Method for positioning an empty garment hanger in an individual mounting position

Abstract

This invention relates to a method for positioning empty garment hangers in personalized installation positions. The method includes the following steps: picking up an empty garment hanger at a loading station using a clamping tool; reading and identifying data signals of the garment to be hung on the hanger; moving the empty hanger to an installation station; adjusting the position of the hanger according to the data signals; and maintaining the hanger in the personalized installation position. The advantage of this invention is that the position of the garment on the hanger can be adapted to the operator's height, the type of hanger, and the type of garment, wherein the position can be adjusted individually for each installation cycle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a garment hanger manipulation device, wherein a clamping tool transports the garment hanger from a pick-up position to an installation position, in which garments are suspended on the garment hanger, and after the installation position, the garment hanger is transported away from the device for further processing. Background Technology

[0002] There are many different material handling systems consisting of conveyor systems and conveyor facilities, including more or less intelligent control systems for handling and transporting goods (such as clothing or garments), requiring several work steps when handling goods between different work locations. In one type of material handling system, the conveyor system consists of a main conveyor and multiple side conveyors, which in turn can be composed of multiple conveyors. The side conveyors selectively guide workpieces from the main conveyor to workstations, where one or more work steps are performed on the workpieces, after which the workpieces are returned to the main conveyor by means of the side conveyors.

[0003] A particular type of material handling system includes a conveyor system in which garment hangers are moved between different locations. These garment hangers can be moved with or without garments. In a system that conveys garment hangers with garments, the garments must be hung on the hangers at an installation station where an operator hangs the garments on the hangers, and then the hanger is transported to another processing station, such as for washing, folding, repair, sorting, and delivery to a customer. Typically, the garment hangers are held in specific installation locations so that operators can hang garments on them.

[0004] Garment hangers are typically conveyed by conveyor tracks positioned above the operator's position. At the loading station, empty garment hangers are moved downwards from the main conveyor located on the upper level to the loading position on the lower level by means of, for example, conveyor chains, conveyor belts, or tracks. Once the garments have been hung, the conveyor can transport the garment hangers containing the garments back up to the main conveyor for continued transport to the next operating station.

[0005] NL 1016462 C2 discloses a garment handling device equipped with a garment hanger holding device. This garment hanger holding device is movable in two horizontal directions and in a vertical direction. Thus, the garment hanger holding device can pick up a folded garment hanger from a first station, move it closer to the operator, and the operator passes the garment hanger through the neckline of the garment. The garment hanger is then unfolded, and the garment hanger containing the garment is transported to a second station.

[0006] This type of conventional loading station usually works properly. However, there is still room for improvement. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a method for positioning an empty clothing hanger in a personalized installation position.

[0008] The solution according to the invention is described in the characterizing portion of claim 1. The other claims include advantageous embodiments and modifications of the method.

[0009] A method for positioning an empty garment hanger in a personalized installation position includes the following steps: picking up the empty garment hanger at a loading station using a clamping tool, reading and identifying data signals of the garment to be hung on the garment hanger, moving the empty garment hanger to the installation station, adjusting the position of the garment hanger according to the data signals, and holding the garment hanger in the personalized installation position.

[0010] Using the method of this invention, each garment hanger can be positioned in a personalized location according to the garment to be hung on it. By adapting the installation position to the actual garment, a flexible installation method for clothing is provided, wherein each garment can be hung in an optimal manner, and the installation position can be adapted to both the actual garment and the operator hanging the garment. The installation position can be adjusted, for example, vertically, so that the height of the garment hanger can be optimized for the actual garment. The installation position can also be adjusted in the direction of rotation about a vertical axis, so that the rotation direction of the garment hanger can be optimized for the actual garment.

[0011] In one example, this method is performed using a garment hanger manipulator comprising a receiving portion and a clamping tool adapted to clamp and hold a garment hanger. The clamping tool is adapted to pick up the garment hanger at a loading station, move the garment hanger to an installation station, and transport the garment hanger to an unloading station. The garment hanger manipulator is provided with a linear actuator and a rotary actuator. The linear actuator is adapted to move the clamping tool in a vertical direction, and the rotary actuator is adapted to rotate the clamping tool about a vertical central axis of the garment hanger manipulator.

