Washing machine drum comprising at least one parallelepiped-shaped compartment and washing machine comprising it

Description

[0001] The invention relates to the specific or derived field of mattress washing. It relates more particularly to a drum for a washing machine comprising at least one parallelepiped-shaped compartment, as well as a washing machine or its frame comprising such a drum. The machine according to the invention is particularly suitable for the robotization and automation of the insertion and / or extraction of mattresses in the drum.

[0002] Throughout their lifetime, mattresses are subject to a multitude of attacks from all forms of biological contamination, microorganisms, and parasites. It is therefore necessary to maintain them by washing them regularly.

[0003] Washing your mattress helps ensure bedding hygiene, sleep comfort, and mattress vitality. This helps increase the lifespan of mattresses, producing a positive impact on the environment and sustainable development.

[0004] Currently, most existing solutions for treating mattresses consist of simple surface cleaning such as dry cleaning, applying disinfectant products to the surface or vacuuming and brushing.

[0005] However, these techniques do not allow for results as convincing as those achieved by washing mattresses in a dedicated machine. - In fact, unlike surface treatments, washing mattresses in a machine allows you to wash right down to the core of the mattress. STATE OF THE ART

[0006] In order to meet the need for deep cleaning of mattresses, those skilled in the art have turned to washing machines, particularly industrial machines offering sufficient volume for washing mattresses. However, due to the weight of the mattresses and their movements in the drum during washing, making it difficult to properly balance the masses in the drum, an imbalance problem has arisen, leading to premature wear of the rotor and the bearing of the drum's rotation axis in the short and medium term. In addition, due to the fragility of the materials making up the mattresses, their movements in the drum lead to problems of deterioration of the mattresses.

[0007] Patent EP2524078 proposes a cylindrical drum usable for washing mattresses, comprising different compartments in the shape of a circular crown section, making it possible to balance the masses in the drum and thus limit the imbalance. However, due to the shape of the drum and the compartments, the manual insertion or extraction of the mattresses is long and laborious, it requires a lot of handling of the mattress, and often the action of several people to successfully insert the mattresses into the different compartments of the drum, this in particular for heavy, thick, flexible or large mattresses such as double mattresses.

[0008] The numerous handling operations are physically demanding for the handlers and time-consuming. In addition, when handling soiled mattresses, the health risks for handlers are increased, particularly with the risk of pathogenic diseases and microorganisms.

[0009] Moreover, the use of such machines is associated with low economic profitability, particularly due to the significant time required to load and unload the mattresses, as well as the small number of mattresses that can be inserted simultaneously into the drum. In this context, inventors have long been considering alternative solutions to overcome these handling and performance problems.

[0010] Documents GB 370 105 A and DE 12 07 328 B propose a drum having the technical characteristics of the preamble of independent claim 1. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The inventors have developed a washing machine drum comprising at least one parallelepiped-shaped compartment. This shape is particularly advantageous because it greatly facilitates the insertion and extraction of the mattress in the drum. In addition, such a shape makes it possible to envisage automation of the insertion and / or extraction of mattresses in the drum, reducing human handling and allowing significant time savings in the mattress washing process. ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The present invention allows for improved economic profitability while facilitating and reducing the handling of the mattresses required for their insertion and / or extraction from a washing machine drum. The physical effort required by the handling agent to handle the mattresses is reduced for the following reasons: On the one hand, due to the rectangular shape of the compartments, the manual insertion and / or extraction of the mattresses is greatly facilitated, this resulting in a reduction in the physical effort required for the insertion and / or extraction of the mattresses, and a reduction in the risks of cross-contamination by the mattresses due to less handling; On the other hand, this rectangular shape of the drum compartments makes it possible to adapt to a washing machine comprising such a drum, a system for automating the insertion and / or extraction of the mattresses, thus eliminating the physical effort inherent in the insertion and / or extraction of the mattresses, as well as the possible risks of cross-contamination which result therefrom.

[0013] In addition to the economic advantage, the present invention also has the advantage: To handle mattresses of all sizes, in correlation with the market offer of bedding sales by manufacturers, a more practical balancing of masses in the drum to avoid the fall and / or deterioration of the mattress filled with liquid during the washing or spinning action. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] A first object of the invention relates to a drum for a washing machine intended for washing and / or spinning mattresses, which can rotate around a substantially horizontal axis, comprising at least one parallelepiped-shaped compartment. Preferably, the first subject of the present invention relates to a drum for a washing machine intended for washing and / or spinning mattresses, which can rotate around a substantially horizontal axis and which comprises at least one parallelepiped-shaped compartment, suitable for containing mattresses.

