Applying device for applying treatment substance on fibrous web and cleaning method thereof

Abstract

The invention relates to an application device for applying a treatment substance on a fibrous web, having two ends and comprising a distribution chamber extending longitudinally between the two ends and a lip extending longitudinally between the two ends, in which application device the treatment substance is configured to flow from the distribution chamber to the lip, the lip is configured to form a curtain of treatment substance for applying the treatment substance on the fibrous web. The application device comprises a cleaning device configured to be movable in a longitudinal direction of the application device to at least partially clean the lip in its longitudinal direction, the cleaning device comprising a scraper portion, and the scraper portion extends in the lip and is configured to be movable in the lip in the longitudinal direction of the lip. The invention also relates to a method for cleaning an application device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to treating a fiber web in a fiber web production line, in particular the present invention relates to an application device for applying a treatment substance on a fiber web and a method for cleaning an application device for applying a treatment substance on a fiber web. Background Art

[0002] Fibrous webs, such as paper and board webs, are available in a wide variety of types and can be divided into two grades according to basis weight: webs with a single layer and a basis weight of 25-300 g / m 2 Paper and made with multi-layer technology and with a basis weight of 150-600g / m 2 It should be noted that the boundary between paper and paperboard is flexible, as paperboard grades with the lightest basis weights are lighter than paper grades with the heaviest basis weights. Generally speaking, paper is used for printing and paperboard is used for packaging.

[0003] As is known from the prior art, a fiber web production process usually comprises an assembly formed by a plurality of devices arranged in series in a production line. A typical production and processing line comprises a forming section and a press section, followed by a drying section and a reel, the forming section comprising at least a headbox and at least one forming unit. A production and processing line can also comprise further devices and / or sections for finishing the fiber web, such as a pre-calender, a size press, a final calender, a coating section. A production and processing line usually also comprises at least one slitter-winder for forming customer rolls, as well as roll packaging equipment.

[0004] In the production of fiber webs, for example in the production of paper or board webs, sizing is used to modify the properties of the fiber web by adding sizing agents, such as starch or other sizing agents. Sizing is used to improve the properties of paper webs, in particular water resistance, water absorption, strength, internal strength and bending stiffness. In addition, runnability and dusting tendency can be favorably influenced. Sizing can be divided into internal sizing and surface sizing. In internal sizing, the sizing agent is added to the pulp in the wet end of the fiber web machine before forming. In surface sizing, the sizing agent is usually added to the surface of the fiber web at the dry end of the fiber web machine, usually by passing the fiber web through a sizing nip formed between two sizing rollers.

[0005] In the production of fiber webs, for example in the production of paper or board webs, in coating, in particular in pigment coating, a coating color layer is formed on the surface of the fiber web at a coating station (coater), which is usually followed by drying. The formation of the coating color can be divided into supplying the coating color to the web surface, which is referred to as application of the coating color, and adjusting the final amount of the coating color.

[0006] It is also known from the prior art (e.g. from publications EP19199235, DE102021112427 and DE102021112426) that treatment substances (e.g. strengthening chemicals or other types of additives) can be applied in the forming section in connection with fiber web production. Application is usually carried out via starch spray pipes. However, as disclosed in the above-mentioned published applications, it can also be performed via a curtain application device.

[0007] Typically, the application device extends in the longitudinal direction in the transverse direction of the passing fiber web. One common type of application device is a slot die application device. In a slot die application device, the treatment substance is fed from a supply chamber through a supply channel to a distribution chamber extending in the longitudinal direction of the application device. From the distribution chamber, the treatment substance is applied through a narrow vertical slot, a lip (i.e., an application slot opening extending in the longitudinal direction of the distribution chamber) towards the passing fiber web on which the treatment substance is to be applied.

[0008] An important application technique is curtain application, such as curtain coating and / or curtain sizing and / or foam application as a curtain, which is suitable for treating, for example, sizing or coating fiber webs, such as paper and board webs. By curtain application, a good and uniform coverage of the treatment substance on the surface of the fiber web is achieved. Curtain application is also very suitable for applying treatment substances in the form of foam. In curtain application, two types of application devices are used, slot die curtain applicators and slide die curtain applicators. In slot die applicators, the applied treatment substance is pumped through a distribution chamber into a narrow vertical slot, the application slot opening (i.e., lip), then forms a curtain at its lip and falls onto the web. In a slide die curtain applicator, the applied treatment substance is pumped through a distribution chamber into an upwardly rising slot, then forms a sliding film on the inclined upper surface of the applicator and later leaves the inclined surface at the trailing edge and forms a curtain that falls into the web.

