WO1995021701A2

WO1995021701A2 - Device for delivering a substance to an application site, method of delivering a substance and cleaning the device and method of producing the device and auxiliary device for cleaning the device

Info

Publication number: WO1995021701A2
Application number: PCT/EP1995/000485
Authority: WO
Inventors: Johannes Zimmer
Original assignee: Johannes Zimmer
Priority date: 1994-02-12
Filing date: 1995-02-10
Publication date: 1995-08-17
Also published as: WO1995021701A3; DE59503992D1; EP0743881B1; EP0743881A1; ATE172387T1; WO1996018936A1

Abstract

A device (1) for delivering a substance to an application site comprises a substance flow division arrangement (3) having ducts which increase in number continuously to form a plurality of substance outlet mouths (600) distributed over the application area. The distance (A) between two adjacent outlets ranges from 3 to 20 mm, and the outlet openings (60) are arranged at a distance from the operating site (8) such that they open out into an empty space between themselves and the operating site (8). A method of delivering a substance and cleaning the device (1) is characterized in that the substance to be applied is delivered to the operating site (8) with a distance between the outlet mouths (600) and the operating site (8) of 1 to 100 mm, and the dividing arrangement (3) extracts the substance during the cleaning operation, the distance between the operating site (8) and outlet mouths (600) being selected in a range from 1 to 10 mm.

Description

Device for supplying a substance to an application point, method for supplying substance and for cleaning the device, and method for producing the device and auxiliary device for cleaning the device

The invention relates to a device for supplying a flowable, pasty and / or gaseous substance to a point suitable for substance application extending over the length of the device, and in particular for applying a work surface such as an application surface that extends along the said point the substance. It also relates to a method for manufacturing the device, to a method for application and cleaning operation of the device and to an auxiliary cleaning device.

According to EP 0 277 481, it is known to add an auxiliary cleaning device to an application / doctoring device, parts of the device for suctioning off ink substance and substance / cleaning water mixture increase the overall structure and considerably restrict the use and operating options.

The previous state of the art is also associated with numerous disadvantages from an operational, economic and ecological point of view.

The main issues are: A lot of work and time for cleaning and for cleaning-related up, down and conversion of the production system. This results in poor productivity (often less than 50% utilization, ie more than 50% system dead time). In addition, large amounts of substance are lost, which reduce economy, namely through additional costs for additional quantities of substances and additional disposal costs.

There is also a very large consumption of cleaning water or solvents and, as a further consequence, a correspondingly large environmental impact or additional disposal costs.

A main aim of the invention is to provide a device for technically, economically, ecologically and functionally significantly improving the supply of substance for uniform distribution of substance and in particular application processes of all kinds, in particular for applications on moving webs without or with the use of a screen cylinder template. In particular, the operation and cleaning options should also be optimized.

The device according to the invention is characterized by the combination of the solution measures specified in claim 1.

In the application and / or cleaning method according to the invention, the measures of the independent claim are provided for the working / operating method.

The device manufacturing method according to the invention consists in the adhesive technology specified with the subordinate manufacturing claim.

The auxiliary device according to the invention for cleaning the application device is used when, for operational reasons, cleaning may not be carried out at the work station / application site, for example with regard to further application devices arranged next to one another in a multicolour printing machine, which continue to be used in the Operating state of the application are left, which is why the application device, which is intended for cleaning, by the Application machine / printing machine removed and used for cleaning in the cleaning auxiliary device according to the invention, the work functions of which, as far as the cleaning operation is concerned, are the same as the work functions of the application or printing machine.

The device according to the invention is i.a. provided for the application of a flowable substance to a flat surface, web or the like in the application area. with a preferably magnetically pressed doctor element (roller doctor, stick doctor, splitting doctor) and can be operated with a substance feed device with feed control (feed device) which can preferably be used in both flow directions. A substance flow dividing device for uniform distribution of substance is integrated in the device and comprises at least one flow channel body and substance outlets connected therewith.

An important measure consists among other things: in that the distance between two adjacent substance outlet openings (division) is in the range from 3 to 20 mm, preferably 4 to 16 mm, independently of all application widths which may be 10 m and more and the outlet openings are arranged at a distance from the application site, the outlet openings opening into a space between them and the application site.

The device is particularly provided for optionally covering the entire surface, impregnation, dyeing or the like, for patterning or for partial coating, impregnation or the like. using a sieve cylinder (round template). In addition, it is designed in such a way that it is automatically cleaned after the end of an application process by introducing one or possibly several liquid or / and gaseous substance (s), possibly together with a circular stencil, in particular also together with the conveying device , without it must be removed from the existing round template.

In an embodiment according to the invention, the feed device integrated in the application device is used as a return line for application substance and in particular as a suction device for substance, substance / water mixture, rinsing water or cleaning liquid.

According to the invention, a multi-functional unit is achieved, which is distinguished both for the work performance of the application, as well as for the supply control and the cleaning, in that the three work functions supply, application and cleaning by means of a device integrating all process and functional possibilities. Whole are executable.

With the invention previously existing application limits for order widths, application uniformity (this in two respects), quantity output, substance viscosity and flow distribution sensitivity are broken; previous restrictions on suitability for stencil-screen cylinder applications have also been overcome, with regard to the diameter of the round templates and the stencil openings given in practice as a basis for access to the interior space available for the application device (Hollow cylinder). The resulting difference in diameter limits the possibility of dimensioning the application device.

Important features of the invention relate, inter alia, to the design of the substance inlet area, the substance outlet area of the dividing device, and the continuation and delivery of the substance from here to the application point; the dimensional, quantity and width limitations described above have been eliminated, the invention being the Mouth area is designed so that the application quality and the overall performance are considerably improved and, moreover, the optimum self-cleaning property of the application device is achieved. This is also the basis for the suitability according to the invention for cleaning a round template that may be present.

In this context, it is technically important in the invention that the substance outlet is virtually pressure-free (without spraying), whereas the water or cleaning liquid is discharged with cleaning spray pressure, but the application substance and cleaning liquid are guided through the same flow channel system ¬ and emerge from the same mouth openings.

Applying a substance with a template is much more difficult to accomplish than without a template. Therefore, in the description and the graphic representation, the more difficult application with template is in the foreground. The entire application process, which includes the substance supply and possibly also the work technique of setting up, dismantling and retrofitting an application production system and also the cleaning of all furnishing components, is comprehensively recorded with the invention.

The overall process flow essentially comprises the following steps: a) feeding the substance from a substance storage container through a conveying device and a line / hose system to the substance inlet opening (forehead-body opening) of the substance-width distribution device integrated in the application device (Dividing device); b) flow through the dividing device in a width-distributing manner until the substance escapes; c) bringing the substance to the application site starting from the substance outlet; d) applying the substance; e) Controlling the production of substances and, after the end of the application, f) preparation and cleaning work (preparation work) for the next application process.

The invention is primarily directed to sections b) and c); Refinements relate to the further steps mentioned. The invention thus encompasses the following technical areas involved in the process and networked with one another: machine technology, application technology, control technology, template technology, but also operating, handling, cleaning and set-up technology.

