FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a converting machine for producing folding boxes from sheet-like blanks. In particular, the invention relates to a conditioning section for stacking and bundling folding boxes together.

BACKGROUND

Converting machines are used in the packaging industry for transforming sheetlike blanks such as cardboard or paperboard blanks into folding boxes, also sometimes referred to as flat-folded boxes. These machines are often referred to as folder-gluer machines and are configured to convert a blank into a folding box by successively folding and gluing the blank. The produced folded box is provided with a flat shape and a plurality of boxes can be stacked and conditioned together in the form of bundles to facilitate transportation and storage.

However, when forming a calibrated stack of folding boxed in a folder-gluer machine, there are many movable mechanical parts in contact with the edges of the boxes. This may create an uneven stack and cause damage to the boxes which may compromise their functional and aesthetic characteristics.

SUMMARY

In view of the above-mentioned problem, it is an object of the present invention to prevent damage to the folding boxes when conditioning bundles of stacked boxes.

This problem is solved by a stacker module according to claim 1 and a method according to claim 15. Other advantageous features of the present invention are defined in the dependent claims.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a stacker module for a folder-gluer machine, the stacker module being located downstream of a transfer module in a direction of transportation of the folder-gluer machine and configured to receive folding boxes from the transfer module, wherein the stacker module comprises a loading surface configured to receive a plurality of folding boxes and to descend vertically as the number of folding boxes on the loading surface increases, and a linearly movable ejector configured to be moved from a retracted position to an extended position and eject a stack of folding boxes from the loading surface, and wherein the stacker further comprises an upper guide, configured to move between a clearing position which is vertically distant from the upper surface of the stack, and a guiding position, in which the upper guide is located closer to the upper surface of the stack, and wherein the upper guide is in the guiding position when the ejector is moved from the retracted position to the evacuation position.

The present invention is based on a realization that an upper guide can prevent folding boxes from moving upwardly in a “pile spring effect” during transportation to a downstream-located module, such as a banding module. The upper guide thus helps to keep the stack calibrated during transportation.

The loading surface can be configured to descend stepwise each time a batch of folding boxes is supplied. Alternatively, the loading surface 90 is configured to descend continuously when the boxes are positioned on the loading surface in a continuous supply.

The upper guide can be synchronized to be in the guiding position during an evacuation descent of the completed stack on the loading surface and configured to follow the downward movement of the loading surface.

The upper guide may comprise a first and second elongated guide members extending in the direction of transportation. In an embodiment, the lateral distance between the first guide member and second guide member can be modified.

In an embodiment, the ejector comprises a first pusher and a second pusher arranged laterally of each other, and wherein each pusher is linearly displaceable in the direction of transportation and configured to move in unison between the retracted position and the extended position. Preferably, the first and second pushers of the ejector are arranged laterally of the first and second upper guide members.

In an embodiment, the first and the second pushers are laterally and longitudinally displaceable in relation to each other, such that their retracted position and extended position in the direction of transportation are different.

In an embodiment, the stacker module may further comprise a front abutment guide configured to move between an abutment position in which the front abutment guide is positioned in front of a front leading edge of the folding boxes as they are deposited onto the loading surface, and a clearing position in which the front abutment guide is positioned distant from the stack such that the ejector can evacuate the stack from the loading surface.

The front abutment guide may comprise a first abutment plate and a second abutment plate arranged side-by-side.

In an embodiment, the front abutment guide remains stationary as the loading surface is descending. Alternatively, the front abutment guide may be moved vertically upward when the loading surface is descending.

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

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of calibrating a stack of folding boxes in a stacker module according to any one of the preceding claims, the method comprising the steps of:

Receiving a flux of folding boxes onto a loading surface in the stacker module,

Descending the loading surface in the stacker module to an evacuation position,

Moving the upper guide from a clearing position which is vertically distant from the upper surface of the stack, to a guiding position, in which the upper guide is located closer to the upper surface of the stack,

Moving the ejector from a retracted position to an extended position such that the stack is evacuated/displaced from the loading surface. According to another aspect of the present disclosure, it relates to a transfer module for a folder-gluer machine, the transfer module comprising a lower conveyor and an upper conveyor adapted to receive a folding box there between and to transport the folding box in a direction of transportation towards a downstream-located loading surface in a stacker module, wherein the upper conveyor of the transfer module extends further in the direction of transportation than the lower conveyor, and wherein the upper conveyor extends over the loading surface in the stacker module.

This is based on a realization that a confined and limited space for the folding box can be created by the position of the upper and lower conveyors. This prevents the folding box from undesired movement and misalignments and guides the folding boxes down to form an aligned stack on the loading surface in the stacker module.

In an embodiment, the upper conveyors extend are configured to extend across the loading surface by at least 50%.

In a preferred embodiment, the upper conveyor comprises a first conveyor belt and a second conveyor belt, each provided with a distal inlet end and a distal outlet end, and wherein the distal outlet end of the first conveyor belt and the distal end of the second conveyor belt are individually displaceable in the direction of transportation, such that their extension over the loading surface in the stacker can be varied.

