MACHINE FOR WASHING TEXTILES

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a machine for the treatment and washing of fabrics. More specifically, the present invention relates to a machine for the treatment and washing of fabrics in an industrial environment.

[0002] In the textile sector, fabrics need to be washed during their production. The washing can take place in different phases or steps of the production of the fabric which, normally, is stored in the form of rolls. Usually, the fabrics are washed in continuous or discontinuous washing machines.

[0003] Continuous washing machines normally provide a high level of productivity, however they take up a lot of space, since the fabric normally advances along multiple washing tubs which are positioned in an aligned manner, forming what is normally known as a washing train.

[0004] Unlike the continuous washing machines, washing machines of a discontinuous type are known wherein the fabric which is unwound from a first cylinder passes via a vat comprising a bath for treatment of the fabric, and is wound onto a second cylinder. When the fabric has been wound onto the second cylinder, the same operation is carried out in inverse order, i.e. the fabric is unwound from the second cylinder, passed through the said treatment bath, and is wound once more on the first cylinder, with this alternating process being repeated until the desired treatment has been completed. These types of machines are also known as jigger machines.

[0005] The machines of a discontinuous type normally provide lower productivity than those of the continuous type. However, they also have advantages, since they take up less space, and are normally more economical than those of the continuous type.

[0006] Patent document CN 105 568 595 B discloses a jigger machine that comprises a main winding roller mounted on the trough body and the driving shaft of the motor penetrates the tank body and the main winding roller of the tank body assembly. The motor of the document is not connected to the main winding roller, thus manual intervention is needed.

[0007] Document WO2020245484A1 by the same inventor as the present application discloses a machine of the discontinuous type with capacities of the continuous type (semi-continuous type), comprising: a first module, for collection and supply of fabric with a first motorised cylinder for winding of fabric; a second, washing module, which comprises a first and a second vat for accommodation of a bath for treatment of the fabric; a third module, for collection and supply of fabric, with a second motorised cylinder for winding of the fabric; and means for driving and guiding the fabric which are configured such that the fabric advances from the first module to the third module, passing via the first and second vats of the washing module, and which, vice versa, comprise a first and a second dryer for the fabric, positioned between the first motorised cylinder and the first vat, and between the second vat and the second motorised cylinder, respectively.

[0008] Although the machines of the discontinuous and / or jigger type are more compact and can provide greater productivity, there is a need to increase the productivity even further. In particular, the process of loading and unloading the fabric involves a lengthy time. In particular, the operation of loading the fabric makes it necessary to bring close to the machine a roll-holder containing the fabric to be loaded. Then, and before beginning the operation of treatment of the fabric, the fabric must be transferred from the roll-holder to the first module for collection and supply of the fabric. This operation is costly, and is made even more difficult by the fact that, sometimes, the collection and supply module is inside an insulated casing of the machine. In addition, the passage of the fabric from the roll-holder to the motorised roller of the first module of the machine requires manual intervention. For the operation of unloading of fabric which has already been treated, it is necessary to bring the roll-holder close, open the door of the casing, and transfer the fabric from one of the motorised cylinders of the machine to the roll-holder, which, similarly to the loading operation, can also be very costly.

[0009] An objective of the present invention is to disclose means which make it possible to reduce the times of loading and unloading of the fabric in machines of the discontinuous and semi-continuous type.

[0010] More particularly, the present invention discloses a machine for washing of fabrics according to claim 1 which comprises: a first module for collection and supply of fabric; a second, washing module which comprises at least one first vat for accommodation of a bath for treatment of the fabric; a third module, for collection and supply of fabric, and means for driving and guiding of the fabric which are configured such that the fabric advances from the first module to the third module, passing via the second washing module, and vice versa, characterized in that the first module for collection and supply of fabric comprises a motor and a connection arm which can actuate the shaft of a roll of an external roll-holder, which is independent from the machine, such that, when the roll of the external roll-holder is actuated by the said motor, this roll supplies the second washing module without the intermediary of rolls for collection of fabric. Said connection arm is actuated by the motor, and has means for connection to the shaft. Preferred embodiments are the subject-matter of the subclaims.

