Method and device for producing corrugated cardboard

Abstract

The invention relates to an apparatus for producing corrugated cardboard products. Said apparatus comprises a first one-sided machine and a second one-sided machine which are configured in each case for producing a single flute corrugated cardboard web. Furthermore, the apparatus has a combining means which is configured for connecting the single flute corrugated cardboard webs. Here, the combining means is provided with a convergence region which is configured for mutual adaptation of the single flute corrugated cardboard webs. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for producing corrugated cardboard products, in which method a first single flute corrugated cardboard web is connected to a second single flute corrugated cardboard web. During connection, a first single flute corrugated cardboard web and a second single flute corrugated cardboard web run through a convergence region.

Claims

1. An apparatus for producing corrugated cardboard products, comprising a first one-sided machine and a second one-sided machine which are configured in each case for producing a single flute corrugated cardboard web, and a combining means which is configured for connecting the single flute corrugated cardboard webs, whereas the combining means has a convergence region which is configured for mutual adaptation of the single flute corrugated cardboard webs, characterized in that the combining means is configured with a divergence region for separating two single flute corrugated cardboard webs by means of at least one deflecting roll, the first single flute corrugated cardboard web being combined with the second single flute corrugated cardboard web in the convergence region, head points of the corrugation profile of the first single flute corrugated cardboard web coming into contact with foot points of the corrugated profile of the second single flute corrugated cardboard web, wherein the convergence region is configured upstream of the divergence region.

2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the first one-sided machine is provided with a first corrugating roll and an associated counterpart which have a corrugation which runs parallel to the rotational axis of the first corrugating roll.

3. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the second one-sided machine is provided with a second corrugating roll and an associated counterpart which both have a corrugation which runs parallel to the rotational axis of the second corrugated roll.

4. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the convergence region is configured between a first and a second diverting roller.

5. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the combining means is equipped with at least one water vapor supply which is arranged for moistening a top web of a single flute corrugated cardboard web.

6. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the combining means is provided with at least one heating plate which is arranged for heating at least one single flute corrugated cardboard web.

7. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the combining means is provided with a convergence region which comprises a heating cylinder.

8. The apparatus as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that the heating cylinder is provided with a roller support, in which a first and a second diverting roller are received rotatably, it being possible for the roller support to be pivoted about the center point of the heating cylinder.

9. The apparatus as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that the first and second diverting rollers form, in each case with the circumferential face of the heating cylinder, a nip for guiding through the first and second single flute corrugated cardboard web.

10. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 characterized in that the divergence region has at least one deflecting roll which can be moved perpendicularly with respect to a running path of a single flute corrugated cardboard web.

11. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the length of the first running path of the first single flute corrugated cardboard web differs from the length of the second running path of the second single flute corrugated cardboard web by half a corrugation length of a corrugation profile of the first single flute corrugated cardboard web.

12. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the first one-sided machine has a first web conveying direction and the second one-sided machine has a second web conveying direction, it being possible for the second web conveying direction to be reversed.

13. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the first one-sided machine or the second one-sided machine has a turning device for turning one single flute corrugated cardboard web.

14. A method for producing corrugated cardboard products, comprising the following steps: a) production of a first single flute corrugated cardboard web from a first top web and a paper web by means of a first one-sided machine, b) production of a second single flute corrugated cardboard web from a second top web and a paper web by means of a second one-sided machine, c) transportation of the first and second single flute corrugated cardboard web into a combining means, d) connection of the first and second single flute corrugated cardboard web to produce a corrugated cardboard product, in step d), corrugation profiles of the first and the second single flute corrugated cardboard web being adapted to one another in a convergence region in a combining means, characterized in that the first and second single flute corrugated cardboard web are conveyed at an outlet of a diverting roller into a divergence region, the first and the second single flute corrugated cardboard web being separated from one another by means of at least one deflection roll whereas the first single flute corrugated cardboard web is combined with the second single flute corrugated cardboard web in the convergence region, head points of the corrugation profile of the first single flute corrugated cardboard web coming into contact with foot points of the corrugation profile of the second single flute corrugated cardboard web, wherein the convergence region is configured upstream of the divergence region.

15. The method as claimed in claim 14, characterized in that, in step d), at least one of the single flute corrugated cardboard webs is moistened by means of at least one water vapor supply before entry into the convergence region.

16. The method as claimed in claim 14, characterized in that the first and second single flute corrugated cardboard web is dried by way of at least one heating plate in the convergence region.

17. The method as claimed in claim 14, characterized in that the first single flute corrugated cardboard web covers a first running path in the divergence region and the second single flute corrugated cardboard web covers a second running path.

