Conveying module for a converting machine

Abstract

The invention relates to a conveying module (26) for a folding gluing machine (1), comprising a lower conveying device (38) and an upper conveying device (36), which are adapted to receive a folded box (2) therebetween and to convey the folded box in a transport direction (D) towards a downstream loading surface (90) in a stacking module. The upper conveying device (36) of the conveying module extends further in the transport direction than the lower conveying device (38), which comprises a first lower conveying belt (38a) and a second lower conveying belt (38b), each having an inlet end (67a, 67b) and an outlet end (66a, 66b), wherein the outlet ends are displaceable in the transport direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a conversion machine for producing folding boxes from sheet blanks. In particular, this invention relates to an adjustment section for stacking and bundling folding boxes together. Background Technology

[0002] Conversion machines are used in the packaging industry to convert sheet blanks, such as cardboard or wainscoting blanks, into folding boxes. These machines are often called folding glue machines and are configured to convert blanks into folding boxes by continuously folding and gluing the blanks. The produced folding boxes have a flat shape, and multiple boxes can be stacked and bundled together for easy transport and storage.

[0003] However, when forming a calibrated stack of folded boxes in a folding adhesive machine, there are many movable mechanical parts that come into contact with the edges of the boxes. This can result in uneven stacking and damage to the boxes, which may impair their functional or aesthetic features.

[0004] US document 3224761 discloses a module for storing sheets in a calibrated manner. The module includes an upper conveyor belt extending on a stack holder and nozzles that provide compressed air to cause the sheets to adhere to the upper conveyor belt. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of the above problems, the object of the present invention is to prevent damage to the folding boxes when adjusting multiple stacked folding boxes.

[0006] This problem is solved by the transmission module according to claim 1, and other advantageous features of the invention are defined in the dependent claims.

[0007] According to a first aspect of the invention, a conveying module for a folding adhesive machine is provided, the conveying module comprising a lower conveying device and an upper conveying device, the lower conveying device and the upper conveying device being adapted to receive a folded box between them and to convey the folded box in a transport direction toward a loading surface located downstream in a stacking module.

[0008] In this transmission module, the upper transmission device extends further in the transport direction than the lower transmission device.

[0009] Furthermore, the lower conveying device includes a first lower conveyor belt and a second lower conveyor belt, each having an inlet end and an outlet end, wherein the outlet end is movable in the transport direction.

[0010] The upper conveyor is configured to extend beyond the loading surface in the stacked module. The movable exit end of the lower conveyor is configured such that the distance between the exit end of the lower conveyor and the loading surface in the stacked module can be changed.

[0011] This invention is based on the understanding that the limited space defined for the folding box can be formed by the positions of the upper and lower conveying devices. This prevents undesirable movement and misalignment of the folding box and guides it downward to form an aligned stack on the loading surface in the stacking module.

[0012] The exit end of the lower conveyor belt can be moved individually at different longitudinal positions in the transport direction.

[0013] In an advantageous embodiment, the upper conveying device includes a first upper conveyor belt and a second upper conveyor belt, each conveyor belt having a distal inlet end and a distal outlet end, wherein the distal outlet ends of the first upper conveyor belt and the distal outlet ends of the second upper conveyor belt can be individually displaced in the transport direction, such that their protrusions in the transport direction can vary.

[0014] This allows for changes in the protrusion of the first and second upper conveyor belts of the upper conveyor on the loading surface within the stacking module.

[0015] In one embodiment, the upper conveying device of the conveying module extends further in the transport direction than the lower conveying device, wherein the upper conveying device extends beyond the loading surface in the stacked module.

[0016] In one embodiment, the upper conveying device is configured to extend beyond the loading surface of the stacked module by at least 50% of the length of the loading surface.

[0017] In one embodiment, the distal exit ends of the first upper conveyor belt and the distal exit ends of the second upper conveyor belt may be positioned at different longitudinal locations relative to each other. The first upper conveyor belt and the second upper conveyor belt may be arranged parallel to each other.

[0018] In one embodiment, each of the first upper conveyor belt and the second upper conveyor belt is mounted on an upper frame portion having a fixed frame portion and a movable frame portion, wherein the movable frame portion includes first and second distal exit rollers defining the distal exit ends of the first and second upper conveyor belts.

[0019] In one embodiment, each of the first lower conveyor belt and the second lower conveyor belt is mounted on a lower frame portion having a fixed frame portion and a movable frame portion, wherein the movable frame portion includes first and second distal exit rollers defining the distal exit ends of the first lower conveyor belt and the second lower conveyor belt.

[0020] In one embodiment, the first and second roller assemblies are connected to a movable frame portion and configured to move with it.

[0021] In one embodiment, the first and second lower conveyor belts and the first and second upper conveyor belts are laterally movable, such that the lateral distance between the conveyor belts can be changed.

[0022] In one embodiment, the first and second lower conveyor belts and the first and second upper conveyor belts are guided by movable compensating rollers located in a fixed frame portion, wherein the rollers are configured to change the travel path of the conveyor belts and change their contact length with the folding box.

[0023] In one embodiment, a support surface in the conveying module is located between the upper and lower conveying devices, wherein the support surface is inclined upward in the transport direction at an angle ranging from 1° to 15°, preferably from 3° to 7°, and most preferably about 5°. This allows the folded box to move by gravity caused by the ramp, such that the rear edge of the folded box abuts against the discharger surface, thereby enabling the formation of an aligned stack.

[0024] According to a second aspect of the invention, a conveying and stacking assembly for a folding adhesive machine is provided, the assembly including a conveying module and a stacking module, wherein the stacking module includes a loading surface and an ejector, wherein the loading surface is inclined upward in the transport direction.

[0025] The support plane in the conveying module and the loading surface in the stacking module can have substantially the same inclination. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the discharger is located upstream of the first and second distal exit rollers of the first and second lower conveyor belts.

[0026] According to another aspect of the invention, there is a stacking module for a folding adhesive machine, the stacking module being located downstream of a conveying module in the transport direction of the folding adhesive machine, and configured to receive folding boxes from a conveying device in the conveying module.

