Application device for applying a treatment substance to a fiber web and method for cleaning an application device for applying a treatment substance to a fiber web

Abstract

The invention relates to an application device for applying a treatment substance to a fiber web, wherein the application device (10) has two ends (11, 12) and a distribution chamber (15) extending longitudinally between the two ends (11, 12) and a lip opening (16) extending longitudinally between the two ends (11, 12), wherein in the application device (10) the treatment substance is provided to flow from the distribution chamber (15) to the lip opening (16) in order to form a curtain of treatment substance to be applied to the fiber web.The application device (10) includes a cleaning device (20), wherein the cleaning device (20) is designed to be movable in the longitudinal direction of the application device (10) in order to at least partially clean the lip opening (16) in its longitudinal direction, wherein the cleaning device (20) includes a doctor blade (21), and wherein the doctor blade (21) extends into the lip opening (16) and is movable in the lip opening (16) in the longitudinal direction of the lip opening (16). The invention also relates to a method for cleaning an application device.

Description

The invention relates to the technical field

[0001] In general, the present invention relates to the treatment of fiber webs in a fiber web production line. In particular, the present invention relates to an application device for applying a treatment substance to a fiber web and to a method for cleaning an application device for applying a treatment substance to a fiber web. In particular, the present invention relates to an application device according to the preamble of the independent claim relating to an application device and to a method according to the preamble of the independent claim relating to a method. background

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

[0003] As is known from the prior art, the production processes for fibrous webs typically comprise an arrangement consisting of a series of devices arranged sequentially in the production line. A typical production and treatment line comprises a forming section, which has at least one headbox and at least one forming unit, and a press section, followed by a drying section and a reel. The production and treatment line may further comprise other devices and / or sections for finishing the fibrous web, for example, a pre-calender, a size press, a final calender, or a coating section. The production and treatment line usually also comprises at least one slitter-winder for producing customer rolls and a roll packaging device.

[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 a fiber web by adding sizing agents, such as starch or other sizing agents. Sizing is used to improve the properties of the paper web, in particular its water resistance, water absorption properties, strength, internal strength, and flexural rigidity. It can also have a positive effect on runnability and the tendency to dust. Sizing can be divided into internal sizing and surface sizing. In internal sizing, the sizing agent is added to the pulp in the wet section of the fiber web machine before forming.In surface sizing, the sizing agent is applied to the surface of the fiber web, typically at the dry end of the fiber web machine, with the fiber web usually being guided through a glue gap formed between two sizing rollers.

[0005] In the production of fiber webs, for example, in the production of paper or board webs, coating, especially pigment coating, involves applying a layer of coating ink to the surface of the fiber web in a coating station (a coater), which is usually subsequently dried. The formation of a coating ink can be divided into the application of the coating ink to the web surface, the so-called coating ink application, and the adjustment of the final amount of coating ink.

[0006] It is also known from the prior art, for example from publications EP 3 640 399 A1, DE 10 2021 112 427 A1, and DE 10 2021 112 426 A1, that, in connection with the production of fiber webs, treatment substances, such as reinforcing chemicals or other types of additives, can be applied in the forming area. Typically, the application is carried out via a starch spray tube. However, as explained in the above-mentioned publications, the application can also be carried out via a curtain application device.

[0007] Typically, the application devices extend longitudinally across the transverse direction of the passing fiber web. A common type of application device is the slot-nozzle application device. In slot-nozzle application devices, the treatment substance is fed via a feed channel from a feed chamber into a distribution chamber that extends longitudinally of the application device. From the distribution chamber, the treatment substance is applied through a narrow vertical slit, a lip opening, i.e., an application slot opening, that extends longitudinally of the distribution chamber, toward the passing fiber web to which the treatment substance is to be applied.

