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(11) | EP 3 315 645 A1 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
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| (54) | WASHING MACHINE, HOLDING DEVICE, AND WASHING METHOD |
| (57) In the disclosed solution a washing machine (1) comprises: a feed opening (4) for
feeding a textile product (2) into the washing machine (1); transfer means (8) for
transferring the textile product (2) in the washing machine (1), and at least one
washing head (WU) for washing the textile product (2). The washing machine (1) further
comprises, in connection with its feed opening (4), an underpressure-operated holding
device (6). This way, the end of the washable textile product (2) may be held in place
by suction and a suction force or effect formed by means of it until a user of the
washing device has taken his hand away from the feed opening (4).
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Background of the invention
[0004] The field of the invention is described in greater detail in the preambles of the independent claims of this application.
[0005] Automatic washing machines have been developed for washing rugs and similar textiles, in which the front edge of the rug to be washed is fed to receiving means of the washing machine, after which the washing machine takes control of the rug being washed and carries out its washing and drying.
Summary of the invention
[0007] It is an object of the invention to provide a novel and improved washing machine, holding device, and washing method.
[0008] The features according to the solution of the invention are set forth in the independent claims.
[0010] The idea of the discloses solution is that a washing machine comprises, in connection with its feed opening, an underpressure-operated holding device.
[0011] An end of the washable textile product may in this case be held in place by suction and a suction force or effect formed by it until a user of the washing device has taken his hand away from the feed opening.
[0012] The advantage of the solution set forth is that the holding device does not comprise any dangerous machine parts. The holding device makes use of suction instead of pressing means, roll-nips, or sharp parts. In addition to safety, a further advantage is the simple structure of the solution, whereby it is durable, maintenance-free, and economical. Further, a receiving means based on suction will not damage the textile product in any way.
[0013] The idea of an embodiment is that said at least one holding device is immovable. When the holding device is an immovable machine element, its structure may be simple and durable. In addition, the holding device is continuously located at a predetermined place near the feed opening, making it easy to use.
[0014] The idea of one embodiment is that said at least one holding device comprises at least one suction port on the side of the bottom surface of the washable textile product.
[0015] A textile product typically comprises an upper surface layer with aesthetic patterns and designs, and a lower bottom layer that acts as the body of the textile product. The body layer at the bottom side is usually more dense and solid as regards its structure than the aesthetic surface layer. When the underpressure is exerted on the stiffer bottom layer, a strong enough holding force may be established to retain the textile product at the feed opening. Further, the washing machine may have, near the feed opening, a feed table to which the suction ports are formed.
[0016] The idea of an embodiment is that in connection with the feed opening there is at least one stopper against which a first end of the washable planar textile product may be parked. The mechanical stopper ensures the correct parking and direction of the washable textile, that is, the fact that the transfer run through the washing machine takes place straight. Pushing an end of a textile against the stopper is simple and intuitive. In addition, the mechanical stopper may have a simple structure and be durable. The stopper may be adapted to be movable so that the stopper may move out of the way of the textile product after the transfer device of the washing machine starts to move the textile product to the washing zone.
[0017] The idea of an embodiment is that the first end of the washable textile product is detected by one or more sensors or a measuring device to be sure of the location and position of the textile before it is taken inside the washing machine and starting the wash. So, a mechanical stopper may be replaced with sensors.
[0018] The idea of an embodiment is that said at least one holding device belonging to the washing machine is separate and functionally independent in relation to the transfer means.
[0019] The idea of an embodiment is that said at least one holding device belonging to the washing machine comprises at least two suction ports at a transverse distance from each other. In some cases there may be three, four or more suction ports.
[0020] The idea of an embodiment is that the suction ports of the holding device are elongated in shape and have their longitudinal axis transverse in relation to the feed direction of the textile product.
[0021] The idea of an embodiment is that the washing machine comprises a feeding table or similar planar surface on top of which the washable textile product may be adapted and which is provided with one or more suction ports to form a holding force.
[0022] The idea of an embodiment is that the washing machine is an automated planar washing machine for washing planar textile products, such as rugs.
[0024] The idea of an embodiment is that the washing machine comprises at least one suction unit, which may be an underpressure pump, for example.
[0025] Alternatively, the washing machine comprises a suction connection to connect it to a suction line.
[0026] The idea of an embodiment is that the washing machine comprises at least one door, hatch, or panel that opens and closes, whereby the washing machine may be protected all over by an enclosure or oversheath after an end of a textile product has been set to be held by means of suction and the washing machine is ready to start a washing cycle. In connection with the hatch or similar there may be a safety edge or similar safety element which, when detecting a user's hand in the feed opening, causes the hatch to open.
[0027] The idea of an embodiment is that instead of a washing machine, the disclosed holding device and its features may be applied to handle a planar textile product in a vacuum-cleaning machine or a dryer where a similar need exists to feed an end of a product being handled to the feed end of a machine and to release a user's grip before starting the processing program of the machine. In such a case, the vacuum-cleaning or dryer machine has, instead of a washing head, a suction head that is moved in relation to the textile product during the operation of the machine.
