Separator device for a converting machine

Abstract

The present invention relates to a separator device (22') for a folder-gluer machine, said separator device configured to divide a shingled stream of folding boxes into separate batches, and the separator device includes a vertically movable separator head and at least one upper discharge conveyor belt. The lower conveyor system (30) has a lower discharge conveyor belt, so that the folding boxes are pinched together between the upper discharge conveyor belt and the lower second conveyor belt and are transported by them.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a converting machine for manufacturing folding boxes or flat-package type boxes. In particular, the present invention relates to a separator device for a converting machine. Background Technology

[0002] Converting machines are used in the manufacture of paperboard and cardboard boxes, such as folding boxes. These machines include multiple workstations capable of printing, cutting, creasing, folding, counting, and laminating blanks. The blanks are initially placed in a feeder module and transported through different workstations.

[0003] Converting machines need to be customized for different types of boxes, which often leads to adjusting the position or conveyance length of the conveyor belt system.

[0004] Document EP1350617B1 discloses a separator module of a converting machine. The separator module separates a shingle-shaped stream of boxes into batches having a predefined amount. The separator module includes a separator head that moves vertically up and down. The separator head is provided with a thrust plate (also referred to as a "stop plate") and an upper discharge conveyor belt. The discharge conveyor belt is connected to the separator head and can be accelerated to increase the conveying speed of the separated batches. The discharge conveyor belt contacts a plurality of idler rollers that enable free acceleration of the boxes.

[0005] From the perspective of the prior art, the object of the present invention is to provide a separator device having improved precision and alignment during the transport of separated boxes. This problem is solved by the separator device according to claim 1.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a separator device for a folder-gluer machine is provided, said separator device is configured to divide a shingled stream of folding boxes into separate batches, and said separator device,

[0007] - A vertically movable separator head configured to move up and down in a vertical direction between a counting position where the separator head does not contact the boxes and a separating position where the separator head contacts the boxes,

[0008] - Includes at least one upper discharge conveyor belt in the form of an infinite belt, wherein the upper discharge conveyor belt has a contact portion for contacting the upper surface of the boxes when the separator head is in the separation position, and the upper discharge conveyor belt is configured to be driven at a discharge speed (V3) when in contact with the boxes,

[0009] The separator device further comprises a lower conveyor system having a first conveyor belt and a second conveyor belt arranged in succession in the conveying direction of the boxes, and when the separator device is in a counting position, the first conveyor belt is configured to operate at a first speed and the second conveyor belt is configured to operate at a second speed.

[0010] The second conveyor belt is configured to accelerate to a third speed when the separator head is in the separation position, and the boxes are simultaneously pinched between the upper discharge conveyor belt and the lower second conveyor belt and transported by them.

[0011] It is preferable that the above third speed be the same as the discharge speed of the upper discharge conveyor belt.

[0012] The first conveyor belt may be referred to as the inlet conveyor belt, and the second conveyor belt may be referred to as the discharge conveyor belt. The separation position may also be referred to as the discharge position.

[0013] In the example, the first speed and the second speed are the same.

[0014] In an embodiment, the first conveyor belt and the second conveyor belt of the lower conveyor system each have a modifiable contact length, and the transition point between the first conveyor belt and the second conveyor belt is displaceable in the conveying direction. It is preferable that the sum of the contact lengths of the first and second conveyor belts is constant.

[0015] The transition point between the first conveyor belt and the second conveyor belt may be located upstream of the separator head in the conveying direction.

[0016] In an embodiment, the separator device further comprises a control system including a control unit and a memory. The memory includes a program that enables the control unit to calculate the theoretical longitudinal position of the separator head and the theoretical longitudinal position of the transition point between the first and second lower conveyors.

[0017] The memory includes a command for the number of boxes to be included in each batch, and the separator device further includes a detection device configured to detect the passage of the front edges of the boxes and transmit information to the control system to initiate the lowering of the separator head.

[0018] In an embodiment, the contact lengths of each individual conveyor belt are supported by a support structure comprising a plurality of rollers attached to roller frames, and the roller frames are interconnected by a connecting mechanism to form a line. At least one distal roller frame is static, and the remaining roller frames are movable in the conveying direction. A displacement mechanism is connected to the movable distal roller frame of each support structure and is configured to displace the movable roller frames by a displacement distance in the conveying direction, thereby allowing each support structure to extend and retract in the conveying direction.

