EP2134893A2

EP2134893A2 - Laundry processing automaton

Info

Publication number: EP2134893A2
Application number: EP08787913A
Authority: EP
Inventors: David Espic
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Espic David
Priority date: 2007-04-06
Filing date: 2008-04-04
Publication date: 2009-12-23
Anticipated expiration: 2028-04-04
Also published as: WO2008139059A2; JP5220094B2; FR2914654A1; JP2010523188A; WO2008139059A3; FR2914654B1; EP2134893B1

Abstract

The laundry processing automaton (1) of the invention includes a plurality of separate modules (3, 5, 7) and at least one tubular drum (2) for receiving the laundry, wherein each drum (2) can be moved from one module to another and removably and temporarily positioned in each module. At least one (5) of said modules (3, 5, 7) is a laundry washing and drying module. The or each washing and drying module (5) includes a tank (50) for receiving a drum (2) for both washing and drying the laundry in the drum (2).

Description

LAUNDRY TREATMENT AUTOMATE

The present invention relates to a laundry treatment machine, of the type comprising several separate modules and at least one tubular laundry receiving drum able to be moved from one module to another and positioned in each module removably and temporarily .

It is known to equip a self-service launderette or a community laundry with an automaton ensuring both the washing, drying and storage of laundry. FR-A-2824339 describes such an automaton, which comprises several laundry receiving drums able to be positioned in different modules of the automaton for loading, washing, drying and storing laundry. Thanks to such an automaton, the transfer of the laundry from one module to another requires no intervention on the part of a user and is obtained automatically by means of gripping means able to grip the drums and to move between the modules.

FR-A-2,824,339 describes a controller comprising a drum magazine, a loading module, a washing module and a separate and independent drying module. Such an automaton has a large size, which is penalizing for its implementation in a small room. In addition, because of the large number of parts and mechanisms provided in the PLC, the assembly time and the manufacturing cost of such an automaton are high. The large number of parts also increases the risk of failure of the controller, which imposes a high frequency of maintenance, with a significant induced cost.

It is to these drawbacks that the invention more particularly intends to remedy by proposing a PLC of limited size, also having a manufacturing cost, a time of assembly and a cost of maintenance reduced. For this purpose, the subject of the invention is a laundry treatment automaton according to the appended claim 1. Advantageous features of the invention are the subject of the subclaims. The features and advantages of the invention will appear in the following description of two embodiments of an automaton according to the invention, given solely by way of example and with reference to the appended drawings in which: FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an automaton according to a first embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a view from above of the automaton of FIG.

1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a gripping trolley of a manipulator of the automaton of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a front view of a washing and drying module of the automaton of FIG. 1, the lid of the module tank being in an intermediate position between an open position and a closed position; the tank; FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the washing and drying module of FIG. 4, the lid of the tank of the module being in the closed position of the tank;

FIG. 6 is a view on a larger scale of the detail VI of FIG. 1, during the rotational driving of a drum inside the tank of the washing and drying module in closed configuration;

FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic section of detail VII of FIG. 6;

- Figure 8 is a section similar to Figure 7, prior to the rotation of the rotation of the drum with a drive plate of the washing and drying module;

FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-section on a larger scale of a drum of the automaton of FIG. 1 inside the tank of the washing and drying module in closed configuration;

FIG. 10 is a front view on a larger scale of a drum of the automaton of FIG. 1 in the open configuration of its internal thread, this thread being represented in dotted lines;

- Figure 11 is a view similar to Figure 10, in the closed configuration of the net; FIG. 12 is a view similar to FIG. 1 for an automaton according to a second embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 13 is a cutaway perspective view illustrating a drum according to a third embodiment of the invention;

- Figures 14 and 15 are views respectively in longitudinal section and in perspective, illustrating the drum of Figure 13 and a washing module and drying in a first use position; FIGS. 16 and 17 are views respectively in longitudinal section and in perspective, similar to FIGS. 14 and 15, illustrating this drum and this module in a second use position; and

- Figures 18 and 19 are schematic views, illustrating the respective phases of spinning and drying laundry within the drum.

The automaton 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is intended for washing, drying and storing laundry in individual drums 2, intended to be moved inside a non-represented enclosure of the automaton and positioned successively in different modules. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the controller 1 comprises a loading module 3, for the loading of soiled laundry in the individual drums 2 and unloading clean laundry out of these drums 2. The controller 1 also comprises a washing and drying module 5, arranged at the rear of the loading module 3. The washing and drying module 5 comprises a tank 50, in which each drum 2 is able to be positioned in a removable manner, in order to both washing and drying the laundry it contains. The automaton 1 furthermore comprises a storage module 7 disposed laterally with respect to the loading module 3 and the washing and drying module 5. The storage module 7 is in the form of a matrix access shelf, the dimensions of which are adapted to the number of drums 2 of the automaton 1. We denote by X a longitudinal direction of the automaton 1, Y a transverse direction of the automaton 1 and Z a direction of height of the automaton 1, which is substantially vertical.

