A counter-ejector comprises: an elevator including a table displaceable in a forward-backward direction parallel to a feeding-out direction; a backward restriction member for restricting a situation where backward edges of corrugated paperboard sheets in a batch are displaced in a direction opposite to the feeding-out direction; table upward-downward movement drive device; a table displacement drive device; and a control device. The control device executes a table downward movement control processing such that the table is displaced backwardly in at least part of a time period when the table is moved downwardly from the hopper part to a table stop position and a time period when the table is stopped at the table stop position, and a table upward movement control processing such that the table is displaced forwardly in a time period when the table is moved upwardly from the table stop position to the hopper part.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to Japanese Patent Application No. 2017-118228 filed on Jun. 16, 2017, the entire content of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a counter-ejector comprising a ledge for separating a given number of corrugated paperboard sheets stacked in a hopper part to form a batch, a feeding-out conveyer disposed below the hopper part to feed out the batch in a given feeding-out direction, and a table capable of performing an upward-downward movement to transport the batch from the hopper part to the feeding-out conveyer. More specifically, the present invention relates to a counter-ejector configured such that the table is displaced in a direction opposite to the given feeding-out direction, when the table is moved downwardly from the hopper part toward a table stop position or stopped at the table stop position.

2. Description of the Related Art

Heretofore, as a counter-ejector equipped with a table capable of performing an upward-downward movement to transport a batch from a hopper part to a feeding-out conveyer, many counter-ejectors having various configurations have been known. For example, a counter-ejector described in Patent Document 1 (JP 5473138B) is configured such that, when a forward contact plate constituting a hopper part is displaced depending on the size of a corrugated paperboard sheet in its conveyance direction (conveyance-directional size of a corrugated paperboard sheet), a table is displaced in the same direction as a direction along which the forward contact plate is displaced, by an amount of the displacement of the forward contact plate, and, after a batch is passed or transferred from the table to a feeding-out conveyer, the table is moved upwardly from displaced position thereof (a position to which it has been displaced). In the counter-ejector described in the Patent Document 1, the above configuration makes it possible to shorten a time period necessary for transferring a batch from the table to the feeding-out conveyer, as the conveyance-directional size of the corrugated paperboard sheet becomes shorter.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Technical Problem

Meanwhile, according to orders, various corrugated paperboard sheets having different conveyance-directional sizes are supplied to a counter-ejector. Generally, as the conveyance-directional size of a corrugated paperboard sheet becomes longer, a weight per corrugated paperboard sheet becomes heavier. Due to batch transportation and management reasons, a per-batch number of corrugated paperboard sheets each having a relatively long conveyance-directional size is set to be less than the per-batch number of corrugated paperboard sheets each having a relatively short conveyance-directional size.

In the counter-ejector described in the Patent Document 1, assuming that corrugated paperboard sheets each having a relatively long conveyance-directional size are sequentially supplied thereto, the per-batch number of the corrugated paperboard sheets is relatively small, and therefore a time period necessary for stacking the corrugated paperboard sheets to form a batch is relatively short. On the other hand, assuming that, after a relatively small number of corrugated paperboard sheets each having a relatively long conveyance-directional size are formed as a batch, the batch is transferred from the table to feeding-out conveyer, a transfer time period from a time when the batch starts to be fed out forwardly from a position on the upper side of the table through until the batch is fully fed out forwardly, i.e., disappears from the position on the upper side of the table, is relatively long, due to the relatively long conveyance-directional size of the corrugated paperboard sheets. The table needs to continue to be stopped at a table stop position below a given feeding-out position where the feeding-out conveyer is disposed, until the transfer of the batch is completed. Due to an increase in the transfer time, a timing at which the table starts to be moved upwardly from the table stop position so as to receive a batch to be formed next is delayed, thereby leading to a problem of failing to speed up the entire operation of formation and feeding-out of a batch to be performed by the counter-ejector.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problem, and an object thereof is to provide a counter-ejector capable of shortening a time period necessary for transferring a batch from a table to a feeding-out conveyer by enabling the table to be displaced in a direction opposite to a given feeding-out direction along which the batch is fed out.

Solution to Problem

The present invention relates to a counter-ejector includes: a forward contact plate which comes into contact with a forward edge of a corrugated paperboard sheet supplied from a folder-gluer in a given conveyance direction; a correction plate which is disposed in opposed relation to the forward contact plate, and which comes into contact with a backward edge of the supplied corrugated paperboard sheet to align sheet edges; a ledge which separates the corrugated paperboard sheets stacked inside a hopper part configured by the forward contact plate and the correction plate, in order to form a batch including a given number of the corrugated paperboard sheets; a feeding-out conveyer which is disposed at a given feeding-out position below the forward contact plate and the correction plate, to feed out the batch in a given feeding-out direction oriented in a same direction as the conveyance direction; an elevator which comprises a table performing an upward-downward movement to transport the batch placed on the table from the hopper part to the feeding-out conveyer, and which is configured such that the table is displaceable in a forward-backward direction parallel to the feeding-out direction; a backward restriction member which is disposed between the correction plate and the feeding-out conveyer, and which comes into contact with the backward edges of the corrugated paperboard sheets in the batch placed on the table to restrict displacement of the batch in a direction opposite to the feeding-out direction; a table upward-downward movement drive device which moves the table upwardly and downwardly; a table displacement drive device which displaces the table in the forward-backward direction parallel to the feeding-out direction; and a control device which is configured to control the table upward-downward movement drive device and the table displacement drive device, wherein the control device is configured to execute: a table downward movement control processing of controlling the table upward-downward movement drive device and the table displacement drive device such that the table is displaced backwardly, in at least part of a time period including a time period during which the table is moved downwardly from the hopper part to a table stop position below the feeding-out position of the feeding-out conveyer, and a time period during which the table is stopped at the table stop position; and a table upward movement control processing of controlling the table upward-downward movement drive device and the table displacement drive device such that the table is displaced forwardly, in a time period during which the table is moved upwardly from the table stop position to the hopper part.

In the counter-ejector having the above feature, the table is moved upwardly and downwardly to transport the batch from the hopper part to the feeding-out conveyer, and displaced in the forward-backward direction parallel to the feeding-out direction. The backward restriction member is disposed between the correction plate and the feeding-out conveyer, and comes into contact with the backward edges of the corrugated paperboard sheets in the batch placed on the table to restrict displacement of the batch in a direction opposite to the feeding-out direction. According to the table downward movement control processing, the table is displaced backwardly, in at least part of the sum of the time period during which the table is moved downwardly from the hopper part to the table stop position, and the time period during which the table is stopped at the table stop position. According to the table upward movement control processing, the table is displaced forwardly, in the time period during which the table is moved upwardly from the table stop position to the hopper part. Therefore, by displacing the table in the backward direction opposite to the feeding-out direction along which the batch is fed out, it becomes possible to shorten a time period necessary for transferring the batch from the table to the feeding-out conveyer.

In a specific embodiment of the present invention, the counter-ejector may be configured such that the ledge is moved downwardly while being in contact with the batch on the table from thereabove, in a time period during which the table is moved downwardly from the hopper part to the table stop position. Alternatively, the counter-ejector may be configured such that a pressing bar provided separately from the ledge is moved downwardly while being in contact with the batch on the table from thereabove, in the time period during which the table is moved downwardly from the hopper part to the table stop position. In the latter configuration, a configuration may be employed in which the ledge is stopped at a given position between the hopper part and the feeding-out conveyer.

In a specific embodiment of the present invention, a distance by which a forward edge of the table is displaced forwardly toward a forward side of the correction plate and advanced into the hopper part when the table receives the batch consisting of the given number of corrugated paperboard sheets stacked in the hopper part is not particularly limited as long as the batch can be stably placed on the table. For example, the distance by which the table is advanced into the hopper part may be a distance obtained by multiplying the length of the stacked corrugated paperboard sheets in the conveyance direction by a given rate.

In a specific embodiment of the present invention, the backward displacement of the table in the table downward movement control processing is performed at least until the batch is completely fed out forwardly from a position on the upper side of the table, so that it disappears from the position on the upper side of the table. With a view to allowing the table to start upward movement in an early stage, the backward displacement of the table is preferably performed only until the batch is completely fed out forwardly from the position on the upper side of the table. However, the counter-ejector may be configured such that the backward displacement of the table is performed until the position of the forward edge of the table is shifted backwardly to the installation position of the backward restriction member.

In a specific embodiment of the present invention, the counter-ejector may comprise a detector for detecting the presence or absence of the batch on the upper side of the table, wherein whether or not the batch is completely fed out forwardly from the position on the upper side of the table may be determined based on a result of the detection by the detector. Alternatively, the counter-ejector may comprise a means to calculate the position of the forward edge of the table being displaced backwardly, and a movement amount of the feeding-out conveyer, wherein whether or not the batch is completely fed out forwardly from the position on the upper side of the table may be determined based on a result of the detection by the calculation means.

In a specific embodiment of the present invention, when the table receives the batch consisting of the given number of corrugated paperboard sheets stacked in the hopper part, the forward edge of the table needs to be displaced forwardly toward the forward side of the correction plate and advanced into the hopper part by a given distance. The counter-ejector may be configured such that the table is displaced forwardly by a distance equal to the given distance, in the time period during which the table is moved upwardly from the table stop position to the hopper part in the table upward movement control processing. Alternatively, the counter-ejector may be configured such that the table is displaced forwardly by part of the given distance, in the time period during which the table is moved upwardly from the table stop position to the hopper part in the table upward movement control processing, and, after the table reaches the hopper part, displaced forwardly by the remaining distance.

Preferably, the counter-ejector further comprises a detector which detects a presence or absence of the batch placed on the table, wherein, when the detector detects the absence of the batch after detecting the presence of the batch, the control device is configured to cause the table upward-downward movement drive device to start moving the table upwardly in order to execute the table upward movement control processing.

