Laundry store equipped with a vacuum packing machine for bedding.

Abstract

We offer a laundry store equipped with a vacuum packing machine for bedding. [Solution] The laundry store equipped with the vacuum packing machine for bedding according to the embodiment includes a washing machine for washing laundry including bedding, a bedding dryer 40 for drying bedding, and a vacuum packing machine 100 for bedding that vacuum packs bedding dried using the bedding dryer or bedding washed using the washing machine.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a laundry store equipped with a decompression pack packaging machine for bedding.

Background Art

[0002] The applicant has developed and commercialized equipment for washing, disinfecting, and drying bedding (such as futons, quilts, blankets, kotatsu covers, etc.) with high-temperature steam, and equipment for refreshing and drying (bedding dryers). In addition, a washing and drying machine that enables full washing of bedding has also been commercialized. Such equipment is widely used by many users in coin laundry stores and the like.

[0003] By the way, in the use of coin laundry stores and the like, for example, when winter bedding is washed (or refreshed) and dried in a bedding dryer, or when winter coats, down jackets, etc. are washed and dried in a washing and drying machine, those items to be washed are not used until the next season, so there is a desire to take them home in a small (compressed) state. However, current coin laundry stores do not meet this demand. Therefore, users have been storing the washed items taken home in commercially available vacuum packaging bags and using an electric vacuum cleaner or other suction devices to evacuate the air from the vacuum packaging bags to compress the bedding and seasonal items in the vacuum packaging bags for storage.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide a laundry store equipped with a vacuum packing machine for bedding that allows customers to take home dried bedding in a vacuum pack. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The laundry store equipped with the vacuum packing machine for bedding according to the embodiment includes a washing machine for washing items to be washed, including bedding; a bedding dryer for drying the bedding; and a vacuum packing machine for bedding that vacuum packs the bedding dried using the bedding dryer or the bedding washed using the washing machine. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This figure shows (a) a front view and (b) a perspective view of a vacuum packing machine for bedding according to an embodiment of the machine, with the drawer extended. [Figure 2] (a) A side view and (b) A top view of the vacuum packing machine for bedding according to the embodiment, with the drawer section extended. [Figure 3] This diagram shows the layout of the first coin laundry store, where a vacuum packing machine for bedding is placed near the bedding dryer and washer-dryer. [Figure 4] This diagram shows the layout of the second coin laundry store, where a vacuum packing machine for bedding is placed near the bedding dryers and washer-dryers. [Figure 5] This diagram shows the layout of a third coin laundry store, where a vacuum packing machine for bedding is placed near the bedding dryer and washer-dryer. [Figure 6] This diagram illustrates the process of loading packaging bags into a vacuum packing machine for bedding. [Figure 7] This diagram shows the mechanisms within the maintenance access section, the chamber, and the drawer section. [Figure 8] This shows the first connection state with the vacuum pump during the vacuum packing process of a vacuum packing machine for bedding. [Figure 9] This shows the second connection state with the vacuum pump during the vacuum packing process of a vacuum packing machine for bedding. [Figure 10] This shows the third connection state with the vacuum pump during the vacuum packing process of a vacuum packing machine for bedding. [Figure 11] This shows the fourth connection state with the vacuum pump during the vacuum packing process of a vacuum packing machine for bedding. [Figure 12] A flowchart showing the entire vacuum packing process for bedding and other bedding products. [Figure 13] Steps 1 to 3 are diagrams showing the downward state of the bag retainer during the depressurization process. [Figure 14] Steps 4 through 6 show the operation of the bag retaining mechanism from the sealing process to the final processing step. [Figure 15] This figure shows the state inside the chamber during the wrinkle removal process. [Figure 16] This figure shows an example of the display on a touch panel that shows the operation and actions when vacuum packing bedding. [Figure 17] This figure shows an example of the display on a touch panel that shows the operation and actions when vacuum packing bedding. [Figure 18] This figure shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of a vacuum packing machine for bedding. [Figure 19] (a) is a diagram showing the drawer section of the vacuum packing machine for bedding in the second embodiment pulled out from the chamber. (b) is a diagram showing the drawer section rotated 90° (or 270° clockwise). [Figure 20] This figure shows the configuration of the drawer section and chamber of the vacuum packing machine for bedding in the second embodiment. [Figure 21] This figure shows the work process STEP 1 to 3 of the vacuum packing machine for bedding according to the second embodiment. [Figure 22] This figure shows the work process STEP4 to STEP6 of the vacuum packing machine for bedding according to the second embodiment. [Figure 23] It is a figure showing a perspective view of a third embodiment of a decompression pack packaging machine for bedding.

Embodiment for Carrying out the Invention

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Hereinafter, a coin laundry store will be taken as an example of a laundry, but it can also be applied to a laundry provided in a hospital, hotel, nursing facility, etc. FIG. 1 is a figure showing (a) a front view and (b) a perspective view when the drawer part is pulled out of a decompression pack packaging machine 100 for bedding installed in the facilities of a coin laundry store, for example. FIG. 2 is (a) a side view and (b) a top view when the drawer part of the decompression pack packaging machine 100 for bedding is pulled out.

[0009] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, for example, a decompression pack packaging machine 100 for bedding installed in a coin laundry store is composed of a cubic (box-shaped) housing 105. The shape of the housing 105 is such that it can decompress (vacuum) package bedding (futons, hanging futons, blankets, kotatsu futons, towel quilts, zabutons, clothes (especially multiple thick clothes at the same time), curtains, etc.), and for example, the width (W) is about 1000 - 1100 mm, the height (H) is about 1830 mm, and the depth (D) is about 1350 mm. The decompression pack packaging machine 100 for bedding has four layers: an operation panel part 110, a maintenance access part 120, a chamber 140 that houses a drawer part 130, and a base part 150 in order from the top.

