EP3150378B1 - Assembly and method for the production of corrugated cardboard - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a corrugated board plant according to the preamble of claim 1 and a method for producing corrugated board.

It is well known to print corrugated board or their material webs. In particular, in the case of untreated material webs for the production of corrugated cardboard, the ink acceptance or inking processes generally take an extremely long time. With rapid drying or too high conveying speeds often arise spotty pressure areas or printed images. On the other hand, in particular in the case of treated material webs for producing corrugated cardboard, rapid drying is often advantageous in order to prevent the formation of droplet mixtures.

The WO 2007/050202 A2 is engaged in the production of corrugated board. A one-sided laminated corrugated board web is passed through a gluing unit, whereby the web speed is controlled. A coating station is capable of coating or printing a liner.

The US 2015/0101740 A1 discloses a corrugator with a printing device.

From the WO 2013/187775 A1 is a device for producing one-sided laminated corrugated cardboard known. A length of a heating device is dependent on a speed of a conveyed corrugated web and a binding time of the glue.

The EP 2 712 734 A1 relates to dryers for printing devices. The dryers utilize non-linear power profiles that provide an amount of power to be applied to a heating element of the dryer as a function of a Specify the web speed of a print medium through the dryer.

The invention has for its object to provide a corrugated plant, which overcomes the disadvantages mentioned above. In particular, a corrugated board plant is to be provided, with an extremely high print quality can be achieved and a variety of webs are printable. Furthermore, the pressure ranges generated by printing should be qualitatively consistent during corrugated production. The printing should be extremely economically feasible. A corresponding method should also be supplied.

This object is achieved by the features specified in the independent claims 1 and 15 features. The essence of the invention is that a time start of active drying or a drying dead time, ie a period of time without active drying, by the pressure range drying arrangement of the at least one applied to the material web printing area or the material web is temporally influenced or changed. This has an influence on a printing range progression time or running time of the at least one printing area. The printing and / or drying takes place in particular when conveyed material web.

Until the beginning of the drying of the at least one printing area applied to the material web by the printing area drying arrangement, the at least one printing area with respect to drying preferably remains substantially uninfluenced.

The change in the start of drying as a function of the material web conveying speed allows substantially constant printing results or a consistent printing quality with different or variable web conveying speed of the printed or to be printed web. A changing material web conveying speed of this material web is so particularly well compensated. An ink acceptance is therefore extremely well stabilized at different web conveying speeds.

For example, at a comparatively higher material web conveying speeds of the printed material web, a delayed drying of the material web takes place for the time compensation by the printing area drying arrangement. For example, at relatively lower material web conveying speeds of the printed material web, a premature drying of the material web takes place for the time compensation by the printing area drying arrangement.

The information processing apparatus is conveniently an electronic information processing apparatus.

It is advantageous if the printing area drying arrangement can be displaced at least partially along the material web conveying path of the material web in order to influence the start of drying of the at least one printing area. This embodiment is particularly reliable and easy. The printing area drying arrangement is for example displaceable in its entirety or partially. Preferably, at least one corresponding displacement device, such as a motor, drive, a piston-cylinder unit or the like, is present for this purpose. In particular a variation of the material web intermediate conveyor line over the web conveying speed.

It is advantageous if the first material web dispensing device comprises at least one web roll. Conveniently, the first material web dispensing device is designed as a splicing device.

It is expedient if the printing device is designed as a digital printing device. Other known printing devices can be used alternatively.

The at least one printing area or imprint is preferably water-based. The at least one printing area is favorably formed by at least one color or ink and is thus one or more colors. This includes, for example, at least one letter, one digit, another character, a graphic and / or a photo. The at least one print area conveniently has at least one print motif. The at least one printing area covers at least one area of the material web. Conveniently, the at least one pressure range in the finished corrugated board (web) visible from the outside. The printed material web is preferably one in the finished corrugated board (web) outer laminating or cover sheet. Alternatively, the material to be printed web is multi-layered.

According to a preferred embodiment, the corrugated web is printed on both sides outside and dried accordingly. Conveniently, the material web and / or the at least one further material web is endless. The at least one further material web is preferably multi-ply. she is preferably a corrugated cardboard web with at least one corrugated web and at least one cover sheet.

The connecting device is preferably designed as a glue device for gluing the printed material web and at least one further material web.

Conveniently, the finished corrugated board web is a three-ply or five-ply corrugated board web.

The term "downstream" used herein refers in particular to the conveying direction of the respective web. This applies analogously to similar terms.

Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the subclaims.

In particular, the first drying device according to the dependent claim 2 is designed to extract from the at least one pressure region at least a majority of the water contained. For this purpose, the first drying device preferably heats the printed material web and / or the at least one pressure region applied thereto to preferably 60 ° C. to 120 ° C. There is advantageously a thermal drying and thus an at least partial dehumidification of the at least one pressure range. In particular, the viscosity of the at least one printing area or the ink viscosity increases. For example, an excessive dot gain or an excessive dot gain or an excessive flow of the at least one color in the at least one print area can be effectively avoided. In particular, extends the at least one first drying device perpendicular to a conveying direction of the adjacent, printed material web. Conveniently, the first drying device is displaceable relative to the printing device for influencing the start of drying, wherein preferably the first drying device is displaceable along the printed material web.