[0009] The treatment substance can be applied in one or more layers. The treatment substance application can be a direct application, in which the treatment substance is applied directly to the surface of the fiber web, or an indirect application, in which the treatment substance is first applied to the surface of a roll or a similar moving surface, via which the treatment substance is transferred in the treatment nip to the surface of the fiber web.

[0010] A serious common problem in connection with application devices for applying treatment substances on a fiber web for treating the fiber web is that the distribution chamber, in particular the flow channel or the lip, can become contaminated due to particle impurities or accumulations of treatment substances adhering to the inner surfaces of the distribution chamber, in particular the flow channel or in the lip. Another typical problem is the formation of accumulations at the tip of the lip. Residual particles, the formation of accumulations and contaminants adhering in the distribution chamber, the flow channel and the lip disturb the formation of the curtain, gradually leading to an increasingly uneven application amount, resulting in the appearance of streaks and leading to an unsatisfactory product quality. In severe cases, the lip can become blocked, leading to a destruction of the integrity of the curtain and to the appearance of untreated areas in the web. Due to product quality requirements, curtain defects cannot be tolerated and in the worst case, unplanned downtime is required to correct the problem.

[0011] As is known from the prior art in practice, the operator cleans the lip of the application device manually by scraping using a handheld tool. The inconvenience is that the application of the treatment substance must be stopped and in some cases even the application device needs to be moved to a separate cleaning location outside the fiber web production line. This takes time and requires equipment and space for moving the application device.

[0012] The object of the present invention is to create an application device for applying a treatment substance on a fiber web and a method for cleaning an application device for applying a treatment substance on a fiber web, wherein the disadvantages of the prior art are eliminated or at least minimized.

[0013] A particular object of the invention is to create an application device for applying a treatment substance as a curtain and a method for cleaning a curtain application device in which the disadvantages of the prior art are eliminated or at least minimized.

[0014] A particular object is to create an application device for applying a treatment substance on a fiber web and a method for cleaning an application device for applying a treatment substance on a fiber web, wherein disadvantages and problems associated with contamination of the distribution chamber, flow channels and lips of the application device are eliminated or at least minimized. Summary of the invention

[0015] In order to achieve the above objects and those to be discussed later, the main features of the application device and the method for cleaning according to the present invention will be described in detail herein.

[0016] Advantageous features and embodiments of the present invention are specifically provided herein.

[0017] According to the present invention, an application device for applying a treatment substance to a fiber web has two ends and a distribution chamber extending longitudinally between the two ends and a lip extending longitudinally between the two ends, in which the application device is configured to flow from the distribution chamber to the lip, and the lip is configured to form a curtain of treatment substance for applying the treatment substance to the fiber web, wherein the application device includes a cleaning device, which is configured to be able to move in the longitudinal direction of the application device to at least partially clean the lip along its longitudinal direction, the cleaning device includes a scraper part, and the scraper part extends in the lip and is configured to be able to move in the lip along the longitudinal direction of the lip.

[0018] According to an advantageous feature of the application device according to the invention, the cleaning device comprises a body portion and a scraper portion connected to each other, the body portion being configured to be movable in the longitudinal direction of the application device, and the scraper portion extending from the body portion to the lip and being configured to be movable in the lip in the longitudinal direction of the application device accordingly.

[0019] According to an advantageous feature of the application device of the present invention, the cleaning device is configured to be able to move along the longitudinal direction of the application device to clean the distribution chamber and the lip at least partially along the longitudinal direction of the distribution chamber and the lip, the cleaning device includes a body part and a scraper part, the body part is configured to be able to move in the distribution chamber along the longitudinal direction of the distribution chamber, and the scraper part extends from the body part to the lip and is configured to be able to move in the lip along the longitudinal direction of the lip accordingly.

[0020] According to an advantageous feature of the application device according to the invention, the cleaning device is configured to be movable in a lateral movement between the ends of the application device. Thus, the cleaning device can be moved from one end of the application device towards the other end of the application device to perform cleaning, the cleaning device can return to the one end of the application device after cleaning, where the lateral movement initially started, or it can continue its lateral movement to the other end of the application device. This provides the shortest total movement that can be achieved during cleaning.

