Blank joining module

Abstract

The present invention relates to a blank joining module (10) comprising an upper feeder unit (32b) and a lower feeder unit (32a), an upper transfer conveyor (84) configured to convey an upper blank (2b), and a lower transfer conveyor (82) configured to convey a lower blank (2a) toward a joining point (J) where the upper blank is superposed on the lower blank. The lower transfer conveyor includes an inlet portion (83a) and an outlet portion (83b), and the outlet portion is located downstream of the joining point. The upper transfer conveyor is disposed vertically above the lower transfer conveyor and includes a funnel-shaped inlet portion (88a) and a horizontal outlet portion (88b).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a converting machine for manufacturing folding boxes and other similar packaging containers. More specifically, it relates to a blank joining module configured to join two blanks before integrally folding the blanks.

[0002] Converting machines such as folder-gluers are used in the manufacture of packaging items such as cardboard boxes and corrugated boxes. These machines include multiple workstations that can fold, glue, count, stack, and batch-adjust boxes formed from blanks.

Background Art

[0003] Folder-gluers can be configured to manufacture many different types of folding boxes and packaging containers. One type of assembled box formed by joining two blanks is often called a "shelf-ready" box. A shelf-ready box includes an outer blank and an inner blank that are folded and glued together. The inner blank functions as an inner container for the product to be stored, and the outer blank can function as protection during transportation. This type of box is commonly used in supermarkets and stores, and the inner container is placed on the shelf with the product inside.

[0004] When manufacturing a packaging container from a plurality of blanks joined together, a blank joining module having a double feeder is required. Specifically, each of the first and second blanks requires a dedicated feeder. An example of a blank joining module with a double feeder unit is described in European Publication No. 2072241.

[0005] The first and second blanks need to be glued and pressed together at the joining point to form an assembled integral blank. However, there is a risk of bending and breaking the cellulose fibers of the blanks at the joining point.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Document

[0006]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] In view of the above, an object of the present invention is to ensure correct alignment and joining of the upper and lower blanks while reducing the risk of damaging the assembled blank.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] This object is solved by the blank joining module according to claim 1.

[0009] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a blank joining module comprising an upper feeder unit and a lower feeder unit each configured to supply respective first and second blanks in a conveying direction. The blank joining module includes a joining conveyor having a lower transfer conveyor and an upper transfer conveyor. The lower transfer conveyor includes an inlet portion configured to convey the lower blank toward a joining point where the upper blank is positioned on the lower blank to form an assembled blank. The lower transfer conveyor further includes an outlet portion located downstream of the joining point.

[0010] The upper transfer conveyor includes a downwardly inclined inlet portion located upstream of the joining point in the conveying direction and a horizontal outlet portion.

[0011] The upper transfer conveyor is provided with an upper conveyor belt, and a contact roller is arranged at the joining point. The contact roller is configured to indirectly apply pressure to the assembled blank by pressing the inner peripheral surface of the upper conveyor belt. The contact roller is attached to a linearly movable piston rod.

[0012] The conveying direction can be defined as the horizontal direction extending from the upper and lower feeder devices to the joining point. The conveying direction preferably coincides with the longitudinal direction of the converter. The conveying direction extends between the inlet and outlet of the converter. Therefore, the conveying direction can extend widely from the upper and lower feeder devices to the folding and gluing modules of the converter, and further downstream to the delivery module of the converter.

[0013] The present invention is based on the recognition that it is possible to improve the alignment and joining of two blanks by providing a seamless and optimized trajectory of the upper blank at the joining point for the two blanks.

[0014] In one embodiment, the outlet portion of the upper transfer conveyor is parallel to the outlet portion of the lower transfer conveyor, and the assembled blank can be received between the respective outlet portions of the upper and lower transfer conveyors.

[0015] The assembled blank is preferably sandwiched between the outlet portion of the lower transfer conveyor and the horizontal outlet portion of the upper transfer conveyor.

[0016] Preferably, the conveyor belt of the upper transfer conveyor extends further upstream in the conveying direction than the joining point.

[0017] The conveyor belt forms a loop and has an outer peripheral portion and an inner peripheral portion. The contact roller presses against the inner peripheral portion of the conveyor belt so as to indirectly apply pressure to the blank. The outer peripheral portion contacts the blank and feeds the blank, while the inner peripheral portion does not contact the blank. In one embodiment, the contact roller is attached to a hydraulic or pneumatic piston rod, and the contact roller is linearly movable.

