In prior-art solutions, a narrow strip is cut from the edge of the web, which strip is blown or transferred by means of other devices into the rope track running alongside the web in between the two ropes provided in said track. The rope track guides the web further through the machine, after which, in said cutting position, the web R can be widened to its original web width.

In a prior-art device, in particular in connection with coating stations, it has been a problem that, by the effect of air flows and partly also by the effect of spreader rolls, the lead-in strip tends to get out of the machine and collides, e.g., against the rope draw devices. Said phenomenon, of course, increases the time of threading and lowers the efficiency of the paper machine.

Various double cutters are known in connection with handling of a paper/board web.

Solutions of said sort are, for example, the following: From WO 92/06913 and from US 5,360,179 it is known to use water cutting at a reel-up for cutting the web and for forming a new end during a change of reel.

In particular WO 92/06913 instructs that the cutting be started in the middle of the web. As further prior-art publications can be stated EPO 067,051, WO 91/03359 and US 5,234,544.

In the present patent application, it is suggested that a method of formation of a lead- in strip is used in which a double cutter is used, which comprises two cutters either in the same position or in different positions. At least one of the cutters, which starts the cutting from outside the web, is a liquid cutter. In the commonest embodiment of the invention, the first cutter can also be a cutter other than a liquid cutter.

Preferably both cutters are liquid cutters, most appropriately water cutters. In the method in accordance with the invention, by means of the first cutter C1, first a lead-in strip A is formed. After that a second cut is performed by means of the second cutter C2 at the side of said first cut, whereby an edge strip or edge band B is formed, preferably so that said second cutting f2 is started from the side of the paper/board web W. When the cutting is performed in said way, the tip of the edge band B is formed sharp and thereby, further, the lead-in strip A proper becomes continuous, with no step, and thereby the risk of its being broken is avoided. Said edge band B can be passed into the pulper at a suitable location. After this, the lead- in strip A proper is spread, by means of the two cutters, preferably water cutters, towards the middle of the machine width, after which, or before said stage, spread- ing of the lead-in strip A to 1000...2000 mm is carried out. The spreading of the web to its ultimate width takes place by passing the cutters, preferably water cutters, out from opposite edges of the web at both sides of the machine-direction centre line X of the web W.

Double cutting can be applied to threading in a paper machine in locations in which the lead-in strip cut from the edge of the web can be shifted so that it runs substan- tially closer to the middle or in the middle of the machine. Such locations are, for example, threading from a forward dryer through a sizer / size press to an after- dryer and further through the after-dryer as well as threading from a cylinder dryer or equivalent through a coating machine.

In the concept and solution of equipment in accordance with the invention, the cutters can be placed on the same beam and, thus, in the same position, or fully separate from one another. In such a case, the first cutter C1, which performs the first cut f1 into the web, can be placed in the initial end of the dryer section, and the

second cutter C2, which performs the second cut f2 into the web, can be placed in the final end of the dryer section below the last drying cylinder, in which case the sharp tip that has been formed into the edge band B can be passed directly from the drying cylinder, by means of guides/doctors placed in its connection, into the pulper placed below the cylinder.

When a liquid cutter, preferably a water cutter, is used, the range of pressure of the liquid, preferably water, is 50...300 bars. It can be considered to be an advantage of water cutting that the web can be cut against the wire H. In such a case, cutting of the web is possible in a dryer section with single-wire draw in cylinder gaps, for example, in a position below the last cylinder.

Within the scope of the invention, an embodiment is possible in which the paper/board machine comprises a number of water cutters, for example, in different dryer sections so that each water cutter comprises a first set of independently controllable cutting water-cut nozzle devices and a second set of independently controllable water-cut nozzle devices.

Within the scope of the invention, an embodiment is also possible in which said first cutting nozzle devices are placed in different positions, for example, so that the first cutting nozzle devices are placed in the beginning of the dryer section on the draw between the first Vac Roll and the drying cylinder K1, and the second cutting nozzle devices are placed in the end of the dryer section below the drying cylinder Kn on the web/wire draw between the drying cylinder Kn and the Vac Roll Sn. If the cutting nozzle that performs the second cutting is placed in the dryer section in connection with the last drying cylinder Kn below said cylinder and if the cutting is started by means of said second nozzle from the edge of the web, it is an advantage obtained from said position that the sharp-tip edge band B can be passed directly from the last drying cylinder Kn into the pulper placed below said cylinder.

In the way described above, a double cutter preferably comprises two sets of cutter nozzles. They are fitted so that their movements are synchronized with each other in

such a way that, when the so-called sharp-tip edge strip is being cut by means of one set of nozzles, the other set of nozzles is displaced at the same time in the cross direction towards the middle of the web, and the lead-in strip A proper is made wider. By means of the method and the solution of equipment in accordance with the invention, when the second cutter nozzle is brought from outside the web and when the supply of the cutting liquid is started from the area outside the web, a sharp tip is formed for the edge strip and, thus, the lead-in strip A proper is given a continu- ous shape with no steps. Said sharp tip can be controlled well, and it can be passed readily into the pulper after the cylinder. In such a case, since no notches and no so- called tail are present on the lead-in strip A proper, thereby the risk of breaking off arising from said points of discontinuity has been avoided. When liquid cutting in accordance with the invention is used, cutting against the wire is permitted. This is a significant advantage, because the cutter equipment can be placed in an optimal position on the wire and web draw. Thus, besides against the wire, the cutting can also take place against the wire and a cylinder.

