Suction nozzle, jet suction box, and jet suction method

Abstract

The invention relates to a suction nozzle (23) for a hollow jet suction box (14) and a method for drawing in liquid jets (4), in particular water jets. The jet suction box (14) has at least one slot-like opening (20) on its outer casing (18) leading to its interior (17), wherein the suction nozzle (23, 23") has a nozzle body (24) that can be arranged above the outer casing opening (20) and a slot-like suction opening (25) that extends through the nozzle body (24) in a suction flow direction (23'), the suction opening having an outwardly directed inlet side (26) and an outlet side (27) for the suction flow. The suction opening (25) extends from the inlet side (26) at the free end of the nozzle body (24) to the outlet side that can be arranged at the outer casing opening (20) of the outer casing (18).The nozzle body (24) has at least one movable, preferably strip-like, sealing element (29, 29') arranged next to the suction opening (25) and laterally limiting the slot-like suction opening (25), as well as at least one spring-elastic expansion means (33) acting on the sealing element (29, 29'), which is designed to push the sealing element (29, 29') outwards from the outlet side (27) against the suction flow direction (23').

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a suction nozzle, a jet suction box for a suction device of a device for the hydroentanglement of fiber material webs and a jet suction method with the features in the independent claims.

[0002] Such a suction nozzle together with jet suction box and jet suction process is known from WO 2020 / 120412 A1.

[0003] EP 1 059 377 A1 shows another suction nozzle together with jet suction box and jet suction process.

[0004] The object of the present invention is to demonstrate an improved jet suction technology.

[0005] The invention solves this problem with the features in the independent claims.

[0006] The claimed jet suction technology, ie the suction nozzle, the jet suction box equipped therewith and the jet suction process as well as the suction device and the hydroentanglement device equipped therewith have various advantages.

[0007] A first aspect of the invention provides a suction nozzle for a hollow jet suction box, which has at least one slot-like opening on its box shell leading to its box interior. The suction nozzle has a nozzle body that can be arranged above the opening and a slot-like suction opening that penetrates the nozzle body in a suction flow direction and has an outwardly directed inlet side and an outlet side for the suction flow. The suction opening extends from the inlet side at the free end of the nozzle body to the opposite outlet side, which is provided and designed for arrangement on the opening of the box shell.

[0008] The nozzle body has at least one movable, preferably strip-like, sealing element on the inlet side, which is arranged next to the suction opening and laterally delimits the slot-like suction opening, as well as a spring-elastic expansion means acting on the sealing element, which is designed to press the sealing element outwards from the outlet side or away from the jacket opening against the suction flow direction.

[0009] The suction nozzle can be used to draw in the liquid jets emitted by a bonding device for liquid jet bonding, in particular water jet bonding, of a moving fiber material web and emerging from the fiber material web in a suction flow. The suction flow direction can coincide with the emission direction of the liquid jets, in particular water jets.

[0010] A further aspect of the invention provides a jet suction box for a suction device of a bonding device for liquid jet entanglement, in particular water jet entanglement, of a moving fibrous material web, in particular a nonwoven web, which suction box sucks in the liquid jets emitted by the bonding device and emerging from the fibrous material web in a suction flow. The hollow jet suction box has at least one slot-like opening on its box shell leading to its box interior. At least one suction nozzle is arranged on the box shell with a nozzle body arranged above the opening and with a slot-like suction opening penetrating the nozzle body in a suction flow direction, the inlet side of which is directed outwards and the outlet side of which is directed towards the shell opening. The suction nozzle is designed as claimed.

[0011] The liquid jets emitted by the bonding device and emerging from the fiber material web can be drawn in by one or more suction nozzles positioned or appropriately positioned on the jet suction box in a suction flow. One or more suction nozzles on the jet suction box can also be used with their suction flow for additional dehumidification of the fiber material web without drawing in liquid jets.

[0012] The at least one movable sealing element can be arranged and optionally guided in and against the suction flow direction. The movable arrangement and optionally guide can be translational and / or rotational. The at least one sealing element can also be arranged and adjustable transversely to the suction flow direction, e.g., to adjust the nozzle width. The spring-elastic expansion means can act on the associated sealing element and can move and drive it against the suction flow direction. The design and kinematics of the movable sealing element and the spring-elastic expansion means can vary.

[0013] A further aspect of the invention relates to a method for sucking in such emitted liquid jets.

[0014] The suction nozzle, with its claimed design and function, can be a standalone component that can be retrofitted or converted to existing jet suction boxes, for example. These do not have to be designed and arranged in the claimed manner. This allows, for example, older jet suction boxes of different designs to be modernized. Retrofitting or conversion is possible, for example, on a jet suction box in accordance with the aforementioned references.

[0015] The claimed jet suction box can be an independent component of a suction device and, if appropriate, of a bonding device equipped with it using liquid jets, in particular water jets. The jet suction box can be retrofitted or converted to existing suction devices. It can also be implemented as initial equipment in a new suction device. The jet suction box and the suction device can also be part of a bonding device for liquid jet bonding, in particular water jet bonding, of a moving fiber material web, in particular a nonwoven web.

[0016] The claimed jet suction technology offers increased efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability, as well as greater flexibility. Thanks to one or more movable sealing elements and their spring-elastic expansion elements on the respective suction nozzle, the jet suction technology enables better sealing of the jet suction box against a conveyor of the moving web. Any imbalances, assembly, and design tolerances of the conveyor and the jet suction box can be compensated. The ingress of false air into the suction opening, especially from the interior of a drum-type conveyor, can be reliably prevented.

[0017] This also leads to better and more consistent bonding results when bonding a fibrous material web with high-pressure liquid jets, especially high-pressure water jets. The extracted air / liquid mixture has a higher liquid content. It can be regenerated better and more efficiently, especially for the return and recycling of the liquid in the bonding device. Furthermore, there are advantages for efficient dehumidification of the fibrous material web.

[0018] The pressure loss at the jet suction box can be kept particularly low, allowing the use of less powerful suction and pumping technology and improving control precision. Energy and construction costs can be significantly reduced. This increases process quality, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness, while saving resources. Noise emissions can be significantly reduced. The positive effects of the jet suction technology are even more pronounced the higher the flow velocity at the nozzle outlet and the higher the suction speed of the air / liquid mixture from the hollow interior of the box.

[0019] In one embodiment, the suction nozzle can have a movable sealing element on one side of the preferably slot-like suction opening and a stationary nozzle body wall on the other side of the suction opening. In another preferred embodiment, the suction nozzle can have several, in particular two, movable sealing elements, each with one or more spring-elastic expansion means, arranged on either side of the preferably slot-like suction opening. The movable sealing element(s) is / are arranged at the free end of the nozzle body. They can form the free body end.

[0020] The movable sealing element(s) can extend along the suction opening in a direction transverse to the suction flow direction. The movable sealing element(s) can also extend, at least in part, along the suction flow direction.

[0021] The movable sealing elements arranged on both sides of the slot-like suction opening each have a side wall which is directed towards the suction opening and laterally delimits the suction opening, whereby the sealing elements on both sides define the suction opening on the inlet side between them.

[0022] A strip-like design of the one or more sealing elements is advantageous. These preferably extend over the entire length of the suction opening. The strip-like design can be axially continuous, one-piece or segmented.

[0023] The at least one, preferably strip-like, sealing element can be designed and guided in various ways. The nozzle body can have a guide device for the at least one movable sealing element. The guide device can comprise appropriately designed and arranged guide means for the guiding tasks. The guide means can be formed, for example, by guide rods with guide openings, e.g., elongated holes, and / or by one or more leaf springs.

[0024] The sealing element can, for example, be loosely formed and independently movable. It can be guided by a guide device with a preferably rigid guide means, e.g., guide rods with guide openings, so that it can move in and against the suction flow direction. The sealing element movement can be translational and / or rotational. The rigid guide means can extend along the suction flow direction. The sealing element movement can, in particular, be a linear displacement movement. The spring-elastic expansion means can, for example, act directly on the sealing element.

[0025] In another embodiment, said sealing element can be mounted on a movable, in particular deformable, guide means of a guide device. The movable guide means can extend primarily transversely to the suction flow direction. The guide means, e.g., designed as a leaf spring, can guide said sealing element in a suitable manner, e.g., rotationally, in and against the suction flow direction, in particular with a pivoting movement. The spring-elastic expansion means can engage the guide means and can thus indirectly act on said sealing element.

[0026] The one or more sealing elements are provided and designed to form a sealing contact with the said conveying means, in particular a rotating conveyor drum, and to be resiliently pressed against it by the expansion means. The one or more sealing elements can be designed to be friction-optimized, at least in this contact and bearing area. They can have a correspondingly adapted, e.g., rounded or beveled, outer geometry and / or can be made of a low-friction material.

