U.S. patent application number 17/628076 was filed with the patent office on 2022-08-18 for baffle for use with a treatment machine.
This patent application is currently assigned to Xeros Limited. The applicant listed for this patent is Xeros Limited. Invention is credited to Thomas Andrew COBB, Gareth Evan Lyn JONES, Joseph MATTLEY, Liam ROBERTS.
Application Number | 20220259790 17/628076 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000006365682 |
Filed Date | 2022-08-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220259790 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
JONES; Gareth Evan Lyn ; et
al. |
August 18, 2022 |
BAFFLE FOR USE WITH A TREATMENT MACHINE
Abstract
A baffle for use with a treatment machine wherein the treatment
machine is configured to treat substrates in the presence of solid
particles and wherein the treatment machine comprises a drum and a
door for loading a substrate into the drum. The baffle comprises a
tub connector portion connecting the baffle to a tub of the
treatment machine. The baffle also comprises a door contacting
portion for contacting the door of the treatment machine when in
use and the door is in a closed configuration. The baffle also
comprises a barrier extending between the tub connector portion and
the door contacting portion; and wherein the barrier is inclined so
that when in use, solid particles deposited on the barrier are
diverted into the drum of the treatment machine. There is also
provided a treatment machine comprising the baffle and a method of
treating a substrate in said treatment machine.
Inventors: |
JONES; Gareth Evan Lyn;
(Bath and North East Somerset, GB) ; ROBERTS; Liam;
(Rotherham, South Yorkshire, GB) ; MATTLEY; Joseph;
(Rotherham, South Yorkshire, GB) ; COBB; Thomas
Andrew; (Rotherham, South Yorkshire, GB) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Xeros Limited |
Rotherham,SouthYorkshire |
|
GB |
|
|
Assignee: |
Xeros Limited
Rotherham, South Yorkshire
GB
Xeros Limited
Rotherham, South Yorkshire
GB
|
Family ID: |
1000006365682 |
Appl. No.: |
17/628076 |
Filed: |
July 22, 2020 |
PCT Filed: |
July 22, 2020 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/GB2020/051749 |
371 Date: |
January 18, 2022 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D06F 37/06 20130101 |
International
Class: |
D06F 37/06 20060101
D06F037/06 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 22, 2019 |
GB |
1910469.4 |
Claims
1. A baffle for use with a treatment machine configured to treat
substrates in the presence of solid particles, wherein the
treatment machine comprises a drum and a door for loading a
substrate into the drum; the baffle comprising: a tub connector
portion for connecting the baffle to a tub of the treatment
machine; a door contacting portion for contacting the door of the
treatment machine when in use and the door is in a closed
configuration; a barrier extending between the tub connector
portion and the door contacting portion; and wherein the barrier is
inclined so that when in use, solid particles are diverted by the
barrier into the drum of the treatment machine.
2. A baffle according to claim 1, wherein the barrier biases the
door contacting portion against the door of the treatment machine
when in use and the door of the treatment machine is in a closed
configuration.
3. A baffle according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the barrier
extends in a linear or monotonically curved manner between the tub
connector portion and the door contacting portion.
4. A baffle according to any preceding claim, wherein the treatment
machine is a washing machine.
5. A baffle according to any preceding claim, wherein the tub
connector portion comprises an annulus positionable between the
drum and tub.
6. A baffle according to any preceding claim, wherein when applied
to a treatment machine, the barrier is inclined at an average angle
between 10 and 90 degrees, wherein the average angle is measured
between the horizontal and a hypothetical line extending from where
the barrier contacts the tub connector portion at its lowermost
point and where the barrier contacts the door contacting portion at
its lowermost point.
7. A baffle according to any preceding claim, wherein the barrier
has a length in the axial direction from the tub connector portion
to the door contacting portion, when applied to a treatment machine
and the door is in an open configuration, and wherein the length is
between 10 and 65 mm, or between 15 mm and 50 mm, or between 20 mm
and 40 mm.
8. A baffle according to any preceding claim, wherein the door
contacting portion imparts a force in the axial direction against
the door when in use and the door is in a closed configuration, and
wherein the force in the axial direction is between 2 and 20 N.
9. A baffle according to any preceding claim, wherein the door
contacting portion comprises a rigid annulus.
10. A baffle according to any preceding claim, wherein the barrier
comprises neoprene, a porous polymer sheet, a mesh, latex rubber or
spring elements.
11. A baffle according to any preceding claim, wherein the barrier
is porous and the pore size is smaller than the size of the solid
particles.
12. A baffle according to claim 11, wherein the pore size is
between 0.1 and 15 mm.
13. A baffle according to any of claims 1 to 9, wherein the door
contacting portion is comprised as part of the barrier and the
baffle comprises a casing connection joined to the door contacting
portion by the barrier, and when applied to a treatment machine,
the casing connection is connected to the casing.
14. A baffle according to claim 13, wherein the barrier is arranged
as a zigzag, sinusoid or U-shape when viewed in a cross section
through the radial direction.
15. A baffle according to claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the barrier
comprises a non-porous material.
16. A baffle according to any of claims 13 to 15, wherein the
barrier comprises an elastomer.
17. A baffle according to any preceding claim, wherein the baffle
further comprises a seal positioned radially outwards of the
barrier.
18. A baffle according to claim 17 wherein the seal comprises
rubber.
19. A treatment machine comprising the baffle of any preceding
claim, the treatment machine further comprising: a casing; a tub
moveably mounted within the casing; a drum rotatably mounted within
the tub; a door for loading a substrate into the drum, wherein the
door is mounted to the casing and operable between open and closed
configurations.
20. A treatment machine according to claim 19, wherein the
treatment machine is configured to dispense solid particles into
the drum and to extract solid particles from the drum.
21. A treatment machine comprising: a casing; a tub moveably
mounted within the casing; a drum rotatably mounted within the tub;
a door for loading a substrate into the drum, wherein the door is
mounted to the casing and operable between open and closed
configurations; wherein the treatment machine is configured to
dispense solid particles into the drum and to extract solid
particles from the drum; and wherein the treatment machine further
comprises a baffle; the baffle comprising: a tub connector portion
connecting the baffle to the tub of the treatment machine; a door
contacting portion for contacting the door of the treatment machine
when the door is in a closed configuration; a barrier extending
between the tub connector portion and the door contacting portion;
and wherein the barrier is inclined so solid particles are diverted
by the barrier into the drum of the treatment machine.
22. A treatment machine according to claim 21, wherein the barrier
biases the door contacting portion against the door of the
treatment machine when the door of the treatment machine is in the
closed configuration.
23. A treatment machine according to claim 21 or 22, wherein the
barrier extends in a linear or monotonically curved manner between
the tub connector portion and the door contacting portion.
24. A treatment machine according to any of claims 21 to 23,
wherein the tub connector portion comprises an annulus positioned
between the drum and tub.
25. A treatment machine according to any of claims 21 to 24,
wherein the barrier is inclined at an average angle between 10 and
90 degrees, wherein the average angle measured between the
horizontal and a hypothetical line extending from where the barrier
contacts the tub connector portion at its lowermost point and where
the barrier contacts the door contacting portion at its lowermost
point.
26. A treatment machine according to any of claims 21 to 25,
wherein the treatment machine has an axial direction aligned with
the centre of rotation of the drum, and the barrier has a length
measured in the axial direction from the tub connector portion to
the door contacting portion, when the door is in an open
configuration the length is between 10 and 65 mm, or between 15 and
50 mm, or between 20 and 40 mm.
27. A treatment machine according to any of claims 21 to 26,
wherein the force in the axial direction of the door contacting
portion against the door, when the door is in in a closed
configuration is between 2 and 20 N.
28. A treatment machine according to any of claims 21 to 27,
wherein the door comprises a dome shaped portion extending into the
drum when in a closed configuration, and wherein the door
contacting portion of the baffle contacts the dome shaped
portion.
29. A treatment machine according to any of claims 21 to 28,
wherein the door contacting portion comprises a rigid annulus.
30. A treatment machine according to any of claims 20 to 29,
wherein the barrier comprises neoprene, a porous polymer sheet, a
mesh, latex rubber or spring elements.
31. A treatment machine according to any of claims 20 to 30,
wherein the barrier is porous and the pore size is smaller than the
size of the solid particles.
32. A treatment machine according to claim 31 wherein the pore size
is between 0.1 mm and 15 mm diameter.
33. A treatment machine according to any of claims 21 to 29,
wherein the door contacting potion is comprised as part of the
barrier and wherein the baffle comprises a casing connection, the
casing connection connected to the casing and joined to the door
contacting portion by the barrier.
34. A treatment machine according to claim 33, wherein the barrier
is arranged as a zigzag, sinusoid or U-shape when viewed in cross
section through the radial direction.
35. A treatment machine according to claim 33 or claim 34, wherein
the barrier comprises a non-porous material.
36. A treatment machine according to any of claims 33 to 35,
wherein the barrier comprises an elastomer.
37. A treatment machine according to any of claims 21 to 36,
wherein the baffle further comprises a seal positioned radially
outwards of the barrier.
38. A treatment machine according to claim 37 wherein the seal
comprises rubber.
39. A treatment machine according to any of claims 21 to 38,
wherein the treatment machine comprises a washing machine, and/or
wherein the substrate is a textile.
40. The use of a treatment machine according to any of claims 21 to
39 for treating a substrate in the presence of solid particles.
41. The use according to claim 40, wherein the treatment machine is
a washing machine.
42. The use according to claim 40 or claim 41, wherein the
substrate is or comprises a textile.
43. The use according to any of claims 40 to 42 wherein the solid
particles have a size between 1 mm and 20 mm.
44. A method of treating a substrate in a treatment machine of any
of claims 21 to 39, the method comprising: loading the drum of the
treatment machine with the substrate, solid particles and a liquid
medium rotating the drum to agitate the substrate, solid particles
and liquid medium.
45. The method according to claim 44 further comprising: draining
the liquid medium from the drum; and rinsing the solid particles
and substrate.
46. The method according to claim 45 wherein the rinsed solid
particles are reused in a subsequent repeat of the method.
47. The method according to any of claims 44 to 46, wherein the
substrate is a textile.
48. The method according to any of claims 44 to 47 wherein loading
the drum further comprises adding a detergent to the drum.
49. The method according to any of claims 44 to 48 wherein the
treatment machine is a washing machine.
Description
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a baffle and to a
treatment machine comprising the baffle. The present disclosure
also relates to the use of a treatment machine, and to a method of
treating a substrate with such.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Conventional methods for treating and cleaning of textiles
and fabrics typically involve aqueous cleaning using large volumes
of water. These methods generally involve aqueous submersion of
fabrics followed by aqueous soil suspension, soil removal and water
rinsing. The use of solid particles to provide improvements in, and
advantages over, these conventional methods is known in the art.
