EP0761877A2 - Device for applying directly or indirectly fluid or pasty material onto a moving web, in particular paper or board - Google Patents

Abstract

A machine for direct or indirect coating of a fluid or pasty medium (12), e.g. a dye, on a moving web of esp. paper or cardboard material, has a metering gap in the form of a fountain jet nozzle formed between an application lip (4) and a discharge side (8) lip. There is a feed channel (14) leading to the metering gap which is sub-divided like a comb defining many passageways (32) for the medium. Also claimed is a process for uniform metering of the medium using the machine where the passageways define a throttling point through which the medium is led.

Description

The invention relates to an application unit for direct or indirect application of a liquid or pasty medium to a running material web, in particular made of paper or cardboard, according to the preamble of patent claim 1.

Commissioned works are known in which a metering gap is formed between two lips as a metering device, which acts as a free jet nozzle. This metering gap is also referred to as the ink outlet gap. Because of the formation of a free jet of the liquid or pasty medium running through the ambient atmosphere, the term “fountain jet flow applicator” (jet flow F) is also customary for such application works. Due to the free jet, the liquid or pasty medium is applied directly or indirectly to a running material web.

In these application units, the liquid or pasty medium is generally supplied via a paint distribution tube which is arranged within a bar which extends over the length of the application unit. From the paint distribution tube, the medium passes through passage openings into a compensation space and flows from there via a feed channel to the metering gap, from which the liquid or pasty medium is then in the form of a free jet emerges. When the medium is applied directly, a material web runs past the free jet nozzle and the free jet of the liquid or pasty medium is directly applied to it. The material web can, for example, be guided on the surface of a roller. When the medium is applied indirectly, the free jet is first applied to a carrier surface, for example the surface of an application roller, in order to be transferred from there to the material web in a roller gap through which the material web runs. The lip of the two lips forming the metering gap, which lies on the side of the metering gap, on which the application roller runs when the medium is applied indirectly or the material web runs towards the application unit when the medium is applied directly, is referred to as the supply-side lip. Accordingly, the second lip, which lies on the side of the metering gap on which the application roller or the material web runs away from the application unit, is referred to as the outlet-side lip. The lip on the inlet side can have a concavely curved deflection surface.

Traditionally, in the case of application units of the type described above, an adjustment device is provided on the outlet-side lip, with which the outlet-side lip can be adjusted in zones over the length of the application unit in terms of its distance from the inlet-side lip. This setting of the metering gap achieves a specific transverse profile of the liquid or pasty medium applied to the material web. The free jet applicator is usually followed by a fine metering device, which uses a doctor element, for example a doctor blade, to knife the applied liquid or pasty medium onto the desired application quantity. Furthermore, a collecting trough is arranged between the outlet-side lip of the application unit and the fine metering device in order to collect excess liquid or pasty medium which runs off the application unit or from the fine metering device.

A precise gap setting of the metering gap or the color exit gap is very complex and time-consuming in conventional application units of the type described above and the profiling device for gap setting is very expensive. Especially when changing the type of liquid or pasty medium, the readjustment of the metering gap is very uneconomical. Due to manufacturing tolerances and possible assembly errors, exact volumetric dosing over the entire web width cannot be guaranteed.

The invention is therefore based on the object of creating a commissioned work of the type described at the outset and a method which, in a simple and effective manner, enables a very precise gap setting and thus an exact volumetric metering over the entire web width as well as a simple and quick changeover when changing the grade .

This object is achieved by a commissioned work according to the invention with the features of patent claim 1.

Since the metering gap, which is designed as a free jet nozzle and runs over the length of the application unit, is subdivided like a comb and, due to its special geometry, has a large number of defined passage gaps for the liquid or pasty medium, a large number of very exact passage openings for the liquid or pasty medium can advantageously be used Provide medium. These passage openings or gaps of the comb-like dosing gap act as a free jet nozzle from which the liquid or pasty medium emerges in the form of a free jet. The "nozzle peaks" of the emerging liquid or pasty medium produced due to the special shape of the passage gaps are evened out to form a film of equal thickness at the concave curvature of the lip on the inlet side, so that the material web is provided with a very regular and high-quality application. The application unit according to the invention therefore advantageously allows simple, effective and exact volumetric metering of the liquid or pasty medium across the entire web width. In addition, the application unit according to the invention enables the distribution of the liquid or pasty medium to be influenced on the material web.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the passage cross section of the defined passage gaps decreases in the direction of flow of the liquid or pasty medium. The passage cross-section can be decreased continuously or discontinuously. In this way, the flow and the pressure conditions of the liquid or pasty medium can be influenced positively.

Another advantageous embodiment of the applicator device according to the invention is characterized in that the passage gaps are formed by a plurality of predetermined passage openings provided at or in the outlet of the metering gap. These passage openings, which are preferably provided in a wall closing the actual metering gap or in a separate component arranged in or on the metering gap, can be, for example, simple bores with a constant cross section or tapering in the direction of flow or as through holes with more complex cross-sectional shapes, such as lenticular through openings or the like , be designed and have the same or different sizes and / or a regular or irregular arrangement pattern.

In this context, a further embodiment has also proven to be advantageous, in which - in relation to the direction of flow of the liquid or pasty medium in the metering gap_- a distribution channel which communicates with the through openings and runs essentially parallel to the longitudinal extent of the metering gap is provided in front of the through openings. This ensures a constant and even distribution and supply of the liquid or pasty medium to the passage openings.

Another advantageous variant of the invention provides that the passage gaps are formed by at least one spacer which is arranged in or on the metering gap and has a profile-like configuration. Such a spacer can consist, for example, of a thin metal plate shaped like corrugated sheet metal, the “wave troughs” and “wave crests” framed by the walls of the metering gap form the multiplicity of defined passage gaps for the liquid or pasty medium. The spacer profile, i.e. here the "wave troughs" and "wave crests" can have different shapes and arrangement patterns, so that the same or different passage gaps and passage column arrangements arise. Furthermore, the at least one spacer can be formed in one or more parts.

According to the invention, the at least one spacer can be framed by two guide surfaces which extend beyond the outlet of the metering gap and which serve as a guide element on the way to the application site for the liquid or pasty medium flowing out of the metering gap. These guide surfaces are preferably designed as smooth, profile-free, flat or curved surfaces.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the application unit according to the invention, the passage gaps are formed by one or more guide surfaces arranged in or on the metering gap. Such a guiding surface protruding beyond the outlet of the metering gap, like the spacers described above, can consist, for example, of a thin, corrugated sheet-shaped metal plate, the "wave troughs" and "wave crests" of which are framed by the walls of the metering gap and the large number of defined passage gaps for the liquid or form pasty medium. The profile of the guide surface, ie here the "wave troughs" and "wave crests" which run essentially parallel to the direction of flow, can have different shapes and arrangement patterns have, so that the same or different passage gaps and passage column arrangements arise. Furthermore, the guide surface can be formed in one or more parts. The guiding surface thus advantageously assumes a double function, namely on the one hand it serves as a guiding element for the liquid or pasty medium flowing out of the metering gap on the way to the application site and on the other hand it takes on the function of the said passage gaps.

In another embodiment variant, it is also provided according to the invention that the inlet-side and / or outlet-side lip is provided with a comb-like column profile to form a plurality of passage gaps running essentially parallel to the flow direction of the liquid or pasty medium flowing in the supply channel. This enables an effective and precise gap adjustment and in turn an exact volumetric metering of the liquid or pasty medium over the entire web width.

In this context, it has also proven to be advantageous that at least one guide surface for the liquid or pasty medium is arranged between the inlet-side and outlet-side lip. In this way, the liquid or pasty medium can flow along the guide surface on both sides and is guided precisely to the application site.

According to a further advantageous feature of the invention, a profiled strip is provided in the metering gap, which has a large number of defined passage gaps which run essentially parallel to the direction of flow of the liquid or pasty medium flowing in the feed channel. In this way, a large number of very exact passage openings can be provided for the liquid or pasty medium. In particular when using a profile bar which is arranged on the inlet-side or outlet-side lip, the profile bar can be exactly on the opposite one Apply lip, ie the lip on the inlet or outlet side. Assembly or manufacturing errors are almost completely compensated for and further profiling can be omitted. The passage gaps of the profile strip also act as a free jet nozzle from which the liquid or pasty medium emerges in the form of a free jet. The "nozzle peaks" of the emerging liquid or pasty medium produced due to the special shape of the profile strip are evened out to form a film of equal thickness at the concave curvature of the lip on the inlet side, so that the material web is provided with a very regular and high-quality application. With the profile strip, a simple, effective and very precise gap adjustment and thus an exact volumetric metering of the liquid or pasty medium over the entire web width can be achieved. Furthermore, this design feature according to the invention enables both the influencing of the distribution of the liquid or pasty medium on the material web, easier cleaning of the profile strip, and, when using more than one profile strip, a manual or automatic adjustment of the passage cross section of the passage gaps of the profile strip and thus a change of grade also a simple and quick changeover to another liquid or pasty medium.