[0018] In an exemplary embodiment, the axis of the pneumatic piston rod is arranged at a predetermined angle with respect to the vertical direction, and the angle is selected to be about 50% of the inclination angle of the inlet portion that inclines downward with respect to the horizontal direction.

[0019] The vertical direction is the direction of gravity. The horizontal direction is a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction.

[0020] In one embodiment, the angle of the axis of the piston rod is between 5° and 10°, preferably about 7.5°.

[0021] The downwardly inclined inlet portion can be formed by a distal inlet roller and a contact roller. The distal inlet roller is preferably disposed upstream of the contact roller in the conveying direction and above the contact roller in the conveying direction. The conveyor belt is preferably guided by the contact roller and the distal inlet roller.

[0022] The distal inlet roller of the upper transfer conveyor can be attached to a movable frame, and the movable frame is adjustable so that the inclination angle of the funnel-shaped portion can be changed.

[0023] The upper transfer conveyor can be disposed downstream of the conveying conveyor, and the funnel-shaped inlet portion of the upper transfer conveyor is arranged at the same inclination angle as the conveying conveyor with respect to the horizontal direction.

[0024] The conveying conveyor can be an upper alignment conveyor. The upper alignment conveyor can include a conveyor belt and a slider. The slider can be a low-friction surface or a row of idler rollers.

[0025] In one embodiment, the lower transfer conveyor includes a conveyor belt provided with an opening, and at least one suction box is disposed upstream of the joint point at the inlet portion of the lower transfer conveyor.

[0026] In one embodiment, the lower transfer conveyor has an outlet portion of variable length in the conveying direction. The outlet portion of the lower transfer conveyor can include a plurality of idler rollers.

[0027] The idler rollers of the outlet portion can be attached to a frame having a fixed length. Thereby, the assembled blank can be completely pasted and joined before arriving at the folding pre-braking module where the leading edge in front of the assembled blank is located on the downstream side.

[0028] In one embodiment, the contact pressure of the contact roller is adjustable from the user interface.

[0029] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which the same reference numerals are assigned to the same features.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0030]

Figure 1

Figure 2a

Figure 2b

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6a

Figure 6b

Figure 6c

Figure 7

Figure 8a

Figure 8b

Figure 9a

Figure 9b

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0031] Specifically, refer to FIG. 1 showing the converter 1 in the form of the folding-gluing machine 1. The folding-gluing machine 1 receives the first and second stacks of blanks 2, joins the blanks from each stack to form the assembled blank 2', and then folds the assembled blank 2' to form the folded box 2'' or other assembled packaging containers.

[0032] There are several types of boxes 2’’ and packaging containers that can be manufactured by the folding-gluing machine 1. One type of such box 2’ is shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b and may be called a “shelf ready” box 2’’. This type of box 2’’ is composed of two blanks 2b, 2a joined together. One blank 2a can form an inner container and the other blank 2b can form an outer container. In use, the outer container can be manually removed, while the inner container holds the merchandise to be stored.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 1, the folding-gluing machine 1 comprises a series of different workstations in the form of modules. The modules can include a blank joining module 10, a folding pre-breaking module 12, a gluing module 15, and a folding module 16 in the conveying direction T extending from the inlet A to the outlet B. The folding-gluing machine 1 can further comprise a main user interface 11 and a quality control system 18. After the gluing module and the folding module, a delivery module and an adjustment section 20 can be provided to count the roof plate-like flow of the folded box 2’ and separate it into separate batches. The converting machine 1 further comprises a conveying system 19 including conveyors such as endless belts and rollers configured to convey the first and second blanks 2a, 2b in the conveying direction T. Also, the converting machine 1 comprises a control circuit 80 configured to control the operation of the blank joining module 10.

[0034] The blank joining module 10 enables the folding-gluing machine to manufacture the assembled blank 2’. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the blank joining module 10 comprises a feeder unit 32, an alignment unit 34, a gluing device 100, a targeting control arrangement 36, and a joining transfer machine 38.

[0035] As can be best seen from FIGS. 3 and 4, the feeder unit 32 includes a lower feeder device 32a and an upper feeder device 32b. The upper and lower feeder devices 32b and 32a are each configured to supply the blanks 2a and 2b one by one in the transport direction T.

