Ironing device

Abstract

An ironing device (100) is provided. The ironing device comprises an ironing unit (110) comprising a rotating part (112) and a heating part (114), said ironing unit is configured to provide heat to an article to be ironed and / or dried and feed the article to be ironed and / or dried, a user interface (120) configured to receive a user interaction initiated by a user and generate input data from the user interaction, wherein the input data comprises settings of two or more ironing parameters, at least one sensor configured to generate sensor data related to the two or more ironing parameters, wherein the at least one sensor is at least one of a temperature sensor, a moisture sensor, a speed sensor, a measuring sensor, a positional sensor and an optical sensor, a control unit (130) connected to the at least one sensor, wherein the control unit is configured to generate a customized ironing program based on the settings of the two or more ironing parameters and control the ironing unit according to the customized ironing program.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of ironers, and more specifically to flatwork ironers.BACKGROUND

[0002] Ironing devices in large commercial appliances are used in businesses where high volumes of laundry, such as table cloths, bed linen, or other large articles, need to be dried, ironed and / or folded. These types of ironing devices, also called flatwork ironers, can be used by different kinds of businesses or customers with different needs, for example hotels, hospitals, care homes or commercial laundries. Some ironing devices are equipped with a plurality of sensors and can be operated by only one operator. It is known that an operator can feed the articles to be dried or ironed to the ironing device and that the ironing device automatically can perform an ironing process of the articles entirely based on the sensors. One drawback of said currently known ironing devices is that the operator's preference and knowledge may be disregarded. Furthermore, since the businesses or customers handle a large amount of articles and different types of articles, an increased flexibility of the ironing device is required while ensuring that the articles are dried or ironed in a desirable way.SUMMARY

[0003] It is an object of the present invention to provide increased flexibility in handling many and different types of articles in an ironing device. It is also an object of the present invention to provide improved techniques and possibilities for a user to customize an ironing program in an ironing device. This and other objects are achieved by an ironing device and a method for ironing and / or drying an article having the features in the independent claims. Preferred embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

[0004] In a first aspect of the inventive concept, there is provided an ironing device comprising an ironing unit comprising a rotating part and a heating part, said ironing unit is configured to provide heat to an article to be ironed and / or dried and feed the article to be ironed and / or dried, a user interface configured to receive a user interaction initiated by a user and generate input data from the user interaction, wherein the input data comprises settings of two or more ironing parameters, at least one sensor configured to generate sensor data related to the two or more ironing parameters, wherein the at least one sensor is at least one of a temperature sensor, a moisture sensor, a speed sensor, a measuring sensor, a positional sensor and an optical sensor, and a control unit connected to the at least one sensor, wherein the control unit is configured to generate a customized ironing program based on the settings of the two or more ironing parameters and control the ironing unit according to the customized ironing program.

[0005] The inventive concept relates to the idea of providing an ironing device and a method for ironing and / or drying of an article to be ironed and / or dried that may provide increased versatility and quality of handling / processing articles. The inventive concept also revolves around the idea of providing an ironing device with increased and facilitated user / operator control. The ironing device may relate to flatwork ironers or table ironers used for high volumes of laundry / articles to be ironed and / or dried. The ironing device may perform an ironing process of an article to be ironed and / or dried. An article to be ironed and / or dried may be of any suitable kind, for example a bed sheet or a tablecloth. An article to be ironed and / or dried may be any article being fed in / introduced to / processed by the ironing device. It is to be understood that when using the word "article" it may refer to an article that is somehow processed / handled by the ironing device. The ironing process of an article may comprise ironing, drying, glazing, decontamination and / or folding of the article. It is to be understood that in most cases a plurality of articles are processed by the ironing device, for example in batches, although in this text it is mostly referred to as an / the article.

[0006] The ironing unit comprises a rotating part and a heating part. The rotating part may be an elongated cylinder / roller having a length and a radius. The rotating part may extend in a length direction. The rotating part may be configured to rotate around an axis of rotation. If the rotating part is an elongated cylinder, the rotational axis may be the central axis of the cylinder. The rotating part may be configured to feed / convey / transport / support an article being processed by the ironing device. The heating part may be configured to provide heat to an article. The heating part may be static and / or movable. The rotating part may be configured to feed an article through / along a surface of the heating part. The surface of the heating part may be configured to provide heat to the article such that the article is ironed and / or dried. In an example, the rotating part may be an elongated cylinder configured to rotate along / on / in / through at least a part of the heating part. The heating part may comprise a flat surface, a half-tube shaped surface, a chest shaped surface and / or a half-pipe shaped surface. The heating part may be half-tube shaped or chest-shaped. For example, the heating part may comprise a chest-shaped surface and the rotating part may be an elongated cylinder rolling / rotating in the chest-shaped surface. The article may than be fed in, ironed and / or dried between / by contact of the cylinder and the chest-shaped surface. In another example, the ironing unit may comprise at least one conveying band configured to feed / convey / transport / support an article being processed by the ironing device. The heating part and / or the rotating part and the at least one conveying band may cooperate during the ironing process of an article. The ironing unit may be, for example, a cylinder ironing unit, a mangle unit or a chest / bed ironing unit. The ironing unit may be of the cylinder type or the chest / bed type, the types which may be found in flatwork ironers.

[0007] A user / operator may be a person using / operating the ironing device. The user may interact with the user interface. The user interface may respond to a user interaction initiated by the user. The user interface may be configured to generate / provide an output based on the user interaction, to the user and / or to the components of the ironing device. The user interaction may comprise an event wherein the user acts on the user interface and / or the user interface acts on the user. The user interaction may comprise at least one of a tactile interaction, a visual interaction, and a auditory interaction. The user interaction may comprise at least one of a navigation through the two or more ironing parameters, a selection of an ironing parameter of the two or more ironing parameters and a setting of an ironing parameter of the two or more ironing parameters. It is to be understood that when using the wording "an / the ironing parameter" it means "an / the ironing parameter of the two or more ironing parameters". A setting of an ironing parameter may indicate that the ironing parameter has been assigned a value, a status and / or a property. The user may perform multiple user interactions in order to set an ironing parameter. In an example, a user may, via the user interface, select two or more ironing parameter among a plurality of ironing parameters and set values of the two or more selected ironing parameters. The user interface then generates input data wherein the input data comprises settings of two or more ironing parameters.

