U.S. patent application number 10/911379 was filed with the patent office on 2005-02-10 for externally supported lye tank.
Invention is credited to Caon, Fulvio, Koch, Boris.
Application Number | 20050028568 10/911379 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33547106 |
Filed Date | 2005-02-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050028568 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Koch, Boris ; et
al. |
February 10, 2005 |
Externally supported lye tank
Abstract
An article of manufacture that includes a lye tank and an
external support structure attached thereto is described. The lye
tank has a base having an aperture and sidewalls extending upwardly
there from, and an open end. The lye tank may be fabricated from
metal and/or plastic. The external support structure includes: (i)
at least one bowl-shaped profile member having a base and sidewalls
and an interior space; (ii) a plurality of plastic reinforcing ribs
located fixedly within the interior space of the bowl-shaped
member; and (iii) a connecting member, having an opening, which is
connected to the first end of the bowl-shaped member by means of
positive and/or material connections. The lye tank and the external
support structure are connected together such that aperture of base
of tank is aligned with opening of connecting member. External
surfaces of base of bowl-shaped member face and extend along (and
optionally abut) the external surfaces of base and sidewalls of lye
tank.
Inventors: |
Koch, Boris;
(Wermelskirchen, DE) ; Caon, Fulvio; (Leverkusen,
DE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LANXESS CORPORATION
PATENT DEPARTMENT/ BLDG 14
100 BAYER ROAD
PITTSBURGH
PA
15205-9741
US
|
Family ID: |
33547106 |
Appl. No.: |
10/911379 |
Filed: |
August 4, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
68/142 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D06F 37/262 20130101;
D06F 37/00 20130101; D06F 37/269 20130101; D06F 37/264
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
068/142 |
International
Class: |
D06F 021/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 6, 2003 |
DE |
10335972.9 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An externally supported lye tank comprising: (a) a lye tank
having a base and sidewalls extending away from said base, and
having an open end, the base of said lye tank having an aperture
therein, said lye tank being fabricated from a material selected
from the group consisting of metal, plastic and combinations
thereof, the base and sidewalls of said lye tank each having
external surfaces; and (b) an external support structure
comprising, (i) at least one bowl-shaped profile member having a
base and sidewalls extending away from said base, said bowl-shaped
profile member having an open end, the sidewalls and base of said
bowl-shaped profile having internal surfaces which together define
an interior space of said bowl-shaped profile, said base of said
bowl-shaped profile member having an external surface, said
bowl-shaped profile being fabricated from a material selected from
the group consisting of metal, plastic and combinations thereof,
and said bowl-shaped profile member having a first end and a second
end, (ii) a plurality of plastic reinforcing ribs located within
said interior space of said bowl-shaped profile, said plastic
reinforcing ribs being fixedly attached to said bowl-shaped profile
member by means selected from the group consisting of positive
connections, material connections and combinations thereof, and
(iii) a connecting member having an opening, said connecting member
being connected to the first end of said bowl-shaped profile member
by means selected from the group consisting of positive
connections, material connections and combinations thereof, wherein
said lye tank and said external support structure are joined
together such that the aperture in the base of said lye tank is
aligned with the opening of said connecting member, the external
surfaces of the base of bowl-shaped said profile member facing and
being arranged along the external surfaces of said base and said
sidewalls of said lye tank.
2. The externally supported lye tank of claim 1 wherein said
bowl-shaped profile member has a base arm portion that extends
along said base of said lye tank, and a sidewall arm portion that
is extends along said sidewall of said lye tank, said base arm
portion and said sidewall arm portion of said bowl-shaped profile
member being continuous and forming a substantially 90.degree.
angle with each other.
3. The externally supported lye tank of claim 1 wherein said
external support structure further comprises a plastic ring
connected to the second end of said bowl-shaped profile member,
said lye tank further comprising an outwardly extending annular
flange positioned at an upper terminus of said sidewalls of said
lye tank, said plastic ring of said external support structure and
said annular flange of said lye tank engaging lockingly with each
other.
4. The externally supported lye tank of claim 1 wherein said
external support structure comprises three bowl-shaped profile
members, which are arranged at equal distances along the periphery
of said connecting member.