[0012] The garment hanger manipulator's clamping tool can pick up empty garment hangers at the loading station and move them to the installation station, where the operator suspends the garment hangers. Once the garments are suspended, the clamping tool moves the garment hangers with the garments to the unloading station, where they are loaded onto a conveyor that will transport them for further processing.

[0013] At the installation station, the clamping tool positions the empty garment hanger in a predetermined vertical position, allowing the hanger's height at the installation station to be set to a predetermined height. The clamping tool can also position the empty garment hanger in a predetermined rotational position about a vertical axis, enabling selection of the hanger's orientation. Based on the input signal identifying the garment, the clamping tool positions the empty garment hanger at the installation station in a predetermined installation position, ensuring the installation position is suitable for the actual garment to be hung and the operator. The clamping tool can also accommodate the hanger's rotational orientation and can position the hanger in a folded / collapsed or unfolded / normal state at the installation position.

[0014] This will allow the garment hanger manipulator to position an empty garment hanger in an optimal, predetermined location at the installation station, where the predetermined location is, for example, suitable for the actual garment to be hung on the hanger and for the height of the operator hanging the garment. This will simplify the hanging of garments at the installation station and will improve the efficiency of the manipulator. The operator's ergonomics will also be improved.

[0015] The garment hanger manipulator includes at least one data input device. This data input device is adapted to receive signals indicating a desired predetermined installation position. The data input device can receive information, for example, from a data reader. The data reader can be located at a loading station or an installation station. The data reader is adapted to read information from a data holder (such as an RFID tag or barcode) located on the garment hanger and / or garment. The data holder includes information related to the garment hanger or garment, such as the type of garment hanger, the destination of the garment hanger, the type of garment, the destination of the garment, the size or type of garment, etc. This information is used to position an empty garment hanger at the installation station in the desired installation position and can also be used to load the equipped garment hanger onto the correct outgoing conveyor.

[0016] The data input device can also receive information from a user interface, in which the operator can select a predetermined installation location. The user interface may, for example, include multiple dedicated buttons, each corresponding to a specific garment. The user interface may also include a menu system, where each menu selection corresponds to a specific garment. Attached Figure Description

[0017] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0018] Figure 1 An example of a garment hanger operating device is shown.

[0019] Figure 2 An example of a clamping tool is shown, and

[0020] Figure 3 A flowchart of the method according to the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The embodiments and modifications of the present invention described below are to be understood as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims in any way.

[0022] Figure 1 A garment hanger handling device 1 is shown. This device includes a receiving portion 14 and a clamping tool 5, such as... Figure 2 As shown. The clamping tool is adapted to pick up the garment hanger 6 at loading station 2, move the garment hanger to installation station 3, and transport the garment hanger to unloading station 4. In the illustrated example, the garment hanger manipulation device is arranged in a conveyor system 50, which includes loading station 2 and two unloading stations 4. Loading station 2 includes a track 10 that guides empty garment hangers to pickup position 7, where the garment hanger is picked up by the clamping tool 5. Loading station 2 receives empty garment hangers from a feed conveyor that places the garment hangers on an inclined track 10, which transports the garment hangers to pickup position 7. The loading station preferably includes a holding device that receives and holds the garment hanger so that it can be picked up by the clamping tool. As the clamping tool 5 picks up the garment hanger at the loading station, the holding device extends toward pickup position 7, such that the holding device is positioned at pickup position 7. This simplifies the design of the clamping tool, as it does not need to move horizontally to the pick-up or release position. In the example shown, the loading station is attached to the receiving section, but the loading station could also be independent and arranged adjacent to the receiving section.

