FR2951214A1 - LAUNDRY MODULE - Google Patents

Abstract

Laundry module (1), comprising a peripheral structure (2) having a roof element, four supporting posts (13a-13d), a floor (4) and at least three walls (5b-5d), two of which are parallel to one another , defining a substantially rectangular shaped laundry space (E) having a long length (L1) defining a longitudinal direction, wherein the interior space (E) is divided into three zones (Z1, Z2 and Z3) each occupying all the long length (L1), and comprising a user end zone (Z1), an extreme maintenance zone (Z3), and an intermediate zone of machinery (Z2).

Description

The present invention relates to laundromats available to the public for washing and drying laundry. The invention relates more particularly to laundromats contained in non-permanent prefabricated "modules" provided for this purpose, which are simply arranged on a receiving surface, and whose dimensions are sufficiently small not to constitute a permanent building subject to authorization from construction. Typically, a laundry unit comprises a peripheral structure having a roof element, a floor and four peripheral walls parallel in pairs, to define an enclosed interior laundry space. The peripheral structure is generally composed of composite panels which are two sheets separated by a foam. In known manner, the inner space is of substantially rectangular shape having its long length defining a longitudinal direction, and laundry devices are provided to be arranged in the interior space. Laundry modules are more particularly known comprising a rectangular peripheral structure having a length of about 5 m and a short length of about 2.5 m. The interior space is divided into two areas, namely a maintenance area and a user area. These two zones are separated by a transverse partition wall, perpendicular to the great length of the peripheral structure. The maintenance area is smaller than the user area. A user opening is provided in the peripheral structure to provide user access to the user area, and a maintenance opening is provided in the peripheral structure to provide maintenance operator access to the maintenance area. . The washers are provided in the user area and are disposed along the peripheral walls away from the user access. An opening is provided in the partition wall to accommodate a drying apparatus. Such laundry modules typically include five laundry devices, for example four washing machines, and a 16 kg dryer. The tumble dryer of 16kg can be replaced by a tumble dryer double

16 kg + 16 kg. Because of their large size, these laundry modules are not transported in their "already assembled" state. They are transported in their S9OFDEP.doc 2 state "disassembled". Thus, as usual, the laundry modules are assembled once arrived at the final site. Once the laundry module is assembled, the laundry devices are positioned in the user area. A first disadvantage is that assembly time on the final site is significant. A second disadvantage is that qualified operators must be moved to the final site to complete the editing. A third disadvantage is the lack of profitability of these laundry modules, the number of laundry devices not being maximized. However, adding a laundry device would require enlarging the size of the laundry modules, which would further complicate the transport and lengthen the assembly time. A fourth disadvantage is that the maintenance of the washing devices requires moving the defective device (s) so that the maintenance operator accesses the rear of the machine. In addition to the arduousness of the operation, the result is a risk of damaging the laundry device (s) as well as the floor. The problem proposed by the present invention is to design a laundry module that is more cost-effective than existing modules, reducing manufacturing, transportation, installation and maintenance costs. The idea underlying the invention is to design a laundry module with an optimized space, which is transportable to the final site in its assembled state. To achieve these and other objects, the invention provides a laundering module, comprising a peripheral structure having a roof element, four supporting posts, a floor and at least three walls, two of which are mutually parallel, defining a laundering interior space of substantially rectangular shape having a great length defining a longitudinal direction, wherein: the interior space is divided into three zones, each occupying the entire length, and comprising an end user zone, a zone extreme maintenance zone, and an intermediate zone of machinery, the intermediate zone of machinery receives a row of laundry apparatus which separates the extreme user zone from the extreme maintenance zone, the laundry apparatus is oriented with its user control faces aligned and directed to the user's end zone, 559OFDEP.doc 2951214 3 - in the extreme zone of As a user, the peripheral structure comprises a closable user opening shaped to allow user access to the user's end zone. In the extreme maintenance zone, the peripheral structure comprises a closable maintenance opening shaped to allow access of maintenance operators to the extreme maintenance zone, and - the laundry devices of greater depth are positioned away from the maintenance opening. Such a laundry module is designed as a "whole". It includes, in its "already mounted" state, both the peripheral structure and the laundry apparatus in use position. The laundry module according to the invention is a laundering module whose space is optimized, pleasant for use and for maintenance. It can also be transported in its assembled state to the final site. The division of the space as provided in three zones makes the extreme maintenance zone independent, and allows the row of washing apparatuses to be used as a separation from the interior space. This separation makes it possible to block the access to the extreme maintenance zone for the users. This avoids degradations of laundering appliances by malicious or incompetent persons. The user control faces are substantially aligned, so that the control is easier for the users to perform. In addition, this alignment prevents users from injuring themselves by striking surface irregularities. Laundry apparatus includes washing apparatus and drying apparatus. Dryers are usually deeper than washing machines. By aligning the control faces of all laundry devices in the row, the drying units protrude into the extreme maintenance area. Positioning the deeper units away from the maintenance opening optimizes access to the maintenance space, so that a maintenance operator can access all the maintenance parts. washing machines. The depth of the maintenance area is intended to be sufficient to allow the work of a maintenance operator on each of the 35 laundry machines. 9OFDLP.doc 4 Achieving each of the three zones in the longest length optimizes space, and increases the number of laundry devices for the same floor area of the laundry unit. Advantageously, the peripheral structure may comprise four walls parallel two by two, defining a closed interior space. Thus, laundry devices are not permanently accessible by users. This avoids the deterioration of the laundry devices. Advantageously, according to a first embodiment, it is possible to provide electrical connection means for connecting the washing apparatus to an external electricity distribution network, water connection means for connecting the laundry apparatus to an external water distribution network, and means for connecting wastewater to connect the laundry apparatus to an external sewage treatment network. Thus, as the laundry module is already mounted when the laundry module arrives at the final site, all that remains is to connect the laundry module to an external electricity distribution network, to an external distribution network. water supply, and an external sewage treatment network. The laundry module is therefore very quickly operational, without the need for qualified assembly personnel.

