A treatment device for flexible strip-shaped materials, especially thin resin films, passing through a treatment furnace

Abstract

To provide a treatment device comprising an improved type air cutoff device.SOLUTION: A treatment device provided at the inside of a region separation device comprises at least two treatment regions continuous to a conveyance direction of a flexible belt-like material 1. The region separation device has at least one air cutoff device having jet devices AC-E arranged in a transverse direction of the flexible belt-like material to the conveyance direction of the belt-like material and generating jet airflows reaching the flexible belt-like material. The jet air flows outflowing from the jet devices are obliquely contacted with the plane of the flexible belt-like material formed by the belt-like material in the belt-like material direction at a jet angle α of 85° or less or a jet angle component α, and the jet angle α or the jet angle component α is composed in a vertical plane WE perpendicular to the conveyance direction and also vertical to the flexible material belt-like material.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4a

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention, as defined in the preamble of patent claim 1, relates to a device for treating flexible strip-shaped material, in particular strip-shaped material in the form of a thin resin film (plastic film sheet or thin resin film), passing through a treatment furnace. [Background technology]

[0002] The resin thin film processing apparatus is often a thin film stretching apparatus used in the production of a resin thin film. A so-called simultaneous stretching apparatus that stretches a resin thin film simultaneously in the longitudinal and transverse directions is known. Also known is a so-called sequential stretching apparatus that performs two-stage continuous stretching, for example, by first stretching the resin thin film in the longitudinal direction and then in the transverse direction (or vice versa). Finally, apparatuses that stretch only in the longitudinal direction and unidirectional stretching apparatuses that stretch only in the transverse direction are also known.

[0003] A technique for producing a resin thin film by gripping opposing edges of a web of material to be stretched with a plurality of gripping devices disposed on both sides of the material and moving the gripping devices along a plurality of circulating guide rails is known. The gripping devices move from an entrance region of the guide rails (e.g., a region where gripping of both edges of the resin thin film to be stretched begins), through a stretching region (a region where opposing gripping devices move away from each other to expand both edges laterally relative to the conveying direction of the guide rails) and / or downstream of the stretching region, through one or more treatment regions (annealing region, cooling region) in which the resin thin film is subjected to, for example, a heat treatment to remove or relax internal stress in the resin thin film, and then through an exit region, after which the gripping devices return and move back to the entrance region.

[0004] Before, during, and after the actual stretching process, the resin film must undergo a variety of heating or cooling treatments in each of a number of treatment zones. The strip of resin film to be stretched passes through a series of heat treatment ovens in a number of different treatment zones (including a number of neutral zones between treatment zones). In the treatment zones, not only are the resin film to be produced subjected to various heat treatments, but air must also be supplied to the heat treatment ovens to constantly supply fresh air to the interior space of the heat treatment oven of the stretching device and to remove contaminated air.

[0005] The processing furnace is usually divided into a plurality of processing zones where different processes are performed, and the flexible strip of material, i.e., the resin film, is transported through the plurality of processing zones where it is processed at different temperatures.

[0006] A stretching apparatus is generally divided into multiple processing zones. For example, a stretching apparatus may be provided with a preheating zone, a stretching zone, an annealing zone, and a cooling zone. The preheating zone and the stretching zone may be formed as a common zone. For example, multiple cooling zones (and in principle, multiple other processing zones) may be divided into multiple separate processing zones, such as a first cooling zone, a second cooling zone, and a third cooling zone at the end of the stretching apparatus. The third cooling zone may be separated by a neutral zone between the second and third cooling zones. For example, a neutral zone may also be provided between the stretching zone and the annealing zone (or at multiple other locations). Furthermore, the zone that merges with the neutral zone that transitions to a subsequent processing zone typically has an inlet gap and an outlet gap (sometimes referred to as an inlet opening and an outlet opening) through which the resin thin film moving through the stretching furnace passes. Furthermore, multiple processing chambers may be provided in each of multiple processing zones, such as an annealing zone having multiple processing chambers. There are also multiple processing chambers in the processing region where the inlet and outlet gaps of the resin thin film are not usually provided.

[0007] For example, in some stretching apparatus structures, the problem of "entrainment" (a phenomenon in which surrounding air or air is entrained) occurs constantly due to the resin film continuously moving through the exit area of ​​the processing zone transitioning to the neutral zone. When the resin film moves from the neutral zone to the subsequent processing zone, there is also a problem that the surrounding air flows into the processing space of the subsequent processing zone along with the resin film. As such, as the resin film moves through the stretching oven, the resin film physically entraps, entrains, or drags in the surrounding air or air layer, ultimately resulting in the air flow entering the neutral zone from the processing zone and the surrounding air entering the subsequent processing zone (located in the neutral zone).

[0008] The airflow carried from the processing zone by the moving resin film is usually too high or too low for the processing chamber temperature set in the subsequent processing chamber, which may cause the subsequent processing chamber to be changed to a non-optimal processing temperature. Also, contaminants may be carried with the airflow carried into adjacent processing zones, which may then cause undesirable conditions in the adjacent processing zones (e.g., condensation of harmful airflow components).

[0009] In addition to the airflow introduced into different processing zones as the thin film moves, if the overall pressure within the processing furnace is different from the desired level, additional free flow is added, increasing the amount of airflow exchange between multiple processing chambers and / or between subsequent neutral zones or multiple processing chambers in one neutral zone and subsequent processing chambers.

[0010] If the gas barrier between the two different processing zones is insufficient, the air along the entire resin film may flow out of the processing zone in an uncontrolled manner, creating an uncontrollable pressure state in the processing zone. If the resin film width of the strip material is very wide and the air pressure becomes unstable, air within the processing zone will flow in and out simultaneously along the entire width of the resin film through multiple outlet gaps in the processing zone, creating different temperature zones in the width direction of the resin film, which may result in problems such as damage to the flatness of the resin film.

[0011] When these defects are compounded, and the moving resin film draws in ambient air, or pressure differences occur within the furnace, uncontrolled free flow of gas can occur, resulting in the formation of multiple processing zones with "incorrect temperatures." For example, hot air can flow into a low-temperature processing zone, and conversely, cold air can flow into a high-temperature processing zone.

[0012] Therefore, improper heating or cooling, i.e., non-optimal heating or non-optimal cooling, can in principle deteriorate the mechanical and / or optical properties of the resin thin film, and this deterioration in quality becomes particularly apparent when the resin thin film is stretched.

