DE102015001027A1 - Method and device for producing cigarette packets - Google Patents

Abstract

For the production of simple cigarette packs (10) front wall (11) and rear wall (12) of a film-like packaging material are connected to each other in the manner of a Vierrandbeutels, by gluing or by thermal sealing. The packages (10) are made of (two) webs (23, 24), in the same time several (four) groups of cigarettes (14), optionally with tray (15) are introduced. Thereafter, longitudinal seams (19, 20) and transverse seams (21, 22) are attached to form the packs (10).

Description

The invention relates to a method for producing soft packs or film packs for cigarettes with the features of the preamble of claim 1. Furthermore, the invention relates to a device for using the method.

The manufactured (soft) packs are designed as single packs with a few cigarettes as content. For example, each package may contain up to five cigarettes, which are preferably arranged in a row.

Several packages are combined by separable connection, namely via weakening or perforation lines, into a strip-like or chain-like group, from which individual packages or several can be separated. The packages consist of preferably two simple, in particular rectangular blanks, which are interconnected by connecting seams to create a closed bag. Preferably, these bag packages are designed as four-edge bags, wherein the connecting seams arranged around are created by thermal sealing and / or by gluing.

The idea is to propose a technology for the design and manufacture of simple (soft) packs for single or a few cigarettes as package contents, on the one hand ensuring efficient production, on the other hand, the single pack can be marketed at low cost.

To achieve this object, a method having the features of claim 1 is used according to the invention.

The bag package to be produced therefore preferably consists of two walls - the front wall and the rear wall - which are preferably made of (rectangular) foil blanks existing walls by circumferential circumferential seams (so-called Vierrandbeutel).

The cigarettes can (as a cost-effective solution) be arranged directly inside the pack. Alternatively, a stiffening of the package itself or a support member of preferably thin cardboard to be associated with the cigarettes within the pack. If the cigarettes are positioned in an inner pack, in particular in the execution of a tray, a unit of tray and cigarettes is produced according to the invention in a first step. Then this is introduced into associated packages.

The method is preferably carried out in such a way that the juxtaposed (several) groups of cigarettes or units are introduced into a defined position between two (film) webs transported in a horizontal plane - upper web and lower web - and transported along a connecting section with the webs. and cross-seams are formed to form the four-edge bags following the delivery of the groups of cigarettes. The process flow in a horizontal plane, that is to say the transport of the units or the groups of cigarettes, as well as the webs and the bag packings produced, is advantageous. As a result, in particular the filling process is facilitated.

The device for producing and filling the packages consists of aggregates for forming the groups of cigarettes, optionally in connection with attachment of the trays, a pushing or conveying member for introducing the groups of cigarettes or units in the position between the continuously supplied webs - top web, lower web , In this filling station, a plurality of adjacent cigarette groups or units are preferably introduced simultaneously via a filling gap in the region between the upper web and the lower web and positioned there to suit the package. Thereafter, the juxtaposed and in the conveying direction successive packs are first formed, namely by merging the webs in areas between the adjacent groups of cigarettes and then by attaching the connecting seams - longitudinal seams - interconnected. Thereafter, the transverse seams are applied, preferably with simultaneous separation of the juxtaposed packages.

A special feature is a forming and connecting station, in which initially the correspondingly wide webs - under transverse displacement - brought together in the areas of the longitudinal seams and then these are attached. The webs are conveyed between specially trained upper and lower guide members, in particular upper and lower mold plates, preferably in conjunction with pressure members, in particular guide and form rollers.

Alternatively, instead of across the width of continuous webs, corresponding to the number of simultaneously formed packages, separate single webs may be supplied, each associated with a package (in width) such that each web is processed for successive packages in the direction of transport. This results in a relief in the leadership of the tracks.

Further details of the invention, namely the packages, the manufacturing process and the For this particular device will be explained in more detail with reference to the drawings. It shows:

1 a chain or a strand of separably interconnected bag packages in a perspective plan view,

2 two bags partially separated in the region of a transverse seam, in perspective,

3 a single bag pack in plan view,

4 a schematic representation of the sequence of filling and production of bag packages, in perspective,

5 a device for producing cigarette packets in a schematic, perspective view,

6 the device according to 5 in side view according to arrow VI,

7 a detail VII of 6 in an enlarged view,

8th another section VIII of the device according to 6 , also on an enlarged scale,

9 an end portion IX of the device according to 6 on an enlarged scale,

10 a (first) cross-section XX of a production line of 8th , on an enlarged scale,

11 one opposite 10 offset cross-section of the production line in 8th .

