Laundry sorting device and linen supply system

Abstract

To provide a laundry sorting device and linen supply system that does not require skilled sorting workers, secures workspace for sorting, reduces the workload for input and sorting workers, and reduces the number of belt conveyors used. [Solution] The laundry sorting device sorts a clump of laundry consisting of one or more types of linen products. The laundry sorting device includes an input sorting belt conveyor 11 into which the clump of laundry is fed and which transports one type of linen product that makes up the sorted clump of laundry, and one or more parallel sorting belt conveyors 12 that are arranged in parallel with the input sorting belt conveyor 11 and transport linen products of a different type from the linen products that are sorted from the clump of laundry and transported by the input sorting belt conveyor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a laundry sorting device and a linen supply system.

Background Art

[0002] Linen products used in hotels, hospitals, factories, etc. are received at a linen supply factory. The used linen products received at the linen supply factory are sorted, then washed, dehydrated, dried, and finally finished and shipped.

[0003] Linen products vary depending on the shipping source, and are sorted by type and received at the linen supply factory. However, linen products used in hotels, factories, etc. may be received together, for example, sheets, pillowcases, and covers used on beds. In this case, the pillowcases and covers are received as a lump of laundry wrapped in a sheet.

[0004] Since it is preferable to wash by type, it is necessary to sort the linen products of the same type from the lump of laundry. However, in the conventional sorting using a series of belt conveyors, there are variations in the work load between the removal and sorting of linen products and variations in the work load between the sorting staff, resulting in reduced productivity. Therefore, studies have been conducted to reduce the labor required to sort the linen products received at the linen supply factory.

[0005] For example, Patent Document 1 proposes a sorting device for solving the problems of sorting by a series of belt conveyors. Specifically, the sorting device described in Patent Document 1 includes a first conveying means for conveying linen products from a cart by an input operator to a position where a sorting staff is arranged on a belt conveyor, a sorting station for sorting the linen products conveyed by the first conveying means, and a second conveying means for conveying the linen products sorted at the sorting station to a sorted product storage means.

Prior Art Documents

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6748677 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] However, the technology described in Patent Document 1 requires the combination of multiple belt conveyors when the belt conveyor is located away from the sorting workers. More specifically, in order to load linen products onto a belt conveyor arranged at a location away from the sorting workers, it is necessary to provide a separate belt conveyor in a direction perpendicular to the loading direction, as disclosed in Patent Document 1.

[0008] In the sorting device described in Patent Document 1, eight belt conveyors are required on the sorting side alone to sort five types of linen products. Furthermore, the first receiving means is also composed of multiple belt conveyors. Therefore, in the sorting device described in Patent Document 1, at least nine belt conveyors are required from the time the five types of linen products are fed into the first transport means to when they are fed into the sorted product receiving means.

[0009] Considering this configuration, at least five conveyor belts would be practical for sorting a clump of laundry consisting of three types: sheets, pillows, and covers. Specifically, at least one conveyor belt would transport the incoming linen products in front of the sorting worker, three conveyor belts would be arranged in parallel in the direction opposite to the direction of linen product transport, and at least one conveyor belt would be positioned perpendicular to the direction of arrival.

[0010] Furthermore, in the sorting device described in Patent Document 1, the sorting position for the sorting worker is the end position of the first loading mechanism's transport. Although a transport stopping mechanism is provided, the sorting worker's skill is necessary to ensure that sorting does not stall. In addition, since the sorting space is extremely limited, improvements in work efficiency are also necessary.

[0011] Furthermore, in the sorting device described in Patent Document 1, the input worker separates the bulk of laundry into individual linen products before transporting them to the sorting worker. The sorting worker then needs to sort each linen product onto a designated conveyor belt. For this reason, the sorting worker needs to grasp all of the transported linen products by hand. When handling linen products, from the perspective of improving work efficiency, it would be better for the aforementioned worker to minimize the effort required to sort the linen products.

[0012] In recent years, with the declining population, it has become increasingly difficult to employ the aforementioned workers, and there is a demand for equipment that can perform sorting tasks without requiring specialized skills. Furthermore, in order to reduce costs, there is also a demand to reduce the number of conveyor belts.

[0013] The object of the present invention is to provide a laundry sorting device and a linen supply system that do not require skilled sorting workers, secure workspace for sorting, reduce the effort required from inputting and sorting workers, and reduce the number of belt conveyors used. [Means for solving the problem]

[0014] The inventors diligently studied how to construct a new laundry sorting device that does not require skilled sorters. First, they focused on the fact that sorting could be performed relatively easily without requiring skilled workers if a wide workspace was secured, rather than the narrow workspace described in Patent Document 1. They then focused on performing the work along the direction of transport of the belt conveyor into which the bundles of laundry wrapped in sheets were fed.

[0015] If sorting can be performed along the conveying direction of the belt conveyor, a workspace equal to the length of the belt conveyor can be secured. Furthermore, it was found that work efficiency is improved because the work position is not fixed.

[0016] However, with this type of sorting, if the worker simply loads the laundry in clumps, they will face the challenge of sorting on a single conveyor belt, as described in Patent Document 1. In particular, linen products such as pillows and covers arrive as clumps of laundry wrapped in sheets. As a result, the sorter has to pick up each linen product one by one and load them onto the designated conveyor belt, which reduces work efficiency.

[0017] Therefore, the inventors conceived of a belt conveyor system in which a clump of laundry is fed in and sorted, and in which one type of linen product, such as sheets, pillows, and covers, is transported from the clump of laundry, while another belt conveyor system is installed alongside it. With such a configuration, other sorted linen products can be transported.

[0018] Furthermore, since sheets typically enclose pillows and other linen items, sorters can lift and shake the clumps of laundry, causing the pillows and other items wrapped in sheets to fall onto the conveyor belt. This eliminates the need for sorters to pick up small linen items such as pillows.

[0019] Furthermore, it was found that if one or more belt conveyors are installed side-by-side according to the type of linen product, sheets and other items separated from the bulk laundry can be easily transported by being fed into the installed belt conveyors. With such a configuration, if the bulk laundry consists of three types of linen products—sheets, covers, and pillows—it was found that the separated linen products can be transported by three belt conveyors.

[0020] Unlike the invention described in Patent Document 1, a sorting device with this configuration can operate along the direction of transport of clumps of laundry, reduces the number of belt conveyors used, and allows for easy sorting of laundry without requiring skilled personnel. Based on these findings, the present invention is as follows:

[0021] (1) A laundry sorting device for sorting a bulk laundry composed of one or more linen products, comprising: An input sorting belt conveyor into which the bulk laundry is loaded and which conveys one type of linen product among the linen products constituting the sorted bulk laundry; One or more parallel sorting belt conveyors arranged side by side with the input sorting belt conveyor, which sort out different types of linen products from the bulk laundry and convey the linen products different from those conveyed by the input sorting belt conveyor; The laundry sorting device is characterized by comprising the above components.

[0022] (2) The laundry sorting device according to (1) above, wherein side walls are provided on at least one of the side portions of each of the input sorting belt conveyor and the parallel sorting belt conveyor.

[0023] (3) The laundry sorting device according to (1) or (2) above, wherein side walls are provided on both side portions of the input sorting belt conveyor, and the height of the side wall on the side of the parallel sorting belt conveyor is higher than the height of the other side wall.

[0024] (4) The laundry sorting device according to (2) or (3) above, wherein the height of the side wall on the side of the input sorting belt conveyor provided on the parallel sorting belt conveyor adjacent to the input sorting belt conveyor is not higher than the height of the side wall on the side of the parallel sorting belt conveyor provided on the input sorting belt conveyor.

[0025] (5) When the parallel sorting belt conveyor adjacent to the input sorting belt conveyor is taken as the first sorting belt conveyor, the laundry sorting device further comprises a second sorting belt conveyor adjacent to the first sorting belt conveyor. Among the side walls provided on the second sorting belt conveyor, the height of the upper end portion of the side wall on the side of the first sorting belt conveyor is not lower than the height of the upper end portion of the side wall on the side of the second sorting belt conveyor provided on the first sorting belt conveyor. The laundry sorting device according to any one of (2) to (4) above.

[0026] (6) The side wall provided in the second sorting belt conveyor, wherein a second sorting flange protruding toward the input sorting belt conveyor is provided at the upper end of the side wall on the first sorting belt conveyor side, the laundry sorting device according to (5) above.

[0027] (7) Among the side walls provided in the input sorting belt conveyor, an input sorting flange protruding toward the first sorting belt conveyor is provided at the upper end of the side wall on the first sorting belt conveyor side, the laundry sorting device according to any one of (2) to (6) above.

[0028] (8) Further, a third belt conveyor arranged below the input sorting belt conveyor is provided, and when the bulk laundry is composed of one type of linen product, the third belt conveyor conveys the one type of linen product, the laundry sorting device according to any one of (1) to (7) above.

[0029] (9) Further, a fourth belt conveyor adjacent to the second sorting belt conveyor and a fifth belt conveyor adjacent to the fourth belt conveyor are provided, the laundry sorting device according to any one of (5) to (8) above.

[0030] (10) A linen supply system in which sorting, washing, pressure dehydration, drying, storage, finishing, and shipping of various incoming linen products are performed in this order, In the sorting of linen products, the laundry sorting device according to any one of (2) to (9) above is used, a linen supply system characterized by this.

[0031] (11) A linen supply system according to (10) above, comprising a compressed dehydrated body storage for storing the compressed dehydrated body after compression dehydration.

[0032] (12) The compressed dehydrated body storage A compressed dehydrated body storage shelf for storing the compressed dehydrated body in which the linen product is compressed and dehydrated into a predetermined shape by compression dehydration, A compressed dewatered material loading machine that loads compressed dewatered materials into a compressed dewatered material storage rack, A compressed dewatering material unloading machine that unloads compressed dewatering materials stored in a storage rack to a dryer used for drying, and The linen supply system described in (11) above, comprising the above.

[0033] (13) The compressed dewatered material loading machine is located at the end of the compressed dewatered material storage rack on the side into which the compressed dewatered material is loaded. The linen supply system according to (12) above, wherein the compressed dewatered material discharger is installed at the end of the compressed dewatered material storage rack on the side from which the compressed dewatered material is discharged, and / or on the side of the compressed dewatered material storage rack.

[0034] (14) The linen supply system as described in (12) or (13) above, wherein the storage rack for compressed and dewatered materials is a belt conveyor.

[0035] (15) A conveyor belt is provided to transport the compressed and dewatered body, which has undergone compression and dewatering, to the compressed and dewatered body loading machine. The linen supply system according to (14) above, wherein the conveying belt and / or the belt conveyor constituting the storage rack for compressed and dewatered materials is equipped with an antimicrobial agent sprayer for spraying an antimicrobial agent onto the compressed and dewatered materials.

[0036] (16) A washing machine for washing linen products comprises a washing machine body, a washing monitor, and a washing control device. A compression dewatering machine for compressing and dewatering linen products comprises a compression dewatering machine body and a compression dewatering control device. A storage cabinet for compressed and dewatered linen products is further equipped with a storage control device for compressed and dewatered linen products. The washing control device is The washing monitor includes a linen product list information display unit that displays a list of linen products that can be introduced into the washing machine, A linen product information acquisition unit retrieves selected linen product information from the linen product list information displayed in the linen product list information display unit. A washing condition information acquisition unit acquires washing condition information based on linen product information acquired by the linen product information acquisition unit, A washing condition information transmission unit transmits the washing condition information acquired by the washing condition information acquisition unit to the washing machine body. A laundry linen product information transmission unit transmits the linen product information acquired by the linen product information acquisition unit to the compression and dewatering control device as laundry linen product information. Equipped with, The compression dewatering control device is A laundry linen product information receiving unit receives laundry linen product information transmitted from a laundry linen product information transmitting unit, A compression dewatering condition information acquisition unit acquires compression dewatering condition information based on laundry linen product information received by the laundry linen product information receiving unit, A compression dewatering condition information transmission unit transmits the compression dewatering condition information acquired by the compression dewatering condition information acquisition unit to the compression dewatering machine body. A compressed dewatered linen product information transmission unit transmits the laundry linen product information received by the laundry linen product information receiving unit as compressed dewatered linen product information to the compressed dewatered body storage control device, Equipped with, The compressed dewatered body storage control device is A compressed dehydrated linen product information receiving unit receives compressed dehydrated linen product information transmitted from a compressed dehydrated linen product information transmitting unit, A compressed dewatered linen product information receiving unit acquires compressed dewatered linen product information based on the compressed dewatered linen product information received by the compressed dewatered linen product information receiving unit, and a compressed dewatered linen product input location information acquisition unit acquires compressed dewatered linen product input location information, A compressed dewatered body loading position information transmission unit transmits the compressed dewatered body loading position information acquired by the compressed dewatered body loading position information acquisition unit to the compressed dewatered body loading machine. A linen supply system according to any one of the above items (12) to (15), comprising the above.

[0037] (17) A dryer for drying linen products comprises multiple dryer bodies and a drying control device, The drying control device includes an idle dryer information acquisition unit that acquires information on idle dryer units from multiple dryer units, A dried linen product information acquisition unit acquires dried linen product information based on the dryer body information acquired by the non-operating dryer information acquisition unit, A dried linen product information transmission unit transmits the dried linen product information acquired by the dried linen product information acquisition unit to the compressed dewatered body storage control device, Equipped with, The compressed dewatered body storage control device further includes, A dried linen product information receiving unit receives dried linen product information transmitted from the dried linen product information transmission unit of the drying control device, Based on the dried linen product information received by the dried linen product information receiving unit, the dried compressed dehydrated body storage location information acquisition unit acquires the storage location information of the compressed dehydrated body to be dried, which is the location information of the storage of the compressed dehydrated body to be dried. The unit that transmits the storage location information of the compressed dewatered material to be dried, acquired by the storage location information acquisition unit, to the compressed dewatered material unloading machine in the compressed dewatered material storage room, and the unit that transmits the storage location information of the compressed dewatered material to be dried, and A linen supply system as described in (16) above, comprising the above.

[0038] (18) The compressed dewatered body storage control device further, The discharged linen product information transmission unit transmits the dried linen product information received by the dried linen product information receiving unit to the drying control device as discharged linen product information. Equipped with, The drying control device further, A linen product information receiving unit receives linen product information transmitted by a linen product information transmission unit, A drying condition information acquisition unit acquires drying condition information based on the linen product information received by the linen product information receiving unit, A drying condition information transmission unit transmits the drying condition information acquired by the drying condition information acquisition unit to the dryer body, A linen supply system as described in (17) above, comprising the above.

[0039] (19) A linen supply factory equipped with a linen supply system as described in any one of items (11) to (18) above.

