EP2013398B1 - Tunnel washer, and washing method - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a continuous washing machine according to the preamble of claim 1 and a washing method using such a continuous washing machine according to the preamble of claim 16bzw. 17th

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 for example from the DE 199 41 073 A1 known. 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. For conveying the items of laundry from a washing chamber into the adjacent washing chamber, central circular openings are provided in the partitions, preceded by a respective scoop-like installation is, which also includes 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 laundry items to the next washing chamber, the laundry and at least a portion of the treatment liquid are fed 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. after DE 364 763 is disposed within an optionally in one or the other direction rotatable drum rotatably connected to the drum and fluid-tight along its outer edge with the inside of the drum connected Archimedean helix or screw. The structure of this arrangement basically corresponds to that of a screw tube conveyor. Between two adjacent turns of a coil, a washing chamber is defined in each case, 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, are largely avoided in the blockages during the conveyance of laundry and still can wash rotating. Also, a washing method suitable for this washing machine should be created.

This object is achieved essentially by a washing machine with the features of claim 1 and the washing method according to claims 16 and 17.

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

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

On the one hand, the continuous washing machine according to the invention is distinguished 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 relative 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. In this case, during a washing cycle many times repeated process, the fabric of the laundry is flowed through by the processing liquid, since this the Fabric leads 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 advantageously be operated in the washing mode, either rotating or reciprocating.

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.

Fig. 1

eine schematisierte Seiten-Teilansicht einer erfindungsgemäßen Durchlaufwaschmaschine,

Fig. 2

eine Schnittansicht der Durchlaufwaschmaschine nach Fig. 1 senkrecht zur Darstellung gemäß Fig. 1,

Fig. 3a bis Fig. 3e

schematisierte Schnittansichten der Durchlaufwaschmaschine nach Fig. 1 in verschiedenen Winkellagen im Waschbetrieb,

Fig. 4a bis Fig. 4e

schematisierte Schnittansichten der Durchlaufwaschmaschine nach Fig. 1 in verschiedenen Winkellagen im Förderbetrieb,

Fig. 5

eine weitere schematisierte Schnittansicht der erfindungsgemäßen Durchlaufwaschmaschine nach Fig. 1, welche die Rippen am Mitnehmerblech, an der Wendel sowie an der Innenseite der Trommel zeigt.

In the drawings show:

Fig. 1

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

Fig. 2

a sectional view of the continuous washing machine according to Fig. 1 perpendicular to the illustration according to Fig. 1 .

Fig. 3a to Fig. 3e

schematic sectional views of the continuous washing machine according to Fig. 1 in different angular positions in the washing mode,

Fig. 4a to Fig. 4e

schematic sectional views of the continuous washing machine according to Fig. 1 in different angular positions in the conveying operation,

Fig. 5

a further schematic sectional view of the continuous washing machine according to the invention Fig. 1 showing the ribs on the driver 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.

It is going on first Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 Referenced. 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 in the drum 2 in a manner not shown in the illustration according to Fig. 1 entered from the left, for example by means of an input funnel and the treated laundry items are in also not shown manner in the illustration according to Fig. 1 transported to the right, for example by means of a discharge chute from the continuous washing machine and then fed, for example, a dewatering device, such as 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 inner wall of the drum 2 to the outside to the inner wall of the drum 2, with which it also fluid-tight manner, in particular is welded. Each driver plate 14 is helically curved about the longitudinal axis 4, as in particular from Fig. 2 becomes clear, 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 upwards until this space 16 is emptied during the further rotation, wherein in a first phase, first of all, a part of the treatment liquid overflows or runs out and on Bottom of the washing area 12 collects and fall in a second phase, the laundry items including the remaining treatment liquid in the bottom located treatment liquid.

It is essential that due to the Mitnehmerbleche 14 is prevented 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 are additionally increased by means of the driver plate 14 during rotation in addition to an increasing extent and finally fall over the free edge of the driver plate 14 down to the bottom of that wash chamber 12 which is adjacent to the previous original wash chamber 12.

It will now be on the Fig. 3a to 3e and 4a to 4e, in which different phases of the washing operation and the conveying operation are respectively illustrated in 90 ° steps of the rotation of the drum 2:

In the washing operation according to Fig. 3a to 3e the drum 2 is driven continuously in the direction of rotation C. It started from the situation according to Fig. 3a , The treatment liquid 20 has in the chamber 12 at the bottom of the Drum 2 collected, the laundry items 22 are or float in the treatment liquid 20. The driver plate 14 is disposed substantially above the treatment liquid 20 and the laundry items 22.