For example, PCT patent publication WO2007/128962 discloses a
method for cleaning a soiled substrate using a multiplicity of
solid particles. Other PCT patent publications which have related
disclosures of cleaning methods include: WO2012/056252;
WO2014/006424; WO2015/004444; WO2014/147390; WO2014/147391;
WO2014/006425; WO2012/035343; WO2012/167545; WO2011/098815;
WO2011/064581; WO2010/094959; and WO2014/147389. These disclosures
teach apparatus and methods for treating or cleaning a substrate
which offer several advantages over conventional methods including
improved treating/cleaning performance, reduced water consumption,
reduced consumption of detergent and other treatment agents, and
better low temperature treating/cleaning (and thus more energy
efficient treating/cleaning).
[0003] Conventional treatment machines, such as washing machines
may typically comprise a baffle that extends from the tub to the
casing at the door opening. This baffle typically comprises rubber
and prevents water in the drum from exiting the tub or door during
a treatment cycle. The baffle is typically shaped with a bellows or
U-shaped bend to accommodate motion of the tub relative to the
casing so that transmission of vibrations to the casing is reduced
and that a seal is retained during motion.
[0004] The washing machine, the solid particles and the wash cycles
have all been significantly developed over the years by the present
applicant such that at the end of the wash cycle the solid
particles have been successfully removed from the wash region of
the drum and from the fabrics.
[0005] That said, the present inventors have discovered that when
solid particles are employed with treatment machines that comprise
a baffle there is an undesirable problem originating from a
tendency for the solid particles to be retained in, on or around
the baffle surfaces. This was found to lead to incomplete recovery
of the solid particles by the treatment machine.
[0006] Additionally, the inventors observed that the solid
particles retained in the baffle would often be dislodged when
opening and closing the door. Such dislodged solid particles would
enter the drum and fall onto the washed fabrics. Thus, the user of
the washing machine noted the undesirable presence of solid
particles.
[0007] It is an object of the present invention provide
improvements generally and/or to address, at least in part, the
abovementioned problem.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] According to a first aspect, there is provided a baffle for
use with a treatment machine wherein the treatment machine is
configured to wash substrates in the presence of solid particles
and wherein the treatment machine comprises a drum and a door for
loading a substrate into the drum. The baffle comprises a tub
connector portion connecting the baffle to a tub of the treatment
machine. The baffle also comprises a door contacting portion for
contacting the door of the treatment machine when in use and the
door is in a closed configuration. The baffle also comprises a
barrier extending between the tub connector portion and the door
contacting portion; and wherein the barrier is inclined so that
when in use, solid particles deposited on the barrier are diverted
into the drum of the treatment machine.
[0009] According to a second aspect there is provided a treatment
machine comprising the baffle of the first aspect.
[0010] According to a third aspect, there is provided a treatment
machine comprising: a casing; a tub moveably mounted within the
casing; a drum rotatably mounted within the tub; and a door for
loading a substrate into the drum, wherein the door is mounted to
the casing and operable between open and closed configurations. The
treatment machine is configured to dispense solid particles into
the drum and to extract solid particles from the drum. The
treatment machine further comprises a baffle, the baffle
comprising: a tub connector portion connecting the baffle to the
tub of the treatment machine; a door contacting portion for
contacting the door of the treatment machine when the door is in a
closed configuration; and a barrier extending between the tub
connector portion and the door contacting portion and inclined so
solid particles deposited on the barrier are diverted into the drum
of the treatment machine.
[0011] Aspects of the present disclosure provide a baffle or a
treatment machine such that solid particles added to the drum of a
treatment machine are prevented by the baffle from accumulating on
the baffle or adjacent to the door and are instead moved into the
drum.
[0012] Aspects of the present disclosure may comprise any of the
following optional features.
[0013] When in use, the barrier of the baffle may bias the door
contacting portion against the door of the treatment machine when
the door of the treatment machine is in the closed configuration.
The biasing of the door contacting portion against the door by the
barrier may further reduce the likelihood of solid particles moving
between the door contacting portion and the door.
[0014] The barrier may be shaped so that at least 75%, or at least
80%, or at least 90% of the barrier, measured from the tub
connector portion to the door contacting portion is linear or
monotonically curved. A non-linear or non-monotonic portion may be
positioned proximal to the tub connector portion. The barrier may
comprise a single arc curved approximately towards the rotational
axis of the drum; the curved arc may extend into a non-monotonic
portion.
[0015] The barrier may be shaped so that the barrier extends in a
linear or monotonically curved manner between the tub connector
portion and the door contacting portion. Such shapes are free from
protuberances or troughs that may retain solid particles.
[0016] The tub connector portion may comprise attachment means for
attachment to the tub. The attachment means may comprise a feature
to cooperate with a corresponding feature on the tub. The
attachment means may comprise a feature to attach to a
corresponding feature on the tub, for example, one or more
protrusions, lips or rims to cooperate with a corresponding lip,
flange or other structure on the tub, or a bead and eyelet. The
attachment means may comprise any of hooks, loops, pins, screws,
clips and other known mechanical retention devices. Alternatively,
the attachment means may comprise an adhesive or melt bonding of
the baffle to the tub. The tub connector portion may be integrally
formed with the barrier or may comprise separate connection means
for connecting the tub connector portion to the barrier. The
separate connection means may be attached to the barrier.
[0017] The door contacting portion may comprise a portion of the
baffle that contacts the door when in use. The door contacting
portion may comprise a surface adapted to contact the door, which
may for example, comprise an angled surface to contact a
corresponding surface of the door when the door is in a closed
configuration. The door contacting portion may have a higher
stiffness than the barrier, and may, for example, comprise a rigid
or semi rigid annulus to maintain the door contacting portion in an
annular shape to cooperate with the shape of the door.
[0018] The tub connector portion may comprise an annulus positioned
or positionable between the drum and tub. The annulus may reduce
the gap between the tub and the drum to prevent or reduce the
likelihood of solid particles passing through the gap. The annulus
may reduce the gap to no greater than 10 mm, or no greater than 8
mm or no greater than 7 mm or no greater than 5 mm or no greater
than 2 mm. The gap may be at least 5 mm, or at least 2 mm, or at
least 1 mm, or at least 0.5 mm. The annulus may be formed from a
rigid or semi-rigid material, e.g. a metal such as aluminium or
stainless steel or a polymer such as nylon or polyethylene. The
annulus may comprise a smooth or low friction coating on the side
facing the drum. The annulus may be secured in position by a
connection to the tub connector portion. The annulus may
alternatively be positioned radially inwards from the tub or drum
and axially aligned with the gap and may optionally comprise a lip
extending towards or into the drum.
[0019] The treatment machine may have a rotational axis aligned
with the centre of rotation of the drum. The baffle may be annular
in form and thus may also have an axis through the annular centre
of the baffle. The axis of the baffle may be coincident with the
axis of rotation of the treatment machine when the baffle is
applied to the treatment machine. Alternatively, the axis of the
baffle may be parallel to and close to axis of rotation of the
treatment machine when the baffle is applied to the treatment
machine. Close to in this context may refer to a spacing between
axes no greater than 5 centimetres.
[0020] The baffle may be inclined relative to the horizontal plane
so that when applied to a treatment machine, the barrier may be
inclined at an average angle to the horizontal between 10 and 90
degrees, or between 15 and 60 degrees, or between 20 and 30
degrees, or any range formed from any of these endpoints. A
hypothetical line extends from a point where the barrier contacts
the tub connector portion at its lowermost point and the point
where the barrier contacts the door contacting portion at its
lowermost point. The average angle is that between the hypothetical
line and the horizontal.
[0021] The barrier of the baffle may have a length measured
parallel to the axial direction from the tub connector portion to
the door contacting portion. When the door is in an open
configuration (i.e. the door contacting portion does not contact
the door and the baffle is unloaded in the axial direction) the
length may be between 10 and 65 mm, or between 15 and 50 mm, or
between 20 and 40 mm, or between any range formed from any of these
endpoints. When the door is in a closed configuration, the length
of the baffle may decrease by 5 to 20 mm, or by 7 to 15 mm, or a
range formed from any combination of these end points.
[0022] The door contacting portion of the baffle, when applied to a
treatment machine, may impart a force in the axial direction
against the door of the treatment machine when the door is in a
closed configuration. The force may be between 2 and 20N, or
between 3 and 15N, or between 4 and 10N, or between 5 and 8N, or
any range of any combination of the aforesaid endpoints.
[0023] The door of the treatment machine may comprise a dome or
truncated cone extending into the drum when the door is in a closed
configuration. The door contacting portion of the baffle may
contact the dome or cone when the door is in a closed
configuration.
[0024] Use with a dome or cone may assist in self-centring the door
contacting portion of the baffle around the door. This may further
improve the distribution of axial force of the door contacting
portion against the dome or cone.
[0025] The door of the treatment machine may comprise an inwardly
projecting element. The inwardly projecting element may be
transparent and may be formed from a glass or a transparent
polymer. The inwardly projecting element may be a dome or cone as
referred to above. The inwardly projecting element, dome or cone
may additionally comprise a deviation formed on the drum facing
side of the inwardly projecting element. The deviation may be in
the form of rib, ridge, thickened portion, fold, bend or shoulder
on the drum facing side of the inwardly projecting element. The
deviation may be formed integral with the inwardly projecting
element or may be affixed thereto. The deviation may extend
annularly around the drum facing side of the inwardly projecting
element. The deviation may be shaped to match the door contacting
portion of the baffle. The deviation may present a feature or
surface against which the door contacting portion of the baffle may
contact when the door is in a closed configuration. In particular
the deviation may present an inclined surface, at a different angle
to adjacent regions of the inwardly projecting element. The
inclined surface may be closer to vertical than adjacent regions of
the inwardly projecting element or may be aligned vertically. The
deviation may present a surface the door contacting portion can
impart a force against when the door is in a closed configuration.
The deviation may further reduce any oscillatory motion, in
particular in the horizontal/lateral direction of the door
contacting portion against the inwardly projecting element, when
the treatment machine is in use.
[0026] The door contacting portion of the baffle may comprise an
annulus. Preferably, the door contacting annulus is rigid or
semi-rigid. The door contacting annulus may be formed from a rigid
or semi-rigid material, e.g. a metal such as aluminium or stainless
steel or a polymer such as nylon or polyethylene. The door
contacting annulus may have a length in the axial direction of
between 0.5 and 20 mm, or between 0.75 and 8 mm, or between 1 and 5
mm, or range of any of the aforesaid endpoints. A door contacting
annulus, particularly where the door contacting annulus is rigid,
may provide further improved distribution of force against the door
and thus may provide further improved retention of solid particles
in the drum.
