EP0683700B1 - Process and device for supplying a substance to an application site, and process for cleaning the device - Google Patents

Abstract

A device (1) is disclosed for supplying a pourable, paste-like and/or gaseous substance (9) to an application site which extends in the longitudinal direction of the device and for applying the substance, in particular by means of a doctoring element (91, 92, 93), to an application surface (81) which extends over a large width along the application site. The flow of substance is supplied in three steps. In the first step (I), a connection duct (5) designed as a pipe, hose or the like gathers the substance, forms a centralised flow of substance and supplies it to the device. In a second step (II), the flow of substance is subdivided by a substance flow subdividing arrangement into a plurality of flowpaths uniformly distributed over the width of the application site. In a third step (III), a layer of substance having a homogeneous surface and a uniform thickness over the whole width of application is spread on the application surface.

Description

The invention relates to a device for supplying a flowable, pasty and / or gaseous substance to an application point extending in the length of the device and for applying a substance to an application surface that extends along the application point by means of a doctor element, comprising a three-stage substance flow guide is formed in that the substance is introduced into the device in a first flow stage by means of a main feed line forming a combined (centered) substance flow, in a second flow stage by means of a substance flow dividing device it is divided into a plurality of flow paths and in a third stage by means of a Slot opening is spread over the application width, the device comprising a flow channel body extending in length, the main feed line of a first, in assigned to the longitudinal center of the body is the central substance flow dividing mouth of a channel system formed by the dividing device and arranged within the channel body, the substance flow dividing channels of which starting from the central dividing mouth continue through further similar dividing mouths to multiply to a plurality of outlet openings which multiply over the application width in Equal distances are provided, the outlet openings of the channel system continuing to divide flow into a wide-gap flow channel provided with the nozzle-like slot opening and extending in the device length, the wide-gap flow channel being formed by a double wall which is parallel to the channel body extends and ends in the area of the application area, and the edges of the slot opening are out of contact with the application area. It also relates to methods for applying and cleaning the device.

A generic device is known from DE-A1-33 35 252. This is equipped with a channel system of a substance supply device which branches out from division stage to division stage. A covered channel body provided with channels on its outer surfaces is composed of two or more plates into which flow channels are incorporated. These devices comprise substance introduction tubes which are guided over the actual channel body and / or placed thereon and which are connected, for example, via a pipe elbow to a passage which leads outwards in the longitudinal center of the body. The channels end in a multiplicity of outlet openings, which are provided to be divided equally over the application width. The supply pipeline, which is permanently connected to the channel body, results in a high unit weight with the usual working widths of several meters. This results in a relatively large overall cross section of the device, the device also being connected to further machine parts such as a doctor blade device and a carrying bar. The entire device is very space-consuming and in many cases cannot be used or can only be used with considerable conversion and handling difficulties in the narrow installation space, for example in a printing screen cylinder (round stencil), of an application / printing machine. In practice, therefore, the use of the duct branching system desired per se must be dispensed with in many cases for reasons of space constriction, the relatively high weight and / or the handling difficulties. - It is known (WO-A-8809725) to provide the part of a support beam for an unbranched substance supply line.

In the known devices, the substance outlet openings open directly into a relatively large-volume substance collecting space, or the outlet openings end directly in an application slot, the edges of which lie against a stencil, the substance escaping under pressure, which requires a very complex sealing . Another known measure is to provide the slot opening with grooves in order to achieve a capillary effect. The measures mentioned have hitherto been regarded as necessary in order to compensate for the discrete outflows at the outlet openings as far as possible, i.e. in order to reduce the effect of the strip-like or punctiform flow pattern per se caused by the outlet openings on the substance at the application site. It is also considered necessary to keep the outlet openings in contact or proximity contact with a surface to be acted upon in order to produce a pressure build-up in the feed device (DE-A1-33 35 252). Furthermore, it is known to allow the individual streams to flow out of the outlet openings over a relatively large distance between the latter and the point of consumption under the action of gravity.

The known measures have proven to be insufficient in practice. The conventional substance collection space and outlet openings with extremely small distances or diameters lead to instabilities in the substance supply, with intermittent substance supply and in particular pressure surges at the beginning of each conveyance. In particular at low working speeds, there is excessive, unadjusted substance consumption and also an undesirably heavy application of substance. An interim reduction in pressure causes pressure surges or pressure peaks, which in turn lead to an uneven application of substance. In order to keep the pressure within a substance collection room as low as possible and as constant as possible, one has one in the collection room Pressure measuring probe arranged, which works sensitively in a small pressure range.

In the known devices, in practice it is necessary to work with a relatively large amount of substance in front of the application element (doctor element), with the application point always being loaded with a little more substance than necessary in order to ensure operational safety. This has a number of disadvantages. The application uniformity is disturbed by a paste (substance) mixture, partial drying takes place in the mostly rotating paste bead, and undesirable air inclusions gradually develop in the amount of stock. This causes increasingly diverse results. E.g. a disruptive longitudinal streak is visible in the application result. Other associated consequences are a relatively high loss of substance as well as a large water consumption during cleaning and, associated with this, a special load on the sewage system. Some application substances tend to age, harden and oxidize. As a result, the disadvantages mentioned appear more.

In the known devices, particular difficulties also arise from the fact that the chemical conversion as well as the viscosity of the application substance and the different quantity requirements have to be taken into account for the respectively desired application. Substance quantity requirements are extremely different. For some applications, the application quantity must be as small as possible, while relatively large application quantities are required, for example, for coating or impregnating applications. Devices are also known (WO-A-9 216 308) which are equipped with sealing elements which form splitting blades. Substance must be kept in the gap sealed against the application area.

A main aim of the invention is to create a device which improves the substance supply and application from a technical, economic and ecological point of view for uniform application processes of all kinds, in particular for applications on moving webs without or with the use of a screen cylinder template. In particular, the operation, the cleaning options and the upgrade / disarmament should be optimized.

The objectives of the invention are achieved in connection with the features of the generic device by the characterizing measures according to claim 1. By means of the nozzle-like slot opening designed and arranged according to the invention, a surface-homogeneous substance layer of the third flow stage is formed and conveyed through the nozzle-like slot opening to an application point, the double wall having the slot opening ending in the substance area in front of the application point formed by the doctor element due to the spacing arrangement according to the invention.

In a method according to the invention for application and cleaning operation of the device according to the invention, in which the slot opening of the wide-gap flow channel extends in the area of the doctor element, the cleaning operation is carried out after the application operation in the upgraded state of the device, the application substance being used during the application operation of the wide-gap flow channel in the flow state which is flat over the width of the coating and in the immediate vicinity of the working area of the doctor element is discharged in front of it and, after the application operation, the substance from the area of the coating zone is at least partially through the wide-gap slot opening in the form of a homogeneous substance layer by the Wide-gap flow channel subtracted under the effect of a suction force applied to the connecting flow channel and by means of the channel system of the flow channel dividing device G is converted into a summarized (concentrated) substance discharge stream.