[0008] The at least one sensor may be configured to measure, determine and / or detect sensor data related to the two or more ironing parameter. The sensor data may comprise measured values and / or statuses related to the two or more ironing parameters. The at least one sensor may be connected to and / or arranged on the ironing unit. The temperature sensor may be configured to measure a temperature. For example, the temperature sensor may be arranged on the ironing unit and measure a temperature of the ironing unit or a part of the ironing unit. In an example, the temperature sensor may be connected to the heating part of the ironing device and thereby measuring a temperature of the heating part. The moisture sensor may be configured to determine / detect a moisture level / rate / content of an article. In an example, the moisture sensor may be arranged on the ironing unit and thereby determine a moisture level of an article being processed by the ironing unit. The speed sensor may be configured to measure / determine a speed / velocity. For example, the speed sensor may be connected to the ironing unit and measure a speed of the ironing unit. In an example the speed sensor may be connected to the rotating part and measure a speed of rotating part. The positional sensor may be configured to measure a position of and / or determine a distance to an object, e.g. an article. For example, the positional sensor may measure the position of the article in the ironing unit or the placement of the article when the article is fed to the ironing device / ironing unit. The measuring sensor may be configured to measure a size, a length, a width and / or a thickness of an article. The optical sensor may be configured to measure a size, a length, a width and / or a thickness of an article. The optical sensor may be configured to determine / detect the presence of an article in the ironing device. The optical sensor may be configured to determine / detect if an article is fed into the ironing device. The optical sensor may be configured to determine / measure the material / fabric fibres of the article. The ironing device may comprise two or more sensors.

[0009] The control unit may be connected to the ironing unit, the at least one sensor, and / or the user interface. The control unit may be configured to receive the input data from the user interface. The customized ironing program generated / created by the control unit may comprise two or more ironing parameters that have been user-selected and / or user-set. The customized ironing program may comprise user-selected settings such that an ironing process of an article may be performed by the ironing device according to the customized ironing program. The control unit may be configured to perform / run a customized ironing program. The control unit may be configured to control the components of the ironing device according to the customized ironing program. For example, the customized ironing program may comprise at least one ironing parameter of the two or more ironing parameters indicating under which conditions the ironing unit is to be controlled / operated, e.g. how to provide heat to the article and / or how to feed the article. In an example, if the ironing unit comprises at least one conveying band, the customized ironing program may comprise at least one ironing parameter of the two or more parameters indicating under which conditions the at least one conveying band is to be controlled / operated, e.g. how to feed an article to be ironed.

[0010] The ironing device according to the first aspect of the present invention is advantageous since it provides an ironing device where a user or an operator may customize an ironing program comprising two or more user-selected and user-set ironing parameters. The user may in an easy way customize an ironing program via the user interface of the ironing device. The user may customize the ironing program according to his / her preferences or knowledge. The user may also affect / customize the ironing program according to the type of articles, at what time the articles is to be ironed and / or dried, or in what context the articles is to be ironed and / or dried. Furthermore, the present invention ensures that an article is processed in a desirable way and increases the flexibility of handling articles to be ironed and / or dried.

[0011] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit may be configured to receive the sensor data from the at least one sensor, and control the ironing unit based on the sensor data. As the ironing device operates, the at least one sensor may generate sensor data related to the two or more ironing parameters. For example, the ironing device and / or the control unit may operate according to a customized ironing program and then the at least one sensor may provide feedback and / or measured sensor data of the two or more ironing parameters during the operation of the ironing device. Thereby the control unit may control the components of the ironing device based on the feedback and / or measured sensor data from the at least one sensor. The control unit may be configured to control the components of the ironing device based on the sensor data in order to ensure that the components of the ironing device operates according to the settings of the two or more ironing parameters of the customized ironing program. For example, the articles may have different properties or conditions, e.g. different moisture levels, when introduced in the ironing device, thereby affecting the sensor data related to the two or more ironing parameters. As the control unit may receive the sensor data, the control unit may control e.g. the rotating part and / or the heating part such that the customized ironing program is followed.

[0012] Since the control unit receive the sensor data from the at least one sensor, the ironing device may in an efficient way control the components of the ironing device in real-time based on the sensor data. The ironing device may in an effective way adapt to changes in the sensor data. For example, if the sensor data related to the two or more ironing parameters may deviate from / not correspond to the settings of the two or more ironing parameters in the customized ironing program, the ironing device may control the components of the ironing device to adjust the deviation / change. In another example, the sensor data related to the two or more ironing parameters may be used to / form the basis of how the control unit may control the components of the ironing device and / or how an ironing process of the article may proceed. By this, consistency with the customized ironing program may be ensured.

[0013] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the rotating part and the heating part of the ironing unit may be formed by the same part. The rotating part and the heating part may constitute a single unit. For example, the heating part may be configured to be arranged in / integrated with the rotating part such that the heating part and the rotating part forms a rotating heating part. The ironing device may comprise at least one conveying band configured to feed / transport an article. The heating rotating part may be configured to provide heat to the article and to rotate to feed / convey the article. The rotating heating part and the at least one conveying band may move such that the article is fed / driven through the ironing unit. Thereby, the article may be ironed and / or dried by contact of the rotating heating part and the at least one conveying band. If the rotating part is an elongated cylinder, the heating part may, for example, be arranged in / inside / within the elongated cylinder such that the rotating part and the heating part forms the same part. The heating part may be configured to provide heat to the elongated cylinder and the cylinder may then provide heat to the article. The heating part arranged in the elongated cylinder may be static. The elongated cylinder may be configured to move and / or rotate. In an example, the heating part may be integrated with the elongated cylinder and thereby configured to move / rotate with the elongated cylinder. The rotating part and the heating part of the ironing unit may be formed by the same part, for example as an cylinder type ironing unit.

[0014] By this the heating part and the rotating part may be combined into a single part / unit which provides heat to an article and feed the article. An ironing unit of this type, such as a cylinder type ironing unit, may provide improved production rate of the ironing device. Furthermore, the heating part and the rotating part forming the same part may be suitable for a certain applications / operators of the ironing device.

[0015] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit may be configured to control at least one of a temperature of the ironing unit and a feeding speed of the ironing unit. The ironing unit may provide heat having / with a certain temperature to an article. The control unit may be configured to control the temperature of the ironing unit such that the heat provided to the article is suitable / desired. The control unit may be configured to control the temperature of the ironing unit according, to the customized ironing program and / or the settings of the two or more ironing parameters by the user. The control unit may be configured to control the temperature of the ironing unit based on the at least one sensor. For example, the at least one sensor may be a temperature sensor connected to the ironing unit. The temperature sensor may measure / detect a temperature of the ironing unit that is lower than it should according to the customized ironing program. The temperature of the ironing unit may change due to a condition / property of an article, for example, the temperature of the ironing unit may decrease if a part of the article is more humid than the rest of the article. Then the control unit may control the temperature of the ironing unit to comply with the customized ironing program. The ironing unit may feed an article with a certain feeding speed. The control unit may be configured to control the feeding speed of the ironing unit such that the feeding of an article is suitable / desired. The control unit may be configured to control the feeding speed of the ironing unit according to the customized ironing program and / or the settings of the two or more ironing parameters by the user. The control unit may be configured to control the feeding speed of the ironing unit based on the at least one sensor.