[0027] The barrier may comprise a resilient material, such that the
resilience of the barrier provides a biasing force on the door. For
example, the barrier may comprise, amongst others, polymers
(including polyethylene, aramid etc), rubbers (including EPDM
rubber, neoprene and silicone rubber). The material may be formed
as a mesh or sheet. The sheet may comprise slits or pores. The
material may have a thickness between 0.2 mm to 6 mm or between 0.5
mm to 4 mm, or between 1 mm and 2 mm, or between any range
comprising any of the preceding endpoints. The barrier of the
baffle may comprise an extensible material such as neoprene, a
porous polymer sheet, a polymer or metallic mesh, latex rubber or
other highly elastic materials or spring elements.
[0028] The baffle may be formed from a single resilient material.
The barrier may comprise, amongst others, polymers (including
polyethylene, aramid etc), rubbers (including EPDM rubber, neoprene
and silicone rubber). The thickness of the baffle material may vary
in different regions of the baffle. Regions of lower thickness may
provide increased baffle flexibility to reduce transmission of
vibrations. The regions of comparatively greater thickness may
provide greater resistance to wear and deformation. The baffle may
comprise reduced thickness at the barrier, and/or adjacent to the
door contacting portion. The baffle may comprise reduced thickness
at any angle, fold, or bend in the baffle, in particular at any
angle, fold or bend in the baffle between the tub connector portion
and the door contacting portion. A lower thickness region may be
considered to be a region of the baffle where the thickness is
lower than other regions of the baffle. In some embodiments the
door contacting portion may present a reduced opening through which
a user unloads and loads the treatment substrate. A baffle that
comprises lower thickness in the barrier or either side of the door
contacting portion may enable the door contacting portion to
readily deflect when contacted by the user. A lower thickness
region may comprise a material thickness of 0.8 to 1.8 mm and
greater thickness regions may have a thickness of from 2.0 mm to 5
mm. These values are particularly applicable where the baffle is
formed from a rubber, (e.g. EPDM rubber).
[0029] In some embodiments, the baffle may comprise stiffening
ribs. The stiffening ribs may be positioned at regions of lower
thickness. The stiffening ribs may be positioned at any angle,
fold, or bend in the baffle. The stiffening ribs may be
circumferentially spaced around baffle. In particular, the
stiffening ribs may be positioned at an angle of intersection
between a length of baffle extending from the door contacting
portion and from the tub contacting portion. Stiffening ribs may
provide increased localised stiffness to help the baffle to
maintain its shape whilst still being readily deformable by a user
loading the machine. Stiffening ribs may comprise thickened
portions of the baffle. For example, the stiffening rib may be a
rib of 0.5 to 5 mm width. The ribs may be formed of a stiff
material, such as rubber. The stiffening ribs may extend in the
radial direction.
[0030] The barrier may be porous to fluids. This may further
improve drying of the baffle in between washes. The barrier may
comprise a plurality of pores. The size of the pores may prevent
passage of the solid particles. The size of the pores may be
between 0.1 mm and 15 mm in width, or between 3 mm and 10 mm in
width, or between 3 mm and 7 mm in width, or between any range
formed from any of the aforesaid end points. Pore size may refer to
the largest linear dimension of the pores. In the case of openings
in the form of a circular hole the smallest linear dimension
corresponds to the diameter of the circular hole.
[0031] The baffle may comprise a seal. The seal may be positioned
radially outwards of the barrier. The seal may extend from the tub
to the casing. The seal may comprise rubber. The seal may further
prevent water passing around or through the baffle from exiting the
drum and the tub.
[0032] The baffle may comprise a casing connection, the casing
connection may be connectable to the casing of the treatment
machine. The casing connection may be joined to the door contacting
portion of the baffle by an extension of the seal or barrier
extending therebetween. This may provide further stability for the
door contacting portion.
[0033] Alternatively, the door contacting portion may be comprised
as part of the barrier and the baffle may comprise a casing
connection to connect the baffle to the casing. The door contacting
portion may be positioned between the tub connector portion and the
casing connection. The barrier may be arranged as a zigzag,
sinusoid or U-shape when viewed in cross section through the radial
direction. The door contacting portion may be positioned close to
or on a door facing part of an apex or highest point of the zigzag,
sinusoid or U-shape. The highest point may be relative to the
vertical direction at bottom dead centre of the drum. In these
embodiments, the barrier may comprise a non-porous material, and
optionally may comprise rubber (examples include EPDM rubber).
[0034] In embodiments, the barrier of the baffle may be formed from
two or more intersecting frustoconical sections of material. At the
point of intersection an angle may be formed between the two
intersecting sections. The angle may be defined as the smallest
measurable angle between the two intersecting sections, measured at
bottom dead centre. When viewed as a radial cross section through
the baffle, the frustoconical sections may appear as two
approximately linear sections, the intersection forming an angle
therebetween. The barrier of the baffle may comprise two sections
with a single angle of intersection, or three sections with two
angles of intersection or four sections with three angles of
intersection etc. The angles may be between 135 and 15 degrees, or
105 and 30 degrees, or 90 and 45 degrees, or 75 and 60 degrees, or
any range of any combination of these end points. A barrier formed
from two or more intersecting sections as described above may flex
to permit lengthening between the door contacting portion and the
tub connection. The barrier may flex around the angle or angles of
intersection. One or more of the intersecting sections of the
barrier may be angled relative to the shortest line extending from
the door contacting portion to the tub connection at bottom dead
centre, so that the one or more sections may flex as the tub moves
relative to the door. The same construction as described above may
also be used for the baffle between the door contacting portion and
a casing connection.
[0035] In embodiments, the baffle may extend from door the
contacting portion to the casing connection. The extension from the
door contacting portion to the casing connection, at bottom dead
centre may comprise a region of a minima i.e. a lowest point or
trough shape between the door contacting portion and the casing
connection. This shape may help attenuate the transmission of
vibrations. The baffle may comprise a drain to drain liquid
accumulating on the baffle. The drain may be located at the minima.
The drain may drain liquid into the tub, or to the water outlet of
the treatment machine, or to any other liquid carry apparatus in
the treatment machine. The drain may comprise a conduit that
connects from the baffle to any of the aforesaid apparatus of the
treatment machine. The conduit may comprise piping or tubing
amongst others. The conduit may empty into, amongst others, the
tub, sump, drain hose or the filter of a treatment machine. The
baffle may drain under the influence of gravity. The conduit may
extend downwardly from the baffle to the bottom of the machine, or
may be inclined towards the tub. A screen may be positioned in the
baffle above the drain to prevent solid particles and/or debris
(e.g. lint, dirt etc.) from blocking the drain. The screen may
comprise a mesh or apertured member. The screen may be located at
the minima adjacent to the conduit.
[0036] The treatment machine may be configured to dispense solid
particles into the drum and to extract solid particles from the
drum. The treatment machine may comprise a storage chamber for
storing solid particles within the casing of the treatment machine.
The treatment machine may comprise a dispensing pathway for
dispensing solid particles into the drum from within the casing of
the treatment machine, or preferably from within a storage chamber
within the casing. The treatment machine may comprise solid
particle collection apparatus for removing solid particles from the
drum into a different location within the casing of the treatment
machine, preferably into a storage chamber.
[0037] The treatment machine may be configured to dispense solid
particles into the drum through a port in the rear wall of the
drum, the port may optionally be aligned with the centre of
rotation of the drum. The treatment machine may be configured to
extract solid particles through lifters located within the
drum.
[0038] The baffle of the present disclosure is especially suited
for use in treatment machines, especially washing machines having a
load capacity of less than 100 Kg, especially less than 50 Kg and
particularly less than 25 Kg. The load capacity is typically at
least 0.1 or at least 1 Kg. The load capacity may be the weight of
the total dry substrate or substrates which can be placed into a
single treatment cycle.
[0039] The baffle of the present disclosure is especially suited
for use in treatment machines in which the drum and tub are movably
mounted relative to a casing and door which is static.
[0040] In a fourth aspect there is a use of a treatment machine of
the preceding aspect for treating a substrate in the presence of
solid particles.
[0041] The substrate may comprise a textile. The solid particles
may comprise a polymer and optionally may have an average particle
size between 1 mm and 20 mm.
[0042] In a fifth aspect there is method of treating a substrate in
a treatment machine of the third aspect, the method comprising:
loading the drum of the treatment machine with the substrate, solid
particles and a liquid medium; rotating the drum to agitate the
substrate, solid particles and liquid medium.
[0043] The method may further comprise: draining the liquid medium
from the drum; and rinsing the solid particles and substrate, and
optionally repeatedly rinsing the solid particles one or more
times. Loading the drum may further comprise adding a treatment
formulation, such as a detergent, to the drum. The solid particles
may then be reused in one or more further repetitions of the
method. Dispensing the solid particles into the drum may comprise
dispensing via solid particle dispensing apparatus. The method may
comprise collecting the solid particles from the drum via solid
particle collection apparatus. The method may comprise dispensing
from a storage means into the drum and/or collecting the solid
particles from the drum to a storage means.
[0044] The substrate may comprise a textile or animal skin amongst
others. A particularly preferred substrate is a textile. The
treatment may comprise any of washing or cleaning the substrate;
dyeing the substrate, tanning the substrate; abrading the
substrate; stonewashing the substrate; de-sizing the substrate. The
treatment machine of the second to fifth aspects may comprise any
one of textile dyeing apparatus, tanning apparatus, stonewashing
apparatus; textile abrading apparatus and washing machines. A
particularly preferred treatment machine is a washing machine.
[0045] In operation with the treatment machine the solid particles
may not appreciably become associated or affixed to the substrate.
Thus, for example the solid particles do not coat, impregnate or
bind to the substrate.
[0046] Treatment machines typically comprise a casing, a drum and a
tub. The casing forms the outer structure of the treatment machine
and provides rigid mounting points for components of the treatment
machine. The drum and tub are contained within the casing of the
treatment machine. Treatment machines also typically comprise a
door for loading a substrate into the drum, which is closable to
prevent the contents of the drum and tub from exiting the treatment
machine during operation. The door is openable to allow substrates
to be treated to be added or removed from the drum. Typically, the
drum is perforated and cylindrical to contain the load items to be
treated, treatment formulation and liquid medium, such as water.
The drum rotates around a rotational axis to agitate/spin the
substrate items to be treated. The inner circumference of the drum
may comprise a plurality of lifters or vanes which extend in the
axial direction and radially inwards towards the centre of the
drum. The purpose of the lifters is to lift the substrate items
during a treatment cycle to improve the tumbling action. The drum
is typically mounted within the tub and driven via a motor for
rotating the drum. The tub is typically suspended or mounted within
the casing of the treatment machine. The tub may be suspended or
mounted by means including, amongst others, springs and damping
units. During operation of the treatment machine rotation of the
drum may cause vibrations which may also cause the tub to vibrate.
The suspension of the tub within the casing provides some
mechanical isolation from the casing so that transfer of vibrations
to the casing is prevented or reduced. This prevents or reduces
motion of the treatment machine during use.
