EP2428609A1 - Method for operating a drainage press for draining laundry and drainage press - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves floating a washing cake (4) received in the press container (35) by supplying process water (W). The washing cake is homogenously distributed in the press container. The process water is pumped down after a time sufficient for homogeneous distribution of the laundry cake. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a dewatering press with a line arrangement; (2) a press pad with a conical form for an extrusion die of a dewatering press; and (3) an intermittent washing system with an intermittent washing machine.

Description

The present invention relates to a method of operating a dewatering press for dewatering laundry with a press die movable into a press container and a dewatering press for dewatering laundry, comprising a press container in which the laundry to be squeezed is received, and a press die having a press pad inserted into the press Press container is movable, and further comprising a conduit arrangement. Furthermore, the invention relates to a clock washing plant with a clock washing machine and a dewatering press connected thereto.

Such dewatering presses are known per se. The laundry cake picked up by a washing machine contains a large proportion of bound liquid, the so-called liquor, whereby the bound liquid is largely removed by the pressing process taking place in the dewatering press. So goes for example from the DE 43 40 070 A1 a dewatering press for dewatering laundry with a movable in the press container pressing punch out. A laundry cake accommodated in the press container is dewatered via a pressure exerted by the press ram. For this purpose, the press ram is moved vertically into the press container. The dehydrated water then passes through a perforated drainage plate which Bottom of the press container forms and arranged below drain line.

From the EP 1 394 314 B1 Another dewatering press, here a piston press, emerges to dewater laundry. Pressure is applied to the laundry cake lying in the press container via a press die fastened to the piston rod of a hydraulic cylinder. Holes in the bottom plate then drain the dewatered liquid.

Such known dewatering presses are maintenance-prone and must be repaired frequently. The load on the side walls of the press ram when moving the press ram into and out of the press container is high, since as little play as possible between the wall of the press container and the press ram, or an optionally attached press pad is necessary for optimum dewatering performance. An uneven distribution of the press cake in the press container, especially when washed as rolls items of laundry, leads to a one-sided and thus wear-promoting load on the press ram, or any optionally attached thereto press pad and to an insufficient drainage performance. Consequently, there is a heavy stress on the press ram, or a press pad optionally attached thereto, which in turn leads to reduced operating times of the dewatering press. Furthermore, the one-sided load of the press ram can cause a shortening of the service life or the maintenance intervals of the drive of the press ram, for example a hydraulic condition.

Against this background, it is the object of this invention to provide a method for operating a dewatering press and a dewatering press for this purpose in order to minimize the wear of the press ram, or a press pad optionally attached thereto and the associated downtime with optimum dewatering performance.

The solution of this object is achieved with regard to the method of operating a dewatering press for dewatering laundry by the features of claim 1, with respect to the dewatering press thereto by the features of claim 11, with respect to the press pad of the press ram of the dewatering press by features of claim 14, as well as with respect to a Clock washing systems according to claim 16. Advantageous embodiments and further developments are described in the subclaims.

The inventive method for operating a dewatering press for dewatering laundry is thus distinguished from the aforementioned known laundry presses, or the method for operating such laundry presses characterized in that the non-uniformly distributed in the press container laundry cake, for example, a slide from a washing machine in the press container is passed and in particular washed in rolls washed laundry such as towels, floats through the inlet of process water, so swims. This floating loosens the laundry cake and thereby allows a homogeneous distribution of the laundry cake in the press container.

Floating or floating is to be understood here as a state in which the laundry cake floats freely in the process water located in the compression vessel.

In other words, process water is thus conducted into the compression vessel, which results in a liquid column forming in the compression vessel and that the laundry cake is saturated with liquid. The adhesive forces occurring between the laundry items are thereby released and the laundry cake can float freely in the press container. By this swimming, the previously unevenly distributed in the press container laundry cake unfold and thereby evenly distributed in the press container. The amount of added process water can be firmly defined, but it is also conceivable a variable amount of process water which is adapted to the corresponding pressing process and, for example, depends on the type and size of items to be drained laundry cake. It is also conceivable that the press container is already filled with process water before the laundry cake is transferred to the press container.

