Application device, production device for producing at least partially coated and / or impregnated products, and method for cleaning an application device for a coating agent or impregnation agent by means of a cleaning unit

Abstract

The present invention relates to an application device (1), comprising: an application unit (2) for a coating agent or impregnation agent, wherein the application unit (2) has a container (22) for the coating agent or impregnation agent and has a transfer wheel (21) rotatably arranged in the container (22), wherein part of the transfer wheel (21), in particular a circle segment of the transfer wheel (21), protrudes out of a container opening of the container (21); and a cleaning unit (3), which has a hood (31) which is designed to cover the container opening of the container (22) during a cleaning process, wherein the hood (31) has a receiving region (32) for receiving the part of the transfer wheel (21) protruding out of the container opening; and a drive unit (5) and a holder (4), on which the application unit (2) and the cleaning unit (3) are arranged so as to be movable relative to one another by means of the drive unit (5), wherein the application unit (2) and the cleaning unit (3) can be moved relative to one another between a cleaning position, in which the hood (31) of the cleaning unit (3) covers the container opening of the application unit (2), and a production position, in which the hood (31) of the cleaning unit (3) is arranged at a distance from the container opening of the application unit (2).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an application device comprising an application unit for coating or impregnating agents, wherein the application unit includes a container for coating or impregnating agents and a transfer wheel rotatably arranged in the container, wherein a portion of the transfer wheel, in particular a circular segment of the transfer wheel, projects from an opening in the container. The invention further relates to a production device for manufacturing at least partially coated and / or impregnated products, in particular flooring elements. The invention further relates to a method for cleaning an application unit for coating or impregnating agents by means of a cleaning unit.

[0002] Such application systems are used, for example, in production facilities for manufacturing at least partially coated and / or impregnated flooring elements. They are used to coat a section of the flooring elements, such as joint surfaces or chamfers, or to apply a non-film-forming impregnating agent. The coating or impregnating agent is typically drawn from a container by a rotating transfer wheel, and the layer thickness on the transfer wheel is adjusted using a scraper. The flooring element to be applied is typically moved relative to the transfer wheel by a conveyor system. The transfer wheel transfers the coating or impregnating agent to the respective section of the moving flooring element. The application usually occurs without contact, relying solely on adhesion forces.In this context, "non-contact" means that the transfer wheel does not touch the workpiece, but the layer of lacquer applied to the transfer wheel does touch the workpiece.

[0003] The availability of the transfer wheel generally decreases with increasing operating time due to contaminants that accumulate in the coating or impregnating agent or on the wiper, making regular cleaning of the application unit necessary. However, such cleaning measures can only be carried out when the entire production facility is shut down.

[0004] A coating device according to the preamble of claim 1 with a cleaning unit is known from DE 93 18 650 U1. Further coating devices with a cleaning unit are described in EP 3 127 617 A1 and EP 1 228 812 A1.

[0005] Against this background, the question arises Task,to increase the availability of a production facility for the manufacture of at least partially coated and / or impregnated products, such as flooring elements.

[0006] To Solution A contracting authority is proposed for this task, comprehensive An application unit for coating or impregnating agent, wherein the application unit comprises a container for coating or impregnating agent and a transfer wheel rotatably arranged in the container, wherein a part of the transfer wheel, in particular a circular segment of the transfer wheel, projects from a container opening of the container, and a cleaning unit comprising a hood configured to cover the container opening of the container during a cleaning process, wherein the hood has a receiving area for receiving the part of the transfer wheel projecting from the container opening, and a drive unit and a support on which the application unit and the cleaning unit are movably arranged relative to each other by means of the drive unit, wherein the application unit and the cleaning unit can be moved relative to each other between a cleaning position,in which the hood of the cleaning unit covers the container opening of the application unit, and are movable to a production position in which the hood of the cleaning unit is arranged away from the container opening of the application unit.

[0007] The application device according to the invention offers the advantage that the application unit, in particular the transfer wheel and the container, can be cleaned automatically without requiring operator intervention. Cleaning of the application unit can be performed automatically during a standstill of the production equipment comprising the application device, for example, while an operator is performing maintenance on the production equipment. The cleaning unit and the application unit can be moved relative to each other from the production position to the cleaning position by means of the drive unit. In the cleaning position, the hood of the cleaning unit covers the container opening of the application unit, and the receiving area of ​​the hood accommodates a portion of the transfer wheel, so that the container and the transfer wheel can be cleaned without affecting the surrounding area.

[0008] According to the invention, the application unit and the cleaning unit are arranged on the holder so that they can be moved relative to each other by means of the drive unit. When transitioning between the production position of the two units and the cleaning position, either the cleaning unit can be moved relative to the application unit or vice versa. Alternatively, it can be provided that both the application unit and the cleaning unit move relative to the holder and relative to each other in order to move from the production position to the cleaning position.

[0009] Preferably, the cleaning unit is positioned lower in the cleaning position with respect to the direction of gravity than in the production position.

[0010] Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the cleaning unit is arranged offset in the cleaning position compared to the production position in a horizontal direction that runs perpendicular to the direction of gravity.