[0027] The spring-elastic expansion element, which can be present individually or in multiple configurations, can be designed in different ways. For example, it can comprise one or more compression springs, particularly helical compression springs. These can be tensioned on or in the conveying device during assembly of the jet suction box. Such compression springs can be designed as mechanical springs, as compressible solids, as compressible fluids (e.g., gas cushions, gas springs, etc.), or in other forms.

[0028] The spring-elastic expansion means can also be designed to be switchable and / or expandable in a controlled manner. For this purpose, the spring-elastic expansion means can be operated, for example, with a switchable or controllable, possibly also adjustable, preferably compressible pressure medium, e.g., compressed gas. The spring-elastic expansion means can, for example, comprise an expander operated with the compressible pressure medium, which is expanded by said pressure medium. The expander can, for example, comprise a gas-operated pressure piston and / or an inflatable pressure hose, pressure bellows, or the like.

[0029] The switchable and / or controllable design of the spring-elastic expansion means has the advantage of improved adaptability to the operating conditions on a conveyor, particularly in a rotating conveyor drum. Alternatively, the spring-elastic expansion means can also be deactivated or its effect reduced to such an extent that the sealing element(s) no longer bear against the conveyor with spring force. This is advantageous for mounting and dismounting the jet suction box and / or the one or more suction nozzles with their nozzle bodies and sealing elements on the conveyor with low resistance. Alternatively, the expansion force or spring force can also be specifically adapted to variable suction pressures, particularly to high suction pressures of, for example, up to 250 mbar.

[0030] The jet suction technology also allows for the width of the preferably slot-shaped suction opening to be changed and adjusted. This allows the opening width to be optimally adapted to the respective operating conditions and process requirements.

[0031] A particularly advantageous arrangement is a movable arrangement of the at least one sealing element on the nozzle body, which can then be moved laterally and, if necessary, transversely to the suction flow direction. The width of the suction opening can thus be adjusted in the area of ​​the at least one sealing element. This area is located on the inlet side of the suction opening and on the conveying means. The downstream areas of the suction opening do not need to be affected by the adjustment and can have a constant opening width. However, an adjustability option is also possible.

[0032] For the extraction process, it is advantageous if the width of the suction opening is adjustable, especially on the inlet side, while the opening width on the outlet side and at the casing opening of the box casing remains the same. This also has advantages with regard to the accessibility of an adjustment device for the one or more movable sealing elements. The adjustment device can comprise at least one adjusting means that is arranged in the slot-like suction opening and is accessible from the outside from the inlet side. The adjusting means can be designed, for example, as a length-adjustable adjusting screw that can be adjusted using a tool inserted into the suction opening.

[0033] The nozzle body can be mounted on the box shell in a movable, particularly displaceable, manner by means of a mount. The nozzle body can thus be removed from the overlap with the shell opening, at least in part. The mobility can be provided, in particular, axially and along the main axis of the jet suction box. A switchable and / or controllable design of the spring-elastic expansion means is advantageous for reducing frictional resistance.

[0034] The holder can be slot-shaped and aligned along the suction opening and, if applicable, the casing opening. The nozzle body can thus be moved within the holder, for example, using a handle, and pulled off the casing. The nozzle body can also be removed from the overlap with the conveying medium, in particular, pulled out of the conveyor drum. The nozzle body and the adjustment device are thus freely accessible and particularly easy and precise to operate. Alternatively, the nozzle body can be positioned precisely on the casing casing in the specified operating position using the holder. A switchable and / or controllable spring-elastic expansion means is advantageous for the aforementioned opening width adjustment.

[0035] The nozzle body can have an opening edge limiter, which is preferably adjustable, on one or both ends of the preferably slot-like suction opening and on the at least one movable sealing means. This allows the effective opening length of the suction opening to be set and changed as required. This is advantageous, for example, for adapting to different widths of the fibrous material web. In addition, the opening edge limiter can be used to limit and seal the suction opening at the front in the region of the at least one movable sealing element. It is particularly advantageous if the opening edge limiter comprises an adjustable slide which closes the suction opening at the edge and front and which is guided on the at least one movable sealing element. When the at least one sealing element moves along the suction flow direction, the opening edge limiter can be moved along.

[0036] The nozzle body comprises the aforementioned guide device for the at least one sealing element. This serves to guide said sealing element during its movements along the suction flow direction and, if necessary, transversely to the suction flow direction.

[0037] The guide device can be designed as described above. It can be designed, for example, as a rigid rod guide or a cage guide with preferably linear guide kinematics.

[0038] A design other than a spring-loaded pivoting guide has particular advantages. The guide device can comprise a guide means configured as a leaf spring clamped at the edge, to whose other, opposite edge the at least one sealing element is preferably captively mounted and fastened. The fastening can be detachable and form-fitting. The preferably controllable or switchable spring-elastic expansion means can act on the leaf spring and bend it. Such a design is particularly advantageous when high expansion forces are desired. The return when the expansion means is relaxed can be achieved via the restoring force of the deformed leaf spring. Such a design of the suction nozzle or its nozzle body is also advantageous for retrofitting conventional suction boxes.

[0039] There are various options for the design of the nozzle body. The nozzle body can, for example, have a hollow base part on which the at least one movable sealing element is arranged. The hollow base part can be formed as a single piece or in multiple pieces. The suction opening passes through it. The spring-elastic expansion means can be arranged between the base part and the at least one movable sealing element. The guide device can also be arranged between the base part and the at least one movable sealing element.

[0040] The base part can space the at least one movable sealing element and the associated spring-elastic expansion element from the box shell in the radial or normal direction. It can have different dimensions. This allows for adaptation to different installation requirements of existing jet suction boxes when retrofitting or converting the suction nozzle.

[0041] In an advantageous embodiment, the hollow base part can comprise a support element that can be arranged or is arranged above the casing opening and at least one support element, wherein the at least one support element is arranged between the support element and the at least one movable sealing element.

[0042] Said support element and the associated sealing element can be connected to one another. The at least one movable sealing element can be arranged and guided on or at the associated at least one support element so as to be movable in the suction flow direction. The spring-elastic expansion means can be supported on the at least one support element and can act directly or indirectly on the associated sealing element.

[0043] The at least one movable sealing element can be arranged on and above the associated support element. It can be loosely formed and independently movable. It can float above the associated support element and can be carried by the spring-elastic expansion means and supported in the suction flow direction. The inner sides of the at least one movable sealing element and of the associated support element directed towards the suction opening can be aligned with each other in the suction flow direction. These inner sides can, in this area, e.g. parallel side walls form an overall funnel-like suction opening.

[0044] The outer sides of the at least one movable sealing element and the associated support element facing away from the suction opening can also be aligned with one another in the suction flow direction.

[0045] In another embodiment, the at least one movable sealing element can also be arranged in or on the associated support element and protrude beyond its outer side against the suction flow direction.

[0046] The at least one movable sealing element and the associated at least one support element can be arranged and guided together so as to be movable transversely to the suction flow direction. They can thus be moved and adjusted together, for example, when adjusting the suction opening width. In another variant, e.g., with the aforementioned leaf spring, the at least one sealing element can be adjusted relative to the support element, in particular relative to the support element, and transversely to the suction flow direction.

[0047] The support element located between the casing opening and the at least one support element can remain in its current position and configuration in the various variants and does not need to be moved. The support element can also be omitted. The movement and guidance of the one or more sealing and, if applicable, support elements transverse to the suction flow direction can occur relative to the stationary support element.

[0048] The guide device can comprise appropriately designed and arranged guide means for the aforementioned guide functions. Furthermore, a spring-elastic sealing apron can be arranged on the outside of the at least one support element and on the at least one movable sealing element. It can cover the gap between these elements.

[0049] The support element can be designed in different ways. In an advantageous embodiment, it has a support cone with sealed conical walls and a conical base permeable to the suction flow. The support cone can be directed with its larger conical opening toward the outlet side of the suction opening or toward the casing opening of the box casing. The support element, in particular the support cone, can be provided and designed for contact and, if necessary, engagement with the aforementioned nozzle body holder on the box casing. The engagement can be fluid-tight.

[0050] The nozzle body can have closed side walls and closed end walls. The side walls can be formed by the support element, in particular a support cone. The nozzle body is thus sealed on all sides except for the suction openings on the inlet and outlet sides. The nozzle body can have a handle on the end face with which it can be moved on the holder.

[0051] The preferably slot-shaped suction opening is formed in the nozzle body and extends in the direction of suction flow from the inlet side to the outlet side and to the jacket opening there. The cross-sectional width of the slot-shaped suction opening can increase from the inlet side to the outlet side. This increase can occur continuously or in stages. The suction opening is smaller on the inlet side than on the outlet side. By increasing the nozzle width in the direction of suction flow and also in the jet direction of the liquid jets, the pressure loss on the outlet side can be kept low. The cross-section of the suction opening can have the aforementioned inverted funnel shape.