Preferably, the process water is pumped down by at least one pump via at least one drain line after a sufficient time for the homogeneous distribution of the laundry cake. The time in which the laundry cake floats and thereby distributed homogeneously can be firmly defined. It is also conceivable, however, a variable time, for example, by lot size and type of floating laundry cake or a time that can also be controlled by appropriate sensors, such as optical sensors. This leads to a minimization of the time required for the entire dewatering process, which is particularly useful because in one (Clock) washing machine a variety of laundry items are washed and therefore also different times, which are necessary for the homogeneous distribution of the corresponding laundry cake result. After expiration of this time necessary for homogeneous distribution, the process water is preferably pumped off automatically via at least one drain line through at least one pump.

It is expedient to apply a final pressure necessary for dewatering via a press pad of a press ram by pressing the press ram onto the laundry cake to be dehydrated over a defined dewatering period. The method of the press ram and the associated final pressure generation can be done for example via a hydraulic drive. Preferably, the final pressure on the laundry is variable, for example, selected by type or item size of the laundry to be drained. It makes sense to have the final pressure in a range between 30 and 60 bar.

Preferably, after the dewatering described above, the press ram is moved with the press pad to a neutral position to allow a discharge of the dewatered laundry cake, or to equip the press container with a new laundry cake for dewatering. Conveniently, the press punch is only vertically moved so far that a loading and unloading of the press container is easily possible, thereby enabling to minimize the total time required for the dewatering process. It is therefore also conceivable that the press ram can be moved into more than one neutral position, which facilitates, for example, maintenance and cleaning of the dewatering press.

Preferably, the spatial extent of the press pad of the press ram is changed in the axial and / or radial direction, wherein the change of the press pad of the press ram is controlled by the charged and Entfüllte amount of fluid. Thus, when the press pad is filled with fluid, the pressure in the press pad increases, resulting in a positive change in the spatial extent of the press pad in the axial and / or radial direction. Consequently, the pressure in the press pad decreases with a fluid filling, which leads to a negative change in the spatial extent of the press pad in the axial and / or radial direction.

Conveniently, the press pad is deflated before the ram is moved with the press pad. This means that the press pad has its smallest spatial extent in a neutral position, since the press pad is not filled with fluid. It makes sense, however, that the press pad can also be completely or partially filled with fluid in the neutral position, for example to carry out a functional test during a maintenance or servicing measure, or to minimize the total time required for dewatering.

Preferably, at the beginning of the dewatering process, the press ram with the press pad only far enough in the press container moved that the laundry cake located in the press container or the process water located in the press container is not yet contacted with the press pad, but not under pressure. It makes sense that the press pad of the press ram is only moved so far that it is at most completely within the press container.

Preferably, the press pad is filled prior to the actual pressing process with fluid to make contact between the side walls of the press pad and the side walls of the press container. The filling of the press pad has the advantage that it comes through the accompanying change in the spatial extent of the press pad to a play-free contact between the press container and press pad and thereby achieve an optimal drainage result. It is also conceivable that the press pad during filling with fluid is not at a standstill, but that the speed of the downward movement of the press ram is selected so that the filling process of the press pad is completed before the press pad first contacted with the laundry cake to be dewatered. In order to extend the maintenance and repair intervals, it is also conceivable to fill the press pad only to the extent that minimal play between the side walls of the press pad and the press container remains.

Preferably, the press pad is deflated after pressing. This has the consequence that the spatial extent of the press pad is minimal and thereby adjusts a maximum clearance between the side walls of the press pad and the press container. As a result, the wear of the press pad can be minimized during vertical movement of the press ram in a neutral position. It is also conceivable that the press pad is only filled to the extent that there is no contact between the side walls of the press pad and the side walls of the press container. Conveniently, the object mentioned above, solved by means of the above method and a dewatering press for dewatering laundry. The dewatering press comprises a press container, in which the laundry to be pressed out is taken up, a press die with a press pad, which can be moved vertically into the press container, and a line arrangement associated with the press container. The line arrangement of the press container comprises at least one process water inlet, in particular a fresh water inlet, and a drain.