Each drum 2 constitutes an individual laundry transport unit in the various modules 3, 5 and 7, the laundry loaded in a drum 2 being washed, dried and stored in the same drum. The displacement of each drum 2 between the modules 3, 5 and 7, as well as the positioning of each drum 2 in a module, is provided by a manipulator 9. In this embodiment, the drums 2 are cylindrical with circular section and identical. each other. By way of nonlimiting example, the outer diameter and the length of each drum 2 have a value d of the order of 55 cm, each drum 2 can then contain about 6 to 8 kg of laundry. In the automaton 1, each drum 2 is permanently maintained with its central axis X ₂ substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction X of the automaton. Each drum 2 is open at both ends 2A and 2B, the confinement of the laundry inside each drum 2 being obtained by means of a net 8 with fine mesh. More specifically, each drum 2 comprises a cylindrical envelope 21 and two end flanges 23, which extend radially inwardly of the drum 2 at the ends 2A and 2B. An outer radial portion of each flange 23 is pierced with a plurality of slits 25 oriented in a radial direction of the drum 2. In this embodiment, each flange 23 has sixty slots 25 uniformly distributed over the periphery of the flange. angular distance α between two consecutive slots 25 then being 6 degrees, which corresponds to a gap of the order of one centimeter between two consecutive slots 25. In particular, three slots 25 of each collar 23 are formed by the outer profile of stirrers 27 of the drum 2, which protrude inwardly of the drum 2 and are intended to provide a mechanical action on the laundry during the rotation of the drum . In addition, an inner radial portion of each flange 23 has a frustoconical surface forming a centering cone 29 of the drum 2.

As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the internal thread 8 of each drum 2 is in the form of a laundry bag, on which is provided a hem 81 of hexagonal shape whose diameter is slightly smaller than that of the drum. An eyelet 83 is provided at each vertex of the hem 81 hexagonal, for fixing the thread 8 at the junction between the casing 21 and one of the flanges 23 of the drum 2. The attachment of the thread 8 to the The interior of the drum 2 can be made by any suitable means, in particular by means of screws or clips passing through the eyelets 83.

The thread 8 is open on the side of the drum 2 intended to be directed towards a user when the drum 2 is positioned in the loading module 3, the opening of the net 8 being delimited by a hem 85 in which passes an elastic cord 87 of Sandow type. The hem 85 is compressible and intended to be gathered when closing the net 8, a pressure loop 89 being provided to slide along the Sandow 87. The use of the Sandow 87 ensures that the opening of the net 8 can be sufficiently stretched to allow the passage of large pieces of laundry. In addition, the end of the Sandow 87 has fastening means inside the drum 2, so that the net 8 and the laundry it contains remain confined inside the drum 2 and do not exceed beyond the centering cones 29 of the drum 2.

Each drum 2 of the automaton 1 consists of a material at least partially transparent to infrared radiation, in particular polycarbonate injected or rotomolded. In addition, the casing 21 of each drum 2 is perforated, the unrepresented orifices of the casing 21 being provided for the evacuation of the moisture out of the drum 2 and making it possible to increase the passage of infrared radiation from the outside of the drum towards the inside of the drum. Such a drum 2 thus allows the transmission towards the inside of the drum of the order of 90% of an infrared radiation applied to the outside of the drum 2. In a variant, each drum 2 of the automaton 1 can comprise a structure comprising a stainless steel mesh, associated with a polyethylene overmolding. In this case, the cylindrical casing 21 and the stirrers 27 are made of perforated stainless steel, while the two collars 23 are overmolded. As the mesh is trapped in the polyethylene overmolding, the drum 2 has a good overall strength. Such a drum 2 comprising a stainless steel mesh and a polyethylene overmold is able to transmit about 60% of infrared radiation applied to the outside of the drum towards the inside of the drum.

The automaton 1 comprises an internal armature 4, which comprises a part 41 forming a support of the loading module 3 and a part 42 forming a support for the storage shelf 7 and the manipulator 9. Advantageously, the armature 4 is formed by light metal profiles, for example made of aluminum. The armature 4 is self-supporting and, in the example shown, is fixed only relative to the floor of a room in which the controller 1 is installed. Alternatively, the armature 4 can be fixed relative to any other surface of the room extending in a single plane, for example with respect to the ceiling or a wall of the room.

In order to limit the transversal bulk of the PLC 1, the modules 3, 5 and 7 are each provided with a minimum width in the transverse direction Y of the PLC, in particular with a value JD close to the value d of the outside diameter. 2. In this embodiment, the outer diameter of the drums 2 having a value d of the order of 55 cm, the width of each module is chosen with a JD value of the order of 60 cm. In addition, as seen more particularly in the top view of FIG. 2, the transversal bulk of the controller 1 is minimized by arranging the modules 3, 5 and 7 on either side of a corridor 10 of circulation. manipulator 9, the width of this corridor 10 in the direction Y is also of value £. Thus, the overall width of the controller 1 in the Y direction is 3p_. As shown in FIG. 1, the manipulator 9 comprises a frame

91 of rectangular shape, slidably mounted in the direction X between longitudinal rails 44 of the armature portion 42. The manipulator 9 also comprises a gripping carriage 93, slidable in the direction Z relative to the frame 91. The carriage 93 comprises a main body 95, formed by two transverse brackets 92, and two telescopic arms 97 for gripping the drums 2, each supported by a bracket 92. The body 95 is provided with sensors and actuators of the deployment of the arms 97, each bracket 92 being further able to pivot about a vertical axis to vary the relative spacing of the arms 97.

