Transfer module for a converting machine

Abstract

The present invention relates to a transfer module (32) for a converting machine (1), the transfer module comprising a receptacle (40) and a conveyor system (38), the receptacle comprising a stacking compartment (42) configured to receive a 5 stack (S) of sheet elements (2'), and wherein the transfer module further comprises an ejection device (64) comprising an ejection member (52) configured to momentarily engage with a rear edge of the stack and push the stack out from the receptacle and place the stack in a banding zone of a banding module.

Description

[0001] TRANSFER MODULE FOR A CONVERTING MACHINE

[0002] Field of the invention

[0003] The present invention relates to a transfer module for a converting machine. In particular, it relates to a transfer module suitable for supplying stacks of folding boxes and other packaging elements to a banding machine.

[0004] Background

[0005] Converting machines such as folder-gluers are used in the production of paperboard and cardboard boxes. These machines are configured to receive cut- to-shaped blanks and then fold and glue them to form folding boxes or other similar packaging elements.

[0006] The folder-gluer machine often comprises a conditioning section. The conditioning section is located at an outlet portion of the converting machine and is configured to arrange batches of packaging elements either in receptacles (such as boxes) or to apply bands around a stack of packaging elements.

[0007] When using a banding module, it is important that the stack of packaging elements to be banded together has an aligned and stable shape before the band is applied. When stacking and banding large packaging elements (such as corrugated cardboard boxes), the packaging elements may be placed vertically above each other. However, for smaller packaging elements such as pharmaceutical boxes, it is common to instead arrange the boxes in a horizontal stack (with the packaging elements located side by side) during the banding operation.

[0008] An example of a banding module is disclosed in document EP3984896. However, as the horizontal stack of folding boxes is introduced into the banding module, it relatively is instable and has a tendency to open up in a fan-shape.

[0009] Summary

[0010] In view of the prior art, it is an object of the present invention to prevent the alteration of the shape of the stack of packaging items before the band is applied around the stack in the banding module. This object is solved by a transfer module according to claim 1 and a system according to claim 13.

[0011] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a transfer module for a converting machine, the transfer module comprising a receptacle and a conveyor system, the receptacle comprising a stacking compartment configured to receive a stack of sheet elements, and wherein the transfer module further comprises an ejection device comprising an ejection member configured to momentarily engage with a rear edge of the stack and push the stack out from the receptacle and place the stack in a banding zone of a banding module and wherein the ejection member is linearly movable between an engagement position, a banding position, and a receptacle discharge position.

[0012] The invention is based on a realization that a re-usable receptacle can be provided in order to maintain the shape of the stack and deliver it in a contained shape to a banding module.

[0013] Within the context of this application, the term “packaging element” 2’ can be interchangeably used with the terms “folding box” 2’ and “sheet elements” 2’.

[0014] The banding zone is a position where a band is applied around the stack.

[0015] In an embodiment, the stacking compartment comprises a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge configured to contact the blanks in the stack which are located at the extremities of the stack, and wherein the stacking compartment further comprise a longitudinal edge which is perpendicular to the first and second lateral edges, and wherein the ejection member is displaceable above the longitudinal edge.

[0016] In an embodiment, the ejection member comprises a contact surface connected to a vertical displacement rod via a horizontal extension. The contact surface preferably comprises a vertical surface and a horizontal surface, and wherein the horizontal surface is positioned above the stack. The horizontal surface is configured to maintain the stack from above as the stack is pushed out from the receptacle.

[0017] In an embodiment, the ejection member is further movable into an evacuation position such as to displace the stack out from the banding zone. Preferably, the ejection member further comprises a retraction mechanism configured to connect to at least one engagement element on the receptacle and retract the receptacle from the banding module . In such a way, the receptacle can be placed on a discharge conveyor, and further reintroduced to the filling device.

[0018] In an embodiment, the retraction mechanism comprises at least one return gripper.

[0019] In an embodiment, the retraction mechanism comprises a first return gripper and a second return gripper, wherein said grippers are pivotably attached to a horizontally extending rod of the evacuation member.

[0020] The engagement element on the receptacle may be shaped as protruding elements in the form of vertically extending rods, and wherein the vertically extending rods are located outside the stacking compartment.