A number of the advantages achieved by the invention are listed below: Significant reduction in substance loss amounts, the water requirement (and thus the amount of waste water), the environmental impact, the handling / work and time expenditure, elimination of the previous breadth and application rate quantity restrictions, improvement of the application quality by optimizing the preparation of the substance and by minimizing the stock of substances at the application point as well as the device self-cleaning achieved according to the invention, which in particular includes the cleaning of the stencils; this is particularly possible without the addition of cleaning aids.

In addition, advantages of the invention can be outlined as follows:

(1) Exceeding existing and about with the

Square of the width of the application narrowing the limits of the maximum quantity that can be supplied and the maximum viscosity of the application substance, (2) Optimization of substance delivery density to the application site and, associated with this,

(3) particularly favorable substance flow guidance in the flow area between the last flow dividing channel stage, i.e. between designed according to the invention

Outlet channels and the application point. The following advantages are associated with this: 3a) more substance (unlimited availability of substance) at the application site; 3b) optimized substance exit and delivery density and 3c) non-contact (free) substance guidance (flow) from the row of outlet openings, the openings particularly advantageously consisting of channel tubes and further advantageously ending in an outlet slot of 2-10 mm in length; a layer-like substance curtain is formed, the substance flows with little pressure to the application / substance consumption point. This also achieves the self-cleaning property and the wide homogeneous

Distribution is significantly improved (quality improvement).

It follows, in particular very advantageously in connection with a substance supply control, that work is carried out at the application point with a reduced quantity of substance.

This represents a considerable advantage in terms of quality and economy, and this is precisely why the cleaning work that follows the application process is favored: the less substance stock that has to be brought to the application site, the less substance also has to be removed by the cleaning process.

As a basis for understanding the goals and solutions of the invention in connection with the use of a circular Five decisive dimensioning criteria are explained and illustrated in the template, which must be observed for template applications because they result in considerable restrictions for the constructive design of substance supply and application devices. For example, only dimensioning limitations relating to the prior art are shown with reference to FIGS. 1-5:

The dimension A in Fig. 1 is the diameter of a standard round template with e.g. 640 mm circumference (repeat sample unit). In Fig. 2, this dimension A of a larger standard template is 1020 mm. The dimension B is the same size in both figures and denotes the diameter of the circular stencil / screen cylinder opening, which, for example, is about 125-150 mm. The dimension C denotes the difference between the two

Radii and is different in size depending on the template size; e.g. Cx in Fig. 1 and Cy in Fig. 2.

3 shows a circular template of any standard dimension into which a standard doctor device, designed as a magnetic roller doctor, is inserted.

In Fig. 4, the above-described situation (Fig. 1-3) is shown in a single drawing; the dimensions AI and A2 denote different, customary template diameters (pattern repeats).

5 shows a circular stencil together with the squeegee inserted therein in the working position. A broken line situation is shown in a dashed representation: the circular template is raised by a certain distance from the application level; the squeegee device inserted into this stencil is slightly more raised than the stencil. The application machine (or the printing machine or the conveyor belt of the printing machine) is in the rest position. The circular stencil rotates slowly, which prevents the application substance (printing paste, color) from flowing out. In this operating situation, there is no contact with the application level on the outer wall of the stencil and no contact with the doctor element on the inner wall of the stencil.

The illustration according to FIG. 5 makes it clear that when dimensioning a support bar of the doctor device, sufficient clearance for the support bar in the stencil opening must be ensured. In other words, the dimension for the cross-section of the support beam is very limited in several respects.

The requirements for the largest possible inlet flow cross-section (F in FIG. 3) and for the greatest possible support beam bending stiffness stand in contrast to the circumstances and requirements of the stencil and doctor device diameters described and illustrated above.

When designing the doctor devices, it is therefore important to ensure that their cross-sectional dimensions must each be smaller than the circular area determined by the diameter B and that the partial dimensions D and E shown in FIG. 3 (D = top side dimension) Support beam to the outlet openings or to the underside of the support beam; E = dimension of the discharge openings to the lower edge of the device) must in each case be adapted to all customary template diameters and template opening diameters.

For the overall understanding of the basis of the invention, it is necessary to consider the following goals or criteria: (1) The broadest possible applicability, ie the elimination of the previous, width-dependent application restrictions with regard to substance requirements and device stability; (2) supplying substance to the application point as uniformly as possible and homogeneously across the width; (3) the smallest possible amount of substance in front of a doctor element and correspondingly precisely adjustable and reliably working supply control; (4) low-pressure and streak-free outflow of the substance to the application point;

(5) the smallest possible substance filling quantities (small loss quantities);

(6) the lowest possible consumption of cleaning water, i.e. as little waste water as possible;

(7) lowest possible workload for set-up and cleaning work;

(8) as little time as possible for the production standstill when changing over; (9) reduction of machine and equipment investment costs; (10) Overall, the best possible economy of the entire application and product manufacturing process.

Still other refinements of the invention are specified in subclaims and further advantages, embodiments or possibilities of the invention emerge from the following description of the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the schematic drawing in FIGS. 6 to 24.

6, 7, 11 and 12 show an exemplary embodiment of a device according to the invention in different representations, views and installation situations. 8, 9, 10, 13, 14a and 14b show a further exemplary embodiment in different views, representations, installation situations and cutouts.

The first example shows a device 1 constructed according to the invention in connection with a doctor blade 93, the second example in connection with a doctor blade 92, both doctor blades being magnetically compressible.

In the first example, the fixed distance between openings 600, which face an application surface 81, and an application point 8 or a stencil inner wall is very small, namely only slightly larger than 1 mm, while in the second Example, the distance is relatively large, namely up to 100 mm, as a result of which, in the latter case, a relatively long flow distance arises between the substance outflows 600 and the application point 8.

After the substance has emerged from a flow channel body 33 until it reaches the application point 8, no parts of the device are touched, possibly with the exception of a doctor element 90 as such, such as e.g. shown in Fig. 16.

FIG. 13 shows a cross-section of a substance-wide, homogeneous and pressure-free flow, which is achieved by the device 1 according to the invention, or in any case very low-pressure and splash-free.

14a shows, according to the view arrows in FIG. 13, the same low-pressure and splash-free flowing substance stream (substance curtain) in a view from the front.

FIG. 14 b illustrates the wide-homogeneous flow of cleaning fluid from the outlets 600 under pressure. Uniform in terms of width is to be understood in such a way that during the application process, by bringing in the substance, a coherent substance storage bead is formed over its entire length, ie over the entire application width, in a coherent manner, preferably with a small volume. and that during the cleaning process the cleaning liquid flows out with a coherent liquid body and with such a high discharge pressure (possibly increased by air pressure) that the doctor element and also a stencil 80 over the entire working area te cleaned evenly.

FIG. 13 shows that the cleaning process can advantageously be intensified by additionally supplying cleaning liquid - in FIG. 13 through two pipes 35, 36 (additional channel body), each with a row of outlet openings 61.

13 also shows a further embodiment according to the invention: in addition to the introduction of cleaning liquid through the orifices 600, cleaning liquid can be introduced particularly advantageously through an inlet flow channel 401 (channel K1), specifically through a substance Inlet opening 42 (eg FIG. 6) opposite (pipe) channel end, the channel K 1 approximately in the middle of the device through a bulkhead or the like. is sealingly divided.

