Corrugated board plant, cutting station, and method for operating a corrugated board plant

Abstract

A corrugated board plant (2) for producing corrugated board sheets is disclosed, which comprises a cutting station (4) having at least one cutting tool (6) for producing a transverse connecting cut (8) in a corrugated board web (10) during a format change, wherein, for producing the transverse connecting cut (8), the cutting tool (6) is movable in a transverse direction (Q) transverse to a conveying direction (F) of the corrugated board web (10) to different transverse positions (12). A corresponding cutting station (4) and a method for operating the corrugated board plant (2) are further disclosed.

Description

[0001] FDST Patent Attorneys, Nuremberg Page 1 P230857P-MD / NM

[0002] Description

[0003] Corrugated board plant, cutting station and methods for operating a corrugated board plant

[0004] The invention relates to a corrugated board plant for the production of corrugated board sheets, a cutting station for such a corrugated board plant, and a method for operating such a corrugated board plant.

[0005] A corrugated board machine is used to produce corrugated board sheets in one or more formats. The length and width of a corrugated board sheet determine its format. The corrugated board machine is generally divided into a wet section and a dry section, each of which is further subdivided into individual stations, such as a splicer, laminating unit, cutting and creasing machine, paddle unit, and cross cutter, for processing a material. In the wet section, individual layers of paper are glued together to form a corrugated board web, which is then conveyed to the dry section.

[0006] In the drying section, the corrugated board web is cut into sheets according to one or more preset formats by longitudinal and cross cuts. These sheets are then conveyed to a stacking area. The longitudinal cuts are made in the conveying direction and determine the width of a sheet, while the cross cuts are made perpendicular to this direction and determine the length. Edge trimming of the corrugated board web can be carried out as described in DE 102021 212245 B4.

[0007] Typically, and especially when producing several formats in parallel, additional longitudinal cuts are made within a cutting and creasing machine.

[0008] (w:\winpat5\document\amt\4142685 docx) Last saved: February 19, 2026 FDST Patent Attorneys, Nuremberg Page 2 and the corrugated board web is thereby divided into several adjacent partial corrugated board webs with defined widths. These are then separated from each other via a paddle station and each fed separately to a cross cutter to be cut there into individual corrugated board sheets of a defined length.

[0009] The individual corrugated board sheets, with a defined width and length, are placed in a tray at the end of the corrugating machine, sorted according to their dimensions, and prepared for transport. This allows several different sizes of corrugated board sheets to be produced simultaneously, side by side, i.e., perpendicular to the conveyor direction, from the corrugated board web.

[0010] If the width of a format is changed during operation of the corrugated board line, i.e., while the corrugated web is continuously conveyed, this is referred to as a format change. For the format change, the corresponding longitudinal cuts within the slitting and creasing machine are adjusted. EP 3453501 B1 describes an additional connecting cut arrangement with which a transverse connecting cut is first created, which joins the corresponding longitudinal cuts that are performed further downstream. If several transverse connecting cuts are required for a format change, a correspondingly large number of connecting cut arrangements are needed upstream of the slitting and creasing machine, which is correspondingly costly and space-intensive.

[0011] One object of the invention is to improve the production of a cross-seam cut. For this purpose, a suitable corrugated board machine, a suitable method for its operation, and a suitable cutting station are to be specified.

[0012] The problem is solved according to the invention by a corrugated board system with the features according to one of independent claims 1 and 6. The subject matter of claims 1 and 6 is each considered to be independently inventive. Nevertheless, the features of claims 1 and 6, as well as the advantageous embodiments described therein, are also mutually compatible.

[0013] (w:\winpat5\document\amt\4142685 docx) Last saved: February 19, 2026 FDST Patent Attorneys, Nuremberg Page 3 The problem is further solved by a cutting station with the features according to claim 15 and by a method with the features according to claim 16. Advantageous embodiments, further developments, and variants are the subject of the dependent claims and the following explanations. The advantages and embodiments mentioned with regard to the method are also transferable, mutatis mutandis, to the corrugated board machine and the cutting station, and vice versa. The advantages and embodiments mentioned with regard to the corrugated board machine are also transferable, mutatis mutandis, to the cutting station, and vice versa.Where steps of the process are specified below, advantageous embodiments for the corrugated board machine and the cutting station result from their configuration to perform one or more of these steps. The corrugated board machine or the cutting unit, in particular, includes a control unit configured to carry out the process according to the invention.

[0014] The corrugated board machine according to the invention is used for the production of corrugated board sheets. The corrugated board machine has a cutting station with at least one cutting tool for producing a cross-seam cut in a corrugated board web during a format change. The cutting tool can be moved to different transverse positions to produce the cross-seam cut, transverse to the conveying direction of the corrugated board web, advantageously by mounting the cutting tool on a corresponding guide rail. Without limiting the generality of the invention, "transverse" here means in particular "perpendicular" to the conveying direction. Optionally, the cutting tool can also be moved along the conveying direction.

[0015] Advantageously, during the creation of the cross-seam cut, i.e., while the cutting tool is immersed in the corrugated board web, the cutting tool can be pivoted about a pivot axis. This means that during operation, the cutting tool is moved transversely to the conveying direction while producing the cross-seam cut and also pivots about the pivot axis.

[0016] (w:\winpat5\document\amt\4142685 docx) Last saved: February 19, 2026 FDST Patent Attorneys, Nuremberg Page 4 Cutting tool is therefore also referred to as a "swivel cutting tool".

