EP1660399A1

EP1660399A1 - Nozzle, device and method of applying adhesive agent onto a paper web, and method of improving operating function of such a nozzle

Info

Publication number: EP1660399A1
Application number: EP04749179A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Mats Tage GÖRREL
Original assignee: Metso Paper Oy
Current assignee: Valmet Technologies Oy
Priority date: 2003-08-26
Filing date: 2004-07-21
Publication date: 2006-05-31
Anticipated expiration: 2024-07-21
Also published as: ATE387397T1; WO2005019079A1; WO2005019079A8; DE602004012118D1; JP2007503371A; BRPI0412977A; DE602004012118T2; EP1660399B1

Abstract

A nozzle (36) for applying an adhesive agent onto a paper web (1) with a protecting device for protecting the nozzle from contaminations by means of compressed air, said protecting device comprises a member for defining a space (47) enclosing the nozzle, a member for supplying air into the space, and a member for discharging said air from the space in a position centrally in front of and at a distance from a front end surface (37) of the nozzle. According to the invention the air supply member is arranged to supply air when the nozzle is in a state of rest between two successive applications of adhesive agent. The invention also relates to a device and a method of applying the adhesive agent onto a paper web by means of several such nozzles. The invention also relates to a method of improving the operational function of said nozzles.

Description

Nozzle, device and method of applying adhesive agent onto a paper web, and method of improving operating function of such a nozzle

The present invention relates to a nozzle suitable for applying an adhesive agent onto a running paper web, said nozzle being provided with a protecting device arranged for protecting the nozzle from particulate, operations-disturbing contaminations by means of compressed air, said protecting device comprises a member for defining a free space enclosing the nozzle, a member for supplying air into said space, and a member for discharging said air from the space in a position centrally in front of and at a distance from a front end surface of the nozzle.

The invention also relates to a device for applying an adhesive agent onto a running paper web, said device including a plurality of nozzles each nozzle being provided with a protecting device arranged for protecting the nozzle from particulate, operations-disturbing contaminations by means of compressed air, said protecting device comprises a member for defining a free space enclosing the nozzle, a member for supplying air into said space, and a member for discharging said air from the space in a position centrally in front of and at a distance from a front end surface of the nozzle.

The invention also relates to a method of applying an adhesive agent onto a running paper web by means of nozzles, comprising the step of: protecting the nozzles against particulate contaminations from the surrounding environment by means of protecting devices while supplying compressed air in order to improve the operational function of the nozzles, said step of protecting each nozzle comprising arranging a defined space enclosing the nozzle, and supplying air into the defined space and evacuating the air through an opening being located in front of and at a distance from the nozzle.

The invention also relates to a method of improving the operational function of nozzles suitable for applying an adhesive agent onto a running paper web, comprising the step of: protecting the nozzles against particulate contaminations from the surrounding environment by means of protecting devices while supplying compressed air, said step of protecting each nozzle comprising arranging a defined space enclosing the nozzle, and supplying air into the defined space and evacuating the air through an opening being located in front of and at a distance from the nozzle.

The invention is especially, but not exclusively, applicable in connection with a running paper web when switching reels in a reel-up of a paper machine. It can of course also be applied to a rewinder or reel packing machine, i.e. in all types of paper-manufacturing and paper-handling machines.

In the present invention, the expression "adhesive agent" should be understood in its widest sense, and is intended to include also such agents which normally do not have a tacky or adhesive touch in themselves, but which provide an adhesive effect when the paper web and e.g. the reel shaft get into contact with each other. One example of such an adhesive agent is water. A device for applying adhesive agent is known from SE 509 117 C2.

There are many production engineering advantages in arranging a device for applying an adhesive agent in close connection with the position where web wrapping for switching reel shafts takes place, i.e. in close connection with the supporting cylinder of the reel-up and an empty reel shaft abutting against this. The environment in this position of web wrapping, however, is extremely unfavourable for enabling the nozzles to operate in a satisfactory way for any longer period. The unfavourable environment is due to the presence of large quantities of air contaminations in the form of dust particles, primarily consisting of fibres and fibre fragments disrupted from the web, in combination with strong air flows hitting the nozzles, so that dust constantly adheres to and builds up on the nozzles in thick layers, resulting in the channels for air and adhesive agent of the nozzles being clogged at their outlet ports, which in its turn implies that the function of the nozzles deteriorates all the time and finally is interrupted, resulting in expensive operation shutdowns. This unfavourable process is speeded up by the fact that the temperature is relatively high in the environment in question and that the dust particles are electrically charged, which further increases their inclination to be attracted to the nozzles.

The object of the present invention is to improve the operational function substantially when applying adhesive agent in order to avoid undesired breakdowns in the reeling process. The nozzle according to the invention is characterized in that said air supply member is arranged to supply air when the nozzle is in a state of rest between two successive applications of adhesive agent.

The device according to the invention is characterized in that said air supply member of each nozzle is arranged to supply air when the nozzle is in a state of rest between two successive applications of adhesive agent.

The method of applying adhesive agent according to the invention is characterized in that said supplying and evacuating of air occurring when the nozzles are in a state of rest between two successive applications of adhesive agent.

The method of improving the operational function of the nozzles according to the invention is characterized in that said supplying and evacuating of air occurring when the nozzles are in a state of rest between two successive applications of adhesive agent .

The invention will be described further in the following with reference to the drawings.

Figure 1 shows in a perspective view portions of a reel-up in a paper machine being equipped with a device for applying an adhesive agent according to the invention.

Figure 2 is a lateral view of a supporting cylinder, an empty reel shaft, and portions of a paper roll having obtained its full size, and illustrates the position of the device for applying an adhesive agent according to the invention. Figure 3 is a perspective view of portions of the device for applying an adhesive agent according to Figure 1, and shows an axis of rotation having an actuator.

