Garment hanger handling device securing arrangement

Abstract

The invention relates to a garment hanger handling device securing arrangement (12), wherein the securing arrangement (12) comprises a first securing arrangement arm (12a) and a second securing arrangement arm (12b), wherein a first clamping member (12c) and a second clamping member ( 12 h) are arranged on the first securing arrangement arm (12a). The first and second clamping members (12c, 12h) are arranged to secure a garment hanger (5) between the first and second securing arrangement arms (12a, 12b). The invention also relates to a garment hanger handling device (1) and a conveyor system comprising a garment hanger handling device (1).

Description

[0001] Garment hanger handling device securing arrangement

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The invention relates to a garment hanger handling device securing arrangement, a garment hanger handling device comprising a securing arrangement and a conveyor system comprising a garment hanger handling device.

[0004] BACKGROUND ART

[0005] Garment handling is used in many different applications, for instance in industrial laundries. In these facilities, garments are transported on conveyor systems to various stations where they are washed, dried, folded etc. During this process, it is at times necessary to hang the garment on a garment hanger in order to transport a garment hanger with a garment for further processing.

[0006] This is done with a garment hanger handling device that uses a transportation system with drive dogs to which a garment hanger can be attached. When the garment hanger has reached a position in which it is suitable for an operator to hang a garment on a garment hanger, the garment hanger may rotate and move during the hanging of the garment. This results in that it may be difficult to hang a garment onto the garment hanger and leads to reduced efficiency and a stressful working environment for the operator.

[0007] There is thus a need for improvements within this field.

[0008] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a securing arrangement in a garment hanger handling device and a garment hanger handling device that seeks to mitigate, alleviate, or eliminate one or more of the above-identified deficiencies in the art and disadvantages singly or in any combination.

[0010] This object is obtained by a garment hanger handling device securing arrangement, wherein the securing arrangement comprises a first securing arrangement arm and a second securing arrangement arm. The securing arrangement comprises:

[0011] - a first clamping member arranged on the first securing arrangement arm comprising an essentially vertically extending groove arranged to receive a stem section of a garment hanger, - a second clamping member arranged on the first securing arrangement arm connected to the first clamping member and comprising an essentially horizontal groove arranged to receive a hook section of the garment hanger, and

[0012] - an actuator arranged on the first securing arrangement arm arranged to move the first and second clamping member between a first position and a second position, wherein the first and second clamping members are connected to the actuator, wherein in the first position, the first and second clamping member parts are separated from the second securing arm by a first distance and, wherein in the second position, the second clamping member is arranged to abut the second securing arrangement arm, thereby securing the garment hanger between the first and second clamping members and the second securing arm.

[0013] In this way, the garment hanger will be securely fastened in all directions or dimensions which is necessary to ensure a good working position for an operator to hang a garment on the garment hanger.

[0014] The garment hanger securing arrangement may comprise a garment hanging sensor attached to the second securing arm arranged to detect the presence of a garment hanger between the second clamping member and the second securing arm when the first and second clamping members are in the first position. In this way, it is possible to make the garment hanger securing arrangement close automatically when a garment hanger is in the correct hanging position.

[0015] The securing arrangement may further comprise a third clamping member arranged on the second securing arm comprising an essentially vertically extending groove arranged to interact with the essentially vertically extending groove of the first clamping member. In this way, an even more stable securing of the garment hanger can be achieved.

[0016] The actuator may be a pneumatic actuator or an electromechanical actuator. Other suitable actuators may be possible as long as they have the appropriate opening and closing speed.

[0017] The first and second securing arms may be arranged such that a hanging position of the garment hanger falls between the first and second securing arms.

[0018] The object is further obtained by a garment hanger handling device comprising a garment hanger securing arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims. A garment hanger handling device equipped with a garment hanger securing arrangement according to the above allows for an efficient working environment for the operator.

[0019] The object is further obtained by a garment conveyor system comprising a garment hanger handling device according to the above description.

[0020] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] The foregoing will be apparent from the following more particular description of the example embodiments, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which like reference characters refer to the same parts throughout the different views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the example embodiments.

[0022] Figure 1 schematically shows a garment hanger handling device according to a first embodiment of the invention,

[0023] Figures 2A and 2B schematically show a garment hanger entering and exiting from a garment hanger handling device drive dog,

[0024] Figure 3A schematically shows a garment hanger handling device drive dog on an opening protruding rail of a garment hanger handling device,

[0025] Figure 3B schematically shows an exploded view of a garment hanger handling device drive dog,

[0026] Figures 4A and 4B schematically shows a securing arrangement in a garment hanger handling device according to a first embodiment,

[0027] Figure 5 schematically shows a garment hanger handling device according to a second embodiment of the invention,

[0028] Figures 6 and 7 schematically shows a securing arrangement in a garment hanger handling device according to a second embodiment,

[0029] Figure 8 schematically shows a flow chart of a method according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0030] DETAILED DESCRIPTION Aspects of the present disclosure will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. The apparatus disclosed herein can, however, be realized in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the aspects set forth herein. Like numbers in the drawings refer to like elements throughout.