[0015] For the purposes of the invention, the term "washing machine" means a machine suitable for washing and spinning textiles, including flat linen, duvets, pillows and mattresses. A machine according to the invention therefore has the traditional characteristics of a washing machine, in particular a drum rotating around a substantially horizontal axis, located in a tub capable of containing a liquid suitable for washing textiles. The drum and the tub are made of any material known to those skilled in the art to be sufficiently strong to withstand the forces exerted during washing. Preferably, the drum and the tub are made of stainless steel.

[0016] For the purposes of the invention, the term "mattress" means any mattress or object of similar composition (foam / polyurethane / wool / latex / cotton / coconut / springs, etc.) capable of being machine-washed and having a shape substantially similar to that of a mattress. In a non-limiting manner, the term mattress includes benches, seat bases and backs, cushions, foam cubes, etc.

[0017] Commercial mattresses generally have a size between 70x140 cm and 200x200 cm, with a thickness between 3 and 40 cm, and a weight ranging from 5 to 70 kg on average.

[0018] The term "liquid" according to the invention includes all liquid compositions that can be used for machine washing. Preferably, the liquid used is water, to which washing products can be added.

[0019] For the purposes of the invention, the term "parallelepiped shape" means any 3D geometric shape whose 6 faces are parallelograms. In addition to conventional parallelepiped shapes, the compartments of the drum according to the invention may be in the shape of a particular parallelepiped, in particular a cube (6 square faces), a right-angled block (also called: "rectangular parallelepiped": 6 rectangular faces) or a rhombohedron (6 diamond faces). Such a shape makes the compartment(s) of the drum particularly suitable for mattresses, because it allows the mattresses to be inserted into the drum without having to bend or significantly deform them from their usual common shape. Such a compartment shape therefore facilitates the insertion and extraction of mattresses from the drum. In particular, a parallelepiped shape makes it possible to automate the process of inserting and / or extracting mattresses.

[0020] Preferably, the compartments of the drum according to the invention are in the shape of a straight block, this shape being the one which best corresponds to the rectangular shape of the mattresses, so as to limit the space lost in the drum and thus, the bulkiness thereof. This shape of the compartments matches the shape of the mattresses, it thus avoids the deterioration of the mattresses filled with water due to falls occurring during the rotation of the drum, by restricting the movements of said mattresses in the machine. A straight block shape in fact makes it possible to obtain compartments with the shape and dimensions very close to the mattresses, so that the movements of the mattresses are limited by said compartments.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the drum comprises at least one compartment sized to limit movement of the mattresses during rotation of said drum.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the drum is also parallelepipedal in shape.

[0023] The parallelepiped drum according to the invention therefore has 6 faces: A front face, located in front of the drum and allowing the insertion of the drum mattresses A lower face located under the drum when looking at said front face of the drum An upper face located above the drum when looking at said front face of the drum A rear face located opposite the front face Two side faces, one left and one right, defined in relation to the front face, so that the left side face is the face placed on the left of the front face when looking at said front face of the drum, and similarly, the right side face is the face placed on the right of the front face when looking at said front face of the drum.

[0024] When the drum is parallelepiped in shape, it has 12 edges. Edges are the intersections of two faces of the parallelepiped.

[0025] So the drum has: 4 upper edges, intersections of the upper face with the side faces and the front and back faces. 4 lower edges, intersections of the lower face with the side faces and the front and back faces. 4 side edges, intersections between: ∘ The front face and the left side face ∘ The front face and the right side face ∘ The back face and the left side face ∘ The back face and the right side face

[0026] By extension, it is possible to name each of the edges by the two faces that meet to form said edge. Thus, for example, we speak of a right upper edge, formed by the intersection of the upper face and the right lateral face.

[0027] In a particular embodiment, the drum according to the invention has an open face allowing the insertion and extraction of mattresses from the drum. This face is called the front face of the drum.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the drum has two open faces, one for inserting the mattresses into the drum, the other for removing them from the drum.

[0029] In an even more preferred embodiment, the open faces for inserting and removing the mattresses are located opposite each other. In this preferred embodiment, the face intended for inserting the mattresses is called the front face, and the face intended for removing the mattresses, located opposite it, is called the rear face.

[0030] A drum with two open sides facing each other is particularly advantageous for companies that comply with the RABC (Risk Analysis Bio-contamination Control) method designed to limit the risk of contamination, requiring that clean linen never comes into contact with dirty linen. This RABC approach is a guarantee of quality and reliability for cleaning / laundry companies, so having a drum that complies with this approach is essential for such companies. This arrangement also helps improve production management by promoting the forward-moving principle.

[0031] The drum according to the invention has, like the drums of the prior art, perforations, allowing the circulation of water between the drum and the tank.