Figure 4 is a perspective view of an internal nozzle member of the device for applying an adhesive agent according to Figure 1, and shows its mounting to the axis of rotation and different pipes for supplying adhesive agent and air.

Figures 5 and 6 are a lateral view and a perspective view, respectively, of the nozzle member according to Figure 4 in a rest position and, furthermore, a cup for collecting adhesive agent.

Figures 7 and 8 are a lateral view and a perspective view, respectively, of the nozzle member according to Figures 5 and 6 in an upwards-pivoted position of application.

Figure 9 is a schematic representation, in cross-section, of the nozzle of the device for applying an adhesive agent according to Figure 1 in a rest position and a protecting cover, and illustrates air flows out of the protecting cover.

Figure 10 shows the nozzle and the protecting cover according to Figure 9 in a position for applying adhesive agent, and illustrates air flows and a string-like jet of adhesive agent out of the nozzle.

Figure 11 is a lateral view of a nozzle member similar to the one in Figure 7, but being provided with a nozzle emitting a jet in the form of a spray. Figure 12 is a schematic representation, in cross-section, of the nozzle and its protecting cover according to Figure 11, in a rest position.

Figure 13 shows the nozzle and the protecting cover according to Figure 11, in a position of application.

Figure 14 shows in a perspective view portions of a reel-up in a paper machine being equipped with a device for applying an adhesive agent according to a second embodiment of the invention, wherein the applicator device is in an operating position.

Figure 15 shows the reel-up according to Figure 14 with the applicator device in a maintenance position.

Figures 16 and 17 show the applicator device according to Figure 14 in different perspective views.

Figure 18 shows the applicator device according to Figure 15.

Figure 19 is a photographic illustration which, in a perspective view obliquely from behind, shows the applicator device according to Figure 14 in a position of application.

Figure 20 is photographic illustration which, in a perspective view obliquely from the front, shows portions of the applicator device according to Figure 20 in a maintenance position.

Figures 1 and 2 show portions of a reel-up in a paper machine for manufacturing a web 1 of paper. The reel-up includes a stand 2, having two vertical pillars 3, 4, and a movable supporting member 5 rotatably mounted in bearings on the stand 2 which, in the embodiment shown, consists of a supporting cylinder. Alternatively, the supporting member can be constituted of an endless supporting belt. The reel-up has an upper supply (not shown) of empty reel shafts 6, and lowering arms (not shown) , being rotatably mounted in bearings on the stand 2, for lowering a new, i.e. empty, reel shaft 6 to a primary system (not shown) for supporting and driving the new reel shaft 6 at the same time as the reel shaft 6 is brought into interaction with the supporting cylinder 5, so that a nip is formed between them, wherein the reel shaft 6 and the supporting cylinder 5 are driven with the same peripheral speeds. Figure 2 also shows a growing paper roll 7, approaching its finished size.

The reel-up is equipped with a device 8 for applying an adhesive agent, including a supporting construction 9, being mounted on the stand 2 of the reel-up upstream the supporting cylinder 5 and extending transversely to the machine direction. In the shown embodiment, the supporting construction 9 is constituted of a horizontal support beam, extending between and being rigidly mounted to the two vertical stand pillars 3, 4. Furthermore, the device 8 for applying an adhesive agent includes a plurality of nozzle members 14, being arranged along a line transversely to the machine direction, and a mounting device for mounting the nozzle members 14 to the support beam 9. The mounting device includes three brackets 10 (see Figures 1 and 3) , each having a horizontal portion 11 and a portion 12 being directed obliquely upwards, wherein each bracket 10 with its horizontal portion 11 is rigidly mounted to the horizontal support beam 9. The bracket portions 12 being directed obliquely upwards carry an inclined dust shield 13, extending transversely to the machine direction, wherein the lower horizontal edge of the dust shield 13 is located above and at a distance from the tip of each bracket 10.

The mounting device includes a horizontal, elongated rod 15, extending below the brackets 10 transversely to the machine direction and being parallel with the support beam 9, wherein the rod 15 is pivotally mounted in three bearing elements 16, being rigidly mounted to the underside of the brackets 10 and extending downwards. In connection with each bearing element 16, there is a bearing member, which can be arranged on the rod 15 itself and/or in the bearing element 16, so that the rod 15 easily can be rotated around its centre axis. For example, the bearing member can be a common slide bearing or a ball or roller bearing. An actuator 17 is arranged at each end of the rod 15 for rotating the rod 15 which thus forms an axis of rotation. In the embodiment shown, each actuator 17 consists of a pneumatic cylinder, which at its rear end is pivotally journalled in bearings on a mounting element 18, which in its turn is rigidly mounted to the support beam 9. The cylinder 17 has a piston rod 19, which can be projected from the front end of the cylinder 17 and which is articulately connected to a link arm 20, which in its turn is rigidly connected to the associated end of the axis of rotation 15. The reference numeral 21 denotes a stop element, being rigidly mounted to the horizontal bracket portion 11, for interacting with the link arm 20 in order to restrict the rotary motion of the axis of rotation 15. An activation of the air cylinders 17 thus results in a clockwise or counter clockwise rotation of the axis of rotation 15. The nozzle members 14 are uniformly distributed for enabling the web 1 to be provided with adhesive agent along its entire width, i.e. within a surface region extending between the parallel edges of the web perpendicularly to the machine direction.