[0040] (20) The first factory, which handles everything from the arrival of linen products to the shipment of compressed and dewatered bodies, The second factory handles everything from receiving compressed and dewatered materials shipped from the first factory to shipping linen products, A linen supply factory as described in (19) above, which is equipped with the following:

[0041] (21) The linen supply factory described in (20) above, wherein the first factory and / or the second factory are equipped with a storage facility for compressed and dewatered materials.

[0042] (22) A linen supply factory as described in (19) or (20) above, wherein the transport of compressed and dewatered bodies from the first factory to the second factory is carried out by a transport vehicle equipped with a platform having shelves that can be moved up and down.

[0043] (23) The transport vehicles are used to transport linen products arriving at the first factory and linen products being shipped out from the second factory, as described in (22) above. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0044] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the configuration of a linen supply factory equipped with the linen supply system according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a flowchart of the processes carried out at the linen supply factory shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the configuration of a linen supply factory according to this embodiment, which consists of a first factory equipped with an area for receiving and storing linen products and a storage area for storing compressed and dehydrated materials, and a second factory that handles the area from drying to shipping. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a flowchart of the processes carried out at the linen supply factory shown in Figure 3. [Figure 5]Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a transport vehicle used to transport linen products in the linen supply factory shown in Figure 1 or Figure 3. Figure 5(a) shows the transport vehicle with a rack for compressed and dewatered materials arranged on the cargo bed, and Figure 5(b) shows the transport vehicle with the rack for compressed and dewatered materials folded up on top of the cargo bed. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a laundry sorting device according to this embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a schematic perspective view showing another example of the laundry sorting device according to this embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a schematic perspective view showing another example of the laundry sorting device according to this embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a schematic perspective view showing another example of the laundry sorting device according to this embodiment; Figure 9(a) is a schematic top view of the laundry sorting device shown in Figure 8 with two additional belt conveyors installed side by side; and Figure 9(b) is a list of clumps of laundry and five types of linen products. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows an example of the arrival status of laundry from a hotel. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a perspective view showing an example of a compressed dewatered material storage facility. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a perspective view showing a different example of a compressed dewatered material storage facility from the one shown in Figure 11. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a perspective view showing an example of a belt conveyor that constitutes the shelves used in the compressed dewatered material storage racks that make up the compressed dewatered material storage facility shown in Figure 11 or Figure 12. The perspective view shows an example in which the belt conveyors that make up the shelves are arranged in a series such that the conveying surface gradually gets lower from the belt conveyor on the loading side to the belt conveyor on the unloading side. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a perspective view showing an example of a belt conveyor that constitutes the shelves used in the compressed dewatered material storage rack that makes up the compressed dewatered material storage facility shown in Figure 12. [Figure 15]Figure 15 is an enlarged perspective view of the first rotating belt conveyor shown in Figure 14. Figure 15(a) shows the state after the compressed dewatered body has moved onto the first rotating belt conveyor, and Figure 15(b) shows the state when the first rotating belt conveyor is rotating in the direction of the arrow. [Figure 16] Figure 16 is a partially enlarged side view of a belt conveyor different from the one shown in Figure 14. Figure 16(a) shows the compressed dewatered body reaching the space between the two belt conveyors shown in Figure 9. Figure 16(b) shows the second rotating belt conveyor rising and lifting the compressed dewatered body. Figure 16(c) shows the state after the second rotating belt conveyor, which lifted the compressed dewatered body, has rotated 90°. [Figure 17] Figure 17 is a hardware configuration diagram of the control device used in this embodiment. [Figure 18] Figure 18 is a functional configuration diagram of the control devices used in this embodiment, where Figure 18(a) is a functional configuration diagram of the washing control device, Figure 18(b) is a functional configuration diagram of the compression dewatering control device, and Figure 18(c) is a functional configuration diagram of the compression dewatered body storage control device. [Figure 19] Figure 19 is an activity diagram of the washing control device, the compression dewatering control device, and the compressed dewatered body storage control device. [Figure 20] Figure 20 shows an example of the linen product selection screen displayed on the washing monitor of a washing control device. [Figure 21] Figure 21 shows an example of information acquired by the washing control device, the compression dewatering control device, and the compressed dewatered body storage control device, respectively. Figure 21(a) shows information indicating the washing conditions for each linen product, Figure 21(b) shows information indicating the compression dewatering conditions for each linen product, and Figure 21(c) shows information indicating the storage location for each linen product that makes up the compressed dewatered body. [Figure 22] Figure 22 is a functional configuration diagram of the control device used in this embodiment, and is also a functional configuration diagram of a different form of compressed dewatered body storage control device and drying control device. [Figure 23] Figure 23 shows the activity diagrams of a different configuration of a compressed dewatered body storage control device and a drying control device. [Figure 24] Figure 24 shows an example of information obtained by the drying control device, which includes washing conditions for each linen product and information about the washing machine itself.

[0045] The present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited to this embodiment. Furthermore, preferred embodiments of the present invention can be combined with each other.

[0046] 1. Linen supply systems and linen supply factories Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the configuration of a linen supply factory 1 equipped with the linen supply system according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the linen supply factory 1 according to this embodiment includes an incoming linen product receiving and storage area 2, a sorting area 3 for sorting incoming linen products, a washing area 4 for washing the sorted linen products, a compression and dewatering area 5 for forming compressed and dewatered bodies of a predetermined shape by compression and dewatering the washed linen products, a compressed and dewatered body storage area 6 for storing the compressed and dewatered bodies after compression and dewatering, a drying area 7 for drying the discharged compressed and dewatered bodies, a finishing area 8 for finishing the dried linen products, and a shipping area 9 for shipping the finished linen products. Each area 2 to 9 is connected by a belt conveyor, and the linen products processed in each area 2 to 8 are transported to the next area by the belt conveyor.

[0047] The linen supply system according to this embodiment functions by having a linen supply factory 1 equipped with areas 1 to 9. Each area will be described using Figures 1 and 2.

[0048] Figure 2 is a flowchart of the processes carried out at linen supply factory 1 shown in Figure 1. In the receiving storage area 2, linen products used in hotels and other establishments, as well as those received from trucks, are stored until the sorting process begins (S1). The arrows to receiving storage area 2 in Figure 1 represent the arrival of linen products. In the sorting area 3, the linen products stored in receiving storage area 2 are sorted (S2).

[0049] In the washing area 4, the sorted linen products are transported to the washing machines by a conveyor belt or similar means, and the transported linen products are introduced into the washing machines for washing (S3). In the compression dewatering area 5, the washed linen products are compressed and dewatered, and the linen products are formed into compressed dewatered bodies, such as cylindrical bodies (S4).

[0050] In the compressed dewatered material storage area 6, the compressed dewatered materials are transported by a belt conveyor to a compressed dewatered material storage cabinet located in the compressed dewatered material storage area 6 and stored there until drying is performed (S5). Details of the configuration of the compressed dewatered material storage cabinet will be described later. In the drying area 7, the compressed dewatered materials are transported from the compressed dewatered material storage area 6 by a belt conveyor or the like, and the linen products are dried in a dryer (S6). In the finishing area 8, the dried linen products are finished using a roll ironer or the like (S7). In addition, the finished linen products may be inspected in the finishing area 8.

[0051] In shipping area 9, finished linen products are loaded onto trucks or other vehicles and shipped (S8). The arrows in shipping area 2 shown in Figure 1 represent the shipment of linen products. Shipping area 9 may also include a storage area where linen products are stored until the shipping date.

[0052] As shown in Figure 1, a factory equipped with a linen supply system from the arrival to the shipment of linen products can handle the entire process from arrival to shipment in a single factory. However, in some regions, wastewater treatment is not possible. Therefore, factories requiring wastewater treatment may be built in areas where wastewater treatment is possible, while factories with processes that do not require wastewater treatment may be built in metropolitan areas or other regions where wastewater treatment regulations are strict.

[0053] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a linen supply factory in another embodiment of this linen supply system, comprising a first factory 1a which includes a linen product receiving and storage area 2a and a compressed dewatered material storage area 6a for storing compressed dewatered materials, and a second factory 1b which handles the drying area 7b and the shipping area 9b. Each area will be explained using Figures 3 and 4.

[0054] As shown in Figure 3, the first factory 1a may include the area from the incoming storage area 2 to the compressed dewatered material storage area 6 of the linen supply factory 1 shown in Figure 1. Steps S11 to S15 in Figure 4 are the same as steps S1 to S5 in Figure 2, so their explanation is omitted.

[0055] The compressed dewatered materials stored in the compressed dewatered material storage area 6a are the smallest in volume within the linen supply system because they have been compressed and dewatered, making them transportable by truck or other means. For this reason, the compressed dewatered material storage area 6a of the first factory 1a may be equipped with a separate unloading area. The compressed dewatered materials stored in the compressed dewatered material storage area 6a are then unloaded from the first factory 1a to the second factory 1b (S16). The arrows in the compressed dewatered material storage area 6a shown in Figure 3 represent the unloading of the compressed dewatered materials.

[0056] The compressed and dewatered material that has been shipped out is then brought into the drying area 7b of the second factory 1b and dried in a dryer installed in the drying area 7b (S17). The arrow to the drying area 7b shown in Figure 3 represents the arrival of the compressed and dewatered material.

[0057] A compressed dewatering storage facility for storing the delivered compressed dewatering materials may be installed in the drying area 7b. This compressed dewatering storage facility may be the same as the one installed in the compressed dewatering storage area 6a. The compressed dewatering storage facility may be installed in the drying area 7b, or the same area as the compressed dewatering storage area 6a may be placed in front of the drying area 7b of the second plant. The compressed dewatering storage area 6a may be installed in the first plant 1a or the second plant 1b, or it may be installed in either the first plant 1a or the second plant 1b.

[0058] This configuration reduces the effort required to check the operating status of the dryer in the second factory 1b when transporting the compressed dewatered material from the first factory 1a. The compressed dewatered material stored in the storage facility is then introduced into the dryer as appropriate, depending on the operating status of the dryer.

[0059] As shown in Figure 3, the second factory 1b includes the drying area 7 to the shipping area 9 of the linen supply factory 1 shown in Figure 1. Steps S17 to S20 in Figure 4 are the same as steps S6 to S8 in Figure 2, so their explanation is omitted.

[0060] As shown in Figure 3, even when the linen supply factory 1 shown in Figure 1 is divided into a first factory 1a and a second factory 1b, it is possible to employ the same system as the linen supply system according to this embodiment, except that the compressed and dewatered material is transported from the first factory 1a and brought into the drying area 6b of the second factory 1b.

[0061] The transport of compressed and dewatered materials from the first factory 1a to the second factory 1b may be carried out by a transport vehicle equipped with a platform on which shelves that can be moved vertically are provided. Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a transport vehicle 20 used for transporting linen products in the linen supply factory shown in Figure 1 or Figure 3, where Figure 5(a) shows the state in which the shelves 20b for compressed and dewatered materials are arranged on the platform 20a of the transport vehicle 20, and Figure 5(b) shows the state in which the shelves 20b for compressed and dewatered materials are folded up on top of the platform 20a.

[0062] As shown in Figure 5(a), the transport vehicle 20 has a shelf 20b for compressed dewatered materials on its loading platform 20a, and compressed dewatered materials 20c are loaded onto the shelf 20b. Also, as shown in Figure 5(b), the transport vehicle 20 has the shelf 20b for compressed dewatered materials folded up on top of the loading platform 20a, and sling bags 20e for storing used linen products can be loaded into the lower part of the loading platform 20a.

[0063] Conventional transport vehicles lack a shelf 20b for compressed dewatered materials, and the compressed dewatered materials 20c must be placed directly on the loading platform 20a. However, especially in summer, the compressed dewatered materials 20c tend to emit unpleasant odors. To maintain ventilation, it was necessary to provide at least a shelf 20b for compressed dewatered materials on the loading platform 20a. However, if the loading platform 20a is permanently installed in the position shown in Figure 5(a), it becomes impossible to load the sling bags as shown in Figure 5(b), thus requiring at least two transport vehicles.

[0064] Therefore, in the linen supply factory according to this embodiment, as shown in Figures 5(a) and 5(b), a transport vehicle 20 can be used in which the compressed dewatering body rack 20b can move up and down within the loading platform 20a. Thus, it is possible to transport both the compressed dewatering body 20c and the sling bags 20e with a single transport vehicle. The transport vehicle 20 is equipped with a slide 20d, for example, as shown in Figure 5(b), and the slide 20d allows the compressed dewatering body rack 20b to move up and down within the loading platform 20a. In addition, similar to conventional transport vehicles, the transport vehicle 20 may be equipped with a rear side panel 20f and a shutter (not shown) provided at the opening of the loading platform 20a.

[0065] The reason why this series of linen supply systems can be divided into two is that linen products can be stored as compressed and dehydrated bodies. Compressed and dehydrated bodies have the smallest volume of linen products in the series of processes, are in a dehydrated state, and are easy to transport.

[0066] Furthermore, as mentioned above, the compressed dewatered body storage area 6a may be installed in the first factory 1a and / or the second factory 1b, but the transport vehicle 20 may be used as a substitute for the compressed dewatered body storage facility installed in the compressed dewatered body storage area 6a. For example, if the compressed dewatered bodies that have been compressed dewatered in the compressed dewatering area 5 are transported directly to the transport vehicle 20 by a belt conveyor, the compressed dewatered bodies can be temporarily stored on the compressed dewatered body shelves 20b of the transport vehicle 20. Also, depending on the operating status of the dryers in the second factory 1b, the compressed dewatered bodies can be transported to the second factory 1b by the transport vehicle 20 at any time.

[0067] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, if the compressed dewatered material storage area 6a is located in the first factory 1a, the transport vehicle 20 may transport the compressed dewatered material from the first factory 1a to the second factory 1b, and then directly introduce the compressed dewatered material from the transport vehicle 20 to the dryer in the drying area 7b. Alternatively, if compressed dewatered material is stored in all the shelves of the compressed dewatered material storage facility, the transport vehicle 20 can temporarily store the compressed dewatered material, thus supplementing the compressed dewatered material storage facility.

[0068] 2. Laundry sorting device Figure 6 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a laundry sorting device 10 according to this embodiment. The laundry sorting device 10 shown in Figure 6 sorts clumps of laundry consisting of multiple types of linen products. The laundry sorting device 10 comprises an input sorting belt conveyor 11 and two parallel sorting belt conveyors 12 and 13. The belt conveyors used in this embodiment may be general-purpose belt conveyors similar to those used in the past.