[0016] By controlling the temperature and / or the feeding speed of the ironing unit, the article may be processed in a suitable and desirable way. Based on the properties and / or conditions of an article, the temperature and the feeding speed may be adapted, thereby ensuring that the article is correctly processed and delivered to the user / operator of the ironing device. By this, an increased flexibility of handling different types of articles and a large amount articles may be provided.

[0017] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the ironing device may comprise a first output region and a second output region. The first output region is configured to receive an ironed and / or dried article to be delivered to a user, and the second output region is configured to receive a rejected article. The first and second output region may be different regions / places / locations where an article may end up during / after being processed by the ironing device. The first output region may be located at a location accessible for a user such that the user may retrieve the articles to be delivered to the user. The second output region may be separated from the first output region. The second output region may be located at a location accessible for a user such that the user may handle / retrieve the rejected articles. The control unit may be configured to control in which output region an article will be transported to / moved to / end up in. As an article is processed by the ironing device, the control unit may be configured to determine if the article will be transported to the first or second output region. For example based on a condition of the article, the control unit may control the components of the ironing device to move the article to the first or second output region.

[0018] In an alternative embodiment, the rotating part may be configured to rotate in a first direction to feed the article to be ironed and / or dried, and in a second direction to reject the article to be ironed and / or dried from the ironing device. The rotating part may rotate around / about the axis of rotation in a first direction and in a second direction. For example, the first direction may be clockwise and the second direction may be counter clockwise / anticlockwise. In an example, if the rotating part is an elongated cylinder, the cylinder may rotate around the axis of rotation wherein the axis of rotation is the central axis of the cylinder. The cylinder may be configured to rotate in a first direction, clockwise, to feed an article into the ironing device. The cylinder may be configured to rotate in a second direction, counter clockwise, to reject the article out of the ironing device. The rotating part may rotate in a first direction to feed / enter the article into the ironing device such that the ironing device may perform an ironing process of the article. The rotating part may rotate in a second direction to reject / eject the article out of the ironing device such that the ironing device may not perform an ironing process of the article.

[0019] This may provide the ability to control the feeding of articles in to or out of the ironing device. By being able to control which articles to be fed in or not to the ironing device, a correct ironing and / or drying of articles may be ensured. Furthermore, this may ensure that after an ironing process of an article, the article fulfils a certain standard depending on the condition under which the article is fed in to the ironing device or rejected out of the ironing device.

[0020] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the two or more ironing parameters may comprise at least one of a hygiene parameter, a material parameter, a multilayer parameter and a sorting parameter. The two or more ironing parameters may comprise different combinations of the hygiene parameter, the material parameter, the multilayer parameter and / or the sorting parameter.

[0021] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the hygiene parameter may comprise a predetermined moisture threshold value. The control unit may be configured to, based on sensor data from the moisture sensor regarding a moisture level of the article to be ironed and / or dried, reject the article to be ironed and / or dried if said moisture level exceeds the predetermined moisture threshold value. The predetermined moisture threshold value may be pre-set in the hygiene parameter / ironing device / control unit or set by a user / operator via the user interface. The predetermined moisture threshold value may indicate a moisture level / content which cannot be exceeded by an article during / after / in the end of an ironing process performed by the ironing device. The predetermined moisture threshold value may be determined based on the standards regarding the residual moisture content of an article after an ironing process of that article. The standards for a moisture level / content of an article and / or the residual moisture content of an article after an ironing process may be defined by the standards of ISO 9398-1. The at least one sensor of the ironing device may be at least one moisture sensor. As the ironing device operates, the at least one moisture sensor may generate sensor data related to a moisture level / content of an article. The at least one moisture sensor may be arranged, for example, at a location / place related to the end of the ironing process. The control unit may be configured to control the components of the ironing device to reject an article, for example to the second output region. If the article is rejected because the moisture level of the article exceeds the predetermined moisture threshold value, the article may be moved to / placed in the second output region. If a moisture level of an article does not exceed the predetermined moisture threshold value, the article may be moved to / placed in the first output region. A user may via the user interface set the hygiene parameter, for example, the hygiene parameter may be set as activated (yes / on) or not activated (no / off). If the hygiene parameter is set as activated / yes / on then the hygiene parameter may be comprised in the customized ironing program. The control unit may then control the components of the ironing device according to / based on the hygiene parameter.

[0022] The hygiene parameter may provide an efficient and improved way for a user / operator to receive a desired result of the ironing process of an article performed by the ironing device. The user / operator may have the opportunity to select and / or set the hygiene parameter in an easy way via the user interface. Furthermore, the hygiene parameter may ensure that the ISO standards regarding the residual moisture content of an article after being ironed and / or dried are fulfilled. By controlling the ironing device to reject an article if the moisture level of the article exceeds the predetermined moisture threshold value, it can be ensured that the article exceeding the predetermined moisture level will be sorted out / separated from the articles whose moisture level does not exceeds the predetermined moisture level. Thus, the risk of violating the standards regarding the residual moisture content of an article after being ironed is significantly reduced. Therefore, this facilitates for a user / operator to ensure that the standard is followed / fulfilled. Furthermore, a certain hygiene standard of an article that has been ironed and / or dried by the ironing device is maintained / fulfilled.

[0023] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the predetermined moisture threshold value may be 8%. The predetermined moisture threshold value may indicate a moisture content / level of an article expressed as a percentage based on the standards of ISO 9398-1. According to the standards of ISO 9398-1 an article must have an residual moisture level / content of less than 8%.

[0024] By this, the ISO standards regarding the residual moisture content of an article after being ironed and / or dried are fulfilled.

