JP2016540585A - Apparatus and method for washing floor mat and particle mixed material - Google Patents

Abstract

A method for washing a material mixed with particles in a washing machine, wherein the material mixed with particles is moved from an input part of the washing machine to a discharge part of the washing machine through a plurality of modules or sectors. including. The liquid can flow inside the washing machine as a counter flow along a flow path in a direction substantially opposite to the moving direction of the particle-mixed material. A special configuration of recirculation / filtration removes most of the particles and organic material from the cleaning liquid. [Selection] Figure 1

Description

<Inventor>
Poi, Russell H. : United States citizen, United States 70113 Louisiana, New Orleans, Baronne Street 601, Number 3B <assignee>
Perelin Milner Corporation: Louisiana, USA, USA 70063 Louisiana, Kenner, Jackson Street 700
<Description of related applications>
This application claims the benefit of US Provisional Patent Application No. 61/971158, filed Dec. 17, 2013.
Claiming priority of the provisional patent application, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
<Description of research and development funded by the federal government>
Not applicable <Quoting Microfish Appendix>
Not applicable

<Field of Invention>
The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for washing a floor mat in the use of a continuous batch type washing machine or a tunnel type washing machine.

  More specifically, the present invention relates to a material mixed with particles (for example, a floor mat, a beach towel mixed with sand, a work clothes mixed with metal shavings) in a washing machine (for example, a tunnel-type washing machine) having a plurality of modules. This is related to the washing of clothes such as stone wash jeans, etc. (such as jeans mixed with pumice such as pumice), and the liquid is removed from the module (for example, the first module) by a specially configured recirculation structure. Particulate matter such as sand, metal shavings or stones is removed during such recirculation by moving to an intake or hopper and using a pump and filter provided between the module and the input.

<General Background of the Invention>
The purpose of the floor mat is to wipe or remove sand and mud that has adhered to people's feet. Therefore, a dirty floor mat is mixed with a large amount of mud and sand. Also, sand can be mixed in towels, which is a problem with laundry at resort hotels. Metal shavings adhering to work clothes used in the metal processing industry also cause problems during washing. Some clothes, such as stone wash jeans, are washed with pumice.

  One problem in washing floor mats embedded with sand (along with organic compounds) is that the sand removed from the mat collects inside the washing machine shell, eg, in many modules. For this reason, some washing machines are programmed so that the purging pockets are inserted periodically to drain most of the sand and organic compounds. However, if not all is removed, unremoved sand and organic compounds accumulate in the washing machine. For this reason, the mat cannot be cleaned. As the organic compound accumulates, a malodour occurs on the mat.

Several patents have been issued regarding batch-type washing machines or tunnel-type washing machines. Examples of issued tunnel-type washing machine patents include the following, which are incorporated herein by reference:

U.S. Pat. No. 4,236,393: Continuous batch tunnel washing machine, issued December 2, 1980. U.S. Pat. No. 4,485,509: Continuous batch tunnel type washing machine and method for operating the washing machine, issued December 4, 1984. US Pat. No. 4,522,046: Continuous batch laundry system, issued on June 11, 1985. US Pat. No. 5,210,039: Continuous batch washing machine, issued on May 18, 1993. US Pat. No. 5,454,237: Continuous batch washing machine, issued October 3, 1995. US Pat. No. 7,971,302: Integrated continuous batch washing machine, issued July 5, 2011. U.S. Pat. No. 8,166,670: Garment drying apparatus with improved lint removal system, issued May 1, 2012. US Pat. No. 8,336,144: Continuous batch tunnel type washing machine and method, issued December 25, 2012. U.S. Pat. No. 8,370,981: Integrated continuous batch type washing machine, issued February 12, 2013. U.S. Pat. No. 8,365,435: Press and apparatus for washing machine, issued February 5, 2013. U.S. Pat. No. 8,689,463: Clothes dryer with improved lint removal system, issued April 8, 2014.

<Summary of the invention>
The present invention provides an improved method and apparatus for washing floor mats in a tunnel washing machine. By using a filter to filter the recirculated stream of fluid in the first module, most of the sand and organic compounds (eg, 90-95%) are removed. Thereby, the performance of the washing machine can be improved, the washing quality can be maintained, and any accumulation of sand and organic substances can be eliminated.

  By removing the sand of the first module, the washing machine is kept clean and can be used to wash other materials such as linen. The present invention can save labor for cleaning the inside of a washing machine.