[0069] The input and sorting belt conveyors 11 and 12 receive lumps of laundry from an input worker (not shown in Figure 6) on the upstream side, sort the lumps of laundry from a sorting worker 50-1, and transport one type of sorted linen product to the washing machine. Since the input and sorting of lumps of laundry are performed on a single belt conveyor, the sorting workspace is expanded by the length of the input and sorting belt conveyor 11, improving work efficiency. In addition, because the input direction of the lumps of laundry and the transport direction of the sorted linen products are the same, a wide workspace can be secured, which helps to prevent delays in the sorting and transport of linen products.

[0070] As shown in Figure 6, the input sorting belt conveyor 11 preferably has a side wall 11a and / or 11b on at least one of its sides. The presence of the side wall 11a and / or 11b prevents linen products from falling off the input sorting belt conveyor 11 during sorting.

[0071] More preferably, as shown in Figure 6, side walls 11a and 11b are provided on both sides of the input sorting belt conveyor 11, with the height of the side wall 11a on the parallel sorting belt conveyor 12 side being higher than the height of the other side wall 11b. Because the side wall 11b on the sorting worker 50-1 side is lower, it is less likely to interfere with the sorting worker 50-1's work, and the sorting worker 50-1's work efficiency is improved. Accordingly, if the height of the side wall 11a on the parallel sorting belt conveyor 12 side is higher, it is possible to prevent the sorted linen products from being mistakenly fed into the parallel sorting belt conveyor 12 during the sorting operation.

[0072] More preferably, side walls 12a and 12b are provided on both sides of the parallel sorting belt conveyor 12 adjacent to the input sorting belt conveyor 11, and the height of the side wall 12b on the input sorting belt conveyor 11 side is less than or equal to the height of the side wall 11a on the parallel sorting belt conveyor 12 side of the input sorting belt conveyor 11. This makes it easier to feed one type of linen product sorted on the input sorting belt conveyor 11 into the parallel sorting belt conveyor 12.

[0073] The parallel sorting belt conveyors 12 and 13 are installed alongside the input sorting belt conveyor 11. Linen products of a different type from those sorted from the bulk laundry and transported by the input sorting belt conveyor are loaded onto the parallel sorting belt conveyors 12 and 13 by sorting workers 50-1 and transported there. When viewed from above in Figure 6, the three belt conveyors 11-13 are installed almost parallel to each other, making it easy to load the sorted linen products.

[0074] From the viewpoint of facilitating the installation of the parallel sorting belt conveyors 12 and 13, it is preferable that the conveying direction of the parallel sorting belt conveyors 12 and 13 be the same as that of the input sorting belt conveyor 11. However, if each sorted linen product is used for a different washing machine, and the washing machines are located in separate locations, the parallel sorting belt conveyors 12 and 13 do not necessarily need to be approximately parallel to the input sorting belt conveyor 11, as long as the sorting worker can load the linen products.

[0075] Preferably, the parallel sorting belt conveyors 12 and 13, like the input sorting belt conveyor 11, are provided with side walls 12a, 12b, 13a, and 13b on at least one side of each. This is to prevent the misfeeding of sorted linen products and to prevent linen products from falling during transport.

[0076] In this embodiment shown in Figure 6, when the parallel sorting belt conveyor 12 adjacent to the input sorting belt conveyor 11 is designated as the first sorting belt conveyor 12, a second sorting belt conveyor 13 adjacent to the first sorting belt conveyor 12 may also be provided. In this case, more preferably, the height of the upper end of the side wall 13b on the first sorting belt conveyor 12 side of the second sorting belt conveyor 13 may be greater than or equal to the height of the side wall 12a on the second sorting belt conveyor 13 side of the first sorting belt conveyor 12.

[0077] If the height of the side wall 12a on the first sorting belt conveyor 12 is higher than the height of the side wall 13b on the second sorting belt conveyor 13, the second sorting belt conveyor 13 will be far from the sorting worker 50-1 and hidden by the first sorting belt conveyor 12, making it difficult to determine whether the sorting worker 50-1 has placed linen products onto the second sorting belt conveyor 13. Furthermore, because the distance between the first sorting belt conveyor 12 and the second sorting belt conveyor 13 is narrow, if the height of the side wall 12a on the first sorting belt conveyor 12 is higher than the height of the side wall 13b on the second sorting belt conveyor 13, it will not be possible to install the second sorting flange 13c. This poses a risk of incorrectly placing linen products. Therefore, more preferably, as described above, the height of the side wall 13b on the first sorting belt conveyor 12 side of the second sorting belt conveyor 13 is greater than or equal to the height of the side wall 12a on the second sorting belt conveyor 13 side of the first sorting belt conveyor 12.

[0078] More preferably, the second sorting belt conveyor 13 may have side walls 13a and 13b, and a second sorting flange 13c may be provided at the upper end of the side wall 13b on the input sorting belt conveyor 11 side, extending toward the input sorting belt conveyor 11. Since the second sorting belt conveyor 13 is far from the sorting worker 50-1, there is a risk of accidentally feeding linen products into the second sorting belt conveyor 13. However, as shown in Figure 6, by providing the second sorting flange 13c, linen products can be fed into the second sorting belt conveyor 13 more accurately.

[0079] The second sorting flange 13c provided on the second sorting belt conveyor 13 shown in Figure 6 may be a second sorting flange 23c having a width such that its end reaches the input sorting belt conveyor 21, as shown in Figures 7 and 8. In this way, by providing the second sorting flange 23c on the side wall 23b of the second sorting belt conveyor 23 that extends significantly toward the sorting worker 50-1, linen products can be loaded onto the second sorting belt conveyor 23 more accurately. It is preferable that the second sorting flange 23c reaches the center of the width direction of the first sorting belt conveyor 22, and even more preferable that it reaches above the side wall 21a of the input sorting belt conveyor 11, as shown in Figures 7 and 8. With this configuration, sorting worker 50-1 can easily load sorted sheets, etc., onto the second sorting belt conveyor 23 via the second sorting flange 23c. The width of each belt conveyor is not particularly limited, but a width of about 50 to 100 cm is sufficient.

[0080] The angle θ of the second sorting flange 23c shown in Figure 7 is not particularly limited as long as it is an angle θ that makes it easy for the sorting worker 50-1 to load the sorted linen products onto the second sorting belt conveyor. If the angle θ of the second sorting flange 23c is parallel to the horizontal direction and there is no incline, the linen products will not easily slide down from the second sorting flange 23c to the second sorting flange 23c. On the other hand, if the angle θ of the second sorting flange 23c is too large, it will be difficult for the sorting worker 50-1 to load the linen products onto the second sorting flange 23c. The angle of the second sorting flange 23c should be θ, for example, about 5 to 30° from the horizontal direction.

[0081] More preferably, as shown in Figure 6, a flange 11c may be provided at the upper end of the side wall 11a on the side of the input sorting belt conveyor 11 that is on the side of the first sorting belt conveyor 12, extending toward the sorting worker 50-1. This further suppresses the misfeeding of linen products into the first sorting belt conveyor 12.

[0082] More preferably, as shown in Figure 8, a third belt conveyor 24 may be provided, arranged below the input sorting belt conveyor 11. For example, if the lumps of laundry to be transported to the sorting device according to this embodiment consist of only one type of linen product, the input worker 70-1 simply puts the lumps of laundry onto the lower third belt conveyor 24. In Figure 8, if the lumps of laundry consist only of pillows, the input worker 70-1 will put the pillows onto the lower third belt conveyor 24. In this embodiment, this operation is referred to as sorting the lumps of laundry that consist of only one type of linen product.

[0083] The length of the third belt conveyor 24 is preferably longer than that of the input sorting belt conveyor 21, as shown in Figures 8 and 9. In particular, as shown in Figure 9, it is preferable that the input end of the third belt conveyor 24 is closer to the input worker 70-1 than the end of the upper input sorting belt conveyor 21. This configuration makes it easier for the input worker 70-1 to load clumps of laundry onto the lower third belt conveyor 24.

[0084] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8, a smaller second sorting add-on flange 23d, identical to the second sorting flange 13c shown in Figure 6, may be provided at the tip of the second sorting flange 23c. By providing the second sorting add-on flange 23d, when the sorting worker 50-1 places the sorted linen products onto the second sorting belt conveyor 23, the linen products are less likely to get caught on the end of the second sorting flange 23c, making it easier to transport the linen products onto the second sorting belt conveyor 23. Similarly, the input sorting belt conveyor 21 may also be provided with a flange 21c, as shown in Figure 6.

[0085] The input sorting belt conveyors 11 and 21 and the second sorting belt conveyors 13 and 23 shown in Figures 6 to 8 have their heights adjusted by legs 11e, 21e, 13e, and 23e, respectively. The input sorting belt conveyors 11 and 21 are provided with legs 11e and 21e to ensure a height that takes into account the workability of the sorting worker 50-1 and the installation of the third belt conveyor 24 in Figure 8. The second sorting belt conveyors 13 and 23 are provided with legs 13e and 23e to ensure a height that takes into account the workability of the sorting worker 50-1.

[0086] The sorting process using the laundry sorting device according to this embodiment will be explained with reference to Figures 8 to 10. Figure 10 shows an example of the arrival status of laundry from a hotel. As shown in Figure 10, for example, about 70 to 90% of the laundry arriving from a hotel is sorted into three categories. Of these three categories, towels and clothing arrive in laundry bags already sorted. On the other hand, sheets, covers, and pillows arrive in laundry bags as a mass of laundry wrapped in sheets.

[0087] As shown in Figure 8, sorting worker 50-1 stands on a platform 60-1 positioned alongside the input sorting belt conveyor 21 and performs sorting work on the side of the input sorting belt conveyor 21. Input worker 70-1 performs input work upstream of the input sorting belt conveyor 21.

[0088] First, the input worker 70-1 puts the clump of laundry from the laundry bag onto the input and sorting belt conveyor 21. The input and sorting belt conveyor 21 then transports the clump of laundry in the direction (arrow 30) where the sorting worker 50-1 is waiting. The sorting worker 50-1 grasps the sheets that make up the clump of laundry and puts them onto the second sorting belt conveyor 23 via the second sorting flange 23c (arrow 40).

[0089] Next, when the sheets are grasped and sorted, the covers and pillows are shaken onto the input sorting belt conveyor 21. Sorting worker 50-1 grasps the covers from the shaken-out linen products and puts them onto the first sorting belt conveyor 22 (arrow 45). When sorting worker 50-1 grasps and sorts the covers, the pillows are shaken onto the input sorting belt conveyor 21. The shaken-out pillows fall from the input sorting belt conveyor 21 to the lower third sorting belt conveyor 24 and are transported to a washing machine (not shown).

[0090] Thus, the laundry sorting device according to this embodiment can reduce the number of belt conveyors compared to conventional technology, thereby reducing costs. Furthermore, since the length of the input sorting belt conveyor 21 becomes the workspace, a large workspace can be secured. In addition, the sorting work does not require any special skills.

[0091] Figure 9 is a schematic perspective view showing another example of the laundry sorting device according to this embodiment. Figure 9(a) is a schematic top view of the laundry sorting device shown in Figure 8, with two additional belt conveyors installed side-by-side. Figure 9(b) is a list of bulk laundry and five types of linen products. In Figure 9(a), the laundry sorting device shown in Figure 8 is further equipped with a fourth belt conveyor 25 for transporting towels and a fifth belt conveyor 26 for transporting clothing, both installed side-by-side with the belt conveyor 23 that transports sheets.

[0092] Figure 9(a) shows a laundry sorting device capable of sorting the five types of linen products shown in Figures 9(b) and 10. In Figure 10, pillows and linen products with covers covered by sheets are labeled as "mixed." In Figure 9(a), sheets, covers, and pillows can be sorted using the same procedure as in Figure 6.

[0093] As mentioned above, the laundry sorting device in Figure 9(a) includes, in addition to the laundry sorting device shown in Figure 8, a fourth belt conveyor 25 and a fifth belt conveyor 26, which are installed side-by-side to transport towels and clothing that do not need to be sorted to washing machines (not shown). Therefore, five types of linen products can be transported to the washing machines using only a total of six belt conveyors (number of linen product types + 1).

[0094] 3. Storage room for compressed and dehydrated materials The linen supply system according to this embodiment includes a compressed dewatering storage unit for storing the compressed dewatered linen products, which have the smallest volume after compression and dewatering. This makes it easy to secure storage space. Furthermore, laundry is not delayed depending on the operating status of the dryer, and laundry can be done quickly after the dryer becomes free, allowing the washed linen products to be immediately introduced into the dryer. An example of the compressed dewatering storage unit is described in detail below.

[0095] Figure 11 is a perspective view showing an example of a compressed dewatered material storage rack 52a. A compressed dewatered material storage cabinet 50, for example, as shown in Figure 11, can be installed in the compressed dewatered material storage areas 6 and 6b shown in Figures 1 and 3, and / or the drying area 7b shown in Figure 3. The compressed dewatered material storage cabinet 50 includes a compressed dewatered material storage rack 52 for storing compressed dewatered materials 51 obtained by compressing and dewatering linen products into a predetermined shape, a compressed dewatered material loading machine 53 for loading the compressed dewatered materials 51 into the compressed dewatered material storage rack 52, and a compressed dewatered material unloading machine 54 for unloading the compressed dewatered materials 51 stored in the compressed dewatered material storage rack 52 to a dryer.

[0096] Arrow 57 in Figure 11 indicates the direction in which the compressed dewatered body 51 is brought in. In other words, in Figure 11, the compressed dewatered body loading machine 53 is located at the end of the compressed dewatered body storage rack 52 on the side into which the compressed dewatered body 51 is loaded. The compressed dewatered body unloading machine 54 is located at the end of the compressed dewatered body storage rack 52 on the side out which the compressed dewatered body 51 is unloaded. That is, in Figure 11, the compressed dewatered body 51 is loaded from the back and unloaded from the front.

[0097] Figure 12 is a perspective view showing a different example from the compressed dewatered body storage unit 50 shown in Figure 11. As shown in the compressed dewatered body storage unit 50a of Figure 12, the compressed dewatered body discharger 54 may be provided on the side of the compressed dewatered body storage unit 50a, in addition to the end of the compressed dewatered body storage rack 60 on which the compressed dewatered bodies 51 are discharged. For example, even if there are no compressed dewatered bodies 51 to be dried at the end of the compressed dewatered body storage rack 60 on which the compressed dewatered bodies 51 are discharged, the compressed dewatered bodies 51 stored between the input side and the output side can be discharged sequentially.