In an embodiment, the distal outlet end of the first upper conveyor belt and the distal outlet of the second upper conveyor belt can be positioned at different longitudinal positions in relation to each other. The first conveyor belt and the second conveyor belt are preferably arranged parallel to each other.

In an embodiment, each of the first and second upper conveyor belts are mounted on a top frame portion having a fixed portion and a movable frame portion, wherein the movable frame portion comprises a distal outlet roller defining the distal outlet end of the top conveyor belt.

In an embodiment, the lower conveyor comprises a first conveyor belt and a second conveyor belt, and wherein the first and second lower conveyor belts each has an inlet end and an outlet end, and wherein the outlet end is displaceable in the direction of transportation such that the distance between the outlet end of the lower conveyor and the loading surface in the stacker module can be changed.

In an embodiment, each of the first and second lower conveyor belts are mounted on a bottom frame portion having a fixed portion and a movable frame portion, wherein the movable frame portion comprises a distal roller defining the distal outlet end of the first and second conveyor belts.

In an embodiment, a roller assembly is connected to the movable frame component and configured to follow its movement.

In an embodiment, the distal inlet ends of the first and second upper conveyor belts are provided with a first and a second vertically movable entrance roller, and configured to move between an entry position and a pinching position, and wherein the entrance roller is spaced apart from the lower conveyor in the entry position such to form a funnel-shaped gap, and positioned closer to the lower conveyor belt in the pinching position.

In an embodiment, the entrance roller is mounted onto a vertically displaceable shaft, the shaft is movable attached to the upper fixed frame portion. The first and second lower conveyor belts and the first and second upper conveyor belts may be laterally movable such that the lateral distance between the conveyors can be modified.

The first and second lower conveyors and the first and second upper conveyors belts may also be guided by displaceable compensation rollers located in the fixed frame portions, and wherein said rollers are configured to change the travel path of the conveyor belts and modify their contact length against the folding box.

In an embodiment, a support surface in the transfer module is located between the upper and lower conveyors and wherein said support surface is upwardly sloped in the direction of transportation at an angle ranging from 1° to15°, preferably between 3° and 7°, and most preferably 5°.

This allows the folding boxes to move by the gravitational force caused by the slope such that the back trailing edges of the folding boxes are abutting against the ejector surface and an aligned pile can be formed. According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, it relates to a transfer and stacking assembly for a folder-gluer machine, the assembly comprising the transfer module according to any one of the preceding claims and a stacker module, wherein the stacker module comprises a loading surface and an ejector, and wherein the loading surface is upwardly sloped in the direction of transportation.

In an embodiment, the support plan in the transfer module and the loading surface in the stacker module have substantially the same inclination. Substantially means a deviation of 1 to 2 degrees. Optionally, a deposit surface in a downstream-located banding module may be provided with the same angle.

In an embodiment, at least a portion of the ejector is positioned upstream of the distal outlet rollers of the first and second lower conveyor belts

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further advantages and features will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention and from the appended figures, in which like features are denoted with the same reference numbers and in which:

Fig. 1a shows a schematic view of a folder-gluer machine according to an embodiment the present invention;

Fig. 1 b shows a schematic view of a conditioning section in the folder-gluer machine of figure 1a;

Figs. 2a to 2d illustrate exemplary types of blanks and folding boxes produced in the folder-gluer machine of Fig. 1a;

Fig. 3 is a schematic view of a conditioning section according to an embodiment of the present invention, and comprising a transfer module, a stacker module and a banding module;

Fig. 4 is a schematic view of a conditioning section according to the present invention when receiving a flux of folding boxes, Fig. 5 shows a schematic view of a transfer module according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 6 is a schematic perspective view of a transfer module according to the present invention,

Fig. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the transfer module of Fig. 5;

Fig. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a stacker module according to the present invention;

Fig. 9 is a detailed schematic perspective view of upper guides in a stacker module according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 10 is a detailed schematic perspective view of a front abutment guide in a stacker module according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figs. 11a to 11c are schematic perspective views of a loading surface of a stacker module according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figs. 12a and 12b are schematic diagrams illustrating two exemplary position settings of an ejector according to an embodiment of the present invention having a displaceable first and second pusher;

Fig. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating a modulation of speed and acceleration of an ejector in an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 14 is a schematic perspective view of a shingle inverter; and

Fig. 15 is a schematic perspective view of a stacker module according to an embodiment of the present invention as seen in the direction of transportation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to the figures and in particular to figure 1a which illustrates a converting machine in the form of a folder-gluer machine 1. The folder-gluer machine folds and glues blanks 2’ as illustrated in figures 2b and 2c to form folding boxes 2 as the ones illustrated in figures 2a and 2d. The blanks 2’ are provided with a peripheral edge 4 defining shape of flaps 6 and is provided with crease-lines 8, which enable the folding of the intermediate blank 2’ along pre-defined lines.

Such a blank 2’ is typically produced in another converting machine, such as a flatbed die cutter, or a rotary die cutting machine. Those machines receive a flat and typically rectangular sheet substrate of cardboard or paperboard and converts it into a blank 2’.