18. The method as claimed in claim 17, characterized in that the length of at least one of the running paths of the single flute corrugated cardboard webs is set by means of a deflection roll which can be displaced perpendicularly with respect to the running path.

19. The method as claimed in claim 14, characterized in that the length of the first running path differs from the length of the second running path by half a corrugation length of the corrugation profile of the first or second single flute corrugated cardboard web.

20. The method as claimed in claim 14, characterized in that the first and second single flute corrugated cardboard web make contact with one another at head points in step d), in each case two head points which make contact forming a common contact point.

21. The method as claimed in claim 14, characterized in that the first and second single flute corrugated cardboard web are fed to one another by means of at least one orienting roller at the end of the divergence region.

22. The method as claimed in claim 14, characterized in that, in step d), the first and second single flute corrugated cardboard web are guided in the convergence region into nips between a heating cylinder and in each case a first and a second diverting roller, it being possible for the first and second diverting roller to be pivoted about the center point of the heating cylinder on a rotatable roller support.

23. The method as claimed in claim 22, characterized in that the length of the convergence region is increased by way of deflection of the roller support by a pivoting angle.

24. The method as claimed in claim 14, characterized in that at least one of the single flute corrugated cardboard webs is coated with adhesive by means of at least one glue application roll in the region of the combining means.

25. The method as claimed in claim 14, characterized in that one single flute corrugated cardboard web is turned by means of a turning device before step d).

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) In the following text, the invention will be described in greater detail using the drawing, in which:

(2) FIG. 1 shows a first arrangement of a first one-sided machine and a second one-sided machine, the single flute corrugated cardboard webs running in opposite directions,

(3) FIG. 2 shows a second arrangement of the first one-sided machine and the second one-sided machine, the two single flute corrugated cardboard webs running in the same direction,

(4) FIG. 3 shows a combining means of two single flute corrugated cardboard webs to produce a corrugated cardboard product,

(5) FIG. 4 shows an alternative embodiment of a combining means, and

(6) FIG. 5 shows an alternative embodiment of a combining means in a deflected state.

DESIGN VARIANTS

(7) FIG. 1 diagrammatically shows a construction of the apparatus 10 according to the invention which comprises a first one-sided machine 20 and a second one-sided machine 30. Here, the apparatus 10 according to the invention is in a first configuration.

(8) The two one-sided machines 20, 30 comprise in each case one counterpart 21, 31 which is in contact in each case with a corrugating roll 21, 31. The counterparts 2, 31 and the corrugating rolls 21, 31 in each case form a nip, into which a first and second paper web 26, 36 is drawn in. A corrugation profile is embossed onto the first and second paper web 26, 36 by way of the corrugating roll 21, 31. The corrugating rolls 21, 31 have a parallel corrugation on their circumferential face, with the result that the corrugation profile is likewise oriented in parallel. Furthermore, in each case the first and second one-sided machine 20, 30 has a pressing belt 22, 32 which is in contact with the corrugating roll 21, 31. A first pressing belt 22 is guided tautly by way of belt guiding rollers 61, 62, 63 and forms a nip with the circumferential face of the first corrugating roll 21. The first paper web 26 which is to be provided with a corrugation profile and the first top web 25 are drawn into the nip between the first pressing belt 22 and the first corrugating roll 21. Here, the first top web 25 and the first paper web 26 which is provided with a corrugation profile are connected to produce a single flute corrugated cardboard web 28. The nip which is formed between the first pressing belt 22 and the first corrugating roll 21 allows a high pressing impulse to be applied to the webs 25, 26, a low pressing force being produced. Furthermore, the first one-sided machine is equipped with a first glue application unit 40. The first glue application unit 40 provides adhesive which produces an adhesive connection between the first top web 25 and the paper web 26 which is provided with a corrugation profile.

(9) In the same way as in the first one-sided machine 20, a second paper web 36 is drawn in the second one-sided machine 30 into a nip between the counterpart 31 and the second corrugating roll 31, the second paper web 36 being provided with a corrugation profile. On its circumferential face, the second corrugating roll 31 has a parallel corrugation, with the result that the corrugation profile is likewise oriented in parallel. Furthermore, a second pressing belt 32 which is guided tautly by belt guiding rollers 64, 65, 66 forms a nip with the second corrugating roll 31. Furthermore, a second top web 35 is drawn into the nip between the second pressing belt 32 and the second corrugating roll 31. The paper webs 35, 36 are connected in the nip by way of a high pressing impulse with a low pressing force and form a second single flute corrugated cardboard web 38 at the exit from the second one-sided machine 30. The second one-sided machine 30 is provided with a second glue application unit 41 which can be moved in a movement direction 43. If the second glue application unit 42 is moved along the movement direction 43, it is not in contact with the second corrugating roll 31. Furthermore, the second one-sided machine 30 has a third glue application unit 42 which is in contact with the second corrugating roll 31. The third glue application unit 42 provides adhesive which produces an adhesive connection between the second top web 35 and the second paper web 36 which is provided with a corrugation profile.

