GB1582993A

GB1582993A - Apparatus for the wet treatment of textiles

Info

Publication number: GB1582993A
Application number: GB3708777A
Authority: GB
Original assignee: Poensgen & Sulzmann Geb GmbH
Current assignee: Poensgen & Sulzmann Geb GmbH
Priority date: 1976-09-06
Filing date: 1977-09-06
Publication date: 1981-01-21
Also published as: DE2739876B2; DE2739876A1; FR2363661B1; ATA660176A; FR2363661A1; JPS5348366A; AT344118B; JPS5711239B2

Description

(54) APPARATUS FOR THE WET TREATMENT OF TEXTILES (71) We, GEBR. POENSGEN & SULZ- MANN GmbH, a Company organised and existing under the laws of the Federal Republic of Germany, of Industriestrasse 33, 7141 Steinheim, Federal Republic of Germany, do hereby declare the invention, for which we pray that a patent may be granted to us, and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement This invention relates to a drum machine for the batchwise wet treatment of textiles, for example a washing machine, having at least one driven drum, mounted for rotation about a horizontal axis which drum has central inlet and outlet apertures in end walls thereof and, in its interior, a chute and an associated transportation vane providing a lifting wall, rotation of the drum in one treatment direction causing the lifting wall to raise a batch of textiles being treated out of a treatment liquid and return it thereto, and rotation of the drum in the opposite, transportation direction causing the lifting wall to direct a textile batch into the chute for exit via the outlet aperture.

A through-flow washing machine for batches of textile material, such as laundry, whose drum is composed of axially arranged segments which is in tum mounted in a correspondingly likewise composed external chamber which receives washing liquid, is already known from German Federal Republic Offenlegungsschrift No. 23 45 943. End walls which protrude radially at the abutting surfaces of the segments project into annular chambers which are formed at the junction of neighbouring external chamber segments, a sliding seal being provided between the end wall and the annular chamber wall in order to effect separation of neighbouring washing baths. Such a sliding seal is, however, permanently subjected both to mechanical wear and to the chemical and thermal influence of the washing liquid, so that wear and resultant leakiness cannot be precluded. This can lead to undesirable comingling of the washing baths, more especially in the case of fairly long periods of disuse at night or over a weekend. A reliable and complete washing zone separation is thus not guaranteed.

The drum is indeed furthermore perforated for three-quarters of the circumference, but has an unperforated region at the connection point between the lifting wall of the transportation vane and the drum wall and thus has no effect on the washing liquid and batch guidance.

Known from German Gebrauchsmuster No.

73 07 294 is, furthermore, a through-flow washing machine for batch washing having a drum wall which is perforated in certain regions, these perforated regions being interconnected by a tight channel-like hollow space on the outside of the drum. In this way whereby the liquor present in the hollow space is intended to remain in the respective chamber during the transportation phase and not pass with a batch of laundry into the following chamber. Since it is, in this connection, a question of a one-drum machine, the radiallyclosed drum of which receives laundry and liquid, the complete separation of the individual washing baths can indeed be achieved by the radial separating walls in the interior, but the separate influencing of the individual baths and the corresponding control with respect to temperature, concentration of washing agent and of washing additives is possible only with difficulty and in timeconsuming manner. The washing process can, therefore, be adapted only approximately to different washing.

An object of the present invention is, there fore, to provide an improved machine for the batchwise wet treatment of textiles.

The invention provides a drum-type machine for batchwise wet treatment of textiles, for example a washing machine, comprising a stationary external container in which is mounted a driven drum so as to be rotatable about a substantially horizontal axis with its lower part immersed in treatment liquor in the container the drum comprising end walls in which are central inlet and outlet apertures respectively and having, internally, a chute directed towards the output aperture and, extending from the chute, an outwardly-directed vane providing a lifting wall, so that upon rotation of the drum in one direction, which is a treatment direction, any batch within the drum is lifted and then allowed to fall and upon rotation in the other direction, which is a transportation direction, any batch within the drum is caused to move towards the outlet aperture for unloading, characterised in that the outer curved peripheral wall of the drum has a perforate region disposed so as to be faced by the open side of the chute and an imperforate region disposed so as to be faced by the bottom of the chute.

Preferably the length of the unperforated region in the circumferential direction is such that in the immersed state both ends of the unperforated region lie above the liquid level.