[0008] An important application technique is curtain application, for example curtain coating and / or curtain sizing and / or foam application as a curtain suitable for treating, for example, sizing or coating fiber webs, such as paper and board webs. Curtain application achieves good and even coverage of the fiber web surface with the treatment substances. Curtain application is also well suited for applying the treatment substance in the form of foam. Two types of application devices are used in curtain application, namely a slot-die curtain application device and a slide-die curtain application device. In the slot-die curtain application device, the treatment substance to be applied is pumped through a distribution chamber into a narrow vertical slot, an opening for the application, i.e. a lip opening, and a curtain is then formed at its lip and falls onto the web.In the slide nozzle curtain applicator, the applied treatment substance is pumped through a distribution chamber into an upwardly directed slot, then forms a lubricating film on an inclined upper surface of the applicator and then 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 can be applied directly to the surface of the fibrous web, or indirectly, where the treatment substance is first applied to the surface of a roller or similar moving surface, over which the treatment substance is transferred to the surface of the fibrous web in the treatment nip.

[0010] A serious, frequently occurring problem associated with an applicator for applying treatment agent to the fiber web for treating a fiber web is that the distribution chamber, in particular the flow channels, or the lip opening may be contaminated. This is because particulate contaminants or accumulations of treatment agent can become lodged on the inner surfaces of the distribution chamber, in particular on the inner surfaces of the flow channels, or in the lip opening. Another typical problem is the formation of accumulations at the tip of the lip opening. Residue particles, accumulations, and contaminants settle in the distribution chamber, in the flow channels, and the lip opening, disrupting the formation of the curtain and gradually leading to increasingly uneven application rates, resulting in streaks and impaired product quality.In severe cases, the lip opening can become blocked, disrupting the curtain's integrity and creating untreated areas in the web. Curtain defects cannot be tolerated due to product quality requirements, and in the worst case, unplanned downtime is required to correct the problem.

[0011] As is known from practice, the lip opening of the applicator was cleaned manually by the operators using a handheld squeegee. The disadvantage is that the application of the treatment substance must be stopped, and in some cases, the applicator even has to be moved to a separate cleaning position outside the fiber web production line. This takes time and requires equipment and space for moving the applicator.

[0012] An object of the invention is to provide an application device for applying a treatment substance to a fiber web and a method for cleaning an application device for applying a treatment substance to a fiber web, in which the disadvantages of the prior art are eliminated or at least minimized.

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

[0014] A particular aim is to provide an application device for applying a treatment substance to a fiber web and a method for cleaning an application device for applying a treatment substance to a fiber web, in which the disadvantages and problems associated with the contamination of the distribution chamber, the flow channels and the lip opening of the application device are eliminated or at least minimized. Summary

[0015] To achieve the above-mentioned objects and aims and those to be discussed later, the application device according to the invention is characterized primarily by the features of the characterizing part of the independent claim relating to an application device. The cleaning method according to the invention is, in turn, characterized primarily by the features of the characterizing part of the independent claim relating to a method.

[0016] Advantageous features and embodiments of the invention are defined in the dependent claims.

[0017] According to the invention, the 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 opening extending longitudinally between the two ends, wherein the treatment substance is intended to flow from the distribution chamber to the lip opening to form a curtain of treatment substance to be applied to the fiber web, wherein the application device has a cleaning device which is designed to be movable in the longitudinal direction of the application device in order to clean at least the lip opening at least partially in its longitudinal direction, wherein the cleaning device has a doctor part, and wherein the doctor part extends into the lip opening and is movable in the lip opening in the longitudinal direction of the lip opening.

[0018] According to an advantageous feature of the application device according to the invention, the cleaning device comprises a body part and the squeegee part which are connected to one another, wherein the body part is designed such that it is movable in the longitudinal direction of the application device, and wherein the squeegee part extends from the body part to the lip opening and is designed such that it is correspondingly movable in the lip opening in the longitudinal direction of the application device.

[0019] According to an advantageous feature of the application device according to the invention, the cleaning device is designed such that it is movable in the longitudinal direction of the application device in order to clean the distribution chamber and the lip opening at least partially in their longitudinal direction, wherein the cleaning device has a body part and the doctor part, wherein the body part is movable in the distribution chamber in the longitudinal direction of the distribution chamber, and wherein the doctor part extends from the body part to the lip opening and is correspondingly movable in the lip opening in the longitudinal direction of the lip opening.