(10) The first one-sided machine 20 has a web conveying direction 24, in which the first single flute corrugated cardboard web 28 exits from the first one-sided machine 20. The second one-sided machine 30 has a web conveying direction 34, in which the second single flute corrugated cardboard web 38 exits from the second one-sided machine 30. Here, the web conveying directions 24, 34 of the first and second one-sided machine 20, 30 run in opposite directions to one another.

(11) Downstream of the one-sided machines 20, 30, the first and second single flute corrugated cardboard web 28, 38 run in an identical running direction 60 of the apparatus 10 according to the invention. Here, the first and second single flute corrugated cardboard web 28, 38 are oriented in such a way that their corrugated webs 27, 37 lie opposite one another. Furthermore, the top webs 25, 35 lie on the outwardly pointing sides of the single flute corrugated cardboard webs 28, 38. The first and the second single flute corrugated cardboard web 28, 38 are transported further to a combining means 80. Here, the arrangement of the first and second single flute corrugated cardboard web 28, 38 with respect to one another realizes the construction principle of a double flute corrugated cardboard architecture comprising four layers.

(12) FIG. 2 diagrammatically shows a second configuration of the apparatus 10 according to the invention. The configuration which is shown in FIG. 2 can be achieved by way of changeover of the configuration from FIG. 1. The apparatus 10 comprises a first and a second one-sided machine 20, 30 which are arranged one behind another in the running direction 60 of the apparatus. Here, the first and the second one-sided machine in each case have a first and second conveying direction 24, 34 which are oriented in the same direction. The first and second one-sided machine 20, 30 in each case comprise a first and second corrugating roll 21, 31 and their respective counterparts 21, 31. The first corrugating roll 21 and the first counterpart 21 form a nip on their circumferential faces, into which nip a first paper web 26 is drawn in. Here, a corrugation profile is embossed onto the first paper web 26 by way of the first corrugating roll 21. Furthermore, the first one-sided machine 20 is equipped with a first glue application unit 40 which is arranged on a circumferential face of the first corrugating roll. The first glue application unit 40 provides an adhesive to the side of the first paper web 26 which faces away from the circumferential face of the first corrugating roll 21. The adhesive which is applied to the first paper web 26 by way of the first glue application unit 40 ensures an adhesive connection to the first top web 25. The first top web 25 and the first paper web 26 are pressed with one another and are adhesively bonded in a nip between the first corrugating roll 21 and a pressing belt 22. The pressing belt 22 is guided tautly by belt guiding rollers 61, 62, 63. The first paper web 26 forms a corrugated web 27 of a single flute corrugated cardboard web after the exit from the nip between the pressing belt 22 and the first corrugating roll 21.

(13) In the same way, a second paper web 36 is drawn into a roll nip between the second corrugating roll 31 and its counterpart 31 and is provided with a corrugation profile. Furthermore, the second one-sided machine 30 is provided with a second and a third glue application unit 41, 42. The second glue application unit 41 is attached on the circumferential face of the second corrugating roll 31 and coats the second paper web 36 with adhesive on a side which faces away from the circumferential face of the second corrugating roll 31. The third glue application unit 42 of the second one-sided machine 30 is positioned such that it is offset laterally with respect to the circumferential face of the second corrugating roll 31 along a movement direction 43. Here, the third glue application unit 42 can be moved along a movement direction 43 and can be moved into contact with the circumferential face of the second corrugating roll 31 for a changeover of the second one-sided machine 30 which is associated with a reversal of the second web conveying direction 34.

(14) A second top web 35 is drawn into a nip between the second pressing belt 32 which is guided tautly by belt guiding rollers 64, 65, 66 and the second corrugating roll 31. The second paper web which is provided with adhesive by way of the second glue application unit 41 is drawn together with the second top web 35 into a nip between the second pressing belt 32 and the second corrugating roll 31. As a result, the second top web 35 and the second paper web 36 are adhesively bonded to one another and pressed. When the second top web 35 and the second paper web 26 exit, they form a second single flute corrugated cardboard web 38. The second paper web which is provided with a corrugation profile by means of the second corrugating roll 31 forms a corrugated web 37 in the second single flute corrugated cardboard web 38.