Brief description of the figures
[0028] Some embodiments of the invention are described in greater detail in the accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 schematically shows a washing machine,
Figure 2 schematically shows a feed end of a washing machine where the washable textile product is parked against a stopper and a holding force is exerted on the textile product by means of suction,
Figure 3 schematically shows the feed end of the washing machine according to Figure 2 after the textile product has been brought to be controlled by the washing machine and transferred to the washing zone by means of feeding means,
Figure 4 is a top view of a textile product whose first end, that is, the front edge is parked against a transverse stopper and on the bottom surface of which suction is exerted from the suction ports to keep it in place,
Figure 5 schematically shows an alternative arrangement at the feed end of the washing machine, where the end of a textile product is detected by means of sensors to make sure of its correct position and direction before moving on to automatic operation, and
Figure 6 is a simplified diagram showing phases of operating the washing machine and some technical features.
[0029] For reasons of clarity, some embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the Figures in a simplified form. Similar parts are indicated in the figures by the same reference numbers.
Detailed description of the invention
[0030] Figure 1 shows a planar washing machine 1 for washing planar textile products 2 such as rugs or similar furnishing textiles. The washing machine 1 comprises a body and it may be surrounded by an enclosure 3 to make the device safe. The textile product 2 may be fed into the washing machine 1 through a feed opening 4 where it is taken over by gripping means 5. The gripping means 5 may comprise one or more holding devices 6 which may include suction ports 7 which are shown in greater detail in Figures 2 and 3. An underpressure may be led to the suction ports 7 from a suction source SU. The washing machine further comprises feeding means 8, such as rollers, by means of which the textile product 2 may be moved forward in the washing machine. In the vicinity of the feed opening 4 there may be a transverse stopper 9 against which the end of the textile product 2 is adapted. The stopper 9 may be a mechanical member that may be adapted to be moved in the vertical direction so that it may be moved out of the way of the textile product 2 when the washing cycle is started. The actual washing may be performed by means of a washing head or washing unit WU. The washing head WU may comprise one or more rotating washing nozzles and one or more suction nozzles. Washing agent or washing liquid is fed with high pressure from a washing liquid unit LU, and a drying suction may be formed either with the same suction source SU or with a different suction source than the one to the holding device 6. The feed opening 4 may be closed with the hatch 10 which may be adapted to be movable in the vertical direction. The operation of the washing machine 1 may be controlled by a control unit CU. The control unit CU may automatically control the suction of the holding device 6, hatch 10, feeding means, washing head WU and generally the entire work cycle of the washing machine 1 after the end of the textile product 2 is under control of the holding device 6. The user may give commands to the control unit CU by means of a user interface UI and, on the other hand, the control unit CU may instruct the user to carry out preparatory measures for the washing and the feeding of the textile product to the washing machine 1. Figure 1 additionally shows a basket 11 or a groove to which the washable textile product 2 may be adapted and to which it is fed after it has been washed.
[0031] Deviating from the schematic Figure 1, the textile product 2 being handled may first be run during the washing phase in the feed direction A (direction A is shown in Figure 4) and run in the opposite direction after washing, at the same as liquid is being sucked out of it to dry the product 2.
In Figure 2, the end of the textile product 2 is manually placed against the mechanical stopper 9, and an underpressure S is applied to the suction port 7. The underpressure S affects the lower surface of the textile product 2 and forms a holding force F that keeps the end of the textile product 2 in place. The user may after this release his grip of the textile product 2 and take his hands away from the feed opening 4.
In Figure 3, the feeding means 8 have moved the textile product 2 further to the washing zone. In such a case, the stopper 9 has been moved out of the way of the textile product 2 and the hatch 10 closed.
Figure 4 shows a top view of the textile product 2, holding device 6, and stopper 9. The holding device 6 may comprise a feed table 12 or similar planar surface provided with suction ports 7. There may be two suction ports 7, sometimes more, or just one. The suction ports 7 may be elongated and may be directed transversely B in relation to the feed direction A.
The solution shown in Figure 5 differs from the previous solutions shown in Figure 1 to 4 in that instead a mechanical stopper the position and direction of the end of the textile product 2 is detected by means of one or more sensors 13 or a measuring device. The measurement data or signal produced by the sensor 13 is conveyed to the control unit CU.
The chart of Figure 6 shows details and features already discussed above in this application.