The advantages achieved with the invention consist more especially in that the drum wall has a perforated region and an unperforated region each of a specific size and circumferential position. In this way there emerges, in the associated drum position, an outwardly sealed chamber into which, even in the event of a fairly long period of disuse, no liquor can penetrate from the outside or respectively, cannot flow outwardly. Upon the normal treatment movement the liquor can flow in and out unhindered. Since the unperforated region of the drum wall is smooth and therefore has low frictional properties, batches of textile material can slide easily thereon and thus an intensive penetration of liquid with a good treatment effect occurs. This penetration is further strengthened by the distribution of the perforated and unperforated regions in the drum wall, whereby in specific drum positions a positive direction of the liquid is brought about. Finally, during rotation of the drum in the transportation direction the batch of textile material is easily and entirely grasped and transported. The parts of the batch thus always remain together and leave the drum machine as they were introduced. In a drum machine which is equipped with the drum in accordance with the invention, for example a washing machine, in practice not only is a constant and absolute bath separation achieved, but also a biological one so that the passage of infection from one drum to another by means of the liquid is precluded.

Also through the mechanical material movement in a single drum an intensive and careful treatment effect is achieved, in which respect even during the transportation phase the batch separation is maintained with certainty.

The invention will be described further, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is an elevation of a drum for a drum machine in accordance with the invention; Figure 2 is a side view of a drum in accordance with Figure 1; Figures 3 to 5 show various drum positions during treatment; Figure 6 shows a filled drum during the transportation phase; Figure 7 is a partially sectioned side view of a drum machine equipped with several drums; Figure 8 is a sectional view taken on the line VIII-VIII in Figure 7.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, a drum 1 for a drum machine for the wet treatment of batches of textiles, more especially for washing, has a cylindrical wall 2, which is closed at its ends by respective planar end walls 3 and 4, so that a substantially sealed internal space is formed.

The end wall 3 is provided with a central inlet aperture 5, and the end wall 4, is provided with a central outlet aperture 6. Each aperture 5, 6 is surrounded by a ring 7. Moreover, the end walls 3 and 4 having the respective inlet and outlet apertures 5 and 6 are similary designed.

Provided in the interior of the drum 1 is a structure 8 for transporting the batch. This consists of an oblique chute 9, which extends (in the drum position shown in Figure 2) from the upper edge of the inlet aperture 5 where it is secured along its straight edge 10 to the downwards end wall 3. The chute 9 has a channel of increasing depth from wall 4 to wall 3.

The lower half of outlet aperture 6 coincides with the lower part of the chute 9 whose upper side wall portions extend vertically upwards from diametrically opposite median points on the aperture 6 to a position just above the top of outlet aperture 6. On one side and edge 11, extending parallel to the drum axis, is formed between the two end walls 3 and 4. On the other side the upper portion of the side wall is extended to the peripheral wall 2 where it is connected thereto along line 12'. This extension of the side wall of the chute 9 consitutes a vane 12 which acts as a lifting wall which merges smoothly with the chute 9.

The cylindrical wall 2 has a perforated region 13 and an unperforated region 14. Each region 13 and 14 extends in a circumferential direction approximately over half the circumference of the drum. The perforated region 13 is arranged directly opposite the channel of the chute 9 and accordingly the unperforated region 14 is arranged directly opposite the undersurface of the vane chute 9. The connection 12' of the lifting wall 12 at the wall 2 lies in, or approximately in, the centre of the perforated region 13, so that to one side of this connection 12' there is provided a perforated partial region 13', and likewise on the other side a perforated partial region 13',. The two end walls 3 and 4 are connected at least in the unperforated region 14, in a liquidtight manner to the drum wall 2, for example by welding.

Furthermore, the inner surface of the drum wall 2 is smooth, in other words designed without ribs or other protuberances.

