Lye container and laundry treating apparatus

Abstract

The present invention relates to an alkali container (1) for a garment processing device, having at least two alkali container portions (3, 4) arranged axially adjacent about the longitudinal central axis of the alkali container (1) and circumferentially connected to each other in a region of the outer shell (2) of the alkali container (1), wherein each alkali container portion (3, 4) has a connecting flange (5, 6) at its axial end, the connecting flange pointing radially outward and circumferentially arranged, wherein the connecting flanges (5, 6) are connected to each other by at least one circumferentially arranged welded connection (7). To reduce maintenance costs in the event of a malfunction of the garment processing device, each connecting flange (5, 6) has an inner connecting section (8, 9) arranged circumferentially and an outer connecting section (10, 11) radially offset relative to the inner connecting section and arranged circumferentially, wherein the two outer connecting sections (10, 11) are connected to each other by the welded connection (7).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an alkali container for a garment processing apparatus, comprising at least two alkali container portions axially adjacent about a longitudinal central axis and circumferentially connected to each other in a region of the outer shell of the alkali container. Each alkali container portion has a connecting flange at its axial end, the connecting flange pointing radially outward and arranged circumferentially, wherein the connecting flanges are connected to each other by at least one circumferentially arranged welded joint. Furthermore, the invention also relates to a garment processing apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] Clothing handling equipment in the form of washing machines or washer-dryers includes an alkali container in which a clothes drum is rotatably mounted. Conventional alkali containers in front-loading washing machines have two plastic container sections arranged axially adjacent about the longitudinal central axis of the container and connected to each other by a threaded connection in the outer casing area of ​​the container, as disclosed in EP 0854223A2. Alternatively, the container sections can also be welded circumferentially to each other, as disclosed in EP 2013399B1. Compared to using threaded connections, welded connections can save on connecting and sealing elements and shorten assembly time.

[0003] The disadvantage of this welded lye container is that the clothes drum is rotatably mounted via a ball bearing, which cannot be replaced separately, for example, if the washing machine fails. Instead, the entire assembly consisting of the lye container, bearing housing, and clothes drum (including support stars and connectors) must be replaced. Therefore, these conventional lye container structures result in high repair costs and negative environmental impacts in the event of damage, because, for example, if the clothes drum bearing needs to be replaced, perfectly intact and functional components such as the clothes drum and lye container will also be rendered unusable.

[0004] Repair solutions for the corresponding welded alkaline containers are disclosed in ES2238153A1. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The objective of this invention is to reduce the repair costs when clothing processing equipment is damaged.

[0006] This task is addressed by the independent patent claims. Advantageous solutions are given in the following description, dependent claims, and drawings, wherein these solutions, or various combinations thereof, can be further embodiments of the invention, and are particularly preferred or advantageous aspects.

[0007] The alkali container for garment treatment equipment of the present invention has at least two alkali container portions arranged axially adjacent about the longitudinal central axis of the alkali container and circumferentially connected to each other in a region of the alkali container mantel, wherein each alkali container portion has a connecting flange at its axial end, the connecting flange pointing radially outward and circumferentially arranged, wherein the connecting flange is connected to each other by at least one circumferentially arranged welded joint, wherein each connecting flange has an inner connecting section arranged circumferentially and an outer connecting section radially offset relative to the inner connecting section and arranged circumferentially, wherein the two outer connecting sections are connected to each other by a welded joint.

[0008] Particularly preferably, the connecting flanges are welded together only through their outer connecting sections. If the garment processing equipment is damaged, the two lye container sections can be separated from each other by allowing the end sections of at least one, or all, of the outer connecting sections welded to the corresponding other connecting flange to be detached from the remaining connecting flanges. For example, separation can be performed using standard tools, thus eliminating the need to manufacture or purchase expensive specialized tools. The lye container sections can then be removed from each other for servicing of the garment processing equipment. Afterward, the two lye container sections, or their inner connecting sections, can be reconnected to each other using mechanical connections (e.g., bolted connections), allowing the lye containers to continue to be used as a whole. The inner connecting section preferably has an area for receiving or securing the mechanical connection. This provides a reliable fit for the mechanical connection and a reliable connection between the two lye container sections if the outer connecting sections were previously separated.

[0009] The connecting device can be a standard device, such as a metric bolt, so there is no need to manufacture or purchase expensive special devices.