[0052] Thanks to the low pressure loss, a moderate negative pressure in the box interior and a small-sized negative pressure generator are advantageous for achieving the desired negative pressure on the inlet side of the suction nozzle. This is also advantageous for a desired flow velocity of the suction flow at the suction nozzle and at a suction opening of the jet suction box. Such a negative pressure can be, for example, 15,000 Pa or 150 mbar or more. The flow velocity can be, for example, 25 m / s. For the claimed jet suction technology, it is advantageous if the suction nozzle and its slot-like suction opening as well as the at least one movable sealing element are aligned along a suction box axis. They can be aligned transversely to a direction of movement of the fiber material web. The suction box axis can be the longitudinal axis of the suction box.

[0053] In the installed position, the suction nozzle can be positioned opposite an injector in the emission direction, which emits liquid jets, in particular water jets, under pressure. The suction nozzle and the slot-like suction opening can preferably extend across the entire width of the fiber material web and, if necessary, also across the entire width of an injector.

[0054] The jet suction box can have several suction nozzles distributed circumferentially on its casing. The number and arrangement of the suction nozzles can be adapted to the number and arrangement of injectors. In addition, one or more additional suction nozzles can be provided without any associated injectors.

[0055] The emitted liquid and the ambient air entrained by the jet from the outside of the fiber material web can be absorbed particularly well and effectively by the demanding jet suction technology, and in particular by the respective suction nozzle, and removed via the jet suction box. This ensures that the fiber material web through which the jet is passed is particularly effectively consolidated while also being moistened as little as possible.

[0056] The subsequent drying effort for the fiber material web can be lower, thereby reducing resource consumption and increasing efficiency and cost-effectiveness. The direct and targeted suction of the emitted liquid jets by the one or more suction nozzles is beneficial for guiding the liquid jets as concentrated as possible and for avoiding turbulence. This can occur, for example, due to the aforementioned false air and could negatively impact the process quality, particularly the consolidation quality. The at least one sealing element can be particularly effective in preventing such turbulence caused by false air. The liquid jets and the liquid input are largely suctioned away at the suction nozzles. Additional suction nozzles without assigned injectors can additionally suction any remaining liquid from the fiber material web.

[0057] The jet suction box can be designed in different ways. In one advantageous embodiment, it is designed as a straight jet suction pipe with a cross-section that is preferably rotationally symmetrical at least in some regions. The jet suction pipe can have a box shell that has a prismatic shape on the outside, at least in some regions, and has at least one flattened area in the region of the at least one shell opening. The nozzle body arranged above the shell opening can protrude from the box shell, in particular in the radial direction. Several support struts can be arranged in the slot-like shell opening on the box shell. They can have an advantageous lattice-like arrangement. The support struts can stabilize the box shell in the region of the shell opening.

[0058] The jet suction box can have a suction opening, preferably axial. The suction flow can be discharged through this. The jet suction box can be connected to a vacuum generator and, if necessary, to a recovery system. The interior of the jet suction box can be under negative pressure compared to the ambient pressure.

[0059] The jet suction box can be combined with a conveying means in various ways. In particular, it can be arranged within a rotating and perforated conveying drum for a fiber material web. The arrangement can be relatively stationary relative to the moving conveying means, in particular the rotating conveying drum. In another variant, the conveying means can be designed as a conveyor belt or in another way. The jet suction box can have a bearing surface for the conveying means, in particular for the conveying drum.

[0060] The claimed suction device can comprise the claimed jet suction box. It can further comprise a vacuum generator that is fluidly connected to the jet suction box. The suction device can also have said recovery for the liquid contained in the sucked-in flow, in particular the water contained therein. The suction device can comprise said liquid-permeable, in particular perforated, conveying means for the fibrous material web. This can be, for example, the rotating conveyor drum. The suction device can be arranged on one or more of said injectors. The jet suction box can be arranged below the conveying means for the fibrous material web in the emission direction of the liquid jets, in particular water jets. It can in particular be arranged within the rotating conveyor drum.

[0061] The claimed consolidation device for consolidating a fibrous material web with liquid jets, in particular water jets, may comprise the claimed jet suction box and the claimed suction device. It may also include one or more injectors and a transport means for the fibrous material web.

[0062] The claimed jet suction box, the suction device, and the suction method offer particular advantages for the aforementioned jet entanglement, in particular hydroentanglement, of the fibrous material web. However, they can also be used without such jet entanglement and without suction of liquid jets, e.g., for dehumidifying a wet fibrous material web.

[0063] Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the subclaims.

[0064] The claimed suction nozzle, the claimed jet suction box, the claimed suction device, the claimed solidification device and the claimed suction method can have the following further configurations, which can be used individually or in combination.

[0065] The following configurations can be provided for the claimed jet suction box and the suction nozzle.

[0066] The at least one sealing element can be provided and designed to bear with its outer side in a sealing manner against a liquid-permeable, in particular perforated, conveying means for the fibrous material web, in particular against a rotating conveying drum or against a running conveyor belt.

[0067] Sealing elements and spring-elastic expansion elements can be arranged on both sides along the slot-like intake opening. The sealing elements on both sides can define the intake opening on the inlet side between them.

[0068] The at least one movable sealing element can be adjusted transversely to the suction flow direction by means of an adjustment device. The width of the slot-like suction opening can be varied.

[0069] The adjustment device can comprise at least one adjusting means arranged in the slot-like suction opening and accessible from the outside from the inlet side. In another embodiment, the adjustment device can comprise at least one adjusting means, e.g., a clamping bar with screw(s), with which a leaf spring can be clamped to a support element and, in the released state, can be adjusted transversely to the suction flow direction via one or more elongated holes.

[0070] The nozzle body can have a preferably adjustable opening edge limiter on one or both ends of the slot-like jacket opening and on the at least one movable sealing means.

[0071] The opening edge limiter can comprise a slide, wherein the slide closes the suction opening at the edge and front and is guided on the at least one movable sealing element.

[0072] The hollow base part can comprise a support element that can be arranged above the casing opening and at least one support element. The support element can be arranged between the support element and the at least one movable sealing element. The at least one movable sealing element can be arranged and guided on the associated at least one support element so that it can move in the suction flow direction.

[0073] The at least one movable sealing element and the associated at least one, preferably strip-like, support element can be arranged and guided together so as to be movable transversely to the suction flow direction.

[0074] The nozzle body may have a guide device for the at least one movable sealing element.

[0075] The guide device can be designed to guide the at least one movable sealing element during its movements longitudinally and, if necessary, transversely to the suction flow direction.

[0076] The at least one movable sealing element can be loosely formed and independently movable, wherein the guide device comprises a rigid guide means that extends along the suction flow direction and guides said sealing element in a translational and / or rotational manner in and against the suction flow direction. The at least one spring-elastic expansion means can act directly on the at least one movable sealing element.

[0077] The guide device may alternatively or additionally also comprise a deformable guide means, in particular a leaf spring, which extends mainly transversely to the suction flow direction and guides said sealing element in and against the suction flow direction with a pivoting movement, wherein the at least one movable sealing element is mounted on the deformable guide means, wherein the at least one spring-elastic expansion means acts on the guide means and indirectly acts on said sealing element.

[0078] The guide device for the at least one movable sealing element can also comprise a guide means that acts transversely to the suction flow direction. The guide means can enable lateral adjustment of the sealing element(s) and, if necessary, the slot width of the suction opening.

[0079] The guide means acting transversely to the suction flow direction can be arranged between the at least one support element and a leaf spring. Said guide means can comprise one or more elongated holes.

[0080] The said guide means can also be arranged between the at least one support element and the support element.

[0081] A spring-elastic sealing apron can be arranged on the outside of the at least one support element and on the at least one movable sealing element, which covers a gap between the support element and the sealing element.

[0082] The support element of a hollow base part can have a support cone with dense cone walls and a cone bottom permeable to the suction flow.

[0083] The nozzle body can have closed side walls and closed end walls. It can also have a handle on the end face. The closed side walls can be formed by the dense conical walls of a support cone.

[0084] The width of the slot-like suction opening can increase in cross-section from the inlet side to the outlet side.

[0085] The suction nozzle and the slot-like suction opening as well as the at least one movable sealing element can be aligned along a suction box axis and transversely to a direction of movement of the fiber material web.

[0086] The suction nozzle and the slot-like suction opening can preferably extend over the entire width or over a partial width of the fiber material web.

[0087] The suction nozzle can be arranged on the jet suction box in such a way that it is opposite an injector emitting liquid jets, in particular water jets, under pressure in the emission direction.

[0088] The jet suction box can have several suction nozzles distributed circumferentially on its casing. These can be suction nozzles assigned to a pressure-emitting liquid jet injector and / or so-called additional suction nozzles without such an injector assignment.