[0032] The so-called "open" sides, unlike the other sides of the drum, allow mattresses to be inserted or removed from the drum. The other sides of the drum are perforated, so they can let the washing liquid pass through but they do not let the mattresses pass through.

[0033] The drum according to the invention also includes reinforcements intended to strengthen it. These reinforcements are made of any material known to those skilled in the art as sufficiently strong to withstand the forces exerted during washing. A mattress can weigh up to 70 kg and a drum rotates at at least 1000 revolutions per minute during spinning, it is essential to reinforce the drum to prevent its structure from breaking or deteriorating or degrading over time during washing or spinning.

[0034] Reinforcement, within the meaning of the invention, means means for increasing the strength of the drum. These reinforcements are essential because heavy and bulky mattresses cause significant stresses on the drum when it rotates. Such means may consist, for example, of rigid rods or plates reinforcing one or more sides of the drum, or passing through it from its edges to its center.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, the reinforcements are made of the same material as the drum.

[0036] The reinforcements according to the invention may be perforated to allow the circulation of liquid inside the drum. Good circulation of liquid in the drum is important because these liquid movements are one of the bases of the washing action of a washing machine. Perforating the reinforcements is particularly useful when said reinforcements are rigid plates passing right through the drum or plates reinforcing certain faces of the drum, so that said reinforcements do not prevent the circulation of liquid in the drum.

[0037] The drum according to the invention comprises one or more reinforcements. Preferably, it comprises an even number of reinforcements so as not to unbalance the drum. It is then appropriate to place this even number of reinforcements so that the drum is balanced during its rotation.

[0038] In a particular embodiment, the invention comprises two reinforcements extending from the central axis, and separating the drum into two equal parts. The central axis is understood to mean the axis of rotation of the drum, the central axis can therefore be understood as being the axis of inertia of the drum.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment, the reinforcements connect the edges and the central axis, whether a physical axis passing through the drum, or a geometric axis.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the drum has 4 reinforcements, which connect the edges of the parallelepiped to the central axis. In this embodiment, the reinforcements separate the drum into four quarters of identical size. Separating the drum into four equal quarters facilitates balancing the drum, which can be done by filling each quarter of the drum identically. Balancing the masses helps avoid unbalance. Unbalance is understood to mean the situation where a mass is not perfectly distributed on the drum, thus causing an imbalance. The axis of inertia of the drum then no longer coincides with its axis of rotation.

[0041] The unbalance force is a rotating force proportional to the unbalance mass, the unbalance radius and the rotational speed.

[0042] Drum balancing is therefore all the more important in mattress washing machines capable of spinning, because due to the high rotation speed of the drum, the imbalance due to poor mass distribution will be amplified.

[0043] In a particular embodiment of the invention, the reinforcements consist of a reinforcement of the edges of the parallelepiped. This reinforcement can be carried out by adding an angle iron on the edge(s) to be reinforced.

[0044] For the purposes of the invention, the term "compartments" means partitioned spaces in the drum adapted to contain mattresses. Compartmentalization of the drum allows for easier balancing of masses in the drum and prevents the mattress filled with liquid from falling and / or being damaged during the washing or spinning action.

[0045] A compartment suitable for containing mattresses means a compartment that is strong enough to support the weight of the mattresses during washing and / or spinning, and has dimensions close to the dimensions of the mattresses in order to limit movement of the mattresses during washing and / or spinning.

[0046] In one embodiment, the drum according to the invention comprises at least one compartment adapted to contain a mattress.

[0047] In a preferred embodiment, the drum according to the invention comprises as many compartments suitable for containing mattresses as there are mattresses to be washed.

[0048] In an even more preferred embodiment, the drum according to the invention comprises at least two compartments. Preferably, the drum according to the invention comprises 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 or 24 compartments.

[0049] In a most preferred embodiment, the drum according to the invention comprises 8 compartments which can be separated into 2 if necessary, allowing up to 16 compartments. This separation of the compartments can be carried out using a net, or a perforated plate, to be placed in the compartment in order to separate it into two parts. This embodiment has the advantage of allowing the washing of a large number of mattresses at one time, and on the other hand, of allowing easier balancing of the drum.

[0050] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the compartments of said drum can be separated in two using a polyurethane net. Such a net has the advantage of retaining the mattresses without damaging them, while allowing liquids to pass through. This separation makes it possible to divide a compartment suitable for a large mattress (double mattress type) into two sub-compartments each suitable for receiving a smaller mattress (single mattress type). As a result, the user has compartments always adapted to the mattresses in that they have dimensions very close to them, so as to limit their movements during the rotation of the drum.

[0051] The compartments according to the invention have dimensions chosen to be close to, but larger than, the dimensions of the mattresses to be washed. This choice of dimensions is important in order to limit the movements of the mattresses in the machine. Such movements can cause damage to the mattresses, and can lead to an unbalanced drum, causing imbalance.