[0010] Therefore, as described initially, if the ball bearing needs to be replaced due to damage, it is not necessary to replace the entire assembly consisting of the lye container, bearing housing, and clothes roller including the support star and connectors. Thus, this invention reduces maintenance costs. Furthermore, this invention also reduces negative environmental impact because, for example, when the bearing of the clothes roller needs to be replaced, a fully functional lye container does not need to be discarded.

[0011] Furthermore, the present invention enables the continued realization of the advantages of welded connections between alkali container parts, namely, savings in connection and sealing elements and reduced assembly time, in current mass production.

[0012] Before reconnecting the two lye container sections via a mechanical connection after servicing the garment processing equipment, a sealing ring with a diameter substantially matching the diameter of the lye container shell can be placed between the inner connecting sections. This ensures that the lye container maintains a high level of sealing after servicing. Since the outer connecting section is located radially outside the inner connecting section, the sealing surfaces in contact with the sealing ring are not damaged during the separation process used to loosen the connection between the lye container sections. Therefore, these sealing surfaces require no further processing after the separation process, simplifying the servicing work.

[0013] Each connecting segment is formed in a ring shape, wherein the diameter of the inner connecting segment is smaller than the diameter of the outer connecting segment. Within the framework of this invention, the corresponding outer connecting segments are arranged radially outwardly offset from the corresponding inner connecting segments. This means that the outer connecting segments are arranged within an imaginary hollow cylinder, which radially surrounds a smaller imaginary hollow cylinder, within which the inner connecting segments are arranged. This indicates that the inner and outer connecting segments can be arranged in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the alkali container or axially offset about the longitudinal axis.

[0014] The alkali container can be designed in a conventional manner at the connection flanges located away from its two alkali container sections.

[0015] According to an advantageous embodiment, the welded joint is arranged axially offset relative to the inner connection section from the longitudinal centerline of the alkali container. This results in a greater distance between the circumferentially arranged welded joint and the inner connection section, thereby more reliably preventing damage to the inner connection section, particularly to the sealing surface on the inner connection section used to contact the sealing ring, during the separation process used to loosen the connection between the parts of the alkali container.

[0016] According to another advantageous embodiment, at least one outer connection section of the connecting flange is connected to an inner connection section of the connecting flange via at least one sleeve-shaped transition section, wherein the transition section is arranged radially outward relative to the outer shell of the alkali container. This creates an annular cavity between the transition section and the outer shell of the alkali container, allowing personnel performing the separation process to visually observe the separation process or its progress and successful completion, thereby more reliably preventing damage to the outer shell of the alkali container from contact with the separation tool. To further protect the outer shell of the alkali container from such damage, a protective element can also be additionally inserted into the cavity during the separation process. Upon successful completion of the separation process, the separation tool contacts this protective element, thus reliably preventing direct contact between the separation tool and the outer shell of the alkali container.

[0017] According to another advantageous embodiment, the inner connection section of one connecting flange has a sealing surface facing another connecting flange, on which at least one annular sealing groove is arranged circumferentially for partially receiving a sealing ring. The sealing surface and its sealing groove provide an interface for the sealing ring on the inner connection section of the connecting flange, thereby ensuring a conformal fit of the sealing ring during the assembly and operation of the alkali container.

[0018] According to another advantageous embodiment, the inner connection section of the other connecting flange has a sealing surface facing the first connecting flange, on which at least one annular sealing protrusion is arranged circumferentially for contacting a sealing ring. This sealing surface and its sealing protrusion provide an interface for the sealing ring on the inner connection section of the other connecting flange, wherein the sealing ring is pressed into a sealing groove on the inner connection section of the first connecting flange by the sealing protrusion, thereby improving the sealing performance of the alkali container.

[0019] According to another advantageous embodiment, the alkali container has at least one sealing ring, which can be arranged between two inner connection sections. The sealing ring is partially or entirely made of an elastomer, and its diameter matches the diameter of the alkali container shell. This sealing ring is a spare part that can be placed on the connecting flange after a separation process for loosening the connection between the various alkali container sections has been performed. Prior to this, the sealing ring is not arranged on the connecting flange.