[0023] The receiving portion 14 is adapted to be suspended in the conveyor system, such that the upper part of the garment hanger operating device is attached to a beam or similar structure positioned above the operator's head and closer to the ceiling. This ensures there are no obstructions below the garment hanger operating device. The clamping tool 5 includes two clamping jaws 17, 18 adapted to clamp the garment hanger at the bar 19 or hook 20. In the illustrated example, the clamping jaws move linearly via the clamping actuator 21, and during this linear movement, the clamping surfaces of the clamping tool remain parallel, whether in the closed or open state. Each clamping jaw includes a V-shaped member adapted to securely position the garment hanger bar or hook within the clamping jaw and ensure that the bar is firmly held in the correct position. The actuator can be powered by pressurized air or electricity.

[0024] The conveyor system may include one or more loading stations 2. When more than one loading station is used, each loading station may receive different types of garment hangers, or may receive the same type of garment hangers in two different orientations. These garment hangers may be supplied to the loading station, where, depending on the conveyor transporting the garment hangers, the hooks are open to the right or left, i.e., right-oriented or left-oriented. The front and back sides of the garment hangers may also be asymmetrical. The front side may, for example, be associated with the left-oriented direction, i.e., when an empty garment hanger is held in the left-oriented direction at the installation station, the front side points towards the operator.

[0025] Depending on the layout of the complete conveyor system, such as other processing stations and conveyor rails, garment hangers are conveyed and delivered to loading stations in which the garment hangers are positioned in a specific direction. With two loading stations, the garment hanger manipulator is able to receive and process empty garment hangers in two orientations, which may be particularly advantageous in larger conveyor systems.

[0026] Once an empty garment hanger has been picked up at the loading station, the clamping tool moves the empty garment hanger to installation station 3, where the garment is hung on the hanger. The empty garment hanger is positioned in a predetermined installation location at installation station 3, where the predetermined location is defined by an input signal.

[0027] To position the garment hanger in the predetermined installation location, the garment hanger operating device is equipped with a linear actuator 15, which is adapted to move the clamping tool 5 in the vertical direction. The linear actuator can be powered by pressurized air or electricity. The linear actuator enables the clamping tool to move up and down, so that the height of the installation position and thus the height of the garment hanger can meet the requirements. The height of the garment hanger can, for example, be adapted to the actual garment to be hung on the hanger. If a short shirt is to be hung, the installation position can be relatively low, but for a longer jacket, the installation position can be higher to avoid the jacket touching the floor. The installation position can also be adjusted according to the operator's height. Taller operators may require a higher installation position than shorter operators.

[0028] The garment hanger operating device also includes a rotary actuator 16 adapted to rotate the clamping tool 5, thereby causing the garment hanger to rotate about the vertical central axis 13 of the garment hanger operating device 1. The rotary actuator can be powered by pressurized air or electricity. This allows the clamping tool 5 to position an empty garment hanger 6 in a predetermined rotational position at the mounting station. The garment hanger can also be rotated after the garment is hung on it, such that its orientation is adapted to the discharge conveyor at the unloading station. The clamping tool can also be arranged, for example, on a tilting actuator that allows the clamping tool to be oriented vertically or horizontally, and a horizontal linear actuator that allows the clamping tool to move horizontally.

[0029] The conveyor system may include two distinct loading stations, where empty garment hangers are received in one orientation at the first loading station and in another orientation at the second loading station. In this example, a clamping tool picks up an empty garment hanger from the first loading station and holds it in one orientation at the mounting station. An empty garment hanger from the second loading station is picked up and then rotated 180 degrees before being moved to the mounting station, where it is also held in the same orientation.

[0030] The conveyor system may include a single loading station where empty garment hangers are received in one orientation. A gripping tool picks up the empty garment hanger from the first loading station and holds it in the same orientation at the loading station. Garments are suspended on the empty garment hangers and then moved to the unloading station. In this example, the conveyor at the unloading station requires the garment hangers to be presented in a different orientation. The gripping tool will thus rotate the garment hangers 180 degrees before they are delivered at the unloading station. This eliminates the need for an additional hanger orientation mechanism.