[0052] In a particular embodiment of the invention, said compartments have dimensions greater than the dimensions of the mattress by about 1 centimeter to 1 m. Preferably, the compartments are between 1 and 50 centimeters larger than the dimensions of the mattress. Even more preferably, the dimensions of the compartment are between 1 and 30 centimeters larger than the mattress. Most preferably, the dimensions of the compartment are 10 centimeters larger than the dimensions of the mattress.

[0053] In a particular embodiment, the compartments adapted to contain mattresses have a length of between 141 and 300cm, preferably a length of between 141 and 250cm, more preferably a length of between 141 and 230, most preferably a length of between 141 and 210cm.

[0054] In a particular embodiment, the compartments adapted to contain mattresses have a width of between 71 and 300cm, preferably a width of between 71 and 250cm, more preferably a width of between 71 and 230, most preferably a width of between 71 and 210cm.

[0055] The height of the compartments is particularly important in order to limit the movement of the mattresses in the drum.

[0056] In a preferred embodiment, the compartments adapted to contain mattresses have a height of between 6 cm and 60 cm, more preferably a height of between 6 and 50 cm, most preferably a height of between 6 and 40 cm.

[0057] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the drum comprises compartments of different sizes, each adapted to a different mattress size.

[0058] The partition is the different sides of the parallelepiped compartment designed to contain mattresses. The partitions thus delimit the compartment.

[0059] The partitions delimiting the compartments according to the invention are made of any material known to those skilled in the art as sufficiently strong to withstand the forces exerted during washing and / or spinning.

[0060] In a preferred embodiment, the partitions are made of the same material as the drum. Even more preferably, the partitions are made of stainless steel. In addition, they are perforated to allow the circulation of liquid within the different compartments of the drum. Good circulation of liquid within the drum is important because these liquid movements are one of the bases of the washing action of a washing machine.

[0061] In a particular embodiment, certain compartments may have one or more of their faces formed by the wall of the drum or by one or more of the reinforcements of the drum.

[0062] In another preferred embodiment, the compartments according to the invention are formed by partition elements connecting two successive reinforcements, said partition elements being perforated so as to allow the circulation of liquid.

[0063] In a particular embodiment, the drum comprises at least one perforated compartment so as to allow liquid to enter the compartment and liquid to exit said compartment.

[0064] In an alternative embodiment, the compartments are formed by perforated plates, parallel and of the same size as the upper and lower faces, delimiting compartments arranged one above the other, and crossing the drum from one side to the other. Said compartments are thus delimited on the sides by the right and left lateral faces, by the front and rear faces respectively in front and behind, and in its height either by one of the upper or lower faces and one of said perforated plates, or by two successive perforated plates.

[0065] In a preferred embodiment, the drum comprises at least one door allowing access to the drum for loading, and also allowing the mattresses to be prevented from coming out of their compartments during the washing and / or spinning action.

[0066] The door is therefore located at the front of the drum, allowing the mattresses to be inserted into the drum.

[0067] In an embodiment comprising two open faces facing each other, the term at least one door designates at least one pair of doors distributed equally between the open faces. Thus, by at least one door is meant here a door on the front face allowing the insertion of the mattresses, and a door on the rear face allowing the extraction of the mattresses.

[0068] A door according to the invention corresponds to a solid or openwork surface, which may include an automated and secure opening system or which may be used manually, and which has a quick and secure locking system.

[0069] In an even more preferred embodiment, the drum is composed of 4 quarters, each having a door for entry and a second opposite it for exiting the mattresses from the drum. Thus, the drum in this embodiment has 4 doors on its front face and 4 doors on its rear face, each door allowing access to a quarter of said drum.

[0070] In a particular embodiment, the drum comprises blades, located on the external face of said drum. These blades allow, when the drum is rotating in the machine, to breathe movement into the liquid contained in the tank, so as to maximize the movements of liquid at the origin of the washing action and therefore to improve the quality and time of the wash.

[0071] In a particular embodiment, the drum comprises at least two blades. Preferably, the drum comprises a number of blades corresponding to a multiple of 4, in order to arrange the same number on each face of the drum. Even more preferably, the drum comprises 4, 8, 12 or 16 blades. Most preferably, the drum comprises 4 blades.

[0072] The blades are spaced from the outer face of the drum at an angle of between 1 and 90°. Preferably, the blades are separated from the outer face at an angle of between 30 and 60°. Even more preferably, the blades are separated from the outer face at an angle of 45°.

