Method for preparing and / or monitoring the wet treatment of laundry items

Abstract

Used laundry items (20) are often delivered to laundries in a condition that makes them unsuitable for washing, for example, because several items (20) are knotted together or because other items (20) are embedded inside double-layered items (20) such as pillowcases. Furthermore, there is a risk that not all items (20) in a batch will be completely unloaded from the washing machine. One or more items (20) may then remain in the washing machine, which can lead to blockages. The invention provides for counting the laundry items (20) based on their electronic data carriers. For this purpose, the electronic data carrier of each item (20) is identified. If more than one electronic data carrier is detected, this indicates that several items (20) are tangled together, preventing washing.Furthermore, the number of laundry items (20) loaded into a washing machine and the number of laundry items (20) from the same unloaded laundry batch can be determined using the electronic data carriers of the laundry items (20). If the unloaded laundry batch has fewer electronic data carriers than when loaded, this indicates that not all laundry items (20) of the respective batch have been unloaded from the washing machine and there is a risk of the washing machine becoming clogged.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for monitoring the wet treatment of laundry according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] Especially in commercial settings, such as hotels, restaurants, or care facilities, used linens are sometimes knotted together, or double-layered items like pillowcases or duvet covers contain other linens (sheets, towels, etc.). In the latter case, the pillowcases, duvet covers, or other double-layered linens essentially act as sacks for other used linens. In situations like these, the linens cannot be prepared for the actual wet treatment, such as washing, because they must first be separated. For convenience, this is often omitted. This can lead to problems during washing, but at the latest during subsequent treatments of the washed linens, such as drying, ironing, and especially folding.

[0003] When washing multiple items of laundry in batches in washing machines, it sometimes happens that not all the washed items in a batch are unloaded. This can lead to so-called blockages of laundry in the washing machine, especially if several consecutive batches of laundry are not completely unloaded. Such blockages must be cleared manually, which results in longer interruptions in the washing machine's operation.

[0004] EP0440306A1 relates to a method for the temporary marking of textiles using reusable, washable chips that are removed after treatment. The chips are waterproof and resistant to washing or chemical baths.

[0005] The invention is based on the objective of creating methods for preparing and / or monitoring the wet treatment of laundry items, which avoid operational disruptions caused by connected laundry items or laundry items remaining in the washing machine during the wet treatment and / or the subsequent treatment.

[0006] A method for solving the problem comprises the measures of claim 1. Accordingly, it is provided that the laundry items are counted before their treatment, in particular wet treatment, using their electronic data carriers. Such data carriers constitute or include electronic data storage devices.

[0007] When loading or unloading the washing machine, the number of items in each load is determined using electronic data carriers, and the number of items detected during loading is compared to the number detected during unloading. If this comparison reveals that the number of electronic data carriers detected during unloading is lower than during loading, this indicates that not all items in the respective load have been unloaded from the washing machine. Items then remain in the washing machine, which can cause blockages when subsequent loads are washed. This is especially true if connected items of laundry remain in the washing machine. According to the invention, impending blockages in the washing machine are thus detected early with the aid of electronic data carriers of the laundry items.This allows countermeasures to be taken in a timely manner and thus avoids operational disruptions.

[0008] The electronic data of the laundry items is used to check whether the number of items in each load at unloading corresponds to the number of items in the same load at loading. If the number of items is the same at loading and unloading, all items in the load have been completely unloaded from the washing machine. Otherwise, a lower number of unloaded items indicates that not all items in that load have left the washing machine, meaning at least one item remains inside.

