Device and method for thermally treating records

Abstract

Device for thermally treating records, comprising the following features: 1. Record integration module consisting of: 1.1. a flat and rigid base plate (2) which serves to support a record LP1 (3) and its full surface, 1.2. a flat and rigid pressure disc (4), which serves to press the record LP1 (3) flat and parallel to the base disc, 2. a controllable or switchable heater used to heat the record integration module with the record LP1 (3) contained therein to a temperature of < 61 °C, 3. an electronic unit with heating temperature control system and process control, 4. a container (5) which 4.1. accommodates the record integration module and seals it off from the environment, 4.2. can be opened and closed to load the record integration module with the record LP1 (3), 4.3. can be opened and closed to remove the record LP1 (3) from the record integration module, characterized in that a) the pressure disc for the record LP1 (3) simultaneously fulfils the function of the base disc for another record LP2 (6), which is covered by a second flat and rigid pressure disc (7) which serves to press the record LP2 (6) against the first pressure disc (4) over its entire surface and in a plane-parallel manner, thus creating a record pair integration module (1), b) the container thermally insulates the record integration module or the record pair integration module (1) from the environment and c) for the purpose of rapid cooling of the record integration module or the record pair integration module (1), a ventilation device consisting of a switchable forced ventilator (10), at least one air inlet opening (8) formed in the container and at least one air outlet opening (9) formed in the container is provided.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device and a method for ironing, ie for the thermal treatment of records, in particular uneven records, which are subjected to surface pressure. State of the art

[0002] Records are disc-shaped sound storage media made primarily of thermoplastic material. Highly sensitive scanning devices, known as record players, are used to play them. To ensure high-quality reproduction of the signals on the record, the record must be as flat as possible. Improper storage of records or errors during manufacturing or transport can cause records to become uneven, warped, or distorted. These flatness deviations are feared among record enthusiasts because they diminish the listening pleasure when playing such records.

[0003] To reduce the impact of this record damage on the listening experience, numerous devices have come onto the market that are designed to compensate for the problems of warped records by adjusting the playback device. For example, the defective records lying on the turntable are weighted down during playback with a record weight placed centrally on the record or with a ring placed peripherally on the record. Because records are flexible, such measures can temporarily push the wave out of the record, but often only partially and not with the desired quality.

[0004] There are record players in which the records are sucked onto the turntable by negative pressure, which straightens the record during playback. In another type of record player, the tonearm is modified to compensate for any waves in the record.

[0005] The aforementioned measures attempt to compensate for the negative sonic effects caused by uneven records by taking measures during playback. A fundamental improvement in the flatness of the recording medium is not the goal. Furthermore, these measures require very complex equipment and, depending on the type and severity of the record distortion, often only partially achieve straightening.

[0006] There are known processes and devices for straightening uneven records by "ironing." In this context, ironing means that the record is placed on a flat, rigid surface of a base disc, covered by a flat, rigid surface of a pressing disc, and subjected to a lengthy heat treatment, usually between 50 and 60 °C, using pressure exerted on the record via both surfaces.

[0007] Document DE 2628416 A1 describes a process in which records sandwiched between layers of paper are smoothed with an iron. However, this process is only practical for very thin records, and the risk of damaging the sound carrier is very high.

[0008] There is a known do-it-yourself method in which the record is placed between two glass plates and heat treated in a kitchen oven. This type of treatment is not only relatively energy-intensive but also unsafe. If the treatment is carried out too hastily, there is a risk that the record will be heated for too long at a high temperature, or even at too high a temperature altogether. This could cause the record to soften in an unsuitable manner, irreversibly destroying its sound information. This is particularly the case when using kitchen ovens, as they cannot achieve the required spatial temperature homogeneity or – due to the large temperature hysteresis – the necessary temperature stability. On the other hand, if the treatment parameters of time and temperature are selected very carefully, the record can only be sufficiently leveled after many hours of treatment.