[0020] According to another advantageous embodiment, the alkali container includes at least one bolt by which two inner connecting sections can be screwed together. Furthermore, the alkali container includes at least one nut that can be screwed onto the bolt. Preferably, the alkali container has multiple bolts and possibly nuts arranged circumferentially staggered on the connecting flange. The bolts and possibly nuts are spare parts that can be placed on the connecting flange after a separation process for loosening the connection between the various alkali container sections has been performed. Prior to this, the bolts are preferably not placed on the connecting flange. In an alternative embodiment, in addition to the welded connection of the two outer connecting sections, the inner connecting sections can also be bolted together, thereby supporting the welded connection and allowing the connection between the two alkali container sections to withstand a greater load.

[0021] According to another advantageous embodiment, the alkali container is at least partially made of plastic or a plastic composite material. For example, the plastic composite material may be a plastic fiber composite material.

[0022] The garment treatment device of the present invention has an alkaline solution container, which is configured according to one of the above embodiments or a combination of at least two embodiments.

[0023] The advantages of the aforementioned alkaline solution containers are also relevant to garment processing equipment. Garment processing equipment can be designed as a front-loading washing machine. Garment processing equipment can be a washing machine or a washer-dryer. Attached Figure Description

[0024] The present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings and preferred embodiments. In the drawings:

[0025] Figure 1 A detailed cross-sectional schematic diagram of an embodiment of an alkaline solution container having the welded joint of the present invention is shown; and

[0026] Figure 2 Show Figure 1 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of an alkaline solution container with threaded connections.

[0027] In the accompanying drawings, parts that are identical or have the same function are given the same reference numerals. Repeated descriptions of these parts may be omitted. Detailed Implementation

[0028] Figure 1 A detailed cross-sectional schematic diagram shows one embodiment of an alkali container 1 for use in a garment treatment device (not shown). The alkali container 1 is at least partially made of plastic or a plastic composite material.

[0029] The alkali container 1 has two alkali container parts 3 and 4, which are arranged axially adjacent about a longitudinal central axis (not shown) of the alkali container 1 and are circumferentially connected to each other in the region of the outer shell 2 of the alkali container 1. Each alkali container part 3 or 4 has a connecting flange 5 or 6 at its axial end, which points radially outward and is arranged circumferentially. The connecting flanges 5 and 6 are connected to each other by a welded joint 7 arranged circumferentially.

[0030] Each connecting flange 5 or 6 has an inner connecting section 8 or 9 arranged circumferentially and an outer connecting section 10 or 11 arranged circumferentially relative to the inner connecting section. The two outer connecting sections 10 and 11 are connected to each other by a welded connection 7.

[0031] Regarding the longitudinal central axis of the alkali container 1, the welded connection 7 is arranged axially offset relative to the inner connection sections 8 and 9. For this purpose, the outer connection section 10 of the connecting flange 5 is connected to the inner connection section 8 of the connecting flange 5 via a sleeve-shaped transition section 12. The transition section 12 is arranged to be radially spaced outward relative to the outer shell 2 of the alkali container 1. Conversely, the outer connection section 11 of the connecting flange 6 is itself formed in a sleeve shape and has ribs 13 arranged circumferentially on the outside in the illustrated embodiment. The inner connection section 9 of the connecting flange 6 has a circumferentially arranged thickened portion 14, on which an annular groove 16 is formed circumferentially arranged on the axial end side 15 opposite to the other connecting flange 5. The inner connection section 8 of the connecting flange 5 also has a circumferentially arranged thickened portion 17.

[0032] The inner connection section 9 of the connecting flange 6 has a sealing surface 18 facing the connecting flange 5, on which an annular sealing groove 19 is arranged around the sealing surface for partially receiving... Figure 2 The sealing ring shown.

[0033] The inner connection section 10 of the connecting flange 5 has a sealing surface 20 facing the connecting flange 6, on which an annular sealing protrusion 21 is arranged around the sealing surface for contact. Figure 2 The sealing ring shown.

[0034] also, Figure 1 The diagram also shows a separation line 22 along which the welded connection 7 between the outer connecting sections 10 and 11 can be loosened.

[0035] Figure 2 Show Figure 1 The alkali container 1 shown is along... Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view after separation by the shown separation line.

[0036] After the separation process, the two alkali container sections 3 and 4, or their internal connecting sections 8 and 9, are circumferentially connected to each other by a plurality of bolts 23, wherein Figure 2 Only one bolt 23 is shown. A sealing ring 24 is arranged between the two inner connecting sections 8 and 9 before they are screwed together. The head 25 of the bolt 23 is supported on the axial end side 15 of the thickened portion 14 of the inner connecting section 9. The shank 26 of the bolt 23 can be threaded so that it can be screwed into the inner connecting section 8. Alternatively, a nut (not shown) can be screwed onto the free end of the shank 26. To guide the shank 26 at least through the inner connecting section 9, a hole can be pre-drilled in the bottom region of the annular groove 16 using a drill bit (not shown).