The following is set forth concerning the actual washing cycle. The washing machine washes the rug with the aid of one or more rotating washing heads. The washing agent used in the washing is water to which washing agent may have been mixed. Further, the washing machine sucks off the water left in the rug after the washing, drying the rug so that when the rug is taken out of the washing machine, no water will run out of it and it will dry fast.30
[0032] During the washing, the washing head is moved back and forth over the rug being washed in the transverse direction in relation to the longitudinal direction of the rug. A washing head may comprise one or more spraying nozzles from which water or washing fluid may be sprayed to the rug. Further, the washing head has one or more suction ports by means of which liquid sprayed to the rug may be sucked out of the rug. 35 During the washing, the rug is moved in its longitudinal direction on rollers through the washing machine. The moving of the rug and the washing head may be automatically controlled by means of one or more control units.
[0033] The disclosed washing machine may be installed in a launderette where the customers themselves use the washing machine.
In some cases, features disclosed in this application may be used as such, regardless of other features. On the other hand, features disclosed in this application can be combined, if necessary, to form various combinations.
The drawings and their description are intended only to illustrate the idea of the invention. The details of the invention may vary within the scope of the claims. This application further discloses a solution in which the machine meant for washing, vacuum-cleaning, drying or similar treatment of a planar textile product comprises at least one control unit in communication with at least one user interface. The user interface may be, for example, a touch screen or a display panel that a user may use to give commands or information to the machine, and on which the control unit may further show guidance pictures and instructions. Alternatively, the user interface is on the screen of an electronic terminal device, such as a mobile phone, handheld computer, tablet computer, or similar computer The user selects on the user interface the function to be performed by the machine and pays for the selected function, or instead of paying, acknowledges the function in some way. The machine then goes to a standby mode to receive the feed end of the planar textile product being handled at the feed opening of the machine. The user interface is adapted to instruct the user to place the feed end correctly to the feed opening. The machine activates gripping means to temporarily keep the feed end in place at the feed opening so that the user may release his grip of the textile product. The user interface may give an indication to the user about the fastening of the feed end, the reaching of the correct parking position and adequate straightness as well as give other instructions relating to the coupling either visually or by audio, or both. The user interface may ask the user to take his hands away from the feed opening, and may also receive detection data from sensors possibly placed in connection with the feed opening. The control unit may thus close access to the feed opening from the outside of the machine. When the conditions affecting the user safety of the machine have been met, the automatic function program of the machine commences. The user interface may indicate the program duration, its current stage, remaining duration of the program, and give an alarm when the program ends or, if need be, before it ends. Furthermore, the user interface may provide an indication is the textile product fed in is for some reason unsuitable for the selected function program and the reason for this. Paying for the use may be carried out with a remote payment device, service, or online feature. The selection of the function program of the machine, paying, and other selections and preparations making use of the user interface may be performed first, and then the textile product being handled is placed in a planar form to the feed opening of the machine. The feed opening, as seen from the front, is substantially rectangular. The user interface may comprise a graphical user interface having graphical symbols and signs to guide the user intuitively so that anyone regardless of the language, experience, or age is able to use the machine. It is furthermore mentioned that one machine may comprise a washing apparatus, vacuuming apparatus, brushing apparatus, dry-blowing apparatus and spraying apparatus of a conditioner/finishing agent, or just one or more of the aforementioned apparatuses, whereby the control unit and user interface have means to select the respective function program and to run automatically several function programs possibly to be performed successively.
1. A washing machine for washing planar textile products, the washing machine (1) comprising:
a feed opening (4) for feeding the textile product (2) into the washing machine (1); transfer means (8) for transferring the textile product (2) in the washing machine (1); at least one washing head (WU) for washing the textile product (2); and gripping means (5) for gripping the textile product (2),
characterised in that
the gripping means (5) comprise at least one holding device (6) for holding the washable textile in place at the feed opening (4);
said holding device (6) comprises at least one suction port (7) for exerting suction (S) on the textile product (2) in order to establish a holding force (F).
2. A washing machine as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that said at least one holding device (6) is immobile.
3. A washing machine as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterised in that said at least one holding device (6) comprises at least one suction port (7) on the
side of the bottom surface of the washable textile product (2).
4. A washing machine as claimed in any one of the preceding claims 1 to 3, characterised in that there is, in connection with the feed opening (4), at least one stopper (9) against
which a first end of the washable planar textile product (2) may be parked.
5. A holding device for a planar washing machine, said planar washing machine (1) comprising
a feed opening (4) for feeding a planar textile product (2) into the washing machine;
characterised in that
said holding device (6) comprises at least one suction port (7) for exerting suction (S) on the textile product (2) and to establish a suction force (F) for keeping the textile product (2) in place.
characterised in that
said holding device (6) comprises at least one suction port (7) for exerting suction (S) on the textile product (2) and to establish a suction force (F) for keeping the textile product (2) in place.
6. A washing methods for washing planar textile products with a planar washing machine,
in which method:
an end of the textile product is fed into the feed opening of the washing machine, the end of the textile product is kept in place by means of suction, the textile product is transferred in the feed direction with the transfer apparatus of the washing machine, and the textile product is washed with the washing head of the washing machine.