EP2013398A1

EP2013398A1 - Tunnel washer, and washing method

Info

Publication number: EP2013398A1
Application number: EP07724636A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Dirk Pillsticker
Original assignee: Jensen GmbH
Current assignee: Jensen GmbH
Priority date: 2006-04-26
Filing date: 2007-04-26
Publication date: 2009-01-14
Anticipated expiration: 2027-04-26
Also published as: JP2009534142A; US8250691B2; DE502007001548D1; WO2007124918A1; EP2013398B1; DE102006019458A1; WO2007124918A8; US20090165217A1

Abstract

Disclosed is a tunnel washer comprising a drum (2) that is provided with separate washing chambers (12) which are located next to each other in a longitudinal direction (4) and through which dirty laundry (22) can be conveyed in the longitudinal direction of the drum (2). The drum (2) can be rotatably driven in two opposite directions of rotation (B, C), a first direction of rotation (C) corresponding to a washing operation and the second direction of rotation (B) corresponding to a conveying operation. Entraining devices (14) which extend outward in the direction of the inner wall of the drum (2), are connected in a torsion-proof manner to the drum (2), and entrain laundry (22) and processing liquid (20) when the drum (2) rotates during the washing operation are disposed in the washing chambers (12). The separate washing chambers (12) are formed by a helix (6) which is connected to the drum (2) along the outer edge (8) thereof.

Description

Jensen-Sinking GmbH

Jörn-Jensen-Str. 1 m o n c h e n

31177 Harsum April 26, 2007

Germany (GS / KR)

Continuous washing machine and washing process

The invention relates to a continuous washing machine according to the preamble of claim 1 and to a washing method in such a continuous washing machine according to the preamble of claim 15 or 16.

Continuous washing machines work according to the pivoting or rotating washing principle. The laundry is carried on the drum shell or through the middle of the drum.

A continuous washing machine according to the preamble of claim 1 is known for example from DE 199 41 073 Al. Here, in the longitudinal direction of the drum adjacent washing areas are formed as wash chambers, which are defined by disc-shaped partitions, which are arranged in the drum perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the drum and are welded with their outer edges to the drum. To convey the items of laundry from a washing chamber into the adjacent washing chamber, central circular openings are provided in the dividing walls, each of which is preceded by a blade-like installation which also comprises a separating plate. When rotating the drum in the washing operation, the laundry items are raised at each drum rotation by means of a Mitnehmer- or separating plate and then dropped from above into the treatment liquid in this prior art. If the direction of rotation of the drum is reversed for the purpose of conveying the items of laundry to the next washing chamber, the laundry and at least a part of the treatment liquid are supplied by means of the blade-like installation to the opening in the dividing wall and from here to the washing chamber adjacent in the conveying direction.

A disadvantage of this known continuous washing machine is that the material, in particular the many meters long drum is subject to a high mechanical load, with the existing straight, flat partitions lead to any increase in the strength of the drum. The high mechanical load further requires a comparatively large material thickness of the drum, which leads to an increased production costs and on the other hand to an increased energy expenditure in the drive of the drum.

Another disadvantage of the known continuous washing machine is that during transport of the laundry items from one chamber to the adjacent chamber through the opening or the transport channel in the corresponding partition wall through the risk of clogging of the opening occurs. This clogging hazard is significant given that the drum typically has a plurality of wash chambers one behind the other in the longitudinal direction of the drum, and therefore the laundry items must be passed through a plurality of apertures in a single pass through the system.

In another type of continuous washing machine z. B. to DE 364 763 is within an optionally in one or the other direction rotatable drum with the drum rotatably connected and fluid-tight along its outer edge with the inside of the drum connected Archimedean helix or screw arranged. The structure of this arrangement basically corresponds to that of a screw tube conveyor. Between two adjacent turns A coil is defined in each case a washing chamber, corresponding to a washing chamber in the above-mentioned prior art. To convey the items of laundry from one washing chamber into the other washing chamber, the drum and spiral are rotated by 360 °, whereby the laundry items lying in the treatment liquid, together with the treatment liquid, are transported further in the conveying direction by a distance corresponding to the width of a washing chamber, in accordance with the known mode of operation of a screw conveyor. During the washing cycle, the drum and coil is intermittently in one direction and in the other direction, ie moved back and forth and thereby generates the required washing mechanism.

By installing the helix or worm, the drum is structurally particularly stiffened so that lower material thicknesses are sufficient to obtain the required strength.

The invention has for its object to provide a continuous washing machine, which is particularly stable mechanically, in which blockages during the promotion of laundry items are largely avoided and still can wash rotating.