[0017] The pivot axis is preferably parallel to a vertical direction, i.e., perpendicular to a surface of the corrugated board and thus perpendicular to both the conveying direction and the transverse direction. The cutting tool can be engaged and disengaged along the vertical direction, i.e., upwards and downwards. Engaged means that the cutting tool is immersed in the corrugated board, i.e., in a plane of the corrugated board. Conversely, disengaged means that the cutting tool is not immersed in the corrugated board, i.e., it is not cutting the plane of the corrugated board. Thus, the transverse joint cut is always performed with an engaged cutting tool. The engagement and disengagement and / or movement of the cutting tool can be accomplished, in particular, by electronic and / or pneumatic actuators.

[0018] The conjunction “and / or” is to be understood here and in the following as meaning that the features linked by means of this conjunction can be both common and alternative to each other.

[0019] The cross-cut is used, particularly during a format change, to connect two consecutive longitudinal cuts: a leading longitudinal cut of an old format with a trailing longitudinal cut of a new format. These longitudinal cuts divide the corrugated board web into two adjacent, partially corrugated boards. The cross-cut is located on a longitudinal section of the divided corrugated board web that is normally considered reject material and is therefore expediently ejected downstream of the cutting tool in the conveying direction. This is best achieved using a cross-cutter on the corrugating machine.

[0020] In an advantageous embodiment, the cutting tool is designed to be pivotable and, in particular, also movable, such that the cross-cut is at least partially arc-shaped. This is especially advantageous in the case of a

[0021] (w:\winpat5\document\amt\4142685 docx) Last saved: February 19, 2026 FDST Patent Attorneys, Nuremberg Page 5 Variable conveying speed (i.e., production speed) of the corrugated board web and / or variable travel speed of the cutting tool is advantageous and prevents the cutting tool from jamming (getting stuck) in the corrugated board web. The arc-shaped path is also particularly characteristic of the swiveling cutting tool described here and differs fundamentally from the path of the cross-connection cut in the EP 3453501 B1 mentioned in the introduction.

[0022] Preferably, the cutting tool is pivotable and, in particular, movable such that the cross-sewing cut has an S-shape. This is especially advantageous because, due to inertia, the cutting tool is initially accelerated and then decelerated when moving along the transverse direction. The S-shaped shape ensures that the cross-sewing cut is advantageously parallel to the conveying direction at its beginning and end. Preferably, the cross-sewing cut begins within a preceding longitudinal cut of an older format and ends within a trailing longitudinal cut of a new format. This advantageously produces a continuous cut, meaning that no edges are created between the longitudinal cuts within the corrugated board web, which could lead to detrimental tilting and paper jams within the corrugating machine.The S-shaped curve is fundamentally at least partially curved, so the above statements also apply here.

[0023] In an advantageous embodiment, the cutting station has a locking mechanism to hold the cutting tool at a predetermined angle. The locking mechanism is releasable to allow the cutting tool to pivot during the cross-cut. Thus, the cutting tool can advantageously be used not only to produce a cross-cut but also a longitudinal cut. It is particularly advantageous for the cutting tool to be used for a longitudinal cut outside of a format change and for this purpose is locked at an angle of 0°. This ensures that the cutting tool and the resulting longitudinal cut are aligned parallel to the conveying direction. In particular, the cutting tool guides

[0024] (w:\winpat5\document\amt\4142685 docx) Last saved: February 19, 2026 FDST Patent Attorneys, Nuremberg Page 6 a longitudinal section of an old format and converts it without interruption first into a cross-sectional section and then into a longitudinal section of a new format, possibly even up to a further format change.

[0025] This dual use for both longitudinal and transverse splicing offers a significant advantage in terms of cost savings and space efficiency for the corrugated board machine. In particular, separate splicing arrangements, as described in EP 3453501 B1, can be avoided. Locking is advantageous, but not essential, for using the cutting tool to produce longitudinal cuts. In a suitable embodiment, the locking mechanism is used when producing a transverse splicing cut, for example, to stabilize the cutting tool during section-by-section straight transverse splicing cuts. The locking mechanism can be implemented electronically and / or mechanically.

[0026] The locking mechanism is designed such that the angle of the cutting tool around the pivot axis is actively adjusted. Preferably, each value within a predetermined angular range from -90° to +90° relative to the conveying direction can be set individually or dynamically. An angle of +90° or -90° corresponds to an orientation of the cutting tool perpendicular to the conveying direction. Preferably, each value within an angular range from -60° to +60° can be set. Particularly preferably, each value within an angular range from -45° to +45° can be set. When the locking mechanism is released, the cutting tool pivots freely, and in particular, its angle can be freely adjusted.

[0027] Preferably, the cutting tool is designed as a knife, most preferably as a circular knife. The knife serves for the actual cutting, thus producing the transverse cut and, if necessary, also a longitudinal cut.

[0028] As an alternative or in addition to a knife, a water jet is advantageous for cutting the corrugated cardboard. Accordingly, the cutting tool is in

[0029] (w:\winpat5\document\amt\4142685 docx) Last saved: February 19, 2026 FDST Patent Attorneys, Nuremberg Page 7 of an advantageous embodiment of a waterjet cutting tool. A waterjet cutting tool has a simpler mechanical design. Furthermore, a blade in an immersed state experiences mechanical forces, especially when swiveling, which do not occur when cutting with a waterjet. A waterjet cutting tool typically has a nozzle with which a jet of water is ejected towards a workpiece, in this case the corrugated cardboard sheet, to cut it. The waterjet has, for example, a diameter in the range of 0.1 mm to 5 mm, but other dimensions may also be suitable. The waterjet is ejected, for example, at a pressure in the range of 1000 bar to 5000 bar.Using a water jet requires less maintenance than a knife and is therefore typically more cost-effective, at least for high cutting speeds. While a knife typically produces a sharper cut edge, a water jet compresses the corrugated board less in the area surrounding the cut. The preceding and subsequent statements regarding the cutting tool apply in principle to both knives and water jet cutting tools.

