Through for an ironing device

Abstract

 Trough (10) for an ironing device, comprising a first heat-conducting plate (11) which is deformed during manufacture of the trough (10) to create cavities / a space (16) with a second heat-conducting plate (12), the second heat-conducting plate (12) defining the surface for ironing flat material, wherein the first heat-conducting plate (11) contains non-alloy steel.
Also a method of producing the trough (10) and a method of ironing flat material using an ironing device comprising the trough (10) are disclosed.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to a trough for an ironing device. The invention also relates to an ironing device comprising a trough. The invention also relates to a method for producing a trough. The invention also relates to a method for drying and/or ironing flat material.

TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] An industrial ironing machine, also referred to here as an ironing device, is often used in industrial laundries and consists of a cylindrical ironing roller and a trough (a heated ironing bed), between which the moist flat material, such as bed linen or table linen, is introduced. The trough and/or the ironing roller are heated to the temperatures required to iron and/or to dry the flat material. The trough usually consists of a heavy steel plate which has to closely adjoin the ironing roller in order to achieve a good ironing result. Usually, the trough is heated: this is achieved by welding steam chambers or a steam space onto the trough. By introducing a heating liquid or gas into these steam chambers or steam space, the trough will reach the desired temperatures. The trough is pushed against the ironing roller and the flat material is passed in between. Then, the flat material is ironed and dried while the ironing roller is rotating.

[0003] Patent BE1005950 describes an industrial ironing machine consisting of an ironing cylinder and a trough which extends virtually around half of this ironing cylinder. Patent BE1018329 describes an ironing roller for an ironing device. Patent BE1018069 describes a feed-in device for an ironing device.

[0004] There is a need for a trough for an ironing device with an increased ironing path. There is a need for a trough for an ironing device with an improved stiffness. There is a need for a trough for an ironing device with an improved heat emission. There is a need for a trough for an ironing device with an improved efficiency. There is a need for a trough for an ironing device with an increased service life. There is a need for a trough for an ironing device with an increased bursting pressure.

SUMMARY

[0005] The invention comprises a trough for an ironing device, comprising:

• a first heat-conducting plate; and
• a second heat-conducting plate,

in which both heat-conducting plates are attached to one another by means of weld spots and/or weld seams across the surface of the heat-conducting plates and in which the first heat-conducting plate is deformed in such a way that a space is provided between both plates, characterized by the fact that the first heat-conducting plate has a thickness of at least 2.5 mm, preferably at least 4.0 mm, and the second heat-conducting plate has a thickness of at least 8.0 mm, preferably at least 12.0 mm.

[0006] In an aspect, the invention also comprises a method for producing a trough as described above, comprising the following steps:

1) welding together a first and a second heat-conducting plate by means of a laser technique, in which several weld spots and/or weld seams are formed across the surface of the plates;

2) deforming both plates in order to form a trough of the desired diameter; and

3) deforming the first heat-conducting plate by injecting a pressurized liquid or gas, preferably water, between the plates, as a result of which a space is formed between both plates, but in which case both plates remain connected by means of the weld spots and/or the weld seams.

[0007] In an aspect, the invention also comprises an ironing device comprising a trough as described above, furthermore comprising a cylindrical ironing roller which comprises a casing, characterized in that the trough extends along at least one third of the circumference of the casing of the cylindrical ironing roller, preferably along at least half the circumference of the casing of the cylindrical ironing roller.

[0008] In an aspect, the invention also comprises a method for drying and/or ironing moist flat material, for example bed linen or table linen, using an ironing device as described above, comprising the following steps:

1) heating the trough by introducing a heated liquid or gas, preferably steam or thermal oil, in the space between both plates up to a temperature of at least 100°C, preferably at least 150°C, more preferably at least 170°C;

2) rotating the cylindrical ironing roller with respect to the trough; and

3) introducing the flat material between the trough and the cylindrical ironing roller while the cylindrical ironing roller is rotating with respect to the trough.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0009] The reference numerals refer to the attached figures.

1 - Ironing device

2 - Circumference of the casing of the ironing roller

3 - Ironing path

10 - Trough

11 - First heat-conducting plate

12 - Second heat-conducting plate

13 - Weld spots

14 - Weld seams

15 - Intermediate bridge trough

16 - Space between heat-conducting plates

20 - Ironing roller

21 - Casing of the ironing roller

22 - Diameter of the ironing roller

23 - Moisture-absorbing material

24 - Springs

26 - Heating liquid or heating gas

Fig. 1 illustrates a trough (10) according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, indicating the diameter (22), the weld seams (14) and the weld spots (13), and an intermediate bridge trough (15). The weld spots (13) are distributed evenly across the surface of the trough (10). The rectangular frame indicates the part of the trough (10) which is illustrated in detail in Fig. 2.