[0019] In an embodiment, the connecting mechanism is configured to provide the same displacement distance between each roller frame. Preferably, all rollers are in contact with a conveyor belt.

[0020] In an embodiment, the connecting mechanism includes a plurality of pivotable connecting links.

[0021] The pivotable connecting links include a first linear connecting element and a second linear connecting element, the linear connecting elements form a cross, the first linear connecting element and the second linear connecting element have their center pivot points at the center of the cross, and a connection to each roller frame is provided at the center pivot point.

[0022] In an embodiment, the conveyor system further comprises a connecting frame attached to a movable roller frame of the first conveyor belt and a movable roller frame of the second conveyor belt, wherein the connecting frame is connected to the displacement mechanism and configured to reciprocate in the conveying direction.

[0023] In an embodiment, the connecting frame is additionally attached to the compensation roller of the first conveyor belt and the compensation roller of the second conveyor belt, thereby the displacement of the connecting frame modifies the contact length and return length of both the first conveyor belt and the second conveyor belt.

[0024] Hereinafter, the present invention is described with reference to the attached drawings, wherein similar features are indicated by the same reference numerals. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0025] - Fig. 1a is a schematic diagram of a folder gluer converting machine. - FIG. 1b is a plan view of a blank to be placed in the feeder of the converting machine of FIG. 1a. - Fig. 1c is a plan view of folding boxes manufactured in the converting machine of Fig. 1a. - FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a transfer module of a converting machine as known in the prior art. - FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a counter separator module according to an embodiment of the present invention. - FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a conveyor system according to an embodiment of the present invention. - Fig. 5 is a schematic perspective view of the displacement mechanism of the conveyor system of Fig. 4. - FIGS. 6a and 6b are schematic cross-sectional views of a support mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention. - FIG. 6c is a schematic cross-sectional view of a support mechanism according to another embodiment of the present invention. - Fig. 7 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the connection between the support mechanism and the displacement mechanism. - FIGS. 8a and 8b are schematic perspective views of a conveyor system provided with two conveyor belts according to another embodiment of the present invention. - Figures 9a and 9b are cross-sectional views of a conveyor system illustrating its maximum extension and contraction. - Fig. 10 is a detailed schematic perspective view of the displacement mechanism. - FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view of a conveyor system mounted on the frame of a work module. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0026] Refer to the drawings, in particular to FIG. 1a and FIG. 1b, which illustrate a folder gluer machine (1) and a converting machine in the form of a blank (2') to be manufactured and processed therein. The folder gluer machine (1) is configured to receive a blank (2') provided with a peripheral edge (4) defining the shape of a flap (6) and additionally provided with a crease-line (8) that enables folding of the blank (2') along a predetermined line. At the end of the converting machine (1), the blank (2') is deformed within folding boxes (2).

[0027] The folder gluer machine (1) of the present invention comprises a series of different workstations in the form of modules. The modules include, from inlet to outlet, a feeder module (10), a fold pre-braking module (12), a gluing module (14), and a folding module (16). After the folding and gluing modules, a conditioning section (20) may be provided to count and separate shingle-type streams of folding boxes (2) into separate batches and to arrange them together in a band-type stack. The conditioning section (20) of the folder gluer (1) may include a counter and separator module (22), optionally a shingle inverter (24), a transfer module (26) arranged after the shingle inverter (24), a stacker module (28) configured to arrange folding boxes in a stack, and a banding module (29).

[0028] Some types of modules need to be customized for transport to the format of the boxes (2) to be manufactured. Examples of such modules include, for instance, a transfer module (26) as illustrated in FIG. 2, a counter-separator module (22) as illustrated in FIG. 3, and an alignment module as described in the literature GB2182645.

[0029] As can be best seen in FIGS. 1a, 2 and 3, the blank (2') is transported through different work modules in the transport direction (D). The transport of the blank (2') is partially carried out by a conveyor system (30) comprising at least one conveyor belt (32). As best illustrated in FIG. 2, the conveyor belt (32) is in the form of an infinite belt and contacts the blank (2') over a contact length (Lc), and provides a return path (Pr) of a length (Lr) where the conveyor belt (32) does not contact the blank (2').