It is advantageous if the first drying device is designed as a radiator device, in particular an infrared radiator device.

The first drying device according to the dependent claim 4 has a particularly high drying performance. The first drying devices are arranged downstream of one another with respect to a conveying direction of the printed material web.

The first drying device according to the dependent claim 5 is particularly flexible and, for example, extremely well able, in particular in their displacement, to follow the course of the printed material web.

According to dependent claim 6, for example, a reduction of the drying capacity of at least one upstream arranged first drying device leads to a corresponding increase in the drying performance of this subsequent first drying device (s). Preferably, the total drying capacity of the first drying device remains constant.

Conveniently, in addition to the physical displacement of the first drying devices, which takes place in particular in discrete stages, or alternatively also a fine adjustment of a pressure range-course time by shifting or at least partially transferring the drying capacity between the individual first drying devices possible. For example, by increasing the power of at least one first drying device and by simultaneously reducing the power of at least one further first drying device, which has a lower conveying distance to the printing device relative to the increased in the first drying device, the printing range-extending extended. This preferably takes place at comparatively high material web conveying speeds. The exact reverse displacement or at least partial transmission of the drying power, however, allows a shortening of the pressure range-course time. The overall drying equation of the first drying device preferably remains constant.

According to the subclaims 6 to 10, the drying performance of the first drying device is shifted within the same or between the first drying devices in order to influence the start of drying or to change a pressure range progression time.

The drying capacity can be displaced between an upstream and downstream, in each case based on the conveying direction of the material web to be dried, arranged first drying device. It is in particular displaceable along the material web conveying path in the printing area drying arrangement.

Preferably, according to dependent claim 10 with decreasing material web conveying speed, the drying performance of the downstream arranged first drying device (s), in particular successively, on the at least one first drying device arranged upstream thereto which has a smaller conveying distance to the printing device in comparison with the first drying device (s) reduced in the drying performance.

According to the dependent claim 11 the first drying devices are associated with temperature measuring sensors for measuring the temperature prevailing there on the material web. Conveniently, the temperature measuring sensors essentially measure the temperature of the material web between the first drying devices. The first drying devices are, for example, arranged on the input side and / or output side on the first drying devices. Conveniently, the temperature measuring sensors measure the temperature on an upper side of the material web.

The embodiment according to the dependent claim 12 allows a particularly effective or error-free displacement of the drying performance of the first drying devices. In particular, such a nonlinearity between power input and heating of the material web can be taken into account or compensated. In particular, such a readjustment is possible.

It is expedient for a material web intermediate conveying path of the material web present between the printing apparatus and the first drying apparatus to be variable in its length for influencing the start of drying of the at least one printing area. This refinement leads to a particularly effective influencing of the start of drying of the at least one pressure region applied to the material web by changing the effective length of the material web intermediate conveying path. For this purpose, preferably the printing device and / or the first drying device are at least partially mutually displaceable. Alternatively or additionally, the length of the material web intermediate conveying path can be influenced by displacement of at least one deflecting roller deflecting the printed material web and / or by changing at least one free-hanging web loop of the printed material web.

It is advantageous if cooling takes place between the first drying devices by free running of the material web, thus favorably without covering the material web, and / or by active air inflation.

The second drying device according to the dependent claim 13 is conveniently able to achieve a complete or almost complete drying of the at least one pressure region, in particular by convection of the applied circulating air.

It is expedient if the second drying device is steam-heated or gas-fired. In particular, the second drying device is able to drive residual liquid pressure components or ink residue particles from the at least one pressure region. Conveniently, a pressure-side deflection of the printed material web is possible downstream of the second drying device, without this leading to an impairment of the at least one pressure range.

It is advantageous if the at least one second drying device is designed as a hot-air drying device.

Conveniently, a plurality of the second drying means are provided, wherein the second drying means along the material web conveying path are arranged adjacent to each other. This embodiment leads to a second drying device, which has an extremely high drying performance. The second drying devices are arranged downstream of one another with respect to a conveying direction of the printed material web.

The at least one guide device according to the dependent claim 14 advantageously prevents distortion of the printed material web. Conveniently, such a free sagging of the printed material web is particularly effectively avoidable.

It is advantageous if the first guide means guides the printed material web according to the dependent claim 14 in its conveying direction from top to bottom.

It is advantageous if the first guide device extends at least partially curved and / or has mutually inclined guide areas. This embodiment leads to a particularly effective guidance of the printed material web. In particular, the first drying device is capable of following the displacement of the printed material web virtually while maintaining the distance to this, which leads to a particularly effective, stable, uniform drying by the hinged interconnected, first drying means.

Preferably, the guide device comprises at least one guide roller, wherein preferably the at least one guide roller for influencing the tension of the material web is drivable and / or braked. Due to the at least one guide roller, the web tension of the printed Material web particularly effectively influenced, so that a free sagging the same can be minimized or prevented.