The mode of operation of the drum 1 is illustrated in Figures 3 to 6. The drum 1 is mounted in a stationary external container 15 and partially immersed in treatment liquid 18. Delivery and offtake pipes and heating mechanisms (not shown) control the level and condition of the liquid 18. In order to treat, such as to wash, a batch 17, the drum 2 rotates in the clockwise direction in accord ance with the arrow 16. When the lifting wall 12 has reached the lower position shown in Figure 3, the entire batch 17 is confined in a wedge-shaped space formed between the drum wall 2 and the lifting wall 12, in which respect the liquid 18 still present in and on the batch 17 falls under gravity through the batch 17 and flows out through the holes 19 of the perforated partial region 13', in order to flow back into the drum 1 behind the connection 12' through the apertures 19 of partial region 13". Upon further drum rotation in the treatment direction 16, the batch 17 is raised, and the liquid 18 flows out of the apertures 19 of the partial region 13' and flows through the apertures 19 of the other partial region 13" back into the drum 1 as indicated by the arrows. As this happens liquid 18 is drained from the batch 17. Upon further upward movement of the lifting wall 12, the batch slips and drops downwards into the accumulated liquid 18 now present above the unperforated region 14 which has in the meantime moved round into this position with the rotation of the drum. Through the impact of the batch 17 on the stationary liquid 18, and the fact that the liquid 18 cannot escape either upwardly as a result of the vane chute 9 or downwardly on account of the unperforated region 14, an intensive penetration of the batch by the liquid occurs. In this way, through the incipient emergence of the batch 17 from the liquid 18 as the liquid flows out through the holes 19, the intensive liquid penetration of the batch 17 is maintained. Upon further rotation in the treatment direction 16, the situation in accordance with Figure 3 occurs again and the cycle is repeated.

After expiry of the treatment phase, the transportation phase begins with the reversal of the direction of rotation of the drum 1 (Figure 6). Upon rotation in the transportation direction (arrow 20) the batch 17 is engaged and lifted by the lifting wall 12 and liquid 18 flows out of the drum 1 through the holes 19 of the partial region 13" into the external chamber 15 and flows back into the drum 1 behind lifting wall 12 through the holes 19 of the partial region 13'. During lifting, therefore, a considerable portion of the liquid drains out of the batch 17, and remains in the drum 1 or the external chamber 15. With further movement the batch 17 is further raised and upon adequate rotation of the drum slips from the lifting wall 12 downwards into the chute 9, and slides down it to emerge from the outlet aperture 6, or to enter the following drum 1.

Shown in Figure 7 is a drum washing machine having three drums 1. An external housing 15 has a cylindrical housing part 21, which has at each end an annular flange 22. Fastened to these in liquid-tight manner by screws 24 are radial separating walls 23. Where applicable the housing wall 21 of a neighbouring external housing 15 butts directly against the opposite side of the separating wall 23, so that only one separating wall 23 is present between neighbouring drums 1. In the separating wall 23, is a central aperture 5 or 6 and a sliding bearing ring 25, surrounds the ring 7 of the inlet and outlet aperture 5 and 6. The bearing ring 25 serves for the mounting of the ring 7, and therewith of the drum 1, in which respect a ring 7 is also provided for the mounting of the rings 25 of neighbouring drums 1. On the outside of the drum wall 2, each drum 1 carries a toothed rim 26, with which there meshes a pinion 27 of a geared motor 28 mounted on the external housing 15. The geared motor 28 is designed so as to be reversible in direction. It is evident that each drum 1 can be driven during a treatment programme in the treatment direction or in the transportation direction. The batches introduced into a drum 1 at the left-hand inlet from a filling funnel 29, are transported, after each washing phase to the right and leave in batches to the right from the last drum 1. A base frame 30 serves for the mounting of the external housing 15, while washing liquid 18 is supplied through connections 31 with additives and auxiliary additives as well as heating means, the feed and dosing of which is effected in known manner. At the same time the amount of liquid pre- sent is regulated, as is indicated by the different liquid levels 18' in the drums 1.

When the drum machine is stopped, a control mechanism in the drum drive ensures that the drum 1 remains in a position of rest in which the two ends 14' of the unperforated region 14 rest above the liquid level 18', with the unperforated region 14 present underneath (Figure 8). In this way there arises underneath these ends 14' a liquid-tight chamber within the drum 1, into which extraneous liquid cannot penetrate from the outside, nor liquid 18 flow outwardly from within. The respective state of liquid 18 present in the drum 1 and of the batch 17 is thus, apart from the temperature, kept constant. The control mechanism for the adjusting of this position of rest can be constructed from known elements, for example by the provision of a marker 32 on the toothed rim 26 and whose position can be determined by a scanner which can influence the motor 28 to determine the desired position of rest.

