Patent Application
20250109547
The present invention relates to a clothes folding machine, and more specifically, to a clothes folding machine that can maximize space efficiency.
Clothes are made of soft materials such as natural fibers or synthetic fibers and need to be folded to appropriate sizes and shapes so that the garments are stored and carried.
Generally, clothes are required to be folded very frequently or in large amounts for storage after being washed or for long-term storage according to seasonal changes. However, direct folding of clothes by manpower causes waste of time and resources. Also, when the shape and size of folded clothes do not match due to unskilled manpower, additional labor must be input in for display or storage.
Accordingly, there is an increasing need for an automated device which quickly and uniformly perform the folding of clothes.
In relation to the conventional clothes folding machine, Japanese Registered Patent No. 3600148B (hereinafter referred to as ‘Prior Literature’) discloses a configuration for a folding machine that folds the clothes using a folding plate after the clothes are retracted and the sleeves are folded.
However, in the folding machine disclosed in the Prior Literature, the means for folding the sleeves of the clothes and the means for horizontally folding the clothes or folding the hem of the clothes are separated from each other, so it occupies a large space not only in the horizontal space but also in the vertical space.
Therefore, there is a need to develop a folding machine that can perform all vertical folding, hem folding, and horizontal folding of clothes in one layer.
In addition, when a conventional clothes folding machine folds clothes by rotating a folding plate, the folding plate cannot be rotated sufficiently for thick clothes such as sweaters, resulting in a problem in that the folded shape of the clothes is not consistent.
The present invention has been devised to solve the problems of the conventional clothes folding machine as described above, and its object is to provide a clothes folding machine that can perform both vertical and horizontal folding of clothes in one layer.
In addition, an object is to provide a clothes folding machine that can vertically and horizontally folding even large-sized clothes.
In addition, an object is to provide a clothes folding machine that can fold even thick clothes.
In order to achieve the above object, a clothes folding machine according to the present invention may comprise a frame part; a loading part into which clothes are inserted; and a folding part that transfers and folds the inserted clothes, wherein the folding part may include a vertical folding plate that rotates within a predetermined radial range around a first rotary shaft so as to fold the clothes; a horizontal folding plate that rotates within a predetermined radial range around a second rotary shaft, which is vertical to the first rotary shaft, so as to fold the clothes; and an interlocking plate that is interlocked to the vertical folding plate or the horizontal folding plate and rotates.
The folding part may include a first interlocking link that connects the vertical folding plate and the interlocking plate.
The folding part may include a second interlocking link that connects the horizontal folding plate and the interlocking plate.
The first interlocking link may include a first interlocking link body; and a vertical folding plate coupling protrusion that is formed to protrude from the first interlocking link body and is link-coupled to the vertical folding plate.
The vertical folding plate coupling protrusion may be disposed on the second rotary axis.
The second interlocking link may include a second interlocking link body; and a vertical folding plate coupling protrusion that is formed to protrude from the second interlocking link body and is link-coupled to the vertical folding plate.
The vertical folding plate coupling protrusion may be disposed on the first rotary axis.
The folding plate may further include a vertical folding link plate that is link-coupled to the vertical folding plate and rotates around the first rotary axis.
The folding part may further include a horizontal folding link plate that is link-coupled to the horizontal folding plate and rotates around the second rotary axis.
The folding part may include a first folding conveyor that transfers the clothes; and a second folding conveyor that rotates in the same or opposite direction as the first folding conveyor to fold the clothes.
The folding part may further include a folding housing that is coupled to the frame part and to which the first folding plate and the second folding plate are coupled.
In order to achieve the above object, a clothes folding machine according to the present invention may comprise a frame part; a loading part into which clothes are inserted; and a folding part that transfers and folds the inserted clothes.
The folding part may include a folding plate that folds the clothes by rotation and a link plate that is link-coupled to the folding plate and rotates around a rotary axis.
The folding part may include a folding plate motor that applies a rotational force to the folding plate; a driving disk that rotates according to an operation of the folding plate motor; a first link that is link-coupled to the driving disk and is coupled at a position eccentric from a center of the driving disk; a second link that is link-coupled to the first link; a third link that is link-coupled to one side of the second link and is link-coupled to the link plate; and a fourth link that is link-coupled to the other side of the second link and is link-coupled to the folding plate.
The folding part may further include a link shaft that penetrates a plurality of the second links; and a plate position sensor that detects whether the link shaft is located at a predetermined position.
The folding part may further include a damper in contact with the first link when the first link is located at a predetermined position.
As described above, according to the clothes folding machine according to the present invention, a vertical folding plate and horizontal folding plate are provided in one layer, which has the effect of minimizing space.
In addition, an interlocking plate can be rotated in conjunction with the vertical folding plate or horizontal folding plate to expand a folding area, which has the effect of folding even large-sized clothes.
In addition, there is an effect of folding even thick clothes through the interlocking link.
Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
The present invention may be variously modified and may have various embodiments, and particular embodiments illustrated in the drawings will be specifically described below. The description of the embodiments is not intended to limit the present invention to the particular embodiments, but it should be interpreted that the present invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and technical scope of the present invention.
In the description of the present invention, the terms such as “first” and “second” may be used to describe various components, but the components should not be limited by the terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one component from another component. For example, a first component may be named a second component, and similarly, the second component may also be named the first component, without departing from the scope of the present invention.
“The term “and/or” may include any and all combinations of a plurality of the related and listed items.
When one component is described as being “coupled” or “connected” to another component, it should be understood that one component can be coupled or connected directly to another component, and an intervening component can also be present between the components. When one component is described as being “coupled directly to” or “connected directly to” another component, it should be understood that no intervening component is present between the components.
The terms used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the present invention. Singular expressions may include plural expressions unless clearly described as different meanings in the context.
The terms “comprises,” “includes,” or the like specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components or combination thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or combination thereof.
Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, may have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. The terms such as those defined in a commonly used dictionary may be interpreted as having meanings consistent with meanings in the context of related technologies and may not be interpreted as ideal or excessively formal meanings unless explicitly defined in the present application.
Further, the following embodiments are provided to more completely explain the present invention to those skilled in the art, and shapes and sizes of elements illustrated in the drawings may be exaggerated for a more apparent description.
Hereinafter, a clothes folding machine 1 according to the present invention will be described with reference to
Referring to
The frame part 100 forms the exterior of the clothes folding machine 1.
More particularly, the frame part 100 includes an upper frame 110, a lower frame 120, a horizontal frame 130, and a vertical frame 140.
For reference, the clothes folding machine 1 according to this embodiment may define a direction based on a state in which the frame part 100 is standing on the ground. For example, a direction in which clothes are retracted based on an internal operating space surrounded by the frame part 100 and its virtual vertical line may be referred to as a front or front surface, and a direction opposite to the front or front surface based on the internal operating space may be referred to as a rear or rear surface. In addition, based on a direction in which clothes are retracted in the internal operating space, a right direction may be referred to as a right side, and a left direction may be referred to as a left side. In addition, in a state in which the clothes folding machine 1 is standing on the ground, a direction closer to the ground may be referred to as a lower side, and a direction farther from the ground may be referred to as an upper side.
The upper frame 110 is horizontally disposed at an upper end of the clothes folding machine 1, and an upper operating space of the clothes folding machine 1 may be defined by the upper frame 110.
The lower frame 120 may be horizontally disposed at a lower end of the clothes folding machine 1 and may support the clothes folding machine 1 on a floor (ground). A lower operating space of the clothes folding machine 1 may be defined by the lower frame 120.
The horizontal frame 130 may be horizontally disposed between the upper frame 110 and the lower frame 120. A folding part 400 and folding base 500, which will be described below, may be mounted and supported on the horizontal frame 130.