Also referring to the exemplary embodiments according to FIGS. 6, 7, 11, 12 or 8, 9, 10, 13 and 14, the structure and arrangement of the device 1 according to the invention are described in more detail. This description also applies accordingly to all other exemplary embodiments.

In partial longitudinal view and in profile cross section, an application station of an application machine with an invented inventive device 1 for supplying and applying a substance 90 such as paint or the like. on an application surface 81, for example a web of material.

The device 1 comprises a tubular square hollow body 21 (support tube) which forms a support element 2 and which extends in the device length over the application width of the application surface (fabric web) 81. The material web 81 is moved in the horizontal direction in the working movement direction B, wherein it rests on a magnetic table 82.

An at least partially magnetizable, slidably held doctor element 91 can be pressed with its doctor edge against the web 81 and possibly a round template 80. The ends of the support tube 21 are held in supports of an application machine.

The support tube 21 forms the jacket body for a connection channel body 31 inserted therein in a form-fitting manner, which extends over the application width. A connecting flow channel 41 formed by a pipe 401 with a circular cross-section passes through a body opening on the end face of the channel body 31 and extends at least into the region of the body longitudinal center. There it is connected via a central substance flow dividing opening 51 to a dividing duct system arranged around the flow duct 41.

The connection flow channel 41 forms the first channel K 1 of a substance flow dividing device 3 which is at least partially worked into the connection channel body 31. The following substance flow division channels form a system of division stages. In these, the channels multiply from level to level via associated division openings between the levels. The division mouths are intended to be divided over the width of the application at equal intervals. and the channels extend longitudinally in the substance flow dividing device in the channel body 3.

In the connecting channel 41, the substance is also moved in the reverse direction of flow, corresponding to the channel cross section, in a combined, collected and concentrated flow to form a flow line out of or possibly into a connecting line connected to the opening 42.

The multiplication of the dividing flow channels in the dividing device 3 is determined by the arithmetic series of doubling: Z = 2 ^{κ (N_1)} , where K (Nl) denotes the dividing stage, N the number of the channels and Z the number of the Channels in every stage. The last, that is to say the next to the application surface 81, has the openings 600 provided at the same distance A.

It has been found that the objectives aimed at by the invention are achieved if the distance dimension (division dimension) between adjacent openings 600 is in the range from 3 to 20 mm, preferably 4 to 16 mm, the openings 600 being in a fixed, selectable distance from the application surface 81. This last-mentioned distance is very advantageously from 1 to a maximum of 100 mm. It has also been found that particularly advantageous results are achieved if the cross-sectional area of the orifices 600 is the same and is in the range from 2 to 30 mm ² . The sum of the substance outlet cross sections is preferably at least twice and advantageously multiple of the inlet flow cross section of the connecting flow channel 41. This means that the disadvantageous ejection of substance under a specifically built-up delivery pressure is inherent in the prior art avoided. The distance dimension is the division dimension from the center to the center of two adjacent orifices 600 or openings 60. FIG. 12 shows the pipe-surrounded connecting duct body with 6 dividing duct stages or series, which thus has 64 KV dividing outlets and can be provided according to the invention for application widths of approximately 300 to 1200 mm.

In the exemplary embodiment in FIG. 12, the dividing device 3 very advantageously comprises two further (additional) channel bodies 32, 33 which are arranged outside the body 31 in succession in the region between the underside of the tube 21, which faces the application surface 81, and the latter . There is therefore at least one attachment flow channel body 32, 33 attached to the tube 21, with which the division continues in a space-saving manner and without changing the dimensioning of the connecting channel body 31 and in accordance with the channel division of the additional channel body to the inventive one Distance division dimension of the mouths is established.

The additional channel body 32 is attached to the underside of the tube 21 and forms a further division stage. The following additional channel body 33 is attached to the underside of the channel body 32 facing the application surface 81. The outlets and outlets of neighboring bodies are provided in the same number and congruent. The substance thus passes through 256 outlet openings 60. According to the two attachment channel bodies 32, 33, the device according to FIG. 12 is therefore intended according to the invention for application widths of approximately 1 to a maximum of 4 m.

In the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 13, the connecting channel body 31 located inside the support bar tube 21 has seven division stages, and below the body 31 there are two further flow channel bodies 32, 33 on the outside, as in FIG. 12, but each with two division channels. Channel steps set so that the device 1 according to this example has 2048 outlet openings 60 of the K12 series and thus invented is intended for application widths of approximately 8 m.

It is particularly advantageous if the outlet openings 60 are of tube-like configuration and axially parallel, as in FIGS. 12 and 13. It has been found that a tube length in the range of 1 to 100 mm is particularly advantageous. 12 and 13, the tube openings 60 are formed in the additional channel body 33.

The device 1 according to FIG. 12 has a relatively large tube length, while in the embodiment according to FIG. 13 the tube length is relatively small. It is generally important for the invention that the openings 60 are directly open to the application surface, so that the substance is free and - avoiding a space closed by the application surface, the round template or a layer thickness - at least in this respect without pressure build-up to the application site 8 arrives. Conversely, the substance can be effectively removed in the embodiment according to FIG. 12.

18a and 19a show the outlet orifices 600 provided at different or at the same pitch A. 18a and 19a show views A of exemplary embodiments according to FIGS. 18 and 19.

As already mentioned, a very particularly advantageous measure consists in the fact that the sum of the outlet cross-sectional areas of the outlet openings 60 is considerably larger than the cross section of the substance inlet opening 42 formed by the forehead-body opening of the connecting channel body 31 Substance outlet pressure at the outlet orifices 600 to the highest degree, ie reduced to near zero.

The openings 60 are expediently shaped obliquely at their mouth edge in order to extend the mouth surface to the application surface. 8che to be directed. In the case of tube openings 60 with a circular cross section, this creates an elliptical shape of the outlets 600.

15a and b, a device according to the invention is shown essentially like Fig. 12, namely in Fig. 15a about a device pivot axis S, which extends parallel to the axis of the tube 401, to the left, i.e. pivoted against the direction of movement B. This position is the "Apply" operating position. The supply of application substance 9 is illustrated by arrows.

15b shows the device 1 to the right, ie pivoted in the direction of movement B, as a result of which the “cleaning” operating position is set. The arrows show the inflow of cleaning fluid through a cleaning channel body 35 and the return of cleaning fluid that mixes with the application substance to be removed. Instead or in addition, the cleaning liquid can also be supplied via the flow path for application substance according to FIG. 15a. The cleaning channel body 35 is attached in addition to the additional channel body 32 at the bottom of the connecting channel body ^'31; it is formed from a square tube which extends over the application width and is provided with a number of openings 61 (row of holes) which are preferably evenly spaced apart. The supply of the cleaning liquid into the body 35 takes place very advantageously through the connecting channel body 31, as will be described later.

Tube openings emanating from step channels in the connecting channel body 31 are also incorporated into the additional channel body 32, these step channels being fed with cleaning liquid from the pipe 401 via a central opening 51 ". From the tube openings of the upper additional channel body 32 exiting cleaning liquid rinses the Longitudinal side wall of the additional channel body 33 directed towards the work station 8 (FIG. 15b).