[0030] The water jet tool attacks the corrugated board from the top side, meaning the water jet strikes the board from above. A knife, on the other hand, more effectively attacks from the opposite side, i.e., from the underside of the corrugated board, and is thus inserted into the board from below.

[0031] In the context of a waterjet cutting tool, "engaged" (analogous to "immersed," "retracted," or "engaged") means that the water jet is active and cutting the corrugated board. Similarly, "disengaged" (analogous to "extended" or "disengaged") means that the water jet is inactive and not cutting the corrugated board.

[0032] Advantageously, the corrugated board machine has a collection unit which is arranged on the side of the corrugated board web opposite the cutting tool. The collection unit is primarily used to catch the water jet.

[0033] (w:\winpat5\document\amt\4142685 docx) Last saved: February 19, 2026 FDST Patent Attorneys, Nuremberg Page 8 The water jet, which emerges from the underside of the corrugated board, is collected. The water jet is ejected from one side (also referred to as the "top side" without limitation) by the cutting tool towards the corrugated board, strikes and cuts it, and then emerges on the opposite side (then the "back side"). There, the water jet is conveniently collected and, for example, directed to a drain, treatment system, and / or recycling system.

[0034] In a suitable embodiment, the collection unit is stationary and designed to catch the water jet from the cutting tool. In other words, the collection unit is stationary relative to the corrugated board machine. The collection unit is specifically designed to catch the water jet at different transverse positions and, if necessary, also at different longitudinal positions, without itself needing to move. Moving parts are thus advantageously avoided. As the cutting tool moves, it also moves relative to the collection unit, but the unit is dimensioned so that it always remains below the cutting tool. The collection unit is preferably rigidly attached to a supporting structure, e.g., a frame, of the corrugated board machine. In a preferred embodiment, the collection unit is trough-shaped or tray-shaped, i.e.,A collection trough or tray extending transversely, preferably across the entire width of the corrugated board web, and in particular across the maximum working width of the corrugating machine. The collection trough can be a single piece or multi-part, e.g., composed of several segments.

[0035] As an alternative to a fixed design, in an advantageous embodiment the collection unit is movable in the transverse direction and / or in the conveying direction together with the cutting tool, in order to collect the water jet from the cutting tool. Such a movable collection unit is significantly more compact than a fixed one. The movable collection unit is preferably moved synchronously with the cutting tool, i.e., to the same extent, so that it is ensured that the collection unit is optimally positioned at all times.

[0036] (w:\winpat5\document\amt\4142685 docx) Last saved: February 19, 2026 FDST Patent Attorneys, Nuremberg Page 9 is positioned below the cutting tool to collect the water jet. The collection unit essentially moves along with the cutting tool.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment, the cutting station has at least one wheel cutting tool in addition to the cutting tool. Preferably, the cutting station has (in addition to the cutting tool) two edge cutting tools for trimming the edges of the corrugated board web. The cutting tool is arranged between the two edge cutting tools, particularly in the transverse direction. Here, the cutting tool is preferably mounted at the same longitudinal position (viewed along the conveying direction) as the edge cutting tools, e.g., by being arranged on a common guide rail, as described in more detail below. However, the cutting tool can also be located at a different longitudinal position than the edge cutting tools. The edge cutting tools each cut off the outer edge of the corrugated board web in a defined manner. The cut-off edge is then considered scrap.Basically, the edge cutting tools are permanently engaged with the corrugated board web during operation, especially during a format change, i.e. during the production of the cross-connection cut.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment, the edge cutting tool is a waterjet cutting tool. The features and advantages of using a waterjet cutting tool as the cutting tool also apply analogously to the edge cutting tool. Alternatively, the edge cutting tool may have a blade. It is particularly advantageous if both the cutting tool and the one or more edge cutting tools are each designed as waterjet cutting tools. Advantageously, all water jets are then collected with the same collection unit. In particular, the same stationary collection trough or tray serves to collect the water jets from both the cutting tool and the one or more edge cutting tools. Alternatively, a separate collection unit is provided for each edge cutting tool, which is then suitably movable and carried along with the edge cutting tool. Overall, the above applies.

[0039] (w:\winpat5\document\amt\4142685 docx) Last saved: February 19, 2026 FDST Patent Attorneys, Nuremberg Page 10 Explanations regarding both the stationary and the movable collection unit for the cutting tool, analogously also for a collection unit for the edge cutting tool.

[0040] The swiveling cutting tool, the water jet cutting tool, the edge cutting tools and, if applicable, other tools for cutting the corrugated board are generally also referred to as "tools".

[0041] Preferably, the cutting station has at least one edge cutting tool, e.g., as described above, which is arranged and movable along a common guide rail with the cutting tool. In particular, this guide rail is parallel to the transverse direction. The cutting tool, the edge cutting tool, and optionally other tools are movable, especially linearly, along the guide rail. The common guide rail is, for example, a shaft, rack, or similar element. In principle, the cutting station can also have one or more additional guide rails, each with one or more cutting tools. The guide rails are offset from each other, particularly in the conveying direction. The various cutting tools can, in principle, be distributed arbitrarily across different guide rails.A practical design involves arranging two pivoting cutting tools on separate guide rails, allowing them to be easily extended and retracted independently. This is advantageous, for example, when switching between duplex and triplex modes (i.e., two or three partial paths).

