Combination tool, machining device and method for machining a pulp structure connected in layers
The integrated compression and cutting tool efficiently processes layered pulp structures into packaging elements with precise geometry, addressing inefficiencies in existing packaging methods for large household appliances.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- EP2025150761
- Authority / Receiving Office
- EP · EP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2024-02-01
- Filing Date
- 2025-01-08
- Publication Date
- 2025-08-06
AI Technical Summary
Existing packaging methods for large household appliances, such as foamed components, biodegradable chips, and honeycomb panels, face inefficiencies in securing and cushioning, time consumption, and waste generation, particularly when dealing with complex shapes and heavy appliances.
A combination tool with a compression and cutting operator integrated in a single shaft, allowing simultaneous processing of layered pulp structures like corrugated cardboard or honeycomb panels, ensuring precise geometry and reduced processing time.
The combination tool enables efficient, time-saving processing of high-thickness cellulose structures into packaging elements with defined geometry, reducing handling costs and preventing positioning errors, while maintaining structural integrity.
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Abstract
Description
Technical area
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a combination tool for processing a layered pulp structure, in particular in the form of a corrugated cardboard or a honeycomb panel, a processing device with the combination tool, a method for processing the layered pulp structure and a use of the combination tool. State of the art
[0002] Household appliances and large household appliances are used in almost every household. To transport such a large household appliance safely from its place of manufacture to its place of sale to its final destination / use, it is necessary to package the appliance with minimal play and ensure it is well padded.
[0003] For this purpose, large household appliances, for example, are packaged with foamed components. This type of packaging has the disadvantage that the foaming process, and especially the curing of the foam, is time-consuming. When unpacking the large household appliance, the cured foam can crumble, leading to unwanted contamination in the living space. Furthermore, the cured foam is difficult to recycle, resulting in large amounts / volumes of waste.
[0004] Alternatively, such large household appliances can be transported embedded in packaging chips. These packaging chips can be biodegradable and are generally at least partially reusable, but they have the disadvantage that they are insufficiently able to secure and cushion heavy large household appliances.
[0005] Another alternative is to secure the large household appliance in corrugated cardboard or honeycomb panels. However, such honeycomb panels can only be used for lighter household appliances or large household appliances with a simple shape, as transport packaging for large, heavy household appliances requires complex shapes to replicate the contours of the large household appliance while still absorbing / absorbing the forces acting on it, thus reliably protecting the large household appliance. Currently, it is therefore necessary to layer and join several honeycomb panels after processing / cutting, which involves considerable investment, handling, labor, and therefore costs.
[0006] The object of the present invention is therefore to eliminate or at least reduce the disadvantages of the prior art. Specifically, the object of the present invention is to process layered cellulose structures, such as corrugated cardboard or honeycomb panels with high wall thickness, in such a way that the cellulose structure has a predetermined geometry suitable for packaging and padding a large household appliance. Summary of Revelation
[0007] This object is achieved by a combination tool for processing a layered pulp structure according to independent patent claim 1, by a processing device with the combination tool, by a method for processing the layered pulp structure, and by a use of the combination tool. Advantageous developments of the invention are disclosed in the subclaims and / or described below.
[0008] Specifically, the problem is solved by a combination tool for processing a layered pulp structure, in particular corrugated cardboard or honeycomb panel, comprising a compression operator provided and configured to compress the pulp structure, and a cutting operator provided and configured to cut the pulp structure. The cutting operator is arranged in a longitudinal direction of the combination tool, preferably directly upstream of the compression operator.
[0009] In other words, the problem is solved by the substantially shaft-shaped combination tool, which extends substantially in the longitudinal direction of the combination tool. The longitudinal direction of the combination tool is understood to mean the direction with the greatest extension of the combination tool. The combination tool has at least two shaft sections, which are formed one behind the other in the longitudinal direction of the combination tool. A first shaft section is or contains the compression operator, which is provided and designed to locally compress and / or compact and / or reshape the pulp structure. A second shaft section, which is preferably directly adjacent to the first shaft section, is or contains the cutting operator, which is provided and designed to locally separate the pulp structure.
[0010] The core of the invention is to combine at least two operators / effectors based on different operating principles in a combination tool, wherein the at least two different operators intervene in the pulp structure with different engagement or effective depths.