In a further development of the invention, the distribution of the perforated and unperforated regions 13 and 14 can be different. The length of the unperforated region 14 must merely be such that when the drum 1 is in the position of rest, the two ends 14' protrude beyond the level of the liquid 18'. Conceivable also, are different distributions of these regions 13 and 14 on the drums 1 of a multidrum machine in order to be able to alter the resultant liquid penetration during the treatment phase. Furthermore a common drive to all the drums 1 of a multi-drum machine is possible, for example with the aid of a continuous shaft for the pinions 27, which is then driven by a single motor. In addition to washing, the apparatus can be used for dry cleaning, dyeing and other processes wherein textiles are treated with liquid.

WHAT WE CLAIM IS: 1. A drum-type machine for batchwise wet treatment of textiles, for example a washing machine, comprising a stationary external container in which is mounted a driven drum so as to be rotatable about a substantially horizontal axis with its lower part immersed in treatment liquor in the container, the drum comprising end walls in which are central inlet and outlet apertures respectively and having, internally, a chute directed towards the outlet aperture and, extending from the chute, an outwardlydirected vane providing a lifting wall, so that upon rotation of the drum in one direction, which is a treatment direction, any batch within the drum is lifted and then allowed to fall and upon rotation in the other direction, which is a transportation direction, any batch within the drum is caused to move towards the outlet aperture for unloading, characterised in that the outer curved peripheral wall of the drum has a perforate region disposed so as to be faced by the open side of the chute and an imperforate region disposed so as to be faced by the bottom of the chute.

2. A machine as claimed in Claim 1, charac- terised in that the extent of the imperforate region in the circumferential direction is such that, in the immersed state of the imperforate region, both ends of the imperforate region can lie above the liquid level of the liquid.

3. A machine as claimed in Claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the imperforate region comprises about half the circumference of the drum.

4. A machine as claimed in Claim 1, 2 or 3, characterised in that the lifting wall connects with the peripheral wall of the drum at a location spaced from an adjacent end of the imperforate region such that part of the perforate region extends past said connection in the treatment direction.

5. A machine as claimed in any preceding claim characterised in that the peripheral wall of the drum is smooth on the inside and is designed without axial ribs or other protuberances.

6. A machine as claimed in Claim 2 or any of Claims 3,4 and 5 when appendant to Claim 2, characterised in that the drum drive has a control mechanism which ensures that, when the drum is stopped the imperforate region is immersed and is disposed with its ends above the liquid level.

7. A machine as claimed in Claim 6, characterised in that upon drum stoppage the transportation vane extends towards the top of the drum.

8. A machine as claimed in any preceding claim characterised in that the peripheral wall and the end walls of the drum are connected together in liquid-tight manner in correspondence with the imperforate region of the peripheral wall.

9. A drum machine as claimed in any preceding claim charcterised in that it comprises a plurality of said drums, these being arranged axially one behind the other, and each being mounted in a respective sealed external container for each batch to be treated successively in each of the drums.

10. A machine as claimed in any preceding claim characterised in that the connection of the lifting wall to the peripheral wall, considered in the circumferential direction, is substantially at the middle of the perforate region.

11. A drum-type machine for batchwise wet treatment of textiles substantially as herein before described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. single motor. In addition to washing, the apparatus can be used for dry cleaning, dyeing and other processes wherein textiles are treated with liquid. WHAT WE CLAIM IS:

1. A drum-type machine for batchwise wet treatment of textiles, for example a washing machine, comprising a stationary external container in which is mounted a driven drum so as to be rotatable about a substantially horizontal axis with its lower part immersed in treatment liquor in the container, the drum comprising end walls in which are central inlet and outlet apertures respectively and having, internally, a chute directed towards the outlet aperture and, extending from the chute, an outwardlydirected vane providing a lifting wall, so that upon rotation of the drum in one direction, which is a treatment direction, any batch within the drum is lifted and then allowed to fall and upon rotation in the other direction, which is a transportation direction, any batch within the drum is caused to move towards the outlet aperture for unloading, characterised in that the outer curved peripheral wall of the drum has a perforate region disposed so as to be faced by the open side of the chute and an imperforate region disposed so as to be faced by the bottom of the chute.