[0098] As shown by arrow 57 in Figure 11, the compressed dewatered body 51 is brought in from the back of Figure 11 and unloaded from the front. More specifically, the compressed dewatered body loading machine 53 loads the compressed dewatered body 51 into a designated compressed dewatered body loading rack 52. The compressed dewatered body 51 loaded into the compressed dewatered body storage rack 52 is moved to the unloading side of the compressed dewatered body loading rack 52 and stored there. The same applies to Figure 12.

[0099] The compressed dewatered material discharger 54 discharges the compressed dewatered material 51 stored in the compressed dewatered material storage rack 52 to a dryer (not shown) via, for example, a belt conveyor 55, in the direction of arrow 56. The compressed dewatered material storage facility 50, and the compressed dewatered material storage rack 52, compressed dewatered material loading machine 53, and compressed dewatered material discharger 54 that constitute the compressed dewatered material storage facility 50 will be described in detail below.

[0100] (1) Storage rack for compressed and dehydrated materials The compressed dewatered body storage rack 52 is composed of multiple shelves 52a, as shown in Figure 11. The width of the shelves 52a should be sufficient to accommodate the compressed dewatered bodies 51. The compressed dewatered bodies 51 are, for example, about 50 cm to 1 m in diameter, 20 to 30 cm in height, and weigh about 50 to 100 kg. Therefore, the width of the shelves 52a should be slightly wider than the diameter of the compressed dewatered bodies. In addition, it needs to be strong enough to withstand a weight of about 100 kg, and if the compressed dewatered body storage rack 52 is a belt conveyor, then everything except the belt should be made of stainless steel or similar material. If the compressed dewatered body storage rack 52 is composed of two or more tiers as shown in Figure 11, the height between the lower and upper tiers should be greater than the height of the compressed dewatered bodies 51, for example, 40 cm or more. The compressed dewatered body storage rack 60 in Figure 12 may have a similar configuration.

[0101] The number of shelves 52a constituting the compressed dewatered material storage rack 52 may be at least equal to the number of types of linen products, and it is preferable to have at least two rows and two tiers. As shown in Figure 11, if there are four or more rows and eight or more tiers, 32 types of compressed dewatered materials 51 can be stored at the discharge end. In addition, the shelves 52a shown in Figure 11 and the shelves 60a shown in Figure 7 may be a single belt conveyor, or, for example as shown in Figure 13, individual independent belt conveyors may be connected in a series.

[0102] If shelf 52a is a single belt conveyor, or the belt conveyor shown in Figure 13, when a compressed dewatered body 51 is discharged from the discharge end, a compressed dewatered body 51 is brought in from the input end. In this case, if shelf 52a is a single belt conveyor, at the same time that the first compressed dewatered body 51 is stored and discharged from the discharge end, another compressed dewatered body 51 may be brought in from the input end. In this case, for example, as shown in the upper right shelf of Figure 11, one compressed dewatered body 51 may be stored at the discharge end, while another compressed dewatered body 51 is stored at the input end.

[0103] In this storage configuration, when the compressed dewatered body 51 stored at the discharge end is discharged, there will be no cakes at the discharge end. Therefore, the belt conveyor may move the cakes to the discharge end so that there are always cakes at the discharge end.

[0104] On the other hand, shelf 52a shown in Figure 13 is composed of individual, independent belt conveyors. Therefore, it is possible to avoid a situation where the second compressed dewatered body is stored at a distance from the compressed dewatered body stored at the end of the discharge side, as in the upper right shelf of Figure 11, and to minimize the storage interval of the compressed dewatered bodies 51.

[0105] The belt conveyors shown in Figure 13 may be arranged in a series such that the conveying surface of the belt conveyors gradually decreases in height from the input side to the output side. As shown in Figure 13, the presence of steps S prevents the compressed dewatered body 51 from getting caught between belt conveyors 52a-1 and 52a-2, between belt conveyors 52a-2 and 52a-3, and between belt conveyors 52a-3 and 52a-4 when conveying it from the input end to the output end. In detail, the conveying surface of belt conveyor 52a-2 may be lower than the conveying surface of belt conveyor 52a-1. Similarly, the conveying surface of belt conveyor 52a-3 may be lower than the conveying surface of belt conveyor 52a-2, and the conveying surface of belt conveyor 52a-4 may be lower than the conveying surface of belt conveyor 52a-3. The steps S shown in Figure 13 should be approximately 5-20% of the height H of the compressed dewatered body 51.

[0106] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 14, the shelf 60a may be configured with multiple belt conveyors 61-1, 61-3 to 61-5, and a first rotating belt conveyor 61-2 connected in series. In such a configuration, for example, even if one compressed dewatered body 51 is stored on belt conveyor 61-5, which is the unloading end of shelf 52a, the compressed dewatered body 51 can be transported to belt conveyor 61-4 by belt conveyor 61-1, the first rotating belt conveyor 61-2, and belt conveyor 61-3, since shelf 52a is composed of multiple independent belt conveyors. In addition, the compressed dewatered body 51 can be unloaded from the side of the compressed dewatered body storage unit 50a shown in Figure 12 by the first rotating belt conveyor 61-2. Figure 14 will be described in detail.

[0107] Figure 14 is a perspective view showing an example of a shelf 60a used in the compressed dewatered body storage shelf 60 that constitutes the compressed dewatered body storage facility 50a shown in Figure 12. For example, as shown in Figure 14, the shelf 60a may consist of a total of five belt conveyors: a short belt conveyor 61-1 that can hold approximately one compressed dewatered body 51, a first rotating belt conveyor 61-2 whose direction of the belt conveyor rotates by 90°, and belt conveyors 61-3 to 61-5 that can hold multiple compressed dewatered bodies 51. Alternatively, it may be configured with eight short belt conveyors 61-1 connected in series.

[0108] Each belt conveyor 61-1, 61-3 to 61-5, and the first rotating belt conveyor 61-2 are composed of at least a belt 62 and two rotating shafts 63. For example, one of the rotating shafts 63 is a drive roller driven by a motor (not shown), and the rotation of the drive roller causes the belt 62 to rotate, transporting the compressed dewatered body 51 to the discharge end.

[0109] The first rotating belt conveyor 61-2 shown in Figure 14 can rotate in the direction of arrow 65 in Figure 14, and can transport the compressed dewatered body 51 in the direction of arrow 66, that is, in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the compressed dewatered body 51. For example, if a compressed dewatered body discharger 54 is installed on the side of the first rotating belt conveyor 61-2, which is on the side of the compressed dewatered body storage unit 50a shown in Figure 12, the compressed dewatered body 51 can be discharged from the side of the compressed dewatered body storage unit 50a.

[0110] Furthermore, each belt conveyor 61-1, 61-3 to 61-5, and the first rotating belt conveyor 61-2 can transport the compressed dewatered body 51 in the forward and backward directions by controlling the rotation direction of the rotating shaft 63 by a control unit (not shown). For example, when removing the compressed dewatered body 51 from the belt conveyor 61-3 from the side of the compressed dewatered body storage unit 50a, the compressed dewatered body 51 can be moved to the first rotating belt conveyor 61-2 by reversing the rotation of the rotating shaft 63 that constitutes the belt conveyor 61-3. Therefore, in the compressed dewatered body storage unit 50a shown in Figure 12, the compressed dewatered body 51 can be removed from the side of the compressed dewatered body storage unit 50a regardless of where the compressed dewatered body 51 is stored on the shelf 60a.

[0111] The rotation mechanism of the rotatable first rotating belt conveyor 61-2 shown in Figure 14 can be configured as shown in Figure 15, for example. Figure 15 is an enlarged perspective view of the first rotating belt conveyor 61-2 shown in Figure 14. Figure 15(a) shows the state after the compressed dewatered body 51 has passed through the belt conveyor 61-1 and moved onto the first rotating belt conveyor 61-2, and Figure 15(b) shows the state in which the first rotating belt conveyor 61-2 is rotating in the direction of arrow 65. In Figure 14, the compressed dewatered body 51 moves from the back right to the front left (arrow 64), but in Figure 15, it moves from the front to the back (arrow 64).

[0112] As shown in Figure 15, the first rotating belt conveyor 61-2 consists of a belt 62, a rotating shaft 63, a guide 69, a caster 70, a base 72 on which a groove 71 is provided, and a rotation control unit 73. If the shelf 60a in Figure 14 consists of two or more levels, the first rotating belt conveyor 61-2 may be placed on top of the base 72 via the base 72 of the first rotating belt conveyor 61-2. Similarly, the belt conveyors 52a-1 to 52a-4 shown in Figure 13 may each be placed on their respective bases.

[0113] As shown in Figure 15(b), the first rotating belt conveyor 61-2 is equipped with casters 70 and a rotating mechanism (not shown). As shown in Figure 15(a), after the compressed dewatered body 51 is transported from the front to the first rotating belt conveyor 61-2, as shown in Figure 15(b), the first rotating belt conveyor 61-2 rotates in the direction of arrow 65a by a rotating mechanism such as a motor controlled by the rotation control unit 73. The first rotating belt conveyor 61-2 shown in Figure 15 is capable of rotating 90°. After the first rotating belt conveyor 61-2 has rotated 90°, the compressed dewatered body 51 is discharged.

[0114] The first rotating belt conveyor 61-2, based on an external signal from the rotation control unit 73, does not rotate and instead transports the conveyed compressed dewatered body 51 from the belt conveyor 61-3 (not shown in Figure 15), which is located further inside, to the discharge end of the belt conveyor 61-5, or it may be stored on the first rotating belt conveyor 61-2 as shown in Figure 15(a).

[0115] Furthermore, the guide 69 is provided with a valve 69a. The valve 69a is kept closed by, for example, a spring. When the compressed dewatered body 51 is discharged from the first rotating belt conveyor 61-2, the valve 69a is pushed open.

[0116] As shown in Figures 14 and 15, the first rotating belt conveyor 61-2 itself may rotate, but as shown in Figure 16, the transport direction of the compressed dewatered body 51 may be rotated by 90° by the second rotating belt conveyor 74. Figure 16 is a magnified side view of a shelf separate from the belt conveyor shown in Figure 9. Figure 16(a) shows the state in which the compressed dewatered body 51 has reached the space between the two belt conveyors 61-3 and 61-4 shown in Figure 9. Figure 16(b) shows the state in which the second rotating belt conveyor 74 has risen and lifted the compressed dewatered body 51. Figure 16(c) shows the state after the second rotating belt conveyor 74, which has lifted the compressed dewatered body 51, has rotated by 90°.

[0117] As shown in Figure 16, a second rotating belt conveyor 74 may be provided between belt conveyors 61-3 and 61-4 shown in Figure 14. The second rotating belt conveyor 74 may be positioned between belt conveyors 61-1 and 61-2, between the first rotating belt conveyor 61-2 and belt conveyor 61-3, or between belt conveyors 61-4 and 61-5. As shown in Figure 16, the second rotating belt conveyor 74 is provided to be able to move up and down in addition to rotating.

[0118] The second rotating belt conveyor 74 may, for example, have a caster base 70-1a to which the caster 70 is attached, similar to the first rotating belt conveyor 61-2 in Figure 15(b). This caster base 70-1a may be equipped with a lifting mechanism (not shown) that raises the belt 62 and rotating shaft 63 that constitute the belt conveyor. This allows for both rotation and lifting.

[0119] Furthermore, since the second rotating belt conveyor 74 shown in Figure 16 is positioned between belt conveyors 61-3 and 61-4, it only needs to be the minimum length necessary to lift the compressed dewatered body 51 when it rises. For example, if the diameter D of the compressed dewatered body 51 is 100 cm, it is necessary to prevent the compressed dewatered body 51 from falling between belt conveyors 61-3 and 61-4. To achieve this, the distance between belt conveyors 61-3 and 61-4 should be limited to about 60 cm, and the length of the second rotating belt conveyor 74 should be about 30 to 50 cm. In other words, the length L of the second rotating belt conveyor 74 should be about 30 to 50% of the diameter of the compressed dewatered body 51.

[0120] Furthermore, if it becomes necessary to further widen the gap between belt conveyors 61-3 and 61-4, the second rotating belt conveyor 74 may be raised to the same height as belt conveyors 61-3 and 61-4. This allows the second rotating belt conveyor 74 to suppress the falling of the compressed dewatered body 51, even when the gap between belt conveyors 61-3 and 61-4 is wide.

[0121] Even if Figure 16 is adopted, if the rails 54f to 54g that constitute the compressed dewatered body discharger in Figure 12 are provided on the side of the second rotating belt conveyor 74, similar to the first rotating belt conveyor 61-2 shown in Figure 15, the compressed dewatered body 51 can be discharged from the side of the compressed dewatered body storage unit 50a. Furthermore, if the second rotating belt conveyor 74 is also provided on each row and each shelf 60a in the position corresponding to Figure 16, and the rails 54h to 54i that constitute the compressed dewatered body discharger 54 in Figure 12 are provided, the compressed dewatered body 51 can be discharged from the side of the compressed dewatered body storage unit 50a opposite to the side where the rails 54f to 54g that constitute the compressed dewatered body discharger are provided.

[0122] Thus, the shelf 60a shown in Figure 12 may be equipped with a first rotating belt conveyor 61-2 that can rotate as shown in Figures 14 and 15, and / or a second rotating belt conveyor 74 that can rotate and rise as shown in Figure 16. In addition, the shelf 60a shown in Figure 14 may have belt conveyors connected in a manner that gradually lowers from the input side to the output side, as shown in Figure 13.

[0123] As shown in Figure 14, a discharge tube 68 may be provided at the discharge end of each belt conveyor. The discharge tube 68 senses whether compressed dewatered bodies 51 are present on each belt conveyor 61-1, 61-3 to 61-5 and the first rotating belt conveyor 61-2, and transmits information on the presence or absence of compressed dewatered bodies 51 to the compressed dewatered body storage control device, which will be described later. If the compressed dewatered body storage control device receives information that compressed dewatered bodies 51 are not present at the discharge end of the shelf 60a, it may move the compressed dewatered bodies 51 to the discharge end using each belt conveyor 61-1 to 61-5.

[0124] As shown in Figures 11 and 12, if shelves 52a and 60a are composed of a single belt conveyor, the control is as follows: If one compressed dewatered body 51 is moved to the discharge end immediately after being loaded onto the belt conveyor, subsequent compressed dewatered bodies 51 cannot be loaded until the compressed dewatered body 51 that has moved to the discharge end has been discharged. Therefore, when one compressed dewatered body 51 is loaded onto the belt conveyor, the compressed dewatered body storage control device does not need to immediately stop operation and move the compressed dewatered body 51 to the discharge end. When an instruction to discharge is received from the compressed dewatered body storage control device, the compressed dewatered body 51 should be moved to the discharge end.