[0031] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects of the disclosure only and is not intended to limit the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0032] Figure 1 schematically shows a garment hanger handling device 1 according to a first embodiment of the invention. The garment hanger handling device 1 comprises a mounting arrangement 2 for mounting the garment hanger handling device 1 in a position suitable for an operator 3 to interact with the garment hanger handling device 1. The mounting arrangement 2 is only an example and can be adapted depending on the site where the garment hanger handling device 1 is to be installed.

[0033] The garment hanger handling device 1 further comprises an endless belt (not shown) arranged on an endless belt support system. The endless belt support system is located underneath a protective cover of the garment hanger handling device 1. The endless belt support system comprises the necessary mechanical and electrical supports required to run the endless belt and are known in the art. The endless belt is driven by a belt motor 4. The belt motor 4 can be any type of suitable electric motor. In one example embodiment, the belt motor 4 is a stepper motor. Other belt motors are also conceivable with adjustments made to the belt motor control unit to provide the desired functionality.

[0034] On the endless belt, a plurality of drive dogs 13 are arranged that enable transportation of garment hangers 5, with or without a garment 6 hanged on them with empty garment hangers 5 coming from an input rail 7, in figure 1 arranged on the right side of the garment hanger handling device 1. The empty hangers 5 are then transported to a hanging position 8 directly at the bottom of the garment hanger handling device 1 and further onto an output rail 9, in figure 1 arranged to the left side of the garment hanger handling device 1. The input rail 7 and output rail 9 can alternatively be arranged on the left and right side of the garment hanger handling device 1 respectively. The side of the garment hanger handling device 1 that faces the input rail 7 is the input side of the garment hanger handling device 1 and the side of the garment hanger handling device 1 that faces the output rail 9 is the output side of the garment hanger handling device 1.

[0035] The endless belt support system comprises a plurality of gears such that the endless belt run along an input side of the garment hanger handling device 1 to the hanging position 8, further along the output side of the garment hanger handling device 1 and back to the input side.

[0036] The garment hanger handling device 1 further comprises an operator interface 10 attached to the garment hanger handling device 1 where the operator 3 can control the various parts of the garment hanger handling device 1 such as starting / stopping the belt, the rate of speed of the belt and any other required functions for the garment hanger handling device 1 to function as intended. The operator interface 10 is arranged to interact with at least one garment hanger handling device control unit controlling the various functions of the garment hanger handling device 1.

[0037] The garment hanger handling device 1 further comprises an operator protection system 11 comprising an operator cover 11a attached to the garment hanger handling device 1 by an operator protection system mount lib. The operator protection system 11 is positioned underneath the input rail 7 and is intended to protect the operator 3 from garment hangers 5 that may fall of the input rail 7. Depending on where the operator 3 is positioned relative the input rail 7 or output rail 9, the protective cover can be omitted if it is deemed not to be needed or moved such that it betters protects the operator 3.

[0038] The garment hanger handling device 1 further comprises a securing arrangement 12 arranged at a lower end of the garment hanger handling device 1. The securing arrangement 12 is arranged to secure an empty garment hanger 5 in place in the hanging position 8 such that an operator 3 easily can hang a garment 6 onto the garment hanger 5 before sending the garment hanger 5 with garment 6 on it to the output rail 9.

[0039] The garment hanger handling device 1 comprises a belt motor control unit connected to the at least one garment hanger handling device control unit. The belt motor control unit is configured for receiving an input signal from a drive dog sensor 17 upon detection of a first drive dog 13 approaching a garment hanger input rail mount 15 by the drive dog sensor 17. When the garment hanger handling device control unit is notified that the motor control unit receives the input signal from the drive dog sensor 17, the garment hanger handling device control unit sends an instruction to the motor control unit to adapt the belt speed such that when a second drive dog 13 with a hanger 5 attached to it downstream of the sensed first drive dog 13 approaches the hanging position 8, the speed of the endless belt is reduced before the second drive dog 13 comes to a stop at the hanging position 8. The first drive dog 13 and the second drive dog 13 may be the drive dogs 13 positioned directly after each other on the endless belt. Alternatively, the first drive dog 13 may be separated from the second drive dog 13 by one or more intermediate drive dogs 13 depending on the setup of the drive dogs 13 on the endless belt.

[0040] If a stepper motor is used, the belt motor control unit may be configured for moving the stepper motor forward a predetermined first number of pulses upon receiving a sensor input from the drive dog sensor 17 at a first speed and thereafter reduce the speed of the endless belt to a second speed for a predetermined second number of pulses before coming to a stop.

