EP0047907B1 - Coating apparatus for sheet-like materials - Google Patents

Abstract

1. Claims (for the Contracting States : CH, DE, FR, GB, NL, LI) Apparatus for applying agents to a flat article by means of an applicator device (3), wherein associated with the applicator device (3) above a screen (2) is a limited space (4) which accomodates the agent and which extends over the working width, and wherein there is a delivery duct (41), the width (a) of the opening of which remains substantially uniform over the height of the feed, characterised in that the delivery duct (41) is adjustable in respect of its width (a) with respect to the applicator device (3). 1. Claims (for the Contracting States : AT, IT) An apparatus for the application of media upon a flat or stretched-out object, having an applicator means (3) with a confined space or chamber (4) for the medium arranged above a sieve or screen (2) and extending over the full width of the work, further having a feeder means (5) for the medium to be applied, characterized in that a wall member (142) of said confined space or chamber (4) above said sieve or screen (2) or similar is shaped so that it will adapt or roughly adapt itself to said applicator means (3) and extends parallel or essentially parallel relative to the latter, thus forming a channel or inlet (41) with a gap (a) that is essentially regular in width over the height of the inlet.

Description

Description (for the contracting states: CH, DE, FR, GB, NL, LI)

The invention relates to a device for applying media to a flat structure by means of an application device, the application device being assigned a limited space which accommodates the medium and extends over the working width, and a feed channel is provided whose gap width is essentially the same over the height of the inlet remains.

Such an apparatus has already been proposed by the earlier application WO 80/02399. However, this known device does not make it possible to adapt the flow cross-section for the medium to be applied to the conditions in the application area. It must be taken into account that the present invention relates in particular to the application of liquid, pasty or viscous media to surface products, preferably to webs or textile goods or goods made of fibrous material, carpets with pile, paper, cardboard and the like. Like., With chemicals, finishing or washing liquors, u. a. also colors, color pastes u. Like. To be applied, preferably also in foamed form.

Especially when applying with foam, the storage of the foam plays an important role in relation to the relatively large consumption. It must be ensured that the foam supplied first is also consumed first, since foam has the property of causing the bubbles to burst, so that a liquefaction effect occurs which, if it occurs too early, can be disadvantageous.

This applies in particular to dyeing or printing with foam, if an even application or even contours are to be achieved. It must be ensured that the foam coming from the feed device flows in evenly up to the application level. It must be taken into account that there are different flow conditions within the channel, since the channel walls act as a brake due to the adhesion with the medium and the actual flow cross-section is smaller than the horizontal cross-section of the overall channel. This is particularly important when applying foam, especially when dyeing and printing, for example using a screen printing stencil, especially since there are stencils with large passage cross-sections that let a lot of foam through to the goods and stencils that release over very small cross-sectional areas for the passage of the foam.

The present invention is therefore based on the object to provide a device by which it is ensured that the inflow of the medium corresponds exactly to the amount consumed, without excessively high flow speeds occurring or the material to be applied not being transported uniformly to the application level. In this case, the storage also plays a role, which ensures that material is always available. On the other hand, the steady inflow over an entire working width is important.

The invention thus consists in the fact that the width of the feed channel (continued on page 3) can be adjusted to the application device. This ensures that the inflow of the medium corresponds exactly to the amount used, but can also be adjusted precisely to the type of medium, be it the liquid, pasty or viscous medium or foam to be brought to the application level.

In the device according to the invention, a sieve or a sieve-shaped intermediate carrier, e.g. B. also a screen template, a tape template, which is guided over rollers, or a round template, a screen cylinder or the like. Provided. This sieve can be perforated. Sheet metal, as a lattice work, network, wire mesh, as a sieve drum or the like. It can stand still or possibly be dragged along with the goods or be arranged separately. Among other things, stencils are also envisaged that can apply the liquor or the medium or the foamed medium in a pattern or plain, that is to say in areas, preferably also rotating sieves or stencils. A mesh made of plastic or synthetic fibers, for example, a wire mesh etc. can also be used as a mesh and thus enable a perfect order on the goods. When the sieve or the like is at a standstill, the application device, which can be in the form of a doctor blade and / or a suction box, would have to support the transport of the medium or the foam through the sieve. In the latter case, the applicator will make a reciprocating movement e.g. B. on the flat-level screen template to z. B. to bring the foam through the template through to the web or the like.