[0021] In an embodiment, the return grippers are angled such that their distal ends extend outwardly in relation to the introduction path to the banding module and such that the return grippers can yield and move in-between the vertically extending rods as the evacuation member pushes the stack out from the stacking surface, and wherein the first and second return grippers only engage with the vertically extending rods when the ejection member is retracted from the banding module.

[0022] The first and second return grippers may be biased by a respective spring member.

[0023] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system comprising a transfer module according to any one of the preceding embodiments and wherein the transfer module is located upstream of the banding module and is configured to transfer the stack of folding boxes into the banding module.

[0024] In an embodiment, the conveyor system comprises a plurality of conveyors and is configured to re-circulate a plurality of receptacles from a filling device to the banding module.

[0025] The conveyor system may preferably comprise a positioning device configured to laterally displace the receptacle into an introduction path to the banding module.

[0026] Brief description of the drawings The invention will now be described with reference to the appended drawings, in which like features are denoted with the same reference numbers and in which:

[0027] Fig. 1 is a schematic view of a converting machine in the configuration of a folder gluer;

[0028] Fig. 2a is schematic top view of a cut-to shaped blank;

[0029] Fig 2b is schematic top view of a folding box;

[0030] Fig. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a filling device for folding boxes;

[0031] Figs. 4a and 4b are schematic perspective views of a banding module;

[0032] Figs. 5a and 5b are schematic diagrams showing how a band can be applied around a stack of folding boxes,

[0033] Fig. 6 is a schematic perspective view of a filling / conditioning station comprising a filling device, a conveyor system and a banding module;

[0034] Fig. 7 is a schematic perspective view of the interface between the conveyor system and the banding module;

[0035] Figs. 8 to 11 are schematic perspective views illustrating different positions of an evacuation member configured to place a stack in the banding module;

[0036] Figs. 12a and 12b are schematic perspective detailed views of a receptacle and the evacuation member;

[0037] Fig. 13 is a schematic perspective view showing a guiding arrangement in the receptacle; and

[0038] Fig. 14 is a schematic perspective view showing an insertion head of the filling device as it is filling the receptacle with folding boxes.

[0039] Detailed description The present invention can be used in converting machines like for instance folder- gluers, flexo-folder gluers, rotary die-cutter machines and printing machines. In order to simplify the present description, reference is made to a folder-gluer machine.

[0040] Referring to the figures and in particular to figures 1 and 2a, which illustrate a folder-gluer machine 1 and a blank 2 to be processed therein. The folder-gluer machine 1 is configured to receive the cut- to-shaped blank 2, and then fold and glue the blank 2 to form a folding box 2’ (see fig. 2b) or other folded and glued packaging elements. These types of packaging elements 2’ are provided in a flat form at the outlet portion of the folder-gluer machine 1.

[0041] The folder-gluer machine 1 comprises a series of different workstations in the form of modules. The modules may include, from an inlet to an outlet and in a direction of transportation T: a feeder module 10, an alignment module 11 , a fold prebreaking module 12, a gluing module 14 and a folding module 16. The folder-gluer machine 1 may further comprise a main user interface 13.

[0042] Downstream of the gluing and folding modules 14, 16, the converting machine 1 may further comprise a delivery section 20 configured to bundle or group a plurality of folding boxes 2’ together. As best seen in figures 3, 7 and 13, The delivery section 20 may comprise an accumulation conveyor 22 and a filling device 24 configured to arrange the folding boxes 2’ in horizontal stacks S. The horizontal stack S comprises a plurality of folding boxes 2’ arranged side by side in the horizontal direction H.

[0043] The accumulation conveyor 22 is configured to rearrange individual and spaced apart folding boxes 2’ into a shingled stream of folding boxes 2’.

[0044] As schematically illustrated in figure 13, the accumulation conveyor 22 directs the folding boxes 2’ into a curvilinear conveyor 26 in the filling device 24. The filling device 24 further comprises an insertion head 28 which can be positioned inside a receptacle 40 suitable for containing a batch of folding boxes 2’.

[0045] Such a filling device and system are described in document EP1989115. However, the system disclosed in EP1989115 is configured to fill receptacles such as cardboard boxes with folding boxes 2’. However, the conditioning section 20 according to the present disclosure is configured to attach bands around stacks of folding boxes 2’. As best seen in figures 6 to 12b, the filling device 24 according to the present disclosure is part of a filling system 30 which further includes a transfer module 32 configured to collect a horizontal stack S of folding boxes 2’ and position the stack S in a banding module 34.