[0011] Alternatively or additionally, the application unit can be positioned higher in the cleaning position relative to the direction of gravity than in the production position.

[0012] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the application unit comprises a first triggering device for initiating movement of the application unit and / or cleaning unit towards the cleaning position and optionally a cleaning process. The first triggering device is a first actuating device that can be operated by a user. An operator of the application unit can manually start a cleaning process via the first triggering device, for example, when the application unit or the production equipment containing the application unit is at a standstill. The actuating device can be designed as a switch or a push button. The actuating device can be arranged within a housing or on a frame of the application unit.Alternatively, the actuating device can be designed separately from a housing or frame of the application device and connected to it via a wired or wireless communication link. Alternatively, the triggering device can be a first evaluation device configured to detect a predefined state, in particular a maintenance state. The evaluation device can receive a signal from another device, for example, a control device of the production device, and detect the predefined state based on this signal. Alternatively, the evaluation device can monitor the other device of the production device to detect the predefined state.

[0013] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, two cleaning elements are arranged in the receiving area of ​​the hood such that the portion of the transfer wheel protruding from the container opening is positioned between the two cleaning elements when the hood covers the container opening, allowing each cleaning element to clean one of two opposing surfaces of the transfer wheel. In this respect, the cleaning elements can be arranged opposite each other and enclose the transfer wheel between them. Preferably, the cleaning elements are arranged on two opposing inner walls of the hood. Alternatively, the cleaning elements can be arranged at a distance from the inner walls of the hood within the receiving area.

[0014] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the two cleaning elements are designed as brushes, in particular as brushes of identical type. The transfer wheel can be mechanically cleaned via these brush-type cleaning elements. Alternatively, the two cleaning elements can be designed as spray elements, in particular as spray elements of identical type. Wet cleaning of the transfer wheel can be carried out via cleaning elements designed as spray elements. Preferably, the cleaning unit comprises, in addition to the two cleaning elements, further cleaning elements, for example, further spray elements. The further spray elements can be arranged in an upper section of the receiving area, so that a cleaning fluid, for example, water, can be applied to the transfer wheel from above and collected in the container of the application unit.The additional cleaning elements may include, in particular, one or more rotatable spray elements that can release cleaning fluid in different spatial directions within the recording area.

[0015] Optionally, one or more cleaning elements can be arranged inside the container for coating or impregnating agents. These cleaning elements can be designed as brushes and / or spray elements.

[0016] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the application unit comprises a wiper for removing coating or impregnating agent from the transfer wheel, which is arranged inside the container. The cleaning unit includes a further cleaning element, in particular a spray element, which is arranged in the receiving area of ​​the hood such that it can clean the wiper when the hood covers the container opening. The further cleaning element for cleaning the wiper is preferably a rotatable spray element through which cleaning fluid can be dispensed in various directions within the receiving area.

[0017] Preferably, the additional cleaning element for cleaning the wiper is movable from a retracted rest position to an extended cleaning position. This allows the additional cleaning element to remain in the rest position, for example, when the cleaning unit and application unit are moved relative to each other. After the cleaning unit and application unit are coupled, the additional cleaning element can be moved from the rest position to the cleaning position to clean the wiper. Preferably, in the cleaning position, the additional cleaning element is arranged below or obliquely below the wiper in the direction of gravity, so that the wiper can be cleaned from below. When the transfer wheel rotates, the underside of the wiper is typically exposed to more coating or sealing agent and the dirt particles contained therein, which can lead to increased adhesion to this underside.

[0018] Optionally, a scraper, in particular a blade, can be provided on the wiper, wherein the wiper is movable relative to the scraper for cleaning. The relative movement of the wiper and scraper can be manually or motor-driven. To clean the wiper of adhering substances, it can be moved relative to the scraper so that the scraper scrapes the adhering substances from the wiper. Alternatively, the scraper can be moved relative to the wiper. Preferably, the scraper is arranged below the wiper in the direction of gravity so that the underside of the wiper can be cleaned.

[0019] An advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the container of the application unit has a side wall that defines the container opening and surrounds the container opening, as well as a bottom that is firmly connected to the side wall and is arranged at one end of the side wall opposite the container opening. Such an embodiment offers the advantage that the container can be completely sealed by the hood of the cleaning device.

[0020] An alternative preferred embodiment provides that the container of the application unit has a bottom opening and a bottom that can be opened to release the bottom opening, wherein the cleaning unit has a bottom element that is movable independently of the hood and is arranged away from the application unit in the production position and covers the bottom opening in the cleaning position. Such an embodiment offers the possibility of bringing elements of the cleaning unit into contact with the container via two openings, namely the container opening and the bottom opening. In such an embodiment, the container can be completely closed by the hood of the cleaning device and the movable bottom element.

[0021] To SolutionIn addition to the aforementioned task, a production facility for the manufacture of at least partially coated and / or impregnated products, in particular flooring elements, is proposed. with a processing unit described above and with a first processing unit for processing the products, as well as with a conveying unit for conveying the products from the first processing unit to the processing unit or a conveying unit for conveying the products from the processing unit to the first processing unit, and with a second triggering device provided as part of the first processing unit for triggering a movement of the processing unit and / or cleaning unit in the direction of the cleaning position and optionally a cleaning process, wherein the second triggering device is a second actuating device that can be actuated by a user, or a second evaluation device that is configured to detect a predetermined state, in particular a maintenance state, of the first processing device.