Description (for the contracting states: AT, IT)

The invention relates to a device for applying media to a flat structure by means of an application device, the application device receiving itself the application medium limited space over the working width is allocated above a sieve and a feed device for the application medium is provided.

Application devices of this type are known per se. Such a device is shown and described in DEC-2 300 290. In this device, which serves as a squeegee device for screen printing with a squeegee arranged above the screen printing stencil, the squeegee and the ink lie in a closed housing which is sealed in a form-fitting manner with respect to the screen printing stencil, the front wall of this housing forming an adjustable wall. This front wall is intended to limit the amount of ink and to keep it in a predetermined range, the passage of the ink or any other medium through the screen printing stencil being changeable and preferably controllable.

In this device, the front wall generally carries a base plate which is exchangeable or adjustable, so that the slot between the application device and the front wall is adjustable. With this device, however, it is not possible to ensure a uniform inflow of the medium to the application level.

The present invention also relates in particular to the application of liquid, pasty or viscous media to surface products, preferably to webs such. B. textile or goods made of fibrous material, carpets with pile, paper, cardboard u. Like., With chemicals, finishing or washing liquors, u. a. also colors, color pastes u. Like. Can be applied, preferably in a foamed form.

Especially when applying with foam, the storage of the foam in relation to the relatively large consumption plays an important role. It must be ensured that the foam supplied first is also consumed first, since foam has the property of causing the bubbles to burst, so that a liquefaction effect occurs which, if done too early, can be disadvantageous. This also applies in particular to dyeing or printing with foam, if an even application or even contours are to be achieved.

The present invention is therefore based on the object to provide a device by which it is ensured that the inflow of the medium corresponds exactly to the amount consumed, without excessively high flow speeds occurring or the material to be applied not being transported uniformly to the application level. On the one hand, the stock keeping plays a role, which ensures that enough of the medium is constantly available. On the other hand, the steady inflow over an entire working width is also important.

The invention thus consists in that a wall part of the limited space above the sieve or the like adapts or approximately adapts in shape to the application device and runs parallel or essentially parallel to it, so that a feed channel is present, the Gap width remains essentially the same over the height of the inlet.

This design creates a feed channel above the screen, in which the application device z. B. is a doctor blade, doctor blade or the like. In the other hand, the wall part forms one of the channel walls. The channel is of course closed at the ends. A wall can also simply be provided as the application device, so that the device works as a slot doctor.

In the device according to the invention, a sieve or a sieve-shaped intermediate carrier, e.g. B. also a screen template, a tape template, which is guided over rollers, or a round template, a screen cylinder or the like. Provided. This sieve can be designed as a perforated sheet, as a latticework, network, wire mesh, as a sieve drum or the like. It can stand still or, if necessary, be dragged along with the goods or be arranged separately driven. Among others is also intended for stencils that can be applied to the liquor or the medium or the foamed medium in a pattern or plain, that is to say in areas, preferably also rotating sieves or stencils. A mesh made of plastic or synthetic fibers, for example, a wire mesh etc. can also be used as a mesh and thus enable a perfect order on the goods. When the sieve or the like is at a standstill, the application device, which can be in the form of a doctor blade and / or a suction box, would have to support the transport of the medium or the foam through the sieve. In the latter case, the applicator will make a reciprocating movement e.g. B. on the flat-level screen template to z. B. to bring foam through the template through to the web. Like.

Description (for the contracting states: CH, DE, FR, GB, NL, LI)

It is extremely difficult and almost impossible to spread small volumes of liquor over a working width over an area in order to apply them evenly on or into a substrate. This can only be achieved by increasing the volume of the fleet, which is done by foaming. According to the invention, however, it is now possible to return the fleet to its previous consistency by arranging a sieve. Now relatively small amounts of liquid can be distributed or evenly distributed on the surface of a product. The foaming alone gives not yet an even distribution of a fleet. The difficulties mentioned can thus be overcome by applying foam to a fabric if the application is carried out through a sieve.