[0089] The jet suction box can be designed as a straight jet suction pipe with a cross-section that is preferably rotationally symmetrical at least in some areas. The jet suction pipe can have a prismatic outer casing with a flattened area in the area of ​​the casing opening or a circumferentially rounded, particularly cylindrical, outer casing.

[0090] The nozzle body can protrude from the box shell, particularly in the radial or normal direction.

[0091] In the slot-like casing opening of the jet suction box or box casing, several support struts can be arranged, preferably in a lattice-like manner.

[0092] The jet suction box can preferably have an axial suction opening.

[0093] In the hollow interior of the jet suction box, there may be a negative pressure compared to the environment.

[0094] The jet suction box can be connected to a vacuum generator and, if necessary, to a recovery system for the liquid contained in the sucked-in flow, in particular the water contained therein.

[0095] The jet suction box can be designed to be arranged within a rotating perforated conveyor drum for a fiber material web, in particular to be arranged relatively stationary.

[0096] The jet suction box can have a bearing surface for a moving conveying means of the fiber material web, in particular for a rotating conveying drum.

[0097] The claimed suction device can be arranged on an injector emitting liquid jets, in particular water jets, under pressure or can be designed for such an arrangement.

[0098] The claimed consolidation device may comprise a transport means for the fiber material web.

[0099] The invention is illustrated schematically and by way of example in the drawings. In detail: Figure 1: a schematic view of a hydroentangling device with a suction device and a jet suction box as well as a fiber material web, Figure 2: a perspective arrangement of a jet suction box designed as a jet suction pipe with a surrounding rotating conveyor drum, Figures 3 and 4: perspective views of the jet suction pipe with axially aligned suction nozzles according to Figure 1 , Figure 5: a side view of the jet suction pipe with a conveyor drum shown in section, Figure 6: a top view of the jet suction pipe, Figure 7: a perspective central longitudinal section of the jet suction pipe and the suction nozzle, Figure 8: a broken longitudinal section of the jet suction pipe and the suction nozzle according to section line VIII - VIII of Figure 6, , Figure 9: a cross-section of the jet suction pipe and the suction nozzle, Figure 10: a perspective front view of the suction nozzle, Figures 11 and 12: various perspective cross-sections of the suction nozzle, Figure 13: a broken-off and enlarged perspective longitudinal section of the jet suction pipe and the suction nozzle, Figure 14: another broken-off perspective view of the suction nozzle and Figures 15 to 20: another embodiment of the suction nozzle in various views.

[0100] The invention relates to a suction nozzle (23) and a jet suction box (14) equipped therewith, and to a method for jet suctioning high-pressure liquid jets (4) from a consolidation device (1) for liquid jet consolidation, in particular hydroentanglement. The invention also relates to a suction device (6) having such a jet suction box (14). Furthermore, the invention comprises a consolidation device (1) having such a jet suction box (14) and a suction device (6). The invention also includes a method for liquid jet consolidation, in particular hydroentanglement, and a suction method. The invention also relates to the dehumidification of a fibrous material web (2) by suction without simultaneously sucking in a high-pressure liquid jet (4).

[0101] Figure 1shows a system with, for example, three bonding devices (1) for bonding a moving fiber material web (2) with liquid jets (4), in particular water jets. The fiber material web (2) consists of textile fibers, in particular synthetic fibers. It is designed, for example, as a nonwoven web. It is fed from a producing device (not shown), e.g. a card, a spunbond or spunbond tower, an airlay or the like, onto a conveyor means (5). If required, further machines, e.g. a web layer, can be interposed. The conveyor means (5) can have a continuously circulating and jet-permeable conveyor belt. The fiber material web (2) can pass through the three bonding devices (1) one after the other.

[0102] The three consolidation devices (1) can be designed identically to one another. They each have one or more injectors (3). The preferably multiple injectors (3) are distributed and arranged one behind the other along the conveying path in the conveying direction of the fiber material web (2).

[0103] The fiber material web (2) is consolidated with thin, high-pressure liquid jets (4), particularly water jets, arranged in series or in a matrix. These jets are emitted from the injectors (3) against the fiber material web (2) and penetrate the latter and the transport means (5). The respective injector (3) can be designed, for example, as a nozzle bar that is aligned transversely to the fiber material web (2) and its transport path and overlaps most of, preferably completely, the width of the fiber material web (2).

[0104] The emitted liquid jets (4) are collected by a suction device (6), sucked in a suction flow and transported away. The suction device (6) has Figure 1 , 2 and 5 a jet suction box (14) and a conveyor (11) for transporting the fiber material web (2) in the area of ​​the injector(s) (3). The jet-permeable conveyor (11) supports the resting fiber material web (2) against the impinging liquid jets (4).

[0105] The jet suction box (14) draws in the liquid jets (4) emerging from the fiber material web (2) and the conveying means (11) with a suction flow. In addition, air can be drawn in from the outside of the fiber material web (2). The jet suction box (14) is arranged in the Figure 1 and 9The jet suction box (14) is arranged in a relatively stationary position relative to the moving conveying means (11).

[0106] In the illustrated embodiments, the jet suction box (14) is designed as a long, straight jet suction pipe (15) with a cross-section that is preferably rotationally symmetrical, at least in some regions. The jet suction pipe (15) can, for example, have a substantially cylindrical shape. Alternatively, a different design, e.g., a cuboid-like box shape, is possible. The features described below for the jet suction pipe (15) also apply accordingly to other types of jet suction boxes (14).

[0107] The conveying means (11) is designed in the illustrated embodiments as a rotating, cylindrical conveyor drum (12), in which the jet suction box (14) or the jet suction pipe (15) is arranged in a relatively stationary manner. The conveyor drum (12) is arranged concentrically to the central axis (16) of the jet suction pipe (15) and rotates about this axis (16). The conveyor drum (12) can be driven in any suitable manner. For this purpose, a drive (13) is provided, from which Figure 2 For example, a gear ring is shown, which is arranged at one end of the conveyor drum (12). The other parts of the drive (13), e.g., a motor with gearbox and output pinion, etc., are not shown.

[0108] The conveying means (11) is designed to be fluid- and jet-permeable. It allows the liquid jets (4) and also air to pass through. For this purpose, the conveying means (11) can, for example, have a perforated or holed conveying element. In the illustrated design, a conveying drum (12), the drum shell is fluid-permeable.

[0109] In another variant (not shown), the conveying means (11) can be designed in a different way, e.g., as a revolving belt conveyor. This can also be fluid-permeable and can, for example, have a perforated or perforated conveyor belt. A belt conveyor can, for example, interact with a cuboid jet suction box (14).

[0110] In the embodiments shown, the conveyor drum (12) has a perforated, particularly perforated, cylindrical casing, through whose openings the liquid jets (4) can reach the jet suction box (14) or jet suction pipe (15). A negative pressure can be generated in the jet suction pipe (15), by means of which the emitted liquid jets (4) can be sucked efficiently and precisely into the hollow box interior (17). The jet suction pipe (15) is closed at one end and has a suction opening (43) at the other end, through which the sucked-in liquid / air mixture can leave the box interior (17).

[0111] The fiber material web (2) wraps around the conveyor drum (12) over a large part of its circumference. The fiber material web (2) can be conveyed by the drum rotation and also transferred to the next conveyor drum (12), and after passing through the last consolidation device (1), transferred again to a conveyor belt or other means for removal. The fiber material web (2) can rest directly on the drum shell. Alternatively, a moving conveyor belt can be arranged between them.

[0112] An injector (3) is arranged beneath the transport means (5) and at the transfer point of the fibrous material web (2) to the first suction device (6). Its emitted liquid jets (4) penetrate the conveyor belt. They also carry and transfer the fibrous material web (2) to the first conveyor drum (12). Figure 1 shows this arrangement.

[0113] Figure 2 and 5schematically show further components of the suction device (6). The conveyor drum (12) is rotatably mounted on the jet suction pipe (15), for example. For this purpose, the jet suction pipe (15) can have bearing surfaces (41) at the front ends, which Figures 2 to 5 are clarified. Between the jet suction pipe (15) and the conveyor drum (12) there may be a gap (22) which may correspond to the radial space requirement of the drum bearing. Figure 5 and 9 show this arrangement. The steel suction pipe (15) has a support pin at the closed end and a pipe flange (42) for stationary mounting at the other open end (43).

[0114] The suction device (6) has a vacuum generator (7) with which the liquid / air mixture is sucked out of the jet suction pipe (15) through the opening (43) and through a connected line. The suction device (6) can further have a recovery device (8) with which the liquid is separated from the air and can be fed back to the one or more injectors (3) via a return line (9) and, if necessary, a cleaning device. The air can be discharged via an outlet (10). The vacuum generator (7) and the recovery device (8) are in Figure 2 only indicated schematically. They can be designed and arranged in any suitable manner. The recovery system (8) can, for example, be designed as a cyclone.