[0013] A structure has already been proposed that provides heat transfer separation between two consecutive processing chambers or processing zones in the form of multiple neutral zones. For example, a neutral zone can be provided between two necessary processing zones, such as between the stretching zone and the annealing zone, or between the annealing zone and the cooling zone, and before the final cooling zone.

[0014] However, when the strip material exits the preceding processing area, the moving strip material entrains ambient air, causing an inappropriate amount of ambient air flow or air flow to be introduced from the preceding processing area into the neutral area or taken into the subsequent processing area from the neutral area through the introduction opening, so simply providing a neutral area between adjacent processing areas does not sufficiently suppress the amount of ambient air movement between the processing areas.

[0015] Therefore, efforts have already been made to provide an air shielding device within the processing region to further limit or minimize the movement of the heat transfer gas amount captured by the resin thin film entering and leaving the processing chamber (usually a processing furnace).

[0016] Patent document 1 proposes a shielding device for a stretching device, particularly a transverse stretching device for a resin thin film, that generates a heat medium air flow substantially tangential to the resin thin film strip material and in a direction opposite to the conveying direction of the resin thin film strip material.

[0017] Patent Document 2 discloses a stretching device in which nozzle devices arranged above and below a moving resin thin film spray a heat transfer medium airflow onto the resin thin film at an inclination angle in the opposite direction to the conveying direction of the resin thin film. The sprayed heat transfer medium airflow is sucked in by an exhaust passage installed in front of the nozzle box in the conveying direction. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0018] [Patent Document 1] German Utility Model No. 9213802U1 [Patent Document 2] European Patent Application Publication No. 1616690A1 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0019] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a processing device with an improved air blocking device of simplified structure for a processing zone (in particular a processing zone in the form of a processing furnace or drawing furnace for a moving strip material, a resin film of the strip material to be drawn). [Means for solving the problem]

[0020] The problem of the invention is solved by the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are defined in the dependent claims.

[0021] Extensive and long-term prior art experiments have not yielded the good results achieved by the processing apparatus of the present invention, but the present invention achieves a surprising and significantly improved air barrier effect in each of multiple processing zones or multiple processing chambers.

[0022] The present invention is based on the idea of ​​separating the surrounding air of a resin thin film that accompanies the movement of the resin thin film through adjacent processing areas into each adjacent processing area or preventing the movement of the surrounding air to other processing areas, without using multiple mechanical devices such as shielding devices that provide mechanical blocking to limit the height of the entrance gap or exit gap of the processing area through which the resin thin film moves.

[0023] In view of the special configuration of the processing equipment, the present invention achieves the prevention of the movement of the surrounding air of the resin thin film to other processing areas by using an air blocking device that generates an air blocking film (air curtain) that is far more effective and efficient than several conventional solutions.

[0024] The solution of the present invention includes a nozzle array arranged transversely, particularly perpendicularly, to the transport direction of the flexible web material and generally parallel to the moving flexible web material below. The nozzle array comprises air nozzle openings aligned with the web material direction and ejecting a heat transfer airflow toward the web material, or multiple air nozzle openings arranged side by side. In contrast to conventional solutions, in the treatment device of the present invention, the heat transfer airflow contacts and impinges on the web material at least transversely or perpendicularly to the transport direction of the flexible web material. The heat transfer airflow may additionally have a component in the transport direction of the flexible web material and in the opposite direction. An important requirement of the present invention is the alignment of the heat transfer airflow with an oblique contact angle transversely, preferably perpendicularly to the transport direction. The heat transfer airflow, which is ejected or injected at a preferred angle of less than 85°, contacts the web material at an inclination. A preferred injection angle range for the heat transfer airflow is, for example, 30° to 60°.

[0025] The advantages of the present invention, which sets the jet direction of the heat transfer medium airflow at an inclination in the transverse direction of the conveying direction of the web-like material, are numerous. First, the transverse component of the heat transfer medium (jet) airflow, which is intentionally aligned with the flexible web-like material that is continuously moving in the conveying direction, forms a widthwise inclined contact airflow on the web-like material and contacts the web-like material.

[0026] The second advantage of an airflow angled toward the web is that it allows for close contact between the airflow and the web, resulting in heat transfer. In conventional systems where the injected airflow impinges perpendicularly on the web, energy exchange between the airflow and the web occurs only partially around the stagnation area. Furthermore, the flow of the heat transfer medium airflow along the flexible web after impacting the web increases energy exchange. When the injected airflow impinges on the web, an airflow impingement center is formed by the airflow impingement jet that impinges perpendicularly on the web. The airflow is then divided into a forward airflow contact area, which flows primarily in the longitudinal direction of the stretching device (i.e., the web's conveying direction), and a backward airflow contact area, which flows in the opposite direction from the airflow impingement center to the web's conveying direction (see Figure 5 for details). The subsequent air flows from the numerous nozzle outlets (similarly from nozzle outlets with continuous opening shapes) arranged side by side in the transverse direction to the conveying direction collide with the preceding air flows, blocking the flow direction, so that only a very limited amount of the colliding air flows in the longitudinal direction of the stretching device or in the transverse direction to the conveying direction.

[0027] From the two heat transfer areas (the air flow collision center and the air flow flow area), an energy exchange area such as heat exchange or pressure exchange of uneven thin stripes of air flow is formed in the width direction of the moving direction (conveying direction) of the strip material.

[0028] The present invention, which utilizes an "air barrier membrane (air curtain)," combines the advantages of individual air jets (stable air jets to separate processing areas and reasonable manufacturing costs) with the uniform energy exchange achieved by air jets. This allows for excellent separation of the jetted air between processing areas, resulting in a highly uniform internal temperature distribution across the entire processing width of the relevant product, i.e., flexible web material, such as a thin film resin to be stretched.

[0029] Furthermore, compared to conventional vertical air jet impingement on a strip of material, oblique air jet contact has the advantage of significantly reducing the pressure load on the product, particularly on flexible strips of material. That is, the surface quality of the strip of material is protected by the reduced contact pressure caused by the oblique jet contact with the strip of material, resulting in a further advantage of improving the quality of the final product.

[0030] Furthermore, the oblique jet contact of the air flow also supplies a sufficient amount of air flow to the edge regions near both ends of the product width, improving the amount of heat exchanged in the edge regions and suppressing quality deterioration in the edge regions of, for example, the resin thin film, which is the strip-shaped material to be stretched (ultimately improving product manufacturing efficiency).