The mounting device includes a plurality of supporting bodies 23, each carrying a nozzle member 14, and link arms 25, each being rigidly mounted to a supporting body 23 as well as to the axis of rotation 15. The rigid joints can be accomplished in any suitable ways, e.g. by means of suitable locking members, forming e.g. engagement and/or clamping joints. The rigid joints between the link arms 25 and the axis of rotation 15 are not shown in any closer detail. In the embodiment shown, the rigid joint between each link arm 25 and its associated supporting body 23 is formed by a horizontal supporting pin 31, projecting from and being rigidly mounted to the link arm 25, a lockable, two-parts clamping device 32, being rigidly mounted to the supporting body 23 and clamping the supporting pin 31. The reference numeral 34 denotes a pipe for supplying adhesive agent to the nozzle member 14 through the supporting body 23. It will be understood that a revolving unit is obtained, by means of the rigid joints, out of the axis of rotation 15 and all link arms 25, supporting bodies 23 and nozzle members 14.

Each nozzle member 14 includes a connecting portion 35 and a nozzle 36 mounted therein. A first embodiment of a nozzle 36 is schematically shown in Figures 9 and 10. The nozzle 36 has a flat front surface 37 and a linear, central channel 38 for supplying adhesive agent, including a rear channel portion 39 and a front channel portion 40, ending in said front surface 37. The front channel portion 40 has a predetermined length and a predetermined, relatively small diameter, so that non-pressurised adhesive agent in the front channel portion 40 can be retained therein without dripping by means of capillary action, when the nozzle 36 is in a non-operative state, which in the embodiment shown can be denoted as a rest position. The connecting portion 35 of the nozzle member 14 has a channel for adhesive agent (not shown) , connecting to the rear channel portion 39 in the nozzle 36 and to a channel for adhesive agent (not shown) in the supporting body 23, which in its turn is connected to the above-mentioned external pipe 34 for adhesive agent. A central valve needle 41 is arranged in the rear channel portion 39 for closing and opening the inlet to the narrow front channel portion 40, wherein the valve needle 41 is connected to an actuator (not shown) for being displaced linearly into a closed position (see Figure 9) and an open position (see Figure 10) , respectively.

Furthermore, the nozzle 36 is provided with a plurality of air channels 42, being connected to a common external pipe 56 for air supply and having front channel portions 43, ending in said front surface 37 at the same distance from the outlet port of the front channel portion 40.

Each front channel portion 43 is directed obliquely away from the centre line 44 of the nozzle 36, so that the discharging air jet 45 does not come to intersect the above-mentioned centre line 44 in its extension out of the outlet port of the front channel portion 40 and so that the discharging air jets do not intersect each other.

Each nozzle member 14 is provided with a protecting device, being arranged for protecting the nozzle 36 from contaminations or dirt particles, such as dust, primarily being constituted of fibres or fibre fragments disrupted from the web. In the embodiment shown, the protecting device includes a protecting cover 46, having an internal, free space 47, enclosing the nozzle 36. The protecting cover 46 is pivotally and lockably connected to the connecting portion 35 in order to enable it to be opened and let down for enabling internal cleaning of the nozzle 36 and the protecting cover 46, when this is considered necessary. An external pipe 48 is connected to the protecting cover 46 at its upper portion for supplying air into the space 47 through an inlet 49. The front wall 51 of the protecting cover 46 is provided with a central, circular outlet port 50, being arranged coaxially below the front surface 37 of the nozzle 36 and having a diameter somewhat larger than the diameter of the concentric circle in which the outlet ports of the front channel portions 43 are located, in order not to influence the outflowing air jets 45 adversely. The front wall 51 is located at a predetermined axial distance from the front surface 37 of the nozzle 36.

Furthermore, the device for applying an adhesive agent includes a collecting member 52 for adhesive agent, being arranged directly below the nozzles 36 for catching adhesive agent, which in certain situations intentionally is discharged from the nozzles 36 when these are located in their vertical rest or idle positions. In the embodiment shown, the collecting device 52 includes a plurality of cuplike vessels 53, opening upwards and being rigidly arranged on a horizontal, transverse supporting bar 54, which in its turn is rigidly arranged on the brackets 10. The cups 53 have a length adapted for serving one nozzle member 14. The cups 53 open upwards are designed and positioned for receiving the protecting covers 46 carried by the nozzle members 14, when the nozzle members 1.4 are pivoted down in an arc into their vertical positions of rest, so that the lower central outlet ports 50 of the protecting covers 46 become - located at a suitable distance from the bottoms of the cups 53 and so that air, flowing out of the protecting covers 46, is allowed to flow further on out of the cups 53. The device for applying an adhesive agent further includes a ■source of compressed air (not shown)., serving the existing air cylinders 17 and supplying the nozzle members- 14 with air through the pipes 56, 48 being connected..? o..the, nozzles 36 and the protecting covers 46, and a pump 55, ^■ feeding adhesive agent from a stock (not shown) .of. hot adhesive agent to the nozzles 36 through the pipes ' 34, which in connection with positions just upstream ..the nozzle members 14 are provided with electric heating devices 57 for maintaining the adhesive agent at the desired operating temperature, and also a control unit (not shown) , being arranged for controlling the process of applying the adhesive agent by means of influencing the present functions at the different instants of time and within the different time intervals, wherein the control unit is controlled by the reeling process in the reel-up with respect to the switching of paper rolls and possible web breaks.

The control unit is programmed for controlling the process of applying an adhesive agent in connection with switching of paper rolls. Said switching can take place by means of a so-called full-width wrapping or a so-called wide leader-wrapping, where a leader having a predetermined width, usually 400-600 mm, is obtained by means of cutting a leader out of the web before the supporting cylinder 5. Those nozzles 36 which are located outside the leader are disconnected when performing wide leader-wrapping.

