DE102022104780A1 - Process for the temporal position control of webs - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a computer-implemented method for timing the output of actuating signals to position influencing devices for controlling one or more webs in a corrugated board plant. At least one input signal is received for controlling the position influencing devices.

Description

field of invention

The invention relates to a method for temporally controlling the position of one or more webs in a corrugated board plant.

State of the art

Plants for the production of corrugated cardboard are known from the prior art, the basic structure of which is shown in 1 is shown. Such a system comprises one or more single-sided groups, in which a smooth and a corrugated web are joined together. The webs joined in this way are called single-sided webs. In merging and laminating, the single-sided webs and a cover web are combined into a single web and laminated. After lamination, the web runs through a heating and drawing area. Here the web is dried by applying heat. In the final finishing stage, the corrugated cardboard web is trimmed at the edges and further cut into the desired formats as required and transported to a warehouse.

Some of the new systems allow working with natural edges, which means that one side does not have to be cut or trimmed. To do this, the web positions are regulated in such a way that the edges of the webs to be joined lie exactly on top of each other on one side. Working with natural edge can be used, for example, when the merged webs are die-cut to obtain the end product, since in this case the die-cutting is done at a distance from the edge of the web anyway. Working with natural edge leads to a lower use of material because less material waste is produced.

Working with a natural edge, however, requires that the different webs lie on top of each other on the same web layer. Corrugators can work with different web layers, for example a centered web layer if both edges of the web are to be trimmed, or a left-aligned or right-aligned web layer for working with a natural edge on the left or right. Switching between web layers, however, leads to rejects. For example, different webs that are to be joined together can change web positions at different points in time, and therefore the webs are not always joined exactly one on top of the other, which leads to rejects.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention, a computer-implemented method for controlling one or more lanes of a corrugator is provided. The procedure includes the following steps. First receiving at least one first input signal and then determining a first control signal at a first point in time based at least on the at least one first input signal. Subsequently, outputting the first actuating signal to a first position influencing device and determining at least one further point in time based at least on the at least one first input signal and/or at least one further received input signal. Finally, outputting at least one further actuating signal to at least one further position influencing device when the at least one further point in time is reached.

In some embodiments, the first and the at least one further position influencing device can be configured to change the one or more web(s) between a centered web position, a left-edge flush or a right-edge web position, based on at least one actuating signal.

In some embodiments, determining the at least one further control signal can be based on determining a change in the width and/or the position of at least one of the one or more webs.

In some embodiments, determining the change in width and/or position of the one or more swaths may begin from the first point in time.

In some embodiments, determining the change in width and/or position of the one or more tracks may include the following steps. Receiving a first width measurement and/or a first position measurement by at least one sensor, wherein the at least one sensor is positioned at or upstream of the at least one further position influencing device. receiving a second width measurement and/or a second position measurement by the at least one sensor. comparing the first width measurement to the second width measurement and/or comparing the first position measurement to the second position measurement. Optionally, generating the at least one further input signal when the first width measurement differs from the second width measurement and/or when the first position measurement differs from the second position measurement.

In some embodiments, the second width measurement and/or the second position measurement may occur after the first width measurement and/or the first position measurement.

In some embodiments, determining the at least one further point in time may include the following steps. determining a web speed of at least one of the one or more webs. Determination of a travel time of a section of the at least one web between the first position influencing device and the at least one further position influencing device based on the determined web speed and a distance between the first position influencing device and the at least one further position influencing device, the at least one further point in time being determined by the first point in time plus the specified travel time.

In some embodiments, determining the at least one further point in time may include the following steps. determining a web speed of at least one of the one or more webs. Determination of a travel time of a section of the at least one web between an upstream position influencing device of the at least one further position influencing device, wherein the upstream position influencing device has received an actuating signal at a second point in time, and a downstream position influencing device of the at least one further position influencing device, based on the determined web speed and a distance between the upstream position influencing device and the downstream position influencing device, the at least one further point in time being determined by the second point in time plus the determined travel time.

In some embodiments, determining the web speed of at least one of the one or more webs may start from the first point in time.

In some embodiments, determining the at least one further point in time may include the following steps. Determining a distance covered by at least one of the one or more paths. Comparing the distance covered by at least one of the one or more tracks with the distance between the first position influencing device and the at least one other position influencing device, the at least one further point in time being determined when the distance covered by at least one of the one or more tracks corresponds to the distance between the first Position influencing device and the at least one further position influencing device corresponds.

In some embodiments, determining the at least one further point in time may include the following steps. Determining a distance covered by at least one of the one or more paths. Comparing the distance covered by at least one of the one or more webs with the distance between an upstream position influencing device of the at least one further position influencing device and a downstream position influencing device of the at least one further position influencing device, wherein the at least one further point in time is determined when the distance covered corresponds to the distance between the upstream position influencing device and the downstream position influencing device corresponds.

In some embodiments, determining the distance traveled of at least one of the one or more trajectories may start from the first point in time.

In some embodiments, determining the at least one further point in time may be based on a detection of a gap in at least one lane of the one or more lanes.

In some embodiments, at least part of one of the one or more webs can have a natural edge in the case of a web layer flush with the left edge and/or flush with the right edge.

In some embodiments, the first input signal may be generated by human operator input.

In some embodiments, the first input signal may be generated by a splicing operation at a splice site.

In some embodiments, generating the first input signal may include the following steps. receiving a first measurement of width and/or a first measurement of position from a first sensor. receiving a second width measurement and/or second position measurement from the first sensor. comparing the first width measurement to the second width measurement and/or comparing the first position measurement to the second position measurement. generating the first input signal when the first measurement of width differs from the second measurement of width and/or when the first measurement of position differs from the second measurement of position.

In some embodiments, generating the first input signal may include the following steps. receiving a first measurement of width and/or a first measurement of position from a first sensor. comparing the first measurement of width and/or position with a reference value. generating the first input signal when the first measurement of width and/or position differs from the reference value or when the first measurement of width and/or position corresponds to the reference value.

In some embodiments, the first control signal can be output with a time delay to the receipt of the first input signal, wherein the determination of the time delay can include the following steps. Determining a web speed of at least one of the one or more webs in the downstream direction and determining a travel time of a section of the at least one web of the one or more webs between the splice location and the first position influencing device based on the determined web speed in the downstream direction and a distance between the splice location and the first position influencing device, the time delay being determined by the travel time. Alternatively or additionally, determining the time delay may include the following steps. Determining a distance traveled by at least one of the one or more webs in the downstream direction and comparing the distance traveled by at least one of the one or more webs to the distance between the splice location and the first position influencing device, the time delay being determined when the distance traveled corresponds to the distance between corresponds to the splice location and the first position influencing device.

In some embodiments, the at least one further control signal can be output with a time delay for receiving the at least one further input signal, wherein the determination of the time delay can include the following steps. Determining a web speed of at least one of the one or more webs in the downstream direction and determining a travel time of a section of the at least one web of the one or more webs between the at least one sensor and the at least one further position influencing device, based on the measured web speed in the downstream direction and a Distance between the at least one sensor and the at least one further position influencing device, the time delay being determined by the travel time. Alternatively or additionally, determining the time delay may include the following steps. Determining a distance traveled by at least one of the one or more webs in the downstream direction and comparing the distance traveled by at least one of the one or more webs to the distance between the at least one sensor and the at least one further position influencing device, the time delay being determined when the traveled Distance corresponds to the distance between the sensor and the at least one further position influencing device.

In some embodiments, the first control signal can be output with a time delay to the receipt of the first input signal, wherein the determination of the time delay can include the following steps. Determining a web speed of at least one of the one or more webs in the downstream direction and determining a travel time of a section of the at least one web of the one or more webs between the first sensor and the first position influencing device, based on the measured web speed in the downstream direction and a distance between the first sensor and the first position influencing device, wherein the time delay is determined by the travel time. Alternatively or additionally, determining the time delay may include the following steps: determining a distance traveled by at least one of the one or more webs in the downstream direction and comparing the distance traveled by at least one of the one or more webs to the distance between the first sensor and the first position influencing device , wherein the time delay is determined when the distance covered corresponds to the distance between the first sensor and the first position influencing device.

In particular, in some embodiments, the webs may be paper-like or paperboard-like webs.

In some embodiments, at least one of the at least one sensor can be selected from the group consisting of optical sensors, cameras, CCD cameras, CMOS cameras, ultrasound devices or piezoelectric elements that work with ultrasound.

In some embodiments, the first position influencing device can include a first actuator, in particular an electric, hydraulic or pneumatic actuator, the actuator being controlled by the first actuating signal. In some embodiments, the at least one further position influencing device can comprise at least one further actuator, in particular an electric, hydraulic and/or pneumatic actuator, wherein the at least one further actuator is controlled by the at least one further control signal.

In some embodiments, the first position influencing device and the at least one further position influencing device can be controlled simultaneously.

In some embodiments, the web speed of the one or more webs can be reduced for the simultaneous control of the first and the at least one further position influencing device.

In some embodiments, the simultaneous control of the first and the at least one further position influencing device can only be carried out when the web speed of the one or more webs is <100 m/min.

In some embodiments, the corrugator may be used to produce corrugated board from paper or paperboard.

In some embodiments, the corrugator may include at least one single facer group. The Unilateral Group may be configured to perform at least one of the following functions. Corrugating a first web, giving the web peaks of corrugation on two sides. Coat the wave tips of a first web with an adhesion promoter.

Merging the first web with a cover web to produce a single-sided web. The at least one one-sided group can comprise at least one position influencing device or at least one position influencing device can be positioned in the upstream direction of the one-sided group.

In some embodiments, the corrugator may include at least one lamination site. The laminating point can be designed to combine a one-sided web with a cover web. The at least one lamination point can comprise at least one position influencing device or at least one position influencing device can be positioned in the upstream direction of the lamination point.

In some embodiments, the corrugator may include at least one sheeter. The at least one cross cutter can be designed to cut at least one of the at least one or more webs perpendicular to the direction of travel.

In some embodiments, the corrugator may include at least one creasing and/or cutting machine. The at least one creasing and/or cutting machine can be designed to perforate and/or cut at least one of the at least one or more webs parallel to the direction of travel. The at least one creasing and cutting machine can comprise at least one position influencing device or at least one position influencing device can be positioned in the upstream direction of the creasing and cutting machine.

In some embodiments, the corrugator may include at least one splicer.

In some embodiments, the at least one splicer may be configured to join the end of one lane to the beginning of a new lane.

In some embodiments, the at least one splicer may include at least one position influencing device.

According to the invention, a system is provided characterized by a controller with programming means for executing the computer-implemented method according to the invention. Furthermore, according to the invention, a system with storage means characterized by a controller with programming means for executing the computer-implemented method according to the invention is provided. Furthermore, a computer-readable medium characterized by programming means for executing the computer-implemented method according to the invention is provided according to the invention.

Brief description of the drawings

• 1 ist eine schematische Übersichtsdarstellung einer Anlage zur Herstellung von Wellpappe;
• 2 ist eine schematische Darstellung einer Einseitigen Gruppe einer Anlage zur Herstellung von Wellpappe gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung;
• 3 ist eine schematische Darstellung einer Zusammenführung, Kaschierstelle und eines Heiz- und Zugbereichs gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung; und
• 4 ist eine schematische Darstellung einer Endverarbeitung gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung.

Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description of the accompanying drawings.

• 1 is a schematic overview representation of a plant for the production of corrugated board;
• 2 Figure 12 is a schematic representation of a single facer group of a corrugated fiberboard manufacturing line according to the present invention;
• 3 Fig. 12 is a schematic representation of a merge, liner, and heating and drafting area according to the present invention; and
• 4 Figure 12 is a schematic representation of a finisher in accordance with the present invention.

Detailed description of the drawings

1 shows a schematic overview of a plant for the production of corrugated cardboard. The system in Figure 1 consists of two one-sided groups, a merging and laminating station, a heating and drawing section and a finishing section. The plant for the production of corrugated board can also have a different structure, for example a larger number of single-face groups.

2 shows a schematic representation of a one-sided group. In a corrugating plant there may be one or more such single-faced groups. They are the same in terms of their function and their basic structure.

The one or more webs are located on supply rolls 1. Webs can preferably be understood here as webs of paper or cardboard, but also, for example, webs of fabric, webs of plastic and webs of metal. A web can consist of one or more layers of the same or different materials. In particular, the method or the system according to the invention can be adapted for those types of webs that occur in the manufacture of corrugated cardboard. In this context, the term single-faced web means a web consisting of two layers of material, one smooth and the other corrugated.

The supply rolls 1 are always arranged in pairs, with the material being unwound from one roll while the other roll is kept ready as a spare. If the material on one roll is exhausted, it is spliced onto the other roll at point 2 so that the supply of material is not interrupted. The term "splicing" in this publication can mean a process step in which one web is joined to another web. Alternatively or additionally, the term "splicing" can describe a process step in which the end of a web is joined to the beginning of another web using e.g. adhesive tapes. The joined webs can be viewed as the same web after the splicing process. From there, the web is fed into a first material store 3 . Web length is stored here to compensate for the web feed delay caused by splicing to a new roll. To regulate the storage content in storage 3, the deflection rollers on the right and left in the storage can be moved towards one another or away from one another.

From the first store 3 the web is guided past a sensor 10 to the position influencing device 4 . The direction in which the web is directed corresponds to the direction of travel. The sensor 10 records the values of the web in its original state.

The sensors 7, 10, 11, 12, 18, 20, 23 can be configured to measure the width and/or position of the web. The width is the dimension of the track that is perpendicular to the direction of travel, more precisely the larger dimension of the two dimensions of the track that are perpendicular to the direction of travel. The width is defined as the distance between two endpoints, each located at an edge of the track and lying on a line perpendicular to the direction of travel. The width of the corrugator, which extends in the same direction as the width of the web, is greater than the width of the web. The web can be displaced along the width of the web by position influencing devices 4, 14, 15, 16. The width of the corrugator is described by two lateral edge points of the corrugator. The lateral edge points of the corrugator can be physical. Alternatively, the lateral edge points of the corrugator can be virtual and defined by the maximum displacement of the web. The two edge points lie on a line perpendicular to the direction of travel.

The position of the web describes the location of the web along the width of the corrugator. For example, the position of the web can be the distance of at least one of the two end points of the web from at least one of the two lateral edge points of the corrugator. Alternatively or additionally, the position of the web may be the distance of at least one of the two endpoints of the web from the midpoint between the lateral edge points of the corrugator.

In addition, the sensors 7, 10, 11, 12, 18, 20, 23 can be configured to measure other values of the web, for example the moisture of the web.

After the position influencing device 4, the web is passed over rollers, where it is heated, in particular with rollers that are fed with hot steam from the inside. In addition, the track is moistened on the way so that it can be deformed more easily and two tracks can be connected more easily later.

Then the web coming from one side is guided over a corrugated roll 5 where it is forced into a corrugated shape. The gluing device 6 applies glue to this web. A second sheet comes from the other side, which is then glued to the corrugated sheet to form a one-sided sheet. A sensor 7 and a sensor 11 are arranged in the area where the two webs are glued. The Sensor 7 detects the web position of the two webs and/or their web position relative to one another. This information can be used in various ways for controlling the position influencing devices 4 . For example, it can be used to control one or both webs to a precise position at the merge, or to control one web to be precisely aligned with the other. One web is preferably regulated to a predetermined web position, with the other web being aligned relative to this first web. To work with natural edges, i.e. one side does not have to be cut or trimmed, the web layers are regulated in such a way that the edges of the two webs lie exactly on top of each other on one side.

A sensor 11 is also arranged in the area of the corrugated roller 5 for humidity control. This sensor 11 is at least also configured to measure the moisture of the web. This allows the moistening of the respective web to be readjusted so that constant and controlled conditions prevail during gluing.

The generated single-sided web is conveyed onto the bridge 8. A second stock, the so-called bridge stock 9, is located here. It serves as a reserve for further production. When splicing from one supply roll 1 to another, the manufacture of the single-sided web is usually slowed down in order to allow reliable and therefore slower splicing. During this period, the bridge reserve 9 serves as a reserve so that the manufacturing process can continue at a speed of approximately 100 to 400 meters per minute. After changing to a new supply roll 1, the speed when producing the one-sided web is increased to an above-average value in order to replenish the bridge stock 9.

At the end of the bridge stock 9 a sensor 12 is arranged. Further data for process monitoring and optimization is obtained here. In particular, information about the bridge reserve can be obtained here at the same time.

3 shows a schematic representation of a merging, laminating point and a heating and drawing area. This is where the one or more single-sided webs are directed. The position influencing devices 15, 16 regulate the web position of the one-sided webs and the required web tensions. The top layer is fed from a top layer supply roll 13 via a storage device to the position influencing device 14 . A sensor can in turn be arranged in front of the position influencing device 14 in order to also detect the width and/or the position of the cover sheet or its moisture content.

After the position influencing devices 14, 15, 16, the webs are guided via a preheater 17 and a gluing unit 19 to the lamination 21, where the webs are joined together. It is desirable here for the webs to be positioned as precisely as possible in relation to one another. Natural edges can only be used if the strips are all glued flush to one another on one side. Alternatively, all tracks can be aligned in the middle of each other. Crucially, however, the position of the webs relative to each other at the location of the lamination 21 is of paramount importance.

Each web can be viewed separately and regulated to a specific position, with a deviation from this value, which is measured by the sensors 18, 20, being used as the actual value for the control of the position influencing devices 14, 15, 16.

Alternatively, a sheet, in particular the cover sheet, can serve as a reference. Then the positions of the other webs are controlled relative to this one. In addition, the information obtained for the reference trajectory can be used to control the other trajectories in order to track them or to compensate for the dynamics of the reference trajectory.

The dynamics can be taken into account in particular if measurements are taken in the area of the preheater 17 and in the area of the gluing unit 19 at the same time. Furthermore, the position influencing devices 4, 14, 15, 16 themselves can be equipped with sensors.

When using the information obtained from the sensors 18, 20, the distance that the web has to cover between the position influencing device 4, 14, 15, 16 and the measuring location or sensor and the web speed are taken into account. In addition to the dead time, damping can be set.

After lamination 21, the web is dried in the heating and drawing area. Circumferential belts pull the web through this area, guiding it past heating elements. By applying heat, moisture is removed from the web and it is dried.