Referring back to figure 1a, the present folder-gluer machine 1 comprises a series of different workstations including, from an inlet to an outlet: a feeder module 10, a fold pre-breaking module 12, a gluing module 14, a folding module 16, a transfer module 18 and a delivery station or collecting table 19. After the folding and gluing modules of the converting machine, a conditioning section 20 can be provided in order to count and separate the flux of folding boxes 2 and to arrange them together in banded stacks. As illustrated in figure 1b, such a conditioning section 20 of the folder gluer 1 comprises a counter and separator unit 22, optionally a shingle inverter 24, a transfer module 26 arranged after the shingle inverter 24, a stacker module 28 configured to arrange the folding boxes in stacks, and a banding module 30.

The folder-gluer machine 1 further comprises a control system, which may include a main centralized control system and separate peripheral control systems. For instance, the conditioning section 20 may comprise a separate peripheral control unit 43. The combination of a centralized control system and peripheral control systems allow specific modules to retrieve and process some data locally, while a central control unit 13 of the centralized control system can be dedicated to controlling the overall operation of the folder-gluer machine 1.

The counter and separator unit 22 is configured to count and condition the stream of folding boxes into separated batches with a predefined quantity. The separated batches can then be provided with a surrounding band and bundled together in the downstream-located banding module 30.

A shingle inverter 24 can be provided downstream of the counter and separator unit 22. The shingle inverter 24 is configured to turn every second batch of boxes around 180°, while letting a following batch pass straight through. Such a shingle inverter is described in the patent EP3481756B1 and is schematically illustrated in figure 14.

Turning batches of boxes around 180° makes it possible to even out the height of the stack and make it better calibrated such that the stack is substantially vertical. This is advantageous for some types of folding boxes 2 with a non-uniform thickness due to the shape of the folds. A non-uniform thickness often occurs when the folds result in superposing several sheet thicknesses on top of each other. As illustrated in figure 14, the shingle inverter 24 comprises an upper belt conveyor 25a and a lower belt conveyor 25b and is rotatable around an axis A such that a batch of folding boxes 2 can be received between the upper and lower conveyors 25a, 25b and turned around 180° as the shingle inverter rotates.

As best seen in figure 4, the folding boxes 2 from the shingle inverter 24 or directly from the counter-separator module 22 are further transported downstream to a transfer module 26, a stacker module 28 and a banding module 30. The transfer module 26 conveys the batches of folding boxes 2 and positions them into the downstream-located stacker 28 where they form a stack. The stacker module 28 collects the boxes 2 such that they form a stack of aligned and superposed boxes, which is then subsequently introduced into the banding module 30.

The details of a transfer module 26 according to an embodiment of the present invention will now be further described with reference to figures 3 to 7. A seen in the figures, the transfer module 26 comprises an external housing and a structural frame 34, onto which an upper conveyor 36 and a lower conveyor 38 are mounted. The folding boxes 2 are received from an upstream-located module, such as a shingle inverter 24 or directly from a counter-separator module 22. The upper and lower conveyors 36, 38 are configured to convey a flux of folding boxes 2 inbetween them and position the folding boxes 2 into the downstream-located stacker module 26. Hence, a support surface S is defined between the upper and lower conveyors 36, 38.

The transfer module 26 may further comprise a control interface 40 and a display 42. A peripheral control unit 43 may be arranged in proximity with and can be operatively connected to the control interface 40, such that an operator can monitor and change settings related to the transfer module 26. Alternatively, the peripheral control unit 43 may be located in the counter separator module 22 and operatively connected to the transfer module 26.

The upper and lower conveyors 36, 38 are provided with a lengthwise extension E coinciding with the longitudinal direction D of the folder-gluer machine 1. The longitudinal direction D in the folder-gluer machine 1 can be defined as the direction of transportation D of the blank 2’ or folding box 2 through the folder-gluer machine 1.

In the illustrated embodiment, the upper conveyor 36 comprises a first upper conveyor belt 36a and a second upper conveyor belt 36b arranged in a pair. Similarly, the lower conveyor 38 comprises a first lower conveyor belt 38a and a second lower conveyor belt 38b arranged in a pair. The conveyor belts 36, 38 are in the form of endless belts and are guided by rollers 37 mounted on an upper frame component 46 and lower frame component 45 such that their position is maintained. The upper conveyor belts 36a, 36b are connected to a drive mechanism 48 comprising a drive roller 50 and a motor (not illustrated) which drives the belts in motion. Similarly, the lower conveyor belts 38a, 38b are further connected to a drive mechanism 41 comprising a drive roller 82. To this effect, the conveyor belts 36a, 36b; 38a, 38b can be provided with a contact side and traction side, where the traction side can be dented in order to engage with a corresponding dented drive roller 50.

The pairs of upper conveyor belts 36a, 36b each have an extension between an inlet end 56 and an outlet end 58 in the transfer module 26. The inlet end 56 is defined by inlet rollers 60a, 60b and the outlet end is defined by outlet rollers 62a, 62b. These ends 56, 58 define the total longitudinal contact length of the upper conveyor belts 36a, 36b which is in contact with the folding boxes 2.