12 a cross section XII-XII of the production line in 8th .

13 a chain or a strand of several, separably interconnected packages in perspective view,

14 a phase of a separation of two packages,

15 a section of a device analog 5 for the production of packaging chains in perspective,

16 a chain of juxtaposed packages in another embodiment,

17 a single package with regard to the content of the same design,

18 a representation analog 4 for the manufacture of packages according to 16 . 17 that is, without a supporting device for the cigarettes,

19 a simplified overall perspective view of an apparatus for manufacturing packages according to 16 . 17 .

20 the device according to 19 (partially) in side view according to arrow XX,

21 a cross-section of the device according to 20 in the section plane XXI-XXI, on an enlarged scale,

22 a perspective view of another embodiment of the device, analog 19 .

23 a partial side view of the device according to 22 namely according to arrow XXIII.

The illustration of the embodiments comprises three innovative areas, namely (cigarette) packs 10 , Method of making and filling the same and a device for applying the technology.

The in application and (detail) design special packs 10 are designed as soft pack and closed around. Between a front wall 11 and a back wall 12 There are single or multiple cigarettes 13 but preferably a small number and in a row. In the examples shown are two adjacent cigarettes 13 in the longitudinal direction of the rectangular package 10 arranged.

In one embodiment, the cigarettes are 13 or one (from several cigarettes 13 existing) cigarette group 14 in an inner pack of preferably thin cardboard. This is as a tray 15 formed with a bottom wall 16 and sidewalls 17 , The dimension of the tray 15 is on the cigarette group 14 or the cigarettes 13 aligned so that the cigarette group 14 fitting takes place in a tray 15 , The cigarette group 14 and one tray each 15 will be listed below as a unit 18 designated. This also applies to cigarette groups 14 without tray.

Made of thin-walled material - foil - existing pack 10 is closed around, at least on individual sides by connecting or sealing seams. Shown is a pack 10 as four-sided bag. front wall 11 and back wall 12 are separate (rectangular) blanks from the packaging material and - at the same size - around it connected by seams, namely by longitudinal seams 19 . 20 and cross seams 21 . 22 ,

The seams 19 ... 22 can be designed or manufactured in different ways. With appropriate material, the insides of the front wall 11 and back wall 12 connected by (thermal) sealing so that sealing seams arise. The seams 19 ... 22 But can also be created by gluing, namely by squeezing edge tape. Hotmelt is suitable as the connecting material, which is reactivated by heat and brought to pressure by pressure. Particularly advantageous is a method in which applied hot melt material in a heated, ie flowable state and the connection of the walls 11 . 12 immediately followed by appropriate pressure, ie without cooling of the connecting material. Alternatively, permanent adhesive (PSA adhesive) come into consideration, which are also activated by pressing the package walls in the seams. The separately applied bonding material is preferably applied in longitudinal and transverse webs or strips on blanks, preferably on continuous webs. The packaging material of the walls 11 . 12 may alternatively consist of directly thermally sealable plastic film. Furthermore, coated paper, in particular Stanniol suitable, this non-thermally sealable material inside a (continuous or strip-shaped) coating with sealing wax may have.

Another special feature is that the longitudinal seams 19 . 20 have a greater width than the transverse seams 21 . 22 , The latter are designed as a relatively narrow connection strip. This design is advantageous for the production of the packs, namely, in a first power stroke, webs of the packaging material - upper web 23 and subway 24 - in the area of longitudinal seams 19 . 20 connected together and then the cross seams 21 . 22 getting produced. Due to the small width of the latter seams are distortions of the thin walls 11 . 12 avoided.