[0011] By combining different operators in a single combination tool, different machining processes can be combined and executed simultaneously. This significantly reduces the processing time for the pulp structure. Furthermore, positioning errors that can occur during sequential processing with different tools can be prevented.
[0012] In one aspect, a cutting operator extension in the combination tool longitudinal direction may be at least as large as a compression operator extension in the combination tool longitudinal direction. Preferably, the cutting operator extension may be at least twice as large as the compression operator extension.
[0013] In other words, the first shaft section, which contains the compression operator or is the compression operator, can have a first engagement depth in the combination tool longitudinal direction, and the second shaft section, which contains the cutting operator or is the cutting operator, can have a second engagement depth in the combination tool longitudinal direction. The second engagement depth can be greater than or equal to the first engagement depth. Preferably, the second engagement depth can be at least twice the first engagement depth.
[0014] By designing the combination tool in this way, even layered cellulose structures with a high thickness can be processed in only one operation of the combination tool.
[0015] In a further aspect, the compression operator can have or be a geometry that tapers towards the cutting operator, in particular uniformly over the combination tool longitudinal direction, preferably conical or frustoconical.
[0016] In other words, the radial extent / expansion of the compression operator can decrease across the combination tool's longitudinal direction. The decrease in the radial extent of the compression operator can preferably occur linearly across the combination tool's longitudinal direction. Alternatively, parabolic or step-like decreases in the radial extent of the compression operator across the combination tool's longitudinal direction are also possible.
[0017] In other words, a cross-sectional area oriented perpendicular to the combination tool's longitudinal direction can decrease in size across the combination tool's longitudinal direction. Preferably, the cross-sectional area can be a (circular) round cross-sectional area. Alternatively, triangular, quadrilateral, pentagonal, or polygonal cross-sectional areas are also conceivable.
[0018] Furthermore, embodiments are also conceivable in which the compression operator has a wave-shaped contour, a groove-shaped contour or the like in a lateral surface of the compression operator.
[0019] By designing the compression operator in this way, a uniform, repeatable compression of the pulp structure with a defined geometry can be achieved.
[0020] In a further aspect, an included angle of the compression operator may be at least 30° and at most 140°, preferably 90°.
[0021] In other words, an external angle to a horizontal of at least 20°, preferably 45°, at most 75° can be included between the compression operator or the lateral surface of the compression operator.
[0022] By means of such a designed compression operator, a defined compression of the pulp structure can be achieved without fibers in the pulp structure tearing, which could significantly reduce the strength and dimensional stability of the pulp structure.
[0023] In a further aspect, a coupling section can be formed at an end of the compression operator facing away from the cutting operator in the combination tool longitudinal direction in order to connect the combination tool to a tool carrier.
[0024] In other words, the combination tool can have the coupling section, which is provided and designed to be received by a tool holder of the tool carrier. The coupling section can optionally be designed to transmit a drive torque to the combination tool. Embodiments are also conceivable in which not the combination tool as a whole, but only the cutting operator, for example, via a drive shaft, is driven via the coupling section. Furthermore, embodiments are conceivable in which the combination tool is fixed or can be fixed in the tool holder of the tool carrier in a rotationally fixed / undriven manner.
[0025] Such a coupling section allows the combination tool to be designed to be replaceable, allowing it to be adapted / adapted to the specific application. Furthermore, with such a design of the combination tool, a worn combination tool can be easily replaced or simply sharpened / reworked.
[0026] In a further aspect, the combination tool can be formed in one piece, preferably in one piece.
[0027] In other words, the combination tool can be monolithic. The combination tool can be made of metal or a ceramic, for example. For example, the combination tool can be made of a metal, preferably of a steel, in particular a tool steel such as high-speed steel (HSS). Alternatively, the combination tool can be made of a ceramic or the like.
[0028] Embodiments are also conceivable in which the combination tool is made of multiple parts and / or several different materials. For example, the cutting operator can be made of metal, preferably steel, in particular tool steel such as high-speed steel (HSS), and the compression operator can be made of a plastic. Alternatively, the cutting operator can be made of ceramic, for example.
[0029] In a further aspect, the combination tool can be rotationally symmetrical with respect to a central fiber extending in the longitudinal direction of the combination tool. Alternatively, the combination tool can be rotationally symmetrical in certain shaft sections.