Preferably, the press container can be filled with process water via at least one process water inlet. The amount of process water supplied is defined and stored, for example, in a controller which, for example, opens and closes a valve with a flow sensor on the process water supply line. Preferably, the at least one process water inlet is arranged in the upper part of the press container.

It is also advantageous if the process water can be pumped off via at least one outlet of the press container with at least one pump. Advantageously, at least one drain is arranged below the press container in order to support the process water flow already by gravity. It is also conceivable that the at least one sequence is connected directly to the outlet of a clock washing machine in order to continue to use the pumped liquid directly.

Conveniently, the object described above is achieved by a press pad of a press ram, wherein the press pad has flexible side walls and in the filled state has a conical shape and the bottom of the press pad has a concave, ie inwardly curved shape. It is also conceivable that the material thickness of the side walls changes in the axial direction. As a material is in particular a rubber compound with a proportion of lubricant in question to minimize the coefficient of friction between the press pad and press container. This is useful to extend the life or maintenance intervals of the press pad.

In a preferred embodiment, the press pad is fillable and deflatable with a variable amount of fluid. The loading and unloading takes place via a pump, which is consequently switchable between suction and pumping operation. It is also conceivable that the loading and Entfüllung the press pad at standstill of the press ram, but also during a movement of the press ram is possible. Especially when the pressing operation is carried out without stamp movement, with the corresponding material, the pressure on the item only by filling the press pad with water and drains this item.

For this it is necessary to make the pressure conditions in the press pad and the concomitant change in the spatial extent of the press pad over the loaded and Entfüllte amount of fluid adjustable. It is also conceivable that the pressure conditions in the press pad are monitored by a sensor.

Furthermore, the invention also provides a clock washing system having a dewatering press according to the invention connected thereto for dewatering laundry.

Fig. 1

einen Schnitt durch eine Entwässerungspresse des Standes der Technik während des Pressvorgangs mit inhomogen verteilter Wäsche;

Fig. 2

den Verfahrensablauf des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens zur Entwässerung von Wäsche;

Fig. 3

einen Schnitt durch die erfindungsgemäße Entwässerungspresse mit einem inhomogen verteilten und bereits im Pressbehälter aufgenommenen Wäschekuchen;

Fig. 4a

den in Fig. 3 gezeigten Pressbehälter der Entwässerungspresse nach der Befüllung mit Prozesswasser;

Fig. 4b

den in Fig. 4a gezeigten Pressbehälter mit homogen verteilten Wäschekuchen;

Fig. 5

die in Fig. 3 gezeigte Entwässerungspresse im Betrieb mit entfüllten Presspolster;

Fig. 6

die in Fig. 5 gezeigte Entwässerungspresse im Betrieb mit befülltem Presspolster;

Fig. 7

die in Fig. 6 gezeigte Entwässerungspresse im Betrieb beim eigentlichen Pressvorgang mit befülltem Presspolster;

Fig. 8a

einen Schnitt durch ein Presspolsters des Standes der Technik; und

Fig. 8b

einen Schnitt durch ein erfindungsgemäßes Presspolster.

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to embodiments illustrated in FIGS. In it show schematically:

Fig. 1

a section through a dewatering press of the prior art during the pressing process with inhomogeneously distributed laundry;

Fig. 2

the process flow of the inventive method for dewatering laundry;

Fig. 3

a section through the dewatering press according to the invention with an inhomogeneously distributed and already recorded in the press container laundry cake;

Fig. 4a

the in Fig. 3 shown pressing container of the dewatering press after filling with process water;

Fig. 4b

the in Fig. 4a shown pressing container with homogeneously distributed laundry cake;

Fig. 5

in the Fig. 3 shown dewatering press in operation with de-filled press pad;

Fig. 6

in the Fig. 5 shown dewatering press in operation with filled press pad;

Fig. 7

in the Fig. 6 shown dewatering press during operation during the actual pressing process with filled press pad;

Fig. 8a

a section through a press pad of the prior art; and

Fig. 8b

a section through an inventive press pad.