The exemplified packs 10 are matched in the dimensions of the package contents. The distances of the centrally positioned unit 18 from the longitudinal seams 19 . 20 on the one hand and the cross seams 21 . 22 on the other hand is about the same size. For wrinkle-free training of the pack 10 is the film wrapping or front wall 11 and back wall 12 with additional connections in the area of longitudinal alignment, approximately midway between the unit 18 on the one hand and the longitudinal seams 19 . 20 on the other hand, provided, in particular by support seams 25 ,

A special feature is the production technology for the packages 10 and the content. The manufacturing and filling steps are carried out exclusively or at least predominantly in a horizontal plane. First, the units 18 compiled, preferably in a multi-lane process. Present are four units 18 parallel next to each other and at the same time produced and in associated packages 10 introduced. These are therefore also in a group of several (four) juxtaposed packages 10 from correspondingly wide tracks 23 . 24 manufactured, filled and closed.

First, the trays 15 manufactured or folded into the pack-like (U-shaped) structure. Then the cigarettes of a cigarette group 14 put together and in the assigned trays 15 introduced. The resulting units 18 become a filling station 26 fed. Here are the units 18 in the still unfinished packs 10 in the main conveying direction, ie in the transport direction of the webs 23 . 24 introduced in a horizontal plane.

The (foil) webs 23 . 24 for the formation of front wall 11 and back wall 12 of the packs 10 are withdrawn from a storage bin (not shown) above and below the main trajectory and over idler rollers 27 . 28 deflected from above and from below into the horizontal transport plane. The railways 23 . 24 are guided so that they are in the area of the filling station 26 form an opening gap converging in the conveying direction. In these are the units 18 inserted in the conveying direction at a coordinated speed ( 4 ). These units 18 are fed in the conveying direction at intervals from each other, the dimensions of the subsequently produced packages 10 correspond.

The (four) units 18 find side by side intake between the tracks 23 . 24 and are taken by them in the transport direction. Preferably, the units or their trays 15 fixed in the pack-oriented position, in this case by (three) glue points 29 at the bottom of the trays 15 (Bottom wall 16 ) are attached and the tray 15 with the subway 24 connect. The relative position is presently chosen so that the open side of the trays 15 is directed upward.

With continued transport of the webs 23 . 24 with the units positioned in between 18 First, the longitudinal seams 19 . 20 between neighboring units 18 attached, in the interior as a double-wide joint seam. After that, the cross seams 21 . 22 manufactured, over the full width of the webs 23 . 24 , In the embodiment according to 4 become Cross seams double width produced. The single seams 21 . 22 are produced by transverse cross-section, whereby through these separating cut units - chains - from several (four) along the longitudinal seams 19 . 20 releasably interconnected packages 10 arise.

The juxtaposed packs 10 a chain or strand ( 1 ) are with lines of weakness, in this case with perforation lines 30 in the area of (double wide) longitudinal seams 19 . 20 Mistake. By (manual) separation arise individual packs 10 as the smallest sales unit. The single pack 10 thus has at least one tear-off edge 31 in the area of longitudinal seams 19 . 20 ( 3 ) or in the area of the transverse seams 21 . 22 ( 14 ) on.

The device ( 5 ) is set up for a continuous, in particular continuous production process. In the area of a traystation 32 ( 5 ) become tray blanks 33 from a material web 34 , in particular of thin cardboard, in the area of a knife aggregate 35 separated, forming one of the number of simultaneously manufactured packages 10 corresponding number of tray blanks 33 (here: four). These are passed together and simultaneously through a forming station (not shown in detail) for the U-shaped folding of the trays 15 , The relative position is chosen here so that the bottom wall 16 is directed upward.

The trays 15 are transferred to an aggregation unit for merging with one cigarette group each 14 , This unit is designed as an endless conveyor, in this case as a pocket chain 36 which is movable in a plane transverse to the main conveying direction (intermittently). The bag chain 36 has a larger number of closely spaced pockets 37 on. Each of these bags 37 is designed as a transverse, ie pointing in the main conveying direction, open on both sides channel with a longitudinal slot 38 in an outer, exposed pocket wall.

In the pockets 37 be in the field of the traystation 32 first the (four) trays 15 in each case a bag 37 inserted. With (intermittent) transport through the bag chain 36 get the bags 37 with the trays 15 in the area of a cigarette station 39 , This is with a standard standard cigarette magazine 40 equipped. For this purpose, by a ram unit 41 cigarette groups 14 according to the number of prepared trays 15 out and into the neighboring (four) pockets 37 each with a tray 15 inserted. In the pockets 37 therefore complete units are created 18 in the area of a lower part of the bag chain 36 arrive and thus in a relative position of the unit 18 with lower bottom wall 16 of the tray 15 ,

The units 18 be in a Ausschubstation 42 in groups (four) from the waiting bags 37 pushed out and now get into the (horizontal) conveyor track. An ejection conveyor 43 with driver 44 on crossbeams 45 leads the (four) drivers 44 through assigned pockets 37 through and promote the units 18 on a horizontal cigarette path 47 and on to the filling station 26 ,

The units 18 can through the unloading conveyor 43 directly to the filling station 26 be handed over. In the present case is in the range of a deflection of the trained as an endless conveyor Ausschubförderers 43 an intermediate conveyor arranged on which the units 18 through the unloading conveyor 43 be filed. It is a transfer stage 48 , This has a transverse support plate 49 with recordings 50 for one unit each 18 on. The transfer stage 48 or their support plate 49 is on lateral guide rods 51 reciprocable - in the main conveying direction.

The units 18 be through the transfer stage 48 the filling station 26 fed. In the same area an inlet piece is arranged stationary, namely a guide plate 52 with side guides. The plane of this guide plate 52 is exactly on one of the tracks 23 . 24 oriented insertion slot aligned.

The transport of the units 18 during this phase is by inserter 53 causes, which rotate along a complex, namely approximately elliptical trajectory (by an endless conveyor, not shown). Through the Einschieber 53 become the units 18 from the transfer stage 48 in its end position adjacent to the filling station 26 deported and (here) to the guide plate 52 to hand over. A subsequent Einschieber 53 then causes the insertion of the (four) units 18 in the area between the tracks 23 . 24 ,

To during the transport of the units 18 through the unloading conveyor 43 an exact alignment of the adjacent units 18 to ensure is an alignment lever 54 adjacent to the transfer stage 48 mounted to align the front ends of the units 18 before handing over to the stage 48 ,

In a bag station 55 become the (filled) packs 10 produced. A special feature is that the production of the bags 10 by attaching longitudinal seams 19 . 20 and cross seams 21 . 22 to connect the tracks 23 . 24 after insertion of the package contents. The bag walls 11 . 12 or the tracks 23 . 24 be around the units 18 formed around and connected with each other.

The bag station 55 is equipped with form and management organs that ensure trouble-free deformation of the webs 23 . 24 according to the cross-sectional contours of the bag 10 allow avoiding tension or warping of the webs 23 . 24 , The forming and guiding organs are located in the bag station 55 above and below the tracks to be joined and connected 23 . 24 , The organs are formed flat or plate-shaped, namely as mold plates with a top plate 56 and a lower plate 57 , These are in the conveying direction changing contour on the tracks 23 . 24 or the packages 10 formed facing inside pages. At the entrance side, namely in the area of the filling station 26 , get the tracks 23 . 24 Contact with the assigned plate 56 . 57 , These form a funnel-shaped inlet opening with obliquely directed starting surfaces. Here are the units 18 in several (four) tracks next to each other in the packwise position between the (still flat) tracks 23 . 24 inserted. Further transport takes place through the railways 23 . 24 ,

The units 18 are in the area of the guide plate 52 held by holding or guiding members (not shown) in the pack-oriented relative position, preferably analogous to the recordings 50 the transfer stage 48 , Following the guide plate 52 get the cigarettes 13 or the units 18 into the area of the unconnected railways 23 . 24 , To here the relative position of cigarettes or units 18 to ensure are elongated guide fingers 88 provided in the area between the tracks 23 and 24 protrude and at least for an initial area the relative position of the cigarettes or units 18 guarantee. The guide fingers 88 can with the guide plate 52 be connected. Preferably, guide fingers extend 88 on both sides of the cigarette group 14 or the unit 18 , up to rotatable pressure elements (forming rollers).