[0027] The stacking module includes a loading surface and a linearly movable ejector. The loading surface is configured to receive multiple folded boxes to form a stack and descends vertically as the number of folded boxes on the loading surface increases. The linearly movable ejector is configured to eject the stack from the loading surface.

[0028] Furthermore, the stacking module further includes a front abutment guide configured to move between an abutment position and a clean position, in which the front abutment guide is positioned in front of the front leading edge of the folded box when the folded box is placed on the loading surface, and in the clean position, the front abutment guide is positioned away from the stack so that the ejector can empty the stack from the loading surface.

[0029] This is based on the understanding that the limited space defined for the folding box can be formed by the front abutment guide. This prevents undesirable movement and misalignment of the folding box and guides the folding box downwards to form an aligned stack on the loading surface in the stacking module.

[0030] The loading surface can be configured to descend gradually as each batch of folded boxes is supplied. Alternatively, the loading surface can be configured to descend continuously as boxes are supplied to the loading surface in a continuous supply manner. In one embodiment, the loading surface can be modified to descend gradually or continuously.

[0031] In one embodiment, the front abutment guide includes a first abutment plate and a second abutment plate arranged side by side. The first and second abutment plates are laterally displaced relative to each other. In another embodiment, the first and second abutment plates are longitudinally displaced relative to each other and in the transport direction.

[0032] In one embodiment, the ejector includes a first and a second actuator arranged laterally to each other, wherein each actuator is linearly displaceable in the transport direction and configured to move uniformly between a retracted position and an extended position.

[0033] The first and second actuators can be displaced laterally and longitudinally relative to each other, such that their retracted and extended positions are different.

[0034] In one embodiment, the stacking module further includes an upper guide configured to move between a clean position and a guide position, the clean position being vertically away from the upper surface of the stack, and the guide position being positioned closer to the upper surface of the stack, wherein the upper guide is in the guide position when the ejector moves from the retracted position.

[0035] During the descent of the completed stack located on the loading surface, the upper guide can be synchronized to a guide position and configured to follow the downward movement of the loading surface.

[0036] Therefore, the upper guide can be positioned on top of the adjacent stack before the ejector removes the stack from the loading surface. Faster downward movement of the stack is possible because the sheets remain stacked together during the downward movement. This, in turn, enables higher overall production speeds and prevents the stack from being disturbed. This is advantageous for boxes with low density and high air resistance, which are at risk of "flying" as the loading surface descends.

[0037] In one embodiment, the upper guide includes a first elongated guide member and a second elongated guide member extending in the transport direction. In one embodiment, the lateral distance between the first guide member and the second guide member can be varied.

[0038] The discharge device may be arranged laterally toward the first lower conveyor belt and the second lower conveyor belt, and preferably laterally toward the first and second guide members.

[0039] In one implementation, the guiding position of the upper guide can be changed to correspond to the desired stack height. The upper guide can move at the same speed as the loading surface. Alternatively, the upper guide can be stopped and positioned statically in the cleanup position.

[0040] The upper guide calibrates the stack of folded boxes. Therefore, the upper guide can be configured to descend to compress the stack before it is conveyed into the strapping module. This provides a consistent height for the stack, ensuring that multiple bundles of boxes leaving the strapping module have the same height. The term "calibrate" refers to the alignment of the boxes.

[0041] In one implementation, the front stop guide remains stationary as the loading surface descends. Alternatively, the front stop moves vertically upward as the loading surface descends. As the sheet stack moves downward, only the top sheets in the stack need to be confined to their forward movement. Therefore, the front stop can be positioned only where it is needed. This reduces the vertical extension length of the front stop and the movement of the front stop in the clean position allows the stack to be emptied as required.

[0042] The ejector can be connected to an actuator and configured to move at a first speed when the stack is present in the stacking module and at a second speed when the stack is present in the strapping station, wherein the first speed is greater than the second speed.

[0043] The distance limited to the first speed can be modified according to the longitudinal length of the folded box in the transport direction.

[0044] According to a second aspect of the invention, the present invention relates to a conveying and stacking assembly for a folding adhesive machine, the assembly comprising a stacking module and a conveying module according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the conveying module includes a lower conveying device and an upper conveying device adapted to receive a folded box between them and to convey the folded box in a transport direction toward a downstream loading surface in the stacking module.

[0045] The upper and lower conveying devices include a first conveyor belt and a second conveyor belt, each conveyor belt having a distal inlet end and a distal outlet end, wherein the distal outlet end of the first conveyor belt and the distal end of the second conveyor belt can be individually displaced in the transport direction, such that their extension beyond the loading surface in the stacked module can vary.

[0046] According to a third aspect of the invention, the present invention relates to a method for calibrating a stack of folded boxes in a conveying and stacking assembly according to the preceding claims, the method comprising the following steps:

[0047] - In the conveyor module, align the lower conveyor with the rear edge of the folding box.

[0048] - In the conveying module, align the upper conveying device with the front edge of the folding box.

[0049] - In the stacking module, the front adjacent guide is moved to the guide position, in which the upper guide is positioned at a first distance from the upper surface of the stack.

[0050] - Transport the folded box between the upper and lower conveyors toward the loading surface in the stacked module.

[0051] - The loading surface in the descending stack module,

[0052] - Once stacking is complete and the loading surface is at its final loading height, lower the loading surface for evacuation, thereby lowering the loading surface to the evacuation position.

[0053] - Move the front adjacent guide to the clean position, vertically away from the top surface of the stack, further away from the top surface of the stack than in the guide position, and

[0054] - Move the stack from the loading surface.

[0055] In one embodiment, the method may further include the following steps: during the evacuation descent, lowering the upper guide to position it against the top surface of the stack, during which the loading surface moves from the final loading height to the evacuation position. Attached Figure Description

[0056] Further advantages and features will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments of the invention and the accompanying drawings, wherein like features are indicated by like reference numerals, wherein:

[0057] Figure 1a A schematic diagram of a folding adhesive machine according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0058] Figure 1b It shows Figure 1a A schematic diagram of the adjustment section in a folding adhesive machine;

[0059] Figures 2a to 2d It shows in Figure 1a Exemplary types of blanks and folding boxes produced in a folding adhesive machine;

[0060] Figure 3This is a schematic diagram of the adjustment section according to an embodiment of the present invention, and includes a conveying module, a stacking module and a bundling module;

[0061] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the adjusting part according to the present invention when receiving a batch of folding boxes.