This object is achieved according to the invention essentially by the features of claim 1.

In the case of the invention, therefore, while the basic structure of a screw conveyor or an Archimedean helix is provided on the one hand, on the other hand, if the system operates in the washing mode, further transporting the laundry items in the axial direction is prevented by the entrainment device, so that during a wash cycle always in same wash area is washed, although the drum and spiral continuously rotates.

The continuous washing machine according to the invention has the following advantages: _o - A -

On the one hand, the continuous washing machine according to the invention is characterized by great stability, having basically been constructed on the principle of a screw tube conveyor in which the screw or coil arranged in the drum and connected to the drum mechanically stabilizes the overall construction, so that due to a relatively lightweight construction yet the required mechanical stability can be achieved and in operation a comparatively low drive energy is sufficient.

Also, with the continuous washing machine according to the invention, the risk of clogging due to the transport of the laundry items in the conveying direction from chamber to chamber can be virtually eliminated after the laundry items no longer have to be transported through openings in the chamber walls (the transport channel), but rather along the aisle Worm or helix be transported over a shovel.

The laundry items and the liquor are lifted during the washing operation of the blade-like entrainment and dropped from above back into the same wash chamber. During this process, which is repeated many times during a washing cycle, the fabric of the items of laundry is flowed through by the processing liquid, since this leads the fabric and the laundry then falls into the processing liquid. The fibers of the fabric are stretched and compressed, which promotes the passage of the tissue.

The continuous washing machine according to the invention can be operated in an advantageous manner in the washing operation either rotating or swinging back and forth.

In the conveying operation of the continuous washing machine according to the invention, the laundry is conveyed on the one hand by means of the coil in the conveying direction and on the other hand first raised by means of the entrainment device and then dropped on further rotation of the drum of the entrainment device down. The treatment liquid can basically take the same route. Further advantageous features of the invention will become apparent from the other dependent claims in conjunction with the following description.

Embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings and will be described in more detail below.

In the drawings show:

1 is a schematic partial side view of a continuous washing machine according to the invention,

2 is a sectional view of the continuous washing machine of FIG. 1 perpendicular to the representation of FIG. 1,

3a to 3e are schematic sectional views of the continuous washing machine according to FIG. 1 in different angular positions in the washing operation, FIG.

FIGS. 4a to 4e are schematic sectional views of the continuous washing machine according to FIG. 1 in different angular positions in the conveying mode;

Fig. 5 is a further schematic sectional view of the continuous washing machine according to the invention according to Fig. 1, which shows the ribs on the driving plate, on the helix and on the inside of the drum.

As far as in the foregoing and hereinafter of "washing operation", "washing area", "wash chamber", etc. is mentioned, this includes other in a washing machine of the type in question here usually occurring treatments to subsume, so in particular also the rinsing and, if necessary also the equipping, so that in particular also a "rinsing operation", "rinsing area", "rinsing chamber" etc. should be included. Reference is first made to FIGS. 1 and 2. An otherwise not shown continuous washing machine comprises a cylindrical drum 2 or inner drum 2, which is driven about its longitudinal axis 4 by means of known per se and therefore not shown drive means either in one of the two possible directions of drive. Within the drum 2, a screw 6 or coil 6 is arranged, for. B. may consist of folded sheet metal and connected to its outer spiral outer edge 8 with the inner wall of the drum 2, in particular welded. The coil 6 has not shown here, extending in the radial direction Wendelabkantungen or reinforcing ribs. The arrangement of rotatably mounted drum 2 together with arranged therein and with the drum 2 rotatably connected helix 6 corresponds to that of a screw tube conveyor.

The laundry items to be treated are entered into the drum 2 in a manner not shown in the illustration of FIG. 1 from the left, for example by means of an input hopper and the treated laundry items are also not shown in detail in the illustration of FIG. 1 to the right, for example by means a discharge chute out of the continuous washing machine and then fed, for example, a dewatering device, for example, a dewatering press. The transport of the laundry items through the drum 2 through in the general conveying direction A takes place in the conveying operation by rotation of the drum 2 together with coil 6 in the direction of rotation B in the counterclockwise direction.