[0021] According to an advantageous feature of the application device according to the invention, the application device comprises a standby position for a cleaning device at one or both ends and a discharge position for the cleaning device at one or both ends of the application device, which discharge position is advantageously configured to serve as a cleaning position for cleaning the cleaning device itself.

[0022] According to an advantageous feature of the application device according to the invention, at least one end of the application device comprises an openable door element for discharging residual particles and / or accumulations removed by the cleaning device when the door element is open.

[0023] According to an advantageous feature of the application device according to the invention, at least one end of the application device comprises a discharge outlet for discharging residual particles and / or accumulations removed by the cleaning device.

[0024] According to an advantageous feature of the application device of the present invention, at least one end of the application device comprises a flushing inlet configured to provide a flushing fluid to assist in draining removed residual particles and / or accumulations.

[0025] According to an advantageous feature of the application device of the present invention, the application device comprises a moving device connected to the cleaning device, advantageously a cable and an actuator, which is configured to provide lateral movement of the cleaning device. The device for moving the cleaning device can also be based on a chain and actuator structure. Moreover, a hydraulic, pneumatic or electromechanical device (such as a trapezoidal thread screw or a toothed belt) can be used to move the cleaning device.

[0026] According to the present invention, in a method for cleaning an application device, the application device is used to apply a treatment substance on a fiber web, the application device having two ends and comprising a distribution chamber extending longitudinally between the ends and a lip extending longitudinally between the ends, in which the treatment substance is configured to flow from the distribution chamber to the lip, the lip being configured to form a curtain of treatment substance for applying the treatment substance on the fiber web, the application device is cleaned by a cleaning device, during which the cleaning device is moved in the longitudinal direction of the application device to clean at least the lip at least partially in its longitudinal direction by a scraper portion of the cleaning device, the scraper portion extending in the lip and moving in the lip in the longitudinal direction of the lip.

[0027] According to an advantageous feature of the method according to the invention, in the method, during cleaning, the cleaning device is moved in the longitudinal direction of the application device to clean the distribution chamber at least partially in its longitudinal direction by means of a mobile body portion of the cleaning device located in the distribution chamber.

[0028] According to an advantageous feature of the method according to the invention, in the method the cleaning device is moved between the ends of the application device by means of a lateral movement. Thus, the cleaning device can be moved from one end of the application device towards the other end of the application device to perform cleaning, the cleaning device can return after cleaning to the one end of the application device where the lateral movement initially started, or it can continue its lateral movement to the other end of the application device.

[0029] According to an advantageous feature of the method according to the invention, cleaning is performed during fiber web production while the treatment substance is being applied from the application device.

[0030] According to an advantageous feature of the method according to the invention, cleaning of the application device is performed during the production of the fiber web while a secondary product quality or broke is produced, for example during a parent roll change and / or during a grade change.

[0031] According to an advantageous feature of the method according to the invention, cleaning is performed during interruptions in fiber web production, for example during web interruptions, or during coater maintenance interruptions, or during sizer maintenance interruptions, such as replacing coater blades, replacing or cleaning sizer bars.

[0032] According to an advantageous feature of the method according to the invention, the cleaning device is moved by means of movement means, advantageously by means of cables and actuators.

[0033] According to an advantageous aspect of the invention, the dispensing chamber and the lip are cleaned by a movable cleaning device, which comprises a body portion and at least one scraper portion extending from the body portion into the lip. The scraper portion may comprise blades, bristles, shapes, etc., to further improve the cleaning effect. Advantageously, the application device comprises a discharge outlet for discharging residual particles and / or accumulations removed by the cleaning device. Advantageously, the cleaning device can be operably connected to a device for supplementing cleaning by a fluid flow, for example by a water flow or an air flow.