[0009] During both the loading and unloading of the washing machine, at least one contactless reading device operating electromagnetically, in particular by radio transmission, is used to detect, preferably read and / or at least partially read, the electronic data carriers of the laundry items, in particular all laundry items of the respective batch.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment of the method, the electronic data carriers of the laundry items are detected and / or read, or at least partially read, by the respective reading device without contact via electromagnetic means during the loading and unloading of the washing machine, such that at least one value stored in the data carrier of the laundry item is read. This value can be an identification number of the electronic data carrier of the laundry item, an identification number of the laundry item itself, or at least any other value from the electronic data carrier of the respective laundry item. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the detection or identification of the respective electronic data carrier is achieved by the respective electromagnetic reading device merely detecting a signal indicating the presence of the laundry item and / or an electronic data carrier.The aforementioned reading options for the electronic data carriers of the laundry items allow the number of laundry items in each batch to be reliably and contactlessly determined electromagnetically during the loading and unloading process.

[0011] The procedure stipulates that if fewer electronic data carriers are detected during unloading than during loading, this is considered an incomplete unloading of the respective item. In such a case, a signal indicating incomplete unloading is generated. This can be a simple acoustic and / or visual signal. Alternatively or additionally, if the washing process is electronically controlled and / or documented, the incomplete unloading can be recorded in the control system and / or documentation. If identification features of the laundry item or the electronic data carrier are detected, preferably read, by the relevant reading device, it can be documented which laundry item is missing and / or remains in the washing machine.

[0012] Furthermore, it is conceivable to decide, based on the number of unloaded items, whether to immediately stop the washing machine or wait to see if the missing item is removed when the next load is unloaded. This approach is particularly suitable if the difference in the number of electronic data carriers detected during loading and unloading is relatively small, for example, if only a single item was not unloaded or if a predefined threshold of unloaded items has been set. If the remaining item(s) are then unloaded with the next load, no further action is required.If a log is created during the washing process, it can be used to determine which item of laundry has been carried over to a subsequent batch and was not unloaded with its corresponding batch. The respective item must then be returned to its correct batch after washing. This is most effectively done during subsequent processing of the washed items, which requires separating the items, i.e., breaking up the batch. The most efficient approach is to change the order of the separated items during further transport.

[0013] Preferred embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the drawing: The single figure of the drawing schematically shows a part of a treatment line for preparing and monitoring the wet treatment of laundry items before a washing machine, but without subsequent laundry machines for further treatment of the washed laundry items.

[0014] The initial part of the processing line shown in the figure relates in particular to a washing line for laundry items. This figure shows, by way of example, a feeder 10, a loading conveyor 11, and a washing machine. The washing machine shown is a continuous washing machine 12. The feeder 10, the loading conveyor 11, and the continuous washing machine 12 follow one another in the processing direction 13 of the laundry items, preferably in a linked configuration.

[0015] The continuous washing machine 12 shown is used for washing laundry items in batches. For this purpose, several successive chambers 15 are formed in the elongated drums 14 in the treatment direction 13. Each chamber 15 serves to wash a batch consisting of a plurality of laundry items. The successive chambers 15 form a pre-wash zone, a rinse zone, and optionally a rinse zone and / or post-treatment zone in the drum 14. Each of these zones can have a different number of chambers 15. Accordingly, the invention is not limited to the continuous washing machine 12 shown with thirteen successive chambers 15.

[0016] The continuous washing machine 12 can be driven to rotate about its longitudinal central axis 16, which simultaneously forms the axis of rotation of the cylindrical drum 14. Depending on the design of the continuous washing machine 12, the drum 14 is driven to rotate continuously or pivot during the processing of the laundry items, with the drum 14 only performing partial rotations in alternating opposite directions.

[0017] Each chamber 15 of the continuous washing machine 12 shown contains one load of laundry. In the continuous washing machine 12 shown, with thirteen consecutive chambers 15, thirteen loads of laundry are therefore processed simultaneously in the individual chambers 15, namely pre-washed, rinsed, and, if necessary, rinsed and / or post-treated.

[0018] Once the treatment of the laundry items in the respective chamber 15 is complete, each complete batch of laundry is simultaneously transferred to the next chamber 15 in the treatment direction 13. For this purpose, the direction of rotation of the drum 14 is reversed, or, if the drum is driven by a pivoting mechanism, the rotation angle of the drum 14 is increased for the transfer.

