GARMENT IRONING SYSTEM

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention falls within the field of ironing systems , in particular systems providing automated ironing of garments .

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Automatic ironing systems , which provide the task of ironing garments while minimi zing human intervention, are already known to the state of the art .

In general terms , the operation of these systems is based on the application of a hot gas to the garment , which will be responsible for the ironing task . However, the application of this concept can be carried out according to two di f ferent operating principles : one in which the hot gas is applied directly to the garment , as is the case with the state-of-the-art ironing machines developed by the companies Effi e and Folidma te; or, alternatively, using an inflation mechanism to cause an expansion of the inner volume of the garment , making its outer surface smooth and in a condition suitable for the application of hot gas . Systems which follow this operating principle are described for example in patent applications US5732859 , EP1448834 or CN203295866 .

However, regardless of the operating principle of the state-of-the-art systems , it has been observed that there are still signi ficant limitations which impair the ef ficiency of the ironing task or require human intervention at an essential level to ensure the correct functioning of the system, in tasks such as , for example , preparing the garment before ironing .

All this creates disadvantages for the users of this type of system who either have no guarantee that the ironing task will be properly carried out or, in order to achieve this , must interact with the system in tasks that in some cases can be di f ficult and time-consuming .

The present solution addresses these disadvantages by providing a new, fully automated ironing system, aimed at guaranteeing the efficiency of the ironing task without the need for the user to act .

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The obj ect of the present invention is therefore a system for ironing garments . This solution thus provides that at least one garment can be ironed, ef fectively and without the need for user intervention, through a combination of mechanisms that interact in a synchroni zed manner .

Speci fically, the proposed ironing system comprises ( i ) a control unit that is configured to operate , coordinately : ( ii ) an operating unit , defining an operation space adapted to receive at least one garment , and where the ironing task will be performed; and ( ill ) a transport unit configured to move the garment from a position outside the operation space to a position inside the operation space , and to move said garment within the operation space , once the ironing task is completed .

In an alternative embodiment of the system of the invention, said system additionally comprises ( iv) a positioning unit , which is configured to actuate the garment so as to ensure that the latter is in the appropriate position for the ironing task to be performed . Also, an object of the present invention is the method of operation of the ironing system.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Figure 1 - block diagram illustration of the constituent units of a preferred embodiment of the system of the invention. The numerical reference signs represent:

1 - control unit;

2 - operating unit;

3 - transport unit.

Figure 2 - side view of an embodiment of the system of the invention, where a garment is illustrated in a rest position inside the operation space. The numerical reference signs represent :

2.1 - operation space;

2.2 - means of operation;

2.3 - inflation module;

2.4 - gas injector module;

3.1 - mechanical support

4.2 - mechanical grippers;

5 - garment .

Figure 3 - perspective view of an embodiment of the system of the invention, illustrating the garment in a position outside the operation space. The numerical reference signs represent :

2.1 - operation space;

2.2 - means of operation;

2.3 - inflation module;

2.4 - gas injector module;

3.1 - mechanical support; 3.2 - hanger-type gripping element;

4.2 - mechanical grippers;

5 - garment .

Figure 4 - illustration of an embodiment of the system of the invention, where the gripping element of the transport unit is a hanger. The numerical reference signs represent:

3.2 - hanger;

3.2.1 - drive shaft;

3.2.2 - spring .

Figure 5 - illustration of an embodiment of the system of the invention, depicting the garment in an operational position, inside the operation space. The numerical reference signs represent:

2.1 - operation space;

4.1 - means of actuation;

4.2 - mechanical grippers;

5 - garment .

Figure 6 - illustration of an embodiment of the system of the invention, depicting the actuation mechanism of the inflation module of the operating unit. The numerical reference signs represent:

2.3 - inflation module;

2.3.1 - actuation mechanism;

6 - ironing element.

Figure 7 - illustration of an embodiment of the system of the invention, depicting the gas injector module, in particular the injector arms mechanism, used to inject gas adapted to ironing a surface of the ironing element. The numerical reference signs represent:

2.4.1 - injector arms;

6 - ironing element.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a system for ironing garments.

In generic terms, the system of the invention comprises a control unit (1) , an operating unit (2) and a transport unit (3) .

Additionally, and in a preferred embodiment of the system of the invention, it comprises a positioning unit (4) .

The control unit (1) comprises computational requirements adapted to execute programmed computational routines for controlling all the other units that are part of the system, in a synchronous and coordinated manner, according to the execution of the programmed ironing task.

The operating unit (2) defines the operation space (2.1) of the system, which is adapted to receive at least one garment (5) . In an embodiment of the system, the operating unit (2) may acquire the form of an enclosed mechanical structure. Specifically, and for the purposes of the present invention, the operating unit (2) comprises means of operation (2.2) configured for, in an operational position, actuating the garment (5) so as to allow an inflatable body to be inserted into the inner space of said garment (5) . Additionally, the operating unit (2) comprises at least one inflation module (2.3) comprising, in turn, an inflatable body; the garment (5) and the inflatable body inside it defining the ironing element (6) . Furthermore, the operating unit (2) also comprises at least one gas injector module (2.4) , which is configured to inject gas adapted to ironing a surface of the ironing element (6) . This ensures that the garment (5) is correctly positioned within the operation space (2.1) to receive the inflatable body and subsequently the gas responsible for the ironing task. These preparations are carried out automatically by the system without the user's intervention.