As a further advantageous embodiment, it is provided that the profile strip is arranged to be movable in a direction essentially parallel to its longitudinal extent. Furthermore, in the sense of the invention, two or more profile strips arranged one behind the other in the flow direction of the liquid or pasty medium in the feed channel are provided, which are designed to be displaceable relative to one another in a direction essentially parallel to their longitudinal extension. With profiled strips designed in this way, the distribution of the liquid or pasty medium on the material web can be influenced in a targeted manner, and in particular in the case of two or more profiled strips, a suitable gap adjustment and thus an exact volumetric metering, also depending on, even during operation of the machine of different types of the liquid or pasty medium used. Depending on the column geometry selected, the passage gaps formed for the liquid or pasty medium can be adjusted within a wide range when the two profile strips mentioned are mutually displaced.

For this purpose, according to the invention, at least one movement mechanism is also provided for moving the profile strip in a direction running essentially parallel to its longitudinal extension. This movement mechanism can be a mechanical, electrical, hydraulic or pneumatic device or the like. In the simplest embodiment, the movement mechanism is e.g. a lever linkage moved by an electric motor and connected to the one or more profile bars is conceivable.

In connection with the use of one or more profile strips, it has proven to be advantageous to preferably design the above-mentioned comb-like column profile on the inlet-side and / or outlet-side lip so that its shape corresponds to the passage gaps of the profile strip. Such a column profile can e.g. assume the function of the second profile strip described above, which is arranged in the feed channel in the flow direction of the liquid or pasty medium behind or in front of the first profile strip. In this way, the gap setting and metering already described can again be carried out particularly cheaply.

According to another advantageous design feature of the invention, two profile strips are arranged opposite one another in the metering gap, the respective passage gaps of these profile strips jointly forming passage openings for the liquid or pasty medium. The two profile strips can be configured identically or differently. This enables a larger one Variety of variations in the shape, arrangement and adjustment of the passage cross-sections of the passage openings.

With regard to the latter embodiment, it has also proven to be positive to arrange at least one guide surface between the two opposing profile strips. This means that the liquid or pasty medium can flow along the guide surface on both sides and is guided precisely to the application site.

Furthermore, it has turned out to be very advantageous that the profile strip is arranged so as to be movable transversely to the flow plane of the liquid or pasty medium flowing in the feed channel in a direction directed towards the lip on the inlet or outlet side. In particular when using the two opposing profile strips, this movable arrangement can be used by at least one of the two profile strips to change the passage cross section of the passage gaps. Furthermore, according to the invention, at least one pressing device is provided which presses the profile strip directly or indirectly essentially transversely to the flow plane of the liquid or pasty medium flowing in the supply channel in a direction directed towards the lip on the inlet or outlet side. Together with the above-mentioned movable arrangement of the profile strip, the side of the profile strip containing the passage gaps can lay flush against the surface of the inlet-side lip facing the feed channel, and a large number of spaced-apart, small and precisely in terms of their passage cross-section, in particular when using a single profile strip form defined openings through which the liquid or pasty medium can pass. This supports exact dosing of the liquid or pasty medium across the entire web width.

In principle, any suitable mechanical, electrical, magnetic, pneumatic or hydraulic means and the like can be used for the above-mentioned pressing device that fulfills the purpose described above. For example, a compression spring, mutually poled magnets or a lifting cylinder-like hydraulic device are conceivable as pressing devices. In this context, it has proven to be particularly advantageous, however, that the pressing device is a hose-like element which deforms under the influence of an active medium, for example compressed air, and thus achieves the desired effect. Such a device is particularly simple to manufacture and easy to integrate into the application work according to the invention.

To adapt to various embodiments of the application work according to the invention, the profile strip is preferably designed so that it has an essentially rectangular, polygonal, round, oval or segment-like cross section. In principle, cross-sectional shapes other than those mentioned above can also be used, e.g. Cross-sectional shapes with curved sections and the like.

It has proven to be advantageous to produce the profile strip from an elastic material or from a bronze material. The elastic material has the effect that the profile strip is flexible and rests particularly favorably on the surface of the inlet-side lip facing the inlet channel. A bronze material, on the other hand, is suitable due to the particularly favorable material pairing with the lips usually made of steel. In principle, however, other materials and material combinations are also conceivable.

According to the invention it is further provided that the free ends of the profile strip are connected to one another, so that the profile strip is designed as an endless loop in its longitudinal extent. For this variant, an elastic material has again proven to be particularly cheap. A profile strip designed as an endless loop can be moved in a particularly simple manner in a direction running essentially parallel to the longitudinal extent of the profile strip will. Here, the endless profile strip can advantageously be guided over deflection devices, which in turn can serve as a movement mechanism. With this endless profile strip, a continuous movement of the profile strip in the aforementioned direction can easily be realized.

The profile strip is preferably arranged on the inlet-side and / or outlet-side lip of the application unit, since this represents a particularly favorable arrangement in order to be able to use the profile unit as a free jet nozzle for the application unit.

In addition, it has proven to be very positive to design the passage gaps of the profile strip, when viewed in longitudinal section, essentially wavy or sinusoidal or trapezoidal, or the toothed material sections delimiting the passage gaps, in order to define precisely defined average cross sections and certain flow properties of the liquid or pasty Medium, especially with different types of medium to achieve. Furthermore, by means of the above-mentioned designs of the passage gaps, when using two or more profile strips arranged one behind the other in the flow direction of the liquid or pasty medium in the feed channel, which are displaced relative to one another in a direction essentially parallel to their longitudinal extension, a very precise gap setting and thus metering of the liquid or pasty medium, also in the operation of the application work according to the invention.

In connection with the usual application dimensions, a column depth of the passage gaps of the profile strip of 0.5 to 4 mm has proven to be advantageous. If you compare the profile strip with its large number of defined passage gaps, which are each delimited by two adjacent material sections of the profile strip, due to their special shape with a rack, this can be said for the profile strip Define module known in gear technology. The module of the profile strip with its tooth-like material sections is then preferably in the range from 0.25 mm to 3 mm. Depending on the application, the dimensions and values mentioned can vary considerably.

For the operation and maintenance of the application unit according to the invention, it is particularly favorable that the profile strip is held detachably or non-detachably in or on a holding device. In particular, the detachable arrangement enables easy removal and replacement of the profile strip, for example for maintenance purposes or when changing the type of liquid or pasty medium.

Furthermore, it has proven to be very useful to design the holding device flexibly, so that the holding device, together with the profile strip arranged thereon or therein, by means of a suitable pressing device essentially transversely to the flow plane of the liquid or pasty medium flowing in the supply channel into a lip on the inlet or outlet side direction can be pressed. This in turn allows the profile strip to lie flush against the opposite lip and to form passage openings with a precisely defined passage cross section.

According to the invention it is provided that the holding device contains at least a portion of the supply channel. While in conventional application units the supply duct is usually formed by a wall section of the inlet lip and the wall section of a wall that can be folded down for cleaning purposes, the supply duct can now be designed as an integral part of the holding device in the manner according to the invention and the construction of the application unit can be considerably simplified. This also has a particularly positive effect on the manufacturing costs.

If the holding device has an at least partially projecting fastening section into a distribution pipe of the application unit, the holding device can be connected to the distribution pipe particularly easily and securely through a slot in the distribution pipe. This variant also supports the integral, simplified design of the holding device.

The holding device preferably also comprises a filter device. If the holding device is connected to it via the fastening section protruding into the distribution pipe, the filter element is thus located in the interior of the distribution pipe and can already filter out impurities there and reduce any air pockets present in the liquid or pasty medium. In this way, a conventional vent can be saved.

Since a holding device according to the previously described integral construction cannot be cleaned by folding down the front wall as in a conventional application, it is provided according to the invention that the holding device comprises a sonotrode. The sonotrode can be used to easily and effectively loosen contaminants located in the feed channel and remove them together with the liquid or pasty medium in one cleaning step.

To avoid contamination from the liquid or pasty medium or its residues, a drainage surface is provided on the side of the profile strip facing away from the lip, which connects to the profile strip.

The feed channel of the application unit according to the invention is preferably designed such that it tapers continuously towards the profile strip. This promotes pressure equalization in the feed channel across the entire web width and thus a uniform distribution and metering of the liquid or pasty medium.

Finally, at least one cleaning device for cleaning the profile strip is provided for the application unit according to the invention. This cleaning device can be designed as a basin or the like filled or flowed through with a cleaning agent, through which the profile strip is moved, or as a spray device or the like spraying a cleaning agent on the profile strip. The first-mentioned variant of the cleaning device is particularly useful in connection with a profile strip designed as an endless loop.

According to a further advantageous design feature of the invention, it is provided that a flow channel that tapers in the direction of flow of the liquid or pasty medium adjoins the exit side of the passage gaps.