[0031] The conveyor system may include a single loading station where empty garment hangers are received in one orientation. In this example, two different types of garments are processed (e.g., buttonless T-shirts and buttoned shirts). T-shirts will be hung on empty garment hangers held in the same orientation at the loading station. Buttoned shirts will be hung on garment hangers in the opposite direction at the loading station. Therefore, when hanging T-shirts, the gripping tool will move the empty garment hangers without rotating them, and when hanging buttoned shirts, the gripping tool will rotate the empty garment hangers 180 degrees. T-shirts and buttoned shirts will be transported to the same unloading station, where the garment hangers must be in the same orientation. Garment hangers with T-shirts will thus be rotated 180 degrees before being delivered to the unloading station, and buttoned shirts will be delivered without rotating them.

[0032] The clamping tool allows for free selection of the amount of rotation that allows an empty garment hanger to rotate. For example, if an empty garment hanger is delivered to the loading station in a vertical orientation, it can be rotated 90 degrees. Depending on the garment to be hung on the empty hanger, the hanger can also be held at the loading station in any direction of rotation. If the hanger is oriented at an angle toward the operator, some garments may be easier to hang, for example. The hanger can also be rotated during garment hanging to simplify the hanging process. For example, one arm of the hanger can be directed toward the operator, who can then drape the first arm of a shirt over the hanger. The hanger can then be rotated 180 degrees so that the other arm is directed toward the operator, who can then drape the other arm of a shirt over the hanger. This can simplify the hanging of certain types of clothing on the hanger.

[0033] Using a garment hanger operating device, an empty garment hanger can be positioned in a desired predetermined position relative to the vertical position and by rotation about the vertical axis of the garment hanger operating device. The position of the garment hanger can thus be adapted to the type of garment hanger, its orientation, the type of garment to be hung on the hanger, and the operator. The predetermined installation position is set by an input signal and can be set for individual garment hangers and / or individual garments.

[0034] The predetermined installation location can be selected in different ways. In one example, the predetermined location is selected based on the garment to be hung on an empty garment hanger. Each garment hanger is equipped with some type of identification, such as a barcode or RFID chip, allowing each hanger to be individually identified. A data reader is located at the loading station and identifies each garment hanger before the clamping tool picks up the empty hanger. The garment hanger's identification is associated with the garment to be hung on the empty hanger. The clamping tool then holds the garment hanger in the predetermined position at the installation station according to the garment to be hung.

[0035] Garments to be hung on empty hangers are identified before being hung. For example, a garment may be equipped with an RFID chip that can be read by a data reader when an operator picks it up. The garment's identification is associated with information stored in a database that provides details about the garment. The type of garment can be associated with the identification on the hanger, allowing the garment to be identified throughout the conveyor system. The advantage of associating garments with hangers is that each garment does not need to include a data holder. In some cases, all garments in a batch are of the same type. In this case, the type of garment is predetermined, and each garment is associated with a specific hanger, allowing the garment to be identified later in the conveyor system.

[0036] The garments can also be identified by the operator, who sends a signal indicating the type of garment to the garment hanger operating device, for example, by pressing a switch corresponding to the garment type or by selecting the garment type through a menu system on the operator panel. In this case, the garment type is also associated with a specific garment hanger. Garments can also be identified by a vision system, or by identifying the garment container if all garments in the container are of the same type. It is now possible to select the predetermined installation position of an empty garment hanger based on the garment to be hung on it.

[0037] The intended installation position can be adjusted in height, for example, depending on the actual garment to be hung on the hanger. For example, a shorter shirt can be hung relatively low, while a longer jacket can be hung higher to prevent it from touching the floor. The rotation of the hanger can also be adjusted according to the garment. One type of shirt can be hung, for example, on an empty hanger pointing in one direction, and another type of shirt can be hung on an empty hanger pointing in the opposite direction.

[0038] The predetermined installation position can also be adjusted according to the operator's height. Taller operators may require a higher installation position than shorter operators. The clothing hanger operating device can, for example, adjust the predetermined installation position by applying an offset, depending on the actual operator. The operator can be identified, for example, by an operator badge.