[0009] The online magazine Stereophile (https: / / www.stereophile.com / content / entry-level-16-page-2) describes a record ironing device in which the record is clamped between two heavy metal plates, and this unit is placed in an electrically heated textile sleeve, where it is heated in an energy-intensive and temperature-controlled manner. This method of treatment is uncomfortable for the user, and the temperature distribution within the textile sleeve is uneven, which, if handled impatiently, can lead to overheating of the record and its destruction. Heat loss through the textile sleeve is only inadequately inhibited, resulting in significant energy losses. Furthermore, heat transfer through the textile sleeve is uneven and difficult to reproduce. This means that the thermal conditions on the metal plates and the record are difficult to reproduce, which subsequently leads to unreliable ironing quality.The user must repeat the ironing process frequently (up to ten times), which can take several hours, before achieving a satisfactory ironing result. Furthermore, heating and cooling the heavy metal plates is time-consuming. In addition to the poor thermal insulation of the textile cover, the occasional ironing cycles result in even higher energy consumption and a significant time expenditure per flattened record. Task

[0010] The invention had the task of developing a device for ironing records, in particular uneven records, which consists of a record integration module, which consists of a rigid and flat base plate for placing the record LP1 and a rigid and flat pressure plate for pressing the record LP1 against the base plate, a controllable or switchable heater, an electronic unit with a heater temperature control system and a container which serves to hold the record integration module and seals it off from the environment. in such a way that the disadvantages of the state of the art, in particular long processing times, poor energy efficiency and uncertain straightening results when ironing the record, are overcome.

[0011] In addition, a corresponding method had to be specified which overcomes the disadvantages of the state of the art.

[0012] The object is achieved according to the invention by the device according to independent patent claim 1 and by the method according to independent patent claim 8. With regard to the device, the object is achieved by a device for thermal treatment, in particular for ironing records, which comprises the following features: 1. Record integration module, consisting of: 1.1. a flat and rigid base plate, which serves to support a record LP1 and its full surface, 1.2. a flat and rigid pressure disc, which serves to press the record LP1 onto the base disc in a plane-parallel manner, 2. a controllable or switchable heater used to heat the record integration module with the record LP1 inside to a temperature of < 61 °C, 3. an electronic unit with heating temperature control system and process control, 4. a container which 4.1. accommodates the record integration module and seals it off from the environment, 4.2. can be opened and closed to load the record integration module with the LP1 record, 4.3. can be opened and closed to remove the LP1 record from the record integration module, characterized by the fact that a) the pressure disc for the record LP1 simultaneously fulfils the function of the base disc for another record LP2, which is covered by a second flat and rigid pressure disc, which serves to press the record LP2 against the first pressure disc over its entire surface and in a plane-parallel manner, thus creating a record pair integration module, b) the container thermally insulates the record integration module or the record pair integration module from the environment and c) for the purpose of rapid cooling of the record integration module or the record pair integration module, a ventilation device consisting of a switchable forced ventilation device, at least one air inlet opening formed in the container and at least one air outlet opening formed in the container is provided.

[0013] In particular, the device is designed to carry out the method according to the invention.

[0014] The invention has the following advantages: • Two records can be ironed simultaneously, nearly doubling process productivity. • By equipping the device with a ventilation system, the cooling of record LP1 in the record integration module or the cooling of records LP1 and LP2 in the record pair integration module occurs quickly during the cooling phase, but without disruptive large temperature gradients in the vinyl material. This rapid, homogeneous cooling further increases the productivity of record ironing processes without causing significant temperature gradient-related distortion in the vinyl. • The increased process productivity compared to the state of the art is accompanied by more efficient energy use per treated record.

[0015] The heat source for the heater can be located outside the container. For example, heated air could be drawn into the container using the ventilation system. It is more convenient and energy-efficient if the heat source is located inside the container.

[0016] In this configuration, the record pair integration module is not just an extension of the record integration module with a second pressure disc and a second record. This extension could, in itself, be expanded even further. Modules with three to ten records and a corresponding number of pressure discs are feasible. It has also been shown that, with a homogeneous temperature distribution in the container, both records have approximately the same temperature throughout the entire ironing process. This desirable phenomenon no longer occurs for all integrated records when three or more records are treated simultaneously.

