TW201418542A - Improved cleaning apparatus and method - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention provides an apparatus and method for use in the cleaning of soiled substrates, the apparatus comprising housing means comprising: (a)a stationary member; (b)a rotatably mounted cylindrical cage; and (c)access means, wherein said stationary member comprises an annular planar member which is of greater internal diameter than said access means and is located adjacent said rotatably mounted cylindrical cage and said stationary member comprises a multiplicity of delivery means which are mounted thereon and a multiplicity of orifices which are respectively operably connected to said multiplicity of delivery means, wherein said multiplicity of delivery means is adapted to facilitate the delivery of materials into said rotatably mounted cylindrical cage. The method involves cleaning the soiled substrate by treatment of the moistened substrate with a formulation comprising solid particulate cleaning material and wash water, the method being carried out using the apparatus of the invention. The apparatus and method find particular application in the cleaning of textile fabrics.

Description

Improved cleaning device and method

The present invention relates to aqueous cleaning of a laundry to be washed using a cleaning system which requires only a limited amount of energy, water and detergent. Most particularly, the present invention relates to the cleaning of textile fibers and fabrics and other items to be washed via such systems, and provides a device that is suitable for use in this context and that provides a design that is significantly superior to prior art systems. advantage.

The aqueous cleaning process is the backbone of domestic and industrial textile washing. Assuming that the desired level of cleaning is to be achieved, the effectiveness of such procedures is typically characterized by the level of energy, water, and detergent consumption. In general, the lower the demand for these three ingredients, the more the washing process is considered to be more efficient. The downstream effect of reducing the consumption of water and detergent is also significant because it minimizes the need to treat aqueous effluents, which are extremely expensive and harmful to the environment.

This type of washing procedure involves aqueous immersion of the fabric followed by soil removal, aqueous soil suspension and water wash. In general, the higher the level of energy (or temperature), water, and detergent used, the better the cleaning effect within practical limits. However, the key issue relates to water consumption, as this sets the energy demand (to heat the wash water) and wash The dose of the agent (in order to achieve the desired detergent concentration). In addition, the level of use of water defines the mechanical action of the program on the fabric, which is another important performance parameter; this is the agitation of the fabric surface during washing, which plays a key role in removing embedded dirt. In aqueous processes, such mechanical action is provided by the use of water in conjunction with the drum design for any particular washer. In general, it has been found that the higher the water level in the drum, the better the mechanical action. Thus, a dichotomy is created by the need to improve overall program efficiency (i.e., reduce energy, water, and detergent consumption) and the need for efficient mechanical action in the wash.

Various methods for developing new cleaning techniques have been described in the prior art, in addition to methods based on ozone technology, ultrasonic technology or steam technology, including methods of electrolyte cleaning or plasma cleaning. Thus, for example, WO-A-2009/021919 teaches fabric cleaning and disinfection procedures that utilize ozone and plasma made from UV. An alternative technique involves cold water washing in the presence of a given enzyme, and another particularly advantageous method is by means of an air washing technique, and is disclosed, for example, in US-A-2009/0090138. In addition, various carbon dioxide cleaning techniques have been developed, such as the use of ester additives and concentrated phase gas treatments, which are described in US-B-7, 481, 893 and US-A-2008/0223406, however such methods are generally Find greater applicability in the field of dry cleaning. However, many of these technologies are technically complex.

In view of the challenges associated with aqueous washing procedures, the inventors have previously devised a novel method for the problem, the technique of which is not difficult, but still allows for overcoming the deficiencies revealed by the prior art methods. Provided The method eliminates the need for large volumes of water, but still provides effective cleaning and stain removal, while also providing economic and environmental benefits.

Thus, in WO-A-2007/128962, a method and formulation for cleaning soiled laundry is disclosed, the method comprising treating a wet laundry with a formulation comprising a plurality of polymer particles, wherein the formulation Contains no organic solvents. Preferably, the to-be-washed material is wetted so as to achieve a ratio of the to-be-washed to water of between 1:0.1 and 1:5 w/w, and optionally, the formulation additionally includes at least one cleaning material, which is usually Included are surfactants that have the best detergent properties. In a preferred embodiment, the laundry comprises textile fibers, and the polymeric particles may, for example, comprise particles of polyamine, polyester, polyolefin, polyurethane or copolymer thereof, but are preferably in the form of nylon beads.

However, the use of this cleaning method has revealed a need to effectively separate the cleaning beads from the washed laundry at the end of the cleaning operation, and this problem was originally published in WO-A-2010/094959, which provides the need A new design using one of two cleaning units that can be rotated independently, and which finds application in both industrial and domestic cleaning procedures.

However, in order to provide a simpler, more economical means for coping with the problem of effectively separating the cleaning beads from the laundry at the end of the cleaning process, another device is disclosed in WO-A-2011/064581. The apparatus of WO-A-2011/064581 finds its application in both industrial and domestic cleaning procedures and includes a perforated cylinder and a removable outer drum skin adapted to prevent fluid and solid particulate matter from The internal space of the drum enters or exits. The cleaning method needs to be in the first washing cycle The outer skin is mounted to the drum during the loop, after which the skin is removed prior to operating the second wash cycle, and then the washed laundry is removed from the drum.

The apparatus and method of WO-A-2011/064581 has been found to be extremely effective in successfully cleaning the laundry, but the need for the installation and removal of the outer skin detracts from the overall efficiency of the procedure, and thus the inventors have sought to cope with this. The implementation of the cleaning operation and the procedure in which the program steps are no longer needed. Thus, by providing a continuous cycle of cleaning beads during the cleaning process, it has been found that the need to provide an external skin is eliminated.

Thus, in WO-A-2011/098815, the inventors provide an apparatus for cleaning soiled laundry, the apparatus comprising a housing means having a first upper chamber, the first upper chamber having a mounting One of the rotatably mounted cylindrical cages; and a second lower chamber located below the cylindrical cage, and additionally comprising at least one recirculation means, an inlet and outlet means, a pumping means and a plurality of conveying means, wherein The rotatably mounted cylindrical cage includes a roller having perforated sidewalls, wherein up to 60% of the surface area of the sidewall includes perforations, the perforations including apertures having a diameter of 25.0 mm or less.

The apparatus is for cleaning a dirty laundry by a method comprising treating a laundry with a formulation comprising a solid particulate cleaning material and wash water, the method generally comprising the steps of: (a) introducing a solid particulate cleaning material and water into the The lower chamber of the apparatus; (b) agitating and heating the solid particulate cleaning material and water; (c) loading at least one soiled laundry into the rotatably mounted cylindrical cage via the inlet and outlet means; (d) closing the access means to provide a substantially sealed system; (e) introducing the solid particulate cleaning material and water into the rotatably mounted cylindrical cage; (f) continuously operating the apparatus for a wash cycle, wherein Causing the rotatably mounted cylindrical cage to rotate, and wherein the fluid and solid particulate cleaning material is caused to fall into the lower chamber in a controlled manner through the perforations of the rotatably mounted cylindrical cage; (g) operating the pumping means, To transfer a new solid particulate cleaning material and to recycle the used solid particulate cleaning material to the separation means; (h) operating control means to add the new and recycled solid particulate cleaning material to the controlled manner a rotatably mounted cylindrical cage; and (i) continuing steps (f), (g) and (h) as needed to effect cleaning of the soiled laundry.

The need to introduce water and detergent into standard front loading washers is always challenging for the industry, but also provides an opportunity to increase performance efficiency. In fact, it is fully understood that the introduction of water and detergent by spraying onto a load in a front loading washer not only provides a means of producing cleaning performance, but also provides a means of reducing water consumption in the washing process. Subsequent spraying of clean water is another means of reducing overall water consumption. Typically, the spray nozzles required to perform both functions are located at a point within the machine drum door that does not rotate with the movement of the wash drum, but the spray effectiveness of this type of arrangement is typically limited.