[0034] According to an advantageous aspect of the invention, the application device comprises a cleaning device for cleaning the lip and / or the dispensing chamber of the application device, the cleaning device comprising a body portion, the body portion being configured to be movable in the dispensing chamber of the application device along the longitudinal direction of the dispensing chamber between the ends of the application device, and the cleaning device comprising at least one scraper portion, the at least one scraper portion extending into the lip and being movable in the lip of the application device along the longitudinal direction of the lip together with the body portion of the cleaning device. The cleaning device is advantageously arranged to be movable, for example, by a traction line (cable) having an actuator (e.g. a motor). Advantageously, at least one end of the application device has a standby position for the cleaning device, in which the cleaning device is located when cleaning is not required. At one or both ends of the application device, a discharge position for the cleaning device is arranged. The end with the discharge position can advantageously include an openable door element, when opened, residual particles and / or accumulations removed from the lip and / or the dispensing chamber can be removed from the inside of the dispensing chamber and the lip by the openable door element. The openable door element can be provided with a closing mechanism, such as a spring, wherein the cleaning device or a part thereof pushes the closing mechanism to open when the cleaning device reaches the end with the discharge position. The openable door element can also be arranged to be opened by electromechanical means or by pneumatic means or by hydraulic means. Advantageously, the end with the discharge position comprises: at least one flushing inlet for providing a flushing fluid to help discharge the removed residual particles and / or accumulations; and at least one discharge outlet, through which the residual particles and / or accumulations removed by the cleaning device are further removed from the application device. As a flushing fluid, water or air can be used. Advantageously, flushing is performed sequentially and when the door element is opened. The cleaning device can also advantageously include a device for supplying water or air to the distribution chamber and / or the lip during the cleaning process.

[0035] According to another advantageous aspect of the invention, the cleaning device can be used while the application device is applying the treatment substance.

[0036] According to another advantageous aspect of the invention, the cleaning device can be used while flushing fluid is supplied into the dispensing chamber and into the lip to assist in cleaning.

[0037] According to another advantageous aspect of the invention, the application device comprises a collecting tray or trough for collecting residual particles and / or accumulations removed from the dispensing chamber and / or the lip by the cleaning device.

[0038] According to an advantageous feature, during a cleaning cycle, the cleaning device moves back and forth at least once between the ends of the application device. Advantageously, the cleaning cycle takes 30-60 seconds arranged by the actuator power to move the cleaning device back and forth between the ends of the application device.

[0039] According to an advantageous aspect of the invention, cleaning of the application device is performed during the production of the fiber web, since residues are removed through a discharge outlet at one end of the application device and no residues or contaminants reach the produced fiber web.

[0040] According to an advantageous aspect of the invention, cleaning of the application device is performed during a parent roll change and / or during a grade change and / or during a web break, since operation of the cleaning device sequence can be started quickly in the application device working position without requiring special preparations, such as without transferring the application device to a separate cleaning position.

[0041] The cleaning device is arranged as an integrated device of the application device, which makes it unnecessary to have a separate washing position and / or an external washing platform and, if necessary, the cleaning process can be started remotely and as part of an automatic sequence.

[0042] The cleaning device and the cleaning method are usable regardless of the treatment substance to be applied and the location of the application device in relation to the fiber web production line.

[0043] In particular, the application device and the associated cleaning device can be located at the forming section, the pressing section, the drying section or the finishing section of a fiber web production line.

[0044] By means of the present invention and its advantageous features and aspects, a number of advantages and benefits are achieved: The cleaning device and the cleaning method according to the present invention provide the possibility of automating the cleaning. Furthermore, the application device can remain in its application position during cleaning. Cleaning is provided without manual operation and no transfer movement of the application device for cleaning is required. Thus, cleaning is performed quickly without disrupting the production of the fiber web. Due to the fast cleaning, the operating time of the application device can be increased, thereby improving the machine line efficiency. Since the cleaning can be carried out in the working position, no additional cleaning station or platform is required, thereby saving space and investment costs. Work safety is also improved. Furthermore, fewer operators are required and human errors in cleaning are avoided.

[0045] The treatment material can be any treatment material applicable to application, such as strength agent, adhesive, sizing agent or coating agent. The treatment material can be a material with low viscosity or high viscosity or a composition with low viscosity or high viscosity. The treatment material can be a sizing agent, such as starch, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), polyvinyl acetate (PVA) or other synthetic or bio-based polymers. The treatment material can be a sizing agent or coating color of coloring, such as a mixture of adhesive chemicals or adhesive chemicals, such as starch and mineral pigments and / or fillers. The treatment material can be a material based on cellulose, such as fiber raw materials, microfibrillated cellulose (MFC), nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC), nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC), cellulose nano whiskers (CNW) or microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), or the treatment material can be a composite material based on cellulose. The treatment material can be a chemical based on lignin or their mixture. The treatment material can also be another biopolymer, such as chitosan, alginate, biopolyester, polyhydroxyalkanoate or their mixture.