  The present invention includes a method for laundering a particulate material in the use of a continuous batch tunnel washing machine. The present invention includes the step of deploying a continuous batch tunnel type washing machine, the continuous batch tunnel type washing machine including an interior, a charging unit, a discharging unit, and a first module adjacent to the charging unit. It includes a plurality of modules and a volume of liquid. The material mixed with particles is moved from the input unit to the module, and then sequentially moved to the discharge unit. After a cleaning chemical has been added to a predetermined amount of liquid and a selected time has elapsed, a counter-flow of rinsing liquid is supplied along a flow path in a direction generally opposite to the direction of movement of the material being washed. . A predetermined amount of liquid can be recirculated from the first module to the input via a recirculation flow line. The predetermined amount of liquid can be removed from the liquid flowing through the recirculation flow line by passing the liquid through a filter after leaving the first module and before reaching the input.

  In one embodiment, a pump can be provided in the recirculation flow line.

  In one embodiment, the pump may be between the first module and the filter.

  In one embodiment, the pump may be between the filter and the input.

  In one embodiment, the particulate material can include sand.

  In one embodiment, the filter can remove particles from the fluid by centrifugation.

  The present invention includes a method of washing a material mixed with particles in a continuous batch type washing machine or a tunnel type washing machine. The method of the present invention includes the step of deploying a continuous batch tunnel type washing machine having an interior, an input portion, and a discharge portion, and having a plurality of partitioned modules. Particle mixed material can be moved from the input section to the discharge section. Cleaning chemicals are added to the module and the particle-mixed material is washed with water and cleaning chemicals, and after a selected time, the countercurrent flow of liquid inside the washing machine causes the particle-mixed material The material is supplied along a flow path in a direction almost opposite to the moving direction of the material, and the material mixed with particles is rinsed. Liquid can be recirculated from one of the modules to the input via a recirculation flow line. Particulate matter can be removed from the recirculating liquid by a filter.

  In one embodiment, the present invention may further comprise boosting the flow rate of the recirculation flow line with a pump.

  In one embodiment, the filter can filter sand as part of the particulate material.

  In one embodiment, the pump may be between the module and the filter.

  The present invention includes an apparatus for washing a particle-mixed material. The apparatus of the present invention includes an inside, a charging unit, and a discharging unit, and includes a plurality of modules including at least a first module adjacent to the charging unit and at least a downstream module adjacent to the discharging unit. A continuous batch tunnel washing machine having a module and a predetermined amount of liquid can be included. The material mixed with particles can be sequentially moved from the input section through the module to the discharge section. In one or more liquid flow lines that flow in opposition, liquid can flow in opposition along the flow path from the downstream module to the upstream module. A recirculating fluid flow line can be connected from the first module to the input. There is a filter before the liquid exits the first module and reaches the input.

  In one embodiment, the apparatus can further comprise a pump in the recirculated liquid flow line.

  In one embodiment, the pump can be deployed between the first module and the filter.

  In one embodiment, the pump can be deployed between the filter and the input.

  In one embodiment, the filter can remove particulate matter including sand.

  In one embodiment, the filter can remove particulate matter including organic waste materials.

  In one embodiment, the filter can remove particulate matter using centrifugal force.

  In one embodiment, as fluid flows through the recycle liquid flow line, particulate matter can be continuously removed from the recycle liquid flow line by the filter.

  The present invention includes a method of laundering textile products containing undesirable particulate material. The method of the present invention deploys a continuous batch tunnel type washing machine having an interior, a loading section, a discharging section, a plurality of modules including a first module adjacent to the loading section, and a predetermined amount of liquid. Includes steps. The material mixed with particles can be sequentially moved from the input section through the module to the discharge section. After the cleaning chemical has been added to the predetermined amount of liquid and the selected time has elapsed, the counter-flow of the rinsing liquid can flow along a flow path in a direction generally opposite to the direction of movement of the laundry material. A predetermined amount of liquid can be recirculated from the first module to the input via a recirculation flow line. After a predetermined amount of liquid exits the first module and reaches the input, particulate matter can be removed from the liquid flowing through the recirculation flow line using a filter.

  For a further understanding of the nature, objects and advantages of the present invention, reference may be made to the following detailed description taken together with the drawings. The same reference numerals are used for similar elements.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention.

<Detailed Description of the Invention>
FIG. 1 is a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention and is designated by reference numeral (10). The washing apparatus (10) is used for washing a floor mat containing undesirable particulate materials such as sand and organic substances. The apparatus of the present invention uses a multi-module tunnel type washing machine (11). The illustrated washing machine (11) is disclosed in U.S. Pat. And US Pat. No. 8,689,463, each of which is incorporated herein by reference.

  The tunnel type washing machine (11) has an inlet end (12) having a hopper (26) and an outlet end (13). The tunnel type washing machine (11) includes a plurality of modules (14) to (17). The first module is module (14). The second module is module (15). The third module is module (16). The final module is module (17). It should be understood that more than four modules may be provided. When the mat impregnated with fluid exits from the exit end (13) of the tunnel-type washing machine (11), it enters an extractor or a press (not shown) via a discharge part (27) such as a discharge flow line or a chute. . The extractor removes excess water from the mat to be washed and the excess water removed is sent to the water tank (29). The water in the tank (29) flows to the tank (33) in the direction of the arrow (28) via the flow line (32). The flow line (32) can be provided with a valve (18).

