EP2019878A1 - System used to fix the two semi-shells of plastic tanks for washers, washer/dryer combos and similar appliances. - Google Patents
System used to fix the two semi-shells of plastic tanks for washers, washer/dryer combos and similar appliances.Info
- Publication number
- EP2019878A1 EP2019878A1 EP07736823A EP07736823A EP2019878A1 EP 2019878 A1 EP2019878 A1 EP 2019878A1 EP 07736823 A EP07736823 A EP 07736823A EP 07736823 A EP07736823 A EP 07736823A EP 2019878 A1 EP2019878 A1 EP 2019878A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- semi
- shell
- shells
- opening
- flanges
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
Links
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 10
- 239000012790 adhesive layer Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 9
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 8
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 8
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 8
- 230000004913 activation Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 7
- -1 polypropylene Polymers 0.000 claims abstract description 6
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 6
- 239000004743 Polypropylene Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 5
- 229920001155 polypropylene Polymers 0.000 claims abstract description 5
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 6
- 238000001994 activation Methods 0.000 description 5
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 3
- VNWKTOKETHGBQD-UHFFFAOYSA-N methane Chemical compound C VNWKTOKETHGBQD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 238000003466 welding Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000005520 cutting process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001771 impaired effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000035515 penetration Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004321 preservation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000472 traumatic effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000002604 ultrasonography Methods 0.000 description 1
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F37/00—Details specific to washing machines covered by groups D06F21/00 - D06F25/00
- D06F37/26—Casings; Tubs
- D06F37/261—Tubs made by a specially selected manufacturing process or characterised by their assembly from elements
- D06F37/263—Tubs made by a specially selected manufacturing process or characterised by their assembly from elements assembled from at least two elements connected to each other; Connecting or sealing means therefor
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F37/00—Details specific to washing machines covered by groups D06F21/00 - D06F25/00
- D06F37/26—Casings; Tubs
- D06F37/261—Tubs made by a specially selected manufacturing process or characterised by their assembly from elements
- D06F37/262—Tubs made by a specially selected manufacturing process or characterised by their assembly from elements made of plastic material, e.g. by injection moulding
Definitions
- the present patent application relates to a system used to fix the two semi-shells of plastic tanks for washers, washer/dryer combos and similar appliances, and to the tank obtained with the said innovative technology.
- the aforementioned household appliances are provided with a fixed, basically cylindrical tank, moulded from plastic material (mostly polypropylene) and provided with a large front opening used to load laundry inside the traditional rotating drum.
- plastic material mostly polypropylene
- a similar tank is composed of two different semi-parts (or semi-shells) that are engaged and fixed by means of front coupling, in an orthogonal plane with respect to the longitudinal axis of the tank.
- each semi-shell is coupled after the traditional drum is placed in intermediate position between the two semi-shells, in order to be housed inside the tank.
- the circular opening of each semi-shell is provided with a perimeter border that protrudes outwards that acts as a flange.
- This fixing is obtained by means of an annular band designed to be closed with a screw; it being provided in particular that a similar band, suitably provided with a circumference that basically corresponds to the tank, has an upturned U-shaped transversal section that allows it to be exactly positioned on the protruding profile on the external perimeter of the tank, before being energetically tightened by means of the said screw.
- the energetic tightening of the band prevents the accidental uncoupling of the two flanges that form the protruding profile that is matched to the said band.
- the mutual fixing of the two flanges is obtained by means of a series of clamps mounted at a suitable distance astride the profile formed by the said flanges.
- fixing can also be obtained by means of a series of suitably spaced screws engaged in transversal direction within suitable pairs of threaded holes provided in aligned position on both flanges.
- the need to eliminate the complications of the aforementioned operations and simultaneously reduce production time has led to the development of the new fixing system that is the object of the present patent application.
- the new system is especially appreciated because it provides perfect hermetic seal between the flanges of the two semi-shells and mutual fixing, by means of a single, practical and quick operation.