[0030] The inventors have discovered that a conveyor system (30) having a variable contact length (Lc) of at least one conveyor belt (32) can be provided in the work module of a converting machine (1). This variation in contact length (Lc) can have different advantageous technical effects and applications in terms of various positions, distances, and conveying speeds.

[0031] As illustrated in FIG. 2, it may be desirable to change the longitudinal position of, for example, the inlet end (34) or the outlet end (36) of the conveyor belt (32). In this way, the longitudinal position of the transition point between two work modules can be modified. The transfer module (26) of FIG. 2 may be located upstream of the stacker module (28). The position of the outlet end (36) of the conveyor belt (32) may be set so that the rear edge (5b) of the folding boxes (2) is accurately positioned on the stacker module (28). As the dimensions of the boxes (2) change between different work batches, it is advantageous to change the longitudinal position of the outlet end (36) of the conveyor belt (32).

[0032] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the present invention may also be used to achieve a conveyor system (30) having a fixed total length (L_tot) distributed across a plurality of conveying segments (S1, S2) having variable longitudinal contact lengths (Lca, ​​Lcb) in the conveying direction (D). Such a conveyor system (30) may have a first conveyor belt (32a) and a second conveyor belt (32b) arranged in succession in the conveying direction (D). While the contact lengths (Lca, ​​Lcb) of each individual conveyor belt (32a, 32b) may be changed, the total contact length (L_tot) of the conveyor system (30) is maintained without change. This may be advantageous in applications where the first conveyor belt (32a) and the second conveyor belt (32b) are driven differently, such as at different speeds (V1, V2).

[0033] A possible application of this configuration is a conveyor system (30) for a separator module (22), wherein the arrangement of boxes (2) is separated and separated from the shingle-type stream upstream of the boxes (2). This is preferably done by a separator head (94) that momentarily stops the shingle-type stream located upstream of the boxes while accelerating the arrangement to be separated at an increased speed in the conveying direction (D).

[0034] As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, a conveyor system (30) according to the present invention comprises at least one conveyor belt (32), a support structure (38), and a displacement mechanism (40). The support structure (38) is configured to support the conveyor belt (32) over at least a portion of the contact length (Lc) from the inlet roller (34') to the outlet roller (36').

[0035] The trajectory (Pr) of the return path is supported by a plurality of guide rollers (42), a compensation roller (44), and a drive sprocket (46). The compensation roller (44) is configured to change the trajectory of the conveyor belt (32) in the return path. Accordingly, the compensation roller (44) accommodates a change in the contact length (Lc) by modifying the return length (Lr) of the conveyor belt (32) in the return path (Pr).

[0036] As best illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, the compensation roller (44) may be connected to a displacement mechanism (40) configured to change the position of the compensation roller (44) so ​​that the return length (Lr) is changed. As the compensation roller (44) moves, the return length (Lr) of the conveyor belt (32) in the return path (Pr) is modified.

[0037] The drive sprocket (46) is connected to a motor (not shown) and configured to drive the conveyor belt (32) to move. The conveyor belt (32) may include an engaging means, such as a recessed surface, that engages with the drive sprocket (46).

[0038] As best illustrated in FIGS. 6a, 6b and 7, the support structure (38) includes a plurality of support rollers (52) connected to a roller frame (54) and a connecting mechanism (62) located between the roller frame (54). Each roller frame (54) additionally includes a slider (57a) connected to a guide rail (57b) which is preferably connected to a longitudinal frame member (60).

[0039] Accordingly, the contact length (Lc) of the conveyor belt (32) is supported by support rollers (52) arranged in a line and extending in the conveying direction (D). Over the contact length (Lc), a first distal roller (34') may be configured as an inlet roller (34'), and a second distal roller (36') may be configured as an outlet roller (36'). Each support roller (52) is rotatably attached to a roller frame (54) by a pin (58). The support rollers (52) are preferably idlers.

[0040] The conveyor system (30) may allow one of the inlet roller (34') and the outlet roller (36') to be statically positioned, while the other roller (34', 36') may be movable in the conveying direction (D). The roller frame (54) of the statically positioned roller (34', 36') may be fixedly connected to the longitudinal frame member (60) of the work module. Alternatively, and as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, the distal center pivot (66) of the connecting mechanism (62) is static, while the outlet roller (36') is displaceable in the conveying direction (D).

