US 12,410,544 B2 · Tunnel washing machine

Abstract

The present invention discloses a tunnel washer apparatus. The apparatus provides a plurality of modules that include an intake module, a discharge module, and one or more modules in between the intake module and the discharge module. Multiple modules have a cylinder. Each cylinder has first and second cylinder ends. A scoop enables transfer of fabric articles to be washed from one cylinder to another cylinder. A first plate is connected to the scoop, wherein the first plate has a concave edge portion and a convex edge portion. The first plate preferably is welded to the first cylinder end with a first weld that extends along the convex edge portion. A second plate is connected to the scoop. The second plate has first and second convex edge portions. The second plate preferably is welded to the second cylinder end with a second weld that extends along one of the second plate convex edge portions. There is a first stress relieving gap in between the first cylinder end and the first weld. There is a second stress relieving gap in between the second cylinder end and the second weld. This arrangement enables the scoop and both plates to move together, thus providing a stress relieving annulus at scoop ends that reduces stress on or near one or more of the scoop to cylinder connections or welds below a threshold that otherwise results in fatigue/cracking.

Claims36

Dependent claims

A tunnel washer apparatus, comprising:

a) a plurality of modules that include an intake module, a discharge module, and one or more modules in between said intake module and said discharge module;
b) multiple of said modules having a cylinder with first and second cylinder ends;
c) a scoop that enables transfer of fabric articles to be washed from one said cylinder to another said cylinder;
d) a first plate connected to the scoop, said first plate having a concave edge portion and a convex edge portion, said first plate welded to the first cylinder end with a first weld that extends along said convex edge portion;
e) a second plate connected to the scoop, said second plate having first and second convex edge portions, said second plate welded to the second cylinder end with a second weld that extends along one of said second plate convex edge portions;
f) a first stress relieving gap positioned in between the first cylinder end and the first plate;
g) a second stress relieving gap positioned in between the second cylinder end and the second plate;
h) wherein said first plate is able to flex about said first weld at a first pivoting joint;
i) wherein said second plate is able to flex about said second weld at a second pivoting joint;
and
j) wherein said gaps enable deflection of said scoop and said plates reflective to a said cylinder end.

8 more elements

A tunnel washer apparatus, comprising:

a) a plurality of modules that include an intake module, a discharge module, and one or more modules in between said intake module and said discharge module;
b) two successive of said modules having two cylinders that are connected together with an annular connecting portion having a first diameter, each cylinder having a cylinder periphery with a cylinder outer diameter that is greater than said first diameter, each cylinder having upstream and downstream cylinder ends;
c) a scoop that enables transfer of fabric articles to be washed from one said cylinder to another said cylinder;
d) a first plate connected to the scoop, said first plate having a concave edge portion and a convex edge portion, said first plate welded to a first cylinder end with a first weld at said convex edge portion;
e) a second plate connected to the scoop, said second plate having first and second convex edge portions, said second plate welded to a second cylinder end with a second weld at a said second plate convex edge portion;
f) a first stress relieving gap that is positioned in between the first cylinder end and the first plate;
and
g) a second stress relieving gap that is positioned in between the second cylinder end and the second plate;
and
h) wherein said stress relieving gaps and said first and second plates enable the scoop to deflect relative to either of said cylinder ends.

7 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Tunnel washing machine

Life of this patent

Tunnel washing machine

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims36