THIS INVENTION relates to apparatus for ironing textile articles.

Throughout this specification the term "textile articles" shall be taken to include garments and textile piece goods such as sheets, towels, handkerchiefs, tablecloths, place- mats, curtains and like articles.

In one form the invention resides in apparatus for ironing textile articles comprising a pair of pressing rollers adapted to be disposed one on each side of a textile article to be ironed, the rollers being movable between a spaced position in which at least one of the rollers is clear of the textile article and a pressing position in which the rollers are in pressing contact with the textile article, the rollers being further movable in unison over the textile article while in said pressing position, and means for applying steam to the textile article prior to and/or as the rollers traverse the textile article.

It is preferable that when in the spaced position both rollers are clear of the textile article.

Means are preferably provided for suspending the garment vertically between the rollers, with the rollers being adapted to be moved downwardly while in the pressing position. In this way, as the rollers move downwardly they roll on the textile article and press it during the rolling action.

The rollers are preferably each formed with a flexible rolling surface.

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The rollers are preferably each mounted on a carriage movable between uppermost and lowermost positions, there being provided means for positioning the rollers whereby they occupy the spaced position on upward movement of the carriages and the pressing position on downward movement of the carriages. Each carriage preferably includes an over-centre mechanism for supporting its respective roller whereby in one over-centre position the roller occupies the spaced position and in the other over-centre position the roller occupies the pressing position. One arrange¬ ment for moving the rollers between the spaced and press¬ ing position comprises an upper roller guide and a lower roller guide whereby the rollers when in the spaced posi¬ tion are arranged to engage the upper roller guide prior to the pressing operation so as to cause the rollers to move through their respective over-centre positions and into the pressing position, and whereby the rollers when in said pressing position are arranged to engage the lower roller guide after completion of the pressing operation so as to move the rollers through their respective over-cen¬ tre positions and into the spaced position.

It is preferable that steam is continuously applied to the textile article ahead of each roller as the rollers tra¬ verse the textile article.

Means are preferably provided for purging steam from the region surrounding the textile article on completion of the ironing operation. The purging means may comprise a blower adapted to blow heated air into the region sur¬ rounding the textile article.

Transfer means are preferably provided for transfering the textile article from a first storage station to a pressing station at which the ironing operation is performed on the textile article and thereafter transfering the ironed textile article to a second storage station.

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The invention will be better understood by reference to the following description of one specific embodiment thereof as shown in the accompanying drawings in which:-

Fig. 1 is perspective view of the exterior of an apparatus according to the embodiment; Fig. 2 is a further perspective view of the apparatus of Fig. 1 with part of the housing and some other components removed to reveal the drive mechanism for the pressing rollers and the transfer mechanism; and Fig. 3 is a still further perspective view of the apparatus of Fig. 1 with part of the housing and some other components removed to reveal the steam generat¬ ing and spraying means and the steam purging means.

Referring to the drawings, the ironing apparatus comprises a first storage station 11, a pressing station 13 and a second storage station 15. At the first storage station 11, textile articles 17 which are to be ironed are suppor¬ ted on hangers 19 which are in turn supported on a feed arm 21. In the drawings, the textile articles are depic¬ ted as garments; more particularly as shirts. Garments at the first station are transferred in turn from that sta¬ tion to the pressing station 13 at which the pressing operation is performed. After completion of the respec¬ tive pressing operation, each garment is transferred to the second storage station 15 at which the hanger 19 carrying the garment is supported on a discharge arm 23. The garments are transferred from the first station 11 to the pressing station 13 and thereafter to the third sta¬ tion 15 by transfer means 25 which will be described more fully later.

The feed arm 21 is inclined downwardly towards the trans¬ fer means so that the hangers 19 are gravity fed to the garment transfer means 25. Similarly, the discharge arm

23 is inclined outwardly and downwardly from the garment transfer means so that a hanger delivered to the second storage station is gravity fed onto the discharge arm. In an alternative arrangement, the hangers 19 may be delivery to and removed from the transfer means 25 by a powered conveyor system or on other suitable means.