[0022] A cleaning process for the order unit can be initiated externally via the second trigger device. If the second trigger device is designed as an actuating device, an operator of the production equipment can manually start the cleaning process of the order unit from the position of the first processing unit, for example, when the operator is servicing the first processing unit and therefore it, or the entire production equipment, is at a standstill. Alternatively, the second trigger device can be a second evaluation device configured to detect a predefined state, in particular a maintenance state, of the first processing unit.The evaluation unit can receive a signal from the first processing unit, for example, from a control unit of the first processing unit, and detect the predefined state based on this signal. Alternatively, the second evaluation unit can monitor the first processing unit to detect the predefined state.

[0023] The first processing unit can be, for example, a milling unit, a drying unit, or another application unit. The floor elements can be floorboards. The conveying unit can be a conveyor belt or a conveyor chain.

[0024] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the production device comprises at least one second processing unit for processing the products, which includes a third triggering device, provided as part of the second processing unit, for triggering a movement of the application unit and / or cleaning unit towards the cleaning position and optionally a cleaning process. The third triggering device is either a third actuating device that can be operated by a user or a third evaluation device configured to detect a predetermined state, in particular a maintenance state, of the second processing unit. In this respect, several triggering devices, provided externally to the application unit, can be provided, via which a cleaning process of the application unit can be selectively initiated.

[0025] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the application device includes a supply unit for supplying the application unit with coating or impregnating agent.

[0026] In this context, it is advantageous if the order unit is connected to the supply unit via a supply line, in particular a branch line, or via several supply lines, in particular a supply line and a return line.

[0027] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that The application unit comprises a first triggering device for triggering a movement of the application unit and / or cleaning unit in the direction of the cleaning position and optionally a cleaning process, wherein the first triggering device is a first actuating device that can be actuated by a user, or a first evaluation device that is configured to detect a predetermined state, in particular a maintenance state; the application unit comprises a supply unit for supplying the application unit with coating or...has impregnating agent, and the production equipment, in particular a control device of the production equipment, is configured, upon activation of the first activation device, to move the application unit and / or the cleaning unit into the cleaning position, to initiate a cleaning process of the application unit and to initiate a cleaning process of the supply unit and / or to initiate a coating or impregnating agent change process in the supply unit (40), and, upon activation of the second activation device, to move the application unit and / or the cleaning unit into the cleaning position, to initiate a cleaning process of the application unit and not to initiate a cleaning process of the supply unit.

[0028] This embodiment of the invention offers the advantage that triggering the first trigger device on the application unit results in a complete cleaning of the entire unit, while triggering the second trigger device only cleans a portion of the unit, requiring less time and / or personnel. This partial cleaning can be performed as an intermediate cleaning without manual operator intervention and is particularly useful when maintenance or repair work is being carried out elsewhere, especially at a location other than the production unit. Partial cleaning ensures that the application unit is clean when the production unit is restarted.During maintenance or repair work on the application unit, or during a job change, the first trigger device can initiate a complete cleaning process. This complete cleaning can include cleaning the transfer wheel, hopper, any scraper, any buffer hopper, any lines connected to the hopper, the supply unit, and the lines between the supply unit and the application unit.

[0029] The supply unit can comprise a first suction unit for drawing coating or impregnating agent from a first medium container, a second suction unit for drawing coating or impregnating agent from a second medium container, and a cleaning station for cleaning the first or second suction unit. The first and second suction units preferably each include a suction lance and a lid for closing the respective medium container. The cleaning station can include a receptacle for a suction unit, in particular for a suction lance of a suction unit. Preferably, one or more cleaning nozzles are arranged in the area of ​​the receptacle, via which a suction unit or suction lance held in the receptacle can be cleaned.

[0030] Another subject of the inventionis a method for cleaning an application unit for coating or impregnating agents, using a cleaning unit, wherein the application unit comprises a container for coating or impregnating agent and a transfer wheel rotatably arranged in the container, wherein a part of the transfer wheel, in particular a circular segment of the transfer wheel, protrudes from a container opening of the container, wherein the cleaning unit comprises a hood which is configured to cover the container opening of the container during a cleaning process, wherein the hood has a receiving area for receiving the part of the transfer wheel protruding from the container opening, wherein the application unit and the cleaning unit are arranged to be movable relative to each other, in particular via a drive unit, and in particular on a support, wherein the application unit and the cleaning unit are moved relative to each other from a production position in which the hood of the cleaning unit is arranged away from the container opening of the application unit to a cleaning position,in which the hood of the cleaning unit covers the container opening of the application unit.

[0031] The same advantages can be achieved with this method as have already been described in connection with the application device and production equipment according to the invention.

[0032] Within the framework of the inventive method, during the transition to the cleaning position, it is possible that the application unit is moved and the cleaning unit is not moved, or that the cleaning unit is moved and the application unit is not moved. Alternatively, it is also possible that during the transition to the cleaning position both the application unit and the cleaning unit are moved.