[0041] The slider (57a) of the roller frame (54) is slidably mounted on the guide rail (57b). The guide rail (57b) is fixedly mounted on the longitudinal frame member (60). The guide rail (57b) restricts the movement of the roller frame (54) in the transport direction (D).

[0042] The roller frames (54) are connected to each other in a row by a connecting mechanism (62). The connecting mechanism (62) can be reduced in the return direction (D) so that the distance (d1) between the support rollers (52) can be changed.

[0043] The connecting mechanism (62) includes a plurality of pivotable connecting links (64). The pivotable connecting links (64) are arranged between each roller frame (54). The connecting mechanism (62) is configured such that a change in the contact length (ΔLc) of the conveyor belt (32) is distributed across the plurality of pivotable connecting links (64) as an equal displacement. Accordingly, the pivotable connecting links (64) are configured to impart an equal displacement (Δd) between the roller frames (54). This means that when one of the roller frames (54) is displaced by a distance (Δd), the remaining roller frames (54) are displaced by the same distance (Δd).

[0044] Equal displacement can be calculated as follows:

[0045] Δd = ΔLc / N

[0046] Here:

[0047] Δd: Displacement distance between rollers

[0048] ΔLc: Change in conveyor belt contact length

[0049] N: Number of pivotable connection links

[0050] To constrain displacement to equal distances and maintain equal distances (d1) between the rollers (56), the pivotable connecting link (64) includes a center pivot (66), an upper pivot (68), and a lower pivot (70) connected to each roller frame (54). The pivotable connecting link (64) may be provided by two linear elements (64a, 64b).

[0051] In a preferred embodiment, the pivotable connecting link (64) is symmetric about a horizontal axis (H) extending through a central pivot (66). The horizontal axis (H) coincides with the longitudinal extension (L) of the support structure (38).

[0052] In this configuration, the pivotable connecting link (64) forms a plurality of "X-shapes" in which a central pivot (66) is connected to each roller frame (54). By connecting the roller frame (54) to the central pivot (66), the horizontal position of the central pivot (66) is maintained constant. However, the distance (h1) between the central pivot (66) and the upper pivot is variable. As best illustrated in FIGS. 6a and 6b, when the support structure (38) extends or retracts in the transport direction (D), the upper pivot (68) and the lower pivot (70) move in the vertical direction (V). The X-shape also ensures that the resulting force (Fr) from the actuator is linear in the connection to the roller frame (54).

[0053] The pivotable connecting link (64) may be provided by two linear elements (64a, 64b) that provide a first convex shape (65a) and a second convex shape (65b), respectively. The convex shape allows strain to be distributed more evenly in the connecting link (64). Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 7, the pivotable connecting link (64) may be a linear element with uniform width and thickness.

[0054] As illustrated in FIG. 7, the displacement mechanism (40) is connected to the connecting mechanism (62). The displacement mechanism (40) may include a piston actuator (41) that can be directly connected to the movable roller frame (54) of the movable roller (34') via an actuator rod (43). Alternatively, the piston actuator (41) may be connected to the movable roller frame (54) via a center pivot (66). The movable roller (34') may be moved in the transport direction (D) in response to a change in the stroke length of the actuator rod (43).

[0055] In another embodiment, and as illustrated in FIG. 5, the displacement mechanism (40) may include a driving mechanism (72) and a connecting frame (76). The connecting frame (76) is connected to a distal roller (36') that is movable through its roller frame (54). The driving mechanism (72) is configured to displace the connecting frame (76) in a conveying direction (D). The driving mechanism (72) may include a displacement conveyor (78) attached to the connecting frame (76) and a motor configured to move the displacement conveyor (78). Alternatively, the driving mechanism (72) may include a piston.

[0056] The connecting frame (76) can also be connected to the compensation roller (44) and configured to provide the same displacement of the movable distal roller (36') and the compensation roller (44). In this way, the absolute amount of displacement in the contact length (Lc) and the return length (Lr) is the same. If the contact length (Lc) increases with the length (ΔLc), the return length (Lr) decreases with the length (ΔLc), and vice versa.

[0057] Referring again to FIG. 3, the conveyor system (30) has a first conveyor belt (32a) and a second conveyor belt (32b) arranged in succession in the conveying direction (D). In this embodiment, each conveyor belt (32a, 32b) is in contact with a separate support structure (38).

