Device for the largely emission-free transfer of contaminated laundry into a washing machine

Abstract

Device for the largely emission-free transfer of laundry into a washing machine or spin-dryer, comprising a suction blower (12), a connection adapter (14) with T-branch, a pipe (15) leading into a wastewater channel (10), an exhaust air duct (13), a closing device (16) and a control unit, wherein: - the connection adapter (14) for adapting to the washing machine or washer-extractor and enabling individual retrofitting with its T-branch can be connected to an existing mixing container (6) or to any point on the outer drum (1) of the washing machine or washer-extractor, depending on the machine design, - the T-branch of the connection adapter (14) has a lower outlet that leads to the drainage of condensate, washing lye and foam into the pipeline (15), - the T-branch of the connection adapter (14) has an upper outlet on which the extraction fan (12) is mounted, the outlet side of which leads into the exhaust duct (13), - the extraction fan (12) is designed to create a directed airflow from the outer drum (1) into the exhaust duct (13) when the loading door (3) of the washing machine or washer-extractor is open, and to switch on automatically when the loading door is opened, and off again after the loading door is closed or after a programmable time has elapsed, and - the closing device (16) is arranged and configured to allow the discharge of liquid from the outer drum (1) during a washing process through the pipeline (15) into the wastewater channel (10), but closes the pipeline (15) tightly during a suction process of the suction blower (12).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for the largely emission-free transfer of laundry into a washing machine or spin-dryer.

[0002] Personal protective equipment (e.g., from fire departments, technical relief organizations, police, disaster relief agencies, or industry) very often exhibits significant levels of odorous and sometimes hazardous substances after use, such as combustion residues, chemicals, or biological contaminants. To restore the worn protective equipment to a usable condition, it is usually machine-washed and treated, e.g., impregnated.

[0003] After an operation, the person undresses and places the protective equipment in a bag or container, which is then sealed. The sealed containers can then be transported to a processing facility (e.g., a laundry) without producing any emissions.

[0004] The operating personnel at this processing station must now open the bag, remove the contaminated parts, and place them into the loading opening of the washing machine. This open handling releases a high proportion of residues, which can be ingested by the operating personnel.

[0005] From DE 10 2010 027 796 A1, a washing machine with a gas removal device is known for extracting gases, in particular ozone, released during the cleaning process. In contrast, the present invention is intended to protect the operating personnel from contamination with the laundry during the loading process.

[0006] The present invention aims to minimize the release of contaminants in the area of ​​the operating personnel during the loading process by attaching a device to a conventional washing or spin-drying machine, and thus to protect the operating personnel in the best possible way.

[0007] To solve this problem, a device according to claim 1 is provided according to the invention. Advantageous embodiments of the invention can be found in the dependent claim, the description, and the drawings.

[0008] The mechanism of action of the invention will be described below. Fig. 1, Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 explained in more detail. Fig. Figure 1 shows a washing machine that is basically known from the current state of the art. Fig. Figure 2 shows a possible embodiment of the device according to the invention. Fig. Figure 3 additionally shows a modified form of a washing machine according to the invention.

[0009] The in Fig. The washing machine shown in Figure 1 represents the current state of the art. The main components – outer drum (1), inner drum (2) with drive mechanism, and loading door (3) – hold the laundry and the wash water. The rotation of the inner drum cleans and dehumidifies the laundry. A detergent dispenser (4) for powdered products and, optionally, a mixing container (6) for liquid detergent are used for adding detergent. Water can be added via valve-controlled water inlets (5) and (7). Foam generated during the wash cycle can drain into the wastewater drain (10) via the overflow pipe (9). Steam produced at higher wash temperatures, as well as liquid from excessive foaming, is vented to the outside via the ventilation opening (8).

[0010] After the cleaning process, the drain valve (11) opens and releases the washing solution into the wastewater channel (10). The vent opening (8) also serves as an opening for air to flow in.

[0011] To prevent odors from the sewer from entering the washing machine, the drain (10) is usually designed as a siphon.

[0012] Fig. Figure 2 shows a possible embodiment of the invention on a [body part] according to Fig. 1. Washing machine as described. A connection adapter (14) with a T-branch is attached to the opening of the mixing container (6). An exhaust fan (12) is mounted at the upper outlet of the branch, the outlet of which leads into an exhaust duct (13). A pipe (15) is located at the lower outlet of the branch, which leads into the drain (10). This is designed to reliably drain condensed vapors or foam and prevent them from being returned to the drum. It also prevents the exhaust fan (12) from being unnecessarily strained.