[0033] Preferably, the cleaning unit is moved from its production position such that, in the cleaning position, it is positioned lower relative to the direction of gravity than in the production position. Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that, starting from its production position, the cleaning unit is moved such that, in the cleaning position, it is offset from its production position in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the direction of gravity.

[0034] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, starting from the production position, in a first movement step, the application unit is moved such that it releases a space previously occupied by the application unit in the production position. In a second movement step, the cleaning unit is then moved into the space released by the application unit, particularly in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the direction of gravity. In a subsequent third movement step, the application unit is then moved towards the cleaning unit such that both the cleaning unit and the application unit assume the cleaning position (in which the hood of the cleaning unit covers the container opening of the application unit).This design is particularly suitable for applications where, due to the design of the application unit, it is not possible to move the cleaning unit towards the application unit without moving the application unit out of its production position. For example, a conveying device for the application unit may be arranged above it in the direction of gravity, preventing the cleaning unit from approaching the application unit from above.

[0035] According to an advantageous embodiment of the method, the movement in the direction of the cleaning position is triggered by a first actuating device, which is actuated by a user, or by a first evaluation device, which detects a predetermined state, in particular a maintenance state of the application device and / or a processing device, which together with the application device is part of a common production plant, in particular for the production of coated and / or impregnated products, for example floor elements.

[0036] According to an advantageous embodiment of the method, two cleaning elements are arranged in the receiving area of ​​the hood such that the part of the transfer wheel protruding from the container opening is positioned between the two cleaning elements when the hood covers the container opening, so that each of the two cleaning elements cleans one of two opposing surfaces of the transfer wheel. Preferably, the two cleaning elements are designed as brushes, in particular as brushes of identical type. The transfer wheel can be mechanically cleaned via the cleaning elements designed as brushes. Alternatively, the two cleaning elements can be designed as spray elements, in particular as spray elements of identical type. Wet cleaning of the transfer wheel can be carried out via cleaning elements designed as spray elements.Preferably, the cleaning unit comprises, in addition to the two cleaning elements, further cleaning elements, for example, additional spray elements. These additional spray elements can be arranged in an upper section of the receiving area, so that a cleaning fluid, for example, water, can be applied to the transfer wheel from above and collected in the container of the application unit. In particular, the additional cleaning elements can include one or more rotatable spray elements that can discharge cleaning fluid in different directions within the receiving area.

[0037] According to an advantageous embodiment of the method, the application unit comprises a supply unit for providing the application unit with coating or impregnating agent, wherein a cleaning process of the supply unit is initiated together with the movement of the application unit and the cleaning unit relative to each other into the cleaning position. Preferably, a cleaning process of one or more connecting lines linking the cleaning unit and the application unit is initiated together with the initiation of the cleaning process of the supply unit. It is also preferred that the initiation of the cleaning process of the supply unit optionally occurs together with the movement of the application unit and the cleaning unit relative to each other into the cleaning position.Therefore, it is preferable if either cleaning of the application unit alone can be selected (by moving the application unit and the cleaning unit relative to each other into the cleaning position), or cleaning of the application unit together with that of the supply unit (and, if applicable, the connecting lines). This selection can be made via a human-machine interface, which may include one or more actuators.

[0038] According to an advantageous embodiment of the method, the application unit comprises a supply unit for providing the application unit with coating or impregnating agent, wherein a coating or impregnating agent change process is initiated in the supply unit together with the movement of the application unit and the cleaning unit relative to each other into the cleaning position. Preferably, a cleaning process of one or more connecting lines linking the cleaning unit and the application unit is initiated together with the initiation of the coating or impregnating agent change process. Particularly preferably, a cleaning process of the supply unit follows the coating or impregnating agent change process. It is preferably provided that the initiation of the coating or impregnating agent change process is initiated by the cleaning unit.The impregnation agent change process can optionally be performed together with the movement of the application unit and the cleaning unit relative to each other into the cleaning position. Therefore, it is preferred if either cleaning of the application unit alone (by moving the application unit and the cleaning unit relative to each other into the cleaning position) can be selected, or cleaning of the application unit together with a coating or impregnation agent change process (and, if necessary, cleaning of the connecting lines). This selection can be made via a human-machine interface, which may include one or more actuating devices.

[0039] Alternatively or in addition to the advantageous embodiments explained above, the advantageous embodiments and features explained in connection with the device according to the invention can be used in the method.

[0040] Further details and advantages of the invention will be explained below with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the figures. These show: Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of an application device according to a first embodiment of the invention, wherein the application unit and the cleaning unit are in a production position; Fig. 2 shows the application device according to Fig. 1 in a schematic representation, wherein the application unit and the cleaning unit are in a cleaning position; Fig. 3 an application device according to a second embodiment of the invention in a schematic representation, wherein the application unit and the cleaning unit are in a production position; Fig. 4 the application device according to Fig. 3in a schematic representation, wherein the application unit and the cleaning unit are in a cleaning position; Fig. 5 an application device according to a third embodiment of the invention in a schematic representation, wherein the application unit and the cleaning unit are in a production position; Fig. 6 the application device according to Fig. 5 in a first intermediate position; Fig. 7 the order assembly according to Fig. 5 in a second intermediate position; Fig. 8 the order setting after Fig. 5 in a schematic representation, wherein the application unit and the cleaning unit are in a cleaning position; Fig. 9 the cleaning unit of the application device after Fig. 1in a schematic top view; Fig. 10 a production apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention in a schematic representation; and Fig. 11 an order processing apparatus with a supply unit according to an embodiment of the invention in a schematic representation.

[0041] The representation in Fig. 1Figure 1 shows an application device 1 according to an embodiment of the invention, which can be used in a production facility for flooring elements designed as floorboards to apply coating or impregnating agents. The application device 1 comprises an application unit 2 for the coating or impregnating agent with a container 22 for the coating or impregnating agent and a transfer wheel 21 rotatably arranged in the container 22. The transfer wheel 21 receives the coating or impregnating agent from the container 22 and transfers it contactlessly – i.e., via adhesive forces – to a section of the respective flooring element, for example, to a joint surface or a chamfer. The flooring element is thereby guided by a Fig. 1The conveying device (not shown) is guided past the transfer wheel 21. A portion of the transfer wheel 21, in particular a circular segment of the transfer wheel 21, protrudes from an opening in the container 22 and can therefore transfer the coating or impregnating agent onto the floor element. A further component of the application unit 2 is a scraper 23 for removing the coating or impregnating agent from the transfer wheel 21. The scraper 23 is located inside the container 22.

[0042] The container 22 comprises a side wall defining the container opening and a bottom firmly connected to the side wall, which is located at one end of the side wall opposite the container opening.

[0043] Furthermore, the application device 1 comprises a cleaning unit 3 with a hood 31, which is configured to cover the container opening of the container 22 during a cleaning process, the hood 31 having a receiving area 32 for receiving the part of the transfer wheel 21 protruding from the container opening. The cleaning unit 3 is located according to Fig. 1 spaced away from the application unit 2. In this respect, the cleaning unit and the application unit 2 occupy a production position in which the application unit 2 can be used to apply coating or impregnating agents.

[0044] Another component of the application device 1 is a holder 4 on which the application unit 2 and the cleaning unit 3 are movably arranged. Furthermore, the application device 1 includes a drive unit 5 for moving the application unit 2 and the cleaning unit 3 relative to each other. By means of the drive unit 5, the application unit 2 and the cleaning unit 3 can be moved relative to each other between the in Fig. 1 production position shown and the one in Fig. 2 The cleaning position shown can be moved back and forth.

[0045] The order unit 1 also includes a triggering device 6 for initiating a movement of order unit 2 and / or cleaning unit 3 towards the cleaning position and a cleaning process. This triggering device 5 is an actuating device that can be manually operated by a user. Alternatively or additionally, an evaluation device can be provided as a triggering device 7, which is configured to detect a predefined state, in particular a maintenance state, and then trigger the cleaning process when the predefined state is detected.

[0046] According to Fig. 2The application unit 2 and the cleaning unit 3 are in the cleaning position, in which the hood 31 of the cleaning unit 3 covers the container opening of the application unit 2. The transfer wheel 21 and the wiper 23 are arranged in the receiving space 32 of the hood 31. The hood 31 shields the transfer wheel 21 and the wiper 23 from the environment in such a way that they can be wet-cleaned without affecting the environment. In the cleaning position, the cleaning unit 3 can be positioned lower relative to gravity than in the production position. Therefore, the cleaning unit 3 can be moved from the production position to the cleaning position by a movement, particularly a linear one, in the direction of gravity.Optionally, the cleaning unit 3 can be arranged in the cleaning position, offset in a horizontal direction compared to the production position, where the horizontal direction is understood to be a direction perpendicular to the direction of gravity. Alternatively or additionally, the application unit 2 can be arranged higher with respect to the direction of gravity in the cleaning position than in the production position.

[0047] Another embodiment of an order processing device 1 according to the invention is shown in Fig. 3 shown. The order setting 1 essentially corresponds to the one shown in Fig. 1 The order processing facility shown, so reference is made to the relevant explanations. In contrast to order processing facility 1 according to Fig. 1 is during order setup according to Fig. 3A container 22 is provided, which has a bottom opening. Furthermore, a bottom 25, which can be opened to release the bottom opening, is provided on the container 22. The bottom can, for example, be pivotably arranged on the container 22, in particular on a side wall of the container 22. Another difference from the one in Fig. 1 The embodiment shown consists in the cleaning unit 3 having a base element 35 that is movable independently of the hood 31 and is located in the Fig. 3 The production position shown is located away from order unit 2.

[0048] The Fig. 4 The order setup 1 shows after Fig 3 in the cleaning position in which the hood 31 of the cleaning unit 3 covers the container opening of the application unit 2 and the bottom element 35 of the cleaning unit 3 covers the bottom opening of the application unit 2.

[0049] The representation in Fig. 5shows a further embodiment of an application device 1 according to the invention. The application device 1 essentially corresponds to the one shown in Fig. 1 The order processing facility shown, so reference is made to the relevant explanations. In contrast to order processing facility 1 according to Fig. 1 Is the order facility 1 according to Fig. 5 set up to operate order processing facility 2 and cleaning facility 3 in a manner different from that described in Fig. 5 to move the product from the production position shown in Fig. g 8 to a cleaning position, and vice versa. The movement sequence includes intermediate steps, which are shown in Fig. 6 and 7 are shown.

[0050] Starting from the production position after Fig. 5In a first movement step, order unit 2 is moved such that it frees up space previously occupied by order unit 3 in its production position. After completion of this first intermediate step, order unit 2 and cleaning unit 3 are in a first intermediate position, which is Fig. 6 The movement from the production position to the first intermediate position can be achieved, for example, by moving the application unit 2 downwards in the direction of gravity. Such a configuration is particularly suitable for applications in which a conveying device (not shown) is arranged above the application unit 2, which prevents the cleaning unit 3 from approaching the application unit 2 from above.

[0051] In a second movement step, cleaning unit 3 is then moved into the space released by application unit 2. The movement can occur in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the direction of gravity. This movement achieves a second intermediate position, which is Fig. 7 is shown.

[0052] In a subsequent third movement step, the application unit 2 is then moved towards the cleaning unit 3 in such a way that the cleaning unit 3 and the application unit 2 assume a cleaning position in which the hood 31 of the cleaning unit 3 covers the container opening of the application unit 2.

[0053] In Fig. 9 A cleaning unit 3 is shown, which is used in the above-described application devices 1, in particular in the application device 1 according to Fig. 1can be used. The view of the cleaning unit 3 is chosen such that one looks into the interior of the hood 31, i.e., into the receiving area 32 of the hood 31. The transfer wheel 21 and the scraper 23 are shown with dashed lines for better orientation. It can be seen that in the receiving area 32 of the hood 31, two cleaning elements 33 designed as brushes are arranged such that the part of the transfer wheel 21 protruding from the container opening is positioned between the two cleaning elements 33 when the hood opens the container opening in the cleaning position. Fig. 2The cover 31 covers the opening of the container 22. In this position, each of the two cleaning elements 33 can clean one of the two opposing surfaces of the transfer wheel 21. The brushes are preferably designed as identical brushes. A further cleaning element 34, designed as a spray element, is arranged in the receiving area 32 of the cleaning unit 3. This cleaning element 34 is arranged such that it can clean the wiper 23 when the cover 31 covers the opening of the container 22 in the cleaning position. The spray element is preferably designed as a rotatable spray element so that it can dispense a cleaning fluid at an angle of 360°.

[0054] The representation in Fig. 10Figure 1 schematically shows a production facility 100 according to an embodiment of the invention, which is configured as a flooring line, i.e., as a production facility 100 for the manufacture of partially coated and / or partially sealed flooring elements. The production facility 100 comprises an application unit 1 according to Figure 1. Fig. 1 , 3 or 5 as well as processing devices 11, 12, 13 for processing the products and a conveyor device 10 for conveying the products from the processing devices 11, 12 to the order device 1 or for conveying the products from the order device 1 to the processing device 13. The processing devices 11, 12, 13 can, for example, be designed as a milling device, in particular for milling a joining surface or a chamfer of the floor element, or as a drying device, for example as a continuous oven.

[0055] In such production facilities 100, maintenance, cleaning, or calibration of individual tools of the machining units 11, 12, 13 is only possible when the entire production facility 100 is shut down. An operator can only work on one machining unit 11, 12, 13 or one tool of the production facility 100 at a time. Particularly with the coating unit 1, there is a risk during such downtimes that the coating or impregnating agent will dry out, reducing the availability of the production facility 100. During operation of the coating unit 1, contaminants accumulate in the coating or impregnating agent, which can, for example, block the wiper 23.

[0056] In the production unit 100 shown, the problem is solved by providing a triggering device as part of a processing unit 11, 12, 13, which is separate from the order unit 1. This triggering device allows an operator working at the processing unit 11, 12, 13, for example for maintenance, repair, or cleaning, to initiate a movement of order unit 2 and / or cleaning unit 3 in the direction of the cleaning position and a cleaning process in the order unit 1, so that this can be carried out in parallel with the operator's work at the processing unit 11, 12, 13. The triggering device can be an actuating device that can be operated by the user, for example, a switch or a push button.Alternatively, the triggering device can be designed as an evaluation unit which is configured to detect a predetermined state, in particular a maintenance state, of the first processing unit and then trigger the cleaning of the order unit.

[0057] Therefore, the trigger devices of the processing units 11, 12, 13 can initiate an automatic cleaning of the order unit 2 of the order unit 1.