[0047] The baffle comprises a tub connector portion for connecting
the baffle to the tub. The baffle also comprises a door contacting
portion which is a portion of the baffle that contacts the door of
the treatment machine when the door is closed. The baffle comprises
a barrier that extends between the tub connector portion and the
door contacting portion. The baffle, when applied to a treatment
machine and the door is in a closed configuration forms a surface
shaped and inclined such that any solid particle deposited on the
baffle during a treatment cycle will slide or roll down the barrier
and re-enter the drum.
[0048] The tub connector portion may comprise an annular structure
attached to the tub and optionally positioned or positionable
between the drum and the tub, or optionally comprising a portion
positioned or positionable between the drum and the tub. The
annular structure may reduce the gap between the tub and the drum
to prevent solid particles from passing through the gap. The tub
connector portion may comprise a connection means for connecting
the baffle to the tub. For example, the connection means may
comprise a pair of protrusions configured to contact either side of
the tub, on the internal and external surfaces of the tub. The
protrusion contacting the outer surface of the tub may also
comprise an abutment that cooperates with a flange of the tub. The
pair of protrusions and abutment may form a removable mechanical
connection to the tub. The pair of protrusions may resist axial
motion of the tub connector portion and the abutment and flange may
resist radially inward motion. In other embodiments, the baffle may
comprise alternative connection means such as alternative
configurations comprising one or more protrusions, rims or other
structures to optionally cooperate with a corresponding structure
of the tub. The attachment means may comprise any of hooks, loops,
pins, screws, clips and other mechanical retention devices. The tub
connector portion may be integrally formed with the barrier or may
comprise connection means for connecting the tub connector portion
to the barrier.
[0049] The door contacting portion may comprise a portion of the
baffle that contacts the door when in use. The door contacting
portion may comprise a surface adapted to contact the door. The
surface may be contoured to match a corresponding inner surface of
the door, in particular, the surface may be frustoconical or
frustoconical with curved vertices to cooperate with a
correspondingly shaped dome (or cone) on the inner surface of a
treatment machine door. The door contacting portion may have a
higher stiffness than the barrier, and may, for example, comprise a
rigid or semi rigid annulus to maintain the door contacting portion
in an annular shape to cooperate with the shape of the door. For
example, the door contacting portion may comprise a generally
annular structure which may, for example, comprise nylon or
polyethylene, amongst others. The door contacting portion may be
integrally formed with the barrier or may comprise connection means
for connecting the door contacting portion to the barrier.
[0050] The barrier extends between the tub connector portion and
the door contacting portion and prevents passage of the solid
particles through the barrier. The barrier is inclined so that the
likelihood of solid particles accumulating on the barrier is
reduced, and solid particles are directed into the drum. The
barrier may be shaped such that the radially inner surface of the
barrier, when viewed in cross section, comprises a line or curve
inclined towards the drum. The baffle may be shaped to comprise one
or more of flutings, steps, troughs or bumps on the surface,
provided none of these shapes comprise regions where solid
particles may accumulate, and the radially inner surface of the
barrier maintains a generally linear or curved shape overall.
[0051] The barrier is inclined towards the drum so that solid
particles are diverted into the drum. The barrier may be inclined
at an average angle between 10 to 90 degrees. A hypothetical line
extends from a point where the barrier contacts the tub connector
portion at its lowermost point and the point where the barrier
contacts the door contacting portion at its lowermost point. The
average angle is that between the hypothetical line and the
horizontal.
[0052] The barrier may bias the door contacting portion against the
door of the treatment machine when the door of the treatment
machine is in the closed configuration. The barrier may comprise a
resilient material, such that the resilience of the barrier
provides a biasing force on the door. For example, the resilient
material may comprise, amongst others, polymers (including
polyethylene, aramid etc), rubbers (including EPDM rubber, neoprene
and silicone rubber). The material may be formed as a mesh or
sheet. The sheet may comprise slits or pores. The material may have
a thickness between 0.2 mm to 6 mm or between 0.5 mm to 4 mm, or
between 1 mm and 2 mm, or between any range comprising any of the
preceding endpoints. The barrier may bias the door contacting
portion with a force in the axial direction when the door is in a
closed configuration, wherein the force is between 2 and 20N, or
between 3 and 15N, or between 4 and 10N, or between 5 and 8N, or
any range of any combination of the aforesaid endpoints.
[0053] The barrier may comprise one or more ribs or stiffening
members affixed to the internal or external surface of the barrier.
The ribs or stiffening members may take the form of parallel hoops,
tapered springs, lattices or spaced bars, amongst others. The ribs
or stiffening members may be attached to the barrier by an adhesive
or by melt bonding. They may function to increase the stiffness of
the barrier and may prevent the barrier from forming folds or
creases when the door is in a closed configuration.
[0054] The barrier may be pre-stressed along the circumferential
direction. For example, prior to application of the barrier to the
tub connector portion and/or the door contacting portion, the
barrier in an unstressed position may have a circumferential length
less than the circumference of the tub connector portion and/or the
door contacting portion. Thus, the barrier is strained when applied
to the tub connector portion and/or the door contacting portion.
The barrier may be strained by between 0.5 to 2%. The application
of pre-stress to the barrier may further reduce sag or the
formation of creases in the barrier when the door is in a closed
configuration.
[0055] When the treatment machine door is in an open configuration,
the baffle will be in an unloaded state. In this state, the door
contacting portion may extend in the axial direction beyond the
point where the door contacting portion is positioned when the door
is in a closed configuration. When the door is in a closed
configuration, the baffle may be in a loaded configuration with the
door contacting portion of the baffle displaced axially rearwards.
In this configuration, the barrier may contract, be compressed or
may deviate slightly. The contraction or deviation of the barrier
may help accommodate motion of the tub such that transfer of
vibrations to the door contacting portion by the barrier are
minimised.
[0056] The barrier has a length measured in the axial direction
from the tub connector portion to the door contacting portion, when
the door is in an open configuration the length may, for example be
between 10 and 65 mm.
[0057] The baffle may further comprise a seal. The seal may be in a
position located radially outwards of the barrier. The seal may be
annularly arranged around the rotational axis of the drum. The seal
may comprise a connection to the tub. The connection may comprise a
protuberance that extends over an internal surface of the tub, from
an external surface of the tub. The connection may comprise an
abutment portion located under a flange of the tub. However, the
connection may take a range of forms, and may for example be
integral with the tub connector portion of the baffle. The
connection to the tub may be mechanical and may comprise hooks,
clips and other mechanical retention devices which may be
integrally formed with the seal. The connection to the tub may also
be via an adhesive, screw or other fixing means. The connection to
the tub may also be a shared connection with the tub connector
portion of the baffle and may optionally be integrally formed
therewith.
[0058] The other end of the seal may be connected to the casing, in
particular, the seal may comprise connection means to connect to
the casing immediately adjacent to the door opening. The seal may
extend around the exterior of door opening such that when the door
is in a closed configuration, a portion of the seal is pressed by
an inner wall of the door against an outer surface of the casing to
provide a seal therebetween. Alternatively, the seal may extend
around the interior of the door opening such that when the door is
in a closed configuration, a portion of the seal contacts the door
to form a seal therebetween. A portion of the seal may extend
radially inwards from the casing and an outer surface of the
portion of the seal may contact the door when the door is in a
closed configuration. In a further alternative, an outer portion of
the seal may contact the door when the door is in a closed
configuration and the seal may not be connected to the casing. The
seal may connect to the door contacting portion of the baffle. In
embodiments where the seal comprises connection means to connect to
the casing, the door contacting portion of the baffle may be
connected to the casing connection means of the seal. Connection of
the seal to the door contacting portion of the baffle may further
improve the location of the door contacting portion against the
door.
[0059] When viewed in cross section taken through the radial
direction, the seal may comprise one or more of a loop, deviation
or U-shaped portion. The loop, deviation or U-shaped portion is to
reduce transmission of vibration from the tub to the door or
casing. When using a baffle comprising a seal, solid particles are
prevented from accessing the loop, deviation or U-shaped portion,
or the horizontal upper surface. Thus, solid particles have a
reduced tendency to accumulate on the horizontal surface of or in
the loops of the seal. The seal may be made of any flexible
material which is impervious to water, non-limiting examples
include rubber, silicone and LMWPE amongst others.
[0060] In embodiments comprising a seal which is impervious to
water, the barrier of the baffle may optionally comprise a porous
material as the seal will prevent water passing through the porous
material from exiting the treatment machine. The porous material
may comprise a mesh, a woven fabric, a slitted material or a
material comprising a plurality of spaced pores. Non limiting
examples include nylon mesh and neoprene optionally foamed, slitted
or with pores.
[0061] A seal may be comprised in any of the baffles disclosed
herein. The seal may be integrally formed with a baffle disclosed
herein.
[0062] The baffle may comprise a barrier that extends as a gentle
curve or line between the tub connector portion and the door
contacting portion. Solid particles contacting the barrier will be
diverted down the barrier and back into the drum. The baffle may
further comprise a casing connection, the barrier may extend from
the door contacting portion to the casing connection radially
outwards, then extend in the axial direction, to form a zig-zag/saw
tooth shape when viewed in cross section. The region may be formed
as a loop, bend or bellows. The barrier and the continuation of the
barrier extending in the axial direction may be integrally formed
and may comprise a non-porous material. The barrier may prevent
water in the drum from passing between the tub and the casing
and/or between the casing and the door. When viewed in cross
section, the barrier may form a sinusoidal shape between the tub
connector portion and the casing connection; a zig-zag shape
between the tub connector portion and the casing connection; or the
barrier may form at the bottom part of the drum, an inverted
U-shape between the tub connector portion and the casing connection
(forming a U-shape at the top of the drum); or any other bellows
shape. The door contacting portion may be a part of the barrier
that is disposed for contact against the door when the door is in a
closed configuration. The door contacting portion may alternatively
comprise one or more additional structures to improve contact
and/or positioning between the baffle and the door. Additional
structures may include flaps, thickened regions or surfaces shaped
to conform to the inner surface of the door. In embodiments where
the barrier is formed as an inverted U shape, the door contacting
portion may be located at or close to the highest point of the
inverted U shape, preferably on a door facing aspect close to the
highest point. In embodiments where the barrier forms a sinusoidal
shape, the door contacting portion may also be at or close to the
highest point, preferably on a door facing aspect close to the
maxima, such that the barrier is predominantly a monotonically
rising curve or line between the tub connector portion and the door
contacting portion. The sinusoidal, "zig-zag" or inverted U-shape
may improve accommodation of motion of the tub relative to the
casing and/or the door, this may additionally or separately be
without transferring vibrations to the door or casing. Thus, in
these embodiments, the barrier may be formed from a less extensible
material and as such may be made from flexible and non-porous
material, for example, rubber or silicone.