When the paper machine is in operation, while the web 1 is reeled up onto a reel shaft 6, the nozzles 36 are located in their lower positions of rest having their channels 38 for adhesive agent directed vertically towards the bottom portions of the collecting cups 53. In this sequence, air is blown through the protecting covers 46 in order to . revent dust from penetrating into the nozzles 36, and through the air channels 42 in order to keep also these clean from dust at the outlet ports. When switching of paper rolls is to take place, e.g. by means of full-width wrapping of the web 1 around an empty reel shaft 6, the reel shaft is lowered down into position of wrapping and the nozzle members 14 are pivoted upwards into their positions of application, wherein the channels 38 for adhesive agent of the nozzles 36 are directed perpendicularly or almost perpendicularly to the web 1. When the empty reel shaft 6 gets into contact with the supporting cylinder 5, the blow pipe 58 is connected at the same time as the secondary carriage (not shown) of the reel-up is moved forwards a small distance and is braked for a short period of time, so that the web 1 forms a slack 59 (see Figure 2) in the space obtained between the supporting cylinder 5 and the finished paper roll 7, wherein the air from the blow pipe 58 acts on this slack 59 so that it is lifted up while forming a so-called balloon. Thereafter, the air supply to the air channels 42 of the nozzles 36 is increased and the air supply to the protecting covers- 46 is closed. The discharge of adhesive agent starts at the same time as, or a few seconds after the balloon-blowing has been initiated, e.g. within the time interval 0-60 seconds. The discharge of adhesive agent can take place within a period of time of at least 1 second and usually 10 seconds at the most. The adhesive agent is applied within a surface region of the web 1 extending across the entire web 1, i.e. from edge to edge perpendicularly to the machine direction. By means of the adhesive agent, the web 1 is stuck to the new reel shaft 6, so that the web 1 follows it around in order to subsequently be torn off as a result of the tensile force arising in the web 1 between the finished paper roll 7 and the new, now wrapped, reel shaft 6. The blow pipe 58 for the balloon-blowing is disconnected and, immediately after finished application of adhesive agent, the nozzle members 14 are pivoted back down into their vertical positions of rest. The air flow through the air channels 42 of the nozzles 36 is reduced and the air supply into the protecting covers 46 is commenced again. In this way, the nozzles 36 are maintained in such a condition that they are ready for being able to perform a fresh application of adhesive agent, which is to take place at a predetermined instant of time, e.g. 20 minutes after the performed wrapping.

In the above-described embodiment, the nozzles 36 thus are arranged for assuming a rest position, in which the channels 38 for adhesive agent are directed vertically, and a position of application, in which the nozzles 36 have been pivoted upwards by means of rotating the axis of rotation 15, so that the channels 38 for adhesive agent forms a substantially straight angle with the web 1. In the rest position, the adhesive agent is retained in the channel portion 40 by means of capillary force action. Air flows through the air channels 42 with a relatively low velocity which is sufficient for maintaining them open since dust particles by the outflowing air are prevented from getting stuck around and inside the outlet ports of the air channels 42. However, the outflowing air must not have such a velocity that it adversely affects the adhesive agent being present inside the front channel portion 40, so that adhesive agent is drawn out of it and dries, having the result that the outlet port is clogged by congealed adhesive agent. The air flowing through the protecting cover 46, around the nozzle 36 and out through the outlet port 50 should have a velocity through the outlet port 50 which is sufficient, e.g. about 10 m/s, so that dust particles are prevented from penetrating into the protecting cover 46. By means of this arrangement and these measures, it is ensured that the nozzles 36 are in working order until the next application occasion, which takes place a. relatively long time after the previous application occasion. If, for some reason, a shutdown occurs in the paper production, so that the nozzles are not used and the planned point of time for a subsequent application is exceeded, the valve needle 41 is opened for a short time at regular intervals during said shutdown, so that a small quantity of adhesive agent is discharged from each nozzle 36 and caught by the cups 53 and fresh adhesive agent always will be present at the outlet ports. In this way, the operating ability of the nozzles is ensured also during such, usually unscheduled, prolonged idle or rest periods.

In the positions of application of the nozzles 36, the air supply to the protecting covers 46 is closed, while the air flow through the air channels 42 is increased to a predetermined velocity, so that the air jets 45 from the air channels 42 favourably influences the strand-like jet 60 of adhesive agent which simultaneously is pressed out of the channel 38 for adhesive agent. As a result of the air jets 45 being directed away from the extended centre line 44 of the channel 38 intended for adhesive agent and obliquely forwards circumferentially, they will influence the ejected jet 60 of adhesive agent, so that it is turned around into a helical shape having an increasing width in a direction towards the web 1. Furthermore, the air jets 45 exert a tensile force on the jet 60 of adhesive agent which assists in drawing the jet 60 of adhesive agent out of the channel portion 40. Furthermore, the air jets 45 will create an air curtain around the helical jet 60 of adhesive agent, so that it is supported and carried forwards by the air jets 45 and is held together in its helical shape.

In the above-described embodiment, it is required that the nozzles 36 are movable between their rest positions and positions of application, since the web 1 has a rising, inclined run at the place of application, i.e. the web 1 forms an acute angle with the horizontal plane. In the case when the web has a horizontal run at the place of application, the device for applying an adhesive agent according to the invention has stationary nozzles, which all the time, i.e. both in a state of rest and in state of application, have their channels for adhesive agent directed vertically. In such an embodiment (not shown) having stationary nozzles, the cups collecting adhesive agent therefore are arranged in a movable way, so that they can be displaced in a lateral direction in order to provide a free path for the adhesive agent right up to the web. For this purpose, their common supporting rod can be arranged so that it is displaced in parallel between a first position, in which the cups are located directly below the stationary nozzles, and a second position, in which the cups are located beside the nozzles without obstructing the application of adhesive agent. In the above-described embodiment, an adhesive agent is used which is intended to be heated in order to be applicable. Of course, also other adhesive agents, which do not require heating and which are tacky at room temperature or have an adhesive action at least at the application occasion when the web is brought into contact with the reel shaft, can be used. One example of an adhesive agent of the last-mentioned type is water.