[0058] The production unit 100 can provide different cleaning modes, which are particularly useful in configurations where the application unit is connected to a supply unit via one or more supply lines. These lines supply the application unit with coating or impregnating agent and / or return excess coating or impregnating agent. For example, in a first cleaning mode, only the application unit 2 is cleaned by cleaning unit 3, while the supply unit remains uncleaned. This first cleaning mode is suitable as an intermediate cleaning step that can be performed relatively quickly. A second cleaning mode can also be provided, in which the application unit 2 is cleaned by cleaning unit 3, and the supply unit is also cleaned.The second cleaning mode can provide a complete cleaning of order unit 1, i.e., order unit 2 and the supply unit. Finally, an automatic paint change is also possible. During ongoing production, the new paint is supplied to the unused paint station on the supply unit. Once production of the batch is complete, the operator can trigger the paint change using one of the operating devices. Subsequently, while the operator handles the remaining line changeover, order unit 2, cleaning unit 3, and the connecting line are cleaned. The order unit is then automatically filled with the new paint from the previously unused paint station, and production can begin. During the new production run, the operator can then insert the previously used paint station into the cleaning tube and clean it.

[0059] The following will be based on the presentation in Fig. 11 A cleaning process for a supply unit 40 will be explained. The supply unit comprises a first suction unit 41 for drawing coating or impregnating agent from a first medium container 47, a second suction unit 42 for drawing coating or impregnating agent from a second medium container 48, and a cleaning station 43 for cleaning the first or second suction unit. The first and second suction units 41, 42 each comprise a suction lance 44 and a lid 45 for closing the respective medium container 47, 48. The cleaning station 43 has a receptacle 49 for the suction unit 41, 42, in particular for the suction lance 44 of the suction unit 42. In the area of ​​the intake 49, one or more cleaning nozzles 50 are also arranged, via which a suction unit 41, 42, or suction lance 44 received in the intake 49 can be cleaned.

[0060] Before starting the cleaning process of the supply unit 40, the suction lance 42 of the respective suction unit 41, 42 is inserted into the receptacle 49 of the cleaning station 43. The suction lance 44 of the respective other suction unit 41, 42 can remain in its respective medium container. After starting the cleaning process, the suction lance 44, which is inserted into the receptacle 49, is cleaned using the cleaning nozzles 50 of the cleaning station 43. During this process, medium lines contained in the supply unit 40, for example, medium lines between a valve unit and the suction lance 44, can also be cleaned, in particular rinsed. After cleaning the suction unit 41, 42, it can be removed from the receptacle 49, and the respective other suction unit 41, 42 can be inserted into the receptacle 49 for cleaning. Reference symbol:

[0061] 1. Application device 2. Application unit 3. Cleaning unit 4. Holder 5. Drive unit 6. Release device 7. Release device 10. Conveying device 11. Processing device 12. Processing device 13. Processing device 21 Transfer wheel 22 Container 23 Scraper 25 Floor 31 Hood 32 Receiving area 33 Cleaning element 34 Cleaning element 35 Base element 40 Supply unit 41 Suction unit 42 Suction unit 43 Cleaning station 44 Suction lance 45 Cover 46 Valve unit 47 Medium container 48 Medium container 49 Intake 100 production facilities

Claims

1. Application device (1) comprising an application unit (2) for coating or impregnating agents, wherein the application unit (2) comprises a container (22) for coating or impregnating agents and a transfer wheel (21) rotatably arranged within the container (22), wherein a portion of the transfer wheel (21), in particular a circular segment of the transfer wheel (21), protrudes from a container opening of the container (22), and with a cleaning unit (3) comprising a cover (31) adapted to cover the container opening of the container (22) during a cleaning operation, wherein the cover (31) comprises a receiving area (32) for receiving the portion of the transfer wheel (21) protruding from the container opening, characterised by a drive unit (5) and a mounting (4), on which the application unit (2) and the cleaning unit (3) are arranged so as to be movable relative to one another by means of the drive unit (5), wherein the application unit (2) and the cleaning unit (3) are movable relative to one another between a cleaning position, in which the cover (31) of the cleaning unit (3) covers the container opening of the application unit (2), and a production position, in which the cover (31) of the cleaning unit (3) is arranged away from the container opening of the application unit (2).

2. Application device (1) according to claim 1, characterised by a first triggering device (6, 7) for triggering a movement of the application unit (2) and / or the cleaning unit (3) towards the cleaning position and, optionally, a cleaning operation, wherein the first triggering device is a first actuating means (6) which can be actuated by a user, or a first evaluation means (7) which is designed to detect a predetermined condition, in particular a maintenance condition.

3. An application device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that two cleaning elements (33) are arranged in the receiving area (32) of the cover (31) in such a way that the part of the transfer wheel (21) protruding from the container opening is positioned between the two cleaning elements (33) when the cover (31) covers the container opening, so that one of the two cleaning elements (33) can clean one of two opposing surfaces of the transfer wheel (21) respectively, wherein the two cleaning elements (33) are preferably designed as brushes, in particular as brushes of the same type, or that the two cleaning elements (33) are designed as spray elements, in particular as spray elements of the same type.

4. Application device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the application unit (2) comprises a scraper (23) for scraping coating or impregnating agent from the transfer wheel (21), which is arranged within the container (22), wherein the cleaning unit comprises a further cleaning element (34), in particular a spray element, which is arranged in the receiving area (32) of the cover (31) in such a way that it can clean the scraper (23) when the cover (31) covers the container opening, wherein, preferably, the further cleaning element can be moved from a retracted rest position into an extended cleaning position for cleaning the scraper, in particular wherein the further cleaning element is arranged in the cleaning position in the direction of gravity below or diagonally below the scraper.