[0062] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a transmission module according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0063] Figure 6 This is a schematic perspective view of the transmission module according to the present invention.

[0064] Figure 7 yes Figure 5 A schematic cross-sectional view of the transmission module;

[0065] Figure 8 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the stacking module according to the present invention;

[0066] Figure 9 This is a detailed schematic perspective view of the upper guide in a stacking module according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0067] Figure 10 This is a detailed schematic perspective view of the front adjacency guide in a stacking module according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0068] Figures 11a to 11c This is a schematic perspective view of the loading surface of a stacked module according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0069] Figure 12a and Figure 12b This is a schematic diagram showing two exemplary positional arrangements of an ejector having a movable first and second actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0070] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the adjustment of the speed and acceleration of the discharger in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0071] Figure 14 This is a schematic perspective view of a shingled inverter; and

[0072] Figure 15 This is a schematic perspective view of a stacked module according to an embodiment of the present invention, seen in the direction of transport. Detailed Implementation

[0073] Refer to the attached diagram, especially for further reference. Figure 1a , Figure 1a A conversion machine in the form of a folding adhesive machine 1 is shown, wherein the folding adhesive machine folds and adhesives as follows: Figure 2b and Figure 2cThe blank 2' shown is formed as follows Figure 2a and Figure 2d The folding box 2 shown. The blank 2' has a peripheral edge 4 that defines the shape of the wing 6, and is provided with a crease line 8 that allows the intermediate blank 2' to be folded along a predefined line.

[0074] Such blanks 2' are typically produced in another conversion machine (such as a flatbed die-cutting machine or a rotary die-cutting machine). These machines receive flat and typically rectangular sheets of cardboard or paperboard substrate and convert them into blanks 2'.

[0075] Return to reference Figure 1a The folding and gluing machine 1 of the present invention includes a series of different workstations, from inlet to outlet: a feeding module 10, a folding pre-cutting module 12, a gluing module 14, a folding module 16, a conveying module 18, and a delivery station or collection table 19. After the folding and gluing modules of the converter, an adjustment section 20 can be provided to count and separate a batch of folded boxes 2 and arrange them together into a bundled stack. Figure 1b As shown, this adjustment section 20 of the folding adhesive machine 1 includes a counter and separator unit 22, an optional shingled reverser 24, a conveyor module 26 arranged after the shingled reverser 24, a stacking module 28 configured to arrange the folded boxes in a stack, and a strapping module 30.

[0076] The folding adhesive machine 1 further includes a control system, which may include a main centralized control system and separate peripheral control systems. For example, the adjustment section 20 may include a separate peripheral control unit 43. The combination of the centralized control system and the peripheral control system allows specific modules to locally retrieve and process some data, while the central control unit 13 of the centralized control system can be dedicated to controlling the overall operation of the folding adhesive machine 1.

[0077] The counter and separator unit 22 is configured to count the flow of the folded box and regulate it into batches with a predefined number of separations. The separated batches can then be provided with wrapping straps and bundled together in a downstream bundling module 30.

[0078] A shingled reverser 24 can be disposed downstream of the counter and separator unit 22. The shingled reverser 24 is configured to flip every second batch of boxes approximately 180° while allowing subsequent batches to pass directly through. Such a shingled reverser is described in patent EP3481756B1, and... Figure 14 It is shown schematically in the diagram.

[0079] Rotating multiple batches of boxes 180° in the opposite direction allows for a flatter stack height and better alignment, resulting in a substantially vertical stack. This is advantageous for some types of folding boxes that have uneven thickness due to their folded shape. Uneven thickness typically occurs when folding results in multiple sheets of thickness being stacked on top of each other. Figure 14 As shown, the shingled reverser 24 includes an upper conveyor belt 25a and a lower conveyor belt 25b, and is rotatable about axis A, such that when the shingled reverser rotates, a batch of folded boxes 2 can be received between the upper conveyor belt 25a and the lower conveyor belt 25b and rotated 180° in the opposite direction.

[0080] As in Figure 4 As best shown, the folded boxes 2 from the shingled inverter 24 or directly from the counting separation module 22 are further transported downstream to the conveying module 26, the stacking module 28, and the bundling module 30. The conveying module 26 transports batches of folded boxes 2 and positions them in the downstream stacking module 28, where they are stacked. The stacking module 28 collects the boxes 2, forming a stack of aligned and stacked boxes, which are then fed into the bundling module 30.

[0081] Now refer to Figures 3 to 7 Further details of the conveying module 26 according to an embodiment of the present invention are described below. As shown in the figures, the conveying module 26 includes an outer housing and a structural frame 34 on which an upper conveying device 36 and a lower conveying device 38 are mounted. Folded boxes 2 are received from an upstream module (such as a shingled inverter 24) or directly from a counting and separating module 22. The upper conveying device 36 and the lower conveying device 38 are configured to convey a batch of folded boxes 2 between them and position the folded boxes 2 into a downstream stacking module 26. Therefore, a support surface S is defined between the upper conveying device 36 and the lower conveying device 38.

[0082] The transfer module 26 may further include a control interface 40 and a display 42. A peripheral control unit 43 may be arranged close to the control interface 40 and operably connected to it, allowing the operator to monitor and change settings associated with the transfer module 26. Alternatively, the peripheral control unit 43 may be located in the counting separation module 22 and operably connected to the transfer module 26.

[0083] The upper conveyor 36 and the lower conveyor 38 are provided with longitudinal extensions E that coincide with the longitudinal direction D of the folding adhesive machine 1. The longitudinal direction D in the folding adhesive machine 1 can be defined as the transport direction D of the blank 2' or the folding box 2 through the folding adhesive machine 1.