Between each two opposing helical sections 10 of the helix 6 each serving as a washing chamber 12 space is defined. In each washing chamber 12, a driver 14 is arranged in the form of a driver plate 14, which among other things serves to take the laundry items in rotation of drum 2 and coil 6 in the washing operation, ie lift, etc., see. further down. Each driver plate 14 is laterally fluid-tightly connected to the adjacent coil sections 10, in particular welded, and extends from an approximately central position between the longitudinal axis 4 and the inner wall of the drum. mel 2 outwardly towards the inner wall of the drum 2, with which it is also fluid-tight connected, in particular welded. Each driver plate 14 is spirally curved about the longitudinal axis 4, as is apparent in particular from Fig. 2, wherein the radius of curvature increases with respect to the longitudinal axis 4 from the inside to the outside. All driver plates 14 are preferably aligned within the drum 2 in each case in the same orientation.

If now the drum 2 together with the helix 6 is rotated in the direction of rotation C, then the laundry items together with the treatment liquid reach the roughly triangular or sickle-shaped space 16 between the driver plate 14 and the inner wall of the drum 2 opposite thereto transported in the further rotation in this space 16 up until in the further rotation of this space 16 is emptied, wherein in a first phase, first and foremost part of the treatment liquid overflows or runs and collects at the bottom of the washing area 12 and in a second phase, the laundry items together with the remaining treatment liquid fall into the treatment liquid located on the bottom.

What is important here is that due to the Mitnehmerbleche 14 prevents that during rotation of the drum 2 in the washing operation in the direction of rotation C, a transport of the laundry (and the treatment liquid) takes place along the longitudinal axis 4, as would be the case in the case of a screw conveyor itself. Rather, the laundry items including treatment liquid during an entire washing cycle, during which the drum rotates continuously in the direction of rotation C, held in one and the same washing chamber 12.

If, after completion of a wash cycle, the direction of rotation of the drum 2 is reversed and the drum 2 together with the helix 6 is driven in the direction of rotation B, then the laundry, possibly together with the treatment liquid, is conveyed in the longitudinal direction 4 of the drum from one washing chamber 12 to the adjacent washing chamber 12 , as corresponds to the usual operation of a screw tube conveyor. However, the laundry items by means of the driver plate 14 during the Rotation additionally increased in an increasing amount and finally fall over the free edge of the driver plate 14 down to the bottom of that washing chamber 12 which is adjacent to the previous original washing chamber 12.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 3 a to 3 e and 4 a to 4 e, in which different phases of the washing operation or the conveying operation are illustrated in respective 90 ° steps of the rotation of the drum 2:

In the washing operation according to FIGS. 3 a to 3 e, the drum 2 is driven continuously in the direction of rotation C. The starting point was the situation according to FIG. 3a. The treatment liquid 20 has collected in the chamber 12 at the bottom of the drum 2, the laundry items 22 are or float in the treatment liquid 20. The driver plate 14 is arranged substantially above the treatment liquid 20 or the laundry items 22.

In a further rotation of the drum 2 in the position shown in FIG. 3b, the treatment liquid 20 together with laundry 22 enters the space 16 between the driver plate 14 and opposite drum wall, i. in other words, the driver plate 14 slides over the treatment liquid 20 together with laundry 22nd

In a further rotation of the drum 2 in the position shown in FIG. 3c, the treatment liquid 20 and the laundry items 22 are completely received in the upwardly moving space 16 and are transported together upwards.

In a further rotation of the drum 2 in the position shown in FIG. 3d, a large part of the treatment liquid 20 has flowed out of the space 16 via the inner free edge of the driving plate 14 and flowed back down to the bottom of the washing area 12. The laundry items 22 gradually fall into the treatment liquid 20 located at the bottom, together with the rest of the still in the room 16 located treatment liquid 20th

In a further rotation of the drum 2 in the position shown in FIG. 3e, which corresponds to the position 3a, the space 16 is now completely emptied and the procedure described above is repeated until a washing cycle is completed and therefore subsequently the laundry items 22nd together with washing liquid 20 in the conveying direction A (cf., Fig. 1) to be conveyed into the adjacent washing chamber 12, the continuous washing machine should therefore be placed in the conveying operation.

In the conveying operation according to FIGS. 4 a to 4 e, the drum 2 is rotated a single time through 360 ° in the direction of rotation B. It can be assumed, for example, of the angular position of the drum 2 shown in FIG. 4a, which corresponds to that according to FIG. 3a or FIG. 3e. In this position, the treatment liquid 20 has collected in the chamber 12 at the bottom of the drum 2, the laundry items 22 are or float in the treatment liquid 20 and the driver plate 14 is disposed substantially above the treatment liquid 20 and the laundry items 22.

During a rotation of the drum 2 in the direction of rotation B in a position shown in FIG. 4b pivots the driver plate 14 in the selected direction and then subsequently with its radially outer end down until it comes into contact with the treatment liquid 20 and the laundry 22 therein and increasing and raising them, cf. Fig. 4c.