A method according to the invention for the application and cleaning operation of the device according to the invention, in which the slot opening of the wide-gap flow channel extends in the region of the application zone in front of the doctor element, is also that the cleaning operation is also carried out after the application operation in the upgraded state of the application device , wherein during the application operation the application substance by means of the wide-gap flow channel in a flow state which is flat over the application width and in the vicinity of the working area of the doctor element is dispensed before this, but as another measure for the cleaning operation, cleaning liquid is fed as substance into the connection flow channel, by means of of the wide-gap flow channel in the immediate vicinity of the working area of the doctor element and the application area and, if appropriate, a template arranged therebetween d with residual application substance is mixed, with the mixture then preferably being drawn off through the wide-gap flow channel under the effect of a suction force applied to the connecting flow channel and converted into a combined or closed (concentrated) substance discharge stream by means of the channel system of the flow channel dividing device.

In a method according to the invention for supplying substance to an application site, a quantity of substance adapted to the requirements is supplied to the connecting flow channel by means of a control device as a function of the substance level in the application area, which is measured by means of at least one substance contact level sensor connected to the control device.

The wide-gap flow channel according to the invention is to be understood as one which is dimensioned by means of gap wall surfaces which are closely spaced, starting from a small gap thickness with a narrowing flow cross-section and / or possibly narrowing slightly towards one another towards the nozzle-like slot opening in combination with the nozzle-like opening additionally formed at the gap outlet slot, the substance flows from the outlet openings to a homogeneous flow layer in the manner of a uniformly connected substance film or substance "curtain". It is important according to the invention that the nozzle-like slot opening conveys the substance to the application site, which is preferably only slightly spaced from the slot opening, without the slot opening itself exerting a pressure-building doctor function or coming into contact with an application surface or stencil.

Around the wide gap flow channel with the nozzle-like slot opening according to the invention for application devices Different types, for different types of pressure, namely mechanical or magnetic pressing of doctor elements, as well as for different types of doctor devices, in particular roller or doctor blade devices, it is important that the device is particularly easy to handle, be arranged in a confined space can and can be connected to connecting lines for different substance conveying or suction devices. For this purpose, the device is equipped with the connection flow duct according to the invention, which forms an integral part of the duct body, the detachable connection being made exclusively from the end face of the duct body. All substance flow dividing channels, including the connecting flow channel forming a first substance flow dividing channel, as well as all substance flow dividing orifices are formed in the channel body. Using a substance flow division system known per se, the device can be accommodated with a wide variety of doctor elements in narrow assembly spaces on application machines, in particular in circular templates of rotary printing machines. The wide-gap flow channel according to the invention with its nozzle-like slot opening and the design of the connecting flow channel nevertheless allow a large flow rate, so that even highly viscous application substances with the lowest possible pressure build-up can be conveyed continuously as far as possible. As a result, a consumption-adapted promotion is achieved and also that the lowest possible amount of substance can be worked in the area directly in front of the application element.

It has been found that the flow stages provided and designed in accordance with the invention not only achieve the optimum, uniform substance supply to the application site, but also that the same device enables simple and effective cleaning in the upgraded state. This is the cleaning process claims directed. The inventive design of the connecting flow channel contributes significantly to the implementation of the cleaning processes. A wide variety of supply and suction lines can be easily detachably connected to the upgraded device. The outflow of cleaning fluid from the nozzle-like wide-gap slot opening can be particularly advantageously promoted in that the nozzle-like slot opening merges into a funnel-like opening area. This is particularly advantageous for sucking in the cleaning liquid mixture.

A particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention consists in that the channel body is formed at least in two parts with body parts which can be joined together in a releasable clamping and / or plug connection. In connection with the connecting flow channel according to the invention, which is advantageously provided for the insertable section of a connecting line, the device is not only extremely easy to disassemble or upgrade, but the channel body can be easily disassembled with the clamp / plug connection for the purpose of general cleaning and put together.

A major advantage of the device according to the invention is its suitability for all very different working / application widths that occur in practice. Widths of about 1.2 to 3.2 m are common in the textile application area, widths of about 2 to 5 m are used for carpet finishing, and geotextiles are manufactured in widths of up to 8 m, but also up to 10 to 12 m . The device according to the invention is suitable for each of the application widths mentioned and also for every performance requirement, that is to say for every quantity of substance output and for every quality requirement with regard to the uniformity of width and area.

A particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention also consists in the fact that on the side of the channel body facing the application surface (work surface) in the area of the application point or the doctor element there is a tunnel-like arched space which extends over the working width and is open to the application surface or, if applicable, to a template is formed, in whose, viewed in the working direction of movement, the front boundary wall of the wide-gap flow channel ends with the slot opening. On the one hand, a defined, very advantageously precisely (level) controllable, preferably particularly small amount of substance can be kept available in such a space between the front longitudinal boundary wall and a doctor element, and on the other hand the space with its curvature extending directly above the doctor element serves also to wash the doctor element particularly intimately with the cleaning liquid emerging from the slot opening. In addition, the cleaning liquid mixture is accumulated in the room, so that it can be drawn off particularly effectively in the form of a flat film through the wide-gap slot opening.

With regard to a particularly compact channel body reduced to the smallest possible profile cross section, it is provided that the substance flow division channels downstream of the central substance flow division opening and all division openings are arranged in a body circumferential angular range of at least 270 ° around the connecting flow channel forming a first substance flow division channel.

According to the invention, the connecting flow channel emanating from the channel body end face is incorporated and integrated into the body material in such a way that, relative to the body cross section, largely narrow walls are formed between all channels. Such a channel body is largely hollow and thus trained with optimal use of the body cross section for the duct system.

The dimensioning of the wide-gap flow channel in connection with the easily flow-permeable channel system is of particular importance for the constant supply of substance and uniform distribution of area at the wide-slot slot opening. In the invention, the gap dimensioning can be achieved particularly easily and in fine coordination by interchangeable attachment parts which can be attached to a longitudinal wall extending in front of the application point, viewed in the direction of working movement, preferably being displaceable thereon and / or transversely to the application surface are attached with easily insertable spacer elements that determine the width of the wide gap.

It is known to control the feed substance flow by means of a substance level sensor which is arranged in the area of the application point and is separate from the feed device. However, with the invention it is achieved that in the area of the application point one or more substance contact sensors can be arranged directly on the device, with which the amount of substance, in particular very precisely adapted and continuously promoting, can be controlled in the area in front of the application point. Particularly in connection with the quantity control as a result of the substance level in front of the application point, a very advantageous embodiment of the invention also consists in passing the substance in front of the application point by means of a passage gap between a longitudinal front wall and the working surface (application surface / template) against the direction of movement of the work to bring the width distance gap into the area in front of the boundary wall, which is preferably provided with a stowage profile. It is particularly expedient in the area of the spacing gap and / or in front of the boundary wall the substance contact sensor with a position which can be changed and adjusted in its position Arrange probe or probe tip. By forming an application substance supply expediently into the area in front of the front boundary wall, a coating application operation can also be provided. When a cleaning fluid is introduced through the wide-gap slot opening, the device with the substance guide, contrary to the working direction, can be used very effectively up to the area in front of the front boundary wall for cleaning the work surface and, if necessary, a (round) template running over it.