[0084] In the illustrated embodiment, the upper conveyor 36 includes a first upper conveyor belt 36a and a second upper conveyor belt 36b arranged as a pair. Similarly, the lower conveyor 38 includes a first lower conveyor belt 38a and a second lower conveyor belt 38b arranged as a pair. The conveyor belts 36 and 38 are in the form of annular belts and are guided by rollers 37 mounted on the upper frame member 46 and the lower frame member 45, thereby maintaining their positions. The upper conveyor belts 36a and 36b are connected to a drive mechanism 48, which includes a drive roller 50 and a motor (not shown) for driving the conveyor belts. Similarly, the lower conveyor belts 38a and 38b are further connected to a drive mechanism 41, which includes a drive roller 82. For this effect, the conveyor belts 36a, 36b, 38a, and 38b may be provided with a contact side and a traction side, wherein the traction side may be recessed to engage with a corresponding recessed drive roller 50.

[0085] Each of the pair of upper conveyor belts 36a and 36b has an extension between an inlet end 56 and an outlet end 58 in the conveyor module 26. The inlet end 56 is defined by inlet rollers 60a and 60b, and the outlet end is defined by outlet rollers 62a and 62b. These ends 56 and 58 define the total longitudinal contact length of the upper conveyor belts 36a and 36b in contact with the folding box 2.

[0086] Therefore, the first upper conveyor belt 36a and the second upper conveyor belt 36b may include a first inlet end 60a and a second inlet end 60b, as well as a first outlet end 62a and a second outlet end 62b. Similarly, the first and second lower conveyor belts 38a and 38b include first and second inlet ends 67a and 67b, and first and second outlet ends 66a and 65b. The inlet ends 60a, 60b, 67a, 67b and the outlet ends 62a, 62b, 66a, 66b may be defined by rollers.

[0087] The first upper conveyor belt 36a and the second upper conveyor belt 36b may include a pair of movable inlet rollers 60a, 60b configured to move between a receiving position R and a conveying position T. The inlet rollers 60a, 60b may be attached to an elongated frame 63, which is housed in a mating guide rail 64 within the upper frame 46 of the conveying module 26. The vertical movement of the first inlet roller 60a and the second inlet roller 60b of the upper conveyor belts 36a, 36b may be determined by a sensor 61 located upstream.

[0088] like Figure 7As shown, at the receiving position R, the movable first inlet roller 60a and second inlet roller 60b of the upper conveyor belts 36a and 36b are positioned away from the lower conveyor belts 38a and 38b at a first distance d1 from the lower conveyor belts 38a and 38b. This creates a funnel-shaped inlet between the upper and lower conveyor belts 36a and 36b, allowing a batch of folded boxes to be guided between them. In the conveying position T (as shown by the dashed roller), the movable distal inlet rollers 60a and 60b of the upper conveyor belts 36a and 36b are positioned at a second distance d2 from the lower conveyor belts 38a and 38b. In this second position, the movable distal inlet rollers 60a and 60b are positioned closer to the lower conveyor belts 38a and 38b, clamping the folded boxes 2 between the upper and lower conveyor devices 36 and 38. Therefore, the second distance d2 is less than the first distance d1.

[0089] The vertical movement of the first and second distal inlet rollers 60a and 60b of the upper conveyor belts 36a and 36b is coordinated with the registration control and batch position of the folding adhesive machine 1. The control unit 43 of the adjustment section 20 or the control unit of the counting separation module 22 can be configured to determine the time when a batch of folded boxes arrives at the inlet 56 of the conveyor module 26 and activate the actuator 57 to move the distal inlet rollers 60a and 60b accordingly.

[0090] At the exit end 58 of the conveyor module 26, the distal ends 62a, 62b of the first and second upper conveyor belts 36a, 36b extend further in the longitudinal direction D than the distal exit ends 66a, 66b of the first and second lower conveyor belts 38a, 38b. Preferably, the protrusion length can be varied, i.e., the distance d3 between the distal exit ends of the upper conveyor belts 62a, 62b and the distal exit ends 66a, 66b of the lower conveyor belts 38a, 38b. Advantageously, this distance d3 corresponds to the longitudinal lengths Lb1, Lb2 of the produced folding box 2 in the longitudinal direction D (see...). Figures 2a to 2d This allows for adjustment relative to different longitudinal lengths Lb1, Lb2 of the folding box 2. During the transport of a batch of folding boxes 2, the distal outlet ends 62a, 62b, 66a, 66b can be movable, while the distal inlet ends 60a, 60b, 67a, 67b remain in a fixed longitudinal position.

[0091] The distal exit ends 62a and 62b of the upper conveyor belts 36a and 36b are preferably provided with a protruding length d3, such that they are adjacent to the front abutment guide 70 of the stacking module 28. The front abutment guide 70 includes at least one abutment surface 72a and 72b, preferably two abutment surfaces 72a and 72b. The first front abutment surface 72a and the second front abutment surface 72b may be in the form of a first abutment plate 72a and a second abutment plate 72b. The term "adjacent" can be defined as a protrusion distance d3 corresponding to more than 50% (e.g., 75% or 90%) of the longitudinal length of the folding box 2. A small distance between the abutment surfaces 72a and 72b and the upper conveyor belts 36a and 36b is preferred, as this will ensure maximum guidance of the folding box 2 while preventing the upper conveyor belts 36a and 36b from contacting the abutment surfaces 72a and 72b. This allows the upper conveyor belts 36a and 36b to create an enclosed space, allowing the folding box 2 to be accommodated below the upper conveyor belts 36a and 36b.

[0092] like Figures 2a to 2d , Figure 12a and Figure 12b As shown, some folding boxes 2 do not have a straight front edge 3 or a straight rear edge 5. This is indeed the case for certain types of boxes (such as straight boxes or boxes with bottom collision lock). The longitudinal protrusion lengths d3 of the first upper conveyor belt 36a and the second upper conveyor belt 36b can be different from each other. Therefore, the front abutment guide 70 may include corresponding first front abutment surfaces 72a and second front abutment surfaces 72b, which can also move in the longitudinal direction D to ensure that the first front abutment surfaces 72a and the second front abutment surfaces 72b are adjacent to the distal exit ends 62a, 62b of the first and second upper conveyor belts 36a, 36b.