(15) The first and second single flute corrugated cardboard web 28, 38 are oriented with respect to one another in such a way that the corrugated web 27 of the first single flute corrugated cardboard web 28 faces the second top web 35 of the second single flute corrugated cardboard web 35. The first and second single flute corrugated cardboard web 28, 38 are transported further to a combining means 80 in a common running direction of the apparatus according to the invention. Furthermore, the apparatus according to the invention is provided with a feed roller 58 which provides an additional top web 57 during operation. The additional top web 57 is guided onto the second single flute corrugated cardboard web 37 in such a way that it faces the corrugated web 37 of the second single flute corrugated cardboard web 37. The arrangement of the first and second single flute corrugated cardboard web 28, 38 and the additional top web 57 corresponds to a conventional corrugated cardboard architecture comprising five layers.

(16) FIG. 3 shows a combining means 80, in which the first single flute corrugated cardboard web 28 is adapted to the second single flute corrugated cardboard web 38 and they are connected to one another. In an entry region, the combining means 80 is equipped with a first and a second water vapor supply 84, 85. The first water vapor supply 84 is arranged in such a way that the first top web 25 of the first single flute corrugated cardboard web 28 is loaded with water vapor. Furthermore, the second water vapor supply 85 is arranged in such a way that the second top web 35 of the second single flute corrugated cardboard web 38 is loaded with water vapor. The loading with water vapor by way of the first and second water vapor supply 84, 85 leads to plastification of the first and second single flute corrugated cardboard web 28, 38. The first and second single flute corrugated cardboard web 28, 38 are subsequently guided jointly around a circumferential face of a diverting roller 81. The first and second single flute corrugated cardboard web come into contact with one another in such a way that head points 72 of the first corrugated web 27 are in engagement with foot points of the second corrugated web 37. The loading with water vapor by way of the water vapor supplies 84, 85 increases the deformability of the corrugated webs 27, 37 of the first and second single flute corrugated cardboard web 28, 38. The latter, in engagement with one another, run through a convergence region 45 which extends between the first diverting roller 81 and a second diverting roller 82. A heating body 86 is attached along the convergence region 45, which heating body 86 outputs heat to the first and second single flute corrugated cardboard web 28, 38 which are in engagement with one another. The heating of the two single flute corrugated cardboard webs 28, 38 reduces their deformability. The shape, which is adapted to one another, of the corrugated webs 27, 37 is fixed by way of the heating by means of the heating body 86.

(17) Furthermore, the first and second single flute corrugated cardboard web 28, 38 run around the second diverting roller, and pass the outlet 50 of the diverting roller. At the outlet 50 of the diverting roller 82, the first and second single flute corrugated cardboard web 28, 38 are separated from one another. After the separation, the first and second single flute corrugated cardboard web separately run through a divergence region 95. The divergence region is of substantially diamond-shaped design, the first and second single flute corrugated cardboard web in each case passing a deflection roll 88, 90. The first single flute corrugated cardboard web 28 is diverted over the first deflection roll 88 which is mounted fixedly. The position of the first deflection roll 88 determines the length of a first running path 51 which extends from the outlet 50 of the diverting roller 82 as far as the end of the divergence region 95. The first running path 51 runs completely through the divergence region 95.

(18) Furthermore, the divergence region 95 is equipped with a second heating body 87. The second heating body 87 allows the second single flute corrugated cardboard web to be dried further by way of further thermal irradiation. The second single flute corrugated cardboard web 38 is diverted over a second deflection roll 89 which can be moved in a direction transversely with respect to the extent of the divergence region. Here, the position of the second deflection roll 89 determines the length of a second running path 52. The second running path 52 runs completely through the divergence region 95. The position of the second deflection roll 89 is set in such a way that the second running path 52 differs from the first running path 51 by half a corrugation length of the second corrugated web 37. Immediately downstream of the outlet 50 of the second diverting roller 82, the head points 72 of the second single flute corrugated cardboard web 38 and the foot points of the first single flute corrugated cardboard web 28 lie opposite one another. At the end of the first and second running path 51, 52, the head points 72 of the first and second single flute corrugated cardboard web 28, 38 lie opposite one another. Downstream of the divergence region 95, the head points 72 which lie opposite one another mutually form contact points 71. The contact points 71 ensure a head-to-head position of the first and second single flute corrugated cardboard web with respect to one another. The first and second single flute corrugated cardboard web which are connected to one another in such a way form a corrugated cardboard product 90 which does not have a continuous middle paper web. Furthermore, at the end of the divergence region 95, the combining means 80 has additional processing apparatuses 97, 98 for further treatment of the corrugated cardboard product 90. The processing apparatuses 97, 98 can be configured as plates, heating plates, belts or rolls.