[0039] The type of garment hanger and / or the type of garment can also set the direction in which the garment hanger is unloaded at the unloading station. In one example, a blue coat is transported to the unloading station using a garment hanger in one orientation, and a white coat is transported to the unloading station using a garment hanger in another orientation.

[0040] When the garment is hung on the garment hanger, the garment hanger with the garment is transported to release position 9 at the unloading station by a clamping tool. The clamping tool can hold the garment hanger at the installation station at predetermined time intervals, or the operator can issue a send signal when the garment hanging is complete and the garment hanger should continue to the unloading station. When the hanging operation is complete, the operator can, for example, press a button. The clamping tool transports the garment hanger with the garment to the release position at the unloading station, where the garment hanger is placed on the discharge track and conveyed away from the garment hanger operating device. At the discharge station, the clamping tool can position the garment hanger in the desired direction of rotation according to the unloading station.

[0041] The predetermined installation position can also be adjusted in other ways. The rotation direction of the garment hanger can, for example, be adapted to the requirements of the entire system. The hook opening of the garment hanger can, for example, point inward or outward from the central axis 13 of the garment hanger operating device. In this way, for example, shirts can be hung with the front opening pointing outward from the operator, regardless of the shirt's orientation at the unloading device. Since the clamping tool can be individually adapted to the position of each garment hanger, the operator can always hang the garment in the most efficient way, regardless of the actual garment. The rotation position of the garment hanger can thus be adapted to the type of garment, the type of garment hanger, and the desired orientation of the garment.

[0042] You can also select the garment hanger's position at the installation location. An empty garment hanger can be unfolded, in its normal, straight state, suitable for hanging open garments such as shirts and jackets. The garment hanger can also be folded, in its collapsed state, suitable for hanging garments through the neckline, such as T-shirts or button-down shirts.

[0043] The type of garment can be detected by a data reader. Garments can be equipped with data holders, such as barcodes or RFID tags, which can be read when the garment is picked up. The data holder is associated with information stored in a database. The operator can use a user interface to select the desired mounting position for the garment. In the user interface, the operator can select the type of garment and the desired position of the clamping tool, and thus select the mounting position of the garment hanger. After selecting the garment type, the clamping tool can adjust the mounting position of the selected garment before hanging it. Because the clamping tool can adjust the mounting position for each individual garment, it is not necessary to pre-identify each garment; identification can be made when it is hanging on the garment hanger. This allows for flexible use of the system when each garment is not equipped with a data holder and when handling a variety of garments. In this example, the garment's information is associated with the data holder on the garment hanger on which the garment is hung. This can also be advantageous when handling the same type of garment over a longer period.

[0044] The identification of garment hangers can also be detected by a data reader. The data reader for garment hangers can be positioned at the loading station, allowing the system to know which garment hanger will be picked up. In this example, the garment hangers are equipped with data retainers, such as barcodes or RFID tags. The conveyor system can, for example, include multiple loading stations with inbound conveyors, in which one conveyor can transport one type of garment hanger. For example, depending on the garment picked up by the operator, the clamping tool can select between different types of garment hangers. Specific types of clothing or different customers may, for example, require one type of garment hanger while others may require a different type.

[0045] The garment hanger manipulator thus enables each empty garment hanger to be positioned in a predetermined installation position, which is individually selected for each garment hanger and / or each garment. This allows for the hanging of various garments, each requiring a different installation position in terms of height and direction of rotation. The garment hanger manipulator allows for the hanging of garments on empty garment hangers in a very flexible manner, with each installation position individually suited to the actual garment. A clamping tool can, for example, pick up an empty garment hanger at a loading station and hold it in a predetermined position at an installation station, such as a right-oriented position. Some garments are hung in this position with the garment hanger, while others are hung on garment hangers oriented to the left. When a garment is picked up by the operator, it can be identified by a data reader, and if the garment is to be hung on a left-oriented garment hanger, the clamping tool can rotate 180 degrees. Otherwise, the garment hanger does not rotate. Even more time can be saved by pre-setting the first installation position.