In the angular position according to FIG. 4d, the laundry items 22 and the treatment liquid 20 are lifted by the driver plate 14, and with increasing rotation of the drum 2, the treatment liquid 20 flows and the laundry items 22 increasingly slide from the driver plate 14 into the adjacent wash chamber due to gravity.

In a further rotation of the drum 2 in the position according to FIG. 4e, which corresponds to the angular position according to FIG. 4a, the items of laundry 22 and Action liquid 20 has been dropped from the driver plate 14 in the region of the original washing chamber 12 in the conveying direction A adjacent washing chamber.

A delivery cycle is hereby completed, the laundry items 22 together with associated treatment liquid 20 have been promoted in the conveying direction A by a washing chamber 12 in the adjacent washing chamber 12 and a new wash cycle can begin.

In addition to the washing operation described above, which has been described with reference to FIGS. 3a to 3e and in which the drum 2 is rotated continuously in the direction of arrow C, a donating washing operation is alternatively possible as in the case of the prior art described above, in which Thus, the drum during the washing operation is pivotally moved back and forth, wherein the pivot angle during the washing operation may be about 180 °, preferably 180 ° +/- 45 °, more preferably 180 ° +/- 30 °, in particular 180 ° +/- 15 °; particularly preferred is an angle of 180 ° +/- 5 °.

It should be pointed out that, depending on the method, the free treatment liquid 20 can also be drained via a perforated drum shell area via a double drum and the items of laundry 22 then transported "dry", ie without treatment liquid 20 into the next washing chamber or washing area So also allows a transport of the laundry items 22 through the drum 2 through without treatment liquid.

Furthermore, it should be pointed out that, in particular in a rinsing zone, the helix 6 can expediently possibly also be perforated so that a countercurrent can be passed through the helix 6, in particular rinsing in countercurrent can take place.

It is also understood that the system shown in the figures also mirror image can be structured.

From Fig. 5 it is clear how the construction and operation of the system by the provision of various ribs can be further optimized. It is understood that the number of ribs to be provided and their exact positioning in FIG. 5 is shown only by way of example and can be deviated from.

Specifically, in FIG. 5, one or more, in the case of the embodiment, a rib 18 (per washing chamber 12) is formed on the cam plate 14 extending substantially in the longitudinal direction 4 of the drum 2, one or more, in the case of Embodiment three ribs 24 (per wash chamber 12) formed on the inner wall of the drum 2, which also extend substantially in the longitudinal direction 4 of the drum, and there are a plurality of radially outwardly extending in approximately radially outward folds 26 of the coil 6 is formed.

The at least one rib 18 on the driver plate 14 is arranged in the region of the space 16 (see Fig. 3a) to allow the laundry items 22 to slide more slowly from the driver plate 14 or pull apart more, thereby increasing the washing during the washing process Stretching and compression of the laundry is guaranteed, whereby the washing quality is further increased. The rib 18 can be placed on the driver plate 14, e.g. be welded thereto or be folded into the driver plate 14.

The preferably a plurality of ribs 24 on the inner wall of the drum 2 are provided in particular for the purpose of producing even more washing mechanics, in particular also in the case of pivoting washing, ie in the case in which the drum 2 of the continuous washing machine in the washing operation back and forth going pivotal movement performs. The ribs 24 may be welded to the inner wall of the drum 2, for example.

The radially outwardly extending Wendelabkantungen 26 on the helix. 6 serve on the one hand the stiffening and stabilization of the construction and on the other hand the further intensification of the washing mechanics. Alternatively, reinforcing ribs can be provided, which can be placed on the helix 6, for example, welded on.

It can also be seen from FIG. 5 that the Archimedean helix 6 is arranged with respect to its construction axis 27 eccentrically to the axis of rotation 4 of the washing drum 2.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

2 drum, inner drum

4 longitudinal axis, longitudinal direction

6 screw, coil

8 outer edge

10 spiral sections

12 wash chamber

14 driving plate, driver device

16 room

18 rib

20 treatment liquid

22 pieces of laundry

24 ribs

26 spiral bends

27 construction axis

A conveying direction

B Direction of rotation

C direction of rotation washing

Claims

claims

A continuous washing machine having a drum (2) which has juxtaposed, separate washing chambers (12) in the longitudinal direction (4) through which laundry items (22) to be washed can be conveyed in the longitudinal direction of the drum (2), the drum ( 2) about its longitudinal axis (4) in two opposite directions of rotation (B, C) is rotatably driven, wherein a first direction of rotation (C) a washing operation and the second direction of rotation (B) corresponds to a conveying operation and / or wherein a washing operation by Hin- and pivoting of the drum (2) is possible, and wherein at least in one of the washing chambers (12) extending outwardly to the inner wall of the drum (2) and with the drum (2) non-rotatably connected entrainment means (14) is arranged, the the laundry items (22) during rotation of the drum (2) entrains in the washing operation, characterized in that the separate washing chambers (12) of an Archimedean helix (6) are formed, ie e is connected along its outer edge (8) with the drum (2).