[0093] like Figure 3 and Figure 7 As best shown, the first and second upper conveyor belts 36a and 36b are housed in an upper frame assembly 46, which includes a fixed frame member 46a and a movable frame member 46b. The movable frame member 46b and the fixed frame member 46a are movably connected to each other. Advantageously, a slide rail connection can be provided between the fixed frame member 46a and the movable frame member 46b, allowing the movable frame member 46b, on which the conveyor belts 36a and 36b are mounted, to slide in the transport direction D. This allows modification of the protruding length d3 of the upper conveyor belts 36a and 36b. This further results in the distal exit ends 62a and 62b of the first and second upper conveyor belts 36a and 36b being movably arranged in the transport direction D.

[0094] like Figure 3As best shown, the movable frame component 46a can be connected to an actuator 47 that can be moved by a motor 49. The actuator 47 can be a mechanical actuator 47, but a pneumatic / hydraulic actuator 47 can also be used. The actuator 47 is preferably electric and configured to move automatically based on information from the main control unit 13 or the peripheral control unit 43. For example, the protruding length d3 of the upper conveyor belts 36a, 36b can be determined based on the folding box dimensions input to the user interface 40.

[0095] When the longitudinal positions of the first and / or second distal exit ends 62a, 62b of the upper conveyor 36 and the first and / or second distal exit rollers 65a, 65b of the lower conveyor 38 change, the total longitudinal contact length of the corresponding conveyor belts 36a, 36b, 38a, 38b changes. To accommodate different longitudinal lengths of the same conveyor belt, the travel path P of the conveyor belts 36, 38 is changed. This can be achieved using adjustable compensating rollers 39a, 39b arranged in fixed frame components 45a, 46a. The adjustable compensating rollers 39a, 39b can be linearly movable to modify the travel path P of the conveyor belts 36, 38. This allows the distal exit rollers 68a, 68b, 65a, 65b to be positioned at different longitudinal positions while keeping the distal inlet rollers 60a, 60b, 67a, 67b stationary.

[0096] First and second lower conveyor belts 38a, 38b are positioned around first and second roller assemblies 80a, 80b, which include a series of idle rollers closely positioned together. Roller assemblies 80a, 80b provide a stable support surface for the batch of folded boxes and guide the lower conveyor belts 38a, 38b. A drive roller 82 is located in the lower frame structure 45 and may be provided with a lateral length such that it contacts the first and second lower conveyor belts 38a, 38b and is configured to coherently drive the first and second lower conveyor belts 38a, 38b.

[0097] The distal exit ends 66a and 66b of the first lower conveyor belt 38a and the second lower conveyor belt 38b can also be moved independently in the longitudinal direction D. This allows the lower conveyor belts 38a and 38b to be positioned at different longitudinal positions and also at different longitudinal positions relative to each other. Therefore, the first and second lower conveyor belts 38a and 38b have variable protrusion lengths in the longitudinal direction D. This allows for adjustment according to the geometry of the rearward edge 5 of the folding box 2.

[0098] As previously described, similar to the upper conveyor belts 36a and 36b, the lengths of the first and second lower conveyor belts 38a and 38b can also be modified by providing first and second longitudinally movable distal exit rollers 65a and 65b. For this purpose, the lower conveyor belts 38a and 38b are located in the lower frame 45 and connected to a movable frame member 45b that is slidably connected to the fixed frame member 45a.

[0099] like Figure 7 As shown in the detailed view, first and second roller assemblies 80a and 80b can be configured with variable contact lengths with the first and second lower conveyor belts 38a and 38b. The roller assemblies include a series of rollers 82 mounted in a chain. The roller assemblies 80a and 80b are arranged within the loop of the annular conveyor belts 38a and 38b. In this way, there is no interference between the roller assemblies and the conveyor belts 38a and 38b. The roller assemblies 80a and 80b include a plurality of pin links 84 connected together by a plurality of pivots 86. The rollers 82 are rotatably connected to a roller frame component 88, which is connected to the pivots 86.

[0100] Roller assemblies 80a and 80b are connected to a movable frame member 45b, and the roller assemblies 80a and 80b follow the movement of the movable frame member 45b as it extends or retracts in the longitudinal direction D.

[0101] The conveying module 26 stores the folded box 2 into the stacking module 28. For example... Figure 4 As shown in the best embodiment, the stacking module 28 includes a loading surface 90, a front abutment guide 70 including a first front abutment surface 72a and a second front abutment surface 72b, and an ejector 76.

[0102] The folding boxes 2 are intended to be stored on the loading surface 90 in the stacking module 28, such that they are pre-formed as a calibrated stack of stacked boxes 2. The term "calibrated" means that the boxes are aligned along their edges and the stack is set with a consistent vertical height, such that the stack is straight. The conveying devices 36, 38 and the front abutment surfaces 72a, 72b of the conveying module 26 are configured to accommodate the folding boxes 2 within a confined space. When the folding boxes 2 are provided with a large amount of kinetic energy to move forward along the transport direction D, it is preferable to first align the folding boxes by using the first and second front abutment surfaces 72a, 72b as supports through the front edge 3 of the folding boxes. The abutment surfaces 72a, 72b act as stop surfaces, which prevent further forward movement of the front edge 3 of the front portion.

[0103] The ejector 76 is arranged to empty the stack from the loading surface 90 in the stacking module 28 and further transport the stack to the strapping unit 30. The ejector 76 is located behind the stack in the transport direction D and can be further aligned with the rearward edge 5 of the folding box 2. To achieve this effect, the ejector 76 includes a vertical contact surface 78 having a vertical length exceeding the maximum height of the stack.

[0104] like Figure 4 Ideally, the distal exit ends 66a, 66b of the first and second lower conveyor belts 38a, 38b can be aligned perpendicularly with the vertical contact surface 78 of the ejector 76. This limits the distance between the ejector 76 and the rear edge 5 of the folded box 2. This also reduces the distance required for the ejector 76 to push the resulting stack of folded boxes 2 into the strapping unit 30. This mitigates the potential problem that the greater the displacement of the stack by the ejector 76, the more damage it causes to the rear edge 5 of the folded boxes 2 in the stack.

[0105] The first and second lower conveyor belts 38a and 38b in the conveying module 26 and the loading surface 90 in the stacking module 28 can be provided with an upwardly inclined surface S in the transport direction D. Therefore, the conveying module 26 is configured to guide the front forward edge 3 of the folding box 2 upward.