(19) FIG. 4 shows an alternative embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention. According to FIG. 4, a first single flute corrugated cardboard web 28 and a second single flute corrugated cardboard web run toward a heating cylinder. The first and second single flute corrugated cardboard web 28, 38 are arranged in such a way that the head and foot points of the single flute corrugated cardboard webs 28, 38 in each case lie opposite one another. The single flute corrugated cardboard webs 28, 38 are pressed in the region of the heating cylinder 94 onto the circumferential face of the latter and come into contact with one another in such a way that the head points of the second single flute corrugated cardboard web 38 are in contact with the foot points of the first single flute corrugated cardboard web 28. The first and/or second single flute corrugated cardboard web 38 have/has previously been loaded with water vapor by means of water vapor supplies 84, 85.

(20) In the region of the heating cylinder 94, the first and second single flute corrugated cardboard web 28, 38 are additionally guided by diverting rollers 81, 82. The first and second single flute corrugated cardboard web run through the nips which are formed between the heating cylinder 94 and the first and second diverting roller 81, 82. The first and second diverting roller 81, 82 are received on a roller support 46 which can be pivoted about the center point of the heating cylinder 94. Here, the position of the first diverting roller 81 defines the beginning of a convergence region 45, in which the first and second single flute corrugated cardboard web 28, 38 are in engagement with one another. The first and second single flute corrugated cardboard web 28, 38 are guided along a circumferential face of the heating cylinder 94 and are dried as a result. The drying reduces the deformability of the first and second single flute corrugated cardboard web 28, 38. The corrugation profiles which are adapted to one another of the corrugated webs 27, 37 of the single flute corrugated cardboard web 28, 38 are fixed by way of the heat supply of the heating cylinder 94. Here, the length of the convergence region 45 defines to what extent the first and second single flute corrugated cardboard web 28, 38 are dried.

(21) Downstream of the heating cylinder 94, the contact of the head and foot points of the first and second single flute corrugated cardboard web 28, 38 is released. The mutual release of the head and foot points of the corrugated webs 27, 38 defines the beginning of a divergence region 95. The further course of the second single flute corrugated cardboard web 38 is guided in the divergence region 95 by means of a guide roll 99.

(22) FIG. 5 shows a heating cylinder according to FIG. 4 in a deflected state. According to FIG. 5, the roller support 46 is deflected with the diverting rollers 81, 84 by a pivoting angle 96. The first and second single flute corrugated cardboard web 28, 38 come into contact with one another in the region of the first diverting roller 81. Here, the head and foot points of the first and second single flute corrugated cardboard web 28, 38 are in contact. After the convergence region 95 has been run through, the contacts between the head and foot points of the first and second single flute corrugated cardboard web 28, 38 are released. The convergence region 45 comprises an angular region which is defined by the position of the first diverting roller 81 and an edge of the roller support 46, and an arcuate section which is defined by the pivoting angle 96 at the circumference of the heating cylinder 95. The convergence region 45 can be extended in a freely selectable manner by way of a corresponding selection of the pivoting angle 96.

LIST OF DESIGNATIONS

(23) 10 Apparatus 20 First one-sided machine 21 First corrugating roll 21 Counterpart, first corrugating roll 22 First pressing belt 24 First web conveying direction 25 First top web 26 First paper web 27 Corrugated web 28 First single flute corrugated cardboard web 30 Second one-sided machine 31 Second corrugating roll 31 Counterpart, second corrugating roll 32 Second pressing belt 34 Second web conveying direction 35 Second top web 36 Second paper web 37 Corrugated web 38 Second single flute corrugated cardboard web 40 Glue application unit 41 Glue application unit 42 Glue application unit 43 Movement direction 45 Convergence region 46 Roller support 50 Outlet, deflection roller 51 First running path 52 Second running path 57 Additional top web 58 Feed roller 60 Running direction 61 Belt guiding roller 62 Belt guiding roller 63 Belt guiding roller 64 Belt guiding roller 71 Contact point 72 Head point 78 First conveying direction 79 Second conveying direction 80 Adhesive station 81 Diverting roller 82 Diverting roller 83 Glue application roll 84 First water vapor supply 85 Second water vapor supply 86 Heating body 87 Heating body 88 Deflection roll 89 Deflection roll 90 Corrugated cardboard product 91 Orienting roller 92 Orienting roller 94 Heating cylinder 95 Divergence region 96 Pivoting angle 97 Additional processing apparatus 98 Additional processing apparatus 99 Guide roll