As already mentioned above, in one embodiment of the invention, a concavely curved deflection surface directly adjoining the exit of the passage gaps is used for the "nozzle peaks" and "nozzle troughs" formed by the passage gaps of the liquid or pasty exiting from the metering gap, ie the passage gaps To equalize medium to a film of the same thickness, which then hits as a free jet on an application roller opposite the application unit or the material web running on a counter roller. When using certain types of liquid or pasty medium, it has been found, however, that the use of the concavely curved deflecting surface adjoining the exit side of the passage gaps means that the required application film of the same thickness cannot always be achieved. This leads to an uneven thickness of the application on the material web and thus to an impairment of the quality of the product processed by means of the application unit. The application unit according to the invention is therefore subject to the additional requirement in spite of the use of types of liquid or pasty medium which are difficult to process to achieve an even and evenly thick application film across the width of the applicator for the production of a very regular and high quality application. Due to the flow channel adjoining the exit side of the passage gaps and tapering in the direction of flow of the liquid or pasty medium, the use of such a concave means that even critical types of liquid or pasty media that are normally not, or not always, can be used Have the curved deflecting surface processed into a process film that is acceptable in terms of process technology, an even and thick application to the material web and consequently an improvement in the coating and a high-quality end product can be achieved.

An advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that said flow channel tapers continuously or discontinuously in the direction of flow of the liquid or pasty medium. In this way, the geometry of the flow channel can be adapted both to the shape of the passage gaps of the metering gap, to the respective flow conditions, and to the type of liquid or pasty medium used in each case.

Another advantageous feature of the invention provides that the flow cross section of the flow channel is adjustable. The adjustability allows a quick and uncomplicated adaptation to various influencing factors relevant to the quality of the order to be achieved, such as the type of liquid or pasty medium used, the flow velocity in the flow channel and thus the velocity of the free jet and the like.

In this context, it has also proven to be advantageous to make the flow cross-section of the flow channel adjustable over the entire width of the application unit and / or locally, that is, for example, zone-wise over the width of the application unit. A locally selective Adjustment can be used, for example, to compensate for local manufacturing inaccuracies or to implement a transverse profile of the applied liquid or pasty medium, which is different in some areas, for example flattened at the edges of the material web or the like.

If, in the area of the exit side of the passage gaps of the metering gap, a locally thin point is provided in the inlet-side and / or outlet-side lip, this thin point ensuring the adjustability of the flow cross-section of the flow channel, the desired adjustment of the flow channel cross-section can be realized in a particularly simple, effective and flow-favorable manner will.

A further advantageous variant according to the invention provides that at least one wall of the flow channel is formed from at least one plate-shaped or blade-shaped component that moves towards or away from the respectively opposite inlet-side or outlet-side lip, which ensures the adjustability of the flow cross-section of the flow channel. The mobility of the said component can be achieved by elastic deformation of the component itself or also by providing a suitable joint or hinge connection to a section of a lip. When the flow cross section of the flow channel is adjusted, the plate-shaped or blade-shaped component forming the wall of the flow channel generally performs a pivoting movement. However, it is also conceivable to translate said component. Furthermore, the plate-shaped or blade-shaped component for permanent or detachable attachment to a suitable section of a lip can have its own, appropriate fastening system. This fastening system can in turn comprise the above-mentioned articulated or pivotable connection to the lip or another component provided for this purpose. This in turn ensures the desired adjustment of the flow channel cross section in a particularly simple, effective and flow-favorable manner.

According to the invention, at least one adjustment device for adjusting the flow cross section of the flow channel is provided as a further design feature. This adjustment device can be a manually operated or automatic adjustment device, the latter also including adjustable and / or remotely controllable adjustment devices. Such an automatic adjustment device is particularly advantageous with regard to an adjustment of the flow channel during the ongoing operation of the application unit. The adjustment device can then be controlled centrally, on the one hand, and on the other hand, a control-related linkage of the adjustment device with other components of the application mechanism is made possible. In particular, it is also conceivable to integrate the automatic adjustment device into an automatic control circuit, which adjusts the adjustment device on the basis of measured values of the cross profile of the applied liquid or pasty medium. This allows the application mechanism to be adapted as quickly as possible to changed conditions, such as irregularities during operation or the use of another type of liquid or pasty medium.

It has proven to be particularly advantageous in terms of construction to arrange such an adjustment device in or on the inlet-side and / or outlet-side lip.

Further advantageous embodiments of the adjustment device consist in that it has a mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical, thermal, magnetic, magnetostrictive or piezoelectric adjustment mechanism or the like. Such adjustment mechanisms can be implemented in a variety of ways in terms of their design, and combinations of the adjustment mechanism functional principles can also be implemented with one another. So there are set screws, Lever mechanisms, electrical, pneumatic or hydraulic actuators or actuators and much more conceivable.

Another design feature according to the invention provides that the flow channel is followed by a concavely curved deflecting surface for the liquid or pasty medium, which is designed to be pivotable in the region of the outlet of the flow channel about an axis running essentially parallel to the longitudinal extent of the application mechanism. This advantageously allows a very precise setting of the angle of impact of the liquid or pasty medium on the applicator roller or the running material web in a large angular range. All that is required for this is an adjustment, that is to say pivoting, of a very small component of the application mechanism, namely the concave deflection surface, as a result of which the production outlay and the production costs are considerably reduced. In addition, the forces acting on the structural components of the applicator through the adjustment or adjustment of the concave deflection surface can be kept small and a light and inexpensive construction can thus be achieved. Also during the adjustment there is no significant shift of the "line of impact" of the liquid or pasty medium onto the application roller or the running material web. It should also be emphasized in particular that the angle of incidence can be adjusted by pivoting the concave deflection surface completely independently of the adjustment of the flow cross section of the flow channel and vice versa.

In addition, it has also been found to be advantageous that the concave deflection surface in the region of the outlet of the metering gap is designed to be pivotable in zones around an axis which runs essentially parallel to the longitudinal extent of the application mechanism. For this purpose, the concave deflection surface is expediently divided into zones. In this way, the angle of incidence of the liquid or pasty medium on the running web of material can be changed locally and thus the application to the web of material can be influenced accordingly. This can For example, to compensate for local manufacturing inaccuracies or to produce a specific cross profile on the material web. By uniformly pivoting the concave deflection surface in zones, it is of course also possible to achieve a uniform setting of the angle of incidence over the entire length of the application work.

The previously described pivoting of the concave deflection surface for the purpose of adjusting the angle of incidence can be carried out with the aid of at least one suitable adjusting or adjusting device, this device being operable manually and / or automatically and / or remotely.

The object described at the outset is further achieved by a method according to the invention for uniformly metering a liquid or pasty medium in an application unit, according to the features of claim 29. This method offers the advantages already explained in connection with the application unit according to the invention.

As a further embodiment of the method according to the invention, it is provided that the passage area of the passage gaps of the throttle point is changed in order to regulate the application amount of the liquid or pasty medium.

Embodiments of the invention with additional design details and advantages are described and explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Fig. 1

eine schematische Querschnittsdarstellung eines ersten Ausführungsbeispiels des erfindungsgemäßen Auftragswerks,

Fig. 2

eine schematische vergrößerte Darstellung des Bereiches X in Fig. 1 mit einer ersten Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Profilleiste,

Fig. 3

eine schematische, um 90° gedrehte Schnittansicht entlang der Linie A-A in Fig. 2,

Fig. 4

eine schematische Ausschnittsvergrößerung einer Profilleiste gemäß einer zweiten Ausführungsform,

Fig. 5

in einer Blickrichtung gemäß dem Pfeil P3 in Fig. 1 eine schematische Prinzipskizze einer dritten Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Profilleiste.

Fig. 6

eine schematische Darstellung einer vierten Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Profilleiste analog zu der Darstellung in Fig. 2,

Fig. 7

eine schematische Darstellung einer fünften Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Profilleiste analog zu der Darstellung in Fig. 2,

Fig. 8

eine schematische Darstellung einer sechsten Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Profilleiste analog zu der Darstellung in Fig. 2,

Fig. 9

eine schematische Querschnittsdarstellung eines zweiten Ausführungsbeispiels des erfindungsgemäßen Auftragswerks,

Fig. 10

eine schematische Querschnittsdarstellung eines dritten Ausführungsbeispiels des erfindungsgemäßen Auftragswerks,

Fig. 11a bis e

schematische Darstellungen einer siebten Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Profilleiste, wobei Fig. 11a eine zu der Fig. 2 analoge Darstellung ist,

Fig. 12a und b

eine schematische Querschnittsansicht und Draufsicht einer achten Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Profilleiste, wobei Fig. 12a eine zu der Fig. 2 analoge Darstellung ist,

Fig. 13a und b

eine schematische Draufsicht und Schnittansicht einer weiteren Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Durchtrittsspalten,

Fig. 14a und b

eine schematische Draufsicht und Schnittansicht einer weiteren Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Durchtrittsspalten,

Fig. 15

eine schematische Draufsicht einer weiteren Ausführungsform der durch eine als Abstandhalter ausgestalteten Leitfläche gebildeten erfindungsgemäßen Durchtrittsspalten,

Fig. 16a und b

eine schematische Draufsicht und Schnittansicht einer weiteren Ausführungsform der durch einen Abstandhalter gebildeten erfindungsgemäßen Durchtrittsspalten,

Fig. 17a und b

eine schematische Draufsicht und Schnittansicht einer anderen Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Durchtrittsspalten,

Fig. 18

eine schematische vergrößerte Ansicht einer vierten Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemäßen Auftragwerks, analog zu der Darstellungsweise nach Fig. 2,

Fig. 19

eine schematische Querschnittsansicht eines Teilbereichs einer fünften Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemäßen Auftragwerks, und

Fig. 20

eine schematische Querschnittsansicht eines Teilbereichs einer sechsten Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemäßen Auftragwerks.