According to this feature, the table upward movement control processing is executed in an early stage, so that it becomes possible to advance a timing at which the table receives the next batch consisting of a given number of corrugated paperboard sheets to thereby speed up the entire operation of the counter-ejector.

In this specific embodiment, the detector may be installed to the table so as to be moved in the forward-backward direction and in the upward-downward direction. Alternatively, the detector may be installed to the elevator such that it is moved only in the forward-backward direction together with the table.

Preferably, in the counter-ejector of the present invention, the control device is configured to control the table upward-downward movement drive device and the table displacement drive device such that, in the table downward movement control processing, the table is displaced backwardly over an entire time period during which the table is moved downwardly from the hopper part to the table stop position.

According to this feature, the table is gradually displaced backwardly over the entire time period of the downward movement thereof, so that it becomes possible to prevent breaking of a stacked posture of the batch on the table.

In this specific embodiment, the table downward movement control processing may be processing of controlling the table upward-downward movement drive device and the table displacement drive device such that the table is displaced backwardly, not only in the time period during which the table is moved downwardly but also in the time period during which the table is stopped at the table stop position.

Preferably, in the counter-ejector of the present invention, the control device is configured to control the table upward-downward movement drive device and the table displacement drive device such that, in the table upward movement control processing, the table is displaced forwardly over an entire time period during which the table is moved upwardly from the table stop position to the hopper part.

According to this feature, the table simultaneously performs the upward movement and the forward displacement, so that it becomes possible to advance a timing at which the table receives the next batch to thereby speed up the entire operation of the counter-ejector, as compared to a case where the upward movement and the forward displacement of the table are performed, respectively, in different time periods.

In this specific embodiment, the table upward movement control processing may be processing of controlling the table upward-downward movement drive device and the table displacement drive device such that the table is displaced forwardly, not only in the time period during which the table is moved upwardly but also in a time period during which the upward movement of the table is stopped after the table is moved upwardly to the hopper part.

Preferably, the counter-ejector of the present invention comprises: a ledge upward-downward movement drive device which moves the ledge upwardly and downwardly; a ledge displacement drive device which displaces the ledge in the forward-backward direction parallel to the feeding-out direction; an upper conveyer which is disposed at a given cooperative feeding-out position below the forward contact plate in order to feed out the batch in the feeding-out direction in cooperation with the feeding-out conveyer; and a forward restriction member which is disposed between the forward contact plate and the upper conveyer, and which is configured to be displaceable in the forward-backward direction together with the forward contact plate, and which comes into contact with the forward edges of the corrugated paperboard sheets in the batch placed on the table to restrict displacement of the corrugated paperboard sheets in the feeding-out direction, wherein the control device is configured to execute: a ledge downward movement control processing of controlling the ledge upward-downward movement drive device and the ledge displacement drive device such that the ledge is displaced forwardly, in at least part of a time period including a time period during which the ledge is moved downwardly from the hopper part to the upper conveyer, and a time period during which the ledge is stopped at the cooperative feeding-out position of the upper conveyer; and a ledge upward movement control processing of controlling the ledge upward-downward movement drive device such that the ledge is moved upwardly from the upper conveyer to a given standby position above the hopper part.

According to this feature, the ledge is displaced forwardly, in at least part of the sum of the time period during which the ledge is moved downwardly, and the time period during which the ledge is stopped at the cooperative feeding-out position, so that it becomes possible to advance a timing at which the ledge is returned to the standby position to form the next batch to thereby speed up the entire operation of the counter-ejector.

In this specific embodiment, the counter-ejector may be configured such that, in ledge upward movement control processing, the ledge is displaced forwardly in the period during which the ledge is moved upwardly from the cooperative feeding-out position of the upper conveyer to the standby position above the hopper part, as long as the ledge does not collide with the corrugated paperboard sheets stacked in the hopper part. Alternatively, the counter-ejector may be configured such that, in ledge upward movement control processing, the ledge is displaced forwardly from the hopper part to a position free of collision with the corrugated paperboard sheets stacked in the hopper part, and then moved straight upwardly from the cooperative feeding-out position of the upper conveyer to the standby position above the hopper part.

Preferably, the counter-ejector further comprises a conveyer drive control device which drives the feeding-out conveyer when the table is moved downwardly to the table stop position, wherein, in the ledge downward movement control processing, the control device is configured to control the ledge upward-downward movement drive device and the ledge displacement drive device in order to inhibit the ledge from being displaced forwardly in such a state that the ledge is in contact with the batch on the feeding-out conveyer from thereabove, in a given displacement inhibition time period after the table is moved downwardly to the table stop position, wherein, after an elapse of the displacement inhibition time period, the control device is configured to control the ledge upward-downward movement drive device and the ledge displacement drive device such that the ledge is displaced forwardly, only in a given upward-downward movement inhibition time period during which the ledge is stopped at the cooperative feeding-out position of the upper conveyer, and wherein, in the ledge upward movement control processing, after an elapse of the upward-downward movement inhibition time period, the control device is configured to control the ledge upward-downward movement drive device and the ledge displacement drive device such that the ledge is displaced forwardly when the ledge is moved upwardly toward the standby position.

According to this feature, in the displacement inhibition time period, the ledge is inhibited from being displaced forwardly in the state in which the ledge is in contact with the batch on the feeding-out conveyer before start of its feeding-out operation, from thereabove, so that it becomes possible to prevent a situation where only the ledge is displaced forwardly before the feeding-out operation of the feeding-out conveyer, thereby leading to breaking of the stacked posture of the batch. Further, the ledge is displaced forwardly under the condition that it is stopped at the cooperative feeding-out position only in the upward-downward movement inhibition time period, so that it becomes possible to smoothly move a front end of the batch being fed out by the feeding-out conveyer, from a lower surface of the ledge to a lower surface of the upper conveyer.

In this specific embodiment, in the ledge downward movement control processing, the ledge is in contact with the batch on the feeding-out conveyer from thereabove. In this case, the counter-ejector may be configured such that the lower surface of the ledge is located slightly below the lower surface of the upper conveyer so as to press the batch from thereabove, or may be configured such that the lower surface of the ledge is located at the same height position as that of the lower surface of the upper conveyer so as to restrict upward swelling of the batch.

In this specific embodiment, the displacement inhibition time period is a time period from issuance of an instruction for the feeding-out operation of the feeding-out conveyer through until the feeding-out conveyer actually starts the feeding-out operation. The instruction for the feeding-out operation of the feeding-out conveyer is generated (issued) when the table is moved downwardly to the table stop position. A time when the ledge is moved downwardly to the cooperative feeding-out position of the upper conveyer may be approximately the same as a time when the table is moved downwardly to the table stop position, or may be any time within the displacement inhibition time period.

In this specific embodiment, the upward-downward movement inhibition time period is a time period necessary for a forward end of the batch fed out by the feeding-out conveyer to enter a position below the lower surface of the upper conveyer from a position below the lower surface of the ledge.

Preferably, in the above counter-ejector, in the ledge downward movement control processing, the control device is configured to control the ledge upward-downward movement drive device and the ledge displacement drive device such that the ledge is displaced forwardly over an entire period during which the ledge is moved downwardly from the hopper part to the upper conveyer.

According to this feature, the ledge simultaneously performs the downward movement and the forward displacement, so that it becomes possible to advance a timing at which the ledge is returned to the standby position to form the next batch to thereby speed up the entire operation of the counter-ejector, as compared to a case where the downward movement and the forward displacement of the ledge are performed, respectively, in different time periods.

Preferably, in the above counter-ejector, the control device is configured to control the ledge upward-downward movement drive device and the table upward-downward movement drive device such that the table starts to be moved downwardly from the hopper part toward the table stop position, before the ledge starts to be moved downwardly from the hopper part toward the upper conveyer.

According to this feature, it becomes possible to suppress a situation where a pressing force is applied from the ledge to the batch on the table when the table is displaced backwardly during the downward movement, to reduce friction acting between an upper surface of the table and a lowest one of the corrugated paperboard sheets in the batch, thereby preventing breaking of the stacked posture of the batch.

Preferably, in the above counter-ejector, the control device is configured to control the ledge upward-downward movement drive device and the table upward-downward movement drive device such that the table starts to be moved downwardly from the hopper part to the table stop position at an acceleration larger than an acceleration generated when the ledge starts to be moved downwardly from the hopper part toward the upper conveyer.

According to this feature, it becomes possible to suppress a situation where a pressing force is applied from the ledge to the batch on the table when the table is displaced backwardly during the downward movement, to reduce friction acting between the upper surface of the table and the lowest one of the corrugated paperboard sheets in the batch, thereby preventing breaking of the stacked posture of the batch.

Preferably, the counter-ejector of the present invention further comprises an air blower which is operable to blow air toward the batch on the table from therebelow, in at least part of a time period during which the table is moved downwardly from the hopper part to the table stop position.

According to this feature, it is possible to reduce friction acting between the upper surface of the table and the lowest one of the corrugated paperboard sheets in the batch, when the table is displaced backwardly, thereby preventing breaking of the stacked posture of the batch.

In this specific embodiment, the air blower may be installed to the table, or may be disposed at a fixed position below the feeding-out conveyer.

In this specific embodiment, the air blower may be configured to inhibit blowing operation before the table receives the batch from the hopper part. Alternatively, the air blower may be configured such that, before the table receives the batch from the hopper part, air is blown in a blowing amount less than that in the period during which the table is moved downwardly from the hopper part to the stable stop position.

Preferably, in the counter-ejector of the present invention, the table comprises a plurality of mounting extended parts which are arranged in a direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction in spaced-apart relation to each other, and which extend horizontally, and the backward restriction member comprises a plurality of restriction extended parts which are arranged, respectively, in gaps between adjacent ones of the mounting extended parts, and which extend vertically.