[0031] Finally, in the past, conveying devices typically entrained or conveyed airflow from the pre-treatment zone to each current treatment zone, resulting in the mixing of cold, hot, or contaminated airflows, especially at the edge regions of the product (e.g., flexible web) being manufactured or processed, resulting in insufficient energy exchange between the airflow and the product. However, the inventive solution has the further advantage of providing a kind of "cleaning effect" due to the oblique jet contact of the heat transfer medium airflow across the width of the web. In this invention, a cross-flow occurs in the width direction of the web, which is different from the conveying direction of the conveying device, and the surrounding airflow, which is caught by the conveyed web, is often swept away by the cross-flow.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, at least two nozzle rows, i.e., multiple nozzle outlets for the jetted air streams, are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the nozzle rows, i.e., transversely, i.e., perpendicularly, to the transport direction of the web-shaped material. Preferably, the two nozzle rows are arranged parallel to each other and spaced apart in the transport direction of the web-shaped material. Due to the inclined shape of the nozzle rows, the air stream emitted from the first nozzle row is directed toward one edge region of the web-shaped material, which is transverse to the transport direction of the web-shaped material, while the air stream emitted from the second nozzle row, which is spaced apart from the first nozzle row and has an inclined shape in the opposite direction, is directed toward the other edge region of the web-shaped material. This allows for a novel air flow separation effect between two consecutive processing zones and an air flow prevention effect between the processing zones. This effect can be achieved without using a mechanically movable and / or adjustable screen door or a screen door elastic membrane that changes the size of the screen door.

[0033] For the sake of completeness, it should be noted that the desired advantages of the solution according to the invention can be achieved not only when passing from one processing zone to the next, but also when entering or leaving a stretching apparatus and / or a drawing oven. This does not in principle mean a change of processing zone, i.e., a change to conditions in the first processing zone that follow conditions outside or preceding the stretching apparatus or drawing oven. A similar change of zone occurs in principle on exit, i.e., a change from conditions in the last processing zone to conditions outside or following the stretching apparatus or drawing oven.

[0034] Finally, the solution of the present invention can be implemented within a processing area to improve the airflow onto the resin film within a processing area and / or to further subdivide and / or separate and divide multiple processing chambers within a processing area into multiple processing chamber areas.

[0035] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0036] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a drawing apparatus having multiple processing zones for a moving web of material. [Figure 2]FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the upper half of a strip of material in two processing regions connected to each other and spaced apart by a neutral region in the conveying direction of the strip of material; [Figure 3a] FIG. 1 is a schematic bottom view of a jetting device having a plurality of nozzle openings formed along two rows, the plurality of nozzle openings in one row jetting an air flow toward one side edge of the strip-shaped material, and the plurality of nozzle openings in the other row jetting an air flow toward the other side edge of the strip-shaped material. [Figure 3b] FIG. 1 is a partial schematic cross-sectional view of a nozzle opening formed at an angle on the bottom surface of the ejection device. [Figure 4a] FIG. 1 is a side view showing airflows jetted at an angle toward the strip material from jetting devices arranged in the width direction of the strip material; [Figure 4b] 4a shows the width direction of the strip material, rotated by 90° from the side view of the air jet device arranged parallel to the conveying direction of the strip material, and the air jet is jetted perpendicular to the strip material. [Figure 4c] 4b shows a side view of the jetting device inclined relative to the plane of the strip of material, jetting air onto two side edges of the strip of material. [Figure 5] A plan view showing a state in which an airflow impingement region where the airflow impinges on the strip-shaped material from a conventional injector, a rear heat transfer region in the direction opposite to the conveyance direction of the strip-shaped material, and a front heat transfer region in the conveyance direction of the strip-shaped material are formed on the strip-shaped material when airflow is injected from a conventional injector onto the strip-shaped material to exchange heat and energy between the airflow and the strip-shaped material. [Figure 6] 6 is a plan view showing the state of contact of airflow with the web-shaped material in the treatment device of the present invention, which is different from the conventional heat transfer area shown in FIG. [Figure 7a] FIG. 1 is a bottom view of a plurality of round air outlet openings provided in the ejection device. [Figure 7b] FIG. 10 is a bottom view of a plurality of rectangular airflow outlet openings provided in the ejection device. [Figure 7c] FIG. 1 is a bottom view of a plurality of rounded rectangular airflow outlet openings provided in an ejection device. [Figure 7d] FIG. 1 is a bottom view of a plurality of rectangular airflow outlet openings provided in the ejection device. [Figure 7e] FIG. 1 is a bottom view of a plurality of angled rectangular airflow outlet openings in an ejection device; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0037] A schematic longitudinal section of FIG. 1 showing an embodiment of a plastic film stretching apparatus for processing a moving product strip of material will now be described.

[0038] For example, the strip material 1 of the resin thin film 1' shown in Figure 1 moves in the conveying direction A through a processing device 3 in the form of a thin film stretching device 3' or a stretching furnace 3". The processing device 3 may be in the form of a thin film stretching device 3', a simultaneous stretching device or a sequential stretching device, but in the sequential stretching device 3, the longitudinal and transverse directions are not stretched simultaneously (unlike a simultaneous stretching device), and the strip material 1 is first stretched in the longitudinal direction and then in the transverse direction, or vice versa. In principle, a transverse stretching device may also be used.

[0039] A suitable plastic film stretching apparatus comprises, for example, a housing 5 with a plurality of successive processing regions 7. The processing regions 7 of the plastic film stretching apparatus typically have a plurality of processing regions 7b separated from one another by neutral regions 7n. Each of the plurality of processing regions 7 comprises not only a single processing chamber 7', but for example two, or typically a plurality of processing chambers 7'. All processing regions 7 form a stretching oven 3' through which a moving web of material 1, in particular a plastic film 1', passes.

[0040] The structure of the processing area 7 is usually formed symmetrically above and below the plane E through which the moving web material 1 passes, but an asymmetric processing area 7 is also possible. In the scope of the present invention, the conveying direction A of the web material 1 is parallel to the plane E through which the web material 1 passes, which represents the position of the web material 1. The conveying direction A is also parallel to the longitudinal direction AR of the resin thin film stretching device.