The pressing station 13 is contained within a housing 26. At the pressing station there is provided a pair of pres¬ sing rollers 27 arranged in side by side relation with their rotational axes substantially horizontal and paral¬ lel. The cylindrical rolling surface of each roller is flexible. Each pressing roller 27 is mounted on a car¬ riage 29 which is movable vertically between an uppermost position and a lowermost position. Each pressing roller 27 is movably mounted on its carriage 29 whereby the rollers are movable between spaced position (as shown in Fig. 3) in which the rollers are clear of a garment (not shown in Fig. 3) which is at the pressing station and positioned between the rollers, and a pressing position (as shown in Fig. 2) in which the rollers are in pressing engagement with the garment (the garment not being shown in Fig. 2 for the sake of clarity of the drawing). Each carriage 29 has a support arm 31 which supports the free ends of the roller axle. The support arm 31 is pivotally connected to a base 33, which forms part of the carriage 29, through a pair of link mechanisms 35 (only one of which is seen in Fig. 2). Each link mechanism 35 compri¬ ses a link arm 37 one end of which is rigidly secured to the support arm 31 and the other end of which is pivotally mounted onto a bracket 39 fixed to the base 33. The arrangement is such that the pressing roller 27 passes through an over-centre position with respect to the con¬ nection between the link arm 37 and the bracket 39 as the roller moves between the pressing and spaced conditions. A tension spring 41 extends between the support arm 31 and

each bracket 39 for biasing the pressing roller into one or the other of the over-centre positions.

Each carriage 29 is affixed to one run of an endless carriage drive chain 43 which passes around an upper sprocket 45 and a lower sprocket 47. The lower sprocket 47 is mounted onto a drive transmission shaft 49 which is adapted to receive rotational torque from an electric motor 51 through a chain and sprocket drive transmission assembly 53. The motor 51 is arranged to effect movement of the two carriages 29 between their uppermost and their lowermost positions. The extent of the upward and down¬ ward movement of the carriages 29 is controlled by an upper limit switch 55 and a lower limit switch 57 respec¬ tively (Fig. 3). The upper limit switch 55 and the lower limit switch 57 are actuated by upper and lower limit switch actuators 59 and 61 respectively carried on one of the carriages 29. The arrangement is such that when the carriages 29 attain their lowermost position, the bottom limit switch actuator 61 actuates the lower limit switch 57 and this in turn de-energises the motor 51 for a prede¬ termined period of time (typically 20 seconds). After the predetermined period of time, the motor 51 is energised so as to drive the shaft 49 in the reverse direction thereby causing the carriages 29 to move upwardly towards their uppermost position. On arrival of the carriages 29 at their uppermost position, the upper limit switch actuator 59 actuates the upper limit switch 55 and this in turn de-energises the motor for a predetermined period of time (typically 5 seconds). After expiration of the predeter¬ mined period of time, the motor 51 is again energised so as to drive the shaft 49 in the direction which causes the carriages 29 to move downwardly. The reason for the time delay at the uppermost and lowermost positions of the carriages 29 will become apparent later.

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For most part of the downward movement of the carriages 29, the pressing rollers 27 are in the pressing position (as shown in Fig. 2 of the drawings). However, as the carriages 29 approach their lowermost position the press¬ ing rollers 27 engage a lower roller guide 62 (Fig. 2) which, on continued downward movement of the rollers, causes the rollers to part and move into the spaced posi¬ tion. The lower roller guide 62 has a pair of downwardly and outwardly inclined ramp faces 63 which cause this parting movement of the rollers. The pressing rollers 27 remain in the spaced position for most part of the upward movement of the carriages 29. However, as the carriages 29 approach their uppermost position the pressing rollers 27 engage an upper roller guide 64 which causes the rol¬ lers to move through the over-centre position from the spaced position to the pressing position. The upper roller guide 64 consists of a pair of upwardly and inward¬ ly inclined ramp faces 66 which carry the rollers inwardly towards the pressing position as they move upwardly.

As mentioned beforehand, a transfer means 25 is provided for transfering garments in turn from the first storage station 11 to the pressing station 13 and thereafter to the second storage station 15. The garment transfer means 25 includes an endless feeder chain 65 which passes around a pair of end sprockets 67. A plurality of hanger grab links 69 are spaced along the feeder chain 65 and each is adapted to grasp a hanger as the grab link passes through the first storage station 11. A hanger which has been grasped by one of the hanger grab links 69 is conveyed from the first storage station to the pressing station 13 at which a pressing operation is carried out (in a manner to be described hereinafter) and is then conveyed to the second storage station at which the hanger grab link 69 releases the hanger.