[0020] According to an advantageous feature of the application device according to the invention, the cleaning device is designed to be movable in a transverse movement between the ends of the application device. The cleaning device can thus be moved from one end of the application device to the other end of the application device to perform cleaning; after cleaning, the cleaning device can be moved back to the one end of the application device where the transverse movement originally began, or it can continue its transverse movement to the other end of the application device. This allows the shortest overall movement during cleaning to be achieved.

[0021] An advantageous feature of the application device according to the invention can be that the application device has a standby position for the cleaning device at one or both ends and an unloading position for the cleaning device at one or both ends of the application device, wherein the unloading position is preferably designed such that it serves as a cleaning position for cleaning the cleaning device.

[0022] According to an advantageous feature of the application device according to the invention, at least one end of the application device has an openable slide element for removing residue particles and / or accumulations removed by the cleaning device when the slide element is opened.

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

[0024] According to an advantageous feature of the application device according to the invention, at least one end of the application device has a flushing inlet which is designed to provide a flushing fluid to assist in the removal of the removed residue particles and / or accumulations.

[0025] According to an advantageous feature of the application device according to the invention, the application device comprises a movement device, preferably a cable wire and an actuator, which is connected to the cleaning device and configured to provide transverse movement of the cleaning device. The device for moving the cleaning device can also be based on a chain and an actuator structure. Hydraulic, pneumatic, or electromechanical devices, such as trapezoidal thread spindles or toothed belts, can also be used to move the cleaning device.

[0026] According to the invention, in the method for cleaning an application device for applying a treatment substance to a fiber web, the application device having two ends and a distribution chamber extending longitudinally between the ends and a lip opening extending longitudinally between the ends, the treatment substance being provided in the application device to flow from the distribution chamber to the lip opening to form a curtain of treatment substance to be applied to the fiber web, the application device is cleaned by a cleaning device, wherein during cleaning the cleaning device is moved in the longitudinal direction of the application device in order to clean at least the lip opening at least partially in its longitudinal direction by a doctor part of the cleaning device,wherein the doctor blade member extends into the lip opening and is moved in the lip opening in the longitudinal direction of the lip opening.,

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

[0028] According to an advantageous feature of the method according to the invention, the cleaning device is moved by a transverse movement between the ends of the application device. The cleaning device can thus move from one end of the application device to the other end of the application device to perform the cleaning. After cleaning, the cleaning device can return to one end of the application device where the transverse movement originally began, or it can continue its transverse movement to the other end of the application device.

[0029] An advantageous feature of the method according to the invention may be that the cleaning is carried out during the production of the fiber web, while the treatment substance is applied by the application device.

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

[0031] An advantageous feature of the method according to the invention may be that the cleaning is carried out during an interruption in the production of the fibrous web, for example during a web break or an interruption due to maintenance of the coater or maintenance of the size press, such as a change of the coater blade, a change or cleaning of the rod of the size press.

[0032] According to an advantageous feature of the method according to the invention, the cleaning device is moved by a moving device, preferably by a cable wire and an actuator.

[0033] An advantageous aspect of the invention may be that the distribution chamber and the lip opening are cleaned by a movable cleaning device comprising a body part and at least one doctor part extending therefrom into the lip opening. The doctor part may comprise a blade, bristles, shapes, etc., to further enhance the cleaning effect. Preferably, the application device comprises an outlet for discharging the residue particles and / or accumulations removed by the cleaning device. Preferably, the cleaning device can be operatively connected to means for supplementing the cleaning by a liquid stream, for example, a water stream or an air stream.