- This particular technique basically consists in the application of an adhesive layer in intermediate position between the two interfaced surfaces of the two flanges, following to physical-chemical activation of the interested surfaces.
- the preliminary activation is necessary because the polypropylene that is traditionally used to produce the said semi-shells would not permit the stable energetic adhesion to the aforementioned adhesive layer.
- a similar chemical-physical activation of the surfaces to be adhered can be obtained by alternatively using the so-called “atmospheric plasma”, “crown”, “flame (methane)” or “UV- Ozone” techniques.
- the fixing system of the invention allows to uncouple, if necessary, the two semi-shells that were coupled by means of the said adhesion technique with prior physical-chemical activation.
- - figure 1 is the axonometric view of the tank obtained by using the new fixing system of the invention
- FIG. 2 is a cross-section with a transversal plane of a section of the perimeter profile formed on the outside of the tank by means of the cooperation of the two outward protruding flanges that surround the opening of the two semi-shells of the tank.
- the system of the invention is designed to fix the two semi-shells (1 , 2) of a traditional tank (V) for washers, washer/dryer combos and similar appliances.
- the openings of the two semi-shells (1 , 2) are usually provided with outward protruding perimeter flanges (10, 20) that are basically designed to be interfaced at very short distance.
- the flange (10) of the first semi-shell (1) is situated in slightly backward position with respect to the opening (1a) of the semi-shell (1 ), and the flange (20) of the second semi-shell (2) is flush with the opening (2a) of the semi-shell (2); it being provided that the opening (2a) has a slightly larger diameter than the back section due to the presence of an intermediate connection step (2b).
- the flanges (10, 20) are brought in a very close position that is useful for the execution of the fixing system of the invention.
- the two flanges (10, 20) are preferably provided with a basically sinusoidal profile (10a, 20a) on the internal surfaces. This has been studied to increase the useful surface of each flange
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Textile Engineering (AREA)
- Connection Of Plates (AREA)
- Cleaning In General (AREA)
- Treatment Of Fiber Materials (AREA)
- Cleaning By Liquid Or Steam (AREA)
Abstract
The present invention relates to a system used to fix the semi-shells (1,2) of plastic tanks (v) f or washers, washer/dryer combos and similar appliances, of the type made of plastic, preferably polypropylene, and formed of two matchable semi-shells, whose openings are surrounded by outward protruding flanges (10, 20) that favour the stable coupling of the semi-shells, characterised by the fact that the flanges of the semi-shells are firmly joined by means of an intermediate adhesive layer (3) applied following to the physical-chemical activation of the internal surfaces (10a, 20a).
Description
Description
System used to fix the two semi-shells of plastic tanks for washers, washer/dryer combos and similar appliances.
The present patent application relates to a system used to fix the two semi-shells of plastic tanks for washers, washer/dryer combos and similar appliances, and to the tank obtained with the said innovative technology.
As it is known, the aforementioned household appliances are provided with a fixed, basically cylindrical tank, moulded from plastic material (mostly polypropylene) and provided with a large front opening used to load laundry inside the traditional rotating drum.
Due to evident practical reasons, a similar tank is composed of two different semi-parts (or semi-shells) that are engaged and fixed by means of front coupling, in an orthogonal plane with respect to the longitudinal axis of the tank.
The two semi-shells are coupled after the traditional drum is placed in intermediate position between the two semi-shells, in order to be housed inside the tank. To explain the traditional technology better, it must be noted that the circular opening of each semi-shell is provided with a perimeter border that protrudes outwards that acts as a flange.
When the two semi-shells of the tank are coupled in the front, the outward-protruding circular flange that surrounds the opening of one of the two semi-shells is engaged against the corresponding flange that surrounds the opening of the other semi-shell.