[0041] Each of the multiple processing regions 7b has an entrance gap 9a on the entrance side of the processing region and an exit gap 9b on the exit side (the entrance gap 9a and the exit gap 9b are also referred to as "passage gaps 9"). The height and width dimensions of the passage gap 9 are determined based on the conditions for moving the strip material 1 through the opening (passage gap 9), and damage to the strip material in the form of a resin thin film due to contact with the entrance gap 9a and / or the exit gap 9b or the peripheral edges of the entrance opening and / or the exit opening is avoided.

[0042] 1 heats or cools the resin film moving through the processing region 7 to a different temperature. A plurality of neutral regions 7n may be provided between each of the processing regions 7 to separate two successive processing regions 7 by a sufficient distance to prevent the processing air flow from moving from one processing region 7 to the other subsequent processing region 7.

[0043] In the embodiment of the invention, the space in front of the first or last processing area 7 in the transport direction constitutes the so-called outer area 7a or outer area 7a.

[0044] When a strip of material moves from one processing zone to the next (for example, when the strip of material moves from the outer zone 7a on the left side of FIG. 1 to the first processing zone 7, or when the strip of material moves from the last processing zone 7 to the outer zone 7a on the right side of FIG. 1 in the conveying direction A), the surrounding processing air flow around the strip of material 1 is captured by the surrounding air around the moving strip of material, resulting in a merging phenomenon of the surrounding air flows being transported together. In the present invention, adjacent processing zones 7 are separated without using a mechanical enclosure, a shielding plate, or other blocking device, thereby preventing the merging phenomenon of the processing air flow caused by the surrounding air around the moving strip of material. In addition, the optimal jetting air flow formed by the jetting device 11 and the suction device 13 prevents the merging phenomenon of the surrounding air around the strip of material.

[0045] 2, which shows a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the sequential stretching device 3 of FIG. 1, will be described below. A single neutral region 7n is connected in the conveying direction A between two adjacent processing regions 7 and 7b. In FIG. 2, only the upper half of the sequential stretching device 3 is shown for simplification (a mirror-reversed structure corresponding to the upper half of the sequential stretching device 3 is usually provided in the lower half of the web-shaped material 1).

[0046] Each of the multiple processing zones 7b is typically provided with one or more jetting devices 11 and suction devices 13 arranged along the width of the moving web material, spaced apart or offset in the conveying direction A. The suction devices 13 are typically arranged farther from the web material 1 than the jetting devices 11. The double arrows pointing away from the jetting devices 11 and toward the suction devices 13 shown in Figure 2 represent the path and flow direction of the heat transfer medium airflow.

[0047] Figure 2 shows a sequential drawing device 3 equipped with an air shielding device AC or air enclosure AC that generates a blocking air film to prevent the surrounding air from escaping from the processing area 7b as the web material 1 moves. The multiple double arrows 15 in Figure 2 indicate the air jets 33 or 35 ejected from the multiple nozzle openings 29 formed along the two rows R1 and R2 (Figure 3a). The dashed arrows 19 indicate the resulting secondary flows.

[0048] 2 also shows an air shielding device AC, which is provided at the end of the processing chamber 7b in the transport direction A. The air shielding device AC includes an ejection device AC-E, also called an air shielding film generating device AC-E, and a negative pressure device AC-A that sucks air from the processing area 7b.

[0049] The spraying devices AC-E, each having a nozzle box 20 arranged in a direction transverse to, preferably perpendicular to, the conveying direction A of the web-shaped material 1, substantially along or over the entire width of the web-shaped material 1, have, for example, a nozzle row D. It should be noted that the treatment chamber 7b shown on the left side of FIG. 2 includes a nozzle box 20 belonging to the air shielding device AC and arranged adjacent to a zone partition 23, and the web-shaped material 1 passing through a passage gap 9 in the zone partition 23 is conveyed without contacting the zone partition 23. The passage gap 9 formed between the zone partitions 23 of adjacent treatment zones 7, through which the web-shaped material 1 passes, is formed and arranged perpendicular to the conveying direction A and the longitudinal direction AR of the sequential stretching device 3, i.e., in a direction transverse to the conveying direction A.

[0050] The suction device AC-A has single or multiple suction ports 27 arranged across the width of the strip material 1, and is positioned farther from the strip material 1 than the ejection device AC-E, which has multiple nozzle outlets 29 (described later) belonging to nozzle row D.

[0051] An equivalent air shielding device AC is also provided in the processing chamber 7b, which is located behind the neutral region 7n in the transport direction A in Figure 2, and multiple suction ports 27 of the suction device AC-A can also be arranged upstream of the nozzle row D in the transport direction A.

[0052] In addition to or different from FIG. 2, multiple air shielding films may be formed by the air shielding device AC on the inlet side of the processing chamber 7 located on the left side of FIG. 2 and the outlet side of the processing chamber 7 located on the right side of FIG. 2. For example, multiple air shielding films may be formed by the air shielding device AC in the outer region 7a of the first processing chamber 7 in the conveying direction A and before the last processing chamber 7 in the conveying direction. Finally, multiple air shielding films may be formed by the air shielding device AC within the processing chamber 7 at a distance or offset from the region partition 23. For example, multiple air shielding devices AC may be arranged in a distance range of 10% to 90% of the length of the processing chamber 7. Air shielding devices AC that form air shielding films may also be arranged in a distance range of 20% to 80%, 30% to 70%, or 40% to 60% of the length of the processing chamber 7. The multiple processing chambers 7' shown in FIG. 1 represent the processing region chambers 7 used in the present invention.

[0053] FIG. 3a shows a partial bottom perspective view of an ejection device AC-E of an air shielding device AC in the form of a nozzle box 20 provided with a plurality of nozzle openings 29 along at least two preferred rows R1 and R2.

[0054] It is preferable that the plurality of nozzle openings 29 for generating the air flow are drilled at an angle, the significance of which will be explained later. In the partial cross-sectional view of Fig. 3b of the nozzle wall 20' forming the plurality of nozzle openings 29 of the nozzle box 20, the air flow nozzle openings 29' are shown formed at an angle.

[0055] 4a shows a schematic side view of an air shielding device AC and the associated nozzle box 20, which are arranged perpendicular to the conveying direction A. The preferred outflow pattern of the multiple air streams formed by the multiple nozzle openings 29 along two rows R1 and R2 is shown.

