Lateral Suction Device for Corrugated Sheet Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sheet processing machines struggle with effectively cleaning corrugated cardboard sheets, particularly in areas between layers, due to their structure, which can lead to damage to print heads and contamination of processing machines with dust and debris.
Innovation Solution
A sheet processing machine with a side suction device designed to transport sheets along a horizontal path, featuring side suction openings that are movable and adjustable in size and position, allowing for efficient lateral suction of dust and debris, even from thick sheets, and a smoothing device to address protruding edges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional suction devices are used to clean sheet surfaces, then outward-facing surfaces are cleaned, but areas between layers and inward-facing surfaces remain contaminated
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces lateral suction openings that approach the sheet from the side (transverse direction) rather than from above or below. This dimensional change allows the suction device to access and clean areas between layers and inward-facing surfaces that are inaccessible to conventional top-down or bottom-up suction devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction device is segmented into multiple suction openings distributed along the transverse direction, with each opening positioned to access specific areas of the sheet including inter-layer spaces. This segmentation allows simultaneous cleaning of multiple surfaces and areas that would be inaccessible to a single conventional suction device.
2Productivity
If sheets are transported through processing machines, then processing can be performed, but dust and debris contaminate the machine and damage print heads
Solution Approach 1:
The lateral suction device performs preliminary cleaning of sheets during the transport process, removing dust and debris before the sheets reach print heads and other sensitive components. This preliminary action prevents contamination and damage that would occur if cleaning were performed after sheets enter the processing machine.
Solution Approach 2:
The lateral suction device acts as an intermediary between the sheet transport path and the processing components. It intercepts and removes harmful particles from the air and sheet surfaces in the transport path, preventing these particles from reaching and damaging print heads and contaminating machine components.
3Productivity
If sheets with protruding edges are processed, then transport can proceed, but protruding areas cause damage to print heads
Solution Approach 1:
The smoothing device performs preliminary action on protruding edges and areas of sheets during transport, leveling them before the sheets reach print heads. This prevents damage to print heads that would occur if protruding areas were allowed to contact the printing components.
4Productivity
If lateral suction openings are positioned close to sheets for effective cleaning, then cleaning efficiency improves, but the device becomes less adaptable to varying sheet widths and thicknesses
Solution Approach 1:
The lateral suction device incorporates movable and adjustable components that allow the suction openings to dynamically reposition themselves according to sheet width and thickness variations. This dynamic adjustment capability maintains optimal cleaning efficiency while adapting to different sheet dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction device is designed with universal adjustment mechanisms that enable it to effectively clean various sheet types and dimensions using the same lateral suction principle. The adjustable positioning system allows a single device configuration to serve multiple sheet width and thickness requirements.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The machine effectively cleans the sheets, preventing damage to print heads and reducing contamination, while maintaining optimal air flow and accommodating sheets of varying widths and thicknesses.
Implementation Method 1
at least one side suction device (720) arranged along said at least one transport path provided for sheets, said at least one side suction device (720) having at least one side suction element (722) with at least one side suction opening (723)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a
Figure 2b
AI summary
The invention relates to a sheet processing machine (01) which has at least one transport path provided for transporting sheets (02) at least in one transport direction (T). A transverse direction (A) is a horizontal direction which is oriented orthogonally to the transport direction (T), and a thickness direction (D) is oriented orthogonally to the transport direction (T) as well as orthogonally to the transverse direction (A). At least one lateral suction device (124) is arranged along the transport path provided for sheets (02), and the at least one lateral suction device (124) has at least one lateral suction element (126) which has at least one lateral suction opening (129). The at least one lateral suction opening (129) is dimensioned so as to be at least 1 mm in the thickness direction (D) and/or at least 10 mm in the transport direction (T), or at least one straight line (G) oriented parallel to the transverse direction (A) intersects the transport path provided for transporting sheets (02) as well as the at least one lateral suction opening (129).