[0042] In principle, however, only the cutting tool without an edge cutting tool, but possibly with one or more other tools, e.g., similar cutting tools, can be arranged on a common guide rail. Several tools, especially swiveling cutting tools and / or waterjet cutting tools, on a common guide rail are advantageous for dividing the corrugated board web into three or more partial corrugated boards. One common guide rail is suitable for several

[0043] (w:\winpat5\document\amt\4142685 docx) Last saved: February 19, 2026 FDST Patent Attorneys, Nuremberg Page 11 Tools are advantageous, but not absolutely necessary; likewise, only one tool can be arranged on its own guide rail.

[0044] Tools arranged along a common guide rail cannot, in particular, pass each other or overtake each other; that is, their sequence along the common guide rail is fixed. With multiple guide rails, however, this is advantageously possible.

[0045] The corrugated board production line expediently includes a cutting and creasing machine with at least one and typically several longitudinal cutting tools for producing longitudinal cuts in the corrugated board web during a production run. The longitudinal cutting tools are, in particular, not pivotable. The longitudinal cutting tools are also generally referred to as "tools." In an advantageous embodiment, the described cutting station with one or more pivotable cutting tools and / or with one or more waterjet cutting tools is integrated into this cutting and creasing machine or, alternatively, arranged downstream of it and preferably immediately downstream as a separate station. Preferably, the cutting station can be understood as an upgrade element that can be added to an existing corrugated board production line. Particularly preferably, the cutting station is integrated into the cutting and creasing machine or attached to it immediately downstream, e.g., as a separate unit.B. flanged, thus enabling a reduction in the overall length of the corrugated board production line. This reduces the cost and installation space required for a corrugated board production line. This is particularly advantageous for the initial installation of a corrugated board production line.

[0046] The cutting and creasing machine produces longitudinal cuts and / or longitudinal creases in the corrugated board web during a production run. Here and in the following, a production run refers to the manufacture of corrugated board sheets in a single format or in various formats side by side, i.e., simultaneously in the transverse direction. A format change typically occurs with a change of production run. If the cutting station is integrated into the cutting and creasing machine, the cutting station either has a separate guide rail or a separate guide rail.

[0047] (w:\winpat5\document\amt\4142685 docx) Last saved: February 19, 2026 FDST Patent Attorneys, Nuremberg Page 12 for the cutting tool or it is integrated in such a way that the cutting tool is arranged with one or more longitudinal cutting tools of a so-called cutting section of the cutting and creasing machine on a common guide rail as already described (if the cutting section has one or more cutting tools which are designed as knives, the cutting section is also referred to as a "knife section"). The cutting tool is expediently used, as required, to produce longitudinal cuts during a job, i.e., like a longitudinal cutting tool. In principle, it is also advantageous to replace one, several, or all longitudinal cutting tools of a cutting section of the cutting and creasing machine with one or more cutting tools as described, thereby achieving particularly deep integration.In this way, existing cutting and creasing machines can also be advantageously upgraded.

[0048] The various orders and the formats produced, and potentially also different formats within the same order, are distributed to different delivery trays. In a preferred embodiment, the corrugated board machine has a paddle station, also called a distribution station, specifically for this purpose, to distribute different partial corrugated board webs of an order to different delivery trays. The cutting station is preferably arranged upstream of the paddle station in the conveying direction, i.e., upstream of it. In particular, the cutting station is arranged between the cutting and creasing machine and the paddle station in the conveying direction.

[0049] Preferably, the cutting tool is driven for improved cutting performance, i.e., it is mechanically moved. In this case, the cutting tool is specifically designed as a knife, particularly a circular knife (as already described), and then rotates. The same applies analogously, in particular, to any longitudinal cutting tools and edge cutting tools. The knife rotates, in particular, around a knife axis which, viewed along the conveying direction, is suitably located upstream of the pivot axis, so that the knife is, as it were, pulled through the corrugated board web behind the pivot axis.

[0050] (w:\winpat5\document\amt\4142685 docx) Last saved: February 19, 2026 FDST Patent Attorneys, Nuremberg Page 13 Advantageously, some or all of the aforementioned components within the corrugated board machine are electronically controlled by the control unit as a central control device. The control unit is, for example, a computer.

[0051] The invention also includes, on its own, the cutting station for the corrugated board plant according to at least one of the preceding embodiments.

[0052] The inventive method for operating the corrugated board machine according to at least one of the preceding embodiments comprises joining a leading longitudinal cut of an old format with a trailing longitudinal cut of a new format by means of a transverse joining cut produced by the cutting tool in the corrugated board web during a format change. During the production of the transverse joining cut, the cutting tool is moved in a transverse direction perpendicular to the conveying direction.

[0053] Depending on the design, the cutting tool either simply moves or also pivots around its axis. This pivoting can be guided (active) and / or free (passive). With active pivoting, a specific angle of the cutting tool is actively set and thus enforced, for example, by locking an electronic actuator. With free pivoting, the cutting tool pivots freely, and in particular, its position is freely variable, due to its engagement with the corrugated board web moving in the conveying direction. With a waterjet cutting tool, however, pivoting is typically not necessary. With active pivoting, the pivoting is particularly dependent on the traverse speed of the cutting tool perpendicular to the conveying direction and the speed at which the corrugated board web is transported in the conveying direction.Preferably, at least one of these two speeds is used as an input parameter in a control system for the active pivoting of the cutting tool over time. Alternatively or in combination, the position of the corrugated board web and / or the position of the cutting tool in the transverse direction can be used as an input parameter in the control system for the active pivoting of the cutting tool. Active pivoting is particularly advantageous at the beginning of the transverse splice cut.