As mentioned, the device according to the invention can be used in an expediently integral connection with a wide variety of doctor elements and application devices. The flow stages of the device according to the invention can be operated for the substance supply with the lowest possible substance delivery pressure, so that a consumption-adapted, economical and ecologically advantageous substance supply is achieved. It has been found that in combination with a slowly conveying and therefore the lowest possible pressure-building conveyor, such as a toothed roller pump, in which only a relatively short substance line is provided between the conveyor and the channel body, a delivery pressure in the range of one bar and even below is sufficient. A disturbing pressure build-up, pressure switch-on surges, pressure peaks and / or irregularities, which traditionally impair the substance width distribution, are avoided. It is also advantageous that there are no special requirements for the pressure tightness of the channels of the device according to the invention, and there are no air inclusions that are otherwise harmful at high pressure due to air intake and are harmful to the application result. In connection with the arrangement of substance contact sensors (substance level sensors) which has already been explained, a very sensitive substance quantity control can be achieved, the substance sensors being controlled by means of a control device control automatically. The apparatus according to the invention is particularly well suited for such automation, since the substance supply with the wide-gap flow channel assigned to the application point ensures a continuous flow control that is largely independent of the quantity delivery with an extremely low-pressure and pressure surge-free mode of operation of the substance delivery.

Fig. 1

eine erfindungsgemäße Zuführungs- und Auftragungsvorrichtung im Profilquerschnitt,

Fig. 1a

im Teillängsschnitt den Anschlußströmungskanal der Vorrichtung in Fig. 1 gemäß Schnitt A-B,

Fig. 1b - 1f

im Profilquerschnitt Anordnungen von Rakelelementen an der Vorrichtung gemäß Fig. 1,

Fig. 2

eine erfindungsgemäße Zuführungs- und Auftragungsvorrichtung im Profilquerschnitt,

Fig. 2a - 2f

im Profilquerschnitt Gestaltungen der Vorrichtung gemäß Fig. 2 im Bereich der Auftragungsstelle,

Fig. 3

eine erfindungsgemäße Zuführungs- und Auftragungseinrichtung im Profilquerschnitt,

Fig. 3a

einen Teil-Längsquerschnitt durch den Kanalkörper der Vorrichtung gemäß Fig. 3,

Fig. 3b und 3c

im Profilquerschnitt Gestaltungen von Rakeleinrichtungen einer Vorrichtung gemäß Fig. 3,

Fig. 4 und 5

Ausführungsbeispiele erfindungsgemäßer Zuführungs- und Auftragungseinrichtungen im Profilquerschnitt,

Fig. 5a

im Teil-Längsquerschnitt den Anschlußströmungskanal der Vorrichtung in Fig. 5 gemäß Schnitt A-B,

Fig. 5b

die Gestaltung und Anordnung einer Wellenleiste im Bereich einer Breitspalt-Schlitzausmündung,

Fig. 6

im Profilquerschnitt den Kanalkörper einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung,

Fig. 7

eine erfindungsgemäße Zuführungs- und Auftragungsvorrichtung im Profilquerschnitt.

Still other embodiments of the invention are specified in the subclaims and further advantages, embodiments or possibilities of the invention emerge from the following description of the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the schematic drawing. Show it:

Fig. 1

a feed and application device according to the invention in profile cross section,

Fig. 1a

in partial longitudinal section the connecting flow channel of the device in Fig. 1 according to section AB,

1b - 1f

in profile cross section arrangements of doctor elements on the device according to FIG. 1,

Fig. 2

a feed and application device according to the invention in profile cross section,

2a-2f

in profile cross-section designs of the device according to FIG. 2 in the area of the application point,

Fig. 3

a feed and application device according to the invention in profile cross section,

Fig. 3a

3 shows a partial longitudinal cross section through the channel body of the device according to FIG. 3,

3b and 3c

in profile cross-section designs of doctor devices of a device according to FIG. 3,

4 and 5

Embodiments of feed and application devices according to the invention in cross-section,

Fig. 5a

in partial longitudinal cross section the connecting flow channel of the device in Fig. 5 according to section AB,

Fig. 5b

the design and arrangement of a wave bar in the area of a wide-gap slot opening,

Fig. 6

in cross-section the channel body of a device according to the invention,

Fig. 7

a feed and application device according to the invention in profile cross section.

1 shows an application station of an application machine with an inventive device for supplying and applying a substance 90 such as paint or the like. on an application surface 81, e.g. a web of goods.

The device 1 comprises a P-shaped profile hollow body forming a jacket / support body 2, which extends in the device length over the application width of the web 81. This is moved in the working movement direction B in a horizontal position, being brought tangentially to a contact surface 82 formed by a support roller. A magnetic device 84 in the form of a magnetic bar 83, which extends over the application width, is arranged below the support surface 82, with which a slidably mounted magnetizable squeegee bar 91 of a squeegee device 9 represented by the detail FIG. 1b can be pressed against the web 81 with its squeegee edge. The doctor device 9 comprises a with a sliding mount for the Doctor bar 91 provided holding part 222 which is fastened to the foot part of the P-support body by means of a screw connection.

The support body 2 has a square tubular profile, which forms the jacket body for a flow channel body 3 inserted therein in a form-fitting manner, which extends over the application width. As can be seen from FIGS. 1 and 1a, an integrated connecting flow channel 4 is formed in the casing body 2 in the area of the P-head corner. This starts from a body opening on the end face of the channel body 3 and extends into the area of the longitudinal center of the body. There it is connected via a central substance flow dividing mouth K "0" -1 to a dividing channel system arranged around the flow channel 45. In the opening area on the front side, the connection channel 45 has a connection section with a circular cross-section, into which a substance supply tube 5 (flow stage I) is inserted from the front side of the body in a form-fitting manner and in a fixed connection. At the insertion end, the connection channel at 51 merges into a square channel cross section.

The connection duct 45, which is square in flow cross section, forms the first flow stage K "0" of the dividing duct system (flow stage II). Subsequent to step K "0", substance flow dividing channels of steps K1 to K8 are provided in the channel body 3 from its longitudinal surfaces. All substance flow dividing channels, including the connecting flow channel 45, are provided with the reference symbol 4. In the graduation levels K1 to K8, the channels multiply from level to level via associated graduation openings between the levels. The division openings are provided at equal intervals over the length of the channel body, and the channels extend along the channel body 3. At 40, the direction of flow of the application substance is from the open end face of the connecting channel 45 to the opening K "0" -1 in the Longitudinal body center and the reference numerals 41, 42 and 43 denote the direction of flow through the further dividing orifices. In the connecting duct 45, the substance is moved out of or possibly into the connecting line 5, also in the opposite direction of flow, according to the duct cross-section in a combined, collected, concentrated flow stream.