[0037] List of reference numerals

[0038] 1 alkali solution container

[0039] 2 1 outer shell

[0040] 3. Alkali solution container

[0041] 4. Alkali container section

[0042] 5 3 connecting flange

[0043] 6 4 connecting flange

[0044] 7 Welded joints

[0045] 8 5 inner connection section

[0046] 9 6 inner connection section

[0047] 10 5 external connection segment

[0048] 11 6 outer connection section

[0049] 12 5 transition section

[0050] Ribs at positions 13 and 11

[0051] Thickened section at 14.9

[0052] Ribs at position 15-9

[0053] 16.9 circumferential groove

[0054] Thickened section at 17.8

[0055] Sealing surface at 18 9

[0056] Sealing groove at positions 19 and 18

[0057] Sealing surface at 20 8

[0058] Sealing protrusions at positions 21 and 20

[0059] 22 Separation line

[0060] 23 bolts

[0061] 24 Sealing ring

[0062] 25 23 head

[0063] The rod section of 26 and 23.

Claims

1. An alkali container (1) for a garment processing device, comprising at least two alkali container portions (3, 4) axially adjacent about a longitudinal central axis of the alkali container (1) and circumferentially connected to each other in a region of a shell (2) of the alkali container (1), wherein each alkali container portion (3, 4) has a connecting flange (5, 6) at an axial end, the connecting flanges being radially outwardly oriented and circumferentially arranged, wherein the connecting flanges (5, 6) are connected to each other by at least one circumferentially arranged welded connection (7), characterized in that, Each connecting flange (5, 6) has an inner connecting section (8, 9) arranged circumferentially and an outer connecting section (10, 11) arranged circumferentially and offset radially outward relative to the inner connecting section, wherein the two outer connecting sections (10, 11) are connected to each other by a welded connection (7). The two interconnected alkali container sections (3, 4) are designed to be detachable from each other in such that the end sections of at least one or all of the outer connecting sections (10, 11) welded to the corresponding other connecting flange (5, 6) can be separated from the corresponding remaining connecting flanges, and the two alkali container sections (3, 4) are designed to be reconnectable in such that the inner connecting sections (8, 9) can be reconnected to each other by means of a mechanical connection device.

2. The alkaline solution container (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner connection section (8, 9) has areas formed for receiving or fixing mechanical connection devices.

3. The alkaline solution container (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The welded joint (7) is arranged with its longitudinal centerline about the alkaline container (1) offset axially relative to the inner connecting section (8, 9).

4. The alkaline solution container (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that, At least one connecting flange (5, 6) has an outer connecting section (10, 11) connected to an inner connecting section (8, 9) of the connecting flange (5, 6) via a transition section (12) formed by at least one sleeve of the connecting flange (5, 6), wherein the transition section (12) is arranged radially outwardly spaced relative to the outer shell (2) of the alkali container (1).

5. The alkaline solution container (1) according to any one of claims 1, 2, and 4, characterized in that, An inner connection section (8, 9) of a connecting flange (5, 6) has a sealing surface (18) facing another connecting flange (5, 6), on which at least one annular sealing groove (19) is arranged circumferentially for partially receiving a sealing ring (24).

6. The alkaline solution container (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The inner connection section (8, 9) of the other connecting flange (5, 6) has a sealing surface (20) facing the connecting flange (5, 6), on which at least one annular sealing protrusion (21) is arranged circumferentially for contacting the sealing ring (24).

7. The alkaline solution container (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that... At least one sealing ring (24) is provided, which can be arranged between two inner connecting sections (8, 9).

8. The alkaline solution container (1) according to any one of claims 1, 2, 4, 6, and 7, characterized in that... At least one bolt (23) is used to screw the two inner connecting sections (8, 9) together.

9. The alkaline solution container (1) according to any one of claims 1, 2, 4, 6, and 7, characterized in that, The alkali container (1) is at least partially made of plastic or plastic composite material.

10. A garment treatment device with an alkali solution container, characterized in that, The alkaline container (1) is constructed according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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