[0013] Opening the loading door (3) automatically switches on the extraction fan (12). Depending on the type of closure device (16) used, it closes automatically due to the resulting negative pressure (when using a non-return valve), or a control unit actuates the closure device (16) using external energy (when using valves or flaps). This prevents unwanted air from being drawn in from the drain (10) due to the high negative pressure.

[0014] The blower (12) now creates a strong, directed airflow exclusively from the loading area, through the washing drum, into the exhaust duct, and then to the outside or into a separator. Depending on the type of contamination, the alternatively connected separator can be selected as desired (e.g., scrubber, adsorber, air filter, or the like).

[0015] The washing machine can now be loaded with laundry with virtually no emissions.

[0016] Once the loading door is closed after loading, the blower switches off automatically, and the locking mechanism opens (either automatically by gravity when using a flap, or by removing the external energy when using a valve).

[0017] Depending on the type of container holding the contaminated laundry, intensive investigations have revealed various approaches for the optimal use of the device according to the invention: When using rigid transport containers with lids, the lid can initially be closed and positioned directly in front of the loading opening. After removing or opening the lid, the items to be washed can be manually transferred from the container to the drum one by one, avoiding turbulence. The airflow above the container towards the drum prevents contamination of the operating personnel.

[0018] In the case of flexible transport containers (e.g., plastic bags), the entire open-topped bag can first be placed inside the drum. Alternatively, by shaking the contents of the bag into the drum and then pulling out the empty bag, an emission-free loading process for the operator can be achieved.

[0019] By adapting the blower (12) and the adapter (14), the device according to the invention can be installed on washing machines from different manufacturers, either at the factory or retrofitted. The blower can be positioned directly behind the branch or at any position in the exhaust duct. The connected piping system can be made of metallic or non-metallic material, or of flexible tubing.

[0020] Fig.Figure 3 additionally shows a modified form of a washing machine in which a mixing container is omitted, and the supply of water (5) and detergent (7) is made directly into the manual detergent dispenser (4). However, every washing machine has a vent on the outer drum to which an adapter (14) can be attached for mounting the device according to the invention. It is also possible to provide a bore specifically designed to receive the adapter at a suitable location on the outer casing. Reference symbol list: 1 Simplified representation of the outer drum of a washing machine 2 Simplified representation of an inner drum with drive ribs and drum bearing 3 Loading door 4 Manual detergent dispenser (with lid closed) 5 water connections for detergent dispenser 6 mixing containers 7 filling valves for washing and rinsing water 8 ventilation openings 9 Overflow pipe 10 Drainage into sewer with siphon 11 Drain valve 12 extraction fans 13 Exhaust duct 14 connection adapters for extraction 15 Pipeline 16. Closure mechanism

Claims

[1] Device for the largely emission-free transfer of laundry into a washing machine or spin-dryer, comprising a suction blower (12), a connection adapter (14) with T-branch, a pipe (15) leading into a wastewater channel (10), an exhaust air duct (13), a closing device (16) and a control unit, wherein: - the connection adapter (14) for adapting to the washing machine or washer-extractor and enabling individual retrofitting with its T-branch can be connected to an existing mixing container (6) or to any point on the outer drum (1) of the washing machine or washer-extractor, depending on the machine design, - the T-branch of the connection adapter (14) has a lower outlet that leads to the drainage of condensate, washing lye and foam into the pipeline (15), - the T-branch of the connection adapter (14) has an upper outlet on which the extraction fan (12) is mounted, the outlet side of which leads into the exhaust duct (13), - the extraction fan (12) is designed to create a directed airflow from the outer drum (1) into the exhaust duct (13) when the loading door (3) of the washing machine or washer-extractor is open, and to switch on automatically when the loading door is opened, and off again after the loading door is closed or after a programmable time has elapsed, and - the closing device (16) is arranged and configured to allow the discharge of liquid from the outer drum (1) during a washing process through the pipeline (15) into the wastewater channel (10), but closes the pipeline (15) tightly during a suction process of the suction blower (12). [2] Device according to claim 1, wherein the closure element (16) has a non-return valve which closes automatically due to a negative pressure generated by the suction blower (12).

Images