For clarification of the channel arrangement, rectangular Cartesian coordinates are assigned to FIG. 1, the body 2 extending parallel to the z coordinate and the longitudinal surfaces lying parallel to the y or x coordinate. Channel steps K1 and K2 follow the step K "0" in the x direction, the extent of the associated channels in the y dimension being somewhat larger than half the dimension of the channel body in the y direction. The x dimension of the channels of level K2 is smaller than that of the channels of level K1. The stage K3 is provided in the y dimension under the stage K2. In the x dimension, stages K4 to K8 follow stages K3. While the channels of stages K3 to K5 have the same y dimension, the y dimensions of the channels of stages K6 to K8 decrease from stage to stage. The channels of stage K8 end in a channel orifice row 44 with 256 outlet openings arranged at equal intervals over the application width, these being open in the y direction and lying in the corner between the head and the foot of the P-body profile.

The foot of the P-support body is formed by a double wall 21, 22. The flat cavity of this double wall forms a wide-gap flow channel 7 (flow stage III), the gap thickness (internal spacing of the walls) is in the order of magnitude of the opening cross section of the outlet openings or smaller than this opening cross section. The outlet openings open into the wide gap channel 7 via a gap-like transverse channel 6 which extends over the application width, with the latter Gap thickness in the x dimension is of the order of the cross-section of the outlet openings and its extension in the y dimension is only a fraction of the flow length of the wide-gap flow channel. Due to the upstream and low gap thickness of the wide gap channel, the slot of the wide gap flow channel 46 which is open towards the material web 81 forms a slot opening 72 in the form of a nozzle slot at the wall edges 210, 220 of the double wall 21, 22 facing the material web 81. The double wall 21, 22 ends in one set distance to the web 81, which ensures the passage of substance 90 against the working direction B into the area in front of the double wall 21, 22. The double wall 21, 22 forms, seen in the working direction B, a front longitudinal wall of the device 1. The wall edges 210, 220 are directed obliquely in the profile cross section, in such a way that the substance passage gap widens towards the working direction B.

The device 1 is arranged in a coating machine with a fixed, but preferably adjustable, distance between the wall edges 210, 220 and the web 81.

A measure which is particularly advantageous according to the invention is that the amount of substance in front of the squeegee strip 91 can be controlled by means of a substance contact sensor 21.10. The substance contact sensor 21.10 is, viewed in the working direction B, arranged in front of the longitudinal wall 21 and fastened to it. Depending on the adjustable position of the sensing tip at a distance from the web 81, the substance level in front of the wall 21 is set and kept constant by the contact sensor controlling the amount of the substance introduced into the connecting flow channel 45 via an automatic control device 200. As shown schematically in FIG. 1, the control device 200 controls the delivery rate of a substance delivery device 201 connected to the connecting line 5 and provided with a substance storage container. On the one hand, they are extreme small amounts of substance can be set at the application point in front of the squeegee bar 91, and on the other hand the precise and sensitive control by means of the contact sensor 21.10 ensures a constantly and continuously flowing substance supply. The broadly distributed, homogeneous substance film is carried out close to the application zone without air contact and without gravity.

The device 1 according to FIG. 1 has the particular advantage that it can be cleaned, including the application site, in the upgraded state. For this purpose, the substance 90 is first sucked off at the application point via the wide-gap flow channel 7 and through the dividing system by means of a suction force applied to the connecting flow channel 45. Then a cleaning liquid such as water or the like is in the connecting flow channel 45. fed and distributed through the wide-gap slot mouth 72, substance residues are loosened. This cleaning is preferably done with the machine running. In most cases, the web 81 lies on a conveyor belt which holds the cleaning liquid at the application point when the web is removed. In the cleaning mode, too, it is particularly expedient to use the substance level control by means of the contact sensor 21.10 in order to control and limit the inflow of the amount of cleaning liquid. After the supply of cleaning liquid, it is expedient to again apply a suction force to the connecting flow channel 45 in order to pull off the cleaning liquid mixture across the wide gap flow channel and then through the dividing system. In addition, it is very advantageous to blow a drying gas, such as in particular air, into the connecting flow channel in order to dry the device parts, including the application point, before the subsequent application operation.

In a doctor device 9 according to FIG. 1d, a holding strip 223 for a magnetizable roller doctor 93 is fastened to the wall 22 by means of a holding part 22. It is particularly expedient to use a holding magnet for the doctor blade 93 in the holding strip 223. The doctor blade 93 lies sealingly against the holding bar 223.

1e shows a doctor device 9 with a rear longitudinal wall 230, which extends parallel to the double / hollow wall 21, 22 and viewed in the working direction B, and which, as can be seen in FIG. 1, is fastened to the jacket support body 2 by a Wall 23 is formed. There is a fixed distance gap between the free edge of the wall 230 and the application surface 81. The magnetizable roller doctor blade 93 is, seen in the working direction B, sealing against the wall 230. The application substance supply is located in the space between the wall 22 and the doctor blade 93. In this case, a substance contact sensor 22.10 is arranged on the wall 22 in the area of the application zone for level / quantity control of the substance. The wall 230 is provided in the area of the doctor blade 93 with a magnetic wall element 231, on which the doctor blade 93 is held when the magnet device 84 is switched off.

A squeegee device 9 according to FIG. 1f comprises a magnetizable roller squeegee 93 which extends over the application width extending holding / swiveling profile bar 931 is used, provided with a stowage profile. A swivel joint 932 is arranged on the swivel profile bar 931 in order to pivot it with a holding and control part 933 hinged thereto, for example in the form of a lever or arm, about the doctor blade 93. The other end of the holding and control part 933 is connected to a pivot joint 225 of a joint holding part 224, which is fastened to the wall 22. The pivoting position of the strip 931 and, at the same time, the distance between the slot opening 72 and the application surface 81 can be adjusted by adjustable raising and lowering of the device 1 and thus the double wall 21, 22. In Fig. 1f, the upper spatial end position of the double wall 21, 22 with 11 and the lower (shown in dashed lines) end position with 12.

The doctor devices 9 according to FIGS. 1d to 1f are advantageously arranged in a round stencil 85. In the cleaning operation of the device 1, the circular template 85 can be cleaned particularly effectively. Cleaning liquid flowing out of the slot opening 72 is also flushed through the pores of the template against the working direction B and, if necessary, is suctioned out of the area in front of or outside the template 85 through the wide gap channel 7.

It should be pointed out that for the purpose of better understanding in the cross-sectional representations of FIGS. 1 to 7, several cross-sections lying one behind the other are placed in the same representation plane for simplification. The same reference numerals are used to describe the exemplary embodiments insofar as the same or corresponding parts of the devices are concerned.

2, the support and jacket body 2 of the device 1 is specially designed. He has a B-like profile with two cavities walled on the long side.