The transport unit (3) of the system comprises mechanical means configured to transport the garment (5) from a position in a space outside the operation space (2.1) to a position inside the operation space (2.1) , so that the ironing task can be performed. Subsequently, and after the ironing task is completed, the mechanical means of the transport unit (3) act in such a way as to transport the garment (5) from a position inside the operation space (2.1) to a position outside the operation space (2.1) .

In a preferred embodiment of the system of the invention, it additionally comprises a positioning unit (4) . Said positioning unit (4) comprises mechanical means configured to vary the position of the garment (5) in the operation space (2.1) , between the operational position, in which the ironing task is to be performed, and a rest position and vice versa. The rest position is defined as a position within the operation space (2.1) , wherein the garment (5) is temporarily located until it is conveyed to the operational position by the operating unit (4) or to a position outside the operation space (2.1) by the transport unit (3) . Additionally, the transport unit (3) may also convey a garment (5) from a position outside the operation space (2.1) to the rest position inside the operation space (2.1) .

In another embodiment of the system of the invention, the transport unit (3) comprises the following elements: at least one mechanical support (3.1) and at least one gripping element (3.2) . Said gripping element (3.2) is installed on the mechanical support (3.1) and is adapted to grip the garment (5) . In particular, the transport unit (3) is configured to actuate a mechanical support (3.1) in such a way as to transport the gripping element (3.2) - and the garment (5) secured thereon - from a position in a space outside the operation space (2.1) to a rest position inside the operation space (2.1) , and from the rest position inside the operation space (2.1) , to a position outside the operation space (2.1) . The system being designed in this way, with a functional relationship between all its units (2, 3, 4) , makes it unnecessary for the user to act for intermediate tasks, such as inserting the garment (5) into the inflatable body or a supporting structure, whereby in the present case the user is only required to insert the gripping element (3.2) , which holds the garment (5) to be ironed, into at least one mechanical support (3.1) of the transport unit (3) . All of the following actions of the system, culminating in the execution of the ironing task, will be commanded by the control unit (1) through the synchronized actuation of the other units (2, 3, 4) of the system.

In another embodiment of the system, the mechanical means of the positioning unit (4) comprise actuation means (4.1) and adhesion means (4.2) . In particular, the actuation means (4.1) are configured to release and secure the garment (5) on the gripping element (3.2) of the transport unit (3) , and the adhesion means (4.2) are adapted to vary the position of the garment (5) in the operation space (2.1) , between the operational position and the rest position, and vice versa. The adhesion means (4.2) may be implemented by a plurality of mechanical grippers and/or by at least one suction element. In particular, the suction element may be a suction nozzle.

In another embodiment of the system, the at least one mechanical support (3.1) of the transport unit (3) comprises two mechanical projections parallel to each other, each of said projections having at least one side face with engaging means adapted for installing the gripping element

(3.2) between said parallel projections.

In another embodiment of the system, the gripping element (3.2) is a hanger. Particularly, the hanger (3.2) comprises at least a first longitudinal shaft, along which at least one spring (3.2.2) is installed; and a second longitudinal shaft (3.2.1) , configured to cause displacement between a first spring leg and a second spring leg, when a rotational movement is applied by the actuating means (4.1) of the positioning unit (4) . In particular, the rotational movement in a first direction, applied by the actuation means

(4.2) to the second longitudinal shaft (3.2.1) , causes a displacement between the first spring leg and the second spring leg, promoting release of the garment (5) ; and the rotational movement in a second direction, opposite to the first direction, applied by the actuation means (4.2) to the second longitudinal shaft (3.2.1) , causes the first spring leg and the second spring leg to come together, such that the garment (5) is held by the spring (3.2.2) . As a result of the operation of the shafts and due to the configuration of their direction of rotation, a garment (5) can be automatically held by or released from the hanger (3.2) without human intervention.

In another embodiment of the system, the positioning unit (4) comprises fastening elements, configured to keep the gripping element (3.2) in the rest position, inside the operation space (2.1) . The action of said fastening elements ensures the stability of the gripping element (3.2) during the action of the actuating means (4.1) of the positioning unit (4) to release or secure the garment (5) . The action of the fastening elements is of particular importance when the gripping element (3.2) is of hanger type, since they provide the stability of the hanger during actuation of its second longitudinal shaft (3.2.1) by the actuating means (4.1) . This ensures that the hanger remains correctly positioned during both the release and the attachment actions of the garment (5) on the hanger (3.2) .

In another embodiment of the system, the inflatable body of the inflation module (2.3) of the operating unit (2) is made by means of a mixture of materials comprising silicone and/or rubber.