[0041] The belt motor control unit may also be configured for driving the belt a predetermined third number of pulses forward with the reduced second belt speed such that the second drive dog 13 passes the hanging position 8, thereafter stopping the belt and reversing the belt such that the second drive dog 13 is positioned at the hanging position 8 before coming to a stop.

[0042] The belt motor control unit may also be configured for reducing the speed of the endless belt when the first drive dog 13 is sensed by the drive dog sensor 17 to make the entry of a hanger into the first drive dog 13 easier and more reliable.

[0043] To exactly determined where on the belt the drive dogs 13 are positioned in relation to each other and to able to control the distances travelled by each drive dog 13 relative the input rail mount 15, the distances between the drive dogs 13 are fixed distances. The exact distance can be varied depending on the amount of drive dogs 13 needed on the belt and the speeds of which the belt is intended to run.

[0044] Figures 2A and 2B schematically show a garment hanger 5 entering and exiting from a garment hanger handling device drive dog 13 attached to the endless belt of garment hanger handling device 1. The endless belt runs in a belt canal 14 and has a plurality of garment hanger handling device drive dogs 13 attached to it. The garment hanger handling device drive dogs 13 can be arranged on the endless belt at different distances, however normally the distance between each consecutive garment hanger handling device drive dogs 13 is the same.

[0045] In figure 2A, the input rail mount 15 is seen to have a garment hanger release system 15a that releases a garment hanger 5 when the garment hanger handling device drive dog 13 is in the position shown in figure 2A. The garment hanger release system 15a is arranged to stop empty garment hangers 5 that arrive on the input rail 7. The input rail 7 can be connected to the garment hanger handling device 1 by a bracket connecting input rail 7 and the input rail mount 15. The garment hanger handling device 1 comprises a garment hanger handling device control unit that controls the release of the garment hanger 5 in dependence of the drive dogs' 13 positions. The drive dog sensor 17 connected to the garment hanger handling device control unit detects when a drive dog 13 is in the appropriate position to receive an empty hanger and triggers the garment hanger handling device control unit to open the garment hanger release system 15a such that one empty garment hanger 5 can move from the input rail 7 to the drive dog 13.

[0046] The input rail mount 15 attaches to the sides of the belt canal 14 and can be made to be releasably attached to the garment hanger handling device 1, in figure 2A with adjustable fastening means 15c such that a vertical position of the garment hanger release system 15a can be adjusted to fit with a vertical position of the input rail 7.

[0047] The garment hanger release system 15a comprises in the example of figure 2A, a pair of release arms 15b that encircle the input rail 7 such that any garment hanger 5 that arrives on the input rail 7 will have its hook section rest against the release arms 15b of the garment hanger release system 15a. When a signal to release a garment hanger 5 onto a drive dog 13 is given, the release arms 15b separate and opens up a passage through which the garment hanger 5 can pass through. The hook section of the garment hanger 5 is then able to be inserted into the drive dog 13 for further transportation to the hanging position 8. The garment hanger release system 15a is attached to the input rail mount 15 on an input rail mount cover 15d that acts as a guide for the hook section of the garment hangers 5 to reduce the side-to-side movement of the garment hanger 5 when approaching the garment hanger release system 15a. The input rail mount cover 15d may also be the bracket connecting the input rail 7 and the garment hanger handling device 1.

[0048] The input rail mount 15 comprises opening protruding rails 15e arranged on either side of the belt canal 14 on top of the sides of the belt canal 14 and comprises slanted upper and lower surfaces arranged to interact with an opening arrangement on the drive dog 13. When the drive dog 13 moves downwards by the movement of the endless belt and interacts with the opening protruding rails 15e of the input rail mount 15, the opening arrangement is pushed outwards away from the opening protruding rails 15e. This causes a closure part of the drive dog 13 to rotate relative to the hook part of the drive dog 13 and a closing structure of the closure part moves towards the opening protruding rails 15e, thereby opening a hook structure of the drive dog 13 such that the hook section of the garment hanger 5 can enter the hook structure of the drive dog 13.

[0049] Similarly, when the drive dog 13 has moved further downwards by the movement of the endless belt, it will reach the end of the opening protruding rails 15e and the slanted lower surface will interact with the opening arrangement such that the closure part of the drive dog 13 rotates relative to a hook structure part of the drive dog 13 such that the closing structure abuts the hook structure, securing the garment hanger 5 in the drive dog 13.

[0050] Opening protruding rails adjustment means 15f can be used to in detail adjust a vertical position of the opening protruding rails 15e within the input rail mount 15.