The wall 22 of the double wall 21, 22 facing the application point is formed by the elongated front wall of the upper rectangular square profile. Likewise, the rear longitudinal wall 23, seen in working direction B, is an extension of the upper square profile. Under the upper square profile and between the walls 22 and 23, a cavity stiffening the device is formed, this cavity being closed off from the application surface 81 by a wall bridge or transverse wall 24 connecting the walls 22, 23 and extending over the application width. The transverse wall 24 delimits a tunnel-shaped space which is open to the application surface 81, and is concavely curved in the vicinity of a roller doctor 93 which extends longitudinally in the space. The rounded lower end 220 of the wall 22 merges at an acute angle into a straight, obliquely upward section 243 of the transverse wall 24. The section 243 is followed by a web / bridge section which overlaps the doctor blade 93 and merges into a rear arch section 242 directed towards the application surface 81. Between the section 242 and the lower edge of the wall 23, a receptacle is formed which extends over the application width and into which a holding strip 231 for the doctor roller 93 is inserted in a captive manner from the end face of the device 1. The captive sliding connection comprises projections 26 which engage in the longitudinal grooves of the bar 231. The holding strip 231, which ends at a fixed distance in the vicinity of the application surface 81, forms the rear wall of the tunnel-shaped space, as seen in working direction B. It is expediently equipped with a holding magnet for the magnetizable roller doctor 93.

In contrast to the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 1, the double / hollow wall 21, 22 forming the wide gap channel 7 formed in two parts. The front longitudinal wall, as seen in the direction of movement B, is provided by a shoulder wall which can be releasably attached to the upper profile of the support / jacket body 2 by means of a screw connection 2 + 21. With a flat surface slightly recessed compared to the shoulder section, the wide gap channel 7 is formed between the latter and the wall 22. The shoulder wall 21 is provided with a profile at its lower end 210 facing the application surface 81. Viewed in working direction B, this forms a profile outer surface directed obliquely to the application surface 81. In addition, the lower edge of the wall 21 is provided with a shape or cross-section of the surface or shape defining the wide-slot slot opening 72. 2 is provided in the region of the convex edge 220 of the wall 22 with a rounded concave surface which is shaped such that the slot opening 72 narrows somewhat compared to the thickness of the wide gap channel 7 and the slot opening 72 is inclined from below is directed upwards into the tunnel-like space.

The gap thickness of the wide gap channel 7 is advantageous by means of spacer strips 29 or the like. when producing the screw connection 2 + 21 selectable and adjustable. In FIG. 2, the row of outlet openings 44 is provided in the lower left corner of the channel body 3 as in FIG. 1. However, the direct opening into the wide gap channel 7 takes place vertically through the wall 22, so that a particularly simple connection of the extension wall 21 to the casing body 2, in particular using spacer strips 29 or the like. is reached.

As in FIG. 1, the division system comprises stages K "0" to K8. 2, however, the connecting flow channel (step K "0") is formed in the area of the channel body 3 facing the application surface 81. The levels are above level K "0" K1 and K2 are arranged, and the stages K3 to K8 follow from top to bottom in the y dimension of the channel body 3.

A particularly advantageous design of the device 1 according to FIG. 2 is that the channel body 3 is inserted into the square jacket profile in a releasable plug-and-clamp connection. The jacket body 2 forms a body part of the channel body 3. Between the inner wall of the jacket body 2 and two adjoining longitudinal surfaces of the channel body 3 on the body side diagonally opposite the step K8, two flat-shaped pneumatic pressing elements 31 are arranged, which extend at least over the major part of the channel body length and lie in flat recordings on the long sides of the channel body. The pressing elements 31 are formed by inflatable, tubular or pillow-like elements. When air or the like is applied to the pressing elements 31. the channel body 3 is connected in a clamp / press-fit connection to the jacket body 2, while it can be loosely removed from the jacket body 2 in the case of pressureless pressing elements 31 and can likewise be inserted or inserted therein. The press connection is such that open channels to the inner surface of the jacket are covered substance-tight.

In Fig. 2, a substance contact sensor 24.10 is provided, which is arranged in the cavity between the walls 22 and 23 and protrudes with its measuring tip into the tunnel-like space in an area between the apex of the doctor blade 93 and the slot opening 72. The position of the measuring tip at a distance from the application surface 81 can, as is expedient, be changed and adjusted in all substance contact sensors provided according to the invention. The contact sensor 24.10 is provided in addition to a substance contact sensor 21.11 at the end 210 of the extension element 21. Sensors 21.11 and 24.10 can be activated optionally for quantity / level control.

It is very advantageous that the extension wall 21 for forming and arranging the slot opening 72 and for forming the area in front of the doctor roller 93 can be provided with a wide variety of formations or profiles. Exemplary embodiments are shown in FIGS. 2a to 2f. The embodiment according to FIG. 2a is the same as that in FIG. 2. In FIG. 2b, the end 210 of the wall 21 at the slot opening has an edge (L2) perpendicular to the application surface 81. In FIG. 2c, the edge (L3) at the slot opening 72 jumps back somewhat against the working direction B, a homogeneous surface inflow of the substance taking place in the direction of the doctor blade 93 both in FIG. 2b and in FIG. 2c. In FIGS. 2d to 2f, the outflow from the slot opening 72 is essentially directed towards the round stencil 85 or the application surface 81. 2f there is the peculiarity that the wall 22 projects downwards towards the application surface 81 with a nose-shaped edge, so that as a result of this wall projection an inflow deliberately delimits the doctor roller 93. As shown in FIGS. 2d to 2f, the substance contact sensor 21.11 can be arranged on the profile of the extension wall 21 directly in the area in front of the slot opening 72. According to Fig. 2d and 2e between the slot opening 72 and the contact sensor 24.10, in contrast to the wall section 243 (Fig. 2), a substantially flatter wall section 244 is formed so that the slot opening 72 is at a greater distance from the application surface 81 and Roller doctor blade 93 lies. L1 to L6 denote the edges of the attachment wall 21 closest to the application surface 81. Their effect on the substance on or in front of the application zone is illustrated in FIG. 2 by means of corresponding direction lines or areas. The wall of the tunnel-like space, which is curved in the area of the doctor element, gives the inflowing cleaning fluid a vortex or ratio component, so that the doctor element and the parts located in front of it are cleaned particularly effectively. In addition, the tunnel-like Room a specially defined, advantageously extendable to the wall 21 substance space or area, the substance level can be set and limited exactly by means of a contact sensor, so that one or, if necessary, several interacting contact sensors arranged directly on the device enable automatic, customized quantity control of the the device is carried out continuously, without pressure surges and with the lowest pressure substance that can be supplied. As described for FIG. 1, each contact sensor is connected to a control device that controls a substance delivery device.

As can be seen in particular from FIGS. 2b, 2d and 2e, the slot opening 72 can be widened in a funnel shape. This is particularly advantageous in order to distribute low-viscosity cleaning liquid from the mouth 72 and to draw it into the latter.