[0046] Figure 3 The present invention illustrates a method for positioning an empty clothing hanger in a personalized installation location.

[0047] In step 100, an empty garment hanger is picked up at the loading station using a clamping tool. The clamping tool is adapted to hold the garment hanger at the hook or bar of the garment hanger, thereby well defining the clamping position and preventing the garment hanger from shifting during processing.

[0048] In step 110, data signals identifying the garment to be hung on the garment hanger are read. These data signals can be, for example, provided on the garment in the form of an RFID chip attached to it. The operator can also identify the type of garment and issue signals indicating that type, for example, by using a menu system or dedicated buttons. A vision system can also be used. The garment can also be associated with an identifier on the garment hanger.

[0049] In step 120, an empty garment hanger is moved to an installation station where the garment will be hung by the operator.

[0050] In step 130, the position of the garment hangers is adjusted based on the data signals. By adjusting the installation position of each garment hanger according to the data of the identified garments, each garment can be hung in an optimized manner on an individually adjusted garment hanger.

[0051] In step 140, the garment hanger is held in its personalized mounting position at the mounting station. This position is maintained until the garment is hung on the hanger. Once the hanging operation is complete, the operator issues a send signal, allowing the garment hanger with the garment to be transported to the unloading station.

[0052] In other steps, the rotational orientation of the garment hanger around the vertical axis can be adjusted according to the garment. The vertical position of the garment hanger can also be adjusted according to the garment.

[0053] In other steps, the rotation direction of the garment hanger can also be adapted to the type of unloading station, such that the garment hanger rotates en route to the unloading station. Thus, the rotation direction of the garment hanger can be adapted to unloading stations with either a right-hand oriented or left-hand oriented orientation.

[0054] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but many other variations and modifications are conceivable within the scope of the appended claims.

[0055] Figure Labels

[0056] 1: Clothing hanger operating device

[0057] 2: Loading station

[0058] 3: Installation Station

[0059] 4: Unloading Station

[0060] 5: Clamping tools

[0061] 6: Clothing hangers

[0062] 7: Pickup Location

[0063] 8: Installation location

[0064] 9: Release position

[0065] 10: Track

[0066] 13: Central Axis

[0067] 14: Reception Department

[0068] 15: Linear actuator

[0069] 16: Rotary actuator

[0070] 17: Claw

[0071] 18: Claw

[0072] 19: Pole

[0073] 20: Hook

[0074] 21: Clamp actuator

[0075] 50: Transmitter System

Claims

1. Method for positioning an empty garment hanger in a predetermined mounting position, comprising the steps of: - picking up an empty garment hanger at a loading station with a clamping tool of a garment hanger handling device, - reading a data signal identifying an individual garment to be hung on the garment hanger from a data reader adapted to read information from a data holder, - receiving the data signal from the data reader by a data input device adapted to receive a signal indicative of a desired predetermined mounting position, - moving the empty garment hanger to a mounting station by the clamping tool, - adjusting a vertical position of the garment hanger according to the data signal by a linear actuator adapted to move the clamping tool in a vertical direction and adjusting a rotational position of the garment hanger according to the data signal by a rotational actuator adapted to rotate the clamping tool around a vertical central axis of the garment hanger handling device, and - holding the garment hanger in the predetermined mounting position in which an operator is to hang a garment on the garment hanger, - transporting the garment hanger to an unloading station.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of: Adjusting a rotational direction and / or a vertical position of the garment hanger according to a signal identifying the operator.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The data signal identifying the garment is associated with an identification of the garment hanger.

4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The data signal identifying the garment is provided by data comprised on the garment.

5. The method of claim 1 or 2, further comprising the step of: The garment hanger is held in the predetermined mounting position before the operator hangs a garment on the garment hanger and the operator sends a send signal after the operator has hung a garment on the garment hanger.

6. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of: Adjusting a rotational direction of the garment hanger according to a type of the unloading station.

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