The aforementioned cooperation between the flanges of the two semi- shells is fundamental for the assembly of a tank for washers or similar household appliances. This is because, thanks to the special shape of their internal sections, the two flanges are able to provide mutual prismatic coupling, basically of male-female type, along their entire development and consequently along the
entire external perimeter of the tank.
When they are brought together, they are combined to form a perimeter protruding profile on the outside of the tank, which is useful for the application of suitable "external" means for mutual stable fixing. Although largely diffused, this traditional technology has some significant drawbacks, which are experienced especially during the operations designed to couple and fix the flanges of the two semi-tanks.
First of all, these operations are impaired by the need to place an annular gasket between the front cooperating sections of the two flanges, in order to avoid undesirable water leakage between the two flanges.
These operations are especially cumbersome and complicated also during the mounting of the "external" means designed for the stable fixing of the flanges.
This fixing is obtained by means of an annular band designed to be closed with a screw; it being provided in particular that a similar band, suitably provided with a circumference that basically corresponds to the tank, has an upturned U-shaped transversal section that allows it to be exactly positioned on the protruding profile on the external perimeter of the tank, before being energetically tightened by means of the said screw. The energetic tightening of the band prevents the accidental uncoupling of the two flanges that form the protruding profile that is matched to the said band.
In other cases, the mutual fixing of the two flanges is obtained by means of a series of clamps mounted at a suitable distance astride the profile formed by the said flanges.
Finally, fixing can also be obtained by means of a series of suitably spaced screws engaged in transversal direction within suitable pairs of threaded holes provided in aligned position on both flanges.
The need to eliminate the complications of the aforementioned operations and simultaneously reduce production time has led to the development of the new fixing system that is the object of the present patent application.
The new system is especially appreciated because it provides perfect hermetic seal between the flanges of the two semi-shells and mutual fixing, by means of a single, practical and quick operation.
This particular technique basically consists in the application of an adhesive layer in intermediate position between the two interfaced surfaces of the two flanges, following to physical-chemical activation of the interested surfaces.
In particular, the preliminary activation is necessary because the polypropylene that is traditionally used to produce the said semi-shells would not permit the stable energetic adhesion to the aforementioned adhesive layer.
With an illustrative, not limitative purpose, a similar chemical-physical activation of the surfaces to be adhered can be obtained by alternatively using the so-called "atmospheric plasma", "crown", "flame (methane)" or "UV- Ozone" techniques.
The advantages of this new fixing system, which will become evident from the description below, do not only consist in the possibility to eliminate the traditional seal gaskets and "external" fixing means, but also in the possibility to considerably simplify the internal profile of both cooperating flanges, since they are no longer required to be coupled one against the other, with male-female connection.
Moreover, the fixing system of the invention allows to uncouple, if necessary, the two semi-shells that were coupled by means of the said adhesion technique with prior physical-chemical activation. In a similar case, it would be simply necessary to cut the adhesive layer deposited between the flanges, without impairing the integrity of the two semi-shells and leaving the possibility to put them back together at a later stage.
Such an advantageous result would be impossible to obtain with any other welding technique (i.e. hot blade, infrared, ultrasound, or vibration technique) used to couple the flanges of the two semi-shells of a tank.
As a matter of fact, the welding lines obtained with the traditional
techniques are impossible to remove without considerably and irreversibly damaging the flanges, thus preventing the possibility to put the semi-shells back together.
For purposes of clarity, the description of the invention continues with reference to the enclosed drawings, which are intended for purposes of illustration only and not in a limiting sense, whereby:
- figure 1 is the axonometric view of the tank obtained by using the new fixing system of the invention;
- figure 2 is a cross-section with a transversal plane of a section of the perimeter profile formed on the outside of the tank by means of the cooperation of the two outward protruding flanges that surround the opening of the two semi-shells of the tank.
With reference to the aforementioned figures, the system of the invention is designed to fix the two semi-shells (1 , 2) of a traditional tank (V) for washers, washer/dryer combos and similar appliances.