[0034] According to an advantageous aspect of the invention, the application device comprises a cleaning device for cleaning the lip opening and / or the distribution chamber of the application device, wherein the cleaning device comprises a body part that is designed to be movable in the distribution chamber of the application device in the longitudinal direction of the distribution chamber between the ends of the application device, and wherein the cleaning device comprises at least one doctor part that extends into the lip opening and is movable in the lip opening of the application device in the longitudinal direction of the lip opening with the body part of the cleaning device. The cleaning device is preferably arranged to be movable, for example by a pull wire (cable) with an actuator, for example a motor.Preferably, at least one end of the application device has a standby position for the cleaning device, in which standby position the cleaning device is located when no cleaning is required. At one or both ends of the application device, an unloading position for the cleaning device is arranged. The end(s) with the unloading position can preferably have an openable slide element through which, when opened, the residues and / or accumulations removed from the lip opening and / or the distribution chamber can be removed from the interior of the distribution chamber and the lip opening. The openable slide element can be provided with a closing mechanism, for example a spring, wherein the cleaning device or a part thereof pushes open the closing mechanism when the cleaning device reaches the end with the unloading position.The openable slide element can also be designed to be opened by an electromechanical means, by a pneumatic means, or by a hydraulic means. Preferably, the end with the discharge position comprises at least one flushing inlet for providing a flushing fluid to assist in expelling the removed residue particles and / or accumulations, and at least one outlet through which the residue particles and / or accumulations removed by the cleaning device are further removed from the application device. Water or air can be used as the flushing fluid. Preferably, flushing is carried out sequentially and with the slide element open. The cleaning device can also preferably comprise means for directing water or air into the distribution chamber and / or the lip opening during the cleaning process.

[0035] According to a further advantageous aspect of the invention, the cleaning device can be used while the application device applies the treatment substance.

[0036] A further advantageous aspect of the invention may be that the cleaning device can be used while a flushing fluid is directed into the distribution chamber and into the lip opening to assist cleaning.

[0037] A further advantageous aspect of the invention may be that the application device has a collecting tray or pan for collecting the residues and / or accumulations that are removed from the distribution chamber and / or the lip opening by the cleaning device.

[0038] An advantageous feature may be that the cleaning device moves between the ends of the applicator and back at least once during a cleaning cycle. Preferably, the cleaning cycle lasts 30 to 60 seconds, which is determined by the force of the actuator for moving the cleaning device between the ends of the applicator and back.

[0039] An advantageous aspect of the invention may be that the cleaning of the application device takes place during the production of the fiber web, since the residues are removed through the 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, the cleaning of the application device can be carried out during a parent roll change and / or during a grade change and / or during a web break, since the operation of the cleaning device can be started quickly in the working position of the application device without special preparation, for example without bringing the application device into a separate cleaning position.

[0041] The cleaning device is designed as an integrated piece of equipment within the application device, eliminating the need for separate washing positions and / or external washing docks and allowing the cleaning process to be remotely controlled and started as part of an automated process if desired.

[0042] The cleaning device and the cleaning process can be used in conjunction with the fiber web production line regardless of the treatment substance to be applied and the position of the application device.

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

[0044] The invention and its advantageous features and aspects achieve many advantages and benefits: The cleaning device and cleaning method according to the invention enable the automation of cleaning. Furthermore, the applicator can remain in its application position during cleaning. Cleaning is performed without manual intervention, and no transfer movements of the applicator for cleaning are required. Cleaning is thus performed quickly without disrupting the production of the fiber web. Fast cleaning increases the uptime of the applicator and improves the efficiency of the machine line. Since cleaning can be performed in the working position, no additional cleaning stations or platforms are required, thus saving space and investment costs. Work safety is also improved.In addition, fewer operating personnel are required and human errors during cleaning are avoided.

[0045] The treatment substance may be any treatment substance suitable for the application, for example a strengthening agent, a binder, a sizing agent, or a coating agent. The treatment substance may be a low- or high-viscosity substance or a low- or high-viscosity composition. The treatment substance may be a sizing agent, for example starch, carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), polyvinyl acetate (PVA), or another synthetic or bio-based polymer. The treatment substance may be a pigmented sizing agent or coating material, for example a chemical binder or a mixture of chemical binders, for example starch with mineral pigments and / or fillers.The treatment substance can be a cellulose-based material, such as fiber, microfibrillated cellulose (MFC), nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC), nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC), cellulose nanowhiskers (CNW), or microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), or the treatment substance can be a cellulose-based composite material. The treatment substance can be a lignin-based chemical or a mixture of these. The treatment substance can also be another biopolymer such as chitosan, alginate, biopolyester, polyhydroxyalkanoate, or a mixture of these.