[0036] The upper feeder device 32b is configured to supply a first blank 2b, also referred to as an "upper blank", from a stack arranged on the upper placement surface 33b. The lower feeder device 32a is configured to supply a second blank 2a, also referred to as a "lower blank", from a stack arranged on the lower placement surface 33a of the lower feeder device 32a.

[0037] The upper placement surface 33b is located vertically above the lower placement surface 33a. To facilitate access to the upper placement surface 33b, the upper feeder device 32b is displaceable in the longitudinal direction L and the transport direction T. The longitudinal direction L is defined by the longitudinal extension of the upper placement surface 33b. Accordingly, the longitudinal direction L is inclined downward in the transport direction T. In this way, the upper placement surface 33b can be displaced to a position horizontally offset with respect to the lower placement surface 33a. Thereby, the trailing edge of the blank 2b on the upper placement surface 33b can be vertically aligned with the trailing edge of the blank 2a on the lower placement surface 33a. Accordingly, the upper placement surface 33b can be further moved upstream in the transport direction T. Thereby, the upper placement surface 33a can be moved close to the machine operator.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 4, the alignment unit 34 is disposed on the downstream side in the conveying direction T of the feeder unit 32. The alignment unit 34 is configured to laterally align the upper blank 2b and the lower blank 2a to their respective predetermined lateral positions. Therefore, the alignment unit 34 is configured to align the upper and lower blanks 2b, 2a in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction T. In this way, when the blanks 2a, 2b are brought into contact with each other at the joining point J, the upper blank 2b and the lower blank 2a are in the correct lateral positions. With the correct lateral positions, the upper and lower blanks 2b, 2a can be assembled according to a preset assembly instruction.

[0039] The pasting device 100 is located upstream of the joining point J. The pasting device 100 is arranged to distribute paste onto the upper surface of the lower blank 2a, and the paste is positioned between the upper blank 2b and the lower blank 2a.

[0040] The alignment unit 34 includes an upper alignment device 34b configured to align the upper blank 2b and a lower alignment device 34a configured to align the lower blank 2a. The upper and lower alignment devices 34b, 34a preferably include respective distal upstream coupling ends 35b, 35a fixedly coupled to their respective upper and lower feeder units 32b, 32a.

[0041] The lower alignment device 34a is configured to convey the lower blank 2a along a substantially horizontal conveying path Pa. As best seen from FIG. 5, the lower alignment device 34a includes an upper pressing member 60a, a lower conveyor 61a, and a guide (not shown). The lower conveyor 61a consists of an endless conveyor belt 62a having a contact length Lca configured to contact the lower blank 2a and convey it forward in the conveying direction T.

[0042] As can be best understood from FIGS. 6a - 6c, the upper alignment device 34b includes an upper pressing member 60b and an upper conveyor 61b. The upper conveyor 61b is composed of an endless conveyor belt 62b having a contact length Lcb configured to contact the upper blank 2b and convey it forward in the conveying direction T. The guide 63 is arranged such that the extending portion coincides with the longitudinal direction. The upper pressing member 60b and the upper conveyor 61b are arranged at a predetermined angle with respect to the conveying direction T such that the side edge of the lower blank 2a faces the guide 63.

[0043] Therefore, the upper alignment device 34b is configured in the same manner as the lower alignment device 34a. However, the upper alignment device 34b is provided with a contact length Lcb variable in the conveying direction T. The upper alignment device 34b further includes a movable distal end 35a coupled to the upper feeder device 32b and a fixed distal end 37b coupled to the structural frame 40 of the blank joining module 10. This enables displacement of the upper feeder device 32b in the longitudinal direction L while maintaining a fixed connection to the upper alignment device 34b.

[0044] As shown in FIGS. 6b and 6c, the upper conveyor 61b of the upper alignment device 34b further includes a support structure 69 configured to support the conveyor belt 62b. The support structure 69 includes a plurality of guide rollers 67 on which the conveyor belt 62b is mounted (see FIG. 6a). The guide rollers 67 are attached to the frame member 70. The connecting mechanism 68 connects adjacent frame members 70 to each other. The connecting mechanism 68 is extendable so as to be able to change the distance between the frame members 70. The frame member 70 is displaceable in the conveying direction T. Each guide roller 67 is attached to the frame member 70 and arranged in a row. The connecting mechanism 68 can change the contact length Lcb while all the guide rollers 67 are in contact with the upper blank 2b.