According to this feature, the mounting extended parts of the table can be smoothly displaced in the forward-backward direction without collision with the restriction extended parts of the backward restriction member.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Embodiment

With reference to the drawings, a counter-ejector according to one embodiment of the present invention will now be described. A counter-ejector is a device for stacking corrugated paperboard sheets sequentially fed from a folder-gluer and separating a given number of the corrugated paperboard sheets as a batch, and its basic configuration is well known.FIG. 1is a front view depicting an overall configuration of the counter-ejector according to this embodiment. The directions indicated by the arrowed lines inFIG. 1is an upward-downward direction and a rightward-leftward direction, and a direction orthogonal to the two directions is a frontward-rearward direction. InFIGS. 2 to 11, directions are indicated in the same manner as those inFIG. 1.

[Mechanical Configuration of Counter-Ejector]

InFIG. 1, the counter-ejector1comprises a forward contact plate10, a correction plate12, a main ledge14, a table16, an upstream-side auxiliary ledge18, a downstream-side auxiliary ledge20, a feeding-out conveyer22, an upper conveyer24, and a retention conveyer26. A feeding conveyer28and a feeding roller30are on the right side of the counter-ejector1. A corrugated paperboard sheet SH folded and glued by a folder-gluer is fed to the counter-ejector1by the feeding conveyer28and the feeding roller30. In this embodiment, a conveyance (feeding) direction FD of the corrugated paperboard sheet SH is a direction from the right side to the left side inFIG. 1.

A hopper part HP having a space for allowing a plurality of the corrugated paperboard sheets SH to be stacked therein is formed by the forward contact plate10, the correction plate12, the upstream-side auxiliary ledge18, and the downstream-side auxiliary ledge20. The forward contact plate10is disposed on the left side of the hopper part HP, such that it is contactable with a left end, i.e., forward (leading) end, of the corrugated paperboard sheet SH fed thereinto. The correction plate12is disposed on the right side of the hopper part HP, such that it is contactable with a right end, i.e., backward (trailing) end, of the corrugated paperboard sheet SH fed thereinto. The correction plate12is configured to perform a heretofore-known correction movement, i.e., reciprocatingly move in the rightward-leftward direction, to align backward edges of the stacked corrugated paperboard sheets SH. The correction plate12is disposed in a constant positional relationship with the feeding conveyer28and the feeding roller30, such that it is contactable with the backward edges of the stacked corrugated paperboard sheets SH during the correction movement.

(Configuration of Forward Contact Plate Displacement Mechanism)

A forward contact plate displacement mechanism40is provided as a means to displace the forward contact plate10in the rightward-leftward direction. The forward contact plate-displacing mechanism40comprises a forward contact plate drive motor42, a threaded shaft44, a forward contact plate support block46, and a guide rail48. The threaded shaft44is rotatably supported by a frame of the counter-ejector1, in a horizontal posture along the rightward-leftward direction. The forward contact plate drive motor42is coupled to the threaded shaft44, and operable to selectively rotationally drive the threaded shaft44in either of a normal direction and a reverse direction. The forward contact plate drive motor42has a built-in encoder for detecting a rotational direction and a rotational amount thereof. The encoder of the forward contact plate drive motor42has a heretofore-known configuration capable of generating a rotation detection signal indicative of the rotational direction and the rotational amount thereof. The guide rail48is supported by the frame of the counter-ejector1, at a position adjacent to the threaded shaft44and in a horizontal posture along the rightward-leftward direction. The guide rail48is engaged with a guide groove of the forward contact plate support block46to guide the forward contact plate support block46in the rightward-leftward direction.

The forward contact plate support block46comprises a nut portion threadingly engaged with the threaded shaft44, and is configured to be displaced in the rightward-leftward direction according to the rotational direction and the rotational amount of the threaded shaft44. The forward contact plate10is fixed to a right end of the forward contact plate support block46, in a vertical posture along the upward-downward direction. The forward contact plate10is positioned such that a distance with respect to the correction plate12corresponds to a sheet length LS of the corrugated paperboard sheet SH in the conveyance direction FD (conveyance-directional sheet length LS of the corrugated paperboard sheet SH).

(Configuration of Main Ledge Displacement Mechanism and Main Ledge Upward-Downward Movement Mechanism)

A main ledge displacement mechanism60and a main ledge upward-downward movement mechanism62are provided as a means to displace the main ledge14in the rightward-leftward direction and move the main ledge14in the upward-downward direction. The main ledge displacement mechanism60comprises a ledge displacement motor64, a drive pulley66, a driven pulley68, a ledge drive belt70, a guide rail72, and a ledge support block74.

The drive pulley66and the driven pulley68are rotatably supported by the frame of the counter-ejector1. The ledge drive belt70is provided between the drive pulley66and the driven pulley68in a tensioned manner, in a horizontal posture along the rightward-leftward direction. The ledge displacement motor64is coupled to the drive pulley66, and operable to selectively rotationally drive the drive pulley66in either of a normal direction and a reverse direction. The ledge drive motor64has a built-in encoder for detecting a rotational direction and a rotational amount thereof. The guide rail72is supported by the frame of the counter-ejector1, at a position adjacent to the ledge drive belt70and in a horizontal posture along the rightward-leftward direction. The guide rail72is engaged with a guide groove of the ledge support block74to guide the ledge support block74in the rightward-leftward direction. The ledge support block74has an upper end fixed to the ledge drive belt70.

The main ledge upward-downward movement mechanism62comprises a ledge upward-downward movement motor76, a pinion78, a rack80, and a guide rail82. The ledge upward-downward movement motor76is fixed to the ledge support block74. The ledge upward-downward movement motor76is coupled to the pinion78, and operable to selectively rotationally drive the pinion78in either of a normal direction and a reverse direction. The ledge upward-downward movement motor76has a built-in encoder for detecting a rotational direction and a rotational amount thereof. The main ledge14has an L shape which comprises a horizontal extended portion14A and a vertical standing portion14B. The rack80is fixed to the vertical standing portion14B of the main ledge14, in a vertical posture along the upward-downward direction. The rack80is meshed with the pinion78. The guide rail82is fixed to the vertical standing portion14B of the main ledge14, in a vertical posture along the upward-downward direction. The guide rail82is engaged with a guide groove of the ledge support block74to guide the vertical standing portion14B of the main ledge14in the upward-downward direction.

The main ledge14is positioned in the rightward-leftward direction according to the rotational direction and the rotational amount of the ledge displacement motor64, and positioned in the upward-downward direction according to the rotational direction and the rotational amount of the ledge upward-downward movement motor76.

(Configuration of Table Displacement Mechanism and Table Upward-Downward Movement Mechanism)

In order to displace the table16in the rightward-leftward direction and move the table16in the upward-downward direction, an elevator90comprises a table displacement mechanism92and a table upward-downward movement mechanism94. The table displacement mechanism92comprises a table displacement motor96, a drive pulley98, a driven pulley100, a table drive belt102, a guide rail104, and a table support block106.

The drive pulley98and the driven pulley100are rotatably supported by the frame of the counter-ejector1. The table drive belt102is provided between the drive pulley98and the driven pulley100in a tensioned manner, in a horizontal posture along the rightward-leftward direction. The table displacement motor96is coupled to the drive pulley98, and operable to selectively rotationally drive the drive pulley98in either of a normal direction and a reverse direction. The table displacement motor96has a built-in encoder for detecting a rotational direction and a rotational amount thereof. The guide rail104is supported by the frame of the counter-ejector1, at a position adjacent to the table drive belt102and in a horizontal posture along the rightward-leftward direction. The guide rail104is engaged with a guide groove of the table support block106to guide the table support block106in the rightward-leftward direction. The table support block106has a lower end fixed to the table drive belt102.

The table upward-downward movement mechanism94comprises a table upward-downward movement motor108, a pinion110, a rack112, and a guide rail114. The table upward-downward movement motor108is fixed to the table support block106. The table upward-downward movement motor108is coupled to the pinion110, and operable to selectively rotationally drive the pinion110in either of a normal direction and a reverse direction. The table upward-downward movement motor108has a built-in encoder for detecting a rotational direction and a rotational amount thereof. The table16has a T shape which comprises a horizontal extended portion16A and a vertical standing portion16B. The rack112is fixed to the vertical standing portion16B of the table16, in a vertical posture along the upward-downward direction. The rack112is meshed with the pinion110. The guide rail114is fixed to the vertical standing portion16B of the table16, in a vertical posture along the upward-downward direction. The guide rail114is engaged with a guide groove of the table support block106to guide the vertical standing portion16B of the table16in the upward-downward direction.

The table16is positioned in the rightward-leftward direction according to the rotational direction and the rotational amount of the table displacement motor96, and positioned in the upward-downward direction according to the rotational direction and the rotational amount of the table upward-downward movement motor108. In this embodiment, the table16has a size capable of placement thereon of a corrugated paperboard sheet having a maximum size which can be handled by a corrugated paperboard box making machine. Specifically, the size of the horizontal extended portion16A of the table16in the conveyance direction FD is set according to a sheet length LS of the maximum-size corrugated paperboard sheet in the conveyance direction FD. Further, in this embodiment, a distance from the correction plate12to a left edge16C of the horizontal extended portion16A of the table16is set according to the conveyance-directional sheet length LS of the corrugated paperboard sheet SH designated by an order. Specifically, the distance from the correction plate12to the left edge16C of the horizontal extended portion16A of the table16is set to a large value along with an increase in the conveyance-directional sheet length LS. This setting method is described in JP 5473138B.

(Configurations of Auxiliary Ledge Displacement Mechanisms)

Two auxiliary ledge displacement mechanisms120,122are provided as a means to displace the upstream-side auxiliary ledge18and the downstream-side auxiliary ledge20in the rightward-leftward direction. In order to displace the upstream-side auxiliary ledge18in the rightward-leftward direction, the auxiliary ledge displacement mechanism120comprises a ledge drive cylinder124and a ledge support base126. The ledge support base126is fixed to the frame of the counter-ejector1, at a position adjacent to the correction plate12and in a horizontal posture along the rightward-leftward direction. The ledge drive cylinder124is supported by the ledge support base126. The ledge drive cylinder124comprises an actuation rod configured to be movable in the rightward-leftward direction, and coupled to the upstream-side auxiliary ledge18. The upstream-side auxiliary ledge18is guided in the rightward-leftward direction by a linear guide disposed on the ledge support base126.