Therefore, in FR-A-2525645, for example, this One type of nozzle is mounted to the center of the door and thus has a water spray along the horizontal axis of the washing drum. However, this arrangement is somewhat inefficient because it usually does not completely wet the load in the drum because the top item prevents the spray from reaching those items closer to the back and above the axis. Those items tend to receive less spray than those below the axis; this arrangement also prohibits the easy opening and closing of the door itself. In order to cope with this problem, flexible hoses or fragile pipe joints can be used in the water supply line, but neither option actually provides a satisfactory solution to this problem. It is difficult to allow easy use of the door in a manner such as wiring flexible hoses, which are a potential source of leakage over time as their seals wear out with extended use.

In some alternative arrangements, the spray nozzle is mounted on the rear of the drum, again on the shaft, or on the outside of the drum surface, through its perforations. In this type of arrangement, although the door has not been modified, it is necessary to consider the problem of inefficiently wetting the load from the shaft like the system of FR-A-2525645, or the problem caused by the amount of water loss. For example, the spray strikes the outer wall of the drum rather than passing through the perforations located therein.

In the case of standard washing operations involving the use of detergents and water, such difficulties must be addressed, but when solid particulate cleaning materials (eg, polymer beads) are used in the washing process, these problems are exacerbated, and such The program presents a similar, but more stringent, problem when it helps to transport the beads into the drum.

In the case of the apparatus of WO-A-2011/098815, it is disclosed that the inlet means generally comprise a hinged door mounted in the outer casing, A system that can be opened to allow access to the inside of the cylindrical cage and that can be closed to provide a substantial seal. The door typically includes a window and at least one additional opening that assists in the addition of material to the rotatably mounted cylindrical cage. During operation, the solid particulate cleaning material is added to the load in the cylindrical cage via a feed tube mounted on the door (inlet and outlet means).

Thus, the use of this type of bead cleaning technique and other current washing machines, such as conventional cleaning machines, also introduce cleaning materials such as beads through the door, and thus suffer from the same problems associated with these conventional machines. Therefore, this type of arrangement is also undesirable, and the present invention seeks to address this problem by providing alternative means for introducing these materials into the device.

Therefore, according to a first embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for cleaning a dirty laundry, the apparatus comprising a housing means comprising: (a) a fixed member; (b) a rotatably mounted cylinder And (c) an access means, wherein the fixed member comprises an annular planar member having an inner diameter larger than the inlet and outlet means and located adjacent to the rotatably mounted cylindrical cage, and the fixed member A plurality of transport means mounted thereon and a plurality of apertures operatively coupled to the plurality of transport means, wherein the plurality of transport means are adapted to facilitate transport of material into the rotatably mounted cylindrical cage .

In some embodiments of the invention, the rotatably mounted The cylindrical cage includes a roller that includes perforated sidewalls, wherein up to 60% of the surface area of the sidewall includes perforations, and the perforations include holes having a diameter of 25.0 mm or less.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, less than 50%, more preferably less than 40% of the side walls comprise perforations.

In an embodiment of the invention, the perforations comprise holes having a diameter of from 2 to 25 mm, preferably from 4 to 10 mm, most preferably from 5 to 8 mm.

The access means typically includes at least one hinged door that is mounted in the housing means that is openable to allow access to the inside of the cylindrical cage and that is closable to provide a substantially sealed system. Preferably, the door includes a window.

The rotatably mounted cylindrical cage can be mounted about an essentially vertical axis within the housing means, but preferably it is mounted about an essentially horizontal axis within the housing means. Thus, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the access means is located on the front side of the apparatus to provide a front loading facility. When the rotatably mounted cylindrical cage is mounted vertically within the housing means, the access means is located at the top of the apparatus to provide a top loading facility. However, for the purposes of further description of the present invention, it will be assumed that the rotatably mounted cylindrical cage is mounted horizontally within the housing means.

The rotatably mounted cylindrical cage has dimensions found in most commercial washers and tumble dryers and may have a capacity in the range of 10 to 7000 liters. One of the household washing machines usually has a capacity of 30 to 120 liters, while for industrial washing and dewatering machines. The viable capacity is in the range of 120 to 7000 liters. A typical size in this range is suitable for a wash load of 50 kg, wherein the drum has a volume of 450 to 1150 liters, more typically 450 to 650 liters, and in such cases the cage will typically comprise between 75 and 120 cm. Preferably, it is a cylindrical shape having a diameter in the range of 90 to 110 cm and a length of between 40 and 100 cm, preferably between 60 and 90 cm. In general, the cage will have a volume of 10 liters per kilogram of wash load to be cleaned.

The stationary component is included in the housing means and is typically mounted to the housing means by mounting means comprising a securing member. Necessarily, the stationary member is not fixedly mounted to any moving component within the apparatus, and in particular is adjacent to the rotatably mounted cylindrical cage, but is not fixedly mounted to the rotatably mounted cylindrical cage. Alternatively, the stationary member may be inherently included as part of the housing means.

The stationary member typically includes one of the most common metal members, which may be formed, for example, by stamping, cutting, or other suitable manufacturing process. Alternatively, the stationary member may include a plastic member formed by molding.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the rotatably mounted cylindrical cage is mounted in a first upper chamber of one of the housing means, and the apparatus additionally includes a second lower chamber located in the cylindrical cage Below. Most preferably, the apparatus additionally includes at least one recirculation means and/or pumping means.

Thus, in a preferred embodiment, in accordance with the present invention The apparatus for cleaning a dirty laundry comprises a housing means comprising: (a) a first upper chamber having a cylindrical cage and a fixed member mounted rotatably mounted therein; (b) a second a lower chamber located below the cylindrical cage; (c) at least one recirculation means; (d) an inlet and outlet means; (e) a pumping means; and (f) a plurality of conveying means, wherein the stationary member comprises a An annular planar member having an inner diameter larger than the inlet and outlet means and located adjacent to the rotatably mounted cylindrical cage, and the stationary member includes a plurality of conveying means mounted thereon and a plurality of separately operable An orifice connected to the plurality of delivery means, wherein the plurality of delivery means are adapted to facilitate delivery of material into the rotatably mounted cylindrical cage.

The rotation of the rotatably mounted cylindrical cage is produced by the use of a drive means, which typically includes an electric drive in the form of an electric motor. The operation of the driving means is produced by a control means that can be technically engineered.

The apparatus is designed to operate in conjunction with a soiled laundry and a cleaning medium comprising a solid particulate material, preferably in the form of a plurality of polymer particles. These polymer particles must be effectively circulated to promote efficient cleaning, and the apparatus thus preferably includes recycling means. Accordingly, the inner surface of the cylindrical side wall of the rotatably mounted cylindrical cage preferably includes a plurality of spaced apart elongated projections that are substantially perpendicularly secured to the inner surface. Preferably, the protrusion additionally includes an empty A gas booster, which is typically pneumatically driven, and is adapted to promote air circulation within the cage. Typically, the apparatus comprises from 3 to 10, optimally four of the projections, which are commonly referred to as tappets.

In operation, the agitation is provided by the rotation of the rotatably mounted cylindrical cage. However, in the preferred embodiment of the invention, additional agitation means are also provided to aid in the effective removal of residual solid particulate material at the end of the cleaning operation. Preferably, the agitation means comprises an air nozzle.

Preferably, the rotatably mounted cylindrical cage is located in a first upper chamber of the housing means and is located below the first upper chamber and is a second lower chamber that functions as a collection for the cleaning medium. room. Preferably, the lower chamber includes an enlarged sump.

The housing means includes standard piping features to provide at least one recirculating means in addition to the plurality of conveying means mounted to the stationary member, whereby at least water and any cleaning agent other than the solid particulate cleaning material are present ( For example, a surfactant can be initially introduced into the rotatably mounted cylindrical cage within the device.