[0010] The control panel 110 includes a display touch panel 110a that incorporates a control device 400 (see Figure 3) that controls the vacuum packing machine 100 for bedding, and a coin insertion mechanism (payment method) 110b. When a user uses the vacuum packing machine 100 for bedding, they deposit coins for a predetermined usage fee (for example, 300 yen) into the coin insertion mechanism 110b. The machine can then be operated according to the instructions on the display touch panel 110a. In addition to the coin insertion mechanism 110b, a banknote, card payment processing unit, or smartphone payment processing function (payment method) may also be provided.

[0011] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, a drawer mechanism 190 is provided on both sides of the lower part of the drawer section 130, which is capable of sliding horizontally (towards the front of the housing) within the chamber 140. The drawer section 130 has a door 135 on its front. The drawer section 130 has a storage section 200 which is open at least at the top, and a packaging bag 240 (see Figure 6) containing bedding (also called vacuum packing) is set in the storage section 200. The drawer mechanism 190 is attached, for example, to the left and right sides of the lower part of the storage section 200. When the storage section 200 of the drawer section 130 is completely housed within the chamber 140, the chamber 140 is sealed.

[0012] The tightly sealed state is when the door 135 of the drawer section 130 is tightly sealed against the front frame wall of the chamber 140. The door 135 is provided with a handle for pulling out the drawer. Then, by reducing the pressure inside the chamber 140 with a vacuum pump 170 (see Figure 7), the air inside the packaging bag 240 is removed, and the packaging bag 240 containing the bedding is vacuum-sealed. The width of the storage section 200 is approximately 1000-1100 mm, the same as the width of the housing 105. The depth of the storage section 200 is 300 mm, and the height from the bottom of the base 150 to the bottom of the drawer section 130 is approximately 600 mm. The housing 105 is formed of a frame strong enough to depressurize the inside of the chamber 140 using a vacuum pump in order to remove the air from inside the storage bag 240 containing the bedding.

[0013] Figures 3 to 5 show examples of coin laundry store layouts in which a vacuum packing machine 100 for bedding is placed near a bedding dryer for drying bedding and a washer-dryer for washing and drying laundry including bedding. Layout 20a in Figure 3 shows an example where three double dryers 20, two large washer-dryers 30a and 30b, one futon dryer with refreshing function 40, one vacuum packing machine 100 for futons, and a workbench with casters 50 are arranged. The large washer-dryers 30a and 30b are machines for washing and drying laundry, including futons. The vacuum packing machine 100 for futons is placed between the futon dryer 40 and the large washer-dryer 30b. Therefore, according to layout 20a, for users who want to vacuum pack dried futons, the distance they have to carry the futons is short, resulting in a layout that is easy to work with. If the workbench 50 is foldable, it can be stored in a small space that does not get in the way when not in use. Also, the futon dryer 40 does not have to have a refreshing function.

[0014] In layout 20b shown in Figure 4, a workbench 50 is placed between the futon dryer 40 and the vacuum packing machine 100 for futons. This layout also includes a large washing and drying machine 30a alongside the vacuum packing machine 100. The workbench 50 is designed to facilitate the handling of large futons. Therefore, even in layout 20b of Figure 4, the layout provides good work efficiency for users when vacuum packing futons after drying.

[0015] In layout 20c shown in Figure 5, a workbench 50 is placed between the vacuum packing machine 100 for bedding and the large washing and drying machine 30a. This layout also includes the vacuum packing machine 100 and the bedding dryer 40 side-by-side. The workbench 50 is designed to facilitate the handling of large bedding items. Therefore, even in layout 20c of Figure 5, the layout provides good work efficiency for users when vacuum packing bedding after drying.

[0016] The procedure for vacuum packing bedding in a coin laundry with a layout as shown in Figures 3 to 5 will be described below. For example, if you want to perform a series of operations including washing, drying, and vacuum packing of bedding, in the store layout 20a of Figure 3, you would move to the front of the large washer-dryer 30a using the work table 50 with casters. Then, you would wash the bedding using the large washer-dryer 30a, dry the bedding using the bedding dryer 40, and then vacuum pack the washed and dried bedding using the vacuum packing machine 100. With the layout 20a of Figure 3, this series of operations can be performed in a flow from the large washer-dryer 30a to the bedding dryer 40 to the vacuum packing machine 100.

[0017] For example, even if the task involves washing and drying bedding using a large washing and drying machine 30a or 30b, after washing and drying in the large washing and drying machine 30a or 30b, the bedding is vacuum-packed using a vacuum packing machine 100. With the layout 20a in Figure 3, this series of operations can be carried out in a flow from the large washing and drying machine 30b to the vacuum packing machine 100. Similarly, with the layout 20b in Figure 4, this series of operations can be carried out in a flow from the large washing and drying machine 30a to the vacuum packing machine 100.

[0018] For example, if you want to perform the drying and vacuum packing of bedding, you can use a wheeled work table 50 to move the bedding in front of the bedding dryer 40. Next, the futons are refreshed and dried using the futon dryer 40, and then the refreshed and dried futons are vacuum-packed using the futon vacuum packing machine 100. With the layouts 20a and 20c in Figures 3 and 5, this series of operations can be carried out in a flow from the futon dryer 40 to the futon vacuum packing machine 100.

[0019] In the layouts shown in Figures 3 to 5, the vacuum packing machine 100 for bedding is placed between the futon dryer 40 and the large washing machine 30b, or the vacuum packing machine 100 for bedding is placed alongside the large washing machine 30a or 30b and the vacuum packing machine 100 for bedding. However, the futon dryer 40 or the large washing machine 30a or 30b may be placed facing the vacuum packing machine 100 for bedding. Thus, with a coin laundry store layout 20a to 20c as shown in Figures 3 to 5, the combination of a large washing and drying machine 30a or 30b, a futon dryer 40, and a vacuum packing machine 100 for futons allows for efficient washing, drying, and vacuum packing of futons.