[0046] The exemplary embodiments of the invention presented in this patent application are not to be interpreted as limiting the applicability of the appended claims. The verb "comprise" or "have" and its derivatives are used in this patent application as an open limitation that does not exclude the existence of features not listed. The features described below can be freely combined with one another unless expressly stated otherwise. Short description of the drawings

[0047] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawing, in which: Fig. 1A - 1B schematically show an advantageous example of an application device, Fig. 2 schematically shows another advantageous example of an application device, Fig. 3 schematically shows another advantageous example of an application device, Fig. 4 schematically shows another advantageous example of an application device, and Fig. 5 schematically shows another advantageous example of an application device. Detailed description

[0048] In the following description, the same reference numerals denote the respective components, etc., unless otherwise stated, and it should be understood that the examples can be modified to suit different uses and conditions.

[0049] In the examples of the figures, examples of an application device 10 for applying a treatment substance as a curtain are shown schematically. The application device 10 is generally bar-like in shape and has two ends 11, 12. Near each of the ends 11, 12, an edge guide 13, 14 is provided to limit the edges of the curtain so that the width of the curtain corresponds to the treated width of the fiber web to which the treatment substance is to be applied. The application device 10 extends longitudinally across the transverse direction of a continuous fiber web and between the two ends 11, 12. In an application device 10 of the slot type ( Fig. 1B and Fig. 4) the treatment substance is fed to a distribution chamber 15, which extends in the longitudinal direction of the application device 10, through a feed channel 17 from a feed chamber 18. From the distribution chamber 15, the treatment substance is applied as a curtain through a narrow vertical slot 16, a lip opening 16, which extends in the longitudinal direction of the distribution chamber 15, onto the passing fiber web to which the treatment substance is to be applied. In an application device 10 of the sliding type ( Fig. 5) the treatment substance is pumped via feed channels 17 through distribution chambers 15 into lip openings 16 and then forms a lubricating film on an inclined upper surface of the application device 10, and then it leaves the inclined surface at the rear edge and forms a curtain which falls onto a passing fiber web.

[0050] In the examples of Fig. 1A-1B, 2-3, and 5, the application device 10 comprises a cleaning device 20 with a body part 22 and a doctor part 21. The cleaning device 20 is movable for a movement S20 in the longitudinal direction of the application device 10. The body part 22 is configured to be movable in the distribution chamber 15 of the application device 10 in the longitudinal direction of the distribution chamber 15, and the doctor part 21 extends from the body part 22 to the lip opening 16 and is configured to be movable in the lip opening 16 of the application device 10 in the longitudinal direction of the lip opening 16. The body part 22 is mounted in the distribution chamber 15 such that the inner surfaces of the distribution chamber 15 provide the guide for the movement S20 of the cleaning device 20 and residues and / or adhesions adhering to the inner surfaces of the distribution chamber 15 are removed during the movement S20.The doctor blade part 21 is mounted in the lip opening 16 such that the inner surfaces of the lip opening 16 form the guide for the movement S20 of the doctor blade part 21 of the cleaning device 20, and residues and / or accumulations adhering to the inner surfaces of the lip opening are removed during the movement S20. The application device 10 also has an outlet 29 for discharging the residue particles and / or accumulations removed by the cleaning device 20. The outlet 29 is arranged at one or both ends 11, 12 of the application device 10. In the example of the . Fig. 1A, 2-3, the outlet is arranged at the left lateral end 11. The cleaning device 20 can also be operatively connected to means for supplementing the 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. In the example of Fig. 1A, 2 - 3 the flushing inlet is provided at the left side end 11.

[0051] In the examples of Fig. 1A-1B, 2-3, and 5, the body part 22 of the cleaning device 20, which is designed to be movable in the longitudinal direction of the distribution chamber 15 for movement S20 in the distribution chamber 15 of the application device, moves back and forth between the ends 11, 12 of the application device 10, and at the same time, the doctor blade part 21 projecting into the lip opening 16 moves. The cleaning device 20 can thus be moved from one end 11; 12 of the application device 10 to the other end 12; 11 of the application device in order to perform complete or partial cleaning. Thus, after cleaning, the cleaning device 20 can be moved back to one end 11; 12 of the application device 10 where the transverse movement originally began, or it can continue its transverse movement to the other end 12; 11 of the application device 10.The doctor blade part 21 projecting into the lip opening 16 is movable with the body part 22 of the cleaning device 20 for the movement S20 in the lip opening 16 of the application device 10 in the longitudinal direction of the lip opening 16. The cleaning device 20 is designed to be movable for the movement S20 by a movement device 25, 26; 26A, 26B, preferably, for example, by a pull wire (cable) 25 with an actuator 26; 26A, 26B, for example, a motor 26; 26A, 26B, as in the examples of FIG. Fig. 2 - 3. The mechanism for moving the cleaning device can also be based on a chain and an actuator structure. Devices based on electromechanical, hydraulic, or pneumatic principles, such as trapezoidal threads or toothed belts, can also be used to move the cleaning device.