The apparatus may additionally include means for circulating air within the housing means and for adjusting the temperature and humidity therein. Such means may generally include, for example, a recirculating fan, an air heater, a water atomizer, and/or a steam generator. In addition, sensing means can be provided for determining the temperature and humidity levels, particularly within the device, and for communicating this information to the control means.

The apparatus generally includes at least one recirculation means whereby the solid particulate material is recirculated from the lower chamber to the rotatable mount Cylindrical cage for reuse in cleaning operations. Preferably, the first recirculating means comprises a conduit connecting the second chamber and the rotatably mounted cylindrical cage. More preferably, the line includes a separation means for separating the solid particulate material from water and transferring the solid particulate material into the cylindrical cage. Typically, the separation means comprises a filter material (e.g., a wire screen) located in one of the receptor containers above the cylindrical cage, the filter material being typically placed at an appropriate predetermined angle for The beads flowing out of the receptor container are transferred to the inner space of the cylindrical cage via the plurality of conveying means and the fixed member.

Recirculation of solid particulate matter from the lower chamber to the rotatably mounted cylindrical cage is achieved by using a pumping means included in the first recirculation means, wherein the pumping means is adapted to transport the solid The particulate matter to the separation means is adapted to control the return of the solid particulate matter back into the rotatably mounted cylindrical cage.

Preferably, the apparatus additionally includes a second recirculation means that allows water separated by the separation means to return to the lower chamber to assist in reusing the water in an environmentally beneficial manner.

Preferably, the lower chamber includes additional pumping means to facilitate circulation and mixing of its contents, in addition to heating means that allow the contents to rise to a preferred operating temperature.

In operation, during a typical cycle, soiled laundry is first placed in the rotatably mounted cylindrical cage. Thereafter, the solid particulate material and the necessary amount of water are added to the rotatably mounted cylindrical cage via the conveying means contained in the stationary member. Optionally, the materials are optionally included in the outer casing The lower chamber in the means is heated to the desired temperature and introduced into the cylindrical cage via the first recirculation means. Alternatively, the cleaning agent can be premixed with water, for example, prior to introduction into the cylindrical cage via the delivery means. Alternatively, the water can be heated. At a later stage during the wash cycle, additional cleaning agents (where bleach is a typical example) and more optionally heated water can be added using the same means.

During the agitation process by rotating the cage, fluid and a quantity of solid particulate material fall through the perforations in the cage and into the lower chamber of the apparatus. Thereafter, the solid particulate material can be recycled via the first recycling means such that it is transported to the separation means, from which it is returned to the cylindrical cage in order to continue the washing operation. This continuous cycle of the solid particulate material continues throughout the washing operation until the cleaning is completed.

Therefore, the solid particulate material falling through the perforations in the wall of the rotatably mounted cylindrical cage and entering the lower chamber is transported to the top side of the rotatably mounted cylindrical cage, by which the separation means The body container is transferred and returned to the cage via the plurality of transport means mounted on the stationary member to continue the cleaning operation.

According to a second embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method for cleaning a soiled laundry, the method comprising treating a laundry with a formulation comprising a solid particulate cleaning material and a wash water, wherein the method is It is carried out in an apparatus according to a first embodiment of the invention.

Preferably, the method comprises the steps of: (a) introducing a solid particulate cleaning material and water into the second chamber of the apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention; (b) agitating and heating the solid particulate cleaning material and water; (c) loading at least one soiled laundry into the rotatably mounted cylindrical cage via an access means; (d) closing the access means to provide a a substantially sealed system; (e) rotating the rotatably mounted cylindrical cage while introducing the wash water and any additional detergent required to uniformly wet the laundry; (f) cleaning the solid particles Material is introduced into the rotatably mounted cylindrical cage and the apparatus is continuously operated for a wash cycle wherein the rotatably mounted cylindrical cage continues to rotate and wherein fluid and solid particulate cleaning material is passed through the rotatably mounted cylindrical The perforations in the cage fall into the second chamber in a controlled manner; (g) operating a pumping means to transport the new solid particulate cleaning material and recycling the used solid particulate cleaning material to the separation means; (h) Adding the new and recycled solid particulate cleaning material to the rotatably mounted cylindrical cage in a controlled manner; and (i) continuing steps (f), (g), and (h) as needed to achieve the contamination Cleaning of the laundry.

Preferably, an additional cleaning agent is used in the method. The additional cleaning agent can be added to the lower chamber of the apparatus along with the solid particulate cleaning material, optionally heated therein to a desired temperature, and introduced into the cylindrical cage via the first recycling means. Preferably, however, the additional cleaning agent is premixed with water, and the mixture is optionally added to the circle via the plurality of conveying means mounted to the stationary member. Heat the column cage before it. Alternatively, this addition can be carried out using one or more spray nozzles to better distribute the detergent in the wash load.

Preferably, pumping the new and recycled solid particulate cleaning material is performed at a rate sufficient to maintain a nearly same level of cleaning material in the rotatably mounted cylindrical cage throughout the cleaning operation, and The rate ensures that the ratio of cleaning material to dirty laundry remains essentially constant until the wash cycle is completed.

The generation of a suitable G force in combination with the action of the solid particulate cleaning material is a key factor in achieving an appropriate cleaning level for the soiled laundry. The ratio of the size of the G-cage to the rotational speed of the cage, and specifically, the ratio of the centripetal force generated at the inner surface of the G-cage to the dead weight of the wash load. Therefore, for a cage with an internal radius r (meter), when rotated at R (rpm), has a washing load of mass M (kg), and the instantaneous tangential speed of the cage is v (meters per second), and according to gravity When g=9.81m/s ^{2 is taken} as the acceleration: centripetal force = Mv ² /r The static load of the washing load = Mg v = 2πrR / 60 Therefore, G = 4 π ² r ² R ² / 3600rg = 4 π ² rR ² / 3600g=1.118X10 ^-3 rR ²

When in the normal case, r is expressed in centimeters instead of meters, then: G = 1.118X10 - ⁵ rR ² Therefore, for a drum having a radius of 49 cm and rotating at 800 rpm, G = 350.6.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a cylindrical drum having a diameter of 98 cm is rotated at a speed of 30 to 800 rpm to produce a G force of 0.49 to 350.6 at different stages during the cleaning procedure. in In an example of an alternate embodiment of the present invention, a 48 cm diameter drum rotating at 1600 rpm produces 687G, while a 60 cm diameter drum of the same rotational speed produces 859G.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, the claimed method additionally provides separation and regeneration of the solid particulate cleaning material and thereafter can be reused in subsequent washing.

During the wash cycle, the rotation of the rotatably mounted cylindrical cage preferably occurs at a rotational speed that results in a G < 1, and for a 98 cm diameter cage, it requires a rotational speed of up to 42 rpm, which has a higher The preferred rate of rotation is between 30 and 40 rpm.

Once the washing cycle is completed, the feeding of the solid particulate cleaning material to the rotatably mounted cylindrical cage is stopped, and the rotational speed of the cage is initially increased to achieve measurement of the drying of the washed laundry, thereby A G force of between 10 and 1000, more specifically between 40 and 400, is produced. Typically, for a 98 cm diameter cage, to achieve this effect, it is rotated at speeds up to 800 rpm. Subsequently, the rotational speed is lowered and returned to the speed of the wash cycle to allow removal of the solid particulate cleaning material.

Alternatively, after the bead removal operation, the method may additionally comprise a scrubbing operation in which additional water may be added to the rotatably mounted cylindrical cage to achieve any additional cleaning agent used in the cleaning operation. Remove completely. The water system is added to the cylindrical cage via the plurality of conveying means mounted to the stationary member. Again, the addition is optionally performed via one or more spray nozzles to achieve a better distribution of the wash water in the wash load.