Each bracket 92 has a width of value less than £ according to the transverse dimension Y and each arm 97 is provided, when in a fully retracted configuration, so as not to protrude transversely with respect to the bracket 92 which supports it. In addition, in order to allow the positioning of each drum 2 in the three modules 3, 5 and 7 of the automaton 1, each arm 97 is able to be deployed parallel to the direction Y, on either side of the square 92 which supports it, with a value race £. In fully deployed configuration of the arms 97, the transverse width of the manipulator 9 is thus twice its width in fully retracted configuration of the arms 97. The arms 97 are systematically retracted when the manipulator 9 circulates in the corridor 10 for the transport of a drum 2 between two modules. Thus, thanks to the telescopic arms 97, the manipulator 9 is both able to circulate in a corridor 10 of reduced width 2 in the transverse direction Y in fully retracted configuration of the arms 97, which limits the transverse bulk of the automaton 1, and adapted to deport each drum 2 of a length Q in the direction Y on either side of the passage 10 in the fully extended configuration of the arms 97, which makes it possible to position each drum 2 in the various modules 3, 5 and 7.

The doubly telescopic movement of the arms 97 on either side of the brackets 92 is obtained by means of superimposed slides. More specifically, as can be seen in FIG. 3, each arm 97 of the manipulator 9 comprises a first plate 94 slidably mounted in the Y direction on an inner wall of the corresponding bracket 92 and capable of sliding relative to this inner wall of on both sides of the bracket 92, over a length of JD / 3. Each arm 97 also comprises an intermediate plate 96, slidably mounted relative to the plate 94 in the Y direction in one direction and the other over a length of _ / 3, and an end plate 98, of smaller dimensions than the plates 94 and 96 and also provided for sliding in the direction Y in one direction and the other over a length of β / 3 along the plate 96. relative movements of the plates 94, 96 and 98 of each arm 97 are synchronized by means of two return belts 99, which makes it possible to control only the position of the intermediate plate 96, over a stroke of plus or minus p_ / 3, for to obtain the desired deployment of the arm 97. The end plate 98 of each arm 97 is provided with a nylon sole having a frustoconical surface 981 substantially complementary to the centering cones 29 of each drum 2. The gripping of a drum 2 by the manipulator 9 is obtained by fully deploying the arms 97 and imposing a relative spacing greater than the length β by a simultaneous pivoting of the brackets 92, then moving the carriage 93 relative to the frame 91 to bring the surface 981 of each arm 97 opposite the centering cone 29 of the drum 2 to be grasped. The spacing of the arms 97 is then reduced by a simultaneous pivoting of the brackets 92, until reaching the value β which corresponds to the coming into contact of each surface 981 with the two centering cones 29 of the drum 2. For the movement of the drum 2 between two modules, the two arms 97 of the manipulator 9 are fully retracted, the release of the drum 2 in one of the modules being performed by a deployment of the arms 97 followed by their relative spacing. As can be seen in FIG. 1, the loading module 3 comprises a cradle 31 for receiving a drum 2 capable of sliding along a longitudinal rail of the armature portion 41, substantially parallel to the direction X of the 1, in order to obtain optimal positioning of the drum 2 in the module 3. The cradle 31 is associated with weighing means, incorporating for example a strain gauge, so that the weighing of the laundry contained in a drum 2 positioned on the cradle 31 can be performed with good accuracy. The module 3 also comprises a shutter flap 33 of the module 3, an outer face 33A of which belongs to a facade (not shown) of the PLC 1 accessible to a user. Advantageously, the facade of the controller 1 comprises a window also not shown, allowing in particular the entry by a user of the laundry treatment options and incorporating possibly, in the case where the machine 1 equips a self-service launderette, a payment terminal.