5. The externally supported lye tank of claim 1 wherein said
connecting member has edge regions having perforations, and the
first end of said bowl-shaped profile member has edge regions
having perforations, the edge regions and perforations of said
connecting member being positioned above the edge regions and
perforations of said bowl-shaped profile member, and thermoplastic
material being injected through the perforations and around the
positioned edge regions of said connecting member and said
bowl-shaped profile member.
6. The externally supported lye tank of claim 1 wherein said
bowl-shaped profile member and said connecting member are each
fabricated from a metal selected independently from the group
consisting of steel, nickel, chromium, iron, copper, zinc,
titanium, scandium, aluminium, magnesium, and alloys of at least
two metals thereof.
7. The externally supported lye tank of claim 1 wherein said lye
tank is fabricated from a thermoplastic material selected from the
group consisting of polycarbonate (PC), polyurethane (PU),
polyester, polystyrene (PS), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)
graft copolymer, polypropylene oxide (PPO), polysulphone (PSO),
polyphenylene sulphide (PPS), polyimide (PI), polyketone (PEEK),
polyamide (PA), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE) and
combinations thereof.
8. The externally supported lye tank of claim 7 wherein said
thermoplastic material comprises a material selected from the group
consisting of reinforcing material, filler material and
combinations thereof.
9. The externally supported lye tank of claim 3 wherein said
plastic reinforcing ribs and said plastic ring are each fabricated
from a thermoplastic material selected independently from the group
consisting of polycarbonate (PC), thermoplastic polyurethane (PU),
polyester, polystyrene (PS), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene graft
copolymer (ABS), polypropylene oxide (PPO), polysulphone (PSO),
polyphenylene sulphide (PPS), polyimide (PI), polyketone (PEEK),
polyamide (PA), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE) and
combinations thereof.
10. The externally supported lye tank of claim 9 wherein said
thermoplastic material comprises a material selected from the group
consisting of reinforcing material, filler material and
combinations thereof.
11. The externally supported lye tank of claim 1 wherein said
sidewalls and base of said bowl-shaped profile member have a
plurality of perforations having edges, further wherein said
plastic reinforcing ribs are formed by injection molding
thermoplastic material onto the internal surfaces of said sidewalls
and said base of said bowl-shaped profile member, a portion of the
injected-on thermoplastic material extending through the
perforations in the base and sidewalls of said bowl-shaped profile
member, the edges of the perforations being embedded in the
thermoplastic material extending there through, thereby fixedly
attaching said reinforcing ribs to said bowl-shaped profile member
by means of positive connections.
12. The externally supported lye tank of claim 1 wherein said
reinforcing ribs are fixedly attached to said bowl-shaped profile
member by means of material connections selected from the group
consisting of, fasteners, snap fittings, clip-on fittings,
adhesives and thermoplastic welds.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATION
[0001] The present patent application claims the right of priority
under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119 (a)-(d) of German Patent Application No.
103 35 972.9, filed Aug. 6, 2003.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates to a lye tank with supporting
structure for washing machines.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The construction of a front-loading drum-type washing
machine with a lye tank has been known for a long time and is
described for example in DE 197 52 296 A1. In drum-type washing
machines a perforated washing drum is mounted rotatably at one side
in a lye tank. The tank is in turn mounted resiliently in a casing.
The casing has an operating switch cover and a loading aperture at
the front. The circular loading aperture for the washing drum is
surrounded by a tube-like concertina seal which is attached firstly
to the lye tank and secondly to the edge of the loading aperture.
The loading aperture can be closed tightly by a porthole which is
mounted for pivoting motion. The tank is connected to a detergent
washing-in chamber. A lye outlet is fitted in the region of the
base of the tank and leads to an emptying pump. A motor is provided
to drive the washing drum mounted horizontally in the tank.
[0004] Rotatable drums mounted at one side and surrounded by a
cylindrical tank are also used for example in laundry dryers or
centrifuges. One of the functions of the cylindrical lye tank is to
absorb the centrifugal and axial forces occurring during rotation
of the drum and transmit them for example to the casing of the
washing machine. For this purpose the tank is held resiliently in
the casing of the washing machine by suspension or attachment
points.