Alternatively, the addition can be accomplished by loading the second, lower chamber of the apparatus with excess water such that water enters the first, upper chamber, and thus partially immerses the rotatably mounted cylindrical cage and enters the cage. After rotating at the same speed as during the wash cycle, the water is removed from the cage by allowing the level of water to drop properly, and then the rotational speed of the cage is increased to achieve a dry measurement of the laundry. Typically, for a 98 cm diameter cage, to achieve this effect, it is rotated at speeds up to 800 rpm. Subsequently, the rotational speed is reduced and returned to the speed of the wash cycle, allowing for the final removal of any residual solid particulate cleaning material. This washing and drying cycle can be repeated as many times as needed.

Alternatively, the washing cycle can be used for the purpose of the laundry treatment, including the treatment of adding, for example, anti-redeposition additives, brighteners, perfumes, softeners, and starch via the plurality of delivery means mounted on the stationary member. To wash the water.

The solid particulate cleaning material is preferably subjected to a cleaning operation in the lower chamber by washing the lower chamber with clean water in the presence or absence of a cleaning agent (e.g., a surfactant). Alternatively, the water can be heated. Alternatively, cleaning the solid particulate cleaning material may again be accomplished using a selectively heated water in the rotatably mounted cylindrical cage as a separation stage.

In general, any residual solid particulate cleaning material on the at least one item to be washed can be easily removed by shaking the at least one item to be washed. However, if desired, further residual solid particulate cleaning material can be removed by means of suction which preferably includes a vacuum bar.

1‧‧‧Shell chamber

2‧‧‧

3‧‧‧Bead entrance

4‧‧‧ spray nozzle

5‧‧‧Fixed piping

6‧‧‧Fixed components

7‧‧‧The outer edge of the fixed component

8‧‧‧The front side of the rotatable cylindrical cage

9‧‧‧Installation means

10‧‧‧Fixed means

The invention will now be further described with reference to the following figures, in which:

Figures 1 and 2 each show an apparatus according to the invention, and in particular the layout of the stationary member and the plurality of transport means in the apparatus.

The inventors have met the problems associated with introducing materials into cleaning equipment via an access means (e.g., a machine door) by providing an alternative means for introducing such materials into such equipment, and thus, a cleaning A device for soiling a laundry, the device comprising a housing means comprising: (a) a fixed member; (b) a rotatably mounted cylindrical cage; and (c) an access means, wherein the fixed member comprises a ring a planar member having an inner diameter larger than the inlet and outlet means and located adjacent to the rotatably mounted cylindrical cage, and the fixed member includes a plurality of conveying means mounted thereon and a plurality of operatively connected An orifice to the plurality of delivery means, wherein the plurality of delivery means are adapted to facilitate delivery of material into the rotatably mounted cylindrical cage.

The stationary component is included in the housing means and is typically mounted to the housing means by mounting means comprising a securing member. Necessarily, the stationary member is not fixedly mounted to any moving component within the apparatus, and in particular is adjacent to the rotatably mounted cylindrical cage, but is not fixedly mounted to the rotatably mounted cylindrical cage. Alternatively, the stationary member can serve as part of the outer casing hand Segments are inherently included.

The stationary member typically includes one of the most common metal members, which may be formed, for example, by stamping, cutting, or other suitable manufacturing process. Alternatively, the stationary member may include a plastic member formed by molding.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the stationary member includes a flat, annular ring member having an inner diameter that is greater than the generally inlet and outlet means of the door. The stationary component is located within the housing means but is not mounted to any rotating parts. The stationary member can be adapted to meet the needs of a particular washing machine, i.e., the configuration and shape or water spray nozzle required for any inlet of the cleaning material within the outer casing means but outside of the perimeter of the access means or door.

Typically, the stationary member effectively replaces some of the internal components of the front surface of the rotatably mounted cylindrical cage. As a result, it is inevitable that the edge of the stationary member must be smooth to avoid damaging the dirty laundry in the load. Especially when this includes textile laundry. In addition, the gap around the circumference of the stationary member and the rotating cylindrical cage must be sufficiently small to prevent entanglement of soiled laundry. This gap can range from 1 to 25 mm, more often from 2 to 10 mm. More typically, however, it has been found that gaps in the range of 3 to 5 mm satisfy this purpose. A substantial need at this point is that the water and solid particulate cleaning material can be suitably added via individual spray nozzles or particulate material inlets via a plurality of delivery means associated with the stationary member, without restricting the operation of the access means. Sex or reduce its size.

Therefore, in a typical commercial washing apparatus, the fixed type The member may comprise a metal disk, most often steel, formed by stamping, cutting or other suitable manufacturing process, and wherein the outer edge of the disk is rolled to prevent damage to the object to be treated being processed. A typical household washing machine often uses a plastic molded article in a door including an access means, and therefore, the fixed member in this type of arrangement can also be such a molded article having a smooth edge.

The device according to the invention can be conveniently obtained by modifying the device disclosed in WO-A-2011/098815.

The apparatus according to the present invention can be used to clean any of a wide range of items to be washed including, for example, plastic materials, leather, paper, cardboard, metal, glass or wood. In practice, however, the apparatus is primarily designed for cleaning the use of laundry materials including textile fabrics and is particularly successful in achieving effective cleaning of textile fibers, which may for example comprise natural fibers such as cotton and, for example, nylon 6,6 Any of synthetic and synthetic textile fibers of polyester, cellulose acetate or fiber blends thereof.

The apparatus of the present invention can be used in conventional water washing procedures as well as in so-called bead technology washing procedures involving the use of solid particulate cleaning materials. In such a procedure, the solid particulate cleaning material preferably comprises a plurality of polymer particles. Typically, the polymer particles include polyolefins, polyamines, polyesters or polyurethanes such as polyethylene and polypropylene, which may or may not be foamed. Further, the polymer may be linear or crosslinked. Preferably, however, the polymer particles comprise polyamidamine or polyester particles, most particularly nylon, polyethylene terephthalate or polybutylene terephthalate particles, most preferably beads form. Found the polyamine and polyester Removal from aqueous stains/dirt is particularly effective, while polyenes are especially useful for removing oil-based stains.

Various nylon or polyester homopolymers or copolymers can be used including, but not limited to, nylon 6, nylon 6,6, polyethylene terephthalate, and polybutylene terephthalate. Preferably, the nylon comprises a nylon 6,6 homopolymer having a molecular weight in the range of from 5,000 to 30,000 Daltons, preferably from 10,000 to 20,000 daltons, most preferably from 15,000 to 16,000 lanes. Earton. The polyester will typically have a molecular weight equivalent to an intrinsic viscosity measurement in the range of 0.3 to 1.5 dl/g as measured by solution techniques such as ASTM D-4603.

Alternatively, a copolymer of the above polymeric materials can be used for the purposes of the present invention. In particular, the nature of the polymeric material can be tailored to the particular need by including monomeric units that impart particular properties to the copolymer. Thus, copolymers are suitable for attracting particular contaminating materials by including monomeric units in the polymer chain, especially those with ionic charge or including polar or unsaturated organic groups. Examples of such groups may include, for example, an acid or an amine group or a salt thereof or a pendant alkenyl group.

The polymer particles have this type of shape and size to allow for good fluidity and intimate contact with the textile fibers. Particles of various shapes can be used, for example, cylindrical, spherical or cubic; suitable cross-sectional shapes can be utilized including, for example, annular rings, dog bones, and circles. Preferably, however, the particles comprise cylindrical or spherical beads.

The particles may have a smooth or irregular surface structure and may have a solid or hollow configuration. The particle system has such a size that it has an average mass of 1 to 35 mg, preferably 10 to 30 mg, more preferably 12 to 25 mg, and has a surface area of 10 to 120 mm ² , preferably 15 to 50 mm ^{2 .} More preferably, it is 20 to 40 mm ² .

