WO2009135458A1 - Method and device for folding up blankets or similar flexible textiles - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and a device for folding up substantially rectangular, flexible textiles (30), such as blankets, sheets or similar having two substantially parallel longitudinal sides and two substantially parallel transverse sides. According to the invention, the textile (30) is spread flat on a table (12) and then grasped at two opposite edge points or edge regions by clamping units (14), said units being moved or pivoted substantially parallel to one another and parallel to the adjoining faces of the textile (30) by a predetermined distance, in such a way that a web-shaped first edge region of the textile (30) remains on the table (12) and a second adjoining part of the textile (30) is folded onto the first region forming an at least two-ply web. Said at least two-ply web is fixed to the table (12) along a predefined line which runs substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the web. Finally, at least one blade unit (32, 34) is moved or pivoted upwards parallel to the aforementioned fixed section in order to fold the at least two-ply web at least once more.

Description

 description

title

Method and device for folding ceilings or the like flexible

fabrics

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for folding substantially rectangular flexible sheets, such as blankets, cloth sheets or the like, having two substantially parallel longitudinal and two substantially parallel transverse sides.

Larger flexible fabrics, such as fabrics, are usually folded together prior to packaging and shipping, otherwise they are inconvenient to handle. For example, one folds comforters, sheets or blankets generally after their manufacture or cleaning to a manageable size.

So far, this activity is mainly performed manually by persons, which is time consuming and costly.

The object of the present invention is to provide a method and a device, with which or with the flexible sheet, such as blankets or the like, can be automatically and quickly folded together.

This object is achieved by the features mentioned in äen claims 1 and 9 process or device.

Accordingly, in the method, the sheet, ie, the blanket or the like, is spread flat on a table. Subsequently, the fabric is gripped at two opposite edge points or edge regions with clamping devices. The clamping devices are then moved or pivoted in a predetermined path substantially parallel to each other and parallel along the adjacent sides of the sheet, in such a way that a sheet-like, first edge region of the sheet remains on the table and a second adjacent part of the sheet is folded over to form the formation of an at least two-ply web on the first area. In the next step, the clamping devices release the thus produced, at least two-ply web. This web is then fixed to the table along a predefined line, which is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the web, and moved or pivoted at least by means of a sword device so parallel to the above fixation or pivoted that the at least two-ply web is folded at least once again.

The device according to the invention is designed to be able to carry out the aforementioned method.

In other words, in a first movement sequence, the blanket or the like is first folded so that at least a second area is spent on a first area which remains on the table during this folding operation. Not necessarily but optionally, a third area adjoining the second area may also be located on top of the second area. In the first case described, the blanket is double-layered, in the second case - at least partially - three-layer folded into a web.

This double- or three-ply web, which usually has a much longer longitudinal extent than width, is then - as already mentioned above - linearly fixed. This fixation line is usually substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal extent. According to an advantageous embodiment, the fixation takes place approximately in the middle of the web. According to a further advantageous embodiment, two sword devices are moved upward (moved upward or pivoted upwards) after fixation. In this case, when using two sword devices, these are arranged on both sides of the fixation. In the latter Bewegungsabfauf, in which the web remains in the line area of the fixation at the table, by means of each sword devices, a further folding of the previously prepared web. The web extends on both sides of the fixation first upwards, to a maximum upper point, which corresponds to the upper point of the sword devices. The web is folded over this vertex of the sword device and hangs down again outside the sword devices. It can the sword devices are moved so far upwards that the downwardly projecting, outer limbs of the web are guided approximately down to the level of the table down. In this case, the previously folded in double or three-ply web is folded again in four layers Stapeiförmig.

Now, the folded structure (stack) can be slipped over with a package. The fixation can be solved before or after slipping the packaging. If the sword devices are still in the extended state, the folded blanket can be removed upwards when the packaging has been pushed over. Alternatively, the sword devices can be moved back under the table so that in this case the folded blanket, with or without packaging, can be easily removed from the table in a nicely folded manner.

The folding process, for the experienced persons usually 45 sec to 1 min. can be done in 15 seconds and shorter with a plant, as presented above.