Hence, the first and second upper conveyor belts 36a, 36b may comprise a first and second inlet ends 60a, 60b and a first and second outlet ends 62a, 62b. Similarly, the first and second lower conveyor belts 38a, 38b comprise a first and second inlet ends 67a, 67b and a first and second outlet ends 65a, 65b. The inlet ends 60a, 60b; 67a, 67b and the outlet ends 62a, 62b; 65a, 65b may be defined by rollers. The first and second upper conveyor belts 36a, 36b may comprise a pair of movable inlet rollers 60a, 60b, configured to move between a receiving position R and a transport position T. The inlet rollers 60a, 60b can be attached to an elongated frame 63 which is received in a cooperating slide rail 64 in the upper frame 46 of the transfer module 26. The vertical movement of the first and second inlet rollers 60a, 60b of the upper conveyor belts 36a, 36b can be determined by an upstream-located sensor 61.

As illustrated in figure 7, in the receiving position R, the movable first 60a and second inlet rollers 60b of the upper conveyor belts 36a, 36b are positioned distant to the lower conveyor belts 38a, 38b at a first distance d1 from the lower conveyor belts 38a, 38b. This creates a funnel-shaped inlet between the upper conveyor belts 36a, 36b and the lower conveyor belts 38a, 38b such that a batch of folding boxes is guided in-between the upper and lower conveyor belts 36a, 36b; 38a, 38b. In the transport position T (as illustrated by the dashed roller) the movable distal inlet rollers 60a, 60b of the upper conveyor belts 36a, 36b are positioned at a second distance d2 from the lower conveyor belts 38a, 38b. In the second position, the movable distal inlet rollers 60a, 60b are positioned closer to the lower conveyor belts 38a, 38b. such that the folding boxes 2 are pinched between the upper and lower conveyors 36,38. Hence, the second distance d2 is smaller than the first distance d1.

The vertical movement of the first and second distal inlet rollers 60a, 60b of the upper conveyor belts 36a, 36b is coordinated with the register control of the folder- gluer 1 and with the position of the batches. The control unit 43 of the conditioning section 20 or a control unit of the counter-separator module 22 can be configured to determine the time of arrival of the batch of folding boxes to the inlet 56 of the transfer module 26 and activate an actuator 57 to displace the distal inlet rollers 60a, 60b accordingly.

At the outlet end 58 of the transfer module 26, distal ends 62a, 62b of the first and second upper conveyor belts 36a, 36b extend further in the longitudinal direction D than the distal outlet ends 66a, 66b of the first and second lower conveyors 38a, 38b. Preferably, a projection length, i.e. a distance d3 between distal outlet ends of the upper conveyor 62a, 62b and the distal outlet ends 66a, 66b of the lower conveyor belts 38a, 38b may be varied. Advantageously this distance d3 corresponds to the longitudinal length Lb1 , Lb2 (see figs. 2a to 2d) of the produced folding box 2 in the longitudinal direction D. This allows for an adjustment in respect to different longitudinal lengths Lb1 , Lb2 of folding boxes 2. The distal outlet ends 62a, 62b; 66a, 66b can be movable while the distal inlet rollers 60a, 60b; 67a, 67b may remain at a fixed longitudinal position during the transportation of the batch of folding boxes 2.

The distal outlet ends 62a, 62b of the upper conveyor belts 36a, 36b are preferably provided with a projection length d3 such that they are in close proximity with a front abutment guide 70 of the stacker module 28. The front abutment guide 70 comprises at least one abutment surface 72a, 72b, preferably two abutment surfaces 72a, 72b. The first 72a and a second front abutment surfaces 72b can be in the form of a first abutment plate 72a and a second abutment plate 72b. The term “close proximity” can be defined as a projection distance d3 corresponding to more than 50% of the longitudinal length of the folding box 2, such as for instance 75 or 90%. A small distance between the abutment surfaces 72a, 72b and the upper conveyor belts 36a, 36b is preferable as this will ensure a maximum guidance of the folding box 2, while preventing that the upper conveyor belts 36a, 36b touch the abutment surfaces 72a, 72b. This enables the upper conveyor belts 36a, 36b to create a closed space such that the folding boxes 2 are contained underneath the upper conveyor belts 36a, 36b.

As illustrated in figures 2a to 2d, 12a and 12b, some folding boxes 2 do not have a straight leading front edge 3 or a straight trailing edge 5. This is true for some types of boxes like straight-line boxes or crash-lock bottom boxes. The longitudinal projection d3 length of the first upper conveyor belt 36a and the second upper conveyor belt 36b may be different from each other. The front abutment guide 70 may thus comprise corresponding first 72a and a second front abutment surfaces 72b which are also be movable in the longitudinal direction D in order to ensure that the first 72a and a second front abutment surfaces 72b are in close proximity with the distal outlet ends 62a, 62b of the first and second upper conveyor belts 36a, 36b.

As best seen in figures 3 and 7, the first and second upper conveyor belts 36a, 36b are received in an upper frame assembly 46 comprising a fixed frame component 46a and a movable frame component 46b. The movable frame component 46b and the fixed frame component 46a are movably connected to each other. Advantageously, a slide rail connection may be provided between the fixed frame 46a component and movable frame 46b component such that the movable frame component 46b onto which the conveyor belts 36a, 36b are mounted, can slidably move in the direction of transportation D. This enables a modification of the projection length d3 of the upper conveyor belts 36a, 36b. This further results in that the distal outlet ends 62a, 62b of the first and second upper conveyor belts 36a, 36b are movably arranged in the direction of transportation D.