[0058] As illustrated in FIGS. 8a, 8b, 10, and 11, the displacement mechanism (40) for such a conveyor system (30) may include an elongated frame member (76) connected to an exit roller (36') of a first conveyor belt (32a) and an adjacent inlet roller (34') of a second conveyor belt (32b). The elongated frame member (76) is movable in a reciprocating manner in a conveying direction (D). The conveying direction (D) coincides with the longitudinal extension of the first conveyor belt (32a) and the second conveyor belt (32b). Thus, the adjacent rollers (34', 36') are fixedly mounted to the elongated frame member (76). This ensures that the distance (Dp) between the rollers (34', 36') does not change at the transition point (T) between the rollers (34', 36'). In addition, this also causes an increase in the contact length (ΔLc) of one conveyor belt (32a, 32b) to result in a similar decrease in the contact length (ΔLc) of the other conveyor belt (32a, 32b).

[0059] This is further illustrated in FIGS. 9a and 9b, where FIG. 9a illustrates a configuration in which the contact length (Lca) of the first conveyor belt (32a) is at its most extended position. FIG. 9b illustrates a configuration in which the contact length (Lcb) of the second conveyor belt (32b) is at its most extended position.

[0060] Preferably, and as best illustrated in FIG. 10, the frame member (76) is also connected to the first compensation roller (44a) of the first conveyor belt (32a) and the second compensation roller (44b) of the second conveyor belt (32a). In this way, the same displacement of the movable end rollers (34', 36') and the compensation rollers (44a, 44b) is provided in response to the displacement of the elongated frame member (76) in the conveying direction (D).

[0061] As illustrated in FIG. 11, the conveyor system (30) can be mounted on the frame (31) of the work module. The work module may include multiple conveyor systems (30) mounted in parallel in the transport direction (D).

[0062] The conveyor system (30) illustrated in FIGS. 3, FIGS. 8b, FIGS. 8b, and FIGS. 11 is suitable for a separator module (22). The separator module (22) is configured to separate a shingle-shaped stream of boxes (2) into separate batches and further transport them to a banding module (29) that applies holding bands to assemble the boxes (2) into bundles.

[0063] As best seen in FIG. 3, the separator module (22) includes an inlet section (91) and a separator device (22'). The separator device (22') includes a vertically movable separator head (94) and a lower conveyor system (30). The separator module (22) may also additionally include a counting device (92) configured to count the boxes (2).

[0064] The separation head (94) is configured to move up and down in the vertical direction (V) between the counting position (A) and the separation position (B). The batch is separated from the upstream shingle-shaped stream of the boxes (2) when the separation head (94) descends from the counting position (A) to the separation position (B). The separation position (B) may also be referred to as the discharge position.

[0065] The separation head (94) is provided with a thrust plate (96) (also referred to as a "stop plate") and a discharge conveyor (98). The discharge conveyor (98) includes at least one upper discharge conveyor belt (99). Preferably, the discharge conveyor (98) includes two parallel upper discharge conveyor belts (99). This allows the discharge conveyor (98) to transport the boxes (2) while preventing the boxes (2) from rotating.

[0066] The thrust plate (96) is configured to come into contact with the forward leading edges (5a) of the upstream shingle-shaped stream of the boxes (2) so that they are momentarily stopped. The longitudinal separation point (Ps) can be defined by the position of the thrust plate (96). As the upstream-positioned boxes (2) are stopped, the discharge conveyor belt (99) is moved at a speed (V3). Preferably, the speed of the discharge belt (99) changes from 0 to V3.

[0067] The counting device (92) is configured to count the number of boxes (2) passing through the counting device (92). The counting device (92) may include a photoelectric cell that optically detects the front leading edge (5a) of the boxes (2). Alternatively, a mechanical counting device (92) may be used. For example, a counting wheel may come into contact with the overlapping shingle-shaped stream of the boxes (2) and may be configured to count in response to the registered up-and-down movement of the counting wheel.

[0068] When a desired number of boxes (2) pass through the counting device (92), the separation head (94) is moved downward into the separation position (B) to stop the remaining shingle-shaped stream of boxes (2). Afterward, the separated batch can be further transported toward the banding module (29).