[0019] In front of the drum 14 and the first chamber 15 thereof is a loading funnel 17, which serves to load the first chamber 15 with such a number of laundry items as are needed to form the next batch to be washed, in particular a batch of laundry.

[0020] Behind the drum 14 and the last chamber 15 thereof is a discharge chute 18. A batch of washed laundry leaves the continuous washing machine 12 via the discharge chute 18, specifically the last chamber 15 thereof.

[0021] The loading conveyor 11 is located upstream of the continuous washing machine 12. This conveyor transports, for example, the piles of laundry 19 shown in the figure, in the treatment direction 13 into the loading hopper 17, preferably with a slight upward slope in the direction corresponding to the treatment direction. Additionally, liquid can be supplied to help flush the piles of laundry 19 into the first chamber 15 of the continuous washing machine 12. During each loading cycle of the continuous washing machine 12, as many piles of laundry 19 as are required to form a batch of laundry with a corresponding number of items 20 are fed into the loading hopper 17.

[0022] The feeder 10 serves to feed individual laundry items 20 in close succession to the initial section of the loading conveyor 11. Preferably, the loading conveyor 11 remains stationary until a pile 19 of several individual laundry items 20 has formed at its beginning. Viewed in the direction of processing 13, a sorting station (not shown in the figure) for delivered used laundry items 20 and / or a singulation station for used laundry items 20 is preferably provided upstream of the feeder 10. It is also conceivable to arrange the feeder 10 upstream of a sorting station.

[0023] The laundry items 20 are those that have at least one electronic data carrier. For the following description, it is assumed that each laundry item 20 has a single electronic data carrier. The data carrier can be a passive electronic chip, for example, an RFID chip or a near-field chip (NFC). However, the invention is not limited to this. Crucially, the data carriers are electromagnetically readable without contact. Each data carrier contains the information required for handling the laundry items 20 and preferably also information required for logistics, such as customer information. Furthermore, the data carrier can have its own identification feature and / or an identification feature of the respective laundry item 20. The respective identification feature can be a sequential number.

[0024] The figure shows three reading devices 21, 22, and 23. The reading devices 21 to 23 are preferably identical. Reading device 21 is located near the feeder 10, positioned a short distance above the laundry items 20 on the feeder. Reading device 22 is located above the loading hopper 17. Finally, reading device 23 is located above the discharge chute 18 at the end of the continuous washing machine 12. It is also conceivable to provide several, possibly different, reading devices where a single reading device 21, 22, and 23 is shown in the drawing, in order to increase the reliability of detecting the electronic data carriers on the laundry items 20 and / or to accelerate the reading, and in particular the extraction, of the electronic data carriers. The reading devices 21, 22, and 23 can also be referred to as electronic scanners, preferably radio scanners, and / or operate as such.

[0025] The reading devices 21, 22 and 23 detect, identify and / or read the electronic data carriers of the laundry items 20 electromagnetically. This makes it possible to detect, identify and / or read the passive electronic data carriers, in particular chips, without contact or wirelessly.

[0026] The reading device 21 above the feeder 10 serves to prepare laundry items for wet treatment. In particular, it serves to determine whether the individual laundry items 20 are connected to at least one other laundry item 20, for example, whether another laundry item 20 is located inside a sack-like double-layered laundry item 20 and / or whether several laundry items are tightly intertwined, for example, by knotting them together.

[0027] The electronic reading devices 22 and 23 serve to monitor the wet treatment of laundry items 20. In the embodiment shown in the figure, the monitoring of the treatment process, preferably the loading and especially the unloading process, of the continuous washing machine 12 is carried out by the two reading devices 22, 23 arranged at the beginning and end of the same, in order to detect blockages of laundry items 20 that have become caught in the continuous washing machine 12 at an early stage.