It is advantageous if several guide rollers are present in the pressure range drying arrangement. Conveniently, at least one support element, such as a support plate, arranged to support the printed material web between adjacent guide rollers.

It is expedient if a corona pretreatment device arranged upstream of the printing device is present for pretreating the material web to be printed. This embodiment results in a particularly high print quality. In this case, the surface energy of the material web to be printed is influenced in a known manner by a corona pretreatment. This initially leads, in particular, to higher dot gains and to a uniformity in flat printed image elements, wherein both disturbing structural effects in the print image and the longitudinal streaking can be efficiently reduced, in particular in combination with a variable start of drying due to the possibility of faster drying.

According to the invention, it has been recognized that the start of drying of the at least one pressure area applied to the material web can be influenced, for example, by at least partial, physical displacement of the pressure area drying arrangement and / or by at least partial displacement of the electrical drying capacity of the pressure area drying arrangement.

The dependent claims 2 to 14 referring back to claim 1 can also be the subject of independent claim 15.

Fig. 1

eine schematische Seitenansicht einer erfindungsgemäßen Wellpappe-Anlage;

Fig. 2

eine Draufsicht auf die Druckvorrichtung und die Druckbereich-Trocknungsanordnung der in Fig.1 dargestellten Wellpappe-Anlage;

Fig. 3

eine Seitenansicht der in Fig. 2 dargestellten Anordnung aus Druckvorrichtung und Druckbereich-Trocknungsanordnung, wobei sich eine erste Trocknungsvorrichtung der Druckbereich-Trocknungsanordnung in einer ersten Endstellung befindet;

Fig. 4

die in Fig. 3 dargestellte Anordnung, wobei sich die erste Trocknungsvorrichtung in einer zweiten Endstellung befindet;

Fig. 5

eine Seitenansicht, in der neben einer Druckvorrichtung eine alternative Druckbereich-Trocknungsanordnung gemäß einer zweiten Ausführungsform dargestellt ist;

Fig. 6

eine Seitenansicht, in der neben einer Druckvorrichtung eine alternative Druckbereich-Trocknungsanordnung gemäß einer dritten Ausführungsform dargestellt ist;

Fig. 7

eine Seitenansicht einer erfindungsgemäßen Wellpappe-Anlage gemäß einer weiteren Ausführungsform;

Fig. 8

eine Seitenansicht, die auch eine in Fig. 7 dargestellte Corona-Vorbehandlungsvorrichtung vergrößert zeigt; und

Fig. 9

eine Seitenansicht, in der neben einer Druckvorrichtung eine alternative Druckbereich-Trocknungsanordnung gemäß einer vierten Ausführungsform dargestellt ist.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the invention will be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings. Showing:

Fig. 1

a schematic side view of a corrugated board according to the invention;

Fig. 2

a plan view of the printing device and the printing area-drying arrangement of in Fig.1 illustrated corrugated plant;

Fig. 3

a side view of in Fig. 2 illustrated arrangement of printing device and printing area-drying arrangement, wherein a first drying device of the printing area-drying arrangement is in a first end position;

Fig. 4

in the Fig. 3 illustrated arrangement, wherein the first drying device is in a second end position;

Fig. 5

a side view, in addition to a printing device, an alternative printing area drying arrangement is shown according to a second embodiment;

Fig. 6

a side view, in addition to a printing device, an alternative pressure range drying arrangement according to a third embodiment is shown;

Fig. 7

a side view of a corrugated board according to the invention according to a further embodiment;

Fig. 8

a side view, which is also an in Fig. 7 illustrated corona pretreatment device enlarged; and

Fig. 9

a side view, in addition to a printing device, an alternative pressure-area drying arrangement according to a fourth embodiment is shown.

Referring first to Fig. 1 For example, a corrugated board installation comprises an arrangement 1 for producing a single-faced, endless corrugated board web.

The arrangement 1 for producing a single-sided, endless corrugated cardboard web are preceded by a first splicing device 2 and a second splicing device 3.

The first splicing device 2 comprises a first unwinding unit 6 for unrolling a finite first web of material 4 from a first web reel 5 and a second unwinding unit 8 for unrolling a finite second web of material from a second web reel 7. The finite first web 4 and second web are used to provide one endless first material web 9 by means of a not shown connecting and cutting unit of the first splicing device 2 connected to each other.

The second splicing device 3 is formed corresponding to the first splicing device 2. This has for rolling a finite third material web 10 of a third web roll 11, a third unwinding unit 12 and for unrolling a finite fourth material web from a fourth material web roll 13, a fourth unwinding unit 14. The finite third material web 10 and fourth material web are connected to each other for providing an endless second material web 15 by means of a connecting and cutting unit of the second splicing device 3, not shown.

The endless first material web 9 is supplied via a heating roller 16 and a first guide roller 17 of the arrangement 1 for producing a single-faced, endless corrugated web, while the endless second material web 15 via a second guide roller 18 of the arrangement 1 for producing a one-sided laminated endless corrugated web is supplied.