It shows:

Fig. 1

2 shows a schematic cross-sectional representation of a first exemplary embodiment of the application unit according to the invention,

Fig. 2

2 shows a schematic enlarged representation of the area X in FIG. 1 with a first embodiment of a profile strip according to the invention,

Fig. 3

2 shows a schematic sectional view rotated by 90 ° along the line AA in FIG. 2,

Fig. 4

2 shows a schematic enlargement of a profile strip according to a second embodiment,

Fig. 5

in a viewing direction according to arrow P3 in Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a third embodiment of the profile strip according to the invention.

Fig. 6

2 shows a schematic illustration of a fourth embodiment of a profile strip according to the invention analogous to the illustration in FIG. 2,

Fig. 7

2 shows a schematic illustration of a fifth embodiment of a profile strip according to the invention analogous to the illustration in FIG. 2,

Fig. 8

2 shows a schematic illustration of a sixth embodiment of a profile strip according to the invention analogous to the illustration in FIG. 2,

Fig. 9

2 shows a schematic cross-sectional representation of a second exemplary embodiment of the application unit according to the invention,

Fig. 10

2 shows a schematic cross-sectional representation of a third exemplary embodiment of the application unit according to the invention,

11a to e

schematic representations of a seventh embodiment of a profile strip according to the invention, FIG. 11a being a representation analogous to FIG. 2,

12a and b

2 shows a schematic cross-sectional view and top view of an eighth embodiment of a profiled strip according to the invention, FIG. 12a being an illustration analogous to FIG. 2,

13a and b

2 shows a schematic top view and sectional view of a further embodiment of the passage gaps according to the invention,

14a and b

2 shows a schematic top view and sectional view of a further embodiment of the passage gaps according to the invention,

Fig. 15

2 shows a schematic top view of a further embodiment of the passage gaps according to the invention formed by a guide surface designed as a spacer,

16a and b

2 shows a schematic top view and sectional view of a further embodiment of the passage gaps according to the invention formed by a spacer,

17a and b

2 shows a schematic top view and sectional view of another embodiment of the passage gaps according to the invention,

Fig. 18

2 shows a schematic enlarged view of a fourth embodiment of an application unit according to the invention, analogous to the representation according to FIG. 2,

Fig. 19

2 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a partial area of a fifth embodiment of an application unit according to the invention, and

Fig. 20

is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of a sixth embodiment of an application unit according to the invention.

In the following description, the same components are also identified with the same reference symbols in order to avoid repetitions, provided that no further differentiation is necessary.

As shown in FIG. 1 in a schematic cross-sectional representation, a first exemplary embodiment of the application unit 2 according to the invention comprises a bar 20 which extends over the entire length of the application unit. In the bar 20, a distribution pipe 18, which is usually also referred to as a paint distribution pipe, is formed for the liquid or pasty medium to be applied. This distribution pipe 18 is connected, connected via passage openings 24, to an equalizing space 16, which continues in a feed channel 14. The feed channel 14 opens into a metering gap designed as a free jet nozzle, which is formed between an inlet-side 4 and an outlet-side lip 8. The feed channel 14 is preferably designed such that it tapers continuously towards the metering gap. The metering gap itself is divided like a comb and has a large number of defined passage gaps for the liquid or pasty medium. In the present exemplary embodiment, a profiled strip 30 serves as such a metering gap, which will be described in more detail below. In addition, the feed channel 14 is designed to be relatively wide in comparison to conventional application units in the area in front of the profile strip 30 in order to ensure pressure equalization across the entire machine width.

A concavely curved deflection surface 10 is formed at the upper free end of the inlet-side lip 4, which extends beyond the free end of the outlet-side lip 8. The liquid or pasty medium and its direction of flow is indicated by arrows 12. One is opposite to the work 2 Applicator roller 26 for an indirect application of the medium to be applied. The direction of rotation of the application roller 26 is illustrated by an arrow P1.

A front wall 22, with which the drain-side lip 8 is fixedly connected, is rigidly fixed in operation, but it can, if necessary, e.g. can be folded down about a hinge 28 for cleaning purposes. The back, i.e. the side facing away from the feed channel 14, the front wall 22 is designed as a drainage surface for excess liquid or pasty medium.

In this application unit 2 according to FIG. 1, the liquid or pasty medium 12 is first supplied via the paint distribution tube 18, then passes into the compensation space 16 and flows through the feed channel 14 to the passage gaps 32 of the profile strip 30, from which the medium is then not in one The free jet shown emerges, with the concave deflection surface 10 of the lip 4 on the inlet side deflecting the application jet in the direction of the tangent to the application roller 26. The liquid or pasty medium 12 is applied in the form of this free jet to the surface of the application roller 26 and then, after passing through a downstream fine metering device (not shown), at which the applied medium is scraped off to set a desired application quantity, is fed to a nip through which a material web passes made of paper or cardboard, possibly also made of a textile material, which removes the liquid or pasty medium from the application roller 26 there.

The exemplary embodiment can also be equipped with an adjusting device for the lip 4 on the inlet side. However, the adjustment device is not shown in the figures.

2, which shows a schematically enlarged representation of the area X in FIG. 1, shows further details of the profile strip 30 and its arrangement according to a first Embodiment recognizable. The profile strip 30 is arranged on the outlet-side lip 8 and extends essentially over the entire width of the application roller 26. As can also be seen in FIG. 2, the profile strip 30 according to this embodiment has a substantially rectangular cross section and is in one In the upper region of the lip 8 on the outlet side and serving as a holding device, the recess 38 is held on one side. The depth of the recess 38 is greater than the depth of the profile strip 30, so that the profile strip 30 in its holding device substantially transversely to the flow plane of the liquid or pasty medium 12 flowing in the feed channel 14 in a direction directed towards the lip 4 on the inlet side, as shown in the figure is marked by the arrow P2, is movable. A pressure device is provided between the bottom of the recess 38 and the rear of the profile strip 30, which presses the profile strip 30 directly or indirectly transversely to the flow plane of the liquid or pasty medium 12 flowing in the feed channel 14 in the direction P2 directed towards the lip 4 on the inlet side. In the present case, this pressing device is designed as a hose-like element 40, which deforms under the influence of an active medium, for example compressed air, and thus moves the profiled strip 30 in the aforementioned direction P2 under the direct application of force. For this purpose, a pressure generating device, not shown in the drawings, is also provided, which applies a suitable pressure to the active medium in the tubular element 40. By venting the tubular element 40, the profile strip 30 can also be quickly removed for cleaning purposes.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, which shows a schematic, 90 ° rotated longitudinal sectional view along the line AA in FIG. 2, the profile strip 30 comprises a plurality of defined passage gaps 32, which are essentially parallel to the flow direction of the in the supply channel 14 flowing liquid or pasty medium 12 extend. 3, the passage gaps 32 are wave or designed sinusoidal or -like. Furthermore, the passage gaps 32 of the profile strip 30 are directed towards the lip 4 on the inlet side, so that the profile strip 30, under the action of the hose-like pressing device 40, bears against the surface 6 of the inlet side lip 4 facing the inlet channel 14, the heads 34 of the tooth-like material sections of the profile strip, which each delimit the passage gaps 32, abut the aforementioned surface 6 and thus form the passage gaps 32 a large number of spaced apart small openings through which the liquid or pasty medium 12 can pass.

The profile bar 30 is releasably held in its holder 38 so that it can be easily removed when the front wall 22 is folded down and exchanged for another profile bar or serviced. Likewise, it is of course possible to fix the profile strip 30 in its holder in a non-detachable manner.

The profile bar 30 is flexible in the direction of the lip 4, so that the tooth-like profile section of the profile bar 30 always applies evenly to the lip 4 even in the event of assembly and manufacturing errors and forms passage gaps or passage openings with a precisely defined average cross section and thus also a exact volumetric dosing of the liquid or pasty medium 12 is guaranteed over the entire web width.

4 shows in longitudinal section a schematic enlargement of a section 30 according to a second embodiment. In this case, the through openings 32 are essentially trapezoidal or the material sections Z of the profile strip 30 delimiting the through openings 32 are tooth-like. The width A of an individual "tooth head" 34 of the material section Z and the width B of a slatted floor 36 between two adjacent sections Z need not necessarily be the same. The inclination of the flanks of the sections Z can also be within a single profile strip 30 vary. The same also applies to any other column shape which is used in a suitable manner for a profile strip according to the invention. The column depth (t) of the passage gaps 32 of the profile strip 30 is preferably 0.5 to 4 mm. If you compare the profile strip 30 with a toothed rack, the module of the profile strip is preferably in a range from 0.25 mm to 3 mm. Depending on the application, the dimensions and values mentioned can vary considerably.