According to a second embodiment, the laundry unit may advantageously comprise gas connection means for connecting the laundry apparatus to an external gas distribution network, water connection means for connecting the laundry apparatus to a external water distribution network, and sewage connection means for connecting the laundry apparatus to an external sewage treatment network. Thus, since the laundry module is already mounted when the laundry module arrives at the final site, all that remains is to connect the laundry module to an external gas distribution network, to an external distribution network. water, and an external sewage treatment network. The laundry module is therefore very quickly operational, without the need for qualified assembly personnel. Advantageously, provision may be made for a water reserve, provided with a means of heating the water contained therein, adapted to receive water from the external water distribution network, and able to dispense water. hot water washing machines such as washing machines. 90PDEP.doc Thus, the water used by the washing machines is previously

heated, and washing cycles of the laundry apparatus are reduced. It can advantageously be provided that the water reserve is positioned

in the extreme maintenance zone without limiting the maintenance access to the 5 laundry devices. Thus, the maintenance operators can easily access the laundry devices, and the water supply does not reduce the useful space. In addition, users can not be in direct contact with the water supply, which limits the damage.

Advantageously, provision can be made for: - the user opening is provided in a wall along the great length of the peripheral structure, and - the maintenance opening is provided in a wall along the short length of the peripheral structure .

User access can therefore be large, compatible with the fact that users often introduce large bowls containing the laundry to be washed. Advantageously, it can be provided that the extreme maintenance zone is separated from the intermediate machine zone by a partition wall 20 surmounting the laundry apparatus. Thus, users can not enter the extreme maintenance zone to degrade the washing devices. It can advantageously be expected that the laundry devices are four in number. According to a first embodiment, it is advantageous to provide that the washing apparatus are:

- two washing machines of type 6 kg,

- a washing machine of 14 kg type,

- a tumble dryer of type 16 kg. The choice of this combination of laundry devices provides a laundering module that is cost effective while being of satisfactory size to be easily and economically transportable by road. According to a first variant, the drying apparatus is a double dryer type 16 kg + 16 kg. According to a second variant, the washing machine of 14 kg type is replaced by a washing machine of 20 kg type with a tumble dryer of 16 kg type. A third variant consists of the second variant in which the drying apparatus is a double dryer of the type 16 kg + 16 kg. Advantageously, it can be provided that the dryer is positioned away from the maintenance opening.