The arrangement 1 for producing a single-faced, endless corrugated web includes for generating a corrugated, endless corrugated web 19 from the endless second web 15, a rotatably mounted first corrugating roll 20 and a rotatably mounted second corrugating roll 21. The corrugating rolls 20, 21 form for performing and corrugations of the endless second material web 15 from a nip, wherein axes of rotation of the two corrugating rolls 20, 21 parallel to each other. The corrugating rolls 20, 21 together form a corrugation device.

To connect the endless corrugated web 19 with the first endless web 9 to a single-faced corrugated cardboard web 22, the arrangement 1 for producing a single-faced, endless corrugated web has a glue applicator 23, the glue metering roller 24, a glue container (not shown) and a glue applicator roll 25th includes. For performing and gluing the endless corrugated web 19, the glue application roller 25 forms a gap with the first corrugating roller 20 out. The glue in the glue container is applied via the glue application roller 24 to tips of the corrugation of the endless corrugated web 19. The size metering roller 24 abuts against the glue applicator roller 25 and serves to form a uniform size layer on the size applicator roller 25.

The endless first web of material 9 is subsequently joined together with the endless corrugated web 19 provided with glue from the glue container in the arrangement 1 for producing a continuous corrugated cardboard web 22 laminated on one side.

For pressing the endless first web 9 against the provided with glue endless corrugated web 19, which in turn rests in regions on the first corrugating roll 20, the arrangement 1 for producing a one-sided laminated endless corrugated web has a Anpressmodul 26. The Anpressmodul 26 is conveniently designed as Anpressbandmodul , It is arranged above the first corrugating roll 20. The pressure module 26 has two guide rollers 27 and an endless pressure belt 28, which is guided around the guide rollers 27. The first corrugating roller 20 engages in a space present between the guide rollers 27 area, whereby the pressure belt 28 is deflected by the first corrugating roller 20. The pressure belt 28 presses against the endless first web 9, which in turn is pressed against the provided with glue, applied to the first corrugating roller 20 endless corrugated web 19.

For temporarily storing and buffering the single-faced, endless corrugated cardboard web 22, it is fed to a storage device 29, where it forms loops.

Furthermore, the corrugated board installation has a third splicing device 30, which comprises a fifth unwinding unit 33 for unrolling a finite fifth material web 31 from a fifth material web roll 32 and a sixth unwinding unit 35 for unrolling a finite sixth material web from a sixth material web roll 34. The finite fifth web 31 and sixth web are connected to each other to provide an endless third web of material 36 by means of an unillustrated joining and cutting unit of the third splicer 30. The endless third material web 36 forms an outer cover sheet in the finished corrugated cardboard web to be produced.

The endless third material web 36 is conveyed by means of a conveying device along a material web conveying path 44 in a conveying direction 48. The conveyor device is formed for example by at least one roller, roller, a belt assembly or the like, which is preferably driven.

Relative to the conveying direction 48 of the endless third material web 36, a digital printing device 37 is arranged downstream of the third splicing device 30. The endless third material web 36 is fed via deflection rollers 38 of the digital printing device 37. In the digital printing device 37, the endless third material web 36 is printed to form at least one printing area on its outer side 39, which also later forms an outer side of the corrugated cardboard web to be produced or finished.

Relative to the conveying direction 48 of the endless third material web 36, downstream of the digital printing device 37, a printing area drying arrangement 40 is arranged, which is described in detail in FIGS Fig. 2 to 4 shown is. The printing area drying arrangement 40 is arranged adjacent to the digital printing device 37. The printed on the outside 39, endless third material web 36 is the printing area-drying arrangement 40 for drying its at least one printing area supplied.

The pressure area drying assembly 40 has an inlet 41 and an outlet 42 located downstream of the inlet 41.

The pressure area drying arrangement 40 has a predrying device 45 arranged adjacent to the inlet 41 and a drying device 46 arranged downstream of the predrying device 45.

Between the predrying device 45 and the digital printing device 37 there is a material web intermediate conveying path 43, which is part of a material web conveying path 44 of the endless third material web 36.

The predrying device 45 comprises a plurality, preferably between two and ten, more preferably between three and seven, predrying devices 47, which extend perpendicular to the conveying direction 48 of the adjacent endless third material web 36 and are arranged adjacent to one another in the conveying direction 48. According to the preferred embodiment there are five predrying devices 47. Each pre-drying device 47 extends perpendicular to the conveying direction 48 at least over the at least one printing region, preferably over the entire width of the endless third material web 36. The predrying devices 47 are the at least one printing region or the outer side 39 of the endless third material web 36 facing and arranged adjacent thereto. They are arranged above the endless third material web 36. The individual predrying devices 47 are advantageously connected to one another in an articulated manner via joints 49, the articulation axes of which run perpendicular to the conveying direction 48.

Each predrying device 47 also carries an inlet air nozzle 50a and exhaust air nozzle 50b. Each predrying device 47 is designed as an infrared (IR) radiator device for emitting infrared radiation.