[0011] In short, the machine which is the subject of the present invention makes it possible to use an auxiliary roll-holder as a motorised shaft for the first collection and supply module. For this purpose, compared with other machines of a known type, the present invention dispenses with the motorised shaft of a fixed type of the first unloading module, and provides means which allow this to be replaced by the shaft of the roll of an external roll-holder which is preferably movable. Consequently, the initial operation of loading and unloading of fabric is simplified considerably, since it is not necessary to transfer the fabric from a storage roll (normally situated in a roll-holder) to the motorised shaft of the first module for collection and supply of fabric. The invention simply requires the shaft of the roll of the roll-holder to be connected to the connection arm. The connection arm transmits the action of the motor to the shaft of the roll of the roll-holder, such that it is the said shaft of the roll of the roll-holder which subsequently performs the functions of a motorised shaft of the first module of the machines previously known. After the treatment, the treated fabric remains wound on the shaft of the roll of the roll-holder, such that the unloading simply requires disconnection of the arm of the roll-holder, and removal of the roll-holder to the required site. In order to facilitate the said operations, the spatial arrangement of the machine will preferably leave a free space to the side of the second module in order to receive the said external roll-holder.

[0012] Preferably, the said means for connection to a shaft comprise a universal joint connection in order to connect with the shaft of the said external roll-holder.

[0013] Preferably, the said motor is situated on a movable support structure. This makes it possible to adjust the position of the motor according to the requirements for space and the structure of the external roll-holder which will be used. In contrast, the motorised cylinder of the third module and / or its corresponding motorisation elements can be of the fixed type.

[0014] The machine can comprise one or more casings which cover different elements thereof, and can or need not have insulation. Preferably, a casing covers the second washing module. Preferably, the said motor and the said connection arm are situated outside the casing(s) of the machine. More preferably, all of the first module is situated outside the casing(s) of the machine.

[0015] The washing module can comprise one or more vats. Preferably, the machine comprises a first and a second fabric dryer at the entry and exit of the second washing module. More preferably, the machine comprises dryers at the entry and exit of each vat. Even more preferably, the said dryers are configured to dry the fabric by means of aspiration.

[0016] Preferably, at least one or all of the vats can comprise a respective submerged suction device which is configured to circulate the bath substantially perpendicularly to the fabric.

[0017] The submerged suction devices comprised in the vats of the washing module, as well as the dryers positioned between the vats and the cylinders of the modules for collection and supply of fabric, make it possible to accelerate the penetration of the bath in the fabric to be treated. This therefore provides a more efficient process, since, as the bath is made to pass through the fabric to be treated, the washing agents and / or other types of auxiliary products (such as, for example, dye) penetrate in the fabric more rapidly, thus reducing the process time and reducing the quantity of bath necessary in order to carry out a given treatment, since the bath is used more effectively.

[0018] The penetration of the bath in the fabric is maximised by combining a pair of fabric dryers and a submerged suction device per vat.

[0019] Preferably, both the first module and the third module comprise stretcher (spreader) devices which are configured to eliminate possible creases of the fabric during the winding of the fabric. More preferably, the stretcher device of the first module is situated outside the casing of the machine and / or of the casing of the second module.

[0020] Preferably, the machine also has a plurality of rollers which are configured to guide the fabric which is circulating between the first module and the third module.

[0021] The machine can be supplied without an external roll-holder, since it can be used with pre-existing roll-holders, or it can be supplied together with an external, movable roll-holder. Preferably, the said external roll-holder has wheels so that it can be moved away from the machine.

[0022] The machine for washing of fabric which is the subject of the present invention is also designed to dye fabric. When the machine is configured to wash fabric, the vats contain "inter alia" detergents, whereas when it is configured to dye fabric, the vats contain "inter alia" dye. As well as containing detergents or dyes, the vats can also contain other types of products for the treatment of fabric.

[0023] In this document, the directions horizontal, vertical, up, down, etc. are understood according to the normal position of work of the machine for washing of fabric which is the subject of the present invention.