  Make-up water can be added to the tank (33) through the flow line (22). The flow line (22) has a valve (21). Water is supplied to the flow line (22) from a water source (19) such as tap water. The flow line (22) may be provided with a check valve (37) for preventing backflow. The line (22) can be provided with a flow meter (20). The tank (33) is provided with a drain valve (23), and water is discharged from the tank (33) through the drain valve (23) to the sewer (24) as shown by the arrow (25) in FIG. Can be done.

  FIG. 1 shows a recirculation line for recirculating fluid from the first module (14) via flow lines (52) (57) to the hopper (26). The hopper (26) is located at the entrance end (12) of the tunnel type washing machine (11). The hopper (26) can also accept a floor mat to be washed. The floor mat is thrown into the hopper (26). The mat moves sequentially from the hopper (26) to the first module (14), the modules (15) (16), and the module (17). The floor mat is transferred from the module (17) through the discharge section (27) and into a water removal device such as a water extractor or a press.

  The water extracted from the tank (29) is transferred to the tank (33) through the flow line (32) using the pump (30). The tank (29) has an interior (31) for containing water sent from the water extractor or press to the tank (29). The water extractor or press is commercially available.

  Water from the tank (33) passes through the flow line (34) (35) and goes to the final module (17), or any of the modules (14) (15) (16), or to the hopper (26). Can be sent. The flow line (38) allows water to flow from the flow line (35) to the hopper (26). The flow line (39) allows water to flow from the flow line (35) to the module (14). The flow line (40) allows water to flow from the flow Ein (35) to the module (15). The flow line (41) allows water to flow from the flow Ein (35) to the module (16). The flow line (35) ends at module (17). The flow line (34) also ends at module (17). The pump (36) can be used to supply pressure in the flow lines (34) (35).

  Valves are provided in the flow lines (38) (39) (40) (41) and (34) (35). The flow line (38) has a valve (42). The flow line (39) has a valve (43). The flow line (40) has a valve (44). The flow line (41) has a valve (45). The flow line (34) has a valve (46). The flow line (35) has a valve (47). The flow line (38) can have a flow meter (48). The flow line (34) can have a flow meter (48).

  Each of the modules (14) (15) (16) (17) has a chemical agent injection part (alkali agent injection part (49), cleaning agent injection part (50), etc.) or other chemical agent injection part (finishing liquid). Starch, or any other cleaning or finishing chemical (63), etc.) can be deployed. As shown in FIG. 1, a steam injection part (51) can be provided in one or more of the modules (14) (15) (16) (17).

  The flow lines (52) (57) can recirculate fluid from the first module (14) to the hopper (26). A pump (53) can be provided in the flow line (52). The filter (54) is located at the end of the flow line (52) and at the start of the flow line (57). The filter (54) is preferably a centrifugal filter and removes particulate material such as sand and organic substances and deposits them in a sand container (55) as shown by arrows (56). The filter (54) is, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,143,175, 6,167,960, 6,202,543, 7000782, and 7032760, each of which is a centrifugal filter as described and described, each of which is incorporated herein by reference. Shall be.

  The counter flow can be supplied from one module to the previous module. The counterflow line (58) allows counterflow from module (17) to module (16). The counterflow line (59) allows counterflow from module (16) to module (15). The counterflow line (62) allows counterflow from the module (15) to the module (14). Each of the modules (14), (15), (16), (17) is provided with a drain valve (23) that allows the fluid to be discharged to the sewer (24). The module (14) is provided with an overflow type drain line, and the fluid is discharged to the sewer (24) through the valve (61) by the drain line.

  The following is a list of parts and materials suitable for use with the present invention.

<Parts list>
(10) Washing equipment
(11) Tunnel type washing machine
(12) Entrance end
(13) Exit end
(14) Module
(15) Module
(16) Module
(17) Module
(18) Valve
(19) Water source / flow line / tap water supply section
(20) Flow meter
(21) Valve
(22) Make-up water line / flow line
(23) Drain valve
(24) Sewer
(25) Arrow
(26) Hopper
(27) Discharge section
(28) Arrow
(29) Water tank
(30) Pump
(31) Inside
(32) Flow line
(33) Tank
(34) Flow line
(35) Flow line
(36) Pump
(37) Backflow prevention device / check valve
(38) Flow line
(39) Flow line

(40) Flow line
(41) Flow line
(42) Valve
(43) Valve
(44) Valve
(45) Valve
(46) Valve
(47) Valve
(48) Flow meter
(49) Alkaline agent injection part
(50) Cleaning agent injection part
(51) Steam / steam injection section
(52) Flow line
(53) Pump
(54) Filter
(55) Sand container
(56) Arrow
(57) Flow line
(58) Counterflow line
(59) Counterflow line
(60) Overflow drain
(61) Valve
(62) Counterflow line
(63) Other chemical agent injection parts / finishing liquid / starch

  All measurements disclosed herein are at standard temperature and sea level unless otherwise specified.