In the case of a cylindrical bead, the preferred particle diameter is in the range of 1.0 to 6.0 mm, more preferably 1.5 to 4.0 mm, most preferably 2.0 to 3.0 mm, and the length of the bead is preferably 1.0. It is in the range of 4.0 mm, more preferably 1.5 to 3.5 mm, and most preferably in the range of 2.0 to 3.0 mm.

Typically, for spherical beads, the preferred ball diameter is in the range of 1.0 to 6.0 mm, more preferably 2.0 to 4.5 mm, most preferably 2.5 to 3.5 mm.

In order to provide additional lubrication to the cleaning system to improve the transport properties within the system, water is added to the system. Therefore, more efficient transfer of at least one cleaning material to the laundry is facilitated, and removal of dirt and stains from the laundry is more likely to occur. Alternatively, the soiled laundry may be wetted by wetting with water from a main pipe or faucet prior to loading into the apparatus of the present invention. In any event, water is added to the rotatably mounted cylindrical cage of the apparatus according to the invention such that the washing treatment is carried out in order to achieve a better wash water wash of between 2.5:1 and 0.1:1 w/w; more preferably The ratio is between 2.0:1 and 0.8:1, and the results that are particularly helpful are in the case of ratios of 1.75:1, 1.5:1, 1.2:1, and 1.1:1, for example. During the circulation of the solid particulate cleaning material, additional water will be transferred into the cage, but the amount of retentate is minimized by the action of the separation means.

However, in one embodiment, the method of the invention contemplates treating the wet by a formulation in the absence of any additional additives The laundry is rinsed to clean the soiled laundry, and the formulation consists essentially of only a plurality of polymer particles. In other embodiments, alternatively, the formulation used may additionally include at least one cleaning agent. The at least one cleaning agent can include at least one cleaning material. Preferably, the at least one cleaning material comprises at least one detergent composition. Optionally, the at least one cleaning material is mixed with the polymer particles, but in a preferred embodiment, each of the polymer particles is coated with the at least one cleaning material.

The main component of the detergent composition includes a cleaning component and a post-treatment component. Typically, the cleaning component comprises a surfactant, an enzyme, and a bleach, and the post-treatment component includes, for example, an anti-redeposition additive, a fragrance, and a brightener.

However, the detergent formulation optionally includes one or more other additives, for example, builders, chelating agents, dye transfer inhibiting agents, dispersing agents, enzyme stabilizers, catalytic materials, bleach activators, polymeric dispersants , clay removers, foam inhibitors, dyes, structural elastomers, fabric softeners, starches, carriers, watering solvents, processing aids and/or pigments.

Examples of suitable surfactants may be selected from nonionic and/or anionic and/or cationic surfactants and/or amphoteric and/or zwitterionic and/or semi-polar nonionic surfactants. Surfactants are typically present at about 0.1%, about 1%, or even about 5% by weight of the cleaning composition to about 99.9%, about 80%, about 35%, or even about 30% by weight of the cleaning composition. %.

The compositions may include one or more detergent enzymes that provide cleaning performance and/or fabric care benefits. Proper enzyme sample package Including, but not limited to, hemicellulose, peroxidase, proteolytic enzymes, other cellulolytic enzymes, other xylanases, lipolytic enzymes, phospholipases, esterases, keratinase, pectin decomposing enzymes, keratin Enzymes, reducing enzymes, oxidases, phenol oxidase, lipoxygenase, ligninase, pullulanase, tannase, pentosanase, malanases, beta-glucanase, arabinosidase , hyaluronidase, chondroitinase, laccase and amylase or a mixture thereof. A typical combination may include, for example, a protease mixture of a proteolytic enzyme, a lipolytic enzyme, a keratinase, and/or a cellulolytic enzyme together with an amylase.

Alternatively, the enzyme stabilizer may also be included in the cleansing ingredients. In this regard, the enzyme used in the detergent can be stabilized by various techniques, for example, by including a water-soluble source of calcium and magnesium ions in the composition.

The composition may include one or more bleaching compounds and associated active agents. Examples of such bleaching compounds include, but are not limited to, peroxy compounds, including hydrogen peroxide, inorganic peroxy salts (eg, perborates, percarbonates, perphosphates, perrhenates, and monopersulfates) (eg, sodium perborate tetrahydrate and sodium percarbonate) and organic peroxyacids (eg, peracetic acid, monoperoxyphthalic acid, diperoxydodecanedioic acid, N,N'-p-benzene) Dimethyl hydrazine-bis(6-aminoperoxyhexanoic acid), N,N'-phthalic acid peroxycaproic acid and guanamine peroxyacid. Bleaching active agents include, but are not limited to, carboxylic acid esters (eg , tetraethylene glycol ethylene diamine and sodium decyl benzene sulfonate).

Suitable builders can be included in the formulation, and include, but are not limited to, alkali metal, ammonium and alkanolammonium salts of polyphosphates, alkali metal silicates, alkaline earth metals and alkali metal carbonates, aluminosilicates Polycarboxylate Acid compound, hydroxy polycarboxylate, copolymer of maleic anhydride with ethylene or vinyl methyl ether, 1,3,5-trihydroxybenzene-2,4,6-trisulphonic acid and carboxymethyl-hydroxysuccinic acid Various alkali metal, ammonium and substituted ammonium salts of polyacetic acid (for example, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and nitrogen triacetic acid) and polycarboxylic acids (for example, mellitic acid, succinic acid, oxydisuccinic acid, poly horse) Acid, benzene 1,3,5-tricarboxylic acid, carboxymethoxysuccinic acid) and water-soluble salts thereof.

The composition may also optionally contain one or more copper, iron and/or manganese chelating agents and/or one or more dye transfer inhibiting agents.

Suitable polymeric dye transfer inhibiting agents include, but are not limited to, polyvinylpyrrolidone polymers, polyamine N-oxyl polymers, copolymers of N-vinylpyrrolidone and N-vinylimidazole, polyethylene Imidazolone and polyvinylimidazole or a mixture thereof.

Alternatively, the detergent formulation may also contain a dispersing agent. Suitable water-soluble organic materials are homo- or co-polymeric acids or salts thereof, wherein the polycarboxylic acid may comprise at least two carboxyl groups separated from each other by two or less carbon atoms.

The anti-redeposition additive is physicochemical and includes, for example, materials such as polyethylene glycol, polyacrylate, and carboxymethyl cellulose.

Alternatively, the composition may also contain a fragrance. Suitable perfumes are typically multi-component organic chemical formulations which may contain alcohols, ketones, aldehydes, esters, ethers and nitriles and mixtures thereof. Commercially available compounds that provide sufficient directness to supply residual aromas include Galaxolide (1,3,4,6,7,8-hexahydro-4,6,6,7,8,8-hexa Cyclopentyl (g)-2-benzopyran), new liraaldehyde (Lyral) (3- and 4-(4-hydroxy-4-methyl-pentyl)cyclohexene-1-carboxyaldehyde) and Ambroxan ((3aR, 5aS, 9aS, 9bR) -3a,6,6,9a-tetramethyl-2,4,5,5a,7,8,9,9b-octahydro-1H-hydrogen -Benzo[e][1]benzofuran). An example of a commercially available fully formulated fragrance is Amour Japonais supplied by Symrise ^® AG.

Suitable brighteners are divided into several organic chemical classes, the most common of which are stilbene derivatives, while other suitable classes include benzoyls. Azole, benzimidazole, 1,3-biphenyl-2-pyrazoline, coumarin, 1,3,5-three 2-yl and naphthyl imine. Examples of such compounds include, but are not limited to, 4,4'-bis[[6-anilino-4(methylamino)-1,3,5-three -2-yl]amino]stilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid; 4,4'-bis[[6-anilino-4-[(2-hydroxyethyl)methylamino]-1 , 3,5-three -2-yl]amino]stilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid, disodium salt; 4,4'-bis[[2-anilino-4-[bis(2-hydroxyethyl)amine Base]-1,3,5-three -6-yl]amino]stilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid, disodium salt; 4,4'-bis[(4,6-diphenylamino-1,3,5-three -2-yl)amino]stilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid, disodium salt; 7-diethylamino-4-methylcoumarin; 4,4'-bis[(2- Anilino-4- Lolinyl-1,3,5-three -6-yl)amino]-2,2'-stilbene disulfonic acid, disodium salt; and 2,5-bis (benzo Zin-2-yl)thiophene.

The agents can be used alone or in any desired combination and can be added to the cleaning system at appropriate stages during the wash cycle to maximize its effectiveness.

However, in any event, when the method of the present invention is carried out in the presence of at least one additional cleaning agent, the amount of the cleaning agent required to achieve satisfactory cleaning performance is significantly reduced compared to the amount required by prior art methods of the prior art. . This in turn has an advantageous effect in reducing the amount of washing water that is subsequently required to be used.

The ratio of solid particulate cleaning materials to washing is usually A range of 0.1:1 to 10:1 w/w, preferably in the range of 0.5:1 to 5:1 w/w, and a particularly helpful result is between 1:1 and 3:1 w/w. Between, in particular, a ratio of about 2:1 w/w. Thus, for example, 5 grams of textile for cleaning, 10 grams of polymer particles, optionally a surfactant, is an embodiment employed in the present invention. The ratio of solid particulate cleaning material to laundry is maintained at a substantially constant level throughout the wash cycle.

The apparatus and method of the present invention can be used for small or large batch processing and find its application in both domestic and industrial cleaning procedures. The apparatus of the present invention can be used to carry out the conventional washing procedures as well as the performance of the methods claimed in the present invention.

As mentioned previously, the method of the invention finds its particular application in cleaning textile fibers. However, the conditions used in this type of cleaning system do allow for the use of significantly reduced temperatures compared to the temperature of wet cleaning of typical applied textiles, and as a result, provide significant environmental and economic advantages. Thus, typical procedures and conditions for the wash cycle require that the fabric be substantially in a substantially sealed system between 5 and 120 minutes at a temperature of, for example, between 5 and 95 ° C according to the method of the present invention. Duration processing. Thereafter, additional time is required to complete the wash and bead separation stages of the overall procedure so that the total duration of the entire cycle is typically in the range of one hour. The preferred operating temperature for the process of the present invention is in the range of 10 to 60 ° C, more preferably in the range of 15 to 40 ° C.

The cycle for removing the solid particulate material is optionally performed at room temperature and has been established for between 2 and 30 minutes, preferably between 5 and 20 minutes of cycle time to achieve the best results.

The results obtained are in great agreement with the results observed with conventional washing and ironing procedures for textiles. It can be seen that the degree of cleaning and stain removal achieved by the fabric treated by the method of the present invention is very good and achieves particularly advantageous results with regard to hydrophobic stains and aqueous stains and soiling which are often difficult to remove. The energy required by the process of the present invention, the total volume of water used, and the detergent consumption are all significantly lower than those associated with the use of conventional water washing procedures, again providing significant advantages in terms of cost and environmental advantages.

In addition, it has been demonstrated that the recycling of polymer particles is feasible, allowing the performance of multiple washes with the same solid particulate cleaning material. Reusing particles in this manner for repeated cleaning procedures provides significant economic advantages, and satisfactory results are achieved after multiple washes, with the aid of processing properties, which rely on particles that are part of the overall process. Continuous cleaning of the cleaning material, however, it is generally found that some degradation in performance is still observed.

In a typical example of an operating cycle in accordance with one of the methods of the present invention, an additional cleaning agent is utilized. The additional cleaning agent can be added to the lower chamber of the apparatus along with the solid particulate cleaning material, optionally heated therein to the desired temperature, and introduced into the cylindrical cage via the first recirculation means. Preferably, however, the additional cleaning agent is premixed with water and the mixture is optionally heated prior to addition to the cylindrical cage via the plurality of delivery means mounted to the stationary member. Alternatively, this addition can be carried out using one or more spray nozzles to better distribute the detergent in the wash load.

Thereafter, the initial addition (close to 50 kg) of the solid particulate cleaning material was added to the washing load (25 kg) of the dirty laundry in a cylindrical cage of 98 cm in diameter, after which the rotation of the cage was started at about 40 rpm. . Thereafter, the recirculation of the solid particulate cleaning material is achieved by pumping to the rotatably mounted cylindrical cage via separation means approximately every 30 seconds for the duration of the entire wash cycle, which typically lasts about 30 minutes. The system is thus designed to pump and add solid particulate cleaning material at a sufficient rate to roughly maintain the same level of solid particulate cleaning material in the rotatably mounted cylindrical cage throughout the wash (weight approaching 2:1) For example, 50 kg of beads and 25 kg of clothing).

Thus, during the wash cycle, the solid particulate cleaning material is continuously detached from the rotatably mounted cylindrical cage through its perforations and along with the new cleaning material via separation means and multiple delivery means mounted to the stationary member. Loop and add. This program can be controlled manually or automatically. The rate at which the solid particulate cleaning material exits from the rotatably mounted cylindrical cage is substantially controlled by its particular design. In this regard, key parameters include the size of the perforations, the number of perforations, and the pattern of perforations.

In general, the size of the perforations is about 2 to 3 times the average particle size of the solid particulate cleaning material, which in a typical example results in perforations having a diameter of 10.0 mm or less. Up to 60% of the surface area of the cylindrical wall of the cage typically includes perforations.

The rate at which the solid particulate cleaning material exits from the rotatably mounted cylindrical cage is also affected by the rotational speed of the cage, with the higher rotational speed increasing the centripetal force to increase the solid particulate cleaning material. Introducing the trend of perforation. However, the higher cage rpm value also compresses the laundry to be cleaned so that the cleaning material is caught within its wrinkles. Thus, it has been generally found that the most suitable rotational speed at a cage diameter of 98 cm is between 30 and 40 rpm or those that produce a G value between 0.49 and 0.88. It was found that the maximum rotational speed in order to avoid the pearl stuck in the laundry was about 42 rpm (G = 0.97).

In addition, the humidity level in the wash also has an effect, and the relatively wet laundry tends to retain the cleaning material for a longer period of time than the dry laundry. Therefore, if necessary, in order to further control the exit rate of the solid particulate cleaning material, excessive wetting of the laundry can be utilized.

Once the wash cycle is completed, the solid particulate cleaning material is stopped from being added to the rotatably mounted cylindrical cage, and the cage is rotated for a short period of time at low rpm (30 to 40 rpm; G = 0.49 to 0.88) to allow most of the solids. The particulate cleaning material leaves the cage. The cage was then continuously rotated at high speed (between 300 and 800 rpm; G = 49.3 to 350.6) for about 2 minutes to extract some of the liquid and allow the laundry to reach a certain degree of drying. The rotational speed is then returned to the same low rpm as in the wash cycle to complete the removal of the cleaning material; this typically takes about 20 minutes.

The method of the present invention has been particularly successful in removing cleaning materials from washed washes after washing, and testing with cylindrical polyester beads and nylon beads containing nylon 6,6 polymers has been shown in the bead separation cycle. At the end of the wash load, each garment remained at least 20 beads of removal effectiveness. In general, this can be further reduced to an average of less than 10 beads per garment, and in the case of optimization with a 20 minute separation cycle, typically an average of less than 5 beads per garment is achieved.