Meanwhile, the vertical frame 140 is disposed in a direction perpendicular to the ground and is coupled to the upper frame 110, lower frame 120, and horizontal frame 130. A gap (height difference) between the upper frame 110, the lower frame 120, and the horizontal frame 130 may be maintained by the vertical frame 140.
A finishing cover (not illustrated) may be stably attached to an outer peripheral side of the frame part 100, and the finishing cover serves to define an external appearance of the clothes folding machine 1 and protect the members disposed in the clothes folding machine 1. In addition, an input part (not illustrated) configured to receive a control instruction from a user, a display part (not illustrated) configured to visually provide the user with information on operating states of the clothes folding machine 1, and an alarm part (not illustrated) configured to aurally provide the user with information on the operating states of the clothes folding machine 1 may be provided on a front portion of the finishing cover.
In this way, by providing the frame part 100, the folding part 400, which will be described later, is supported so that the folding function of clothes may be performed smoothly, thereby saving the required space, and reducing the overall volume of the clothes folding machine 1.
The clothes folding machine includes a holder 200. The holder 200 is a component that holds clothes before it is placed on the folding part 400.
Here, the clothes not only means upper clothes or lower clothes manufactured using natural fibers or synthetic fibers so as to be worn by persons, but also include all products such as towels or bedclothes that may be provided by being folded to have desired sizes and thicknesses by the clothes folding machine 1.
The holder 200 temporarily holds the clothes before the clothes are placed on the folding part 400. After the clothes are placed on the holder 200, it is guided to the folding part 400 by the loading part 300.
The holder 200 is disposed in front of the folding part 400. Specifically, the holder 200 is disposed adjacent to the front end of the folding part 400 and is coupled to the frame part 100.
The holder 200 may be rotatably coupled to the frame part 100. Specifically, the rear end of the holder 200 is hinged to the frame part, and the front end of the holder 200 may move and rotate. Accordingly, the inclination of the holder 200 is variable so that it may be disposed appropriately for various types of clothes.
The holder 200 forms a curved surface that is convex toward the upper portion. Referring to
The upper surface of the holder 200 has at least one curvature. Specifically, the holder 200 has a double bend structure having a first curvature C1 and a second curvature C2.
The holder 200 has the first curvature C1 along a front-to-rear direction and the second curvature C2 along a left-right direction. With this configuration, wrinkles do not occur in the clothes while the clothes are being retracted rearward.
The holder 200 has a protrusion 250. The protrusion 250 is a component that prevents wrinkles from occurring when the closes are placed.
When the protrusion 250 is viewed from the upper portion, the front end is formed to be convex forward.
Near the protrusion 250, the center of the clothes is placed ahead of both ends of the clothes, and tension is generated between the center and both ends, which can prevent wrinkles from occurring. In addition, when the clothes move rearward, the clothes are caught at the front end of the protrusion 250 and tension is generated, which can more effectively prevent wrinkles in the clothes.
The holder 200 includes a holder body 210, a holder side wall 220, a sleeve support portion 230, and a sleeve folding portion 240.
The holder body 210 holds the clothes on its upper surface. The holder body 210 may be formed in a wide plate shape extending in the front/rear/left/right direction.
As described above, the holder body 210 forms an upwardly convex curved surface. Specifically, the holder body 210 has the first curvature C1 when viewed from the front and the second curvature C2 when viewed from one side. The virtual curve by the first curvature C1 and virtual curve by the second curvature C2 may intersect or be perpendicular to each other.
The holder side wall 220 extends upward from one side end of the holder body 210.
The holder side walls 220 are formed at both ends of the holder body 210.
The holder side wall 220 may extend from the front end to rear end of the holder body 210.
The sleeve support portion 230 extends rearward from one side end of the holder body 210 and supports one side end of the clothes.
The sleeve support portion 230 protrudes further rearward from the rear end of the holder body 210.
The center of the sleeve support portion 230 may be disposed above the front or rear end of the sleeve support portion, and the sleeve support portion 230 may form a curved surface that is convex upward.
The sleeve support portion 230 supports both ends of the clothes and prevents wrinkles from occurring between the both ends and center of the clothes. In other words, the cross-section of the clothes is disposed in a W-shape, preventing unnecessary wrinkles from occurring in the clothes and allowing the left or right side of the clothes to be easily folded. In particular, when the clothes are upper clothes, the sleeve support portion 230 supports the sleeve and is positioned flat up to the wrist area of the sleeve so that the sleeve may be easily folded.
The sleeve folding portion 240 is formed to protrude inward from one side of the holder side wall 220, and folds one side end of the clothes when the clothes pass through the holder body 210.
The clothes placed on the holder body 210 is moved rearward toward the folding part 400. When the clothes pass through the sleeve folding portion 240, one end of the clothes gradually rises along the side wall of the sleeve folding portion 240, and the cross-section becomes U-shaped. Thereafter, one side edge of the clothes falls toward the inside, and a portion of the left side or portion of the right side of the clothes is overlapped with the remaining portion of the clothes and folded.
In particular, when the clothes are upper clothes, the sleeves of the upper clothes are folded to the body of the upper clothes by the sleeve folding portion 240. Accordingly, in the folding part 400, only the torso needs to be folded intensively and there is no need to fold the sleeves separately, which allows the clothes to be folded more effectively.
The clothes folding machine 1 includes the loading part 300. The loading part 300 performs the function of retracting clothes. The loading part 300 is a component that transfers the clothes loaded along the holder 200 to the folding part 400.
The loading part 300 is movably coupled to the frame part, and when clothes are placed on the holder 200, the loading part fixes one side of the clothes and transfers the clothes to the folding part 400.
The loading part 300 includes a loading part body 310, a gripper 320, a driving assembly 330, and a sensor part 340.
The loading part body 310 is a component that supports other components of the loading part 300.
The loading part body 310 may be disposed inside the frame part 100.
The gripper 320 is a component that secures clothes. The gripper 320 is disposed on the loading part body 310 and fixes the clothes to the loading part body 310.
The gripper 320 picks up the clothes placed on the holder 200 and fixes the clothes to the loading part body 310. The gripper 320 releases the fixation of the clothes moved to the folding part 400.
The gripper 320 includes a lower plate 321 and an upper plate 322. The lower plate 321 and upper plate 322 are in close contact with the clothes and fix the clothes to the loading part body 310.
The lower plate 321 is fixedly coupled to the loading part body 310 and is in close contact with the lower surface of the clothes. A plurality of protrusions are formed on the upper surface of the lower plate 321, allowing the clothes to be more firmly fixed.
The lower plate 321 may be disposed parallel to the holder body 210. Specifically, the lower plate 321 may have the first curvature C1.
The upper plate 322 is disposed on the upper portion of the lower plate 321, is movably coupled to the loading part body 310, and is in close contact with the upper surface of the clothes.
The upper plate 322 may be disposed parallel to the lower plate 321. Specifically, the upper plate 322 may have the first curvature C1.
The upper plate 322 may move up and down. When the upper plate 322 moves downward, it comes into close contact with the upper surface of the clothes and may secure the clothes together with the lower plate 321. Further, when the upper plate 322 moves upward, there is a certain gap between the upper plate 322 and the clothes, and the clothes may be released.
A plurality of protrusions are formed on the lower surface of the upper plate 322, allowing the clothes to be more firmly fixed.
The upper plate 322 may be moved through at least one link.
The driving assembly 330 is a component that moves the loading part body 310.
The driving assembly 330 is movably disposed on the frame part 100. Specifically, the driving assembly 330 moves forward and backward, parallel to the insertion direction of the clothes.
The driving assembly 330 includes a loading part driving motor 331, and a rack 334.
The loading part driving motor 331 is disposed on the loading part body 310. The loading part driving motor 331 generates a driving force transmitted to the gripper 320. The loading part driving motor 331 is coupled to the loading part body 310 and moves together with the loading part body 310.
