Washing unit, planar cleaning machine and method

Abstract

A washing unit, a flat washer and a method for washing flat textile products. The washing unit (WU) comprises at least two rotating suction heads (13) and at least one washing nozzle (14) located between the suction heads. The washing unit moves (A) in a reciprocating manner in a transverse direction (x) with respect to the supply direction (y) of the textile product (23) during the washing process.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to a washing unit for washing floor mats and carpets.

[0003] The present invention also relates to a flat washer and a method for washing floor mats and carpets.

[0004] Flat washers have been developed for washing different types of planar separate textile products. For example, such machines are used in self-service laundries. Current solutions show some drawbacks in their washing units.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] It is an object of the present invention to provide a novel and improved washing unit and solution for washing individual textile products in a flat washer.

[0007] In one aspect, the present invention provides a washing unit for a flat washer for washing individual planar textile products; and wherein the washing unit comprises: a frame, at least one rotary suction head and at least one washing nozzle for supplying washing liquid; and wherein: the washing unit comprises at least two rotary suction heads; and the at least one washing nozzle is located between the rotary suction heads; characterized in that the at least one washing nozzle is stationary relative to the frame of the washing unit.

[0008] In some embodiments, the at least two suction heads are arranged to rotate in opposite directions relative to each other.

[0009] In some embodiments, the washing unit comprises at least two washing rows; and each washing row comprises two suction heads and at least one washing nozzle located between the suction heads, whereby the washing unit comprises at least four suction heads and at least two washing nozzles.

[0010] In some embodiments, the suction head comprises a face for pointing to the textile product to be washed; the face is circular and comprises a narrow longitudinal suction opening that transversely crosses the rotational axis of the suction head.

[0011] In some embodiments, the suction opening of the face of the suction head comprises a central portion and two lateral branches, the lateral branches being located at the distal ends of the central portion and facing in opposite directions relative to each other.

[0012] In some embodiments, the washing unit is provided with a variable frequency electric motor for driving the rotary suction head.

[0013] In some embodiments, the washing unit includes a bearing device for coupling the washing unit to a linear guiding surface of the cleaning machine, thereby allowing the washing unit to linearly move under the control of the linear guiding surface.

[0014] In some embodiments, the washing nozzle is fixedly mounted relative to the frame of the washing unit.

[0015] In some embodiments, the washing nozzle is configured to produce a narrow fan-shaped detergent jet directed at the textile product.

[0016] In another aspect, the present invention provides a flat cleaning machine for washing individual flat textile products, and wherein the cleaning machine includes: a standing body configured to be mounted on a floor; a supply opening for supplying the textile product into the cleaning machine; a conveying device for conveying the textile product in the cleaning machine in a supply direction; at least one washing unit for washing the textile product within the cleaning machine; and wherein the washing unit is configured to be driven in a reciprocating manner in a transverse direction relative to the supply direction, whereby the washing unit moves between longitudinal edges of the textile product; characterized in that the washing unit is a washing unit according to one or more of the foregoing embodiments.

[0017] In some embodiments, the cleaning machine includes at least one guiding surface, the direction of which is perpendicular to the supply direction, and the washing unit is provided with bearings for supporting the washing unit on the guiding surface.

[0018] In some embodiments, the washing unit includes two rows of suction heads transverse to the supply direction, each row including two adjacent suction heads, whereby the total number of rotating suction heads is four; a gap with at least one washing nozzle is provided between the two adjacent suction heads in each row; and the adjacent suction heads in each row rotate in opposite directions relative to each other such that their rotation directions face the gap.

[0019] In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a method for washing individual flat textile products with a flat washing machine; wherein, the method comprises: feeding an end of the textile product into a supply opening of the washing machine; feeding the textile product in a supply direction by means of a conveying device; washing the textile product at least by a washing unit, and moving the washing unit in a transverse direction relative to the supply direction during washing; directing a washing fluid jet from at least one washing nozzle of the washing unit towards the surface of the textile product; and directing suction from at least one rotary suction head towards the surface of the textile product in order to remove moisture from the textile product; characterized in that: at least two separate rotary suction heads are provided for the washing unit, and a washing fluid jet is directed from at least one non-rotating separate washing nozzle located in a gap between adjacent rotary suction heads.

[0020] In some embodiments, the adjacent suction heads are rotated in opposite directions relative to each other, and the faces of the rotary suction heads are arranged in physical contact with the textile product in order to enhance washing.