[0115] Figures 3 to 14 illustrate the design of the jet suction box (14) or the jet suction pipe (15) in a first variant. The conveying means (11), in particular the conveyor drum (12), is indicated. Figures 15 to 20 another variant is shown.

[0116] The hollow jet suction pipe (15) has a box casing (18) or pipe casing which is cylindrical in cross-section on the inside and can have a prismatic shape with several flattened areas (19) on the outside. Figure 4 and 9 illustrate this training.

[0117] The jet suction pipe (15) has at least one suction nozzle (23, 23") with a slot-like suction opening (25) on its box casing (18). The suction nozzle (23, 23") and its slot-like suction opening (25) extend along the axis (16) of the jet suction box (14), in particular the central longitudinal axis (16) of the jet suction pipe (15). Furthermore, they preferably extend over the entire width of the fiber material web (2).

[0118] The number and arrangement of the suction nozzles (23) can be determined by the number and arrangement of the one or more injectors (3). In the illustrated embodiment, in a solidification device (1) according to Figure 1 For example, three injectors (3) are arranged in an arc around the conveyor drum (12) and the jet suction pipe (15). The arc arrangement and the emission direction of the liquid jets (4) can be concentric to the axis (16).

[0119] The suction nozzles (23) can be arranged in the appropriate number and distribution on the casing (18) of the jet suction pipe (15). Their suction openings (25) point toward the respective injector (3) and are located opposite it in the emission direction. The liquid jet (4) emitted by the respective injector (3) passes through the fiber material web (2) and the conveying means (11, 12) directly into the suction opening (25) and is sucked in a suction flow with a suction flow direction (23'). Figure 9This situation is shown with arrows.

[0120] The suction nozzles (23) and the injectors (3) are arranged in the wrapping and contact area of ​​the fiber material web (2) on the conveyor means (11, 12).

[0121] Figure 1 also shows the possibility of arranging additional suction nozzles (23") on the jet suction box (14) which are not assigned to an injector (3). The suction nozzles (23, 23") can be of similar design. The additional suction nozzles (23") can additionally dehumidify the fiber material web (2). They are also arranged in the said wrapping and contact area.

[0122] The suction flow direction (23') and the vertical axis of the suction opening (25) are aligned radially to the axis (16). The penetration of the respective liquid jets (4) into the suction opening (25) is assisted by the negative pressure in the box interior (17) and the suction effect. Furthermore, air is sucked in from the outside of the fiber material web (2) through the suction opening (25) and entrained with the liquid jets (4), forming the suction flow.

[0123] In the illustrated embodiments, the three suction nozzles (23) arranged circumferentially distributed on the box casing (18) are each designed as a nozzle attachment with a nozzle body (24) which is arranged above an axial casing opening (20) in the box casing (18). The nozzle body (24) protrudes radially outwards from the box casing (18) and extends according to Figure 1 , 5 , 8 and 9up to the conveying means (11), in particular to the conveyor drum (12), and lies tightly against it. The other suction nozzles (23") can be designed in the same way.

[0124] The preferably slot-like shell opening (20) extends along the axis (16) in the box shell (18). It extends across the width of the material web and ends in front of the front edges of the jet suction pipe (15). Several support struts (21) are arranged in each of the slot-like shell openings (20). The arrangement can be inclined and can be designed like a latticework. The slot-like shell opening (20) can extend across the entire width of the material web or across one or more partial areas of the material web width. The slot-like shell opening (20) can be continuous or arranged in places or interrupted.

[0125] The respective nozzle body (24) is penetrated by the slot-like suction opening (25) in a suction flow direction (23'), wherein the inlet side (26) of the suction opening (25) is arranged at the free end of the nozzle head (24) and points outwards, and wherein its outlet side (27) is directed towards the jacket opening (20). Figure 9 As illustrated, the suction opening (25) has a cross-sectional width that increases from the inlet side (26) to the outlet side (27).

[0126] The nozzle body (24) has at least one movable sealing element (29, 29') on the inlet side (26) arranged next to the suction opening (25) and laterally delimiting the slot-like suction opening (25). In the illustrated embodiments, movable sealing elements (29, 29') are arranged on both sides of the suction opening (25). The movement occurs along the suction flow direction (23'). The one or more sealing elements (29, 29') are strip-like and preferably formed in one piece. They extend along the axis (16). Figures 3 to 14 and Figures 15 to 20 show different embodiments of sealing elements (29,29').

[0127] The nozzle body (24) further comprises a spring-elastic expansion means (33) acting on the at least one sealing element (29, 29'). This means is designed to press the sealing element (29, 29') away from the casing opening (20) against the suction flow direction (23') outwards and against the conveying means (11), in particular the rotating conveyor drum (12). The at least one movable sealing element (29, 29') lies tightly against the inside of the conveying means (11), in particular the conveyor drum (12), under spring force. The tight contact prevents the suction of false air from the intermediate space (22) into the nozzle body (24) and into the suction opening (25).

[0128] The at least one movable sealing element (29, 29') can move along the suction flow direction (23') under the influence of the spring-elastic expansion means (33). It has a sealing-friendly shape on its outer side facing the conveying means (11). It can, for example, have a Figure 9 shown bevel or a rounding or the like. The at least one sealing element (29, 29') can have a surface made of a low-friction material at least on this outer side.

[0129] The spring-elastic expansion means associated with the respective sealing element (29, 29') comprises in the embodiments of Figures 3 to 14 several compression springs (33'). These have an extension and effective direction along the suction jet direction (23'). The compression springs (33') are accommodated, for example, in lower blind holes of the at least one sealing element (29, 29').

[0130] In the embodiment shown, the compression springs (33') are compressed during assembly of the jet suction box (14) on the conveyor (11), in particular in the rotating conveyor drum (12), and in the assembly position develop the spring-elastic pressing force with which the respective movable sealing element (29, 29') is pressed sealingly against the conveyor (11) or the conveyor drum (12).

[0131] In another embodiment not shown, the respective spring-elastic expansion means (33) can be designed in a different way. It can be expandable in a switchable and / or controlled manner. For example, instead of the compression springs (33'), it can have expanders (33"), e.g. pressure pistons or cylinders, which can be acted upon in a switchable or controlled manner by a compressible pressure medium, in particular by compressed gas. In another variant of Figures 15 to 20the spring-elastic expansion means (33) can have an expander (33") which is inflatable with such a compressible pressure medium, in particular compressed gas, e.g. in the form of a pressure hose or pressure bellows, which extends at least partially along the axis (16) and which, when inflated, expands or extends laterally and directly or indirectly acts on and moves the associated sealing element (29, 29').

[0132] When switched off, the expansion means (33) designed as an expander (33") shrinks in size such that the loaded sealing element (29, 29') loses its contact pressure on the conveyor means (11) or on the conveyor drum (12) and possibly also moves away from it in the suction flow direction (23'). By controlled loading of the expansion means (33) or expander (33"), the spring-elastic expansion and contact pressure force acting on the sealing element (29, 29') can be adjusted and changed as required.

[0133] The at least one sealing element (29, 29') can also be arranged on the nozzle body (24) so ​​that it can move laterally and transversely to the suction flow direction (23'). This lateral movement allows the width of the suction opening (25) to be changed in the region of the movable sealing element(s) (29, 29').

[0134] The nozzle body (24) has an adjustment device (34) with which the at least one movable sealing element (29, 29') can be adjusted transversely to the suction flow direction (23'). This allows the slot width of the suction opening (25) to be changed.

[0135] The adjusting device (34) comprises, for example, at least one adjusting means (34') which is arranged in the slot-like suction opening (25) and which is accessible from the outside from the inlet side (26). Figures 10 to 14As illustrated in the drawing, several adjusting means (34') are arranged at a distance one behind the other along the axis (16). They are designed, for example, as adjustable-length adjusting screws that engage the sealing elements (29, 29') on both sides and whose length can be adjusted by means of a wrench inserted into the suction opening (25).

[0136] The nozzle body (24) has a guide device (35) for the at least one movable sealing element (29, 29'). The guide device (35) can guide the one or more sealing elements (29, 29') during their movements longitudinally and transversely to the suction flow direction (23').

[0137] In the exemplary embodiments shown, the nozzle body (24) has a hollow base part (30) on which the at least one movable sealing element (29, 29') is arranged. The hollow base part (30) is also penetrated by the suction opening (25) and extends as far as the box casing (18) and the casing opening (20). It can be mounted and supported on the box casing (18), e.g. in the region of a possibly different flattened portion (19). The spring-elastic expansion means (33) is arranged between the base part (30) and the associated at least one movable sealing element (29, 29'). The guide device (35) can also be arranged between the base part (30) and the at least one movable sealing element (29, 29').