As best seen in figure 3, the movable frame component 46a can be connected to an actuator 47, which is displaceable by a motor 49. The actuator 47 may be a mechanical actuator 47, but it is also possible to use a pneumatic/hydraulic actuator 47. The actuator 47 is preferably motorized and configured for automatic displacement based on information from the main control unit 13 or the peripheral control unit 43. For instance, the projection length d3 of the upper conveyor belts 36a, 36b may be determined from folding box dimensions entered into the user interface 40.

When the first and/or second distal outlet ends 62a, 62b of the upper conveyor 36 and the first and/or second distal outlet rollers 66a, 66b of the lower conveyor 38 change longitudinal position, the overall longitudinal contact length of the respective conveyor belt 36a, 36b; 38a, 38b changes. In order to accommodate for different longitudinal lengths with the same conveyor belt, the travel path P of the conveyor belts 36, 38 is changed. This can be achieved with adjustable compensation rollers 39a, 39b arranged in the fixed frame components 45a, 46a. The adjustable compensation rollers 39a, 39b may be linearly movable so as to modify the travel path P of the conveyor belts 36, 38. This makes it possible to position the distal outlet rollers 62a, 62b; 66a, 66b at different longitudinal positions while maintaining the distal inlet rollers 60a, 60b; 67a, 67b stationary.

The first and second lower conveyor belts 36a, 36b can be positioned around a first and second roller assembly 80a, 80b comprising a series of idle rollers positioned closely together. The roller assemblies 80a, 80b provide stable support surface to the batch of folding boxes and guides the lower conveyor belts 38a, 38b. A drive roller 82 is located in a lower frame structure 45 and may be provided with a transverse length such that it is in contact with and configured to drive both the first and second lower conveyor belts 38a, 38b in unison.

The distal outlet ends 66a, 66b of the first and second lower conveyor belts 38a, 38b may also be individually movable in the longitudinal direction D, which enables the lower conveyor belts 38a, 38b to be positioned at different longitudinal positions, and also in different longitudinal positions in relation to each other. The first and second lower conveyor belts 38a, 38b are thus provided with a variable projection length in the longitudinal direction D. This allows an adjustment according to the geometry of the back-trailing edge 5 of the folding boxes 2.

As previously described, and similar to the upper conveyor belts 36a. 36b, the length of the first and second lower conveyor belts 38a, 38b can also be modified by providing a first and a second longitudinally movable distal outlet rollers 65a, 65b. To this effect, the lower conveyor belts 38a, 38b are located in a lower frame 45, and connected to a movable frame component 45b which is slidably connected to a fixed frame component 45a.

As illustrated in the detailed view of figure 7, a first and second roller assembly 80a, 80b having a variable contact length with the first and second lower conveyor belts 38a, 38b can be provided. The roller assemblies comprise a series of rollers 82 mounted in a chain. The roller assemblies 80a, 80b are arranged within the loop of the endless conveyor belts 38a, 38b In such a way, there is no interference between the roller assemblies and the conveyor belts 38a, 38b. The roller assemblies 80a, 80b comprise a plurality of pin-shaped links 84 which are joined together in a plurality of pivoting axis 86. The rollers 82 are rotatably connected to a roller frame component 88 which is connected to the pivoting axis 86.

The roller assemblies 80a, 80b are connected to the movable frame component 45b, and as the movable frame component 45b is extended or retracted in the longitudinal direction D, the roller assemblies 80a, 80b follow the movement.

The transfer module 26 deposits the folding boxes 2 into the stacker module 28. As best seen in figure 4. the stacker module 28 comprises a loading surface 90, the front abutment guide 70 comprising a first 72a and a second front abutment surface 72b, and an ejector 76. It is desirable to deposit the folding boxes 2 onto the loading surface 90 in the stacker module 28 such that they pre-form a calibrated stack of superposed boxes 2. The term “calibrated” means that the boxes are aligned by their edges and that the stack is provided with a consistent vertical height, such that the stack is straight. The conveyors 36, 38 of the transfer module 26 and the front abutment surfaces 72a, 72b are configured to contain the folding boxes 2 inside a restricted space. As the folding boxes 2 follow the direction of transportation D while being provided with a substantial kinetic energy, it is preferable to first align the folding boxes by their leading front edges 3 by using the first and second front abutment surfaces 72a, 72b as abutments. The abutment surfaces 72a, 72b function as stop surfaces, which prevent a further forward movement of the front leading edges 3.

The ejector 76 is arranged to evacuate the stack from the loading surface 90 in the stacker module 28 and further transport the stack into the banding unit 30. The ejector 76 is located behind the stack in the direction of transportation D and may further align the back trailing edges 5 of the folding boxes 2. To this effect, the ejector 76 comprises a vertical contact surface 78 with a vertical length exceeding a maximum height of the stack.