In order to displace the downstream-side auxiliary ledge20in the rightward-leftward direction, the auxiliary ledge displacement mechanism122comprises a ledge drive cylinder128and a ledge support base130. The ledge support base130is fixed to a lower end of the forward contact plate support block46, in a horizontal posture along the rightward-leftward direction. The ledge drive cylinder128is supported by the ledge support base130. The ledge drive cylinder128comprises an actuation rod configured to be movable in the rightward-leftward direction, and coupled to the downstream-side auxiliary ledge20. The downstream-side auxiliary ledge20is guided in the rightward-leftward direction by a linear guide disposed on the ledge support base130.

The upstream-side auxiliary ledge18is disposed to be advanceable and retractable in the rightward-leftward direction with respect to the correction plate12. The downstream-side auxiliary ledge20is disposed to be advanceable and retractable in the rightward-leftward direction with respect to the forward contact plate10. The two auxiliary ledges18,20are configured such that it is moved, respectively, in directions causing them to come close to each other to support a lower surface of the corrugated paperboard sheet SH, and then moved, respectively, in directions causing them to come away from each other to transfer the corrugated paperboard sheet SH to the table16.

A conveyer support frame140is supported by the frame of the counter-ejector1, in a horizontal posture along the rightward-leftward direction and in an upwardly and downwardly movable manner. The feeding-out conveyer22and the retention conveyer26are supported by the conveyer support frame140. A conveyer upward-downward movement motor142is fixed to the frame of the counter-ejector1. A threaded shaft144is rotatably supported by the frame of the counter-ejector1, in a vertical posture along the upward-downward direction. The conveyer upward-downward movement motor142is coupled to the threaded shaft144, and operable to selectively rotationally drive the threaded shaft144in either of a normal direction and a reverse direction. The conveyer upward-downward movement motor142has a built-in encoder for detecting a rotational direction and a rotational amount thereof. The conveyer support frame140comprises a nut portion threadingly engaged with the threaded shaft144, and is configured to be moved upwardly and downwardly according to the rotational direction and the rotational amount of the threaded shaft144.

The feeding-out conveyer22is disposed below the hopper part HP over a range including a rightward-leftward directional region of the hopper part HP and a region leftward of the forward contact plate10, in a horizontal posture along the rightward-leftward direction. The retention conveyer26is disposed on the left side of the feeding-out conveyer22, in a horizontal posture along the rightward-leftward direction. The retention conveyer26is operable to convey the batch to a downstream-side conveyance conveyer while retaining a plurality of the batches fed out from the feeding-out conveyer22. A feeding-out motor146is fixed to the conveyer support frame140, and operable to drive the feeding-out conveyer22. The feeding-out motor146has a built-in encoder for detecting a rotational direction and a rotational amount thereof. A retention control motor148is fixed to the conveyer support frame140, and operable to drive the retention conveyer26. The retention control motor148has a built-in encoder for detecting a rotational direction and a rotational amount thereof.

The upper conveyer24is installed to the frame of the counter-ejector1at a given position below the forward contact plate10and above the feeding-out conveyer22, in a horizontal posture along the rightward-leftward direction. The upper conveyer24comprises a large number of freely-rotatable rollers arranged along a lower surface thereof, and is disposed in a region on the left side of the forward contact plate10in opposed relation to the feeding-out conveyer22and the retention conveyer26. A right end of the upper conveyer24is coupled to the forward contact plate support block46, and configured to be extended and contracted in the rightward-leftward direction along with the rightward-leftward directional displacement of the forward contact plate10.

A gap between the upper conveyer24and each of the feeding-out conveyer22and the retention conveyer26is set according to the rotational direction and the rotational amount of the conveyer upward-downward movement motor142, such that it becomes approximately equal to an upward-downward directional thickness of the batch. The upward-downward directional thickness of the batch is determined according to the number of corrugated paperboard sheets (sheet number) per batch designated by an order.

(Configurations of Forward Restriction Member and Backward Restriction Member)

A forward restriction member160and a backward restriction member162are provided as a means to restrict a rightward-leftward directional displacement of forward and backward edges of the corrugated paperboard sheet SH stacked on the horizontal extended portion16A of the table16.FIG. 2is a schematic diagram enlargedly depicting the vicinity of the hopper part HP depicted inFIG. 1. InFIGS. 1 and 2, the forward restriction member160is fixed to the right end of the forward contact plate support block46, in a vertical posture along the upward-downward direction. The forward restriction member160extends from a lower end of the forward contact plate10to a position adjacent to the lower surface of the upper conveyer24. As depicted inFIG. 2, the forward restriction member160is disposed such that a right surface of the forward contact plate10becomes approximately flush with a right surface of the forward restriction member160. When the horizontal extended portion14A of the main ledge14is displaced leftwardly in a state in which the batch BS is sandwiched between a lower surface of the horizontal extended portion14A of the main ledge14and an upper surface of the horizontal extended portion16A of the table16, the forward restriction member160is operable to restrict a leftward displacement of the corrugated paperboard sheets SH in the batch BS.

InFIGS. 1 and 2, the backward restriction member162is disposed at a position adjacent to the correction plate12such that a left surface of the backward restriction member162is located slightly rightward of a left surface of the correction plate12in a state in which the correction plate12is moved to its rightwardmost position, and fixed to the frame of the counter-ejector1, in a vertical posture along the upward-downward direction. An upper end of the backward restriction member162is bent rightwardly to extend obliquely upwardly beyond a lower end of the correction plate12. The bent shape of the upper end of the backward restriction member162and the arrangement in which the left surface of the backward restriction member162is located slightly rightward of the left surface of the correction plate12make it possible to prevent the backward edges aligned by the correction plate12from being stuck to an upper portion of the backward restriction member162. The backward restriction member162extends from the lower end of the correction plate12to a position below the feeding-out conveyer22. When the horizontal extended portion16A of the table16is displaced rightwardly in a state in which the corrugated paperboard sheets SH are stacked on the horizontal extended portion16A of the table16, the backward restriction member162is operable to restrict a rightward displacement of the corrugated paperboard sheets SH. A distance by which a lower end of the backward restriction member162extends downwardly from the lower end of the correction plate12is set such that, in a state in which the feeding-out conveyer22is moved downwardly to its downwardmost position, an upper surface of the upside of the feeding-out conveyer22is located at approximately the same height position as that of the lower end of the backward restriction member162.

In this embodiment, the horizontal extended portion16A of the table16comprises a large number of mounting extended parts arranged in a frontward-rearward direction, i.e., a direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction FD, in spaced-apart relation to each other. The backward restriction member162comprises a large number of restriction extended parts arranged in the frontward-rearward direction, i.e., a direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction FD, in spaced-apart relation to each other. The restriction extended parts are disposed, respectively, in gaps between adjacent ones of the mounting extended parts.

(Configuration of Air Blower)

An air blower170is provided as a means to blow air toward the corrugated paperboard sheets SH stacked on the horizontal extended portion16A of the table16. As depicted inFIG. 2, the air blower170is installed to the frame of the counter-ejector1at a position beneath the feeding-out conveyer22. The air blower170comprises a blowing port172, and a blower motor174indicated inFIG. 3. The blowing port172is opened toward the horizontal extended portion16A of the table16at a position adjacent to the feeding-out conveyer22. The blower motor174is operable to rotationally drive a blower fan of the air blower170.

(Configurations of Various Detector)

A batch detector180is installed to a frame of the elevator90, as a means to detect the presence or absence of the batch BS on the upper side of the horizontal extended portion16A of the table16. As depicted inFIG. 2, the batch detector180is disposed in a constant positional relationship with the feeding-out conveyer22in the upward-downward direction, and coupled to the frame of the elevator90through a coupling member184such that it is displaced in the rightward-leftward direction together with the table16. In this embodiment, when the upward-downward directional position of the feeding-out conveyer22is adjusted, the upward-downward directional position of the batch detector180is also adjusted. Through the operation of moving the upper surface16D of the horizontal extended portion16A of the table16downwardly to a position slightly below the upside of the feeding-out conveyer22, the batch BS stacked on the horizontal extended portion16A of the table16is transferred to the feeding-out conveyer22. The batch detector180is operable to detect whether or not the batch BS transferred to the feeding-out conveyer22exists on the upper side of the horizontal extended portion16A. In this embodiment, the batch detector180is composed of an optical sensor which comprises a light-emitting unit for emitting light toward a left edge16C of the horizontal extended portion16A, and a light-receiving unit for receiving light reflected by a lower surface of the batch BS. The batch detector180is configured such that it reaches a detectable state when the horizontal extended portion16A of the table16comes close thereto to fall within a given detectable distance, and then generates an absence-of-batch detection signal SD when a state on the upper side of the horizontal extended portion16A is changed from a state in which the batch BS exists to a state in which the batch BS does not exist.

A sheet detector182is installed to the frame of the counter-ejector1, as a means to detect passing of an edge of the corrugated paperboard sheet SH fed by the feeding conveyer28and the feeding roller30. As depicted inFIG. 2, the sheet detector182is disposed adjacent to the feeding roller30. The sheet detector182is composed of an optical sensor which comprises a light-emitting unit for emitting light downwardly, and a light-receiving unit for receiving light reflected by an upper surface of the corrugated paperboard sheet SH. The sheet detector182is configured to generate a detection signal in response to passing of the edge of the corrugated paperboard sheet SH being fed.