Figs. 2a, 2b and 2c show a detailed illustration and cross section of the trough (10) according to Fig. 1, indicating the first heat-conducting plate (11), the second heat-conducting plate (12), the intermediate bridge trough (15), the space (16) between the heat-conducting plates in between which the heating liquid or the heating gas (26) flows, the weld spots (13), and a weld seam (14).

Fig. 3 illustrates an ironing device (1) according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, indicating the trough (10), the first heat-conducting plate (11), the second heat-conducting plate (12), an intermediate bridge trough (15), the ironing roller (20), the casing of the ironing roller (21), the diameter of the ironing roller (22), the circumference of the casing of the ironing roller (2) and the ironing path (3). The circle illustrates the part of the ironing roller (20) which is illustrated in detail in Fig. 4.

Fig. 4 shows a detailed illustration of the casing (21) of the ironing roller (20) of the ironing device (1) from Fig. 3, indicating the casing (21), the moisture-absorbing material (23) and the springs (24).

Fig. 5 illustrates the coupling of two troughs (10), each comprising an intermediate bridge trough (15), according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0010] As used hereinbelow in this text, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" comprise both the singular and the plural, unless the context clearly denotes otherwise.

[0011] The terms "comprise", "comprises" as used hereinbelow are synonymous with "inclusive", "include" or "contain", "contains" and are inclusive or open and do not exclude additional items, elements or method steps which have not been mentioned. The terms "comprise", "comprises" are inclusive of the term "contain".

[0012] The enumeration of numerical values by means of ranges of figures comprises all values and fractions included in these ranges as well as the cited end points.

[0013] The term "approximately" as used when referring to a measurable value, such as a parameter, a quantity, a time period and so on, is intended to include variations of +/- 10% or less, preferably +/-5% or less, more preferably +/-1% or less, and still more preferably +/-0.1% or less, of and from the specified value, in so far as the variations are applicable in order to function in the disclosed invention. It should be understood that the value to which the term "approximately" refers per se has also been disclosed.

[0014] Unless otherwise defined, all terms disclosed in the invention, including technical and scientific terms, have the meanings which those skilled in the art usually give them. As a further guide, definitions have been incorporated in order to further explain terms which are used in the description of the invention.

[0015] The invention comprises a trough (10) for an ironing device (1), comprising:

• a first heat-conducting plate (11); and
• a second heat-conducting plate (12),

in which both heat-conducting plates (11,12) are connected to each other via weld spots (13) and/or weld seams (14) across the surface of the heat-conducting plates.

[0016] The term "ironing device" comprises industrial ironing machines. These comprise a trough (10) and an ironing roller (20), in between which the flat material is introduced.

[0017] The term "trough" comprises the ironing bed for an ironing device (1). This ironing bed is usually heated. The trough (10) can be pressed against the ironing roller (20) by means of mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic or electrical pressure. This makes it possible to achieve an optimum evaporation effect of the moisture in the flat material. This also makes it possible to achieve an optimum ironing effect of the flat material. This also makes it possible to achieve an optimum conveying effect of the flat material between the ironing roller (20), which usually rotates, and the trough (10).

[0018] The term "ironing roller" comprises the cylindrical ironing roller (20) for an ironing device (1). Said ironing roller (20) comprises a casing (21), which casing (21) comprises a diameter (22) and a circumference (2).

[0019] The term "flat material" comprises any material which can be introduced into an ironing device (1) in order to be dried and/or ironed. Preferably, the flat material has a minimum width of 1.0 m. Preferably, the flat material has a maximum width of 3.3 m. Preferably, said flat material comprises bed linen or table linen. The term "bed linen" comprises sheets, fitted sheets, drawsheets, bedspreads, duvet covers and pillow cases. The term "table linen" comprises tablecloths and napkins.

[0020] The invention comprises the trough (10) in which both heat-conducting plates (11,12) are connected to each other via weld spots (13) and/or weld seams (14) across the surface of the heat-conducting plates (11, 12). The weld spots (13) and/or weld seams (14) are preferably distributed across the surface, or a part of the surface, of the trough (10). The weld spots (13) and/or weld seams (14) in the trough (10) may form any desired pattern. Preferably, the weld spots (13) and/or weld seams (14) in the trough (10) form a regular pattern. More preferably, the weld spots (13) and/or weld seams (14) in the trough (10) form a triangular, rectangular or rhombic pattern across the surface, or a part of the surface, of the trough (10).