[0024] For better understanding, by way of non-limiting explanation, drawings representative of an embodiment of the present invention are appended. Figure 1 shows schematically a view in front elevation of an embodiment of a machine for washing of fabrics according to the present invention. Figure 2 shows a view in perspective of the machine of figure 1. Figure 3 shows a view in perspective, from a different viewpoint, of the machine of figure 1.

[0025] In the figures, the same or equivalent elements have been designated using the same numerals.

[0026] Figures 1 to 3 show an embodiment of a machine for washing of fabrics according to the present invention. In figure 1, the fabric outside the cylinders is represented with a continuous line 1000. However, in figures 2 and 3, this fabric 1000 between cylinders is not represented, in order to be able to observe the elements of the machine.

[0027] The machine for washing and / or treatment of fabrics which is the subject of the present invention has discontinuous operation, wherein the fabric is unwound from a first motorised cylinder 410 and is wound on a second motorised cylinder 310 after passing through a bath for treatment of the said fabric, and vice versa. In other words, once the fabric has been wound on the second motorised cylinder 310, the process is inverted, and the fabric is unwound from the second cylinder 310, and after passing through the treatment bath it is wound on the first cylinder 410, with this alternating process being repeated until the desired treatment of the fabric is completed. These types of machines are known in the textile industry as machines of the jigger type.

[0028] Like other machines of the jigger type, and the semi-continuous machine shown in WO2020245484A1, the machine comprises a first module, for supply of fabric, a second module 200, for washing, and a third module 300 for collection and supply of fabric, the second module 200 being situated between the first module and the third module 300.

[0029] At different points, the machine also has means for driving and guiding of the fabric 1000, which, in the embodiment shown, comprises rollers, such as, for example, the rollers marked with the numeral 250 in figure 1.

[0030] The washing module 200 comprises a vat 210 which contains a bath for the treatment or washing of the fabric 1000. Although the machine shown in the example has a single vat 210, it is possible for other embodiments to have two or more vats. The fact of having two vats would make it possible to backwash the fabric 1000, "backwash" being understood as the fact that, for example, when the fabric advances towards the second cylinder 310, i.e. when it is unwound from the first cylinder 410 and wound on the second cylinder 310, the bath of the first vat would be much dirtier than that of the second vat. Document WO2020245484A1 shows an example of implementation of a washing module 200 with two vats which is also applicable to the present invention.

[0031] In order to maximise the effect of the bath, the vat 210 in the example comprises a submerged suction device 211. The submerged suction device 211 is configured to force the circulation of the bath through the fabric 1000, thus increasing the effect of this bath. This circulation of the bath through the fabric 1000 is preferably carried out substantially perpendicularly to the fabric.

[0032] At the entry and exit of the vat 210, the machine comprises fabric dryers 120 to extract the wetness from the fabric 1000, and more specifically extract the wetness not fixed to the fibre which is in the gaps between the warp and weft. Although in the embodiment shown the fabric dryer 120 is a vacuum tube, in other embodiments it can be a system of squeezing rollers (padders), an air-blowing system, etc. It is also possible not to have a dryer. By having dryers 120 at both sides of the vat 210 it is possible to extract the wetness from the fabric independently from the direction of movement of the fabric 1000, since in this machine the fabric 1000 circulates in both directions.

[0033] Although they are not represented in figure 1, the vat 210 can comprise means for agitation and means for heating the bath contained therein, in order to assist the penetration of the bath into the fabric 1000.

[0034] The bath in the vat 210 can contain detergents if the machine is configured to wash the fabric 1000. However it can also contain dye or other chemical products, such that the washing dyes or impregnates the fabric 1000.

[0035] The washing module 200 has the support of a hydraulic device 600 which is shown in figures 2 and 3, the purpose of which is to move and / or treat the liquid in the vat, as well as optionally to heat the liquid, agitate it, etc.