After the bead removal operation, a series of rinses are performed in which additional water is sprayed through the delivery means into the optional revolving cylindrical cage to achieve complete removal of any additional detergent used in the cleaning operation. except. In an embodiment of the invention, the transport means comprises one or more spray nozzles through which the water is sprayed, the nozzles being mounted to the stationary member. The use of this spray nozzle has been shown to better distribute the wash water in the wash load. By this means, it is also possible to minimize the total water consumption during the washing operation (washing water: laundry which is usually 3:1 each time). During the washing water addition, the cage was again rotated at a low speed (30 to 40 rpm for a 98 cm diameter cage, G = 0.49 to 0.88), but after this operation was stopped, the speed of the cage was again increased (300 to 800 rpm). , G = 49.3 to 350.6) to achieve a dry measurement of the laundry. Subsequently, the rotational speed is reduced and returned to the speed of the wash cycle to allow for the final removal of any residual solid particulate cleaning material. This washing and drying cycle can be repeated as many times as needed (usually 3 times).

Alternatively, the bead removal operation can be performed between washes rather than before a series of washes are initiated.

Referring now to the drawings provided herein, a diagram of an apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention can be seen in Figures 1 and 2. Figure 1 shows a front view of a typical commercial bead washer with the outer cladding panel removed for clarity. Thus, it can be seen that the housing means comprises a housing chamber (1) in which is mounted a rotatably mounted cylindrical cage (not shown). An access means in the form of a door (2) is located on the front side of the outer casing means and is provided with a plurality of conveying means including a bead inlet (3), a water spray nozzle (4) and a fixed pipe system (5) to allow the cleaning material to enter Rotatable cylindrical cage.

Specifically, the door (2) is located on the shaft of the cylindrical cage and hinged to the right. A bead inlet (3) and a pair of water spray nozzles (4) are visible above the door. The bead inlet (3) is located above the inlet and outlet means and is located at the top end of the cylindrical cage to enhance the ability to introduce cleaning material into the wash load during the wash cycle. The bead inlet is typically connected to a separation means that provides a source of solid particulate cleaning material, and a water spray nozzle is placed on each side of the bead inlet, which is connected to the water supply system via a fixed piping (5). It should be noted that if both the water spray nozzle and the bead inlet are mounted on the access means (2), both are above the achievable position. In order to provide a quicker and more uniform addition of the cleaning material to the cylindrical cage, it is also contemplated that the use of multiple water spray nozzles and bead inlets is the same.

Fig. 2 shows the same view as Fig. 1, but with the outer faces of the outer casing chamber (1) and the access means (2) removed to provide a clearer view of the function of the stationary members. Thus, the stationary member (6) is visible outside the aperture of the door and its outer edge (7) provides an interface with the rotating leading edge (8) of the rotatably mounted cylindrical cage. The gap around the circumference between the stationary member and the rotating cylindrical cage must be small enough to prevent entanglement of soiled laundry, and in the illustrated embodiment, there is a uniform gap of 4 ± 1 mm. The fixed member is fixedly attached to the inner side of the front surface of the outer casing chamber (1) by means of a mounting means including a mounting member (9) by using a fixing member (10). Due to the fixed mounting to the housing chamber, the mounting (9) ensures that the stationary member does not rotate.

Therefore, what is seen is the arrangement of the bead inlet (3) and the water spray nozzle (4) such that they are spaced apart from the access means including the door (2). They are firmly attached to the fixed pipe system (5) and are fixed in place by being mounted to the fixed member (6). This member (6) is firmly attached to the inner side of the outer casing chamber (1) via a mounting member (9). This overcomes the problems associated with the inclusion of means of transport in the access means and eliminates the difficulties that can occur with opening and closing the door. The apparatus of the present invention also assists in the inclusion of multiple bead inlets and water spray nozzles in the washer housing as desired.

The wording "including" and "including" and variations thereof mean "including, but not limited to", and it is not intended to (and not) exclude other parts, Additives, ingredients, integers or steps. Throughout the specification and claims of the patent specification, the singular forms include the plural. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, unless the

Features, integers, characteristics, compounds, chemical moieties or groups described in conjunction with a particular embodiment, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood as being applicable to any other embodiment, embodiment or example described herein. Unless it is incompatible with this. Except for all features disclosed in this patent specification (including any accompanying claims, abstracts and drawings) and/or at least some of the steps of any method or program so disclosed are mutually exclusive combinations Features and/or steps can be combined in any combination. The invention is not limited by the details of any of the foregoing embodiments. The present invention extends to any novel feature or any of the features disclosed in this patent specification (including any accompanying claims, abstracts and drawings) A new combination, or any new step or any new combination that extends to the steps of any method or procedure so disclosed.

The reader's attention is to all documents and documents that are filed at the same time or in advance with this patent specification, together with this application, and these documents and documents are open to the public together with this patent specification, and the contents of all such documents and documents Both are incorporated herein by reference.

6‧‧‧Fixed components

7‧‧‧The outer edge of the fixed component

8‧‧‧The front side of the rotatable cylindrical cage

9‧‧‧Installation means

10‧‧‧Fixed means

Claims (77)