Further, the printing area drying device 40 has a guide 51 for guiding the endless third web 36 within the printing area drying device 40. The guide 51 in turn has an upstream first guide 52 formed by a plurality of first guide rollers 53. The first guide rollers 53 extend parallel to one another and run perpendicular to the conveying direction 48. They are arranged below the endless third material web 36. The first guide rollers 53 are arranged at different heights to a floor or ground. Starting from the entrance 41 loses the endless third material web 36 in their promotion in the first guide means 52 in the conveying direction 48 in height. The first guide means 52 thus guides the endless third material web 36 obliquely downwards from the entrance 41. In particular, the endless third web of material 36 defines a convex track with respect to an imaginary ramp 54 passing through the ends of the first guide 52. Alternatively, for example, there is a concave guideway. Alternatively, inclined, discrete guide regions with different inclinations with respect to a horizontal are present in the first guide device 52. Accordingly, the pre-drying 47 have discrete layers, wherein the distance to the endless third material web 36 is suitably the same in each case.

The predrying device 45 is, advantageously in its entirety, displaceable along and preferably guided essentially along the entire, first guide device 52 in and counter to the conveying direction 48. For a corresponding drive 94, motor or the like is present. Conveniently, the predrying device 45 is designed to slide-like.

The drying device 46 in turn has a plurality of drying devices 55, which extend parallel to each other and extend perpendicular to the conveying direction 48. Each drying device 55 is designed as a hot air drying device for generating and dispensing hot air.

The guide device 51 has a second guide device 57, which adjoins the first guide device 52 downstream. The second guide device 57 is formed by a plurality of second guide rollers 58, which run parallel to one another and perpendicular to the conveying direction 48. The second guide rollers 58 are arranged such that there runs the endless third material web 36 substantially horizontally. More precisely, the endless third material web 36 convexly extends there relative to a horizontal 59 passing through the ends of the second guide means 47. This is achieved in particular by the second guide rollers 58. Adjacent second guide rollers 58 each span straight guide areas.

The drying devices 55 are arranged at a substantially constant distance from the endless third material web 36 extending there, so that, overall, this also exhibits a convexly curved course.

Between the guide means 52, 57 is thus an angle w, which is between 20 ° and 60 °, preferably between 30 ° and 50 °.

The function of the printing area drying arrangement 40 will be described in more detail in its drying process.

The endless third web of material 36 printed with at least one printing area enters the printing area drying arrangement 40 via the entrance 41. The at least one pressure area is still wet. Up to the entrance 41, the at least one pressure area is substantially undried.

According to Fig. 3 For example, the predrying apparatus 45 is disposed adjacent to the entrance 41, so that the intermediate material web conveying path 43 present between the digital printing apparatus 37 and the predrying apparatus 45 or a conveying path without active drying is minimal.

The endless third material web 36 rests in the printing area drying arrangement 40 on top of the first guide rollers 53, so that the first guide device 52 guides the endless third printed material web 36. The endless third material web 36 is guided below the pre-drying means 47 past them, which are opposite to the guide rollers 53 and adjacent to the endless third material web 36 are arranged.

The predrying devices 47 emit infrared radiation. Each predrying device 47 conveniently comprises at least one infrared radiation source (not shown) which extends perpendicular to the conveying direction 48 of the adjacent endless third material web 36 or is aligned perpendicular thereto. The infrared radiation sources are designed in particular as a radiator or lamp. The emitted infrared radiation occurs on the at least one pressure area or the outer side 39 of the endless third material web 36. In this case, the temperature of the endless third material web 36 or of the at least one pressure range rises to 60.degree. C. to 120.degree. The resulting thermal drying and the associated dehumidification of the at least one printing area leads to a sudden increase in the ink viscosity of the at least one printing area. Excessive dot gain or excessive dot gain or excessive flow of the at least one color of the at least one print area is thereby prevented. Through, guided through the supply air nozzle 50a and exhaust port 50b air pre-drying devices 47 are effectively cooled during operation. The exhaust air with high humidity is continuously transported away by the negative pressure generated by a blower from the drying area, which prevents disturbing condensation on cooler drying elements.

Subsequently, in the drying device 46, a complete drying of the at least one printing area or the printing ink takes place. The endless third material web 36 is between the drying devices 55 and guided the second guide rollers 58. It is passed to the drying devices 55 above and adjacent thereto.

Hot air is guided by the drying devices 55 from below onto the outer side 39 or the at least one pressure region. The drying is carried out by convection of the applied circulating air, which assumes a temperature between 80 ° C and 150 ° C. The remaining liquid ink components are driven from the at least one printing area or the color layer. The convection effect is favorably enhanced by high hot air velocities greater than 30 m / s, ideally greater than 50 m / s. The endless third material web 36 then leaves the printing area drying arrangement 40 dried via the outlet 42. Each drying device 55 is assigned at least one supply air connection 62a and exhaust connection 62b in order to supply and remove the hot air of the drying devices 55.

Depending on the material web conveying speed of the endless third material web 36, the predrying devices 47 are displaced together as a unit in or counter to the conveying direction 48.

In order to extend the material web intermediate conveying path 43 or to delay the start of drying of the printed endless third material web 36, the predrying device 45 is moved from a first end position, which is adjacent to the inlet 41, in FIG Fig. 3 is shown displaced away substantially along the endless third web of material 36.