In the event that the distance of the clamps from each other can vary (either manually or automatically), ceilings of different sizes can be folded together. For example, in the BereiGh duvets there are lengths of 2 m or 2.20 m.

A further variation of the present invention results when the articulation of the clamping devices can be adjusted in their sliding or pivoting relative to the edge of the table. In this case, the width of the web and thus the subsequent package width can be influenced.

As clamping devices, for example, clamping boards can be used, on which the ceilings are clamped with a clamping bar. The clamping devices are preferably hinged to the table and pivotable about an axis through 180 °. Both the clamping rod and the clamping device can be acted upon by drives that ensure the operation, ie the clamping or solution and the pivoting in the one or the other direction. Of course, other clamping devices can be used. It is only decisive that the ceiling can be grasped at two opposite edge points or areas and a second area can be folded over onto a first area, namely an edge area. The edge area, which is also referred to as the first area, remains on the table. The second area is a central area of the ceiling or the like, especially in the formation of a three-ply web.

As a fixing device, for example, a clamping rod is used, which is initially lowered in the central region of the table flush with this. The clamping bar can be raised and moved in parallel in the direction of the first path, at least slightly spaced from the path in this step. As soon as the clamping rod has traveled far enough over the web, it is lowered for fixing and presses the web linearly against the table.

As Schwertvorrichtungen sunken planks are used in the ground, which are made of a material which can slide as easily as possible along the fabric of the ceiling. In order to facilitate sliding along the ceiling or the textile web, it is preferably possible to provide rollers extending substantially over the entire edge at the upper end faces or edges, which rollers roll on the web when the sword devices are raised. Of course, it is also possible to make the rollers longer than the sword devices themselves, in extreme cases the sword device can thus be reduced to holding elements when the guiding function is completely taken over by the rollers. The sword devices are also provided with a drive and can be moved up to a maximum stroke continuously out of the table. Alternatively, corresponding plates can also be pivoted upwards from the table plane, wherein they define the table top flush with the table before pivoting.

During the upward process of the sword device, the web is pulled taut upwards, and finally the web is folded up in a total pile. The type of folding can be influenced by the height at which the sword devices are moved out of the table. According to a preferred embodiment, it is possible for the sword devices to lean toward one another at the top, but to form them at least slightly flexibly. In this case, a kind of equilateral trapezoidal shape is formed with slightly upwardly inclined side limbs. As a result, the webs are held together with a certain pressure. Due to the flexible design, it is possible to fold ceilings of different thickness, since the upper ends of the sword devices move apart accordingly.

As drives for the various elements to be actuated, pneumatic, hydraulic, electrical or mechanical drives can be used.

An embodiment of the present invention will be explained below with reference to a specific embodiment and with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings show in

1 is a schematic front view of an embodiment of a table according to the invention for folding ceilings,

2 is a schematic side view of the embodiment of Fig. 1,

3 is a schematic perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 1,

4 is a schematic plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 1,

5 is another schematic perspective view of the embodiment of FIG

1 with folded clamped directions,

6 is another schematic perspective view of the embodiment of FIG

1 also with folded clamping devices,

Fig. 7 is a schematic detail perspective view of a folded

Clamping device and

Fig. 8 is a schematic perspective partial view of the sword device with rollers arranged on top. The embodiment shown in the figures shows a folding table 10 according to the invention in a specific variant. Of course, further variants are readily possible, although constructive, but not deviate from the idea of the invention.

In the present case, the folding device comprises a table 12 which is supported by four feet 13. On the table, a plate is fixed, on the surface, which forms the work surface, a blanket 30 can be stored.

On the two sides of the table 12, two clamping devices are arranged, each of which has a clipboard 14, which is articulated pivotably on the table 12 via a front-side joint 46 (cf., FIG. The terminal boards 14 are opposite each other and are simultaneously moved parallel to each other during the pivoting operation.