[0030] Optionally, the combination tool can be designed as a rotationally driven tool. When designed as a rotationally driven tool, the combination tool can be designed with at least one peripheral blade on the cutting operator.
[0031] Alternatively, the combination tool can be designed with a knife blade as a cutting operator, or the cutting operator can include a knife blade. In a design of the combination tool with a knife blade, for example, the compression operator can be designed rotationally symmetrically to the central fiber.
[0032] The object of the present invention is further achieved by a processing device for processing the layered pulp structure, in particular in the form of corrugated cardboard or honeycomb panel, with a combination tool according to one of the above aspects, a tool carrier which contains the combination tool or is provided and designed to support the combination tool, and a base plate which is provided and designed to support the pulp structure. The tool carrier can be displaced / moved against the base plate in a normal direction and / or a direction parallel to the base plate in order to process the pulp structure with the combination tool. The normal direction can be parallel to the combination tool longitudinal direction or can correspond to it.
[0033] In other words, the object is further achieved by the machining device comprising the base plate and the tool carrier configured, equipped, connected, or coupled with the combination tool. The base plate and the tool carrier can be configured in the shape of a press, punch, or milling cutter relative to one another in the machining device and can be movable / traversable relative to one another.
[0034] Preferably, the tool carrier is movable relative to the base plate, while the base plate is stationary. However, embodiments are also conceivable in which the tool carrier is stationary and the base plate is movable relative to the tool carrier. Furthermore, embodiments are conceivable in which both the tool carrier and the base plate are movable.
[0035] Preferably, the movement of the tool carrier relative to the base plate is a movement in a direction normal to a planar extension of the base plate and / or the tool plate. Alternatively or additionally, the movement can be a parallel movement. In other words, the cutting and subsequent compression process of the combination tool in the pulp structure can be linear and / or circular.
[0036] The base plate may include a workpiece holder which may be provided and designed to reversibly fix the workpiece.
[0037] The tool carrier can be designed with a tool holder for holding and / or driving the combination tool. Alternatively, the tool holder can be formed integrally with the combination tool. The tool holder and / or the combination tool is / are formed or mounted on a side of the tool carrier facing the base plate.
[0038] The object of the present invention is further achieved by a method for processing the layered pulp structure, in particular corrugated cardboard or honeycomb board, with the processing device according to one of the above aspects with the step sequence: Introducing the pulp structure into the processing device; positioning the pulp structure on the base plate, wherein the pulp structure can optionally be fixed to the base plate; moving the tool carrier with the combination tool in the normal direction and / or the direction parallel to the base plate, wherein the cutting operator cuts the pulp structure and the compression operator subsequently compresses the pulp structure; moving the tool carrier away from the base plate; and removing the pulp structure from the processing device.
[0039] In other words, the problem is still solved by the method for processing the pulp structure.
[0040] The process includes a first step in which the pulp structure, available as a semi-finished product, is introduced into the processing device. Specifically, the pulp structure is inserted into a space between the tool carrier and the base plate.
[0041] In a second step, the pulp structure is positioned on the base plate. The base plate can preferably include a stop against which the pulp structure can / is struck during positioning. The pulp structure can preferably be positioned centrally on the base plate. Optionally, the base plate can include a fixing device for the pulp structure.
[0042] In a third step, the tool carrier with the combination tool moves against the base plate. Specifically, the tool carrier moves in a normal direction to the base plate against the base plate and / or parallel to the base plate's extension. Alternatively, the base plate can also move against the tool carrier, or the tool carrier and base plate can move against each other.
[0043] In a fourth step, the pulp structure is processed with the combination tool clamped into the tool carrier or formed on the tool carrier. Specifically, the cutting operator first penetrates the pulp structure and cuts the pulp structure to / to a defined depth. The compression operator follows the cutting operator. In other words, when moving in the normal direction, the combination tool can first cut the pulp structure and then, starting from a surface of the pulp structure, compress the pulp structure with a defined geometry of the compression operator.
[0044] In a fifth step, the tool carrier moves away from the base plate. Specifically, the tool carrier moves away from the base plate in the normal direction of the base plate, so that the combination tool is withdrawn from the pulp structure. Alternatively, the base plate can also move away from the tool carrier, or the tool carrier and base plate can move away from each other.
[0045] In a sixth step, the processed pulp structure is removed from the processing device.