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

In a further rotation of the drum 2 in the position according to Fig. 3c For example, the treatment liquid 20 and the laundry items 22 are completely accommodated in the upwardly moving space 16 and are commonly transported upwardly.

In a further rotation of the drum 2 in the position according to 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 downwards back 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 treatment liquid 20 still in the space 16.

In a further rotation of the drum 2 in the position according to Fig. 3e corresponding 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 22 together with washing liquid 20 in the conveying direction A (see. Fig. 1 ) should be promoted in the adjacent washing chamber 12, the continuous washing machine should therefore be placed in the conveying operation.

In conveying mode according to Fig. 4a to 4e the drum 2 is rotated a single time by 360 ° in the direction of rotation B. It can be assumed, for example, of the in Fig. 4a shown angular position of the drum 2, the one according to Fig. 3a or Fig. 3e equivalent. 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 according to Fig. 4b pivots the driver plate 14 in the selected direction of rotation and then subsequently with its radially outer end down until it comes into contact with the treatment liquid 20 and the laundry items 22 therein and this increasingly and raises, see. Fig. 4c ,

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

In a further rotation of the drum 2 in the position after Fig. 4e , which correspond to the angular position Fig. 4a corresponds, the items of laundry 22 and the treatment liquid 20 have been dropped from the driver plate 14 in the region of the original washing chamber 12 in the direction of conveyance 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, based on Fig. 3a to 3e has been described and in which the drum 2 is rotated continuously in the direction of arrow C, in an alternative manner, a pivoting washing operation as in the case of the prior art described above is possible, in which therefore 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 noted that, depending on the method, the free treatment liquid 20 may also be drained through a perforated drum shell area over a double drum and the items of laundry 22 then "dry", i. be transported without treatment liquid 20 in the next washing chamber or washing area. The continuous washing machine according to the invention thus also makes it possible to transport the laundry items 22 through the drum 2 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 can also be constructed in mirror image.

Out Fig. 5 It becomes clear how the design and operation of the system can be further optimized by providing various ribs. It is understood that the number of ribs to be provided and their exact positioning in Fig. 5 is shown for example only and can be deviated from.

In detail are in Fig. 5 one or more, in the case of the embodiment, a rib 18 (per washing chamber 12) formed on the driving plate 14 which extends substantially in the longitudinal direction 4 of the drum 2, there are one or more, in the case of the embodiment, three ribs 24 (per wash chamber 12) are 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 approximately radially outwardly extending radially outwardly extending folds 26 of the helix 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 22 to slide more slowly from the driver plate 14 and to pull apart more, thus ensuring an increased degree of stretching and compression of the laundry during the washing process, thereby further increasing the washing quality. The rib 18 may be placed on the driver plate 14, for example, 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 for a stiffening and stabilization of the construction and on the other hand, the further intensification of the washing mechanism. Alternatively, reinforcing ribs can be provided, which can be placed on the helix 6, for example, welded on.

From the FIG. 5 It can also be seen 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

8th

outer edge

10

Weridelabschnitte

12

washing chamber

14

Carrier plate, driver device

16

room

18

rib

20

treatment liquid

22

laundry

24

ribs

26

Wendelabkantungen

27

construction axis

A

conveying direction

B

Direction of rotation

C

Direction of washing

Claims (21)