Due to the articulated connection of the individual predrying devices 47 with each other, the predrying device 45 is extremely flexible and being able to follow a curved path at its displacement substantially corresponding to the course of the adjacent endless third material web 36.

In Fig. 4 the second end position of the predrying device 45 is shown. The predrying device 45 is moved away from the entrance 41 or spaced therefrom. The predrying apparatus 45 is disposed adjacent to the drying apparatus 46. The predrying device 45 is also able to assume intermediate positions between the end positions.

In particular, the predrying device 45 is moved away from the inlet 41 in the direction of the drying device 46 when the endless third material web 36 is conveyed at an increased conveying speed in the conveying direction 48. In particular, the predrying device 45 is moved such that the conveying time between the printing device 37 and the predrying device 45 of the endless third material web 36 is always the same for the same material web and printing. The material web conveying speed of the endless third material web 36 is correspondingly taken into account in an information processing device 95. The material web conveying speed of the endless third material web 36 can be detected, for example, via a corresponding speed measuring sensor. The information processing apparatus 95 outputs signals for correspondingly adjusting the predrying apparatus 45.

Conversely, the predrying device 45 is moved away from the drying device 46, in particular in the direction of the entrance 41, when the endless third material web 36 has a delayed conveying speed is conveyed in the conveying direction 48. In particular, the predrying device 45 is moved such that the conveying time between the printing device 37 and the predrying device 45 of the endless third material web 36 is always the same for the same material web and printing.

It is advantageous if the drying capacity of the predrying device 45 can also be influenced to influence the start of drying of the at least one pressure range. If the endless third material web 36 is conveyed with a comparatively increased material web conveying speed, it is preferred that, for example, the drying performance of the predrying apparatus 47 arranged adjacent to the inlet 41 is at least reduced. The reduced drying capacity of this pre-drying device 47 is favorably compensated by the following pre-drying devices 47. If the endless third material web 36 is conveyed with a comparatively reduced material web conveying speed, it is preferred that, for example, the drying performance of the predrying device 47 arranged adjacent to the inlet 41 is increased. The increased drying performance of this predrying device 47 is favorably compensated by the following predrying devices 47.

Downstream of the storage device 29 and the pressure area drying arrangement 40 is a preheater 66 comprising two superposed preheating rollers 67. The preheating device 66, the first one-sided laminated corrugated cardboard web 22 and the endless third printed and dried material web 36 are supplied, both of which partially embrace the respective Vorheizwalze 67.

Downstream of the preheater 66 is disposed a sizing unit 68 having a squeegee roller 69 partially immersed in a sizing bath. The one-sided laminated corrugated cardboard web 22 is in contact with the gluing roller 69 and is thus provided with glue from the glue bath.

Downstream of the gluing unit 68, a heating-pressure device 70 is arranged, which comprises a horizontally extending heating table 71 with heating plates 72. Adjacent to the heating table 71, a pressure belt 74 guided by guide rollers 73 is arranged. Between the pressure belt 74 and the heating table 71, a pressure gap is formed, through which the one-sided laminated, glued corrugated cardboard web 22 and the endless third, printed material web 36 are guided. Downstream of the heating-pressing device 70 is a two-sided laminated, endless corrugated cardboard sheet 75, which is printed on the outside.

Downstream of the heating-pressing device 70, a scoring device 76 and a slitter 77 are arranged. The creasing device 76 and the longitudinal cutting device 77 are integrally formed as a longitudinal cutting / creasing device 77, 76. The creasing device 76 has a first groove unit 78 and a second groove unit 79. The groove units 78, 79 each have two tool beds, which are arranged substantially mirror-symmetrically to the corrugated cardboard web 75. The tool beds are pivotable so that scoring tools are individually engageable with the corrugated board web 75 for scoring the same.

The longitudinal cutting device 77 has a first longitudinal cutting unit 80 and a second longitudinal cutting unit 81. For longitudinally cutting the corrugated cardboard web 75, the longitudinal cutting units 80, 81 include cutting tools, which are arranged on tool carriers and individually with the Corrugated web 75 cutting engageable and individually transversely to the conveying direction 48 are displaced. The longitudinal cutting device 77 serves to longitudinally cut the corrugated cardboard web 75 into a plurality of partial corrugated cardboard webs 82, 83, 84.

The longitudinal cutting device 77 is arranged downstream of a cross cutting device 85. The cross-cutting device 85 has a rotatably driven knife bar roller 86 which extends over the entire width of the web. Opposite the knife bar roller 86, a plurality of supporting units 87 are arranged perpendicular to the conveying direction 48 next to one another. The support units 87 are each connected to a piston-cylinder unit, so that the support units 87 along the conveying direction 48 are individually displaced. The cross-cutting device 85 is used for partially cross-cutting the corrugated cardboard web 75 in a format change.

The cross-cutting device 85 is followed by a switch 88, which serves for the division of the partial corrugated cardboard webs 82, 83, 84 in three planes.