The mold plates 56 . 57 are provided in the initial area with flat inner surfaces, where the associated tracks 23 . 24 issue. In a first shaping step, middle regions of the webs become 23 . 24 brought together until the plant together, in this case by forming rollers 58 . 59 above and below the tracks 23 . 24 ( 10 ). The form rollers 58 . 59 occur through (central) recesses 60 in the plates 56 . 57 through and get directly to the tracks 23 . 24 , These are through the form rollers 58 . 59 pressed together. This results in a shift of the webs 23 . 24 in the transverse direction, namely a reduction of the width with corresponding transverse movement.

The mold plates 56 . 57 are following the form rollers 58 . 59 with inwardly directed, bead-like projections 61 . 62 provided by the forming rollers 58 . 59 created contour of the tracks 23 . 24 take over, continue and stabilize in this area. After that the tracks become 23 . 24 in a peripheral area, namely between adjacent units 18 the same transverse row, pressed together by other form rollers 63 . 64 such as 65 . 66 , Again, the organs for local compression of the webs 23 . 24 as pairs of rolls above and below the tracks 23 . 24 educated. The roles 63 ... 66 occur through corresponding recesses 60 the plates 56 . 57 therethrough.

Following this local deformation in the longitudinal direction of the webs 23 . 24 are the plates 56 . 57 associated with these areas further projections 67 . 68 Mistake. Furthermore, edge reinforcements 69 . 70 in the field of plates 56 . 57 formed around a border strip 71 the shaped tracks 23 . 24 to stabilize ( 12 ). This edge strip 71 is through more form roles 72 . 73 created in the conveying direction offset to the form of roles 63 ... 66 are arranged in an analogous manner and in the course of the process finally the edge-side legs of the webs 23 . 24 Squeeze. This results in a total of approximately wave or meander-like transverse contour of the still continuous tracks 23 . 24 ,

The form rollers 63 . 64 such as 72 . 73 can serve as organs for the local or strip-like joining of the webs 23 . 24 , ie for producing the continuous longitudinal seams 19 . 20 , The present case is in the area of the bag station 55 , in the field of mold plates 56 . 57 , a connection station 74 following the form rollers 63 ... 66 set up. For attaching the longitudinal seams 19 . 20 a corresponding number of printing or sealing organs is provided. On a preferably common axis or shaft are pressure rollers 75 above and below the tracks 23 . 24 stored. These push the tracks 23 . 24 for producing the longitudinal seams 19 . 20 to each other, possibly with the transfer of heat. The pressure rollers 75 have running or pressure surfaces of different width, namely to produce double-wide longitudinal seams or simple edge seams. The pressure rollers 75 are above or below the plates 56 . 57 stored and pass through recesses 60 therethrough.

At the exit side of the plates 56 . 57 occurs a continuous package web of Oberbahn 23 and subway 24 from where the packs 10 or bag with regard to the longitudinal seams 19 . 20 are finished, with positioned units 18 per pack 10 , Following the device for the longitudinal seams 19 . 20 there is an aggregate for attaching the transverse seams 21 . 22 , preferably in conjunction with separating members for separating or perforating the webs in the region of the transverse seams 21 . 22 , For this purpose, a transverse sealing unit 76 intended. This has transversely to the conveying direction extending pressure bridges 77 . 78 on. These act as pressure and / or seal bars in the area between successive packages 10 or transverse rows of (four) packages 10 , Through the pressure bridges 77 . 78 above and below the tracks 23 . 24 Pressure is transferred to the webs or walls 11 . 12 to connect with each other. In addition, heat can be transferred with appropriate property of the compounds.

The pressure bridges 77 . 78 are moved in coordination with the (continuous) transport of the web, by arrangement on a rotationally driven shaft 79 , In the example ( 9 ) are at the shaft 79 several (three) radially directed pressure bridges 77 . 78 arranged, due to appropriate rotational speed and direction in the area between the successive packages 10 be effective. In the present example, the (upper) pressure ridges 77 with a separating device - separating knife 80 - provided to in the production of the transverse seams 21 . 22 (double width) at the same time perform a separation cut. This creates an in 1 Example shown chain of several (four) in the longitudinal seams 19 . 20 interconnected packs 10 So a transverse edge 86 , The lower pressure element 78 is provided with a recess or notch. The cutting knife 80 may alternatively be designed to produce a perforation in the transverse direction of the package web.