[0073] In a particular embodiment, the drum according to the invention is truncated at its ends so as to reduce its bulk. A reduction in the volume of the drum makes it possible to reduce its size and weight, and thus the energy cost necessary for the proper operation of the machine.

[0074] Preferably, the truncation has a triangular prism shape, removed from each edge of the drum. Such truncation makes it possible to reduce the length of the diagonals of the drum, making it possible to reduce the size of the tank containing it, and therefore to reduce the size of the machine comprising such a drum.

[0075] In a particular embodiment of the invention, said drum is removable.

[0076] A removable drum is a drum that can be inserted and removed from a washing machine tub. Such a drum has several advantages: On the one hand, it is easier to load, it can be placed near the mattress insertion / extraction device, whether it is in the room, unlike non-removable drums, which require a mattress insertion / extraction device attached to the washing machine. On the other hand, it also allows several drums to be available for the same machine. Thus, it is then possible to have drums each specific to a different mattress size, and to insert the drum best corresponding to the mattresses to be washed into the machine. Similarly, having several removable drums allows users to load one or more drums in advance, in order to speed up the washing rate by just having to change the drum between two successive washes.

[0077] In an even more particular embodiment of the invention, the drum according to the invention is compressible.

[0078] Such a drum can be compressed by pressure from its upper face towards its lower face, in order to wring out the mattresses. A compressible drum according to the invention comprises at its four lateral edges rails allowing the perforated plates to slide parallel to the upper and lower faces defining the compartments of said drum, so as to reduce the height of the compartments, and thus compress the mattresses placed in each of said compartments.

[0079] In a very particular embodiment of the invention, the drum is removable and compressible. It can thus be compressed either inside the washing machine or outside it.

[0080] In a particular embodiment, the drum has doors, allowing the front and rear faces to be closed, so that the mattresses are enclosed inside the drum, and do not come out of it. These doors prevent the mattresses from moving between the drum and the door of the tub, which can damage the ends of the mattresses.

[0081] A second object of the invention relates to a washing machine comprising a drum according to the invention.

[0082] The term washing machine according to the invention includes both the machine and its frame.

[0083] A machine according to the invention is a machine suitable for washing and spinning mattresses. It has the traditional characteristics of an industrial washing machine, in particular a drum rotating around a substantially horizontal axis, located in a tank capable of containing liquid.

[0084] For the purposes of the invention, a frame means a rigid framework serving as support for the other elements.

[0085] A washing machine according to the invention comprises a sealed tank, capable of containing the liquids used for washing mattresses.

[0086] Said tank is intended to accommodate a drum according to the invention. This means that it is of a sufficient size to contain a drum according to the invention, and sufficiently strong to resist the movements of liquids caused by the rotation of the drum in said tank.

[0087] In a particular embodiment, the invention relates to a washing machine comprising a tub in which the drum is removably mounted so as to allow its insertion into said tub and its extraction from said tub.

[0088] In a particular embodiment, the tank is intended to accommodate a removable drum according to one embodiment. Such a tank must then have a system allowing the attachment of said removable drum.

[0089] In a particular embodiment of the invention, the parallelepiped drum is held by one or more rings connected to each other by connecting rails also serving to guide and hold the parallelepiped drum. These rings serve as rolling and driving tracks for the parallelepiped drum. Said fixing system is composed of two metal rings in which are fixed four parallel metal rails placed so that each one accommodates one of the edges of the removable drum according to the invention, so that said drum is found inscribed in each of the rings.

[0090] The said fixing system will be better understood by reading the examples.

[0091] The fastening system is rotated by drive means. Such drive means may, for example, be a direct gear system, drive rollers, direct or remote drive chain or belt, with one or more direct or remote drive motors.

[0092] In an even more particular embodiment, the drum according to the invention is placed in a circular tank with a diameter equal to the diagonal of said drum. Said tank, and the drum fixed to it, will be set in motion by drive means such as those described above. This embodiment has the advantage of consuming less water and requiring fewer materials for its construction than traditional machines comprising a rectangular tank.

[0093] In a particular embodiment, said tank is cylindrical, or quasi-cylindrical, or preferably barrel-shaped.

[0094] A third object of the invention relates to a device comprising a washing machine comprising a drum according to the invention and a system for automating the insertion of mattresses into the drum of the washing machine.

[0095] Such a system for automating the insertion of mattresses into the drum of the machine consists of an insertion structure and, optionally, said automation system may also comprise: A ground or air conveyance zone A buffer zone An unloading zone

[0096] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the drum of said machine is removable, so that it is removed from the mattress washing machine, then placed, manually or not, in front of the automation system according to the invention. This embodiment has the advantage of being more functional in that it does not require the automation system to be located directly in front of the mattress washing machine, more cost-effective because it improves the time of insertion or extraction of the mattresses in the washing machine, more adaptable due to being able to have several removable drums available with compartment dimensions adapted to the characteristics or constraints of the washed mattresses.