[0106] The conveying module 26 stores the folded boxes 2 in the stacking module 28 such that their front edges 3 contact the first and second front abutment surfaces 72a, 72b of the front abutment guide 70. The loading surface 90 may be provided with an upward tilt angle of 2° to 7°, preferably 5°, which causes the boxes 2 to perform additional rearward movement to be aligned by abutting their rear edges 5 against the vertical contact surface 78 of the ejector 76. This helps to calibrate the stack and ensures that the ejector 76 contacts the rear edges 5 of the folded boxes 2. The tilt angle in the conveying module 26 facilitates positioning of the folded boxes 2 with a corresponding tilt angle of the loading surface 90 in the stacking module.

[0107] The loading surface 90 is configured to receive one or more batches of inverted and non-inverted boxes 2 and descend until a predefined number of boxes are loaded onto the loading surface 90. This predefined number typically depends on the number of boxes 2 that should be included in each bundle from the bundling module 30.

[0108] like Figure 11bAs shown, the loading surface 90 can move between an initial loading height h1 and an emptying height h3. The initial loading height h1 and the emptying height h3 can be a fixed distance, which can be modified and limited in the control system. However, when the desired number of boxes per bundle changes, a vertical emptying distance needs to be provided between the final loading height h2 and the emptying height h3. Therefore, an emptying descent is defined between heights h2 and h3. During this emptying descent distance, no boxes are placed on the loading surface 90. The emptying descent distance can vary depending on the different heights of the production stack. This is because the final loading height h2 can depend on the number of folded boxes 2 in the stack.

[0109] like Figures 11a to 11c As shown, the loading surface 90 is connected to a drive actuator 92, which is configured to apply a descent speed to the loading surface 90. This speed can be set relative to the speeds of the upper conveyor 36 and the lower conveyor 38 in the conveyor module 26. During ascent and / or descent, the speed of the loading surface 90 can also be set to a maximum value independent of the speeds of the conveyors 36 and 38.

[0110] In one embodiment, the loading surface 90 descends continuously. In another embodiment, the loading surface 90 may descend gradually in a discontinuous manner. The gradual and discontinuous descent can be configured to include a series of predetermined distances received on the loading surface 90 for each batch. This is advantageous because the loading surface 90 remains stationary when the folding box 2 is stored. Therefore, potential friction and misalignment can be prevented.

[0111] The loading surface 90 can be composed of two elongated and spaced-apart support tracks 90a and 90b. Tracks 90a and 90b minimize the contact surface between the stacked surfaces, thereby reducing friction. In addition, the loading surface 90 is lightweight and can be easily moved up and down in the vertical direction.

[0112] When the ejector 76 pushes against the rear edge of the stack, the loading surface 90 enables the stack to slide toward the strapping module 30. In one embodiment, a low-friction surface such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) can be used. Alternatively, in an advantageous embodiment, the loading surface 90 may include rollers 94. The rollers 94 may be idling, as the force for transport can be provided by the ejector 76. Alternatively, at least some of the rollers 94 may be electrically powered.

[0113] The loading surface 90 can be inserted between the rear sliding surface 96 and the front sliding surface 98, which are provided as tracks by rollers, thereby extending these sliding surfaces in the transport direction D. The rear sliding surface 96 and the front sliding surface 98 can be fixedly arranged. The rear sliding surface 96 represents an extension of the loading surface 90 on which the rear of the folding box 2 can be supported. The front sliding surface can be advantageously configured as a transition between the loading surface 90 and the downstream storage surface 101 in the strapping module 30.

[0114] The front sliding surface 96 and the rear sliding surface 98 can be set to a fixed height and are preferably aligned with the storage surface in the strapping area 100 of the strapping module 30. The front sliding surface 98 also enables a longer travel distance, allowing the ejector 76 to push the stack out of the stacking module 28, whereby the stack can be ejected from the loading surface 90, then transported on the front sliding surface 98 and stored in the strapping area 100. Thus, the loading surface 90 and the front sliding surface 98 enable the ejector 76 to position the stack directly in the strapping area 100 where strapping tape is applied around the stack.

[0115] like Figure 11a As shown, the discharger 76 moves linearly and reciprocally between the retracted position RP and the extended position DP. Figure 4 As shown, the discharger 76 can be arranged such that at least a portion of the discharger 76 is positioned upstream of the distal outlet ends 66a, 66b of the first and second lower conveyor belts 38a, 38b.

[0116] like Figure 8 , Figure 11c , Figure 12a and Figure 12b As best shown, the ejector 76 may include a first pusher 76a and a second pusher 76b, wherein the first pusher 76a and the second pusher 76b can be positioned at different longitudinal positions. Therefore, the first pusher 76a can be positioned at a different longitudinal position than the second pusher 76b. This is advantageous for a box 2 with a non-uniform rearward edge, allowing the first pusher 76a and the second pusher 76b to be positioned corresponding to the geometry of the rearward edge 5. Furthermore, this allows for alignment of the pushers 76a and 76b with the most rigid portion of the folding box 2. The first pusher 76a and the second pusher 76b can also be laterally adjustable. This allows the first pusher 76a and the second pusher 76b to fully adapt to the size, length, and overall geometry of the rearward edge 5 of the folding box.

[0117] The pushers 76a and 76b include a linear vertical contact surface 78 corresponding to or exceeding the maximum height of the stack. The vertical contact surface 78 is advantageously positioned such that it aligns with the distal exit ends 66a and 66b of the lower conveyors 38a and 38b. The longitudinal positions of the first pusher 76a and the second pusher 76b can be set accordingly when the lower conveyors 38a and 38b of the conveyor module 26 are shifted in the longitudinal direction D (to adjust for folding boxes of different sizes). The vertical contact surface 78 restricts backward movement of the stack.

[0118] like Figure 13 As schematically shown, the movement of the ejector 76 can be adjusted such that its trajectory includes multiple distances with different speeds and accelerations. This trajectory corresponds to the transport distance of the formed stack from the loading surface 90 to the strapping area 100 in the strapping module 30. Therefore, the ejector 76 has a trajectory from an initial position behind the distal ends 66a, 66b of the lower conveyors 38a, 38b, and can travel all the way to the strapping area 100 in its extended position DP. The strapping module 30 may be provided with a central cutout adapted to accommodate the ejector 76 when it is present in the strapping module 30. During strapping, the ejector speed and acceleration are reduced when the stack is present in the strapping module to ensure strapping accuracy and avoid leaving marks on the folding box 2.

