Patent GB-195941-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in power operated ironing and pressing machine
IPC: D06F71/04
Filed: 1923-02-26
Abstract: 195,941. Pierce, H. April 5, 1922, [Convention date]. Ironing - machines with pressing- action only.-In power-operated pressing machines spring means are provided for cushioning or retarding the movement of the pressing head when it approaches the end of its travel. Movement of the upper press member 9, which is secured to arms 10 pivoted to a hollow shaft 11 carried by the main frame 3, Fig. 3, is derived from an electric motor 34 driving a crankshaft 21 through gearing 31, 32, Fig. 4, the shaft 21 being provided with arms 22 and a crank pin 23, Figs. 6 and 9, engaging a block 25 sliding in a cross-head 24 con. nected to a rod 28, Figs. 3 and 6, which is pivoted to the actuating arm 12 at 30. The arm 12 is adjustably secured to the press arms 10 at 15 and is pivoted at 13 to rearwardly-directed extensions thereof, Fig. 3. After each half revolution of the shaft 21 a pin 49 projecting from one of the cranks 22 is engaged by one of the pivoted catches 43, 45, Figs. 1, 6, and 9 according to whether the press is open or closed respectively, and is held thereby until a locking-bar 37, carrying the catches, is moved forwards or backwards. Movement of the bar 37 is derived from movement of an independently pivoted guard 74, which forms the subject-matter of Specification 217,922, through link work 79, 80, 82, 83, Figs. 3 and 6. Simultaneously with the unlocking of the catches, a frame 65 is caused to slide down or up through guides 67 on a board 58 secured to the machine frame 2, this movement being produced by a lever 84 and link 86, Fig. 2. The frame 65 carries pivoted arms 68 for engagement with a contact arm 53 loosely mounted on the shaft 21, Fig. 2, to move it from a group of dead segments 61<a> of concentric switches arranged in the circuit of the motor 34 on the board 58 to a group of live segments 61. This movement sets the motor running and the shaft 21 rotating to rotate the cranks 22 and consequently to open or close the press. A lug 56, Figs. 7 and 9, fast on the shaft 21 overtakes the contact arm 53 and pushes it on to the next dead segments, whereupon the motor and shaft 21 stop, by which time the press will be fully open or closed, the shaft 21 having turned through 180‹ and the pin 49 being engaged by one of the catches. No movement of the press can then take place until alter the guard has been fully raised or lowered. A hand-lever 96, Fig. 1, clutchable at 97 with the gear 31, may be provided for manually rotating the shaft 21 should this be necessary. Springs 26 are arranged in the cross-head 24 to cushion the movements of the press member 9, and other springs are fitted above and below the locking bar 37 to prevent shock to the apparatus when the crank is stopped. A counterbalance spring 94 under slight tension when the press is fully closed is connected to the extensions of the press carrying arms 10. A bracket 90, Fig. 1, is provided on the machine frame engaging nuts on a rod 91 to limit the movement of the guard 74. Steam supply pipes 18, 19 for the press members are provided. A stop 92 coasting with the pressure arm 12 isprovided to prevent strain on the locking mechanism in case the press head does not contact with the garment after the locking of the crank shaft and movement of the switch arm 53 to the dead segments. In a modification the lowering or raising of the guard 74 may be performed by pedals at the base of the machine.