[0069] To further separate the separated batch from the upstream shingle-type stream of the boxes (2), the transport speed of the separated batch can advantageously be increased downstream of the separation point (Ps). To provide an increased transport speed, the batch of boxes is accelerated after the position of the thrust plate (96).

[0070] To provide a speed difference, the lower conveyor system (30) is provided with a first conveyor belt (32a) and a second conveyor belt (32b) as illustrated in FIGS. 3, FIGS. 8a, FIGS. 8b, FIGS. 9a and FIGS. 9b and as described above. The first conveyor belt (32a) may be referred to as the inlet conveyor belt (32a), and the second conveyor belt (32b) may be referred to as the lower discharge conveyor belt (32b).

[0071] The first conveyor belt (32a) is driven at speed (V1). The second conveyor belt (32b) is configured to accelerate between the second speed (V2) and the third speed (V3). The second speed (V2) may be the same as the first speed (V1) of the first conveyor belt (32a). The third speed (V3) is faster than the first speed (V1). Also, the third speed (V3) is faster than the second speed (V2).

[0072] The lower portion of the thrust plate (96) is preferably located across the second conveyor belt (32b). Alternatively, the thrust plate (96) may be located at a transition point (T) between the first conveyor belt (32a) and the second conveyor belt (32b).

[0073] When the separator head (94) is in the counting position (A), the second conveyor belt (32b) of the lower conveyor can be driven at the same speed (V1) as the first conveyor belt (32a) of the lower conveyor system (30).

[0074] The upper discharge belt (99) and the lower discharge belt (32b) are moved at the same speed (V3) when the separator head is in the separation position (B). When the separator head (94) reaches the separation position (B), both the upper discharge belt (99) and the lower discharge belt (32b) are accelerated.

[0075] The conveyor system (30) may be additionally connected to a control system (100) comprising a control unit (102) and a memory (104). The control system (100) is configured to determine the longitudinal position (in the conveying direction (D)) of the separator head (94) in relation to the number of boxes (2) to be included in each bundle and the format of the boxes (2). As the boxes (2) become longer in the conveying direction (D), and / or as the number of boxes (2) to be included in each bundle increases, the cumulative distance (L_coll) (see FIG. 3) on the second conveyor belt (32b) needs to be longer.

[0076] The control system (100) may be configured to determine the theoretical longitudinal separation point (Ps) of the separator head (94) based on the dimensions of the boxes entering the control system (100). However, there may be some variation in the transport of the boxes (2). Accordingly, the separation head (94) may be further configured to customize its longitudinal position in response to information from the counting device (92).

[0077] The counting device (92) indicates the number of boxes (2) passing downstream of the separation point (Ps). When the last boxes (2) pass through a predetermined number of bundles, the counting device may also provide the time of passage of the front edge (5a) of the last boxes (2) to indicate the register position for the separator head (94). In this way, the separator head (94) can descend precisely and maintain a constant and predetermined number of boxes (2) in each bundle.

[0078] The transition point (T) between the first conveyor belt (32a) and the second conveyor belt (32b) can be determined from the position of the separator head (94). For example, the transition point (T) can be located at a predetermined distance (ds) from the separator head. The transition point (T) between the first and second conveyor belts (32a, 32b) can dynamically follow the longitudinal position of the separator head (94) for each arrangement of the boxes (2).

[0079] A first mechanism enabling such adjustment is an upper frame portion (95) of a counter-separator module in which a separator head (94) is movably mounted. The upper frame portion (95) may include a slide rail (93) (see FIG. 3) in which the separator head is slidably mounted. In this way, the separator head (94) can be moved and positioned at a desired location in the transport direction (D).

[0080] The boxes (2) are pinched between the upper discharge conveyor belt (99) and the lower discharge conveyor (32b). This provides improved stability of the shingle-shaped stream of the boxes (2), and smaller format boxes can be handled with increased stability as they are supported on the upper and lower sides.

[0081] The conveyor system (30) may include a first lower conveyor system (30a) and a second lower conveyor system (30b) arranged parallel to each other. Thus, both conveyor systems include a first conveyor belt (32a) and a second conveyor belt (32b). In this embodiment, the upper discharge conveyor also preferably includes the first and second discharge conveyor belts (99). In this way, the boxes (2) are pinched between the four conveyor belts (99).