The loading part driving motor 331 has a shaft, and at least one gear is coupled to the shaft. A gear is coupled to the shaft of the motor and rotates together with the shaft.
The rack 334 is disposed on the frame part, extends in the insertion direction of the clothes, and is connected to a pinion 333.
The rack 334 is engaged with a pinion. Accordingly, when the pinion rotates, the pinion and loading part body 310 move rearward along the extension direction of the rack 334.
The pinions may be disposed at both ends of the loading part body 310. Likewise, the racks 334 may also be disposed on both sides of the loading part body 310.
The sensor part 340 detects the position of the loading part 300.
The sensor part 340 is disposed on the frame part 100. Specifically, the sensor part 340 may be disposed on the rack 334.
The sensor part 340 may include a first loading detection sensor 341, a second loading detection sensor 342, and a third loading detection sensor 343.
The first loading detection sensor 341 detects the position of the loading part 300 when the loading part 300 moves forward to its limit. Here, the gripper 320 may operate to fix the clothes to the loading part body 310.
The third loading detection sensor 343 detects the position of the loading part 300 when the loading part 300 moves rearward to its limit.
The second loading detection sensor 342 is disposed between the first loading detection sensor 341 and the third loading detection sensor 343. The second loading detection sensor 342 may detect the loading part 300, and the gripper 320 may operate to release the fixation of the clothes.
The folding part 400 functions to transfer and fold the clothes retracted through the loading part 200.
The folding part 400 is disposed inside the frame part 100 and includes folding plates 410 and 420, an interlocking plate 430, a first interlocking link 440, a second interlocking link 450, link plates 460 and 470, and folding conveyors 480 and 490.
Specifically, the folding part 400 may fold the clothes by the rotation of the folding plates 410 and 420, and may fold the clothes while transferring it by the rotation (circulation) of the folding conveyors 480 and 490.
The folding plates 410 and 420 are disposed on the outside of the folding conveyors 480 and 490. Accordingly, the central portion of the clothes C (e.g., the chest portion of the T-shirt) retracted through the loading part 200 may be placed on the folding conveyors 480 and 490, and the ends of the clothes C (e.g., the sleeve, side portion, or hem portion of the T-shirt) may be placed on the folding plates 410 and 420. Accordingly, the operations of folding the ends of the clothes C may be performed by the rotation of the folding plates 410 and 420, and the operation of folding the central portion of the clothes C or transferring the clothes C may be performed by the rotation of the folding conveyors 480 and 490.
The folding plates 410 and 420 are rotatably coupled to the link plates 460 and 470 and are provided to fold the clothes C by rotation.
The folding plates 410 and 420 may include a vertical folding plate 410 that folds the clothes by rotating within a predetermined radius around a first rotary axis A1, and a horizontal folding plate 420 that folds the clothes by rotating within a predetermined radius around a second rotary axis A2 perpendicular to the first rotary axis A1.
The vertical folding plates 410 are disposed on each of the left and right sides of the folding conveyors 480 and 490, and may fold the left and right ends of the clothes C toward the center of the clothes C. For convenience, the vertical folding plate 410 disposed on the left side may be referred to as a first vertical folding plate 410a, and the vertical folding plate 410 disposed on the right side may be referred to as a second vertical folding plate 410b, but are not limited thereto, and the left and right sides may be changed.
The vertical folding plate 410 is link-coupled with the vertical folding link plate 460, and the vertical folding link plate 460 may be rotatably coupled to a folding base 500. Here, the vertical folding link plate 460 is rotated around the first rotary axis A1. Accordingly, the vertical folding plate 410 may rotate around the first rotary axis A1 within a predetermined radius range together with the vertical folding link plate 460 or separately from the vertical folding link plate 460.
The detailed configuration of the vertical folding plate 410 will be described later.
The horizontal folding plate 420 is disposed in front of the folding conveyors 480 and 490, and may fold the rear end of the clothes C toward the center of the clothes C (for example, toward the torso portion of an upper clothes).
The horizontal folding plate 420 is link-coupled with the horizontal folding link plate 470, and the horizontal folding link plate 470 may be rotatably coupled to the folding base 500. Here, the horizontal folding link plate 470 is rotated around the second rotary axis A2. Accordingly, the horizontal folding plate 420 may rotate around the second rotary axis A2 within a predetermined radius range together with the horizontal folding link plate 470 or separately from the horizontal folding link plate 470.
The detailed configuration of the horizontal folding plate 420 will be described later.
The interlocking plate 430 may be rotated in conjunction with the vertical folding plate 410 or horizontal folding plate 420.
The interlocking plate 430 may be connected to the vertical folding plate 410 through the first interlocking link 440. The interlocking plate 430 may be connected to the horizontal folding plate 420 through the second interlocking link 450.
Specifically, the interlocking plate 430 is link-coupled with the first interlocking link 440, and the first interlocking link 440 is link-coupled with the vertical folding plate 410. Accordingly, when the vertical folding plate 410 is rotated, the interlocking plate 430 is also rotated in conjunction with the vertical folding plate 410.
Additionally, the interlocking plate 430 is link-coupled with the second interlocking link 450, and the second interlocking link 450 is link-coupled with the horizontal folding plate 420. Accordingly, when the horizontal folding plate 420 is rotated, the interlocking plate 430 is also rotated in conjunction with the horizontal folding plate 420.
The interlocking plate 430 includes an interlocking plate body 431, a first interlocking link coupling portion 432, and a second interlocking link coupling portion 433.
The interlocking plate body 431 may be formed in a flat shape. For example, the interlocking plate body 431 is formed in the shape of a square plate. Here, a width in one direction of the interlocking plate body 431 is formed to be equal to a width in a minor axis direction of the folding plate body 411. Also, a width in the other side of the interlocking plate body 431 perpendicular to the one direction of the interlocking plate body 431 is formed to be equal to the width in the minor axis direction of the folding plate body 421. With this configuration, when the interlocking plate 430 is rotated together with the vertical folding plate 410 or horizontal folding plate 420, a folding line may be formed uniformly.
The first interlocking link coupling portion 432 protrudes from an end of the interlocking plate body 431 in the direction of the vertical folding plate 410, and is link-coupled with the first interlocking link 440. For example, the first interlocking link coupling portion 432 is formed to protrude from the interlocking plate body 431 in the form of a pair of frames having surfaces facing each other, and a coupling hole is formed into which the interlocking plate coupling protrusion 443 of the first interlocking link 440 is rotatably inserted and coupled.
The second interlocking link coupling portion 433 protrudes from an end of the interlocking plate body 431 in the direction of the horizontal folding plate 420, and is link-coupled with the second interlocking link 450. For example, the second interlocking link coupling portion 433 is formed to protrude from the interlocking plate body 431 in the form of a pair of frames having surfaces facing each other, and a coupling hole is formed into which the interlocking plate coupling protrusion 453 of the second interlocking link 450 is rotatably inserted and coupled.
The interlocking links 440 and 450 may connect the folding plates 410 and 420 and the interlocking plate 430. The interlocking links 440 and 450 include the first interlocking link 440 and the second interlocking link 450.
The first interlocking link 440 may connect the vertical folding plate 410 and the interlocking plate 430. The first interlocking link 440 is disposed between the vertical folding plate 410 and the interlocking plate 430.
The first interlocking link 440 includes a first interlocking link body 441, a vertical folding plate coupling protrusion 442, and an interlocking plate coupling protrusion 443.
For example, the first interlocking link body 441 may be in the form of an elongated block along the left-right direction of the clothes folding machine 1. Here, the vertical folding plate coupling protrusion 442 and interlocking plate coupling protrusion 443 may be formed to protrude from both ends in the longitudinal direction of the first interlocking link body 441, respectively.