[0028] The inventive method is explained below with reference to the illustration and the previously described figure in the drawing: Individual laundry items 20 delivered to laundries are first pre-treated for subsequent processing, in particular wet processing and / or washing. Initially, the laundry items 20 are sorted individually after delivery, or sorted and separated immediately. It is also conceivable that the laundry items are only separated and not sorted after delivery if, by their nature and origin, the laundry items do not require sorting or are already sorted.

[0029] It sometimes happens that laundry items, especially those from commercial settings such as hotels, restaurants, care facilities, or similar establishments, such as bed linens, towels, and / or tablecloths, cannot be separated because several items are knotted together, otherwise connected, or embedded within double-layered items like duvets or pillowcases. In such cases, a seemingly separate item actually consists of two or more items. This can lead to serious problems during washing and subsequent treatments like drying, ironing, and / or folding, including malfunctions and even damage to laundry machines.

[0030] According to the invention, when preparing the laundry items 20 for wet treatment, in particular washing, it is first checked on their electronic data carriers whether each individual laundry item 20 is indeed a single laundry item 20 or at least one further laundry item 20. In the latter case, this indicates several laundry items 20 or the placement of at least one further laundry item 20 in a double-layered bed cover or pillowcase.

[0031] The electronic reading device 21 determines, without contact or wirelessly, whether the single item of laundry 20 being transported past the reading device 21 contains only a single electronic data carrier or whether the electromagnetic reading device 21 detects and / or identifies multiple electronic data carriers associated with this item of laundry 20. If this is the case, it is not a single, isolated item of laundry 20, but rather several items of laundry 20 that are connected to each other in such a way that they can be automatically separated from one another during the separating process.

[0032] If the electromagnetic reading device 21 detects more than one electronic data carrier on individual laundry items 20 conveyed past it, this indicates that there are several connected and / or interlinked laundry items 20 that are not suitable for further processing, in particular wet processing, and therefore should not and / or may not enter the continuous washing machine 12. Such connected laundry items 20, which have been identified by the simultaneous detection of several electronic data carriers by the reading device 21, are then diverted before entering the continuous washing machine 12. This can be done, for example, by pushing them laterally off the feeder 10, but also by selectively grasping and conveying the laundry item 20, which is connected to at least one other laundry item 20, from the feeder 10.

[0033] The method for monitoring the wet treatment, preferably washing, in the continuous washing machine 12 shown in the figure is carried out by wirelessly and contactlessly detecting the number of electronic data carriers in each batch of laundry. The number of electronic data carriers in each batch of laundry is determined by the electromagnetic reading device 22 when the continuous washing machine 12 is loaded, and by the electromagnetic reading device 23 located behind the continuous washing machine 12 when it is unloaded. The electromagnetic reading device 23 also determines the number of electronic data carriers in the unloaded batch of laundry in a contactless and wireless manner.With one electronic data carrier per item of laundry 20, the number of electronic data carriers of the respective item determined by the reading device 22 in front of the continuous washing machine 12 and the reading device 23 behind the continuous washing machine 12 corresponds to the number of items of laundry 20 of this item.

[0034] By comparing the number of laundry items in a given laundry batch when loading the continuous washing machine 12 and the number of laundry items 20 of the same laundry batch when unloading the continuous washing machine 12, it can be determined whether a laundry batch and / or which laundry batch has left the continuous washing machine 12 completely or incompletely after washing.For example, if the reading device 22 upstream of the continuous washing machine 12 detects that a particular load of laundry contains seventy-five electronic data carriers, and after washing this load of laundry, the reading device 23 downstream of the continuous washing machine 12 detects that the same load of laundry contains only seventy-two electronic data carriers, this is an indication that three electronic data carriers, i.e., three more items of laundry, remained in the continuous washing machine 12 and / or that the load of laundry did not completely leave the continuous washing machine 12 after washing, including all items of laundry 20, in this example seventy-five items of laundry 20.