[0046] The exemplary embodiments of the invention presented in this patent application should not be interpreted as limiting the applicability of the appended claims. The verb "comprise" and its derivatives are used as open limitations in this patent application, which do not exclude the existence of unrecorded features. Unless otherwise explicitly stated, the features described below can be freely combined with each other. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0047] In the following, the present invention is explained in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0048] exist Figure 1A-1B An advantageous example of an application device is schematically shown in

[0049] exist Figure 2 Another advantageous example of an application device is schematically shown in

[0050] exist Figure 3 Another advantageous example of an application device is schematically shown in FIG.

[0051] exist Figure 4 Another advantageous example of an application device is schematically shown in FIG.

[0052] exist Figure 5 Another advantageous example of an application device is schematically shown in FIG.

[0053] Reference numerals used in the drawings:

[0054] 10 Application device

[0055] 11, 12 End of the application device

[0056] 13, 14 edge guide

[0057] 15 Distribution Room

[0058] 16 Lips

[0059] 17 Supply Channel

[0060] 18 Supply Room

[0061] 20 Cleaning device

[0062] 21 Scraper part

[0063] 22 Main body

[0064] 23 Door elements

[0065] 24 Closed Agency

[0066] 25 Cable

[0067] 26, 26A, 26B motors

[0068] 27 Cable guide

[0069] 28 Flush Inlet

[0070] 29 Discharge outlet

[0071] 31 Discharge location

[0072] 32 Alternate Positions

[0073] 33 Rails

[0074] S20 Cleaning unit movement DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0075] In the following description, unless otherwise mentioned, the same reference numerals denote corresponding components and the like, and it should be understood that these examples are susceptible to modification to adapt to different uses and conditions.

[0076] In the example of the attached drawings, an example of an application device 10 for applying the treatment substance as a curtain is schematically shown. The application device 10 generally has a beam-like shape and has two ends 11, 12. Near each end 11, 12, there is an edge guide 13, 14 for limiting the edge of the curtain so that the width of the curtain corresponds to the treatment width of the fiber web to which the treatment substance is to be applied. The application device 10 extends in the longitudinal direction in the transverse direction of the passing fiber web and between the two ends 11, 12. In the case of a slot application device 10 ( Figure 1B and Figure 4), the treatment substance is supplied from a supply chamber 18 through a supply channel 17 to a distribution chamber 15 extending in the longitudinal direction of the application device 10. The treatment substance is applied from the distribution chamber 15 through a narrow vertical slot, a lip 16 extending in the longitudinal direction of the distribution chamber 15 as a curtain towards the passing fiber web, on which the treatment substance is to be applied. In the slide application device 10 ( Figure 5 ) the treatment substance is pumped via a supply channel 17 through a distribution chamber 15 into a lip 16, then forms a sliding film on the inclined upper surface of the application device 10 and later leaves the inclined surface at the trailing edge and forms a curtain that falls onto the passing fiber web.

[0077] exist Figure 1A-1B , Figure 2-Figure 3 and Figure 5 In the example of , the application device 10 includes a cleaning device 20 having a body portion 22 and a scraper portion 21. The cleaning device 20 is movable to move along the longitudinal direction of the application device 10 S20. The body portion 22 is correspondingly configured to be movable in the dispensing chamber 15 of the application device 10 along the longitudinal direction of the dispensing chamber 15, and the scraper portion 21 extends from the body portion 22 to the lip 16 and is configured to be movable in the lip 16 of the application device 10 along the longitudinal direction of the lip 16 accordingly. The body portion 22 is assembled in the dispensing chamber 15 so that the inner surface of the dispensing chamber 15 provides a guide for the movement S20 of the cleaning device 20, and residual particles and / or accumulations adhering to the inner surface of the dispensing chamber 15 are removed during the movement S20. The scraper portion 21 is fitted in the lip 16 so that the inner surface of the lip 16 provides a guide for the movement S20 of the scraper portion 21 of the cleaning device 20, and the residual particles and / or accumulations adhering to the inner surface of the lip are removed during the movement S20. The application device 10 also includes a discharge outlet 29 for discharging the residual particles and / or accumulations removed by the cleaning device 20. The discharge outlet 29 is arranged at one or both ends 11, 12 of the application device 10. Figure 1A , Figure 2-Figure 3 In the example of , the discharge outlet is arranged at the left-hand end 11. The cleaning device 20 can also be operatively connected to a device for supplementary cleaning by a fluid flow, for example by a water flow or an air flow, via a flushing inlet 28 arranged at one or both ends 11, 12 of the application device 10. Figure 1A , Figure 2-Figure 3 In the example of FIG. 1 , the flushing inlet is provided at the left-hand end 11 .