[0138] In the examples shown by Figures 3 to 14The hollow base part (30) comprises a support element (32) arranged above the casing opening (20) and at least one support element (31, 31'). This at least one support element (31, 31') is arranged between the support element (32) and the respectively associated at least one movable sealing element (29, 29').

[0139] Said support element (31, 31') is also strip-like and extends along the slot-like suction opening (25) and the axis (16). The at least one movable sealing element (29, 29') is arranged on the associated support element (31, 31'). It floats at a distance above the associated support element (31, 31') and is supported by the resilient expansion means (33), in particular the compression springs (33'). The resilient expansion means (33), in particular the compression springs (33'), is supported on the associated support element (31, 31'). Figure 8 and 9 illustrate this training and arrangement.

[0140] How Figure 10 As illustrated, the inner sides of the at least one movable sealing element (29, 29') and the associated support element (31, 31') facing the suction opening (25) are aligned with one another in the suction flow direction (23'). The outer sides of the at least one movable sealing element and the associated support element facing away from the suction opening (25) are also aligned with one another in the suction flow direction (23').

[0141] In the embodiments shown, a support element (31, 31') is assigned to each of the two movable sealing elements (29, 29').

[0142] The one or more sealing elements (29, 29') and support elements (31, 31') assigned to one another are, for example, each connected to one another in such a way that they are arranged so as to be movable together transversely to the suction flow direction (23') and are mounted on the support element (32). Figure 10 and 13 illustrate this training, whereby in the Figure 13only one sealing element (29') and the associated support element (31') are shown.

[0143] In the illustrated embodiments, the guide device (35) comprises a guide means (35') which is arranged between the respective at least one movable sealing element (29, 29') and the at least one support element (31, 31') and which acts along the suction flow direction (23'). The guide means (35') is, for example, according to Figure 13 and 14 present in multiple locations and distributed along the slot-like suction opening (25). The guide means (35') are designed, for example, as straight guide rods or guide pins. These engage in corresponding guide openings on at least one sealing element (29, 29').

[0144] The guide device (35) further comprises at least one guide means (35") which is arranged between the at least one support element (31, 31') and the support element (32) and acts transversely to the suction flow direction (23'). As Figure 13 and 14 As can be seen from the drawing, the guide means (35") is also present in multiple forms and is distributed along the slot-like suction opening (25). It is formed by a downwardly projecting guide rod on the respective support element (31, 31') and an elongated hole on the support element (32) directed transversely to the suction flow direction (23'). The guide rod engages in the associated elongated hole and is guided here during its transverse movement. Figure 14 shows in an abstract representation the guide means (35, 35") and the spring-elastic expansion means (33), in particular compression springs (33') without the sealing and supporting elements (29, 29', 31, 31'). In addition, Figure 13 and 14 the adjusting means (34') are shown.

[0145] Figure 10 shows an open front view of the nozzle body (24) and the suction nozzle (23,23'). Figures 11 and 12 illustrate perspective cross-sectional views of the jet suction box (14) and the nozzle body (24) at various points along the axis (16) and the suction opening (25). Figure 11 the adjusting means (34') are visible and in Figure 12 the spring-elastic expansion means (33), in particular compression springs (33').

[0146] Figures 10 to 12also illustrate the arrangement of a spring-elastic sealing apron (36) on the outer sides of the at least one support element (31, 31') and on the at least one movable sealing element (29, 29') facing away from the suction opening (25). The sealing apron (36), made of rubber, for example, covers the gap between the support element (31, 31') and the associated sealing element (29, 29') and seals this gap during a relative movement between the respective sealing element (29, 29') and the associated support element (31, 31'). During this relative and expansion movement, the spring-elastic expansion means (33) are each supported on the associated support element (31, 31'). When the width of the suction opening (25) is adjusted, the one or more sealing elements (29, 29') acted upon by the adjusting means (34') take along the respectively associated support element (31, 31') via the guide means (35').

[0147] In the illustrated embodiments, the support element (32) has a support cone (37) arranged above the casing opening (20) and widening toward the casing opening (20). The support cone (37) has dense and preferably thin-walled cone walls (37') and a cone base (37") permeable to the suction flow, which is arranged at a distance above the casing opening (20). In the region of the support cone (37), the suction opening (25) widens particularly sharply. The lower opening width of the support cone (37) can be greater than the width of the casing opening (20).

[0148] The conical base (37") has, along its length along the axis (16), several through-openings for the suction flow and transverse webs arranged therebetween. The guide means (35") can engage the transverse webs. On both sides of the through-openings, there are wall areas on which the spring-elastic expansion means (33), in particular compression springs (33'), are supported. Figure 14 shows this formation and arrangement.

[0149] The nozzle body (24) has an adjustable opening edge limiter (39) at one or both ends of the slot-like suction opening (20) and at the at least one movable sealing means (29, 29'). This limiter closes the suction opening (25) at its edge in the suction flow direction (23') and also closes it at the front.

[0150] The opening edge limiter (39) comprises, for example, a slider (40) which can be moved along the axis (16) and the casing opening (20). This allows a smaller or larger area of ​​the suction opening (25) to be covered and closed at its edge, depending on the slider position. The slider (40) is inserted into slotted guides (40') on the preferably two sealing elements (29, 29') located there and is guided axially. It projects beyond the nozzle body (24) at its front end and has a handle at this point. At the opposite end of the slider (40) there is a projecting projection (40") which engages between the sealing elements (29, 29') on both sides and closes the suction opening (25) at its front end. Figure 13 illustrates the design and arrangement of the opening edge limiter (39).

[0151] The nozzle body (24) is movably and, in particular, displaceably mounted on the box shell (18) by means of a holder (28). The holder (28) is formed, for example, by two slotted guide rails aligned along the axis (16), which are arranged on either side of the shell opening (20) and are fixedly mounted on the box shell (18), for example, on a flattened portion (19). The nozzle body (24) engages in the slot-like receptacles of the guide rails. In the illustrated embodiments, the conical walls (37') are angled accordingly at the end for this purpose.

[0152] The nozzle body (24) is also provided with a handle (44) on one end face. This allows the nozzle body (24) to be axially inserted and removed from the holder (28). This is done, for example, according to Figure 5on the side of the nozzle body (24) facing away from the flange (42). On this side, the nozzle body (24) can also be pulled out of the overlap with the conveying means (11), in particular the conveyor drum (12), and is then accessible from the outside. In particular, the adjustment device (34) can then be easily reached and operated. The one or more spring-elastic expansion means (33) can be deactivated if necessary when the nozzle body (24) is pushed in and out.

[0153] The nozzle body (24) has according to Figure 3 and 4closed side walls (38) and closed end walls (38'). The side walls (38) are formed, for example, by the conical walls (37'), the respective support element (31, 31'), the respective movable sealing means (29, 29'), and, if applicable, the sealing skirt (36). The end walls (38') can be mounted on the front ends of the hollow base part (30). They seal the suction opening (25) at the front. The slide (40) can be located above the respective end wall (38').

[0154] Figures 15 to 20 show the aforementioned further variant of the suction nozzle (23,23") and the jet suction box (14) equipped therewith as well as the suction device (10) equipped therewith.

[0155] Figure 15 and 16 show the suction nozzle (23,23") in an attachment or installation position on the jet suction box (14). Figure 15 and 16also illustrate the mounting position of a suction device (6) on a moving conveyor (11), in particular a rotating conveyor drum (12). The jet suction box (14) and the suction device (6) can be designed and arranged in the manner described above. They can also be assigned to the previously described consolidation device (1) for liquid jet consolidation, in particular water jet consolidation. The further variant of the suction nozzle (23, 23") can be arranged on the jet suction box (14) in the manner described above.

[0156] The further variant of the suction nozzle (23) can also have the above-described opening edge limiter (39). For the sake of clarity, this is shown in Figure 15 and 16not shown. The further variant of the suction nozzle (23, 23") can have a nozzle body (24). This can have the above-described closed side walls (38) and closed end walls (38') and, if necessary, a handle. The end walls (38') can be arranged in the above-described manner at the ends of the nozzle body (24). For the sake of clarity, they are shown in Figures 15 to 20 not shown.

[0157] Figure 17 and 18 show the suction nozzle (23,23") in a perspective top view and in a broken perspective bottom view. Figure 19 and 20 show the suction nozzle (23) in the installed position in a front view and in various operating positions. Figure 19shows a relieved operating position in which the one or more sealing elements (29, 29') are released from the conveying means (11), in particular the rotating conveyor drum (12). In this position, the nozzle body (24) can be pulled axially from the jet suction box (14) and removed in the manner described above. Figure 20 shows the operating position in which the one or more sealing elements (29, 29') lie with their outer side sealingly against the facing inner side of the conveying means (11) or the rotating conveyor drum (12).

[0158] The nozzle body (24) of the further variant also comprises a base part (30), at least one movable sealing element (29, 29'), a spring-elastic expansion means (33) acting on the sealing element (29, 29'), and a guide device (35). The nozzle body (24) can further comprise at least one support element (31, 31').