A sealing partition is provided in the longitudinal center of the pipe 401, so that the pipe 401 is used to feed or suction off the application substance / cleaning liquid on one end and to introduce additional cleaning fluid on the other end.

The device 1 according to FIGS. 6, 7, 11, 12 is equipped with two longitudinal side walls or plates 22, 23 forming the distribution or support elements 2. These are attached to the longitudinal side of the support tube 21 and protrude vertically from the underside of the support tube. The additional channel bodies 32, 33 are fastened to the front support wall 22, as seen in the working movement direction. A U-shaped space open to the application surface 81 is formed between the walls 22, 23. The additional channel body 33 extends to the lower edge of the supporting wall 22, the openings 600 being provided in the region of this lower edge extending in the vicinity of the template 80 or the working surface 81.

In the lower part of the rear support wall 23 in the direction of movement B, a holding magnet 83 is expediently arranged, which can hold a magnetizable roller doctor 93 on the wall 23 in the rest position.

The device 1 according to FIGS. 15a and b is equipped with supporting walls in the same way as the device in FIG. 12, but in FIG. 15 there is additionally a collecting trough 25 for remaining cleaning liquid which can reach the outer walls during the cleaning process. The gutter 25 is formed on the outside of the rear support wall 23 in the lower region thereof. Optionally on the top of the device 1 and on the outer surface of the rear support wall 23 Liquid droplets remaining after the cleaning process, which run down during the following application process, are collected by this channel 25. This embodiment according to the invention prevents application errors due to liquid residues which could otherwise drip onto the application surface or onto the inside of the stencil before, during or after a substance application. A collecting trough 25 can also be provided on the front support wall 22.

In FIG. 15b, the doctor blade 93 is magnetically pressed against the application surface 81 in a position I, specifically in the working position. This favors the cleaning process, since the cleaning liquid is collected in front of the doctor blade 93, so that a bead is formed, on which the suction force acts at the outlets / outlets 600.

With II the position of the roller squeegee is designated in the rest position on the wall 23. In this lifted-off position of the squeegee element, the circular stencil 80 on its inner wall can be completely covered with cleaning fluid and rinsed.

From the additional cleaning channel body 35, cleaning liquid is sprayed on the inside to the rear wall 23 of the device 1, specifically to a point above the roller doctor blade 93 in the rest position.

If an application with a stencil is interrupted or at the end of its operation, there is a risk that after the application device (printing device) has been lifted and the stencil slowly rotates, substance will be carried upwards on its inner wall and then drips off. In order to avoid the resulting contamination, an embodiment of the invention according to FIG. 15a provides for the free lower longitudinal edge 84 of the longitudinal support wall 23 in the state of the non-lifted printing device To be spaced from the inner wall of the stencil so that a kind of splitting knife is created. This splitting knife 84 is used in that only the magnetic field of the magnetic device 82 is first switched off before the printing device is lifted out. As a result, the roller doctor blade is lifted and held by means of the holding magnet 83. The template 80 continues to rotate in the operating direction at least one full revolution. In this case, by means of the free edge 84 of the longitudinal wall 23, substance remaining in the template 80 in the form of a doctor blade coating with a layer thickness corresponding to the edge distance from the template 80 is coated onto the template inner wall. With the formation of this uniform layer, the disadvantageous drop formation is avoided. The order mode can be resumed or cleaning can take place.

A very advantageous embodiment of the mouth area of the tubular outlet openings is that the mouths 600 end in a gap slot 601 that is continuous over the application width. It is important that the distance between the gap inner walls (gap width) is at least somewhat smaller than the diameter of the channel tube ends, i.e. of the mouths 600 is selected. Particularly good results have been achieved with a gap length (flow length) (depth of the gap between the opening-slot edge and mouths 600) of 2-12 mm, preferably 3-10 mm. 15b shows the slot-shaped connection of the tube openings 600/601 which are closely spaced according to the invention.

16 shows a device 1 according to the invention in the simplest embodiment with 6 channel steps (N = 6), so that 32 channel-shaped openings 600 are provided, which according to the invention are intended for application widths of approximately 150 to 500 mm. The dividing device 3 is arranged within the support tube 21. A strip-shaped additional channel body 32 is fitted to the mouths 600 of the tube 21, into which connection channels which form tubular outlet openings 60 'and which end in the mouths 610 are machined. The two side walls of the (conical) channel body 32, which is conical in cross-section, are shaped obliquely, so that the lower horizontally arranged surface of the body 32 in the lower region 320 lies directly at the outlet openings 610, that is to say only a very narrow edge forms.

This embodiment of the mouth area according to the invention prevents the cross-flow of substance at the outlet surface, as opposed to e.g. 13 is possible on the underside of the channel body 33, which results in a significant advantage for cleaning.

Another special design for the cleaning process is that longitudinal channels 38, 39 for cleaning fluid are incorporated in the pipe 21 in the tube, the length of which corresponds approximately to the application width.

Both channels 38, 39 can be connected to a cleaning liquid source from a device end face.

Directional arrows R illustrate an additional liquid outflow from the channel 39 in the two end regions of the application device 1 on the front side.

As in the embodiment according to FIG. 13, in FIG. 16 a doctor element 91, which can be magnetically pressed by means of a magnetizable core 900, is formed by a profiled strip 90 which is pivotable about an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis, in FIG. 16 in the lower region the rear longitudinal side wall 23 is attached. The profile bar 90 carries a doctor blade 92 which is pressed against the application surface 81 by means of the magnetic table 82. The application substance 9 reaches the application point 8 in front of the doctor blade 92 over a drop distance of maximum 100 mm.

17 shows a device 1 according to the invention in combination with a splitting knife coating device. There is no magnetic pressure and also a sieve cylinder. The device 1 is dimensioned for large application widths. A total of 13 channel dividing stages (N = 13) are provided, so that 4096 orifices are created. An inventive pitch of approximately 4 mm enables an application width of approximately 16.4 m.

The connecting channel body 31 arranged in the tube 21 is equipped with channel stages K 1 to K 7. The additional channel body 32 attached to the underside of the tube has three channel stages. Also the following, attached to the body 32

Additional channel body 33 is provided with three channel stages. An additional cleaning channel body 35 in the form of a square tube is arranged between the two bodies 32, 33 and the rear longitudinal side support wall 23.

This body 35 is fed with cleaning liquid either from one or both ends of the device or from the inflow channel K1. It also has a cleaning effect on the entire working width and also on the end areas of the coating-applying device 1.

A variant of the embodiment is shown in dashed lines: the wall 22 is extended a little downward and a further additional channel body 34 is inserted into the resulting angle, which is attached to the body 33 in a sealing manner, for example by means of adhesive. This body 34 closes the outlet openings 60 in the body 33, the flow channels K13 and K12 are shut down, and the flow channels K1 are connected by outlet openings to tube outlet openings 60 'which fit snugly therewith and which enter the body 34 are worked in at a steep incline to the work surface 81 and end in openings 610.

The mouth regions 340 of the additional channel body 34 are designed in the shape of a round cone, it being possible for this round cone shape either to be worked out from the body 34 or to have a correspondingly shaped part attached to it. The advantageous effect of this design measure is the same as that already described for FIG. 16.