[0025] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the material parameter may comprise information about a material of the article to be ironed and / or dried. The control unit may be configured to adapt the feeding speed and / or the temperature of the ironing unit according to the material information. The information about a material / material information of the article may be set by a user / operator via the user interface or pre-set in the material parameter / ironing device / control unit. The material information of the article may comprise at least one material, for example, cotton, polyester, elastane, viscose, wool and / or silk, etc. The material information may comprise a mix / combination / blend of two or more materials, for example, cotton and viscose. The material information of the article may comprise a percentage indicating what proportion of the article comprises / consists of a certain material. For example, the material information of an article may comprise 100% polyester, meaning that the article is made of only polyester, or 60% cotton and 40% viscose, meaning that the article is made of a blend of 60% cotton and 40% viscose. The control unit may be configured to control the temperature of the ironing unit according to the material information of an article. In an example, the material information may comprise 100% cotton, then the control unit may adapt / adjust the temperature of the ironing unit such that it is suitable for an article comprising 100% cotton. The control unit may be configured to control the feeding speed of the ironing unit according to the material information of an article. The control unit may be configured to adapt / adjust the feeding speed of the ironing unit to be suitable for the properties of a material that the article may comprise. In an example, the material information may comprise 100% polyester, then the control unit may adjust the feeding speed of the ironing unit to be suitable for an article comprising 100% polyester. A user may via the user interface set the material parameter, for example, the material parameter may be set as activated (yes / on) or not activated (no / off). The user may set the material parameter by selecting / setting the material information of the article. If the material parameter is set as activated / yes / on then the material parameter may be comprised in the customized ironing program. The control unit may then control the components of the ironing device according to / based on the material parameter.

[0026] The material parameter may provide an efficient and improved way for a user / operator to receive a desired result of the ironing / ironing process of the article performed by the ironing device. The user / operator may have the opportunity to select and / or set the material parameter in an easy way via the user interface. By controlling the ironing device according to the material information it can be ensured that the article will be processed / handled by the ironing device in a suitable way for that certain article. Since the ironing device may adapt the ironing process to the material information of an article, the risk of incorrect ironing, drying, glazing and / or decontamination of that article may be reduced. Thereby a desired result of the article after being processed by the ironing device may be achieved while processing / handling the article in a sustainable way.

[0027] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the sorting parameter may comprise a predetermined size of an article to be ironed and / or dried. The control unit may be configured to, based on sensor data from the measuring sensor regarding a size of the article to be ironed and / or dried, reject the article to be ironed and / or dried if the measured size does not correspond to the predetermined size. The predetermined size of an article may be set by a user / operator via the user interface or pre-set in the sorting parameter / ironing device / control unit. The predetermined size of an article may indicate / comprise a length of the article, a width of the article, a shape of the article and / or a thickness of the article. The length, width and / or thickness of an article may be specified in any suitable unit. For example, the predetermined size of an article may comprise a length of 150 cm and a width of 250 cm. The at least one sensor of the ironing device may be at least one measuring sensor. The at least one measuring sensor may generate sensor data related to a size of an article. The at least one measuring sensor may measure a length, a width, a shape and / or a thickness of the article in the ironing device. The control unit may be configured to control the components of the ironing device to reject an article, for example to the second output region. If the article is rejected because the size of the article does not correspond to / match the predetermined size, the article may be moved / placed in the second output region. If a size of an article do correspond to / match the predetermined size, the article may be moved / placed in the first output region. The control unit may compare a measured size of the article received from the measuring sensor with the predetermined size. If the measured size and the predetermined size does not correspond / match within a predetermined marginal of error, the article may be rejected. A user may via the user interface set the sorting parameter, for example, the sorting parameter may be set as activated (yes / on) or not activated (no / off). The user may set the sorting parameter by selecting / setting the predetermined size of the article. If the sorting parameter is set as activated / yes / on then the sorting parameter may be comprised in the customized ironing program. The control unit may then control the components of the ironing device according to / based on the sorting parameter.

[0028] The sorting parameter may provide an efficient and improved way for a user / operator to sort articles by size. The user / operator may have the opportunity to select and / or set the sorting parameter in an easy way via the user interface. Furthermore, the sorting parameter may ensure that the desired / correct articles are being processed by the ironing device. For example, if a batch of articles of the same size is to be ironed and / or dried, the sorting parameter may ensure that an ironing process is performed only to those articles having the predetermined size, or that the articles not having the predetermined size are rejected during / in the ends of / after an ironing process. If, for example, an article of a different size have been added / is comprised in the batch of articles by mistake, it will then be rejected by the ironing device. By this, it can be ensured that articles not having a size corresponding to the predetermined size will be sorted out / separated from the articles with the same size as the predetermined size.

[0029] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the multilayer parameter may comprise information regarding a number of layers of an article to be ironed and / or dried. The control unit may be configured to, based on sensor data from the measuring sensor regarding a thickness of the article to be ironed and / or dried or input data from the user regarding information about the thickness of the article to be ironed and / or dried, determine if the number of layers of articles to be ironed and / or dried exceeds one layer, and adapt the feeding speed and / or the temperature of the ironing unit based on the number of layers. The information regarding a number of layers / thickness of an article may be set by a user / operator via the user interface or pre-set in the multilayer parameter / ironing device / control unit. Input data generated by the user interface may comprise information regarding a number of layers / thickness of an article. The information regarding the number of layers / thickness of an article may be based on the type of article. For example, if the type of article is a duvet cover or pillowcase, the information regarding the number of layers / thickness of the article may be based on that article type. The at least one sensor of the ironing device may be at least one measuring sensor. The at least one measuring sensor may generate sensor data related to the thickness of an article. The at least one measuring sensor may measure the thickness of an article in the ironing device. The control unit may determine if the number of layers of the article exceeds one layer based on the sensor data from the measuring sensor or the information regarding the number of layers / thickness of the article provided by the user. Determining if the number of layers of an article exceeds one layer may comprise determining if the measured thickness of the article provided by the measuring sensor exceeds a predetermined thickness value. Determining if the number of layers of the article exceeds one layer may comprise determining if the information about the thickness of the article provided by the user exceeds a predetermined thickness value of an article. The predetermined thickness value of an article may be set by a user / operator via the user interface or pre-set in the multilayer parameter / ironing device / control unit. The control unit may determine if the number of layers of an article exceeds one layer based on the information regarding the number of layers of the article. In an example, if the type of article is duvet covers, then the number of layers may be two and thereby the number of layers of the article exceeds one. The control unit may be configured to control the components of the ironing device based on the number of layers of the article. The control unit may be configured to control the feeding speed of the ironing unit based on the number of layers of the article. For example, the article may be a duvet cover and thereby the number of layers may be two. Then the control unit may adjust the feeding speed of the ironing unit, e.g. feed the article at a lower speed (compared to the feeding speed of the ironing unit if the number of layers is one). This will ensure that the article may be correctly ironed and / or dried even though the number of layers is two / the article is thicker. The control unit may be configured to control the temperature of the ironing unit based on the number of layers of the article. For example, the article may be a duvet cover and thereby the number of layers may be two. Then the control unit may adjust the temperature of the ironing unit, e.g. provide heat of a higher temperature to the article (compared to the temperature of the ironing unit if the number of layers is one). This will ensure that the article may be correctly ironed and / or dried even though the number of layers is two / the article is thicker. A user may via the user interface set the multilayer parameter, for example, the multilayer parameter may be set as activated (yes / on) or not activated (no / off). The user may set the multilayer parameter by selecting / setting the thickness / number of layers / type of the article. If the multilayer parameter is set as activated / yes / on then the multilayer parameter may be comprised in the customized ironing program. The control unit may then control the components of the ironing device according to / based on the multilayer parameter.