4 Fig. 12 is a schematic representation of a finishing operation. A further sensor 23 is arranged behind the heating and draft area 22 . The sensor 23 is configured to measure at least the width and the moisture of the web. The measured humidity is used to control the inflow heat energy in the heating and drawing area 22. The measured width is used together with the width values measured after unwinding to determine a shrinkage factor for the entire manufacturing process. This provides information about the quality of the source material used. In addition, the value measured here can also be used to evaluate the positioning of the lamination 21 and, under certain circumstances, to improve it. The web at the point of measurement after the heating and drawing area 22 should not be significantly wider than the individual webs before the lamination 21. Furthermore, the shrinkage factor of the heating and drawing area 22 can be determined.

The web is forwarded to the first trimming 24 . Here, the edges of the web are conventionally cut or trimmed. However, it is also possible to work with natural edge, in which case the corrugated board only needs to be trimmed on one side. However, the system according to the invention does not have to be operated with a natural edge. The web is then cut lengthwise and crosswise to the desired dimensions and fed into a warehouse located on the right-hand side of the 4 is shown schematically.

According to one aspect, the invention deals with the optimization of the regulation of webs. Position control that is as optimal as possible is desirable both when producing a single-sided web and when combining several single-sided webs with a cover web. The term position control describes the position of the web in the system in which it is guided. Relative to the direction of travel, a web layer can be guided, for example, centered, flush on the left edge or flush on the right edge. Position influencing devices 4, 14, 15, 16 can switch the web between a centered web position flush with the left edge or flush with the right edge. A web layer flush to the left edge can, for example, correspond to a position in which the left end point of the web perpendicular to the direction of travel is almost on or on the left lateral edge point of the corrugator perpendicular to the direction of travel.

Some position influencing devices 4, 14, 15, 16 can change the path, for example, only between a centered and flush left edge or a centered and flush right edge web position.

If, for example, a web is changed from a centered to a left-edge web layer before the first processing step, a web section flush with the left edge follows a centered web section. It was found that it is advantageous, in order to avoid rejects, if the web position of the web is only changed at the subsequent position influencing devices when the left-edge flush web section reaches the subsequent position influencing devices.

The more precisely the webs can be positioned when they are joined, in particular relative to one another, the less scrap is generated. Webs are merged with other webs at various points, resulting in scrap when the web location of all webs is changed at the same time but at different locations. For example, if a first web is changed at a location upstream from a centered web layer to a left-edge web layer and at the same time a second web downstream is changed from a centered web layer to a left-edge flush web layer, a web section of the first web that is still centered could be connected to a left-edge flush web section of the second web become. A system is therefore required to control the chronological sequence of the output of control signals to position influencing devices in order to reduce rejects.

According to the present invention, a computer-implemented method for controlling one or more lanes of a corrugator is provided. The procedure includes the following steps. First receiving at least one first input signal and then determining a first control signal at a first point in time based at least on the at least one first input signal. Subsequently, outputting the first actuating signal to a first position influencing device and determining at least one further point in time based at least on the at least one first input signal and/or at least one further received input signal. Finally, outputting at least one further actuating signal to at least one further position influencing device when the at least one further point in time is reached.

The at least one first input signal can have different origins. In some embodiments, the at least one first input signal may be generated by input from a human operator. For example, the human operator may decide that the corrugator should switch from producing centered corrugated board to producing flush-left corrugated board to produce natural edge corrugated board. Based on the at least one first input signal, an actuating signal is determined at a first point in time and is output to a first position influencing device, for example position influencing device 4.

Multiple input signals may also be necessary. For example, a human operator can first input that the web position should be changed when a certain condition occurs, for example a web width change. The determination of the first point in time is then based on the first input signal by the human operator and a further input signal which is received when a web width change is determined.

The actuating signal can be output with a time delay for receiving the first input signal. For example, the human operator can enter that the actuating signal should be output 5 minutes after receipt of the at least one first input signal. In another example, the input signal could be output from a sensor that detects a web width change. However, the sensor can be located well in front of the first position influencing device and the first point in time is determined as that at which the web width change will have reached the first position influencing device.

The first control signal can be determined at any time as soon as a first input signal has been received. The determination of the first control signal at a first point in time can therefore be carried out continuously by the method.

So that in downstream position influencing devices, for example position influencing devices 14, 15, 16, the same web or other webs also change the web position at a suitable point in time in order to avoid rejects, at least one further point in time is determined. The determination of this at least one further point in time can be based on the first input signal and/or on at least one further received input signal. If the at least one further point in time is reached, the at least one further actuating signal is output to the at least one further position influencing device in order to change the web position of the web or of further webs. The computer-implemented method according to the invention can therefore lead to a reduction in rejects by controlling the timing of the web layers of one or more webs.

In some embodiments, the first and the at least one further position influencing device can be configured to change the one or more web(s) between a centered, a flush left edge or a flush right web position based on at least one actuating signal.

In some embodiments, determining the at least one further control signal can be based on determining a change in the width and/or the position of at least one of the one or more webs.

For example, the change in position can be detected by a sensor and it can thus be determined that the upstream web has been changed from a centered web section to a web section flush with the left edge and the web section with the flush left edge has now reached the sensor. Furthermore, webs of different widths can be used in some corrugators. For example, a web with a width of 2000 mm that is to be used in a centered manner can be used first. A strip with a width of 2100 mm can be spliced to the strip with a width of 2000 mm, which should be used flush on the left edge. For example, if the web is changed upstream at the transition between a width of 2000 mm and 2100 mm from a centered position to a flush left-hand edge position, the sensor can determine downstream by detecting a change in width from 2000 mm to 2100 mm that the 2100 mm wide web section has arrived. The information from the sensor can then be used to cause an adjacent position influencing device to change the web position from a centered web position to a left-edge flush web position. The determination of the at least one further control signal based on a change in width and/or position can also make it possible to improve the timing of the position influencing devices without having further information about the corrugator, for example distances between position influencing devices and/or web speed(s).

In some embodiments, determining the change in width and/or position of the one or more swaths may begin from the first point in time. Determining the change in the width and/or the position of the one or more webs from the first point in time and not earlier can be used, for example, to avoid undesired changes in the web position. For example, it can be specified that the position of the web can only be changed by subsequent position influencing devices after the previous input by a human operator or a splicing process. A detection of web position or web width may still occur, but this data could be ignored by the computer-implemented method until the first time occurs. Furthermore, the change can only be determined from the first time starting with dot can save computing power.

In some embodiments, determining the change in width and/or position of the one or more tracks may include the following. Receiving a first width measurement and/or a first position measurement by at least one sensor, wherein the at least one sensor is positioned at or upstream of the at least one further position influencing device. receiving a second width measurement and/or a second position measurement by the at least one sensor. comparing the first width measurement to the second width measurement and/or comparing the first position measurement to the second position measurement. Optionally, generating the at least one further input signal when the first width measurement differs from the second width measurement and/or when the first position measurement differs from the second position measurement.

In some embodiments, the second width measurement and/or the second position measurement may occur after the first width measurement and/or the first position measurement.

In some embodiments, determining the at least one further point in time may include the following steps. determining a web speed of at least one of the one or more webs. Determination of a travel time of a section of the at least one web between the first position influencing device and the at least one further position influencing device based on the determined web speed and a distance between the first position influencing device and the at least one further position influencing device, the at least one further point in time being determined by the first point in time plus the specified travel time.

The further point in time can be determined in advance if the web speed is known. If the web speed is known and the distance between two position influencing devices is known, the determination of the at least one further point in time can be done without sensors, or only one sensor for determining the web speed can be necessary, which can be present in the system anyway for detecting the parameter. Costs and computing power can be saved by reducing the number of sensors or by using information generated by sensors multiple times. The distance between two position influencing devices corresponds to the length of the web between the position influencing devices. For example, the length of the web that is moved between two position influencing devices can be longer than the direct distance between the two position influencing devices using deflection rollers.

In some embodiments, determining the at least one further point in time may include the following steps. determining a web speed of at least one of the one or more webs. Determination of a travel time of a section of the at least one web between an upstream position influencing device of the at least one further position influencing device, wherein the upstream position influencing device has received an actuating signal at a second point in time, and a downstream position influencing device of the at least one further position influencing device, based on the determined web speed and a distance between the upstream position influencing device and the downstream position influencing device, the at least one further point in time being determined by the second point in time plus the determined travel time.

The second point in time does not have to be the second point in time determined by the computer-implemented method. The term "second point in time" is to be understood as a distinction from the "first point in time". In particular, the term “second point in time” can denote a point in time that follows the first point in time and is preceded by at least one further point in time. Additional points in time may have been determined between the second point in time and the first point in time. Further points in time can also have been determined between the second point in time and the at least one further point in time.

Calculation errors can be reduced by determining further points in time between individual position influencing devices lined up in a row in the direction of travel. If further points in time are determined based on the first point in time, all deviations from the web speed along the entire corrugated board system up to the further position influencing device can affect the determined travel time, with the travel time being the basis for the determined further point in time. When determining the travel time between two position influencing devices, optimally only deviations from the web speed between the two position influencing devices can affect the determined travel time. The web speed can, for example, by sensors or by known services of web transport elements, such as the circulating belts in the corrugated board plant have been determined. Deviations from the determined web speed can result, for example, from measurement inaccuracies of the sensor or because the web can be deformed by wetting and therefore also stretched, which can lead to local speed changes.