[0078] exist Figure 1A-1B , Figure 2-Figure 3 and Figure 5In the example of , the body portion 22 of the cleaning device 20 is configured to be movable to move S20 in the distribution chamber 15 of the application device 10 along the longitudinal direction of the distribution chamber 15, the body portion 22 traverses between the ends 11, 12 of the application device 10, and simultaneously moves the extended scraper portion 21 into the lip 16. Therefore, the cleaning device 20 can move from one end 11, 12 of the application device 10 toward the other end 12, 11 of the application device, thereby performing cleaning all the time or in part. Therefore, the cleaning device 10 can return to one end 11, 12 of the application device 10 (where the lateral movement initially starts) after cleaning, or it can continue its lateral movement to the other end 12, 11 of the application device 10. The scraper portion 21 extending in the lip 16 can move correspondingly with the body portion 22 of the cleaning device 20 in the longitudinal direction of the lip 16 for movement S20 in the lip 16 of the application device 10. The cleaning device 20 is arranged to be movable S20 by means of moving means 25, 26, 26A, 26B, advantageously for example by means of a traction line (cable) 25 having an actuator 26, 26A, 26B (e.g. a motor 26, 26A, 26B), such as Figure 2-Figure 3 The device for moving the cleaning device can also be based on a chain and actuator structure. Moreover, the cleaning device can be moved using a device based on electromechanical, hydraulic or pneumatic principles (such as a trapezoidal tread, a toothed belt).

[0079] exist Figure 1A-1B , Figure 2-Figure 3 and Figure 5 In the example of FIG. 1 , a standby position 32 of the cleaning device 20 is arranged at one end 12 of the application device 10. When cleaning is not required, the cleaning device 20 is located at the standby position 32. Moreover, the other end 11 may also include a standby position. Figure 1A-1B , Figure 2-Figure 3In the example of the embodiment of the present invention, a discharge position 31 for the cleaning device 20 is arranged at the end 11 opposite to the end 12 with the standby position. Moreover, the other end 12 may also comprise a discharge position. The discharge position 31 can also be used as a cleaning position for cleaning the cleaning device 20. The ends 11, 12 with the discharge position 31 can advantageously comprise an openable door element 23, through which residual particles and / or accumulations removed from the lip 16 and / or the dispensing chamber 15 by the cleaning device can be removed from the interior of the dispensing chamber 15 and the lip 16 when the openable door element 23 is opened. The openable door element 23 can, for example, be provided with a closing mechanism 24, such as a spring 24, wherein when the cleaning device 20 reaches the discharge position 31, the cleaning device 20 or a part of the cleaning device 20 pushes the closing mechanism 24 to open. The openable door element 23 can also be arranged to be opened by electromechanical, hydraulic or pneumatic means.

[0080] exist Figure 1A-1B , Figure 2-Figure 3 and Figure 5 In the example of the embodiment of the present invention, the end 11 with the discharge position 31 comprises: a flushing inlet 28 for providing a flushing fluid to help discharge the removed residual particles and / or accumulations; and a discharge outlet 29, through which the residual particles and / or accumulations removed by the cleaning device 20 are further removed from the application device 10. As a flushing fluid, water or air can be used. Advantageously, the flushing is performed sequentially and when the door element 23 is open. The cleaning device 20 may also include a device (not shown) for supplying water into the distribution chamber 15 and / or the lip 16 during scraping by the cleaning device 20. The application device 10 may also include a collection tray or trough (not shown) for collecting the residual particles and / or accumulations removed by the cleaning device 20 and discharged from the application device 10. The cleaning device 20 may include a control unit for controlling the operation of the cleaning device, which control unit is advantageously connected to the control unit of the application device 10. The control unit of the cleaning device 20 is advantageously a remote control unit and is advantageously controlled manually by a machine operator or automatically by a process control system.

