A coating apparatus having a cleaning arrangement

摘要

An apparatus (7) and method for applying at least one coating solution (9) of a predetermined viscosity to a photosensitive material (11). The apparatus includes at least an application roller which is adapted to apply the coating solution onto the photosensitive material. A solution supply guide (25) is positioned relative to the application roller to supply coating solution onto the application roller. The apparatus and method further includes a washing arrangement (40) for washing the coating apparatus in an efficient manner. The washing arrangement includes a movable scrubber bar arrangement which retracts away from the application roller when the coating apparatus is in a coating mode of operation, and is movable to contact the application roller by way of brushes in a cleaning mode of operation. The apparatus and method further includes a recirculation system (45) which alternatively supplies coating solution to the supply guide (25) and cleaning solution to at least the washing arrangement. <IMAGE>