As best seen in figure 4, the distal outlet ends 66a, 66b of the first and second lower conveyor belts 38a, 38b may be vertically aligned with the vertical contact surface 78 of the ejector 76. This limits the distance between the ejector 76 and the back trailing edges 5 of the folded boxes 2. This also reduces the distance needed to for the ejector 76 to push the formed stack of folding boxes 2 into the banding unit 30. This alleviates a potential problem that longer the ejector 76 has to displace the stack, the more damage may be created on the back trailing edge 5 of the folding boxes 2 in the stack.

The first and second lower conveyor belts 38a, 38b in the transfer module 26 and the loading surface 90 in the stacker module 28 may be provided with an upwardly sloping surface S in the direction of transportation D. The transfer module 26 is therefore configured to direct the leading front edge 3 of the folding boxes 2 upwardly.

The transfer module 26 deposits the folding boxes 2 in the stacker module 28 such that their leading front edge 3 is touching the first and second front abutment surfaces 72a, 72b of the front abutment guide 70. The loading surface 90 can be provided with an upwardly sloping angle of 2 to 7°, preferably 5° which results in that the boxes 2 perform an additional backward movement in order to be aligned by their back trailing edge 5 against the vertical contact surface 78 of the ejector 76. This helps to calibrate the stack and ensures that the ejector 76 is in contact with the back trailing edges 5 of the folding boxes 2. The sloping angle in the transfer module 26 facilitates the positioning of the folding boxes 2 at a corresponding sloping angle of the loading surface 90 in the stacker module.

The loading surface 90 is configured to receive a batch or a series of batches of inverted and non-inverted boxes 2 and descend until a predefined number of boxes are loaded onto the loading surface 90. This predefined number will typically depend on the number of boxes 2 which should be contained in each bundle from the banding module 30.

As best seen in figure 11 b, the loading surface 90 is movable between an initial loading height hi and an evacuation height h3. The initial loading height hi and the evacuation height h3 may be fixed distances which can be modified and defined in the control system.. However, as the number of desired boxes per bundle changes, a vertical evacuation distance between a final loading height h2 and the evacuation height h3 may be provided. Hence, an evacuation descent is defined between the heights h2 and h3. During this evacuation descent distance, no boxes are deposited onto the loading surface 90. The distance of the evacuation descent may be varied depending on different heights of stacks that are produced. This is a result of that the final loading height h2 may depend on the number of folding boxes 2 in the stack.

As illustrated in figures 11a to 11c, the loading surface 90 is connected to a drive actuator 92 which is configured to apply a speed of descent of the loading surface 90. The speed can be set in relation to the speed of the upper and lower conveyors 36, 38 in the transfer module 26. The speed of the loading surface 90 during the ascent and/or descent can also be set to a maximum and regardless of the speed of the conveyors 36, 38.

In an embodiment, the loading surface 90 descends continuously. In another embodiment, the loading surface 90 may descend stepwise in a discontinuous manner. The stepwise and discontinuous descent can be set to comprise a series of predefined distances for each batch received onto the loading surface 90. This is advantageous as the loading surface 90 maintains stationary as the folding boxes 2 are deposited. Hence, potential friction and misalignments can be prevented.

The loading surface 90 may consist of two elongated and spaced apart support rails 90a, 90b. The rails 90a, 90b minimize the contact surface against the stack such that the friction can be reduced. Additionally, the loading surface 90 is light and can be easily moved up and down in the vertical direction.

The loading surface 90 enables a sliding movement of the stack towards the banding module 30 as the ejector 76 pushes against the back edge of the stack. In an embodiment, a low-friction surface such as Teflon can be used. Alternatively, and in an advantageous embodiment, the loading surface 90 may comprise rollers 94. The rollers 94 can be idle, as the force of movement for the transportation can be provided by the ejector 76. Alternatively, at least some of the rollers 94 can be motorized.

The loading surface 90 can be interposed between a back sliding surface 96 and a front sliding surface 98 in the form of roller-provided rails, whereby these sliding surfaces extend in the direction of transportation D. The back sliding surface 96 and the front sliding surface 98 may be stationary arranged. The back sliding surface 96 represents an extension of the loading surface 90 onto which a rear part the folding boxes 2 can be supported. The front sliding surface may advantageously be configured as a transition between the loading surface 90 and a downstream-located deposit surface 101 in the banding module 30.

The front and back sliding surfaces 96, 98 may be provided with a fixed height and are preferably aligned with a deposit surface in banding zone 100 of the banding module 30. The front sliding surface 98 also enables a longer travel distance such that the ejector 76 is able to push the stack out from the stacker module 28, whereby the stack can be discharged from the loading surface 90, then transported on the front sliding surface 98 and deposited in the banding zone 100. Hence, the loading surface 90 and the front sliding surface 98 enables the ejector 76 to position the stack directly into a location in the banding zone 100 where the bands are applied around the stack. As best seen in figure 11a, the ejector 76 is linearly and reciprocally movable between a retracted position RP and an extended position DP. As illustrated in figure 4, the ejector 76 may be arranged such that at least a portion of the ejector 76 is positioned upstream of the distal outlet ends 66a, 66b of the first and second lower conveyor belts 38a, 38b.