[0021] In some embodiments, the adjacent suction heads are rotated in opposite directions relative to each other, and shaped suction openings are provided in the faces of the suction heads in order to prevent splashing of the washing fluid.

[0022] The idea of the disclosed solution is that a flat washing machine for washing individual flat textile products is provided with one or more washing units. The washing unit comprises a frame, at least two rotary suction heads and at least one washing nozzle for supplying washing liquid to the textile product to be washed. The washing nozzle is located between the rotary suction heads. In other words, only the suction heads rotate, and one or more washing nozzles are stationary relative to the frame of the washing unit.

[0023] The advantage of the disclosed solution is that when the suction heads are arranged separately relative to the washing nozzles, the structure of the washing unit can be simple and robust. For example, there is no need to arrange a rotary supply connection for the washing fluid pipes, and the suction heads can be designed only for suction purposes.

[0024] Note that the term "washing fluid" may also refer to a rinsing fluid or a rinse agent. Thus, the washing nozzle can not only spray detergent onto the textile product to be washed, but also spray a rinsing fluid onto the textile product to be washed. Then, the suction head can remove the detergent and the rinse agent from the textile product.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the washing unit is used for washing doormats and carpets. A doormat is a single thick piece of cloth that is not fixed to the floor. In some cases, the term "carpet" is also used for such a single textile floor covering.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the washing nozzles are located at a certain distance from the front end or the front side of the suction head facing the textile product to be washed. In other words, the washing liquid is supplied to the textile product at a certain distance, and the suction head is in physical contact with the textile product.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the at least two suction heads are arranged to rotate in opposite directions relative to each other. When two adjacent suction heads rotate in opposite directions, the rotational forces they exert on the textile product to be washed cancel each other out, preventing the formation of wrinkles. The opposing rotating suction heads can also facilitate the cleaning process and avoid entanglement of long hair and yarn around the rotating components.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the washing unit includes at least two washing rows, each of which includes two suction heads and at least one washing nozzle between the suction heads. Thus, the washing unit includes at least four suction heads and at least two washing nozzles. If necessary, the number of washing rows can also exceed two. The advantage of this embodiment is that the washing unit covers a wider range and can increase the washing capacity.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the suction head includes a face for pointing towards the textile product to be washed. The face of the suction head is circular and includes a narrow longitudinal suction opening that traverses the axis of rotation of the suction head transversely. The narrow longitudinal suction opening enhances the suction effect and can cover the entire suction head during rotation.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the above-mentioned suction opening on the face of the suction head includes a central portion and two lateral branches that are located at the distal end of the central portion and face in opposite directions relative to each other. Based on actual tests, it has been found that the suction openings of the disclosed specific shape are effective.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the suction head is configured to rotate such that the branches point in the direction of rotation of the suction head. The purpose of the branches is to enhance suction and prevent splashing of the washing fluid.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the washing unit is provided with a variable-frequency electric motor for driving the rotating suction heads.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the rotational speed and torque of the variable-frequency electric motor can be controlled steplessly. In addition, a separate gear device is not required, whereby the weight of the washing system can be reasonable and the structure can be simple.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the rotational movement generated by the electric motor is transmitted to all the suction heads through a toothed-belt-based power transmission device.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the washing unit is provided with an electric motor for providing a constant speed drive for rotating the suction head. Thus, a suitable rotational speed can be determined in advance. For example, the rotational speed can be selected relative to the supply speed of the textile product and the moving speed of the washing unit.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the washing unit includes bearing means for coupling the washing unit to a linear guiding surface of the cleaning machine, thereby allowing the washing unit to linearly move under the control of the linear guiding surface.

[0037] According to one embodiment, an elongate lateral guiding rod serves as the linear guiding surface.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the frame of the washing unit includes at least two rollers on the side facing the textile product, and the two rollers are configured to be set against the textile product during the washing process.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the washing unit is provided with at least two sensing devices for sensing the longitudinal edges of the textile product being washed. The sensing devices can be in physical contact with the textile product, or alternatively, it can detect the edges by using remote sensing technology. For example, the remote sensing system can include an ultrasonic sensor or a laser sensor.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the washing nozzle is fixedly mounted relative to the frame of the washing unit. The structure and the mounted washing nozzle in this way can be simple and durable.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the washing nozzle can be mounted to the frame, and it can be located at a certain distance in front of the suction head. The advantage of this embodiment is that when the washing nozzle is offset from the textile product being washed, the washing nozzle is well protected. In addition, the spread of the washing spray or the washing fan can be improved.