In the commonest embodiment of the method in accordance with the invention, both the first cutter C1 and the second cutter C2 can be placed either in connection with one another in the same position in the dryer section, or said cutters C1 and C2 can be placed in different positions, in which case, in relation to the running direction of the web, the first cutter performs the first cutting in an earlier position, as viewed in the running direction of the wire. The second cutter C2 carries out the forming of the sharp-tip edge band B and, thus, of the lead-in strip A proper with no points of discontinuity in a position placed later, as viewed in the running direction of the web and the wire, for example between the last suction roll and the last drying cylinder.

In such a case, the sharp-tip edge band B rises without separate auxiliary conveyor means along with the wire over the drying cylinder and is transferred into the pulper placed underneath after the drying cylinder, and in connection with said cutting the lead-in strip A is formed so that its edge becomes continuous. The lead-in strip A does not include notches, tails or any other detrimental points of discontinuity.

The method and the device in accordance with the invention are characterized in what is stated in the patent claims.

The invention will be described in the following with reference to some preferred embodiments of the invention illustrated in the figures in the accompanying draw- ings, the invention being, however, not supposed to be confined to said embodiments alone.

Figures .... . ID illustrate the forming of a lead-in strip carried out by means of double water cutting step by step.

Figure 1E illustrates a prior-art method.

Figure 1F illustrates the method in accordance with the present invention.

Figures 2A...2D illustrate alternative positions of the double cutter in accordance with the invention both in a single-wire group of drying cylinders and in a twin-wire group of drying cylinders.

Figure 3 shows a double cutter in which the cutting nozzles are placed at opposite sides of a beam frame on guides of their own.

Figure 4A shows a second embodiment of a double cutter, in which both of the cutting nozzles are placed on the same guides on sledges of their own.

Figure 4B is an illustration of principle of the solution as shown in Fig. 4A.

Figure 4C is an axonometric view illustrating the device as shown in Fig. 4A.

Figs. 1A...1D illustrate the different steps of cutting the lead-in strip. In the com- monest embodiment of the invention, a double cutter 10 is spoken of, which com- prises the cutters C1 and C2 in general, of which at least the second cutter C2, which

is brought from outside the web, is a liquid cutter and most appropriately a water cutter. Said second cutter C2 already starts the cutting outside the web. The cutter C2 is preferably a cutter nozzle, through which a liquid jet U2, preferably a water jet, is applied with pressure to the face of the web W to be cut. The cutter C1 is preferably also a liquid cutter and most appropriately a water cutter. In such a case, the cutter C1 is a nozzle, through which a liquid jet U1, preferably a water jet, is applied with pressure to the face of the web W to be cut.

Fig. 1A shows the first step in the formation of the lead-in strip. The first cutter jet C1 performs the first cut f1. The high-pressure liquid jet U1 is applied to the face of the web W. The lead-in strip A is blown to the rope draw.

Fig. 1B shows the forming of the second cut f2. In accordance with the invention, the cutting jet, preferably a water jet U2, of the second cutter nozzle C2 is brought from the side from outside the web W, in which connection a sharp tip 100 is formed for the edge band B. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1B, both the web A' adjacent to the lead-in strip A and the edge band B are passed directly from the roll t1 into the pulper. To the edge band B, a sharp tip 100 is formed, and in such a case, in the lead-in strip A proper, there are no points of discontinuity which might constitute a risk of breaking of said strip.

In Fig. 1C, the lead-in strip is shifted to the middle of the web by displacing the two cutter nozzles C1 ,C2 to the middle of the web width.

Fig. 1D shows a stage in which the spreading of the lead-in strip A to full web width is carried out.

Fig. 1E shows an old, prior-art method, in which the cut f2 starts from the vicinity of the edge and the edge band B is cut off mechanically at the point G. In the band A, a notch and a tail remain, which constitute a potential risk of a break.

Fig. 1F illustrates a method solution in accordance with the invention, in which the cut f2 is started from outside the edge and the band A will have no notch or tail which might constitute a risk of a break. On the band B that is passed into the pulper, a sharp tip 100 is formed, and in such a case no detrimental points of discontinuity are formed in the lead-in strip A.

Fig. 2A shows alternative positions B1,B2,B3 of the double cutters 10a1 in accord- ance with the invention in a dryer section with single-wire draw in a paper/board machine. The dryer section comprises drying cylinders K1,K2... and suction cylinders S1,S2... placed below them. The drying cylinders K1,K2... are preferably steam-heated cylinders, and the suction cylinders S1,S2..., preferably so-called Vac Rolls, are cylinder constructions which comprise grooves on their face and holes opening into said grooves through the roll mantle from the interior of the cylinder.