[0036] It will be appreciated that, in the embodiment shown, the two modules for collection and supply of the fabric are situated opposite or facing the washing module 200. In the figures, it can be seen that most of the fabric is wound, forming a roll of fabric 301 on the second motorised cylinder 310, and there is a smaller quantity of fabric forming a role 401 on the first motorised cylinder 410. During normal operation of the machine, the fabric can go alternately from one cylinder to the other cylinder.

[0037] The third module 300 comprises a motorised roller 310 which is actuated by a motor 312. The roller and motor are joined in a fixed manner in this module. In addition, the module has an arm or stretcher device 330. This stretcher device 330 can be formed by a structure of a pivoting type, and is configured to eliminate possible creases from the fabric 1000 before it passes onto the cylinder 410. Although its use has obvious advantages, the use of the stretcher device 330 in the machine according to the present invention is optional. The capacity for pivoting of the stretcher device allows it to follow, acting independently from the quantity of fabric wound, which varies during the operation of the machine.

[0038] In the module 300 shown in the figures, the fabric 1000 is rolled almost completely on the second motorised cylinder 310, thus making it possible to observe the position which the stretcher device 330 adopts when the fabric 1000 is rolled on the motorised cylinder 310. It should be noted that this is the configuration opposite those of the first module. However the fabric 1000 is wound on, and unwound from, the motorised cylinders 410, 310 alternately until the desired treatment for this fabric is completed.

[0039] In addition to the components shown, the said third module 300 can also optionally comprise means for driving and guiding the fabric 1000, and a sprinkler to wet the fabric 1000 when it is unrolled from the second motorised cylinder 310.

[0040] The first module for collection and supply of the fabric has characteristics different from that of the third module 300. These characteristics allow it to load and unload fabric rapidly. In particular, the first module has a motor 412 connected to an arm 413 which actuates the roll shaft. Thus, the module does not have a fixed shaft connected permanently to a motor, forming a motorised roller which belongs to the machine, but the actuator motor and arm assembly can actuate an external shaft. This allows the machine to work directly with a roll obtained from a roll-holder 400 which is independent from the machine, for example one of a standard type. This roll-holder can be provided with the machine, or it can be pre-existing. Preferably, the roll-holder 400 is movable. For this purpose, the roll-holder in the example has wheels 405. The motor 412 in the example is situated on a movable structure 411 which allows it to position the arm 413 at the most appropriate point for connection to different shafts of roll-holders 400 comprising a roll 401 of fabric to be treated. In addition and optionally, the machine also has its own stretcher device 430, similar to the stretcher device 330 of the third module 300. In the example, the actuator arm 413 has a connection of the universal joint type for its connection to the shaft. Other types of connections are possible, however the universal joint connection has the advantages of its universality and capacity for transmitting movement in conditions of non-alignment.

[0041] The device in the example means that loading of the fabric to be treated and unloading of the fabric to be treated are simplified. For example, for loading, it is only necessary to bring the roll-holder 400 with the roll of fabric to be treated, and connect the shaft of the roll-holder to the actuator arm 413, such that it is this shaft which acts as a motorised shaft 430. After that, it is only necessary to couple to the beginning of the circuit for the fabric 1000 provided in the machine or device used for this purpose. Similarly, the unloading process simply involves disconnecting the roll-holder 400 from its actuator arm 413.

[0042] Once the fabric has been loaded, the operating cycles of the first and the third module 300 alternate, such that each of the rollers unloads / loads the fabric from / to the other alternately. In operation, the fabric 1000 advances from the first module to the third module 300, and vice versa, with the intervention of the said roll-holder 400, which, actuated by the motor 412, carries out the functions of a motorised shaft for the first module.

[0043] In the example shown, all of the elements involved in the loading and unloading of fabric remain outside the casing 10 of the machine. In the example, the casing 10 of the machine covers the washing module 200. The casing 10 of the machine can be covered completely or partly with insulation for the purpose of minimising the losses of heat from the machine, and thus improving its efficiency. In addition, this insulation can also be used to protect the operators against possible burns if they touch the casing. This insulation is preferably situated in the interior of the casing 10. Alternatively, the casing 10 could also cover the third module 300 for supply of fabric. However, in the example shown, the third module simply has a safety barrier 11. In any cases, it is preferable for the elements of the first fabric supply module to be situated outside the said casing 10, in order to facilitate the loading and unloading process. In particular, it is advantageous for at least one or all of the following elements of the first module to be situated outside the casing 10: stretcher device 430, motor 312, structure 412, actuator arm 413.