[0030] The multilayer parameter may provide an efficient and improved way for a user / operator to receive a desired result of the ironing / ironing process of the article performed by the ironing device. The user / operator may have the opportunity to select and / or set the multilayer parameter in an easy way via the user interface. By controlling the ironing device according to the number of layers / thickness of the article it can be ensured that the article will be ironed and / or dried in a suitable way adapted for that article. Since the ironing device may adapt the ironing process to the number of layers / thickness of an article, the risk of incorrect ironing, drying, glazing and / or decontamination of that article may be reduced. Thereby a desired result of the article after being processed by the ironing device may be achieved while processing / handling the article in a sustainable way. Furthermore, the multilayer parameter may ensure that thick articles and / or articles with a number of layers greater than one are correctly ironed and / or dried such that the standards regarding the residual moisture content of an article after being ironed and / or dried are fulfilled.

[0031] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the user interface may comprise at least one of a display, a touch screen, a button, a control knob, and a user sensor, wherein the user interaction may be received via at least one of the display, the touch screen, the button, the control knob, and the user sensor. A user operating the ironing device may interact with at least one of the display, the touch screen, the button, the control knob, and the user sensor. The display may be configured to show / display any type of information to the user, for example a menu / list of the two or more ironing parameter or a customized ironing program made by the user. The touch screen may be configured to show / display any type of information to the user and receive an input from the user, for example the user may touch the touch screen to select / set an ironing parameter of the two or more ironing parameters. The button or the control knob may be configured to be used for navigating through the two or more ironing parameters, and / or selecting / setting an ironing parameter of the two or more ironing parameters. The user sensor may be configured to sense / detect / determine the presence of a user / operator of the ironing device. In an example, the user interface may comprise a display and a plurality of buttons, whereby the user may interact with the buttons to navigate / scroll through the two or more ironing parameters, select one ironing parameter of the two or more ironing parameters, e.g., the material parameter, set the material parameter, e.g., set the material parameter as activated and a material of the article to 100% polyester, and then add the setting of the ironing parameter to the customized ironing program.

[0032] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit may be configured to store the customized ironing program. The control unit and / or the ironing device may comprise a data storage. The data storage may be configured to store the customized ironing program. The customized ironing program may be stored for a predetermined period of time. The customized program may be stored until it may be deleted. For example, a customized ironing program may be stored in a user profile. The user profile may belong to the user operating the ironing device. Each user may have a user profile wherein the user may access their user profile, e.g., by logging in via the user interface. The user may thereby log in to its user profile and store multiple customized ironing programs in the user profile. The user may delete a previously stored customized program from the user profile.

[0033] This ensures that a customized ironing program is stored for the period of time it is intended to be used by a user / operator. The user may in an easy way access his / hers stored customized ironing programs and reuse them. By storing a customized ironing program it may be ensured that no settings of the two or more ironing parameters are lost.

[0034] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the ironing device may comprise a folding unit configured to fold the article to be ironed and / or dried. The control unit may be configured to control the folding unit according to the customized ironing program. For example, the customized ironing program may comprise settings of two or more ironing parameters indicating under which conditions the folding unit is to be controlled / operated, e.g. how to fold the article. The ironing process of an article performed by the ironing device may comprise folding the article. The settings of the two or more ironing parameters may be directed to the folding of an article. For example, an ironing parameter of the two or more ironing parameters may comprise a height of a stack of folded articles. In an example, the input data may indicate a setting of the size of the article, e.g. a predetermined size, a material of the article, e.g. material information, and / or a height of the stack of the folded articles. The control unit may then control the folding unit to fold the articles according to a customized ironing program generated based on this input data. For example, if the material of the article is slippery and / or prone to drift, such as polyester, the folding may be adapted to such a material: The material parameter may be activated and / or comprised in the two or more ironing parameters in the customized ironing program. The control unit may then control the folding unit according to / based on the material parameter. The material parameter may comprise information about a material of the article, for example 100% cotton. Then the folding of the article performed by the folding unit may be adapted to an article made of 100% cotton. In another example the material information may comprise 100% polyester. The folding may then be adapted to an article made of 100% polyester. For example, as polyester may be more prone to drift compared to cotton, the folding unit may counterbalance that aspect when folding an article made of 100% polyester. The sorting parameter may be activated and / or comprised in the two or more ironing parameters in the customized ironing program. The control unit may then control the folding unit according to / based on the sorting parameter. The sorting parameter may comprise a predetermined size of the articles, for example a length of 250 cm and a width of 150 cm. Then the folding of the articles performed by the folding unit may be adapted to articles with the length of 250 cm and the width of 150 cm. The multilayer parameter may be activated and / or comprised in the two or more ironing parameters in the customized ironing program. The control unit may then control the folding unit according to / based on the multilayer parameter. For example, the number of layers of an article may be two thereby exceeding one, and then folding performed by the folding unit may be adapted to articles having two layers.

[0035] An ironing device comprising a folding unit allows for folding of articles being processed by the ironing device. The folding unit allows articles to be folded before being delivered to the user / operator of the ironing device. By controlling the folding unit according to the selections / settings made by the user, the articles may be folded in a suitable and desirable way. Furthermore, the articles may be handled / folded correctly since the folding of an article may be adapted to the properties and / or conditions of the article.

[0036] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the folding unit may comprise a first folding means configured to fold the article to be ironed in a length direction, and a second folding means configured to fold the article to be ironed in a width direction. The first folding means and the second folding means may comprise operating arms. The control unit may be configured to control the first and second folding means by controlling said operating arms. The length direction may be a direction extending along the length of the article. The width direction may be a direction extending along the width of the article. The control unit may be configured to control the first folding means to fold the article in the length direction. The control unit may be configured to control the first folding means to fold the article in the width direction. The folding unit may perform multiple folds in the length direction and / or in the width direction. The first folding means may comprise at least one length operating arm. The second folding means may comprise at least one width operating arm. The control unit may be configured to control the at least one length operating arm and the at least one width operating arm according to / based on the customized ironing program.