[Electrical Configuration of Counter-Ejector]

With reference toFIG. 3, an electrical configuration for controlling the counter-ejector1according to this embodiment will be described below.FIG. 3is a block diagram depicting the electrical configuration of the counter-ejector1. InFIG. 3, a counter-ejector control device200is configured to control the entire operation of the counter-ejector1. A management device300is configured to perform production management of a heretofore-known corrugated paperboard box making machine so as to execute a sequence of different orders, and supply, to the control unit200, control information regarding each order, such as production speed, size of a corrugated paperboard sheet, and a sheet number per batch.

The control device200is connected to the batch detector180and the sheet detector182. The control device200is operable, based on a detection signal from the sheet detector182, to count the number of corrugated paperboard sheets SH fed by the feeding conveyer28and the feeding roller30. The control device200is operable to control the motors for driving respective components of the counter-ejector1, according to the control information from the management device300and the counted number of the fed corrugated paperboard sheets SH. The control device200is connected to: the ledge displacement motor64and the ledge upward-downward movement motor76for moving the main ledge14; the ledge drive cylinders124,128for moving the auxiliary ledges18,20; the table displacement motor96and the table upward-downward movement motor108for moving the table16; the feeding-out motor146and the retention control motor148for driving the feeding-out conveyer22and the retention conveyer26, respectively; the conveyer upward-downward movement motor142for moving upwardly and downwardly the feeding-out conveyer22and the retention conveyer26; and the blower motor174for driving the air blower170.

The control device200is composed of a computer comprising a CPU, a ROM and a RAM. The ROM fixedly stores therein a control program for controlling the counter-ejector1, and various set values. The RAM is operable to temporarily store therein a result of processing by the CPU, such as the counted number of the fed corrugated paperboard sheets SH, and the control information from the management device300.

The control device200is operable, according to execution of the control program, to perform processing of calculating positions of various members such as the forward contact plate10, and processing of generating various control signals such as an aftermentioned conveyer drive instruction. Specifically, the control device200is operable, based on a rotation detection signal from the built-in encoder of the forward contact plate drive motor42, to calculate the rightward-leftward directional position of the forward contact plate10. The control device200is operable, based on rotation detection signals from the built-in encoders of the ledge displacement motor64and the ledge upward-downward movement motor76, to calculate the rightward-leftward directional position and the upward-downward directional position of the main ledge14. The control device200is operable, based on rotation detection signals from the built-in encoders of the table displacement motor96and the table upward-downward movement motor108, to calculate the rightward-leftward directional position and the upward-downward directional position of the table16. The control device200is operable, based on rotation detection signals from the built-in encoders of the feeding-out motor146and the retention control motor148, to calculate a movement amount of the feeding-out conveyer22and a movement amount of the retention conveyer26. The control device200is operable, based on a rotation detection signal from the built-in encoder of the conveyer upward-downward movement motor142, to calculate respective upward-downward directional positions of the feeding-out conveyer22and the retention conveyer26. The control device200is operable, when the upper surface16D of the horizontal extended portion16A of the table16is moved downwardly to an aftermentioned table downwardmost position VT2, to supply, to the feeding-out motor146, a conveyer drive instruction CD for instructing the feeding-out motor146to start to drive the feeding-out conveyer22. The control device200is operable, when the upper surface16D of the horizontal extended portion16A of the table16is moved downwardly from an aftermentioned table upward-downward directional intermediate position VTX to the aftermentioned table downwardmost position VT2, to supply a blowing activation signal SB to the blower motor174.

With reference toFIG. 2, respective movement ranges of the main ledge14, the table16, and the auxiliary ledges18,20will be described below. In this embodiment, a right edge14C of the horizontal extended portion14A of the main ledge14is displaced between a main ledge rightwardmost position HM1and a main ledge leftwardmost position HM2in the rightward-leftward direction. A main ledge rightward-leftward directional intermediate position HMX is set between the main ledge rightwardmost position HM1and the main ledge leftwardmost position HM2. A lower surface14D of the horizontal extended portion14A of the main ledge14is moved upwardly and downwardly between a main ledge upwardmost position VM1and a main ledge downwardmost position VM2in the upward-downward direction. A main ledge upward-downward directional intermediate position VMX is set between the main ledge upwardmost position VM1and the main ledge downwardmost position VM2. The left edge16C of the horizontal extended portion16A of the table16is displaced between a table leftwardmost position HT1and a table rightwardmost position HT2in the rightward-leftward direction. The upper surface16D of the horizontal extended portion16A of the table16is displaced between a table upwardmost position VT1and a table downwardmost position VT2in the upward-downward direction. The table upward-downward directional intermediate position VTX is set between the table upwardmost position VT1and the table downwardmost position VT2. A left edge of the upstream-side auxiliary ledge18is displaced between an auxiliary ledge advanced position HS1where it is advanced into the hopper part HP, and an auxiliary ledge retracted position HS2where it is retracted from the hopper part HP. Similarly, a right edge of the downstream-side auxiliary ledge20is displaced between an auxiliary ledge advanced position HS1where it is advanced into the hopper part HP, and an auxiliary ledge retracted position HS2where it is retracted from the hopper part HP. The auxiliary ledge advanced position HS1and the auxiliary ledge retracted position HS2of each of the auxiliary ledges18,20are determined by a mechanical configuration and an installation position of a respective one of the ledge drive cylinders124,128. In this embodiment, the auxiliary ledge advanced position HS1is in a state in which it is advanced into the hopper part HP to a position away from the auxiliary ledge retracted position HS2by 100 mm.

The ROM of the control device200fixedly stores therein position information representing the main ledge upwardmost position VM1, the main ledge downwardmost position VM2, the main ledge upward-downward directional intermediate position VMX, and the table upwardmost position VT1. The ROM of the control device200fixedly stores therein a control program for calculating the main ledge rightwardmost position HM1, the main ledge leftwardmost position HM2, the main ledge rightward-leftward directional intermediate position HMX, the table leftwardmost position HT1, the table downwardmost position VT2, and the table upward-downward directional intermediate position VTX. In this embodiment, the ROM of the control device200fixedly stores therein a control program for determining the table rightwardmost position HT2according to a timing at which the batch detector180generates the absence-of-batch detection signal SD.

In this embodiment, the main ledge rightwardmost position HM1is represented by a value (LS—70) obtained by subtracting 70 mm from the conveyance-directional sheet length LS of the corrugated paperboard sheet SH, and is the position of the right edge14C of the horizontal extended portion14A of the main ledge14, wherein this position is spaced rightwardly from the right surface of the forward contact plate10by a value equal to or less than 900 mm. The main ledge leftwardmost position HM2is the position of the right edge14C of the horizontal extended portion14A of the main ledge14, wherein this position is spaced leftwardly from the right surface of the forward contact plate10by 10 mm. The main ledge rightward-leftward directional intermediate position HMX is the position of the right edge14C of the horizontal extended portion14A of the main ledge14, wherein this position is spaced rightwardly from the right surface of the forward contact plate10by a given distance DG indicated inFIG. 7. The given distance DG is a distance set to enable the lower surface14D of the horizontal extended portion14A of the main ledge14to guide left ends of the corrugated paperboard sheets SH in the batch BS to be placed on the feeding-out conveyer22, to a position below the upper conveyer24. The rightward-leftward directional position of the right surface of the forward contact plate10is set according to the conveyance-directional sheet length LS.

In this embodiment, the table leftwardmost position HT1is the position of the left edge16C of the horizontal extended portion16A of the table16, wherein this position is spaced leftwardly from the left surface of the backward restriction member162by a value which is ¾ of the conveyance-directional sheet length LS. The table downwardmost position VT2is a position spaced downwardly by 5 mm from the upper surface of the upside of the feeding-out conveyer22. The table upward-downward directional intermediate position VTX is a position spaced downwardly from the table upwardmost position VT1by a value set according to the thickness of the batch BS, i.e., the sheet number of the batch BS, designated by an order. The position of the upper surface of the upside of the feeding-out conveyer22is a position spaced downwardly from a height position of lower ends of the rollers of the upper conveyer24by a value set according to a sheet number of the butch BS designated by an order.

[Operations and Functions of Counter-Ejector]

Operations and functions of the counter-ejector1according to this embodiment will be described below. First of all, the management device300supplies, to the counter-ejector control device200, control instruction information necessary for executing a given order, such as information for directing the conveyance speed of the corrugated paperboard sheet SH, dimensions of the corrugated paperboard sheet SH, the number of the corrugated paperboard sheets SH to be processed, and others.

With reference toFIGS. 2 and 4 to 11, the operations and functions of the counter-ejector1will be described by taking a case where an order is executed in which, among various types of corrugated paperboard sheets SH which can be subjected to stacking and separating to be performed by the counter-ejector1, five corrugated paperboard sheets SH each having the largest sheet length in the conveyance direction FD are stacked and separated as one batch BS. In this embodiment, the sheet length of the corrugated paperboard sheet SH in the conveyance direction FD is 1200 mm.

Before start of execution of this order, the control device200positions the forward contact plate10with respect to the correction plate12in the rightward-leftward direction, by controlling drive of the forward contact plate drive motor42according to the sheet length LS of the corrugated paperboard sheet SH in the conveyance direction FD. Further, the control device200positions the feeding-out conveyer22and the retention conveyer26with respect to the upper conveyer24in the upward-downward direction, by controlling drive of the conveyer upward-downward movement motor142according to the sheet number of the batch BS. The position of the right end of the upper conveyer24coupled to the forward contact plate support block46is changed in the rightward-leftward direction in conformity to the position of the forward contact plate10.