[0045] Preferably, the coupling mechanism 68 includes a plurality of pivotable links 74a, 74b that enable equidistant displacement of the frame members 70. The pivotable coupling links 74a, 74b can be provided by two linear elements. The pivotable coupling links 74a, 74b are coupled to each frame member 70 at a central pivot 75. Also, the pivotable coupling links 74a, 74b are coupled to each other at an upper pivot 76 and a lower pivot 77. The upper pivot 76 and the lower pivot 77 are movable in the longitudinal direction L.

[0046] By coupling the frame member 70 to the central pivot 75, the horizontal position of the central pivot 75 is kept constant.

[0047] Each frame member 70 further includes a first cantilever extension 70a and a second cantilever extension 70b that are coupled to a frame member bracket 70c.

[0048] The guide roller 67 of the conveyor belt 62b is attached to the first cantilever extension 70a, and the pressing roller 66 is attached to the second cantilever extension 70b. The first and second cantilever extensions 70a, 70b extend horizontally and parallel to each other. The second cantilever extension 70b is disposed vertically above the first cantilever extension 70a.

[0049] The second cantilever extension 70b can be supported by an upper guide rail 71b, and the second cantilever extension 70b can be supported by a lower guide rail 71a. Each of the guide rails 71a, 71b can be in the form of a longitudinal bar disposed below the first and second cantilever extensions 70a, 70b.

[0050] The support structure has a first distal end 35b coupled to the upper feeder device 32b and a second distal end 37b coupled to the frame 40 of the blank joining module 10.

[0051] The distal inlet end 35b of the upper alignment device 34b can include a mounting bracket 79 configured to be attached to the upper feeder device 32b. The mounting bracket 79 can further include a fixed structure that forms an inlet section I for the upper pressing roller 66 and the guide roller 67 of the conveyor belt 62b. The mounting bracket 79 provides a fixed connection with the cantilever extensions 70b, 70c such that the inlet section I has a constant length regardless of the extension or contraction of the linkage mechanism 68. The distal central pivot 79a is attached to the mounting bracket 79. The second distal central pivot 79b is attached to the frame member 77 of the upper alignment module 34b.

[0052] To further facilitate access to the upper feeder unit 32b, the blank joining module 10 can further include a modular podium 50. As best seen in FIG. 3b, the podium 50 includes at least one step surface 52a. Preferably, the podium 50 includes a second step surface 52b located on the first step surface 52a.

[0053] The sizing control arrangement 36 preferably includes an upper sizing conveyor 78 disposed downstream of the alignment module and configured to convey the upper blank 2b. The upper sizing conveyor 78 can include a conveyor belt and a slider between which the upper blank 2b is received. The slider can be a low friction surface or a row of idler rollers.

[0054] The sizing control arrangement 36 further includes a position correction device 72 located above the sizing conveyor 78. The position correction device 72 can include a cleat belt having one or more contact portions. The position of the upper blank 2b can be corrected by contacting the contact portion with the leading edge E1b or the trailing edge E2b of the upper blank 2b and accelerating or decelerating the upper blank 2b in the conveying direction T.

[0055] As can be best seen from FIG. 4, the joining transfer machine is located downstream of the alignment unit 34 and includes a lower transfer conveyor 82 and an upper transfer conveyor 84.

[0056] As shown in FIGS. 9a and 9b, the lower transfer conveyor 82 includes an inlet portion 83a and an outlet portion 83b. The inlet portion 83a extends from a distal inlet end E1 located at the outlet of the lower alignment conveyor 61a to a joining point J.

[0057] The outlet portion 83b of the lower transfer conveyor 82 extends from the joining point J to a distal outlet end E2 of the lower transfer conveyor 82. After the joining point J and in the conveying direction T, the lower transfer conveyor 82 includes a plurality of idler rollers 97.

[0058] The inlet portion 83a includes a lower conveyor belt 85 that extends from the inlet distal end E1 to an upstream position of the joining point J. The inlet portion 83a can include at least one suction box 86 configured to apply a suction force to the bottom surface of the lower blank 2a. The lower conveyor belt 85 preferably includes an opening S that enables the application of a suction force to the lower blank 2a.