According to an alternative embodiment (not shown) , in certain cases it is possible to omit the protecting cover 46 and let compressed air through the channels 42 and possibly additional channels inside or around the nozzle ensure that the nozzle is kept clean.

Instead of nozzles emitting a continuous string-like jet of adhesive agent, it is of course possible to use nozzles emitting a jet in the form of a spray or, alternatively, in the form of drops. Figure 11 shows an application device similar to the first one described, but where the nozzle member instead has such a nozzle which emits a jet 61 in the form of a spray and which is shown closer in a schematic representation in Figures 12 and 13, in a rest position and position of application, respectively, in the same way as the first one described in Figures 9 and 10. The nozzle 36 according to Figure 11 is provided with a protecting cover 46 similar to the one described above and operating in the same way. The nozzle 36 has a central channel 62 for supplying a homogenous mixture of adhesive agent and air and includes a rear channel portion 63 and a front channel portion 64. The front channel portion 64 is relatively short and narrow. A central valve needle 65 is arranged for closing and opening the front channel portion 64, and it will then at least partially penetrate into this front channel portion 64, so that there is no considerable risk for clogging. In Figure 12, the nozzle 36 is shown in a rest position when supplying air which is distributed around the nozzle in order to subsequently flow out through the outlet port 50 of the protecting cover 46, as described above. In other embodiments (not shown) , the nozzles 36 for applying adhesive agent in the form of a jet in spray form are arranged in a stationary position and perpendicularly or substantially perpendicularly to the web. When the web runs vertically or substantially vertically at the place of application, it can be convenient to arrange a collecting cup or the like below the nozzle for collecting adhesive agent which may drip down from the nozzle, particularly after a finished application of adhesive agent. When the web runs horizontally or forms an acute angle with the horizontal plane at the place of application, so that the collecting cup obstructs a discharged jet of adhesive agent and air in the form of a spray, the collecting cup is arranged in a movable way for being displaced laterally so that the jet runs clear of the collecting cup.

The device for applying an adhesive agent according to the invention is advantageously utilised also when a web break occurs, wherein the leader provided with adhesive agent is brought to adhere to the already initiated paper roll by means of a wrapping of this. Furthermore, the device can be utilised for attaching the end of a finished reel by means of adhesive agent.

Even if the invention has been described above in connection with a running paper web when switching reels in a reel-up of a paper machine, it can of course be applied to a rewinder or a reel packing machine, i.e. in all types of paper manufacturing and paper handling machines .

The invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but can be varied and modified in may ways within the scope of the following claims without departing from the inventive idea.

Figure 14 shows a reel-up similar to the reel-up according to Figure 1, but being provided with an applicator device 8 according to a second embodiment of the invention. As in the first described embodiment, the applicator device 8 includes a beam-formed supporting construction 9, a plurality of nozzle members 14 and a mounting device having three brackets 10 supporting a dust shield 13. In other respects, the mounting device according to Figure 14 is designed constructionally in a completely different way. It has a horizontal, transversal, fixed supporting rail 70, a supporting rail 71 being movable in. relation to this, a beam-formed, horizontal, transversal nozzle holder 72, being suspended from the movable supporting rail 71 by means of a connecting member 73.. The fixed supporting rail 70 is mounted in a fixed manner to the brackets 10 in order to be supported by these. It has an internal, axially extending space being open at the ends of the fixed supporting rail 70 and having an elongated opening on the under side of the fixed supporting rail 70 so that the movable supporting rail 71 is received within the space and upper portions of the connecting member 73 are received within the downwardly-facing opening. The fixed supporting rail 70 can be compared to a U-beam turned upside-down. On the insides of the two vertical walls of the fixed supporting rail 70, there are a plurality of pairs of supporting rollers 74, being rotatably journalled in bearings at regular intervals along the fixed supporting rail 70, wherein the two supporting rollers in each pair are arranged at a predetermined distance from each other vertically. The axes of the supporting rollers are parallel to the machine direction. The movable supporting rail 71 is in the shape of a hollow beam having a rectangular, e.g. square cross-section. Thereby, the movable supporting rail 71 has two vertical outsides, at which elongated supporting elements 75 are mounted in a fixed manner, one at each side, in order to extend between the two supporting rollers of each pair of supporting rollers 74, wherein the supporting rollers thus run in contact with the horizontal upper and under sides of the supporting elements 75. At each end of the movable supporting rail 71, there is an axially aligned handle 76, the cross-section of which having a maximum dimension being smaller than the cross-section of said space, so that one of the handles 76 can be received within the space when the movable supporting rail 71 by means of the other handle 76 is pulled out, in either direction, from the fixed supporting rail 70.