[0035] If incomplete unloading of a laundry load is detected, different procedures can be followed: If only a few items 20 are missing from the unloaded laundry load, the number of which can be defined individually as a limit or according to detection values, one can wait to see whether the reading device 23 detects a larger number of electronic data carriers in the next unloaded laundry load than that load originally contained. If all the missing items 20 from the previous load (three items 20 in the example above) are then unloaded with the next laundry load, no individual items 20 remain in the continuous washing machine 12.If, however, the reading device 23 behind the continuous washing machine 12 detects that the unloaded load of laundry is missing a number of electronic data carriers exceeding a predefined limit, indicating that a large number of laundry items 20 remain in the continuous washing machine 12, an optical and / or acoustic signal can be generated to indicate to the machine operator that too many laundry items 20 have not been unloaded. Based on this signal, the machine operator can then stop the continuous washing machine 12 before it becomes jammed. It is also conceivable that if too many laundry items 20 remain in the continuous washing machine 12, this information is transmitted to the control system of the continuous washing machine 12, which then automatically stops the continuous washing machine 12.In particular, the control system will then indicate to the machine operator that the continuous washing machine 12 has been stopped due to a blockage or imminent blockage of the drum 14 by laundry items 20 left inside it.

[0036] The invention is also suitable for other machines for the wet processing of laundry items 20 containing electronic data carriers. The invention is also not limited to the continuous washing machine 12 shown in the figure. The invention is also suitable for other washing machines and washer-extractors with a rotating drum that currently only holds one load of laundry at a time. In such washing machines, loading and unloading take place through a closable opening in an end face or drum shell. In such cases, it may suffice if only one electromagnetic reading device is assigned to the opening in the drum. This device first determines the number of electronic data carriers in each load of laundry during loading, and thus the number of laundry items 20 comprising that load. Then, during unloading, the device determines the number of laundry items 20 based on their electronic data carriers.

[0037] The embodiment of the invention described above relates both to the preparation of the laundry items 20 for wet treatment and to the monitoring of the laundry items 20 during wet treatment, thus claiming protection for the preparation and monitoring in combination. However, protection is also claimed only for the preparation of the laundry items and / or only for the monitoring of the laundry items during wet treatment, particularly with washing machines of various types. Reference symbol list:

[0038] 10 Infeed conveyor 11 Loading conveyor 12 Continuous washing machine 13 Treatment direction 14 Drum 15 Chamber 16 Longitudinal center axis (rotational axis) 17 Loading hopper 18 Unloading chute 19 Laundry pile 20 Item of laundry 21 Reading device 22 Reading device 23 Reading device

Claims

1. A method for monitoring the wet treatment of items of laundry (20), wherein batches are formed from a plurality of items of laundry (20), each of which has at least one electronic data carrier, and the items of laundry (20) of the respective batch are at least washed together in a washing machine, characterized in that during loading and unloading of the washing machine, the number of items of laundry (20) of the respective batch is determined by means of their electronic data carriers and the number of items of laundry (20) that is determined during loading is compared with the number of items of laundry (20) that is determined during unloading in that both during loading and unloading of the washing machine, the electronic data carriers of all items of laundry (20) of the respective batch are determined, detected and / or read out in a contactless manner by at least one electromagnetic reading device (22, 23) and that if the at least one electromagnetic reading device (22, 23) detects a different number of electronic data carriers of the same batch of laundry during unloading than during loading of the washing machine, a signal indicating incomplete unloading of the batch of laundry in question is generated.

2. The method as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that at least one value, preferably an identification number of the item of laundry (20) or an identification number of the electronic data carrier of the item of laundry (20), in particular of all items of laundry (20) of the respective batch of laundry, is read out in a wireless and contactless manner from the electronic data carriers of the items of laundry of the respective batch detected during loading and unloading by the at least one electromagnetic reading device (22, 23).

3. The method as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the number of electronic data carriers of the items of laundry (20) of each batch of laundry during loading of the washing machine and the number of electronic data carriers of the items of laundry (20) of the same batch of laundry during unloading of the washing machine is determined by at least one reading device (22, 23) both upstream and downstream of the washing machine.

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