The switch 88 are further cross-cutting devices 89 for cross-cutting the partial corrugated cardboard webs 82, 83, 84 arranged downstream of corrugated sheets 90.

The printed, individual corrugated sheets 90 are stacked in stacking devices 91, 92 and 93, respectively.

The following is with reference to Fig. 5 A second embodiment of the pressure area drying arrangement 40 will be described. Reference is made to the previous embodiment. Structurally identical components are given the same reference numerals as in the previous embodiment, reference is made to the description. Structurally different, but functionally similar components receive the same reference numerals with a subordinate "a".

The printing area drying arrangement 40a has, in contrast to the previous embodiment, a first guide device 52a with guide rollers 53. Endless guide means 60, such as belts, belts, chains or the like, are respectively guided around two adjacently arranged guide rollers 53. It is advantageous if at least one of the guide rollers 53 can be driven and / or braked. It is useful if the guide rollers 53 are synchronized directly or indirectly with each other via the guide means 60, so that the guide rollers 53 run along and are slip-free. According to a preferred embodiment, the guide rollers 53 are actively driven by drive units. The guide means 60 are preferably driven and / or braked so that at least in the pressure range drying arrangement 40a, a sagging of the endless third material web 36 is omitted. A train delay is so minimizable. Conveniently, a support plate (not shown) is arranged between each guide unit, which provides there for a further support of the endless third printed material web 36.

Out Fig. 5 also the articulated connection of the predrying means 47 on the joints 49 is particularly well. The predrying devices 47 are coupled to each other via lower connecting rods 61, which extend in the conveying direction 48 of the adjacent endless third material web 36. The connecting rods 61 are each adjacent to the endless third material web 36 to the respective pre-drying device 47 centered on the extension along the conveying direction 48 is connected. The joint axes are perpendicular to the conveying direction 48. Above the connecting rods 61, each predrying device 47 carries at least two rollers 56, which roll on an odd path following the odd course of the adjacent endless third material web 36, 56a.

The following is with reference to Fig. 6 A third embodiment of the pressure area drying arrangement 40 is described. Identical components are given the same reference numerals. Structurally different, but functionally similar parts receive the same reference numerals with a subordinate "b".

In contrast to the previous embodiment, the entire printing area drying arrangement 40b is movable in such a way that the material web intermediate conveying path 43 is changed. The predrying device 45b is preferably stationary relative to the drying device 46b. Preferably, the predrying device 45b and the drying device 46b are combined into one unit and expediently extend over the entire length of the first guide device 52.

The following is with reference to Fig. 7 another embodiment of the corrugated plant described.

In contrast to the first embodiment, a corona pretreatment device 63 is disposed adjacent to the digital printing device 37 and upstream thereof. The corona pretreatment device 63, which is disclosed in U.S. Pat Fig. 8 is shown in detail comprises a corona support roller 64 and at least one adjacent thereto arranged electrode 65. The corona support roller 64 is the endless third material web 36 out. The endless third material web 36 passes through a gap which is formed by the corona support roller 64 and the at least one electrode 65.

By the corona pretreatment device 63, the outer side 39 to be printed on the endless third material web 36 is subjected to an electric corona discharge, which leads to an oxidation of its surface. This occurs in particular in the case of a treated endless third material web 36. This results in higher dot gains in a paint application or in a printing operation. The adhesion of the ink is thus further improved.

The following is with reference to Fig. 9 A fourth embodiment of the pressure range drying arrangement will be described. Identical parts are given the same reference numerals. Structurally different, but functionally similar parts receive the same reference numerals with a subordinate "c".

Compared to the printing area drying arrangement already described, the printing area drying arrangement 40c here has a plurality of temperature measuring sensors 96. The temperature measuring sensors 96 are arranged adjacent to an upper side of the printed material web 36 in order to measure the respectively prevailing temperature on the material web 36. Essentially, they measure the temperature of the printed material web 36 extending there between the predrying devices 47. Conveniently, at least one temperature measuring sensor 96 is arranged on the output side of each predrying device 47 relative to the conveying direction of the material web 36.

The temperature measuring sensors 96 are in signal communication with the information processing device 95. The information processing device 95 thus receives the corresponding temperature signals from the temperature measuring sensors 96, which correlate with the prevailing detected detected temperature of the printed material web 36. If necessary, the information processing device 95 actuates at least one of the predrying devices 47 or the predrying device 45 in their entirety in order to adjust the drying of the material web 36 accordingly or to reduce deviations from a target temperature.

Combinations of the individual embodiments with each other are possible.