[0081] As can be noted in the above examples, the standby position 32 and the drain position 31 can be combined, for example, one or both positions can combine the standby and drain functions and the cleaning / flushing function. These positions 31, 32 can be located at one or both ends of the application device 10. For example, the ends 11, 12 of the application device 10 having the standby position 32 can be equipped with appropriate fluid inlet and outlet connections, allowing water or air to be used for flushing / cleaning the cleaning device 20 and for the drain function.

[0082] exist Figure 2In the example of , one example for providing a lateral movement S20 of the cleaning device 20 is also schematically shown in detail. In this example, the lateral movement S20 of the cleaning device 20 is provided by a cable 25, which is arranged to pass through the discharge chamber 15 and through the openings arranged at the ends 11, 12 and is guided to the outside of the application device 10 by a cable guide 27 arranged outside the application device 10. The cable 25 moves the cleaning device 20, and the movement of the cable 25 is provided by an actuator 26, which is a motor 26 in this example.

[0083] exist Figure 3 In the example of the present invention, an example for providing a lateral movement S20 of the cleaning device 20 is also schematically shown in detail. In this example, the lateral movement S20 of the cleaning device 20 is provided by a cable 25, which is arranged to extend from one end 11 through the discharge chamber 15 to the other end 12 in the distribution chamber of the application device 10. The cable 25 moves the cleaning device 20, and the movement of the cable 25 is provided by two actuators 26A, 26B (advantageously, motors 26A, 26B), which are arranged at each end of the cable 25, respectively at the ends 11, 12.

[0084] Figure 4 The example roughly corresponds to Figure 1A-1B and Figure 2-Figure 3 , but instead of arranging the body portion 22 of the cleaning device 20 inside the dispensing chamber 15, the body portion 22 is arranged outside the application device 10 and is movably supported on one of the outer surfaces of the application device 10. The cleaning device 20 can also be movably supported to other structures at the processing portion. The application device 10 includes a cleaning device 20 having a body portion 22 and a scraper portion 21. The cleaning device 20 is movable to move S20 along the longitudinal direction of the application device 10. The body portion 22 is configured to be movable on the outer surface of the application device 10 along the longitudinal direction of the application device 10, for example, by attaching a guide rail 33 to the application device 10. Therefore, the outer surface of the application device 10 provides guidance for the movement of the cleaning device 20. The scraper portion 21 extends from the body portion 22 to the lip 16 and is configured to be able to move accordingly in the lip 16 of the application device 10 along the longitudinal direction of the application device 10. The scraper portion 21 is assembled in the lip 16 so that the inner surface of the lip 16 provides a guide for the movement S20 of the scraper portion 21 of the cleaning device 20, and residual particles and / or accumulations adhering to the inner surface of the lip are removed during the movement S20. The cleaning device 20 is arranged to be movable by a moving device, for example by a cable and an actuator connected to the cleaning device, which is configured to provide lateral movement of the cleaning device. The device for moving the cleaning device can also be based on an electromechanical or other type of actuator structure. In addition, Figure 4An example application device 10 may include Figure 1A-1B , Figure 2-Figure 3 and Figure 5 Corresponding elements and structures in the examples.

[0085] exist Figure 5 Another advantageous example of an application device 10 with a cleaning device 20 is schematically shown in FIG. This example corresponds essentially to Figure 1B , but in Figure 1B The example of the slot die curtain applicator 10 is shown in Figure 5 In the example of the slide-die curtain applicator 10, a sliding-die curtain applicator 10 is shown. In the sliding-die curtain applicator, the applied treatment substance is pumped through a distribution chamber 15 into an upwardly rising slit (i.e., lip 16), then forms a sliding film on the inclined upper surface of the applicator, and later leaves the inclined surface at the trailing edge and forms a curtain that falls into the web. The application device 10 is correspondingly provided with a cleaning device 20, which includes a body portion 22 and a scraper portion 21 extending into the lip 16. In addition, Figure 5 An example application device 10 may include Figure 1A-1B and Figure 2-Figure 3 Corresponding elements and structures in the examples and as described above.

[0086] In the foregoing description, although some functions and elements have been described with reference to certain features, these functions and elements may be performed by other features, whether described or not. Although features have been described with reference to certain embodiments or examples, these features may also exist in other embodiments or examples, whether described or not.

[0087] The invention has been described above only by reference to some advantageous examples, to which the invention is not limited. Many modifications and variations are possible within the inventive concept.