[0052] In the examples of Fig. 1A - 1B, 2 - 3 and 5, at one end 12 of the application device 10, there is a standby position 32 for the cleaning device 20, wherein the cleaning device 20 is in the standby position 32 when no cleaning is required. The other end 11 can also have a standby position. At one end 11; 12 of the application device 10, in the example of Fig. 1A - 1B, 2 - 3, the end 11 opposite the end 12 with the standby position, there is an unloading position 31 for the cleaning device 20. The other end 12 can also have an unloading position. The unloading position 31 can also serve as a cleaning position for cleaning the cleaning device 20. The end or ends 11; 12 with the unloading position 31 can preferably have an openable slide element 23 through which, when opened, the residues and / or accumulations removed by the cleaning device from the lip opening 16 and / or the distribution chamber 15 can be removed from the interior of the distribution chamber 15 and the lip opening 16.The openable slide element 23 may, for example, be provided with a closing mechanism 24, for example a spring 24, wherein the cleaning device 20 or a part of the cleaning device 20 pushes the closing mechanism 24 open when the cleaning device 20 reaches the unloading position 31. The openable slide element 23 may also be arranged to be opened by electromechanical, hydraulic, or pneumatic means.

[0053] In the examples of Fig. 1A-1B, 2-3, and 5, the end 11 with the discharge position 31 has the flushing inlet 28 for providing a flushing fluid to assist in expelling the removed residue particles and / or accumulations, and the outlet 29 through which the residue particles and / or accumulations removed by the cleaning device 20 are further removed from the application device 10. Water or air can be used as the flushing fluid. Preferably, flushing is carried out sequentially and with the slide element 23 open. The cleaning device 20 can also have means (not shown) for directing water into the distribution chamber 15 and / or the lip opening 16 during the wiping action of the cleaning device 20.The application device 10 may also include a collecting trough or tray (not shown) for collecting the residue particles and / or debris 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, wherein the control unit is preferably connected to a control unit of the application device 10. The control unit of the cleaning device 20 is preferably a remote control unit and is preferably controlled manually by a machine operator or automatically by a process control system.

[0054] As can be seen from the above examples, the standby position 32 and the unloading position 31 can be combined, i.e., one or both positions can combine the standby and unloading functions as well as the cleaning / rinsing function. These positions 31, 32 can be located at one or both ends of the application device 10. For example, the end 11; 12 of the application device 10 with the standby position 32 can be equipped with corresponding fluid inlet and outlet connections so that water or air can be used for rinsing or cleaning the cleaning device 20 and for the unloading function.

[0055] In the example of Fig. Figure 2 further shows in detail a schematic example of the provision of the transverse movement S20 of the cleaning device 20. The transverse movement S20 of the cleaning device 20 is provided in this example by a cable wire 25 arranged to extend through the distribution chamber 15 and through openings at the ends 11, 12 and outside the application device 10, being guided by cable wire guides 27 arranged outside the application device 10. The cable wire 25 moves the cleaning device 20, and the movement of the cable wire 25 is provided by an actuator 26, in this example a motor 26.

[0056] In the example of Fig. Figure 3 further shows in detail a schematic example of the provision of the transverse movement S20 of the cleaning device 20. The transverse movement S20 of the cleaning device 20 is provided in this example by a cable wire 25 arranged to extend through the distribution chamber 15 from one end 11 to the other end 12 within the distribution chamber of the application device 10. The cable wire 25 moves the cleaning device 20, and the movement of the cable wire 25 is provided by two actuators 26A, 26B, preferably motors 26A, 26B, arranged at each end of the cable wire 25, correspondingly at the ends 11, 12.