[0159] The suction nozzle (23, 23") can also comprise a holder (28) that movably, particularly displaceably, accommodates the nozzle body (24), in particular its base part (30). The nozzle body (24), which can also be arranged or arranged above the casing opening (20) in this second variant, can be removed from its overlap with the casing opening (20), at least in part, thanks to the holder (28). The holder (28) can be fixed to the box casing (18) in a suitable manner. It can have a curved underside that is adapted to the outer shape of the box casing and lies flat thereon. The box casing (18) can have a rounded, particularly cylindrical, shape on the outside. It can also have one or more flattened portions (19), as in the first exemplary embodiments.

[0160] The Figures 15 to 20The suction nozzle (23, 23") shown differs from the previously described variants in the design and arrangement of the one or more sealing elements (29, 29'), the one or more spring-elastic expansion means (33) and the guide device (35) for the at least one sealing element (29, 29'). The one or more support elements (31, 31') can also be designed in a different way.

[0161] As in the first exemplary embodiments, the base part (30) can comprise a support element (32), which, for example, comprises plate-like webs and can be received in slots on both sides of the holders (28) in a suitable, detachable and preferably fluid-tight manner. The support element (32) can comprise a support cone (37) which has a central conical base (37") through which the suction opening (25) passes, and conical walls (37') adjacent on both sides. The through-openings in the conical base (37") are arranged above the jacket opening (20) opposite the suction flow direction (23'). As in the first exemplary embodiments, the suction opening (25) widens in the suction flow direction (23').

[0162] The support cone (37), which is radially spaced from the box shell (18), is flatter than in the previously described variants. By varying the cone angle and the other design of the base part (30) and, if applicable, the at least one support element (31, 31'), different spatial conditions and installation requirements on the jet suction box (14), in particular the jet suction pipe (15), and on the associated conveying means (11), in particular the conveyor drum (12), can be accommodated.

[0163] The one or more movable sealing elements (29, 29') are arranged at the free end of the nozzle body (24). They are arranged on the inlet side (26) next to the suction opening (25) and delimit it laterally. In the variant shown, one or more sealing elements (29, 29') and one or more spring-elastic expansion means (33) assigned to each of them are arranged on either side of the suction opening (25). The latter serve to press the respective sealing element (29, 29') away from the outlet side (27) or from the jacket opening (20) against the suction flow direction outwards and into contact with the moving conveying means (11). The sealing elements (29, 29') on both sides have side walls directed towards the suction opening (25) and extend along the suction opening (25) in a direction transverse to the suction flow direction. The sealing elements (29,29') on both sides define the suction opening (25) on the inlet side (26) between them.

[0164] In the second variant, the one or more sealing elements (29, 29') are each arranged and secured to a guide means (35') of the guide device (35), which is preferably designed as a flat leaf spring (45). The leaf spring (45) guides the respective associated sealing element (29, 29') in a pivoting movement in and against the suction flow direction (23'). The leaf spring (45) extends primarily transversely to the suction flow direction (23').

[0165] The leaf spring (45) is clamped on one side at each edge, e.g., the outer edge facing away from the suction opening (25). The clamping can be effected on a support element (31, 31') or directly on the base part (30). This can be effected by means of a clamping part (47), e.g., an axial clamping strip, wherein the clamping part (47) can be fixed with screws or in another manner, e.g., on the support element (31, 31').

[0166] The support element (31, 31') can be arranged and fastened on the outside of the base part (30), in particular on a conical wall (37'). The support element (31, 31') can also accommodate the spring-elastic expansion means (33). This is arranged between the base part (30) and the one or more movable sealing elements (29, 29'). The support elements (31, 31') on both sides and laterally spaced from one another delimit the suction opening (25) with their inner side walls, which widens in cross-section in the suction flow direction (23') from the sealing elements (29, 29').

[0167] The support element (31, 31') can be designed like a base. It can have a trough-shaped receptacle on its upper side for the resilient expansion means (33). This is arranged, for example, beneath the leaf spring (45). It acts on the leaf spring (45) from below and deforms it during its expansion. The resilient expansion means (33) thus acts indirectly on the associated movable sealing element (29, 29').

[0168] The leaf spring (45) carries, on the other edge facing the suction opening (25), one or more preferably strip-like or strip-shaped sealing elements (29, 29'). These are designed, for example, as plug-in strips, which can be mounted and fastened, preferably captively, to the said edge of the leaf spring (45) in a suitable manner. They are designed, for example, as clip strips with a substantially U-shaped cross section, the free web ends of which are closely adjacent and bear with spring force against the leaf spring edge inserted therebetween. The cross web of the substantially U-shaped clip strips forms, with its base, the preferably flat side wall of the sealing element (29, 29') facing the suction opening (25). The side wall extends transversely and also along, preferably parallel, to the suction flow direction (23').

[0169] The one or more sealing elements (29, 29') can be fastened to the leaf spring (45) in any suitable manner. Preferably, a positive fastening with a fixing means (46) is provided. The fixing means (46) can, for example, be formed by a protruding stop bar on the top and / or bottom of the leaf spring (45) and a corresponding stop opening on the inner wall of the clip bar. The sealing element (29, 29') can therefore be easily detached and removed or replaced if necessary. Alternatively, other fastening methods are possible, e.g., positive fastening using screws or bolts and / or non-positive fastening using adhesive, etc.

[0170] The guide device (35) comprises the said guide means (35') acting along the suction flow direction (23'). It can also comprise a guide means (35") acting transversely to the suction flow direction (23'). The guide means (35") can be arranged and formed between the leaf spring (45) and the support element (31, 31').

[0171] How Figure 19 As illustrated by way of example on the left-hand side, the guide means (35") can have one or more elongated holes in the edge region of the leaf spring (45), which interact with the said screw or another fastening means of the clamping part (47). The said screw can also be part of an adjusting device (34). By loosening the screw, the clamping of the leaf spring (45) can be released and the leaf spring can be adjusted to change the width of the nozzle opening (25).

[0172] The one or more spring-elastic expansion means (33) are designed as switchable, controllable or, if necessary, adjustable expanders (33") in the manner described above. Figure 19 and 20 show an example of a design as an inflatable and expandable pressure hose or bellows.

[0173] In the rest position according to Figure 19 the at least one expander (33") is relaxed and contracted, whereby the leaf spring (45) located above it has its normal and preferably straight and flat extension. In the operating position of Figure 20 the expander (33") is actuated and expands, bending the leaf spring (45) clamped at the edge and thereby pressing the respective at least one sealing element (29, 29') located at the leaf spring edge against the moving conveyor means (11).

[0174] The one or more expanders (33") can be acted upon and inflated, for example, with a preferably compressible pressure medium, e.g. compressed air, in a switchable, controllable and optionally adjustable manner as described above. They are supported in the receptacle on the support element (31, 31') and expand in the direction of the adjacent leaf spring (45). In another embodiment not shown, the one or more expanders (33") can be designed as extendable cylinders or other expansion bodies that are operated with the said pressure medium.

[0175] The fiber material web (2) consolidated by the liquid jets (4) in one or more consolidating devices (1) can be transported to a subsequent, not-shown, further processing facility. This can be, for example, a drying facility with a squeezing device and / or a drying oven or the like. Further processing facilities, such as a web layer, a winding device, a cutting device, or the like, can be connected to this.

[0176] Modifications of the embodiments shown and described and the variants mentioned are possible in various ways. In particular, the features of the embodiments and variants mentioned can be freely combined and, if necessary, even interchanged within the scope of the claims. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

[0177] 1Hydroentanglement device 2Fiber material web 3Injector, nozzle bar 4Liquid jet, water jet 5Transportation device 6Suction device 7Vacuum generator 8Recovery 9Water return 10Air outlet 11Conveying device 12Conveyor drum 13Drive 14Jet suction box 15Jet suction pipe 16Axle,Box axis 17 Box interior 18 Box shell 19 Flattening 20 Shell opening 21 Strut 22 Intermediate space 23 Suction nozzle 23' Suction flow direction 23" Additional suction nozzle 24 Nozzle body 25 Suction opening 26 Inlet side 27 Outlet side 28 Bracket 29 Sealing element 29' Sealing element 30 Base part 31 Support element 31' Support element 32 Support element 33 Expansion means 33' Compression spring 33' Expander 34 Adjustment device 34' Adjusting means 35 Guide device 35' Longitudinal guide means 35' Transverse guide means 36 Sealing skirt 37 Support cone 37' Cone wall 37' Cone base 38 Side wall 38 End wall 39 Opening edge limiter 40Slider 40'Slider guide 40"Protrusion 41Bearing surface 42Flange 43Suction opening 44Handle 45Leaf spring 46Fixing device 47Clamping part, terminal block,

Claims

1. Suction nozzle for a hollow jet suction box (14) for a suction-extraction apparatus (6) of an entanglement device (1) for entanglement of a moving fibrous material web (2), wherein the jet suction box (14) has, on its box casing (18), at least one slot-like casing opening (20) leading to its box interior space (17), wherein the suction nozzle (23, 23") has a nozzle body (24) which is able to be arranged over the casing opening (20) and a slot-like suction opening (25) which passes through the nozzle body (24) in a suction flow direction (23') and has an outwardly directed inlet side (26) and an outlet side (27) for the suction flow, wherein the suction opening (25) extends from the inlet side (26) at the free end of the nozzle body (24) to the outlet side (27) which is able to be arranged on the casing opening (20) of the box casing (18), characterized in that the nozzle body (24) has, on the inlet side (26), at least one movable, preferably strip-like, sealing element (29, 29') which is arranged next to the suction opening (25) and laterally delimits the slot-like suction opening (25), and at least one resiliently elastic expansion means (33) which acts on the sealing element (29, 29') and is designed to push the sealing element (29, 29') outwards away from the outlet side (27) counter to the suction flow direction (23').