[0125] Each of the belt conveyors 61-1 to 61-5 shown in Figures 14 and 15, based on signals from control units (not shown) provided in the compressed dewatered body storage racks 52 and 60 shown in Figures 11 and 12, either transports the compressed dewatered body 51 on the belt conveyor to another belt conveyor or stores it on the belt conveyor.

[0126] (2) Compressed dewatered material loading machine, compressed dewatered material unloading machine In the compressed dewatered material storage facility 50 shown in Figure 11, a compressed dewatered material loading machine 53 is installed at the end where the compressed dewatered material 51 is loaded. A compressed dewatered material unloading machine 54 is installed at the end where the compressed dewatered material 51 is unloaded. As shown in Figure 11, both the compressed dewatered material loading machine 53 and the compressed dewatered material unloading machine 54 can be in the form of elevators.

[0127] The compressed dewatered material discharge machine 54 is equipped with lifting floors 54ab, 54bc, 54cd, and 54de in the spaces between rails 54a and 54b, rails 54b and 54c, rails 54c and 54d, and rails 54d and 54e, respectively, which are installed at the discharge end of the compressed dewatered material storage rack 52.

[0128] The lifting platform 54ab is movable vertically by the drive of four rails 53a to 53b, to which motors (not shown) are attached. The lifting platform 54ab is installed in the rightmost column of the compressed dewatered material storage rack 52 shown in Figure 11, and the compressed dewatered material 51 is moved onto the lifting platform 54ab by the rack 52a, which is a belt conveyor. The lifting platform 54ab then lowers to a position horizontal with the belt conveyor 55, and the compressed dewatered material 51 is moved onto the belt conveyor 55.

[0129] The method of movement is not particularly limited; the lifting floors 54ab, 54bc, 54cd, and 54de can be in the same configuration as the single belt conveyor 61-a shown in Figure 14. The compressed dewatered body 51, moved to the belt conveyor 55, moves in the direction of arrow 56 and is transported to a dewatering machine (not shown).

[0130] The compressed dewatered material loading machine 53 is equipped with lifting floors 53ab, 53bc, 53cd, and 53de in the spaces between rails 53a and 53b, rails 53b and 53c, rails 53c and 53d, and rails 543 and 53e, respectively, which are installed at the loading end of the compressed dewatered material storage rack 52.

[0131] The compressed dewatered body loading machine 53, as needed, loads the compressed dewatered bodies 51, which have been compressed and dewatered and then transported by a belt conveyor (not shown), into the compressed dewatered body storage unit 50, based on instructions from the compressed dewatered body storage control device. The compressed dewatered body loading machine 53 also loads the lifting floor 53ab, and the lifting floors 53bc, 53cd, and 53de (not shown) into shelves 52a in rows and tiers predetermined by the compressed dewatered body storage control device, based on instructions from the outside. These lifting floors may also be composed of belt conveyors, similar to the lifting floors 53ab to 53de of the compressed dewatered body unloading machine 54.

[0132] A preferred configuration of the compressed dewatered material storage unit 50 will be described in more detail with reference to Figure 12. In Figure 12, a compressed dewatered material unloading machine 54, equipped with rails 54f, 54g and a lifting floor 54fg, is installed on the side of the rightmost column of compressed dewatered material storage shelves 52 when viewed from the unloading end of the compressed dewatered material storage shelves 52. In another embodiment, as shown in Figure 12, a compressed dewatered material unloading machine 54, equipped with rails 54h, 54i and a lifting floor 54hi, may also be installed on the leftmost column of compressed dewatered material storage shelves 52. With such a configuration, compressed dewatered materials 51 can be unloaded from both sides of the compressed dewatered material storage shelves 52.

[0133] Furthermore, in the compressed dewatered body storage unit 50a shown in Figure 12, when viewed from the discharge end of the compressed dewatered body storage shelf 52, one compressed dewatered body discharger 54 is provided in the leftmost and rightmost rows, which are the sides of the compressed dewatered body storage unit 50a. In another embodiment, the same number of compressed dewatered body dischargers 54 as the number of compressed dewatered bodies 51 that can be stored in one shelf 60a shown in Figure 14 may be provided on the sides of the compressed dewatered body storage unit 50a.

[0134] (3) Antibacterial sprayer In this embodiment of the linen supply system, a conveyor belt may be provided to transport the compressed and dewatered body 51, which has undergone compression and dewatering, to a compressed and dewatered body loading machine 53. The conveyor belt may also be equipped with an antibacterial agent sprayer 67a for spraying an antibacterial agent onto the compressed and dewatered body 51, as shown in Figure 14.

[0135] In the linen supply system according to this embodiment, since the compressed dewatered body 51 is stored in the atmosphere, bacteria may grow on the surface of the compressed dewatered body 51. This raises concerns about deterioration of the working environment due to unpleasant odors, etc. Therefore, if an antibacterial agent is sprayed on the compressed dewatered body 51 during transport, bacterial growth can be suppressed. This is a technique that can be adopted as a preferred embodiment in this embodiment, which employs a novel technique of storing the compressed dewatered body 51.

[0136] Furthermore, as described in Patent Document 1, for example, if linen products are transported in a loosened state rather than in the form of a compressed dewatered body 51, the surface area of ​​the linen products in contact with the air increases, requiring a larger amount of antibacterial agent to be sprayed. However, as in this embodiment, if the products are transported in the form of a compressed dewatered body 51, the surface area in contact with the air is reduced as much as possible, thus reducing the amount of antibacterial agent to be sprayed. The antibacterial agent sprayer 67 will be described in detail below.

[0137] More specifically, as shown in Figure 14, an antibacterial agent sprayer 67 can be installed on the belt conveyor. The antibacterial agent sprayer 67 consists of an antibacterial agent introduction pipe 67a and an antibacterial agent spray port 67b. The antibacterial agent spray port 67b may be equipped with a sensor (not shown). When the sensor detects that the compressed dewatered body 51 is passing under the antibacterial agent sprayer 67, the antibacterial agent 67c is sprayed onto the compressed dewatered body 51 from the antibacterial agent spray port 67b, as shown in Figure 14.

[0138] If the conveyor belt is a mesh belt, the antibacterial sprayer 67 can also be installed on the underside of the mesh belt. Because the antibacterial agent that passes through the mesh belt is also sprayed onto the mounting surface of the compressed dewatered body 51, bacterial growth can be further suppressed. Furthermore, the antibacterial sprayer 67 may also be installed on each shelf 52a that make up the compressed dewatered body storage shelf 52. In Figure 14, the antibacterial sprayer 67 and the first rotating belt conveyor 61-2 are installed on shelf 60a, but it is also possible to have only one of them installed.

[0139] (4) Control device In this embodiment, a washing machine (not shown) for washing linen products, a compression dewatering machine (not shown) for compressing and dewatering linen products, and compressed dewatering storage cabinets 50 and 50a shown in Figures 11-12 for storing compressed dewatered linen products are provided. The washing machine comprises a washing machine body for washing linen products, a washing monitor, and a washing control device. The compression dewatering machine comprises a compression dewatering machine body for compressing and dewatering linen products after washing, and a compression dewatering control device. In addition to the above configuration, the compressed dewatering storage cabinets 50 and 50a further include a compressed dewatering storage control device. The compressed dewatering storage control device controls the operation of the compressed dewatering loading machine 53 and the compressed dewatering loading machine 54 and the operation of the compressed dewatering storage shelves 52 and 60 to load and unload compressed dewatering bodies 51 to predetermined storage positions in the compressed dewatering storage cabinets 50 and 50a. Each control device will be described in detail below.

[0140] (4-1) Hardware configuration of each control device Figure 17 is a hardware configuration diagram of the control unit 75 used in this embodiment. The washing control device for the washing machine, the compression dewatering control device for the compression dewatering machine, and the compression dewatering storage control device for the compression dewatering body, which constitute the linen supply system according to this embodiment, all have the hardware configuration shown in Figure 17. As shown in the control unit 75 of Figure 17, each of these control units includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 70a that performs various processing, a memory 70b, a non-volatile storage device 70c, an input device 70d such as a keyboard or microphone, a monitor 70e, and an input / output interface 70f.

[0141] The CPU 70a loads the program stored in the storage device 70c into memory 70b and executes it. The functions described later are executed by the CPU 70a. In addition to the program, the storage device 70c stores various data. The storage device 70c is a non-volatile memory such as ROM (Random Access Memory) or an HDD. Alternatively, any medium capable of storing a program, such as a floppy disk or CD-ROM that stores data magnetically or optically, is acceptable.

[0142] The program stored in the storage device 70c is loaded into memory 70b. The input device 70d is a device for inputting information. The execution results of the CPU 70a are displayed on the monitor 70e. The input / output interface 70f is used for sending and receiving data, such as transmitting linen product washing information.

[0143] (4-2) Configuration of washing machine, compression dehydrator, and compression dehydration storage unit A washing machine for washing linen products comprises at least a washing machine body (not shown), a washing monitor (not shown), and a washing control device. A de-drying machine for compressing and de-drying linen products comprises at least a de-drying machine body (not shown) and a de-drying machine control device (not shown). A de-drying storage cabinet for storing de-drying de-compressed linen products comprises, in addition to the above configuration, at least a de-drying storage control device. The form of the washing machine body and the de-drying machine body is not particularly limited, and any common commercial equipment configuration is acceptable. The washing monitor corresponds to monitor 70e in Figure 12.

[0144] (4-3) Functional configuration of each control device, and operation of each control device Figure 18 is a functional configuration diagram of the control devices used in this embodiment, where Figure 18(a) is a functional configuration diagram of the washing control device 700a, Figure 18(b) is a functional configuration diagram of the compression dewatering control device 700b, and Figure 18(c) is a functional configuration diagram of the compressed dewatered body storage control device 700c. Figure 19 is an activity diagram of the washing control device 700a, the compression dewatering control device 700b, and the compressed dewatered body storage control device 700c. Each functional configuration and operation will be explained using Figures 17 to 21.

[0145] The linen product list information display unit 700a-1 displays the linen product list information, which is pre-stored in the storage device 70c, on the washing monitor (S701). An example of a display screen is the display screen 800 shown in Figure 20. Figure 20 is a diagram showing an example of the linen product display screen 800 displayed on the washing monitor of the washing control device. In the display screen 800 shown in Figure 20, a list of linen product types is displayed on the left side of the display screen 800. Numbers from 1 to 10 are displayed on the right side of the display screen 800. These numbers indicate washing conditions, and the washing conditions are divided into detailed categories based on the color, size, etc., of each linen product.

[0146] The user selects the appropriate number for the linen product to be washed from the right side of the display screen 800. When a number is selected, a number indicating the type of linen product and washing conditions is simultaneously selected. For example, in Figure 20, selecting the top number "2" selects the information that the number is "2" along with the information that the type of linen product is "sheets". If the washing monitor is a touch panel, the user only needs to touch the number displayed on the screen.

[0147] The linen product information acquisition unit 700a-2 acquires linen product information selected by the user from the linen product list information displayed on the linen product list information display unit 700a-1 (S702). The washing condition information acquisition unit 700a-3 acquires washing condition information based on the washing linen product information acquired by the linen product information acquisition unit 700a-2 (S703).

[0148] Figure 21 shows an example of information acquired by the washing control device, the compression dewatering control device, and the compression dewatered body storage control device, respectively. Figure 21(a) is information 900a indicating the washing conditions for each linen product, Figure 21(b) is compression dewatering information 900b indicating the compression dewatering conditions for each linen product, and Figure 21(c) is compression dewatered body storage location information 900c indicating the storage location for each linen product that constitutes the compression dewatered body. This information is stored in advance in the storage device 70c.

[0149] The laundry condition information acquisition unit 700a-3 acquires laundry condition information based on the laundry linen product information acquired by the linen product information acquisition unit 700a-2 (S703). For example, if the linen product information acquisition unit 700a-2 acquires linen product information of "sheets" "2", the laundry condition information acquisition unit 700a-3 acquires the laundry conditions corresponding to the acquired linen product information "sheets 2" from the information 900a shown in Figure 16(a), for example.

[0150] The washing condition information transmission unit 700a-4 transmits the washing condition information acquired by the washing condition information acquisition unit 700a-3 to the washing machine body (S704). Preferably, the transmission by the washing condition information transmission unit 700a-4 occurs after receiving information that a linen product has been introduced into the washing machine body by a sensor (not shown). The washing machine body performs washing according to the received washing conditions. The washing linen product information transmission unit 700a-5 transmits the linen product information acquired by the linen product information acquisition unit 700a-2 to the compression dewatering control device 700b as washing linen product information (S705).

[0151] The laundry linen product information receiving unit 700b-1 receives laundry linen product washing information transmitted from the laundry linen product information transmitting unit 700a-5 (S706). The compression dewatering condition information acquisition unit 700b-2 acquires compression dewatering condition information based on the laundry linen product information received by the laundry linen product information receiving unit 700b-1 (S707). The compression dewatering condition information acquisition unit 700b-2 can, for example, acquire compression dewatering conditions corresponding to the type and number of the linen product in the acquired laundry linen product information from the compression dewatering information 900b shown in Figure 21(b).

[0152] The compression dewatering condition information transmission unit 700b-3 transmits the compression dewatering condition information acquired by the compression dewatering condition information acquisition unit 700b-2 to the compression dewatering machine body (S708). Preferably, the transmission by the compression dewatering condition information transmission unit 700b-3 occurs after receiving information from a sensor (not shown) that the washed linen product has been introduced into the compression dewatering machine body. The compression dewatering machine body performs compression dewatering according to the received compression dewatering conditions. The compression dewatered linen product information transmission unit 700b-4 transmits the washed linen product information received by the washed linen product information receiving unit 700b-1 to the compression dewatered body storage control device 700c as compression dewatered linen product information (S709).

[0153] The compressed dewatered linen product information receiving unit 700c-1 receives compressed dewatered linen product information transmitted from the compressed dewatered linen product information transmitting unit 700b-4 (S710). The compressed dewatered body loading position information acquisition unit 700c-2 acquires compressed dewatered body loading position information based on the compressed dewatered linen product information received by the compressed dewatered linen product information receiving unit 700c-1 (S711). The compressed dewatered body loading position information acquisition unit 700c-2 can, for example, acquire compressed dewatered body loading position conditions corresponding to the linen product type and number of the acquired compressed dewatered linen product information from the compressed dewatered body storage position information 900c shown in Figure 21(c).