[0020] Figure 6 shows the process of loading packaging bags 240 into a vacuum packing machine 100 for bedding. STEP 1: The packaging bag 240 is removed manually or automatically from the base 150 of the vacuum packing machine 100 for bedding. Next, the packaging bag 240 is spread out on the work table 50 and the bedding 240a to be washed is placed inside it. STEP 2: Then, the drawer unit 130 is pulled out from the chamber 140, the packaging bag 240 containing the bedding 240a is placed on the drawer unit 130 and pushed into the chamber 140. STEP 3: At this time, the opening of the packaging bag 240 placed on the lower seal block 160b is pulled outward in the width direction by the pulling mechanism 300 provided in front of the drawer unit 130, and is placed in a flat shape.

[0021] Figure 7 shows the mechanisms within the maintenance access section 120, the chamber 140, and the drawer section 130. As shown in Figure 7, the maintenance access section 120 located above the chamber 140 is equipped with the movable upper seal block 160a of the sealing mechanism 160 that seals the opening of the packaging bag 240, a vacuum pump 170, and a bag holding mechanism 180. The door 120a of the maintenance access section 120 (see Figure 1(b)) is opened and closed during maintenance. Specifically, the door 120a of the maintenance access section 120 is opened and closed during maintenance and inspection of the vacuum pump 170, the movable sealing mechanism, and the bag holding mechanism 180, which will be described later. Figure 7 also shows a control device 400 that controls the vacuum pump 170 and the bag holding mechanism 180. The control device 400 controls the entire vacuum pack packaging machine for bedding, and its operation will be explained in Figures 8 to 15, which will be described later.

[0022] Inside the chamber 140, a bag-holding portion 185 of the bag-holding mechanism 180 is provided, penetrating the central upper surface of the chamber 140. The bag-holding portion 185 is a rectangular shape (its shape is flexible), for example, 980 x 700 mm in size, and weighs, for example, 30 kg, and is a mechanism that descends by its own weight. Therefore, the bag-holding portion 185 can press on more than half (for example, about 70-80%) of the area of ​​one side (for example, the front or back) of the packaging bag 240. In addition, when the bag-holding operation is not being performed (non-operational), the bag-holding portion 185 is located at the top of the chamber 140. In other words, when the bag-holding operation is not being performed, the inside of the pipe of the bag-holding mechanism 180 located in the maintenance access section 120 is kept under reduced pressure.

[0023] The bag-holding mechanism 180 incorporates an upper and lower rod 185a (see Figure 9) inside its pipe for moving the bag-holding section 185 up and down. Therefore, when not in operation, the pressure inside the pipe is kept low, stopping the upper and lower rod 185a in its highest position. By releasing the pressure inside the pipe of the bag-holding mechanism 180 (introducing air), the bag-holding section 185 descends due to its own weight. On the other hand, by evacuating the air inside the pipe, the bag-holding section 185 is raised together with the upper and lower rod 185a. The pumping operation described later is performed by repeating this dropping and raising operation (at least twice). The pumping operation is effective in removing wrinkles from the packaging bag 240.

[0024] The movable upper seal block 160a, which constitutes the sealing mechanism, is located in front of the maintenance access section 120. The upper seal block 160a is connected to the vacuum pump 170 and moves up and down by vacuuming and press-fitting operations. The lower seal block 160b, which constitutes the sealing mechanism, is located in front of the drawer section 130. When the drawer section 130 is housed in the chamber 140 and in a sealed state, the upper seal block 160a and the lower seal block 160b are positioned opposite each other. The upper seal block 160a has a sealing heater (not shown) arranged along almost its entire length. The sealing heater is energized during the sealing process, and the heat generated melts the contact area of ​​the packaging bag (vinyl) to seal it.

[0025] Here, the upper seal block 160a is the movable part and descends during the sealing process. On the other hand, the lower seal block 160b is the fixed part and rests on the opening of the packaging bag 240 containing the bedding. Therefore, during the sealing process, the opening of the packaging bag 240 containing the bedding is sandwiched between the upper seal block 160a and the lower seal block 160b, and the sealing heater is energized to seal (seal) the opening. Alternatively, the upper seal block 160a may be the fixed side and the lower seal block 160b may be the movable side. In that case, during the sealing process, the lower seal block 160b is raised, sandwiching the opening between the upper seal block 160a and the lower seal block 160b, and the sealing heater is energized to seal the opening.

[0026] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7, a pulling mechanism 300 is provided between the door 135 and the lower seal block 160b to pull both sides of the packaging bag 240. Since the packaging bag 240 for storing bedding is large (wide), if the opening of the packaging bag 240 is simply placed on the mounting surface of the lower seal block 160b, there is a risk that the opening will become loose. If the opening is loose, it will not be possible to seal it properly. To improve this, the pulling mechanism 300 is used to pull the opening of the packaging bag 240 toward the side walls of the chamber 140, so that the opening is in a taut (flat) shape and placed on the lower seal block 160b.

[0027] Figures 8 to 11 show the connection status with the vacuum pump 170 during the vacuum packing process of the vacuum packing machine 100 for bedding. Figure 8 shows the control operation of the vacuum pump 170 in a sealed state, where the packaging bag 240 containing the bedding is placed in the drawer section 130, and the drawer section 130 is housed in the chamber 140. The shaded areas in Figures 8 to 11 represent the packaging bag 240 containing the bedding. In addition, the black coloring of each on / off valve indicates the "closed" state, and the white coloring indicates the "open" state.