[0046] Furthermore, the object of the present invention is achieved by using the combination tool according to one of the above aspects for producing a packaging and transport element from a cellulose structure for a household appliance.
[0047] In other words, the combination tool can form / produce the packaging and transport element from the pulp structure, which is provided and designed to accommodate and secure the large household appliance. Preferably, the packaging and transport element can be provided and designed to secure the large household appliance in an outer packaging.
[0048] Short description of the characters Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a machining device according to the invention with a combination tool according to the invention; Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a processed pulp structure in the form of a packaging and transport element; Fig. 3 is an enlarged view of a partial section in the processed pulp structure; Fig. 4 is an enlarged view of the lead-in chamfers of the processed pulp structure; and Fig. 5 is a schematic, partially transparent view of the processed pulp structure with a lidding board. Description of the embodiments
[0049] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described based on the accompanying figures.
[0050] Fig.1 shows the machining device 2 according to the invention in a schematic representation. The machining device 2 includes a lower base plate 4 and an upper tool carrier 6. The tool carrier 6 can be moved / displaced linearly relative to the base plate 4 in a first normal direction X, which is oriented normal to a planar extension of the base plate 4. Furthermore, the tool carrier 6 can be moved / displaced linearly relative to the base plate 4 in a first width direction Y. Alternatively or additionally, the tool carrier 6 can be moved / displaced linearly relative to the base plate 4 in a first depth direction Z. Embodiments are also conceivable in which the tool carrier 6 can be tilted / inclined / angled relative to the base plate 4.
[0051] The base plate 4 includes a workpiece holder 8. The workpiece holder 8 is provided and designed to reversibly fix the workpiece in the form of a layered cellulose structure 10 on the base plate 4. A gap 12 is formed between the base plate 4 and the tool carrier 6.
[0052] The tool carrier 6 includes a tool holder 14 on a side facing the intermediate space 12. The tool holder 14 is provided and designed to accommodate and optionally drive a combination tool 16 according to the disclosure. Embodiments are also conceivable in which the combination tool is fixedly / non-detachably connected to the tool carrier.
[0053] The combination tool 16 includes a coupling section 18, which is provided and designed to fix the combination tool 16 to the tool holder 14. The combination tool 16 extends, starting from the tool holder 14 of the tool carrier 6, in a combination tool longitudinal direction K. In the combination tool longitudinal direction K, a compression operator 20 adjoins the coupling section 18.
[0054] The compression operator 20 is a conical / truncated cone-shaped operator / effector intended and configured to locally compress and plastically deform / compact the pulp structure 10. The compression operator 20 tapers linearly / conically along its extension in the combination tool longitudinal direction K. Adjoining the compression operator 20 in the combination tool longitudinal direction K is a cutting operator 22 in the form of at least one peripheral blade / circumferential cutting edge. Embodiments are also conceivable in which the cutting operator 22 is a knife blade.
[0055] To process the pulp structure 10, the tool carrier 6 moves with the combination tool 16 at least in the normal direction X toward the base plate 4. The cutting operator 22 cuts into the pulp structure 10 and locally separates / perforates the pulp structure 10. Due to the integral design of the combination tool 16, the compression operator 20 follows the cutting operator 22 in the normal direction X and locally compresses the pulp structure 10 in the immediate vicinity of a cut caused / generated by the cutting operator 22 in the pulp structure.
[0056] Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of the exemplary pulp structure 10 in the form of a packaging and transport element for large household appliances. Partial cuts 24 are formed in the pulp structure 10. The partial cuts 24 are introduced into the pulp structure 10 by a cutting operator. In other words, the partial cuts 24 are introduced into the pulp structure 20 in such a way that a cutting operator is brought into engagement with the pulp structure 10. Furthermore, partial cuts 24 with bilateral compression 26 are formed in the pulp structure 10. Here, both a partial cut 24 is introduced into the pulp structure 10 by means of the cutting operator 22 and a bilateral compression 26 is created by the compression operator 20 of the combination tool 16.
[0057] Fig. 3 is an enlarged view of the partial cut 24 with compression 26 on both sides. In the partial cut 24, the cellulose structure 10 is not completely severed. Specifically, at least one cover paper 28 is intact, so that the cover paper 28 can function as a type of film hinge around which the cellulose structure 10 can be folded. Furthermore, the cellulose structure 10 is compressed on both sides / symmetrically to the partial cut 24, starting from a surface 30 of the cellulose structure 10. The compressions 26 can, for example, facilitate the assembly of subsequent components after folding. The compressions function, for example, as insertion bevels or freedom of movement is achieved. After folding, the compressions 26 essentially become the insertion bevels 32.