[0097] The insertion structure within the meaning of the invention corresponds to a structure consisting of different levels of ball trays. Each level of the structure contains the mattress(es) to be inserted into a compartment of the drum according to the invention. The number of levels of the structure generally corresponds to the number of compartments in said drum. This insertion device allows the simultaneous insertion of all the mattresses present in the structure, resulting in a significant time saving compared to manual insertion of the mattresses.

[0098] In a preferred embodiment of the drum according to the invention, the latter is divided into four quarters by the reinforcements of the drum. In this preferred embodiment, the insertion structure comprises as many stages as compartments present in a quarter of said drum, so as to insert in a single operation all of the mattresses present in the insertion structure into a quarter of the drum.

[0099] In an even more preferred embodiment, the insertion structure is precisely adapted to the shape and number of compartments of the drum, i.e. in a most preferred embodiment 8 compartments.

[0100] A "ball tray" according to the invention corresponds to a tray comprising a multitude of balls intended to allow easy movement of the mattresses in all directions. Such a tray is known to those skilled in the art working in handling; the balls composing it are sometimes called conveyor balls or carrier balls.

[0101] In a preferred embodiment, the automation system comprises a pusher and / or at least two rollers.

[0102] In a preferred embodiment, the device comprises, opposite a compartment of the drum, at least one pusher on a jack making it possible to push a mattress in the direction of the drum and at least two rollers (15) guiding the mattress located between said pusher and the drum.

[0103] Each level of the insertion structure includes: On its front face, located opposite a compartment of the drum, at least two rollers intended to grip and guide the mattresses. On its rear face, at least one pusher (or pushing element) on a jack allowing the mattresses to be pushed in the direction of the drum.

[0104] The rollers according to the invention are located opposite the upper and lower ends of the drum compartment. Their role is to grip the mattress in order to direct the mattress and facilitate its insertion into the compartment when it is pushed. They can be free or motorized.

[0105] In a preferred embodiment, the rollers are motorized so that their rotation facilitates the movement of the mattress.

[0106] In an even more preferred embodiment, the rollers have a gripping system to better grip the mattress and allow traction of the mattress by the rollers, equivalent and simultaneous to the thrust carried out by the pusher. This combined pulling and pushing action makes it possible to avoid deformations of the mattress which could occur if the rear of the mattress, in contact with the pusher, is pushed faster than the rest of the mattress moves.

[0107] A gripping system is understood to mean a roller having a structure comprising raised elements allowing a better grip on the mattress. Such a roller includes, but is not limited to, rollers comprising notches, teeth, crampons, brushes, spikes, nails, etc.

[0108] In a particular embodiment of the invention, the attachment system according to the invention may be a suction system which attaches the mattress by suction in order to allow the mattress to be towed.

[0109] A jack is a part intended to create a mechanical movement. The jack may be hydraulic, pneumatic, electric, or any other type known to those skilled in the art.

[0110] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the jack performs a translational movement towards the drum, so as to be able to push the mattresses inside it.

[0111] The pusher according to the invention is a part intended to transmit the thrust provided by the jack. It can be made of anything that can push a mattress. In a non-limiting manner, a pusher within the meaning of the invention can be: one or more flat surfaces, one or more rods, etc.

[0112] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the pusher consists of a horizontal plate, approximately the size of the smallest side of the mattress, in order to be able to push it into the drum according to the invention.

[0113] Thus, the mattress located on the ball tray is pushed by the movement of the jack through the rollers until it fully penetrates the drum compartment located opposite said rollers.

[0114] In a preferred version of the invention, each stage of the structure comprises at least two rollers and at least one pusher, which will at the same time push the mattresses of each stage into their respective compartments in the drum.

[0115] The different levels of the insertion structure can be loaded manually, the manipulator(s) simply needs to place the mattress on the ball tray and align it by sliding it onto the ball tray.

[0116] In a particular embodiment, the different stages of the insertion structure are loaded automatically.

[0117] This automatic insertion is carried out either from conveyors or from a buffer zone allowing the simultaneous loading of all the floors of the insertion zone.

[0118] The conveying zone within the meaning of the invention corresponds to a module intended to convey the mattresses one by one to the insertion structure or to the “buffer” zone. It comprises any type of conveyor known to those skilled in the art, such as a belt conveyor or a roller conveyor. Preferably, the conveyor(s) are motorized.

[0119] The buffer zone within the meaning of the invention corresponds to an area intended to store the mattresses with a view to loading them into the insertion zone. This zone corresponds to a structure composed of as many conveyor levels as the number of levels present in the insertion structure. The main interest of this zone is to reduce the total insertion time into the drum, by preparing the mattresses intended to be inserted into the drum while mattresses are being inserted.