[0119] Speed ​​and acceleration have an impact on the potential damage to the folded box 2 being transferred between the stacking module 28 and the strapping module 30. Meanwhile, it is advantageous to set a high and optimized speed for the ejector 76 so that the overall production speed of the regulating section 20 can be maintained. It has been found advantageous to provide varying speeds and accelerations over multiple different segment distances.

[0120] The acceleration and deceleration in these predefined distance segments can be modified. As shown in the figure, the segment distance is:

[0121] T1 - Acceleration Distance

[0122] T2-Binding Module Approach Area

[0123] T3 - Deceleration Distance

[0124] T4-Binding Module Insertion Speed

[0125] The deceleration in the T5-Binding Module

[0126] The first distance T1 for which the first acceleration is applied can depend on the longitudinal length of the folding box 2. Folding boxes 2 with shorter longitudinal lengths Lb1, Lb2 must travel a longer distance before reaching the strapping area 100 in the stack. In segment T2, once the optimal speed is reached, the acceleration is 0. The speed is reduced by deceleration as the ejector 76 approaches the strapping area 100. The insertion speed in the strapping area 100 is then constant in segment T4 to ensure controlled positioning of the strapping tape around the stack. As the stack is ejected from the strapping area 100, further deceleration can be applied in distance segment T5 so that the strapped stack can be carefully stored at the exit of the folding adhesive machine 1.

[0127] These distance segments T1 to T5 can be automatically defined by a program stored in the memory of the control circuit of the adjustment section 20. The program can calculate acceleration and speed based on the design and paper / board characteristics (such as mechanical resistance). Optionally, production modes that define the speed and acceleration in different distance segments T1 to T5 can be selected on the control interface 40 of the folding gluing machine 1.

[0128] like Figure 4 , Figure 8 and Figure 10 As best shown, the front abutment guide 70 is arranged in front of the loading surface 90 in the transport direction. As previously described, the front abutment guide 70 may include a first front abutment surface 72a and a second front abutment surface 72b.

[0129] The first front abutment surface 72a and the second front abutment surface 72b can be movably attached to the first plate 72a and the second plate 72b of the transverse frame 73. The transverse frame extends laterally or perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction D of the folding adhesive machine 1.

[0130] Depending on the design of the folding box, especially the lateral length of the front edge 3, the lateral distance between the first plate 72a and the second plate 72b can be adjusted. Generally, the longer the front edge 3 of the folding box 2, the greater the distance between the first plate 72a and the second plate 72b. The front abutment surfaces 72a and 72b can also move in the longitudinal direction (i.e., the transport direction D) of the folding adhesive machine 1. This further improves the support of the non-straight front edge 3, as previously described. Therefore, the first and second plates 72a and 72b can be positioned at different lateral and longitudinal positions corresponding to the geometry of the front edge 3 of the folding box 2.

[0131] like Figure 8As shown in the optimal configuration, the first plate 72a and the second plate 72b are connected to the actuator 74 and the motor 75, and can be further connected to the control units 13 and 43 of the folding adhesive machine 1. The control unit 43 can be a peripheral control unit for adjusting the section 20. The optimal positions of the first and second plates 72a and 72b can be automatically calculated by the control units 13 and 43 relative to the dimensions of the folding box 2 when folded.

[0132] A sensor 77 (e.g., a linear encoder 77) can be placed on the front adjacent guide actuator 74 and connected to the control units 13, 43 and the motor 75. The sensor 77 can detect the positions of the first plate 72a and the second plate 72b and transmit the detected positions to the memory 39. This allows the motor 75 to retrieve position feedback to control its movement and the final positions of the first and second adjacent plates 72a, 72b. For subsequent operations with folding boxes 2 of different sizes, the actual positions of the first plate 72a and the second plate 72b can be retrieved from the memory 39, and the actuator 74 and the motor 75 can move the first plate 72a and the second plate 72b to a new optimal position.

[0133] Alternatively or additionally, the first and second plates 72a, 72b can be manually positioned. They can be used as the main setting or manually moved for adjustment by the machine operator.

[0134] like Figure 3 and Figure 10 As schematically shown, the first plate 72a and the second plate 72b are vertically movable between an adjacent position SP and a clean position CP. In the adjacent position SP, plates 72a and 72b are positioned at their lower position to abut against the front edge 3 of the folding box 2. In the clean position CP, plates 72a and 72b are positioned higher than their positions in the support position SP, such that the vertical surface 78 of the entire stacker and ejector 76 can be displaced below plates 72a and 72b without interference.

[0135] The vertical reciprocating motion of plates 72a and 72b is regulated by control unit 43 so that it is synchronized with the displacement of ejector 76. As previously mentioned, the lateral distance between the first and second contact plates 72a and 72b can be modified, for example, for boxes of different shapes. For this purpose, the movement system for repetitive orders can be based on predefined designs and geometries of the folding box 2 stored in memory 39.

[0136] like Figure 10 and Figure 15 As shown, the stacking module 28 may further include an upper guide 110 configured to guide the stack from the stacking module 28 to the strapping module 30 during transport. The upper guide 110 prevents the folded box 2 from moving upward during transport to the strapping module 30 and can also calibrate or compress the height of the stack.

[0137] The upper guide 110 can move vertically between the clean position CP and the guide position GP. Once the stack is ready to be ejected from the stacking module 28 and moved into the strapping module 30, the upper guide 110 descends from the clean position CP to the guide position GP to position itself close to the top surface of the stack. The upper guide 110 can be dynamically arranged so that it can be set according to the height of the stack. The upper guide 110 also helps avoid the "stack spring effect" by keeping the stack aligned to ensure that the stack is conveyed to the strapping module 30.