[0028] As shown in Figure 8, in the sealed state with the drawer section 130 housed inside the chamber 140, the control device 400 controls the following: the first on-off valve (solenoid valve) 250 connecting the upper seal block 160a and the vacuum pump 170 to be "closed", the second on-off valve 260 connecting the bag holding mechanism 180 and the vacuum pump 170 to be "open", the third on-off valve 270 connecting the chamber 40 and the vacuum pump 170 to be "closed", and the fourth on-off valve 280 that opens to atmospheric pressure to be "closed". Therefore, due to the depressurization (also called vacuuming) by the vacuum pump 170, a depressurized state is maintained inside the pipe containing the upper and lower rods 185a of the bag holding mechanism 180, so the bag holding section 185 is located at the top of the chamber 140. When the depressurization process is started in this state, the control device 400 opens the third on-off valve 270. Consequently, the air in the chamber 140 is degassed by the depressurization by the vacuum pump 170.

[0029] Figure 9 shows the control operation of the vacuum pump 170 when the depressurization process is performed by combining the operation of reducing the pressure inside the chamber 140 (degassing the air inside the chamber) and the operation of pressing the packaging bag 240 with the bag pressing part 185 of the bag pressing mechanism 180. The control device 400 opens the third on-off valve 270 and degasss the air in the chamber 140 by reducing the pressure using the vacuum pump 170. At the same time, the air in the packaging bag 240 is also degassed. In parallel with this degassing operation, the control device 400 closes the second on-off valve 260, interrupting the vacuum in the pipe of the bag holding mechanism 180, and the bag holding part 185 descends by its own weight. This descending motion pushes down the packaging bag 240, promoting the degassing of the air inside the bag. In other words, since the air inside the packaging bag 240 can be pushed out by the bag holding part 185, the degassing process can be carried out with a low degassing (low pressure linked to the pressing of the bag holding part) even for large items such as blankets.Here, the bag holding part 185 is shown descending in parallel with the degassing operation, but it is also possible to control the bag holding part 185 to descend while the degassing operation is temporarily stopped. Alternatively, a method may be adopted in which air is pushed into the upper and lower rods 185a of the bag-holding mechanism 180 by a vacuum pump 170, thereby lowering the bag-holding portion 185.

[0030] Figure 10 shows the control operation of the vacuum pump 170 after the depressurization operation in the chamber 140 has been completed and the packaging bag 240 has been pressed by the bag presser 185. When the pressure inside the chamber 140 reaches a predetermined value, the control device 400 closes the third on-off valve 270 and stops the vacuum pump 170 from drawing air. Since the second on-off valve 260 remains closed, the bag retainer 185 remains lowered due to its own weight.

[0031] Figure 11 shows the control operation of the vacuum pump 170 during the sealing process, which seals the opening of the packaging bag 240 after degassing is complete. The control device 400 opens the first on-off valve 250 and lowers the upper seal block 160a toward the lower sheet block 160b using pressure from the vacuum pump 170. This causes the opening of the packaging bag 240 to be sandwiched between the upper seal block 160a and the lower sheet block 160b. Then, the sealing heater provided in the upper seal block 160a is energized to seal the opening.

[0032] Then, the second on-off valve 260 is opened to create a vacuum in the pipe containing the upper and lower rods 185a of the bag-holding mechanism 180, raising the bag-holding portion 185 and returning it to its original position. Here, a sealing heater is provided on the upper seal block 160a, but it may also be provided on the lower sheet block 160b side. After the opening is sealed, the control device 400 opens the fourth on-off valve 280 to return the chamber 140 to atmospheric pressure. This allows the drawer unit 130 to be pulled out of the chamber 140, and the vacuum-packed packaging bag 240 can be removed.

[0033] Figure 12 is a flowchart showing the procedure for the vacuum packing process of the vacuum packing machine 100 for bedding. Steps 1 to 3 in Figure 13 show the lowering state of the bag presser 185 during the vacuum packing process. Steps 4 to 6 in Figure 14 show the operation of the bag presser 185 from the sealing process to the final process. The operation of the vacuum packing machine 100 for bedding will be described below with reference to Figures 12 to 14. The user places the bedding into the packaging bag 240 and sets the packaging bag 240 in the drawer section 130 of the vacuum pack packaging machine 100 for bedding (placing the opening on the lower sheet block 160b), preparing the machine to the state shown in Figure 8. The user then places the drawer section 130 into the chamber 140, confirms that the door 135 is tightly closed by turning on the door switch (closed) (S10), and turns on the start button (start) (S20). The control device 400 opens the third on-off valve (vacuum valve) 270 and closes the fourth on-off valve (open valve) 280, as shown in Figure 8. STEP 1 in Figure 13 shows the state inside the chamber 140 when this operation is opened.

[0034] Next, the control device 400 checks that the door is tightly sealed and, once it determines that it is ready for depressurization, activates the vacuum pump 170 to depressurize the chamber 40 for a predetermined time (for example, 20 seconds) (S30). Then, as shown in STEP 2 of Figure 11, the packaging bag 240 gradually expands. Next, as shown in STEP 3 of Figure 11, when the reduced pressure reaches 30%, the control device 400 stops vacuuming the bag holding mechanism 180. Then the bag holding part 185 descends by its own weight and presses down on the packaging bag 240 from above. In this way, the air inside the packaging bag 240 is degassed at a low reduced pressure value (for example, 60% reduced pressure) by using both vacuuming by the vacuum pump 170 and pressing by the bag holding part 185.