[0017] The base plate and the pressure plate(s) should be flat and rigid. "Flat" in this application means that the plates are not more than 0.5 mm uneven. "Rigid" in this application means that the plates do not deform by more than 1 mm when the contact force required for the ironing process is applied.

[0018] In one embodiment, the pressure plates exert the contact pressure required for the ironing process through their weight.

[0019] The container can be flexible, e.g., in the form of a textile cover or a strong plastic film. It can also be a housing made of solid or foamed material.

[0020] For the purposes of this application, "thermally insulated" means that the uncontrolled heat transfer from the record pair integration module, which is heated during the ironing process and is predominantly caused by convection, to the environment outside the container is prevented. Therefore, the majority of the thermal energy used is advantageously used to quickly and evenly heat the record pair integration module.

[0021] In a further embodiment of the device according to the invention, the base disc and the pressure discs have a central bore with a diameter between 5 and 8 mm.

[0022] In a further embodiment, the base disc, the record LP1, the pressure disc for the record LP1, the record LP2 and the pressure disc for the record LP2 are coupled together by means of an axle screw and form an axis-centered module.

[0023] In continuation of the latter design, this module equipped with the axle screw is clamped with a clamping nut, whereby the contact pressure on the records can be increased beyond the weight of the clamping discs.

[0024] In a further embodiment, the base disc, the pressure disc for the LP1 record, and the pressure disc for the LP2 record are made of aluminum sheet or aluminum alloy sheet. This allows the heat emitted by the heater to be transferred quickly and evenly to the records. With these materials, the required strength is achieved with a disc thickness of just 1.5 mm. Compared to the state of the art, this results in very light discs that store comparatively little heat during heating and can therefore be heated up and cooled down more quickly after heating. This is energy-efficient and saves processing time.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, a fan integrated into the container is provided as a forced aerator.

[0026] In a further embodiment, the bottom of the container is flat and rigid and has channels for air guidance.

[0027] Regarding the process for ironing records, the task is solved by the following sequence of steps: I. Heating the record LP1 located in the record integration module or the records LP1 and LP2 located in the record pair integration module to a set temperature II. Maintaining the set temperature by temperature control until the set temperature holding time has elapsed III. Switching off the heating IV. Switching on the forced ventilation V. Switching off the forced ventilation after the specified ventilation time has elapsed VI. alternative to V. Switching off the forced ventilation after falling below a specified switch-off temperature

[0028] In particular, the method is designed to implement the device according to the invention.

[0029] The invention has the following advantages: • The use of a ventilation system allows the two records in the integration module to cool quickly during the cooling phase, but without disruptive large temperature gradients in the vinyl material. This rapid, homogeneous cooling increases the productivity of the record ironing process without any significant temperature gradient-induced distortion of the vinyl. • The increased process productivity compared to the state of the art is accompanied by more efficient energy use per treated record.

[0030] The method is applicable both to record integration modules and to record pair integration modules according to the invention.

[0031] During heating, the temperature of the record integration module or record pair integration module is typically raised from room temperature to a predetermined target temperature. The temperature depends on the base material of the record.

[0032] In an advantageous development of the method according to the invention, the target temperature is generally between 48 and 61°C.

[0033] In a further advantageous embodiment, the target temperature holding time is between 10 and 30 minutes. Example

[0034] The invention will be explained in more detail below using a particularly suitable embodiment.

[0035] The accompanying drawing shows: Fig. 1 a simplified exploded view of the record pair integration module according to the invention, with axle screw and clamping nut for ironing two records Fig. 2 a simplified and schematic exploded view of a device according to the invention for ironing records.

[0036] Identical features in the figures are identified by the same reference numerals.

[0037] The known record integration module is composed of the flat and rigid base plate 2, the record LP1 3, which rests on the base plate 2, and the flat and rigid pressure plate for the record LP1 4.

[0038] According to the invention, the record integration module is extended by the record LP2 6 lying on its pressure disc for the record LP14 and the flat and rigid pressure disc for the record LP2 7.