6 to 17 show devices 1 according to the invention each with an inlet channel K 1 in the form of a thin-walled tube 401 with a circular cross section which extends to at least the middle of the device; this tube is preferably approximately the same length or somewhat longer than the square support tube 21. The application substance or cleaning fluid is introduced into one of the two ends of the tube 401 and, in embodiments according to FIGS. 6-12, 15, 18 and 19, with the end of the pipe 401 connected to the connecting channel body.

In the embodiment according to Fig. 15b, i.e. in the cleaning mode, the cleaning liquid is introduced at one of the two ends of the pipe 401 and discharged from the other pipe end, possibly mixed with substance residues.

18 and 19 show a further embodiment of the device according to the invention. As in the previously described embodiments, a connecting channel body 31 is inserted into the square support tube 21. However, no pipe 401 is inserted into the body 31, but instead a connecting flow channel 41 (stepped channel K1) is formed, which extends at least from one end face of the device to the region of the longitudinal center of the body.

The support tube 21 is sealed at its ends and provided at least at one end with a pipe or hose connection through which application substance or cleaning liquid is introduced or discharged.

The pipe connection can e.g. Expediently protrude a piece into the support tube 21 and open into the connecting flow channel and, in particular, advantageously also be provided with a cross-section-forming intermediate piece.

For example, a coupling hose connection must be attached to a plate which seals the supporting tube end; In this case, the connecting channel body 31 preferably extends into the vicinity of the end of the supporting tube and can optionally be connected to the end plate as a sealing intermediate piece by means of a rubber plate.

The rubber plate or another intermediate and end plate advantageously has a funnel-shaped flow-forming channel.

As can be seen from FIG. 18, an additional channel body 32 'is sealingly attached to the outside of the front side wall (viewed in direction B) of the support tube 21, the length of the body 32' corresponding approximately to the application width. The body 32 'has a flat wall shape. Further channel bodies 33-35 are advantageously attached to this body 32 'in sealing surface contact. The connecting channel body 31 comprises four step channels K1-K4, and the additional channel body 32 'is equipped with four step channels K5-K8.

Depending on requirements, the additional additional channel bodies 33, 34, 35 are then placed side by side in order to achieve the pitch A according to the invention for the outlets 600 in relation to the application width.

The additional channel bodies 33, 34 and 35 each have a step channel K9, K10 or K1, and in the plate-shaped additional channel body 35 the tubular openings 60 (FIG. 18a) with a relatively large flow length (up to max 100 mm).

With regard to the overall cross section and the work functions, the devices according to FIGS. 18 and 19 correspond to the exemplary embodiments according to FIGS. 6, 7, 11, 12 and 15. After the application operation has ended, substance is sucked off by the dividing device 3. The distance between the work station 8 and the substance outlet orifices 600 is 1 to 10 mm, preferably 1 to 5 mm.

In general, in the invention, the distance D from the work station is understood to mean the distance that exists between the edges of the substance outlet openings 600 and the work surface 81. It is essential that in the application mode the fixed distance of the substance outlet mouth edges to the work surface 81 or a template 80 is so large that there is no sealing and / or nozzle doctor effect between the edge and the work surface or template and the distance between the edge and the work surface also may not act as a coating knife.

In the example according to FIG. 18, a further square tube 24 is attached below the support tube 21, the length of which is approximately that Application width corresponds. In this square tube 24, a flow channel body 37 for cleaning fluid is inserted, which flows out on the underside of the square tube 24 through one or, if necessary, through a plurality of rows of holes 61 arranged there (with a discharge pressure that is as large as possible, ie effective for cleaning).

As can be seen from FIG. 18, an expedient embodiment according to the invention consists in the fact that the longitudinal support walls at the same time act as a protective wall 220/230 for the flow channel body (s) or for a material that is made in particular of relatively soft material (light metal, plastic) Support tube 21 are formed. For this purpose, the longitudinal support wall 22 is advantageously provided with an angular, in particular U-shaped cross-section, the angled leg forming the upper side of the device 1. The rear longitudinal support wall 23 also advantageously forms a protective wall 230.

Between the channel bodies 35 and 37, an angle corner profile 26 forming a supporting element is arranged. In the angular profile wall attached to the support tube 24, obliquely arranged openings 61 for cleaning liquid are incorporated, which are aligned with openings in the wall of the support tube 24. The wall openings are in flow connection with a channel stage K3 'formed in the channel body 37. In addition, the second channel stage K2 'of the cleaning liquid dividing device is incorporated into the body 37. The associated channel stage K 1 'is formed in the connecting channel body 31, specifically as a channel extending from the front of the body and extending into the middle of the body, as has already been described with reference to the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 13.

19 shows an embodiment variant for high application volume output, ie with an inlet flow channel K 1 of a relatively large cross section and, accordingly, relatively large Dimensioned, adjoining dividing channels K2 to K5, which are incorporated into the connecting channel body 31, which is surrounded on all sides with the jacket support tube 21. A series of additional channel bodies 32 to 36 are sealingly attached to the lower outer tube of the supporting tube and continue the stepped channels up to K10.

The substance is diverted from the flow system transverse channels K10 into the tubular flow outlet openings 60, which are designed according to the invention and are arranged perpendicularly thereto, and after flowing through this tube flow path from elliptically shaped openings 600 (FIG. 19a), in order to pass through the free, open substance-bringing-up route to get to application point 8.

In this exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 19, the substance is transported lying on the inner wall of the template up to the application point 8.

This type of bringing the substance emerging from the device 1 without further contact with any device parts is essential for the substance application according to the invention. The same operating modes can be carried out for the exemplary embodiments according to FIGS. 18 and 19 as in FIGS. 15 a and b.

The following can be seen in particular from the configuration according to the invention shown in FIGS. 18 and 19: The dividing device 3 is assembled in a modular construction from a range or a group of cuboidal channel bodies, at least one of which forms a connecting channel body.

At least one additional channel body is attached to the adjacent connection channel body in a space-saving manner, expediently it is also possible to group several additional channel bodies around a connecting channel body.

The cross-sectional dimensions (edge lengths and heights) of channel bodies of a group are dimensioned such that a space-saving, compact head unit with an essentially rectangular overall cross section is created in the upper region of the dividing device 3, while one in the lower region facing the application surface 80 a plate-like front wall is formed, which consists of at least one additional channel body and projects with the openings 600 into the area of the application point 8.

As shown in FIGS. 7, 9, 11-13, 15a, 15b and 19, devices according to the invention are expediently equipped with a substance contact sensor 7. This is mounted in a simple arrangement on the underside of the connecting channel body 31 or on an additional channel body facing the working surface 81. The sensor tip is located in the area of work place 8.

The sensing tip 71 can preferably be pivoted about an axis 70 (FIGS. 13, 15, 19) parallel to the longitudinal axis of the device, and the contact sensor 7 is expediently inserted into the device 1 in an axially displaceable manner in the longitudinal direction of the device.

The sensor 7 is controlled electrically and / or pneumatically. Depending on the adjustable sensing tip 7 at a distance from the working surface 81, a substance level is set and kept constant by the contact sensor controlling the substance introduced into the connecting flow channel 41 via an automatic control device (not shown). So there is a need-based, constant quantity control. For suction operation, it is particularly advantageous that the outlets 600 are widened in a funnel shape.