[0005] Lye tanks known from the state of the art are made of one
material, either plastics material or sheet steel, and produced for
example by an injection moulding or welding process.
[0006] Development of washing machines has more recently lead to
ever higher washing drum speeds and ever higher drying temperatures
together with the quietest possible operation, and in addition
production costs for washing machine components have to be
reduced.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide
a lye tank which can be exposed to stronger forces during operation
of the washing machine and which can be produced simply and
cost-effectively.
[0008] According to the invention, the object is achieved in that
the lye tank is constructed in two parts, i.e., made up of the lye
tank itself and an external supporting structure which receives the
lye tank.
[0009] In accordance with the present invention, there is provided
an externally supported lye tank comprising:
[0010] (a) a lye tank (10) having a base (12) and sidewalls (14)
extending away from said base (12), and having an open end (50),
the base (12) of said lye tank (10) having an aperture (11)
therein, said lye tank being fabricated from a material selected
from the group consisting of metal, plastic-and combinations
thereof, the base (12) and sidewalls (14) of said lye tank (10)
each having external surfaces (53 and 56 respectively); and
[0011] (b) an external support structure (20) comprising,
[0012] (i) at least one bowl-shaped profile member (21) having a
base (59) and sidewalls (62) extending away from said base (59),
said bowl-shaped profile member (21) having an open end (65), the
sidewalls (62) and base (59) of said bowl-shaped profile (21)
having internal surfaces (68 and 71 respectively) which together
define an interior space (74) of said bowl-shaped profile (21),
said base (59) of said bowl-shaped profile member having an
external surface (77), said bowl-shaped profile being-fabricated
from a material selected from the group consisting of metal,
plastic and combinations thereof, and said bowl-shaped profile
member having a first end (22) and a second end (23),
[0013] (ii) a plurality of plastic reinforcing ribs (42) located
within said interior space (74) of said bowl-shaped profile (21),
said plastic reinforcing ribs (42) being fixedly attached to said
bowl-shaped profile member (21) by means selected from the group
consisting of positive connections, material connections and
combinations thereof; and
[0014] (iii) a connecting member (30) having an opening (33), said
connecting member (30) being connected to the first end (22) of
said bowl-shaped profile member (21) by means selected from the
group consisting of positive connections, material connections and
combinations thereof,
[0015] wherein said lye tank (10) and said external support
structure (20) are joined together such that the aperture (11) in
the base (12) of said lye tank (10) is aligned with the opening
(33) of said connecting member (30), the external surfaces (77) of
the base (59) of bowl-shaped said profile member (21) facing and
being arranged along (and optionally abutting) the external
surfaces (53 and 56) of said base (12) and said sidewalls (14) of
said lye tank (10).
[0016] The features that characterize the present invention are
pointed out with particularity in the claims, which are annexed to
and form a part of this disclosure. These and other features of the
invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects
obtained by its use will be more fully understood from the
following detailed description and accompanying drawings in which
preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated and
described.
[0017] Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers or expressions used
in the specification and claims are understood as modified in all
instances by the term "about."
[0018] As used herein and in the claims, the term "positive
connection" and similar terms refers to the fixed joining of two or
more members (elements) together by means of molded-on plastic
material passing: (i) through perforations in at least one of the
members; (ii) around the edges (terminal edges) of at least one of
the members; and/or (iii) over bumps (e.g., beads or ribs) in/on at
least one of the members. The molded-on plastic material embeds the
edges of the perforations and/or the edges and/or the bumps of the
members therein.