[0063] The baffle may comprise a second door contacting portion
which may depend from or be attached to the casing connection. The
second door contacting portion may form a seal between the door and
an external surface of the casing when the door is in a closed
configuration, and/or the second door contacting portion may abut
against an inner surface of the door when the door is in a closed
configuration.
[0064] The tub connector portion may comprise an annular structure
aligned with the gap between the tub and the drum in the axial
direction but radially inwards of the gap. The annular structure
may be positioned as a continuance of the incline formed by the
barrier, that way solid particles on the barrier move over the gap
towards the tub. The annular structure may comprise a lip
projecting towards the tub, and the lip may optionally extend into
the tub.
[0065] The barrier may additionally comprise resilient elements
aligned with and extending along the length of the barrier. The
resilient elements may be spaced around the circumference of the
baffle. The resilient elements may be positioned radially outwards
of the barrier or radially inwards. The resilient elements may
impart a force on the door contacting portion biasing it against
the door when the door is in a closed configuration. The use of
resilient elements in the barrier permits the use of non-resilient
material or minimally resilient materials for the barrier material,
examples include latex rubber, thin polymeric films and fabrics
amongst others. The resilient elements function to maintain the
tautness of the barrier so that an angle or curve is maintained
from the tub connector portion to the door contacting portion, such
that solid particles deposited on the barrier will be diverted into
the drum. The resilient elements also maintain contact between the
door contacting portion and the door to prevent passage of solid
particles therebetween. As the tub vibrates, flexion and/or
compression/expansion of the resilient elements accommodates tub
vibration whilst maintaining barrier tautness and contact of the
door contacting portion. The non-resilient barrier may be highly
flexible and prevent passage of solid particles without impeding
motion of the resilient elements. The resilient elements may be
formed from, amongst others, metals and alloys thereof, or
polymers. The resilient elements may comprise, amongst others, leaf
springs, coil springs, Belleville springs. The resilient elements
may be bonded to the barrier at spaced intervals along the length
of the barrier, or they may be connected at the respective ends, or
at the door contacting portion and at the tub connector
portion.
[0066] Alternatively, or in addition, the barrier may comprise
bellows which deviate radially outwards from the barrier surface.
To prevent solid particles accumulating in the bellows the barrier
comprises an extensible cover which maintains the incline or angle
of the barrier. The bellows may function to isolate the door
contacting portion from tub vibrations. The extensible cover may
comprise an extensible material (such as latex rubber, extensible
polymeric films and fabrics amongst others), so that flexing of the
bellows is accommodated by the extensible cover without the cover
transferring vibrations to the door contacting portion. The
extensible cover may be joined to the barrier by melt-bonding,
adhesives, or mechanical fasteners. Alternatively, or additionally,
the extensible cover may comprise features to cooperate with
corresponding features on the barrier, in a non-limiting example,
this may comprise a beading that is retained by eyelets in the
barrier.
[0067] The tub connector portion, door contacting portion and
barrier may be integrally formed from a rigid flexible material
e.g. polypropylene, aramid, polyethylene, polyethylene
terephthalate amongst others. The barrier and door contacting
portion may be split into multiple flexible fingers. The fingers,
at the door contacting portion may additionally comprise a
resilient hoop which may be formed from an elastic cord for
example. The resilient hoop retains the ends of the fingers against
the door dome/cone. The fingers may permit the barrier to flex so
that vibrations are not transferred from the tub to the door.
[0068] In an alternative arrangement, the door contacting portion
may be rigidly connected to the door. The door contacting portion
may be rigidly connected via any of an adhesive, mechanical fixing
means or it may be integrally formed with the door dome/cone. The
barrier may be formed from two parts, a first part is connected to
the tub connector portion and a second part is connected to the
door contacting portion. When the door is in an open configuration,
the second part of the barrier is moved away from the drum with the
door, so that a treatment substrate (e.g. laundry) can be added to
the drum. When the door is in a closed configuration, the second
part of the barrier is adjacent to the first part of the barrier
and the two parts of the barrier form a seal to prevent passage of
solid particles during a wash cycle. The first part and/or the
second part may be made from a rigid but compliant material, for
example EPDM rubber, amongst others. Compliance between one of both
parts of the barrier may provide a better seal. The baffle may
optionally comprise a seal as described herein.
[0069] The baffle of the present disclosure may be used with a
treatment machine to which solid particles have been added to the
drum. The present disclosure may also be used with a treatment
machine wherein the machine comprises apparatus to facilitate
treatment of substrates using solid particles. In particular, a
treatment machine may comprise apparatus for dispensing solid
particles into the drum and/or collecting solid particles from the
drum. The treatment machine may comprise a drum having an open end
for introducing said substrates into said drum. The drum may
comprise storage means located within the drum which is isolated
from the drum volume where treatment of the substrates takes place.
The storage means is for storage of solid particles. For example,
the storage means may be located on a rear wall of the drum.
Alternatively, or in addition, the storage means may be located
elsewhere in the drum, e.g. in the lifters or may be located
elsewhere in the treatment machine.
[0070] The drum may also comprise lifters located on the inner
surface of the drum. The lifters may comprise one or more
collecting apertures into which solid particles can enter the
lifters. Inside the lifters a collecting flow path may be provided,
through which the solid particles can move from the interior of the
drum to the storage means at the rear of the drum
[0071] The lifters may also comprise a second dispensing flow path
for movement of solid particles from the storage means to the
interior of said drum. The flow paths may be shaped such that
rotation of the drum in one direction may dispense solid particles
from the storage means into the drum via dispensing apertures in
the lifters. Rotation of the drum in the other direction may move
solid particles from the drum to the storage means. Alternatively,
the lifters may be configured such that solid particles are
collected regardless of the direction of rotation of the drum. The
drum may optionally comprise a valve on the end wall of the drum,
the valve openable to dispense solid particles from the rear wall
of the drum.
[0072] The solid particles preferably comprise a multiplicity of
solid particles. Typically, the number of solid particles is no
less than 1000, more typically no less than 10,000, even more
typically no less than 100,000. A large number of solid particles
is particularly advantageous in preventing creasing and/or for
improving the uniformity of treating or cleaning of the substrate,
particularly wherein the substrate is a textile. Preferably, the
solid particles have an average mass of from about 1 mg to about
1000 mg, or from about 1 mg to about 700 mg, or from about 1 mg to
about 500 mg, or from about 1 mg to about 300 mg, preferably at
least about 10 mg, per particle. In one preferred embodiment, the
solid particles preferably have an average mass of from about 1 mg
to about 150 mg, or from about 1 mg to about 70 mg, or from about 1
mg to about 50 mg, or from about 1 mg to about 35 mg, or from about
10 mg to about 30 mg, or from about 12 mg to about 25 mg. In an
alternative embodiment, the solid particles preferably have an
average mass of from about 10 mg to about 800 mg, or from about 20
mg to about 700 mg, or from about 50 mg to about 700 mg, or from
about 70 mg to about 600 mg, or from about 20 mg to about 600 mg.
In one preferred embodiment, the solid particles have an average
mass of about 25 to about 150 mg, preferably from about 40 to about
80 mg. In a further preferred embodiment, the solid particles have
an average mass of from about 150 to about 500 mg, preferably from
about 150 to about 300 mg.
[0073] The average volume of the solid particles is preferably in
the range of from about 5 to about 500 mm.sup.3, from about 5 to
about 275 mm.sup.3, from about 8 to about 140 mm.sup.3, or from
about 10 to about 120 mm.sup.3, or at least 40 mm.sup.3, for
instance from about 40 to about 500 mm.sup.3, or from about 40 to
about 275 mm.sup.3, per particle. The average surface area of the
solid particles is preferably from 10 mm.sup.2 to 500 mm.sup.2 per
particle, preferably from 10 mm.sup.2 to 400 mm.sup.2, more
preferably from 40 to 200 mm.sup.2 and especially from 50 to 190
mm.sup.2.
[0074] The solid particles preferably have an average particle size
of at least 1 mm, preferably at least 2 mm, preferably at least 3
mm, preferably at least 4 mm, and preferably at least 5 mm. The
solid particles preferably have an average particle size no more
than 100 mm, preferably no more than 70 mm, preferably no more than
50 mm, preferably no more than 40 mm, preferably no more than 30
mm, preferably no more than 20 mm, preferably no more than 10 mm,
and optionally no more than 8 mm. Preferably, the solid particles
have an average particle size of from 1 to 50 mm, preferably from 1
to 20 mm, more preferably from 1 to 10 mm, more preferably from 2
to 10 mm, more preferably from 5 to 10 mm. Solid particles which
offer an especially prolonged effectiveness over a number of
treatment cycles are those with an average particle size of at
least 5 mm, preferably from 5 to 10 mm. The size is preferably the
largest linear dimension (length). For a sphere this equates to the
diameter. For non-spheres this corresponds to the longest linear
dimension. The size is preferably determined using Vernier
callipers. The average particle size is preferably a number
average. The determination of the average particle size is
preferably performed by measuring the particle size of at least 10,
more preferably at least 100 solid particles and especially at
least 1000 solid particles. The above-mentioned particle sizes
provide especially good performance (particularly cleaning
performance) whilst also permitting the solid particles to be
readily separable from the substrate at the end of the treatment
method.
[0075] The solid particles preferably have an average particle
density of greater than 1 g/cm.sup.3, more preferably greater than
1.1 g/cm.sup.3, more preferably greater than 1.2 g/cm.sup.3, even
more preferably at least 1.25 g/cm3, even more preferably greater
than 1.3 g/cm.sup.3, and even more preferably greater than 1.4
g/cm.sup.3. The solid particles preferably have an average particle
density of no more than 3 g/cm.sup.3 and especially no more than
2.5 g/cm.sup.3. Preferably, the solid particles have an average
density of from 1.2 to 3 g/cm.sup.3. These densities are
advantageous for further improving the degree of mechanical action
which assists in the treatment process and which can assist in
permitting better separation of the solid particles from the
substrate after the treatment.
[0076] Unless otherwise stated, reference herein to an "average" is
to a mean average, preferably an arithmetic mean average, as is
conventional in this art.
[0077] The solid particles may be polymeric and/or non-polymeric
solid particles. Suitable non-polymeric solid particles may be
selected from metal, alloy, ceramic and glass solid particles.
Preferably, however, the solid particles are polymeric solid
particles.
[0078] Preferably the solid particles comprise a thermoplastic
polymer. A thermoplastic polymer, as used herein, preferably means
a material which becomes soft when heated and hard when cooled.
This is to be distinguished from thermosets (e.g. rubbers) which
will not soften on heating. A more preferred thermoplastic is one
which can be used in hot melt compounding and extrusion.