[0021] The term "weld spot" comprises the common contact surface between two plates (11, 12) which are attached to one another by a welding technique, in which case the contact surface is local. Such weld spots (13) are usually round. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, such weld spots (13) are distributed evenly across the entire surface of the plates (11, 12), as a result of which the space (16) between two plates (11, 12) comprises chambers, such as those in a padded cushion. Such weld spots (13) can be formed by means of a laser-welding technique as known in the prior art. Preferably, the weld spots are double weld spots. Preferably, the weld spots are double circular weld spots. The weld spots form, for example, double concentric circles.

[0022] The term "weld seam" comprises the common contact surface between two plates (11, 12) which are attached to one another by a welding technique, in which the contact surface is continuous in one dimension. Such a weld seam (14) is usually applied along the circumference of the two plates (11, 12), thus closing the space (16) between the two plates (11, 12). Such weld seams (14) can also be made parallel to one another, as a result of which the space (16) between two plates (11, 12) comprises elongate chambers. Such weld seams (14) can be formed by means of a laser-welding technique as known in the prior art. Preferably, the weld seams are double weld seams. Preferably, the weld seams are double weld seams which run parallel to one another.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the trough (10) comprises a weld seam (14) running along the circumference of the plates (11, 12) and the trough (10) comprises weld spots (13) which are situated at equal distances from one another on the surface of the trough (10), preferably as a padded cushion. The weld spots (13) may form any desired pattern. Preferably, the weld spots (13) form a regular pattern. More preferably, the weld spots (13) form a triangular, rectangular or rhombic pattern on the surface of the plates (11, 12). Between the weld spots (13) and/or the weld seams (14), flow passages for the heating liquid or the heating gas (26) are created. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the weld spots (13) and/or weld seams (14) are produced by means of a laser-based welding technique. In that case, these may also be referred to as laser weld spots and/or laser weld seams.

[0024] According to a first aspect of the invention, the first heat-conducting plate (11) is deformed in such a way that a space is provided between both plates (11,12).

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the invention comprises a trough (10) as described above, in which the heat-conducting plates (11, 12) comprise flexible metal, and in which at least one of the heat-conducting plates comprises steel. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, both heat-conducting plates (11, 12) comprise steel. Preferably, this is a non-alloy or low-alloy steel. Preferably, this is non-stainless steel. Preferably, this is hot-rolled steel. Preferably, the first heat-conducting plate (11) comprises non-alloy or low-alloy steel, preferably hot-rolled non-alloy or low-alloy steel. Preferably, the second heat-conducting plate (12) comprises non-alloy or low-alloy steel, preferably hot-rolled non-alloy or low-alloy steel. In a preferred embodiment , the first heat-conducting plate (11) comprises S235JR grade steel in accordance with the EN 10025-2:2004 standard. In a preferred embodiment, the second heat-conducting plate (12) comprises S235JR grade steel in accordance with the EN 10025-2:2004 standard.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the steel has a thermal conductivity of at least 30 W/mK at a temperature of 298 K, more preferably of at least 35 W/mK, more preferably of at least 40 W/mK, more preferably of at least 45 W/mK, more preferably of at least 50 W/mK.

[0027] The term "low-alloy steel" comprises steel which contains iron and carbon, but contains at most 1.0 % by weight of other elements, with the weight percentage being calculated based on the total steel. The term "non-alloy steel" comprises steel which contains iron and carbon, but contains more than 1.0 % by weight and at most 4.0 % by weight of other elements, with the weight percentage being calculated based on the total steel.

[0028] Preferably, the steel contains at most 0.3 % by weight of aluminium. Preferably, the steel contains at most 0.0008 % by weight of boron. Preferably, the steel contains at most 0.3 % by weight of cobalt. Preferably, the steel contains at most 0.4 % by weight of copper. Preferably, the steel contains at most 0.4 % by weight of lead. Preferably, the steel contains at most 1.65 % by weight of manganese. Preferably, the steel contains at most 0.08 % by weight of molybdenum. Preferably, the steel contains at most 0.3 % by weight of nickel. Preferably, the steel contains at most 0.06 % by weight of niobium. Preferably, the steel contains at most 0.6 % by weight of silicon. Preferably, the steel contains at most 0.05 % by weight of titanium. Preferably, the steel contains at most 0.3 % by weight of tungsten. Preferably, the steel contains at most 0.05 % by weight of titanium. Preferably, the steel contains at most 0.4 % by weight of lead. Preferably, all abovementioned maximums apply simultaneously. Preferably, the steel comprises at most 0.1 % by weight of other elements which have not been mentioned above (except for iron, carbon, sulphur and phosphorus). In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first heat-conducting plate (11) consists of steel having the above composition. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the second heat-conducting plate (12) consists of steel having the above composition.