2. Suction nozzle according to Claim 1, characterized in that the at least one resiliently elastic expansion means (33) comprises one or more compression springs (33') and / or the at least one resiliently elastic expansion means (33) comprises an expander (33") which is switchable and / or expandable in a controlled manner.

3. Suction nozzle according to either of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one sealing element (29, 29') is additionally arranged on the nozzle body (24) so as to be movable laterally and transversely with respect to the suction flow direction (23'), wherein in particular the width of the slot-like suction opening (25) is variable.

4. Suction nozzle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, by means of a holder (28) on the box casing (18), the nozzle body (24) is able to be arranged so as to preferably be axially movable, in particular displaceable, and is removable from an overlap with the casing opening (20) at least in certain regions.

5. Suction nozzle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the nozzle body (24) has a guide device (35) for the at least one movable sealing element (29, 29'), wherein the guide device (35) is designed to guide the at least one movable sealing element (29, 29') during its movements longitudinally and optionally transversely with respect to the suction flow direction (23').

6. Suction nozzle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the nozzle body (24) has a hollow base part (30) through which the suction opening (25) passes and on which the at least one movable sealing element (29, 29') is arranged, wherein preferably the resiliently elastic expansion means (33) and optionally the guide device (35) is / are arranged between the base part (30) and the at least one movable sealing element (29, 29').

7. Suction nozzle according to Claim 6, characterized in that the hollow base part (30) comprises a support element (32), which is able to be arranged over the casing opening (20) and is preferably formed as a support cone (37), and at least one load-bearing element (31, 31') which is arranged between the support element (32) and the at least one movable sealing element (29, 29'), wherein preferably the resiliently elastic expansion means (33) is supported on the at least one load-bearing element (31, 31') and acts on the assigned sealing element (29, 29'), wherein the guide device (35) comprises a guide means (35') which is arranged between the at least one movable sealing element (29, 29') and the at least one load-bearing element (31, 31') and acts along the suction flow direction (23'), wherein the guide means (35') is formed as a leaf spring (45) which is clamped at one edge and bears the at least one sealing element (29, 29') on its other opposite edge, wherein the at least one resiliently elastic expansion means (33) is designed to engage with the guide means (35') and push it outwards away from the outlet side (27) counter to the suction flow direction (23').

8. Suction nozzle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the nozzle body (24) has closed side walls (38) and closed end walls (38') and can have a handle (44) on the end side.

9. Suction nozzle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the nozzle body (24) has, at one or both ends of the suction opening (25) and at the at least one movable sealing means (29, 29'), an opening edge limiter (39), which is preferably adjustable.

10. Jet suction box for a suction-extraction apparatus (6) of an entanglement device (1) for the entanglement of a moving fibrous material web (2), in particular a nonwoven web, by means of liquid jets (4), in particular water jets, wherein the jet suction box (14) is provided and designed to suck in the liquid jets (4) emitted by the entanglement device (1) and exiting the fibrous material web (2) again in a suction flow, and wherein the hollow jet suction box (14) has, on its box casing (18), at least one slot-like casing opening (20) leading to its box interior space (17), wherein the jet suction box (14) has, on its box casing (18), at least one suction nozzle (23, 23") with a nozzle body (24) arranged over the casing opening (20) and with a slot-like suction opening (25) which passes through the nozzle body (24) in a suction flow direction (23'), whose inlet side (26) is directed outwards and whose outlet side (27) is directed towards the casing opening (20), characterized in that the suction nozzle (23, 23") is formed according to at least one of Claims 1 to 9.

11. Jet suction box according to Claim 10, characterized in that a holder (28) is arranged on the box casing (18), wherein, by means of the holder (28) on the box casing (18), the nozzle body (24) is arranged so as to preferably be axially movable, in particular displaceable, and is removable from an overlap with the casing opening (20) at least in certain regions.

12. Jet suction box according to Claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the jet suction box (14) is formed as a straight jet suction tube (15) with a cross section which is preferably rotationally symmetrical at least in certain regions, wherein the jet suction tube (15) can have an externally prismatic box casing (18) with a flattened portion (19) in the region of the casing opening (20).

13. Jet suction box according to Claim 10, 11 or 12, characterized in that the jet suction box (14) has, on its box casing (18), a plurality of suction nozzles (23, 23', 23") distributed in a peripheral direction, wherein the suction nozzles (23, 23') can be formed with an assignment to an injector (3) which emits liquid jets (4) with pressure and / or as further suction nozzles (23") without such an injector assignment.

14. Suction-extraction apparatus for a device (1) for entanglement of a fibrous material web (2), in particular a nonwoven web, by means of liquid jets, in particular water jets, wherein the suction-extraction apparatus (6) has a hollow jet suction box (14), characterized in that the jet suction box (14) is formed according to Claim 10, 11, 12 or 13, wherein the suction-extraction apparatus (6) has a liquid-permeable, in particular perforated, conveying means (11) for the fibrous material web (2), in particular a rotating driven conveyor drum (12) or a conveyor belt, wherein the jet suction box (14) is arranged in a relatively stationary manner in relation to the moving conveying means (11), in particular within the conveyor drum (12), and wherein the outer side of the at least one sealing element (29, 29') butts sealingly against the conveying means (11).

15. Suction-extraction apparatus according to Claim 14, characterized in that the jet suction box (14) in an emission direction of the liquid jets (4), in particular water jets, is arranged below the conveying means (11) for the fibrous material web (2), in particular within the rotatingly driven conveyor drum (12).

16. Entanglement device for the entanglement of a fibrous material web (2), in particular a nonwoven web, by means of liquid jets (4), in particular water jets, comprising at least one injector (3), which emits liquid jets (4), in particular water jets, under pressure, and a suction-extraction apparatus (6) which has a jet suction box (14), characterized in that the jet suction box (14) is formed according to Claim 10, 11, 12 or 13 and the suction-extraction apparatus (6) is formed according to at least one of Claims 14 and 15, wherein the injector (3) directs the emitted liquid jets (4), in particular water jets, into a suction nozzle (23) of the jet suction box (14), which is opposite in the emission direction.

17. Entanglement device according to Claim 16, characterized in that that the entanglement device (1) has a plurality of injectors (3) which are arranged next to one another in the running direction of the fibrous material web (2) and opposite each of which in the emission direction lies a suction nozzle (23) of the jet suction box (14), wherein preferably one or more further suction nozzles (23") directed onto the fibrous material web (2), without an assigned injector (3), are arranged on the jet suction box (14).

18. Method for sucking in liquid jets (4), in particular water jets, which are emitted by an entanglement device (1) against a fibrous material web (2), in particular a nonwoven web, moved by a liquid-permeable conveying means (11) and exit the fibrous material web (2) again, wherein the exiting liquid jets (4) are sucked in by means of a hollow jet suction box (14) of a suction-extraction apparatus (6) in a suction flow, wherein the jet suction box (14) has, on its box casing (18), at least one slot-like casing opening (20) leading to its box interior space (17), wherein the jet suction box (14) has, on its box casing (18), at least one suction nozzle (23) with a nozzle body (24) arranged over the casing opening (20) and with a slot-like suction opening (25) which passes through the nozzle body (24) in a suction flow direction (23'), whose inlet side (26) is directed outwards and whose outlet side (27) is directed towards the casing opening (20), characterized in that the nozzle body (24) has, on the inlet side (26), at least one movable, preferably strip-like, sealing element (29, 29') which is arranged next to the suction opening (25), and at least one resiliently elastic expansion means (33) which acts on the sealing element (29, 29'), wherein the at least one movable sealing element (29, 29') laterally delimits the slot-like suction opening (25) and is pushed sealingly against the conveying means (11) by the resiliently elastic expansion means (33).

Images