For fixing purposes, the openings of the two semi-shells (1 , 2) are usually provided with outward protruding perimeter flanges (10, 20) that are basically designed to be interfaced at very short distance.
As shown in figure 2, the preservation of the distance between the two flanges (10, 20) is ensured by the mutual "cup" coupling of the semi-shells (1 , 2).
As a matter of fact, the flange (10) of the first semi-shell (1) is situated in slightly backward position with respect to the opening (1a) of the semi-shell (1 ), and the flange (20) of the second semi-shell (2) is flush with the opening (2a) of the semi-shell (2); it being provided that the opening (2a) has a slightly larger diameter than the back section due to the presence of an intermediate connection step (2b).
Again, as shown in fig. 2, when the two semi-shells (1 , 2) are coupled, the opening (1a) of the first semi-shell (1) shortly penetrates the larger opening (2a) of the second semi-shell (2) until it touches the internal surface of the step (2b).
Following to the aforementioned "cup" coupling of the two semi-shells
(1 , 2), the flanges (10, 20) are brought in a very close position that is useful for the execution of the fixing system of the invention.
Again, as shown in fig. 2, the two flanges (10, 20) are preferably provided with a basically sinusoidal profile (10a, 20a) on the internal surfaces. This has been studied to increase the useful surface of each flange
(10, 20) for the application of the adhesive layer (3) designed to be positioned between the flanges in order to firmly join the corresponding semi-shells (1 ,
2).
With reference to the latter operation, it is noted that the internal sinusoidal surfaces (10a, 20a) of the two flanges (10, 20) must be previously treated with a physical-chemical activation process, chosen from the aforementioned ones.
In this way, regardless of their polypropylene structure, they become suitable for the direct stable adhesion of the adhesive layer (3) applied between them.
The fact that the mutual penetration of the internal surfaces of the two flanges (10, 20) is not required (thus avoiding the traditional male-female coupling) ensures the possibility to remove the adhesion between the two flanges in an easy, non-traumatic way. As shown in fig. 2, such a result can be easily obtained by simply cutting the adhesive layer (3) provided between the two flanges (10, 20).
Claims
Claims
1) System used to fix the two semi-shells of plastic tanks for washers, washer/dryer combos and similar appliances, of the type made of plastic, preferably polypropylene, and formed of two matchable semi-shells (1, 2), whose openings are surrounded by outward protruding flanges (10, 20) that favour the stable coupling of the semi-shells (1 , 2), characterised by the fact that the flanges (10, 20) of the semi-shells (1 , 2) are firmly joined by means of an intermediate adhesive layer (3) applied following to the physical-chemical activation of the internal surfaces (10a, 20a).
2) Fixing system as claimed in claim 1 , characterised by the fact that the internal interfaced surfaces (10a, 20a) of the flanges (10, 20) have a basically sinusoidal profile.
3) Fixing system as claimed in the first or both claims above, characterised by the fact that the flange (10) of the first semi-shell (1 ) is situated in slightly backward position with respect to the opening (1a) of the semi-shell (1 ), and the flange (20) of the second semi-shell (2) is flush with the opening (2a), with larger diameter, of the semi-shell (2); it being provided that the opening (1a) of the first semi-shell (1 ) can be housed inside the opening (2a) of the second semi-shell (2), until it touches the internal surface of a perimeter connection step (2b) provided on the back of the latter opening and that the flange (20) of the second semi-shell (2) is brought at a close distance from the flange (10) of the first semi-shell.