[0054] (w:\winpat5\document\amt\4142685 docx) Last saved: February 19, 2026 FDST Patent Attorneys, Nuremberg Page 14 to cause a first oblique engagement of the cutting tool in the corrugated board web transverse to the conveying direction.

[0055] In an advantageous further development of the method, the preceding longitudinal cut of an old format and / or the subsequent longitudinal cut of a new format are produced with the same cutting tool used for the cross-joining cut. In other words, the cutting tool preferably converts the preceding longitudinal cut into the cross-joining cut, or the cross-joining cut into the following longitudinal cut, or both. A corresponding engagement and disengagement of the cutting tool at the beginning / end of the format change is then unnecessary. This is advantageous both for a knife, which then does not need to be engaged and disengaged, and for a waterjet cutting tool, which similarly does not need to be deactivated and reactivated.

[0056] In a further advantageous development of the method, the cutting tool is engaged into and / or disengaged from an existing longitudinal cut. This is possible and advantageous for both a knife and a waterjet cutting tool. It is particularly irrelevant whether the respective longitudinal cut is a leading or trailing cut. In particular, engaging an existing longitudinal cut facilitates cutting and is therefore advantageous. In principle, the cutting station can thus be advantageously used as an addition to an existing cutting and creasing machine. The cutting station connects the respective longitudinal cuts of the cutting and creasing machine for different formats with a cross-connection cut. This further development is therefore particularly suitable for a corrugated board line that has been retrofitted with the cutting station.

[0057] Preferably, the format change is carried out seamlessly. The longitudinal section (of the corrugated board web cut into partial corrugated sheets) containing the cross-seam cut is discharged downstream of the cutting station in the conveying direction, as described above. This is referred to as...

[0058] (w:\winpat5\document\amt\4142685 docx) Last saved: February 19, 2026 FDST Patent Attorneys, Nuremberg Page 15 This also refers to a gapless process. This is particularly advantageous because the corrugated board web does not need to be stopped and / or interrupted for a format change. This, in turn, advantageously maximizes the throughput of the corrugated board machine, i.e., the number of corrugated board sheets produced per unit of time. In particular, the aforementioned longitudinal section is cut out downstream of the paddle station in the conveying direction by a cross cutter and discharged as rejects into a separate storage area, in particular a waste disposal system.

[0059] In a preferred embodiment of the process, the corrugated board machine has an order system that arranges several orders consecutively in such a way that the length of the cross-sewing cuts is minimized when changing formats between two consecutive orders. Preferably, not only the length of the cross-sewing cuts of two consecutive orders is minimized, but the sum of the lengths of the cross-sewing cuts of all consecutive orders. This is achieved, if necessary, by exchanging individual formats between orders. This makes it possible to minimize the required scrap.

[0060] To create the cross-seam cut, it is advantageous for the cutting tool to move as quickly as possible, i.e., at the highest possible speed, especially in the transverse direction. The speed is fundamentally dependent on the travel distance for the cross-seam cut and, if applicable, also on the overall design of the corrugated board machine. Advantageously, the conveying speed of the corrugated board machine is reduced, at least during the cross-seam cut, to minimize waste from the cut (i.e., the length of the longitudinal section / the continuous paper web) and / or to ensure a certain level of operational reliability. Specifically, the corrugated board web is decelerated from a starting speed before the cross-seam cut is created and then accelerated back to the starting speed after the cross-seam cut is completed.

[0061] (w:\winpat5\document\amt\4142685 docx) Last saved: February 19, 2026 FDST Patent Attorneys, Nuremberg Page 16 The following are exemplary embodiments of the invention explained in more detail with reference to a drawing. Each drawing schematically shows:

[0062] Fig. 1 shows a section of a corrugated board plant with a cutting and creasing machine and a cutting station,

[0063] Fig. 2 shows a cutting station before a cross-connection cut.

[0064] Fig. 3 the cutting station from Fig. 2 during the cross-cutting operation, Fig. 4 the cutting station from Fig. 2 after the cross-cutting operation, Fig. 5 a variant of the cutting station from Fig. 2,

[0065] Fig. 6 shows a variant of the cutting station from Fig. 5,

[0066] Fig. 7 shows another variant of the cutting station from Fig. 2,

[0067] Fig. 8 shows the cutting station from Fig. 7 during the cross-cutting operation, Fig. 9 shows the cutting station from Fig. 7 after the cross-cutting operation, Fig. 10 shows a variant of the cutting station from Fig. 7.

[0068] Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a corrugated board machine 2, which is used for the production of corrugated board sheets. The corrugated board machine 2 has a cutting station 4 with at least one cutting tool 6 for producing a cross-seam cut 8 in a corrugated board web 10 during a format change. In Figure 1, the cutting station 4 is arranged directly downstream of a cutting and creasing machine 11 of the corrugated board machine. To produce the cross-seam cut 8, the cutting tool 6 can be moved to different transverse positions 12 in a transverse direction Q, here perpendicular, to a conveying direction F of the corrugated board web 10 by being mounted on a corresponding guide rail 14. The figures show different configurations of the cutting tool 6. In Figures 2 to 6, the cutting tool 6 is designed as a knife.Figures 7 to 10, however, are waterjet cutting tools that generate a water jet 40 for cutting. The cutting tool 6 with a blade can, in principle, be replaced by a waterjet cutting tool and vice versa; the explanations regarding embodiments with a blade also apply analogously to a waterjet cutting tool and vice versa, even if this is not explicitly shown.