[0051] In figure 2B, an output rail mount 16 is seen attached to the garment hanger handling device 1 in the same releasable way as the input rail mount 15 of figure 1 in order to match the vertical position of the output rail mount 16 to the vertical position of the output rail 9. The output rail 9 can be connected to the garment hanger handling device 1 by a bracket connecting output rail 9 and the output rail mount 16. The output rail mount 16 comprises similar adjustable fastening means, cover and opening protruding rails adjustment means as the input rail mount 15.

[0052] In figure 2B, the drive dog 13 is upside down relative the drive dog 13 of figure 2A and is moving upwards from the movement of the endless belt and the opening arrangement of the drive dog 13 first interacts with a lower slanted surface of opening protruding rails 15e, opening the hook structure part and allowing the hook section of the garment hanger 5, now with a garment 6 hanged onto it, to be released from the drive dog 13 and to be transferred to the output rail 9 for further processing downstream. When the drive dog 13 has moved further upwards from the movement of the endless belt, the opening arrangement will interact with upper slanted surfaces of the opening protruding rails 15e and the closing structurel3d will close the hook structure once again.

[0053] Figure 3A schematically shows a close up of a garment hanger handling device drive dog 13 interacting with opening protruding rails 15e of a garment hanger handling device 1. In the figure, the drive dog 13 is situated approximately in the middle of the opening protruding rail and the closing structure of the closure part has moved away inward from the hook structure, opening the hook structure.

[0054] Figure 3B schematically shows an exploded view of a garment hanger handling device drive dog 13. The drive dog 13 comprises hook structure part 13a comprising a hook structure 13b and a closure part 13c comprising a closing structure 13d arranged on a lower end 13e of the closure part 13c. The hook structure part 13a further comprises a rounded guiding protrusion 13f arranged to guide the hook section of a garment hanger 5 both into the hook structure 13b and out from the hook structure 13b. The closure part 13c is rotatably attached to the hook structure part 13a on an upper end 13g of the hook structure part 13a by means of rotating means 13h arranged to be inserted into openings 13i in the hook structure part 13a. The closure part 13c further comprises an opening arrangement 13j arranged on an upper part of the closure part 13c. The opening arrangement 13j has laterally extending opening arrangement tabs that are arranged to interact with the opening protruding rails 15e as described above. A resilient member 13k, in this example a spring, is arranged to fit in a socket 131 in the closure part 13c and in a corresponding socket (not shown) in the hook structure part 13a. When the drive dog 13 is assembled, the resilient member 13k is in its relaxed state with the closing structure 13d abutting the hook structure 13b of the hook structure part 13a creating an enclosure. Other ways of attaching the closure part 13c to the hook structure part 13a are conceivable such as magnets arranged on the hook structure part 13a and the closure part 13c.

[0055] Also shown in figure 3B is the drive dog belt attachment part 13m that is arranged to attach the drive dog 13 to the endless belt. The drive dog belt attachment part 13m is arranged to make up a rear part of the drive dog 13 and will fit between the opening protruding rails 15e when the drive dog 13 passes through the input rail mounts 15 / output rail mounts 16.

[0056] Figures 4A and 4B schematically shows a securing arrangement 12 in a garment hanger handling device 1 according to a first embodiment. The securing arrangement 12 is arranged on a first and second securing arrangement arms 12a, 12b that extend downwards from a lower end of the garment hanger handling device 1. The securing arrangement arms 12a, 12b may be an integral part of the garment hanger handling device 1 or be attached to the garment hanger handling device 1, for instance by screws or bolts. The securing arrangement arms 12a, 12b are arranged such that the endless belt run between the arms such that a garment hanger handling device drive dog 13 can stop in the hanging position 8 between the securing arrangement arms 12a, 12b.

[0057] In figure 4A, the securing arrangement 12 is in a first position, i.e. an open position in which there is no garment hanger 5 in the hanging position 8 as the drive dog 13 passing between the securing arrangement arms 12a, 12b is empty. The securing arrangement 12 comprises a first clamping member 12c comprising an essentially vertically extending groove 12d that is arranged to receive a stem section 5a or a vertically extending part of a garment hanger 5. The essentially vertically extending groove 12d is arranged to prevent the garment hanger 5 from moving laterally when secured in the securing arrangement 12. The first clamping member 12c may also comprise a pair of essentially horizontal arms 12e arranged at a lower end 12f of the first clamping member 12c arranged to guide the stem section 5a into the essentially vertically extending groove 12d of the first clamping member 12c. At a top end 12g of the first clamping member 12c, the essentially vertically extending groove 12d may end in a curved arrangement pointing towards the first securing arm 12a as seen in the figure.