In another embodiment of the system, the shape of the inflatable body is adapted to fill the entire inner space of the garment (5) .

In another embodiment of the system, the inflation module (2.3) of the operating unit (2) comprises an actuation mechanism (2.3.1) adapted to adjust the inflatable body to the space inside the garment (5) . Therefore, using this mechanism (2.3.1) it is guaranteed that the inflatable body is correctly positioned inside the garment (5) , being adapted to the different shapes it may have when filling its inner space, without the need for user intervention. In an alternative embodiment, the actuation mechanism (2.3.1) is a pneumatic mechanism, implemented by pneumatic cylinders. Alternatively, the actuation mechanism (2.3.1) is a hydraulic mechanism implemented by hydraulic cylinders. Alternatively, the actuation mechanism (2.3.1) comprises at least one electric motor and at least one ruler module driven by at least one gear wheel, which may be driven by at least one electric motor.

In another embodiment of the system, the operating unit (2) comprises two inflation modules (2.3) . A first module in which the shape of the inflatable body is adapted to fill the entire inner space of a shirt-type garment, and a second inflation module in which the shape of the inflatable body is adapted to fill the entire inner space of a trouser-type garment. As a result of this structural configuration, the system is versatile and adaptable to the different garments (5) to be ironed.

In another embodiment of the system, the means of operation (2.2) of the operating unit (2) are implemented by mechanical grippers and/or at least one suction element. In particular, the suction element may be a suction nozzle.

In another embodiment of the system, each gas injector module (2.4) of the operating unit (2) comprises a hot gas generator. Said generator is configured to generate hot air in a temperature range from 50° C to 300° C, the gas may be water vapour and/or hot air.

In another embodiment of the system, the gas injector module (2.4) additionally comprises a plurality of injector heads configured to inject gas along the surface of the ironing element (6) .

In another embodiment of the system, the gas injector module (2.4) comprises a mechanical structure, enclosing the entire operation space (2.1) , a plurality of injector arms (2.4.1) , on the surface of which the plurality of injector heads are installed; and a network of gas ducts configured to route gas from the hot gas generator to the plurality of injector arms (2.4.1) . With this configuration, it is guaranteed that the entire surface of the ironing element (6) receives the hot gas injected by the injector heads, since the use of injector arms (2.4.1) makes it possible to increase the operating range of the system, enabling, for example, garments (5) with different sizes to be effectively ironed. Even more particularly, the mechanical structure further comprises at least one rail mounted on its surface, to which at least one injector arm (2.4.1) is coupled, in order to move it along the mechanical structure .

In another embodiment of the system, the gas to be injected by the gas injector module (2.4) comprises at least one gaseous fragrance in addition to the gas used for ironing the ironing element (6) . In this way, the mixture that is injected by the gas injector module (2.4) makes it possible, in addition to the ironing task, to provide the ironing element (6) with a scent that is pleasant to the user.

The present invention also relates to the method of operation of the ironing system. The method comprises the following steps: i. conveying of the garment (5) from a position outside the operation space (2.1) to a position inside the operation space (2.1) , by the transport unit (3) ; ii. actuation of the means of operation (2.2) of the operating unit (2) in order to, in an operational position, actuate the garment (5) so as to allow insertion of an inflatable body into its inner space ; iii. insertion of the inflatable body of the inflation module (2.3) of the operating unit (2) into the inner space of the garment (5) , defining the ironing element ( 6 ) ; iv. injection of gas adapted to ironing a surface of the ironing element (6) , by the gas injector module (2.4) of the operating unit (2) .

In an embodiment of the aforementioned method, the step of transporting the garment (5) from a position outside the operation space (2.1) to a position inside the operation space (2.1) involves activation of at least one gripping element (3.2) installed on at least one mechanical support

(3.1) of the transport unit (3) .

In another embodiment of the method, it additionally comprises the step of positioning the garment (5) in an operational position within the operation space

(2.1) by the positioning unit (4) . This step being performed before the means of operation (2.2) of the operating unit (2) are actuated to drive the garment (5) .

In another embodiment of the method, the step of positioning the garment (5) in an operational position within the operation space (2.1) involves actuating means (4.1) of the positioning unit (4) to release the garment (5) from the gripping element (3.2) of the transport unit (3) .

In another embodiment of the method, it additionally comprises the following steps: v. removing the inflatable body from the interior of the garment (5) ; vi . actuating the adhesion means (4.2) of the positioning unit (4) so as to position the garment (5) in a rest position within the operation space

(2.1) ; vii. driving the actuation means (4.1) of the positioning unit (4) to secure the garment (5) to the gripping element (3.2) ; viii. conveying of the garment (5) from the rest position inside the operation space (2.1) to a position outside the operation space (2.1) by the transport unit ( 3 ) .

As will be evident to a person skilled in the art, the present invention should not be limited to the embodiments described herein, with a number of changes being possible, which remain within the scope of this invention.

Of course, the preferred embodiments above described are combinable in the different possible forms, the repetition of all such combinations being herein avoided.