From FIG. 19 it can also be seen that both a division stage K6 for the application substance path and another stage K2 'for the additional cleaning fluid path are advantageously incorporated into the additional channel body 32.

The first channel step K 1 'of the cleaning liquid dividing device is in turn formed in the connecting channel body 31 and separated by means of a bulkhead in the middle of the body from the step channel K 1 for application substance starting from the other end face of the body. 19, similar to FIG. 18, an angle corner profile 26 is attached to the channel body 32 and the channel bodies 33 to 36.

A fundamentally important quality standard for application devices of the type according to the invention is their straightness state, that is to say the highest possible bending stiffness, combined with the smallest possible device cross-section and weight.

A manufacturing method according to the invention is presented for the device, which offers great quality advantages in terms of increased bending strength in combination with reduced weight and a relatively small cross-section.

This production method consists in that the device according to the invention is produced by gluing the cross-sectional structural parts over a large area (flat and full area), so that welded or screwed connections are eliminated.

The manufacturing technique according to the invention is shown in all cross-sectional representations by adhesive bonding designated 10 Bindings can be seen, in particular in FIGS. 7, 9, 12, 13, 15 to 19 and 23rd

The connection of light metal or plastic with steel is particularly advantageous for the manufacturing process, the channel bodies possibly being formed with a jacket tube made of light metal or plastic, while the supporting walls consist of steel.

A further advantageous embodiment of the manufacturing method consists in bending individual shaped parts such as in particular the square support tube 21 for producing an adhesive prestressing connection against the direction of the bending stress caused by the working operation and with other shaped parts, in particular with them to glue the plate-shaped longitudinal side walls 22, 23 which extend at least over the entire working width. With this manufacturing process, a (at least almost) deflection-free, i.e. straight laminate carrier in operation.

Another particular advantage of the adhesive production technique according to the invention is that the device is optimally sealed; this both in the area of the support tube 21 and in the channel connection area of one or more other channel bodies attached.

Devices according to the invention ensure complete internal and external cleaning as a result of the cleaning liquid flowing through the dividing system with substance delivery to the application point.

It is also achieved with devices according to the invention that a round template inserted into the device is also cleaned. This has the further advantage that the application device does not have to be removed from the template for cleaning, but rather both components of the application unit, which save time and cleaning fluid, are cleaned together.

Depending on the design of the application machine for storing a round stencil, the cleaning process within the application machine is connected directly to the application operation, preferably using the device execution forms according to FIGS. 6 and 7, 11 and 12, 15, 18 and 19; or after removal of the application unit consisting of the dividing device, doctor blade device and possibly round stencil from the application machine and thus formation of a cleaning device constructed according to the invention, which is also referred to as an auxiliary machine, for which application units in particular in the embodiment according to FIG. 9, 16 and 20-24 are suitable.

Application units of other previously mentioned embodiments can, however, also be cleaned in this way.

According to the invention, a previously described device is provided as a cleaning device 1 ', in which application devices, consisting of the dividing device, the doctor element and, if appropriate, the stencil, can be used as its component.

20 shows a detail of an application machine 100, seen from above, with a substance supply device connected to the application unit. By means of a conveying device (pump) substance is removed from a container and fed to an application point. 21 shows that the application unit together with the screen cylinder is removed from the application machine 100 and inserted into an auxiliary cleaning device, thereby forming the cleaning device.

FIG. 21b shows the same conveying device as FIG. 20b, but with a suction line, removing cleaning fluid from another container and feeding it to the application unit, which is now operated as a self-cleaning screen cylinder cleaning device.

FIG. 22 shows the same cleaning auxiliary device 1 ′, which is shown in a top view in FIG. 21, in a side view. The tilted / inclined position shown in dashed lines during the cleaning process causes the cleaning liquid to run off rapidly from the interior of the screen cylinder 80.

At the pipe end of the application unit shown on the left in FIG. 22, in addition to the opening 42, a second inlet connection 42 'for cleaning fluid is provided, which is shown enlarged in FIG. 22b. 22a shows the other pipe end seen from below, the end region of this second feed line for cleaning liquid being shown cut away, so that a U-shaped or semicircular connection of the two pipe ends can be seen.

This detail according to FIGS. 22a and 22b corresponds to the cross section shown in FIG. 13.

23a shows in cross section a cleaning device 1 'according to the invention with a cleaning auxiliary device and an application unit inserted therein, ie also with a clamped round template 80. The circular template is preferably inserted and clamped in the same way as in the application machine. The support roller 810 and the circular template 80 lying thereon are driven. The support roller 810 is rubberized, provided with an absorbent coating or designed as a brush roller. In the interior of the support roller 810, a magnetic device 82 is drawn in dashed lines, which presses a doctor roller as well as in the application machine.

Another advantageous embodiment can be seen in FIG. 23b in an enlarged detail of a detail from FIG. 23a; a plate-like strip equipped with a permanent-magnetic device 82 'is inserted into a brush covering. As a result of this measure, the doctor blade 93 made of magnetizable material is magnetically attracted once with each rotation of the support roller 810, i.e. So brought from the rest position shown in dashed lines to the work position.

The arrows and drops show that the cleaning process is optimized by additionally supplying cleaning liquid in connection with the magnetic doctor pressure.

24 shows in five detailed representations. FIGS. 24a-e show the sequence of an application and cleaning sequence carried out according to the invention, in particular the cleaning of the application unit with a round template in the machine. 24a is identical to FIG. 20a and clarifies the application process.

24b shows the reverse operation of the conveying device: the substance is returned from the application device into the substance storage container, i.e. also from the template and from the feed lines.

24c illustrates an intermediate step which is advantageously provided according to the method, namely the complete recirculation residual substance from the lines and from the conveying device by sucking in and conveying cleaning liquid. This substance-saving process step is ended as soon as the cleaning liquid reaches the end of the supply pressure line, which feeds back into the supply container according to FIG. 24c.

24d shows that the pressure line, now filled with cleaning liquid, is reconnected to the application device and that the cleaning operation is carried out by means of the conveying device. Compressed air or another gaseous medium, in particular for increasing the pressure of the cleaning liquid and for subsequent drying, can additionally be introduced at or next to the conveying device. This is indicated graphically in FIGS. 24d and 24e.

Figure 24e shows the return, i.e. the suction operation of cleaning liquid or a liquid / and substance mixture. Instead of the conveying device (return conveying device), a specially provided suction device can also be used. Cleaning liquid can be supplied not only from a container, as shown in FIG. 24, but also from a line network, and cleaning liquid can also be supplied through a second and possibly a third line, as has been illustrated and explained with reference to other figures.