In some embodiments, determining the web speed of at least one of the one or more webs may start from the first point in time. Determining the web speed from the first point in time allows the travel time to be determined from the first point in time. The fact that the web speed is determined from the first point in time should not preclude the web speed from being detected by sensors beforehand. In this case, however, the data determined are not used to determine the travel time in the sense of the computer-implemented method.

In some embodiments, determining the at least one further point in time may include the following steps. Determining a distance covered by at least one of the one or more paths. Comparing the distance covered by at least one of the one or more tracks with the distance between the first position influencing device and the at least one other position influencing device, the at least one further point in time being determined when the distance covered by at least one of the one or more tracks corresponds to the distance between the first Position influencing device and the at least one further position influencing device corresponds.

In some embodiments, determining the at least one further point in time may include the following steps. Determining a distance covered by at least one of the one or more paths. Comparing the distance covered by at least one of the one or more webs with the distance between an upstream position influencing device of the at least one further position influencing device and a downstream position influencing device of the at least one further position influencing device, wherein the at least one further point in time is determined when the distance covered corresponds to the distance between the upstream position influencing device and the downstream position influencing device corresponds.

When determining the at least one further point in time based on a comparison of the distance covered and the distance between two position influencing devices, the at least one further point in time cannot be determined in advance, but is determined by a continuous comparison of the distance covered and the distance. This conversion can possibly be more precise since the distance covered can be determined directly, for example by means of a running wheel, and is not calculated from a possibly variable web speed. The use of the running wheel as a sensor can also be more cost-effective than, for example, sensors for width and/or position measurement. Furthermore, the impeller with sensor can already be part of a corrugator as standard.

In some embodiments, determining the distance traveled of at least one of the one or more trajectories may start from the first point in time. Determining the distance covered from the first point in time allows a precise determination of the distance covered from the first point in time. The fact that the distance traveled is determined from the first point in time should not rule out the possibility that the distance traveled is not already detected by sensors beforehand. In this case, however, the data determined are not used to determine the distance covered in the sense of the computer-implemented method.

In some embodiments, determining the at least one further point in time may be based on a detection of a gap in at least one lane of the one or more lanes.

Webs can be severed in the corrugator, for example by a cross cutter. The downstream part can then be transported away at a higher web speed than the upstream web section, which creates a gap. It may be desirable that the upstream web section is used in a different web layer than the downstream web section preceding it. The detection of the gap can therefore be used to change the web position of the upstream web section. In this case, the gap can be detected, for example, by the determined width of the web being 0.

In some embodiments, at least part of one of the one or more webs can have a natural edge in the case of a web layer flush with the left edge and/or flush with the right edge. As mentioned above, using natural edge panels can lead to more efficient use of material.

In some embodiments, the first input signal may be generated by a splicing operation at a splice site.

It may be desirable to change the web position of the web after a splicing operation, for example because a new web with different properties, such as a different width, is used. It may therefore be desirable to make the generation of the first input signal dependent on the first splicing process. In some cases, no sensors can be placed in front of the first position influencing device downstream of the splice location, as a result of which control based on information from sensors becomes complicated or impossible. Instead, the information that a splicing process has taken place can be used. This also allows the number of sensors to be reduced. In addition, it is possible for a position influencing device to be positioned directly at the splicing site or to follow it directly, and it is therefore desirable for the first point in time to be determined directly via a first input signal that is generated by the splicing process.

In some embodiments, generating the first input signal may include the following steps. receiving a first measurement of width and/or a first measurement of position from a first sensor. receiving a second width measurement and/or second position measurement from the first sensor. comparing the first width measurement to the second width measurement and/or comparing the first position measurement to the second position measurement. generating the first input signal when the first measurement of width differs from the second measurement of width and/or when the first measurement of position differs from the second measurement of position.

It may be desirable to place at least one first sensor in front of or at the first position manipulation device and to use the information of this sensor to control the first position manipulation device. This can improve the accuracy of the timing of the position manipulation device, for example with a position manipulation device that is further away from the splice location. This can also be desirable if no digital information about the splicing process is available or the distance between the splice location and the first position influencing device is not known.

In some embodiments, generating the first input signal may include the following steps. receiving a first measurement of width and/or a first measurement of position from a first sensor. comparing the first measurement of width and/or position with a reference value. generating the first input signal when the first measurement of width and/or position differs from the reference value or when the first measurement of width and/or position corresponds to the reference value.

It may be desirable that the first input signal is generated by comparison to a reference value. For example, the reference value can correspond to a possible standard width of a web. For example, it can be specified that a web with a width of 2000 mm should always be used in the center, while a web with a width of 2100 mm should always be used with the left edge flush.

In some embodiments, the first actuating signal can be output with a time delay to the receipt of the first input signal, the determination of the time delay comprising the following steps. determining a web speed of at least one of the one or more webs in the downstream direction. Determining a travel time of a portion of the at least one web of the one or more webs between the splice location and the first location influencing device based on the measured web speed in the downstream direction and a distance between the splice location and the first location influencing device, the time delay being determined by the travel time.

Alternatively or additionally, the determination of the time delay for the output of the first control signal can include the following steps. determining a downstream distance traveled by at least one of the one or more lanes. comparing the distance traveled by at least one of the one or more webs to the distance between the splice location and the first position influencing device, the time delay being determined when the distance traveled corresponds to the distance between the splice location and the first position influencing device.

If the actuating signal is output as soon as the input signal has been received, for example when a new supply roll with a different width than the previous roll is spliced on, the web position could already be changed by a position influencing device before the new web section with a different width has reached the position influencing device. Determining the time delay between the receipt of the first input signal and the output of the first control signal can therefore be desirable in order to only carry out the change in web position when, for example, the new web section is connected to the other Width has reached the attitude control device. When determining the time delay based both on determining the path speed and on determining the distance covered, the finally determined time delay can be based on the shorter determined time delay, the longer determined time delay or an average of the two. A weighting of the determined time delays is also possible.

In some embodiments, the at least one further actuating signal can be output with a time delay for receiving the at least one further input signal, with the determination of the time delay comprising the following steps. determining a web speed of at least one of the one or more webs in the downstream direction. Determining a travel time of a section of the at least one web of the one or more webs between the at least one sensor and the at least one further position influencing device, based on the measured web speed in the downstream direction and a distance between the at least one sensor and the at least one further position influencing device, wherein the time delay is determined by the travel time.

Alternatively or additionally, determining the time delay may include the following steps. determining a downstream distance traveled by at least one of the one or more lanes. Comparing the distance covered by at least one of the one or more webs with the distance between the at least one sensor and the at least one further position influencing device, the time delay being determined when the distance covered corresponds to the distance between the sensor and the at least one further position influencing device.

The time delay may be desirable, for example, in the case of sensors which are arranged upstream of a position influencing device, in order to take into account the travel time between the sensor and the position influencing device, in particular in order to avoid changing the web position too early. When determining the time delay based both on determining the path speed and on determining the distance covered, the finally determined time delay can be based on the shorter determined time delay, the longer determined time delay or an average of the two. A weighting of the determined time delays is also possible.

In some embodiments, the first control signal can be output with a time delay to the receipt of the first input signal, wherein the determination of the time delay can include the following steps. Determining a web speed of at least one of the one or more webs in the downstream direction and determining a travel time of a section of the at least one web of the one or more webs between the first sensor and the first position influencing device, based on the measured web speed in the downstream direction and a distance between the first sensor and the first position influencing device, wherein the time delay is determined by the travel time. Alternatively or additionally, determining the time delay may include the following steps: determining a distance traveled by at least one of the one or more webs in the downstream direction and comparing the distance traveled by at least one of the one or more webs to the distance between the first sensor and the first position influencing device , wherein the time delay is determined when the distance covered corresponds to the distance between the first sensor and the first position influencing device.

In particular, in some embodiments, the webs may be paper-like or paperboard-like webs.

In some embodiments, at least one of the at least one sensor can be selected from the group consisting of optical sensors, cameras, CCD cameras, CMOS cameras, ultrasound devices or piezoelectric elements that work with ultrasound.

In some embodiments, the first position influencing device can include a first actuator, in particular an electric, hydraulic or pneumatic actuator, the actuator being controlled by the first actuating signal.

In some embodiments, the at least one further position influencing device can comprise at least one further actuator, in particular an electric, hydraulic and/or pneumatic actuator, the at least one further actuator being controlled by the at least one further control signal.

In some embodiments, the first position influencing device and the at least one further position influencing device can be controlled simultaneously.

For some applications it may be desirable to control several position influencing devices simultaneously, for example if they are arranged parallel to one another and control different webs which are then to be laminated with one another.

In some embodiments, the web speed of the one or more webs can be reduced for the simultaneous control of the first and the at least one further position influencing device.

Reducing the web speed can improve the local accuracy of the web layer change. Furthermore, reducing the web speed can reduce the mechanical stress on components of the corrugator.

In some embodiments, the simultaneous control of the first and the at least one further position influencing device can only be carried out when the web speed of the one or more webs is <100 m/min.

In some embodiments, the corrugator may be used to produce corrugated board from paper or paperboard.