The hatch 33 of the module 3 is slidable along a vertical rail of the armature portion 41, substantially parallel to the direction Z of the PLC 1. The hatch 33 is provided with an opening 35 and movable between a closure position of the loading module 3, visible in FIG. 1, in which the opening 35 is offset vertically with respect to an end opening of a drum 2 disposed on the cradle 31, the opening of the drum being closed off by a solid portion 34 of the hatch 33, and an open position of the loading module 3, in which the opening 35 is aligned with the opening of the drum 2, while an upper cover 39 of the hatch 33 is resting on the drum 2. When the hatch 33 is in the open position of the loading module 3, the drum 2 is immobilized in rotation and in translation in the direction X, between the cover 39 and the cradle 31. The module 3 also comprises an actuator 32, provided for slide the flap 33 between the shutter and opening positions of the module 3, and a light curtain not shown, intended to eliminate any risk of injury to a user when moving the flap 33. The washing module and drying 5, shown on a larger scale in Figures 4 and 5, comprises a tank 50 for receiving a drum 2 for washing and drying the laundry it contains. The tank 50 comprises a base 51, fixed with respect to a substantially parallelepiped ballast tank 53 forming the frame of the module 5. The ballast tank 53 is connected to the floor of the room in which the controller 1 is installed via absorber blocks 54, able to limit the transmission of vibrations from module 5 to the ground. The tank 50 also comprises a cover 52, able to cooperate in a sealed manner with the base 51 and movable opposite it, between an open position of the tank 50, visible in FIG. 1, and a closed position of the tank 50, visible in Figure 5. The manipulator 9 is adapted to position a drum 2 in the base 51 of the tank 50 when the cover 52 is in the open position of the tank 50. The displacement of the cover 52 facing the base 51 is guided by two lateral arms 55 and 56 of the module 5, pivotally mounted on the ballast tray.

53. The arm 55 supports a geared motor 57 connected to a plate 58, intended for driving in rotation a drum 2 positioned in the tank 50 in the closed configuration, for the purpose of washing and drying the laundry placed in this drum, while the arm 56 supports a plate 59 free in rotation, intended to accompany the rotation of the drum 2 driven by the plate 57. Advantageously, the use of the geared motor 57 for driving in rotation of the plate 58 , instead of a device comprising a drive motor associated with pulleys, makes it possible to limit the size and the number of component parts of the module 5. Each plate 58 and 59 is able to cooperate with an end flange 23 a drum 2 positioned in the tank 50 and is provided with a frustoconical surface 60 substantially complementary to the centering cones 29 of the drum 2. The centering of the drum 2 relative to the trays 58 and 59 can thus be obtained by placing in contact with the frustoconical surfaces 60 of the two plates 58 and 59 with the two centering cones 29 of the drum 2.

The placing of the trays 58 and 59 into contact with the end flanges 23 of the drum 2 is actuated during the displacement of the lid 52 from the open position to the closed position of the tank 50. More specifically, the trays 58 and 59 are away from the flanges 23 when the tank 50 is in open configuration, as shown in Figure 1, and progressively and asymmetrically plated against the collars 23 during the descent of the cover 52 to the closed position of the Thus, as shown in FIG. 4, the drive plate 58 comes into contact with the corresponding flange 23 of the drum 2 prior to the plating of the free plate 59 against the second flange 23 of the drum 2, so that the plateau free 59 is forced both in support and in rotation against the second flange 23. Conversely, during the recovery of the cover 52 to the open position of the tank 50, the trays 58 and 59 s have spread gradually and asymmetrically with respect to the collars 23. The asymmetric actuation of the trays 58 and 59 is obtained thanks to an asymmetrical profile of the arms 55 and 56 for guiding the displacement of the cover 52 opposite the base 51. The cover 52 comprises a gear 68 for driving the displacement of the cover 52, connected to a geared motor 67. The drive gear 68 is coupled, via a chain, not shown, to two pinions 65 and 66 adapted to cooperate respectively with a rack of the arm 55 or 56. As shown in FIGS.

4 and 5, the rack of the arm 55 is provided on an inner face of the arm 55, while the rack of the arm 56 is provided on an outer face of the arm 56. Each pinion 65 or 66 is associated with a roller intended to cooperate with a smooth cam arm 55 or 56 corresponding, opposite the rack. The opening and closing of the tank 50, respectively accompanied by the spacing or the plating of the trays 58 and 59 with respect to the flanges 23 of a drum 2 positioned in the base 51, are thus ensured with a single actuation of the pinion. Training 68.