[0046] As best seen in figure 7, the transfer module 32 comprises at least one receptacle 40 configured to receive a stack S of folding boxes 2’ and a conveyor system 38 configured to transfer the receptacle 40 between a loading area LA of the filling device 24 and towards an introduction path P to the banding module 34. The conveyor system 38 preferably comprises a straight introduction path P to the banding module 34.

[0047] As best seen in figure 12a, the receptacle 40 comprises a stacking compartment 42. The stacking compartment 42 comprises a stacking surface 43, a first lateral edge 46 and a second lateral edge 48. When the receptacle 40 is positioned in the introduction path P to the banding module 34, the first and second lateral edges 46, 48 coincide with the direction of the introduction path P. The first and second lateral edges 46, 48 extend in perpendicular to the stacking direction SD of the folding boxes 2’ (see fig. 14). In such a way, the first and second lateral edges 46, 48 contact the two outer folding boxes 2’ in the horizontal stack S. The distance d1 between the first and the second lateral edges 46, 48 define the number of folding boxes 2’ in the stack S.

[0048] The first and second lateral edges 46, 48 may be displaceable in the stacking direction SD such as to adapt the size of the stacking compartment 42 to the number of folding boxes 2’ to be included in the stack S. Preferably, both lateral edges 46, 48 are displaced when the number of boxes changes. This allows placing the stack S in the center of the receptacle 40.

[0049] The receptacle 40 further comprises a longitudinal edge 47 which is perpendicular to the first and second lateral ledges 46, 48. In such a way, the stacking compartment 42 is closed off by three edges 46, 47, 48, while a fourth side 49 of the stacking compartment 42 is open.

[0050] The receptable 40 is preferably a passive device and can be deprived from any motor or drive device fixedly connected to it. The conveyor system 38 may simultaneously convey a plurality of receptacles 40. The conveyor system 38 comprises a plurality of conveyors which may be arranged to form a square or rectangular path. The conveyor system 38 may comprise a combination of roller conveyors and belt conveyors. The roller conveyors are preferably provided with a low friction coefficient. In such a way, the rollers can convey the receptacle 40 in a direction of transportation, while allowing a sliding lateral positioning of the receptacle 40.

[0051] The introduction path P to the banding module 34 may comprise a sliding surface 35. The sliding surface 35 may be a metallic surface. Alternatively, in a nonillustrated embodiment, the sliding surface 35 may comprise a plurality of rollers.

[0052] The conveyor system 38 may further comprise a positioning device 39. The positioning device 39 is configured to laterally displace the receptacle 40 into the introduction path P to the banding module 34.

[0053] The positioning device 39 may comprise a gripper which is configured to engage with a side portion of the receptacle 40. The gripper is connected to a linear actuator, such as a pneumatic or hydraulic actuator.(not illustrated) and is activated when the receptacle 40 is positioned laterally of the introduction path P.

[0054] As best seen in figures 8 to 11 , an ejection device 50 is positioned upstream of the banding module 34. As illustrated in figure 12a, the ejection device 50 comprises an evacuation member 52 configured to contact the stack S and push it out from the receptacle 40. The evacuation member 52 comprises a contact surface 54 connected to a vertically extending displacement rod 56 via a horizontal extension 58.

[0055] The contact surface 54 may comprise a horizonal surface 54a and a vertical surface 54b. The horizonal surface 54a is configured to contact the stack S on an upper surface and the vertical surface 54b is configured to contact the stack S on a lateral surface. The contact surface 54 is preferably configured to establish a contact with all the folding boxes 2’ in the stack S.

[0056] The vertically extending displacement rod 56 is movable in the horizontal direction H. To this effect, an upper distal 56a end of the vertical displacement rod 56 is connected to a guide rail 57 and a motor 59 (see fig. 7). The motor 59 moves the vertical displacement rod 56 in a linear path towards and away from the banding module 34. The linear path coincides with the introduction path P to the banding module 34.

[0057] As best seen in figures 7, 12a and 12b, the evacuation member 52 further comprises a retraction mechanism 60. The retraction mechanism 60 comprises at least one return gripper 62. Preferably, a first return gripper 62a and a second return gripper 62b are provided.

[0058] The first and second return grippers 62a, 62b are configured to engage with a first and a second protruding elements 66a, 66b on the receptacle 40. The protruding elements 66a, 66b can be shaped as vertically extending rods 66a, 66b.

[0059] The first and second return grippers 62a, 62b may be mounted on a respective first and second distal end of a horizontal rod 64. The horizontal rod 64 may be parallel to the evacuation member 54. The horizontal rod 64 may be positioned upstream of the evacuation member in the introduction path P (hence further away from the banding module 34).

[0060] The first and second return grippers 62a, 62b are angled such that their distal end E extend outwardly in relation to a center axis of the receptacle 40, and in relation to the vertically extending displacement rod 56. The first and second return grippers 62a, 62b are preferably pivotably attached to a respective first and second distal ends 64a, 64b of the horizontal rod 64. The first and second return grippers 62a, 62b can move in-between the rods 66a, 66b when the evacuation member 52 enters into contact with the stack S.

[0061] The first and second return grippers 62a, 62b are preferably biased by a spring member, such as a torsion spring. In such a way, the first and second return grippers can yield and enter in-between the rods. 66a, 66b as the evacuation member 52 pushes the stack S out from the receptacle 40. The spring member may be connected to a tension mechanism such that the spring force can be modified.

[0062] The first and second return grippers 62a, 62b are preferably provided with an indentation 63 which engages with the rods 66a, 66b. The evacuation member 52 may thus be linearly movable between a stack engagement position P1 , a banding position P2, an evacuation position P3, a receptacle engagement position P4, and a receptacle discharge position P5.

[0063] In the stack engagement position P1, the evacuation member 52 is brough into contact with the stack S. The contact surface 54 of the evacuation member 52 is positioned above the longitudinal edge 47 of the receptacle 40.

[0064] In the banding position P2, the contact surface 54 of the evacuation member 52 is positioned such that the stack S is placed in the banding zone Z of the banding module 34. In the banding position P2, the contact surface 54 of the evacuation member 52 may be located in the banding module 34. Preferably, the contact surface 54 remains in contact with the stack S as the band is applied around the stack S.

[0065] In the optional evacuation position P3, the contact surface 54 of the evacuation member 52 is located downstream of the banding zone Z. The horizontal extension 58 may be provided with a sufficient length to allow the contact surface 54 to further displace the stack S out from the banding zone Z.

[0066] In the receptacle engagement position P4, the evacuation member 52 is moved away from the banding module 34 and connects to the receptacle 40. As the evacuation member 52 is retracted from the banding module 34, the first and second return grippers 64a, 64b engage with the protruding elements 66a, 66b on the receptacle 40.

[0067] In the receptacle discharge position P5, the receptacle 40 is positioned on a discharge conveyor 70 which engages with the receptacle 40 such that the receptacle 40 releases from the evacuation member 40. The discharge conveyor 70 is provided with a sufficient friction coefficient such that the discharge conveyor 70 pulls and releases the receptacle 40 from the first and second return grippers 62a, 62b.

[0068] As illustrated in figure 13, the receptacle 40 may comprise a guiding arrangement 61 on its bottom surface, which is in contact with the conveyor system 38. The guiding arrangement 61 comprises an elongated engagement slot 61b and a first and a second disengagement slots 61c, 61 d. As best seen in figure 8, the conveyor system 38 comprises at least one engagement element 65, preferably two engagement elements 65, which are configured to enter into an inlet 61 a of the elongated engagement slot 61 b as the receptacle 40 is displaced laterally into the introduction path P to the banding module 34. At the end of the engagement slot 61b, the second disengagement slot 61 d is connected to the engagement slot 61b in a straight angle. The engagement slot 61b is thus provided with an end 61 e (like a dead-end) whereby the receptacle 40 can be stopped in a predetermined lateral position. The first disengagement slot 61c is located at a distance from the second disengagement slot, the distance correspond to the relative spacing between the first and second engagement elements 65.

[0069] The engagement elements 65 may be in the form of protrusions with a height corresponding to the dept of the slots 61 b, 61c, 61 d. The engagement elements 65 may be shaped as rollers. The rollers reduce the friction between the receptacle 40 and engagement elements 65.

[0070] During the stack engagement position P1 of the evacuation member 52, the receptacle 44 is held in position as the engagement elements 65 are maintained in the engagement slot 61b.

[0071] When the evacuation member 52 moves from the receptacle engagement position P4 to the receptacle discharge position P5, the engagement elements are 65 displaced relative to the disengagement slots 61c, 61d. In such a way, the receptacle 40 is released from the engagement elements 65.

[0072] Optionally, the introduction path P may further comprise a stop surface 37 configured to abut against a front edge of the receptacle 40. In such a way, the receptacle 40 is further held in place.

[0073] As illustrated in figures 4a, 4b, 5a and 5b, the banding module 34 is configured to apply a circular band 120 around the stack S of folding boxes 2’.

[0074] The banding module 34 comprises a support surface 80 configured to receive the stack S of folding boxes 2’ from the transfer module 32. The support surface 80 can be a low-friction support surface, such as a metallic surface. To this effect, the stack S of folding boxes 2’ can be conveyed into the banding module 34 when the contact surface 54 moves from the stack engagement position P1 to the banding position P2, as the stack S can slide on the support surface 80. Alternatively, in a non-illustrated embodiment, the support surface 80 can be formed by a conveyor, such as a belt conveyor.

[0075] The banding module 34 may comprise a roll 124 with a strip-like material such as a band 120. The banding module 34 further comprises a band guide 126 configured to direct the band 120 around the stack S of folding boxes 2’. The band guide 126 enables the band 120 to form a loop around the stack S. The band guide 126 comprises a band channel with an inlet opening and an outlet opening. The band guide 126 holds the loop into shape but enables the band 120 to move vertically out from the band guide 126 when the band 120 is tensioned. A banding zone Z is located in a central portion of the support surface 80, and in particular below the band guide 126 in the vertical direction V.

[0076] The band 120 is unwound from the roll 124 by a conveying mechanism which may comprise a belt drive roller and a counter roller (not illustrated). The band 120 is pinched in-between the drive roller and the counter roller such that traction from the drive roller is conveyed to the band. The conveying mechanism preferably comprises a plurality of diverting rollers configured to guide the conveying path of the band 120.

[0077] Before the formation of a loop, the beginning of the band 120 is fixedly held with a clamping mechanism. The loop is initially corresponding to the size of the band guide 126 and is therefore larger than the circumference of the stack S. The conveying mechanism first forms the loop and then reduces the size of the loop by pulling back the band 120. The belt drive roller may thus be rotated in a first direction to form the loop and then rotated in a second direction (opposite from the first direction) to pull back the band 120 such that the loop reduces in size and encircles the stack S in a snug manner.

[0078] Thereafter, the band 120 is adhesively bonded or welded to form a closed ring. A cutting device cuts the final loop off from the remaining band 120 connected to the roll 124. This type of band mechanism is commonly known in the prior art and is further described in the document EP3984896.

[0079] As the stack S is ejected from the stacking compartment 42, it tends to open up and fall apart if the lateral sides of the stack S are no longer supported. As illustrated in figures 4a and 4b, the banding module 34 therefore comprises a first lateral guide 130a and a second guide 130b. The lateral guides 130a, 130b each comprise an inlet guide surface 135 and an outlet guide surface 136. The guide surfaces 135, 136 retain the lateral edges of the stack S as the stack S is transferred into the banding zone Z.

[0080] A gap G is located between the inlet guide surface 135 and the outlet guide surface 136. The gap G is located in the banding zone Z and allows the band 120 to move vertically towards the stack and contact the stack S without interfering with the first and second lateral guides 130a, 130b. The inlet guide surface 135 and outlet guide surface 135 of the banding module 34 also hold the stack S in shape while the band 120 is applied around the stack.

[0081] The inlet and outlet guide surfaces 135, 136 are preferably aligned with the first and second lateral guides 46, 48 of the stacking compartment 42. Preferably, at least one of the first and second lateral guides 130a, 130b is laterally movable such that it can be aligned with the movable lateral guide 48 of the stacking compartment 42.

[0082] In such a way, the first and second lateral guides 46, 48 of the stacking compartment 42 and the first and second lateral guides 130a, 130b of the banding module 34 cooperate to create continuous lateral guides for the stack S in the direction of transportation T.