[0037] By this an article may be folded in the length direction and in the width direction in a desirable way.

[0038] In a second aspect of the inventive concept, there is provided a method for ironing and / or drying an article to be ironed and / or dried, the method is implemented in a control unit of an ironing device according any embodiment of the first aspect of the invention. The method comprises receiving, from a user interface, input data indicating settings of two or more ironing parameters, generating a customized ironing program based on the settings of the two or more ironing parameters, receiving, from at least one sensor, sensor data related to the two or more ironing parameters, controlling an ironing unit to iron and / or dry the article to be ironed and / or dried according to the customized ironing program. The control unit may be connected to the at least one sensor, the ironing unit and / or the user interface. Thereby the control unit may receive and / or send data / control signals the at least one sensor, the ironing unit and / or the user interface.

[0039] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the method comprises controlling a folding unit to fold the article to be ironed and / or dried according to the customized ironing program.

[0040] Further objectives of, features of, and advantages with the present invention will become apparent when studying the following detailed disclosure, the drawings, and the appended claims. Those skilled in the art realize that different features of the present invention, even if recited in different claims, can be combined in embodiments other than those described in the following.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] This and other aspects of the present invention will now be described in more detail, with reference to the appended drawings showing embodiment(s) of the invention. Fig. 1A-1C illustrates an ironing device according to some embodiments of the present invention in a front perspective view, in a rear perspective view, and in a front view. Fig. 2A-2C schematically illustrates examples of an ironing unit of an ironing device according to some embodiments of the invention. Fig. 3 schematically illustrates an example of a user interface of an ironing device according to some embodiments of the invention. Fig. 4 schematically illustrates a method for ironing and / or drying an article according to a second aspect of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] With reference to Figs. 1A-1C, illustrations of an ironing device 100 according to the first aspect of the invention are shown in different views. In Fig. 1A, the ironing device 100 is shown in a front perspective view. In Fig. 1B, the ironing device 100 is shown in a rear perspective view. In Fig. 1C, the ironing device 100 is shown in a front view. The ironing device 100 comprises an ironing unit 110, a user interface 120 and a control unit 130. The ironing unit 110 is located inside the ironing device 100 as marked with the dashed arrow in the figures. As seen in Figs. 1A and 1C the user interface 120 is accessible for a user / operator operating the ironing device 100 by being located in the front of the ironing device 100. Via the user interface 120, the user / operator may set two or more ironing parameters. The control unit 130, which is located inside the ironing device 100 near the user interface 120 in the figures, is connected to the user interface 120. The control unit 130 is configured to receive input data from the user interface 120, wherein the input data comprises the settings of the two or more ironing parameters. The control unit 130 is then configured to generate a customized ironing program based on the settings of the two or more ironing parameters. The control unit 130 is configured to control the ironing unit 110 according to the customized ironing program. The ironing device 100 comprises at least one sensor (not shown). The at least one sensor may be located inside the ironing device 100. For example, the at least one sensor may be located in a region where the article is introduced to the ironing device 100, near or in the ironing unit 110, and / or a region related to the end of an ironing process of the article. The at least one sensor is configured to generate sensor data related to the two or more ironing parameters. The at least one sensor is at least one of a temperature sensor, a moisture sensor, a speed sensor, a measuring sensor, a positional sensor and an optical sensor. The control unit 130 is connected to the at least one sensor and may receive sensor data from the at least one sensor. The control unit 130 may control the ironing unit 110 based on the sensor data. The control unit 130 may control different components of the ironing device 100 according to the customized ironing program. The ironing device 100 may comprise a first output region (not shown) and a second output region (not shown). The first output region and the second output region may be configured to receive articles during / in the end of / after an ironing process. The first output region may be configured to receive an article to be delivered to a user, wherein the article have been processed by the ironing device 100. The second output region may be configured to receive an article that have been rejected. Based on the customized ironing program and / or a condition of the article, it may be rejected or not. The control unit 130 may control in which output region an article may be transported to. Via the user interface 120, the user may select / set two or more ironing parameters. The two or more ironing parameters may comprise at least one of a hygiene parameter, a material parameter, a multilayer parameter and a sorting parameter. The user may select and set different combinations / configurations, of the two or more ironing parameters. For example, the user may choose to activate the hygiene parameter and the multilayer parameter, or only the hygiene parameter. The hygiene parameter may be activated. The at least one sensor may be at least one moisture sensor (not shown) which may be arranged inside the ironing device 100, at a location related to the end of an ironing process. The control unit 130 may be configured to receive sensor data regarding a moisture level of the article from the at least one moisture sensor. The control unit 130 may then reject the article if the moisture level of the article exceeds the predetermined moisture threshold value comprised in the hygiene parameter. The control unit 130 may be configured to reject an article by controlling the ironing device 100 such that the article is transported / moved to the second output region. If the moisture level of the article does not exceed the predetermined moisture threshold value the control unit 130 may control the ironing device 100 such that the article is transported / moved to the first output region. The material parameter may be activated. The material parameter may comprise material information of the article, which may be set by the user. The control unit 130 may be configured to adapt the temperature and / or the feeding speed of the ironing unit 110 based on the material information. The sorting parameter may be activated. The sorting parameter may comprise a predetermined size of an article, which may be set by the user. The at least one sensor may be at least one measuring sensor (not shown) which may be arranged inside the ironing device 100. The control unit 130 may be configured to receive sensor data regarding a size of the article being processed from the at least one measuring sensor. The control unit 130 may then reject the article if the measured size does not correspond to the predetermined size. The rejected article may be moved to the second output region. The multilayer parameter may be activated. The multilayer parameter may comprise information regarding a number of layers of the article, which may be set by the user. The at least one sensor may be at least one measuring sensor (not shown) which may be arranged inside the ironing device 100. The control unit 130 may be configured to receive sensor data regarding a thickness of the article being processed from the at least one measuring sensor. Based on the measured thickness of the article or the information regarding the number of layers of the article, the control unit 130 may determine if the number of layers exceeds one layer. In an example, the user may have set the number of layers of the article to two, then the control unit 130 may determine that the number of layers exceeds one. In another example, the measured thickness of the article received from the at least one sensor may exceed a predetermined thickness threshold value corresponding to one layer. Then the control unit 130 may determine that the number of layers exceeds one. The control unit 130 may then adapt the feeding speed and / or the temperature of the ironing unit 110 based on the number of layers and / or the thickness-of the article. Since the hygiene parameter, the material parameter, the multilayer parameter, and / or the sorting parameter may be combined in a customized ironing program, the control unit 130 may perform a plurality of actions according to the ironing parameters comprised in the customized ironing program. The ironing device 100 may comprise a folding unit (not shown) configured to fold an article. The control unit 130 may be configured to control the folding unit according to the customized ironing program.