[0056] The processing apparatus 3 of the present invention has a plurality of nozzle openings 29 and 29a that are drilled, formed, or arranged at an angle along a first row R1, for example, and the airflow ejected from the nozzle openings 29 and 29a flows toward the web-shaped material 1 in the direction of arrow 33. The airflow ejection direction of arrow 33 relative to the plane E along which the web-shaped material 1 is conveyed is inclined at an ejection angle α toward the width direction of the web-shaped material 1. The ejection angle α is in a vertical plane WE that is perpendicular to the width direction of the web-shaped material 1, i.e., the conveying direction A, and is also perpendicular to the flexible web-shaped material 1. The vertical plane WE is the plane shown in FIG. 4a or a plane parallel to it.

[0057] The first row R1 and the second row R2 are generally arranged parallel to each other, but the nozzle openings 29, 29a along the first row R1 and the nozzle openings 29, 29b along the second row R2 are formed so that the airflow ejection directions are inclined in opposite directions. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 4a, the airflows ejected from the nozzle openings 29, 29a along the first row R1 toward the web-shaped material 1 are indicated by arrows 33, and the airflows ejected from the nozzle openings 29, 29b along the second row R2 toward the web-shaped material 1 are indicated by dashed arrows 35. Also, as shown in Fig. 4b, the ejection angle of the airflow is perpendicular to the conveying direction A and lies in a plane WE perpendicular to the flexible web-shaped material 1. The opening angle range of the nozzle openings 29, 29a, 29b lies between the ejection direction of the airflow indicated by arrows 33 and 35 and the plane E of the web-shaped material 1.

[0058] The magnitude and jetting angle of the width direction jetting angles α and β can be selected within a wide range. Each of the jetting angles α and β is preferably smaller than 85°, and more preferably smaller than 80°, 75°, 70°, 65°, 60°, 55°, or 45°. Conversely, the appropriate value of each of the jetting angles α and β is preferably greater than 30°, and more preferably greater than 35°, 30°, 35°, 40°, 45°, 50°, 55°, 60°, 65°, 70°, 75°, or 80°.

[0059] Figure 4b is a side view of the jetting device AC-E in the direction of arrow 40 in Figure 4a. It can be seen from Figure 4b that the outflow directions, indicated by arrows 33 and 35, from the nozzle openings 29, 29a, 29b along both rows R1 and R2 relative to the conveying direction A are preferably contained in a vertical plane WE (which is a vertical plane perpendicular to the plane E of the flexible material web 1). In other words, the arrows (flow vectors) 33 and 35 are inclined only in the vertical plane WE relative to the conveying direction A.

[0060] It should be noted that each of the widthwise jetting angles α and β essentially has only an angle component in the vertical plane WE, but each of the jetting angles α and β may also include an angle component inclined in the conveying direction or in the direction opposite to the conveying direction. The angular range of the jetting angles α and β is also encompassed within the technical scope of the present invention. It is important that the airflow jetted from the nozzle openings 29 a, 29 b of each row R1 or R2 has at least one flow component in a direction transverse to, and particularly perpendicular to, the conveying direction A of the web-shaped material 1.

[0061] Figure 4c shows a side view of the jetting device AC-E shown in Figure 4a, with the viewing angle changed to a right angle. While the airflows issuing from the nozzle openings 29, 29a, and 29b of the jetting device AC-E or nozzle box 20 form an inclined jetting angle α or β with respect to the web 1 in Figure 4a, in Figure 4c it can be seen that the airflows issue at an angle γ with respect to the web plane E. An additional angular component, or jetting angle component γ, lies in a plane LE perpendicular to the plane E of the web (flexible web 1) and parallel to the conveying direction A, rather than perpendicular to the conveying direction A. Therefore, the vertical plane LE is also perpendicular to the vertical plane WE (the inclined exit or contact angle formed by the jetting angle α or β). The arrows (flow vectors) 33 and 35 in Figure 4c indicate the exit direction, which is inclined at a third jetting angle γ in the direction opposite to the conveying direction A. The air flows indicated by arrows 33 and 35 are ejected at a third ejection angle γ component onto the web material 1 moving in the conveying direction A, where they come into contact and collide, but in principle, an ejection configuration in which the ejected air flows collide at an inclination in the opposite direction to the third ejection angle γ is also possible.

[0062] The configuration of the treatment device of the present invention, in which the air flow contacts or impinges on the web-shaped material 1 at an angle relative to the transverse direction of the web-shaped material 1, also has the additional effect of cleaning the web-shaped material. As shown in Fig. 4a, opposite edges 1a of the web-shaped material 1 are gripped by a plurality of gripping devices 39 that move along guide rails, and the web-shaped material 1 is generally held in a tensioned state in a plane E by the plurality of gripping devices 39. Therefore, the air jets issuing from the plurality of nozzle openings 29a of the first row R1 have a component that flows toward the gripping devices 39 located on the left side of Fig. 4a, and the air jets issuing from the plurality of nozzle openings 29b of the second row R2 have a component that flows toward the plurality of gripping devices 39 located on the opposite side, on the right side of Fig. 4a. The airflow jetted from the nozzle openings 29a, 29b, which has a cleaning action on the strip material 1, generates an airflow transverse to the strip material 1, which discharges the airflow entrained around the strip material 1 being transported by the transport device to the side.

[0063] It is particularly advantageous to inject air from the air shielding device AC at a temperature corresponding to the temperature of the processing zone where the air shielding device AC is located or the temperature of the next processing zone. For example, the air jet from the air shielding device AC in Fig. 2 has the same temperature as the multiple air jets ejected from the other multiple air jetting devices 11. It is also preferable that the air jets ejected into the inlet processing zone 7b on the right side in Fig. 2 have the same temperature.

[0064] In the illustrated embodiment, when the strong air jets or impinging jets separated for each treatment area 7 contact or impinge on the web-shaped material 1, a problem occurs in the area where the air flow stagnates between the flexible web-shaped material 1 and the injected air flow, resulting in a non-uniform product. In particular, with a web-shaped material made of a thin resin film, which is a thin and delicate product, the pressure in the stagnation area increases in some areas.

[0065] The effect of this embodiment of the present invention, in which an inclined air stream (air jet) is jetted onto a flexible web-shaped material 1 from above, is "close contact" heat transfer. Conventionally, air jets or jet impingement jets jetted perpendicular to the web-shaped material 1 only partially exchange energy around the stagnation area. That is, the air jet or impingement jet flows in a planar flow pattern along the surface of the product, e.g., a flat product in the form of a thin resin film, and energy exchange occurs only when the jet impingement jet flows along the surface. A jet impingement jet flowing straight and perpendicular to the plane E of the product or web-shaped material flows primarily in the machine axial direction (the conveying direction or the opposite direction, usually the product running direction or the opposite direction). Subsequent jet impingement jets impinging on the web-shaped material 1 block the flow direction of the previous jet impingement jet, resulting in a limited amount of jet air flow transverse to the conveying direction A, which is perpendicular to the machine axis. This point is explained with reference to Figure 5.