[0083] The first and second lateral guides 130a, 130b in the banding module each further comprises a movable central guide surface 137 arranged between the inlet guide surface 135 and the outlet guide surface 136. The central guide surfaces 137 are movable between a first position where the central guide surfaces 137 are aligned with the respective inlet guide surface 135 and the outlet guide surface 136, and a second position in which the central guide surfaces 137 are not are aligned with the respective inlet guide surface 135 and the outlet guide surface 136.

[0084] Hence in the first position, the central guide surfaces 137 are in contact with the lateral sides of the stack S. In the second position, the central guide surfaces 137 are not in contact with the stack, and a gap G is provided such that the band 120 can be looped and tensioned around the stack S. The inlet guide surfaces 135 and the outlet guide surfaces 136 may be stationary, while the central guide surfaces 137 are movable.

[0085] The movable central guide surface 137 may be configured as a pivotable door 137. The door 137 is opened when the stack S is stationary positioned in the banding module 34. Alternatively, the door 137 can be opened when the stack is contacted by the outlet guide surface 135. The door 137 can be opened and closed with an actuator, such as a pneumatic actuator.

[0086] The door 137 is opened upon the reception of a control signal. The control signal is issued when the presence of the stack is detected in the banding zone Z. The detection can be effectuated by an optical sensor, a contactless proximity sensor or a mechanical switch.

[0087] In an embodiment, the control signal may thus be issued when a control unit 51 of the ejection device 50 issues a signal which indicates that the contact surface 54 is moved between the stack engagement position P1 and the banding position P2.

[0088] Alternatively, the control signal may thus be issued from a signal provided by a mechanical switch.

[0089] The banding module further comprises a control circuitry 110 comprising a memory 112 and a control unit 114. The control unit is configured to activate the actuator to move open the first and second central guiding surfaces upon reception of the detection signal.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A transfer module for a converting machine, the transfer module comprising a receptacle and a conveyor system, the receptacle comprising a stacking compartment configured to receive a stack of sheet elements, and wherein the transfer module further comprises an ejection device comprising an ejection member configured to momentarily engage with a rear edge of the stack and push the stack out from the receptacle and place the stack in a banding zone of a banding module and wherein the ejection member is linearly movable between an engagement position, a banding position, and a receptacle discharge position.

2. The transfer module according to claim 1 , wherein the stacking compartment comprises a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge configured to contact the blanks in the stack which are located at the extremities of the stack, and wherein the stacking compartment further comprise a longitudinal edge which is perpendicular to the first and second lateral edges, and wherein the ejection member is displaceable above the longitudinal edge.

3. The transfer module according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the ejection member comprises a contact surface connected to a vertical displacement rod via a horizontal extension.

4. The transfer module according to claim 3, wherein the contact surface comprises a vertical surface and a horizontal surface, and wherein the horizontal surface is positioned above the stack.

5. The transfer module according to claim 5, wherein the ejection member is further movable into an evacuation position such as to displace the stack out from the banding zone.

6. The transfer module according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ejection member further comprises a retraction mechanism configured to connect to at least one engagement element on the receptacle and retract the receptacle from the banding module .

7. The transfer module according to the preceding claim, wherein the retraction mechanism comprises at least one return gripper.

8. The transfer module according to the preceding claim, wherein the retraction mechanism comprises a first return gripper and a second return gripper, wherein said grippers are pivotably attached to a horizontally extending rod of the evacuation member.

9. The transfer module according to the preceding claim, wherein the engagement element on the receptacle is shaped as protruding elements in the form of vertically extending rods, and wherein the vertically extending rods are located outside the stacking compartment.

10. The transfer module according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the return grippers are angled such that their distal ends extend outwardly in relation to the introduction path to the banding module and such that the return grippers can yield and move in-between the vertically extending rods as the evacuation member pushes the stack out from the stacking surface, and wherein the first and second return grippers only engage with the vertically extending rods when the ejection member is retracted from the banding module.11 . The transfer module according to the preceding claim, wherein the first and second return grippers are biased by a spring member.

12. A system comprising a transfer module according to any one of the preceding claims and a banding module, and wherein the transfer module is located upstream of the banding module and is configured to transfer the stack of folding boxes into the banding module.

13. The system according to the preceding claim, wherein the conveyor system comprises a plurality of conveyors and is configured to re-circulate a plurality of receptacles from a filling device to the banding module.

14. The system according to the preceding claim, wherein the conveyor system comprises a positioning device configured to laterally displace the receptacle into an introduction path to the banding module.

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