Claims

Patent claims:

1. Device (1) for supplying a flowable, pasty and / or gaseous substance (9) to a work station (8) suitable for substance application, which extends in the device length, and in particular for loading a wide area along the work station Extending work surface (81) such as an application surface (81) with the substance, in particular by means of a doctor element (91), comprising a three-stage substance flow guide, which is formed in that the substance in a first flow stage by means of a a combined (centered) substance flow-forming connecting line (40) in the form of a tube, a hose or the like can be introduced into the device, in a second flow stage by means of a substance flow dividing device (3) can be divided equally into a plurality of flow paths and in a third stage in an even layer thickness across the application width having the same surface-homogeneous substance layer can be spread out, and which is preferably also formed to reverse the direction of substance flow in that the substance from the area of the application point through the second flow stage into the substance flow of the first, which then forms a combined substance discharge flow Flow stage is transferable, where

the substance flow dividing device (3) is connected to a support element (2) which extends in the device length and comprises at least one flow channel body (31, 32, 33, 35, 36) which extends in its length, a connecting channel body ( 31) has a body opening on the inside for connection to the connecting line (40), Starting from the forehead body opening of the connecting channel body (31) and extending into the area of the longitudinal body center, a connecting flow channel (41) is formed which continues the connecting line (40) or is at least partially formed by the connecting line (40) iεt, which guides the substance in a combined flow between the end face and the longitudinal center of the connecting channel body (31) within the same,

the connecting flow channel (41) in the region of the longitudinal center of the connecting channel body (31) has a central substance flow dividing opening (51) and from this central dividing opening (51) a system of dividing stages forming substance flow dividing channels starts, which starts from Step by step via further similar dividing outlets continue to multiply up to a large number of outlet openings (60), at least one dividing step being formed within the connecting channel body (31), and

the distance dimension (A) between two adjacent substance outlet orifices (600) (division dimension) is in the range from 3 to 20 mm, preferably 4 to 16 mm, and the outlet openings (60) are arranged at a distance from the work station (8) are, the outlet openings (60) opening into a free space between them and the work station (8).

2. Device according to claim 1, d a d u r c h g e - k e n n z e i c h n e t that the outlet openings

(60) are tubular and are preferably arranged axially parallel to one another.

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that each outlet opening (60 ') opens into a surface whose width, parallel to Working direction (B), but preferably also its dimension in the longitudinal direction of the device is essentially determined by the diameter or cross section of the associated orifice (610) (FIGS. 16, 17).

4. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, since ¬ characterized in that the outlet cross-sectional area of the outlet openings (60) is in the range of 3 to 30 mm ² .

5. Device according to claim 3 or 4, so that the length of the channel-shaped outlet openings (60) is in the range from 1 to 100 mm.

6. Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, so that the distance of the outlet orifices to the work station (8) is in the range from 1 to at most 100 mm.

7. Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, so that the sum of the outlet cross-sectional areas of the outlet openings (60) is greater than the substance inlet cross-section formed by the body opening of the connecting channel body (31).

8. Device according to one of claims 1 to 7, since ¬ characterized in that the outlet cross-sections of the outlet openings (60) face the application surface (81) and are directed so that the substance (9) through free space in free fall gets to work (8).

9. Device according to one of claims 1 to 8, since ¬ characterized in that the part The device (3) is subdivided into the connecting channel body (31) and at least one additional channel body (32, 33) extending in parallel along the length, an additional channel body (33) being provided with the substance outlet openings (60) and each additional duct body (32, 33) is preferably arranged below the connection duct body (31) between the latter and the work station (8).

10. The device according to claim 9, so that an additional channel body is at least partially surrounded by a tube or a supporting wall.

11. The device according to one of claims 1 to 10, - characterized in that a Trag¬ element (2) is formed by a support tube (21) with which only the connecting channel body (31) is sheathed, while possibly any further Channel body (32, 33) of the dividing device (3) is arranged outside the support tube (21) on the latter.

12. Device according to one of claims 1 to 11, d a ¬ d u r c h g e k e n n z e i c h n e t that the connection channel body (31, 32, 33) on at least one forming a support element (2) in the area between the

Connection channel body (31) and the work station (8) extending supporting longitudinal side wall (22) is fixed.

13. The device according to one of claims 1 to 12, - characterized in that at least one of the supply and / or suction of cleaning agents on the connecting channel body (31), preferably on its side facing the working point (8) such as cleaning liquid or gas-serving channel body (35, 36) with provided over the application width

Orifices (61) is arranged with one at the Device (1) arranged at the end of the central cleaning connection duct.

14. The apparatus according to claim 13, so that the orifices (61) of a cleaning channel body (35, 36) are shaped and directed in such a way that cleaning fluid under the delivery pressure of orifices (61) is distributed in a conically widening manner.

15. The apparatus according to claim 13, so that the openings (61) of the cleaning channel body (35, 36) are connected to the front connecting channel by a part of the connecting channel body (31).

16. The apparatus of claim 15, d a d u r c h g e ¬ k e n n z e i c h n e t that the cleaning connection channel is formed by the connection flow channel of the connection channel body (31).

17. Device according to one of claims 1 to 16, so that the connecting flow channel for application substance is formed in the form of a thin-walled tube, preferably by a part of a channel that completely penetrates the connecting channel body in the longitudinal direction.

18. The apparatus according to claim 17 and 15, characterized in that the inlet channel from one end face of the connecting channel body forms the connecting flow channel (41) for application substance, while from the opposite end side the cleaning connecting channel for at least one cleaning channel body ( 35, 36) forms.

19. Device according to one of claims 1 to 18, so that the outlet edge of the substance outlet openings (60) is oblique to the direction of flow.

20. The device according to one of claims 1 to 19, since ¬ characterized in that the mouths of the substance outlet openings (60) to the opening side are funnel-like to suck substance in the area of the application point (8) and through the channel body ( 31) in the connection flow channel (41).

21. Device according to one of claims 1 to 20, - characterized in that the Tei¬ lungseinrichtung (3) in modular construction consists of a group of preferably rectangular channel bodies (31 to 36), at least one of which a connection channel body ( 31), at least one preferably having at least one step of dividing channels (KN), the additional channel body (32-36) is attached to at least one adjacent channel body and the entirety of the joined channel bodies forms a closed forming the dividing device (3) Composite body forms, wherein preferably each channel body surface is congruent with one or more channel body surfaces attached to it.

22. Device according to one of claims 1 to 21, - characterized in that the parting device (3) at least one plate-shaped or flat-shaped, transversely to the application surface (81) and up to the area of the application parts (8) extending portion which is formed from at least one channel body (32 to 36).

23. Device according to one of claims 1 to 22, since ¬ characterized in that the connecting channel body (31) comprises at least two connecting flow channels (41) starting from at least one end face, one of which via the central parting openings (51) is connected to graduation stages for application substance, while at least one other of the connecting flow channels (41) via at least one further central graduation opening (51 ', 51' ') is the entrance path for at least one separate flow division system of the graduation device (3) for supplying cleaning ¬ liquid forms.

24. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 23, - characterized in that in an additional channel body (32) attached to the connecting channel body (31), both dividing channels for the flow path of the application substance and separately for the flow path from Cleaning fluid are formed (Fig. 19).

25. Device according to one of claims 1 to 24, since ¬ characterized in that a channel body (350) is attached to the underside of the connecting channel body (31) for application substance, in which two with outlet openings (60) provided in parallel extending pipe ducts are arranged, one of the pipes being able to be charged with cleaning liquid on one end of the duct body and the pipe ducts being connected to a U-duct piece on the other end (FIGS. 22a, b).