[0057] The example of Fig. 4 generally corresponds to the examples in the Fig. 1A-1B and 2-3, but instead of arranging the body part 22 of the cleaning device 20 within the distribution chamber 15, the body part 22 is arranged outside the application device 10 and movably supported on one of the outer surfaces of the application device 10. The cleaning device 20 can also be movably mounted on other structures on the treatment section. The application device 10 comprises the cleaning device 20 with a body part 22 and a doctor blade part 21. The cleaning device 20 is movable for movement S20 in the longitudinal direction of the application device 10. The body part 22 is designed to be movable on the outer surface of the application device 10 in the longitudinal direction of the application device 10, for example, by means of a guide rail 33 attached to the application device 10. Thus, the outer surface of the application device 10 provides a guide for the movement of the cleaning device 20.The squeegee part 21 extends from the body part 22 to the lip opening 16 and is accordingly designed to be movable in the lip opening 16 of the application device 10 in the longitudinal direction of the application device 10. The squeegee part 21 is mounted in the lip opening 16 such that the inner surfaces of the lip opening 16 provide a guide for the movement S20 of the squeegee part 21 of the cleaning device 20, and residues and / or accumulations adhering to the inner surfaces of the lip opening are removed during the movement S20. The cleaning device 20 is arranged to be movable, namely by a movement device, for example, a cable wire and an actuator connected to the cleaning device and designed to enable the transverse 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.Furthermore, the application device 10 of the example of . Fig. 4 the corresponding elements and structures as shown in the examples in the Fig. 1A - 1B, 2 - 3 and 5.

[0058] In Fig. 5 schematically shows a further advantageous example of an application device 10 with a cleaning device 20. This example essentially corresponds to the example in Fig. 1B, but as in the example in Fig. 1B is in the example of Fig. 5 a slot nozzle curtain application device 10 is shown, while in the example in Fig. 5, a slide nozzle curtain application device 10 is shown. In the slide nozzle curtain application device, the applied treatment substance is pumped through the distribution chamber 15 into the upwardly rising slot, i.e., the lip opening 16, then forms a lubricating film on an inclined upper surface of the application device and then leaves the inclined surface at the trailing edge, forming a curtain that falls into the web. The application device 10 is accordingly provided with the cleaning device 20, which has the body part 22 and the doctor blade part 21 extending into the lip opening 16. Furthermore, the application device 10 of the example of Fig. 5 the corresponding elements and structures as in the examples of Fig. 1A - 1B and 2 - 3 and as explained above.

[0059] While some functions and elements have been described in the foregoing description with reference to specific features, these functions and elements may be performed by other features, whether described or not. Although features have been described with reference to specific embodiments or examples, these features may also be present in other embodiments or examples, whether described or not.

[0060] The invention has been described above only with reference to a few advantageous examples, to which the invention is not intended to be strictly limited. Many modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the inventive concept.

[0061] Reference symbols used in the drawing: 10 Application device 11, 12 Ends of the application device 13, 14 Edge guide 15 Distribution chamber 16 Lip opening 17 Feed channel 18 Feed chamber 20 Cleaning device 21 Squeegee part 22 body part 23 Slide element 24 locking mechanism 25 cable wire 26, 26A, 26B engine 27 Cable wire guide 28 Flush inlet 29 Outlet 31 Unloading position 32 Ready position 33 Guide rail S20 Movement of the cleaning device QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] EP 3 640 399 A1

[0006] DE 10 2021 112 427 A1

[0006] DE 10 2021 112 426 A1

[0006]