Thus, the maintenance operator can access each device of

washing without being hindered by the greater depth of the drying apparatus. We can advantageously predict that the great overall length of

the peripheral structure is about 3 m long and the short overall length of the

Peripheral structure measures approximately 2.50 m.

Thus, several "ready-to-use" laundry modules can be transported one behind the other in greater numbers on the same truck, without exceeding the size of normal road transport. Also, the large 3 m length allows enough launderers to be positioned next to one another for the laundering module to be cost-effective. Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will emerge from the following description of particular embodiments, with reference to the attached figures, in which: FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram in plan view of the structure 20 device and the interior space of a laundry module according to one embodiment of the invention; - Figure 2 is a block diagram in top view of a laundry module according to a first embodiment of the invention; FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram in plan view of a laundry module according to a second embodiment of the invention; and FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the laundry unit of FIG. 3. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4, the laundry unit 1 comprises a peripheral structure 2. The peripheral structure 2 itself comprises a floor 4, a roof element 3, and four peripheral walls 5a to 5d. The peripheral structure 2 surrounds and delimits an interior space E. The wall 5a is shown to better illustrate the delimitation of the space. But this wall is not necessary because the peripheral structure comprises four uprights (13a-13d) provided at each corner to realize the

The supporting structure 2 of the laundry module 1. The wall 5a and the wall 5c are of the same length L1 and provide the great length of the interior space E. The wall 5b and the wall 5d are of the same length L2 and realize the short length of the interior space E. The walls 5a to 5d are assembled together so that the horizontal projection of the interior space E is of substantially rectangular shape. The wall 5a is therefore mounted parallel to the wall 5c, and the wall 5b is mounted parallel to the wall 5d. The walls 5a to 5d are prefabricated walls which are inexpensive and easy to assemble. They have sufficient mechanical strength to achieve the peripheral structure of the laundry module. The interior space E is divided into three zones Z1, Z2 and Z3. Each of these three zones occupies all the great length L1. The two extreme zones form a user end zone Z1 and a maintenance extreme zone Z3. The intermediate zone forms an intermediate zone of Z2 machinery.

Thus, the intermediate zone of machinery Z2 separates the user end zone Z1 from the extreme maintenance zone Z3. The intermediate zone Z2 machinery is provided to receive a row of laundry devices (see Figures 2, 3 and 4). The extreme maintenance zone Z3 is of sufficient depth that a maintenance operator can perform all the necessary maintenance tasks. The Z1 user end zone is deep enough to be comfortable for users who are often charged. The opening clearance of the doors of the laundry apparatus is of course taken into consideration. In the extreme maintenance zone Z3, the wall 5d of the peripheral structure 2 comprises a maintenance opening 7, shaped to allow access of maintenance operators to the extreme maintenance zone Z3. It can be provided to close the maintenance opening 7, for example by a maintenance door 70 (Figures 2 and 3). In the user end zone Z1, the wall 5a of the peripheral structure 2 comprises a user opening 6 shaped to allow user access to the user end zone Z1. It is possible to close the user opening 6, for example by a user door 60 (FIGS. 2 and 3). In the embodiment of Figure 2, the maintenance opening 7 is closable by a maintenance door 70 and the user opening 6 is closable by a user door 60. The doors 60 and 70 are designed to open outward, in order to save space in the interior space E. In the interest of accessibility of the laundry module 1 to persons with reduced mobility, the door 60 is a door 90 cm.

The maintenance opening 7 could be provided in the wall 5b of the peripheral structure, and the user opening 6 could be provided anywhere in the wall 5a of the peripheral structure 2. In the embodiment of FIG. 2, in the intermediate zone of machinery there are two washing machines M1 and M2 of a first type, a washing machine M3 of a second type, and a dryer S. The dryer S may be a single or double tumble dryer. The washing machines M1, M2, M3 and S are positioned next to each other. However, a safety space can be provided if necessary according to the specifications of the laundry devices.