, wobei KN die Teilungsstufe bezeichnet und Z die Anzahl der Kanäle in jeder Stufe ist. Vorrichtungen gemäß Fig. 1 und 2 mit den dargestellten Querschnittskonstruktionen und den Stufen K"0" bis K8 lassen sich sehr vorteilhaft für eine Arbeitsbreite (Fertigbreite) von ca. 5 m verwenden. Aus dieser Stufenzahl resultieren 2⁸ = 256 Austrittsöffnungen in den Breitspalt-Strömungskanal 7. Bei einer Fertigbreite von ca. 5 m ergibt dies unter Berücksichtigung von konstruktiven Zugabemaßen ein Teilungsmaß von ca. 20 mm zwischen den Austrittsöffnungen. Es ist gefunden worden, daß ein Teilungsmaß in dieser Größenordnung für die erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtungen sehr zweckmäßig ist. Es sind sowohl die Stetigströmung als auch die Ausbildung der flächenhomogenen Substanzschicht erreicht.The multiplication of the divisional flow channels in the channel system of devices according to the invention is determined by the arithmetic series of doubling: ${\text{Z = 2}}^{\text{CN}}$

, where KN is the division level and Z is the number of channels in each level. Devices according to FIGS. 1 and 2 with the cross-sectional structures shown and the steps K "0" to K8 can be used very advantageously for a working width (finished width) of approximately 5 m. This number of stages results in 2 ⁸ = 256 outlet openings in the wide-gap flow channel 7. With a finished width of approx. 5 m, this results in a division dimension of approx. 20 mm between the outlet openings, taking into account the design addition dimensions. It has been found that a division of this magnitude is very useful for the devices according to the invention. Both the continuous flow and the formation of the homogeneous substance layer are achieved.

A device 1 according to the invention according to FIG. 3 comprises a flat U-shaped jacket body 2. A channel body 3 is provided with Body parts 3A and 3B formed in two parts. The parts 3A and 3B form body halves which are placed flat against one another in the area of the dividing channel system in the x dimension. Starting from the channel level K "0" arranged in the upper part of the body, the channel system is provided with levels below in the x dimension (channels 1K to 128K). Channels 1K, 2K and 4K extend through the butt surface. The body part 3A is L-shaped in cross-section when viewed against the direction of the z coordinate. The rectangular body part 3B complements the L body to the generally rectangular channel body 3, which is inserted into the U-shell body 2 and is open to the application surface 81.

A tunnel-like space, as has been described with reference to FIG. 2, is formed in the L-foot body of the body part 3A. The rear wall 231 is part of the L-shaped body. The front wall of the L-shaped body, viewed in working direction B, forms an inner surface for the wide-gap flow channel 7 on its outer side. The other wide-gap channel inner surface is formed by the lower wall 21 of the casing body 2 and a curved edge molded onto it. As in FIG. 2, the wide-gap channel 7 is designed with a narrowing region of curvature and the slot opening 72 directed obliquely upwards into the tunnel-like space. A contact sensor 24.11 or a plurality of such contact sensors S1, S2, S3 are arranged on the curvature surface of the tunnel-like space projecting beyond the doctor blade 93. These protrude with their sensing tips, which can preferably be set at a distance from the application surface, into the area in front of the doctor blade 93. A special design of the wide gap channel 7 consists in that, in contrast to FIG. 2, the last flow channel stage engages in the wide gap channel 7.

The two body parts 3A and 3B can expediently be put together by a quick-release screw connection. It is particularly advantageous that the two parts 3A and 3B in the U-jacket body 2 are inserted or inserted, plug-in / sliding strips or projections 26 are provided on the inner wall of the U-body, which border into associated longitudinal grooves on the body part 3a. It is particularly advantageous that the two-part channel body 3A, 3B is inserted into the U-jacket body 2 by means of a pneumatic press connection. Longitudinal grooves are formed on the body part 3A in the lower region of the device 1 on the side opposite the wall 21, into which are inserted tubular clamping / pressing elements 31 which extend over the length of the device. These expand when a pressure medium such as compressed air or the like is applied. off, so that the channel body 3 is in the jacket body 2 in a tight press fit connection. The pressing elements according to FIG. 3 as well as according to FIG. 2 can be provided with a valve which is preferably exposed on one end face of the channel body for the inlet / outlet of the pressure medium. The body parts 3A, 3B do not have to be connected to one another by means of a screw connection. The press connection is such that the body parts are connected to each other at substance transfer points between them in a substance-tight manner.

The connecting flow channel 45 (K "0") has a circular cross section in FIG. 3, wherein it is formed by channel halves of the body parts 3A and 3B which are symmetrical to the abutting surface. Through the channel 45 of the channel body 3, a supply pipe 5 can be expediently formed, which is designed such that the supply substance is guided from one end face into the longitudinal center of the channel body and there through the division opening K "0" -1 with the channel stage having two channels K1 is connected, as shown in Fig. 3a. The two channels of stage K1 each divide via a division opening K1-2 into two channels of channel stage K2, which thus has four channels or division openings. The further channel stages K3 to K8 then follow in the same way, the channels along the channel body in a row next to one another are arranged. The stage K8 comprises 128 channels which open directly into the wide-gap channel 7 via 256 outlet openings. Such a channel multiplication with steps K "0" to K8 is also provided in the channel bodies according to FIGS. 1 and 2, and the multiplication takes place in the same way in FIGS. 4 to 7 to be described, the channel body in FIG. 4 Levels K "0" to K4, the channel body in FIG. 5 and 6 levels K "0" to K5 and the channel body in FIG. 7 levels K "0" to K6.

In the case of particularly large lengths (working widths), it is expedient to stiffen the casing body 2 with a longitudinal rib 27 and / or to stabilize the body 2 with a U-rib 25. A longitudinal rib 28 with a threaded hole is provided for fastening with holding parts of an application machine.

3b and 3c each show an advantageous embodiment of a doctor device integrally formed with the device 1 according to FIG. 3. According to FIG. 3b, retaining bolts 91. 11 are fastened to the tunnel wall above the doctor element to the application surface 81, to which a magnetizable circular scraper bar forming the doctor element is attached in such a way that it can be moved by sliding. In FIG. 3c, a bar 91.12 which is freely movable transversely to the application surface and into which an elastic doctor blade 91.14 is inserted is inserted in the tunnel-shaped space.

A device 1 according to FIG. 4 with the division channel stages K "0" to K4 is provided in particular for smaller working widths. The support / jacket body 2 has a P-shaped profile, with an extension wall element 21 being provided to form the wide gap channel 7, similarly to FIG. 2, which is attached to the screw strip 21 + 2 using a spacer strip 29 determining the width of the wide gap channel Sheath body 2 is attached. At 21 + 22 is in In the region of the lower section of the double wall 21, 22, a spacer sleeve corresponding to the width of the wide gap channel is used.

The device is equipped with a stiffening hollow wall 232 shown in dashed lines, which is fastened to the side of the jacket body 2 facing the application surface 81 and extends parallel to the application surface 81 with the double wall 21, 22. A tensioning device is arranged in the cavity of the stiffening wall 232. This comprises a tensioning tube 233 with an internal thread arranged perpendicular to the lower surface of the casing body 2, into which a tensioning screw 234 or 235 is screwed at each end of the tensioning tube. By turning the tension tube 233, the screws 234, 235 are tensioned against the cavity walls abutting the screw heads. With this device, the straightness of the casing body 2 can be adjusted over the application width. A holding strip 231 for the doctor blade 93 is advantageously fastened to the end of the stiffening wall 232 facing the application surface 81. Such a holding strip 231 has been described with reference to FIGS. 1e and 2.