A vacuum is applied to the interior of the cylinders, and the web is kept in contact with the wire H face by means of the vacuum. The wire H and the web W run as meandering in loop shape from a drying cylinder onto a suction cylinder and from a suction cylinder onto a drying cylinder and further in the group of drying cylin- ders.

In the embodiment shown in Fig. 2A, the double cutter 10a1, which comprises two <BR> <BR> <BR> cutter nozzles C1 and C2, is placed in alternative positions B1,B2 a"d B3 and<BR> cutter 1' 2 B3. The position B1 is placed in connection with the last drying cylinder K3 of the last dryer group Run on the web/wire draw between the drying cylinder K3 and the suction cylinder S3. The position B2 is in a corresponding position in the middle area of the dryer group, and the position B3 is placed in the initial end of the dryer group.

Fig. 2B shows the position B4, in which the liquid cutter 10a2 that comprises two cutter nozzles C1 and C2 is placed in the initial end of the dryer section on the web/wire draw between the first drying cylinder K1 and the first suction cylinder S in the dryer group Rn.

Fig. 2C shows the position B5 of the double cutter 10a3 in accordance with the invention in a twin-wire dryer group on the web draw between the last drying cylinder K5 and the lower drying cylinder K4.

Fig. 2D shows an embodiment of the invention in a group of drying cylinders, in which the first cutter C1, preferably a cutter nozzle, of the double cutter 10a4 is placed in the position B6 in the beginning of the dryer group, and in which the second cutter C2, preferably a cutter nozzle, of said double cutter 10a4 is placed in the position B7 in the end of the dryer group below the last drying cylinder K3 of the group. The run of the lead-in strip A and of the edge band B can be supported by blowing of air (ip) in the embodiments shown in this and in the preceding figures..

Fig. 3 shows a double cutter 10, which comprises a carrier and support beam 11 passing across the web and guides 12a1,12a2 placed at both sides of said beam, on which guides the sledges that comprise the cutter nozzles are placed. The sledge 13a1 is placed on the guide 12a1, and the other sledge 13a2 is placed on the guide 12a2. The sledges 13a1 and 13a2 are displaced by means of a belt device, chain device or equivalent 14a1,14a2, which are engaged with the sledges 13a1 and 13a2.

Motors are fitted to operate said belt or chain devices.

Since, as is shown in the figure, the equipment comprises an arm 15 passed from the second sledge 13a2 to the other side of the support beam 11 and since the second cutter nozzle C2 is fitted at the end of said arm 11, the cutter nozzles C1 and C2 are placed at the same side of the beam 11.

Thus, as is shown in the figure, the guides 12a1,12a2 are placed at opposite sides of the support beam 11 extending across the machine width. In this way a sufficient space is provided for the guide constructions and for the chain drives of the related sledges 13a1 and 13a2. The figure does not show the drive gear connected with the chains, such as a motor. The chain drive can be such that, by means of the motor, through its output shaft, a drive pulley is rotated, which is placed at the end of the output shaft of the motor and which operates the closed cogged chain. The end of

the cogged chain is connected with a reversing pulley, which is mounted on the beam 11. Each chain thus operated is connected with a sledge, in which connection the cutter nozzle C1,C2 connected with the sledge can be controlled in the desired way.

Fig. 4A shows an embodiment of a double cutter 10 in which both of the cutter nozzles C1 and C2 are placed on the same guide on sledges 13a1,13a2 of their own.

The chain devices 14a1 and 14a2 are coupled with their sledges 13a1 and 13a2 independently. The cutter nozzle C1 is placed on the sledge 12a1 and the cutter nozzle C2 on the sledge 13a2. Through the cutter nozzles C1,C2 a pressurized water jet is applied to the face of the web W. The pressure range is 50...300 bars.

Fig. 4B shows one mode of controlling a sledge 13a1 fitted on a guide 12a1 by means of a chain device 14a1, which sledge includes one of the cutter nozzles, the cutter nozzle C1. On its output shaft 21 the motor 20 comprises a drive pulley 22, around which a belt, chain 23 or equivalent is passed. The belt, chain 23 or equival- ent is an endless drive loop, which is passed, at the opposite end, around a drive pulley 24 fitted revolving on the beam 11. Said drive belt 23 or equivalent is further coupled with a sledge 13a1. The sledge 13a1 is guided along the guide 12a1.

Fig. 4C is a schematic illustration of sledges 13a1 and 13a2 mounted on the guides 12a3. The control of the sledges is carried out in a way similar to that described in relation to Fig. 4B. Thus, the chain devices 14a1 and 14a2 may have drive motors 20 and 200 of their own.

In the embodiment of Fig. 4C, the nozzles C1 and C2 are placed on the sledges 13a1 and 13a2, which are mounted on the same guide 12a3. However, the cuts f1 and f2 performed by said nozzles can overlap and even cross each other. This has been achieved so that on their sledges 13a1 and 13a2 the nozzles C1 and C2 have been bent/inclined towards each other.

In the embodiment with two guides in Fig. 3, a crosswise arrangement of the cuts 1 and f2 has been permitted by the fact that the sledges 13a1 and 13a2 are placed on different guides 12a1 and 12a2.