As can be seen more particularly in the detail view of FIG. 6, the drive plate 58 is provided with twelve attachment rods 61 regularly distributed on the plate 58 and oriented in a radial direction of the plate 58. A first end 61 A each rod 61 is fixed rigidly relative to the plate 58, by fitting between two plates 63 and 65 of the plate 58, while a second end 61 B of each rod 61 is provided with a loop 62 adapted to engage in a slot 25 of a drum 2 positioned in the tank 50. When the twelve loops 62 of the rods 61 are engaged with twelve slots 25 of the drum 2, the drum 2 is secured in rotation with the plate 58, so that a Effective rotation drive of the drum 2 can be obtained. The number of slots 25 of each drum 2 is a multiple of the number of attachment shafts 61 carried by the drive plate 58. The number of slots 25 is optimized so as to ensure reliable attachment of each shaft 61 in a slot 25, while having a relatively small angular distance α between two consecutive slots 25, a good compromise being reached in this example with sixty slots 25. In this embodiment, each rod 61 consists of a stainless steel wire and is elastically deformable. Since the manipulator 9 positions each drum 2 in the module 5 with a random angular orientation, the rotation of the drum 2 generally requires a prior rotation of the plate 58 relative to the drum 2, so as to engage the rods 61 with slits 25 of the drum 2. The angular distance α between two consecutive slots 25 of the drum 2 being relatively small, this pre-rotation of the plate relative to the drum is of short duration and the engagement of the rods 61 with slots 25 of the drum 2 is fast. In addition, thanks to the deformability of the rods 61, this prior rotation, which corresponds to the passage of each rod 61 between a first configuration, visible in Figure 8, wherein the loop 62 of the rod 61 bears against the flange 23 corresponding to the drum 2 between two slots 25, and a second configuration, visible in Figure 7, wherein the loop 62 of the rod 61 is engaged with a slot 25, is performed without significant frictional effort at the interface between each rod 61 and the flange 23 of the drum 2 and without impact to the attachment of the loops 62 in the slots 25. Advantageously, each loop 62 may be provided with a sleeve of elastomeric material, to limit the matting of the surface support of the rods 61 on the corresponding collar 23 of the drum 2. In addition, the plate 63 of the plate 58 has grooves 63A adapted to prevent any lateral movement of the rods 61. Thus, the rotational drive system Module 5, comprising the flexible rods 61 of the plate 58 adapted to cooperate with an end flange 23 of the drum 2, has a good reliability and a good service life.

Alternatively, each elastically deformable rod 61 may be constituted by a stainless steel wire folded in two, so that the loop 62 of the end 61 B is formed by the bending zone of the wire, while the end 61A is formed by both ends of the wire. By imposing a sufficient spacing of the two ends of the wire forming the end 61 A embedded between the plates 63 and 65 of the drive plate 58, the lateral guidance of the rods 61 by the plate 63 at the grooves 63A is no longer necessary , which simplifies the machining of the plate 63. The washing of the laundry contained in a drum 2 positioned in the module 5 is carried out in a conventional manner by injecting water and admixtures into the tank 50 in the closed configuration, then spraying the laundry, which is mechanically stressed by the three brewers. drum 2 rotated about its axis X ₂ . The laundry being washed and dried in the same drum 2, the drum 2 is large in order to allow the mixing and aeration of the laundry during drying. These large dimensions of the drum 2 are favorable for washing laundry. Indeed, during the bubbling, the laundry driven by the brewers 27 is subjected to falls and greater mechanical forces inside the drum 2, while the water and the adjuvants circulate better in the heart of the laundry. The washing cycle time can thus be substantially reduced with respect to washing modules involving smaller drums. The drying of the laundry in the module 5 is carried out by circulation of warm air, preheated to a temperature of the order of 40 ^° C., around the rotating laundry in the drum 2, the perforated envelope 21 allowing the evacuation of the moist air out of the drum 2. This circulation of warm air is associated with an infrared heating of the surface of the laundry through the envelope 21. For this purpose, the cover 52 of the tank 50 is equipped with transmitters 521, as shown in the diagrammatic view of FIG. 9. Thanks to the complementary drying of the laundry by infrared radiation, the drying cycle time and the energy consumption can be substantially reduced compared to laundry drying modules only. by circulation of hot air. In particular, the temperature of the air flowing in the drum 2 is much lower than the desired temperatures for drying the laundry only by circulation of hot air, which are generally between about 60 ^° C. and 80 ^° C. This results a preservation of the quality of the linen fibers, which are not deteriorated during drying. In addition, a heat exchanger is provided at the outlet of the tank 50, in order to recover a portion of the calories generated during drying. Particularly advantageously, as each drum 2 is supported by the shafts of the trays 58 and 59 during washing and drying, the tank 50 of the module 5 is subjected to relatively low stresses and may be made of a rotomolded synthetic material. The tank 50 may also be provided with an inner liner made of a release material, such as Teflon, to facilitate the removal of impurities from the vessel.

As shown in FIG. 1, the storage shelf 7 comprises three stages for receiving the drums 2, delimited by bars 71 which extend in the longitudinal direction X of the automaton 1. Advantageously, the bars 71 are pivotally mounted relative to the frame 42, so that they are adapted, by their combined pivoting, to selectively drive some drums 2, which contain previously washed and dried laundry in the module 5, in rotation around their central axis X ₂ . The shelf 7 can thus provide a degreasing function of the clean laundry, by rotation of the drums 2 on the shelf 7. The shelf 7 can also be provided with infrared emitters not shown, suitable for heating the laundry inside drums 2 so as to contribute to the smoothing action by rotation of the drums. The controller 1 comprises a control unit, not shown, of the various modules and the manipulator 9, able to control and synchronize the successive steps for handling the drums 2 inside the controller 1. When a user wishes to recover its clean, dry and stripped laundry, an action at the window of the facade of the controller 1 allows the manipulator 9 to move the drum 2 corresponding from the storage shelf 7 to the loading module 3 , which then performs the function of an unloading module.