Claims

Claim 1 As a separator device (22') for a folder-gluer machine, the separator device is configured to divide a shingled stream of folding boxes (2) into separate batches, and the separator device comprises: - a vertically movable separator head (94), configured to move up and down in a vertical direction (V) between a counting position (A) where the separator head does not contact the boxes and a separation position (B) where the separator head contacts the boxes; - at least one upper evacuation conveyor belt in the form of an endless upper evacuation conveyor belt having a contact portion for contacting the upper surface of the folding boxes when the separator head is in the separation position, and the upper evacuation conveyor belt is configured to be driven at an evacuation speed (V3) when in contact with the folding boxes, and the separator device comprises a first conveyor belt (32a) arranged in succession in the transport direction (D) of the boxes and The lower conveyor system (30) further comprises a second conveyor belt (32b), wherein when the separator device is in the counting position (A), the first conveyor belt is configured to operate at a first speed (V1) and the second conveyor belt is configured to operate at a second speed (V2), and when the separator head is in the separation position (B), the second conveyor belt (32b) is configured to accelerate at a third speed (V3), and the boxes are pinched together between the upper discharge conveyor belt and the second conveyor belt (32b) and transported by them, and the first conveyor belt and the second conveyor belt of the lower conveyor system (30) each have adjustable contact lengths (Lca, ​​Lcb), and the transition point (T) between the first conveyor belt and the second conveyor belt is displaceable in the transport direction (D).Separator device. Claim 2 A separator device according to claim 1, wherein the first speed (V1) and the second speed (V2) are the same. Claim 3 A separator device according to claim 1, wherein the sum of the contact lengths (Lca, ​​Lcb) of the first conveyor belt and the second conveyor belt is constant. Claim 4 A separator device according to claim 1, wherein the transition point (T) between the first conveyor belt and the second conveyor belt is located upstream of the separator head in the conveying direction. Claim 5 In paragraph 4, the separator device further comprises a control system (100) including a control unit (102) and a memory (104), wherein the memory comprises a program that enables the control unit to calculate the theoretical longitudinal position of the separator head and the theoretical longitudinal position of the transition point (T) between the first conveyor belt (32a) and the second conveyor belt (32b). Claim 6 A separator device according to claim 5, wherein the memory includes a command for the number of boxes to be included in each batch, and the separator device further includes a counting device (92) configured to detect the passage of the front edges of the boxes (2) and transmit information to the control system (100) to initiate the lowering of the separator head. Claim 7 In claim 1, the contact lengths (Lca, ​​Lcb) of each individual conveyor belt (32a, 32b) are supported by a support structure (38a, 38b) comprising a plurality of rollers attached to roller frames, said roller frames are interconnected by a connecting mechanism (62) to form a line, and at least one distal roller frame is static and the remaining roller frames are movable in the conveying direction, and a displacement mechanism is connected to the movable distal roller frame of each support structure (38a, 38b) and configured to displace said movable roller frames by a displacement distance (Δd) in the conveying direction, thereby so that each support structure is extendable and retractable in the conveying direction (D), separator device. Claim 8 In claim 7, the separator device is configured such that the connecting mechanism provides the same displacement distance (Δd) between each roller frame. Claim 9 A separator device according to claim 7 or 8, wherein all rollers are in contact with the conveyor belt (32a, 32b). Claim 10 In claim 7, the connecting mechanism comprises a plurality of pivotable connecting links (64), a separator device. Claim 11 A separator device according to claim 10, wherein the pivotable connecting link comprises a first linear connecting element (64a) and a second linear connecting element (64b), wherein the first linear connecting element (64a) and the second linear connecting element (64b) together form a cross, wherein the first linear connecting element and the second linear connecting element have center pivot points (66) at the center of the cross, and a connection to each roller frame (66) is provided at the center pivot point. Claim 12 A separator device according to claim 11, further comprising a connecting frame (76) attached to a movable roller frame of the first conveyor belt and a movable roller frame of the second conveyor belt, wherein the connecting frame is connected to the displacement mechanism and configured to reciprocate in the conveying direction. Claim 13 A separator device according to claim 12, wherein the connecting frame is additionally attached to the compensation roller (44a) of the first conveyor belt and the compensation roller (44b) of the second conveyor belt, so that the displacement of the connecting frame modifies the contact length (Lc) and return length (Lr) of both the first conveyor belt and the second conveyor belt. Claim 14 delete

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