• 1. Es erfolgt eine totale Zerstörung des Schaumes auf dem Sieb oder im Siebbereich. Auf die Ware gelangt dann nur die dadurch entstehende Flottenmenge.
• 2. Der Schaum wird nur teilweise auf dem Sieboder im Sieb zerstört. Es wird Flotte freigesetzt, aber die weiterlaufende flächige Ware nimmt noch unzerstörte Bläschen des Schaumes mit. Diese können beim Weiterlaufen entweder in sich zusammenfallen und Flotte freisetzen oder können, falls gewünscht, auf dem Substrat verbleiben und sich verfestigen, beispielsweise durch Lufteinwirkung, Trocknung, Hitzeeinwirkung u. dgl., je nachdem welche Geräte nachgeschaltet werden.
• 3. Der Schaum wird kaum zerstört und soll auch nicht zerstört werden. Er kann dann wieder bei Weiterlauf der Ware zerfallen oder wieder stabilisiert werden, wie unter Punkt 2 gesagt.

The main component of the foam is liquefied again when it is pressed or sucked through the sieve. The resulting amount of liquid is thus evenly distributed on or in the substrate. This entry or order is made evenly across the entire working width. There are three ways to do this:

• 1. The foam is totally destroyed on the sieve or in the sieve area. Then only the resulting amount of the fleet arrives on the goods.
• 2. The foam is only partially destroyed on the sieve or in the sieve. Fleet is released, but the continuing flat product still takes undamaged bubbles of the foam. These can either collapse and release liquor as they continue to run or, if desired, can remain on the substrate and solidify, for example by exposure to air, drying, heat and the like. Like., Depending on which devices are connected.
• 3. The foam is hardly destroyed and should not be destroyed either. It can then disintegrate again when the goods continue to run or be stabilized again, as stated under point 2.

• 1. Der Schaum kann die unterschiedlichste Konstitution haben. Die Flüssigkeiten in ihm sind variabel. Die Stärke der Verschäumung ist veränderbar und auch die Bläschengröße.
• 2. Es ist veränderbar, wie und auf welche Weise er durch das Sieb hindurchgebracht wird. Die Geschwindigkeit und die physikalischen Einflüsse sind zu beeinflussen.
• 3. Die Ausbildung des Siebes in bezug auf die Durchtrittsquerschnitte, seine Dichte, seinen Reibungswiderstand spielt eine große Rolle und ist veränderbar.
• 4. Weiterhin ist auch die Ausbildung der Ware unterschiedlich und auch deren Aufnahmefähigkeit, Oberflächenstruktur usw. Alle diese Parameter sind für den Benutzer der Erfindung frei wählbar.

There are three different groups of options for foam application and these can be varied in many ways:

• 1. The foam can have a wide variety of constitution. The liquids in it are variable. The strength of the foaming can be changed and the size of the bubbles.
• 2. How and how it is brought through the sieve can be changed. The speed and the physical influences have to be influenced.
• 3. The formation of the sieve in relation to the passage cross-sections, its density, its frictional resistance plays an important role and can be changed.
• 4. Furthermore, the design of the goods is also different and also their receptivity, surface structure etc. All of these parameters are freely selectable for the user of the invention.

• Die Flächengebilde können aus Papier, Glas, Kunststoff und selbstverständlich auch aus Fasermaterialien, wie Textilware bestehen, insbesondere ist, wie erwähnt, an Florware gedacht.

Some examples are given below:

• The flat structures can consist of paper, glass, plastic and, of course, also of fiber materials, such as textile goods. In particular, as mentioned, florware is intended.

For example, foamable plastic can be foamed with solvents and applied to glass with the subject matter of the invention. This is also possible on paper and other goods.

Furthermore, chalk can be foamed and on paper, a fleece and the like. Like. Be brought.

The plastic can also be applied in such a way that it is embedded in the paper, especially if it is absorbent.

In addition, a latex coating, e.g. B. possible on textiles. It can be advantageous if the foam structure of the foam is retained as much as possible and the foam is solidified or polymerized in the usual way. Partial surfaces can also be applied with paints and also with plastic colors on a wide variety of fabrics.

However, gloss materials, in particular foams provided with gloss material, can also be used. Like. Are applied or foams that contain other chemicals to achieve a pattern effect. The stencils can also be colored if they are used evenly without a pattern. A sample order can also be made. In such machines, which are referred to as screen printing machines, a number of printing units are often arranged one behind the other, which apply different colors, which is also possible with the subject of the invention.