4) Plastic tank for washers, washer/dryer combos and similar appliances, of the type made of plastic, preferably polypropylene, and formed of two matchable semi-shells (1 , 2), whose openings are surrounded by outward protruding flanges (10, 20) that favour the stable coupling of the semi-shells (1 , 2), characterised by the fact that the flanges (10, 20) of the semi-shells (1 , 2) are firmly joined by means of an intermediate adhesive layer (3) applied following to the physical-chemical activation of the internal surfaces (10a, 20a). 5) Tank as claimed in claim 4, characterised by the fact that the flange (10) of
thθ first semi-shell (1) is situated in slightly backward position with respect to the opening (1a) of the semi-shell (1 ), and the flange (20) of the second semi- shell (2) is flush with the opening (2a), with larger diameter, of the semi-shell (2); it being provided that the opening (1a) of the first semi-shell (1) is housed inside the opening (2a) of the second semi-shell (2), until it touches the internal surface of a perimeter connection step (2b) provided on the back of the latter opening and that the flange (20) of the second semi-shell (2) is brought at a close distance from the flange (10) of the first semi-shell (1 ). 2) Tank as claimed in claims 4 and 5, characterised by the fact that the internal surfaces (10a, 20a) of the flanges (10, 20) of the two semi-shells (1 , 2) have a basically sinusoidal profile.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| ITMC20060054 ITMC20060054A1 (en) | 2006-05-04 | 2006-05-04 | FIXING SYSTEM OF THE TWO SEMI-PARTS OF THE PLASTIC TANKS OF WASHING MACHINES, WASHING MACHINES AND THE LIKE. |
| PCT/IT2007/000320 WO2007129352A1 (en) | 2006-05-04 | 2007-05-02 | System used to fix the two semi-shells of plastic tanks for washers, washer/dryer combos and similar appliances. |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| EP2019878A1 true EP2019878A1 (en) | 2009-02-04 |
Family
ID=38476841
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| EP07736823A Withdrawn EP2019878A1 (en) | 2006-05-04 | 2007-05-02 | System used to fix the two semi-shells of plastic tanks for washers, washer/dryer combos and similar appliances. |
Country Status (4)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP2019878A1 (en) |
| IT (1) | ITMC20060054A1 (en) |
| RU (1) | RU2008147703A (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2007129352A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US10326323B2 (en) | 2015-12-11 | 2019-06-18 | Whirlpool Corporation | Multi-component rotor for an electric motor of an appliance |
| US10704180B2 (en) | 2016-09-22 | 2020-07-07 | Whirlpool Corporation | Reinforcing cap for a tub rear wall of an appliance |
| US10693336B2 (en) | 2017-06-02 | 2020-06-23 | Whirlpool Corporation | Winding configuration electric motor |
| DE102021203346A1 (en) * | 2021-04-01 | 2022-10-06 | BSH Hausgeräte GmbH | Suds container and laundry treatment device |
Family Cites Families (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ES2102973B1 (en) * | 1996-01-31 | 1998-04-01 | Balay Sa | CLOSING SYSTEM FOR PLASTIC WASHING MACHINE. |
| ES2154516B1 (en) * | 1997-02-24 | 2001-10-16 | Balay Sa | UNION SYSTEM BETWEEN THE TWO PARTS OF A WASHER CUBE. |
-
2006
- 2006-05-04 IT ITMC20060054 patent/ITMC20060054A1/en unknown
-
2007
- 2007-05-02 EP EP07736823A patent/EP2019878A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2007-05-02 WO PCT/IT2007/000320 patent/WO2007129352A1/en active Application Filing
- 2007-05-02 RU RU2008147703/12A patent/RU2008147703A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
Non-Patent Citations (1)
| Title |
|---|
| See references of WO2007129352A1 * |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| WO2007129352A1 (en) | 2007-11-15 |
| ITMC20060054A1 (en) | 2007-11-05 |
| RU2008147703A (en) | 2010-06-10 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
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| PUAI | Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012 |
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| 17P | Request for examination filed |
Effective date: 20081201 |
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| AK | Designated contracting states |
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| AX | Request for extension of the european patent |
Extension state: AL BA HR MK RS |
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| STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION IS DEEMED TO BE WITHDRAWN |
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| 18D | Application deemed to be withdrawn |
Effective date: 20111201 |