In the position shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the terminal board 14 is received in a table opening 22, in such a way that the table surface is further developed flush from the tops of the clamping boards 14. About three brackets 16 is a clamping rod 18 hinged to each terminal board 14 pivotally. Each clamp rod 18 is pivotable about at least two positions about the axis 24 (linkage for each link via linkage) by means of a non-illustrated drive (e.g., pneumatic drive). In this case, in a first, zurückverfahrenen position of the clamping bracket is received in a slot of the terminal board 14 and almost completely recessed, as shown in Fig. 7. In a second, advanced position of the clamping bracket 18 is extended and pivoted to the top of the respective terminal board 14, as can be seen for example from the illustration in Fig. 4. In this position, a ceiling between terminal board 14 and clamp 18 are clamped.

In the central region of the table 12 in the middle between the two clamping boards 14, a slot 28 is arranged, which is dimensioned so that a Fixierbügel 26 is flush with the table surface retractable. The Fixierbügel 26, which is presently designed as a rod, has a length which corresponds at least to the width of the later web and can be raised by means of a drive not shown from the table 12 upwards and pivoted downwards. He can also go in the direction of the operator shown in Fig. 3, ie along the slot, are moved back and forth translationally.

In an edge region of the table, which is located approximately in the middle between the clamping devices, two further spaced and parallel slots are arranged in the table 12, the orientation of which parallel to the longitudinal extension of the clamping boards 14 or to the longitudinal extent of the Fixierbügels 26 are arranged. Through these slots two sword boards 32, 34 are extended. When retracted, the boards are completely vertically under the table, in which position the upper end faces of the sword boards 32, 34 are flush with the table surface. These swordboards 32, 34 can be extended through the slots approximately parallel to each other and synchronously with each other upwards. This operation is also carried out by means of a pneumatic drive, not shown.

All drives receive control commands from - a controller, not shown.

During operation of the aforedescribed embodiment of a folding table, the following work steps are carried out:

In the starting position, the two folding boards 14 are in the position shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 and are received in the table opening 22, wherein the table top is flush formed. The bracket 16 are each retracted into the slots of the terminal boards 14. The Fixierbügel 26 is flush recessed in the table 12. Likewise, the two swordboards 32, 34 in the moved down position, so that the upper end edges of the table 12 continue to build flush.

Now, a blanket 30 is placed on the table 12 in such a way that one edge with the table edge on the side of the operator 44 is flush. Otherwise, the blanket 30 is aligned centrally between the clamping devices 14. From the larger forth, the relation ceiling / table must be chosen so that the lateral edge regions of the ceiling are each guided over the terminal boards 14, but do not extend beyond the retracted in the slot bracket 18. If the table arrangement can be used for different widths of ceilings, then the clamping boards 14 are to be arranged in an adjustable manner in such a way that their spacing can be adjusted to the width of the respective ceiling to be folded. Of course, this can also be done automatically. In this case, at least one sensor would have to be provided which detects the widthwise extension of the ceiling and either adjusts one of the clamping boards or both in such a way that the ceilings are guided over the clamping boards in the manner described above. This adjustment can be done automatically via respective drives. In the present embodiment is dispensed with such an adjustment, since it always blankets are combined with a standard width / - length of 2 m, so that the table could be made according to constructive adapted.

After the aligned laying of the blanket 30 on the table 12, the two brackets 16 are next extended from the associated slots and pivot into the positions shown in Figs. 3 and 4, whereby two opposite edge portions of the ceiling 30 between bracket 16 and associated Clipboard 14 are clamped and fixed.

Now, the clamping boards 14 are versc-h.Wenkt by means of the drive 20 about its axes by 180 ° in the position, as shown in. The figures 5 and 6 is shown. In this case, the part of the ceiling 30 located between the clamped edge area is folded onto the operator-side edge area. The width of the folded area corresponds to the length of the clamping boards 14. The width of the area remaining on the table corresponds to the distance of the joint from the edge of the table (see also Fig. 5).

If the ceiling 30 protrudes beyond the clamping boards 14 in the area opposite the first area, then this area first falls downwards during the pivoting and folding process, and when the clamping boards 14 have exceeded their 90 ° position, this third part of the ceiling strikes the pivoted second part of the ceiling on top. In fully pivoted by 180 ° state of the terminal boards 14 so that a - at least partially - three-ply web is formed, the lower layer consists of the first, lying on the table 12 part whose middle layer consist of the second located between the terminal boards and folded part and whose upper layer consists of the third part which has automatically laid on the second layer when folded over.