[0069] (w:\winpat5\document\amt\4142685 docx) Last saved: February 19, 2026 FDST Patent Attorneys, Nuremberg Page 17 In the embodiment with a knife (Figs. 2 to 6), the cutting tool 6 is pivotable about a pivot axis S during the production of the transverse connection cut 8, i.e., while the cutting tool 6 is immersed in the corrugated board web 10 to produce the transverse connection cut 8. This is particularly evident in Fig.

[0070] 3. During operation, the cutting tool 6 is moved in the transverse direction Q perpendicular to the conveying direction during the production of the transverse connection cut 8 and additionally pivots about the pivot axis S, as shown in the figures.

[0071] 2 to 5 are recognizable.

[0072] The pivot axis S is parallel to a vertical direction V and is therefore perpendicular to the corrugated board web 10, the conveying direction F, and the transverse direction Q. The cutting tool 6 can be engaged and disengaged along the vertical direction V, i.e., upwards and downwards, e.g., by rotating it about a corresponding axis that runs parallel to the transverse direction Q.

[0073] The cross-cut 8, as shown in Figures 2 to 5 and 7 to 9, joins two successive longitudinal cuts 16 and 18 during a format change: a leading longitudinal cut 16 of an old format F1 with a trailing longitudinal cut 18 of a new format F2. In the embodiment shown in Figures 2 to 4 and also in Figures 7 to 9, these longitudinal cuts 16 and 18 divide the corrugated board web 10 into two adjacent, partially corrugated board webs 20. The cross-cut 8 is located on a longitudinal section 22 of the divided corrugated board web 10, which is itself reject and is therefore ejected downstream of the cutting tool 6 in the conveying direction F. This is done here with a cross cutter 24 of the corrugated board machine 2, with which the partial corrugated board webs 20 are also cut into individual sheets within a respective order. In the embodiment shown in Fig.In the production of the old format F1, the corrugated board web 10 is divided into three partial corrugated board webs 20, while in the production of the new format F2 it is divided into four partial corrugated board webs 20. Overall, it becomes clear that the number of partial corrugated board webs 20 that can be produced in parallel is basically arbitrary and can also be changed from order to order.

[0074] (w:\winpat5\document\amt\4142685 docx) Last saved: February 19, 2026 FDST Patent Attorneys, Nuremberg Page 18

[0075] The format changes shown in Figures 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 are performed seamlessly (gapless process). The longitudinal section 22, which contains the cross-separation cut 8 or the two cross-separation cuts 8, is discharged downstream of the cutting station 4. Accordingly, the corrugated board web 10 does not need to be stopped for the format change.

[0076] The cutting tool 6 shown in Figures 2 to 6 is designed to be pivotable and movable such that the cross-cutting cut 8 is at least partially arc-shaped and, in particular, even S-shaped, as shown in Figures 2 to 5. Due to its S-shaped shape, the cross-cutting cut 8 is parallel to the conveying direction F at its beginning and end. In the illustrated embodiment, the cross-cutting cut 8 begins within the leading longitudinal cut 16 of the old format F1 and ends within the trailing longitudinal cut 18 of the new format F2. The two longitudinal cuts 16, 18 are produced either with the same cutting tool 6, so that the longitudinal cuts 16, 18 and the cross-cutting cut 8 form a single cut, or with a different tool. In either case, a continuous cut is produced. The same result can also be achieved with the waterjet cutting tool, as shown in Figures 2 to 5.As shown in 7 to 9, swivel capability is not important here.

[0077] The cutting station 4 has a locking mechanism 26 to hold the cutting tool 6 of Figures 2 to 6 at a predetermined angle W. The locking mechanism 26 can be released to allow the cutting tool 6 to pivot during the cross-cut 8. Thus, the cutting tool 6 can be used not only to produce a cross-cut 8, but also to produce a longitudinal cut 16, 18 outside of a format change, and for this purpose is locked at an angle W of 0°, i.e., aligned parallel to the conveying direction F. The locking mechanism 26 is optionally designed so that the angle W of the cutting tool 6 is actively adjusted about the pivot axis S.

[0078] (w:\winpat5\document\amt\4142685 docx) Last saved: February 19, 2026 FDST Patent Attorneys, Nuremberg Page 19 In the embodiments shown here as examples, the cutting station 4 has, in addition to the cutting tool 6, two edge cutting tools 28 for trimming the edges of the corrugated board web 10. The cutting tool 6 is arranged between the two edge cutting tools 28, and as can be seen in Figures 2 to 5 and 7 to 9, it is even located in the same longitudinal position (viewed along the conveying direction F) as the edge cutting tools 28, e.g., by being arranged on a common guide rail 14. However, the cutting tool 6 can also be located in a different longitudinal position than the edge cutting tools 28, e.g., in Figure 1, within the cutting and creasing machine 11 as part of a cutting section 32 thereof.

[0079] In this arrangement, both edge cutting tools 28 and the cutting tool 6 are mounted on a common guide rail 14. This guide rail 14 is parallel to the transverse direction Q. The cutting tool 6 and the edge cutting tools 28, as well as any additional tools (not shown), are linearly movable along the guide rail 14. The edge cutting tools 28 are also pivotable, analogous to the cutting tool 6, as explicitly shown in the embodiments in Figures 5 and 6, but also fundamentally possible in Figures 2 to 4 and 7 to 10.