1. A tunnel washer with a drum (2) having washing chambers (12) which lie side by side in the longitudinal direction (4) and are separated from one another and through which laundry items (22) to be washed can be conveyed in the longitudinal direction of the drum (2), wherein the mutually separated washing chambers (12) are formed by an Archimedes' screw (6) which is connected along its outer edge (8) to the drum (2), and the drum (2) is drivable so as to be rotatable about its longitudinal axis (4) in two opposing directions of rotation (B, C), wherein a first direction of rotation (C) corresponds to a washing operation and the second direction of rotation (B) corresponds to a conveying operation, wherein a washing operation is also possible by pivoting the drum (2) back and forth about a pivoting angle of 180° +/- 45°, i.e. about a pivoting angle in the range from 225° to 135°, during the washing operation, and wherein in at least one of the washing chambers (12) is arranged a carrier device (14) which extends outwards in the direction of the inner wall of the drum (2) and is connected to the drum (2) in a rotationally fixed manner and which carries the laundry items (22) during the washing operation upon during rotation of the drum (2), characterised in that the carrier device (14) is laterally connected to the screw (6) and arranged in the washing chamber so that, during the washing operation, transportation of the laundry counter to the conveying direction (A) from the washing chamber (12) in which the carrier device (14) is provided to the preceding washing chamber (12), seen in the conveying direction (A), is prevented by the carrier device (14), wherein the carrier device comprises a carrier plate (14) which extends outwards from a region facing the longitudinal axis (4) of the drum (2) to the inner wall of the drum (2) and is laterally connected to the screw (6), and the carrier plate (14) extends in an at least partly curved manner, seen in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (4) of the drum (2).
2. A tunnel washer according to claim 1, characterised in that the Archimedes' screw (6), with respect to its structural axis (27), is arranged eccentrically to the rotational axis (4) of the washing drum (2).
3. A tunnel washer according to claim 2, characterised in that the carrier plate (14) is connected in a fluid-tight manner both to the inner wall of the drum (2) at its end and to the screw (6) laterally.
4. A tunnel washer according to claim 3, characterised in that the carrier plate (14) extends in a polygonally curved manner, seen in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (4) of the drum (2).
5. A tunnel washer according to claim 4, characterised in that the carrier plate (14) has a portion which is curved about the longitudinal axis (4) of the drum (2).
6. A tunnel washer according to claim 4 or 5, characterised in that the radius of curvature of the carrier plate (14) in relation to the longitudinal axis (4) increases from the inside towards the outside.
7. A tunnel washer according to any one of claims 3 to 6, characterised in that the carrier plate (14) has at least one rib (18).
8. A tunnel washer according to claim 7, characterised in that the at least one rib (18) is attached to the carrier plate (14).
9. A tunnel washer according to claim 7, characterised in that the at least one rib (18) is edged into the carrier plate (14).
10. A tunnel washer according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a respective carrier device (14) is arranged in at least two adjacent washing chambers (12).
11. A tunnel washer according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the screw (6) is perforated.
12. A tunnel washer according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the screw (6) has folds (26) or reinforcing ribs.
13. A tunnel washer according to claim 12, characterised in that the folds (26) or reinforcing ribs extend substantially radially.
14. A tunnel washer according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least one rib (24) is arranged on the inside of the drum (2).
15. A tunnel washer according to claim 14, characterised in that the at least one rib (24) extends at least approximately in the longitudinal direction (4) of the drum (2).
16. A washing method using a tunnel washer according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that, in the washing operation, the drum (2) is rotated continuously in the first direction of rotation (C) during a washing cycle, whereby, during each revolution of the drum (2), the laundry items (22) and the treatment fluid (20) are lifted up, the treatment fluid (20) flows through the laundry items (22), some of the treatment fluid (20) drains off via the carrier device (14) upon further rotation of the drum (2), and the laundry items (22) are then dropped into the washing chamber (12) with the preliminary treatment fluid (20), and in that, in the conveying operation, in order to convey the laundry items (22) from one washing chamber (12) to the adjacent washing chamber (12) during a conveying cycle, the direction of rotation (B) of the drum (2) is reversed, whereby the laundry items (22) and, if applicable, also the available treatment fluid (20) are on the one hand conveyed in the conveying direction (A) and are on the other hand simultaneously lifted up and then dropped into the adjacent washing chamber (12), wherein at least the laundry items (22) are held in one and the same washing chamber (12) by the carrier device (14) during the washing operation.
17. A washing method using a tunnel washer according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterised in that, in the washing operation, the drum (2) is moved back and forth in a pivoting manner through approximately 180° +/- 45°, i.e. through a pivoting angle in the range from 225° to 135°, and in that, in the conveying operation, in order to convey the laundry items (22) from one washing chamber (12) to the adjacent washing chamber (12) during a conveying cycle, the drum (2) rotates in a direction of rotation (B), whereby the laundry items (22) and, if applicable, also the available treatment fluid (20) are on the one hand conveyed in the conveying direction (A) and are on the other hand simultaneously lifted up and then dropped into the adjacent washing chamber (12).
18. A washing method according to claim 17, characterised in that the pivoting angle during washing is approximately 180° +/- 30°, preferably 180° +/- 15°, particularly 180° +/- 5°.
19. A washing method according to any one of claims 16 to 18, characterised in that a plurality of washing cycles are carried out one after the other, wherein a conveying cycle is interposed between two respective successive washing cycles.
20. A washing method according to either claim 16 or claim 19, characterised in that the drum (2) is substantially rotated through 360° during each conveying cycle.
21. A washing method according to any one of the preceding method claims, characterised in that the free treatment fluid (20) is drained off via a perforated drum casing region via a double drum and the laundry items (22) are then transported virtually "dry", i.e. without treatment fluid (20), into the next washing chamber or washing region.

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