[0059] The suction box 86 restricts the movement of the lower blank 2a and holds the trailing edge of the lower blank 2a until the upper blank 2a is joined onto the lower blank 2a.

[0060] As shown in FIGS. 7, 8a, and 8b, the upper transfer conveyor 84 includes an inlet portion 88a that slopes downward in the conveying direction T and a horizontal outlet portion 88b. The horizontal outlet portion 88b can have an extension that coincides with the horizontal direction H or can be positioned at an angle of 0 to 15° with respect to the horizontal direction H. The upper transfer conveyor belt 89 extends from an inlet end E3 to an outlet end E4 of the upper transfer conveyor 84.

[0061] The inlet end E3 is defined by a distal inlet roller 87 located upstream of the joining point J in the conveying direction T. The outlet end E4 can be vertically aligned with the distal outlet end E2 of the lower transfer conveyor 82.

[0062] The transition point P is located between the inlet portion 88a and the horizontal transfer portion 88b of the upper transfer conveyor 84, and is characterized by a change in the inclination of the upper transfer conveyor belt 89 with respect to the horizontal direction H. The transition point P corresponds to the joining point J.

[0063] The inlet portion 88a has an inclination angle α. The angle α can also be referred to as the conveying angle α. The inclination angle α preferably corresponds to the angle of the upper alignment conveyor 78 located upstream. The inclination angle α is between about 25° and 35°, preferably 30°.

[0064] As can be best seen from FIG. 8a, the distal inlet roller 87 can be attached to the movable frame 90. The movable frame 90 can be made adjustable so as to be able to change the inclination angle α of the inlet portion 88a.

[0065] The downwardly inclined inlet portion 88a allows the upper blank 2b to be in seamless contact with the upper transfer conveyor 84 and to be redirected to follow a substantially horizontal transfer path in the horizontal transfer portion 88b.

[0066] The contact roller 99 is located at the transition point P between the downwardly inclined inlet portion 88a and the horizontal transfer portion 88b of the upper transfer conveyor 84. The contact roller 99 is configured to apply pressure to the blank 2 assembled at the joining point J. The contact roller 99 indirectly applies pressure to the assembled blank 2 by pressing against the inner peripheral surface of the upper transfer conveyor belt 89 of the upper transfer conveyor 84. This allows for the dispersion of the applied pressure and ensures a constant conveying speed at the contact point J. This also reduces the possibility of any interference or friction from the contact roller 99.

[0067] Thus, the contact roller 99 positions the upper conveyor belt 89 at the transition point and, together with the distal inlet roller 87, defines the inclined shape of the inlet portion 88a.

[0068] As can be best seen from Fig. 8a, the contact roller 99 is attached to the piston rod 100 and is linearly movable. The piston rod 100 is preferably connected to a pneumatic cylinder 102. Alternatively, a hydraulic cylinder can be used.

[0069] The piston rod 100 can be arranged at an angle β with respect to the vertical direction V. The angle β can be between 12.5° and 17.5°, preferably about 15°. The angle β is selected to be between 40% and 60% of the inclination angle α, preferably about 50%. In this way, the pressure applied from the contact roller 99 is gradually applied to the joint point J located at the transition point between the inlet portion 88a and the horizontal outlet portion 88b.

[0070] The contact pressure of the contact roller 99 can be changed based on the rigidity, fluting, and thickness of the upper and lower blanks 2b, 2a. In this way, the pressure ensures contact between the upper and lower blanks 2b, 2a and avoids rupture of the fluting of the corrugated blank. The contact pressure can be controlled from the user interface 11. Optionally, the contact pressure can be calculated and automatically set by the control unit 91 of the blank joining module 10. In one example, the contact pressure can be between 0 and 5 bar, preferably between 0 and 3 bar.

[0071] The double flexing roller 104 can be located downstream of the contact roller 99. The double flexing roller 104 applies pressure to the assembled blank 2 so that the glue adheres to the upper and lower blanks 2b, 2a.

[0072] Downstream of the joint point J, the upper and lower transfer conveyors 82, 84 are configured to receive the assembled blank 2 therebetween and apply pressure to sandwich the assembled blank 2. The pressure can be selected such that the assembled blank is pressured to a gap distance corresponding to the thickness of the assembled blank 2' and the thickness of the glue layer.