Claims (15)

1. Corrugated-board unit for manufacturing corrugated board, comprising

   a) a material-web output device (30) for outputting a material web (36),

   b) a conveying device for conveying the material web (36) along a material-web conveying path (44),

   c) a printing device (37), disposed downstream of the material-web output device (30), for producing at least one printed region on the material web (36),

   d) a printed-region drying arrangement (40; 40a; 40b; 40c), disposed downstream of the printing device (37), for drying the at least one printed region,

   e) a connecting device (70), disposed downstream of the printed-region drying arrangement (40; 40a; 40b; 40c), for connecting the printed, dried material web (36) to at least one further material web (22) to produce a printed corrugated web (75), and

   f) an information processing device (95) that varies the start of drying of the at least one printed region applied to the material web (36) dependent upon a material-web conveying speed of the material web (36),
   characterised in that

   g) the start of drying of the at least one printed region applied to the material web (36) is influenceable by the printed-region drying arrangement (40; 40a; 40b; 40c)

   i) by varying a distance between the printing device (37) and the printed-region drying arrangement (40; 40a; 40b), and/or

   ii) by varying a partial conveying path travelled by the material web (36) between the printing device (37) and the printed-region drying arrangement (40; 40a; 40b), and/or

   iii) by varying a drying power of the printed-region drying arrangement (40; 40a; 40b; 40c) by displacing the drying power of the printed-region drying arrangement (40; 40a; 40b; 40c) at least partly.
2. Corrugated-board unit according to claim 1, characterised in that the printed-region drying arrangement (40; 40a; 40b; 40c) comprises a first drying device (45), especially a pre-drying device, for at least partially drying the at least one printed region on the material web (36), wherein the first drying device (45) comprises at least one first drying unit (47).
3. Corrugated-board unit according to claim 2, characterised in that the first drying device (45) is displaceable along the printed material web (36).
4. Corrugated-board unit according to claim 2 or 3, characterised by several of the first drying units (47), wherein the first drying units (47) are arranged adjacent to one another along the material-web conveying path (44) for drying the at least one printed region.
5. Corrugated-board unit according to claim 4, characterised in that the first drying units (47) are connected to one another in a hinged manner for arrangement adjacent to the material web (36).
6. Corrugated-board unit according to claim 4 or 5, characterised in that a variation of a drying power of at least one first drying unit (47) arranged upstream leads to a compensation by at least one succeeding drying unit (47).
7. Corrugated-board unit according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterised in that a reduction of a drying power of at least one first drying unit (47) arranged upstream leads to an increase of the drying power of the at least one first drying unit (47) disposed downstream of the former.
8. Corrugated-board unit according to one of claims 4 to 7, characterised in that a fine adjustment of the printed-region progression time is possible through at least partial transfer of a drying power between the individual first drying units (47).
9. Corrugated-board unit according to one of claims 4 to 8, characterised in that an increase of an output of at least one first drying unit (47) and simultaneous reduction of an output of at least one further first drying unit (47), which, with reference to the first drying unit (47) of increased output, comprises a reduced conveying distance relative to the printing device (37), leads to a shortening of a printed-region progression time.
10. Corrugated-board unit according to one of claims 4 to 9, characterised by an increase of a drying power of the first drying unit (47) arranged adjacent to an entrance (41) of the printed-region drying arrangement (40; 40a; 40b; 40c), when the material web (36) is conveyed with comparatively reduced material-web conveying speed.
11. Corrugated-board unit according to one of claims 4 to 10, characterised in that temperature measurement sensors (96) are associated to the first drying units (47) for measuring the temperature predominating there at the material web (36).
12. Corrugated-board unit according to claim11, characterised in that the information-processing device (95) receives temperature signals from the temperature measurement sensors (96) and activates at least one of the first drying units (47) or the first drying device (45) in its entirety correspondingly.
13. Corrugated-board unit according to one of claims 2 to 12, characterised in that the printed-region drying unit (40; 40a; 40b; 40c) comprises a second drying device (46) arranged downstream of the first drying device (45) for at least partially drying the at least one printed region on the material web (36), wherein the second drying device (46) comprises at least one second drying unit (55), which differs from the at least one first drying unit (47) in its manner of functioning.
14. Corrugated-board unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the printed-region drying arrangement (40; 40a; 40b; 40c) comprises a guiding device (51; 51a) for guiding the material web (36), wherein the guiding device (51; 51a) preferably comprises a first guiding unit (52; 52a) inclined relative to a horizontal.
15. Method for manufacturing corrugated board, comprising the following steps:

    - output of a material web (36) from a material-web output device (30),

    - production of at least one printed region on the material web (36) by means of a printing device (37),

    - drying of the at least one printed region by a printed-region drying arrangement (40; 40a; 40b; 40c),

    - influencing a start of drying of the at least one printed region applied to the material web (36) by the printed-region drying arrangement (40; 40a; 40b; 40c)

    -- by varying a distance between the printing device (37) and the printed-region drying arrangement (40; 40a; 40b), and/or

    -- by varying a partial conveying path travelled by the material web (36) between the printing device (37) and the printed-region drying arrangement (40; 40a; 40b), and/or

    -- by varying a drying power of the printed-region drying arrangement (40; 40a; 40b; 40c) by displacing the drying power of the printed-region drying arrangement (40; 40a; 40b; 40c) at least partly,

    - varying the start of drying of the at least one printed region applied to the material web (36) dependent upon a material-web conveying speed of the material web (36) by means of an information processing device (95), and

    - connecting of the printed and dried material web (36) to at least one further material web (22) in a connecting device (70) in order to produce a printed corrugated-board web (75).

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