[0154] The compressed dewatered body loading position information transmission unit 700c-3 transmits the compressed dewatered body loading position information acquired by the compressed dewatered body loading position information acquisition unit 700c-2 to a control unit (not shown) of the compressed dewatered body loading machine 53 shown in Figures 11 and 12 (S712). Preferably, the transmission by the compressed dewatered body loading position information transmission unit 700c-3 occurs after receiving information from a sensor (not shown) that the compressed dewatered body has been transported to the lifting floor 53ab shown in Figure 11 or 12. The compressed dewatered body loading machine 53 loads the compressed dewatered body to predetermined shelves 52a and 60a using the lifting floor 53ab according to the received compressed dewatered body loading position information.

[0155] For example, loading from the lifting floor 53ab to the shelves 52a and 60a can be easily done if the lifting floor 53ab is a belt conveyor. The compressed dewatered body loading position information transmission unit 700c-3 may also transmit compressed dewatered body loading position information to control units (not shown) of the compressed dewatered body storage shelves 52a and 60a. By driving the belt conveyor that constitutes the lifting floor of the compressed dewatered body loading machine 53, along with the compressed dewatered body storage shelves 52a and 60a, the compressed dewatered body 51 on the lifting floor can be loaded more smoothly into the compressed dewatered body storage shelves 52a and 60a.

[0156] Furthermore, if shelves 52a and 60a are connected by a short belt conveyor as shown in Figures 13 to 16, the control unit (not shown) of the compressed dewatered body storage shelves 52 and 60 may, upon receiving compressed dewatered body loading position information from the compressed dewatered body loading position information transmission unit 700c-3, control the compressed dewatered body 51 loaded into the compressed dewatered body storage shelves 52 and 60 to move to the loading end of the compressed dewatered body storage shelves 52 and 60 based on information from each discharge tube.

[0157] For example, as shown in Figure 14, each belt conveyor constituting shelves 52a and 60a is equipped with a discharge tube. A control unit (not shown) provided in the compressed dewatered body storage shelves 52 and 60 will not receive sensing information for compressed dewatered bodies 51 from the discharge tubes provided in the designated shelves 52a and 60a if it has not received such information. In this case, it will assume that no compressed dewatered bodies 51 have been loaded into the designated shelves 52a and 60a. Therefore, it will move the compressed dewatered bodies 51 loaded into the designated shelves 52a and 60a to the belt conveyor located at the discharge end. When the next compressed dewatered body 51 is loaded, the control unit (not shown) will receive sensing information for the compressed dewatered body 51 from the discharge tube provided in the belt conveyor located at the discharge end, and will move the compressed dewatered body 51 to the designated shelf 52a or 60a where it was loaded to the belt conveyor one unit before the belt conveyor located at the discharge end (on the loading side).

[0158] If compressed dewatered bodies 51 are brought in after this point, the control unit (not shown) moves them to the belt conveyor two belts before the belt conveyor located at the discharge end (on the input side). In this way, the shelves 52a and 60a, which are composed of belt conveyors as shown in Figures 13 to 16, can store at least as many compressed dewatered bodies 51 as there are belt conveyors. In addition, compressed dewatered bodies 51 can always be stored at the discharge end.

[0159] If shelves 52a and 60a are connected by a single belt conveyor, discharge tubes are provided at equal intervals on the belt conveyor. A control unit (not shown) provided by the compressed dewatered body storage shelves 52 and 60 will indicate that no compressed dewatered bodies 51 have been loaded into the designated shelves 52a and 60 if it has not received sensing information for compressed dewatered bodies 51 from the discharge tubes. Therefore, the compressed dewatered bodies 51 loaded into the designated shelves 52a and 60a are moved to a position either from the loading end to a position (loading end) equal to the diameter of the compressed dewatered body 51 from the unloading end.

[0160] Even if the compressed dewatered body 51 is moved from the discharge end to a position on the front (input side) by the diameter of the compressed dewatered body 51, only one compressed dewatered body 51 can be brought in next. In this case, the two compressed dewatered bodies 51 will be stored at the discharge end and the input end of shelves 52a and 60a. Also, if the compressed dewatered body 51 is stored at the input end, when the next compressed dewatered body 51 is brought in, the belt conveyor can bring in the next compressed dewatered body 51 if the already stored compressed dewatered body 51 is moved to the discharge side by the diameter of the compressed dewatered body 51.

[0161] Thus, when shelves 52a and 60a are connected by a single belt conveyor, a maximum of an integer number of compressed dewatered bodies 51 can be stored, equal to the length of the belt conveyor divided by the diameter of the compressed dewatered bodies 51. Furthermore, even if the compressed dewatered bodies 51 are not stored at the discharge end of shelves 52a and 60a, as described later, after receiving information regarding discharge from the compressed dewatered body storage control device, the leading compressed dewatered body 51 can be moved to the discharge end by the belt conveyor. For this reason, the compressed dewatered bodies 51 do not necessarily have to be stored at the discharge end. When the leading compressed dewatered body 51 is moved to the discharge end by the belt conveyor, the compressed dewatered body 51 can be temporarily placed on the lifting floor.

[0162] The compressed and dewatered body 51 is discharged based on information from the dryer. Each functional configuration and operation will be explained using Figures 22 and 23. The dryer for drying linen products comprises multiple dryer bodies (not shown) and a drying control device.

[0163] (4-4) Dryer configuration A dryer for drying linen products comprises multiple dryer units and a drying control device. The hardware configuration of the drying control device is shown in Figure 17, so its explanation is omitted. The dryer units themselves can be any standard commercial-grade equipment.

[0164] (4-5) Functional configuration of each control device constituting the dryer and the compressed dewatered body storage, and operation of each control device Figure 22 is a functional configuration diagram of the control device used in this embodiment, and is also a functional configuration diagram of another form of the compressed dewatered body storage control device 701c and the drying control device 700d. Figure 23 is an activity diagram of another form of the compressed dewatered body storage control device 701c and the drying control device 700d. Since 701c-1 to 701c-3 in Figure 22 correspond to 700c-1 to 700c-3 shown in Figure 18, their explanation is omitted. The operation of 701c and 700d will be explained using Figures 17 to 23.

[0165] The non-operating dryer information acquisition unit 700d-1 acquires information on non-operating dryers from multiple dryer bodies (S713). The non-operating dryer information acquisition unit 700d-1 can acquire information on non-operating dryers by receiving information that a dryer is not operating from a sensor of a dryer body (not shown).

[0166] The dried linen product information acquisition unit 700d-2 acquires dried linen product information based on the dryer body information acquired by the non-operating dryer information acquisition unit 700d-1 (S714). Figure 24 is a diagram showing an example of information indicating the washing conditions and washing machine body information for each linen product acquired by the drying control device. As shown in Figure 24, information on the dried linen product to be dried can be acquired based on the dryer body information. The information 1000 indicating the washing conditions and washing machine body information for each linen product shown in Figure 24 is stored in advance in the storage device 70c in Figure 17. The dried linen product information acquisition unit 700d-2 can acquire dried linen product information corresponding to the non-operating dryer information using the information 1000 indicating the washing conditions and washing machine body information for each linen product. The dried linen product information transmission unit 700d-3 transmits the dried linen product information acquired by the dried linen product information acquisition unit 700d-2 to the compressed dewatered body storage control device 701c (S715).

[0167] The dried linen product information receiving unit 701c-4 receives dried linen product information transmitted from the dried linen product information transmitting unit 700d-3 of the drying control device 700d (S716). The dried target compressed dewatered material storage location information acquisition unit 701c-5 acquires the dried target compressed dewatered material storage location information, which is the location information of the compressed dewatered material to be dried, based on the dried linen product information received by the dried linen product information receiving unit 701c-4 (S717). The dried target compressed dewatered material storage location information acquisition unit 701c-5 can acquire compressed dewatered material storage location information corresponding to the acquired dried linen product information from the compressed dewatered material storage location information 900c in Figure 21(c).

[0168] The storage location information transmission unit 701c-6 transmits the storage location information of the compressed dewatered body to be dried, acquired by the storage location information acquisition unit 701c-5, to the compressed dewatered body unloading machine 54 of the compressed dewatered body storage cabinets 50 and 50a shown in Figures 11 and 12 (S718). As shown in Figures 11 and 12, the compressed dewatered body unloading machine 54, as described above, is equipped with a control unit (not shown) and, based on the received storage location information of the compressed dewatered body to be dried, moves the compressed dewatered body to be dried to the belt conveyor 55 using one of the lifting floors 54ab, 54bc, 54cd, or 54de, and unloads it via the belt conveyor 55 in the unloading direction indicated by the arrow 56.

[0169] The method for unloading the compressed dewatered body 51 is the same as the method for loading the compressed dewatered body 51 described above. In other words, the storage location information transmission unit 701c-6 for the compressed dewatered body to be dried may transmit the storage location information for the compressed dewatered body to be dried to a control unit (not shown) provided in the compressed dewatered body storage racks 52 and 60. After receiving the storage location information for the compressed dewatered body to be dried, the control unit (not shown) moves the compressed dewatered body 51 to the lifting floor 54ab, 54bc, 54cd, or 54de using the compressed dewatered body storage racks 52 and 60. These lifting floors 54ab, 54bc, 54cd, and 54de may be composed of belt conveyors, and by operating together with the belt conveyors that make up the compressed dewatered body storage racks 52 and 60, the stored compressed dewatered body 51 can be smoothly moved to the lifting floor 54ab, 54bc, 54cd, or 54de.

[0170] If shelves 52a and 60a are composed of multiple belt conveyors, as shown in Figures 13 to 16, then compressed dewatered bodies 51 are always stored at the discharge end. Therefore, the control units (not shown) of the compressed dewatered body storage shelves 52 and 60 only need to drive the belt conveyor located at the discharge end. On the other hand, if the compressed dewatered body storage shelves 52a and 60a are a single belt conveyor, there may be situations where compressed dewatered bodies 51 are not stored at the discharge end. Even in this case, the control units (not shown) of the compressed dewatered body storage shelves 52 and 60 only need to operate the belt conveyor.

[0171] (4-6) Alternative functional configurations of each control device constituting the dryer and compressed dewatered body storage, and operation of each control device As shown in Figure 22(a), the compressed dewatered body storage control device 701c further includes a discharged linen product information transmission unit 701c-7. Also, as shown in Figure 22(b), the drying control device 700d further includes a discharged linen product information receiving unit 700d-4, a drying condition information acquisition unit 700d-5, and a drying condition information transmission unit 700d-6. These operations will be explained using Figure 23.

[0172] The discharge linen product information transmission unit 701c-7 of the compressed dewatered body storage control device 701c transmits the dried linen product information received by the dried linen product information receiving unit 701c-4 to the drying control device 700d as discharge linen product information (S719). The discharge linen product information receiving unit 700d-4 of the drying control device 700d receives the discharge linen product information transmitted by the discharge linen product information transmission unit 701c-7 (S720).

[0173] The drying condition information acquisition unit 700d-5 acquires drying condition information based on the linen product information received by the linen product information receiving unit 700d-4 (S721). The drying condition information acquisition unit 700d-5 can acquire drying conditions corresponding to the linen product information from the information 1000 which shows the washing conditions and washing machine body information for each linen product as shown in Figure 24.

[0174] Finally, the drying condition information transmission unit 700d-6 transmits the drying condition information acquired by the drying condition information acquisition unit 700d-5 to the dryer unit (S722). The dryer unit performs drying according to the drying condition information. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0175] 1 Linen supply factory 1a (Linen Supply) First Factory 1b (Linen Supply) Second Factory 2,2a Incoming Storage Area 3,3a Sorting area 4,4a Laundry area 5,5a Compression dewatering area 5 6,6a Compressed dehydrated material storage area 7,7b Dry area 8,8b Finishing area 9,9b Shipping Area 10, 20, 30 Laundry sorting device 11,21 Input sorting belt conveyor 11a,11b,12a,12b,13a,13b,21a,21b,22a,22b,23a,23b 11c, 21c Input sorting flange 13c, 23c Second sorting flange 23d Second sorting additional flange 11e, 13e, 21e, 23e (belt conveyor) legs 12,22 Sorting belt conveyor (First sorting belt conveyor) 13,23 Sorting belt conveyor (Second sorting belt conveyor) 24 Third Belt Conveyor 25 Fourth Belt Conveyor 26. Fifth Belt Conveyor 30, 40, 45 Arrows 50-1 Sorting worker 60-1 units 70-1 Feeding worker 50,50a Compressed Dewatered Body Storage Unit 51 Compressed dehydrated body 52, 60 Compressed Dehydrated Material Storage Rack 52a, 60a Shelving (belt conveyor) 53 (53a~53e) Compressed Dewatered Material Handling Machine 54 (54a~53i) Compression and dewatering machine 55 Belt conveyor for discharging compressed and dewatered material 56 (Arrow indicating the direction of discharge of compressed dewatered material) 57 (Arrow indicating the direction of compressed dewatered material input) 52a-1, 52a-2, 52a-3, 52a-4, 61-1, 61-3, 61-4, 61-5 Belt conveyor 61-2 First Rotating Belt Conveyor 62 belts 63 Rotation axis 64 (Arrow indicating the direction of compressed dewatered material input) 65 (Arrow indicating the direction of rotation of the conveyor belt) 66 (Arrow indicating the direction of transport of the compressed and dewatered material after the belt conveyor has rotated perpendicular to the transport direction) 67 Antibacterial sprayer 67a Antimicrobial agent introduction tube 67b Antibacterial spray nozzle 67c (Sprayed) Antibacterial Agent 68 Discharge tube 69 Guide 69a Valve 70 Caster 70-1a Caster stand 71 Groove 72 units 73 Rotation control unit 74 Second Rotating Belt Conveyor 75 Control device 700a Washing Control Device 700b Compression Dewatering Control Device 700°C Compression Dewatered Body Storage Control System 700d Drying Control System 800 (Selection of linen products displayed on the washing monitor) screen 900a Information showing washing instructions for each linen product. 900b Information showing compression and dewatering conditions for each linen product. Information indicating the storage location for each linen product that makes up the 900c compressed dehydrated body. Information showing washing conditions and washing machine specifications for each of the 1000 linen products.

Claims

1. A laundry sorting device into which a lump of laundry consisting of one or more types of linen products is fed in by an inputting worker, the lump of laundry is sorted by a sorting worker, and the sorted linen products are transported, An input and sorting belt conveyor into which the aforementioned lumps of laundry are fed, and which transports one of the linen products that make up the sorted lumps of laundry, One or more parallel sorting belt conveyors are arranged alongside the input sorting belt conveyor and are used to sort the bulk laundry and transport linen products of a different type from the linen products transported by the input sorting belt conveyor. Equipped with, A side wall is provided on at least one side of each of the input sorting belt conveyor and the parallel sorting belt conveyor. When the parallel sorting belt conveyor adjacent to the input sorting belt conveyor is designated as the first sorting belt conveyor, a second sorting belt conveyor is further provided, adjacent to the first sorting belt conveyor and transporting linen products of a different type than those transported by the first sorting belt conveyor. A laundry sorting device characterized in that the side wall provided on the second sorting belt conveyor is provided with a second sorting flange extending toward the input sorting belt conveyor at the upper end of the side wall on the first sorting belt conveyor side.