[0080] The aforementioned cutting and creasing machine 11 has at least one and typically several longitudinal cutting tools 30 for producing longitudinal cuts 16, 18 in the corrugated board web 10 during a job. In this case, the cutting and creasing machine 11 has two cutting sections 32 arranged one behind the other, each with one or more longitudinal cutting tools 30. The longitudinal cutting tools 30 are not pivotable.

[0081] The cutting and creasing machine 11 produces longitudinal cuts 16, 18 and / or longitudinal grooves (not shown) in the corrugated board web 10 during a job. In the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 5 and 7 to 10, the cutting station 4 is arranged directly behind the cutting and creasing machine 11. Alternatively, the cutting station 4 is integrated into the cutting and creasing machine 11 (not shown). In this case, the cutting station 4 has either a separate guide rail 14 for the

[0082] (w:\winpat5\document\amt\4142685 docx) Last saved: February 19, 2026 FDST Patent Attorneys, Nuremberg Page 20 Cutting tool 6 on or is integrated in such a way that the cutting tool 6 is arranged with one or more longitudinal cutting tools 30 of one of the cutting sections 32 on a common guide rail 14 as already described. In Fig. 1, such guide rails 14 of the cutting sections 32 are shown; the cutting tool 6 is optionally arranged there. Depending on requirements, the cutting tool 6 is also used during an order to produce longitudinal cuts 16, 18, i.e., like a longitudinal cutting tool 30. In principle, it is also advantageous to replace one, several, or all longitudinal cutting tools 30 of a cutting section 32 of the cutting and creasing machine 11 by one or more pivotable cutting tools 6 and / or waterjet cutting tools.

[0083] The various orders and the formats F1, F2 produced with them, and possibly also different formats F1, F2 within the same order, are distributed to different stacking trays (not shown). In the embodiment of Fig. 1, the corrugated board machine 2 has a paddle station 34 for this purpose, with which the various partial corrugated board webs 20 of an order are distributed to different stacking trays. The cutting station 4 is arranged upstream of the paddle station 34 in the conveying direction F and downstream of the cutting and creasing machine 11.

[0084] Figure 6 shows a variant of the cutting station 4 from Figure 5. Here, a cutting tool 6 is arranged independently on a further guide rail 14 and is movable. The two guide rails 14 are offset from each other in the conveying direction F. This allows for easy insertion and retraction of one of the cutting tools 6, e.g., when switching from a duplex mode as in Figures 2 to 4 to a triplex mode as in Figures 5 and 6. In principle, the edge cutting tools 28 can also be arranged together or each on a separate guide rail 14 (not shown).

[0085] The embodiment shown in Figures 7 to 9 corresponds to those shown in Figures 2 to 4, with the difference that the cutting tool 6 is now designed not as a knife, but as a waterjet cutting tool. A pivoting capability is not required, but the cutting tool 6 can be used to generate the

[0086] (w:\winpat5\document\amt\4142685 docx) Last saved: February 19, 2026 FDST Patent Attorneys, Nuremberg Page 21 The cutting tool 6 is moved in the transverse direction Q. To cut the corrugated board web 10, the cutting tool 6 emits a water jet 40. This is collected on a side of the corrugated board web 10 opposite the cutting tool 6 by a collection unit 42 of the corrugating machine 2 located there. In the embodiment shown in Figures 7 to 9, the collection unit 42 is stationary and designed such that it collects the water jet 40 at different transverse positions 12 (and optionally also different longitudinal positions) without itself having to move. Due to the movement of the cutting tool 6, it also moves relative to the collection unit 42, but the latter is dimensioned so that it is always located below the cutting tool 6.The collection unit 42 is rigidly attached to a supporting structure (not shown) of the corrugated board plant 2 and is shown here as an example in a trough-shaped or trough-shaped form. The collection unit 42 then extends in the transverse direction Q and here even across the entire width of the corrugated board web 10, specifically also across the maximum working width of the corrugated board machine 2. Figure 10 shows an alternative for the collection unit 42; otherwise, Figure 10 corresponds to Figure 7. In the embodiment shown in Figure 10, the collection unit 42 is movable in the transverse direction Q and / or in the conveying direction F together with the cutting tool 6, in order to collect the water jet 40 from the cutting tool 6. The movable collection unit 42 is moved synchronously with the cutting tool 6, i.e., to the same extent, so that it is ensured that the collection unit 42 is optimally positioned below the cutting tool 6 at all times in order to collect the water jet 40.The collection unit 42 runs, so to speak, in conjunction with the cutting tool 6.

[0087] Some or all of the aforementioned components within the corrugated board machine 2 are electronically controlled by a control unit 36 ​​as a central control device. Furthermore, the corrugated board machine 2 has an order system 38 which arranges several orders consecutively in such a way that the length of the cross-sewing cuts 8 is minimized during the format change between two consecutive orders.