As further indicated in FIG. 4 by a double arrow, it is provided according to the invention to arrange the profile strip 30 so as to be movable in a direction essentially parallel to its longitudinal extent D. Moreover, in the sense of the invention, two or more profile strips can be arranged one behind the other in the flow direction of the liquid or pasty medium 12 flowing in the feed channel 14 and can be designed to be displaceable relative to one another in a direction essentially parallel to their respective longitudinal extent D. A second profile strip 30.2 is indicated in FIG. 4 by a dashed line. The particular advantage of two or more profile strips that can be displaced relative to one another is that a suitable gap adjustment and thus an exact volumetric metering, also depending on different types of the liquid or pasty medium used, can be achieved even during operation of the machine. Depending on the column geometry selected, the passage gaps 32 formed for the liquid or pasty medium 12 can be adjusted within a wide range when the profile strips 30 and 30.2 are mutually displaced. In addition, the distribution of the liquid or pasty medium on the material web can be influenced by moving the profile strip 30. A suitable movement mechanism provided according to the invention for moving or adjusting the profile strips 30, 30.2 is not shown in FIG. 4.

According to the invention it is further provided that the lip 4 on the inlet side with a comb-like column profile Formation of a plurality of passage gaps running essentially parallel to the flow direction of the liquid or pasty medium 12 flowing in the feed channel 14 is provided. This column profile of the lip 4 on the inlet side is preferably designed such that its shape corresponds to the passage gaps 32 of the profile strip 30. In this way, the passage gaps of the column profile of the lip 4 on the inlet side and the passage gaps 32 of the profile strip 30 can together form passage openings for the liquid or pasty medium 12. The column profile of the lip 4 on the inlet side can be designed as a projection protruding from the actual lip. Similar to the variant according to FIG. 4, it is also conceivable to arrange the column profile in the flow direction of the liquid or pasty medium 12 in front of or behind the profile strip 30, so that the column profile functions as a second profile strip 30.2. An embodiment in which the inlet-side lip 4 is provided with such a column profile is not shown in the figures.

Another advantage of the movable arrangement of the profile strip 30 according to the invention is evident from FIG. 5. In a viewing direction according to arrow P3 in FIG. 1, this shows a schematic basic sketch of a third embodiment of a profile strip according to the invention. Here, the profile strip 30 is configured in its longitudinal extension as a belt-like endless loop which is guided over a plurality of deflection devices 42, one of which serves as a drive device for moving the profile strip 30. The mobility of the profile bar 30 is indicated in FIG. 5 by a double arrow. The lower section of the endless profile strip 30 is passed through a cleaning device 44. This can be designed as a basin filled with a cleaning liquid, as a spray device that sprays a cleaning agent onto the profile strip, or the like. When the profile strip 30 moves, cleaning of the strip is carried out at the same time each through the cleaning device 44 profile section.

The aforementioned movement of the endless profile strip 30 can take place in a direction running essentially parallel to its longitudinal extension D in almost any manner. However, a continuous, oscillating or step-wise movement is preferably carried out in the orientation mentioned.

To implement the special embodiment according to FIG. 5, the profile strip 30 is preferably made of an elastic or flexurally elastic material. A bronze material is generally preferred for other profile strip variants, since this enables a particularly suitable material pairing with the lips 4 and 8 which are usually made of steel. However, combinations of materials are also conceivable.

FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of a fourth embodiment of a profile strip according to the invention, analogous to the illustration in FIG. 2. This profile strip 30 has an essentially L-shaped cross section and is on its top side facing the application roller 26 with an over the top side of the lip 8 protruding cover 46 provided. The surface adjoining the side of the profile strip 30 facing away from the lip 8 is shaped as a drainage surface 48 for excess liquid or pasty medium 12.

FIG. 7 is a schematic illustration of a fifth embodiment of a profiled strip according to the invention analogous to the representation in FIG. 2. In this model, a profiled strip 30 with an essentially round or oval cross section is used (for example also a profiled doctor rod known per se) which is fixed in a flexible bracket 50. The flexibility of the holder 50 can be achieved by using an appropriately suitable flexible or elastic material or, as in FIG. 7 indicated, can be achieved by a locally thinned material section 52 of the holder 50. In this way, the holder 50 can deform elastically with the profile strip 30 under the action of a force and press the profile strip in the direction of the lip 4 on the inlet side. In the present example, this force is in turn achieved by a pressing device 40 already described in more detail in connection with FIG. 2. In this case, however, the pressing device 40 does not act directly, but indirectly on the profile strip 30 via the holder 50.

FIG. 8 is a schematic illustration of a sixth embodiment of a profile strip according to the invention, analogous to the illustration in FIG. 2, wherein the profile strip 30 has an essentially segment-like cross section.

In principle, the profile strip can also have profile cross sections other than those described so far, for example other polygonal or curved cross-sectional shapes.

FIG. 9 shows a schematic cross-sectional illustration of a second exemplary embodiment of the application unit 2 according to the invention. This variant has a holder 54 for the profile strip 30 that tapers conically in the direction of the application roller 26, the holder 54 being placed directly on the distributor tube 18 of the application unit designed as a supporting body and is fixed. The underside of the bracket 54 is adapted to the geometry of the distribution tube 18. The distribution pipe 18 preferably has a wall thickness that tapers from a lower to an upper section of the pipe and is fixed on a commercially available support element 17.

The bracket 54 is formed in one piece or composed of several individual segments and connected to the latter via an overhead slot 56 of the distribution tube 18, so that an anchor-like fastening section 58 of the bracket 54 projects into the interior of the distribution tube 18. In addition, two profile lugs 55 of the bracket 54 are provided corresponding grooves 19 of the distribution pipe 18 in engagement. In the case of a one-piece holder, it can be connected to the distribution tube 18 by being pushed laterally into the slot 56. The bracket 54 is preferably made of a plastic or aluminum material. For the purpose of weight reduction, the holder 54 is provided with a large number of relief bores 62, which, however, are not absolutely necessary.

Clamping hoses 66 are also provided between wall sections 64 of the distributor pipe 18 and the holder 54. These clamping hoses 66 have a similar function to the pressing device 40 of the variants described above. When pressurized with an active medium, e.g. Compressed air, they deform and cause an elastic deformation of the two opposite halves of the holder 54, so that the profile strip arranged between the two halves of the holder 54 is pressed against the opposite lip 4, analogously to the exemplary embodiments mentioned at the beginning. As a rule, the clamping hoses 66 according to FIG. 9 will not be inflated uniformly. It is namely expedient to load only one clamping hose or both clamping hoses 66 differently, since the resulting different elastic deformation of the holder halves, with the inlet-side lip 4 with the concave curved deflection surface 10 being arranged on one half, also the angle of incidence of the liquid or pasty medium 12 on the applicator roller 26 or the web of material can be varied.

The holder 54 contains the feed channel 14, the lower end of which opens into the distributor pipe 18 via the fastening section 58 protruding into the distributor pipe 18 and the upper end of which leads into the passage gaps 32 of the profile strip 30 which act as free jet nozzles. A large-area filter element 70 is provided on the fastening section 58 of the holder 54 at the inlet opening 68 of the feed channel 14. This filter element 70 crushes any air pockets present in the liquid or pasty medium 12 and filters out impurities. In this way, a conventional vent can be saved. Since the feed channel 14 cannot be opened by pivoting a wall section for cleaning purposes as in the embodiment according to FIG. 1, in the variant according to FIG. 9 the section of the feed channel 14 located in the central region of the holder 54 is designed to be circularly widened and a sonotrode 74 provided in this cavity 72. By means of the sonotrode 74, impurities located within the feed channel 14 can be loosened and discharged together with the liquid or pasty medium 12 in a cleaning step. Suitable devices for activating the sonotrode 74 are not shown in the drawings for the sake of simplicity. If, as already mentioned above, the holder 54 is composed of several parts which can be easily dismantled, the sonotrode can be dispensed with if necessary.

The profile strip 30 has an essentially rectangular cross section in the embodiment according to FIG. 9. A seal 76 is provided on one side of the profile strip.

FIG. 10 shows a schematic cross-sectional illustration of a third exemplary embodiment of the application unit 2 according to the invention. The structure and function of this application unit essentially corresponds to the variant explained in connection with FIG. 9. In contrast, however, only one clamping hose 66 is provided and, as can be seen from the drawing, the profile strip 30 is framed by two seals 76.

11a shows, in a schematic representation analogous to FIG. 2, a seventh embodiment of a profile strip 30 according to the invention. Similar to the variant according to FIG. 8, the profile lip 30 according to FIG. 11a is assigned to the lip 4 on the opposite side and the area of the profile strip 30 comprising the passage gaps 32 is arcuate in cross section and the passage gaps 32 have according to the plan view of FIG 11b and the sectional representations according to FIG. 11c-e (FIGS. 11c-e are shown rotated by 90 ° with respect to the plan view according to FIG. 11b) a sawtooth-like shape. In contrast to FIG. 8, in FIG. 11a there is also a guide surface 78 designed in the form of a straight, smooth guide plate, which here partially protrudes into the metering gap and which extends beyond the outlet of the metering gap in the direction of the one in FIG. 11a not shown application roller 26 protrudes. As can be seen in the various sectional views according to FIG. 11c-e, the passage gaps 32 are further configured such that their passage cross-sections decrease in the direction of flow of the liquid or pasty medium 12, ie towards the exit of the passage gaps 32. In the present case, the passage cross-sections decrease steadily.