[0019] As used herein and in the claims, the term "material
connection" and similar terms refers to the fixed joining of two or
more members (elements) together by means selected from fasteners,
snap fittings, clip-on fittings, adhesives and/or thermoplastic
welds.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] FIG. 1 is a representative perspective view of an embodiment
of the external supporting structure according to the invention
with three bowl-shaped profile members (21) and a connecting member
(30), before the plastic reinforcing ribs (42) are injected
thereon;
[0021] FIG. 2 is a representative perspective view of the external
support structure of FIG. 1 with reinforcing ribs (42) and ring
(40);
[0022] FIG. 3 is a representative perspective view of the external
support structure (20) of FIG. 2 and a lye tank (10), before the
two components are joined together; and
[0023] FIG. 4 is a representative perspective view of the external
support structure (20) and lye tank (10) of FIG. 3 after they have
been joined together.
[0024] In FIGS. 1 through 4, like reference numerals designate the
same components and structural features.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0025] The subject of the invention is a lye tank with a supporting
structure (i.e., an external support structure), wherein the lye
tank, made of metal or plastics material with an external wall, has
an aperture in the base, the supporting structure at least
comprises a bowl-shaped, substantially right-angled profile made of
metal or plastics material with plastic reinforcing ribs and a
connecting member with an opening, the profile being joined at one
end to the connecting member with a positive and/or material
connection, and the supporting structure and lye tank are joined
together in such a way that the aperture and the opening are in
register and the profile is arranged along the external wall of the
lye tank.
[0026] The lye tank to receive the washing drum is substantially
cylindrical. It is open at one side and has an aperture on the
opposite side in the base of the tank, preferably in the centre of
the base, to receive the drive bearing for the washing drum. The
aperture is preferably substantially round although it may be of
any other shape. When fitted in a washing machine the lye tank has
to be sealed off from the environment. It accommodates a concertina
seal at its open side. The aperture in the base of the tank is
similarly provided with a seal in the installed condition.
[0027] The lye tank is made of a material resistant to chemicals
and heat, particularly metal or plastics material. The plastics
materials used may be non-reinforced, reinforced and/or filled
thermoplastic polymers, preferably polycarbonate (PC),
thermoplastic polyurethane (PU), polyester, particularly
polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polystyrene (PS), syndiotactic
polystyrene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polypropylene
oxide (PPO), polysulphone (PSO), polyphenylene sulphide (PPS),
polyimide (PI), polyketone (PEEK), polyamide (PA), polybutylene
terephthalate (PBT), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE) or a
mixture of these plastics materials.
[0028] The metals used may be steel, nickel, chromium, iron,
copper, zinc, titanium, aluminium or magnesium, and alloys of those
metals.
[0029] The lye tank is preferably produced from polypropylene or
polyethylene.
[0030] The lye tank may be produced by known methods. In the case
of a plastics tank it may be made for example by blow moulding,
vacuum forming, rotational moulding or injection moulding processes
such as thin-wall injection moulding. A metal lye tank may be
produced for example by deep drawing or welding.
[0031] The supporting structure to receive the lye tank at least
comprises a bowl-shaped profile made of metal or plastics material
with plastic reinforcing ribs and a connecting member. The
supporting structure is preferably made up of three profiles, which
have substantially right-angled sidewalls relate to the base of the
profile. One end (e.g., the first end) of the profile is joined to
the connecting member, which has an opening to receive the drive
bearing for the washing drum. If a plurality of profiles are
provided, one end of each is joined to the connecting member. The
profiles are preferably arranged at equal intervals (e.g.;
circumferentially) along (or around) the periphery of the
connecting member. If two profiles are provided they are
accordingly arranged preferably diametrically.
[0032] The connecting member may have any geometry. It may for
example be round, rectangular or triangular. The opening to receive
the bearing for the washing drum is preferably cylindrical.
[0033] When the lye tank is being joined to the supporting
structure the two parts are arranged so that the opening in the
connecting member and the aperture in the base of the tank are
brought into register (i.e., they are aligned one with the other).
The profile of the supporting structure simultaneously leads along
the external wall of the lye tank. The substantially right-angled
profile engages round the lye tank and hence--in cases where the
aperture is in the centre of the base of the tank--the length of
the base portion of the profile arms (83), i.e., that portion of
each bowl-shaped profile member (21) that extends along the
external surface (53) of base (12) of lye tank (10), joined to the
connecting member is substantially equal to the external radius of
the cylindrical lye tank. The length of the sidewall portion of the
profile arms (86), i.e., that portion of each bowl-shaped profile
member (21) that extends along the external surface (56) of
sidewalls (14) of lye tank (10), with the free end (e.g., the
second end) of the profile is substantially equal to the height of
the lye tank.
[0034] A plastic ring may be arranged at the second, free end of
the profile, i.e. the end not joined to the connecting member. If
the lye tank and supporting structure are joined together the
plastic ring locks with the edge of the lye tank at its open side,
and forms the seat for the concertina seal together with the tank.
If a plurality of profiles are provided they are interconnected by
the ring at their free ends, thereby increasing stability.
[0035] The function of the supporting structure is to transmit
centrifugal and axial forces from the rotating drum to the casing
of the washing machine. For this purpose the supporting structure
has attachment or suspension points at which it is joined
resiliently to the casing. These points act as load lead-out
locations.
[0036] The connecting member which receives the drive bearing, for
example the sliding or ball bearing for the washing drum is
preferably made of metal, particularly steel, nickel, chromium,
iron, copper, zinc, titanium, scandium, aluminium or magnesium, or
alloys of these metals. It may equally be made of a reinforced
and/or filled thermoplastic polymer, particularly polycarbonate
(PC), thermoplastic polyurethane (PU), polyester, particularly
polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polystyrene (PS), syndiotactic
polystyrene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polypropylene
oxide (PPO), polysulphone (PSO), polyphenylene sulphide (PPS),
polyimide (PI), polyketone (PEEK), polyamide (PA), polybutylene
terephthalate (PBT), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE) or a
mixture of these plastics materials. Carbon fibres and glass fibres
may for example be used as reinforcing materials.
[0037] The bowl-shaped profile may for example be I, U, L, T or
double T-shaped. It is produced from metal, particularly steel,
nickel, chromium, iron, copper, zinc, titanium, scandium, aluminium
or magnesium or alloys of these metals, or from a reinforced and/or
filled thermoplastic polymer, particularly polycarbonate (PC),
thermoplastic polyurethane (PU), polyester, particularly
polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polystyrene (PS), syndiotactic
polystyrene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polypropylene
oxide (PPO), polysulphone (PSO), polyphenylene sulphide (PPS),
polyimide (PI), polyketone (PEEK), polyamide (PA), polybutylene
terephthalate (PBT), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE) or a
mixture of these plastics materials. Carbon fibres and glass fibres
may for example be used as reinforcing materials.
[0038] The profile is produced for example by punching, deep
drawing, bevelling, casting or injection moulding processes.
[0039] Internally the bowl-shaped profile has reinforcing ribs of
thermoplastic, particularly non-reinforced, reinforced and/or
filled plastics material based on polyamide (PA), polyester,
particularly polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polybutylene
terephthalate (PBT), polystyrene (PS), syndiotactic polystyrene,
acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polybutylene terephthalate
(PBT), thermoplastic polyurethane (PU), polyolefin, particularly
polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polycarbonate (PC),
polypropylene oxide (PPO), polysulphone (PSO), polyphenylene
sulphide (PPS), polyimide (PI), polyether etherketone (PEEK) or a
mixture of these plastics materials.
[0040] The reinforcing ribs are preferably joined to the profile
with a positive connection, particularly by means of injected
thermoplastic. Ribs of this type are known from DE 38 39 855. The
reinforcing-ribs are joined to the profiles for example by means of
plastic riveted joints, the profiles being provided with openings
(perforations having edges) and/or beads into which the ribs are
injected
[0041] In a further embodiment the reinforcing ribs are joined to
the profiles with a material connection, particularly by adhesion
or welding. The ribs may also be joined non-positively to the
profiles, in particular by means of a plug-in or clip-on
connection.
[0042] The profile is joined to the connecting member with a
positive and/or material connection.