26. Device according to one of claims 1 to 25, since ¬ characterized in that the device has a round template (80) and the connecting channel body (31) with a, in working-movement seen direction (B), the rear longitudinal wall (23) is connected, the free longitudinal edge of which is such a distance from the inner wall of the stencil that the end edge forms a kind of splitting knife, which rotates immediately after the application mode is switched off Circular stencil remaining substance distributed over the inner wall of the stencil.

27. Device according to one of claims 1 to 26, characterized in that the device exclusively as a cleaning device (1 ') for cleaning the dividing device (3) and the associated doctor blade device (91), preferably in conjunction with a circular stencil ( 80) is provided, the dividing device (3), together with the doctor blade device (91) and possibly the circular stencil (80), forming an application device transport unit that connects these parts and can be removed from an application machine, and the cleaning device (1 ') is interchangeably equipped with such an application device unit.

28. The apparatus according to claim 27, dadurchge ¬ indicates that the working surface (81) of the cleaning device (1 ') is formed by a support roller which is provided with a cleaning favoring cleaning such as a rubber covering, an absorbent covering or a brush covering A magnetic device (82) for pressing a magnetizable doctor element (91) is preferably arranged in the roller.

29. The device according to claim 27 or 28, characterized in that the doctor element (91) is magnetizable and by means of a holding magnet (83) arranged on the dividing device (3) and by means of a magnetic attraction force which can be generated temporarily at the work station (8) Doctor element (91) is intermittently arranged to be lifted off the roller covering.

30. Device according to one of claims 27 to 29, d a - d u r c h g e k e n n z e i c h n e t that at the

At least one flat-shaped permanent magnet element (820), which extends over the working width, is arranged around the circumferential surface of the support roller, the squeegee element (91) temporarily countering it from its raised rest position on the holding magnet (83) when it comes to work (8) the roller is pressed.

31. Device according to one of claims 27 to 30, so that the cleaning device (1 *) can be pivoted about an axis transversely to the length of the device into a tilted position for the cleaning liquid to run out (FIG. 22).

32. Device according to one of claims 1 to 31, d a - d u r c h g e k e n n z e i c h n e t that at least one channel body (31-36) is connected to at least one support element (2) by means of an adhesive connection (10) which is preferably under tension.

33. Device according to one of claims 1 to 32, so that at least one channel body part (31-36) of the device is pre-tensioned to a support element (2).

34. Device according to one of claims 1 to 33, so that the device (1) is arranged pivotably about an axis parallel to its longitudinal axis.

35. Device according to one of claims 1 to 34, since ¬ characterized in that at the Device (1) is arranged with its sensor tip (71) extending into the area of the application point (8) substance contact sensor (7), preferably the sensor tip (71) about an axis parallel to the device longitudinal axis (70) is arranged pivotably and the contact sensor (7) is preferably inserted into the device (1) so as to be displaceable in the longitudinal direction of the device.

36. Device according to one of claims 1 to 35, since ¬ characterized in that the openings (600) of the dividing device (3) are connected to a slot-shaped gap (601), the flow path in the gap being at most 2 to 12 mm, preferably 3 - 10 mm.

37. Device according to one of claims 2 to 36, that the tube-shaped outlet openings (60) are formed in an additional channel body (33) attached to the connecting channel body (31).

38. Device according to one of claims 2 to 37, d a ¬ d u r c h g e k e n n z e i c h n e t that an angular or U-shaped shaped support wall (220, 230) as

Protective wall for the flow body or for the support tube (21) is provided.

39. Device according to one of claims 2 to 38, d a - d u r c h g e k e n n z e i c h n e t that a supporting wall (23) is provided and formed with a channel (25) whose length is equal to that of the supporting wall.

40. Method for producing a dividing device (3) for an application and / or cleaning device, in particular for producing a device (1) according to claim 31, at least one channel body (31) of the substance dividing device (3) initially provided with substance division channels (KN) being connected by means of adhesive with at least one support element (2) extending longitudinally with the channel body (31).

41. The method according to claim 40, dadurchge ¬ indicates that the channel body (31) is curved in one dimension (spatial direction) transversely to its longitudinal extension and thus prestressed and that the channel body (31) curved in this way for fixing the pretension with the support element (21, 22) is glued.

42. The method according to claim 40 or 41, characterized in that at least one channel body (31) is embedded in a preferably completely surrounding jacket part (21) in the profile cross-section of the channel body (31), the jacket body consisting of this composite being prestressed and with at least one support wall (21, 22) forming the support element (2) is glued.

43. The method according to claim 42, so that a material with a low specific weight is used for the jacket part (21), which is prestressed in particular in the form of a profile tube, preferably a square tube, for the jacket part (21).

44. The method according to any one of claims 40 to 43, d a - d u r c h g e k e n n z e i c h n e t that the pretensioned body having the channels is glued to a steel support element (21, 22).

45. Method for supplying substance to a work station (8), for applying substance and for cleaning the device using a device according to claims 1 to 32, characterized in that the substance is supplied to the application site with a distance selected in the range of 1 mm to 100 mm between the work station (8) and the substance outlet orifices (600), and that substance ends after the application operation has ended the dividing device (3) is suctioned off, the distance between the work station (8) and the substance outlet orifices (600) being selected from the range 1 to 10 mm, preferably 1 to 5 mm, and preferably the application point (8) Cleaning liquid is supplied.

46. The method according to claim 45, dadurchge ¬ indicates that prior to the suction operation, cleaning fluid is rinsed through the dividing device (3) for exiting the substance orifices (600), the supply of cleaning fluid preferably taking place in succession alternately with the suction and in each If both the suction and the supply of the cleaning liquid have a significantly higher delivery force than when the application substance is added.

47. The method according to claim 45 or 46, characterized in that cleaning fluid not only through the application substance outlet openings (60), but also through additional orifices (61) forming components of the dividing device (3) and distributed over the application width ) is fed.

48. The method according to any one of claims 45 to 47, since ¬ characterized in that the suction up to one of the dividing device (3) upstream in the application substance direction conveyor device device, such as a pump, and into the conveyor.

49. The method according to any one of claims 45 to 48, - characterized in that the mixture of substance and cleaning liquid sucked off by the dividing device (3) is discharged into a discharge system, the degree of purity of the mixture being measured and the cleaning being ended at a predetermined degree of purity becomes.

50. The method according to claim 46, which also means that the substance supply, suction / rinsing process is controlled by means of a control device having a liquid contact sensor (7).

51. The method according to any one of claims 45 to 50, d a ¬ d u r c h g e k e n n z e i c h n e t that compressed air is passed through the channels supplying the cleaning liquid for air drying of the device parts after substance residues have been removed by means of the cleaning liquid.

52. The method according to any one of claims 45 to 51, since ¬ characterized in that when using a device (1) pivotable about an axis parallel to its longitudinal axis during application _. operation by pivoting the distance of the mouths (600) of the dividing device (3) to the application point is set larger than in the suction operation.

53. The method according to any one of claims 45 to 52, since ¬ characterized in that when using a device (1) with a magnetizable doctor blade (91) the latter, if necessary, temporarily during the cleaning Driven by magnetic force from the application surface (81) and held on a wall (23) of the device in the rest position.