Thus, any flat product, for. B. dyed, finished, coated or washed.

The consumed, outgoing quantity of foam provided with a medium of any liquor, dye or the like, automatically draws new foam or the like downwards, because it will always be advantageous to put the filling area on top and underneath the feed area with the Column setting.

It is thus possible, depending on the substrate used, to supply the application medium, preferably foam, in such a way that the substrate is adequately absorbed with the liquor, namely the application medium, so that, for example, Florware is soaked into the ground or penetrated by the medium, for example, is dyed, washed or printed, while on the other hand in the case of smooth goods, for example when dyeing or printing textiles with a relatively small percentage of openings in the stencil, the feed area must be set relatively narrow in its gap width.

• Figur 1 eine schematische Seitenansicht eines Auftragswerkes mit Auftragseinrichtung in Seitenansicht, wobei das Auftragswerk mit Siebbhand arbeitet,
• Figur 2 eine mögliche Ausführung eines Auftragswerkes in Draufsicht,
• Figuren 3 und 4 die schematische Seitenansicht eines derartigen Auftragswerkes,
• Figur ein Ausführungsbeispiel mit einem Siebzylinder,
• Figur 6 eine Schaumerzeugungsvorrichtung zur Herstellung von mit Flotte versehenem Schaum,
• Figuren 7-10 weitere Ausführungsbeispiele, stark schematisiert.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings. Show it :

• FIG. 1 shows a schematic side view of an application unit with application unit in side view, the application unit working with a screen hand,
• FIG. 2 shows a possible execution of a commissioned work in plan view,
• FIGS. 3 and 4 the schematic side view of such an application work,
• FIG. 1 shows an embodiment with a screen cylinder,
• FIG. 6 shows a foam generating device for producing foam provided with liquor,
• Figures 7-10 further embodiments, highly schematic.

The device according to the invention for applying media to surface products, for. B. webs, initially consist of a machine frame 1 with at least one applicator 10, which works with a sieve, for example a belt 2. It can be a sieve belt, a belt stencil, a sieve cylinder, a round rotating stencil, a flat-plane stencil or any sieve, whereby stencils can be used in a patterned or non-patterned manner.

An application device 3, possibly a doctor blade and / or a suction box 30, is located on or in the screen 2, the application device 3, 30 being assigned a limited space 4 which receives the application medium and extends over the working width. In the exemplary embodiment in FIG. 1, this limited space has an upper filling area 40 and a narrower feed channel 41. This feed channel 41 forms a gap, the gap width of which can be freely selected for application device 3 or 30.

In the illustrated embodiment, the limited space 4 is box-shaped with closed side walls, namely a front wall 42 and a rear wall 43, the front wall being on the inlet side of the stencil and the rear wall above the application device 3, namely a doctor roller and is sealed by means of a shoe 44 on the roller with a seal toward it, in such a way that the doctor roller, which is shown here as application device 3, can rotate. The doctor roller can be driven. The suction box 30 also extends over the entire working width and has a gap 130. Such suction boxes are known per se, for example from FR-A-984151. The suction box can be connected via a hose 31 to a suction pump 32, e.g. B. a compressor or a fan.

It is essential that the gap width of the narrowed feed channel 41 can be selected. For this purpose, the lower part 142 of the front wall 42 can be designed to be removable and replaceable in the region of the narrowed supply channel 41. It is possible to reset it by placing a washer, as shown in dash-dotted lines in FIG. 1, or to continuously adjust and lock a wall.

The upper part, namely the filling area 40, can be so wide that a sufficient supply of application medium, namely foam, is possible, the front wall 42 being designed as a slide 242 in the middle area, that is to say in the lower area of the filling area 40 . The lower part can adapt to the shape of the squeegee and run parallel to the squeegee wall at a distance, but preferably place perpendicularly on the stencil.

The design of the application unit 10 can also be selected, for example, as described in DE-C-2 258 892. Here the wire 2 runs over three rollers 11, 12 and 13, of which the rollers 11 and 12 can be driven and the upper roller 13 acts as a tensioning and regulating roller.

Above the application device and above the limited space 4 there is a feed device 5, for example a pipe, with a number of outlet connections 50. The delivery device 5 can also be designed as a back-and-forth filling device, one or more outlet connections 50 being provided, so that the filling area 40 is filled uniformly over the total working width.