An apparatus for cleaning a dirty laundry, the apparatus comprising a housing means comprising: (a) a fixed-mounted member; (b) a rotatably mounted cylindrical cage; and (c) an access means, wherein the setting The member includes an annular planar member having an inner diameter larger than the inlet and outlet means and located adjacent to the rotatably mounted cylindrical cage, and the fixed member includes a plurality of conveying means and a plurality of mounting means mounted thereon An orifice operatively coupled to the plurality of delivery means, respectively, wherein the plurality of delivery means are adapted to facilitate delivery of material into the rotatably mounted cylindrical cage. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the fixed component is included in the housing means and mounted to the housing means by mounting means including a fixing member. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the fixed component is essentially constructed as part of the housing means. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the fixed member comprises a metal member. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the stationary member is made of steel. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the stationary member is formed by stamping, cutting or other suitable manufacturing process. Such as the device described in claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein The fixed member includes a plastic member. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the component is formed by molding. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the edge of the stationary member is smooth. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 9 wherein the gap around the circumference of the stationary member and the rotatably mounted cylindrical cage is in the range of 1 to 25 mm. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the gap is in the range of 3 to 5 mm. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the access means is closable to provide a substantially sealed system. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the access means comprises at least one hinged door mounted in the housing means. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 13 wherein the rotatably mounted cylindrical cage is mounted substantially horizontally within the outer casing means. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein less than 50% of the side walls of the rotatably mounted cylindrical cage comprise a plurality of perforations. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the perforations have a diameter of 2 to 25 mm. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 16, Wherein the rotatably mounted cylindrical cage has a capacity in the range of 10 to 7000 liters. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the cage comprises a cylinder having a diameter in the range of 75 to 120 cm. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the cage has a length of between 40 and 100 cm. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the rotation of the rotatably mounted cylindrical cage is achieved by using a driving means. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the driving means comprises an electric driving means, and the electric driving means optionally comprises an electric motor. The apparatus of claim 20 or 21, wherein the operation of the driving means is implemented by a control means. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 22, which includes a circulation means. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the inner surface of the cylindrical side wall of the rotatably mounted cylindrical cage includes a recirculating means comprising a plurality of spaced apart elongated substantially perpendicularly secured to the inner surface Protrusions. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein the protrusions additionally comprise an air enhancer. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein the air enhancer is pneumatically driven and adapted to promote airflow in the cage ring. The apparatus of claim 25 or 26, which comprises from 3 to 10 of such protrusions. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 27, which includes an additional agitation means, and wherein the additional agitation means optionally includes an air nozzle. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 28, wherein the rotatably mounted cylindrical cage is mounted in a first upper chamber of one of the housing means, and the apparatus additionally includes a second The lower chamber is located below the cylindrical cage. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 29, comprising at least one recirculation means and/or pumping means. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 30, comprising a housing means comprising: (a) a first upper chamber having a cylindrical cage mounted in one of the rotatably mounted portions and a set-up member; (b) a second lower chamber located below the cylindrical cage; (c) at least one recirculation means; (d) an inlet and outlet means; (e) a pumping means; and (f) a plurality of transport Means wherein the stationary member is located adjacent to the rotatably mounted cylindrical cage, wherein the stationary member includes an annular planar member having an inner diameter greater than the inlet and outlet means and located adjacent to the rotatably mounted a circular bracket, and the fixed member includes a plurality of mountings The delivery means thereon and a plurality of apertures operatively coupled to the plurality of delivery means, respectively, wherein the plurality of delivery means are adapted to facilitate delivery of material into the rotatably mounted cylindrical cage. The apparatus of claim 31, wherein the second lower chamber acts as a collection chamber for the cleaning medium and includes an enlarged sump. The apparatus of claim 31, wherein the at least one recirculation means assists in recycling the solid particulate material from the lower chamber to the rotatably mounted cylindrical cage for reuse in a cleaning operation And including a conduit connecting the second chamber and the rotatably mounted cylindrical cage. The apparatus of claim 33, wherein the conduit includes separation means for separating the solid particulate material from water. The apparatus of claim 34, wherein the separating means comprises a container located above the cylindrical cage. The apparatus of claim 35, wherein the container comprises a filter material, and the filter material optionally comprises a wire screen. The apparatus of any one of claims 31 to 36, wherein the at least one recirculation means comprises a first recirculation means comprising a pumping means. The apparatus of any one of claims 31 to 37, which includes a second recycling means. The apparatus of claim 38, wherein the second recycling means allows water separated by the separating means to return to the lower Department. The apparatus of any one of claims 15 to 39, wherein the lower chamber includes an additional pumping device to facilitate circulation and mixing of its contents. A method for cleaning a dirty laundry, the method comprising treating the laundry in a formulation comprising a solid particulate cleaning material and washing water, wherein the method is in the first to fourth aspects of the patent application Implemented in any of the devices described. A method for cleaning a dirty laundry, the method comprising the steps of: (a) introducing a solid particulate cleaning material and water into the apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 40; a chamber; (b) agitating and heating the solid particulate cleaning material and water; (c) loading at least one soiled laundry into the rotatably mounted cylindrical cage via an inlet and outlet means; (d) closing the inlet and outlet means, To provide a substantially sealed system; (e) rotating the rotatably mounted cylindrical cage while introducing the wash water and any additional detergent required to evenly wet the wash; (f) A solid particulate cleaning material is introduced into the rotatably mounted cylindrical cage and the apparatus is continuously operated for a wash cycle wherein the rotatably mounted cylindrical cage continues to rotate and wherein the fluid and solid particulate cleaning material is passed through the rotatably mounted The perforations in the cylindrical cage fall into the second chamber in a controlled manner; (g) operate the pumping device to transport new solid particulate cleaning material, And recycling the used solid particulate cleaning material to the separation means; (h) adding the new and recycled solid particulate cleaning material to the rotatably mounted cylindrical cage in a controlled manner; and (i) continuing as needed Steps (f), (g) and (h) to achieve cleaning of the soiled laundry. The method of claim 41, wherein the method further comprises a washing operation in which additional water is added to the rotatably mounted cylindrical cage. The method of claim 43, wherein the rotational speed of the rotatably mounted cylindrical cage is increased during the washing operation. The method of claim 43 or 44, wherein the washing agent is added to the washing water during the washing operation. The method of claim 45, wherein the to-be-washed treatment agent is selected from the group consisting of an anti-redeposition additive, a brightener, a fragrance, a softener, and a starch. The method of any one of claims 41 to 46, wherein at least one additional detergent is added to the apparatus. The method of claim 47, wherein the at least one additional cleaning agent is added to the lower chamber of the apparatus together with the solid particulate cleaning material, heated therein to a desired temperature, and via the A recirculating means is introduced into the cylindrical cage through the plurality of conveying means and the stationary member. The method of claim 47, wherein the at least one An additional detergent is premixed with water and added to the cylindrical cage via the plurality of delivery means mounted to the stationary member. The method of claim 47, 48 or 49, wherein the at least one additional cleaning agent comprises at least one detergent composition. The method of claim 50, wherein the at least one detergent composition comprises a cleaning component and a post-treatment component. The method of claim 51, wherein the cleaning component comprises a surfactant, an enzyme, and a bleach. The method of claim 51, wherein the post-treatment component comprises an anti-redeposition additive, a fragrance, and a brightener. The method of any one of claims 50 to 53, which additionally comprises at least one other additive selected from the group consisting of a self-cleaning lotion, a chelating agent, a dye transfer inhibiting agent, a dispersing agent, an enzyme stabilizer, and a catalytic material. , bleach activators, polymer dispersants, clay removers, foam inhibitors, dyes, structural elastomers, fabric softeners, starches, carriers, watering solvents, processing aids and pigments. The method of any one of claims 41 to 54, wherein the rotation of the rotatably mounted cylindrical cage occurs at a G force of less than 1 during the washing cycle. The method of any one of claims 41 to 55, wherein once the washing cycle is completed, the feeding of the solid particulate cleaning material to the rotatably mounted cylindrical cage is stopped, and the acting on the cage is increased. G force to achieve measurement of the dryness of the washed laundry. For example, the method described in claim 56, wherein the G force Between 10 and 1000. The method of claim 56, wherein the G force is substantially reduced to less than 1 to allow removal of the solid particulate cleaning material. The method of any one of claims 41 to 58, wherein the solid particulate cleaning material is subjected to a cleaning operation in the lower chamber by rinsing the lower chamber with clean water. The method of any one of claims 48 to 58 wherein the solid particulate cleaning material is subjected to a cleaning operation in the rotatably mounted cylindrical cage. The method of claim 59 or 60, wherein the cleaning operation is carried out in the presence of a cleaning agent. The method of any one of claims 41 to 61, wherein the at least one soiled laundry comprises at least one textile fiber garment. The method of any one of claims 41 to 62, wherein the solid particulate cleaning material comprises a plurality of polymer particles, and the polymer particles optionally comprise polyamine, polyester, polyolefin or A particle of a polyurethane or a copolymer thereof. The method of claim 63, wherein the polyamide particles comprise nylon beads. The method of claim 63, wherein the polyester particles comprise polyethylene terephthalate or polybutylene terephthalate beads. The method of claim 63, wherein the polyene particles The inclusions include polyethylene or polypropylene beads. The method of claim 63, wherein the polyurethane particles comprise foamed or unfoamed polyurethane beads. The method of any one of claims 63 to 67, wherein the polymer particles comprise a crosslinked or non-crosslinked polymer. The method of any one of claims 41 to 68, wherein the washing treatment is carried out to achieve a ratio of wash water to wash between 2.5:1 and 0.1:1 w/w. The method of any one of claims 41 to 69, wherein the ratio of the solid particulate cleaning material to the laundry is in the range of from 0.1:1 to 10:1 w/w. The method of any one of claims 41 to 70, wherein the washing cycle is performed at a temperature between 5 and 95 °C. The method of any one of claims 41 to 71, wherein the washing cycle is continued for a duration of between 5 and 120 minutes. The method of any one of claims 41 to 72, wherein the circulation system for removing the solid particulate material is performed at room temperature. The method of any one of claims 41 to 73, wherein the circulation system for removing the solid particulate material is continuously performed for a cycle time of between 2 and 30 minutes. The method of any one of claims 41 to 74, which additionally comprises the separation and recovery of the solid particulate cleaning material and its reuse in subsequent washing. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 40, which is used for small or large batch processing. The method of any one of claims 41 to 75, which is used for small or large batch processing.