Movable Cleaning Hood for Transfer Wheel Coating Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing production apparatuses for coated and/or impregnated products face reduced availability due to the accumulation of impurities on the transfer wheel and scraper, necessitating manual cleaning during standstill periods.
Innovation Solution
An application apparatus with a movable cleaning unit and drive system allows automated cleaning of the transfer wheel and container without interrupting production, using brushes and spray elements to clean the transfer wheel and scraper while the apparatus is at a standstill.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual cleaning is performed during standstill periods, then the transfer wheel and scraper are cleaned, but production downtime increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning unit is designed to automatically clean the transfer wheel and scraper without requiring manual intervention. The drive unit automatically moves the cleaning unit into position, and the cleaning elements (brushes and spray nozzles) automatically perform the cleaning function when the apparatus is at standstill, reducing the need for operator involvement and minimizing downtime.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning unit is made movable relative to the application unit through the drive unit, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position. During operation, the cleaning unit is positioned away from the application unit to avoid interference. During standstill periods, the drive unit moves the cleaning unit into the cleaning position where cleaning elements contact the transfer wheel and scraper for automated cleaning.
2Extent of automation
If the cleaning unit is integrated into the application apparatus, then automated cleaning is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning function is segmented as a separate, movable cleaning unit that can be independently positioned relative to the application unit. This modular approach allows the cleaning unit to be integrated into the apparatus structure while maintaining functional independence, reducing the complexity impact of adding automated cleaning capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive unit serves multiple functions: it moves the cleaning unit into and out of the cleaning position, and potentially controls the timing and duration of cleaning operations. The hood structure serves both as a protective enclosure for the cleaning elements and as a structural support for the cleaning unit, reducing the need for additional separate components.
3Reliability
If cleaning elements contact the transfer wheel during operation, then cleaning can be performed, but coating application is interfered with
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning unit is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to be dynamically positioned away from the application unit during coating operations and moved into contact with the transfer wheel only during standstill periods. This dynamic positioning ensures that cleaning elements do not interfere with the coating application process while still enabling effective cleaning when the apparatus is not in use.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning operation is performed periodically during standstill periods between production batches or during scheduled maintenance windows, rather than continuously during operation. The drive unit transitions the cleaning unit to the cleaning position only when the apparatus is at standstill, ensuring that cleaning occurs during natural pauses in production without interfering with ongoing coating operations.
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
Enhances the availability of the production apparatus by enabling automated, efficient cleaning of the transfer wheel and container, reducing downtime and maintaining production efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
using brushes and spray elements to clean the transfer wheel and scraper
Implementation Method 2
The transfer wheel transfers the coating agent or impregnation agent to the respective portion of the moving floor element. The application is generally done contactlessly, solely by adhesion forces.
Data Source
AI summary
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).