[0058] The securing arrangement 12 also comprises a second clamping member 12h comprising an essentially horizontal groove 12i arranged to receive a hook section 5b of a garment hanger 5. The essentially horizontal groove 12i is arranged on an essentially horizontal part of the second clamping member 12h. The essentially horizontal groove 12i is arranged to prevent the garment hanger 5 from rotating around the stem section 5a of the garment hanger 5. The second clamping member 12h also comprises an essentially vertical part 12j connecting the first clamping member 12c with the second clamping member 12h and the second clamping member 12h to an actuator 12k. The second clamping member 12h comprises a horizontally extending protrusion (not shown) that is arranged to run in an actuator groove (not shown) along a part of the length of the actuator 12k on top of the actuator 12k when the actuator 12k moves the first and second clamping members 12c, 12h between the first and second positions. It is possible to have other arrangements of the second clamping member 12h relative the actuator 12k, for instance arranged on one of the sides or underneath the actuator 12k.

[0059] The actuator 12k is attached to a first securing arrangement arm 12a and is arranged to move the first and second clamping members 12c, 12h between a first position, i.e. an open position and a second position, i.e. a clamping position. In the first position, the actuator 12k is in a retracted state such that the first and second clamping members 12c, 12h are separated from a second securing arrangement arm 12b by a first distance. In the second position, the actuator 12k is in an extended state such that the first and second clamping members 12c, 12h are arranged to abut the second securing arrangement arm 12b, thereby securing the garment hanger 5 when it is in the hanging position 8.

[0060] The actuator 12k is a linear actuator that may be a pneumatic actuator, an electromechanical actuator or any other type of linear actuator having a sufficient retracting and extending speed.

[0061] The securing arrangement 12 may further comprise a garment hanging sensor 121 arranged to fit in a hole (not shown) in the second securing arrangement arm 12b. The sensor is any type of sensor that can detect the presence of a plastic or metallic garment hanger. The garment hanging sensor 121 is arranged to detect when a garment hanger 5 is present in the drive dog 13 when stopped in the hanging position 8. The garment hanging sensor 121 is connected to the garment hanger handling device control unit that in turn sends an actuating signal to the actuator 12k to extend or retract.

[0062] The securing arrangement 12 may further comprise a third clamping member 12m arranged on an inside of the second securing arrangement arm 12b facing the first clamping member 12c. The third clamping member 12m may comprise an essentially vertically extending groove (not shown) that coincides in position with the essentially vertically extending groove 12d of the first clamping member 12c such that the grooves of the first clamping member 12c and the third clamping member 12m are arranged to interact such that the stem section 5a of the garment hanger 5 is secured in both grooves. In this way, a more secure clamping of the stem section 5a of the garment hanger 5 can be achieved. The third clamping member 12m comprises a hole (not shown) arranged in a position such that the garment hanging sensor 121 can detect a garment hanger 5 without being hindered by the third clamping member 12m.

[0063] The securing arrangement 12 is arranged to secure a garment hanger 5 from moving in any direction and from rotating around the stem section 5a of the garment hanger 5.

[0064] Figure 5 schematically shows a plane view of the garment hanger handling device 1. As in figure 1, the garment hanger handling device 1 comprises one input rail mount 15 arranged to receive garment hangers 5 from one input rail 7. The garment hanger handling device 1 further comprises one output rail mount 16 arranged to receive garment hangers 5 from one output rail 9.

[0065] As described above, the input rail mounts 15 is arranged to receive empty garment hangers 5 from an input rail 7 by comprising opening protruding rails 15e that will open a drive dog 13 that can receive a garment hanger 5 and the output rail mount 16 is arranged to transport garment hangers 5 with garments 6 hanged on them for further processing of the garments 6 to an output rail 9 by comprising opening protruding rails 15e that will open the drive dog 13 to release the garment hanger 5 with the garment 6 hanged on it. The input rail mount 15 is arranged on a garment hanger input side lb of the garment hanger handling device 1 and the output rail mount 16 is arranged on a garment hanger output side la of the garment hanger handling device 1. The endless belt on which the drive dogs 13 are arranged is arranged to run between the input rail mounts 15, the hanging position 8 where a garment 6 is hung onto the empty garment hanger 5, and the output rail mounts 16.

[0066] The garment hanger output side la of the garment hanger handling device 1 is arranged at a first angle a relative a vertical axis Y of the garment hanger handling device 1 such that the garments on the garment hangers 5 being sent to the output rail 9 do not come into contact with the output side la of the garment hanger handling device 1. The first angle a is between 1 and 45 degrees relative to the vertical axis of the garment hanger handling device 1, specifically between 5-20 degrees relative to the vertical axis of the garment hanger handling device 1 and more specifically between 7-8 degrees relative to the vertical axis of the garment hanger handling device 1. Optionally, as is shown in figure 5, the garment hanger input side lb of the garment hanger handling device 1 can be arranged at a second angle 0 relative the vertical axis Y of the garment hanger handling device 1. Alternatively, the garment hanger input side lb can be essentially vertical.