[0029] According to an aspect of the invention, the first heat-conducting plate (11) has a thickness of at least 2.5 mm and the second heat-conducting plate (12) has a thickness of at least 8.0 mm. In an embodiment, the first heat-conducting plate (11) has a thickness of at least 3.0 mm and the second heat-conducting plate (12) has a thickness of at least 8.0 mm. In an embodiment, the first heat-conducting plate (11) has a thickness of at least 3.0 mm and the second heat-conducting plate (12) has a thickness of at least 10.0 mm. In an embodiment, the first heat-conducting plate (11) has a thickness of at least 3.5 mm and the second heat-conducting plate (12) has a thickness of at least 10.0 mm. In a preferred embodiment, the first heat-conducting plate (11) has a thickness of at least 3.5 mm and the second heat-conducting plate (12) has a thickness of at least 11.0 mm. In a more preferred embodiment, the first heat-conducting plate (11) has a thickness of at least 4.0 mm and the second heat-conducting plate (12) has a thickness of at least 12.0 mm.

[0030] In an embodiment, the first heat-conducting plate (11) has a thickness of at least 3.0 mm, for example of at least 3.5 mm, preferably of at least 4.0 mm, for example of at least 5.0 mm, for example of at least 6.0 mm. In an embodiment, the second heat-conducting plate (12) has a thickness of at least 10.0 mm, for example of at least 11.0 mm, preferably of at least 12.0 mm, for example of at least 15.0 mm, for example of at least 18.0 mm, for example of at least 20.0 mm.

[0031] In an embodiment, the invention comprises a trough (10) as described above, in which the first heat-conducting plate (11) has a thickness of at least 3.5 mm and at most 10.0 mm and in which the second heat-conducting plate (12) has a thickness of at least 11.0 mm and at most 25.0 mm. In a preferred embodiment, the invention comprises a trough (10) as described above, in which the first heat-conducting plate (11) has a thickness of at least 4.0 mm and at most 10.0 mm and in which the second heat-conducting plate (12) has a thickness of at least 12.0 mm and at most 25.0 mm. In an embodiment, the first heat-conducting plate (11) has a thickness of at least 2.5 mm and of at most 6.0 mm. Preferably, the first heat-conducting plate (11) has a thickness of at least 4.0 mm and of at most 6.0 mm. In an embodiment, the second heat-conducting plate (12) has a thickness of at least 8.0 mm and of at most 25.0 mm. Preferably, the second heat-conducting plate (12) has a thickness of at least 12.0 mm and of at most 25.0 mm. In a preferred embodiment, the first heat-conducting plate (11) has a thickness of at least 4.0 mm and at most 6.0 mm and the second heat-conducting plate (12) has a thickness of at least 12.0 mm and of at most 25.0 mm. In an embodiment, the first heat-conducting plate (11) has a thickness of at least 4.0 mm and at most 6.0 mm and the second heat-conducting plate (12) has a thickness of at least 12.0 mm and of at most 20.0 mm. In an embodiment, the first heat-conducting plate (11) has a thickness of at least 4.0 mm and at most 6.0 mm and the second heat-conducting plate (12) has a thickness of at least 15.0 mm and of at most 20.0 mm.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, the invention comprises a trough (10) as described above, in which the weld spots (13) have a diameter of between 10.0 mm and 50.0 mm. Preferably, the weld spots (13) have a diameter of approximately 25.0 mm. Preferably, these weld spots comprise double weld spots which are welded next to each other so that they form concentric circles. The diameter of the weld spot is then the diameter of the largest circle.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment, the invention comprises a trough (10) as described above, in which several weld spots (13) are evenly spaced apart, with the mutual distance between two weld spots (13) being between 2.0 cm and 15.0 cm, preferably between 5.0 cm and 10.0 cm.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, the invention comprises a trough (10) as described above, in which the trough (10) has a diameter (22) of between 200 mm and 2000 mm, for example a diameter (22) of 300 mm, 500 mm, 600 mm, 800 mm, 900 mm, 1200 mm, or 1600 mm.

[0035] The term "diameter of a trough" comprises the diameter (22) of the circular arch which the trough (10) describes. This diameter (22) approximately corresponds to the diameter (22) of a cylindrical ironing roller (20) which fits inside the trough (10). The diameter (22) of the trough (10) will determine the drying and ironing path (3) of the flat material in the ironing device (1). The term "ironing path" comprises the contact distance between the trough (10) and the casing (21) of the ironing roller (20). The larger the diameter (22) of the trough (10), the longer this ironing path (3) can be.