[0043] The profile may be joined to the connecting member for
example through the connecting member having an edge region along
the outer periphery, standing substantially perpendicularly on the
tubular wall. The edge region may both extend along the whole
periphery of the connecting member and also be divided into partial
regions positioned according to the arrangement of the profile or
profiles. The edge region of the connecting member is provided with
openings. The profile may for example likewise have an edge region
with openings at the end joined to the connecting member. The
openings in the edge region of the profile and those in the edge
region of the connecting member are superimposed for joining. Cup
impressions are formed in the region of the openings in the
profile. The cup impressions allow a positive connection without
any play between the connecting member and the profile.
Alternatively or in addition to the openings with or without
impressions in the edge region of the connecting member and the
edge region of the profile, beads may also be provided, similarly
allowing the profiles to be positively connected to the connecting
member.
[0044] Additionally or alternatively an adhesion or welded joint
may for example provide a material connection between the
connecting member and the profile.
[0045] In addition to the positive and, if appropriate, material
connection between the connecting member and the profile,
thermoplastic may be injected through and around the openings to
achieve the desired tenacity. The same plastics material may be
used for the injection of thermoplastic as for the reinforcing
ribs.
[0046] The ring joined to the free end of the profiles is
preferably made of the same plastics material as the reinforcing
ribs. It may however, independently of the ring (sic), be made of a
non-reinforced, reinforced and/or filled thermoplastic,
particularly based on polyamide (PA), polyester, particularly
polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT),
polystyrene (PS), syndiotactic polystyrene, acrylonitrile butadiene
styrene (ABS), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), thermoplastic
polyurethane (PU), polyolefin, particularly polypropylene (PP),
polyethylene (PE), polycarbonate (PC), polypropylene oxide (PPO),
polysulphone (PSO), polyphenylene sulphide (PPS), polyimide (PI),
polyether etherketone (PEEK) or a mixture of these plastics
materials.
[0047] Adjacent the annular edge at the free ends of the profiles
further frame elements may be joined to the profiles, for example
in the angled region, in order to increase stability. The annular
edge and optionally further plastic frame elements are preferably
joined to the profiles with a positive connection and/or a material
connection by means of adhesive, by injecting around and through
them.
[0048] The lye tank is permanently or detachably joined to the
supporting structure. It is preferably joined detachably to the
structure by plugging in, screwing, clipping on, riveting or with a
bayonet connection. This enables the lye tank to be installed in
and removed from the casing of the washing machine, for example for
cleaning or repair purposes, independently of the supporting
structure.
[0049] The supporting structure is produced by inserting the
profiles and connecting member into the injection mould. The
injection of the reinforcing ribs onto the profiles, the injection
through and around the openings to join the connecting member to
the profiles, and the injection of the ring and optionally further
frame elements or the like take place in one operation without any
post-treatment.
[0050] An advantage of the lye tank with a supporting structure
according to the invention is that, owing to the two-part
construction made up of the lye tank and supporting structure, each
of the two parts can be produced from the most suitable material,
with the most cost-effective technology and by the most
cost-effective method. The composite plastic-metal structure also
allows simpler modification. The lye tank itself may be removed
from the casing of the washing machine for repair or cleaning
purposes independently of the supporting structure. In addition the
lye tank of composite plastic-metal structure has greater
structural rigidity, a higher load-carrying capacity and higher
component precision than a lye tank made purely of plastics
material. Sound insulation is greater and the number of components
lower compared to a lye tank made of sheet steel. There is thus a
clear reduction in production times and production costs.
[0051] The invention will now be illustrated in greater detail with
reference to the accompanying drawings in which like components
carry like references.
[0052] Three bowl-shaped, substantially right-angled profiles 21
and a cylindrical connecting member 30 with an opening 33 are
illustrated in FIG. 1. The function of the cylindrical opening 33
in the connecting member 30 is to receive the drive bearing for the
washing drum (not shown). The bowl-shaped profiles 21 are each
arranged on the connecting member 30 at one end 22 at equal
distances along the periphery. The free ends 23 of the profiles 21
point in the same direction to receive the cylindrical lye tank.
The connecting member 30 has edge regions 31 with openings 32 and
edge regions 35 with openings 34, at which the profiles 21 are
joined to the connecting member 30. For this purpose the profiles
21 have an edge region 24 with openings 25 which register with the
openings 32 in the connecting member 30, and an edge region 28 with
openings 27 which register with the openings 34. A positive
connection with shear strength is obtained between the profiles 21
and the connecting member 30 by stamping.