In the eighth embodiment of a profile strip according to the invention shown in FIGS. 12a and b, two profile strips 30.4, 30.6 are arranged opposite one another in the metering gap, as sketched in the cross-sectional illustration according to FIG. 12a analogous to FIG. 2a. In the present case, a straight guide surface 80, which partially protrudes into the metering gap, is provided between the opposing profile strips 30.4, 30.6, so that the liquid or pasty medium 12 emerging from the passage gaps 32 of the profile strips 30.4, 30.6 flows along the guide surface 80 on both sides and is routed in the immediate vicinity of the job site. However, this guide surface 80 is not mandatory. The top view shown in Fig. 12b shows that the two profile strips 30.4, 30.6 lie against the intermediate guide surface 80 and the groove-like passage gaps 32 of the profile strips 30.4, 30.6 each have a semicircular passage surface, the passage gaps 32 of the two profile strips 30.4, 30.6 are offset from each other. As further indicated in FIG. 12a by double arrows, at least one of the two opposing profile strips 30.4, 30.6 can in principle be arranged in a substantially transverse to the flow plane of the in the feed channel or the metering gap flowing liquid or pasty medium 12 directed direction can be arranged so that the total passage cross section formed by the passage gaps 32 of both profile strips 30.4, 30.6 can be changed.

13a and b show a schematic top view and sectional view of a further embodiment of the passage gaps according to the invention. As can be seen in FIG. 13 a, the passage gaps 32 are formed by the interspaces of a plurality of webs 82 arranged next to one another in the metering gap with respect to the longitudinal extent of the metering gap. The cross-sectional area of a respective web 82 lying in the flow direction of the liquid or pasty medium 12 is expediently designed to be streamlined (in the present case, the webs have a lenticular cross-section), the space between two adjacent webs 82 preferably being larger than the cross-sectional area of the webs 82 lying in the flow direction is. The webs 82 can either be provided on an appropriately designed profile strip or can be used as a pure spacer in the metering gap and fixed there.

14a and b show a schematic plan view and sectional view of a further embodiment of the passage gaps of the application mechanism according to the invention. In this embodiment, the passage gaps 32 are formed by spacers 84 fixed in the metering gap, ie more precisely in the wall 4.2 of the inlet-side lip 4 facing the metering gap. In the present case, the spacers 84 are pin-like elements with a hemispherical head 84.2, which is located between the inlet-side 4 and outlet-side lip 8 and thus specifies the width of the passage gaps 32. According to FIG. 14 b, the pin-like spacers 84 are arranged offset in relation to the direction of flow of the liquid or pasty medium 12 in the metering gap.

15 shows a schematic plan view of a further embodiment of the passage gaps according to the invention formed by a guide surface 86 which is simultaneously designed as a spacer. As indicated in the drawing, the guide surface 86 is made in the present case from a wave-like deformed thin sheet which is arranged between the inlet-side 4 and the outlet-side lip 8, bears on the lips 4, 8 and thus simultaneously serves as a spacer. The guide surface 86 projects with one end partially into the metering gap, while the other end extends beyond the outlet of the metering gap to the applicator roller 26 (not shown) opposite the metering gap. The "wave troughs" 86.2 and "wave crests" 86.4 of the guide surface 86, which are framed by the walls 4.2, 8.2 of the metering gap or the lips 4, 8 and run essentially parallel to the direction of flow of the liquid or pasty medium in the metering gap, form the plurality of defined passage gaps 32 for the liquid or pasty medium. The guide surface 86 thus performs a double function, namely on the one hand it serves as a guide element for the liquid or pasty medium flowing out of the metering gap on the way to the application site and on the other hand it takes over the function of the passage gaps 32. The embodiment according to FIG. 15 can of course be used can also be designed as a pure spacer. The portions of the guide surface 86 which protrude beyond the outlet of the metering gap are omitted, so that there is a spacer whose adequate cross-sectional shape defines the passage gaps 32.

16a and b show a schematic top view and sectional view of a further embodiment of the passage gaps 32 according to the invention formed by a spacer 88. The spacer 88 provided on its sides associated with the inlet-side 4 and outlet-side lip 8 with mutually offset, semicircular groove-like recesses 90 is framed by two straight guide surfaces 92, 94, each with one end partially protrude into the metering gap and extend with the other end beyond the exit of the metering gap. The groove-like recesses 90, which are closed off laterally by the guide surfaces 92, 94, form the passage gaps 32 for the liquid or pasty medium 12.

17a and b show a schematic top view and sectional view of another embodiment of the passage gaps according to the invention, the FIG. 17a being drawn in a representation analogous to FIG. 2. Here, the passage gaps 32 are formed by a plurality of passage openings lying next to one another, i.e. in the present case a plurality of bores 96 with a constant diameter. The bores 96 are provided on a wall section 98 of the applicator unit opposite the applicator roller, on which the outlet of the metering gap is located in the previously described variants. In relation to the direction of flow of the liquid or pasty medium 12 in the bores 96, a distribution channel 100, which communicates with these 96 and runs essentially parallel to the longitudinal extent of the metering gap, is provided in front of the passage openings 96, in which in turn supply channels 102 for the liquid or pasty medium 12 are provided flow out. One side of the distribution channel 100 and the bores 96 forming the passage openings are closed in the present case by a removable cover 104, so that the distribution channel 100 and the bores 96 are accessible for cleaning purposes.

A method for uniformly metering a liquid or pasty medium 12 in an application also results from the preceding description, the liquid or pasty medium 12 being passed through a throttle point in the form of a plurality of defined passage gaps 32. The application amount of the liquid or pasty medium 12 can be regulated by changing the passage area of the passage gaps 32.

FIG. 18 shows a schematic enlarged view of a fourth preferred embodiment of the application unit according to the invention, analogous to the representation of FIG. 2. As can be clearly seen in this drawing, a flow channel 106 which tapers in the direction of flow of the liquid or pasty medium 12 adjoins the exit side of the passage gaps 32.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the flow channel 106 has an inlet cross section which essentially corresponds to the total outlet cross section of the passage gaps 32, and tapers continuously in the direction of flow of the liquid or pasty medium 12. The outlet of the flow channel 106 lies in the region of a transition into the concavely curved deflection surface 10 Section of the inlet-side lip 4, so that the liquid or pasty medium 12 emerging from the flow channel 106 is guided essentially tangentially to the deflection surface 10 and is deflected there accordingly.

As can further be seen from FIG. 18, a local thin point 108 is provided in the outlet-side lip 8 in the area of the outlet side of the passage gaps 32, so that the flow cross section of the flow channel 106 is adjustable, or, as a result, the ratio of the inlet to the outlet cross section of the flow channel 106 is adjustable. The thin point 108 corresponds to an articulated connection and allows pivoting, that is to say a rotational movement, of the portion of the outlet-side lip 8 located above the thin point 108 and forming a wall 106.2 of the flow channel 106 within a certain pivoting range, the pivoting being elastic an axis running through the thin point 108 and essentially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the beam 20 takes place.

On the drain-side lip 8 there is also an adjusting device 110 for adjusting the Flow cross section of the flow channel 106 provided. In principle, this can be any adjustment device suitable for the intended application with a mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical, thermal, magnetic, magnetostrictive or piezoelectric adjustment mechanism or the like. When the adjusting device 110 is actuated, the wall 106.2 of the flow channel 106 located on the right in FIG. 18 is consequently moved towards or away from the lip 4 on the inlet side pivoting about the axis running through the thin point 108 and the flow cross section of the flow channel 106 is thus manipulated. In general, it is of course also possible to design the flow channel 106 and the adjustment device 110 in such a way that an adjustment does not take place via a rotary, but rather a translatory movement, or a combination thereof.

FIG. 19 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a partial area of a fifth embodiment of an application unit according to the invention analogous to the representation in FIG. 18. As can be seen from FIG. 19, the wall 106.2 of the flow channel 106 located on the outlet-side lip 8 is formed from a thin, plate-shaped or blade-shaped component 112, hereinafter also referred to as blade 112. The blade 112 is detachably or non-releasably connected to the adjacent region of the lip 8 on the outlet side by means of a suitable fastening system. The flow cross-section of the flow channel 106 can in turn be manipulated by resiliently deforming the blade 112 by means of a suitable adjusting device, the section of the blade 112 pointing towards the outlet side of the flow channel 106 moving towards or away from the opposite lip 4 on the inlet side. Instead of an elastic deformation of the blade 112, an articulated or hinge-like connection of the blade 112 to a suitable section of the lip 4 can also be provided, and the desired flow cross-sectional adjustment of the flow channel 106 can also be realized in this way. The latter variant is not shown in the drawing. The embodiment according to FIG. 19 also uses an adjustment device, which in the present case comprises a suitable adjustment cylinder 114, a rocker 116 movable about a pivot point DP and an arm 118 connected to the rocker 116 and the blade 112.