As is apparent from the embodiment described above, the controller 1 according to the invention ensures an efficient load of laundry, placed by a user in a drum 2, for washing, drying and storage. The establishment of the washing and drying module 5, able to ensure both the washing and the drying of the laundry contained in a drum 2, makes it possible to limit the bulk of the automaton 1 with respect to a PLC comprising two independent modules, one being devoted to washing and the other to drying. The arrangement of the various modules 3, 5 and 7 and the manipulator 9 inside the controller 1 is also optimized, so that the overall size of the controller 1 is minimized. The provision of the module 5 ensuring both the washing and drying also reduces the number of parts and mechanisms inside the controller 1, which reduces the assembly time of the controller, as well as its manufacturing and maintenance costs. Moreover, the washing and drying module 5 guarantees efficient and reliable rotation of a drum 2 placed in the tank 50 of the module, thanks to the drive plate 58 provided with the deformable rods 61. The arrangement of the The two-piece tank 50, whose closure actuates means for placing the drive plate 58 against the corresponding flange 23 of the drum 2, makes it possible to ensure mechanical synchronization between the closure of the tank 50 and the rotational drive of the drum. drum 2, with a limited manufacturing cost of the constituent elements of the module 5. In addition, the manufacture of drums 2 in a material at least partially transparent to infrared and the incorporation of infrared emitters in the lid of the tank 50 allow to achieve efficient drying of the laundry in the module 5, without deterioration of the fibers of the laundry.

In the second embodiment shown in FIG. 12, elements similar to those of the first embodiment bear identical references increased by 100. The automaton 101 of this second embodiment is intended for washing, drying and storage. of laundry in individual drums 102, intended to be moved inside a not shown enclosure of the automaton 101 and to be positioned successively in different modules. In a similar manner to the first embodiment, the controller 1 comprises a loading module 103, intended for the loading of soiled laundry in the individual drums 102 and the unloading of clean laundry out of these drums 102, a washing and drying module. 105 and a storage module 107. The displacement of each drum 102 between the modules 103, 105 and 107, as well as the positioning of each drum 102 in a module, is Managed by a manipulator 109. The structure and the relative arrangement of the modules 105 and 107 and the manipulator 109 are similar to those of the modules 5 and 7 and the manipulator 9 of the first embodiment.

In this second embodiment, the loading module 103 comprises an elevator nacelle 134, slidably mounted in a substantially vertical direction on a rail 136. A cradle 131 for receiving a drum 102, similar to the cradle 31 of the first embodiment , is fixed on the nacelle 134, while a hatch 133 of the module 103 is located in height relative to the modules 105 and 107 and the manipulator 109, in line with the position of the opening of the drum 102 supported by the cradle 131 when the nacelle 134 is in the high position on the rail 136. Such a configuration of the loading module 103 makes it possible to house the modules 105 and 107, as well as the manipulator 109, in a room located below the front of the door. PLC 101 accessible to users. Thus, the size of the controller 101 at the level of the facade is very small, which can be advantageous when the space available for the controller is limited in the user accessibility zone, the bulky elements of the automaton then being vertically offset relative to the loading module 103, for example in a room located in the basement.

Figures 13 and following illustrate a third embodiment of the invention. In these figures, the mechanical elements similar to those of the first embodiment are assigned the same reference numbers, increased by 200. As in the first two embodiments, there is a drum 202, open at both ends 202A and 202B, which comprises a cylindrical envelope 221, and two end flanges 223. The envelope 221 is pierced with openings 209, visible in particular in Figure 18, which are present at the radial periphery of the drum. As will be seen in what follows, these openings 209, which have a small transverse dimension, especially between 3 and 4 mm, are more particularly intended for the evacuation of water during the spinning of the laundry. Finally, each flange 223 is associated with a centering cone 229. The drum 202 further comprises two plugs 230 and 240, of the same structure, one of which is fixed and the other 230 is removable relative to the casing. Each plug 230, 240 comprises a hub 232, 242, in which a housing 234, 244 is formed. Each of these housings, which will be described in greater detail in the following, generally has a frustoconical profile, extending axially with reference to the axis of the drum, being flared towards the outside of the latter.

Each plug 230, 240 further comprises a peripheral rim 236, 246, whose frustoconical profile allows it to cooperate with that of a corresponding centering cone 229. Finally, the rim and the hub are connected by spokes 238 and 248, for example six in number. The removable cap 230 is fixed on the centering cone 229 opposite, by any appropriate means such as, for example, a ball bushing.

It is further provided a grid 211, which covers in particular the inner face of the plugs 230 and 240, as visible in Figures 18 and 19. In other words, the grid 211 closes the two end ends 202A and 202B of the drum 202. This grid 211 defines front orifices 213, intended for the passage of drying air, as will be seen in what follows. The transverse dimension of each of these orifices 213 is substantially greater than that of the wiping openings 209 mentioned above. For example, these air passage holes have a transverse dimension of between 0.5 and 1 centimeter.

As in the previous embodiments, there is provided a washing and drying module 205, which comprises a tank 250 for receiving one of the drums 202, for washing and drying the laundry it contains. This tank consists of a base 251, and a cover 252, movable relative to this base (see in particular Figures 14 to 17).