[0053] With further reference to FIG. 1, bowl-shaped profile
members (21) each have sidewalls 62 that extend away from base 59
at substantially right angles. Sidewalls 62 may extend away from
base 59 at angles (relative to base 59) of greater than 0.degree.
and less than 180.degree., e.g., from 45.degree. to 135.degree.,
typically from 60.degree. to 110.degree..
[0054] FIG. 2 shows the supporting structure 20 made up of the
connecting member 30 and the profiles 21 positively connected
thereto according to FIG. 1, after the injection of thermoplastic.
In the edge regions 31, 35 of the connecting member 30 and the edge
regions 24, 28 of the profiles 21 (FIG. 1) plastics material is
injected through and around 43 the openings 32, 25 and 32 and 34,
27. The reinforcing ribs 42 are further injected into the profiles
21. A plastic ring 40 is also injected in the region of the free
ends 23 of the profiles 21 to interconnect them. In this special
embodiment a further annular plastic frame element 41 is injected
in the angled region 26 of the profiles 21 and similarly
interconnects the three profiles 21.
[0055] FIG. 3 reproduces the supporting structure 20 shown in FIG.
2, comprising three profiles 21 with reinforcing ribs 42, the
connecting member 30 with the opening 33, the edge 40 and the
annular frame element 41. The cylindrical lye tank 10 is also
shown, before it is joined to the supporting structure 20. The tank
10 with an external wall 14 has a round aperture 11 in the base 12
of the tank. When the tank 10 is joined to the supporting structure
20 the round aperture 11 is brought into register with the opening
33 in the connecting member 30. The tank 10 has an
outwardly-directed peripheral edge (annular flange) 13 at its open
side (i.e., at the upper terminal portions of sidewalls 14).
[0056] FIG. 4 shows the lye tank 10 and supporting structure 20
according to FIG. 3 after they have been joined. The annular edge
region 40 of the structure 20 locks with the edge 13 of the lye
tank 10, with the edge 13 lying on the ring 40. The edge 13 has a
seat for the concertina seal (not shown) which is supported by the
edge region 40. The profiles 21 engage around the lye tank 10 and
lead along its external wall 14.
[0057] In an embodiment of the present invention, and with further
reference to FIGS. 1-4, sidewalls (62) and base (59) of bowl-shaped
profile member (21) have a plurality of perforations (not shown)
having edges. The plastic reinforcing ribs (42) are formed by
injection molding thermoplastic material onto the internal surfaces
(68 and 71 respectively) of sidewalls (62) and base (59) of
bowl-shaped profile member (21). During the injection molding
procedure, a portion of the injected-on thermoplastic material
extends through the perforations (not shown) in the base (59) and
sidewalls (62) of bowl-shaped profile member (21). The edges of the
perforations (not shown) become embedded in the thermoplastic
material extending there through, thereby fixedly attaching the
reinforcing ribs (42) to bowl-shaped profile member (21) (by means
of one form of positive connections).
[0058] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present
invention, and with further reference to FIG. 4, the bowl-shaped
profile member (21) has a base arm portion (83) that is adjacent to
and extends along base (12) of lye tank (10), and a sidewall arm
portion (86) that is adjacent to and extends along sidewall (14) of
lye tank (10). The base arm portion (83) and the sidewall arm
portion (86) of bowl-shaped profile member (21) are continuous with
each other, and form an angle relative to each other, e.g., at
elbow portion (89), of greater than 0.degree. and less than
180.degree., e.g., from 45.degree. to 135.degree.. In an embodiment
of the invention, the angle formed by base arm portion (83) and
sidewall arm portion (86) is 90.degree. (e.g., at elbow portion
89).
[0059] Although the invention has been described in detail in the
foregoing for the purpose of illustration, it is to be understood
that such detail is solely for that purpose and that variations can
be made therein by those skilled in the art without departing from
the spirit and scope of the invention except as it may be limited
by the claims.
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