[0120] In a preferred embodiment in which the drum has multiple quarters, the buffer zone allows mattresses to be prepared for insertion into one quarter of the drum while others are being inserted into another quarter.

[0121] In an alternative embodiment, the automation system includes multiple buffer zones for storing mattresses for loading into the insertion zone. The presence of multiple buffer zones further reduces the total insertion time into the drum.

[0122] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the conveyors of the buffer zone are motorized.

[0123] In another preferred embodiment, the structure of the buffer zone comprises a system for varying its height. Such a system may in particular be composed of jacks. Varying the height of the structure makes it possible to reduce the effort required by the handlers to place the mattresses in the buffer zone.

[0124] In an alternative version of this embodiment, the device also comprises a conveyor system. Said height variation system thus makes it possible to load the different trays of the buffer zone from the conveyor by adapting the height of the structure so that each tray of the latter can be placed in turn on the side of the conveyor, in order to load a mattress there.

[0125] The unloading area within the meaning of the invention corresponds to an area consisting of a ball and / or roller tray, allowing the mattresses to be placed in the automation device. The mattresses are taken out of trucks or any other goods transport vehicle or brought from transport trolleys, then placed one by one, either manually or by a machine, on the ball and / or roller tray. The ball tray allows all the mattresses to be oriented effortlessly in the same direction before sending them onto the conveyor. The rollers, for their part, make it easier to guide the mattresses in the desired direction.

[0126] In a preferred embodiment of said device, it comprises an insertion structure, a buffer zone, conveyors and an unloading zone.

[0127] In alternative embodiments, the device comprises an insertion structure and one or more modules chosen from: one or more buffer zones, one or more conveyors, one or more unloading zones.

[0128] In alternative embodiments not comprising a buffer zone, the structure of the insertion zone comprises a system for varying its height. Such a system may in particular be composed of jacks. The variation in height of the structure makes it possible to reduce the effort required by the manipulators to place the mattresses in the insertion zone.

[0129] In an alternative version of this embodiment comprising a conveyor, said height variation system makes it possible to load the different trays of the insertion zone from the conveyor by adapting the height of the structure so that each tray of the latter can be placed in turn on the side of the conveyor, in order to load a mattress there. EXAMPLES OF ACHIEVEMENT 1st embodiment: Figure 1

[0130] The drum (1) for a washing machine is in the form of a rectangular parallelepiped whose edges along its length are truncated (7). It can rotate around an axis (2).

[0131] Said drum (1) comprises perforated reinforcements (3) delimiting 4 quarters in the drum.

[0132] Each quarter comprises 4 compartments (4) delimited by the reinforcements (3) and the partition elements (5). Said drum also comprises 4 blades (6), each passing through the outside of the faces in the lengthwise direction, said blades being spaced from the face at an angle of 45°. Automation System: Figure 2

[0133] The device according to the invention consists of a mattress washing machine (8) comprising a drum according to the figure 1 and an automated system for inserting mattresses into the machine.

[0134] The insertion system includes: A loading area (9) composed of ball trays (10) A conveying area (11) consisting of a roller conveyor (12) connecting the loading area to the buffer area A 4-tier buffer area (13) comprising automated roller trays on each tier. A 4-tier insertion area (14) comprising ball trays on each tier, said ball trays being aligned with the 4 compartments of the drum according to the invention. Each tier comprising, located flush with their respective compartment of the drum, two spiked rollers (15) and a pusher system (16) comprising a jack (17).

[0135] The mattress is loaded flat onto the insertion area, where it will be oriented using the ball bearing plate. The mattress is oriented so that its length is perpendicular to the direction of the conveyor rollers. The mattress will then move along the conveyor until it passes over one of the buffer zone plates placed on the side of the conveyor.

[0136] As one mattress moves along the conveyor, another is placed on the insertion area and so on.

[0137] When a mattress is loaded into the buffer zone, the jacks (17) will vary the height of the structure in order to match an empty floor of the structure with the end of the conveyor, so that the next mattress placed on the conveyor passes onto the buffer zone tray. Such an operation will be repeated until all 4 floors of the buffer zone are filled.

[0138] The buffer zone is then aligned with the insertion zone, so that the 4 levels of the buffer zone, each containing a mattress, are aligned with a ball tray level of the insertion zone. The rollers of the 4 levels will be activated, in order to move the 4 mattresses simultaneously into the insertion zone.