During operation of the application unit according to the invention, the liquid or pasty medium 12 is first supplied via the paint distribution tube 18, then passes into the compensation space 16 and flows through the feed channel 14 to the passage gaps 32 of the profile strip 30, from which it then exits precisely in a volumetric manner and into which Entry side of the flow channel 106 directly adjoining the passage gaps 32 penetrates. Due to the wave-shaped or sinusoidal or -like shape of the passage gaps 32, the flowing liquid or pasty medium 12 has a comparable "dynamic" shape with wave crests and troughs as soon as it leaves the passage gaps 32. These wave peaks and troughs are then made uniform in the course of the tapering flow channel 106 to form a uniform film, so that the liquid or pasty medium 12 in the form of a free jet (not shown) leaves the outlet of the flow channel 106. The concave curved deflection surface 10 of the lip 4 on the inlet side deflects the application jet in the direction of the tangent to the application roller 26 or, in the case of direct application, onto the material web guided by the roller 26.

The liquid or pasty medium 12 is applied in the form of the free jet onto the surface of the application roller 26 and then, after passing through a downstream fine metering device, not shown, at which the applied medium is scraped off to set a desired application quantity, is fed to a nip through which a material web passes made of paper or cardboard, possibly also made of a textile material, which removes the liquid or pasty medium from the application roller 26 there.

20 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a partial region of a third embodiment of an application unit according to the invention. This embodiment variant corresponds essentially to that according to FIG. 18, but has the difference that the concave deflecting surface 10 is designed to be pivotable in the region of the outlet of the flow channel 106 about an axis running essentially parallel to the longitudinal extension of the applicator unit. For this purpose, as can be clearly seen in FIG. 20, a local thin point 120 is provided in the inlet-side lip 4 in the area of the outlet of the flow channel 106. This local thin point 120 corresponds to an articulated connection and, by means of flexible deformation, ensures that the section of the inlet-side lip 4 located above the thin point 120 and forming the concave deflecting surface 10 is pivoted within a certain pivoting range, the pivoting around a portion running through the thin point 120 and axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the beam 20. The section of the lip 4 on the inlet side that is below the local thin point 120, on the other hand, remains rigid. In this way, the angle of incidence of the free jet of the liquid or pasty medium 12 deflected by the concave deflecting surface 10 onto the application roller 26 can be adjusted without changing the setting of the flow channel 106.

As can also be seen from FIG. 20, the side of the concave deflection surface 10 facing away from the flow channel 106 is provided with a lever arm 122, via which, by applying a lever force, bending forces are introduced into the concave deflection surface 10 and the local thin point 120 in order to to achieve a pivoting of the deflection surface 10 by means of the resulting bending deformation at the thin point 120. For this purpose, the free end of the lever arm 122 is connected via a connecting element 124 to a suitable deflecting surface adjusting device 126, for example a pneumatic or hydraulic lifting cylinder, an electric servomotor, an adjusting or adjusting screw, an eccentric or the like.

The concave deflection surface 10 used to adjust the angle of incidence according to FIG. 20 can be undivided over the length of the application work or divided into several zones which are adjustable independently of one another, that is to say can be pivoted in zones. In this way, the angle of incidence of the liquid or pasty medium on the running material web can be changed locally and thus the application to the material web can be influenced accordingly. This is used, for example, to compensate for local manufacturing inaccuracies or to create a specific cross section on the material web. By uniformly pivoting the concave deflection surface in zones, it is of course also possible to achieve a uniform setting of the angle of incidence over the entire length of the application work.

The embodiments explained above in connection with FIGS. 1 to 20 merely represent examples, the application work can therefore vary considerably within the scope of the invention. For example, it is conceivable that a single section of the profile strip has different column shapes and / or dimensions. Also, a single profile strip can have two different types of column extending over the entire profile strip length, which are arranged on opposite sides of the profile strip, so that a different gap metering is achieved by removing and turning the profile strip. Contrary to the above examples, a profile strip can also be held on two sides and partially protrude into the respectively opposite lip 4 or 8. The side of the profile strip 30 facing a lip 4 or 8 and thus the free column openings lying transversely to the flow plane in the supply channel 14 can also be provided with a closed profile section, so that the passage gaps 32 of the profile strip present themselves as pure through openings. It is also provided that the profiled strip, in particular the profiled strip designed as an endless loop, comprises further shapes which interact with a drive element for moving the Profile bar, such as a toothed belt pulley, splined pulley or the like, are used.

It is obvious that the profile strip 30 can also be arranged on the inlet-side lip 4 instead of on the outlet-side lip 8. The additional and auxiliary devices explained in connection with the above examples can be used essentially analogously. Furthermore, the comb-like column profile provided on the inlet-side 4 and / or outlet-side lip 8, depending on the application, can also be used in combination with one or more profile strips to form a plurality of passage gaps 12 running essentially parallel to the flow direction of the liquid or pasty medium 12 flowing in the inlet channel 14 will.

Furthermore, it is fundamentally possible to dispense with the concavely curved deflecting surface 10 or, instead, to use a convexly curved deflecting surface, or the free end of a lip can be guided as a straight guide surface beyond the free end of the second lip. It is also conceivable that the flow channel 106 tapers discontinuously and, moreover, it is not absolutely necessary for a tapering section of the flow channel 106 to adjoin the exit side of the passage gaps 32 directly. In addition to or instead of the above-described adjusting device 110 arranged on the outlet-side lip 8, it is also possible to provide a comparable adjusting device 110 on the inlet-side 4 lip. Such an embodiment is indicated in FIG. 18 by dashed lines. In principle, any device suitable for the intended purpose can be used as the adjusting device. The invention also provides for the flow cross section of the flow channel to be adjustable not only uniformly over the substantially entire width of the application unit, but also locally selectively, that is to say, for example, zone-wise over the width of the application unit. Accordingly, there are several, preferably independently controllable adjustment devices to provide. Such an embodiment is not shown in the drawings.

Reference numerals in the claims, the description and the drawings serve only for a better understanding of the invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection.

Reference list

2

Auftragswerk

4

Lippe, zulaufseitig

4.2

Wandung von 4

6

Oberfläche von 4

8

Lippe, ablaufseitig

8.2

Wandung von 8

10

konkav gekrümmte Umlenkfläche

12

flüssiges oder pastöses Medium

14

Zuleitkanal

16

Ausgleichsraum

17

Tragelement

18

Verteilrohr/Farbverteilrohr

19

Nuten in 18

20

Balken

22

Vorderwand

24

Durchtrittsöffnungen

26

Auftragswalze

28

Gelenk

30

Profilleiste

30.2

Profilleiste

30.4

Profilleiste

30.6

Profilleiste

32

Durchtrittsspalten von 30

34

Zahnkopf

36

Zahnboden

38

Aussparung

40

schlauchartiges Element (Andrückeinrichtung)

42

Umlenkeinrichtung

44

Reinigungseinrichtung

46

Abdeckung

48

Ablauffläche

50

Halterung

52

örtlich verdünnter Abschnitt von 50

54

Halterung, konische

55

Profilnasen

56

Schlitz in 50

58

Befestigungsabschnitt

60

Innenraum von 18

62

Entlastungsbohrungen

64

Wandungsabschnitt

66

Klemmschläuche

68

Eintrittsöffnung

70

Filterelement

72

Hohlraum

74

Sonotrode

76

Dichtungen

78

Leitblech / Leitfläche

80

Leitfläche

82

Stege

84

Abstandhalter

84.2

Köpfe von 84

86

Leitfläche

86.2

Wellentäler von 86

86.4

Wellenberge von 86

88

Abstandhalter

90

nutenartige Ausnehmungen in 88

92

Leitfläche

94

Leitfläche

96

Bohrungen

98

Wandungsabschnitt

100

Verteilerkammer

102

Zuleitkanäle

104

abnehmbarer Deckel

106

Strömungskanal

108

rechte Wandung von 106

108

Dünnstelle

110

Verstelleinrichtung

112

Klinge

114

Verstellzylinder

116

Wippe

118

Arm

120

örtliche Dünnstelle

122

Hebelarm

124

Anschlußelement

126

Umlenkflächenverstelleinrichtung

a

Breite des "Zahnkopfes"

b

Breite des Spaltenbodens

D

Längserstreckung der Profilleiste 30

DP

Drehpunkt der Wippe 116

P1

Drehrichtung der Auftragswalze 26

P2

Richtung

P3

Blickrichtung

t

Tiefe der Durchtrittsspalten 32

Z

zahnartiger Materialabschnitt von 30

Designate it:

2nd

Commissioned work

4th

Lip, inlet side

4.2

Wall of 4

6

Surface of 4

8th

Lip, outlet side

8.2

Wall of 8

10th

concave curved deflection surface

12th

liquid or pasty medium

14

Supply channel

16

Compensation room

17th

Support element

18th

Distribution tube / paint distribution tube

19th

Grooves in 18

20th

bar

22

Front wall

24th

Openings

26

Applicator roller

28

joint

30th

Profile bar

30.2

Profile bar

April 30

Profile bar

30.6

Profile bar

32

Passage columns of 30

34

Tooth head

36

Dental floor

38

Recess

40

tubular element (pressure device)