[0039] All of these aforementioned discs are made, for example, from the alloy AlMg3, are circular with a diameter of 310 mm and a thickness of 2 mm, and have a central bore 11 with a diameter of 7 mm. The unit consisting of the base disc 2, record LP1 3, pressure disc for record LP1 4, record LP2 6, and pressure disc for record LP2 7 forms the record pair integration module 1 and is lined up on the axle screw 12 through its central bores 11 and clamped together with the pressure nut 13 screwed onto the axle screw 12. The record pair integration module 1 is housed in a container 5 with a circular base and hollow cylindrical wall, which can be closed with a lid 16. The container 5 and the lid 16 are made of expanded polypropylene with a wall thickness of 2.5 cm. The base disc 2 rests on the container bottom 14.Ventilation ducts 15 and the air inlet opening 9 are embedded in the container base. A fan 10 is integrated into the air inlet opening 9 as a forced ventilation system. This fan is designed to operate at a speed of 20 m. 3 / h of cold ambient air through a dust filter and blown through the container. The wall of the container 5 contains an air outlet opening 9. The record pair integration module 1 is partially or completely removable from the container 5.

[0040] Housing 5 contains a controllable and switchable 24V resistance heater with a power of 25 VA (not shown). An NTC temperature sensor is attached to the base plate 2 and is used for temperature measurement and control. The device includes an external electronics unit (also not shown in the drawings) located outside of housing 5 with a human-machine interface for process control, including temperature detection, temperature display, heater control, fan control, and parameter input and recording.

[0041] The method according to the invention for thermal treatment, in particular for ironing records, comprises the following process steps: I. Heating the record LP1 located in the record integration module or the records LP1 and LP2 located in the record pair integration module to a set temperature II. Maintaining the set temperature by temperature control until the set temperature holding time has elapsed III. Switching off the heating IV. Switching on the ventilation V. Switching off the ventilation after the ventilation time has elapsed VI. alternative to V. Switching off the ventilation after falling below a switch-off temperature

[0042] The target temperature is between 48 and 61 °C, depending on the material of the record.

[0043] Setting the target temperature requires knowledge of the type of polymer used for the record. It has proven advantageous to treat shellac records in the temperature range of 48-50 °C. In contrast, vinyl records of European origin usually have a composition that requires a temperature range between 56 and 58 °C. If the critical temperature of the record material is unknown, a cyclic process with increasing target temperatures is used. This means that in an initial ironing cycle, a low but safe target temperature is set, e.g., 54 °C. Once the ironing process is completed according to process step VI, the success of the straightening of the record is evaluated. If the straightening does not meet the requirements, a further ironing process is carried out at a temperature increased by, for example, 2 °C, and so on.

[0044] In one embodiment of the invention, the target temperature holding time is preferably in a range between 10 and 30 minutes.

[0045] The ventilation according to process step VI should be operated until the record pair integration module has cooled down to a temperature of < 30°C.

[0046] The arrangement described in the exemplary embodiment has the following functionality in connection with the described method: The record pair integration module 1 is designed according to Fig. 1 and screwed hand-tight using the axle screw 12 and the clamping nut 13. This ensures that the records are pressed almost flat. The record pair integration module 1 is housed in the container 5, which is closed with the lid 16. The parameters "Target temperature" (e.g., 56 °C), "Target temperature holding time" (e.g., 15 minutes), and "Ventilation time after heating is switched off" (e.g., 30 minutes) are set via the human-machine interface. The ironing process is also started via the human-machine interface. The process steps described below are controlled by the process flow controller, which is an integral part of the electronics unit.

[0047] In a first step, the user switches on the heater. The ambient temperature and the temperature of the record pair integration module are, for example, 22 °C at this time. The heating process slowly increases the temperature in container 5 and thus the temperature of the record pair integration module 1 to the target temperature of 56 °C. The heating time in the example is approximately 35 minutes. The heating time depends on the starting temperature, the ambient temperature, the heating power, the mass to be heated, and the tightness of container 5.

[0048] Immediately after reaching the target temperature, the electronic unit regulates the temperature of the record pair integration module 1 over the target temperature holding time of 15 minutes in a second step and keeps it constant within a temperature hysteresis which, for example, was less than 0.3 K.

[0049] After the set temperature holding time has elapsed, the electronic unit switches off the heating in a third step.