The nozzle holder 72 is the shape of a hollow beam having a rectangular, e.g. square cross-section, and supports a plurality of nozzle members 14 on the side wall facing in the running direction of the web. The nozzle holder 72 contains pipes for supplying the nozzles 36 and their protecting covers 46 with air and adhesive agent, as described previously for the first embodiment. Said pipes have connections 77 (see Figure 16) on the outside of one end of the nozzle holder 72 for connection of coupling members of the external pipes for air and adhesive agent. Said coupling members, which are not shown, are arranged for being disconnected from the connections 77 when the nozzle holder is to be pulled out of the machine to a maintenance position outside the machine in accordance with Figure 15. According to an embodiment, which is not shown, the connecting member 73 can form a rigid, i.e. non-pivotal, connection between the movable supporting rail 71 and the nozzle holder 72, e.g. in the form of two connecting rods or plates welded to the ends of the movable supporting rail 71 and the nozzle holder 72. In the embodiment shown, the connecting member 73 ^'consists of two pairs of bearing ears 78 being mounted in a fixed manner to the movable supporting rail 71 and the nozzle holder 72, and a bearing axis for each pair of bearing ears, said bearing axis connecting the two bearing ears to each other while forming a horizontal oscillating axis for the nozzle holder 72. The tilting of the nozzle holder 72 into a position of application is force-controlled and is achieved by means of power transmitting devices 79, e.g. two piston cylinders, preferably of the pneumatic type, being mounted on the upper side of the fixed supporting rail 70 and having their piston rods connected to a link arm 80, one for each, being pivotally journalled with its waist portion on the rear side wall of the fixed supporting rail 70 and having its upper end pivotally connected to the piston rods. The other, lower end of each link arm 80 carries a roller 84 (see Figure 19) which is arranged for being in rolling contact with the rear side of the nozzle holder 72, facing away from the front side being provided with the nozzles, when the piston cylinders 79 are activated in order to tilt the nozzle holder 72 from its rest position according to Figure 16 into its position of application according to Figure 17. When the nozzle holder 72 is in the rest position the roller 84 of each link arm 80 is arranged for passing the rear side of the nozzle holder with a clearance sufficiently large so that a longitudinal displacement of the nozzle holder 72 can take place without the roller 84 getting into engagement with it.

On the upper side of the fixed supporting rail, there are two piston cylinders 81, influencing locking devices 82 for locking the movable supporting rail 71 in the operating position of the applicator device and for releasing the movable supporting rail 71 when maintenance is to be performed on the nozzles 36. After having inactivated the locking devices 82 in order to release the movable supporting rail 71, the movable supporting rail 71 can be pulled out of the fixed supporting rail 70 by means of one of the handles 76 in a desired direction so that the parts in question of the applicator device 8 are brought out of the machine into a maintenance position, in which the nozzles 36 can be inspected, cleaned and replaced as required. Accordingly, the movable supporting rail 71 and the nozzle holder 72 form a movable unit which, to a limited extent, is displaceable transversely to the machine direction.

A collecting trough 83 is mounted in a fixed manner to said brackets 10 and extends below the nozzles 36 in order to catch adhesive agent, which may drip out of the nozzles 36 when these are in a rest position according to Figure 16. When the nozzles 36 being available from one machine side have been inspected, etc., the entire unit is pushed back into the machine, whereupon it is pulled out on the other machine side by means of the other handle 76, so that the remaining nozzles 36 can be inspected, etc.

The above-described embodiment of the applicator device 8 according to Figures 14-18 enables maintenance to be performed in a safe and simple way of the nozzles 36, in this context usually denoted glue nozzles. These glue nozzles 36 are located near and above the supporting cylinder in the reel-up, where it is usually very dusty and hot. This environment implies that the function of the glue nozzles 36 may deteriorate as time goes on. With regard to the time aspect, the use of a protecting cover 46 and a supply of air around the glue nozzle, as described in greater detail in connection with the first embodiment of the applicator device 8, results in a substantial improvement of the function of the glue nozzle 36 but after a longer period of time said difficult environment could result in a glue nozzle being clogged or meeting with another malfunction so that it has to be replaced, for instance. By making the nozzle holder 72 extractable, as described in the foregoing, the staff need not to . go inside the machine, where it is usually very dusty and hot, when maintenance is to be performed of the nozzles. Furthermore, it is much safer to perform maintenance outside the machine than inside the machine. Consequently, the working environment of the maintenance staff is improved in several respects. In addition, this maintenance can be performed without any problems also when the machine is in operation during a period of time when no adhesive agent needs to be supplied. In the maintenance position, which the nozzle holder 72 assumes, in Figure 15, the maintenance staff can perform maintenance in a safe way and work in a standing position. In order to get access to the remaining nozzles 36, the nozzle holder 72 is returned into the operating position in order to subsequently be pulled out at the other side of the machine by means of the other handle 76. In the case when there is a sufficient space at one side of the machine, the fixed supporting rail can be extended outside the machine at said one side, if desired, so that the nozzle holder 72 and the movable supporting rail 71 can be pulled out at said one side and so that all nozzles become available for maintenance at said one side of the machine.

The nozzles can be of any type, and do not necessarily have to be provided with means for cleaning with compressed air, i.e. the shown protecting covers 46 with accessories can be dispensed with if desired, since the concept of a nozzle holder being extractable into a maintenance position outside the machine can be applied to any applicator device, irrespective of the design of the nozzle members with or without the above-described protection of the nozzles. Such a protection, however, is preferred.

P1760PC TE1 040714

Claims

C L A I M S

1. A nozzle (36) suitable for applying an adhesive agent onto a running paper web (1) , said nozzle (36) being provided with a protecting device arranged for protecting the nozzle (36) from particulate, operations-disturbing contaminations by means of compressed air, said protecting device comprises a member for defining a free space (47) enclosing the nozzle (36), a member for supplying air into said space (47), and a member for discharging said air from the space (47) in a position centrally in front of and at a distance from a front end surface (37) of the nozzle (36), characterized in that said air supply member is arranged to supply air when the nozzle (36) is in a state of rest between two successive applications of adhesive agent.

2. A nozzle according to claim 1, characterized in that said space defining member includes a protecting cover (46), said air supplying member comprises an inlet (49) located at a rear position of the protecting cover (46) at a distance from said front end surface (37) of the nozzle (36) , and said member for discharging air comprises an outlet in the form of a circular opening (50) in the protecting cover (46) located centrally in front of and at a distance from the front end surface (37) .

3. A nozzle according to any one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the nozzle (36) is of the type emitting a jet (60) of adhesive agent and having a front channel portion (40) through which the jet (60) is pressed, said channel portion (40) being arranged for retaining adhesive agent therein by means of capillary action when the nozzle is in its state of rest, said front channel portion (40) being directed vertically when the nozzle (36) is in its said state of rest.