The movement of this cover is provided in particular by two arms 255 and 256, pivotally mounted on the module frame. These arms 255 and 256, which are tubular, have free ends 255-ι and 256i which are directed towards one another. In their middle part, next to the hubs 232 and 242, each arm supports an ogive 265, 266, adapted to penetrate into a corresponding housing 234, 244.

Each warhead is integral with the arm which supports it, in translation, but is free to pivot relative to this arm about a geometric axis, substantially parallel to that of the drum. One 265 of the warheads is rotated by a geared motor 257 while, as will be seen in what follows, the other warhead 266 is adapted to be rotated under the effect of the actual movement of the drum. The mechanical axis of the arm carrying the geared motor drives the nose 265 by embedding, while the ogive 266 is secured to a guide axis, carried by the non-motorized arm.

The cover 252 is secured to two longitudinal members 260 adapted to be driven by belts 262, mounted on the frame. These longitudinal members 260 define two pairs of stops, for guiding the arms 255 and 256 during their pivoting movement. 264 'denote the two adjacent abutments, called inner, and 264 "the two opposite stops, said outer.

Finally four springs 270 are interposed between the frame and the walls facing the base 251. These springs first allow some movement of the base relative to the floor of the room. In addition, they allow a pressure of the base against the cover, for their mutual sealing, which corrects any manufacturing defects.

The use of the module 205 and a drum 202, as described above, will now be explained in the following. It is first assumed that the drum is in the tank, during the wash cycle and drying (Figures 14 and 15). Under these conditions, the base 251 and the cover 252 cooperate mutually, sealingly. In addition, the motor 257 drives the first warhead 265 which, in turn, causes the cap facing 230. The connection between the warhead and the walls of the housing 234, which includes a finger ball joint, is of cooperation type. of forms.

The plug 230, rotated by the nose 265, in turn drives the casing of the drum, which is itself secured to the other plug 240. The latter finally causes the second warhead 266, which is integral with the axis of the non-motorized arm, as seen above. This axis can be equipped with a tachometer, to check the agreement with the drive gear motor. This makes it possible to detect a possible defect, such as the absence of the drum in the tank, or the blocking of the drum.

Once the cycle is over, the motor 257 is stopped. Then, the belts 262 induce an upward movement of the longitudinal members 260, as well as the cover 252, which is consequently disengaged with respect to the base 251. At a certain stage of this movement the inner stops 264 'push the free ends of the arms 255 and 256 away from each other.

Therefore, this induces a displacement of the warheads opposite the plugs, so that these warheads emerge from the housings 234 and 244 (Figures 16 and 17). In other words, the drum 202 is no longer secured to the arms 255 and 256, so that it can be supported by the manipulator. Under these conditions, the user can then remove the removable cap to recover his washed and dried laundry.

During a next cycle, the user removes the removable cap, places his soiled laundry in the inner volume of the drum, then restores the aforementioned cap. The manipulator then disposes the drum against the base 251, the cover being in its raised position described above.

The belts 262 then lower the longitudinal members 260 and the cover 252. At an intermediate stage of this movement, the outer stops 264 "push the arms 265 and 266 towards each other. warheads in the direction of the drum, so that these warheads immobilize again in the housings 234 and 244, defined by the hubs of the caps.

At the end of the displacement of the lid, the last is again secured, sealingly, relative to the base. During this phase, the springs 270 can provide a catch-up function, as mentioned above. Finally, the motor 257 is again started, which drives the nose 265 and consequently the whole of the drum 202, since this nose is again secured to the plug 230. The third embodiment presented above, is accompanied by specific advantages. Thus, the drum drive is implemented particularly robustly, because of the "peak" of warheads and hubs. In addition, the arms 255, 256 are symmetrical and tubular in nature, which allows a particularly simple design and implementation.

In addition, in this embodiment, the respective drying and drying phases are processed separately at the drum. Thus, during the spin (FIG. 18), the water is discharged by centrifugal force according to the arrows F1, only through the openings 209 of small dimensions of the envelope 221. This small size is advantageous because it avoids the laundry , materialized by the reference L, to exceed perforations, which strongly reduces the risks of deterioration of the linen.

In addition, during this spin, since the laundry is pressed against the peripheral walls of the casing, substantially no action is exerted against the end faces. Under these conditions, the mesh 211 undergoes virtually no stress, during this spinning phase, so that it can be made of relatively weak material.

In addition, the orifices 213 formed in this mesh are likely to have relatively large dimensions, which allows a satisfactory air passage from behind to the drum during the drying phase. The air path during this drying phase is indicated by the arrows F2.