[0042] According to one embodiment, when there are suction heads arranged in two or more rows, then several washing nozzles are installed in the gaps reserved between adjacent suction heads. Then the washing nozzles are well protected and the washing jets are effectively directed at the textile product being washed.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the washing nozzle is configured to generate a narrow fan-shaped detergent jet that is directed at the textile product. The fan-shaped jet has a wide coverage range and the washing nozzle can also be very simple.

[0044] According to one embodiment, the width of the above-mentioned fan-shaped detergent jet can correspond to the diameter of the rotating suction head. Then, the detergent jet can cover the entire width of the washing unit.

[0045] According to one embodiment, when there are two or more rows of suction heads, the fan-shaped detergent jets can be configured to partially overlap. In this way, the fan-shaped jets together cover a wide range.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the solution relates to a flat washing machine for washing individual flat textile products. The washing machine may include: a standing body configured to be mounted on the floor; a supply opening for supplying the textile product into the washing machine; a conveying device for conveying the textile product in the washing machine in a supply direction; at least one washing unit for washing the textile product within the washing machine; and wherein the washing unit is configured to be driven in a reciprocating manner in a transverse direction with respect to the supply direction, whereby the washing unit moves between the longitudinal edges of the textile product. In other words, during the washing cycle, the textile product is supplied in the supply direction with respect to the washing unit by means of the conveying device. Thus, the washing unit does not move in the supply direction. However, the washing unit is driven perpendicular to the supply direction. In addition, the washing unit is the washing unit as disclosed above in this document.

[0047] According to one embodiment, the washing unit includes at least one guiding surface, the direction of the guiding surface being perpendicular to the supply direction, and the washing unit is provided with bearings for supporting the washing unit on the guiding surface.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the washing unit includes two rows of suction heads transverse to the supply direction. Each row includes two adjacent suction heads, wherein the total number of rotating suction heads is four. A gap with at least one washing nozzle is provided between two adjacent suction heads in each row. In addition, two adjacent suction heads in each row rotate in opposite directions with respect to each other such that their rotation directions face the gap.

[0049] According to one embodiment, the solution relates to a method of washing an individual flat textile product with a flat washing machine. The method includes: supplying an end of the textile product to the supply opening of the washing machine; supplying the textile product in the supply direction by means of the conveying device; washing the textile product at least by the washing unit and moving the washing unit in a transverse direction with respect to the supply direction during washing; directing a washing fluid jet from at least one washing nozzle of the washing unit towards the surface of the textile product; and directing suction from at least one rotating suction head towards the surface of the textile product in order to remove moisture from the textile product. The method further includes providing at least two separate rotating suction heads for the washing unit and directing a washing fluid jet from at least one non-rotating separate washing nozzle located in a gap between adjacent rotating suction heads.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the disclosed method includes rotating adjacent suction heads in opposite directions relative to each other and arranging the faces of the rotating suction heads in physical contact with the textile product to enhance washing.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the disclosed method includes rotating adjacent suction heads in opposite directions relative to each other and providing shaped suction openings for the faces of the suction heads to prevent splashing of the washing fluid.

[0052] The above-disclosed embodiments can be combined to form a suitable solution having the required features described above. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0054] Some embodiments are described in more detail in the drawings, where

[0055] Figure 1 is a schematic side view of a flat cleaning machine mounted on the floor,

[0056] Figure 2 is a schematic view of the washing unit seen from the side facing the textile product to be washed,

[0057] Figure 3 is a schematic view of the washing unit including two parallel rows of suction units and washing nozzles,

[0058] Figure 4 is a schematic side view of the washing unit located at the edge of the flat textile product to be washed, and

[0059] Figure 5 is a highly simplified top view of the washing unit movably supported to a lateral guide bar.

[0060] For clarity, the drawings show some embodiments of the disclosed solution in a simplified manner. In the drawings, like reference numerals indicate like elements.