Identical parts are provided in the figures with identical reference numerals.

In Fig. 1 an embodiment of a prior art dewatering press 1 is shown. In the exemplary embodiment, a final pressure P necessary for dewatering is exerted on a laundry cake 4 via a press ram 2 with a press pad 3, wherein the laundry cake 4 is designed in a press container 5 in the form of a cylinder jacket. On a piston rod 6, a press plate 7 is fixed, wherein on the underside of the press plate 7, the press pad 3 is attached. The ram 2 is attached to a cover plate 10 and is connected to the base plate 9 with 4 columns. The guide columns 8 are fixed to a base plate 9. The base plate 9 has 5 drainage holes in the region of the interior of the press container, in order to ensure a discharge of the dewatered liquid. The press container is attached to the cover plate 10 via 2 hydraulic cylinders to raise the container for unloading and is pressed against the base plate by 2 hydraulic cylinders during the pressing operation. The pressure P required for dewatering the laundry is generated via a hydraulic cylinder 11 attached to the upper part of a press yoke 10. When hydraulic oil is supplied to the piston side of the hydraulic cylinder 11, the piston rod 6 is extended and the ram 2 moves vertically downward. Similarly, the plunger 2 moves vertically upward when the piston rod side of the hydraulic cylinder 11 hydraulic oil is supplied, whereby the piston rod 6 is retracted.

The dewatering press 1 shown here is currently in operation and drains the laundry cake 4 by pressing with the final pressure P is generated via the hydraulic cylinder 11. As can be seen from the figure, the laundry cake 4 is inhomogeneously distributed in the press container 5. This leads to a one-sided loading of the press pad 3 and a concomitant increased wear of the press pad 3. Furthermore, the uneven loading of the press pad 3 causes uneven transmission of the force of the press ram 2 via the piston rod 6 and can therefore lead to a reduction of the service life or the maintenance intervals of the dewatering press, in particular the hydraulic cylinder 11 lead.

In Fig. 2 the inventive method for operating a dewatering press is shown schematically as a flowchart. The laundry cake is passed, for example, from a clock washing machine in the press container. In the compression vessel according to the invention then a defined amount of process water is introduced. Also fresh water would be possible. But it is also conceivable that the process water is introduced before the transfer of the laundry cake in the press container. The laundry cake floats over a defined period of time T1 in the process water W introduced into the press container in order to achieve a homogeneous distribution of the laundry cake. Subsequently, the press die moves into the press container, but only so far that the press pad of the press ram contacted with the laundry cake or the process water W, but not yet on pressure. The press pad is filled with a defined amount of fluid to establish contact between the sidewalls of the press pad and the sidewalls of the press container. But it is also conceivable that the filling of the press pad during the vertical movement of the press ram expires. The process water W is pumped out of the press container. Occasionally, the process water can be pumped out in parallel with the filling of the press pad to reduce the time required for the entire dewatering process. Over a defined period of time T2, the laundry is then dewatered by pressing. After completion of the pressing process, the press pad is deflated and the punch moves vertically to a neutral position. The filling of the press pad and the vertical method of the press ram can - but need not - be carried out in parallel. The dewatered laundry cake is removed for further treatment and another dewatering process can begin.