2. The laundry sorting device according to Claim 1, wherein the end of the second sorting flange on the input sorting belt conveyor side extends above the side wall on the first sorting belt conveyor side of the side wall provided on the input sorting belt conveyor.

3. The laundry sorting device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the angle of the second sorting flange is approximately 5 to 30° from the horizontal.

4. The laundry sorting device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a second additional sorting flange is provided at the end of the second sorting flange on the input sorting belt conveyor side.

5. The input sorting belt conveyor is provided with side walls on both sides, and the height of the side wall on the side of the parallel sorting belt conveyor is higher than the height of the other side wall, and / or The height of the side wall on the input sorting belt conveyor side of the first sorting belt conveyor is less than or equal to the height of the side wall on the first sorting belt conveyor side of the input sorting belt conveyor, and / or Of the side walls provided on the second sorting belt conveyor, the height of the upper end of the side wall on the first sorting belt conveyor side is greater than or equal to the height of the upper end of the side wall on the second sorting belt conveyor side provided on the first sorting belt conveyor. The laundry sorting device according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The laundry sorting device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, of the side walls provided on the input sorting belt conveyor, an input sorting flange is provided at the upper end of the side wall on the first sorting belt conveyor side, which protrudes toward the other side wall.

7. Furthermore, the laundry sorting device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a third belt conveyor arranged below the input sorting belt conveyor, wherein if the lump of laundry consists of the one type of linen product, the third belt conveyor transports the one type of linen product.

8. Furthermore, the laundry sorting apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 further comprises a fourth belt conveyor adjacent to the second sorting belt conveyor and a fifth belt conveyor adjacent to the fourth belt conveyor.

9. A linen supply system in which incoming linen products are sorted, washed, pressure-dehydrated, dried, stored, finished, and shipped in this order. A linen supply system characterized in that the sorting of the linen products is performed using the laundry sorting device described in claim 1 or 2.

10. The linen supply system according to claim 9, further comprising a storage cabinet for compressed and dewatered bodies after compression and dewatering.

11. The aforementioned compressed dewatered body storage unit is A storage rack for compressed and dewatered bodies, which stores the compressed and dewatered bodies of the linen products that have been compressed and dewatered into a predetermined shape by the compression and dewatering process, A compressed dewatered body loading machine for loading the compressed dewatered body into the compressed dewatered body storage rack, A compressed dewatered material unloading machine for unloading the compressed dewatered material stored in the compressed dewatered material storage rack to the dryer used for drying, and A linen supply system according to claim 10, comprising the above.

12. The compressed dewatered body loading machine is located at the end of the compressed dewatered body storage rack on the side into which the compressed dewatered body is loaded. The linen supply system according to claim 11, wherein the compressed dewatered body discharge machine is installed at the end of the compressed dewatered body storage rack that discharges the compressed dewatered body, and / or on the side of the compressed dewatered body storage rack.

13. The linen supply system according to claim 11, wherein the compressed dewatered material storage rack is a belt conveyor.

14. The system includes a conveyor belt for transporting the compressed and dewatered body, which has undergone compression and dewatering, to the compressed and dewatered body loading machine. The linen supply system according to claim 13, wherein the conveying belt conveyor and / or the belt conveyor constituting the compressed dewatered body storage rack is equipped with an antibacterial agent sprayer for spraying an antibacterial agent onto the compressed dewatered body.

15. The washing machine for washing the linen products comprises a washing machine body, a washing monitor, and a washing control device. The compression dewatering machine for performing the compression dewatering of the linen products comprises a compression dewatering machine body and a compression dewatering control device. The compressed dewatered body storage cabinet for storing the compressed dewatered bodies of the linen products further includes a compressed dewatered body storage control device, The washing control device is The washing monitor includes a linen product list information display unit that displays linen product list information that can be introduced into the washing machine, A linen product information acquisition unit acquires selected linen product information from the linen product list information displayed on the linen product list information display unit, A washing condition information acquisition unit acquires washing condition information based on the linen product information acquired by the linen product information acquisition unit, A washing condition information transmission unit transmits the washing condition information acquired by the washing condition information acquisition unit to the washing machine body. A laundry linen product information transmission unit transmits the linen product information acquired by the linen product information acquisition unit to the compression dewatering control device as laundry linen product information. Equipped with, The compression dewatering control device is A laundry linen product information receiving unit that receives the laundry linen product information transmitted from the laundry linen product information transmitting unit, A compression dewatering condition information acquisition unit acquires compression dewatering condition information based on the laundry linen product information received by the laundry linen product information receiving unit, A compression dewatering condition information transmission unit transmits the compression dewatering condition information acquired by the compression dewatering condition information acquisition unit to the compression dewatering machine body. A compressed dewatered linen product information transmission unit transmits the laundry linen product information received by the laundry linen product information receiving unit as compressed dewatered linen product information to the compressed dewatered body storage control device, Equipped with, The aforementioned compressed dewatered body storage control device is A compressed dehydrated linen product information receiving unit receives the compressed dehydrated linen product information transmitted from the compressed dehydrated linen product information transmitting unit, A compressed dewatered body loading position information acquisition unit acquires compressed dewatered body loading position information based on the compressed dewatered linen product information received by the compressed dewatered linen product information receiving unit, A compression dewatering body loading position information transmission unit transmits the compression dewatering body loading position information acquired by the compression dewatering body loading position information acquisition unit to the compression dewatering body loading machine. A linen supply system according to claim 11, comprising the following:

16. The dryer used for drying the linen products comprises a plurality of dryer bodies and a drying control device. The drying control device includes an idle dryer information acquisition unit that acquires information on idle dryer units from the plurality of dryer units, A dried linen product information acquisition unit acquires dried linen product information based on the dryer body information acquired by the non-operating dryer information acquisition unit, A dried linen product information transmission unit transmits the dried linen product information acquired by the dried linen product information acquisition unit to the compressed dewatered body storage control device, Equipped with, The compressed dewatered body storage control device further, A dried linen product information receiving unit receives the dried linen product information transmitted from the dried linen product information transmitting unit of the drying control device, Based on the dried linen product information received by the dried linen product information receiving unit, a unit for acquiring storage location information for the compressed dehydrated body to be dried, which is the location information of the storage location of the compressed dehydrated body to be dried, A unit for transmitting storage location information of compressed dehydrated bodies to be dried, which transmits the storage location information of compressed dehydrated bodies to be dried, acquired by the storage location information acquisition unit, to the compressed dehydrated body unloading machine of the compressed dehydrated body storage unit. A linen supply system according to claim 15, comprising the above.

17. The compressed dewatered body storage control device further, The dried linen product information receiving unit transmits the dried linen product information received by the dried linen product information receiving unit to the drying control device as discharged linen product information. Equipped with, The drying control device further, A linen product information receiving unit receives the linen product information transmitted by the linen product information transmission unit, A drying condition information acquisition unit acquires drying condition information based on the shipped linen product information received by the shipped linen product information receiving unit, A drying condition information transmission unit transmits the drying condition information acquired by the drying condition information acquisition unit to the drying machine body. A linen supply system according to claim 16, comprising the following:

18. A linen supply factory comprising the linen supply system described in claim 10.

19. The first factory is where the process from receiving the linen products to shipping out the compressed and dewatered bodies takes place, The second factory is where the compressed and dewatered bodies transported from the first factory are received and the linen products are shipped out. A linen supply factory according to claim 18, comprising the following:

20. The linen supply factory according to claim 19, wherein the first factory and / or the second factory are equipped with the compressed dewatered body storage facility.

21. The linen supply factory according to claim 18, wherein the transport of the compressed and dewatered body from the first factory to the second factory is carried out by a transport vehicle equipped with a cargo platform having shelves that can be moved up and down.

22. The linen supply factory according to claim 21, wherein the transport vehicle transports linen products arriving at the first factory and transports linen products being shipped from the second factory.

23. The laundry sorting device according to claim 3, wherein a second additional sorting flange is provided at the end of the second sorting flange on the input sorting belt conveyor side.

24. The input sorting belt conveyor is provided with side walls on both sides, and the height of the side wall on the side of the parallel sorting belt conveyor is higher than the height of the other side wall, and / or The height of the side wall on the input sorting belt conveyor side of the first sorting belt conveyor is less than or equal to the height of the side wall on the first sorting belt conveyor side of the input sorting belt conveyor, and / or Of the side walls provided on the second sorting belt conveyor, the height of the upper end of the side wall on the first sorting belt conveyor side is greater than or equal to the height of the upper end of the side wall on the second sorting belt conveyor side provided on the first sorting belt conveyor. The laundry sorting device according to claim 3.

25. The input sorting belt conveyor is provided with side walls on both sides, wherein the height of the side wall on the side of the parallel sorting belt conveyor is higher than the height of the other side wall, and / or The height of the side wall on the input sorting belt conveyor side of the first sorting belt conveyor is less than or equal to the height of the side wall on the first sorting belt conveyor side of the input sorting belt conveyor, and / or Of the side walls provided on the second sorting belt conveyor, the height of the upper end of the side wall on the first sorting belt conveyor side is greater than or equal to the height of the upper end of the side wall on the second sorting belt conveyor side provided on the first sorting belt conveyor. The laundry sorting device according to claim 4.

26. The input sorting belt conveyor is provided with side walls on both sides, and the height of the side wall on the side of the parallel sorting belt conveyor is higher than the height of the other side wall, and / or The height of the side wall on the input sorting belt conveyor side of the first sorting belt conveyor is less than or equal to the height of the side wall on the first sorting belt conveyor side of the input sorting belt conveyor, and / or Of the side walls provided on the second sorting belt conveyor, the height of the upper end of the side wall on the first sorting belt conveyor side is greater than or equal to the height of the upper end of the side wall on the second sorting belt conveyor side provided on the first sorting belt conveyor. The laundry sorting device according to claim 23.

27. ​​The laundry sorting device according to claim 3, wherein, of the side walls provided on the input sorting belt conveyor, an input sorting flange is provided at the upper end of the side wall on the first sorting belt conveyor side, which protrudes toward the other side wall.

28. The laundry sorting device according to claim 4, wherein, of the side walls provided on the input sorting belt conveyor, an input sorting flange is provided at the upper end of the side wall on the first sorting belt conveyor side, which protrudes toward the other side wall.

29. The laundry sorting device according to claim 5, wherein, of the side walls provided on the input sorting belt conveyor, an input sorting flange is provided at the upper end of the side wall on the first sorting belt conveyor side, which protrudes toward the other side wall.

30. The laundry sorting device according to claim 23, wherein, of the side walls provided on the input sorting belt conveyor, an input sorting flange is provided at the upper end of the side wall on the first sorting belt conveyor side, which protrudes toward the other side wall.

31. The laundry sorting device according to claim 24, wherein, of the side walls provided on the input sorting belt conveyor, an input sorting flange is provided at the upper end of the side wall on the first sorting belt conveyor side, which protrudes toward the other side wall.

32. The laundry sorting device according to claim 25, wherein, of the side walls provided on the input sorting belt conveyor, an input sorting flange is provided at the upper end of the side wall on the first sorting belt conveyor side, which protrudes toward the other side wall.

33. The laundry sorting device according to claim 26, wherein, of the side walls provided on the input sorting belt conveyor, an input sorting flange is provided at the upper end of the side wall on the first sorting belt conveyor side, which protrudes toward the other side wall.

34. The laundry sorting device according to claim 3, further comprising a third belt conveyor arranged below the input sorting belt conveyor, wherein when the lump of laundry consists of the one type of linen product, the one type of linen product is transported by the third belt conveyor.

35. The laundry sorting device according to claim 4, further comprising a third belt conveyor arranged below the input sorting belt conveyor, wherein when the lump of laundry consists of the one type of linen product, the one type of linen product is transported by the third belt conveyor.

36. The laundry sorting device according to claim 5, further comprising a third belt conveyor arranged below the input sorting belt conveyor, wherein when the lump of laundry consists of the one type of linen product, the one type of linen product is transported by the third belt conveyor.

37. The laundry sorting device according to claim 6, further comprising a third belt conveyor arranged below the input sorting belt conveyor, wherein when the lump of laundry consists of the one type of linen product, the one type of linen product is transported by the third belt conveyor.

38. The laundry sorting device according to claim 23, further comprising a third belt conveyor arranged below the input sorting belt conveyor, wherein when the lump of laundry consists of the one type of linen product, the one type of linen product is transported by the third belt conveyor.

39. The laundry sorting device according to claim 24, further comprising a third belt conveyor arranged below the input sorting belt conveyor, wherein when the lump of laundry consists of the one type of linen product, the one type of linen product is transported by the third belt conveyor.

40. The laundry sorting device according to claim 25, further comprising a third belt conveyor arranged below the input sorting belt conveyor, wherein when the lump of laundry consists of the one type of linen product, the one type of linen product is transported by the third belt conveyor.

41. The laundry sorting device according to claim 26, further comprising a third belt conveyor arranged below the input sorting belt conveyor, wherein when the lump of laundry consists of the one type of linen product, the third belt conveyor transports the one type of linen product.

42. The laundry sorting device according to claim 27, further comprising a third belt conveyor arranged below the input sorting belt conveyor, wherein when the lump of laundry consists of the one type of linen product, the one type of linen product is transported by the third belt conveyor.

43. The laundry sorting device according to claim 28, further comprising a third belt conveyor arranged below the input sorting belt conveyor, wherein if the lump of laundry consists of the one type of linen product, the one type of linen product is transported by the third belt conveyor.

44. The laundry sorting device according to claim 29, further comprising a third belt conveyor arranged below the input sorting belt conveyor, wherein if the lump of laundry consists of the one type of linen product, the one type of linen product is transported by the third belt conveyor.

45. The laundry sorting device according to claim 30, further comprising a third belt conveyor arranged below the input sorting belt conveyor, wherein if the lump of laundry consists of the one type of linen product, the third belt conveyor transports the one type of linen product.

46. The laundry sorting device according to claim 31, further comprising a third belt conveyor arranged below the input sorting belt conveyor, wherein when the lump of laundry consists of the one type of linen product, the one type of linen product is transported by the third belt conveyor.

47. The laundry sorting device according to claim 32, further comprising a third belt conveyor arranged below the input sorting belt conveyor, wherein if the lump of laundry consists of the one type of linen product, the one type of linen product is transported by the third belt conveyor.