[0067] Depending on space constraints or other installation factors, the first angle a and the second angle 0 are bisecting angles, i.e. they are the same. The first angle a and the second angle 0 may alternatively be different angles where the second angle 0 can be between 0-45 degrees, specifically between 5-20 degrees relative to the vertical axis of the garment hanger handling device 1 and more specifically between 7-8 degrees relative to the vertical axis of the garment hanger handling device 1.

[0068] The description for figure 5 of course also applies to the embodiment of figure 1.

[0069] Figures 6 and 7 schematically shows a securing arrangement 12 in a garment hanger handling device 1 according to a second embodiment. In the second embodiment, the first clamping member 12c is pivotally connected to the second clamping member 12h and is further connected to the second clamping member 12h by a resilient member 12n such that it can lean towards the second securing arrangement arm 12b when the clamping arrangement 12 is in the first, open position. The top end 12g of the first clamping member 12c comprising curved arrangement of the essentially vertically extending groove 12d is closest to the second securing arm 12b when the first clamping member 12c is leaning towards the second securing arrangement arm 12b.

[0070] A drive dog 13 carries a garment hanger 5 to the hanging position 8. The securing arrangement 12 is in the first, open position with the first clamping member 12c leaning towards the garment hanger's 5 stem section 5a but not touching the stem section 5a. When the garment hanger 5 is in the correct position between the securing arms 12a, 12b, the securing arrangement 12 begins to move from the first, open position to the second, closed position. The curved arrangement of the first clamping member 12c pushes against the stem section 5a of the garment hanger 5. The stem section 5a of the garment hanger 5 is the part of the garment hanger 5 that moves the least if any movement in the garment hanger 5 has occurred. When the rest of the essentially vertical groove 12d of the first clamping member 12c is pushed towards the stem section 5a of the garment hanger 5, the stem section 5a will be guided into the essentially vertical groove 12d of the first clamping member 12c such that the garment hanger 5 is secured in the correct position for hanging a garment onto it.

[0071] Figure 7 is an exploded view of the securing arrangement 12 according to the second embodiment. As can be seen, the first clamping member 12c is resiliently connected to the second clamping member 12h by means of a spring. Other ways of resiliently attaching the first clamping member 12c to the second clamping member 12h are conceivable such various types of springs, spring washers and magnets arranged on the first and second clamping members 12c, 12h.

[0072] The securing arrangement 12 is arranged to secure a garment hanger 5 from moving in any direction and from rotating around the stem section 5a of the garment hanger 5.

[0073] Figure 8 schematically shows a flowchart of a method 800 for controlling the belt speed of a garment hanger handling device. The garment hanger handling device comprises an endless belt on which a plurality of drive dogs for transporting garment hangers from a garment hanger input rail to a hanging position and from the hanging position to a garment hanger output rail are attached, wherein the endless belt is driven by a belt motor. The method 800 may comprise the following actions, steps or operations.

[0074] Action 802: A drive dog sensor on the garment hanger handling device detects when a garment hanger attaches to a first drive dog from the garment hanger input rail.

[0075] Upon detection of attachment of a garment hanger to the first drive dog at the garment hanger input rail by the drive dog sensor, action 804 is performed: A belt motor control unit adapts the belt speed such that when a second drive dog downstream of the first drive dog approaches the hanging position, the belt speed is reduced before the second drive dog comes to a stop at the hanging position.

[0076] If the belt motor is a stepper motor, the method may comprise the following action, step or operation: moving the stepper motor forward a predetermined first number of pulses upon receiving a sensor input from the drive dog sensor at a first belt speed and thereafter reduce the belt speed to a second belt speed for a predetermined second number of pulses before coming to a stop.

[0077] The method may also comprise the following action, step or operation: Driving the belt a predetermined third number of pulses forward with the reduced belt speed such that the second drive dog passes the hanging position and stopping the belt and reversing the belt such that the second drive dog is positioned at the hanging position before coming to a stop.

[0078] The garment hanger handling device is suitable for use in a garment conveyor system, for instance used in industrial laundries and other facilities where garments are prepared on garment hangers.

[0079] Example 1: Method for controlling the speed of an endless belt of a garment hanger handling device (1), wherein the garment hanger handling device (1) comprises an endless belt on which a plurality of drive dogs (13) for transporting garment hangers (5) from a garment hanger input rail mount (15) to a hanging position (8) and from the hanging position (8) to a garment hanger output rail mount (16) are attached, wherein the garment hanger input rail mount (15) is arranged at a first predetermined distance from the hanging position (8) and the plurality of drive dogs (13) are arranged at a second predetermined distance between them, wherein the endless belt is driven by a belt motor (4) controllable by a belt motor control unit, wherein the method comprises:

[0080] - detecting when a garment hanger (5) attaches to a first drive dog (13) at the garment hanger input rail mount (15) by a drive dog sensor (17) on the garment hanger handling device (1),

[0081] - upon detection of attachment of a garment hanger (5) to the first drive dog (13) at the garment hanger input rail mount (15) by the drive dog sensor (17), adapting the speed of the endless belt by the belt motor control unit such that when a second drive dog (13) downstream of the first drive dog (13) approaches the hanging position (8), the speed of the endless belt is reduced before the second drive dog (13) comes to a stop at the hanging position (8).