[0035] Next, as shown in Figure 11, the control device opens the first on-off valve 250 and the second on-off valve 260. When the first on-off valve 250 is opened, the air pressure from the vacuum pump 170 pushes down a pinton (not shown) that moves the upper seal block 160a, thereby lowering the upper seal block 160a. After a preset descent confirmation time (for example, 2 seconds) has elapsed, the sealing heater provided on the upper seal block 160a is turned ON for a set energizing time (for example, 2 seconds) to seal the opening of the packaging bag 240 sandwiched between the upper seal block 160a and the lower sheet block 160b. Once sealing is complete, the sealing heater is turned OFF to end the sealing process (S40). STEP 4 in Figure 14 shows the state inside the chamber 140 when sealing is complete.

[0036] If the sealing process is complete and there is a specification or operation for wrinkle removal control (Yes in S50), the wrinkle removal process described later is executed (S60). If there is no specification or operation for wrinkle removal control (No in S50), the cooling process (soft release) is executed (S70). The cooling process waits until a preset cooling time (for example, 4 seconds) has elapsed, and then the cooling process is terminated. Once the cooling process and wrinkle removal process are completed, the process of opening the chamber 40 in a reduced pressure state is executed (S80). Finally, the vacuum-packed packaging bag 240 is removed (S90).

[0037] When the opening process S80 begins, the control device 400 stops the operation of the vacuum pump 170 and opens the fourth on-off valve (opening valve) 280 to return the chamber 40 to atmospheric pressure. It also opens the first on-off valve (seal valve) 250 to raise the upper seal block 160a by evacuating with the vacuum pump 170. Steps 5 and 6 in Figure 14 show the state inside the chamber 140 during the opening process. In Step 5, the bag retainer 185 holds down the packaging bag 240 while the pressure inside the chamber 140 is returned to atmospheric pressure. Then, as shown in Step 6, once the pressure inside the chamber 140 reaches atmospheric pressure + 10%, the bag retainer 185 is returned to its original position. Finally, the drawer 30 is pulled out of the chamber 40, and the vacuum-packed packaging bag 240 is removed from the chamber 40.

[0038] Figure 15 shows the state inside the chamber 140 during the wrinkle removal process S60. After the sealing process S40 is completed, the control device 400 opens the third on-off valve 270 and closes the second on-off valve 260, lowering the bag retainer 185, and then uses the vacuum pump 170 to depressurize (re-vacuum) the inside of the chamber 40 again. This re-depressurization causes the packaging bag 240 to expand slightly. As a result, the air in the wrinkled areas inside the expanded packaging bag 240 moves to areas inside the bag that are not being pressed by the bag retainer 185, as shown in STEP 4-1 of Figure 15.

[0039] When the pressure in the chamber 40 reaches a set value (for example, completion pressure + 10-20%), the control device 400 opens the second on-off valve 260 to slightly raise the bag retainer 185, as shown in STEP 4-2 of Figure 15. Next, it closes the second on-off valve 260 to lower the bag retainer 185, as shown in STEP 4-3 of Figure 15. The control device 400 repeatedly opens and closes the second on-off valve 260 to perform bag retainer pumping, raising and lowering the bag retainer 185. Then, once the number of pumping cycles has reached a preset number (at least two), the control device 400 determines that pumping is complete and terminates. The control device then opens the chamber 40 while holding the packaging bag 240 in place with the bag retaining part 185, returning the pressure to atmospheric pressure. This removes wrinkles from the packaging bag 240, resulting in a neatly finished vacuum-packed product.

[0040] Next, with reference to Figures 16 and 17, we will explain the operation of vacuum packing bedding and the display touch panel 110a (also called the operation panel) that displays the operation. The display touch panel 110a of the vacuum packing machine 100 for bedding shows a guide screen for operating the bedding packing machine. The guide screen shows: (1) Place the futon into the machine. (2) Place it inside the drawer. (3) Close the drawer. Instructions are displayed for each step. The user places the bedding into the vacuum packing bag 240 as instructed, sets the bag 240 into the chamber 40, and closes the door 135. After completing this step, the user selects a course.

[0041] When selecting a course, two courses are available: the "mattress / blanket" course and the "down comforter / quilt" course. The pressure reduction values ​​differ between the "mattress / blanket" course and the "down comforter / quilt" course. In other words, since the "down comforter / quilt" is made of a softer material than the "mattress / blanket," it is desirable to set the pressure reduction value lower. For example, if the pressure reduction value for the "mattress / blanket" is 60%, then the pressure reduction value for the "down comforter / quilt" should be 40-50%. After selecting a course, the user inserts the usage fee (for example, 300 yen) into the coin insertion mechanism 110b according to the instructions.

[0042] When the depressurization process begins, the screen of the display touch panel 110a transitions to screen 400, as shown in Figure 16(a). On screen 400, below the guidance display 410 that says "Vacuum packing in progress", a progress bar (display bar) 420 is displayed that shows the progress of the depressurization packing process. The progress bar 420 is a bar whose illumination range progresses (illuminating along the horizontal axis indicating the passage of time) as the pressure inside the chamber 140 decreases, and it displays the progress from the start of pressure reduction to the end of release (until the pressure becomes such that it can be released) in a way that is visible to the user.

[0043] As shown in Figure 16(a), the total time predicted by the instrument, 430 (for example, 53.0 seconds in the figure), is displayed at the bottom of the progress bar 420. The vacuum level (reduced pressure value), 440, displays the current reduced pressure value in the chamber 140 (for example, 49.3% in the figure). Furthermore, the remaining time, 450 (for example, 33 seconds in the figure), is displayed at the top of the progress bar 420. The remaining time, 450, is set to the estimated total process time, which will be described later, and counts down as the operating time elapses.