As best seen in figures 8, 11c 12a and 12b, the ejector 76 may comprise a first pusher 76a and a second pusher 76b, where the first pusher 76a and the second pusher 76b can be set into different longitudinal positions. Hence, the first pusher 76a can be positioned at a different longitudinal position than the second pusher 76b. This is advantageous for boxes 2 with a non-uniform trailing back edge, such that the first and second pushers 76a, 76b can be positioned corresponding to the geometry of the trailing back edge 5. Additionally, this gives a possibility to align the pushers 76a, 76b with the most rigid part of the folding boxes 2. The first and second pushers 76a, 76b can also be laterally adjustable. This enables the first and second pushers 76a, 76b to completely adapt to the size, length and overall geometry of the back trailing edge 5 of the folding box.

The pushers 76a, 76b comprise a linear vertical contact surface 78 which corresponds to or exceeds a maximal height of the stack. The vertical contact surface 78 is advantageously positioned such that it is aligned with the distal outlet ends 66a, 66b of the lower conveyor belts 38a, 38b. When the lower conveyor belts 38a, 38b of the transfer module 26 are displaced in the longitudinal direction D (to adjust for different sizes of folding boxes), the longitudinal position of the first and second pushers 76a, 76b can be set accordingly. The vertical contact surface 78 is limiting a backward movement of the stack.

As schematically illustrated in figure 13, the movement of the ejector 76 may be modulated such that its trajectory comprises a plurality of distances with different speeds and accelerations. This trajectory corresponds to a transportation distance of the formed stack from the loading surface 90 to the banding zone 100 in the banding module 30. Hence, the ejector 76 has a trajectory from an initial position behind the distal ends 66a, 66b of the lower conveyor belts 38a, 38b and may travel all the way to the banding zone 100 in its extended position DP. The banding module 30 may be provided with a central cut-out adapted to receive the ejector 76 when present in the banding module 30. During the banding process, when the stack is present in the banding module, the ejector speed and acceleration will be reduced to ensure precision for the banding and avoid marks on the folding boxes 2.

The speed and the acceleration have an impact on potential damage on the folding boxes 2 during the transition between the stacker module 28 and the banding module 30. At the same time, it is advantageous to provide a high and optimized speed of the ejector 76 such that the overall production speed of the conditioning section 20 can be maintained. It has been found advantageous to provide a varying speed and acceleration over a plurality of different segment distances.

The acceleration and decelerations in these pre-defined distance segments may be modified. As illustrated in the figure, the segment distances are:

T1 - Acceleration distance

T2 - Approaching zone to banding module

T3 - Deceleration distance

T4 - Insertion speed banding module

T5 - Deceleration in banding module

The first distance T 1 over which a first acceleration is applied may depend the longitudinal length of the folding boxes 2. Folding boxes 2 with a shorter longitudinal length Lb1 , Lb2 have to travel longer before reaching the banding zone 100 in the stacker. In the segment T2, once the optimal speed has been reached, the acceleration is null. As the ejector 76 approaches the banding zone 100, the speed is reduced by a deceleration. The insertion speed in the banding zone 100 is then constant in the segment T4 in order to ensure a controlled positioning of the bands around the stack. As the stack is ejected from the banding zone 100, a further deceleration can be applied in a distance segment T5 such that the banded stack can be carefully deposited at an outlet of the folder-gluer machine 1.

These distance segments T1 to T5 may be automatically defined by a program stored in a memory of the control circuitry of the conditioning section 20. The program may calculate the acceleration and speed depending on the format and paper/cardboard characteristics such as mechanical resistances. Optionally, the production mode which define the speeds and accelerations in different distance segments T1 to T5 is selectable on the control interface 40 on the folder-gluer machine 1.

As best seen in figures 4, 8 and 10, the front abutment guide 70 is arranged in front of the loading surface 90 in the direction of transportation. As previously described, the front abutment guide 70 may comprise a first 72a and a second front abutment surface 72b.

The first 72a and a second front abutment surface 72b may be in the form of a first plate 72a and a second plate 72b movably attached to a transverse frame 73. The transverse frame extends in traverse or perpendicular to the longitudinal direction D of the folder-gluer machine 1.

Depending on the format of the folding boxes and especially of the transverse length of the front leading edge 3, the lateral distance between the first plate 72a and the second plate 72b can be adjusted. Typically, the longer the leading front edge 3 of the folding box 2, the larger the distance is between the first plate 72a and the second plate 72b. The front abutment surfaces 72a, 72b can also move in the longitudinal direction (i.e. direction of transportation D) of the folder-gluer machine 1. This further improves the support of leading front edges 3 which are not straight, as previously described. Hence, the first and second plate 72a, 72b can be set in different lateral and longitudinal positions which correspond to the geometry of the leading front edge 3 of the folding box 2.

As best seen in figure 8, the first plate 72a and the second plate 72b are connected to an actuator 74 and motor 75, and may be further be connected to a control unit 13, 43 of the folder-gluer machine 1 . The control unit 43 may be a peripheral control unit for the conditioning section 20. The optimal position of the first and second plates 72a, 72b may be automatically calculated by the control unit 13, 43 in relation to the dimensions of the folding box 2 when folded.