[0066] 5 is a plan view showing the conventional airflow contact state and intimate heat transfer state of the jetted airflow along the surface of the web-shaped material 1, which is composed of an airflow collision center 43a, a circular heat center formed by the airflow as it perpendicularly contacts or collides with the web-shaped material 1, a rear heat transfer region 43b (or rear energy exchange region 43b) that flows in the opposite direction to the conveyance direction A and is shortened by the conveyance movement in the A direction, and a front heat transfer region 43c (or front energy exchange region 43c) that flows in the direction of product movement, i.e., the conveyance direction A, and is expanded by the A direction. The collision region 43a, rear heat transfer region 43b, and front heat transfer region 43c vary depending on the product conveyance operation, i.e., the conveyance speed of the resin thin film, but the shortened rear heat transfer region 43b and the expanded front heat transfer region 43c are formed parallel to the conveyance direction A.

[0067] Unlike Fig. 5, Fig. 6 shows the airflow contact and intimate heat transfer state of the ejected airflow along the surface of the web-shaped material 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, which forms an airflow collision area 43a that is the center of heat transfer and a pair of heat transfer areas 43b and 43c that extend inclinedly to both sides from collision area 43a. In the absence of the third inclination angle γ or inclination angle component γ of Fig. 4b in the conveying direction of the web-shaped material 1 relative to the web-shaped material plane E or in the opposite direction, the ejected airflow indicated by arrows 33 and 35 contacts or collides with the web-shaped material 1, forming heat transfer areas 43b and 43c that are inclined only in the transverse direction of the web-shaped material 1.

[0068] The jet airflow, which is jetted in the opposite direction along a second row R2 spaced apart from the first row R1, creates multiple heat transfer areas, including shortened heat transfer areas 43b and extended heat transfer areas 43c, which are inclined in opposite directions to opposite sides of the strip material 1.

[0069] In other words, Figure 5 shows the region where the primary energy exchange (e.g., heating or cooling) occurs through the classical non-inclined injection and perpendicular impingement of airflow onto the product or web of material 1, which is not inclined transversely to the conveying direction (longitudinal direction) A of the web of material 1. Figure 5 also shows the circular impingement or retention region 43a, surrounded by a dashed line, where the ejected airflow impinges on the web of material 1. As mentioned above, the amount of air flowing out of the treatment region increases due to the entrainment effect of the web of material 1 moving in the product conveying direction A, which entrains surrounding air. Two types of heat transfer regions formed before and after the impingement region 43a are designated by "symbols" 43b and 43c.

[0070] Unlike the vertical collision pattern of the air flow against the strip material 1 shown in Figure 5, the sprayed air flow coming out of the spraying device 11 of the processing device of the present invention has multiple inclined components in the width direction, i.e., transverse direction, of the strip material 1, so the energy exchange area shown in Figure 6 has a peripheral collision area 43a and two parallel heat transfer areas indicated by the symbols 43b and 43c, and the heat transfer areas 43b and 43c are formed at an incline to the peripheral collision area 43a.

[0071] The inclination directions of the heat transfer areas 43b and 43c in the conveying direction A formed by the air flows of the first row R1 and the second row R2 are opposite to each other, but the heat transfer areas 43b and 43c are formed linearly at angles to each other toward the edge areas of the web-shaped material 1. As the web-shaped material 1 moves in the conveying direction A, the heat transfer area 43b is shortened and the heat transfer area 43c is relatively enlarged.

[0072] For example, when air is jetted from jetting device AC-E toward web-shaped material 1 at a third inclination component γ in the direction opposite to the conveying direction A shown in Figure 4b, heat transfer area 43b is enlarged while heat transfer area 43c is reduced in accordance with the third jetting angle γ. The change in the area of ​​the multiple heat transfer areas ultimately depends on the magnitude of the third jetting angle γ and the magnitude of the jetting collision force of the air flow.

[0073] When the airflow is ejected from the ejection device AC-E in alignment with the third ejection inclination angle γ in the direction of a vertical plane LE parallel to the conveying direction A, the heat transfer area 43c formed in the conveying direction A in Figure 6 is expanded (extended), and the heat transfer area 43b formed in the direction opposite to the conveying direction A is reduced (shortened).

[0074] When the jet airflow is inclined and contacts the web-shaped material 1, a perpendicular impinging airflow to the web-shaped material 1 is not formed, and the partial exchange of maximum energy is weakened, so the amount of energy exchanged at the impact point of the airflow jet also decreases. In other words, when the jet airflow is inclined and contacts the web-shaped material 1, the amount of energy exchanged in the original maximum area (stagnation area) decreases, but to that extent, a close energy exchange area is formed along the target width of the web-shaped material 1, particularly in the transverse direction, by both the impinging airflow that impinges or contacts the product and the inclined contact airflow that follows the impinging or contacting airflow. As a result, for example, a flexible web-shaped material or a regular product can be heated or cooled sufficiently uniformly along the target width.

[0075] The air shielding device AC, which improves on conventional jetting methods, combines the advantages of separate jets of air for each treatment zone 7 (leading to cheaper production and fundamentally very stable separate treatment zones 7) with the more uniform energy exchange due to the wider air jet, which not only ensures a reliable separation of the treatment zones but also a very uniform temperature distribution along the entire target width of the product or flexible strip of material.

[0076] Furthermore, compared to conventional collision injection forms in which the air flow collides perpendicularly with the strip-shaped material, the oblique injection contact or oblique injection collision of the air flow with the strip-shaped material performed by the processing device of the present invention can significantly reduce the pressure load of the air flow on the product, thereby protecting the product from deformation due to the collision of the air flow and improving product quality.

[0077] The preferred two-row air jet configuration of the present invention, a first row R1 and a second row R2, with nozzle openings 29a and 29b inclined in opposite directions, will be apparent from the accompanying drawings. In many cases, a single row of multiple air jets inclined only transversely to the web 1 or product to be treated is also sufficient in principle.

[0078] The nozzle outlets 29, 29a, 29b may be formed in various configurations and shapes to vary not only the nozzle opening configuration but also the aperture style arrangement and / or the hole row arrangement and / or the hole shape arrangement.