[0082] The method ensures that the garment hanger will not move as much or not move at all when stopping at the hanging position. This improves the work environment for the operator and makes it easier and quicker to start hanging a garment on the garment hanger after it has stopped at the hanging position. Example 2: Method according to example 1, wherein the belt motor (4) is a stepper motor, wherein the method comprises:

[0083] - moving the stepper motor, by the belt motor control unit, forward a predetermined first number of pulses upon receiving a sensor input from the drive dog sensor (17) at a first speed and thereafter reduce the speed of the endless belt to a second speed for a predetermined second number of pulses before coming to a stop.

[0084] In this way, it is possible to exactly determine the position of the garment hanger on the belt and to adapt the number of pulses that the belt should run with the first and second belt speeds. This also allows for the use of only one drive dog sensor.

[0085] Example 3: Method according to claim 2, wherein the method comprises:

[0086] - moving the stepper motor, by the belt motor control unit, forward a predetermined third number of pulses with the reduced second speed such that the second drive dog (13) passes the hanging position (8),

[0087] - stopping the belt and reversing the belt such that the second drive dog (13) is positioned at the hanging position (8) before coming to a stop.

[0088] By driving the garment hanger past the hanging position and reversing it back to the hanging position, additional control of the movement of the garment hanger when stopping at the hanging position can be achieved.

[0089] Example 4: Garment hanger handling device (1) comprising an endless belt onto which are attached a plurality of drive dogs (13) for transporting garment hangers (5) from a garment hanger input rail mount (15) to a hanging position (8) and from the hanging position (8) to a garment hanger output rail mount (16), wherein the garment hanger input rail mount (15) is arranged at a first predetermined distance from the hanging position (8) and the plurality of drive dogs (13) are arranged at a second predetermined distance between them, wherein the endless belt is driven by a belt motor (4) controllable by a belt motor control unit, wherein the garment hanger handling device (1) comprises a drive dog sensor (17) arranged to detect when a garment hanger (5) attaches to a first drive dog (13) at the garment hanger input rail mount (15) and a belt motor control unit configured for: - receiving an input signal from the drive dog sensor (17) upon detection of attachment of a garment hanger (5) to the first drive dog (13) at the garment hanger input rail mount (15) by the drive dog sensor (17),

[0090] - adapting the speed of the endless belt such that when a second drive dog (13) downstream of the first drive dog (13) approaches the hanging position (8), the speed of the endless belt is reduced before the second drive dog (13) comes to a stop at the hanging position (8).

[0091] Example 5: Garment hanger handling device (1) according to example 4, wherein the belt motor (4) is a stepper motor.

[0092] Example 6: Garment hanger handling device (1) according to example 5, wherein the belt motor control unit is configured for:

[0093] - moving the stepper motor forward a predetermined first number of pulses upon receiving a sensor input from the drive dog sensor (17) at a first speed and thereafter reduce the speed of the endless belt to a second speed for a predetermined second number of pulses before coming to a stop.

[0094] Example 7: Garment hanger handling device (1) according to example 5 or 6, wherein the belt motor control unit is configured for:

[0095] - moving the stepper motor, forward a predetermined third number of pulses with the reduced second speed such that the second drive dog (13) passes the hanging position (8),

[0096] - stopping the belt and reversing the belt such that the second drive dog (13) is positioned at the hanging position (8) before coming to a stop.

[0097] The advantages for the garment hanger handling device are the same as for the method of the above examples.

[0098] Example 8: Garment conveyor system comprising a garment hanger handling device (1) according to anyone of examples 4-7.

[0099] The description of the example embodiments provided herein have been presented for purposes of illustration. The description is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit example embodiments to the precise form disclosed, and modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings or may be acquired from practice of various alternatives to the provided embodiments. The examples discussed herein were chosen and described in order to explain the principles and the nature of various example embodiments and its practical application to enable one skilled in the art to utilize the example embodiments in various manners and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. The features of the embodiments described herein may be combined in all possible combinations of methods, apparatus, modules, systems, and computer program products. It should be appreciated that the example embodiments presented herein may be practiced in any combination with each other.