FIG. 4is a timing chart depicting respective displacements of the main ledge14, the table16, and the auxiliary ledges18,20. From time T0indicated inFIG. 4, the operation of the counter-ejector1is started. At the time T0, the lower surface14D of the horizontal extended portion14A of the main ledge14is located at the main ledge upwardmost position VM1. The control device200controls drive of the ledge displacement motor64to start displacement of the right edge14C of the horizontal extended portion14A of the main ledge14rightwardly from the main ledge leftwardmost position HM2toward the main ledge rightwardmost position HM1. Further, the control device200controls drive of the table upward-downward movement motor108to start downward movement of the upper surface16D of the horizontal extended portion16A of the table16from the table upwardmost position VT1toward the table upward-downward directional intermediate position VTX. The left edge16C of the horizontal extended portion16A of the table16is located at a position spaced from the left surface of the backward restriction member162by a value which is ¾ of the sheet length LS of the corrugated paperboard sheet SH in the conveyance direction FD, i.e., the table leftwardmost position HT1. At the time T0, each of the auxiliary ledges18,20is located at the auxiliary ledge retracted position HS2, and the air blower170is in a state in which its blowing operation is stopped.

FIG. 2depicts a state in which the batch BS formed in a previous processing cycle of the counter-ejector1is placed on the table16. The state depicted inFIG. 2is a state at time T1indicated inFIG. 4. At the time T1, the lower surface14D of the horizontal extended portion14A of the main ledge14is located at the main ledge upwardmost position VM1, and the right edge14C of the horizontal extended portion14A of the main ledge14is located at a position slightly leftward of the main ledge rightwardmost position HM1. The state of the main ledge14depicted inFIG. 2is a standby state of the main ledge14. At the time T1, the left edge16C of the horizontal extended portion16A of the table16is located at the table leftwardmost position HT1, and the upper surface16D of the horizontal extended portion16A of the table16is located at a position slightly below the table upwardmost position VT1. Each of the auxiliary ledges18,20is located at a respective one of the auxiliary ledge retracted positions HS2. At the time T1, the batch detector180is in a state in which it detects the presence of the batch BS placed on the table16, but has not generated the absence-of-batch detection signal SD.

In response to the elapse of a given time period from detection of the forward edge of a last one of the corrugated paperboard sheets SH of the previous batch BS by the sheet detector182through until the forward edge of the last corrugated paperboard sheet SH, i.e., the 5th corrugated paperboard sheet SH, reaches the right surface of the forward contact plate10, the main ledge14starts to be moved downwardly from the main ledge upwardmost position VM1toward the main ledge upward-downward directional intermediate position VMX. At this time of start of the downward movement, the main ledge14continues rightward displacement toward the main ledge rightwardmost position HM1. The table16continues downward movement toward the table upward-downward directional intermediate position VTX, while being held at the table leftwardmost position HT1in the rightward-leftward direction.

When the lower surface14D of the horizontal extended portion14A of the main ledge14is moved downwardly to the main ledge upward-downward directional intermediate position VMX, and the upper surface16D of the horizontal extended portion16A of the table16is moved downwardly to the table upward-downward directional intermediate position VTX, the control device200operates to drive the ledge drive cylinders124,128to displace each of the auxiliary ledges18,20toward the auxiliary ledge advanced position HS1.FIG. 5depicts a state in which, at time T2indicated inFIG. 4, each of the auxiliary ledges18,20is displaced to the auxiliary ledge advanced position HS1.

At the time T2, the control device200operates to generate start drive of the blowing activation signal SB to start drive of the blower motor174. Upon drive of the blower motor174, the air blower170blows air from the blowing port172toward the batch BS placed on the table16. At the time T2, the batch detector180is still in the state in which it detects the presence of the batch BS placed on the table16, but has not generated the absence-of-batch detection signal SD.

At the time T2, the control device200controls drive of the table upward-downward movement motor108to move the table16downwardly from the table upward-downward directional intermediate position VTX toward the table downwardmost position VT2. Further, at the time T2, the control device200controls drive of the table displacement motor96to displace the table16rightwardly from the table leftwardmost position HT1toward the table rightwardmost position HT2.

At a time just after the elapse of a delay time period TD from the time T2, the control device200control drive of the ledge upward-downward movement motor76to move the main ledge14downwardly from the main ledge upward-downward directional intermediate position VMX toward the main ledge downwardmost position VM2. Further, at the time just after the elapse of the delay time period TD, the control device200control drive of the ledge displacement motor64to move the main ledge14leftwardly from the main ledge rightwardmost position HM1toward the main ledge rightward-leftward directional intermediate position HMX.

FIG. 6depicts a state in which, at time T3indicated inFIG. 4, the upper surface16D of the horizontal extended portion16A of the table16reaches a position VC upward by 10 mm from the position of the upside of the feeding-out conveyer22.

FIG. 7depicts a state in which, at time T4indicated inFIG. 4, the lower surface14D of the horizontal extended portion14A of the main ledge14reaches the main ledge downwardmost position VM2, and the right edge14C of the horizontal extended portion14A of the main ledge14reaches the main ledge rightward-leftward directional intermediate position HMX. When the right edge14C of the horizontal extended portion14A of the main ledge14reaches the main ledge rightward-leftward directional intermediate position HMX, the right edge14C of the horizontal extended portion14A is in a state in which it is advanced into the hopper part HP to a position away rightwardly from the right surfaces of the forward contact plate10and the forward restriction member160by the given distance DG. Although the upper surface16D of the horizontal extended portion16A of the table16reaches the table downwardmost position VT2at a time slightly earlier than the time T4, the left edge16C of the horizontal extended portion16A of the table16continues rightward displacement toward the table rightwardmost position HT2.

When the upper surface16D of the horizontal extended portion16A of the table16reaches the table downwardmost position VT2at the time slightly earlier than the time T4, the control device200operates to stop generation of the blowing activation signal SB to thereby stop drive of the blower motor174. Upon stop of the blower motor174, the air blower170stops air blowing toward the batch BS located on the upper side of the horizontal extended portion16A of the table16. Further, at the time slightly earlier than the time T4, the control device200operates to generate the conveyer drive instruction CD and supply the conveyer drive instruction CD to the feeding-out motor146. According to the conveyer drive instruction CD, drive of the feeding-out motor146is started. Generally, there is a given response lag from supply of the conveyer drive instruction CD to the feeding-out motor146through until the feeding-out conveyer22actually conveys the batch BS leftwardly.

The control device200operates to inhibit the right edge14C of the horizontal extended portion14A of the main ledge14from being displaced leftwardly, until a given displacement inhibition time period PS1elapses from the time T4. The given displacement inhibition time period PS1is set to a value sufficiently greater than the given response lag of the feeding-out conveyer22. In response to the elapse of the given displacement inhibition time period PS1, the control device200controls drive of the ledge displacement motor64to displace the main ledge14leftwardly from the main ledge rightward-leftward directional intermediate position HMX toward the main ledge leftwardmost position HM2. Because the given displacement inhibition time period PS1is set to a value sufficiently greater than the given response lag, this leftward displacement of the main ledge14is performed when the feeding-out conveyer22actually starts to convey the batch BS. Further, the leftward displacement of the main ledge14is performed after the elapse of the given displacement inhibition time period PS1and at least in a given upward-downward movement inhibition time period PS2during which the main ledge14is located at the main ledge downwardmost position VM2. The given upward-downward movement inhibition time period PS2is a time period from a time just after the elapse of the given displacement inhibition time period PS1to aftermentioned time T6. The left end of the batch BS being conveyed by the feeding-out conveyer22is guided to a lower side of the rollers of the upper conveyer24by the lower surface14D of the horizontal extended portion14A of the main ledge14being displaced leftwardly.

FIG. 8depicts a state in which, at time T5indicated inFIG. 4, the batch BS is conveyed by the feeding-out conveyer22, so that it disappears from the upper side of the upper surface16D of the horizontal extended portion16A of the table16. At the time T5, the batch detector180generates the absence-of-batch detection signal SD and supplies the absence-of-batch detection signal SD to the control device200. When the absence-of-batch detection signal SD is generated, the left edge16C of the horizontal extended portion16A of the table16is located at the table rightwardmost position HT2. In response to receiving the absence-of-batch detection signal SD, the control device200operates to stop rightward displacement of the table16. After the rightward displacement of the table16is stopped, the control device200controls drive of the table upward-downward movement motor108to move the table16upwardly from the table downwardmost position VT2toward the table upwardmost position VT1, and controls drive of the table displacement motor96to displace the table16from the table rightwardmost position HT2toward the table leftwardmost position HT1.

FIG. 9depicts a state in which, at time T6indicated inFIG. 4, the right edge14C of the horizontal extended portion14A of the main ledge14reaches a position spaced by a given distance DR rightwardly from the right surfaces of the forward contact plate10and the forward restriction member160. This given distance DR is a distance set to prevent the right edge14C of the horizontal extended portion14A of the main ledge14from coming into collision with the corrugated paperboard sheet SH placed on and supported by the auxiliary ledges18,20when the main ledge14is moved upwardly. The given distance DR is preliminarily fixedly stored in the ROM of the control device200. When the right edge14C of the horizontal extended portion14A reaches a position spaced by the given distance DR rightwardly from the right surfaces of the forward contact plate10and the forward restriction member160at the time T6, the control device200control drive of the ledge upward-downward movement motor76to move the main ledge14from the main ledge downwardmost position VM2toward the main ledge upwardmost position VM1.

FIG. 10depicts a state in which, at time T7indicated inFIG. 4, the upper surface16D of the horizontal extended portion16A of the table16reaches the table upwardmost position VT1. At the time T7, the left edge16C of the horizontal extended portion16A of the table16continues leftward displacement toward the table leftwardmost position HT1. Further, at the time T7, the main ledge14continues upward movement toward the main ledge upwardmost position VM1and continues displacement toward the main ledge leftwardmost position HM2.

FIG. 11depicts a state in which, at time T8indicated inFIG. 4, the right edge14C of the horizontal extended portion14A of the main ledge14reaches the main ledge leftwardmost position HM2. At the time T8, the main ledge14continues upward movement toward the main ledge upwardmost position VM1. At a time after the time T8, the left edge16C of the horizontal extended portion16A of the table16reaches the table leftwardmost position HT1.