[0036] In an aspect, the invention also comprises a method for producing a trough (10) as described above, comprising the following steps:

1) selecting a first (11) and a second heat-conducting plate (12), the first heat-conducting plate (11) having a thickness of at least 2.5 mm and the second heat-conducting plate (12) having a thickness of at least 8.0 mm;

2) welding together the first and the second heat-conducting plate (12) by means of a laser technique, in which several weld spots (13) and/or weld seams (14) are formed across the surface of the plates (11, 12);

3) deforming both plates (11, 12) in order to form a trough (10) of the desired diameter (22); and

4) deforming the first heat-conducting plate (11) by injecting a liquid or gas between the plates (11, 12), as a result of which a space (16) is formed between both plates (11, 12), but in which case both plates (11, 12) remain connected by means of the weld spots (13) and/or the weld seams (14).

[0037] In an aspect, the invention also comprises a method for producing a trough (10) as described above, comprising the following steps:

1) selecting a first (11) and a second heat-conducting plate (12), the first heat-conducting plate (11) having a thickness of at least 2.5 mm and the second heat-conducting plate (12) having a thickness of at least 8.0 mm, and the first heat-conducting plate (11) containing non-alloy steel or the first heat-conducting plate (11) being made of steel having the following composition:

• iron;
• carbon;
• at most 0.3 % by weight of aluminium;
• at most 0.0008 % by weight of boron;
• at most 0.3 % by weight of cobalt;
• at most 0.4 % by weight of copper;
• at most 0.4 % by weight of lead;
• at most 1.65 % by weight of manganese;
• at most 0.08 % by weight of molybdenum;
• at most 0.3 % by weight of nickel;
• at most 0.06 % by weight of niobium;
• at most 0.6 % by weight of silicon;
• at most 0.05 % by weight of titanium;
• at most 0.3 % by weight of tungsten;
• at most 0.05 % by weight of zirconium;
• at most 0.4 % by weight of lead; and
• at most 0.1 % by weight of other elements which have not been mentioned above (except for iron, carbon, sulphur and phosphorus).

2) welding together a first and a second heat-conducting plate (12) by means of a laser technique, in which several weld spots (13) and/or weld seams (14) are formed across the surface of the plates (11, 12);

3) deforming both plates (11, 12) in order to form a trough (10) of the desired diameter (22); and

4) deforming the first heat-conducting plate (11) by injecting a liquid or gas between the plates (11, 12), as a result of which a space (16) is formed between both plates (11, 12), but in which case both plates (11, 12) remain connected by means of the weld spots (13) and/or the weld seams (14).

[0038] In a preferred embodiment, the second heat-conducting plate (12) contains non-alloy steel or steel having the following composition:

• iron;
• carbon;
• at most 0.3 % by weight of aluminium;
• at most 0.0008 % by weight of boron;
• at most 0.3 % by weight of cobalt;
• at most 0.4 % by weight of copper;
• at most 0.4 % by weight of lead;
• at most 1.65 % by weight of manganese;
• at most 0.08 % by weight of molybdenum;
• at most 0.3 % by weight of nickel;
• at most 0.06 % by weight of niobium;
• at most 0.6 % by weight of silicon;
• at most 0.05 % by weight of titanium;
• at most 0.3 % by weight of tungsten;
• at most 0.05 % by weight of zirconium;
• at most 0.4 % by weight of lead; and
• at most 0.1 % by weight of other elements which have not been mentioned above (except for iron, carbon, sulphur and phosphorus).

[0039] In a preferred embodiment, the first (11) and/or second (12) heat-conducting plate contains hot-rolled steel. Preferably, the first heat-conducting plate (11) comprises non-alloy or low-alloy steel, preferably hot-rolled non-alloy or low-alloy steel. Preferably, the second heat-conducting plate (12) comprises non-alloy or low-alloy steel, preferably hot-rolled non-alloy or low-alloy steel. In a preferred embodiment, the first heat-conducting plate (11) comprises S235JR grade steel in accordance with the EN 10025-2:2004 standard. In a preferred embodiment, the second heat-conducting plate (12) comprises S235JR grade steel in accordance with the EN 10025-2:2004 standard.

[0040] Preferably, the liquid or the gas is injected at a pressure of at least 30 bar, preferably of at most 100 bar.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the steps of the method as described above are carried out in the abovementioned order.

[0042] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the plates (11, 12) are first pushed against one another and are then attached to one another by weld spots (13) and/or weld seams (14). In order to provide a space (16) between the plates (11, 12), a gas or a liquid will preferably be injected at high pressure. Preferably, said liquid or gas comprises water or steam. In an embodiment of the invention, said liquid or gas is injected between the plates (11, 12) at a pressure of between 30 bar and 100 bar. In this way, flow passages for the heating liquid or the heating gas (26) are created between the weld spots (13) and/or weld seams (14). Due to the very small space (16), the circulation of the heating liquid or the heating gas (26) is not associated with the same problems which are inherent to conventional steam chambers.