[0100] It should be noted that the word "comprising" does not necessarily exclude the presence of other elements or steps than those listed and the words "a" or "an" preceding an element do not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. It should further be noted that any reference signs do not limit the scope of the claims, that the example embodiments may be implemented at least in part by means of both hardware and software, and that several "means", "units" or "devices" may be represented by the same item of hardware.

[0101] The various example embodiments described herein are described in the general context of method steps or processes, which may be implemented in one aspect by a computer program product, embodied in a computer-readable medium, including computer-executable instructions, such as program code, executed by computers in networked environments. A computer-readable medium may include removable and non-removable storage devices including, but not limited to, Read Only Memory (ROM), Random Access Memory (RAM), compact discs (CDs), digital versatile discs (DVD), etc. Generally, program modules may include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc. that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. Computer-executable instructions, associated data structures, and program modules represent examples of program code for executing steps of the methods disclosed herein. The particular sequence of such executable instructions or associated data structures represents examples of corresponding acts for implementing the functions described in such steps or processes.

[0102] In the drawings and specification, there have been disclosed exemplary embodiments.

[0103] However, many variations and modifications can be made to these embodiments. Accordingly, although specific terms are employed, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation, the scope of the embodiments being defined by the following claims.

[0104] References:

[0105] 1. Garment hanger handling device a. Output side b. Input side

[0106] 2. Mounting arrangement

[0107] 3. Operator

[0108] 4. Belt motor

[0109] 5. Garment hanger a. Stem section b. Hook section

[0110] 6. Garment

[0111] 7. Input rail

[0112] 8. Hanging position

[0113] 9. Output rail

[0114] 10. Operator interface

[0115] 11. Operator protection system a. Operator cover b. Operator protection system mount

[0116] 12. Securing arrangement a. First securing arrangement arm b. Second securing arrangement arm c. First clamping member d. Vertically extending groove e. Horizontal arms f. Lower end of first clamping member g. Top end of first clamping member h. Second clamping member i. Horizontal groove j. Vertical part k. Actuator

[0117] I. Garment hanging sensor m. Third clamping member n. Resilient member connecting first and second clamping members

[0118] 13. Drive dog a. Hook structure part b. Hook structure c. Closure part d. Closing structure e. Lower end of closure part f. Rounded guiding protrusion g. Upper end of hook structure part h. Rotating means i. Openings in hook structure part j. Opening arrangement k. Resilient member of drive dog l. Socket m. Belt attachment part

[0119] 14. Belt canal

[0120] 15. Input rail mount a. Garment hanger release system b. Release arms c. Adjustable fastening means d. Input rail mount cover e. Opening protruding rails

[0121] 16. Output rail mount

[0122] 17. Drive dog sensor

Claims

CLAIMS1. Garment hanger handling device securing arrangement (12), wherein the securing arrangement (12) comprises a first securing arrangement arm (12a) and a second securing arrangement arm (12b), wherein the securing arrangement (12) comprises:- a first clamping member (12c) arranged on the first securing arm (12a) comprising an essentially vertically extending groove (12d) arranged to receive a stem section (5a) of a garment hanger (5),- a second clamping member (12h) arranged on the first securing arm (12a) connected to the first clamping member (12c) and comprising an essentially horizontal groove (12i) arranged to receive a hook section (5b) of the garment hanger (5), and- an actuator (12k) arranged on the first securing arrangement arm arranged to move the first and second clamping members (12c, 12h) between a first position and a second position, wherein the first and second clamping members (12c, 12h) are connected to the actuator (12k), wherein in the first position, the first and second clamping members (12c, 12h) are separated from the second securing arm (12b) by a first distance and, wherein in the second position, the second clamping member (12h) is arranged to abut the second securing arrangement arm (12b), thereby securing the garment hanger (5) between the first and second clamping members and the second securing arm (12b).

2. Securing arrangement (12) according to claim 1, further comprising a garment hanging sensor (121) attached to the second securing arm (12b) arranged to detect the presence of a garment hanger (5) between the second clamping member (12h) and the second securing arm (12b) when the first and second clamping members (12c, 12h) are in the first position.

3. Securing arrangement (12) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the securing arrangement (12) further comprises a third clamping member (12m) arranged on the second securing arm (12b) comprising an essentially vertically extending groove arranged to interact with the essentially vertically extending groove (12d) of the first clamping member (12c).

4. Securing arrangement (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuator (12k) is a pneumatic actuator or an electromechanical actuator.

5. Securing arrangement (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second securing arms (12a, 12b) are arranged such that a hanging position (8) of the garment hanger (5) falls between the first and second securing arms (12a,12b).

6. Securing arrangement (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first clamping member (12c) is pivotally connected to the second clamping member (12h) and is further connected to the second clamping member (12h) by a resilient member (12n).

7. Garment hanger handling device (1) comprising a securing arrangement (12) according to any one of the preceding claims.

8. Conveyor system comprising a garment hanger handling device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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