FIG. 1 shows the exemplary embodiment in FIG. 1 in somewhat more detail. Here you can see the scaffold z. B. a screen printing machine 1, over which a printing blanket 6 is guided in the indicated arrow direction, preferably endlessly. Furthermore, the side bearing heads 14 can be seen and the drive of the rollers 11 and 12. It can also be seen that it is possible to fasten the front wall 42 and thus also the entire space delimitation on a transverse cross member 15 via brackets 46, which are extends from one side bearing head 14 to the other. This is only one possible embodiment.

The side bearing heads can also be connected to one another by further cross members.

3.4 and 5 show further exemplary embodiments. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the upper filling area 40 is connected to a fastening strip 140, so that the lower part 142 of the front wall 42 can be fixed on it in an adjustable manner.

The side walls 47 can be designed like a plate. In this example, the rear wall 43 is pulled down to the lower run of the screen belt 2 and even forms the doctor-like application device 3 with its lower end, or a strip doctor is attached to it.

4, the front wall 42 and its lower part 142 are designed similarly to FIG. 1, but the application device is designed as a doctor blade, on the holder 33 of which the rear wall 43 is built. By replacing the lower part 142, the narrowed supply channel 41 can be adjusted in its gap a, which is indicated in FIG. 3. In addition, the gap setting can be changed by pivoting, in that the squeegee as application device 3 is set at a different angle to the lower run of the screen belt. In this embodiment of FIG. 4, a tube is also shown as a feed device 5 with a plurality or an outlet connection 50, which can be coupled to a movement mechanism, wherein the tube and the outlet connection 50 can be fastened to a cross member 16, and that can be slid over one Bracket 51 so that when the outlet nozzle 50 moves back and forth, the upper filling area 40 can be filled uniformly as a reservoir for the inlet into the feed channel 41.

In Fig. 5 an embodiment is shown with a screen cylinder 2. As an embodiment again shown as a applicator a roller doctor 3, as a feed device a tube. By adjusting the lower part 142 of the front wall 42 in relation to the upper part 42 of the connecting walls of the limited space 4, the gap between the lower part 142 and the application device 3 can be adjusted. A flexible end side 48 seals the lower part 142 to the screen template.

6 shows an exemplary embodiment of a possible foam generating device. Here again a screen cylinder 2 is shown, which carries the limited space 4 in its interior. Such foam generating devices are such. B. is shown in DE-A-2 523 062. The foam generating device 7 has a geared motor 70 with a gear pump 71 which, via a line 72, takes the liquid from a storage container 73 which mixes with paint, water and a foaming agent, as is used, for example, in the cleaning industry. Via a further line 172, the liquid from the gear pump is fed to a flow meter 74, which introduces the liquid into a mixing head 75, specifically into a mixing container 175. On the other hand, a compressor 76 via a line 272, a main tap 77 and a pressure reducing valve 78 and a flow meter 79 air is brought into the mixing head 75, in the annular space 275, via the line 272. Openings 375 allow the compressed air to enter the mixing container 175, in which the foam forms and in which granules form , Balls of glass or the like. The foamed mixture, preferably a foam-provided foam, is then passed through a line 372 or a hose. brought into the interior of the screen cylinder 2.

In order to be able to make the adjustment of the gap a comfortably, it is advantageous to place the adjustment mechanisms at the ends of the wall part 142 so that they lie in the engagement area of the screen 2, for. B. possible in the area of the end rings 20 of the template or the screen cylinder 2.

In order to ensure a uniform inflow through a uniform channel to the substrate, it is a further idea of the invention that the wall part 142 of the limited space 4 above a sieve 2 or the like adapts its shape exactly to the application device 3 or approximately adapts and runs parallel or substantially parallel to this application device, so that the gap width a remains the same over the height of the inlet.

This ensures that the feed channel 41 of the limited space 4 has a uniform cross-section in height and width from the filling area to the sieve 2.

FIG. 7 shows a roller doctor blade as application device 3, with a wall part 142, which indeed indicates a filling area 40 in the upper area. However, it is not absolutely necessary for this to be present. It can be seen, however, that the outer lateral surface 300 of the application device runs parallel to the inner lateral surface 142 'of the wall part, up to the sieve 2. The cross section of the feed channel 41 is therefore the same everywhere. It is essential that the foam bubbles get practically no resistance or mechanical influence on their way to the sieve 2, so that the foam bubbles reach the sieve 2 relatively healthy and are only destroyed around the liquor above the sieve area or in the sieve area to release.