  The foregoing examples are provided for purposes of illustration only, and the scope of the present invention is limited only by the following claims.

Claims (20)

In a continuous batch tunnel type washing machine, a method of washing a material mixed with particles,
a) deploying a continuous batch tunnel type washing machine including an interior, a charging unit, a discharging unit, a plurality of modules including a first module adjacent to the charging unit, and a predetermined amount of liquid;
b) moving the particle-mixed material from the input section to the module and then sequentially moving it to the discharge section;
c) adding a cleaning chemical to a predetermined amount of liquid;
d) supplying a counter-flow of rinsing liquid along a flow path in a direction substantially opposite to the direction of movement of the material in step b after a selected time has elapsed;
f) recirculating a predetermined amount of liquid from the first module to the input through a recirculation flow line; and g) before the predetermined amount of liquid exits the first module and reaches the input. Removing particulate matter from the liquid flowing through the recirculation flow line through the filter.   The method of claim 1, wherein in step g, there is a pump in the recirculation flow line.   The method of claim 2, wherein the pump is between the first module and the filter.   The method of claim 2 wherein the pump is between the filter and the input.   The method of claim 1, wherein the particulate material comprises sand.   The method of claim 1, wherein the filter removes particles from the fluid by centrifugation. In a continuous batch tunnel type washing machine, a method of washing a material mixed with particles,
a) Deploying a continuous batch tunnel type washing machine having an interior, an input section, a discharge section, and a plurality of modules partitioned in the interior;
b) moving the particle-mixed material from the input section to the discharge section;
c) adding a cleaning chemical to the module and washing the particulate mixture with water and the cleaning chemical;
d) After the selected time has elapsed, after step c, the counter flow of the liquid inside the washing machine is caused to flow along a flow path in a direction substantially opposite to the direction of movement of the particle-mixed material in step b. The step of rinsing the mixed material,
e) recirculating liquid from one of the modules via a recirculation flow line to the input; and f) removing particulate matter from the recirculated liquid of step e by a filter. .   The method of claim 7, further comprising amplifying the flow rate of the recirculation flow line in step e by a pump.   8. The method of claim 7, wherein the filter filters sand as part of the particulate material.   The method of claim 8, wherein the pump is between the filter and the input.   9. The method of claim 8, wherein the pump is between the module and the filter. A device for washing materials mixed with particles,
a) a plurality of modules including an interior, a charging unit, a discharging unit, at least a first module adjacent to the charging unit and at least a downstream module adjacent to the discharging unit, and a predetermined amount of liquid; Including a continuous batch tunnel type washing machine having
b) Particle-mixed material moves sequentially from the input section through the module to the discharge section,
c) one or more liquid counter-flow flow lines in which liquid can flow oppositely along the flow path from the downstream module to the upstream module;
d) a recirculating fluid flow line connecting from the first module to the input;
e) A washing device comprising a filter disposed in a position before the liquid exits the first module and reaches the input.   The washing machine of claim 12, further comprising a pump in the recirculating liquid flow line.   The washing apparatus of claim 13, further comprising a pump disposed between the first module and the filter.   The laundry device of claim 13, further comprising a pump disposed between the filter and the input portion.   The laundry device of claim 12, wherein the filter removes particulate matter including sand.   The laundry device of claim 12, wherein the filter removes particulate matter including organic waste material.   The washing apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the filter removes particulate matter using centrifugal force.   The laundry device of claim 12, wherein the filter continuously removes particulate matter from the fluid flowing through the recirculating liquid flow line. A method for laundering textile products containing undesirable particulate matter comprising:
a) Deploying a continuous batch tunnel type washing machine having an interior, a charging unit, a discharging unit, a plurality of modules including a first module adjacent to the charging unit, and a predetermined amount of liquid;
b) a step of moving the material mixed with particles sequentially from the input section through the module to the discharge section; c) a step of adding a cleaning chemical to a predetermined amount of liquid;
d) after a selected time has elapsed, flowing a countercurrent flow of rinsing liquid along a flow path in a direction substantially opposite to the direction of movement of the material to be washed in step b;
e) recirculating a predetermined amount of liquid from the first module to the input through a recirculation flow line; and f) after a predetermined amount of liquid exits the first module and before reaching the input. Removing particulate matter from the liquid flowing through the recirculation flow line through the filter.

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