A device 1 according to the invention according to FIG. 5 comprises a U-jacket body 2 open towards the working direction B. The web wall of the U-body 2 is, similar to FIG. 2, extended with a longitudinal wall 23 on which a holding strip 231 for a doctor blade 93 is attached. A channel body 3 is inserted into the casing body 2. As can be seen from FIG. 5a, a connection line 5 is detachably connected to a channel section 52 via a connection receptacle on the end face of the channel body 3. This is in alignment with the central longitudinal axis of the channel body 2 and is open on the front side of the body. The section 52 merges into a channel section 54 via a channel section 53 which is oblique to the body central longitudinal axis. The latter is open on the longitudinal side of the body, so that it is covered by the wall of the jacket body 2. It extends to the middle of the body, where it merges into channel stage K1 via a dividing mouth. The channel sections 52 to 54 form the connection flow channel integrated in the channel body 3. Channels from the following channel stages K2 to K5 are worked into the channel body 3 from the outer surface and covered by the jacket body 2. The channels of stage K5 open into outlet bores 70 which extend through the channel body 3 over the open area of the U-jacket body 2. The division channels downstream of the central division opening K "0" -1 and all division openings are arranged in a channel body circumferential angle range of at least 270 ° around the connecting flow channel 45 forming a first division channel. 5 can of course also be equipped with a doctor blade bar 91 or a doctor blade blade 91.15.

As shown schematically with reference to FIG. 56, a wide gap channel can be made relatively short. This is achieved by a corrugated structure on the wide gap channel surface opposite the outlet bores 70. For this purpose, a flat, strip-like wave strip 73 is inserted into a slot opening, which has a wave shape designated by 74. In this case, a channel wall corrugated surface is formed, with which the gap channel strength in the area of the outlet openings of the outlet bores 70 and towards the slot opening is somewhat reduced, while the width of the wide gap channel on the rear side of the wide gap channel with wavy cutouts in the areas between the outlet openings is somewhat larger. The wave surface structure is thereby formed. A run-off edge is formed at the slot opening, over which the homogeneous substance film formed in the wave wide-gap channel runs.

The channel body 3 according to Fig. 5 has e.g. a cross-sectional dimension of 40 x 40 mm for a substance to be supplied over a width of approx. 2 m. With a channel body length of approx. 5 m, the cross-sectional dimensions are approx. 100 x 100 mm and are thus far below those of conventional devices.

A channel body 3 inserted into a jacket body 2 according to FIG. 6 comprises graduation levels K "0" to K5, the flow channels of which are incorporated into the channel body 3 from the outer surfaces thereof. A dividing system is formed which overlaps with substance flow division channels and substance flow division openings. The cross-sectional division is such that the channel connections K2-3 from the stage K2 to the stage K3 penetrate the channel body 3 through the region of the middle of the body from one side of the body to the other. The connecting flow channel is designed and arranged as in FIG. 5a, so that the dividing channels and all dividing outlets are provided in an extremely space-saving manner in a channel body circumferential angle range of at least 270 ° around the connecting flow channel forming a first dividing channel.

7 shows a device 1 according to the invention, which can optionally be assembled from up to five parts as required. A jacket body 2 in the form of a square profile with a channel body 3 inserted therein forms a first component. A second component forms a hollow body with the longitudinal walls 22 and 23, which is arranged under the casing body 2. A third component is provided on the underside of the hollow body, namely a bridge or tunnel body, which forms a tunnel-like space as in FIGS. 2 and 3. The rear wall forming a retaining strip 231 for the doctor roller 93 can be arranged separately on the bridge body, so that the device then comprises a fourth component. A fifth component represents an extension wall 21, as it is based on 2 and 4 has been described. The connection points of the individual components are designated with 246, 247, 248 and possibly 249. The first, second and third component have the same dimensions in the x dimension, so that a device that is relatively slim in the y dimension is produced. A clamping device as in FIG. 4 is expediently arranged in the hollow body forming the second component.

The channel body 3 is in turn inserted into the jacket body 2 by means of a pneumatic pressing element 31. In this case, a connecting line 32 with a flat, rectangular cross section is provided, which is inserted into the channel body 3 along a connecting section and at the end of the connecting section merges into the connecting flow channel of stage K "0" with a circular cross section. The connecting pipe 32 is arranged in the upper region of the channel body 3. The flat-shaped pneumatic pressing element 31 is inserted between the upper wall of the casing body 2 and the upper flat wall of the connecting pipe 32. Thus, the channel body 3 is press-connected to the jacket body 2 via the pipe 32. The channel step K1 is arranged in the y dimension below the step K "0", transitions downward obliquely between the step K1 and the step K2 being provided in the right corner region of the body in the drawing. The channel steps K4 to K6 are also located in an oblique-angled connection arrangement, this arrangement corresponding to the arrangement of the pitch steps in front of the outlet openings in FIGS. 1 and 2.

In all of the embodiments, the support / jacket bodies can project significantly beyond the readiness for application on both sides and lie laterally on an application / printing machine in bearings or can be held in holding / adjusting parts. Likewise, the support / casing body 2 can have the same length as the channel body 3, the support / casing body then being fixed with support / holding parts projecting laterally outwards connected is. 3 and 5, that the connecting line in the form of a substance introduction tube is inserted through the entire length of the channel body 3 and serves as a support, holding and / or adjusting tube for the device . 1, 2, 3 and 7 can be installed and used in application / printing machines in other spatial arrangements.

Claims (24)

1. An apparatus (1) for supplying a flowable, pasty and/or gaseous substance (9) to an application site extending in the longitudinal direction of the apparatus and for applying the substance to an application surface extending widely along the length of the application site (81) by means of a squeegee element (91, 92, 93) (81), comprising a three-stage substance flow supply which is formed by the substance being introduced into the apparatus by means of main supply conduit forming a combined (centred) substance flow in a first flow stage (I), being divided uniformly over the width in a plurality of flow paths by means of a substance flow dividing device in a second flow stage (II) and being spread over the application width by means of a slotted discharge opening (72) in a third flow stage (III)

   the apparatus (1) comprising a flow channel body (3) extending in the longitudinal direction of the apparatus,

   a first central substance flow dividing opening (K"0"-1) of a channel system arranged inside the channel body (3) and formed by the dividing device being arranged in the longitudinal centre of the body and associated with the main supply conduit, the substance flow dividing channels (4) of the channel system being provided to multiply from the central dividing opening via further similar dividing outlets to a plurality of outlet openings (44) provided equally spaced over the application width,

   the outlet openings (44) of the channel system, which continually divides the flow, opening into a wide gap flow channel (7) which extends in the longitudinal direction of the apparatus and is provided with the nozzle-like slotted discharge opening (72),

   the wide gap flow channel (7) being formed by a double wall (21, 22) which extends in parallel with the channel body (3) and terminates in the area of the application surface (81), and