[0044] The vacuum packing process can be broadly divided into the vacuum process S30, sealing process S40, cooling process S70, and release process S80, as shown in the flowchart in Figure 12. The display touch panel 110a displays the time from "start of vacuum operation to end of release process" using a progress bar 420 and remaining time 450. However, if the vacuum setting value is displayed as a percentage (pressure), the time of the vacuum process cannot be determined, and the time of the release process fluctuates, making it difficult to express in terms of time. Therefore, by adopting a method to calculate the time of all processes in the following manner, it becomes possible to display the progress bar 420 and remaining time 450.

[0045] <Calculation of total travel time> Of the four processes described above, the sealing time T2 in the sealing process S40 and the cooling time T3 in the cooling process S70 can be set in advance based on experimental data, etc. On the other hand, the time of the depressurization process and the time of the release process are variable elements as they differ depending on the material of the packaged item and the state of the vacuum pump and on / off valve, etc. Therefore, the depressurization time T1 in the depressurization process and the release time T4 in the release process are estimated and the total process time is calculated. When a reduction percentage is set, the decompression time T1 is calculated by using the "measured relationship between time and pressure during decompression" to estimate the decompression time. The opening time T4 is calculated using the "measured relationship between time and pressure at opening" from the set pressure reduction value, when a pressure reduction percentage is set. Furthermore, if depressurization is time-based, the estimated depressurization value is determined from the depressurization time, and the estimated release time is then calculated from this value. By adding these three timeframes—depressurization time T1, sealing time T2, cooling time T3, and release time T4—the estimated time for the entire process can be determined. The estimated time is set to 450 minutes remaining at the start of operation and counts down.

[0046] <Controlling remaining time errors during operation> In the vacuum packing process, a discrepancy occurs between the expected time and the actual remaining operating time. Therefore, adjustments for this discrepancy are made at the end of the vacuuming process and at the start of the release process. During the depressurization process, if the depressurization time exceeds the estimated depressurization time, the "remaining time" display of 450 will be temporarily suspended. If the depressurization value (vacuum set pressure) is reached faster than the estimated depressurization time (i.e., it takes less time), the difference between the estimated depressurization time and the actual depressurization time is forcibly subtracted from the depressurization time (countdown) and displayed as "Remaining Time" of 450.

[0047] During the opening process, the current pressure is checked at the start of opening and compared with the assumed pressure. If the current pressure is higher than the assumed pressure, the "remaining time" display of 450 is temporarily paused until the current pressure falls below the assumed pressure and opening occurs. On the other hand, if the current pressure is lower than the assumed pressure, the difference between the assumed opening time at the assumed pressure and the assumed opening time at the current pressure is forcibly subtracted from the opening time T4 and displayed as "remaining time" of 450.

[0048] Finally, for subsequent runs, a "time / pressure relationship calculation correction value" is determined from the previous run data to improve the accuracy of the estimated time in response to environmental changes (execution of the learning function). By performing the above controls, it is possible to manage the entire process from the start of depressurization to the end of release in terms of time.

[0049] Figure 16(b) shows, for example, the screen 460 of the display touch panel 110a, which shows 20 seconds remaining. Figure 17(a) shows, for example, an example screen 470 of the display touch panel 110a with 3 seconds remaining. Figure 17(b) shows, for example, a screen 480 of the display touch panel 110a with 0 seconds remaining (vacuum complete). With 0 seconds remaining (vacuum complete), the progress bar 420 lights up completely to indicate that the opening process has been completed. Also, the message "Please remove the futon" is displayed as guidance 410. The user pulls out the door 135 and removes the vacuum-packed packaging bag 240 from the chamber 140. Then, they close the door 135 to complete all operations.

[0050] (Second Embodiment) Figures 18 to 21 show a second embodiment of a vacuum packing machine for bedding. In the second embodiment of the vacuum packing machine 500 for bedding, the drawer section 530 for storing the packaging bags containing the bedding is housed vertically (in a vertically elongated shape) within the housing 510. This configuration reduces the width (W) of the housing 510. Figure 18 shows a perspective view of the second embodiment of the vacuum packing machine 500 for bedding. The housing 510 has a compact shape that allows for vacuum packaging of bedding, for example, with a width (W) of approximately 600 mm, a height (H) of approximately 1830 mm, and a depth (D) of approximately 1350 mm. The vacuum packing machine 500 for bedding has three layers from top to bottom: an operation panel section 520, a chamber 540 housing a drawer section 530, and a base section 540. The drawer section 530 is retractably mounted inside the chamber 540 of the housing 510.

[0051] Figure 19(a) shows the drawer section 530 of the vacuum packing machine 500 for bedding pulled out from the chamber 540. Figure 19(b) shows the drawer section 530 rotated 90 degrees counterclockwise (or 270 degrees clockwise). Figure 20 shows the configuration of the drawer section 530 and the chamber 540. When using the vacuum packing machine 500 for bedding, as shown in Figure 19(a), the drawer section 530 is pulled out of the chamber 540 of the housing 510 while maintaining its vertical shape. Then, as shown in Figure 19(b), the drawer section 530 pulled out of the chamber 540 is rotated 90 degrees counterclockwise (or 270 degrees clockwise). The drawer section 530 has a drawer slide mechanism, a rotation mechanism, and a locking mechanism.

[0052] As shown in Figure 20, when the drawer section 530 is rotated 90 degrees counterclockwise, the mounting surface 570, which has a sealing mechanism 560, becomes horizontal. This allows the packaging bag 580 (see Figure 20) containing bedding to be easily placed on the mounting surface 570, which has been rotated to a horizontal shape. The packaging bag 580 on the mounting surface 570 is rotated clockwise (or counterclockwise) to return to its shape when it was pulled out. To suppress deformation during this rotation, it is securely tied and fixed, for example, by two belts 590. One or more belts 590 are used depending on the belt width.