42

Deflection device

44

Cleaning facility

46

cover

48

Drainage surface

50

bracket

52

locally thinned section of 50

54

Bracket, conical

55

Profile noses

56

Slot in 50

58

Fastening section

60

Interior of 18th

62

Relief drilling

64

Wall section

66

Clamping hoses

68

Entrance opening

70

Filter element

72

cavity

74

Sonotrode

76

Seals

78

Baffle / guide surface

80

Guide surface

82

Footbridges

84

Spacers

84.2

Heads of 84

86

Guide surface

86.2

Wave valleys from 86

86.4

Wave crests from 86

88

Spacers

90

groove-like recesses in 88

92

Guide surface

94

Guide surface

96

Holes

98

Wall section

100

Distribution chamber

102

Supply channels

104

removable lid

106

Flow channel

108

right wall of 106

108

Thin spot

110

Adjustment device

112

blade

114

Adjustment cylinder

116

Seesaw

118

poor

120

local thin section

122

Lever arm

124

Connector

126

Deflection surface adjustment device

a

Width of the "tooth head"

b

Width of the slatted floor

D

Longitudinal extension of the profile bar 30

DP

Rocker pivot point 116

P1

Direction of rotation of the application roller 26

P2

direction

P3

Line of sight

t

Depth of the passage gaps 32

Z.

tooth-like material section of 30

Claims (50)

Applicator for direct or indirect application of a liquid or pasty medium (12) to a running material web, in particular made of paper or cardboard, with a metering gap designed as a free jet nozzle, which is formed between an inlet-side (4) and an outlet-side lip (8), and at least one feed channel (14) leading to the metering gap,
characterized in that
the metering gap is divided like a comb and has a large number of defined passage gaps (32) for the liquid or pasty medium (12). Applicator according to claim 1, characterized in that the passage cross section of the passage gaps (32) decreases in the direction of flow of the liquid or pasty medium. Applicator unit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the passage gaps (32) are formed by a plurality of predetermined passage openings (96) provided at or in the outlet of the metering gap. Applicator according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that - in relation to the direction of flow of the liquid or pasty medium in the metering gap - in front of the through openings (32) a communicating with the through openings (32) and essentially parallel to the longitudinal extent of the metering gap Distribution channel (100) is provided. Applicator unit according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the passage gaps (32) are arranged in or on the metering gap by at least one and profile-like spacers (88) are formed. Applicator unit according to Claim 5, characterized in that the at least one spacer (88) is framed by two guide surfaces (92, 94) which extend beyond the outlet of the metering gap. Applicator unit according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the passage gaps (32) are formed by one or more guide surfaces (86) arranged in or on the metering gap. Applicator according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the inlet-side (4) and / or outlet-side lip (8) with a comb-like column profile to form a plurality of liquid or pasty medium (parallel to the direction of flow of the liquid or pasty medium flowing in the inlet channel (14) 12) extending passage gaps is provided. Applicator unit according to Claim 8, characterized in that at least one guide surface for the liquid or pasty medium is arranged between the inlet-side (4) and outlet-side lip (8). Applicator according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least one profile strip (30) is provided in the metering gap, which has a plurality of defined passage gaps (32) which are essentially parallel to the direction of flow of the liquid or pasty medium () flowing in the feed channel (14) 12) run. Applicator according to claim 8 or 10, characterized in that the comb-like column profile of the inlet (4) and / or outlet lip (8) in its shape corresponds to the passage gaps (32) of the profile strip (30). Applicator unit according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the profiled strip (30) is arranged to be movable in a direction running essentially parallel to its longitudinal extent (D). Applicator according to claim 10 or 11, characterized by two or more profile strips (30, 30.2) arranged one behind the other in the direction of flow of the liquid or pasty medium (12) in the feed channel (14), which run in a direction essentially parallel to their longitudinal extension (D) are displaceable relative to each other. Applicator unit according to one or more of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one movement mechanism (42) for moving the profiled strip (30; 30.2) in a direction essentially parallel to its longitudinal extension (D). Applicator according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by two profile strips (30.4, 30.6) arranged opposite one another in the metering gap, the respective passage gaps (32, 32) together forming passage openings for the liquid or pasty medium (12). Applicator unit according to claim 15, characterized in that at least one guide surface (80) is arranged between the two opposing profile strips (30.4, 30.6). Applicator unit according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the profile strip (30) essentially transversely to the flow plane of the liquid or pasty flowing in the feed channel (14) Medium (12) is movably arranged in a direction (P2) directed towards the inlet (4) or outlet (8) lip. Applicator according to one or more of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one pressing device (40) which, directly or indirectly, transports the profile strip (30) substantially transversely to the flow plane of the liquid or pasty medium (12) flowing in the feed channel (14) direction (P2) towards the inlet (4) or outlet (lip). Applicator according to claim 18, characterized in that the pressing device is a hose-like element (40, 66) that deforms under the influence of an active medium. Applicator according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the profile strip (30) has an essentially polygonal, round, oval or segment-like cross section. Applicator according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the profile strip (30) is made of an elastic material. Applicator unit according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the profile strip (30) is made from a bronze material. Applicator unit according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the longitudinal section of the profile strip (30) is designed as an endless loop. Commissioned work according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the profile strip (30) is arranged on the inlet-side (4) and / or outlet-side lip (8). Applicator unit according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the passage gaps (32) of the profiled strip (30) are designed in an essentially wavy or sinusoidal shape in longitudinal section. Applicator according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the passage gaps (32) of the profile strip (30) are substantially trapezoidal in longitudinal section or the material sections (Z) of the profile strip (30) delimiting the passage gaps (32) are tooth-like. Applicator according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the column depth (t) of the passage gaps (32) of the profile strip (30) is 0.5 to 4 mm. Applicator according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tooth module of the profile strip (30) with its tooth-like material sections (Z) is in the range from 0.25 mm to 3 mm. Applicator unit according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the profile strip (30) is detachably or non-releasably held in or on a holding device (38, 50, 54). Applicator unit according to claim 29, characterized in that the holding device (50) is flexible. Applicator unit according to claim 29 or 30, characterized in that the holding device (54) contains at least a section of the feed channel (14). Applicator unit according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the holding device (54) has an attachment section (58) which at least partially projects into a distribution tube (18) of the applicator unit. Applicator according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the holding device (54) comprises a filter device (70). Applicator according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the holding device (54) comprises a sonotrode (74). Applicator unit according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that a drainage surface (48) adjoins the profile strip (30) on the side of the profile strip (30) remote from the lip. Applicator according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the feed channel (14) tapers continuously towards the profile strip (30). Applicator unit according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one cleaning device (44) for cleaning the profile strip (30). Applicator according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that a flow channel (106) tapering in the direction of flow of the liquid or pasty medium (12) adjoins the exit side of the passage gaps (32). Applicator according to claim 38, characterized in that the flow channel (106) tapers continuously or discontinuously. Applicator unit according to claim 38 or 39, characterized in that the flow cross section of the flow channel (106) is adjustable (110). Applicator unit according to Claim 40, characterized in that the flow cross section of the flow channel (106) is designed to be selectively adjustable over the entire width of the applicator unit and / or locally. Applicator according to claim 40 or 41, characterized in that in the area of the exit side of the passage gaps (32) there is a locally thin point (108) in the inlet (4) and / or outlet (8) lip, and this thin point (108) Adjustability of the flow cross section of the flow channel (106) is ensured. Applicator unit according to claim 40 or 41, characterized in that at least one wall (106.2) of the flow channel (106) consists of at least one plate-shaped or blade-shaped component which is movable towards or away from the respectively opposite inlet-side (4) or outlet-side lip (8) (112) is formed, which ensures the adjustability of the flow cross section of the flow channel (106). Applicator unit according to one of claims 38 to 43, characterized in that at least one adjusting device (110, 114, 116, 118) is provided for adjusting the flow cross-section of the flow channel (106). Applicator according to claim 44, characterized in that the adjustment device (110, 114, 116, 118) is arranged in or on the inlet-side (4) and / or outlet-side (8) lip. Applicator according to Claim 44 or 45, characterized in that the adjusting device (110, 114, 116, 118) has a mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical, thermal, magnetic, magnetostrictive or piezoelectric adjusting mechanism. Applicator unit according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flow channel (106) is followed by a concavely curved deflecting surface (10) for the liquid or pasty medium (12), which in the area of the outlet of the flow channel (106) by one axis (120) extending essentially parallel to the longitudinal extent of the application mechanism is designed to be pivotable. Applicator unit according to Claim 47, characterized in that the concavely curved deflecting surface (10) in the region of the outlet of the flow channel (106) is designed to be pivotable in zones about an axis which runs essentially parallel to the longitudinal extension of the applicator unit. Method for uniform dosing of a liquid or pasty medium (12) in an application unit, characterized by passing the liquid or pasty medium (12) through a throttle point in the form of a plurality of defined passage gaps (32). A method according to claim 49, characterized by changing the passage area of the passage gaps (32) in order to regulate the application quantity of the liquid or pasty medium (12).

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