[0043] With reference to Figs. 2A-2C, schematic illustrations of examples of an ironing unit 110 are shown in cross-section view. In Figs. 2A-2B, examples of an ironing unit 110 comprising a rotating part 112 and a heating part 114 are shown. The rotating part 112 is an elongated cylinder / roller with an axis of rotation A being the central axis of the cylinder. Since Figs. 2A-2B show a cross-section of the ironing unit 110, the axis of rotation A goes straight through the plane of the paper thereby being perpendicular to the plane of the paper. The rotating part 112 and the heating part 114 extend along a length direction being parallel to the axis of rotation. The rotating part 112 and the heating part 114 may have the same length in the length direction. An article 116 is being processed by the ironing unit 110 in each of Figs. 2A-2C.

[0044] In Fig. 2A, a simplified example of an ironing unit 110 is shown, where the rotating part 112 and the heating part 114 are separate parts of the ironing unit 110. The rotating part 112 feeds the article 116 by rotating around the axis of rotation A, and the heating part 114 provides heat to the article 116. The article 116 enters the ironing unit 110 from the left in the figure, is fed by the rotating part 112 such that the article is in contact with the rotating part 112 and the heating part 114, and then exits the ironing unit 110 to the right in the figure. The ironing and / or drying of the article 116 is made by the contact of the rotating part 112 and the heating part 114.

[0045] In Fig. 2B, the rotating part 112 and heating part 114 are separate parts of the ironing unit 110. The rotating part 114 is configured to rotate / roll to feed the article 116 in to / through the ironing unit 110. The direction of rotation around the axis of rotation A is marked with an arrow in the figure. The heating part 114 have a chest / half-pipe / half-tube shape and is fixed / static. In Fig. 2B, the heating part 114 is configured to provide heat to the article 116. The article 116 enters the ironing unit 110 (from the left in the figure) and is fed by the rotating part 112 such that the article 116 slides / moves along the heating part 114, and then leave / exit the ironing unit 110 (to the right in the figure). As the article 116 slides / moves between the rotating part 112 and the heating part 114 the article 116 is in contact with both the surface of heating part 114 and the rotating part 112. Thereby the article 116 may be ironed, dried and / or glazed. A contact angle may be determined by the angle between the entry point of the article 116 and the exit point of the article 116 in the ironing unit 110, seen from the central axis of the rotating part 112 (if the rotating part is a cylinder). In Fig. 2B the contact angle may be up to 180°. The ironing unit 110 in Fig. 2B may, for example, be of the chest / bed type ironer.

[0046] In Fig. 2C, the rotating part and the heating part are formed by the same part, referred to as a rotating heating part 113. The rotating heating part 113 provides heat to the article 116 and feeds the article 116. The rotating heating part 113 is an elongated cylinder / roller with an axis of rotation A being the central axis of the cylinder. Since Fig. 2C shows a cross-section of the ironing unit 110, the axis of rotation A goes straight through the plane of the paper thereby being perpendicular to the plane of the paper. The rotating heating part 113 extends along a length direction being parallel to the axis of rotation. The direction of rotation around the axis of rotation A is marked with an arrow in the figure. In Fig. 2C, at least one conveying band 118 is shown. The ironing unit 110 and / or the ironing device (not shown) may comprise at least one conveying band 118. The at least one conveying band 118 supports / feeds the article 116. The at least one conveying band 118 may comprise a plurality of conveying bands configured to be arranged side by side along the length direction of the rotating heating part 113. In Fig. 2C, the article 116 enters the ironing unit 110 (in the top in the figure) and is fed by the rotating heating part 113 and the at least one conveying band 118 such that the article 116 moves with the rotating heating part 113 and the at least one conveying band 118, and then leave / exit the ironing unit 110 (to the left in the figure). As the article 116 moves between / with the rotating heating part 113 and the at least one conveying band 118 the article 116 is in contact with both the surface of the rotating heating part 113 and the at least one conveying band 118. Thereby the article 116 may be ironed, dried and / or glazed. In Fig. 2C the contact angle may be up to 300°. The ironing unit 110 in Fig. 2C may, for example, be of the cylinder type ironer.

[0047] In Figs. 2A-2C, the control unit (not shown) of the ironing device may control the temperature and / or the feeding speed of the ironing unit 110. Thereby the temperature of, for example, the heating part 114 or the rotating heating part 113 may be controlled by the control unit such that a correct amount of heat is provided to the article 116. Also the feeding speed of, for example, the rotating part 112, the rotating heating part 113 and / or the at least one conveying band 118 may be controlled by the control unit.

[0048] With reference to Fig. 3, a schematic illustration of an example of a user interface 120 of the ironing device according to some embodiments of the invention is shown. The user interface 120 comprises a display / touch screen 122 and a plurality of buttons 124a-e. The user interface 120 is comprised in the ironing device (not shown). In Fig. 3 the display 122 displays two or more ironing parameters P1, P2, P3,..., PN. A user operating the ironing device may interact with the user interface 120, for example, by touching the touch screen 122 or pressing the plurality of buttons 124a-e. The user may log in to its user profile via the user interface 120. The user may navigate through the two or more ironing parameters P1, P2, P3,..., PN displayed by the display 122, for example by scrolling using the plurality of buttons 124a-e. The user may select a first ironing parameter, for example P3, of the two or more ironing parameters P1, P2, P3,..., PN. The user may then set the ironing parameter P3 of the two or more ironing parameters P1, P2, P3,..., PN. In an example, the ironing parameter P3 of the two or more ironing parameters P1, P2, P3,..., PN may be the material parameter. Then the user may, via the user interface 120, set the material parameter to active and / or set the material information comprised in the material parameter. For example, as the user selects the material parameter, the user interface 120 may display information relating to the material parameter such that the user may set the material parameter. The user may, for example, be able to select / set at least one material of the article. The user may select a second ironing parameter, for example P1, of the two or more ironing parameters P1, P2, P3,..., PN. Following the example, the ironing parameter P1 of the two or more ironing parameters P1, P2, P3,..., PN may be the hygiene parameter. Then the user may, via the user interface 120, set the hygiene parameter to active and the predetermined moisture threshold value to 8%. The user interface 120 may generate input data comprising settings of the first and the second ironing parameter, P3, P1, of the two or more ironing parameters P1, P2, P3,..., PN made by the user. A customized ironing program may be generated by the control unit (not shown) based on the settings of the ironing parameters P3 and P1. The user may store the customized ironing program in his / her user profile. The user may be able to see, via the user interface 120, all his / hers previously stored customized ironing programs. The user may also be able to delete a previously store customized ironing program from his / hers user profile, via the user interface 120.