[0053] As shown in Figures 19 and 20, when the mounting surface 570 of the drawer section 530 is horizontal, for example, the height (H1) from the bottom surface to the packaging bag 580 is approximately 1060 mm. The length (L1) of the drawer section 530 extended outside the housing 510 is 1400 mm. The width (W1) of the lid of the drawer section 530 is approximately 300 mm, and the height (H2) of the lid is approximately 1000 to 1100 mm. When the lid of the drawer section 530 is in close contact with the chamber frame wall of the housing 510, the chamber 540 becomes a sealed state that can be depressurized.

[0054] Figures 21 and 22 illustrate the work process of the vacuum packing machine 500 for bedding. Figure 21 shows the work process for STEP 1 to 3. STEP 1: To obtain a packaging bag 580, the user pays a fee from the control panel 520 of the vacuum packing machine 500 for bedding and other items. For example, when the user presses the "packaging bag button" on the control panel 520, the packaging bag 580 is automatically discharged from the packaging bag discharge mechanism provided on the base 550.

[0055] STEP 2: The user pulls out the drawer section 530 from the chamber 540 of the housing 510 to a position where it can rotate while maintaining its elongated shape. STEP 3: The user rotates the drawer 530, which has been pulled out from the chamber 540 of the housing 510, 90 degrees counterclockwise to lock it, and sets the mounting surface 570 to a horizontal position. The user places the bedding 210 into the opening of the packaging bag 580, which has been discharged on a workbench (not shown), and moves the packaging bag 580 containing the bedding 210 onto the mounting surface 570.

[0056] Figure 22 shows the following steps 4 to 6. STEP 4 (Work Set): The user places the packaging bag 580 containing the bedding on the placement surface 570. At this time, the opening of the packaging bag 240 (work) is placed on the horizontally oriented first seal block to store the packaging bag 580. STEP 5 (Workpiece Fixing): The user fixes the packaging bag 580 to the mounting surface 570 using one or more belts 590. STEP 6 (Storage in an upright position): The user rotates the drawer section 530, to which the packaging bag 580 is secured by the belt 590, 90 degrees clockwise to return it to its original shape (vertical shape) and stores it inside the housing 510. Afterward, by paying the usage fee via the control panel 520 and pressing the "start button," the vacuum packing machine 500 for bedding and other items performs vacuum packing and sealing for a preset time.

[0057] Figure 23 shows a third embodiment of a vacuum packing machine for bedding. The third embodiment of the vacuum packing machine 600 for bedding has a cassette-type shape, and, like the second embodiment, a drawer section 630 for storing packaging bags 620 containing bedding is vertically stored in the housing 610. The drawer section 630 is vertically elongated and can slide in the front-to-back direction of the housing 610, allowing it to be inserted into and removed from the housing 610. When the drawer section 630 is pulled out from the housing 610, it is in a vertically elongated state, but its mounting surface 640 can be rotated by a predetermined angle (for example, 25 to 35 degrees) on the upper open side by a hinge mechanism at the bottom. This rotation widens the upper open side of the mounting surface 640, making it easier to place packaging bags 620 containing bedding.

[0058] The drawer section 630, on which the packaging bag 620 is placed on the rotated mounting surface 640, is returned to its original vertical shape and placed inside the chamber of the housing 610. Thus, according to the third embodiment of the vacuum packing machine 600 for bedding, the width of the housing 510 can be reduced. In addition, the packaging bag 620 can be placed with the upper open side widened by the rotation mechanism of the mounting surface 640.

[0059] As described above, according to the embodiment, after drying large items such as bedding in a laundry, the bedding can be reduced in size and taken home by vacuum packing it using a vacuum packing machine. Furthermore, it is possible to provide a laundry where the vacuum packing machine for bedding is laid out so that the distance over which large bedding is transported is short and vacuum packing can be done in an assembly line process.

[0060] The laundry equipped with the vacuum packing machine for bedding according to this embodiment has a configuration comprising a bedding dryer 40 for drying bedding, washer-dryers 30a and 30b for washing and drying laundry including bedding, and a vacuum packing machine for bedding 100 (500, 600) for vacuum packing bedding that has been dried or washed using the bedding dryer 40 or washer-dryers 30a and 30b. This allows large items such as bedding to be dried in the laundry and then vacuum-packed using the vacuum packing machine for bedding, making them smaller and easier to take home. Furthermore, it is possible to provide a laundry where the vacuum packing machine for bedding is laid out so that the distance over which large bedding is transported is short and vacuum packing can be performed in an assembly line process.

[0061] Furthermore, the vacuum packing machine 100 (500, 600) for bedding in the laundry of this embodiment is configured to be installed near the bedding dryer 40 or the washing and drying machines 30a, 30b. This allows large items such as bedding to be dried in the laundry and then vacuum-packed in the bedding vacuum packing machine, making them smaller and easier to take home. In addition, it is possible to provide a laundry where the vacuum packing machine for bedding is laid out so that the distance to be carried by large bedding is short and vacuum packing can be done in an assembly line process.

[0062] Furthermore, the vacuum packing machine 100 (500, 600) for bedding in the laundry of this embodiment is configured to be installed adjacent to or opposite the bedding dryer 40 or the washing and drying machine 30a, 30b. This allows large items such as bedding to be dried in the laundry and then vacuum-packed in the bedding vacuum packing machine, making them smaller for customers to take home. In addition, it is possible to provide a laundry where the vacuum packing machine for bedding is laid out so that the distance over which large bedding is transported is short and vacuum packing can be performed in an assembly line process.