In some embodiments, the corrugator may include at least one single facer group. The Unilateral Group may be configured to perform at least one of the following functions. Corrugating a first web, giving the web peaks of corrugation on two sides. Coat the wave tips of a first web with an adhesion promoter. Merging the first web with a cover web to produce a single-sided web.

In some embodiments, the at least one Unilateral Group may include at least one attitude manipulation device or at least one attitude manipulation device may be positioned upstream of the Unilateral Group. It should be emphasized again that the direction in which the web is directed corresponds to the direction of travel. This direction may differ for different webs relative to the orientation of the corrugator. For example, a first web can be moved in a first direction and brought together at a one-sided group with a second web from a second direction. After the merger, the single-sided web can, for example, continue to travel in the first direction. The second direction can be almost opposite to the first direction. A position influencing device for the second web is then upstream of the one-sided group when a defined section of the web first traverses the position influencing device before it reaches the one-sided group.

In some embodiments, the corrugator may include at least one lamination site. The at least one laminating point can be designed to combine a one-sided web with a cover web. The at least one lamination point can comprise at least one position influencing device or at least one position influencing device can be positioned in the upstream direction of the lamination point.

In some embodiments, the corrugator may include at least one sheeter. The at least one cross cutter can be designed to cut at least one of the at least one or more webs perpendicular to the direction of travel.

In some embodiments, the corrugator may include at least one creasing and/or cutting machine. The at least one creasing and/or cutting machine can be designed to perforate and/or cut at least one of the at least one or more webs parallel to the direction of travel. The creasing and/or cutting machine can include creasing and/or cutting tools. The creasing and/or cutting machine can be designed to position itself and/or the creasing and/or cutting tool it contains perpendicular to the direction of travel. Therefore, a position influencing device before or at the creasing and/or cutting machine can be obsolete, since the position of the creasing and/or cutting machine is controlled relative to the web and not the web position is controlled relative to the creasing and/or cutting machine. In some embodiments, a positioning of the creasing and/or cutting machine can be based on the at least one further control signal. Therefore, in some embodiments, the positioning of the creasing and/or cutting machine can be based on the same processes as the control of the at least one further position influencing device.

Alternatively or additionally, in some embodiments, the at least one creasing and cutting machine may comprise at least one position influencing device or at least one position influencing device may be positioned in the upstream direction of the creasing and cutting machine.

In some embodiments, the corrugator may include at least one splicer. The at least one splicer may be configured to join the end of one lane to the beginning of a new lane. Furthermore, one can Splicer comprise at least one position influencing device.

According to the invention, a system characterized by a controller with programming means for executing the computer-implemented method according to the invention is also provided. Furthermore, according to the invention, a system with storage means characterized by a controller with programming means for executing the computer-implemented method according to the invention is provided. Also provided according to the invention is a computer-readable medium characterized by programming means for executing the computer-implemented method according to the invention.