[0079] 7a to 7e illustrate a plurality of nozzle outlets that generate the blocking air film of the ejection devices AC-E of the air blocking device AC.

[0080] It is clear from Figures 7a-7e that the preferred use of multiple individual openings or multiple individual nozzle openings 29, such as multiple round holes (Figure 7a) or multiple square holes (Figure 7b), or typically multiple n-sided opening shapes, is desirable. By forming multiple nozzle openings, a highly stable jet air stream can be generated, with only slight fluctuations or vibrations of the air stream jet. Therefore, stable multiple air jets or multiple air stream jets can prevent the merging of surrounding air caused by the movement of the product or web material and the entrainment flow that flows between adjacent nozzle boxes. The prevention of entrainment flow depends not only on the jet cross-sectional shape (e.g., round holes, square holes, etc.), but also on the introduced jet air stream and the degree of collision of each impinging jet.

[0081] If the airflow ejection force from the nozzle opening is too small, the ejected airflow cannot oppose the flow of air around the strip-shaped material, and may be at least partially deflected or directly sucked in by the flowing air around the strip-shaped material.

[0082] The factors necessary for introducing the jet airflow depend on the conveyance speed of the web material and the multiple air flow pressures (airflow pressures) acting on the web material (for example, generated by the dynamic pressures of multiple jet airflows near the air shielding device AC, the dynamic pressures of multiple vortex airflows, or multiple pressure differences). First, the jet speed is basically 2 to 8 times the conveyance speed of the product / web material 1. If the jet airflow speed or air flow pressure is too low, there may be a problem in which the desired or sufficient suction flow shielding effect cannot be obtained.

[0083] The surrounding air flow of the strip material 1 that collides with the jet air flow or the impinging jet air flow shown schematically in Figure 2 flows only above the strip material 1, and the surrounding air flow that passes through the vortex system is sucked into multiple suction devices 13 or absorption boxes 13.

[0084] Figures 7a to 7e, which show the bottom surface of each nozzle box 20, show various modified examples of the multiple nozzle openings 29 formed in a portion of the vertical direction indicated by arrow L on the bottom surface of each nozzle box 20 (the vertical direction indicated by arrow L is transverse to, preferably perpendicular to, the conveying direction A of the strip material 1 and parallel to the plane E of the strip material 1).

[0085] The ejection orifice arrangement or ejection orifice device 57 has a plurality of nozzle orifices 29 which are generally arranged in the bottom surface of the ejection device 11, i.e. the nozzle box 20, in a central region of the bottom surface and which are somewhat narrower than the width of the lower surface region.

[0086] In the modified embodiment shown in FIG. 7a, a plurality of round holes 29 are intermittently provided on the bottom surface of the nozzle box 20 along, for example, a first row R1 and a second row R2 in the longitudinal direction L of the nozzle box 20. It should be understood that, for example, along the first row R1 and the second row R2, the nozzle openings 29 may be formed in a double row of holes rather than individual or single rows of holes. Triple rows or rows of holes, typically n rows of holes, arranged side by side in the horizontal direction, may also be provided in each of the multiple rows. In multiple rows of holes arranged side by side, two or more rows of holes do not necessarily need to be formed with the same ejection angle. For example, two or more rows of holes arranged side by side may be formed with different ejection angles or ejection angles in opposite directions. In other words, the ejection angles of two or more consecutive rows of holes may be alternately changed and / or each of the multiple rows of holes may be formed with a different ejection angle.

[0087] FIG. 7b is a bottom view similar to FIG. 7a with a square hole or air nozzle opening 29. FIG.

[0088] Figure 7c shows an intermediate row R3 having a plurality of nozzle openings 29c formed between two rows of nozzle openings 29a, 29b extending radially and inclined laterally in opposite directions along the first row R1 and the second row R2, for example, such that a jet of air can be ejected from the plurality of nozzle openings perpendicularly to the direction of the plane E of the strip material 1 and at one of the inclination angles α, β and / or γ.

[0089] 7d shows a plurality of nozzle openings 29, 29a, and 29b arranged in two parallel rows R1 and R2 only along a partial section transverse to or perpendicular to the conveying direction A of the web-shaped material 1. In this specification, rectangular openings are collectively referred to as rectangular nozzle openings. However, the air jets issuing from the rectangular nozzle openings are directed, for example, at an angle α to the web-shaped material 1 in the first row R1, at an oblique angle β in the row R2, and at an angle γ of 90° or less in the conveying direction or counter-conveying direction. Guides are provided inside the nozzle openings.

[0090] In the variant embodiment shown in Figure 7e, a plurality of rectangular nozzle openings are formed along both rows R1 and R2 that are not necessarily perpendicular to the conveying direction but are slightly inclined, but at each slot-shaped nozzle opening 29a or 29b the jet of air has a corresponding angle of inclination to the vertical plane WE and may also have an additional angle in the conveying direction or counter-conveying direction.

[0091] It should be noted that the geometrical shape of the nozzle openings is not limited in any way and may be any shape, including a combination of the various shapes shown. For example, in the jetting device AC-E, in addition to the round or square nozzle openings or nozzle openings, other shapes may also be used for the nozzle openings, such as single or multiple openings, multiple round holes, multiple elongated holes, or multiple elliptical holes, as partially described and illustrated, with parallel, spaced apart or rows of elongated holes, or a combination of the various shapes shown.

[0092] As mentioned above, the array of nozzle openings, which typically comprises a plurality of holes, openings and / or aperture areas, has a constant or uniformly repeating geometric shape and / or form and / or size for the nozzle outlets over the length of the nozzle box and / or at least over the width of the material web 1. However, a constant geometric shape over the length of the nozzle box is not required. For example, the array of nozzle openings may comprise a plurality of holes, openings or other through openings of different shapes, diameters and / or sizes at multiple locations along the length of the nozzle box or at least over the length of the nozzle box. Again, there are no fundamental limitations in this regard.

[0093] It should also be noted that the number of nozzle rows with multiple nozzle openings 29, 29a, or 29b can be selected depending on the length and / or width of the nozzle box 20. Ideally, multiple nozzle rows are provided in the nozzle box 20 over a length (transverse or perpendicular to the conveying direction of the strip material) that corresponds to at least the width of the strip material 1. This allows the heat transfer medium airflow to be generated across the entire width of the strip material 1.