8 shows an exemplary embodiment with a doctor blade as application device 3. The sheet 140 forming the filling area 40 can also be omitted or can be inserted into the doctor blade 3. But it is so thin that there is practically no narrowing of the cross section in the feed channel 41.

FIG. 9 again shows the arrangement of a doctor blade as application device 3, but which is bent against the screen 2. This bend is followed by the inner lateral surface 142 'of the wall part 142.

FIG. 10 shows a similar exemplary embodiment with an even more inclined position of the wall part 142 and a doctor blade as the application device 3.

7 to 10, the doctor blades or application devices 3 run in the usual way from one side to the other and the plates 140 can simultaneously serve as fastening plates or are fastened to cross members 240 which extend over the entire working width. as shown in FIG. 9.

It is important that a wall part of the limited space 4 adapts or approximately adapts to the shape of the application device 3, as a result of which the limited space 4 or the feed channel 41 has a uniform cross-section in height and width from the filling area to the sieve 2. The filling area need not be enlarged. It can be enlarged, but it does not have to be.

The screen 2 lies on the goods, which is not shown in these figures. There is also the possibility of additionally arranging a suction box 30 as an application device according to the other figures.

The figures also show that the entire limited space 4 with its feed channel 41 is built up relatively high. In any case, it goes beyond the actual doctor blade height. 7, no sheet metal is arranged in the upper region, but a sealing tape 340, in order to prevent the foam or the like supplied by the feed device 5 from reaching the height of the doctor blade and thus in front of the application device 3 . This could lead to contamination.

As can be seen from the individual figures and as can be seen from the foregoing, the invention is not restricted to one exemplary embodiment, but can be varied in many ways.

Claims (16)

1. Apparatus for applying agents to a flat article by means of an applicator device (3), wherein associated with the applicator device (3) above a screen (2) is a limited space (4) which accomodates the agent and which extends over the working width, and wherein there is a delivery duct (41), the width (a) of the opening of which remains substantially uniform over the height of the feed, characterised in that the delivery duct (41) is adjustable in respect of its width (a) with respect to the applicator device (3).

2. Apparatus according to claim 1 characterised in that the width (a) is steplessly adjustable.

3. Apparatus according to claim 1 characterised in that the width (a) is variable by interchanging wall portions of the means delimiting the limited space (4).

4. Apparatus according to claim 1 characterised in that the applicator device (3) is in the form of a roller squeegee on which a rearward wall (43) is sealingly constructed and the forward wall (42) comprises two portions, wherein the upper portion, with the rearward wall, forms a filling region (40) and the lower portion (142), with the peripheral surface of the roller squeegee (3), forms the constricted delivery region as the delivery duct (41).

5. Apparatus according to claim 1 and. one of the following claims characterised in that a sealing means is provided between the lower wall portion (142) and the screen (2).

6. Apparatus according to claim 5 characterised in that the wall portion (142) is bevelled off towards the screen (2) in the feed direction thereof.

7. Apparatus according to claim 1 characterised in that the limited space (4) or delivery space (41) is of a box-like configuration in front of and on the applicator device (3).

8. Apparatus according to claim 1 characterised in that a section box arrangement (30) is arranged beneath the space (4) or delivery space (41) and beneath the screen (2).

9. Apparatus according to claim 1 characterised in that the applicator device (3) is in the form of an adjustable bar-type squeegee.

10. Apparatus according to claim 1 characterised in that the rearward wall (43) is extended downwardly to the screen (2) and the entire limited space (4) is formed as a slot-type squeegee, wherein the rearward wall (43) serves as the squeegee.

11. Apparatus according to claim 1 characterised in that the wall portion (142) of the forward wall (42) is fixed to a fixing bar (140) of the filling region (40) and is preferably guided displaceably parallel to the lower run or the surface of the screen (2).

12. Apparatus according to claim 1 characterised in that the entire lateral boundary means of the space (4) is fixed by way of a mounting (46) to a transverse member (15) which extends from one side mounting head (14) of the applicator mechanism to the oppositely disposed side mounting head.

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