The laundry devices are positioned so that their user control faces are aligned and directed to the user end zone Z1. The laundry devices of greater depth are positioned away from the maintenance opening 7, not to interfere with a maintenance operator operating in the extreme maintenance zone Z3. The wall 5c is provided with electrical connection means 8 for connecting the washing apparatus M1, M2, M3 and S to an external electricity distribution network (or gas connection means 8 for connecting the M1 laundry apparatuses). , M2, M3 and S to an external gas distribution network), water connection means 9 for connecting the washing apparatus M1, M2 and M3 to an external water distribution network, and means for wastewater connection 90 for connecting the washing apparatus M1, M2, M3 and S to an external sewage treatment network. The electrical lines from the electrical connection means 30 or gas 8 to each of the laundry devices M1, M2, M3 and S are identified by dashed lines. The water pipes from the water connection means 9 to the washing apparatus M1, M2 and M3 are marked with solid lines. Sewage pipes are marked by solid lines 35 whose line thickness is greater than for the water pipes. The embodiment of FIG. 3 differs from that of FIG. 2 by the position of the user's opening 6 and the user's door 60, and by the presence of a reserve of FIG. water 10 provided with a heating means 11. The water reserve 10 is fixed to the wall 5c. For more legibility of Figure 3, the electrical connection means 8 and the sewage connection means 90, and their respective connection to each of the washing apparatus M1, M2, M3 and S have been hidden. Thus, a water reserve 10 provided with a heating means 11 is interposed between the water connection means 9 and the washing apparatus M1, M2 and M3. The water supply 10 receives the water from the external water distribution network, heats this water through the heating means 11, and distributes the hot water to the washing apparatus M1, M2 and M3 according to a command specific to each laundry device. The water reserve 10 provided with a heating means 11 is advantageously a vertical type of water heater, or a boiler.

This water reserve 10 and the heating means 11 associated with it are arranged in the extreme maintenance zone Z3, so as not to allow malicious or incompetent users to access and degrade it. In order not to hinder the maintenance work of a maintenance operator, the water reserve 10 provided with its heating means 11 is provided in height, leaving a free underpass for a maintenance operator. FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-section of the embodiment of FIG. 3. In order to improve the safety of the extreme maintenance zone Z3, a separation wall 12 is provided which overcomes the row of washing machines. We will now describe the assembly and transport of the laundry module. The elements of the peripheral structure are assembled at the factory. The washing machines M1, M2, M3 and S are factory-installed in their place of use. Optionally, a partition wall 12 is provided for closing the extreme maintenance zone Z3, as illustrated in FIG. 4.

The partition wall 12 is provided so that the width of the extreme maintenance zone Z3 is about 80 to 100 cm to allow a comfortable access for maintenance. The partition wall 12 is set back from the row of laundry devices M1, M2, M3 and S to allow users to put their belongings on washing machines M1, M2, M3 and S.

Once the laundering module is assembled, it is loaded onto a truck 35 by a hoist crane. The laundry module is transported on the truck to the final site.

On the final site, the laundry unit came down from the truck with the hoist and positioned in its final location. The laundry module is then connected to the external electricity distribution network, to the external water distribution network and to the external sewage treatment network by means of connection 8, 9 and 90 provided for this purpose. We will now describe the operation of the laundry module with water reserve 10. The laundry module is previously mounted, transported, positioned in its location of use, and connected to the external water distribution network, the external network of distribution of electricity, and the external sewage treatment network. The laundry devices are all in operation. A user enters the extreme user zone Z1 of the laundry unit 1 through the user door 60. He places his laundry to be washed in one of the washing machines M1, M2 or M3. It starts the washing machine M1, M2 or M3 by the control panel on the control side. The laundry devices M1, M2, M3 and S can be controlled by a central payment provided in the partition wall 12 or directly in the washing machines M1, M2, M3 and S. This payment center is designed to receive bank cards and cash in the form of coins or notes. The water comes from the external water distribution network and is guided in a water supply 10 via the water connection means 9. The heating means 11 carries the water to the appropriate temperature. Water is introduced into the washing machines. This significantly shortens the duration of the wash cycles. The user can move very easily in the user's end zone Z1 which is substantially rectangular, since no laundry apparatus protrudes into the user's end zone Z1. At the end of the washing, the user places his laundry to dry in the dryer S. He starts the dryer S by the control panel on the control side. At the end of drying, the user retrieves his laundry and exits the extreme user space through the user door 60. We will now describe a maintenance.