[0043] In a preferred embodiment, the invention comprises a method for producing a trough (10) as described above, in which the maximum space (16) between the plates (11, 12) has a thickness of between 3.0 mm and 8.0 mm. In a preferred embodiment, the invention comprises a trough (10) as described above, in which the maximum space (16) between the plates (11, 12) has a thickness of between 4.0 mm and 6.0 mm. Said space (16) depends on the thickness of the plates (11, 12), the distance between the weld spots (13) and/or weld seams (14) and the quantity of heating liquid or heating gas (26) which has to flow between the plates (11, 12) in order to keep the plates (11, 12) at the desired temperature.

[0044] In an aspect, the invention also comprises an ironing device (1) comprising a trough (10) as described above, furthermore comprising a cylindrical ironing roller (20) which comprises a casing (21), characterized in that the trough (10) extends along at least one third of the circumference (2) of the casing (21) of the cylindrical ironing roller (20), preferably along at least half the circumference (2) of the casing (21) of the cylindrical ironing roller (20).

[0045] The degree to which the trough (10) surrounds the ironing roller (20) can also be described using a contact angle, in which a contact angle of 0° corresponds to no contact between the trough (10) and the ironing roller (20), and a contact angle of 360° corresponds to complete enclosure of the casing (21) of the ironing roller (20) by the trough (10). In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the contact angle is between 120° and 180°, for example 130°, 140°, 150°, 160°, 170°, 180°. Preferably, the contact angle is at least 150°, more preferably at least 180°.

[0046] The more the trough (10) extends along the circumference (2) of the casing (21) of the cylindrical ironing roller (20), the longer the ironing path (3) of the flat material.

[0047] In a preferred embodiment, the invention comprises an ironing device (1) as described above, characterized in that the casing (21) of the cylindrical ironing roller (20) comprises a layer of moisture-absorbing material (23) around the casing (21) of the cylindrical ironing roller (20).

[0048] The term "moisture-absorbing material" comprises any material which can absorb moisture from the flat material during ironing. Preferably, the moisture-absorbing material (23) is felt, for example felt of approximately 800 g/m². In an embodiment of the invention, the moisture-absorbing material (23) is attached to the casing (21) of the cylindrical ironing roller (20) by means of springs (24). As a result thereof, the moisture-absorbing material (23) is pressed against the trough (10) and/or the flat material. The springs (24) also ensure that unven patches are pushed away. The springs (24) also ensure that an air cushion is created between the moisture-absorbing material (23) and the ironing roller (20).

[0049] In a preferred embodiment, the invention comprises an ironing device (1) as described above, in which the trough (10) is flexible and is pressed against the casing (21) of the cylindrical ironing roller (20). This has the advantage that, independent of the thickness of the flat material, the flat material will always be pressed tightly against the casing (21) of the ironing roller (20) and against the trough (10). This may be effected by mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic or electrical means. Large ironing cylinders, i.e. having a diameter (22) greater than 1200 m, often suffer from the problem that the trough (10) does not closely adjoin the ironing roller (20).

[0050] In an embodiment, the invention comprises an ironing device (1) as described above, in which several ironing rollers (20) can be arranged behind one another. In an embodiment, the invention comprises an ironing device (1) as described above, in which several ironing rollers (20) are arranged behind one another. Such an arrangement is also referred to as a multiroller. In an embodiment, the invention comprises an ironing device (1) as described above, in which two ironing rollers (20) can be arranged behind one another. In an embodiment, the invention comprises an ironing device (1) as described above, in which two ironing rollers (20) are arranged behind one another. In an embodiment, the invention comprises an ironing device (1) as described above, in which two ironing rollers (20) can be arranged behind one another, and in which the first ironing roller (20) adjoins a trough (10) according to the first aspect of the invention. In an embodiment, the invention comprises an ironing device (1) as described above, in which two ironing rollers (20) are arranged behind one another, and in which the first ironing roller (20) adjoins a trough (10) according to the first aspect of the invention. In an embodiment, the invention comprises an ironing device (1) as described above, in which two ironing rollers (20) can be arranged behind one another, and in which both ironing rollers (20) adjoin a trough (10) according to the first aspect of the invention. In an embodiment, the invention comprises an ironing device (1) as described above, in which two ironing rollers (20) can be arranged behind one another, and in which both ironing rollers (20) adjoin a trough (10) according to the first aspect of the invention. Such an ironing device (1) makes it possible to increase the capacity.