[0049] With reference to Fig. 4, a flowchart of a method 200 for ironing and / or drying an article according to a second aspect of the invention. The method 200 is implemented in a control unit of an ironing device according to any embodiment of the first aspect of the invention. As seen in Fig. 4, the method 200 comprises receiving S2, from the user interface, input data comprising settings of two or more ironing parameters. The method 200 comprises generating S4 a customized ironing program based on the settings of the two or more ironing parameters. The method 200 comprises receiving S6, from the at least one sensor, sensor data related to the two or more ironing parameters. The method 200 comprises controlling S8 an ironing unit to iron and / or dry the article according to the customized ironing program. The method 200 may further comprise controlling a folding unit to fold the article according to the customized ironing program.

[0050] Additionally, variations to the disclosed examples can be understood and effected by the skilled person in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

[0051] A feature described in relation to one aspect may also be incorporated in other aspects, and the advantage of the feature is applicable to all aspects in which it is incorporated. Other objectives, features, and advantages of the present inventive concept will appear from the detailed disclosure, from the attached claims as well as from the drawings.

[0052] Generally, all terms used in the claims are to be interpreted according to their ordinary meaning in the technical field, unless explicitly defined otherwise herein. Further, the use of terms "first", "second", and "third", and the like, herein do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from another. All references to "a / an / the [element, device, component, means, step, etc.]" are to be interpreted openly as referring to at least one instance of said element, device, component, means, step, etc., unless explicitly stated otherwise. The steps of any method disclosed herein do not have to be performed in the exact order disclosed, unless explicitly stated.

Claims

1. An ironing device (100) comprising: an ironing unit (110) comprising a rotating part (112) and a heating part (114), said ironing unit (110) is configured to provide heat to an article to be ironed and / or dried and feed the article to be ironed and / or dried, a user interface (120) configured to receive a user interaction initiated by a user and generate input data from the user interaction, wherein the input data comprises settings of two or more ironing parameters, at least one sensor configured to generate sensor data related to the two or more ironing parameters, wherein the at least one sensor is at least one of a temperature sensor, a moisture sensor, a speed sensor, a measuring sensor, a positional sensor and an optical sensor, a control unit (130) connected to the at least one sensor, wherein the control unit (130) is configured to generate a customized ironing program based on the settings of the two or more ironing parameters and control the ironing unit (110) according to the customized ironing program.

2. The ironing device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the control unit (130) is configured to receive the sensor data from the at least one sensor, and control the ironing unit (110) based on the sensor data.

3. The ironing device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotating part (112) and the heating part (114) of the ironing unit are formed by the same part.

4. The ironing device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit (130) is configured to control at least one of a temperature of the ironing unit (110) and a feeding speed of the ironing unit (110).

5. The ironing device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a first output region and a second output region, wherein the first output region is configured to receive an ironed and / or dried article to be delivered to a user, and the second output region is configured to receive a rejected article.

6. The ironing device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the two or more ironing parameters comprises at least one of a hygiene parameter, a material parameter, a multilayer parameter and a sorting parameter.

7. The ironing device (100) according to claims 5 and 6, wherein the hygiene parameter comprises a predetermined moisture threshold value, and wherein the control unit (130) is configured to, based on sensor data from the moisture sensor regarding a moisture level of the article to be ironed and / or dried, reject the article to be ironed and / or dried if said moisture level exceeds the predetermined moisture threshold value.

8. The ironing device (100) according to claim 7, wherein the predetermined moisture threshold value is 8%.

9. The ironing device (100) according to claim 5 and any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the material parameter comprises information about a material of the article to be ironed and / or dried, and wherein the control unit (130) is configured to adapt the feeding speed and / or the temperature of the ironing unit (110) according to the material information.

10. The ironing device (100) according to claim 5 and any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the sorting parameter comprises a predetermined size of an article to be ironed and / or dried, and wherein the control unit (130) is configured to, based on sensor data from the measuring sensor regarding a size of the article to be ironed and / or dried, reject the article to be ironed and / or dried if the measured size does not correspond to the predetermined size.

11. The ironing device (100) according to claim 5 and any one of claims 6 to 10, wherein the multilayer parameter comprises information regarding a number of layers of an article to be ironed and / or dried, and wherein the control unit (130) is configured to, based on sensor data from the measuring sensor regarding a thickness of the article to be ironed and / or dried or input data from the user regarding information about the thickness of the article to be ironed and / or dried, determine if the number of layers of the article to be ironed and / or dried exceeds one layer, and adapt the feeding speed and / or the temperature of the ironing unit (110) based on the number of layers.

12. The ironing device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the user interface (120) comprises at least one of a display, a touch screen, a button, a control knob, and a user sensor, and wherein the user interaction is received via at least one of the display, the touch screen, the button, the control knob, and the user sensor.

13. The ironing device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit (130) is configured to store the customized ironing program.

14. The ironing device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a folding unit configured to fold the article to be ironed and / or dried, and wherein the control unit (130) is configured to control the folding unit according to the customized ironing program.

15. The ironing device (100) according to claim 14, wherein the folding unit comprises a first folding, means configured to fold the article to be ironed and / or dried in a length direction, and a second folding means configured to fold the article to be ironed and / or dried in a width direction, and wherein the first folding means and second folding means comprise operating arms, and wherein the control unit (130) is configured to control the first and second folding means by controlling said operating arms.

16. A method (200) for ironing and / or drying an article to be ironed and / or dried, the method implemented in a control unit of an ironing device according to any one of the preceding claims, the method comprising: receiving (S2), from a user interface, input data comprising settings of two or more ironing parameters, generating (S4) a customized ironing program based on the settings of the two or more ironing parameters, receiving (S6), from at least one sensor, sensor data related to the two or more ironing parameters, controlling (S8) an ironing unit to iron and / or dry the article to be ironed and / or dried according to the customized ironing program.

17. The method (200) according to claim 16, further comprising the step of controlling a folding unit to fold the article to be ironed and / or dried according to the customized ironing program.

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