When maintenance is provided on any one of the laundry apparatus, a maintenance operator enters the maintenance extreme zone Z3 through the maintenance door 70. It can access all 90FDI'.P.doc directly. necessary elements of M1, M2, M3 and S laundry devices without the need to move the laundry apparatus, which would result in deterioration of laundry devices and floor 4 of the laundry unit. As the water reserve 10 provided with a heating means 11 is provided in height, and as the devices of greater depth are arranged to limit the closure of the extreme maintenance zone Z3, the maintenance operator is not embarrassed to perform the necessary maintenance operations. Advantageously, the peripheral structure is self-supporting, that is to say that when it is hooked by the four uprights 13a-13d which form the corners, and that it is lifted by a hoist, then when is placed, the peripheral structure 2 remains in shape. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments which have been explicitly described, but includes the various variants and generalizations thereof within the scope of the claims below.

Claims (1)

CLAIMS1 - Launderette module (1), comprising a peripheral structure (2) having a roof element (3), four support posts (13a-13d), a floor (4) and at least three walls (5b-5d) of which two are parallel to each other, defining an inner space (E) of laundering of substantially rectangular shape having its long length (L1) defining a longitudinal direction, characterized in that: the interior space (E) is divided into three zones ( Z1, Z2, Z3), each occupying the entire length, and comprising an end user zone (Z1), an extreme maintenance zone (Z3), and an intermediate machinery zone (Z2), - the intermediate zone of machinery (Z2) receives a row of laundry devices (M1, M2, M3, S) which separates the end user zone (Z1) from the extreme maintenance zone (Z3), - the laundry apparatus (M1, M2, M3, S) are oriented with their user control faces aligned and directed towards the z one extreme user (Z1), - in the user end zone (Z1), the peripheral structure (2) comprises a closable user opening (6) shaped to allow users access to the extreme zone d user (Z1), - in the extreme maintenance zone (Z3), the peripheral structure (2) comprises a closable maintenance opening (7) shaped to allow maintenance operators access to the extreme maintenance zone (Z3). ), and - the washing machines (S) of greater depth are positioned away from the maintenance opening (7). 2 - Laundry module (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the peripheral structure (2) comprises four walls (5a-5d) parallel in pairs, defining an interior space (E) closed. 3 - laundry module (1) according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises electrical connection means (8) for connecting the laundry devices (M1, M2, M3 and S) to a external electricity distribution network, water connection means (9) for connecting the washing apparatus (M1, M2, M3, S) to an external water distribution network, and connecting means wastewater system (90) for connecting the laundry apparatus (M1, M2, M3, S) to an external sewage treatment network. 4 - Laundry module (1) according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises gas connection means (8) for connecting the washing apparatus (Ml, M2, M3, S). an external gas distribution network, water connection means (9) for connecting the washing apparatus (M1, M2, M3, S) to an external water distribution network, and wastewater connecting means (90) for connecting the laundry apparatus (M1, M2, M3, S) to an external sewage treatment network. 5 - Laundry module (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it comprises a water reserve (10), provided with a means (11) for heating the water it contains, adapted to receive water from the external water distribution network, and adapted to dispense hot water washing machines (Ml, M2, M3) of the type washing machines. 6 - Laundry module (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the water reserve (10) is positioned in the extreme maintenance zone (Z3) without limiting the maintenance access to the laundry apparatus (M1 , M2, M3, S). 7 - Laundry module (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: - the user opening (6) is provided in a wall (5a) along the long length (L1) the peripheral structure (2), and - the maintenance opening (7) is provided in a wall (5d) along the short length (L2) of the peripheral structure (2). 8 - Laundry module (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the extreme maintenance zone (Z3) is separated from the intermediate machine zone (Z2) by a separation wall (12). ) over washing machines (M1, M2, M3, S). 9 - Laundry module (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the washing apparatus (Ml, M2, M3, S) are four in number. 10 - Laundry module (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the laundry devices are: - two washing machines type 6 kg (Ml, M2), - a washing machine type 14 kg (M3) or washing machine type 20 kg (M3), - a tumble dryer type 16 kg (S) or a double tumble dryer type 30 16 kg + 16kg (S). 11 - Laundry module (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that the dryer (S) is positioned away from the maintenance opening (7). 12 - Laundry module (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the overall major length of the peripheral structure (2) is approximately 3 m and the overall short length of the peripheral structure (2) measures approximately 2.50 m.