The vertical folding plate coupling protrusions 442 protrude from both ends in the longitudinal direction of the first interlocking link body 441 and are coupled to the link coupling portions formed on the vertical folding plate 410. For example, the vertical folding plate coupling protrusion 442 may be formed to protrude into a cylindrical shape and be coupled through a coupling hole formed in the link coupling portion. With this configuration, the vertical folding plate coupling protrusion 442 may be coupled to the link coupling portion to enable relative rotation.
The interlocking plate coupling protrusions 443 protrude from both ends in the longitudinal direction of the first interlocking link body 441 and are coupled to the first interlocking link coupling portion 432. For example, the interlocking plate coupling protrusion 443 may be formed to protrude in a cylindrical shape and be coupled through a coupling hole formed in the first interlocking link coupling portion 432. With this configuration, the interlocking plate coupling protrusion 443 may be coupled to the first interlocking link coupling portion 432 to enable relative rotation.
Meanwhile, the vertical folding plate coupling protrusion 442 is disposed closer to the vertical folding plate 410 than the interlocking plate 430. The interlocking plate coupling protrusion 443 is disposed closer to the interlocking plate 430 than the vertical folding plate 410.
The vertical folding plate coupling protrusion 442 may be disposed on the second rotary axis A2. With this configuration, the first interlocking link 440 may be rotated around the second rotary axis A2 together with the horizontal folding link plate 470.
The second interlocking link 450 may connect the horizontal folding plate 420 and the interlocking plate 430. The second interlocking link 450 is disposed between the horizontal folding plate 420 and the interlocking plate 430.
The second interlocking link 450 includes a second interlocking link body 451, a horizontal folding plate coupling protrusion 452, and an interlocking plate coupling protrusion 453.
For example, the second interlocking link body 451 may be in the form of an elongated block along the front-back direction of the clothes folding machine 1. Here, the horizontal folding plate coupling protrusions 452 and interlocking plate coupling protrusions 453 may be formed to protrude from both ends in the longitudinal direction of the second interlocking link body 451, respectively.
The horizontal folding plate coupling protrusions 452 protrude from both ends in the longitudinal direction of the second interlocking link body 451 and are coupled to the link coupling portions formed on the horizontal folding plate 420. For example, the horizontal folding plate coupling protrusion 452 may be formed to protrude in a cylindrical shape and may be coupled through a coupling hole formed in the link coupling portion. With this configuration, the horizontal folding plate coupling protrusion 452 may be coupled to the link coupling portion to enable relative rotation.
The interlocking plate coupling protrusions 453 protrude from both ends in the longitudinal direction of the second interlocking link body 451 and are coupled to the second interlocking link coupling portion 433. For example, the interlocking plate coupling protrusion 453 may be formed to protrude in a cylindrical shape and may be coupled through a coupling hole formed in the second interlocking link coupling portion 433. With this configuration, the interlocking plate coupling protrusion 453 may be coupled to the second interlocking link coupling portion 433 to enable relative rotation.
Meanwhile, the horizontal folding plate coupling protrusion 452 is disposed closer to the horizontal folding plate 420 than the interlocking plate 430. The interlocking plate coupling protrusion 453 is disposed closer to the interlocking plate 430 than the horizontal folding plate 420.
The horizontal folding plate coupling protrusion 452 may be disposed on the first rotary axis A1. With this configuration, the second interlocking link 450 may be rotated around the first rotary axis A1 together with the vertical folding link plate 460.
The vertical folding link plate 460 is link-coupled with the vertical folding plate 410 and rotates about the first rotary axis A1.
The vertically folded link plate 460 includes a link plate body 461, a hinge portion 462, and a coupling protrusion 463.
The link plate body 461 is formed in the form of a flat plate with a predetermined thickness. For example, the link plate body 461 may be formed similar to a square plate shape. Here, the width of the link plate body 461 in a major axis direction may be less than or equal to the width of the folding plate body 411 in the major axis direction. In addition, the width of the link plate body 461 in a minor axis direction may be smaller than the width of the folding plate body 411 in the minor axis direction.
The hinge portion 462 is formed on one side of the link plate body 461 and may be hinge-coupled to the folding base 500. Here, one side of the link plate body 461 may refer to a direction in which the folding conveyors 480 and 490 are disposed. The hinge portion 462 is formed on a groove that is recessed to a predetermined depth from one end of the link plate body 461 toward the other side of the link plate body, and may be formed in a cylindrical shape connecting both side walls of the groove.
Accordingly, the hinge portion 462 may be hinge-coupled to the folding base 500 without protruding out of the link plate body 461. With this configuration, as the vertical folding link plate 460 rotates around the hinge portion 462, the folding area of the clothes may be maximized, and it is possible to prevent damage to the clothes from being caught in the link plate 460.
The hinge portion 462 may be disposed on the first rotary axis A1.
The coupling protrusions 463 are formed to protrude from both ends of the link plate body 461 in the major axis direction and are coupled to the vertical folding plate 410 to enable relative rotation. The coupling protrusion 463 is rotatably coupled to the link coupling portion formed on the vertical folding plate 410.
With this configuration, the vertical folding link plate 460 is rotated around the hinge portion 462, and the vertical folding plate 410 is rotated around the coupling protrusion 463.
The horizontal folding link plate 470 is link-coupled to the horizontal folding plate 420 and rotates about the second rotary axis A2.
The horizontal folding link plate 470 includes a link plate body 471, a hinge protrusion 472, and a coupling protrusion 473.
The link plate body 471 is formed in the form of a flat plate with a predetermined thickness. For example, the link plate body 471 may be formed similar to a square plate shape. Here, the width of the link plate body 471 in the major axis direction may be less than or equal to the width of the folding plate body 421 in the major axis direction. In addition, the width of the link plate body 471 in the minor axis direction may be smaller than the width of the folding plate body 421 in the minor axis direction.
The hinge protrusions 472 are formed to protrude from both ends of the link plate body 471 in the major axis direction and may be rotatably coupled to the folding base 500. For example, the hinge protrusion 472 may be formed to protrude in a cylindrical shape and be rotatably coupled to the folding base 500.
The hinge protrusion 472 may be disposed on the second rotary axis A2.
The coupling protrusions 473 are formed to protrude from both ends of the link plate body 471 in the major axis direction and are coupled to the horizontal folding plate 420 to enable relative rotation. The coupling protrusion 473 is rotatably coupled to the link coupling portion formed on the horizontal folding plate 420.
With this configuration, the horizontal folding link plate 470 is rotated around the hinge protrusion 472, and the horizontal folding plate 420 is rotated around the coupling protrusion 473 as an axis.
The folding conveyors 480 and 490 may be provided to transfer the clothes C. The folding conveyors 480 and 490 may fold the clothes C while transferring the clothes C.
The folding conveyors 480 and 490 include the first folding conveyor 480 and the second folding conveyor 490.
The first folding conveyor 480 may transfer the clothes C.
The first folding conveyor 480 may perform the function of transferring the clothes C that has passed the loading part 200 forward or rearward. The first folding conveyor 480 is connected to a first conveyor motor MC1 and may receive the driving force provided by the first conveyor motor MC1.
For example, the first folding conveyor 480 includes a belt, and the belt may be connected to the first conveyor motor MC1 through a gear. Here, when the first conveyor motor MC1 operates, the belt may circulate and transfer the clothes by the driving force of the first conveyor motor MC1.
Meanwhile, the first folding conveyor 480 may be disposed between a pair of vertical folding plates 410. Also, the first folding conveyor 480 may be disposed rearward than the second folding conveyor 490. The first folding conveyor 480 may be disposed between the second folding conveyor 490 and a support plate 530.
The first folding conveyor 480 may transfer the clothes forward or backward. The clothes C may be placed on and transferred on the upper surface of the belt of the first folding conveyor 480.
When the first folding conveyor 480 transfers the clothes forward, the upper surface of the belt of the first folding conveyor 480 moves from the rear to the front, and the lower surface of the belt may be rotated to move from the front to the rear.
When the first folding conveyor 480 transfers the clothes rearward, the upper surface of the belt of the first folding conveyor 480 moves from front to rear, and the lower surface of the belt may be rotated to move from rear to front.
With this configuration, when the first conveyor motor MC1 is operated, the first folding conveyor 480 may transfer the clothes C that has passed the loading part 200 forward or backward.
Meanwhile, after the vertical folding plate 410 and horizontal folding plate 420 are rotated, the first conveyor motor MC1 may start operating. For example, the controller 500 may operate the folding plate motors M1, M2, and M3 and then operate the first conveyor motor MC1. Accordingly, after the vertical folding plate 410 and horizontal folding plate 420 are rotated, the first folding conveyor 480 rotates to transfer the clothes C forward or backward.
The second folding conveyor 490 may perform the function of transferring the clothes C forward or backward together with the first folding conveyor 480. The second folding conveyor 490 may perform a folding function while transferring the clothes C together with the first folding conveyor 480.
The second folding conveyor 490 is connected to the second conveyor motor MC2 and may receive the driving force provided by the second conveyor motor MC2.
For example, the second folding conveyor 490 includes a belt, and the belt may be connected to the second conveyor motor MC2 through a gear. Here, when the second conveyor motor MC2 operates, the belt may circulate and transfer the clothes by the driving force of the second conveyor motor MC2.
Meanwhile, the second folding conveyor 490 may be disposed between a pair of vertical folding plates 410. Also, the second folding conveyor 490 may be disposed ahead of the first folding conveyor 480. The second folding conveyor 490 may be disposed between the first folding conveyor 480 and the horizontal folding plate 420.
The second folding conveyor 490 may transfer the clothes forward or backward. The clothes C may be placed on and transferred on the upper surface of the belt of the second folding conveyor 490.
When the second folding conveyor 490 transfers the clothes forward, the upper surface of the belt of the second folding conveyor 490 moves from the rear to the front, and the lower surface of the belt may be rotated to move from the front to the rear.
When the second folding conveyor 490 transfers the clothes rearward, the upper surface of the belt of the second folding conveyor 490 moves from front to rear, and the lower surface of the belt may be rotated to move from rear to front.
With this configuration, when the second conveyor motor MC2 is operated, the second folding conveyor 490 may transfer the clothes C that has passed the loading part 200 forward or backward.
Meanwhile, after the vertical folding plate 410 and horizontal folding plate 420 are rotated, the second conveyor motor MC2 may start operating. For example, the controller 500 may operate the folding plate motors M1, M2, and M3 and then operate the second conveyor motor MC2. Accordingly, after the vertical folding plate 410 and horizontal folding plate 420 are rotated, the second folding conveyor 490 rotates to transfer the clothes C forward or backward.
The first folding conveyor 480 and second folding conveyor 490 may rotate (circulate) in the same direction or in opposite directions.
The first folding conveyor 480 and second folding conveyor 490 may rotate (circulate) in the same direction to transfer the clothes C forward or backward.
The first folding conveyor 480 and second folding conveyor 490 may rotate (circulate) in opposite directions to fold the clothes C. That is, the first folding conveyor 480 and the second folding conveyor 490 may transfer the clothes in opposite directions. For example, if the first folding conveyor 480 transfers the clothes forward and the second folding conveyor 490 transfers the clothes backward, the clothes may be folded.
Meanwhile, the first folding conveyor 480 may be disposed parallel to the ground and may be provided to be rotatable. Specifically, the first folding conveyor 480 includes a conveyor shaft and may be rotated using the conveyor shaft as a rotary axis. The conveyor shaft may be disposed at the rear of the first folding conveyor 480. Accordingly, the front end of the first folding conveyor 480 may be rotated in an arc. Accordingly, the height of the front end of the first folding conveyor 480 may be changed.
The first folding conveyor 480 may be connected to a first conveyor movement motor MR1. The first folding conveyor 480 may be rotated by receiving the driving force of the first conveyor movement motor MR1.
For example, when the first conveyor movement motor MR1 is operated while the first folding conveyor 480 is disposed parallel to the ground, the front end of the first folding conveyor 480 may rotate and move downward. Accordingly, as the first folding conveyor 480 rotates, a gap between the front end of the first folding conveyor 480 and the rear end of the second folding conveyor 490 may gradually increase.
With this configuration, the clothes placed on the first folding conveyor 480 are transferred by the first folding conveyor 480 and are transferred downward through a gap between the first folding conveyor 480 and the second folding conveyor 490. In this process, the clothes C may be horizontally folded.
The second folding conveyor 490 may be disposed parallel to the ground and may be provided to be rotatable. Specifically, the second folding conveyor 490 includes a conveyor shaft 491 and may be rotated using the conveyor shaft 491 as a rotary axis. The conveyor shaft 491 may be disposed at the front of the second folding conveyor 490. Accordingly, the rear end of the second folding conveyor 490 may be rotated in an arc. Accordingly, the height of the rear end of the second folding conveyor 490 may be changed.
The second folding conveyor 490 may be connected to the second conveyor movement motor MR2. The second folding conveyor 490 may be rotated by receiving the driving force of the second conveyor movement motor MR2.
For example, when the second conveyor movement motor MR2 is operated while the second folding conveyor 490 is disposed parallel to the ground, the rear end of the second folding conveyor 490 may rotate downward. Accordingly, as the second folding conveyor 490 rotates, a gap between the rear end of the second folding conveyor 490 and the front end of the first folding conveyor 480 may gradually increase.
With this configuration, the clothes placed on the second folding conveyor 490 are transferred by the second folding conveyor 490 and are transferred downward through a gap between the first folding conveyor 480 and the second folding conveyor 490. In this process, the clothes may be horizontally folded.
The clothes folding machine 1 is coupled to the frame part 100 and includes the folding base 500 to which folding plates 410 and 420, link plates 460 and 470, and folding conveyors 480 and 490 are coupled. Specifically, the link plates 460 and 470 are hinge-coupled to the folding base 500. Also, the driving disks 412 and 422 of the folding plates 410 and 420 are rotatably coupled to the folding base 500.
The folding base 500 includes a base body 510, a side cover frame 520, a support plate 530, a coupling frame 540, a folding guide wall 550, and an upper cover frame 560.
The base body 510 is coupled to the frame part 100 and supports the entire lower side of the folding part 400. For example, the base body 510 may be formed in a square plate shape and fixedly coupled to the horizontal frame 130. Here, the side cover frames 520 are coupled to both left and right ends of the base body 510. Also, a plurality of coupling frames 540 are formed to protrude upward from the base body 510. In addition, the support plate 530 is coupled to the rear upper side of the base body 510. In addition, the folding guide wall 550 accommodating the folding conveyors 480 and 490 is formed to protrude inside the base body 510. The folding guide wall 550 is formed inside the side cover frame 520.
The side cover frame 520 is coupled to both ends of the base body 510 in the left-right direction to form a space for accommodating the folding part 400 therein. For example, the side cover frame 520 may be a rectangular frame that is elongated in the front-to-rear direction. As another example, the side cover frame 520 is formed in a long rectangular shape along the front-to-rear direction, and the upper end of the side cover frame 520 is coupled to the upper cover frame 560 and may be formed to cover at least a portion of the base body 510.
With this configuration, the folding plates 410 and 420, interlocking plates 430, interlocking links 440 and 450, and link plates 460 and 470, and folding conveyors 480 and 490 may be disposed in the internal space formed by combining the side cover frame 520 and the base body 510.
The support plate 530 may be coupled to the base body 510. In addition, the support plate 530 may be coupled to the side cover frame 520.
At least a portion of the support plate 530 is disposed rearward than the side cover frame 520 and folding conveyors 480 and 490.
At least a portion of the folding conveyors 480 and 490 may be accommodated inside the support plate 530. For example, when the clothes folding machine is viewed from above, the support plate 530 is formed in a rectangular shape, but one side of the support plate may be concave and formed in the shape of a ‘[’ shape. Also, at least a portion of the folding conveyors 480 and 490 may be accommodated in the recessed space.
At least a portion of clothes may be placed on the support plate 530. In addition, the support plate 530 may support the clothes C while folding the clothes.
Meanwhile, the rear end of the support plate 530 may be formed in a curved shape inclined downward. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent wrinkles in the clothes C while the clothes C are supported on the support plate 530.
The upper surface of the support plate 530 may be disposed at the same height as the upper end of the side cover frame 520. Also, the upper surface of the support plate 530 may be disposed at the same height as the upper surface of the folding conveyors 480 and 490.
The coupling frame 540 is formed to protrude upward from the upper surface of the base body 510, and the folding plates 410 and 420 and folding conveyors 480 and 490 are coupled thereto.
Specifically, the coupling frame 540 includes a link coupling frame 541, a conveyor coupling frame 542, and a disk coupling frame 543.
The link coupling frame 541 is formed to protrude upward from the upper surface of the base body 510, and the second links 414 and 424, which will be described later, may be link-coupled thereto. With this configuration, the link coupling frame 541 may support the axis around which the second links 414 and 424 rotate.
The conveyor coupling frame 542 is coupled to the folding conveyors 480 and 490 and may support the folding conveyors 480 and 490. For example, the conveyor coupling frame 542 may be rotatably coupled to the conveyor shafts (not illustrated) of the folding conveyors 480 and 490.
The disk coupling frame 543 is coupled with the driving disks 412 and 422 and folding plate motors M1, M2, and M3, and may support the rotation of the driving disks 412 and 422.
The folding guide wall 550 is formed to protrude upward from the base body 510 and forms a space inside which the folding conveyors 480 and 490 are accommodated. For example, the folding guide wall 550 is formed in the form of a wall surrounding both sides in the left-right direction and front of the folding conveyors 480 and 490. That is, the folding guide wall 550 may be composed of a pair of walls facing each other and a wall connecting the pair of walls. The internal space surrounded by the folding guide wall 550 is formed to be larger than the size of the folding conveyors 480 and 490. Here, a gap between the pair of facing walls may be larger than the width in the left-right direction of the folding conveyors 480 and 490.
In addition, the protruding height of the folding guide wall 550 is formed to be greater than the height of the folding conveyors 480 and 490. With this configuration, a space may be formed between the lower surface of the folding conveyors 480 and 490 and the upper surface of the base body 510, and the folded clothes C may be transferred and stored. In this sense, the space between the lower surface of the folding conveyors 480 and 490 and the upper surface of the base body 510 may be called an ‘unloading space’.
Meanwhile, the link plates 460 and 470 may be rotatably coupled to the folding guide wall 550. For example, a coupling frame 551 that is rotatably coupled to the hinge portion 462 of the vertical folding link plate 460 and the hinge protrusion 472 of the horizontal folding link plate 470 may be formed to protrude and extend on the folding guide wall 550. With this configuration, the link coupling frame 541 may support the axis around which the link plates 460 and 470 rotate. In addition, since the link plates 460 and 470 are rotated based on the folding guide wall 550, they may serve to guide the folding position of the clothes C. That is, the clothes C may have a folding line formed along the folding guide wall 550.
Meanwhile, referring to
The folding plate 410 or 420 includes the folding plate body 411 or 421, the driving disk 412 or 422, a first link 413 or 423, a second link 414 or 424, a third link 415 or 425, a fourth links 416 or 426, and a link shaft 417 or 427.
Here, the folding plate 410 or 420 includes the vertical folding plate 410 and the horizontal folding plate 420. Meanwhile, in order to avoid redundant description, the description herein focuses on the vertical folding plate 410, and unless otherwise described, the description for the configuration of the horizontal folding plate 420 may be used as the description for the configuration of the vertical folding plate 410.
The folding plate bodies 411 and 421 are formed in a flat shape and may fold a portion of the clothes C in the left-right direction (e.g., sleeves or side portions) by rotation. For example, the folding plate bodies 411 and 421 are formed in a rectangular shape so that a portion of the clothing C may be placed on the upper surfaces thereof, and as the folding plate bodies 411 and 421 are rotated, a portion of the placed clothes C may be folded toward the center of the clothes C.
The driving disks 412 and 422 are rotated by receiving power from the folding plate motors M1, M2, and M3 as the folding plate motors M1, M2, and M3 are driven. Specifically, the driving disks 412 and 422 are formed in the shape of a disk, and a shaft is provided at the center of the driving disks 412 and 422 and may be connected to the folding plate motors M1, M2, and M3 through gears. For example, the folding plate motors M1, M2, and M3 include the first folding plate motor M1, the second folding plate motor M2, and the third folding plate motor M3. The driving disks 412 of the vertical folding plate 410 provided as a pair on the left and right may be connected to the first folding plate motor M1 and second folding plate motor M2, respectively, and the driving disk 422 of the horizontal folding plate 420 may be connected to the third folding plate motor M3.
The driving disks 412 and 422 are link-coupled with the first links 413 and 423. For example, a cylindrical protrusion is formed at a position having a predetermined radius from the center of the disk-shaped driving disks 412 and 422, and the first links 413 and 423 are rotatably coupled to the protrusion. Accordingly, the first links 413 and 423 are eccentrically coupled to the driving disks 412 and 422. With this configuration, when the driving disks 412 and 422 rotate, the protrusions may rotate along the driving disks 412 and 422 and periodically generate position differences.
The first links 413 and 423 may connect the driving disks 412 and 422 and the second links 414 and 424. For example, the first links 413 and 423 are formed in the shape of an elongated bar, a disk coupling hole is formed on one side in the longitudinal direction for link-coupling with the driving disks 412 and 422, and a link coupling hole is formed in the other side in the longitudinal direction for link-coupling with the second links 414 and 424. Meanwhile, the first links 413 and 423 may be formed to be bent once. For example, the first links 413 and 423 may be in the form (‘boomerang’ form) of a bar rising in a direction away from the folding guide wall 550 based on an imaginary straight line connecting the disk coupling hole and the link coupling hole. With this configuration, the first links 413 and 423 may stably push the second links 414 and 424 toward the folding guide wall 550 according to the rotation of the driving disks 412 and 422.
At least two of the second links 414 and 424 may be link-coupled to the first links 413 and 423, third links 415 and 425, fourth links 416 and 426, link shafts 417 and 427, and link coupling frame 541. For example, the second links 414 and 424 are formed in the shape of an elongated bar, a frame coupling portion 414a is formed on one side in the longitudinal direction, and a shaft coupling portion 414b is formed on the other side in the longitudinal direction. A first link coupling portion 414c is formed between the frame coupling portion 414a and the shaft coupling portion 414b, and a third link coupling portion 414d is formed between the first link coupling portion 414c and the frame coupling portion 414a.
Specifically, at least two of the second links 414 and 424 are provided in one folding plate 410 or 420, at least one of which is link-coupled with the first links 413 and 423, and at least the other one is link-coupled with the third links 415 and 425. In addition, one ends of the second link 414 and 424 are coupled to the link coupling frame 541 to fix the rotating axis, and the other ends of the second links 414 and 424 are coupled through the link shafts 417 and 427 to enable relative rotation, thereby transmitting the power of the folding plate motors M1, M2, and M3. Also, the second links 414 and 424 are connected to the fourth links 416 and 426 through the link shafts 417 and 427.
The third links 415 and 425 connect the second links 414 and 424 and the link plates 460 and 470. For example, the third links 415 and 425 are formed in the shape of an elongated bar, one side in the longitudinal direction is coupled to the second links 414 and 424 through shafts or pins, and the other side in the longitudinal direction is link-connected to the link plate 460 and 470 (specifically, the rear side of the side of the link plates 460 and 470 that are in contact with the clothes). Meanwhile, the third links 415 and 425 may be formed to be bent once. For example, the third links 415 and 425 may be formed in a similar form to the first links 413 and 423. With this configuration, the third links 415 and 425 may stably push the link plates 460 and 470 toward the folding conveyors 480 and 490 according to the rotation of the driving disks 412 and 422.
Meanwhile, the maximum length of the third link 415 or 425 is shorter than the maximum length of the second link 416 or 426. With this configuration, the folding plates 410 and 420 may be rotated toward the center of the clothes C rather than the link plates 460 and 470, and the sleeves or side portions of the clothes C may be accurately folded.
The fourth links 416 and 426 connect the link shafts 417 and 427 and the folding plates 410 and 420. For example, the fourth links 416 and 426 are formed in the shape of an elongated bar, one side in the longitudinal direction is rotatably coupled to the link shafts 417 and 427, and the other side in the longitudinal direction is link-coupled to the folding plates 410 and 420 (Specifically, the rear side of the side of the folding plates 410 and 420 that are in contact with the clothes).
Meanwhile, a damper 418 that contacts the first links 413 and 423 may be provided on the upper surface of the base body 510 when the first links 413 and 423 are located at a predetermined position. For example, the damper 418 is coupled to the upper surface of the base body 510 or disk coupling frame 543, and protrudes at a predetermined height based on the upper surface of the base body 510, and a locking groove may be formed to accommodate the first links 413 and 423. With this configuration, when the first links 413 and 423 are located at the lowest position while rotating according to the rotation of the driving disks 412 and 422, they may contact one end of the first links 413 and 423, and guide the position where the first links 413 and 423 stop during rotation.
Meanwhile, the base body 510 may be provided with plate position sensors S1, S2, and S3. For example, the plate position sensors S1, S2, and S3 may be micro switches. For example, the plate position sensors S1, S2, and S3 include a first plate position sensor S1, a second plate position sensor S2, and a third plate position sensor S3.
The plate position sensors S1, S2, and S3 may contact the link shafts 417 and 427 to detect the positions of the folding plates 410 and 420. For example, the plate position sensors S1, S2, and S3 may be disposed at a position where the link shafts 417 and 427 are closest to the ground along a movement path. Accordingly, when the link shafts 417 and 427 come down as close to the ground as possible, the plate position sensors S1, S2, and S3 may be in contact with the link shafts 417 and 427. For example, the link shafts 417 of the vertical folding plate 410 provided as a pair on the left and right may be in contact with the first plate position sensor S1 and the second plate position sensor S2, respectively, and the link shaft 427 of the horizontal folding plate 420 may be connected to the third plate position sensor S3.
Here, the plate position sensors S1, S2, and S3 may detect contact with the link shafts 417 and 427 and transmit a signal (information) about this to the controller 500.
Before folding of the clothes begins, the folding plate bodies 411 and 421 and link plates 460 and 470 are disposed at substantially the same level and height. In this case, the folding plate motors M1, M2, and M3 are stopped, and the first links 413 and 423 are disposed at the position (hereinafter, this state may be referred to as ‘initial position (P1)’) closest to the ground along the rotation paths of the first links 413 and 423, and the link shafts 417 and 427 are also disposed at the position closest to the ground along a movement path. Here, the plate position sensors S1, S2, and S3 detect the contact of the link shafts 417 and 427 and transmit this to the controller 500. Also, the controller 500 may determine that the first links 413 and 423 are at the initial position P1. Meanwhile, the first links 413 and 423 may be supported and received in contact with the damper 418 (
When folding of the clothes begins, the folding plate motors ML, M2, and M3 are activated, and the driving disks 412 and 422 rotate accordingly. When the driving disks 412 and 422 rotate, one end of the first link 413 and 423 eccentrically coupled to the driving disks 412 and 422 rotate. Also, as one end of the first links 413 and 423 rotate, one end of the first links 413 and 423 move in an arc. Here, the other ends of the first links 413 and 423 whose movement paths are restricted due to the coupling with the second links 414 and 424 are also moved. In addition, as for the second links 414 and 424, one side of which are restrained by the coupling frame 540, the first link coupling portion 414c and shaft coupling portion 414b are also moved by the first links 413 and 423. In addition, the third links 415 and 425 push and rotate the link plates 460 and 470 (see
Meanwhile, until one end of the first links 413 and 423 reach a predetermined folding position P2, the link plates 460 and 470 and folding plate bodies 411 and 421 are rotated in a direction to approach the folding conveyors 480 and 490. In addition, when one end of the first links 413 and 423 pass the predetermined folding position P2, the link plates 460 and 470 and folding plate bodies 411 and 421) are rotated in a direction away from the folding conveyors 480 and 490.
Meanwhile, the rotation direction of the first links 413 and 423 is a direction that approaches and then moves away from the folding conveyors 480 and 490 based on the initial position P1. Here, the initial position P1 and folding position P2 may be disposed with a predetermined angle difference based on the rotation direction of the first links 413 and 423. For example, the initial position P1 and folding position P2 may be disposed at an angle of 130 degrees or more and 150 degrees or less based on the rotation direction of the first links 413 and 423. With this configuration, the time at which the link plates 460, 470 and folding plate bodies 411, 421 are rotated to fold the clothes may be configured to be shorter than the return time at which the link plates 460 and 470 and folding plate bodies 411, 421 return to their original positions.
With this configuration, the link plates 460 and 470 and folding plate bodies 411 and 421 may strongly fold the clothes. In addition, one end of the first links 413 and 423 returns to the initial position P1 relatively slowly so that they may be stably supported by the damper 418, and the link shafts 417 and 427 move relatively slowly so that the plate position sensors S1, S2, and S3 may accurately detect the link shafts 417 and 427.
Meanwhile,
Referring to
The controller 500 may control the loading part 300 and folding part 400.
The controller 500 is provided to control the operation of the clothes folding machine 1 based on a user's input applied through an input part (not illustrated). The controller 500 may include a printed circuit board and elements mounted on the printed circuit board. When the user selects a type of clothes or folding course through the input part and inputs a control command such as operation, the controller 500 may control the operation of the clothes folding machine 1 according to a preset algorithm.
Meanwhile, the controller 500 is electrically connected to the input part (not illustrated) to receive a user's control command, and is electrically connected to a display (not illustrated) and alarm part (not illustrated) and may control the display (not illustrated) and alarm part (not illustrated) so that information about the operation status of the clothes folding machine 1 are transmitted to deliver the corresponding information to the user.
In addition, the controller 500 controls a power conversion part that converts power input from an external power source and supplies it to the loading part 300 and folding part 400, and a current detection part that detects the current supplied from the power conversion part to the loading part 300 and folding part 400.
In addition, the controller 500 may further include a memory that stores information that has been input in advance or is input through the input part (not illustrated), and may further include a timer that may measure time.
Meanwhile, the controller 500 may be electrically or signally connected to the loading part 200 and folding part 400.
The controller 500 may transmit a driving control signal to the loading part driving motor 331 of the loading part 300. In addition, the controller 500 may receive information about the position of the gripper from the first loading detection sensor 341, second loading detection sensor 342, and third loading detection sensor 343 of the loading part 300.
The controller 500 may transmit a driving control signal to the plurality of motors MC1, MC2, MR1, MR2, M1, M2, and M3 of the folding part 400. In addition, the controller 500 may receive a signal about whether the folding plates 410 and 420 are at the initial position P1 from the sensors S1, S2, and S3 provided in the folding part 400.
The controller 500 may transmit a driving control signal to the first conveyor motor MC1, first conveyor movement motor MR1, second conveyor motor MC2, and second conveyor movement motor MR2 of the folding part 400.
With this configuration, the controller 500 may perform vertical or horizontal folding of the clothes C.
Specific control details of the controller 500 in the present invention will be described later.
Meanwhile,
Referring to
The control method of the clothes folding machine according to the present invention includes a loading step (S10), a vertical folding step (S20), a horizontal folding step (S30), and an unloading step (S40).
In the loading step (S10), clothes C is loaded into the frame part 100.
In the loading step (S10), clothes may be loaded onto the holder 200 by the user and introduced toward the inside of the frame part 100. In particular, when the clothes are an upper clothes, the sleeves of the upper clothes are folded to the torso portion of the upper clothes by the sleeve folding portion 240.
In the loading step (S10), when the clothes are placed on the holder 200 and lower plate 321, and the upper plate 322 moves downward, it comes into close contact with the upper surface of the clothes and fixes the clothes together with the lower plate 321.
In the loading step (S10), the controller 500 may control the loading part body 310 so that the loading part body 310 starts the operation of the loading part driving motor 331 at the position where the first loading detection sensor 341 is disposed and the loading part body 310 moves in a straight line along the rack 334. Then, when the loading part body 310 reaches a position where the second loading detection sensor 342 is disposed, the controller 500 may receive a signal from the second loading detection sensor 342 and control the motor (not illustrated) provided on the upper plate 322 to move the upper plate 322 upward. Then, when the loading part body 310 reaches a position where the third loading detection sensor 343 is disposed, the controller 500 may receive a signal from the third loading detection sensor 343 and start the operation of the folding part 400.
Accordingly, after the loading step (S10), the clothes may be placed on the folding part 400. Specifically, after the loading step (S10), the clothes C may be disposed on the folding conveyors 480 and 490, folding plates 410 and 420, and link plates 460 and 470. For example, the central portion of the clothes C (e.g., the torso center portion of a T-shirt) may be placed on the folding conveyors 480 and 490, and the ends of the clothes (e.g., the sleeve or side portion or hem of a T-shirt) may be placed on the folding plates 410 and 420.
After the loading step (S10), in the vertical folding step (S20), the vertical folding plate 410 is operated to fold the clothes C vertically. Here, the vertical folding means folding by a reference line parallel to the direction of movement of the clothes. Parallel to the direction of movement of the clothes does not mean that the movement direction line and folding line of the clothes are limited to a complete angle of 0 degrees, but rather includes an error range of 0 to 30 degrees.
Referring to
Here, the vertical folding link plate 460 is disposed close to perpendicular to the ground, and at least a portion of the folding plate body 411 may be disposed vertically above the folding conveyors 480 and 490 beyond the vertical folding link plate 460.
With this configuration, in the vertical folding step (S20), the vertical folding link plate 460 may maintain with a parallel reference line based on the direction of movement of the clothes C.
In addition, with the vertical folding link plate 460, the vertical folding may be performed regardless of the thickness of the clothes C. That is, when a conventional clothes folding machine rotates a folding plate to fold clothes, a problem has occurred in which the folding plate is not rotated sufficiently for a thick clothes, such as a sweater, and the folded shape of the clothes is not consistent. In contrast, in the present invention, as the vertical folding link plate 460 rotates, it maintains the frame of the reference line even for a thick clothes, and the folding plate body 411 rotates sufficiently to fold the ends of the clothes.
Meanwhile, when the vertical folding plate 410 is rotated in the vertical folding step (S20), the interlocking plate 430 connected to the vertical folding plate 410 through the first interlocking link 440 rotates together with the folding plate body 411 of the vertical folding plate 410.
With this configuration, in the vertical folding step (S20), the clothes may be folded by rotating an area larger than the area of the vertical folding plate 410. Through this, the area for folding the clothes may be expanded, and it is also effective in folding large-sized clothes.
Meanwhile, in the vertical folding step (S20), the pair of vertical folding plates 410 may be sequentially rotated. For example, in the vertical folding step (S20), the controller 500 first may operate the first folding plate motor M1 to rotate the first vertical folding plate 410a disposed on the left side (S21), and then may operate the second folding plate motor M2 to rotate the second vertical folding plate 410b disposed on the right side (S22). With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the pair of vertical folding plates 410 from colliding with each other. In addition, the sleeves or side portions of the clothes are stacked one after the other so the clothes may be folded neatly.
After the vertical folding step (S20), the horizontal folding plate 420 is operated to horizontally fold the clothes C in the horizontal folding step (S30). Here, the horizontal folding means folding according to a reference line perpendicular to a direction in which the clothes moves (retraction direction). Perpendicular to the direction of movement of the clothes does not mean that the movement direction line and folding line of the clothes are limited to a complete angle of 90 degrees, but rather includes an error range of 0 to 30 degrees.
Referring to
Here, the horizontal folding link plate 470 is disposed close to perpendicular to the ground, and at least a portion of the folding plate body 421 may be disposed vertically above the folding conveyors 480 and 490 beyond the horizontal folding link plate 470.
With this configuration, in the horizontal folding step (S30), the horizontal folding link plate 470 may maintain with a vertical reference line based on the direction of movement of the clothes C.
In addition, with the horizontal folding link plate 470, the horizontal folding may be performed regardless of the thickness of the clothes C.
Meanwhile, when the horizontal folding plate 420 is rotated in the horizontal folding step (S30), the interlocking plate 430 connected to the horizontal folding plate 420 through the second interlocking link 450 rotates together with the folding plate body 421 of the horizontal folding plate 420.
With this configuration, in the horizontal folding step (S30), the clothes may be folded by rotating an area larger than the area of the horizontal folding plate 420. Through this, the area for folding the clothes may be expanded, and it is also effective in folding large-sized clothes.
After the horizontal folding step (S30), in the unloading step (S40), the folding conveyors 480 and 490 are operated to fold the clothes while transferring the clothes to an unloading space.
Specifically, in a state in which the horizontal folding step (S30) is completed, the clothes C are placed on the folding conveyors 480 and 490. Here, the width in the left-right direction and length in the front-rear direction of the clothes C are folded uniformly.
In the unloading step (S40), the controller 500 operates a first conveyor motor MC1 and a second conveyor motor MC2, and operates the first folding conveyor 480 and second folding conveyor 490 so that the circulation (rotation) directions are opposite to each other.
Here, the rotation directions of the first folding conveyor 480 and second folding conveyor 490 are in a direction where the upper surface of the first folding conveyor 480 and upper surface of the second folding conveyor 490 come together. With this configuration, in the unloading step (S40), the clothes C may be transferred to the unloading space through a gap formed between the first folding conveyor 480 and the second folding conveyor 490. Then, the clothes C may be pressed between the first folding conveyor 480 and the second folding conveyor 490 and spread to a predetermined thickness.
Meanwhile, in the unloading step (S40), the controller 500 may operate the first conveyor movement motor MR1. Alternatively, in the unloading step (40), the controller 500 may operate the second conveyor movement motor MR2. When the first conveyor movement motor MR1 and/or second conveyor movement motor MR2 are operated, the first folding conveyor 480 and/or second folding conveyor 490 may rotate in the vertical direction, and a distance between the first folding conveyor 480 and the second folding conveyor 490 may be changed. With this configuration, in the unloading step (S40), the distance between the first folding conveyor 480 and the second folding conveyor 490 is changed according to the thickness of the clothes C, so that the clothes C can be easily transferred and the clothes C can be spread to a predetermined thickness (see
Although the present invention has been described in detail through specific embodiments, this is for detailed explanation of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited thereto. Also, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various variations and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
Simple variations and modifications of the present invention belong to the scope of the present invention, and the specific protection scope thereof will be apparent by the appended claims.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10-2022-0012820 | Jan 2022 | KR | national |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/KR2023/001138 | 1/25/2023 | WO |