4. A nozzle according to claim 3, characterized in that the nozzle (36) is provided with air channels (42), said air channels being inclined in relation to the front channel portion (40) , for emitting air jets (45) around the discharged jet (60) of adhesive agent and influencing the motion and motion pattern of the jet towards the web (1) .

5. A device (8) for applying an adhesive agent onto a running paper web (1), said device including a plurality of nozzles (36) each nozzle (36) being provided with a protecting device arranged for protecting the nozzle (36) from particulate, operations-disturbing contaminations by means of compressed air, said protecting device comprises a member for defining a free space (47) enclosing the nozzle (36) , a member for supplying air into said space (47), and a member for discharging said air from the space (47) in a position centrally in front of and at a distance from a front end surface (37) of the nozzle (36), characterized in that said air supply member of each nozzle (36) is arranged to supply air when the nozzle (36) is in a state of rest between two successive applications of adhesive agent.

6. A device (8) for applying an adhesive agent onto a running paper web (1) in switching reels in a reel-up of a paper machine, said reel-up comprising a stand (2) and a movable supporting member (5) for supporting the web (1), wherein an empty reel shaft (6) is arranged for being brought into contact with said supporting member (5) for carrying out a wrapping of the web (1) around the reel shaft (6) with subsequent separation of the web (1) from a finished paper roll (7) in the reel-up, said device (8) for applying an adhesive agent comprising a supporting construction (9) mounted on the stand (2) of the reel-up upstream of the supporting member (5) and extending transversely to the machine direction, a plurality of nozzles (36) arranged along a line transversely to the machine direction and being arranged for applying adhesive agent on the paper web (1), and a mounting device for mounting the nozzles (36) t,o said supporting construction, each of said nozzles (36) being provided with a protecting device arranged for protecting the nozzle (36) from particulate, operations-disturbing, contaminations by means of compressed air, said protecting device comprises a member for defining a free space (47) enclosing the nozzle (3.6), a member for supplying air into said space (47), and a member for discharging said air from the space (47) in a position centrally in front of and at a distance from a front end surface (37) of the nozzle (36), characterized in that said air supply member of each nozzle (36) is arranged to supply air when. the nozzle (36) is in a state of rest between two successive applications of adhesive agent.

7. A device according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that said space defining member comprises a protecting cover (46), said air supplying member comprises an inlet (49) located at a rear position of the protecting cover (46) at a distance from said front end surface (37) of the nozzle (36), and said member for discharging air comprises an outlet in the form of a circular opening (50) in the protecting cover (46) located centrally in front of and at a distance from the front end surface (37) .

8. A device according to claim 5, 6 or 7, characterized in that it comprises a collecting device (52) for adhesive agent arranged for collecting possible adhesive agent from the nozzles (36) in their state of rest.

9. A device according to claim 5, 6, 7 or 8, characterized in that each nozzle (36) is of the type emitting a jet (60) of adhesive agent and having a front channel portion (40) through which the jet (60) is ejected, said channel portion (40) being arranged for retaining adhesive agent therein by means of capillary action when the nozzle is in its state of rest, said front channel portion (40) being directed vertically in said state of rest of the nozzle (36) .

10. A device according to claims 8 and 9, characterized in that the nozzle (36) is arranged stationary, and the collecting device (52) is movably arranged for being displaced into a lateral position and leaving a free, vertical path for the adhesive agent.

11. A device according to claims 8 and 9, characterized in that the nozzle (36) is pivotally arranged from a rest position, corresponding to said state of rest, into a position of application, in which the front channel portion (40) of the nozzle (36) forms a right angle or a substantially right angle to the web (1), said collecting device (52) being arranged stationary.

12. A device according to any one of claims 9-11, characterized in that each nozzle (36) is provided with air channels (42), said air channels being inclined in relation to the front channel portion (40) , for emitting air jets (45) around the discharged jet (60) of adhesive agent and influencing the motion and motion pattern of the jet towards the web (1) .

13. A device according to claim 5, 6, 7 or 8, characterized in that each nozzle (36) is of the type emitting a mixture of adhesive agent and air in the form of a jet (61) in the form of a spray.

14. A device according to claims 8 and 13, characterized in that the nozzle (36) is pivotally arranged from a rest position, corresponding to said state of rest, in which the channel (62) for adhesive agent of the nozzle (36) is directed substantially vertically, into a position of application, in which said channel (62) forms a right angle or a substantially right angle to the web (1), said collecting device (52) being arranged stationary below the nozzle (36) in its said rest position.

15. A device according to claims 8 and 13, characterized in that the nozzle (36) is arranged stationary, wherein the collecting device (52) is arranged stationary, when the nozzle (36) is directed horizontally or substantially horizontally and the web, accordingly, runs vertically or substantially vertically, and wherein the collecting device (52) is movably arranged for being displaced into a lateral position when the nozzle (36) is directed vertically or obliquely, in order to provide a free path for the jet (61) of adhesive agent towards the web (1) .

16. A device according to claim 11 or 14, characterized in that it comprises a horizontal axis of rotation (15) , actuators (17) for rotating the axis of rotation (15), and a mounting device for rigid mounting to the axis of rotation (15) and the nozzle members (14) in order to form a revolving unit out of said axis of rotation (15), said mounting devices and said nozzle members (14) .

17. A method of applying an adhesive agent onto a running paper web (1) by means of nozzles (36) , comprising the step of: protecting the nozzles (36) against particulate contaminations from the surrounding environment by means of protecting devices while supplying compressed air in order to improve the operational function of the nozzles (36) , said step of protecting each nozzle (36) comprising - arranging a defined space (47) enclosing the nozzle (36), and supplying air into the defined space (47) and evacuating the air through an opening (50) being located in front of and at a distance from the nozzle (36), characterized in that said supplying and evacuating of air occurring when the nozzles (36) are in a state of rest between two successive applications of adhesive agent .