[0063] Furthermore, the vacuum packing machine 100 (500, 600) for bedding in the laundry of this embodiment is configured to be installed between the bedding dryer 40 and the washing and drying machines 30a, 30b. This allows large items such as bedding to be dried in the laundry and then vacuum-packed in the bedding vacuum packing machine, making them smaller and easier to take home. In addition, it is possible to provide a laundry where the vacuum packing machine for bedding is laid out so that the distance over which large items of bedding are transported is short and vacuum packing can be performed in an assembly line process.

[0064] The laundry equipped with the vacuum packing machine for bedding according to this embodiment includes a bedding dryer 40 for drying bedding, washer-dryers 30a, 30b for washing and drying laundry including bedding, and a vacuum packing machine for bedding 100 (500, 600) for vacuum packing bedding that has been dried or washed using the bedding dryer 30 or washer-dryers 30a, 30b. The vacuum packing machine for bedding 100 has a payment means 110b for paying usage fees, a chamber 140, a drawer section 130 that is horizontally or vertically stored in the chamber 140 so as to be retractable and which houses a packaging bag 240 containing bedding, a vacuum means 170 for degassing the packaging bag 240 containing bedding by degassing the inside of the chamber 140 with the drawer section 130 stored inside the chamber 140, and sealing means 160a, 160b for sealing the opening of the degassed packaging bag 240. This allows large items such as bedding to be dried in a laundry and then vacuum-packed using a bedding vacuum packing machine, making them smaller for customers to take home. Furthermore, it enables the provision of laundry facilities with bedding vacuum packing machines that minimize the distance over which large items are transported and allow for vacuum packing in an assembly-line fashion.

[0065] Furthermore, the vacuum packing machine 100 (500, 600) for laundry bedding in this embodiment further includes a bag pressing mechanism 180 attached to the chamber 140, which presses the packaging bag 240 with a bag pressing part 185. By using the pressing mechanism 180 in combination with the vacuum packing mechanism, the vacuum packing operation is performed at a low vacuum value. This makes it possible to provide a vacuum packing machine for bedding that can vacuum pack bedding with a simple configuration.

[0066] The embodiments of this invention are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the utility model registration and its equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0067] 100...Vacuum packing machine for bedding, 105...Housing, 110...Control panel 110a...Display touch panel, 110b...Coin insertion mechanism 120...Maintenance access section, 130...Drawer section 130 140... Chamber, 150... Base, 160a... Upper seal block 160b...Lower sheet block, 170...Vacuum pump, 180...Bag holding mechanism 185...Bag retaining section, 200...Storage section, 240...Packaging bag, 250...First on / off valve 260...Second shut-off valve, 270...Third shut-off valve, 280...Fourth shut-off valve 300... Pulling mechanism, 400... Control device 500...Vacuum packing machine for bedding according to the second embodiment, 510...Housing, 520...Operation panel 530...Drawer section 130, 540...Chamber, 550...Base section 560...Seal block, 570...Mounting surface, 580...Packaging bag, 590...Securing belt 600... Third embodiment of vacuum packing machine for bedding

Claims

1. A washing machine for washing laundry including bedding, A futon dryer for drying the aforementioned futons, A vacuum packing machine for bedding that vacuum packs bedding dried using the aforementioned bedding dryer, or bedding washed using the aforementioned washing machine, A laundry store equipped with a vacuum packing machine for bedding.

2. A washing machine for washing laundry including bedding, A futon dryer for drying the aforementioned futons, A vacuum packing machine for bedding that vacuum packs bedding dried using the aforementioned bedding dryer, or bedding washed using the aforementioned washing machine, It has, The aforementioned vacuum packing machine for bedding and other bedding is Chamber and The chamber includes a drawer section that is horizontally or vertically stored so as to be retractable, and which houses the packaging bags containing the bedding, A vacuum means for degassing the inside of a packaging bag containing bedding by reducing the pressure inside the chamber while the drawer is housed in the chamber, A sealing means for sealing the opening of the deaerated packaging bag, A laundry store equipped with a vacuum packing machine for bedding, characterized by having the following features.

3. The aforementioned vacuum packing machine for bedding and other bedding is The chamber is further equipped with a bag-holding mechanism that presses the packaging bag with a bag-holding portion, A laundry store equipped with a vacuum packing machine for bedding, as described in claim 2, characterized in that it performs a vacuum operation at a low vacuum value by using it in combination with the pressing by the bag holding mechanism.

4. A laundry store equipped with a vacuum packing machine for bedding according to claim 3, characterized in that the chamber is formed to accommodate the folded bedding.

5. A laundry store equipped with a vacuum packing machine for bedding according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the vacuum packing machine for bedding is installed near the bedding dryer or the washing machine.

6. The laundry store equipped with the vacuum packing machine for bedding according to claim 5, characterized in that the vacuum packing machine for bedding is installed in conjunction with the bedding dryer or the washing machine.

7. A laundry store equipped with a vacuum packing machine for bedding, as described in claim 6, characterized in that the front sides of the futon dryer, the washing machine, and the vacuum packing machine face the same direction.

8. The laundry store equipped with the vacuum packing machine for bedding according to claim 5, characterized in that the vacuum packing machine for bedding is installed opposite the bedding dryer or the washing machine.

9. A laundry store equipped with a vacuum packing machine for bedding according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the vacuum packing machine for bedding is installed between the bedding dryer and the washing machine.

10. A laundry store equipped with a vacuum packing machine for bedding according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a work table for placing the packing bags so that the bedding can be contained within the packing bags, the work table being configured to be movable within the laundry.

11. A laundry store equipped with a vacuum packing machine for bedding, as described in 10, characterized in that the work table is foldable.

12. The aforementioned vacuum packing machine for bedding and other bedding is A laundry store equipped with a vacuum packing machine for bedding, as described in claim 2, further comprising a base for removably housing the aforementioned packaging bags.

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