[0079] The solid particles preferably have a solubility in water of
no more than 1 wt %, more preferably no more than 0.1 wt % in water
and most preferably the polymer is insoluble in water. Preferably
the water is at pH 7 and a temperature of 20.degree. C. whilst the
solubility test is being performed. The solubility test is
preferably performed over a period of 24 hours. The polymer is
preferably not degradable. By the words "not degradable" it is
preferably meant that the polymer is stable in water without
showing any appreciable tendency to dissolve or hydrolyse. For
example, the polymer shows no appreciable tendency to dissolve or
hydrolyse over a period of 24 hrs in water at pH 7 and at a
temperature of 20.degree. C. Preferably a polymer shows no
appreciable tendency to dissolve or hydrolyse if no more than about
1 wt. %, preferably no more than about 0.1 wt. % and preferably
none of the polymer dissolves or hydrolyses, preferably under the
conditions defined above. The solubility and degradability
characteristics are preferably assessed on a polymeric solid
particle as disclosed herein. The solubility and degradability
characteristics are preferably equally applicable to non-polymeric
solid particles.
[0080] The polymer of the solid particles may be crystalline or
amorphous or a mixture thereof. The polymer can be linear, branched
or partly cross-linked (preferably wherein the polymer is still
thermoplastic in nature), more preferably the polymer is
linear.
[0081] The polymer of the solid particles preferably is or
comprises a polyalkylene, a polyamide, a polyester or a
polyurethane and copolymers and/or blends thereof, preferably from
polyalkylenes, polyamides and polyesters, preferably from
polyamides and polyalkylene, and preferably from polyamides. A
preferred polyalkylene is polypropylene.
[0082] Preferably, the matrix of the solid particles optionally
comprises filler(s) and/or other additives extends throughout the
whole volume of the solid particles. The solid particles can be
spheroidal or substantially spherical, ellipsoidal, cylindrical or
cuboid. Solid particles having shapes which are intermediate
between these shapes are also possible.
[0083] The best results for treatment performance (particularly
cleaning performance) and separation performance (separating the
substrate from the solid particles after the treating steps) in
combination are typically observed with ellipsoidal solid
particles. Spheroidal solid particles tend to separate best but may
not provide optimum treatment or cleaning performance. Conversely,
cylindrical or cuboid solid particles separate poorly but treat or
clean effectively. Spheroidal and ellipsoidal solid particles are
particularly useful where improved fabric care is important because
they are less abrasive. Spheroidal or ellipsoidal solid particles
are particularly useful in the present invention which is designed
to operate without a pump for the solid particles and wherein the
transfer of the solid particles between the storage means and the
interior of the drum is facilitated by rotation of the drum. The
term "spheroidal", as used herein, encompasses spherical and
substantially spherical solid particles. Preferably, the solid
particles are not perfectly spherical. Preferably, the solid
particles have an average aspect ratio of greater than 1, more
preferably greater than 1.05, even more preferably greater than
1.07 and especially greater than 1.1. Preferably, the solid
particles have an average aspect ratio of less than 5, preferably
less than 3, preferably less than 2, preferably less than 1.7 and
preferably less than 1.5. The average is preferably a number
average. The average is preferably performed on at least 10, more
preferably at least 100 solid particles and especially at least
1000 solid particles. The aspect ratio for each solid particle is
preferably given by the ratio of the longest linear dimension
divided by the shortest linear dimension. This is preferably
measured using Vernier Callipers. Where a good balance between
treating performance (particularly cleaning performance) and
substrate care is required, it is preferred that the average aspect
ratio is within the abovementioned values. When the solid particles
have a very low aspect ratio (e.g. highly spherical solid
particles), the solid particles may not provide sufficient
mechanical action for good treating or cleaning characteristics.
When the solid particles have an aspect ratio which is too high,
the removal of the solid particles from the substrate may become
more difficult and/or the abrasion on the substrate may become too
high, which may lead to unwanted damage to the substrate,
particularly wherein the substrate is a textile.
[0084] It will be appreciated that the features, preferences and
embodiments described hereinabove may be applicable where
combinations allow, to each of the figures. The invention is
further described with reference to the following figures.
SUMMARY OF THE FIGURES
[0085] FIG. 1 shows cross sectional schematic of a baffle of the
first aspect attached to a treatment machine comprising part of the
second or third aspects, the cross section is taken in the radial
direction through a bottom portion of the baffle and treatment
machine.
[0086] FIG. 2 shows cross sectional schematic of an alternative
embodiment baffle attached to a treatment machine, the cross
section is taken through in the radial direction through a bottom
portion of the baffle and treatment machine.
[0087] FIG. 3a shows cross sectional schematic of an alternative
embodiment baffle attached to a treatment machine, the cross
section is taken through in the radial direction through a bottom
portion of the baffle and treatment machine.
[0088] FIG. 3b shows a cross sectional schematic of an alternative
embodiment baffle attached to a treatment machine.
[0089] FIG. 4 shows cross sectional schematic of an alternative
embodiment baffle and treatment machine, the cross section is taken
through in the radial direction through a bottom portion of the
baffle and treatment machine.
[0090] FIG. 5 shows cross sectional schematic of an alternative
embodiment baffle attached to a treatment machine, the cross
section is taken through in the radial direction through a bottom
portion of the baffle and treatment machine.
[0091] FIG. 6 is a perspective illustration of a segment of an
alternative embodiment baffle attached to a treatment machine.
[0092] FIG. 7a is an illustration of an alternative embodiment
baffle attached to a treatment machine.
[0093] FIG. 7b is an illustration of an alternative embodiment
baffle attached to a treatment machine.
[0094] FIG. 8 shows a treatment machine drum for use with aspects
of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0095] With reference to FIG. 1, a cross sectional schematic
through a bottom portion of a treatment machine 1 is shown.
Treatment machines typically comprise a casing 2, a drum 6 and a
tub 4. The casing 2 forms the outer structure of the treatment
machine and provides rigid mounting points for components of the
treatment machine. The drum 6 and tub 4 are contained within the
casing 2 of the treatment machine. Treatment machines also
typically comprise a door 8 which is closable to prevent the
contents of the drum 6 and tub 4 from exiting the treatment machine
during operation. The door 8 is openable to allow substrates to be
treated to be added or removed from the drum 6. The drum 6 is
perforated and cylindrical (not shown) to contain the load items to
be treated, treatment formulation and liquid medium, such as water.
The drum 6 rotates around a rotational axis 3 to agitate/spin the
substrate items to be treated. The inner circumference of the drum
6 may comprise a plurality of lifters or vanes (not shown) which
extend in the axial direction and radially inwards towards the
centre of the drum. The drum 6 has a radial direction 5. The
purpose of the lifters is to lift the substrate items during a
treatment cycle to improve the tumbling action. The drum 6 is
typically mounted within the tub 4 and driven via a motor (not
shown) for rotating the drum 6. The tub 4 is typically suspended or
mounted within the casing 2 of the treatment machine. The tub 4 may
be suspended or mounted by means including, amongst others, springs
and damping units. During operation of the treatment machine
rotation of the drum 6 causes vibrations which also causes the tub
4 to vibrate. The suspension of the tub 4 within the casing 2
provides some mechanical isolation from the casing so that transfer
of vibrations to the casing 2 is prevented or reduced. This
prevents or reduces motion of the treatment machine during use.
[0096] With reference to FIG. 1, a baffle in accordance with the
present disclosure is shown. The baffle 10 comprises a tub
connector portion 12 for connecting the baffle to the tub 4. The
baffle 10 also comprises a door contacting portion 14 which is a
portion of the baffle 10 that contacts the door 8 of the treatment
machine 1 when the door 8 is closed. The baffle 10 comprises a
barrier 16 that extends between the tub connector portion 12 and
the door contacting portion 14. The baffle, when applied to the
treatment machine and the door is in a closed configuration forms a
surface shaped and inclined such that any solid particle deposited
on the baffle during a treatment cycle will slide or roll down the
barrier and re-enter the drum.
[0097] The tub connector portion 12 may comprise an annular
structure 13 attached to the tub and optionally positioned or
positionable between the drum and the tub, or optionally comprising
a portion positioned or positionable between the drum and the tub.
The annular structure may reduce the gap between the tub and the
drum to prevent solid particles from passing through the gap as
shown in FIG. 1. The tub connector portion 12 may comprise a
connection means for connecting the baffle to the tub 4. An
exemplary connection means is shown in FIG. 1, which comprises a
pair of protrusions 19, 21 configured to contact either side of the
tub, on the internal and external surfaces of the tub 4. The
protrusion 21 contacting the outer surface of the tub 4 may also
comprise an abutment 29 that cooperates with a flange 28 of the tub
4. The pair of protrusions 19, 21 and abutment 29 form a removable
mechanical connection to the tub. The pair of protrusions may
resist axial motion of the tub connector portion 12 and the
abutment 29 and flange 28 may resist radially inward motion. In
other embodiments, the baffle may comprise alternative connection
means such as alternative configurations comprising one or more
protrusions, rims or other structures to optionally cooperate with
a corresponding structure of the tub. The attachment means may
comprise any of hooks, loops, pins, screws, clips and other
mechanical retention devices. The tub connector portion 12 may be
integrally formed with the barrier 16 or may comprise connection
means for connecting the tub connector portion to the barrier.
[0098] The door contacting portion 14 may comprise a portion of the
baffle that contacts the door 8 when in use. The door contacting
portion 14 may comprise a surface adapted to contact the door. The
surface may be contoured to match a corresponding inner surface of
the door, in particular, the surface may be frustoconical or
frustoconical with curved vertices to cooperate with a
correspondingly shaped dome (or cone) on the inner surface of a
treatment machine door. The door contacting portion 14 may have a
higher stiffness than the barrier 16, and may, for example,
comprise a rigid or semi rigid annulus to maintain the door
contacting portion in an annular shape to cooperate with the shape
of the door. For example, the door contacting portion 14 may
comprise a generally annular structure which may, for example,
comprise nylon or polyethylene, amongst others. The door contacting
portion 14 may be integrally formed with the barrier 16 or may
comprise connection means for connecting the door contacting
portion to the barrier.
[0099] The barrier 16 extends between the tub connector portion 12
and the door contacting portion 14 and prevents passage of the
solid particles through the barrier. The barrier is inclined so
that the likelihood of solid particles accumulating on the barrier
is reduced, and solid particles are directed into the drum. The
barrier may be shaped such that the radially inner surface of the
barrier, when viewed in cross section, comprises a line or curve
inclined towards the drum. The baffle may be shaped to comprise one
or more of flutings, steps, troughs or bumps on the surface,
provided none of these shapes comprise regions where solid
particles may accumulate, and the radially inner surface of the
barrier maintains a generally linear or curved shape overall.
[0100] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the barrier is inclined towards
the drum so that solid particles are diverted into the drum. The
barrier may be inclined at an average angle between 10 to 90
degrees. A hypothetical line extends from a point where the barrier
contacts the tub connector portion at its lowermost point and the
point where the barrier contacts the door contacting portion at its
lowermost point. The average angle 18 is that between the
hypothetical line and the horizontal as shown in FIG. 1.