[0044] It will be appreciated that, in this embodiment, the motorised cylinders 410, 310 for winding of fabric are positioned facing one another at opposite ends of the machine. For this purpose, the elements of the first module leave space for the external roll-holder 400 to be placed in the appropriate location. Both cylinders 410, 310 can be situated at the same height with respect to the ground or base of the machine 1, although they can also be situated at different heights. According to the present invention, the auxiliary roll-holder 400 can be a roll-holder of a standard type, and can be supplied with the machine, or the user of the machine can provide it.

[0045] The machine can also have a control box 500, the purpose of which is to control and / or supply power to the different electrical, electronic and / or pneumatic components which the machine may have.

[0046] The internal components of the machine for washing and / or treatment of fabrics which is the subject of the present invention can be made of materials that are resistant to the chemical products used in the bath, such as, for example, stainless steel. However, it may be that only the elements which are most exposed to the attack of the chemical products used, such as, for example, the vats, are made of materials that are resistant to these chemical products, thus reducing the production cost of the machine.

[0047] Optionally, sprinkler devices may be provided to wet the fabric at the entry / exit of both modules for collection and supply of fabric.

[0048] Although it is not necessary, the third module could be configured similarly to the first module. In this case the motorised cylinder of the third module need not be fixed, and would be replaced by a roll-holder.

[0049] Although the invention has been described and illustrated with reference to a number of representative examples, it will be appreciated that these exemplary embodiments in no way limit the present invention and therefore, any of the variants included, directly or as equivalents, within the content of the appended claims, must be considered to be included within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. Machine for washing of fabrics which comprises: - a first module for collection and supply of fabric; - a second, washing module (200) which comprises at least one first vat (210) for accommodation of a bath for treatment of the fabric; - a third module (300), for collection and supply of fabric, and means for driving and guiding of the fabric which are configured such that the fabric advances from the first module to the third module, passing via the second washing module, and vice versa, characterized in that the first module for collection and supply of fabric comprises a motor (412) and a connection arm (413) actuated by the motor and has means for connection to a shaft, the connection arm is able to actuate the shaft of a roll (401) of an external roll-holder (400), which is independent from the machine, such that, when the roll of the external roll-holder (400) is actuated by the said motor (412), this roll (401) supplies the second washing module without the intermediary of rolls for collection of fabric.

2. Machine according to Claim 1, characterized in that its spatial arrangement leaves a space to the side of the second module (200) in order to receive the said external roll-holder.

3. Machine according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the said means for connection to a shaft comprise a universal joint connection to connect to the shaft of the said external roll-holder (400).

4. Machine according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the said motor (412) is situated on a movable support structure.

5. Machine according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the said motor (412) and the said connection arm are situated outside casing(s) (10) of the machine.

6. Machine according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the casing(s) (10) cover(s) the second washing module (200).

7. Machine according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the third module (300) comprises a motorised cylinder (310) which is fixed.

8. Machine according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a first and a second fabric dryer (120) at the entry and at the exit of the second washing module.

9. Machine according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the said dryers (120) are configured to drive the fabric by means of aspiration.

10. Machine according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one vat (210) comprises a respective submerged suction device (211) which is configured to circulate the bath substantially perpendicularly to the fabric.

11. Machine according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that both the first module and the third module comprise stretcher devices (330, 430) which are configured to eliminate possible creases in the fabric during the winding of fabric.

12. Machine according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the stretcher device (430) of the first module is situated outside the casing (10) of the machine.

13. Machine according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has a plurality of rollers configured to guide the fabric which circulates between the first module and the third module (300).

14. Machine according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the external roll-holder (400) which has wheels (405) so that it can be moved away from the machine.