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As will become more apparent later, the pressing operation is performed on downward movement of the pressing rollers 27. With the present arrangement, a garment is transfer¬ red from the pressing station 13 to the second storage station 15 after it has received two pressing operations. It is therefore necessary to time movement of the garment feeder chain 65 with respect to movement of the pressing rollers 27 so that a garment is removed from the pressing station 13 only after it has received, the second pressing operation. This is achieved by transfering drive to the feeder chain 65 only on completion of the second pressing operation. For this purpose there is provided a first drive transfer chain 71 (Fig. 2) which runs between upper and lower end sprockets 73 and 75 respectively. The upper sprocket 73 is rigidly mounted on a drive transfer shaft 76 which is coupled through a chain and sprocket drive transmission assembly 77 to a shaft 79 on which one of the end sprockets 67 around which the feeder chain 65 passes, is mounted. A plurality of drive transfer grab links 81 are fitted to the drive transfer chain 71. A slip latch 83 mounted on one of the carriages 29 is adapted to engage one of the drive transfer grab links 81 on each upward cycle of the carriage following two pressing operations. With the slip latch 83 in engagement with one of the drive transfer grab link 81, upward motion of the carriage 29 is transmitted to the drive transfer chain 71 and drive is in turn transmitted to the feeder chain 65. The drive trans¬ fer grab links 81 are suitably spaced around the drive transfer chain 71 so that one grab link is in position for engagement by the slip latch 83 at the appropriate time on upward movement the slip latch. The slip latch is, how¬ ever, designed to ride over the grab links on downward movement.

In an alternative arrangement, the drive transfer chain 71, shaft 76 and transmission assembly 77 may be dispensed

with and the feeder chain 65 provided with a drive means which is independent of the motor 51 and which is arranged to drive the feeder chain at the appropriate time.

The pressing operation is performed in conjunction with the application of steam to a garment at the pressing station. Steam is sprayed onto the garment through a spray bar 87 (Fig. 3) mounted on each carriage 29 at a location below the pressing roller 27. In this way, the steam is sprayed onto the garment ahead of the rollers during the pressing operation. In the illustrated arran¬ gement, the steam is generated in a steam generator 89 which is adapted to receive water from a main supply through an inlet line 91. The steam generator 89 has an electric element for generating the steam. It should be appreciated, however, that any suitable means may be provided for generating the steam. Indeed, in certain applications it is envisaged that steam will be obtained from a source independent of the apparatus.

The steam generator 89 is fitted with a pressure gauge 93 and a pressure switch 94, the purpose of the latter being to prevent energisation of the electric motor until steam generated in the steam generator has attained a predeter¬ mined minimum pressure. Steam generated in the steam generator 89 is fed to the spray bars via a control valve 95 and a steam trap 96. The control valve 95 is movable between first and second operative positions, whereby in the first operative position steam is fed to the spray bars and in the second operative position steam is by-pas¬ sed to atmosphere through a by-pass line 99. The opera¬ tive positions of the steam control valve 95 is governed by the position of the rollers. In this connection, the control lever 97 of the control valve 95 is adapted to be engaged by one of the carriages 29 just before the latter arrives at its lowermost position, thereby moving the

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control valve into the second operative position in which it discharges steam to atmosphere. A return mechanism (not shown) is provided for returning the control valve 95 to its first operative position, in which it supplies steam to the spray bars, as the pressing rollers near their uppermost position.

A blower 105 is provided for introducing air into the chamber which houses the pressing station 13. Air delive¬ red by the blower is passed through a tube 107 which is in heat exchange relation with the steam by-pass line 99 and the heated air is discharged into the chamber through an outlet pipe 109. Operation of the blower 105 is control¬ led by a control circuit which is adapted to energise the blower when the pressing rollers 27 arrive at their lower¬ most position. The blower operates throughout said prede¬ termined delay period at which the rollers remain at their lowermost position, and is de-energised at the expiration of that period of time. The housing 26 is provided with an outlet passage 110 through which excess steam and air may leave the chamber. In the illustrated arrangement, the outlet end of the steam by-pass line 99 is located within the outlet passage.

The apparatus is provided with a control panel 111 which has an on/off switch and a visual display for indicating that the apparatus is in operation and for indicating stage of the ironing operation is in progress at any time. In addition, there is provided programming means whereby a user can programme the control system so that the appara¬ tus will commence operation at a predetermined time, and if desired turn-off after operating for a predetermined period.