Claims

1. An application device for applying a treatment substance on a fiber web, the application device (10) having two ends (11, 12) and comprising a distribution chamber (15) extending longitudinally between the two ends (11, 12) and a lip (16) extending longitudinally between the two ends (11, 12), in which the treatment substance is configured to flow from the distribution chamber (15) to the lip (16), the lip being configured to form a curtain of treatment substance for applying the treatment substance on the fiber web, characterized in that The application device (10) comprises a cleaning device (20), which is configured to be movable in the longitudinal direction of the application device (10) so as to at least partially clean the lip (16) along its longitudinal direction, the cleaning device (20) comprising a scraper portion (21), and the scraper portion (21) extends in the lip (16) and is configured to be movable in the lip (16) along the longitudinal direction of the lip (16).

2. The application device according to claim 1, characterized in that The cleaning device (20) comprises a main body portion (22) and a scraper portion (21) connected to each other, the main body portion (22) being configured to be movable along the longitudinal direction of the application device (10), and the scraper portion (21) extending from the main body portion (22) to the lip (16) and being configured to be movable accordingly in the lip (16) along the longitudinal direction of the application device (10).

3. The application device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The cleaning device (20) is configured to be movable along the longitudinal direction of the application device (10) so as to at least partially clean the distribution chamber (15) and the lip (16) along the longitudinal direction of the distribution chamber (15) and the lip (16), the cleaning device (20) comprising a main body portion (22) and a scraper portion (21), the main body portion (22) being configured to be movable in the distribution chamber (15) along the longitudinal direction of the distribution chamber (15), and the scraper portion (21) extending from the main body portion (22) to the lip (16) and being configured to be movable in the lip (16) along the longitudinal direction of the lip (16) accordingly.

4. The application device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The cleaning device (20) is configured to be movable in a lateral movement (S20) between the ends (11, 12) of the application device (10).

5. The application device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The application device (10) comprises a standby position (32) for the cleaning device (20) at one or both ends (11, 12), and a discharge position (31) for the cleaning device (20) at the other or both ends (11, 12) of the application device (10), the discharge position (31) being advantageously configured to serve as a cleaning position for cleaning the cleaning device (20).

6. The application device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that At least one end (11, 12) of the application device (10) comprises an openable door element (23) for discharging residual particles and / or accumulations removed by the cleaning device (20) when the door element (23) is opened.

7. The application device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that At least one end (11, 12) of the application device (10) comprises a discharge outlet (29) for discharging residual particles and / or accumulations removed by the cleaning device (20).

8. The application device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that At least one end (11, 12) of the application device (10) includes a flushing inlet (28) configured to provide a flushing fluid to assist in draining removed residual particles and / or accumulations.

9. The application device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that The application device (10) comprises movement means, advantageously a cable (25) and an actuator (26), connected to the cleaning device (20), the movement means being configured to provide a lateral movement (S20) of the cleaning device (20).

10. A method for cleaning an application device (10) for applying a treatment substance on a fiber web, the application device (10) having two ends (11, 12) and comprising a distribution chamber (15) extending longitudinally between the two ends (11, 12) and a lip (16) extending longitudinally between the two ends (11, 12), in which the treatment substance is arranged to flow from the distribution chamber (15) to the lip (16), and the lip (16) is arranged to form a curtain of treatment substance for applying the treatment substance on the fiber web, characterized in that In the method, the application device (10) is cleaned by a cleaning device (20), during which the cleaning device (20) moves in the longitudinal direction of the application device (10) to clean at least the lip (16) at least partially in its longitudinal direction by means of a scraper portion (21) of the cleaning device (20), the scraper portion (21) extending in the lip (16) and moving in the lip (16) in the longitudinal direction of the lip (16).

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that In the method, during cleaning, the cleaning device (20) is moved in the longitudinal direction of the application device (10) to clean the distribution chamber (15) at least partially in its longitudinal direction by means of a moving body part (22) of the cleaning device located in the distribution chamber (15).

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that: In the method, the cleaning device (20) is moved between the ends (11, 12) of the application device (10) by a lateral movement (S20).

13. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that: The cleaning is performed during fiber web production.

14. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that: The cleaning of the application device (10) is performed during interruptions in the fiber web production.

15. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 14, characterized in that In the method, the cleaning device (20) is moved by movement means, advantageously by a cable (25) and an actuator (26).

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