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[0089] Reference symbol list

[0090] 2 corrugated board plants

[0091] 4 cutting stations

[0092] 6 (swivel) cutting tool (general: tool) 8 cross-cutting cut

[0093] 10 corrugated cardboard sheets

[0094] 11 Cutting and creasing machines

[0095] 12 transverse positions

[0096] 14 Guide rail

[0097] 16 Leading longitudinal section

[0098] 18 trailing longitudinal section

[0099] 20 corrugated cardboard sections

[0100] 22 Longitudinal section

[0101] 24 cross cutters

[0102] 26 Locking

[0103] 28 Edge cutting tool (general: tool)

[0104] 30 Longitudinal cutting tool (general: tool)

[0105] 32 Cutting section

[0106] 34 Paddle station

[0107] 36 Control unit

[0108] 38 Order system

[0109] 40 water jets

[0110] 42 Collection unit

[0111] F Conveyor direction

[0112] F1 old format

[0113] F2 new format

[0114] Q transverse direction

[0115] 5 swivel axes

[0116] V Vertical direction

[0117] W angle

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Claims

FDST Patent Attorneys, Nuremberg Page 23 Claims 1. Corrugated board plant (2), for the production of corrugated board sheets, a. which has a cutting station (4) with at least one cutting tool (6) for producing a cross-separation cut (8) in a corrugated board web (10) during a format change, b. wherein, for producing the cross-separation cut (8), the cutting tool (6) is movable in a transverse direction (Q) perpendicular to a conveying direction (F) of the corrugated board web (10) to different transverse positions (12), c. wherein during the production of the cross-cut (8) the cutting tool (6) is pivotable about a pivot axis (S).

2. Corrugated board plant (2) according to claim 1 , wherein the cutting tool (6) is pivotable such that the transverse connection cut (8) is at least partially arc-shaped.

3. Corrugated board plant (2) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cutting tool (6) is pivotable such that the transverse connection cut (8) is S-shaped.

4. Corrugated board plant (2) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the cutting station (4) has a locking device (26) to hold the cutting tool (6) at a predetermined angle (W), wherein the locking device (26) is releasable to allow pivoting of the cutting tool (6) during the cross-cutting operation (8).

5. Corrugated board plant (2) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the cutting tool (6) is designed as a knife (40).

6. Corrugated board plant (2), for the production of corrugated board sheets, (w:\winpat5\document\amt\4142685 docx) Last saved: February 19, 2026 FDST Patent Attorneys, Nuremberg Page 24 a. which has a cutting station (4) with at least one cutting tool (6) for producing a cross-connection cut (8) in a corrugated board web (10) during a format change, b. wherein, for producing the cross-connection cut (8), the cutting tool (6) is movable in a transverse direction (Q) perpendicular to a conveying direction (F) of the corrugated board web (10) to different transverse positions (12), c. wherein the cutting tool (6) is a water jet cutting tool.

7. Corrugated board plant (2) according to claim 6, wherein this has a collection unit (44) which is arranged on a side of the corrugated board web (10) opposite the cutting tool (6), wherein the collecting unit (44) is immobile and is designed to collect a water jet (44) from the cutting tool (6).

8. Corrugated board plant (2) according to claim 6, wherein this has a collection unit (44) which is arranged on a side of the corrugated board web (10) opposite the cutting tool (6), wherein the collecting unit (44) is movable in the transverse direction (Q) and / or in the conveying direction (F) together with the cutting tool (6) to collect a water jet (44) of the cutting tool (6).

9. Corrugated board plant (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the cutting station (4) has, in addition to the cutting tool (6), two edge cutting tools (28) for trimming the edges of the corrugated board web (10), wherein the cutting tool (6) is arranged between the two edge cutting tools (28).

10. Corrugated board plant (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, (w:\winpat5\document\amt\4142685 docx) Last saved: February 19, 2026 FDST Patent Attorneys, Nuremberg Page 25 wherein the cutting station (4) has at least one edge cutting tool (28) which is arranged and movable with the cutting tool (6) on a common guide rail (14).

11. Corrugated board plant (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the cutting station (4) has at least one edge cutting tool (28) which is a water jet cutting tool.

12. Corrugated board plant (2) according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein this includes a cutting and creasing machine (11), wherein the cutting station (4) is integrated into the cutting and creasing machine (11).

13. Corrugated board plant (2) according to one of claims 1 to 12, wherein this includes a cutting and creasing machine (11), wherein the cutting station (4) is arranged downstream of the cutting and creasing machine (11).

14. Corrugated board plant (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein this has a paddle station (34) for dividing different partial corrugated board webs (20) of an order onto different storage trays, wherein the cutting station (4) is arranged upstream of the paddle station (34).

15. Cutting station (4) for a corrugated board plant (2) according to one of claims 1 to 14.

16. Method for operating a corrugated board plant (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, a. wherein a cross-connection cut (8) is made in the corrugated board web (10) with the cutting tool (6) during a format change, so that a leading longitudinal cut (16) of an old (w:\winpat5\document\amt\4142685 docx) Last saved: February 19, 2026 FDST Patent Attorneys, Nuremberg Page 26 Formats (F1) are combined with a trailing longitudinal section (18) of a new format (F2), b. wherein the cutting tool (6) is moved in a transverse direction (Q) perpendicular to the conveying direction (F) during the production of the transverse joint cut (8).

17. Method according to claim 16, wherein the leading longitudinal cut (16) and / or the trailing longitudinal cut (18) are produced with the same cutting tool (6) with which the transverse joint cut (8) is produced.

18. Method according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the cutting tool (6) is engaged into an existing longitudinal cut (16) and / or disengaged from an existing longitudinal cut (18).

19. Method according to any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein the format change is carried out without gaps and the longitudinal section (22) which contains the cross-connection cut (8) is diverted downstream of the cutting station (4).

20. Method according to any one of claims 16 to 19, wherein the corrugated board machine (2) has a job system (38) which arranges several jobs consecutively in such a way that the length of the cross-jointing cuts (8) is minimized when changing formats between two successive jobs. (w:\winpat5\document\amt\4142685 docx) Last saved: February 19, 2026

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