48. The laundry sorting device according to claim 33, further comprising a third belt conveyor arranged below the input sorting belt conveyor, wherein if the lump of laundry consists of the one type of linen product, the third belt conveyor transports the one type of linen product.

49. The laundry sorting device according to claim 3, further comprising a fourth belt conveyor adjacent to the second sorting belt conveyor and a fifth belt conveyor adjacent to the fourth belt conveyor.

50. The laundry sorting device according to claim 4, further comprising a fourth belt conveyor adjacent to the second sorting belt conveyor and a fifth belt conveyor adjacent to the fourth belt conveyor.

51. The laundry sorting device according to claim 5, further comprising a fourth belt conveyor adjacent to the second sorting belt conveyor and a fifth belt conveyor adjacent to the fourth belt conveyor.

52. The laundry sorting device according to claim 6, further comprising a fourth belt conveyor adjacent to the second sorting belt conveyor and a fifth belt conveyor adjacent to the fourth belt conveyor.

53. The laundry sorting device according to claim 7, further comprising a fourth belt conveyor adjacent to the second sorting belt conveyor and a fifth belt conveyor adjacent to the fourth belt conveyor.

54. The laundry sorting device according to claim 23, further comprising a fourth belt conveyor adjacent to the second sorting belt conveyor and a fifth belt conveyor adjacent to the fourth belt conveyor.

55. The laundry sorting device according to claim 24, further comprising a fourth belt conveyor adjacent to the second sorting belt conveyor and a fifth belt conveyor adjacent to the fourth belt conveyor.

56. The laundry sorting device according to claim 25, further comprising a fourth belt conveyor adjacent to the second sorting belt conveyor and a fifth belt conveyor adjacent to the fourth belt conveyor.

57. The laundry sorting device according to claim 26, further comprising a fourth belt conveyor adjacent to the second sorting belt conveyor and a fifth belt conveyor adjacent to the fourth belt conveyor.

58. The laundry sorting device according to claim 27, further comprising a fourth belt conveyor adjacent to the second sorting belt conveyor and a fifth belt conveyor adjacent to the fourth belt conveyor.

59. The laundry sorting device according to claim 28, further comprising a fourth belt conveyor adjacent to the second sorting belt conveyor and a fifth belt conveyor adjacent to the fourth belt conveyor.

60. The laundry sorting device according to claim 29, further comprising a fourth belt conveyor adjacent to the second sorting belt conveyor and a fifth belt conveyor adjacent to the fourth belt conveyor.

61. The laundry sorting device according to claim 30, further comprising a fourth belt conveyor adjacent to the second sorting belt conveyor and a fifth belt conveyor adjacent to the fourth belt conveyor.

62. The laundry sorting device according to claim 31, further comprising a fourth belt conveyor adjacent to the second sorting belt conveyor and a fifth belt conveyor adjacent to the fourth belt conveyor.

63. The laundry sorting device according to claim 32, further comprising a fourth belt conveyor adjacent to the second sorting belt conveyor and a fifth belt conveyor adjacent to the fourth belt conveyor.

64. The laundry sorting device according to claim 33, further comprising a fourth belt conveyor adjacent to the second sorting belt conveyor and a fifth belt conveyor adjacent to the fourth belt conveyor.

65. The laundry sorting device according to claim 34, further comprising a fourth belt conveyor adjacent to the second sorting belt conveyor and a fifth belt conveyor adjacent to the fourth belt conveyor.

66. The laundry sorting device according to claim 35, further comprising a fourth belt conveyor adjacent to the second sorting belt conveyor and a fifth belt conveyor adjacent to the fourth belt conveyor.

67. The laundry sorting device according to claim 36, further comprising a fourth belt conveyor adjacent to the second sorting belt conveyor and a fifth belt conveyor adjacent to the fourth belt conveyor.

68. The laundry sorting device according to claim 37, further comprising a fourth belt conveyor adjacent to the second sorting belt conveyor and a fifth belt conveyor adjacent to the fourth belt conveyor.

69. The laundry sorting device according to claim 38, further comprising a fourth belt conveyor adjacent to the second sorting belt conveyor and a fifth belt conveyor adjacent to the fourth belt conveyor.

70. The laundry sorting device according to claim 39, further comprising a fourth belt conveyor adjacent to the second sorting belt conveyor and a fifth belt conveyor adjacent to the fourth belt conveyor.

71. The laundry sorting device according to claim 40, further comprising a fourth belt conveyor adjacent to the second sorting belt conveyor and a fifth belt conveyor adjacent to the fourth belt conveyor.

72. The laundry sorting device according to claim 41, further comprising a fourth belt conveyor adjacent to the second sorting belt conveyor and a fifth belt conveyor adjacent to the fourth belt conveyor.

73. The laundry sorting device according to claim 42, further comprising a fourth belt conveyor adjacent to the second sorting belt conveyor and a fifth belt conveyor adjacent to the fourth belt conveyor.

74. The laundry sorting device according to claim 43, further comprising a fourth belt conveyor adjacent to the second sorting belt conveyor and a fifth belt conveyor adjacent to the fourth belt conveyor.

75. The laundry sorting device according to claim 44, further comprising a fourth belt conveyor adjacent to the second sorting belt conveyor and a fifth belt conveyor adjacent to the fourth belt conveyor.

76. The laundry sorting device according to claim 45, further comprising a fourth belt conveyor adjacent to the second sorting belt conveyor and a fifth belt conveyor adjacent to the fourth belt conveyor.

77. The laundry sorting device according to claim 46, further comprising a fourth belt conveyor adjacent to the second sorting belt conveyor and a fifth belt conveyor adjacent to the fourth belt conveyor.

78. The laundry sorting device according to claim 47, further comprising a fourth belt conveyor adjacent to the second sorting belt conveyor and a fifth belt conveyor adjacent to the fourth belt conveyor.

79. The laundry sorting device according to claim 48, further comprising a fourth belt conveyor adjacent to the second sorting belt conveyor and a fifth belt conveyor adjacent to the fourth belt conveyor.

80. A linen supply system in which sorting, washing, pressure dewatering, drying, storage, finishing, and shipping of various incoming linen products are carried out in this order, A linen supply system characterized in that the laundry sorting device described in claim 3 is used for sorting the linen products.

81. A linen supply system in which sorting, washing, pressure dewatering, drying, storage, finishing, and shipping of various incoming linen products are carried out in this order, A linen supply system characterized in that the laundry sorting device described in claim 4 is used for sorting the linen products.

82. A linen supply system in which sorting, washing, pressure dewatering, drying, storage, finishing, and shipping of various incoming linen products are carried out in this order, A linen supply system characterized in that the laundry sorting device described in claim 5 is used for sorting the linen products.

83. A linen supply system in which sorting, washing, pressure dewatering, drying, storage, finishing, and shipping of various incoming linen products are carried out in this order, A linen supply system characterized in that the laundry sorting device described in claim 6 is used for sorting the linen products.

84. A linen supply system in which sorting, washing, pressure dewatering, drying, storage, finishing, and shipping of various incoming linen products are carried out in this order, A linen supply system characterized in that the laundry sorting device described in claim 7 is used for sorting the linen products.

85. A linen supply system in which sorting, washing, pressure dewatering, drying, storage, finishing, and shipping of various incoming linen products are carried out in this order, A linen supply system characterized in that the laundry sorting device described in claim 8 is used for sorting the linen products.

86. The linen supply system according to claim 12, wherein the compressed dewatered body storage rack is a belt conveyor.

87. The washing machine for washing the linen products comprises a washing machine body, a washing monitor, and a washing control device, The compression dewatering machine for performing the compression dewatering of the linen products comprises a compression dewatering machine body and a compression dewatering control device. The compressed dewatered body storage cabinet for storing the compressed dewatered bodies of the linen products further includes a compressed dewatered body storage control device, The washing control device is The washing monitor includes a linen product list information display unit that displays linen product list information that can be introduced into the washing machine, A linen product information acquisition unit acquires selected linen product information from the linen product list information displayed on the linen product list information display unit, A washing condition information acquisition unit acquires washing condition information based on the linen product information acquired by the linen product information acquisition unit, A washing condition information transmission unit transmits the washing condition information acquired by the washing condition information acquisition unit to the washing machine body. A laundry linen product information transmission unit transmits the linen product information acquired by the linen product information acquisition unit to the compression dewatering control device as laundry linen product information. Equipped with, The compression dewatering control device is A laundry linen product information receiving unit that receives the laundry linen product information transmitted from the laundry linen product information transmitting unit, A compression dewatering condition information acquisition unit acquires compression dewatering condition information based on the laundry linen product information received by the laundry linen product information receiving unit, A compression dewatering condition information transmission unit transmits the compression dewatering condition information acquired by the compression dewatering condition information acquisition unit to the compression dewatering machine body. A compressed dewatered linen product information transmission unit transmits the laundry linen product information received by the laundry linen product information receiving unit as compressed dewatered linen product information to the compressed dewatered body storage control device, Equipped with, The aforementioned compressed dewatered body storage control device is A compressed dehydrated linen product information receiving unit receives the compressed dehydrated linen product information transmitted from the compressed dehydrated linen product information transmitting unit, A compressed dewatered body loading position information acquisition unit acquires compressed dewatered body loading position information based on the compressed dewatered linen product information received by the compressed dewatered linen product information receiving unit, A compression dewatering body loading position information transmission unit transmits the compression dewatering body loading position information acquired by the compression dewatering body loading position information acquisition unit to the compression dewatering body loading machine. A linen supply system according to claim 12, comprising the following:

88. The washing machine for washing the linen products comprises a washing machine body, a washing monitor, and a washing control device, The compression dewatering machine for performing the compression dewatering of the linen products comprises a compression dewatering machine body and a compression dewatering control device. The compressed dewatered body storage cabinet for storing the compressed dewatered bodies of the linen products further includes a compressed dewatered body storage control device, The washing control device is The washing monitor includes a linen product list information display unit that displays linen product list information that can be introduced into the washing machine, A linen product information acquisition unit acquires selected linen product information from the linen product list information displayed on the linen product list information display unit, A washing condition information acquisition unit acquires washing condition information based on the linen product information acquired by the linen product information acquisition unit, A washing condition information transmission unit transmits the washing condition information acquired by the washing condition information acquisition unit to the washing machine body. A laundry linen product information transmission unit transmits the linen product information acquired by the linen product information acquisition unit to the compression dewatering control device as laundry linen product information. Equipped with, The compression dewatering control device is A laundry linen product information receiving unit that receives the laundry linen product information transmitted from the laundry linen product information transmitting unit, A compression dewatering condition information acquisition unit acquires compression dewatering condition information based on the laundry linen product information received by the laundry linen product information receiving unit, A compression dewatering condition information transmission unit transmits the compression dewatering condition information acquired by the compression dewatering condition information acquisition unit to the compression dewatering machine body. A compressed dewatered linen product information transmission unit transmits the laundry linen product information received by the laundry linen product information receiving unit as compressed dewatered linen product information to the compressed dewatered body storage control device, Equipped with, The aforementioned compressed dewatered body storage control device is A compressed dehydrated linen product information receiving unit receives the compressed dehydrated linen product information transmitted from the compressed dehydrated linen product information transmitting unit, A compressed dewatered body loading position information acquisition unit acquires compressed dewatered body loading position information based on the compressed dewatered linen product information received by the compressed dewatered linen product information receiving unit, A compression dewatering body loading position information transmission unit transmits the compression dewatering body loading position information acquired by the compression dewatering body loading position information acquisition unit to the compression dewatering body loading machine. A linen supply system according to claim 13, comprising the above.

89. The washing machine for washing the linen products comprises a washing machine body, a washing monitor, and a washing control device, The compression dewatering machine for performing the compression dewatering of the linen products comprises a compression dewatering machine body and a compression dewatering control device. The compressed dewatered body storage cabinet for storing the compressed dewatered bodies of the linen products further includes a compressed dewatered body storage control device, The washing control device is The washing monitor includes a linen product list information display unit that displays linen product list information that can be introduced into the washing machine, A linen product information acquisition unit acquires selected linen product information from the linen product list information displayed on the linen product list information display unit, A washing condition information acquisition unit acquires washing condition information based on the linen product information acquired by the linen product information acquisition unit, A washing condition information transmission unit transmits the washing condition information acquired by the washing condition information acquisition unit to the washing machine body. A laundry linen product information transmission unit transmits the linen product information acquired by the linen product information acquisition unit to the compression dewatering control device as laundry linen product information. Equipped with, The compression dewatering control device is A laundry linen product information receiving unit that receives the laundry linen product information transmitted from the laundry linen product information transmitting unit, A compression dewatering condition information acquisition unit acquires compression dewatering condition information based on the laundry linen product information received by the laundry linen product information receiving unit, A compression dewatering condition information transmission unit transmits the compression dewatering condition information acquired by the compression dewatering condition information acquisition unit to the compression dewatering machine body. A compressed dewatered linen product information transmission unit transmits the laundry linen product information received by the laundry linen product information receiving unit as compressed dewatered linen product information to the compressed dewatered body storage control device, Equipped with, The aforementioned compressed dewatered body storage control device is A compressed dehydrated linen product information receiving unit receives the compressed dehydrated linen product information transmitted from the compressed dehydrated linen product information transmitting unit, A compressed dewatered body loading position information acquisition unit acquires compressed dewatered body loading position information based on the compressed dewatered linen product information received by the compressed dewatered linen product information receiving unit, A compression dewatering body loading position information transmission unit transmits the compression dewatering body loading position information acquired by the compression dewatering body loading position information acquisition unit to the compression dewatering body loading machine. A linen supply system according to claim 14, comprising the following:

90. A linen supply factory comprising the linen supply system described in Claim 11.

91. A linen supply factory comprising the linen supply system described in Claim 12.

92. A linen supply factory comprising the linen supply system described in Claim 13.

93. A linen supply factory comprising the linen supply system described in Claim 14.

94. A linen supply factory comprising the linen supply system described in Claim 15.

95. A linen supply factory comprising the linen supply system described in Claim 16.

96. A linen supply factory comprising the linen supply system described in Claim 17.

97. The linen supply factory according to claim 19, wherein the transport of the compressed and dewatered body from the first factory to the second factory is carried out by a transport vehicle equipped with a platform having shelves that can be moved up and down.

98. The linen supply factory according to claim 20, wherein the transport of the compressed and dewatered body from the first factory to the second factory is carried out by a transport vehicle equipped with a platform having shelves that can be moved up and down.

99. The linen supply factory according to claim 21, wherein the transport of the compressed and dewatered body from the first factory to the second factory is carried out by a transport vehicle equipped with a platform on which shelves that can be moved up and down are provided.

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