[0051] In a preferred embodiment, the trough (1) comprises an intermediate bridge trough (15) in order to transfer the linen from the first ironing roller to the second ironing roller. This intermediate bridge trough (15) is bent and optionally heated, for example by two plates which have been welded to one another, similar to the trough (1) according to the first aspect of the invention. The intermediate bridge trough (15) can be fitted between two troughs (10). Preferably, the intermediate bridge trough (15) forms one half of an intermediate bridge. In a preferred embodiment, the trough (1) comprises an intermediate bridge trough (15). In a preferred embodiment, the trough (1) comprises one half of an intermediate bridge. Fig. 2 shows a trough (10) comprising an intermediate bridge trough (15), in which Fig. 2b shows the inlet side and Fig. 2c the outlet side of the linen. For a subsequent trough, Fig. 2c may illustrate the inlet side and Fig. 2b the outlet side. If two or more such troughs (10) are arranged next to each other, preferably with the intermediate bridge troughs (15) being coupled to each other, it is thus possible to produce a multiroller, in which the intermediate bridge troughs (15) preferably form an intermediate bridge. The curve of the intermediate bridge trough (15) preferably has a diameter of at least 100 mm. The curve of the intermediate bridge trough (15) preferably has a diameter of at most 500 mm. The advantage of such a trough (1) with an intermediate bridge trough (15) is that, using such a trough (1) as a basic module, it is easier and less expensive to install and dismantle a multiroller in modules.

[0052] In an aspect, the invention also comprises a method for drying and/or ironing flat material using an ironing device (1) as described above, comprising the following steps:

1) heating the trough (10) by introducing a heated liquid or gas (26) in the space (16) between both plates (11, 12);

2) rotating the cylindrical ironing roller (20) with respect to the trough (10);

3) introducing the flat material between the trough (10) and the cylindrical ironing roller (20) while the cylindrical ironing roller (20) is rotating with respect to the trough (10); and

4) optionally, pressing the trough (10) against the cylindrical ironing roller (20).

[0053] Preferably, the flat material is introduced in a moist state. Preferably, the trough (10) is pressed against the ironing roller (20) which may, for example, be effected by hydraulic, pneumatic or electrical means.

[0054] The heated liquid or the heated gas (26) serves as heating liquid or heating gas (26). This heating liquid or this heating gas (26) can be selected from the list comprising: steam, thermal oil and hot air. Preferably, this is steam or thermal oil. The heating liquid or the heating gas (26) can be heated by means of a gas boiler or a thermal boiler. Preferably, the trough (10) is heated to a temperature of at least 100°C, more preferably to a temperature of at least 150°C, most preferably to a temperature of at least 170°C.

Claims

1. Trough (10) for an ironing device (1), comprising:

- a first heat-conducting plate (11); and

- a second heat-conducting plate (12),

in which both heat-conducting plates (11,12) are attached to one another by means of weld spots (13) and/or weld seams (14) across the surface of the heat-conducting plates (11,12) and in which the first heat-conducting plate (11) is deformed in such a way that a space is provided between both plates (11, 12), in which the first heat-conducting plate (11) has a thickness of at least 2.5 mm and the second heat-conducting plate (12) has a thickness of at least 8.0 mm, and in which the first heat-conducting plate (11) contains non-alloy steel or in which the first heat-conducting plate (11) is made of steel having the following composition:

- iron;

- carbon;

- at most 0.3 % by weight of aluminium;

- at most 0.0008 % by weight of boron;

- at most 0.3 % by weight of cobalt;

- at most 0.4 % by weight of copper;

- at most 0.4 % by weight of lead;

- at most 1.65 % by weight of manganese;

- at most 0.08 % by weight of molybdenum;

- at most 0.3 % by weight of nickel;

- at most 0.06 % by weight of niobium;

- at most 0.6 % by weight of silicon;

- at most 0.05 % by weight of titanium;

- at most 0.3 % by weight of tungsten;

- at most 0.05 % by weight of zirconium;

- at most 0.4 % by weight of lead; and

- at most 0.1 % by weight of other elements which have not been mentioned above (except for iron, carbon, sulphur and phosphorus).

2. Trough (10) according to Claim 1, in which the first heat-conducting plate (11) has a thickness of at least 4.0 mm.

3. Trough (10) according to Claim 1 or 2, in which the second heat-conducting plate (12) has a thickness of at least 12.0 mm.

4. Trough (10) according to one of Claims 1 to 3, in which the first heat-conducting plate (11) is a hot-rolled sheet.

5. Trough (10) according to one of Claims 1 to 4, in which the first heat-conducting plate (11) is made of S235JR grade steel in accordance with the EN 10025-2:2004 standard.

6. Trough (10) according to one of Claims 1 to 5, in which the second heat-conducting plate (12) contains non-alloy steel.