1. 1. Computer-implementiertes Verfahren zur Steuerung einer oder mehrerer Bahnen einer Wellpappenanlage, das die folgenden Schritte umfasst:
   • - Empfangen mindestens eines ersten Eingabesignales;
   • - Bestimmen eines ersten Stellsignales zu einem ersten Zeitpunkt basierend zumindest auf dem mindestens einen ersten Eingabesignal;
   • - Ausgeben des ersten Stellsignales an eine erste Lagebeeinflussungsvorrichtung;
   • - Bestimmen mindestens eines weiteren Zeitpunktes basierend zumindest auf dem mindestens einen ersten Eingabesignal und/oder mindestens eines weiteren empfangenen Eingabesignales;
   • - Ausgeben mindestens eines weiteren Stellsignales an mindestens eine weitere Lagebeeinflussungsvorrichtung bei Erreichen des mindestens einen weiteren Zeitpunktes.
2. 2. Verfahren nach Aspekt 1, wobei die erste und die mindestens eine weitere Lagebeeinflussungsvorrichtungen konfiguriert sind, die ein oder mehreren Bahn(en) zwischen einer zentrierten, einer linkskantenbündigen oder einer rechtskantenbündigen Bahnlage zu wechseln, basierend auf zumindest einem Stellsignal.
3. 3. Verfahren nach einem der vorhergehenden Aspekte, wobei das Bestimmen des mindestens einen weiteren Stellsignales basiert auf einem Bestimmen einer Veränderung der Breite und/oder der Position mindestens einer der ein oder mehreren Bahnen.
4. 4. Verfahren nach einem der vorhergehenden Aspekte, wobei das Bestimmen der Veränderung der Breite und/oder der Position der einen oder mehreren Bahnen ab dem ersten Zeitpunkt beginnt.
5. 5. Verfahren nach einem der vorhergehenden Aspekte, wobei das Bestimmen der Veränderung der Breite und/oder der Position der einen oder mehreren Bahnen umfasst:
   • - Empfangen einer ersten Breitenmessung und/oder einer ersten Positionsmessung durch mindestens einen Sensor, wobei der mindestens eine Sensor an oder stromaufwärts der mindestens einen weiteren Lagebeeinflussungsvorrichtung positioniert ist;
   • - Empfangen einer zweiten Breitenmessung und/oder einer zweiten Positionsmessung durch den mindestens einen Sensor;
   • - Vergleichen der ersten Breitenmessung mit der zweiten Breitenmessung und/oder - Vergleichen der ersten Positionsmessung mit der zweiten Positionsmessung;
   • - Optional, Erzeugen des mindestens einen weiteren Eingabesignales wenn die erste Breitenmessung sich von der zweiten Breitenmessung unterscheidet und/oder wenn die erste Positionsmessung sich von der zweiten Positionsmessung unterscheidet.
6. 6. Verfahren nach Aspekt 5, wobei die zweite Breitenmessung und/oder die zweite Positionsmessung nach der ersten Breitenmessung und/oder der ersten Positionsmessung erfolgt.
7. 7. Verfahren nach einem der vorhergehenden Aspekte, wobei das Bestimmen des mindestens einen weiteren Zeitpunktes die folgenden Schritte umfasst:
   • - Bestimmen einer Bahngeschwindigkeit mindestens einer der ein oder mehreren Bahnen;
   • - Bestimmen einer Fahrzeit eines Abschnitts der mindestens einen Bahn zwischen der ersten Lagebeeinflussungsvorrichtung und der mindestens einen weiteren Lagebeeinflussungsvorrichtung basierend auf der bestimmten Bahngeschwindigkeit und einem Abstand zwischen der ersten Lagebeeinflussungsvorrichtung und der mindestens einen weiteren Lagebeeinflussungsvorrichtung, wobei der mindestens eine weitere Zeitpunkt bestimmt ist durch den ersten Zeitpunkt zuzüglich der bestimmten Fahrzeit.
8. 8. Verfahren nach einem der vorhergehenden Aspekte, wobei das Bestimmen des mindestens einen weiteren Zeitpunktes die folgenden Schritte umfasst:
   • - Bestimmen einer Bahngeschwindigkeit mindestens einer der ein oder mehreren Bahnen;
   • - Bestimmen einer Fahrzeit eines Abschnitts der mindestens einen Bahn zwischen einer stromaufwärtigen Lagebeeinflussungsvorrichtung der mindestens einen weiteren Lagebeeinflussungsvorrichtungen, wobei die stromaufwärtige Lagebeeinflussungsvorrichtung zu einem zweiten Zeitpunkt ein Stellsignal erhalten hat, und einer stromabwärtigen Lagebeeinflussungsvorrichtung der mindestens einen weiteren Lagebeeinflussungsvorrichtungen, basierend auf der bestimmten Bahngeschwindigkeit und einem Abstand zwischen der stromaufwärtigen Lagebeeinflussungsvorrichtung und der stromabwärtigen Lagebeeinflussungsvorrichtung, wobei der mindestens eine weitere Zeitpunkt bestimmt ist durch den zweiten Zeitpunkt zuzüglich der bestimmten Fahrzeit.
9. 9. Verfahren nach einem der vorhergehenden Aspekte, wobei das Bestimmen der Bahngeschwindigkeit mindestens einer der ein oder mehreren Bahnen ab dem ersten Zeitpunkt beginnt.
10. 10. Verfahren nach einem der vorhergehenden Aspekte, wobei das Bestimmen des mindestens einen weiteren Zeitpunktes die folgenden Schritte umfasst:
    • - Bestimmen einer zurückgelegten Strecke mindestens einer der ein oder mehreren Bahnen;
    • - Vergleichen der zurückgelegten Strecke mindestens einer der ein oder mehreren Bahnen mit dem Abstand zwischen der ersten Lagebeeinflussungsvorrichtung und der mindestens einen weiteren Lagebeeinflussungsvorrichtung, wobei der mindestens eine weitere Zeitpunkt bestimmt ist, wenn die zurückgelegten Strecke mindestens einer der ein oder mehreren Bahnen dem Abstand zwischen der ersten Lagebeeinflussungsvorrichtung und der mindestens einen weiteren Lagebeeinflussungsvorrichtung entspricht.
11. 11. Verfahren nach einem der vorhergehenden Aspekte, wobei das Bestimmen des mindestens einen weiteren Zeitpunktes die folgenden Schritte umfasst:
    • - Bestimmen einer zurückgelegten Strecke mindestens einer der ein oder mehreren Bahnen;
    • - Vergleichen der zurückgelegten Strecke mindestens einer der ein oder mehreren Bahnen mit dem Abstand zwischen einer stromaufwärtigen Lagebeeinflussungsvorrichtung der mindestens einen weiteren Lagebeeinflussungsvorrichtungen und einer stromabwärtigen Lagebeeinflussungsvorrichtung der mindestens einen weiteren Lagebeeinflussungsvorrichtungen, wobei der mindestens eine weitere Zeitpunkt bestimmt ist, wenn die zurückgelegten Strecke dem Abstand zwischen der stromaufwärtigen Lagebeeinflussungsvorrichtung und der stromabwärtigen Lagebeeinflussungsvorrichtung entspricht.
12. 12. Verfahren nach einem der vorhergehenden Aspekte, wobei das Bestimmen der zurückgelegten Strecke mindestens einer der ein oder mehreren Bahnen ab dem ersten Zeitpunkt beginnt.
13. 13. Verfahren nach einem der vorhergehenden Aspekte, wobei das Bestimmen des mindestens einen weiteren Zeitpunktes auf einer Detektion einer Lücke in mindestens einer Bahn der ein oder mehreren Bahnen basiert.
14. 14. Verfahren nach einem der vorhergehenden Aspekte, wobei zumindest ein Teil einer der einen oder mehreren Bahnen, bei linkskantenbündiger und/oder rechtskantenbündiger Bahnlage eine Naturkante aufweist.
15. 15. Verfahren nach einem der vorhergehenden Aspekte, wobei das erste Eingabesignal durch die Eingabe eines menschlichen Bedieners erzeugt wird.
16. 16. Verfahren nach einem der vorhergehenden Aspekte, wobei das erste Eingabesignal durch einen Spleißvorgang an einem Spleißort erzeugt wird.
17. 17. Verfahren nach einem der vorhergehenden Aspekte, wobei das Erzeugen des ersten Eingabesignals die folgenden Schritte umfasst:
    • - Empfangen einer ersten Breitenmessung und/oder ersten Positionsmessung von einem ersten Sensor;
    • - Empfangen einer zweiten Breitenmessung und/oder zweiten Positionsmessung von dem ersten Sensor;
    • - Vergleichen der ersten Breitenmessung mit der zweiten Breitenmessung und/oder Vergleichen der ersten Positionsmessung mit der zweiten Positionsmessung;
    • - Erzeugen des ersten Eingabesignales wenn die erste Breitenmessung sich von der zweiten Breitenmessung unterscheidet und/oder wenn die erste Positionsmessung sich von der zweiten Positionsmessung unterscheidet.
18. 18. Verfahren nach einem der vorhergehenden Aspekte, wobei das Erzeugen des ersten Eingabesignals die folgenden Schritte umfasst:
    • - Empfangen einer ersten Breitenmessung und/oder ersten Positionsmessung von einem ersten Sensor;
    • - Vergleichen der ersten Breitenmessung und/oder Positionsmessung mit einem Referenzwert;
    • - Erzeugen des ersten Eingabesignales wenn die erste Breitenmessung und/oder Positionsmessung sich vom Referenzwert unterscheidet oder wenn die erste Breitenmessung und/oder Positionsmessung dem Referenzwert entspricht.
19. 19. Verfahren nach einem der vorhergehenden Aspekte, wobei das erste Stellsignal mit einer Zeitverzögerung zum Empfang des ersten Eingabesignals ausgegeben wird, wobei die Bestimmung der Zeitverzögerung die folgenden Schritte umfasst:
    • - Bestimmen einer Bahngeschwindigkeit mindestens einer der ein oder mehreren Bahnen in stromabwärtiger Richtung und
    • - Bestimmen einer Fahrzeit eines Abschnitts der mindestens einen Bahn der ein oder mehreren Bahnen zwischen dem Spleißort und der ersten Lagebeeinflussungsvorrichtung basierend auf der bestimmten Bahngeschwindigkeit in stromabwärtiger Richtung und einem Abstand zwischen dem Spleißort und der ersten Lagebeeinflussungsvorrichtung, wobei die Zeitverzögerung durch die Fahrtzeit bestimmt ist; und/oder
    • - Bestimmen einer zurückgelegten Strecke mindestens einer der ein oder mehreren Bahnen in stromabwärtiger Richtung und Vergleichen der zurückgelegten Strecke mindestens einer der ein oder mehreren Bahnen mit dem Abstand zwischen dem Spleißort und der ersten Lagebeeinflussungsvorrichtung, wobei die Zeitverzögerung bestimmt ist, wenn die zurückgelegte Strecke dem Abstand zwischen dem Spleißort und der ersten Lagebeeinflussungsvorrichtung entspricht.
20. 20. Verfahren nach einem der vorhergehenden Aspekte, wobei das mindestens eine weitere Stellsignal mit einer Zeitverzögerung zum Empfang des mindestens einen weiteren Eingabesignals ausgegeben wird, wobei die Bestimmung der Zeitverzögerung die folgenden Schritte umfasst:
    • - Bestimmen einer Bahngeschwindigkeit mindestens einer der ein oder mehreren Bahnen in stromabwärtiger Richtung,
    • - Bestimmen einer Fahrzeit eines Abschnitts der mindestens einen Bahn der ein oder mehreren Bahnen zwischen dem mindestens einen Sensors und der mindestens einen weiteren Lagebeeinflussungsvorrichtung, basierend auf der gemessenen Bahngeschwindigkeit in stromabwärtiger Richtung und einem Abstand zwischen dem mindestens einen Sensors und der mindestens einen weiteren Lagebeeinflussungsvorrichtung, wobei die Zeitverzögerung durch die Fahrtzeit bestimmt ist; und/oder
    • - Bestimmen einer zurückgelegten Strecke mindestens einer der ein oder mehreren Bahnen in stromabwärtiger Richtung
    • - Vergleichen der zurückgelegten Strecke mindestens einer der ein oder mehreren Bahnen mit dem Abstand zwischen dem mindestens einen Sensor und der mindestens einen weiteren Lagebeeinflussungsvorrichtung, wobei die Zeitverzögerung bestimmt ist, wenn die zurückgelegte Strecke dem Abstand zwischen dem mindestens einen Sensor und der mindestens einen weiteren Lagebeeinflussungsvorrichtung entspricht.
21. 21. Verfahren nach einem der vorhergehenden Aspekte, wobei das erste Stellsignal mit einer Zeitverzögerung zum Empfang des ersten Eingabesignals ausgegeben wird, wobei die Bestimmung der Zeitverzögerung die folgenden Schritte umfasst:
    • - Bestimmen einer Bahngeschwindigkeit mindestens einer der ein oder mehreren Bahnen in stromabwärtiger Richtung,
    • - Bestimmen einer Fahrzeit eines Abschnitts der mindestens einen Bahn der ein oder mehreren Bahnen zwischen dem ersten Sensors und der ersten Lagebeeinflussungsvorrichtung, basierend auf der gemessenen Bahngeschwindigkeit in stromabwärtiger Richtung und einem Abstand zwischen dem ersten Sensor und der ersten Lagebeeinflussungsvorrichtung, wobei die Zeitverzögerung durch die Fahrtzeit bestimmt ist; und/oder
    • - Bestimmen einer zurückgelegten Strecke mindestens einer der ein oder mehreren Bahnen in stromabwärtiger Richtung
    • - Vergleichen der zurückgelegten Strecke mindestens einer der ein oder mehreren Bahnen mit dem Abstand zwischen dem ersten Sensor und der ersten Lagebeeinflussungsvorrichtung, wobei die Zeitverzögerung bestimmt ist, wenn die zurückgelegte Strecke dem Abstand zwischen dem ersten Sensor und der ersten Lagebeeinflussungsvorrichtung entspricht.
22. 22. Verfahren nach einem der vorhergehenden Aspekte, wobei es sich bei den Bahnen insbesondere um papierartige oder pappeartige Bahnen handelt.
23. 23. Verfahren nach einem der vorhergehenden Aspekte, wobei mindestens einer der mindestens einen Sensoren aus der Gruppe der optischen Sensoren, Kameras, CCD-Kameras, CMOS-Kameras, Ultraschallgeräten oder piezoelektrischen Elemente, die mit Ultraschall arbeiten, ausgewählt ist.
24. 24. Verfahren nach einem der vorhergehenden Aspekte, wobei die erste Lagebeeinflussungsvorrichtung einen ersten Aktuator umfasst, insbesondere einen elektrischen, hydraulischen oder pneumatischen Aktuator, wobei der Aktuator durch das erste Stellsignal gesteuert wird.
25. 25. Verfahren nach einem der vorhergehenden Aspekte, die mindestens eine weitere Lagebeeinflussungsvorrichtung mindestens einen weiteren Aktuator umfasst, insbesondere einen elektrischen, hydraulischen und/oder pneumatischen Aktuator, wobei der mindestens eine weitere Aktuator durch das mindestens eine weitere Stellsignal gesteuert wird.
26. 26. Verfahren nach einem der vorhergehenden Aspekte, wobei die erste Lagebeeinflussungsvorrichtung und die mindestens eine weitere Lagebeeinflussungsvorrichtung gleichzeitig gesteuert werden können.
27. 27. Verfahren nach Aspekt 26, wobei zur gleichzeitigen Steuerung der ersten und der mindestens einen weitere Lagebeeinflussungsvorrichtung die Bahngeschwindigkeit der ein oder mehreren Bahnen verringert wird.
28. 28. Verfahren nach Aspekt 27, wobei die gleichzeitige Steuerung der ersten und der mindestens einen weiteren Lagebeeinflussungsvorrichtung nur bei einer Bahngeschwindigkeit der ein oder mehreren Bahnen <100m/min ausgeführt wird.
29. 29. Verfahren nach einem der vorhergehenden Aspekte, wobei die Wellpappenanlage der Herstellung von Wellpappe aus Papier oder Pappe dient.
30. 30. Verfahren nach einem der vorhergehenden Aspekte, wobei die Wellpappenanlage mindestens eine Einseitige Gruppe umfasst.
31. 31. Verfahren nach Aspekt 30, wobei die Einseitige Gruppe ausgelegt ist, mindestens eine der folgenden Funktionen durchzuführen:
    • wellen einer ersten Bahn, wodurch die Bahn Wellenspitzen auf zwei Seiten erhält;
    • Bestreichen der Wellenspitzen einer ersten Bahn mit einem Haftvermittler;
    • Zusammenführen der ersten Bahn mit einer Deckbahn, zum Herstellen einer einseitigen Bahn.
32. 32. Verfahren nach Aspekt 30 oder 31, wobei die mindestens eine Einseitige Gruppe mindestens eine Lagebeeinflussungsvorrichtung umfasst oder mindestens eine Lagebeeinflussungsvorrichtung in stromaufwärtiger Richtung der Einseitigen Gruppe positioniert ist.
33. 33. Verfahren nach einem der vorhergehenden Aspekte, wobei die Wellpappenanlage mindestens eine Kaschierstelle umfasst.
34. 34. Verfahren nach Aspekt 33, wobei die Kaschierstelle dazu ausgelegt ist eine einseitige Bahn mit einer Deckbahn zusammenzuführen.
35. 35. Verfahren nach Aspekt 33 oder 34, wobei die mindestens eine Kaschierstelle mindestens eine Lagebeeinflussungsvorrichtung umfasst oder mindestens eine Lagebeeinflussungsvorrichtung in stromaufwärtiger Richtung der Kaschierstelle positioniert ist.
36. 36. Verfahren nach einem der vorhergehenden Aspekte, wobei die Wellpappenanlage mindestens einen Querschneider umfasst.
37. 37. Verfahren nach Aspekt 36, wobei der mindestens eine Querschneider dazu ausgelegt ist, mindestens eine der mindestens einen oder mehreren Bahnen senkrecht zur Fahrtrichtung zu schneiden.
38. 38. Verfahren nach einem der vorhergehenden Aspekte, wobei die Wellpappenanlage mindestens eine Rill- und/oder Schneidmaschine umfasst, insbesondere wobei die Rill- und/oder Schneidmaschine Rill- und/oder Schneidwerkzeug beinhaltet.
39. 39. Verfahren nach Aspekt 38, wobei die mindestens eine Rill- und/oder Schneidmaschine dazu ausgelegt ist, mindestens eine der mindestens einen oder mehreren Bahnen parallel zur Fahrtrichtung zu perforieren und/oder zerschneiden, insbesondere wobei die Rill- und/oder Schneidmaschine dazu ausgelegt ist sich und/oder das enthaltene Rill- und/oder Schneidwerkzeug senkrecht zur Fahrtrichtung zu positionieren.
40. 40. Verfahren nach einem der vorhergehenden Aspekte, wobei die Wellpappenanlage mindestens einen Spleißer umfasst.
41. 41. Verfahren nach Aspekt 40, wobei der mindestens eine Spleißer konfiguriert ist das Ende einer Bahn mit dem Anfang einer neuen Bahn zu verbinden.
42. 42. Verfahren nach Aspekt 40 oder 41, wobei der mindestens eine Spleißer mindestens eine Lagebeeinflussungsvorrichtung umfasst.
43. 43. Anlage gekennzeichnet durch eine Steuerung mit Programmiermitteln zur Ausführung des Verfahrens eines der vorhergehenden Aspekte.
44. 44. Anlage mit Speichermittel gekennzeichnet durch eine Steuerung mit Programmiermitteln zur Ausführung des Verfahrens eines der vorhergehenden Aspekte.
45. 45. Computer-lesbares Medium gekennzeichnet durch Programmiermittel zur Ausführung des Verfahrens eines der vorhergehenden Aspekte.