Claims

[1] Application device for applying a treatment substance to a fiber web, wherein the application device (10) has two ends (11, 12) and a distribution chamber (15) extending longitudinally between the two ends (11, 12) and a lip opening (16) extending longitudinally between the two ends (11, 12), wherein in the application device (10) the treatment substance is provided to flow from the distribution chamber (15) to the lip opening (16) to form a curtain of treatment substance to be applied to the fiber web, characterized bythat the application device (10) has a cleaning device (20), that the cleaning device (20) is designed such that it is movable in the longitudinal direction of the application device (10) in order to clean at least the lip opening (16) at least partially in its longitudinal direction, that the cleaning device (20) has a squeegee part (21), and that the squeegee part (21) extends into the lip opening (16) and is movable in the lip opening (16) in the longitudinal direction of the lip opening (16). [2] Application device according to claim 1, characterized bythat the cleaning device (20) has a body part (22) and the squeegee part (21) which are connected to one another, that the body part (22) is designed such that it is movable in the longitudinal direction of the application device (10), and that the squeegee part (21) extends from the body part (22) to the lip opening (16) and is correspondingly designed to be movable in the lip opening (16) in the longitudinal direction of the application device (10). [3] Application device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized bythat the cleaning device (20) is designed to be movable in the longitudinal direction of the application device (10) in order to clean the distribution chamber (15) and the lip opening (16) at least partially in their longitudinal direction, that the cleaning device (20) has a body part (22) and the doctor part (21), that the body part (22) is designed to be movable in the distribution chamber (15) in the longitudinal direction of the distribution chamber (15), and that the doctor part (21) extends from the body part (22) to the lip opening (16) and is correspondingly designed to be movable in the lip opening (16) in the longitudinal direction of the lip opening (16). [4] Application device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by that the cleaning device (20) is designed such that it is movable between the ends (11, 12) of the application device (10) in a transverse movement (S20). [5] Application device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized bythat the application device (10) has a standby position (32) for the cleaning device (20) at one or both ends (11; 12) and an unloading position (31) for the cleaning device (20) at the other or both ends (11; 12) of the application device (10), wherein the unloading position (31) is preferably designed such that it serves as a cleaning position for cleaning the cleaning device (20). [6] Application device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by that at least one end (11; 12) of the application device (10) has an openable slide element (23) for removing residue particles and / or accumulations removed by the cleaning device (20) when the slide element (23) is open. [7] Application device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized bythat at least one end (11; 12) of the application device (10) has an outlet (29) for discharging the residue particles and / or accumulations removed by the cleaning device (20). [8] Application device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by that at least one end (11; 12) of the application device (10) has a flushing inlet (28) which is designed to provide a flushing fluid to assist in the removal of the removed residue particles and / or accumulations. [9] Application device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by that the application device (10) has a movement device, preferably a cable wire (25) and an actuator (26), which is connected to the cleaning device (20) and is designed such that it provides a transverse movement (S20) of the cleaning device (20). [10] A method for cleaning an application device (10) for applying a treatment substance to a fiber web, wherein the application device (10) has two ends (11, 12) and a distribution chamber (15) extending longitudinally between the two ends (11, 12) and a lip opening (16) extending longitudinally between the two ends (11, 12), wherein in the application device (10) the treatment substance is provided to flow from the distribution chamber (15) to the lip opening (16) to form a curtain of treatment substance to be applied to the fiber web, characterized byin that in the method the application device (10) is cleaned by a cleaning device (20), that during cleaning the cleaning device (20) is moved in the longitudinal direction of the application device (10) in order to clean at least the lip opening (16) at least partially in its longitudinal direction by a doctor part (21) of the cleaning device (20), wherein the doctor part (21) extends into the lip opening (16) and is moved in the lip opening (16) in the longitudinal direction of the lip opening (16). [11] Method according to claim 10, characterized by in that in the method, during cleaning, the cleaning device (20) is moved in the longitudinal direction of the application device (10) in order to clean the distribution chamber (15) at least partially in its longitudinal direction by a movable body part (22) of the cleaning device which is located in the distribution chamber (15). [12] Method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized bythat in the method the cleaning device (20) is moved between the ends (11, 12) of the application device (10) by a transverse movement (S20). [13] Method according to one of claims 10 to 12, characterized by that cleaning is carried out during the production of the fibre web. [14] Method according to one of claims 10 to 12, characterized by that the cleaning of the application device (10) is carried out during an interruption in the production of the fiber web. [15] Method according to one of claims 10 to 14, characterized by that in the method the cleaning device (20) is moved by a movement device, preferably by a cable wire (25) and an actuator (26).

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