7. Trough (10) according to one of Claims 1 to 5, in which the second heat-conducting plate (11) is made of steel having the following composition:

- iron;

- carbon;

- at most 0.3 % by weight of aluminium;

- at most 0.0008 % by weight of boron;

- at most 0.3 % by weight of cobalt;

- at most 0.4 % by weight of copper;

- at most 0.4 % by weight of lead;

- at most 1.65 % by weight of manganese;

- at most 0.08 % by weight of molybdenum;

- at most 0.3 % by weight of nickel;

- at most 0.06 % by weight of niobium;

- at most 0.6 % by weight of silicon;

- at most 0.05 % by weight of titanium;

- at most 0.3 % by weight of tungsten;

- at most 0.05 % by weight of zirconium;

- at most 0.4 % by weight of lead; and

- at most 0.1 % by weight of other elements which have not been mentioned above (except for iron, carbon, sulphur and phosphorus).

8. Trough (10) according to one of Claims 1 to 7, in which the first heat-conducting plate (11) has a thickness of at least 4.0 mm and at most 6.0 mm and in which the second heat-conducting plate (12) has a thickness of at least 12.0 mm and at most 25.0 mm.

9. Trough (10) according to one of Claims 1 to 8, in which the trough (10) comprises an intermediate bridge trough (15), preferably with the intermediate bridge trough (15) forming one half of an intermediate bridge.

10. Trough (10) according to one of Claims 1 to 9, in which the weld spots (13) are round, optionally form a double circle, and in which the weld spots (13) have a diameter of between 10.0 mm and 50.0 mm.

11. Method for producing a trough (10) according to one of Claims 1 to 10, comprising the following steps:

1) selecting a first (11) and a second heat-conducting plate (12), the first heat-conducting plate (11) having a thickness of at least 2.5 mm and the second heat-conducting plate (12) having a thickness of at least 8.0 mm, and the first heat-conducting plate (11) containing non-alloy steel or the first heat-conducting plate (11) being made of steel having the following composition:

- iron;

- carbon;

- at most 0.3 % by weight of aluminium;

- at most 0.0008 % by weight of boron;

- at most 0.3 % by weight of cobalt;

- at most 0.4 % by weight of copper;

- at most 0.4 % by weight of lead;

- at most 1.65 % by weight of manganese;

- at most 0.08 % by weight of molybdenum;

- at most 0.3 % by weight of nickel;

- at most 0.06 % by weight of niobium;

- at most 0.6 % by weight of silicon;

- at most 0.05 % by weight of titanium;

- at most 0.3 % by weight of tungsten;

- at most 0.05 % by weight of zirconium;

- at most 0.4 % by weight of lead; and

- at most 0.1 % by weight of other elements which have not been mentioned above (except for iron, carbon, sulphur and phosphorus).

2) welding together the first (11) and the second heat-conducting plate (12) by means of a laser technique, in which several weld spots (13) and/or weld seams (14) are formed across the surface of the plates (11, 12);

3) deforming both plates (11, 12) in order to form a trough (10) of the desired diameter (22); and

1) deforming the first heat-conducting plate (11) by injecting a pressurized liquid or gas between the plates (11, 12), as a result of which a space (16) is formed between both plates (11,12), but in which case both plates (11, 12) remain connected by means of the weld spots (13) and/or the weld seams (14).

12. Method according to Claim 11, in which the maximum space (16) between the plates (11, 12) has a thickness of between 3.0 mm and 8.0 mm.

13. Ironing device (1) comprising a trough (10) according to one of Claims 1 to 10, furthermore comprising a cylindrical ironing roller (20) which comprises a casing (21), characterized in that the trough (10) extends along at least one third of the circumference (2) of the casing (21) of the cylindrical ironing roller (20), preferably along at least half the circumference (2) of the casing (21) of the cylindrical ironing roller (20).

14. Ironing device (1) according to Claim 13, characterized in that the casing (21) of the cylindrical ironing roller (20) comprises a layer of moisture-absorbing material (23) around the casing (21) of the cylindrical ironing roller (20).

15. Method for drying and/or ironing moist flat material using an ironing device (1) according to Claim 13 or 14, comprising the trough (10) according to one of Claims 1 to 8, comprising the following steps:

1) heating the trough (10) by introducing a heated liquid or gas (26) in the space (16) between both plates (11, 12);

2) rotating the cylindrical ironing roller (20) with respect to the trough (10);

3) introducing the flat material between the trough (10) and the cylindrical ironing roller (20) while the cylindrical ironing roller (20) is rotating with respect to the trough (10); and

4) optionally, pressing the trough (10) against the cylindrical ironing roller (20).

Drawing