[0061] Detailed Description of Some Embodiments

[0062] Figure 1Shown is a flat washing machine 1 for washing a flat textile product 23 such as a doormat or a similar decorative textile product. The washing machine 1 includes a main body 3. The textile product 23 can be fed into the washing machine 1 through a feed opening 4. The actual washing can be carried out by means of a washing unit WU. The washing unit WU can include one or more washing nozzles and two or more suction heads. Detergent or washing liquid is supplied from a washing liquid unit LU at high pressure and a drying suction can be formed by a suction unit or source SU. The operation of the washing machine 1 can be controlled by a control unit CU. The control unit CU can automatically control a suction holding device 6, a hatch 10, a supply device or a conveying device 8, and the washing unit WU, and generally automatically control the entire working cycle of the washing machine 1. The washing machine 1 washes the doormat by means of one or more detergent jets and two or more rotating suction heads. The detergent used in the washing is water that can be mixed with the detergent. In addition, the washing machine 1 sucks away the water remaining in the doormat after washing to dry the doormat so that when the doormat is taken out of the washing machine, no water will flow out and it will dry quickly. The disclosed washing machine 1 can be installed in a laundry room for the customer's own use of the washing machine.

[0063] Figure 2 Disclosed is a washing unit WU including a frame 12 and two rotating suction heads 13. Washing nozzles 14 are located between the suction heads 13a, 13b. As Figure 2 shown, the washing unit WU is provided with bearings 15 such that the washing unit can move A along a guiding surface 16. In addition, the suction heads 13a, 13b can rotate in opposite directions R1 and R2. The suction head 13 rotates R about a rotation axis RA of the suction head 13. The suction head 13 includes a face 17 provided with suction openings 18. The suction openings 18 can include a longitudinally narrow central portion 19 and two transverse branches 20a, 20b at the distal ends of the suction openings 18. The branches 20 can face opposite directions.

[0064] Figure 3 Disclosed is a washing unit WU including four rotating suction heads 13a - 13d and two nozzles 14a and 14b for supplying washing fluid and rinsing fluid. The suction heads 13a and 13b are arranged to form a first row 21a and the suction heads 13c and 13d are arranged to form a second row 21b. In this way, the washing unit is wider in the supply direction y. In addition, the suction heads 13 of the two rows 21 rotate in opposite directions and they all include narrow suction openings 18.

[0065] Figure 4A washing unit WU is disclosed, which is laterally moved to its rightmost extreme position, where the washing nozzle 14 is located at the longitudinal edge 22 of the textile product 23. The edge 22 can be detected by the sensing device 24, and the control unit CU can control the movement A of the washing unit WU in response to the received detection data. The sensing device 24 can include a contact element 25 for sensing the edge 22, or alternatively, non-contact sensors can be provided at opposite ends of the washing unit WU. The frame 12 can also be provided with a roller 26 facing the textile product 23, and the roller 26 is configured to be set against the textile product 23 when the washing unit WU is lowered Z to the operating position. The suction head 13 is supported on the frame 12 by a bearing 27, and the upper part of the suction head 13 is connected to a suction duct 28 for guiding suction from the suction unit. There can be a rotary connection and a seal 29 between the suction duct 28 and the suction head 13. The suction head 13 can be rotated by a common motor M. The motor M can be an electric motor connected to the suction head 13 through a transmission 30 (such as a toothed belt). Then, the suction head 13 can be provided with a corresponding toothed portion 31 on its outer surface. The washing nozzle 14 is located between the suction heads 13 and is positioned at a certain vertical distance from the surfaces of the textile product 23 and the suction head 13. The washing nozzle 14 is fluidly connected to a washing fluid duct 32. The washing nozzle 14 can form a rinsing jet J, which can have a fan-shaped configuration.

[0066] Figure 5 A washing unit WU that is laterally movable A in the x - direction relative to a textile product 23 within a flat - bed washing machine is disclosed, and the textile product 23 is movable B in the supply direction y. The rotary suction head 13 is shown in dashed lines. The suction openings 18 of the suction head 13 can have a slit - like configuration. Optionally, the washing unit WU can include three or even more washing rows and dedicated washing nozzles between the suction heads. However, the number of washing nozzles may increase with the increase in the number of rows. The suction heads can be arranged, for example, to form a suction pattern of 1*2, 2*2, 3*2, or 4*2, where the first number represents the number of rows and the second number represents that each row includes two consecutive suction heads.