[0139] The mattresses located on the 4 ball trays of the insertion zone will be pushed towards their respective compartments in the drum by pushers (16) on jacks. When they reach the end of the ball tray, they are gripped by two crampon rollers (15) which, by their rotation, will contribute to the movement of the mattresses towards the compartments of the drum, while limiting the deformations due to the pressure of the jacks.

[0140] During the stage of inserting the mattresses into the drum, other mattresses are conveyed into the buffer zone via the conveyor.

[0141] When the mattress insertion is complete, the jacks will move back to their initial position, at the same time, the drum of the machine will rotate in order to present an empty quarter opposite the insertion area.

[0142] The previous steps will then be repeated, starting with the simultaneous movement of the 4 mattresses from the buffer zone to the insertion zone, until four quarters of the drum are loaded. Second embodiment: Figure 3

[0143] The drum (1) for a washing machine is in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped. It is removable for insertion and extraction. It is rotated using drive rollers (18) located on three outer rings (19) forming rolling bands. The rings (19) are connected by four through slides (20) holding the drum during its rotation and serving to guide it during its insertion and extraction in order to facilitate this.

[0144] The assembly is integrated into a tub (21) comprising two opposite doors (not shown) supported by pillars forming the entire washing machine.

[0145] The drum (1) has perforated walls and reinforcements (3) at its edges. As well as doors, allowing the drum to be closed to prevent the mattresses from coming out of the drum.

[0146] The drum comprises compartments (4) formed by partitions (5) and superimposed, having the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped.

[0147] The drum is compressible. For this reason, it has rails on its side edges, allowing the compartment walls to slide towards the underside of the drum. Third embodiment: Figure 4

[0148] The drum (1) for a washing machine is in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped. It is removable both for insertion and extraction. The drum is inserted into a cylindrical or quasi-cylindrical tub (21), by means of four parallel through slides (20), each receiving one of the edges of the drum, so as to hold it during its rotation, but also to facilitate its insertion and extraction from said tub.

[0149] The tank is rotated using drive rollers (18) located on the outside of the tank.

[0150] The drum (1) has perforated walls as well as reinforcements (3) at its edges.

[0151] The drum comprises compartments (4) formed by partitions (5) and superimposed, having the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped.

[0152] The drum is compressible. For this reason, it has rails on its side edges, allowing the compartment walls to slide towards the underside of the drum.

[0153] Said drum also comprises 4 blades (6), each passing through the outside of the faces in the lengthwise direction, said blades being spaced from the face at an angle of 45°. Figure 5A and Figure 5b drum in uncompressed state (5A) and compressed state (5B)

[0154] The drum has rails (22) at its side edges, allowing the walls (5) of the compartments (4) to slide towards the lower face of the drum (23).

[0155] There Figure 5B presents the drum when a force is exerted on its upper face, in the direction of the lower face. The upper and lower walls of the compartments will then slide along the rails (22) in the direction of the lower face, causing a reduction in the height of said compartments.

Claims

1. Drum (1) for a washing machine for washing and / or spin-drying mattresses, the drum being rotatable about a substantially horizontal axis and comprising at least one compartment (4) of parallelepipedal shape, characterized in that the compartment (4) is suitable for containing a mattress having a size between 70 cm X 140 cm and 200 cm X 200 cm for a thickness between 3 cm and 40 cm, and a weight ranging from 5 kg to 70 kg, enabling mattresses to be inserted into the drum (1) without having to bend or substantially deform them from their usual common shape.

2. Drum (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises at least one compartment (4) having dimensions matching the shape of the mattress to limit the movements of the mattress during the rotation of said drum (1).

3. Drum (1) according to any of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that its compartments (4) are perforated so as to enable the entry of liquid into the compartment (4) and the exit of liquid from said compartment (4).

4. Drum (1) according to the preceding claims, characterized in that it is of parallelepipedal shape.

5. Drum (1) according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it is compressible by pressure from the upper face of the compartment (4) towards its lower face.

6. Drum (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises an open face enabling the insertion and removal of mattresses from the drum (1), the open face being arranged at an axial end of the drum (1), preferably the drum (1) comprises two open faces, one for inserting mattresses into the drum (1), the other for removing them from the drum (1).

7. Washing machine comprising a drum (1) according to any of claims 1 to 6.

8. Washing machine according to the preceding claim, comprising a tub in which the drum (1) is removably mounted so as to enable its insertion into said tub and its removal from said tub.

9. Device comprising a washing machine according to any of claims 7 or 8 and a system (14) for automating the insertion of the mattresses into the drum (1) of said machine.

10. Device according to claim 9, characterized in that the automation system (14) comprises, facing a compartment of the drum (1), at least one pusher on an actuator enabling a mattress to be pushed in the direction of the drum (1) and at least two rollers (15) guiding the mattress, which rollers are located between said pusher and the drum (1).