When the left edge16C of the horizontal extended portion16A of the table16reaches the table leftwardmost position HT1, the control device200operates to stop drive of the ledge drive cylinders124,128to thereby displace each of the auxiliary ledges18,20toward the auxiliary ledge retracted position HS2. Through the operation of displacing each of the auxiliary ledges18,20toward the auxiliary ledge retracted position HS2, the corrugated paperboard sheets SH placed on and supported by the auxiliary ledges18,20are transferred to the table16.

When the lower surface14D of the horizontal extended portion14A of the main ledge14is moved upwardly to the main ledge upwardmost position VM1at time T9indicated inFIG. 4, the control device200controls drive of the ledge displacement motor64to start rightward displacement of the right edge14C of the horizontal extended portion14A of the main ledge14from the main ledge leftwardmost position HM2toward the main ledge rightwardmost position HM1, as with the operation at the time T0.

[Advantageous Effects of Embodiment]

In this embodiment, after the left edge16C of the horizontal extended portion16A of the table16is positioned at the table leftwardmost position HT1set based on the sheet length LS of the corrugated paperboard sheet SH in the conveyance direction FD, as depicted inFIG. 2, the table16is displaced rightwardly toward the table rightwardmost position HT2along with downward movement of the upper surface16D of the horizontal extended portion16A of the table16. Therefore, it becomes possible to advance a timing at which the batch BS conveyed by the feeding-out conveyer22disappears from the upper side of the upper surface16D of the horizontal extended portion16A of the table16, and thus advance a timing at which the upper surface16D of the horizontal extended portion16A of the table16starts to be moved upwardly from the table downwardmost position VT2toward the table upwardmost position VT1. In other words, it becomes possible to shorten a time period PTU from the time T2to a time when the table16starts to be moved upwardly from the table downwardmost position VT2after the time T5.

In this embodiment, after the table16receives the given number of the corrugated paperboard sheets SH from the auxiliary ledges18,20, the left edge16C of the horizontal extended portion16A of the table16is displaced rightwardly toward the table rightwardmost position HT2along with downward movement of the upper surface16D of the horizontal extended portion16A of the table16. The backward restriction member162restricts a situation where the corrugated paperboard sheets SH placed on and supported by the horizontal extended portion16A of the table16is displaced rightwardly along rightward displacement of the table16, due to a frictional resistance with the upper surface16D of the horizontal extended portion16A of the table16. Therefore, it becomes possible to prevent breaking of a stacked posture of the corrugated paperboard sheets SH, i.e., the batch BS, placed on and supported by the table16.

In this embodiment, when the lower surface14D of the horizontal extended portion14A of the main ledge14is moved downwardly from the main ledge upward-downward directional intermediate position VMX to the main ledge downwardmost position VM2in the time period between the time T2and the time T4, the right edge14C of the horizontal extended portion14A of the main ledge14is displaced leftwardly the main ledge rightwardmost position HM1to the main ledge rightward-leftward directional intermediate position HMX. Therefore, it becomes possible to advance a timing (i.e., the time T6) at which the right edge14C of the horizontal extended portion14A of the main ledge14reaches a position spaced rightwardly by the given distance DR from the right surfaces of the forward contact plate10and the forward restriction member160, and thus advance a timing at which the lower surface14D of the horizontal extended portion14A of the main ledge14starts to be moved upwardly the main ledge downwardmost position VM2toward the main ledge upwardmost position VM1.

In this embodiment, the lower surface14D of the horizontal extended portion14A of the main ledge14is moved downwardly from the main ledge upward-downward directional intermediate position VMX toward the main ledge downwardmost position VM2, while sandwiching the batch BS in cooperation with the upper surface16D of the horizontal extended portion16A of the table16, as depicted inFIG. 5. Along with this downward movement of the main ledge14, the right edge14C of the horizontal extended portion14A of the main ledge14is displaced leftwardly from the main ledge rightwardmost position HM1to the main ledge rightward-leftward directional intermediate position HMX. The forward restriction member160restricts a situation where the batch BS placed on and supported by the horizontal extended portion16A of the table16is displaced leftwardly along leftward displacement of the main ledge14, due to a frictional resistance with the lower surface14D of the horizontal extended portion14A of the main ledge14. Therefore, it becomes possible to prevent breaking of the stacked posture of the batch BS placed on and supported by the table16.

In this embodiment, at the time T2, the upper surface16D of the horizontal extended portion16A of the table16is in a state in which it sandwiches the batch BS in cooperation with the lower surface14D of the horizontal extended portion14A of the main ledge14, as depicted inFIG. 5. At the time T2, the upper surface16D of the horizontal extended portion16A of the table16starts to be moved downwardly from the table upward-downward directional intermediate position VTX toward the table downwardmost position VT2, and the left edge16C of the horizontal extended portion16A of the table16starts to be displaced rightwardly from the table leftwardmost position HT1toward the table rightwardmost position HT2. At a time just after the elapse of the delay time period TD from the time T2, the lower surface14D of the horizontal extended portion14A of the main ledge14starts to be moved downwardly from the main ledge upward-downward directional intermediate position VMX toward the main ledge downwardmost position VM2. As a result, the upper surface16D of the horizontal extended portion16A of the table16starts to be moved downwardly at a timing earlier by the delay time period TD than the lower surface14D of the horizontal extended portion14A of the main ledge14, so that the pressing force applied from the lower surface14D of the horizontal extended portion14A of the main ledge14to the batch BS is reduced, and thus the frictional resistance between the upper surface16D of the horizontal extended portion16A of the table16and the lower surface of the batch BS is reduced. Based on this reduction in the frictional resistance, it becomes possible to prevent breaking of the stacked posture of the batch BS placed on and supported by the table16, when the left edge16C of the horizontal extended portion16A of the table16is displaced rightwardly.

In this embodiment, the control device200continuously generates the blowing activation signal SB in the time period from the time T2to the time T4, as depicted inFIG. 4. In the time period from the time T2to the time T4, the upper surface16D of the horizontal extended portion16A of the table16is moved downwardly from the table upward-downward directional intermediate position VTX toward the table downwardmost position VT2. According to the blowing activation signal SB, the air blower170blows air toward the horizontal extended portion16A of the table16being moved downwardly. Therefore, the batch BS placed on and supported by the table16receives a blowing force from the air blower170, so that the frictional resistance between the upper surface16D of the horizontal extended portion16A of the table16and the lower surface of the batch BS is further reduced. Based on this further reduction in the frictional resistance, it becomes possible to prevent breaking of the stacked posture of the batch BS placed on and supported by the table16, when the left edge16C of the horizontal extended portion16A of the table16is displaced rightwardly.

In this embodiment, at the time T5when the batch BS is conveyed by the feeding-out conveyer22, so that it disappears from the upper side of the upper surface16D of the horizontal extended portion16A of the table16, the batch detector180generate the absence-of-batch signal SD and supplies the absence-of-batch signal SD to the control device200. In response to receiving the absence-of-batch signal SD, the control device200operates to stop rightward displacement of the table16. After the rightward displacement of the table16is stopped, the control device200controls drive of the table upward-downward movement motor108to move the table16upwardly from the table downwardmost position VT2toward the table upwardmost position VT1, and controls the table displacement motor96to displace the table16from the table rightwardmost position HT2toward the table leftwardmost position HT1. Therefore, it becomes possible to advance a timing at which the table16starts to be moved upwardly toward the table upwardmost position VT1, to a time close to the time T5when the batch BS disappears from the upper side of the upper surface16D of the horizontal extended portion16A, and thus prevent this timing from being delayed until the left edge16C of the horizontal extended portion16A is displaced rightwardly to right surfaces of the correction plate12and the backward restriction member162.

In this embodiment, in the time period from the time T2to the time T4, i.e., a time period during which the upper surface16D of the horizontal extended portion16A of the table16is moved downwardly from the table upward-downward directional intermediate position VTX to the table downwardmost position VT2, the control device200controls the table displacement motor96to displace the left edge16C of the horizontal extended portion16A of the table16rightwardly toward the table rightwardmost position HT2. Therefore, the left edge16C of the horizontal extended portion16A of the table16is gradually displaced rightwardly, over the entire time period from the time T2to the time T4, so that it becomes possible to prevent breaking of the stacked posture of the batch BS on the table16.

In this embodiment, in a time period during which the upper surface16D of the horizontal extended portion16A of the table16is moved upwardly from the table downwardmost position VT2to the table upwardmost position VT1across the table upward-downward directional intermediate position VTX, i.e., in a time period from a time just after the elapse of the time period PTU from the time T2to a time when the table16starts to be moved upwardly from the table downwardmost position VT2after the time T5, to the time T7, the control device200controls drive of the table displacement motor96to displace the left edge16C of the horizontal extended portion16A of the table16leftwardly toward the table leftwardmost position HT1. As a result, the upward movement and the leftward displacement of the table16are simultaneously performed, so that it becomes possible to advance a timing at which the table16receives the next batch to thereby speed up the entire operation of the counter-ejector1, as compared to a case where the upward movement and the leftward displacement of the table16are performed, respectively, in different time periods.

In this embodiment, the control device200operates to generate the conveyer drive instruction CD when the upper surface16D of the horizontal extended portion16A of the table16is moved downwardly to the table downwardmost position VT2, to start drive of the feeding-out motor146. During the given displacement inhibition time period PS1starting from the time T4which is a time after the generation of the conveyer drive instruction CD, the control device200inhibits the main ledge14from being displaced leftwardly in the state in which the main ledge14is in contact with the batch BS on the feeding-out conveyer22from thereabove. After the elapse of the given displacement inhibition time period PS1, the control device200operates to displace the right edge14C of the horizontal extended portion14A of the main ledge14leftwardly at least during the given upward-downward movement inhibition time period PS2. In a time period from the time T6just after the elapse of the given upward-downward movement inhibition time period PS2to the time T8, i.e., at least part of a time period during which the main ledge14is moved upwardly toward the main ledge upwardmost position VM1, the control device200operates to displace the right edge14C of the horizontal extended portion14A of the main ledge14leftwardly. As a result, only during the given displacement inhibition time period PS1, the main ledge14is inhibited from being displaced leftwardly in the state in which it is in contract with the batch BS on the feeding-out conveyer22before start of the feeding-out operation, from thereabove, so that it becomes possible to prevent the situation where only the main ledge14is displaced leftwardly before the feeding-out operation of the feeding-out conveyer22, thereby leading to breaking of the stacked posture of the batch BS. Further, the main ledge14is displaced leftwardly under the condition that it is stopped at the main ledge downwardmost position VM2only in the upward-downward movement inhibition time period PS2, so that it becomes possible to smoothly move a left end of the batch BS being fed out by the feeding-out conveyer22, from the lower surface14D of the horizontal extended portion14A of the main ledge14to the lower surface of the upper conveyer24.