The invention is not limited to the examples described and shown. In particular, the arrangement of the modules and the manipulator inside the automaton may be different from those presented in the first and second embodiments. For example, the storage module may be circular in shape, the circulation corridor of the manipulator then also being circular. According to another variant not shown of the invention, each drum can have a different orientation in the loading module and inside the automaton, the cradle of the loading module then being provided to apply a rotation adapted to the drum. Furthermore, depending on the installation environment of the automaton according to the invention, the automaton may comprise a separate loading module and a separate unloading module, so as to eliminate any risk of crossover between soiled laundry and the clean linen. Two separate storage shelves are also provided, one being reserved exclusively for storing drums containing soiled laundry, while the other is reserved exclusively for storing drums containing clean laundry.

According to another variant, an automaton according to the invention can comprise several modules of each type described for the PLCs 1,

101 and 201 of the first, second and third embodiments, as well as several manipulators for moving the drums between the different modules.

Claims

A laundry machine (1; 101) comprising a plurality of separate modules (3, 5, 7, 103, 105, 107, 205) and at least one tubular receiving drum (2; 102; 202) for receiving laundry, the or each drum (2; 102; 202) being adapted to be moved from one module to another and positioned in each module removably and temporarily, characterized in that one (5; 105; 205) at least said modules (3, 5, 7; 103, 105, 107; 205) is a laundry and laundry drying unit, the or each washing and drying unit (5; 105; 205) having a vessel (50; 250) for receiving a drum (2; 102; 202) for both washing and drying laundry in the drum (2; 102; 202).

2. An automaton according to claim 1, characterized in that the tank (50) comprises heating cells (521) emitting infrared radiation, the or each drum (2; 102) comprising an envelope (21) at least partially transparent to infrared .

3. An automaton according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises at least one manipulator (9; 109) adapted to move the or each drum (2; 102) from one module to another and positioning the or each drum (2; 102) in each module (3, 5, 7; 103, 105, 107), the manipulator (9; 109) having two gripping arms (97) having a variable spacing.

4. Automaton according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tank (50; 250) comprises a base (51; 251) and a cover (52; 252) adapted to cooperate sealingly with each other. the other, the base being fixed with respect to a frame (53) of the module (5; 105), while the cover is movable between an open position and a closed position of the vessel (50; 250).

5. An automaton according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the or each washing and drying module (5;

105; 205) comprises means (58, 61, 25, 257, 265) for rotating a drum (2; 102; 202) positioned in the vessel (50; 250) about its central axis (X ₂ ). .

6. Automaton according to claim 5, characterized in that the or each washing and drying module (5; 105; 205) comprises means (55, 56; 255, 256) for mechanical actuation of said drive means ( 58, 61, 25, 257, 265) as the lid (52; 252) moves between the open position and the closed position of the bowl (50; 250).

7. An automaton according to any one of claims 5 or 6, characterized in that said drive means comprise a drive plate (58) adapted to cooperate with an end portion (23) of the drum (2). and provided with hooking members (61) of elongate shape, oriented in a radial direction of the drive plate (58), a first end (61A) of each hooking member being fixed rigidly relative to the plate of drive, while a second end (61 B) of each attachment member is adapted to be engaged with a housing (25) of the drum so as to rotate the drum (2) and the drive plate ( 58), each fastening member (61) being elastically deformable, between a first configuration in which the second end (61 B) bears against the drum (2) between two housings (25) and a second configuration in which the second end (61 B) is in taken with a dwelling (25).

8. Machine according to claim 7, characterized in that said mechanical actuating means comprise two asymmetric arms (55, 56) for guiding the displacement of the cover (52) relative to the base (51), the drive plate ( 58) being integral with one (55) of the guide arms, this arm (55) being pivotally mounted on the frame (53) of the module (5; 105) and able to pivot when the cover (52) is moved between the open position and the closed position of the tank (50).

9. An automaton according to one of claims 5 or 6, characterized in that drive means comprises a drive member (265), adapted to be rotated by a motor (257) and to be received in a housing (234) arranged along the central axis of rotation of the drum (202), this drive being adapted to drive the drum by cooperation of forms.

10. An automaton according to claim 9, characterized in that the drive member is a first ogive (265), frustoconical in shape and of non-circular cross section, flaring away from the drum, the housing (234). ) of the drum having a shape complementary to that of the ogive.

11. An automaton according to claim 10, characterized in that there is provided a second warhead (266) adapted to be driven by the rotation of the drum, the second warhead being placed axially opposite the first warhead (265). ).

12. An automaton according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each module (3, 5, 7; 103, 105, 107) has a width of value (ρ_) close to that (d) of the diameter of the each drum (2; 102), the modules (3, 5, 7; 103, 105, 107) being distributed around a corridor (10) for circulating the manipulator (9; 109) of neighboring width of value (β) of that (d) of the diameter of the or each drum (2; 102).

13. An automaton according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises an internal armature (4) self-supporting, adapted to be fixed with respect to a surface extending in a single plane.

14. An automaton according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the drum has, at its two ends (202A, 202B), orifices (213) of drying air passage and, at its radial periphery, openings (209) for discharging water.

15. An automaton according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the orifices (213) for air passage have a transverse dimension significantly greater than the cross section of the openings (209) for discharging water.