[0138] Additionally, in an advantageous embodiment, the upper guide 110 may be further configured to abut against the upper surface of the stack as the stack descends from the final loading height h2 to the emptying height h3 (see [link]). Figure 11b When multiple folded boxes 2, including those in a bundle, are placed on the loading surface 90, the final loading height h2 corresponds to the height of the loading surface 90. The upper guide 110 can maintain stack alignment during descent by following the downward movement of the loading surface 90. Furthermore, since the upper guide 110 can be programmed to be positioned at a predetermined distance relative to the loading surface 90, the stack can be aligned to be compressed to a predetermined height.

[0139] The upper guide 110 may include a first guide member 110a and a second guide member 110b. The guide members 110a and 110b may be in the shape of an elongated rod or a blade. The guide members 110a and 110b have a longitudinal extension between the outlet 58 of the conveying module 26 and the storage surface 101 in the strapping module 30. The first guide member 110a and the second guide member 110b may be laterally displaced in a direction transverse to or perpendicular to the transport direction D.

[0140] Lateral displacement can be achieved by guide motor 111 or a pair of guide motors 111a, 11b and actuator 112. Lateral displacement allows for lateral deviation from the upper guide members 110a, 110b relative to the upper and lower conveyor belts 36a, 36b, 38a, 38b in the conveyor module 26. This reduces potential interference between these elongated sections. Furthermore, lateral adjustment can be better tailored to different widths of the folding box 2, allowing the first guide member 110a and the second guide member 110b to adapt to boxes 2 of varying widths. Vertical displacement of the guide members 110a, 110b can be provided by guide descent motor 113 and actuator 114, which can be arranged to move the first and second guide members 110a, 110b uniformly between an initial loading height h1 and an emptying height h3.

[0141] like Figure 8As best shown in Figure 11, the stacking module 28 may further include first and second lateral side guides 120a, 120b. The lateral side guides 120a, 120b may have upper inclined surfaces to form receiving funnels in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction D, such that the lateral sides of the folded box 2 in the folding adhesive machine 1 are aligned when positioned on the loading surface 90. Additionally, a vertical wall may be arranged vertically below the first lateral side guide 120a and the second lateral side guide 120b. The wall laterally holds the stack as it is transported to the strapping unit 28, and is particularly suitable for long folded boxes 2. In one embodiment, the wall may be transparent to allow an operator to visually monitor the stack alignment before the strapping module is installed.

[0142] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention is by no means limited to the exemplary embodiments described. Although the invention has been shown in detail in the accompanying drawings and the foregoing description, such illustrations and descriptions are to be considered illustrative or exemplary rather than restrictive; the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments.

Claims

1. A conveying module (26) for a folding adhesive machine (1), the conveying module comprising a lower conveying device (38) and an upper conveying device (36), the lower conveying device (38) and the upper conveying device (36) being adapted to receive folded boxes (2) therebetween and to convey the folded boxes in a transport direction (D) toward a loading surface (90) located downstream in a stacking module. The upper conveying device (36) of the conveying module extends further in the transport direction than the lower conveying device (38). The lower conveying device includes a first lower conveyor belt (38a) and a second lower conveyor belt (38b), each having an inlet end (67a, 67b) and an outlet end (66a, 66b), wherein the outlet end is individually shifted at different longitudinal positions in the transport direction.

2. The conveying module according to claim 1, wherein the upper conveying device comprises a first upper conveyor belt (36a) and a second upper conveyor belt (36b), each of the first upper conveyor belt (36a) and the second upper conveyor belt (36b) being provided with a distal inlet end (60a, 60b) and a distal outlet end (62a, 62b), wherein the distal outlet end of the first upper conveyor belt and the distal outlet end of the second upper conveyor belt are individually displaceable in the transport direction, such that their protrusion in the transport direction can be changed.

3. The conveying module according to claim 2, wherein the far-side exit end of the first upper conveyor belt and the far-side exit end of the second upper conveyor belt can be positioned at different longitudinal positions relative to each other.

4. The conveying module according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the first upper conveyor belt and the second upper conveyor belt are arranged parallel to each other.

5. The conveying module according to claim 2 or 3, wherein each of the first upper conveyor belt and the second upper conveyor belt is mounted on an upper frame portion (46) having a fixed frame portion (46a) and a movable frame portion (46b), wherein the movable frame portion includes first and second distal exit rollers (68a, 68b) defining the distal exit ends of the first upper conveyor belt and the second upper conveyor belt.

6. The conveying module according to claim 5, wherein each of the first lower conveyor belt and the second lower conveyor belt is mounted on a lower frame portion (45) having a fixed frame portion (45a) and a movable frame portion (45b), wherein the movable frame portion includes first and second distal exit rollers (65a, 65b) defining distal exit ends of the first and second lower conveyor belts.

7. The conveying module of claim 6, wherein the first and second roller assemblies (80a, 80b) are connected to the movable frame portion (45b) of the lower conveying device and configured to move with it.

8. The conveying module according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the first and second lower conveyor belts and the first and second upper conveyor belts are laterally movable, such that the lateral distance between the conveyor belts can be modified.

9. The conveying module of claim 6, wherein the first and second lower conveyor belts and the first and second upper conveyor belts are guided by movable compensating rollers (39a, 39b) located in the fixed frame portion, wherein the rollers are configured to change the travel path of the conveyor belts and change their contact length with the folding box.

10. The conveying module according to claim 1, wherein the support surface (S) in the conveying module is located between the upper and lower conveying devices (36, 38), wherein the support surface is inclined upward in the transport direction at an angle ranging from 1° to 15°.

11. The transmission module according to claim 10, wherein the angle is between 3° and 7°.

12. The transmission module according to claim 10, wherein the angle is 5°.

13. A conveying and stacking assembly for a folding adhesive machine, the assembly comprising a conveying module and a stacking module (28) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the stacking module includes a loading surface (90) and an ejector (76), wherein the loading surface (90) is inclined upward in the transport direction.

14. The conveying and stacking assembly of claim 13, wherein the support surface in the conveying module and the loading surface in the stacking module have substantially the same angle of inclination.

15. The conveying and stacking assembly of claim 13 or 14, wherein at least a portion of the ejector is positioned upstream of the first and second distal exit rollers (65a, 65b) of the first and second lower conveyor belts (38a, 38b).

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