Operation of the apparatus will now be described. The user places the garments and/or other articles which are

to be ironed onto the hangers 19 and then places the hangers onto the feed arm 21. The hangers support the garments in a manner such that creases may be pressed into the garments at appropriate locations, such as in the sleeves of shirts and legs of trousers. The apparatus is energised and the steam generator 89 commences to generate steam. When the steam pressure has attained a predeter¬ mined level, the pressure switch 94 is actuated and the motor 51 is energised. The motor drives the drive trans¬ mission shaft 49 in the direction which causes the carria¬ ges 29 to move downwardly until such time as the lower limit switch 57 is actuated. During the downward movement of the carriages 29 the pressing rollers 27 engage the roller guide 62 and are moved outwardly from the pressing position to the spaced position. Activation of the limit switch 57 de-energises the electric motor 51 and the pressing rollers remain at their lowermost position for said predetermined period of time (typically 20 seconds). The blower 99 operates while the rollers at their lower¬ most position, air delivered by the blower being heated as it passes in heat exchange relation with the steam by-pass line 99. After the delay period, the motor 51 is energi¬ sed and the carriages are moved upwardly. During the upward movement of the carriages the slip latch 83 engages one of the drive transfer grab links 81 and thereby im¬ parts drive to the drive transfer chain 71. As the feeder chain 65 moves, one of the hanger grab links 69 grasps the first hanger at the first storage station 11 and conveys the hanger from that station to the pressing station 13. The garment is now at the pressing station and positioned between the spaced pressing rollers. When the garment is at the pressing station 13, the drive transfer grab link 81 is released by the slip latch and thus the transfer of drive to the garment feeder chain 65 is discontinued. As the carriages 29 approach their uppermost position, the pressing rollers 27 are moved into the pressing position

by the upper roller guide 64. When the upper limits switch 55 is actuated, the motor 51 is de-energised and upward movement of the carriages 29 terminates. Immedia¬ tely prior to this, the control valve 95 is moved to the first operative position and thus steam is fed to the spray bars. After the time delay (typically 5 seconds), the motor 51 is energised so as to drive the shaft 49 in the direction which causes downward movement of the car¬ riages 29. As the carriages 29 moved downwardly, the garment is pressed between the pressing rollers 27. This, in combination with the steam which is sprayed onto the garment ahead of the rollers, irons the garment. The flexible nature of the rollers allows the rollers to conform the shape of the garment so as to accommodate any padded sections, buttons or the like in or on the garment. As the carriages 29 moves downwardly, the slip latch 83 rides over the next drive transfer grab link 81 which has been moved into a position ready for engagement by the slip latch 83 at the appropriate time. As the pressing rollers 27 continue to move downwardly they engage the lower roller guide 62 and are moved outwardly through the over-centre position and into the spaced position. As the carriages 29 approach their lowermost position, the con¬ trol valve 95 is moved into the second operative position so that steam is vented to atmosphere through the steam by-pass line 99, rather than being supplied to the spray bars 87. When the carriages 29 arrive at their lowermost position, the limit switch 57 is actuated and the motor is de-energised. At this stage the blower 105 is energised and heated air is delivered into the region surrounding the garment. In addition to assisting drying of the garment, the heated air serves to expel excess steam from the chamber which houses the pressing station. After the time delay, the blower 105 is de-energised and the motor 51 is energised to drive the carriages 29 upwardly. At this stage, the rollers 27 are in the spaced position so

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that they are clear of the garment as they move upwardly. The slip latch 83 does not engage one of the drive trans¬ fer grab links 81 at this stage and thus the garment remains at the pressing station to receive a further pressing operation on subsequent downward movement of the carriages 29. On the next upward movement of the carria¬ ges 29, the slip latch 83 engages one of the drive trans¬ fer grab link 81 and drive is transmitted to the feeder chain 65. As the garment feeder chain 65 moves, the garment at the pressing station is transferred to the second storage station 15 and the next garment at the first station 11 is transferred to the pressing station. The cycle is repeated until all the garments which were placed at the first station are ironed. The user collects the ironed garments from the second storage station.

It is envisaged that the apparatus will turn off automa¬ tically after the final garment has been ironed and trans¬ ferred to the second storage station or after a predeter¬ mined period of time, whichever occurs first.

It should be appreciated that the scope of the invention is not limited to the scope of the embodiment described and that various alterations and modifications maybe made without departing from the scope of the invention.