[0058] In Fig.4 shows the pulp structure 10 in the form of a packaging and transport element for large household appliances with lead-in bevels 32 on the pulp structure 10. The lead-in bevels 32 were created by cutting with the cutting operator 22 as well as by one-sided compression with the compression operator 20 before folding / folding.
[0059] In Fig. 5 A lidding board 34 is shown mounted on the pulp structure 10 with the insertion bevels. The lidding board 34 is mounted on the pulp structure 10 via the insertion bevels 32 of the pulp structure 10.
[0060] Furthermore, it should be mentioned that the cutting operator 22 of the combination tool 16 is also suitable for forming complete recesses 36 in the pulp structure 10, wherein an engagement depth of the combination tool 16 can be used to control whether an edge of the recess 36 should have a compression 26 or not. List of reference symbols
[0061] 2Processing device 4Base plate 6Tool carrier 8Workpiece holder 10Pulp structure 12Gap 14Tool holder 16Combination tool 18Coupling section 20Compression operator 22Cutting operator 24Partial cut 26Compression 28Cover paper 30Surface 32Insertion bevel 34Cover cardboard 36Recess KCombination toolLongitudinal direction XNormal direction YWidth direction ZDepth direction
Claims
1. Combination tool (16) for processing a layered pulp structure (10), in particular corrugated cardboard or honeycomb panel, with a compression operator (20) which is provided and designed to compress the pulp structure (10), and a cutting operator (22) which is provided and designed to cut the pulp structure (10), wherein the cutting operator (22) is formed in a combination tool longitudinal direction (K), preferably directly in front of the compression operator (20).
2. Combination tool (16) according to claim 1, wherein a cutting operator extension in the combination tool longitudinal direction (K) is at least as large as a compression operator extension in the combination tool longitudinal direction (K), preferably the cutting operator extension is at least twice as large as the compression operator extension.
3. Combination tool (16) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the compression operator (20) has a preferably conical or frustoconical geometry tapering towards the cutting operator (22), in particular uniformly over the combination tool longitudinal direction (K).
4. Combination tool (16) according to claim 3, wherein an included angle of the compression operator is at least 30° and at most 140°, preferably 90°.
5. Combination tool (16) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a coupling section (18) is formed at an end of the compression operator (20) facing away from the cutting operator (22) in the combination tool longitudinal direction (K) in order to connect the combination tool (16) to a tool carrier (6).
6. Combination tool (16) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the combination tool (16) is formed in one piece, preferably in one piece.
7. Combination tool (16) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the combination tool (16) is rotationally symmetrical to a central fiber extending in the combination tool longitudinal direction (K).
8. Processing device (2) for processing the layer-by-layer bonded pulp structure (10), in particular corrugated cardboard or honeycomb panel, with a combination tool (16) according to one of claims 1 to 7; a tool carrier (6) which contains the combination tool (16) or is provided and designed to support the combination tool (16); a base plate (4) which is provided and designed to support the pulp structure (10); wherein the tool carrier (6) is movable against the base plate (4) in a normal direction (X) and / or a direction (Y; Z) parallel to the base plate (4) in order to process the pulp structure (10) with the combination tool (16); and the normal direction (X) is preferably parallel to the combination tool longitudinal direction (K) or corresponds to it.
9. A method for processing the layered pulp structure (10), in particular corrugated cardboard or honeycomb panel, with the processing device (2) according to claim 8, comprising the following sequence of steps: - introducing the pulp structure (10) into the processing device (2); - positioning the pulp structure (10) on the base plate (4); - moving the tool carrier (6) with the combination tool (16) in the normal direction (X) and / or one of the directions (Y; Z) parallel to the base plate (4), wherein the cutting operator (22) cuts the pulp structure (10) and the compression operator (20) compresses the pulp structure (10), preferably in a trailing manner; - moving the tool carrier (6) away from the base plate (4); and - removing the pulp structure (10) from the processing device (2).
10. Use of the combination tool (16) according to one of claims 1 to 7 for producing a packaging and transport element for a household appliance from the cellulose structure (10).
Citation Information
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