Fig. 3 shows the dewatering press 31 according to the invention with the press die 32 according to the invention and attached to a press plate 37 press pad 33 according to the invention in an operating state after transfer of the laundry cake 4. The press pad 33 of the ram 32 is shown in the deflated state as a section and has a conical shape and a concave Press pad floor 63 on. Further shows Fig. 3 a pressing container 35 according to the invention, which is designed in the form of a cylinder jacket and which is mounted on a base plate 39 and has a process water inlet 34. The base plate 39 is provided with drainage holes for discharging liquid. Furthermore, a suction line 38 is provided below the base plate 39, with a pump 40 which is connected to the suction line 38. Laterally on the base plate 39, the guide columns 8 are attached. On the guide columns 8, a press yoke 10 and a hydraulic cylinder 11 are attached. When hydraulic oil is supplied to the piston side of the hydraulic cylinder 11, the piston rod 36 is extended and the press ram 32 moves vertically downward. Similarly, the ram 32 moves vertically upward when the piston rod side of the hydraulic cylinder 11 hydraulic oil is supplied, whereby the piston rod 36 is retracted.

The Fig. 4a and 4b show the press container 35 according to the invention with the process water inlet 34 which is mounted on the base plate 39. The base plate 39 further has a drain line in the form of a suction line 38, with a pump 40 which is connected to the suction line 38, and fixed to the base plate 39 guide columns. 8 Fig. 4a shows the press container 35 with the recorded laundry cake 4 in the operating state shortly after the feed of the process water W via the process water inlet 34, wherein the laundry cake 4 is still distributed inhomogeneous. Fig. 4b shows the press container 35 with the recorded laundry cake 4 in the operating state after the necessary for the homogeneous distribution of the laundry cake 4 Flottierzeit T1, the laundry cake 4 has been homogeneously distributed in the press container 35 by floating in the process water W.

Out Fig. 5 If the dewatering press 31 according to the invention emerges in an operating state with a press die 32 moved into the press container 35 and a compressed press pad 33. It is also conceivable that, as in Fig. 5 shown, the press ram 32 is moved with the press pad 33 only as far vertically down that the press pad 33 is already retracted into the press container 35, but not yet contacted with the floating in the press container 35 laundry cake 4 or the process water. Then the ram no further moves through, but the press pad is filled via a pump so far with fluid until the pad has dehydrated the fleet and thus the main pressure on the filling of the press pad is done.

Thereafter, the fluid is refilled via the pump. Furthermore, goes from the Fig. 5 shows that the side walls 53 of the press pad 33 not yet contact the side walls 55 of the pressing container 35, since the press pad 33 is still deflated.

Fig. 6 shows the dewatering press 31 according to the invention in an operating condition with a press die 32 moved into the press container 35 and a filled press pad 33. As is apparent from FIG Fig. 6 it can be seen that the press pad 33 has changed by filling with a fluid its spatial extent in the axial and in the radial direction insofar that the press pad side walls 53 contact the side walls 55 of the press container 35 and that the press pad bottom 63 now has a slightly outwardly curved shape. Further shows Fig. 6 in that the filled press pad 33 has not yet contacted the laundry cake 4 floated in the press container 35 or the process water W located in the press container.

The in Fig. 7 shown operating state shows the dewatering press 31 according to the invention during the actual pressing operation. The ram 32 exerts the final pressure P over a final pressure time T2 on the laundry cake 4. The final pressure P is generated via the hydraulic cylinder 11, wherein the piston side of the hydraulic cylinder 11 hydraulic oil is supplied and thereby the piston rod 36 is extended and the ram 32 is moved vertically downwards. The filled press pad 33 presses on the laundry cake 4 and located in the laundry cake 4 liquid fleet and / or process water W - is drained. The dehydrated from the laundry cake 4 liquid drains through the drainage hole in the base plate 39.