Claims

1. A treatment apparatus for a flexible strip material (1), particularly a strip material (1) in the form of a thin resin film (1'), which is conveyed through a treatment furnace, comprising: The treatment device comprises at least two treatment zones (7; 7b; 7n; 7a; 7') arranged successively in the conveying direction (A) of the web-shaped material (1) in the zone separating device (22), The zone separation device (22) comprises at least one air blocking device (AC) arranged in a transverse direction of the web material (1) relative to the conveying direction (A) of the web material (1); At least one air barrier device (AC) has an ejection device (AC-E) that generates an ejection air flow (S) that reaches the strip material (1), The jetting device (AC-E) jets a jet air stream (S) at a jetting angle (α) or jetting angle component (α) of 85° or less with respect to a strip material plane (E) formed by the strip material (1), thereby bringing the jet air stream (S) into contact with the strip material (1); A processing device characterized in that the jetting angle (α) or jetting angle component (α) is in a vertical plane (WE) perpendicular to the conveying direction (A) and perpendicular to the flexible strip-shaped material (1).

2. 2. The treatment device according to claim 1, wherein the ejection device (AC-E) has a plurality of nozzle openings (29; 29a, 29b) directed towards the strip material (1), the plurality of nozzle openings (29; 29a, 29b) being arranged along at least one row (R1, R2) arranged transversely or perpendicularly beyond the strip material (1).

3. 3. The processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a portion of the ejected air flow (S) ejected from the ejection device (AC-E) travels straight at an ejection angle (α) or an ejection angle component (α) inclined toward one side of the web-shaped material (1), and another portion of the ejected air flow (S) travels straight at an ejection angle (β) or an ejection angle component (β) inclined toward the opposite side of the web-shaped material (1) in the opposite direction to the ejection angle (α) or the ejection angle component (α).

4. The ejection device (AC-E) comprises a plurality of nozzle openings (29; 29a, 29b) formed along at least two rows (R1, R2) arranged transversely or perpendicularly to the strip material (1) and aligned in the direction of the strip material (1), The jet airflow (S) ejected along the plurality of airflow arrows (33) from the plurality of nozzle openings (29; 29a) of the first row (R1) of at least two rows (R1, R2) is ejected at an inclination angle (α) or an ejection angle component (α) to contact the strip-shaped material (1), 4. The treatment device according to claim 1, wherein the jets of air (S) emitted from the plurality of nozzle openings (29; 29b) of the second row (R2) of the at least two rows (R1, R2) along the plurality of air flow arrows (35) are jetted at opposite inclination angles (β) or jetting angle components (β) to contact the web-shaped material (1).

5. The airflow (S) from the air jet (AC-E) is jetted at an inclined jet angle (α, β, γ) relative to the strip material plane (E) and the strip material (1), a) The jetting angles (α, γ) lie in a vertical plane (WE) perpendicular to the conveying direction (A) and the strip material plane (E), and the jetting angle component of the vertical plane (WE) forms an angle of 90° in the conveying direction (A) or in the direction opposite to the conveying direction (A), or b) The jetting angle (α, γ) has an additional jetting angle component (γ) in the conveying direction (A) or in the direction opposite to the conveying direction (A), and the value of the jetting angle component (γ) forms an angle of 85° or less with respect to the strip-shaped material plane (E). Processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The suction device (AC-A) adjacent to the ejection device (AC-E) is arranged parallel to the plane (E) of the strip material and / or The plurality of suction ports (27) of the suction device (AC-A) are arranged farther from the plane (E) of the strip-shaped material than the plurality of nozzle openings (29; 29a, 29b) of the jetting device (AC-E), and 6. The processing device according to claim 1, wherein the suction device (AC-A) is arranged upstream or downstream of the ejection device (AC-E) in the conveying direction (A) of the web-shaped material (1).

7. 7. The treatment device according to claim 1, wherein the temperature of the air jet (S) emitted by the jet device (AC-E) corresponds to the temperature of the subsequent treatment zone (7; 7b; 7n; 7a; 7') in the conveying direction (A) or to the temperature of the treatment zone (7; 7b; 7n; 7a; 7') incorporating the jet device (AC-E) or differs from said temperature by less than 20°C.

8. The jet angle (α, β) or jet angle component (α, β) contained within the vertical plane (WE) is a) is less than 80°; and / or b) a processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the angle is greater than 30°.

9. The jetting angle component (γ) located in the longitudinal plane (LE) perpendicular to the vertical plane (WE) and parallel to the conveying direction (A) is: a) less than 85° and / or b) the angle is greater than 30° and is up to 85° or less; and

10. 10. The treatment device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the ejection device (AC-E) has or comprises a plurality of nozzle openings (29; 29a, 29B) which are formed by a plurality of round, circular, square, elliptical, rectangular and / or n-sided openings or a combination of a plurality of openings.

11. The airflow (S) ejected from the ejection device (AC-E) at an inclined ejection angle (α; β; γ) toward the strip material plane (E) is a) A plurality of holes or a plurality of channels formed at an angle in the outlet wall of the ejection device (AC-E) and / or b) a plurality of nozzle openings (29; 29a, 29b) formed by a corresponding flow guide device for generating an inclined jet air stream (S) according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The jet velocity of the jetting device (AC-E) that jets the jet air flow (S) in the direction of the strip-shaped material (1) is: a) at least equal to the conveying speed in the conveying direction (A) of the web-shaped material (1) or at least twice the conveying speed of the web-shaped material (1); and / or b) A treatment device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the speed corresponds to a maximum of 10 times the conveying speed of the web-shaped material (1) in the conveying direction (A).

13. At least two successive treatment zones (7; 7b; 7n; 7a; 7') are separated by zone separating devices (22) having zone partitions (23) arranged transversely or perpendicularly to the transport direction (A) of the flexible web-shaped material (1), The flexible strip material (1) moves in the conveying direction (A) through the passage gaps (9; 9a, 9b) provided in the partition walls (23) without contacting the partition walls (23), The air shielding device (AC) includes a blowing device (AC-E) disposed in a transverse direction of the web-shaped material (1) relative to the conveying direction (A) of the web-shaped material (1); 13. Treatment device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ejection device (AC-E) is arranged immediately adjacent to the zone partition (23), upstream and / or downstream of the zone partition (23).

14. 14. The treatment device according to claim 1, wherein the air shielding device (AC) is arranged in a treatment zone (7; 7b; 7n; 7a; 7') spaced apart from or not adjacent to the inlet zone partition (23) and / or the outlet zone partition (23).

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