   the edges of the slotted discharge opening (72) being out of contact with the application surface (81),
   characterised in that the double wall (21, 22) is provided as a front longitudinal wall of the apparatus (1) extending in front of the squeegee element (91, 92, 93) when viewed in the direction of working movement (B), the squeegee element (91, 92, 93) being arranged behind, and spaced from, the slotted discharge opening (72) when viewed in the direction of working movement (B) and the slotted discharge opening (72) being arranged at a fixed distance from the application site without the performance of a pressure building squeegee function and the number of outlet openings (44) being preferably anything from 16 to 256.
2. An apparatus according to claim 1, characterised in that the flow channel body (3) comprises at its end side a body opening which provides a connection with the main supply conduit, which is formed as a connecting conduit (5) a connecting flow channel (45, K"0") contiguous with, or at least partially formed by, the connecting conduit (5) being formed to extend from the body end opening into the area of the longitudinal centre of the body for guiding the substance in a combined flow between the end side and longitudinal side of, and inside, the channel body, and the connecting flow channel (45) being connected with the first central substance flow dividing opening (K"0"-1) arranged in the longitudinal centre of the body in the area of the longitudinal centre of the body.
3. An apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that a wave-shaped strip (73) is positioned in the region of the slotted discharge opening (72) of the wide gap flow channel (7).
4. An apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the shell body (2) is formed from several parts.
5. An apparatus according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterised in that the connecting conduit (5) is constructed as a body which supports the apparatus in the form of a connecting pipe.
6. An apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that at least two of the dividing stages (K2, K3) of the flow channel arranged on opposing channel body, or partial body, longitudinal sides are connected with one another by means of through holes (K2-3) which extend through the channel body (3).
7. An apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the nozzle-like slotted discharge opening (72) of the wide gap flow channel (7) is contiguous with a mouth opening which widens in a funnel-like manner for sucking up substance in the area of the application site and conducting the substance back into the connecting flow channel (45) by means of the channel body (3).
8. An apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the nozzle-like slotted discharge opening (72) of the wide gap flow channel (7) is provided on the longitudinal edge of the front longitudinal wall (21, 22) facing the application surface (81) or possibly a screen stencil (85).
9. An apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the nozzle-like slotted discharge opening (72) of the wide gap flow channel (7) is provided on the wall portion of the front longitudinal wall (21, 22) facing the squeegee element (91, 92, 93), the wide gap flow channel (7), when viewed in cross-section, preferably comprising a curvature such that the slotted discharge opening (72) of the wide gap flow channel (7) is directed away from the application surface (81).
10. An apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that a wall element (21) extending over the application width and having the form of a plate or a profiled rail is demountably arranged at the end portion of the front longitudinal wall (22) and extends in front of the squeegee element (91, 92, 93), the wide gap flow channel (7) being formed between the wall element (21) and the longitudinal wall (22) which form the double wall.
11. An apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterised in that a tunnel-like space extending over the working width and open towards the application face is formed on the apparatus (1) in the area of the application site, the front wall of the space, when seen in the working direction (13), forming part of the longitudinal wall (21;22) provided with the wide gap flow channel (7).
12. An apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterised in that at least one of the dividing stages of the dividing channel system arranged upstream of the outlet openings is formed in the front longitudinal wall (22).
13. An apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterised in that the wide gap flow channel (7) is formed in, or on, a body part which forms part of the channel body (3) or the shell body (2).
14. An apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterised in that the squeegee element (91, 93) is of a kind, which can be pressed against the application surface (81) and possibly a screen stencil (85) under the influence of a magnet device (84) arranged below the application surface (81).
15. An apparatus according to claim 14, characterised in that the squeegee element is a magnetisable roll or round doctor (93, 91.12) which, when seen in the working direction (B), lies against a front or rear longitudinal limiting wall (223, 231) which extend over the application width and is provided on the channel body (3).
16. An apparatus according to claim 14, characterised in that the squeegee element is a strip-like doctor knife (91) which is held transverse to the application surface (81) in a seat arranged on the channel body (3) such that it can be pushed to move in a sliding manner.
17. An apparatus according to claim 14, characterised in that the squeegee element is a stroking blade (91.14) which is held by means of a magnetisable holding rail (91.13) mounted on the channel body and extending over the application width, the holding rail being mounted on the channel body (3) transverse to the application surface such that it can be pushed to move in a sliding manner.
18. An apparatus according to claim 14, characterised in that the squeegee element is a magnetisable roll doctor (93) which is arranged in a profiled holding and baffle rail (931) extending over the application width, the profiled baffle rail being pivotable about the roll doctor (93) in accordance with a changing and adjustable distance between the channel body (3) and the application surface (81) by means of a pivot arm (933) hinged to the profiled baffle rail and the channel body (3).
19. n apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 18, characterised in that at least one substance contact sensor (22.10, 24.10, 24.11) is arranged, when seen in the working direction (B), behind the front longitudinal wall (22) and on the latter or on the channel body (3) for measuring the level of substance accumulated between the slotted outlet opening (7) of the wide gap flow channel (72) and the working site, the spacing of the contact sensor tip to the working surface preferably being changeable and adjustable.
20. An apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 19, characterised in that the outlet openings of the channel system open into a transverse channel (6) which forms part of the wide gap flow channel and extends over the application width.
21. An apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 20, characterised in that the connecting conduit (5) forming part of the connecting flow channel has the form of a pipe (32) of an inner body part of the channel body (3).
22. A method for performing an application and cleaning operation of an apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 21, characterised in that the cleaning operation is carried out on the apparatus in equipped condition following the application operation, the application substance being delivered in the immediate vicinity of, and in front of, the application area in a planar flow condition homogeneously over the application width by means of the wide gap flow channel during the application operation, and the substance, after termination of the application operation, being removed from the area of the application site through the wide gap flow channel in the form of a uniform homogenous layer at least partially by means of the wide gap flow channel under the action of a suction force applied in the connecting flow channel and being transferred by means of the channel system of the flow channel dividing device to a combined substance output flow.
23. A method for performing an application and cleaning operation of an apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 21, the application substance preferably initially being removed from the area in front of the application site in accordance with the method of claim 21, characterised in that the cleaning operation is carried out following the application operation with the application device in equipped condition, the application substance being delivered in the working area of, and in front of, the squeegee element in a planar flow condition homogeneously over the application width by means of the wide gap flow channel during the application operation, a cleaning fluid for the cleaning operation being fed as substance into the connecting flow channel, being supplied to the squeegee element, the application surface and possibly an interposed screen stencil in the immediate vicinity of the working area of the squeegee element by means of the wide gap flow channel and being mixed with remaining application substance, and preferably subsequent to the mixing being removed through the wide gap flow channel under the action of a suction force applied in the connecting flow channel and transferred by means of the channel system of the flow channel dividing device to a combined substance output flow.
24. A method according to claim 23, in which the apparatus employed is equipped with a tunnel-shaped substance space, open to the application surface (81) and possibly to a screen stencil (85) and formed between a front limiting wall (21, 22), comprising the slotted discharge opening (72) of the wide gap flow channel (7), and the squeegee element and possibly a rear limiting wall (23, 231) against which the squeegee element lies sealed, characterised in that a spinning or rotational component is applied to the cleaning fluid after its exit from the slotted discharge opening of the wide gap flow channel to promote its mixing with the remaining application substance.

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