[0073] Preferably, the exit portion 83b of the lower transfer conveyor 82 is provided with an extendable and retractable portion 92. Preferably, the idler roller 97 is attached to an extendable connecting mechanism 94. The connecting mechanism 94 is similar to the connecting mechanism 68 provided on the upper alignment conveyor 61b, and thus includes a connecting mechanism 94 having a plurality of pivotable links 98.

[0074] The exit portion 83b includes a first linear frame member 101 that is movable relative to a second frame member 102. The connecting mechanism 94 is coupled to the first linear frame member 101 and is configured to displace the first linear frame member 101 in the transport direction T, such that the position of the distal exit end E2 of the lower transfer conveyor 82 can be changed. In other words, the position of the distal exit end E2 can be moved upstream and downstream in the transport direction T.

[0075] In this way, the distal exit end E2 of the lower transfer conveyor 82 can be displaced in the transport direction T. Further, the exit portion 83b of the lower transfer conveyor 82 can have a length corresponding to the length of the assembled box 2 in the transport direction T. Thereby, the upper blank 2b and the lower blank 2a can be fully glued and joined together before the leading edge in front of the assembled blank 2 arrives at the folding pre-braking module 12 located on the downstream side.

Description of the reference numerals

[0076] 2a Lower blank 2b Upper blank 10 Blank joining module 32a Lower feeder unit 32b Upper feeder unit 82 Lower transfer conveyor 83a Inlet portion 83b Exit portion 84 Upper transfer conveyor 88a Funnel-shaped inlet portion 88b horizontal outlet part J junction

Claims

1. A blank joining module comprising an upper feeder unit (32b) and a lower feeder unit (32a) each configured to supply respective first and second blanks in a conveying direction (T), wherein the blank joining module comprises a joining transfer machine (82) including a lower transfer conveyor (83) and an upper transfer conveyor (84), the lower transfer conveyor (83) comprises an inlet portion (83a) configured to convey a lower blank (2a) towards a joining point (J), at which the upper blank is positioned on the lower blank to form an assembled blank (2), and the lower transfer conveyor further comprises an outlet portion (83b) located downstream of the joining point (J), the upper transfer conveyor comprises a downwardly inclined inlet portion (88a) located upstream of the joining point (J) in the conveying direction and a horizontal outlet portion (88b), the upper transfer conveyor comprises an upper conveyor belt (89), a contact roller (99) is disposed at the joining point (J), and the contact roller is configured to indirectly apply pressure to the assembled blank by pressing an inner peripheral surface of the upper conveyor belt (89), and the contact roller is attached to a linearly movable piston rod (100). A blank joining module.

2. The outlet portion of the upper transfer conveyor is parallel to the outlet portion of the lower transfer conveyor, and the assembled blank can be received between the respective outlet portions of the upper and lower transfer conveyors. The blank joining module according to claim 1.

3. The upper conveyor belt (89) of the upper transfer conveyor (84) extends further upstream in the conveying direction (T) than the joining point (J). The blank joining module according to claim 1 or 2.

4. An axis of the piston rod is arranged at an angle (β) with respect to the vertical direction (V), and the angle (β) is selected to be about 50% of an inclination angle (α) of the funnel-shaped inlet portion (88a) with respect to the horizontal direction (H). The blank joining module according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The angle (β) is between 5° and 10°, preferably about 7.5°. The blank joining module according to claim 3.

6. The downwardly inclined inlet portion (88a) is formed by the distal inlet roller (87) and the contact roller (99), the blank joining module according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The upper transfer conveyor is disposed downstream of the transfer conveyor (78), and the inlet portion (88a) of the upper transfer conveyor is disposed at the same inclination angle (α) as the upper transfer conveyor with respect to the horizontal direction (H), the blank joining module according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The lower transfer conveyor includes a conveyor belt (85) provided with an opening (S), and at least one suction box (86) is disposed upstream of the joining point at the inlet portion of the lower transfer conveyor, the blank joining module according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The outlet portion (83b) of the lower transfer conveyor has a length variable in the conveying direction, the blank joining module according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The outlet portion (83b) of the lower transfer conveyor includes a plurality of idler rollers (97), the blank joining module according to claim 9.

11. The idler rollers of the outlet portion are attached to a movable frame (101) having a fixed length, the blank joining module according to claim 10.

12. The contact pressure of the contact roller is adjustable from a user interface (11), the blank joining module according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

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