[0067] The drawings and the related description are only for illustrating the idea of the present invention. In its details, the present invention can vary within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A flat washing machine (1) for washing individual flat textile products (23), Among them, The washing machine (1) comprises: A standing main body (3) configured to be mounted on the floor; A supply opening (4) for supplying the textile product (23) into the washing machine (1); A conveying device (8) for conveying the textile product (23) in the washing machine (1) along the supply direction (y) (B); At least one washing unit (WU) for washing the textile product (23) within the washing machine (1); And wherein the washing unit (WU) is configured to be driven in a reciprocating manner in a transverse direction (x) relative to the supply direction (y), whereby the washing unit (WU) moves (A) between the longitudinal edges (22) of the textile product (23); Characterized in that, The washing unit (WU) comprises: a frame (12), at least two rotary suction heads (13) and at least one washing nozzle (14) for supplying washing liquid and located between the rotary suction heads (13); And the at least one washing nozzle (14) is stationary relative to the frame (12) of the washing unit (WU).

2. The flat washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The at least two rotary suction heads (13) are arranged to rotate (R, R1, R2) in opposite directions relative to each other.

3. The flat washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The washing unit (WU) comprises at least two washing rows (21a, 21b); and Each washing row (21a, 21b) comprises two rotary suction heads (13) and at least one washing nozzle (14) located between the rotary suction heads (13), whereby the washing unit (WU) comprises at least four rotary suction heads (13) and at least two washing nozzles (14).

4. The flat washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rotary suction head (13) comprises a face (17) for pointing to the textile product (23) to be washed; The face (17) is circular and comprises a narrow longitudinal suction opening (18) that transversely crosses the rotation axis (RA) of the rotary suction head (13).

5. The flat washing machine according to claim 4, characterized in that, The suction opening (18) of the face (17) of the rotary suction head (13) comprises a central portion (19) and two transverse branches (20a, 20b) that are located at the distal end portions of the central portion (19) and face in opposite directions relative to each other.

6. The flat washing machine according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The washing unit (WU) is provided with a variable frequency electric motor (M) for driving the rotary suction heads (13).

7. The flat washing machine according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The washing unit (WU) includes a bearing device (15) for coupling the washing unit to a linear guiding surface (16) of the cleaning machine (1), thereby allowing the washing unit (WU) to linearly move (A) under the control of the linear guiding surface (16).

8. The flat surface cleaning machine according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that The washing nozzle (14) is fixedly mounted relative to the frame (12) of the washing unit (WU).

9. The flat surface cleaning machine according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that The washing nozzle (14) is configured to generate a narrow fan-shaped detergent jet (J) that is directed at the textile product (23).

10. The flat surface cleaning machine according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that The cleaning machine (1) includes at least one guiding surface (16) whose direction is perpendicular to the supply direction (y), and the washing unit (WU) is provided with bearings for supporting the washing unit (WU) on the guiding surface (16).

11. The flat surface cleaning machine according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that The washing unit (WU) includes two rows (21a, 21b) of rotary suction heads (13) transverse to the supply direction (y), each row (21) including two adjacent rotary suction heads (13), whereby the total number of rotary suction heads is four; A gap with at least one washing nozzle (14) is provided between the two adjacent rotary suction heads (13) in each row (21); and The two adjacent rotary suction heads (13) in each row (21) rotate (R) in opposite directions relative to each other such that their rotation directions face the gap.

12. A method for washing a single flat textile product (23) with a flat surface cleaning machine (1); The method includes: Feeding an end of the textile product (23) into a supply opening (4) of the cleaning machine (1); Feeding the textile product (23) in the supply direction (y) by means of a conveying device (8); Washing the textile product (23) at least by the washing unit (WU), and moving the washing unit (WU) in a transverse direction (x) relative to the supply direction (y) during washing; Directing a washing fluid jet (J) from at least one washing nozzle (14) of the washing unit (WU) onto the surface of the textile product (23); And Directing suction from at least one rotary suction head (13) onto the surface of the textile product (23) in order to remove moisture from the textile product (23); Characterized in that: At least two separate rotary suction heads (13) are provided for the washing unit (WU), and a washing fluid jet (J) is directed from at least one non-rotating separate washing nozzle (14) located in a gap between adjacent rotary suction heads (13).

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that Rotate the adjacent rotary suction heads (13) in opposite directions (R) relative to each other and arrange the faces (17) of the rotary suction heads (13) in physical contact with the textile product (23) in order to enhance washing.

14. The method according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that Rotate the adjacent rotary suction heads (13) in opposite directions (R) relative to each other and provide the faces (17) of the rotary suction heads (13) with shaped suction openings (18) in order to prevent splashing of the washing fluid.

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