A sensor 77, such as a linear encoder 77, can be placed on the front abutment guide actuator 74 and connected to the control unit 13, 43 and the motor 75. The sensor 77 can detect the positions of the first plate 72a and the second plate 72b and transmit detected positions to a memory 39. This enables the motor 75 to retrieve position feedback to control its movement and final position of the first and second abutment plates 72a, 72b. For a subsequent job with a folding box 2 of a different dimension, the actual positions of the first and the second plates 72a, 72b can be retrieved from the memory 39 and the actuator 74 and motor 75 can displace the first and second plates 72a, 72b to new optimal positions.

Additionally or alternatively, the first plate and the second plate 72a, 72b can be manually positioned. Either as a main setting, or manually displaced to be adjusted by the machine operator.

As schematically illustrated in figures 3 and 10, the first and second plates 72a, 72b are vertically movable between an abutment position SP and a clearance position CP. In the abutment position SP, the plates 72a, 72b are positioned in their low position in order to abut against the leading front edge 3 of the folded boxes 2. In the clearance position CP, the plates 72a, 72b are positioned higher than in the support position SP such that the full stack and the vertical surface 78 of the ejector 76 can be displaced under the plates 72a, 72b without interference.

The up and down vertical reciprocating movement of the plates 72a, 72b is coordinated by the control unit 43 such that it is synchronized together with the displacement of the ejector 76. As previously described, the lateral distance between the first and second contact plates 72a, 72b can be modified, such as for different shapes of boxes. To this effect, a locomotive system for repeat order can be used for predefined formats and geometries of folding boxes 2 stored in a memory 39.

As illustrated in figures 10 and 15, the stacker module 28 may further comprise an upper guide 110, which is configured to guide the stack during transportation from the stacker module 28 to the banding module 30. The upper guide 110 prevents folding boxes 2 from moving upwardly during transportation to the banding module 30 and may also calibrate or compress the height of the stack.

The upper guide 110 is vertically movable between a clearing position CP and a guiding position GP. Once the stack is ready to be ejected from the stacker module 28 and be moved into the banding module 30, the upper guide 110 is descended from the clearing position CP to the guiding position GP in order to be positioned in close proximity with the top surface of the stack. The upper guide 110 may be dynamically arranged such that it can be set according to the height of the stack. The upper guide 110 also helps to avoid a “pile spring effect” by keeping the stack calibrated to ensure the transition to the banding module 30.

Additionally, in an advantageous embodiment, the upper guide 110 may be further configured to abut against the upper surface of the stack as the stack descends from a final loading height h2 to an evacuation height h3 (see figure 11b). The final loading height h2 corresponds to the height of the loading surface 90 when the number of folding boxes 2 to be included in a bundle are deposited thereupon. The upper guide 110 can, by following the downward movement of the loading surface 90, maintain the stack calibrated during the descent. Additionally, as the upper guide 110 may be programmed to be positioned at a predefined distance in relation to the loading surface 90 such that stack can be calibrated to be compressed to a predefined height.

The upper guide 110 may comprise a first guide member 110a and a second guide member 110b. The guide members 110a, 110b can be in the shape of elongated bars or blades. The guide members 110a, 110b have a longitudinal extension between the outlet 58 of the transfer module 26 and a deposit surface 101 in the banding module 30. The first guide member 110a and the second guide member 110b can be laterally displaceable in a direction transverse or perpendicular to the direction of transportation D.

The lateral displacement can be effectuated by a guide motor 111 , or a pair of guide motors 111a, 11b and an actuator 112. The lateral displacement makes it possible to laterally off-set the upper guide members 110a, 110b in relation to the upper and lower conveyor belts 36a, 36b; 38a, 38b in the transfer module 26. This reduces potential interference between these elongated parts. Additionally, the lateral adjustment enables a better adjustment to different widths of the folding boxes 2, so that the first and second guide members 110a, 110b can be adapted to different widths of boxes 2. The vertical displacement of the guide members 110a, 110b can be provided by a guide descent motor 113 and actuator 114, which can be arranged to move the first and second guide members 110a, 110b in unison between the initial loading height hi and the evacuation height h3.

As best seen in figures 8 and 11 , the stacker module 28 may further comprise a first and second lateral side guide 120a, 120b. The lateral side guides 120a, 120b may have an upper inclined surface to form a receiving funnel in the in perpendicular in relation to the direction of transportation D such that the lateral sides of the folding boxes 2 in the folder-gluer machine 1 are aligned when positioned on the loading surface 90. Additionally, vertical walls can be arranged vertically below the first and second lateral side guides 120a, 120b. The walls retain the stack laterally when transported to the banding unit 28 and are particularly useful for long folding boxes 2. In an embodiment, the walls can be transparent to allow the operator to visually monitor the stack alignment before the banding module.

The skilled person will realize that the present invention by no means is limited to the described exemplary embodiments. While the invention has been illustrated in detail in the drawings and in the foregoing description, such illustration and description is considered to be illustrative or exemplary and not restrictive; the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments.