direction of the laundry item (5) to be treated.

2. Treatment module according to claim 1, characterised in that bristles (83) of the individual rotatable round brush (18 - 32; 48 - 50; 54 - 57; 59 to 61; 70 - 74; 82) are aligned in each case inclined away from a central plane (84), which stands perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis or axis of rotation of the rotatable round brush (18 - 32; 48 - 50; 54 - 57; 59 to 61; 70 - 74; 82), of the rotatable round brush (18 - 32; 48 - 50; 54 - 57; 59 to 61; 70 - 74; 82; 85).

3. Treatment module (47) according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that at least one treatment brush (17) is a part of two pairs of brushes (51, 52), in which, in the treatment position, this treatment brush (17) lies opposite two other treatment brushes (17) at the same time.

4. Laundry treatment device (1), comprising a treatment chamber (2), into which a laundry item (5) to be treated is able to be introduced, wherein a treatment module (7; 47; 53; 58; 67) is provided in the treatment chamber (2), characterised in that the treatment module (7; 47; 53; 58; 67;) is embodied according to one or more of claims 1 to 3, and that the treatment brushes (17) of the at least one pair (33; 51; 52; 69) of the treatment module (7; 47; 53; 58; 67), for carrying out a smoothing process, are able to be brought into contact on both sides with the introduced laundry item (5) positioned between them.

5. Laundry treatment device (1) according to claim 4, characterised in that the laundry item to be treated (5) is introduced into the treatment chamber (2) via a hanging facility (6), wherein treatment module (7; 47; 53; 58; 67) and hanging facility (6) are able to be moved relative to one another in the treatment chamber (2) to organize the smoothing process.

6. Laundry treatment device (1) according to claim 4 or 5, characterised in that the treatment module (7; 47; 53; 58; 67) is movable and, for bringing the laundry item (5) into the treatment chamber (2) and for taking the laundry item (5) out of the treatment chamber (2), is able to be transferred into a parked position.

7. Method for operating a laundry treatment device (1) according to one of claims 4 to 6, wherein first of all a laundry item (5) to be treated is introduced into the treatment chamber (2) of the laundry treatment device (1), and wherein subsequently the treatment brushes (17) of the at least one pair (33; 51; 52; 69) of the treatment module (7; 47; 53; 58; 67), are brought into contact with the laundry item (5) positioned between them for carrying out the smoothing process.

8. Method according to claim 7, characterised in that the laundry item (5) is brought into contact with the treatment brushes (17) in the course of the smoothing process at least once over its complete surface or over a respective part of its surface.

9. Method according to claim 7 or 8, characterised in that the introduced laundry item (5) and the treatment module (7; 47; 53; 58; 67) are moved relative to one another in the course of the smoothing process, wherein the individual round brush (18 - 32; 48 - 50; 54 - 57; 59 to 61; 70 - 74; 82; 85) of the treatment module (7; 47; 53; 58; 67) is rotated in this case at a speed of rotation that corresponds to a rolling motion speed of the round brush (18 - 32; 48 - 50; 54 - 57; 59 to 61; 70 - 74; 82; 85) at the laundry item (5) in the course of the movement of the treatment module (7; 47; 53; 58; 67) relative to the laundry item (5).

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