[0050] In a fourth step, the electronic unit switches on the forced ventilation 10. At this point, the ambient temperature was, for example, 22 °C.

[0051] After the ventilation time has elapsed, the electronics unit switches off the forced ventilation 10 in a fifth step. The temperature of the record pair integration module 1 at this time was, for example, 29.8 °C.

[0052] As an alternative to the shutdown criterion "ventilation time after heating shutdown," the forced ventilation 10 can also be switched off after the temperature falls below a certain shutdown temperature. This could, for example, have been set to 30 °C.

[0053] After the forced ventilation system 10 is switched off, a ready signal is sent via the human-machine interface.

[0054] Finally, the ironed and straightened records LP1 and LP2 can be removed from the record pair integration module 1. List of reference symbols 1 record pair integration module 2 base disc 3 records LP1 4 pressure disc for the record LP1 5 containers 6 record LP2 7 Pressure disc for the record LP2 8 Air inlet opening 9 Air outlet opening 10 forced aerators 11 Central bore 12 Axle screw 13 Press nut 14 Container base 15 ventilation ducts 16 lids

Claims

[1] Device for the thermal treatment of records, comprising the following features:

1. Record integration module consisting of: 1.

1. a flat and rigid base plate (2) which serves to support a record LP1 (3) and its full surface, 1.

2. a flat and rigid pressure disc (4), which serves to press the record LP1 (3) against the base disc, 2. a controllable or switchable heater used to heat the record integration module with the record LP1 (3) contained therein to a temperature of < 61 °C, 3. an electronic unit with heating temperature control system and process control, 4. a container (5) which 4.

1. accommodates the record integration module and seals it off from the environment, 4.

2. can be opened and closed to load the record integration module with the record LP1 (3), 4.

3. can be opened and closed to remove the record LP1 (3) from the record integration module, characterized in that a) the pressure disc for the record LP1 (3) simultaneously fulfils the function of the base disc for another record LP2 (6), which is covered by a second flat and rigid pressure disc (7) which serves for the full-surface plane-parallel pressing of the record LP2 (6) against the first pressure disc (4), thereby creating a record pair integration module (1), b) the container thermally insulates the record integration module or the record pair integration module (1) from the environment and c) for the purpose of rapid cooling of the record integration module or the record pair integration module (1), a ventilation device consisting of a switchable forced ventilator (10), at least one air inlet opening (8) let into the container and at least one air outlet opening (9) let into the container is provided. [2] Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the base disc (2), the pressure disc for the record LP1 (4) and the pressure disc for the record LP2 (7) are each provided with a central bore (11) of five to eight mm in diameter. [3] Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the base disc (2), the record LP1 (3), the pressure disc for the record LP1 (4), the record LP2 (6) and the pressure disc for the record LP2 (7) are coupled to one another by means of an axle screw (12) and form an axis-centered module. [4] Device according to claim 3, characterized in that the record pair integration module (1) is clamped by means of a pressure nut (13) which can be screwed onto the axle screw (12). [5] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the base disc (2), the pressure disc for the record LP1 (4) and the pressure disc for the record LP2 (7) consist of aluminum sheet or the sheet of an aluminum alloy. [6] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a fan integrated into the container (5) acts as the forced aerator (10). [7] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bottom (14) of the container (5) is flat and rigid and has channels (15) for air guidance. [8] Method for thermally treating records with a device according to one of claims 1 to 7 characterized by the sequence of the following procedural steps 8.1 Heating the record LP1 (3) located in the record integration module or the records LP1 (3) and LP2 (6) located in the record pair integration module (1) up to a target temperature 8.2 Maintaining the set temperature by temperature control until the set temperature holding time has elapsed 8.3 Switching off the heating 8.4 Switching on the ventilation 8.5 Switching off the ventilation after the ventilation time has elapsed 8.6 alternative to 8.5 Switching off the ventilation after falling below a switch-off temperature [9] Method for the thermal treatment of records according to claim 8, characterized in that the target temperature is between 48 °C and 61 °C. [10] Method for the thermal treatment of records according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the target temperature holding time is between 10 and 30 minutes.

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