[0101] The barrier 16 may bias the door contacting portion 14
against the door 8 of the treatment machine 1 when the door of the
treatment machine is in the closed configuration. The barrier 16
may comprise a resilient material, such that the resilience of the
barrier provides a biasing force 20 on the door. For example, the
resilient material may comprise, amongst others, polymers
(including polyethylene, aramid etc), rubbers (including EPDM
rubber, neoprene and silicone rubber). The material may be formed
as a mesh or sheet. The sheet may comprise slits or pores. The
material may have a thickness between 0.2 mm to 6 mm or between 0.5
mm to 4 mm, or between 1 mm and 2 mm, or between any range
comprising any of the preceding endpoints. The barrier may bias the
door contacting portion with a force in the axial direction when
the door is in a closed configuration, wherein the force is between
2 and 20N, or between 3 and 15N, or between 4 and 10N, or between 5
and 8N, or any range of any combination of the aforesaid
endpoints.
[0102] The barrier 16 may comprise one or more ribs or stiffening
members affixed to the internal or external surface of the barrier.
The ribs or stiffening members may take the form of parallel hoops,
tapered springs, lattices or spaced bars, amongst others. The ribs
or stiffening members may be attached to the barrier by an adhesive
or by melt bonding. They may function to increase the stiffness of
the barrier and may prevent the barrier from forming folds or
creases when the door is in a closed configuration.
[0103] The barrier may be pre-stressed along the circumferential
direction. For example, prior to application of the barrier 16 to
the tub connector portion 12 and/or the door contacting portion 14,
the barrier in an unstressed position may have a circumferential
length less than the circumference of the tub connector portion 12
and/or the door contacting portion 14. Thus, the barrier is
strained when applied to the tub connector portion 12 and/or the
door contacting portion 14. The barrier may be strained by between
0.5 to 2%. The application of pre-stress to the barrier may further
reduce sag or the formation of creases in the barrier when the door
is in a closed configuration.
[0104] When the treatment machine door 8 is in an open
configuration (not shown), the baffle 10 will be in an unloaded
state. In this state, the door contacting portion 14 may extend in
the axial direction beyond the point where the door contacting
portion 14 is positioned when the door is in a closed
configuration. When the door 8 is in a closed configuration, the
baffle may be in a loaded configuration with the door contacting
portion 14 of the baffle 10 displaced axially rearwards. In this
configuration, the barrier 16 may contract, be compressed or may
deviate slightly (as shown in FIG. 1). The contraction or deviation
of the barrier 16 may help accommodate motion of the tub 4 such
that transfer of vibrations to the door 8 contacting portion by the
barrier are minimised.
[0105] The barrier has a length measured in the axial direction
from the tub connector portion 12 to the door contacting portion,
when the door is in an open configuration the length may, for
example be between 10 and 65 mm.
[0106] Referring to FIG. 2, a baffle 10 further comprises a seal
30. The seal 30 is shown in a position located radially outwards of
the barrier 16. The seal 30 may be annularly arranged around the
rotational axis 3 of the drum 6. The seal 30 comprises a connection
37 to the tub 4. The connection 37 may comprise a protuberance 38
that extends over an internal surface of the tub, from an external
surface of the tub, as shown in FIG. 2. The connection may comprise
an abutment portion 39 located under a flange 35 of the tub 4.
However, the connection may take a range of forms, and may for
example be integral with the tub connector portion 12 of the baffle
10. The connection to the tub may be mechanical and may comprise
hooks, clips and other mechanical retention devices which may be
integrally formed with the seal. The connection 37 to the tub 4 may
also be via an adhesive, screw or other fixing means. The
connection 37 to the tub 4 may also be a shared connection with the
tub connector portion 12 of the baffle 10 and may optionally be
integrally formed therewith.
[0107] The other end of the seal 30 may be connected to the casing
2, in particular, the seal may comprise connection means 36 to
connect to the casing immediately adjacent to the door opening. The
seal may extend around the exterior of door opening such that when
the door is in a closed configuration, a portion of the seal is
pressed by an inner wall of the door against an outer surface of
the casing to provide a seal therebetween (not shown).
Alternatively, the seal may extend around the interior of the door
opening such that when the door is in a closed configuration, a
portion of the seal 34 contacts the door 8 to form a seal
therebetween. A portion of the seal may extend radially inwards
from the casing and an outer surface of the portion of the seal 30
may contact the door 8 when the door is in a closed configuration.
In a further alternative, an outer portion of the seal 30 may
contact the door when the door is in a closed configuration and the
seal 30 may not be connected to the casing 2 (not shown). The seal
30 may connect to the door contacting portion 14 of the baffle 10.
In embodiments where the seal 30 comprises connection means to
connect to the casing, the door contacting portion 14 of baffle 10
may be connected to the casing connection means of the seal 30.
Connection of the seal to the door contacting portion of the baffle
10 may further improve the location of the door contacting portion
14 against the door 8.
[0108] When viewed in cross section taken through the radial
direction, the seal 30 may comprise one or more of a loop,
deviation or U-shaped portion. In FIG. 2, the seal 30 is shown with
a U-shaped portion 32. The loop, deviation or U-shaped portion is
to reduce transmission of vibration from the tub to the door or
casing. When using a baffle 10 comprising a seal 30, solid
particles are prevented from accessing the loop, deviation or
U-shaped portion, or the horizontal upper surface 33. Thus, solid
particles have a reduced tendency to accumulate on the horizontal
surface of or in the loops of the seal. The seal 30 may be made of
any flexible material which is impervious to water, non-limiting
examples include rubber, silicone and LMWPE amongst others.
[0109] In embodiments comprising a seal 30 which is impervious to
water, the barrier 16 of the baffle 10 may optionally comprise a
porous material as the seal will prevent water passing through the
porous material from exiting the treatment machine. The porous
material may comprise a mesh, a woven fabric, a slitted material or
a material comprising a plurality of spaced pores. Non limiting
examples include nylon mesh and neoprene optionally foamed, slitted
or with pores.
[0110] The seal 30 is shown in FIG. 2 with a baffle of the type
shown in FIG. 1, however, the seal 30 may be comprised in any other
baffle disclosed herein.
[0111] Referring to FIG. 3a an alternative baffle 40 in accordance
with the present disclosure is shown. The baffle 40 comprises a tub
connector portion 42 and a door contacting portion 44 and a barrier
46 extending therebetween. The barrier 46 extends as a gentle curve
(not shown) or line between the tub connector portion 42 and the
door contacting portion 44. Solid particles contacting the barrier
will be diverted down the barrier and back into the drum 6. The
baffle 40 further comprises a casing connection 47, the barrier 46
extends from the door contacting portion 44 to the casing
connection 47 radially outwards as shown by region 48, then extends
in the axial direction, to form a zig-zag/saw tooth shape when
viewed in cross section. The region may be formed as a loop, bend
or bellows. The barrier 46 and the continuation of the barrier in
region 48 may be integrally formed and may comprise a non-porous
material. The barrier 46 may prevent water in the drum from passing
between the tub 4 and the casing 2 and/or between the casing 2 and
the door 8. When viewed in cross section, the barrier may form a
sinusoidal shape between the tub connector portion 42 and the
casing connection 47; a zig-zag shape between the tub connector
portion 42 and the casing connection 47 as shown in FIG. 3a; or the
barrier may form at the bottom part of the drum, an inverted
U-shape (not shown) between the tub connector portion 42 and the
casing connection 47 (forming a U-shape at the top of the drum); or
any other bellows shape. The door contacting portion may be a part
of the barrier that is disposed for contact against the door when
the door is in a closed configuration. The door contacting portion
may alternatively comprise one or more additional structures to
improve contact and/or positioning between the baffle and the door.
Additional structures may include flaps, thickened regions or
surfaces shaped to conform to the inner surface of the door. In
embodiments where the barrier is formed as an inverted U shape, the
door contacting portion may be located at or close to the highest
point of the inverted U shape, preferably on a door facing aspect
close to the highest point. In embodiments where the barrier forms
a sinusoidal shape, the door contacting portion may also be at or
close to the highest point, preferably on a door facing aspect
close to the maxima, such that the barrier is predominantly a
monotonically rising curve or line between the tub connector
portion and the door contacting portion. The sinusoidal, "zig-zag"
or inverted U-shape may improve accommodation of motion of the tub
relative to the casing and/or the door, this may additionally or
separately be without transferring vibrations to the door or
casing. Thus, in these embodiments, the barrier may be formed from
a less extensible material and as such may be made from flexible
and non-porous material, for example, rubber or silicone.
[0112] The baffle 40 may comprise a second door contacting portion
49 which may depend from or be attached to the casing connection
47. The second door contacting portion may form a seal between the
door 8 and an external surface of casing 2 when the door 8 is in a
closed configuration, and/or the second door contacting portion may
abut against an inner surface of the door when the door 8 is in a
closed configuration.
[0113] FIG. 3a also shows the tub connector portion comprising an
annular structure 13 aligned with the gap between the tub 4 and the
drum 6 in the axial direction but radially inwards of the gap. In
the particular embodiment shown in FIG. 3a, the annular structure
may be positioned as a continuance of the incline formed by the
barrier, that way solid particles on the barrier move over the gap
towards the tub. The annular structure 13 may comprise a lip 23
projecting towards the tub, and the lip 23 may optionally extend
into the tub 4. The tub connector portion shown in FIG. 3a is
applicable with any other aspect disclosed herein.
[0114] Referring to FIG. 3b a radial cross section of an
alternative baffle 40 in accordance with the present disclosure is
shown in a treatment machine. The baffle 40 comprises a tub
connector portion 42 and a door contacting portion 44 and a barrier
46 extending therebetween. The barrier 46 is formed from two
frustoconical sections that intersect at point 43. One section 461
is connected to the tub connector portion 42 and the other section
441 is connected to the door contacting portion 44. The barrier 40
may flex at the point 43 where the two sections intersect to reduce
transmission of vibrations between the tub 4 and the door 8, and/or
one or more of the sections may flex to reduce transmissions.
[0115] The baffle 40 extends from door contacting portion 44 to the
casing connection 47 and may comprise a second door contacting
portion 49 which may depend from or be attached to the casing
connection 47. This extension provides improved seal reliability by
functioning as a seal between the casing (not shown) and the door
contacting portion 44.