18. A method of applying adhesive agent onto a running paper web (1) by means of nozzles (36) in switching reels in a reel-up of a paper machine, in which reel-up the web (1) is supported by a supporting member (5), comprising the steps of: - mounting a device (8) for applying an adhesive agent transversely to the machine direction upstream the supporting member (5) , said device for applying an adhesive agent comprising a plurality of nozzles (36) having channels (38, 62) for applying adhesive agent; - placing an empty reel shaft (6) in contact with the supporting member (5) ; applying adhesive agent across the web (1) or a web leader; wrapping the web and the web leader, respectively, around said empty reel shaft (6) and sticking the web and the leader, respectively, to the reel shaft (6) by means of the applied adhesive agent; and protecting the nozzles (36) against particulate contaminations from the surrounding environment by means of protecting devices while supplying compressed air in order to improve the operational function of the nozzles (36) , said step of protecting each nozzle (36) comprises arranging a defined space (47) enclosing the nozzle (36), and supplying air into the defined space (47) and evacuating the air through an opening (50) being located in front of and at a distance from the nozzle (36), characterized in that said supplying and evacuating of air occurring when the nozzles (36) are in a state of rest between two successive applications of adhesive agent.

19. A method according to claim 17 or 18, in which each nozzle (36) is of the type emitting a jet (60) of adhesive agent and having air channels (42) , being inclined in relation to the channel (38) for adhesive agent, for emitting air jets (45) around the discharged jet (60) of adhesive agent, characterized by the step of protecting the nozzles (36) also includes supplying air to said air channels (42) in said state of rest.

20. A method according to claim 17, 18 or 19, characterized in that a small quantity of adhesive agent is discharged from each nozzle (36) at predetermined time intervals when a subsequent predetermined application of adhesive agent onto the web (1) for one reason or the other does not occur, and that said quantity of adhesive agent is collected.

21. A method of improving the operational function of nozzles (36) suitable for applying an adhesive agent onto a running paper web (1) , comprising the step of: protecting the nozzles (36) against particulate contaminations from the surrounding environment by means of protecting devices while supplying compressed air, said step of protecting each nozzle (36) comprising arranging a defined space (47) enclosing the nozzle (36), and supplying air into the defined space (47) and evacuating the air through an opening (50) being located in front of and at a distance from the nozzle (36), characterized in that said supplying and evacuating of air occurring when the nozzles (36) are in a state of rest between two successive applications of adhesive agent.

22. A method of improving the operational function of nozzles (36) suitable for applying an adhesive agent onto a running paper web (1) in switching reels in a reel-up of a paper machine, in which reel-up the web (1) is supported by.a supporting member (5), comprising the steps of: - mounting a device (8) for applying an adhesive agent transversely to the machine direction upstream the supporting member (5) , said device for applying an adhesive agent comprising a plurality of nozzles (36) having channels (38, 62) for applying adhesive agent; - placing an empty reel shaft (6) in contact with the supporting member (5) ; applying adhesive agent across the web (1) or a web leader; wrapping the .web and the web leader, respectively, around said empty reel shaft (6) and sticking the web and the leader, respectively, to the reel shaft (6) by means of the applied adhesive agent; and - protecting the nozzles (36) against particulate contaminations from the surrounding environment by means of protecting devices while supplying compressed air, said step of protecting each nozzle (36) comprises arranging a defined space (47) enclosing the nozzle (36) , and supplying air into the defined space (47) and evacuating the air through an opening (50) being located in front of and at a distance from the nozzle (36), characterized in that said supplying and evacuating of air occurring when the nozzles (36) are in a state of rest between two successive applications of adhesive agent.

23. A method according to claim 21 or 22, wherein each nozzle (36) is of the type emitting a jet (60) of adhesive agent and having air channels (42) being inclined in relation to the channel (38) for adhesive agent for emitting air jets (45) around the discharged jet (60) of adhesive agent, characterized in that the step of protecting the nozzle also comprises supplying air to said air channels (42) in said state of rest.

24. A method according to claim 21, 22 or 23, characterized in that a small quantity of adhesive agent is discharged from each nozzle (36) at predetermined time intervals when a subsequent predetermined application of adhesive agent onto the web (1) for one reason or the other does not occur, and that said quantity of adhesive agent is collected.

25. A device (8) for applying an adhesive agent onto a running paper web (1), said device (8) comprising a supporting construction (9) extending transversely to the machine direction, a plurality of nozzles (36) arranged along a line transversely to the machine direction and being arranged for applying adhesive agent onto the paper web (1), and a mounting device for mounting the nozzles (36) to said supporting construction, characterized in that the mounting device includes a horizontal,- transversal, fixed supporting rail (70) , a supporting rail (71) being movable in relation thereto, a beam-formed, horizontal, transversal nozzle holder (72), and a connecting member (73) for suspending the nozzle holder (72) from the movable supporting rail (71) , said movable supporting rail (71) being displaceable in the longitudinal direction of the fixed supporting rail (70) in order to position at least a portion of the length of the nozzle holder (72) , which is supported by the movable supporting rail (71), outside the paper web (1) in a maintenance position for maintaining of the nozzles (36) .

26. A device (8) for applying an adhesive agent according to claim 25, characterized in that the connecting member (73) forms a pivotal connection between the movable supporting rail (71) and the nozzle holder (72) so that the nozzle holder (72) can be pivoted around a horizontal bearing axis from a lower rest position into an upper position of application by means of a power device.

27. A device (8) for applying an adhesive agent according to claim 25 or 26, characterized in that each nozzle (36) is designed in accordance with any one of claims 2-4 in combination with claim 1.

P1760PC TE1 040714