5. Application device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the container (22) of the application unit (2) has a bottom opening and a bottom (25) which can be opened to expose the bottom opening, wherein the cleaning unit (3) comprises a bottom element (35) movable independently of the cover (31), which is arranged away from the application unit (2) in the production position and covers the bottom opening in the cleaning position.

6. Production apparatus (100) for manufacturing at least partially coated and / or impregnated products, in particular floor elements, comprising an application device (1) according to one of the preceding claims and a first processing device (11, 12, 13) for processing the products, and a conveyor device (10) for conveying the products from the first processing device (11, 12) to the application device (1) or a conveyor device (10) for conveying the products from the application device (1) to the first processing device (13), and a second triggering device provided as part of the first processing device (11, 12, 13) for triggering a movement of the application unit (2) and / or cleaning unit (3) towards the cleaning position and, optionally, a cleaning operation, wherein the second triggering device is a second actuating means which can be actuated by a user, or a second evaluation means which is configured to detect a predetermined state, in particular a maintenance state, of the first processing means (11, 12, 13).

7. Production device (100) according to claim 6, characterised by at least one second processing device (11, 12, 13) for processing the products, which comprises a third triggering device provided as part of the second processing device (11, 12, 13) for triggering a movement of the application unit (2) and / or cleaning unit (3) in the direction of the cleaning position and, optionally, a cleaning operation, wherein the third triggering device is a third actuating means which can be actuated by a user, or a third evaluation means which is configured to detect a predetermined condition, in particular a maintenance condition, of the second processing means (11, 12, 13).

8. Production device (100) according to one of claims 6 or 7, characterised in that the application device (1) comprises a supply unit (40) for supplying the application unit (2) with coating or impregnating agent, wherein the application unit (2) is preferably connected to the supply unit (40) via a supply line, in particular a branch line, or via a plurality of supply lines, in particular a supply line and a return line.

9. A production device (100) according to claim 8, characterised in that the application device (1) comprises a first actuating device (6, 7) for initiating movement of the application unit (2) and / or cleaning unit (3) towards the cleaning position and, optionally, a cleaning operation, wherein the first triggering device is a first actuating means (6) which can be actuated by a user, or a first evaluation means (7) which is configured to detect a predetermined condition, in particular a maintenance condition, the production device (100), in particular a control device of the production device (100), is configured to upon triggering of the first triggering device (6, 7), move the application unit (2) and / or the cleaning unit (3) to the cleaning position, to initiate a cleaning operation of the application unit (2) and to initiate a cleaning operation of the supply unit (40) and / or to initiate a coating or impregnation agent changeover operation in the supply unit (40), and upon actuation of the second actuating device, to move the application unit (2) and / or the cleaning unit (3) into the cleaning position, to initiate a cleaning operation of the application unit (2) and not to initiate a cleaning operation of the supply unit (40).

10. Method for cleaning an application unit (2) for coating or impregnating agents, by means of a cleaning unit (3), wherein the application unit (2) comprises a container (22) for coating or impregnating agents and a transfer wheel (21) rotatably arranged within the container (22), wherein a portion of the transfer wheel (21), in particular a circular segment of the transfer wheel (21), protrudes from a container opening of the container (22), wherein the cleaning unit (3) comprises a cover (31) which is adapted to cover the container opening of the container (22) during a cleaning operation, wherein the cover (31) comprises a receiving area (32) for receiving the portion of the transfer wheel (21) protruding from the container opening, wherein the application unit (2) and the cleaning unit (3) are arranged so as to be movable relative to one another, wherein the application unit (2) and the cleaning unit (3) are moved relative to one another from a production position, in which the cover (31) of the cleaning unit (3) is positioned away from the container opening of the application unit (2), into a cleaning position, in which the cover (31) of the cleaning unit (3) covers the container opening of the application unit (2).

11. A method according to claim 10, characterised in that - during the transition to the cleaning position - the application unit is moved and the cleaning unit is not moved.

12. A method according to claim 10, characterised in that - during the transition to the cleaning position - the cleaning unit is moved and the dispensing unit is not moved.

13. A method according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterised in that the movement towards the cleaning position is triggered by a first actuating device (6) operated by a user, or by a first evaluation device (7), which detects a predetermined state, in particular a maintenance state of the application device (2) and / or a processing device (11, 12, 13), which, together with the application device (1), forms part of a common production plant (100), in particular for the production of coated and / or impregnated products, for example floor elements.

14. A method according to any one of claims 10 to 13, characterised in that the application device (1) comprises a supply unit (40) for supplying the application unit (2) with coating or impregnation agent, wherein, in conjunction with the movement of the application unit (2) and the cleaning unit (3) relative to one another into the cleaning position, a cleaning operation of the supply unit (40) is initiated.

15. A method according to any one of claims 10 to 14, characterised in that the application device (1) comprises a supply unit (40) for supplying the application unit (2) with a coating or impregnating agent, wherein, in conjunction with the movement of the application unit (2) and the cleaning unit (3) relative to one another into the cleaning position, a coating or impregnation agent changeover process is initiated in the supply unit.

Images