[0116] The door contacting portion 44 prevents the passage of solid
particles towards the casing, however wash liquids may still pass
through and accumulate on region 45 of the baffle between the
casing connection 47 and door contacting portion 44. The baffle 40
comprises a drain 41 in the form of a conduit that extends
downwardly to return the liquid to the bottom of the tub. The drain
may be preceded by a screen 51 in region 45 to filter solid
particles and/or debris (e.g. lint, dirt etc.) to prevent blocking
of the drain. Placing the door 8 in the closed configuration will
displace the door contacting portion 44 inwards towards the drum,
the barrier 46 of the baffle will flex to accommodate this. The
flexing of the barrier 46 will cause the door contacting portion 44
to impart a force against the door in the closed configuration. By
imparting a force against the door, the door contacting portion 44
is prevented from moving against the door dome during operation of
the treatment machine. The door 8 in FIG. 3b is shown comprised as
a door dome, the door dome comprises a deviation 8b shown as an
annular bend or ridge in the door dome. The deviation 8b presents a
surface to resist lateral motion of the door contacting portion 44
towards the front of the treatment machine (i.e. lateral motion
away from the drum 6).
[0117] The baffle 40 shown in FIG. 3b is formed from a flexible
material (e.g. EPDM rubber amongst others). The thickness of the
material varies in different regions of the baffle 40 to give
different stiffness in those regions. For example, the barrier 46
and door contacting portion 44 are less stiff than region 45 and
are shown in FIG. 3b as being formed from a thinner material. This
is to reduce transmission of vibration from the tub to the door.
The door contacting portion 44 extends radially inwards and
presents an opening through which a user unloads and loads the
treatment substrate. A lower stiffness barrier 46 and door
contacting portion 44 may further enable the door contacting
portion 44 to deflect when contacted by the user, minimising any
impediment to the user. The baffle 40 may comprise intermittent
stiffening ribs. These may be circumferential spaced around baffle.
In particular, they may be located at the barrier 46, the
intersection region 43 and at the door contacting portion 44 or
regions where the baffle comprises folds, angles, or corners.
Stiffening ribs are shown at the corners of the door contacting
portion 44 in FIG. 3b. Stiffening ribs may provide localised
stiffening in lower stiffness regions to further improve the
ability of the baffle to hold its shape.
[0118] Referring to FIG. 4 an alternative baffle 50 is shown. The
baffle 50 comprises a tub connector portion 52 and a door
contacting portion 54 and a barrier 56 extending therebetween. The
barrier 56 additionally comprises resilient elements 58 aligned
with and extending along the length of the barrier 56. The
resilient elements 58 may be spaced around the circumference of the
baffle 50. The resilient elements 58 may be positioned radially
outwards of the barrier (as shown in FIG. 5) or radially inwards.
The resilient elements 58 impart a force on the door contacting
portion 54 biasing it against the door 8 when the door is in a
closed configuration. The use of resilient elements 58 in the
barrier 56 permits the use of non-resilient material or minimally
resilient materials for the barrier material, examples include
latex rubber, thin polymeric films and fabrics amongst others. The
resilient elements 58 function to maintain the tautness of the
barrier so that an angle or curve is maintained from the tub
connector portion 52 to the door contacting portion 54, such that
solid particles deposited on the barrier will be diverted into the
drum. The resilient elements 58 also maintain contact between the
door contacting portion and the door 8 to prevent passage of solid
particles therebetween. As the tub vibrates, flexion and/or
compression/expansion of the resilient elements 58 accommodates tub
vibration whilst maintaining barrier 56 tautness and contact of the
door contacting portion 54. The non-resilient barrier 56 is highly
flexible and prevents passage of solid particles without impeding
motion of the resilient elements 58. The baffle 50 may additionally
comprise a seal 30 as exemplified in FIG. 2 and/or the barrier may
extend to a casing connection as exemplified in FIG. 3a. The
resilient elements 58 may be formed from, amongst others, metals
and alloys thereof, or polymers. The resilient elements 58 may
comprise, amongst others, leaf springs, coil springs, Belleville
springs. The resilient elements 58 may be bonded to the barrier 56
at spaced intervals along the length of the barrier, or they may be
connected at the respective ends, or at the door contacting portion
54 and at the tub connector portion 52.
[0119] Referring to FIG. 5 an alternative baffle 60 is shown. The
baffle 60 comprises a tub connector portion 62 and a door
contacting portion 64 and a barrier 66 extending therebetween. The
barrier 66 comprises bellows 68 which deviate radially outwards
from the barrier surface. To prevent solid particles accumulating
in the bellows 68 the barrier 66 comprises an extensible cover 69
which maintains the incline or angle of the barrier. The bellows 68
function to isolate the door contacting portion 64 from tub
vibrations. The extensible cover 69 comprises an extensible
material (such as latex rubber, extensible polymeric films and
fabrics amongst others), so that flexing of the bellows 68 is
accommodated by the extensible cover without the cover transferring
vibrations to the door contacting portion 64. The extensible cover
69 may be joined to the barrier 66 by melt-bonding, adhesives, or
mechanical fasteners. Alternatively, or additionally, the
extensible cover 69 may comprise features to cooperate with
corresponding features on the barrier 66, in a non-limiting
example, this may comprise a beading that is retained by eyelets in
the barrier (not shown). The baffle 60 may additionally comprise a
seal 30 as exemplified in FIG. 3a and/or the barrier may extend to
a casing connection as exemplified in FIG. 3a.
[0120] Referring to FIG. 6 an alternative baffle 90 is shown. The
baffle 90 comprises a tub connector portion 92, a door contacting
potion 94 and a barrier 96. The tub connector portion, door
contacting portion and barrier are integrally formed from a rigid
flexible material e.g. polypropylene, aramid, polyethylene,
polyethylene terephthalate amongst others. The barrier and door
contacting portion are split into multiple flexible fingers 93. The
fingers, at the door contacting portion 94 additionally comprise a
resilient hoop 95 which may be formed from an elastic cord for
example. The resilient hoop 95 retains the ends of the fingers
against the door dome/cone. The fingers 93 permit the barrier to
flex so that vibrations are not transferred from the tub to the
door. The barrier 96 provides an inclined surface so that solid
particles deposited on the barrier during a treatment cycle roll
back into the drum. The baffle 90 optionally comprises a seal 30 as
shown in FIG. 2.
[0121] Referring to FIG. 7a an alternative baffle is shown. The
baffle comprises a tub connector portion 82, a door contacting
portion 84 and a barrier 86. The door contacting portion is rigidly
connected to the door 8. The door contacting portion may be rigidly
connected via any of an adhesive, mechanical fixing means or it may
be integrally formed with the door dome/cone. The barrier 86 is
formed from two parts, a first part 86a is connected to the tub
connector portion 82 and second part 86b is connected to the door
contacting portion 84. When the door 8 is in an open configuration,
the second part of the barrier 86b is moved away from the drum 6
with the door 8, so that a treatment substrate (e.g. laundry) can
be added to the drum 6. When the door 8 is in a closed
configuration, the second part of the barrier 86b is adjacent to
the first part of the barrier 86a and the two parts of the barrier
86 form a seal to prevent passage of solid particles during a wash
cycle. The first part 86a and/or the second part 86b may be made
from a rigid but compliant material, for example EPDM rubber,
amongst others. Compliance between one of both parts of the barrier
may provide a better seal. The baffle optionally comprises a seal
30 as shown in FIG. 2.
[0122] Referring to FIG. 7b an alternative baffle is shown. The
baffle comprises a tub connector portion 82, a door contacting
portion 84 and a barrier 86. The barrier 86 is annular in shape and
extends approximately radially inwards from the tub connector
portion 82 and towards the door 8. The barrier 86 terminates at the
door contacting portion 84. The barrier 86 is inclined so that
particles deposited on the barrier 86 will fall down the barrier
into drum 6. The door contacting portion 84 extends annularly
around the door opening and is sized to sit around an inwardly
projecting element of the door 8, which in FIG. 7b is shown in the
form of a dome. The door dome is shown as rotationally symmetrical
around a central axis, to cooperate with a similarly shaped opening
in the door contacting portion 84. When the door is in an open
configuration a user may pass the treatment substrate through the
opening presented by the door contacting portion 84. When the door
8 is in a closed configuration, the dome of the door 8 contacts the
door contacting portion 84 preventing the passage of solid
particles past the barrier 86. The barrier 86 is made of a
resilient material. For example, the resilient material may
comprise EPDM rubber, amongst others. When the door 8 is closed,
the door displaces the door contacting portion 84 inwards towards
the drum 6. This displacement is accommodated by the flex of the
barrier material, such that in the closed configuration, a force is
imparted against the door 8 by the door contacting portion 86 to
maintain contact throughout use to improve the seal therebetween.
The baffle optionally comprises a seal 30 as shown in FIG. 2.
[0123] The baffle of the present disclosure may be used with a
treatment machine to which solid particles have been added to the
drum. The present disclosure may also be used with a treatment
machine wherein the machine comprises apparatus to facilitate
treatment of substrates using solid particles. In particular, a
treatment machine may comprise apparatus for dispensing solid
particles into the drum and/or collecting solid particles from the
drum. Referring to FIG. 8 a treatment machine drum 70 is shown. The
treatment machine drum comprises an open end of the drum 72 for
introducing said substrates into said drum. The drum comprises
storage means 73 located within the drum which is isolated from the
drum volume where treatment of the substrates takes place. The
storage means is for storage of solid particles. The storage means
shown in FIG. 8 is located on a rear wall of the drum, however, the
storage means may be located elsewhere in the drum, e.g. in the
lifters or may be located elsewhere in the treatment machine.
[0124] The drum also comprises lifters 74a, 74b, 74c located on the
inner surface of the drum. The lifters comprise one or more
collecting apertures 75 into which solid particles can enter the
lifters. Inside the lifters a collecting flow path is provided,
through which the solid particles can move from the interior of the
drum to the storage means at the rear of the drum
[0125] The lifters may also comprise a second dispensing flow path
for movement of solid particles from the storage means to the
interior of said drum. The flow paths may be shaped such that
rotation of the drum in one direction may dispense solid particles
from the storage means into the drum via dispensing apertures in
the lifters 76. Rotation of the drum in the other direction may
move solid particles from the drum to the storage means. The drum
may optionally comprise a valve 78 on the end wall of the drum, the
valve openable to dispense solid particles from the rear wall of
the drum.
[0126] Features described herein in conjunction with a particular
aspect or example of the disclosure are to be understood to be
applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described
herein unless incompatible therewith. As used herein, the words "a"
or "an" are not limited to the singular but are understood to
include a plurality, unless the context requires otherwise. The
term "comprising" encompasses "including" as well as "consisting"
and "consisting essentially of" e.g. a feature "comprising" X may
consist exclusively of X or may include something additional e.g.
X+Y.
[0127] Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any
accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), may be replaced by
alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar
purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly
stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a
generic series of equivalent or similar features. The invention is
not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments. The
invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of
the features disclosed in this specification (including any
accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one,
or any novel combination. The claims should not be construed to
cover merely the foregoing embodiments, but also any embodiments
which fall within the scope of the claims.
* * * * *