2. Continuous washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the Archimedean helix (6) with respect to its construction axis (27) eccentrically to the axis of rotation (4) of the washing drum (2) is arranged.

3. Continuous washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the entrainment device (14) comprises a driver plate (14) which extends from one of the longitudinal axis (4) of the drum (2) facing the area outwardly to the inner wall of the drum (2) and is laterally connected to the helix (6).

4. Continuous washing machine according to claim 3, characterized in that the driving plate (14) both end to the inner wall of the Trom- mel (2) and laterally fluid-tightly connected to the helix (6).

5. Continuous washing machine according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the driving plate (14) in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (4) of the drum (2) seen at least partially curved, possibly polygonally curved, runs.

6. Continuous washing machine according to claim 5, characterized in that the driver plate (14) has a about the longitudinal axis (4) of the drum (2) curved portion.

7. Continuous washing machine according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the radius of curvature of the driving plate (14) with respect to the longitudinal axis (4) increases from the inside out.

8. Continuous washing machine according to one of claims 3 to 7, characterized in that the driver plate (14) has at least one rib (18).

9. Continuous washing machine according to claim 8, characterized in that the at least one rib (18) is placed on the driving plate (14).

10. Continuous washing machine according to claim 8, characterized in that the at least one rib (18) is folded into the driving plate (14).

11. Continuous washing machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in each case a driver device (14) is arranged in at least two adjacent washing chambers (12).

12. Continuous washing machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the helix (6) is perforated.

13. Continuous washing machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the helix (6) has bends (26) or reinforcing ribs.

14. Continuous washing machine according to claim 13, characterized in that the folds (26) or reinforcing ribs extend substantially radially.

15. Continuous washing machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that on the inside of the drum (2) at least one rib (24) is arranged.

16. Continuous washing machine according to claim 15, characterized in that the at least one rib (24) extends at least approximately in the longitudinal direction (4) of the drum (2).

17. Washing method in a continuous washing machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the washing operation, the drum (2) during a washing cycle continuously in the first rotational direction (C) is rotated, whereby at each revolution of the drum (2) the laundry items (22 ) and the treatment liquid (20) are raised, the treatment liquid (20) flows through the laundry items (22), a part of the treatment liquid (20) runs over the carrier device (14) upon further rotation of the drum (2) and the items of laundry (22 ) are then dropped into the washing chamber (12) with the preceding treatment liquid (20), and that in the conveying operation for conveying the laundry items (22) from one washing chamber (12) to the adjacent washing chamber (12) during a conveying cycle the direction of rotation (B) the drum (2) is reversed, whereby the laundry items (22) and possibly also the approximately existing treatment liquid (20) on the one hand in the conveying direction (A) to be promoted and on the other hand raised simultaneously and then dropped into the adjacent washing chamber (12).

18. washing method in a continuous washing machine according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that in the washing operation, the drum (2) is pivotally moved back and forth and that in the conveying operation for conveying the laundry items (22) from a washing chamber (12) to the adjacent Washing chamber (12) during a delivery cycle, the rotation of the drum (2) in a rotational direction (B), whereby the laundry items (22) and possibly also the approximately existing treatment liquid (20) on the one hand in the conveying direction (A) are promoted and on the other hand simultaneously lifted and then dropped into the adjacent wash chamber (12).

19. Washing method according to claim 18, characterized in that the

Swivel angle during washing about 180 ° +/- 45 °, preferably +/- 30 °, more preferably +/- 15 °, in particular +/- 5 °.

20. Washing method according to one of claims 17 to 19, characterized in that a plurality of washing cycles are carried out in succession, wherein between each two consecutive washing cycles depending on a delivery cycle is turned on.

21. Washing method according to one of claims 17 or 20, characterized in that in each delivery cycle, the drum (2) is basically rotated by 360 °.

22. Washing method according to one of the method claims, characterized in that the free treatment liquid (20) is drained through a perforated drum shell area via a double drum and the laundry items (22) then almost "dry", that is without treatment liquid (20) in the next wash chamber or washing area are transported.