In this embodiment, over the entire time period during which the lower surface14D of the horizontal extended portion14A of the main ledge14is moved downwardly from the main ledge upward-downward directional intermediate position VMX to the main ledge downwardmost position VM2, i.e., over the entire time period from a time just after the elapse of the delay time period TD to the time T4, the control device200operates to displace the right edge14C of the horizontal extended portion14A of the main ledge14leftwardly. As a result, the downward movement and the leftward displacement of the main ledge14are simultaneously performed, so that it becomes possible to advance a timing at which the main ledge14returns to the main ledge upwardmost position VM1so as to form the next batch to thereby speed up the entire operation of the counter-ejector1, as compared to a case where the downward movement and the leftward displacement of the main ledge14are performed, respectively, in different time periods.

The counter-ejector1is one example of the counter-ejector set forth in the appended claims. Each of the forward contact plate10and the correction plate12is one example of a respective one of the forward contact plate and the correction plate set forth in the appended claims. The main ledge14is one example of the ledge set forth in the appended claims. Each of the table16and the elevator90is one example of a respective one of the table and the elevator set forth in the appended claims. Each of the feeding-out conveyer22and the upper conveyer24is one example of a respective one of the feeding-out conveyer and the upper conveyer set forth in the appended claims. Each of the ledge displacement motor64and the ledge upward-downward movement motor76is one example of a respective one of the ledge displacement device and the ledge upward-downward movement device set forth in the appended claims. Each of the table displacement motor96and the table upward-downward movement motor108is one example of a respective one of the table displacement device and the table upward-downward movement device set forth in the appended claims. Each of the forward restriction member160and the backward restriction member162is one example of a respective one of the forward restriction member and the backward restriction member set forth in the appended claims. The air blower170comprising the blower motor174is one example of the air blower set forth in the appended claims. The batch detector180is one example of the detector set forth in the appended claims. The counter-ejector control device200is one example of the control device set forth in the appended claims. Each of the corrugated paperboard sheet SH and the batch BS is one example of a respective one the corrugated paperboard sheet and the batch set forth in the appended claims. The conveyance direction FD is one example of the given conveyance direction set forth in the appended claims. The hopper part HP is one example of the hopper part set forth in the appended claims. The processing in which, in the time period PTU from the time T2to a time when the table16starts to be moved upwardly from the table downwardmost position VT2after the time T5, the counter-ejector control device200controls drive of each of the table displacement motor96and the table upward-downward movement motor108is one example of the table downward movement control processing set forth in the appended claims. The processing in which, in the time period from a time just after the elapse of the time period PTU to the time T7across the time when the upper surface16D of the horizontal extended portion16A of the table16reaches the table upward-downward directional intermediate position VTX, the counter-ejector control device200controls drive of each of the table displacement motor96and the table upward-downward movement motor108is one example of the table upward movement control processing set forth in the appended claims. The processing in which, in the time period from the time just after the elapse of the delay time period TD starting from the time T2to the time T4, the counter-ejector control device200controls drive of each of the ledge displacement motor64and the ledge upward-downward movement motor76is one example of the ledge downward movement control processing set forth in the appended claims. The processing in which, in the time period from the time T6to the time T9, the counter-ejector control device200controls drive of each of the ledge displacement motor64and the ledge upward-downward movement motor76is one example of the ledge upward movement control processing set forth in the appended claims. A combination of the counter-ejector control device200and the feeding-out motor146is one example of the conveyer drive control device set forth in the appended claims. The position at which the upside of the feeding-out conveyer22is disposed is one example of the given feeding-out position set forth in the appended claims. The table downwardmost position VT2is one example of the table stop position set forth in the appended claims. The given displacement inhibition time period PS1is one example of the given displacement inhibition time period set forth in the appended claims, and the given upward-downward movement inhibition time period PS2is one example of the given upward-downward movement inhibition time period set forth in the appended claims. The main ledge upwardmost position VM1is one example of the standby position set forth in the appended claims. The main ledge downwardmost position VM2at which the lower surface14D of the horizontal extended portion14A of the main ledge14is located is one example of the given cooperative feeding-out position of the upper conveyer set forth in the appended claims.

It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, but various changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope thereof as set forth in appended claims. Some examples of the modification will be described below.

(1) In the above embodiment, the control device200is configured to displace the left edge16C of the horizontal extended portion16A of the table16rightwardly until the time T5when the batch detector180generates the absence-of-batch detection signal SD. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the control device200may be configured to: in a state in which the upper surface16D of the horizontal extended portion16A of the table16is moved downwardly to the table downwardmost position VT2, displace the left edge16C of the horizontal extended portion16A rightwardly to a fixed rest position leftward of the backward restriction member162; subsequently, control drive of the feeding-out motor146to convey the batch BS on the feeding-out conveyer22leftwardly; and, according to the rotation detection signal from the built-in encoder of the feeding-out motor146, determines whether or not a right edge of the batch BS is located leftward of the fixed rest position. Further, the control device200may be configured to, when the right edge of the batch BS is determined to be located leftward of the fixed rest position, move the upper surface16D of the horizontal extended portion16A of the table16upwardly toward the table upwardmost position VT1, and displace the left edge16C of the horizontal extended portion16A leftwardly toward the table leftwardmost position HT1.

(2) In the above embodiment, the batch detector180is disposed to satisfy a fixed positional relationship with the feeding-out conveyer22in the upward-rearward direction so as to detect the presence or absence of the batch BS on the upper side of the horizontal extended portion16A of the table16, and coupled to the frame of the elevator90such that it is displaced together with the table16in the rightward-leftward direction. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the batch detector180may be installed to the horizontal extended portion16A of the table16at a position adjacent to the left edge16C of the horizontal extended portion16A. Alternatively, the batch detector180may be installed to the frame of the counter-ejector1at a fixed position leftward of the backward restriction member162in the rightward-leftward direction, such that it can be moved upwardly and downwardly together with the feeding-out conveyer22.

(3) In the above embodiment, the batch detector180is provided as a means to detect the presence or absence of the batch BS on the upper side of the horizontal extended portion16A of the table16. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, a timing at which the right edge of the batch BS is moved to a position leftward of the left edge16C of the horizontal extended portion16A of the table16in a state in which the upper surface16D of the horizontal extended portion16A of the table16is moved downwardly to the table downwardmost position VT2may be detected based on the rotation detection signal from the built-in encoder of the table displacement motor96and the rotation detection signal from the built-in encoder of the feeding-out motor146.

(4) In the above embodiment, the air blower170is installed to the frame of the counter-ejector1at a position below the feeding-out conveyer22. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, although a blower body of the air blower is installed to the frame of the counter-ejector1, the blowing port may be installed to the horizontal extended portion16A of the table16, and coupled to the blower body via a blowing pipe. Further, the number of the blowing ports172of the air blower170is not limited to one, but a plurality of blowing ports may be arranged in the conveyance direction FD and a direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction FD.

(5) In the above embodiment, the table leftwardmost position HT1where the left edge16C of the horizontal extended portion16A of the table16is located at the leftwardmost position varies according to the length of the corrugated paperboard sheet SH in the conveyance direction FD. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the table leftwardmost position HT1may be set at a fixed position in conformity to a sheet length LS of the longest corrugated paperboard sheet SH in the conveyance direction FD, among various types of corrugated paperboard sheets SH which can be subjected to stacking and separating to be performed by the counter-ejector1.

(6) In this embodiment, at the time T2, the upper surface16D of the horizontal extended portion16A of the table16is in the state in which it sandwiches the batch BS in cooperation with the lower surface14D of the horizontal extended portion14A of the main ledge14, as depicted inFIG. 5. At the time T2, the control device200operates to start downward movement of the upper surface16D of the horizontal extended portion16A of the table16from the table upward-downward directional intermediate position VTX toward the table downwardmost position VT2, and start rightward displacement of the left edge16C of the horizontal extended portion16A of the table16from the table leftwardmost position HT1toward the table rightwardmost position HT2. Further, at the time just after the elapse of the delay time period TD from the time T2, the control device200operates to start downward movement of the lower surface14D of the horizontal extended portion14A of the main ledge14from the main ledge upward-downward directional intermediate position VMX toward the main ledge downwardmost position VM2. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, in place of or in addition to providing the delay time period TD, the control device200may control drive of the table upward-downward movement motor108and the ledge upward-downward movement motor76such that an acceleration during downward movement of the table16becomes greater than an acceleration during downward movement of the main ledge14, in the time period from the time T2to the time T4.

(7) In the above embodiment, a temporal magnitude (time length) relationship between a table downward movement time period during which the upper surface16D of the horizontal extended portion16A of the table16is moved downwardly from the table upwardmost position VT1to the table downwardmost position VT2, and a table upward movement time period during which the upper surface16D of the horizontal extended portion16A of the table16is moved upwardly from the table downwardmost position VT2to the table upwardmost position VT1is not particularly limited. However, with a view to preventing breaking of the stacked posture of the batch BS placed on the upper surface16D of the horizontal extended portion16A, the table downward movement time period may be set to be greater than the table upward movement time period.