In this position, the Fixierbügel 26 is first moved out of the slot of the table 12 upwards, then moved in the direction of the operator on the folded web 30 and lowered at full positioning over the web down, so that the folded web centered and linear against the Pressed and fixed table.

Next, the bracket 16 in the slot of the terminal boards 14 process back whereby the fixation of the ceiling 30 is lifted in this area on the terminal boards 14.

In order to be able to process the straps 18, a recess 25 is provided in the table 12, so that the table 12 does not hinder the return procedure. After this step, the two side regions of the elongated, folded web are free.

In the next step, the two swordboards 32, 34 are moved parallel and simultaneously on both sides of the Fixierbügels 26 from the table 12 upwards. As a result of the fact that the web is fixed to the table 12 by means of the fixing bracket 26, the swordboards - or possibly the rollers on the upper edge of the swordboards 32, 34 - are arranged on corresponding supports 50 (see Fig. 8) along the web to the top, wherein an outer part of the web on the side remote from the fixation on the respective sword board 32, 34 hangs down. If the swordboards 32, 34 are then moved upwards by a height which corresponds approximately to the quarter-length of the previously folded web, then this previously three-ply folded web is again folded into four layers, as can be seen, for example, in FIG. These four layers extend in the sequence: outside of the sword board 32, within the sword board 32, within the sword board 34, outside of the sword board 34, wherein outside and inside with respect to the fixation by the fixing bracket 26 is defined. With the previous three-ply folding, this results in a total of 12 layers of blanket lying above or next to each other.

Thus, the folding is now complete and it can be a cover 42 in the form of a tarpaulin pulled over the fully folded blanket 30 and this packaged become. Either before or after packaging - this also depends somewhat on the stiffness of the folded structure - the Fixierbügel 26 is raised again slightly so that the fixation is resolved, in the direction of the slot back and then retracted into the slot. Moreover, the swordboards can be completely lowered. At the latest in this condition, the folded and wrapped blanket can be easily removed from the table.

In a prototype of the folding table, the folding process took about 10 to 15 seconds. Moreover, it was possible to save operators compared to the previous manual method, since only one operator at most had to be on site; for example, to hang up, pack and remove the ceiling. Of course, however, these steps of packaging and slimming can be automated by means of appropriate handling devices. In this case, several folding devices can be operated simultaneously, which are only monitored by a supervisor. An intervention of the supervisor is then only necessary in exceptional cases in case of irregularities.

Other functions can also be enabled and carried out via a control device controlling the table or the drives of the table. So it is possible that each folded and wrapped blanket is detected and / or marked. This gives, for example, an overview of the number of folded ceilings. It is also possible to apply necessary markings for the logistics of the ceilings.

A suitability of the device is everywhere where flexible planar structures, such as blankets, blankets, paints, fabric etc. must be folded.

Of course, deviations from the above-described embodiment are possible at any time, without departing from the invention. For example, the two swordboards can be designed and aligned flexibly and upwards in a convergent manner. In this case, webs can be folded differently because the flexible swordboards can be bent apart at their upper end according to the thickness of the web.

It is also possible to arrange the swordboards at their lower end in the area near both sides of the later fixation pivotable and in the table too sink. After loosening the outer ends of the web, the swordboards can then be pivoted 90 ° from each other out of the table upwards. In this case, the swordboards do not touch the track, but lift it upwards, so to speak.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

folding

table

Table base

clipboard

headband

clamping rod

receiving slot

Drive for clipboard

receiving opening

linkage

Tischausnehmung

fixing bracket

Slot for receiving the fixing bracket

Ceiling / rail

First sword board

Second sword board

packaging

operator

joint

Rotatable roller

Holder of the rotatable roller

Claims

claims A method of folding substantially rectangular flexible sheets, such as blankets, cloth sheets or the like, comprising two substantially parallel longitudinal and two substantially parallel transverse sides, comprising the steps of - the sheet is spread flat on a table, - The fabric is gripped at two opposite edge points or edge regions with clamping devices, - The clamping means are moved or pivoted substantially parallel to each other and parallel to the adjacent sides of the sheet by a predetermined path, such that a web-shaped, the first edge region of the sheet remains on the table and a second adjacent part of the sheet to form an at least two-ply web is folded over to the first area, the clamping devices release the thus produced, at least two-ply web, - The at least two-ply web is fixed to the table along a predefined line which is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the web, and - At least one sword device is moved so parallel to the above fixation up or pivoted that the at least two-ply web is folded at least once again. 2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the clamping means engages the sheet in the edge points or edge regions at positions such that when the second region is folded over onto the first region, a third region also comes to lie on top of the second region. 3. The method according to claim, characterized in that at least two sword devices are provided and on both sides of the fixing device in the fixing position moved upward or be pivoted, such that the at least two-ply web at least partially four-day is folded. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sheet is initially aligned along one side of the table which completely belongs to the part of the sheet which, when folded, remains as the first area on the table. 5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that after the complete folding of the web, a sheath is placed around the folded web. 6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each folded web is registered and / or marked. 7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that after the release of the fixation, the folded web is removed from the table. 8. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fixing of the at least two-ply web is made centrally. 9. A device for folding substantially rectangular, flexible sheets, such as blankets, fabric sheets or the like, having substantially two parallel longitudinal and substantially two parallel transverse sides, comprising - a table (12) on which the sheet (30) is spreadable, - two clamping devices (14, 16, 18), the - Are formed so that it solves the sheet (30) at two opposite edge points or edge areas, b, a | eiηk | §ιηmen can and - moved or pivoted parallel to each other along the parallel sides are bar to umzuf so a second part of the fabric to a lying on the table first area, so that at least a two-ply web is formed, - Fixing device (26) for fixing the at least two-ply web on the table (12) along a line which is formed substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the at least two-ply web, - And at least one parallel to the fixing line (26) from the top of the table (12) pivotable or movable sword device (32, 34). A device according to claim 9, characterized in that each clamping means comprises a clamping board (14) pivotable about an axis and comprising a movable clamping bar (18) such that the sheet is formed between each clamping board (14) and associated clamping bar (18). is clamped. 11. The device according to claim 10, characterized in that the clamping rod (18) on retaining bracket (16) are held, which are angeienkt to the terminal board (16) pivotable. 12. The apparatus of claim 10 or 11, characterized in that in each clamping device, a drive for closing and opening of the clamping bracket (16) is provided 13. Device according to one of the preceding claims 9 to 12, characterized in that the clipboard (14) has a clamping length which corresponds substantially to the width of the web, with which the first part of the sheet remains on the table. 14. The apparatus according to claim 13, characterized in that the pivot axis (46) of the clamping device a distance from the edge the table (12) is substantially equal to the width of the first part of the sheet, which remains on the table. 15. The device according to one of claims 9 to 14, characterized in that the fixing device comprises a bracket which is axially movable in height and parallel to the table surface or which is pivotable. 16. The apparatus according to claim 15, characterized in that the fixing device is retractable in the table, in particular flush retractable. 17. Device according to one of claims 9 to 16, characterized in that two sword devices (32, 34) are provided, which are adjacent to the at least two-day path (30) resting fixation device from the table (12) movable upwards. 18. Device according to one of the preceding claims 9 to 17, characterized in that the sword devices (32, 34) in the table (12) are arranged completely retractable, in particular flush retractable. 19. Device according to one of claims 9 to 18, characterized in that the sword devices (32, 34) with at least one drive can be raised and lowered. 20. Device according to one of claims 9 to 19, characterized in that a sensor is provided which detects the position of the sheet and / or the at least two-day path on the table. 21. Device according to one of claims 9 to 20, characterized in that a device for packaging the folded web is provided. 22. Device according to one of claims 9 to 21, characterized in that a counter and / or a device for identifying the folded webs are provided. 23. Device according to one of claims 9 to 22, characterized in that on the upper end face of a sword device, a roller (48) is rotatably arranged.