Although the present invention has been described above and is defined in the appended claims, it should be understood that the invention may alternatively be defined according to the following embodiments:

1. A computer-implemented method for controlling one or more lanes of a corrugator, comprising the steps of:
   • - receiving at least a first input signal;
   • - determining a first control signal at a first point in time based at least on the at least one first input signal;
   • - Outputting the first actuating signal to a first position influencing device;
   • - determining at least one further point in time based at least on the at least one first input signal and/or at least one further received input signal;
   • - Outputting at least one further actuating signal to at least one further position influencing device when the at least one further point in time is reached.
2. 2. The method according to aspect 1, wherein the first and the at least one further position influencing devices are configured to change the one or more web(s) between a centered web position, a left-edge flush or a right-edge web position, based on at least one control signal.
3. 3. Method according to one of the preceding aspects, wherein the determination of the at least one further control signal is based on a determination of a change in the width and/or the position of at least one of the one or more tracks.
4. 4. Method according to one of the preceding aspects, wherein the determination of the change in the width and/or the position of the one or more webs starts from the first point in time.
5. 5. The method according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein determining the change in width and/or position of the one or more webs comprises:
   • - Receiving a first width measurement and/or a first position measurement by at least one sensor, wherein the at least one sensor is positioned at or upstream of the at least one further position influencing device;
   • - receiving a second width measurement and/or a second position measurement by the at least one sensor;
   • - comparing the first width measurement with the second width measurement and/or - comparing the first position measurement with the second position measurement;
   • - Optionally, generating the at least one further input signal if the first width measurement differs from the second width measurement and/or if the first position measurement differs from the second position measurement.
6. 6. The method according to aspect 5, wherein the second width measurement and/or the second position measurement takes place after the first width measurement and/or the first position measurement.
7. 7. The method according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein determining the at least one further point in time comprises the following steps:
   • - determining a web speed of at least one of the one or more webs;
   • - Determination of a travel time of a section of the at least one web between the first position influencing device and the at least one further position influencing device based on the determined web speed and a distance between the first position influencing device and the at least one further position influencing device, the at least one further point in time being determined by the first Time plus the specified travel time.
8. 8. The method according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein determining the at least one further point in time comprises the following steps:
   • - determining a web speed of at least one of the one or more webs;
   • - Determination of a travel time of a section of the at least one web between an upstream position influencing device of the at least one further position influencing device, wherein the upstream position influencing device has received an actuating signal at a second point in time, and a downstream position influencing device of the at least one further position influencing device, based on the determined web speed and a Distance between the upstream position influencing device and the downstream position influencing device, the at least one further point in time being determined by the second point in time plus the determined travel time.
9. 9. The method according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the determination of the web speed of at least one of the one or more webs starts from the first point in time.
10. 10. The method according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein determining the at least one further point in time comprises the following steps:
    • - determining a distance covered by at least one of the one or more paths;
    • - Comparing the distance covered by at least one of the one or more tracks with the distance between the first position influencing device and the at least one other position influencing device, with the at least one further point in time being determined when the distance covered by at least one of the one or more tracks corresponds to the distance between the first position influencing device and the at least one further position influencing device corresponds.
11. 11. The method according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the determination of the at least one further point in time comprises the following steps:
    • - determining a distance covered by at least one of the one or more paths;
    • - Comparing the distance covered by at least one of the one or more webs with the distance between an upstream position influencing device of the at least one further position influencing device and a downstream position influencing device of the at least one further position influencing device, the at least one further point in time being determined when the distance covered corresponds to the distance between corresponds to the upstream position influencing device and the downstream position influencing device.
12. 12. Method according to one of the preceding aspects, wherein the determination of the distance covered by at least one of the one or more paths begins at the first point in time.
13. 13. The method according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the determination of the at least one further point in time is based on a detection of a gap in at least one lane of the one or more lanes.
14. 14. The method according to one of the preceding aspects, wherein at least part of one of the one or more webs has a natural edge in the case of a web layer flush with the left edge and/or flush with the right edge.
15. 15. The method of any preceding aspect, wherein the first input signal is generated by input from a human operator.
16. 16. The method according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the first input signal is generated by a splicing operation at a splicing site.
17. 17. The method according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein generating the first input signal comprises the following steps:
    • - receiving a first width measurement and/or a first position measurement from a first sensor;
    • - receiving a second width measurement and/or a second position measurement from the first sensor;
    • - comparing the first width measurement with the second width measurement and/or comparing the first position measurement with the second position measurement;
    • - generating the first input signal if the first measurement of width differs from the second measurement of width and/or if the first measurement of position differs from the second measurement of position.
18. 18. The method according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein generating the first input signal comprises the following steps:
    • - receiving a first width measurement and/or a first position measurement from a first sensor;
    • - comparing the first measurement of width and/or position with a reference value;
    • - generating the first input signal if the first measurement of width and/or position differs from the reference value or if the first measurement of width and/or position corresponds to the reference value.
19. 19. The method according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the first control signal is output with a time delay to the receipt of the first input signal, wherein the determination of the time delay comprises the following steps:
    • - determining a web speed of at least one of the one or more webs in the downstream direction and
    • - determining a travel time of a portion of the at least one web of the one or more webs between the splice location and the first location influencing device based on the determined web speed in the downstream direction and a distance between the splice location and the first location influencing device, the time delay being determined by the travel time; and or
    • - determining a distance traveled by at least one of the one or more webs in the downstream direction and comparing the distance traveled by at least one of the one or more webs to the distance between the splice location and the first position influencing device, the time delay being determined when the distance traveled corresponds to the distance corresponds between the splice location and the first position influencing device.
20. 20. The method according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the at least one further control signal is output with a time delay for receiving the at least one further input signal, the determination of the time delay comprising the following steps:
    • - determining a web speed of at least one of the one or more webs in the downstream direction,
    • - determining a travel time of a section of the at least one web of the one or more webs between the at least one sensor and the at least one further position influencing device, based on the measured web speed in the downstream direction and a distance between the at least one sensor and the at least one further position influencing device, wherein the time delay is determined by the travel time; and or
    • - determining a distance traveled by at least one of the one or more webs in the downstream direction
    • - Comparing the distance covered of at least one of the one or more webs with the distance between the at least one sensor and the at least one further position influencing device, the time delay being determined when the distance covered corresponds to the distance between the at least one sensor and the at least one further position influencing device corresponds.
21. 21. The method according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the first control signal is output with a time delay to the receipt of the first input signal, wherein the determination of the time delay comprises the following steps:
    • - determining a web speed of at least one of the one or more webs in the downstream direction,
    • - determining a travel time of a portion of the at least one web of the one or more webs between the first sensor and the first position influencing device based on the measured web speed in the downstream direction and a distance between the first sensor and the first position influencing device, the time delay being divided by the travel time is determined; and or
    • - determining a distance traveled by at least one of the one or more webs in the downstream direction
    • - comparing the distance traveled of at least one of the one or more webs with the distance between the first sensor and the first position influencing device, the time delay being determined when the distance traveled corresponds to the distance between the first sensor and the first position influencing device.
22. 22. Method according to one of the preceding aspects, in which the webs are in particular paper-like or cardboard-like webs.
23. 23. The method according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein at least one of the at least one sensor is selected from the group consisting of optical sensors, cameras, CCD cameras, CMOS cameras, ultrasonic devices or piezoelectric elements that work with ultrasound.
24. 24. The method according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the first position influencing device comprises a first actuator, in particular an electric, hydraulic or pneumatic actuator, wherein the actuator is controlled by the first actuating signal.
25. 25. Method according to one of the preceding aspects, which comprises at least one further position influencing device at least one further actuator, in particular an electric, hydraulic and/or pneumatic actuator, wherein the at least one further actuator is controlled by the at least one further control signal.
26. 26. The method according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the first position influencing device and the at least one further position influencing device can be controlled simultaneously.
27. 27. The method according to aspect 26, wherein the web speed of the one or more webs is reduced for the simultaneous control of the first and the at least one further position influencing device.
28. 28. The method according to aspect 27, wherein the simultaneous control of the first and the at least one further position influencing device is carried out only when the web speed of the one or more webs is <100 m/min.
29. 29. The method according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the corrugator is used to produce corrugated board from paper or cardboard.
30. 30. The method according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the corrugator comprises at least one one-sided group.
31. 31. The method of aspect 30, wherein the Unilateral Group is configured to perform at least one of the following functions:
    • corrugating a first web, giving the web peaks of corrugation on two sides;
    • coating the wave tips of a first web with an adhesion promoter;
    • Merging the first web with a cover web to produce a single-sided web.
32. 32. The method according to aspect 30 or 31, wherein the at least one one-sided group comprises at least one position influencing device or at least one position influencing device is positioned in the upstream direction of the one-sided group.
33. 33. The method according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the corrugator comprises at least one laminating point.
34. 34. The method of aspect 33, wherein the lamination site is configured to merge a single-face web with a cover web.
35. 35. The method according to aspect 33 or 34, wherein the at least one laminating point comprises at least one position influencing device or at least one position influencing device is positioned in the upstream direction of the laminating point.
36. 36. The method according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the corrugator comprises at least one cross cutter.
37. 37. The method of aspect 36, wherein the at least one cross cutter is configured to cut at least one of the at least one or more webs perpendicular to the direction of travel.
38. 38. The method according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the corrugator comprises at least one creasing and/or cutting machine, in particular wherein the creasing and/or cutting machine includes creasing and/or cutting tools.
39. 39. The method according to aspect 38, wherein the at least one creasing and/or cutting machine is designed to perforate and/or cut at least one of the at least one or more webs parallel to the direction of travel, in particular wherein the creasing and/or cutting machine is designed for this is to position itself and/or the included creasing and/or cutting tool perpendicular to the direction of travel.
40. 40. The method according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the corrugator comprises at least one splicer.
41. 41. The method of aspect 40, wherein the at least one splicer is configured to join the end of one lane to the beginning of a new lane.
42. 42. The method according to aspect 40 or 41, wherein the at least one splicer comprises at least one position influencing device.
43. 43. System characterized by a controller with programming means for executing the method of one of the preceding aspects.
44. 44. System with storage means characterized by a controller with programming means for executing the method of one of the preceding aspects.
45. 45. Computer-readable medium characterized by programming means for executing the method of one of the preceding aspects.

Claims (15)

A computer-implemented method for controlling one or more lanes of a corrugator, comprising the steps of: - receiving at least a first input signal; - determining a first control signal at a first point in time based at least on the at least one first input signal; - Outputting the first actuating signal to a first position influencing device; - determining at least one further point in time based at least on the at least one first input signal and/or at least one further received input signal; - Outputting at least one further actuating signal to at least one further position influencing device when the at least one further point in time is reached. procedure after claim 1 , wherein the first and the at least one further position influencing devices are configured to change the one or more web(s) between a centered web position, a left-edge flush or a right-edge flush web position, based on at least one actuating signal. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the determination of the at least one further control signal is based on a determination of a change in the width and/or the position of at least one of the one or more webs. procedure after claim 3 , wherein determining the change in the width and/or the position of the one or more webs comprises: - receiving a first width measurement and/or a first position measurement by at least one sensor, the at least one sensor being positioned at or upstream of the at least one further position influencing device is; - receiving a second width measurement and/or a second position measurement by the at least one sensor; - comparing the first width measurement with the second width measurement and/or - comparing the first position measurement with the second position measurement; - Optionally, generating the at least one further input signal if the first width measurement differs from the second width measurement and/or if the first position measurement differs from the second position measurement. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the determination of the at least one further point in time comprises the following steps: - determining a web speed of at least one of the one or more webs; - Determination of a travel time of a section of the at least one web between the first position influencing device and the at least one further position influencing device based on the determined web speed and a distance between the first position influencing device and the at least one further position influencing device, the at least one further point in time being determined by the first Time plus the specified travel time. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the determination of the at least one further point in time comprises the following steps: - determining a web speed of at least one of the one or more webs; - Determination of a travel time of a section of the at least one web between an upstream position influencing device of the at least one further position influencing device, wherein the upstream position influencing device has received an actuating signal at a second point in time, and a downstream position influencing device of the at least one further position influencing device, based on the determined web speed and a Distance between the upstream position influencing device and the downstream position influencing device, the at least one further point in time being determined by the second point in time plus the determined travel time. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the determination of the at least one further point in time comprises the following steps: - determining a distance covered by at least one of the one or more paths; - Comparing the distance covered by at least one of the one or more tracks with the distance between the first position influencing device and the at least one other position influencing device, with the at least one further point in time being determined when the distance covered by at least one of the one or more tracks corresponds to the distance between the first position influencing device and the min least corresponds to a further position influencing device. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the determination of the at least one further point in time comprises the following steps: - determining a distance covered by at least one of the one or more paths; - Comparing the distance covered by at least one of the one or more webs with the distance between an upstream position influencing device of the at least one further position influencing device and a downstream position influencing device of the at least one further position influencing device, the at least one further point in time being determined when the distance covered corresponds to the distance between corresponds to the upstream position influencing device and the downstream position influencing device. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least part of one of the one or more webs has a natural edge in the case of a web layer flush with the left edge and/or flush with the right edge. A method as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the first input signal is generated by input from a human operator and/or wherein the first input signal is generated by a splicing operation at a splice site. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein generating the first input signal comprises the steps of: - receiving a first width measurement and/or a first position measurement from a first sensor; - receiving a second width measurement and/or a second position measurement from the first sensor; - comparing the first width measurement with the second width measurement and/or comparing the first position measurement with the second position measurement; - generating the first input signal if the first measurement of width differs from the second measurement of width and/or if the first measurement of position differs from the second measurement of position. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein generating the first input signal comprises the steps of: - receiving a first width measurement and/or a first position measurement from a first sensor; - comparing the first measurement of width and/or position with a reference value; - generating the first input signal if the first measurement of width and/or position differs from the reference value or if the first measurement of width and/or position corresponds to the reference value. System characterized by a controller with programming means for carrying out the method of one of the preceding claims. System with storage means characterized by a controller with programming means for executing the method of one of Claims 1 until 12 . Computer-readable medium characterized by programming means for carrying out the method of one of Claims 1 until 12 .

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