The Fig. 8a and 8b show a sectional view of a press pad 3 ( Fig. 8a ) from the prior art as well as an inventive press pad 33 (FIG. Fig. 8b ) in a depleted state. The radially encircling contour 81 serves to receive a clamping ring in order to fasten the press pad 3, 33 to the press plate 7, 37 of the press ram 2, 32. The press pad floor 84, 63 is curved concavely inwards. How out FIG. 8a the side walls 83 of the press pad 3 extend perpendicularly downwards in the axial direction and have a material thickness s1 of the press pad side wall. This in Fig. 8b shown press pad 33 has a concave shape, wherein the side walls 53 to the radially circumferential contour 81 are at an angle α, where α <90 °. Furthermore, the side walls 53 of the press pad 33 according to the invention have a material thickness s2, where s2 <s1.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

P

drainage required final pressure

T1

Flottierzeit

T2

Enddruckzeit

W

process water

s1, s2

Material thickness of the press pad sidewall

α

Press pad sidewall angle

1, 31

dewatering press

2.32

press die

3, 33

press pad

4

laundry cake

5, 35

Press container

6, 36

piston rod

7, 37

press plate

8th

guide column

9, 39

baseplate

10

press yoke

11

hydraulic cylinders

34

Process water supply

38

suction

40

pump

55

Press container sidewall

53, 83

Press pad sidewall

63, 84

Press cushion base

Claims (17)

Method for operating a dewatering press (31) with a press ram (32) which can be moved into a press container (35) for dewatering laundry,
characterized in that
a laundry cake (4) accommodated in the press container (35) is floated by feed of process water (W) and homogeneously distributed in the press container (35). A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the process water (W) after a homogeneous distribution of the laundry cake (4) sufficient time (T1) is pumped through at least one drain line (38) by at least one pump (40). A method according to claim 1, characterized in that via a press pad (33) of the press ram (32) by pressing the press ram (32) onto the laundry cake (4) to be dehydrated over a defined dewatering period (T2) a pressure necessary for dewatering (P) is exercised. A method according to claim 3, characterized in that the press ram (32) with the press pad (33) is moved to a neutral position for discharging the dewatered laundry cake (4) and / or the next filling. Method according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the press pad (33) of the press punch (32) is changed in the radial and / or axial direction, wherein the change of the press pad (33) of the press ram (32) over the be - And depleted amount of a fluid is controlled. A method according to claim 5, characterized in that the curvature of the bottom (63) of the press pad (33) of the press ram (32) is changed, wherein the change in the curvature of the bottom (63) of the press pad (33) of the press ram (32) over the Controlled amount of fluid and is controlled. A method according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the press pad (33) is deflated before the press ram (32) with the press pad (33) is moved. A method according to claim 7, characterized in that the press ram (32) with the press pad (33) is moved only far enough into the press container (35), that the laundry cake (4) located in the press container (35) is not yet connected to the press pad (33 ) contacted. A method according to claim 8, characterized in that the press pad (33) is filled with fluid prior to the pressing operation to make contact between the side walls of the press pad (53) and the side walls of the press container (55). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the press pad (33) is filled after pressing. A dewatering press (31) for dewatering laundry, comprising a press container (35) in which the laundry (4) to be squeezed out is received, and a press ram (32) with a press pad (33) which can be moved in the press container and a line arrangement
characterized in that
the line arrangement of the press container has at least one outlet (38) and at least one process water, in particular a fresh water inlet (34). Dewatering press (31) according to claim 11, characterized in that the pressing container (35) via the at least one process water inlet (34) with process water (W) can be filled. Drainage press (31) according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that over the least one drain (38), the process water from the press container with at least one pump (40) can be pumped. Press pad (33) of a press ram (32) of a dewatering press (31) for dewatering laundry, characterized in that the side walls of the press pad (53) of the press ram are flexible, wherein the press pad (33) has a conical shape when deflated and the bottom of the press pad (63) has a concave shape. Press pad (33) according to claim 14, characterized in that the press pad (33) with a variable amount of a fluid, in particular fresh water, is loading and unloaded. Press pad (33) according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that the loading and Entfüllung the press pad (33) with a fluid, and the associated pressure in the press pad (33) is adjustable. Clock washing plant having a clock washing machine and an attached dewatering press (31) according to any one of the preceding claims.

Images