The seams of the packing walls 11 . 12 can activate at least one of the lanes by activating a coating 23 . 24 be prepared, in particular by a pre-coating with a sealing wax. Other connecting means, for. As hot melt or PSA adhesive, are preferably locally in the range of seams to be produced 19 ... 22 applied, preferably only on the lower web 24 , This is therefore provided with a grid of strips of the activatable or permanently adhesive connecting means.

A transmission organ 81 for these substances is preferably in the range of an upright portion of the (continuously funded) lower web 24 arranged ( 6 . 8th ). This organ 81 is formed so that in the longitudinal direction and in the transverse direction extending material strip on the lower web 24 be applied, so when using units 18 the described embodiment, the cigarettes 13 are protected against the effects of the bonding material. Preferably, hotmelt material in still flowable or moldable state by the transfer member 81 applied. Before the material hardens, the webs become 23 . 24 pressed together to form the connecting seams.

The device according to 15 is particularly suitable for the production of packaging chains accordingly 13 ie of longitudinal chains 87 in which the separable packs 10 in the area of transverse seams 21 . 22 connected to each other. These also have perforation lines 30 on. The device is with respect to the cigarette web 47 and regarding the bag station 55 preferably formed in the manner described. The from the bag station 55 emerging web from largely finished packs 10 is - preferably after attachment of the transverse seams 21 . 22 - in the longitudinal direction by means of a separating unit 82 in longitudinal strips with successive packages 10 divided up. The separation unit 82 is with a corresponding number of cutting discs 83 provided the separating cut in the area of the (double wide) longitudinal seams 19 . 20 To run.

The in terms of the number of packs 10 limited packing chains are formed by controlled transverse cutting cut, by a cross-cut knife 84 , in the present embodiment as a double-winged rotary body. At the radially directed, mutually opposite webs, the separating knife for the separating cut are arranged after a plurality of (four) rows of packages. The rotational movement of the separation unit 84 is matched to the conveying speed of the packaging web.

The number of packs 10 per packing chain can be influenced by appropriate control of the separating organs.

In the method according to 1 to 4 Accordingly, they are packed chains, namely cross chains 86 with several contiguous but separable individual packs in the region of the longitudinal edges 10 educated. The example according to 13 . 14 shows longitudinal chains 87 of the packs 10 , These are in the area of cross seams 21 . 22 interconnected, also separable via perforation lines 30 , The packages formed in one way or another 10 or packing chains 86 . 87 be on a pickup 85 filed for further packaging or for direct distribution.

In place of the illustrated and described inner pack in the execution as a tray 15 simpler reinforcing agents can be used, e.g. B. a simple, unfolded blank of thin cardboard. Additionally or alternatively, the webs 23 . 24 be formed with different thickness, z. B. the subway 24 with a stiffening insert.

One with regard to the cost of materials and the use of equipment simpler version of the innovation is in 16 to 23 shown.

The packs 10 according to this embodiment preferably consist of front wall 11 and back wall 12 according to the embodiment described above. Package contents is a cigarette group 14 , which without separate (partial) wrapping or support directly in the pack 10 is arranged. The cigarette group 14 consists of juxtaposed cigarettes 13 , in this case two cigarettes 13 ,

The handling of this package contents is analogous to the above embodiment. The cigarette groups 14 - according to the number of simultaneously manufactured packages 10 - as units side by side at the same time in the area of the filling station 26 in the packs 10 introduced, which are open at the rear in the conveying direction, because of the not yet attached cross-seam 21 , The completion of the packs 10 then takes place in the manner described, including the production of individual packs 10 or of cross chains 86 or longitudinal chains 87 ,

A special feature are the structure and operation of the device for this simple embodiment of the packs 10 ,

In the device according to 19 . 20 is a cigarette supply in the execution as a cigarette magazine 40 directly in or in front of the filling station 26 positioned. The relative position is chosen so that the out of the slots of the cigarette magazine 40 ejected cigarette groups 14 directly to the filling station 26 transferred and in the packaging position between the tracks 23 . 24 be inserted.

The entire transport route of the cigarettes 13 or the cigarette groups 14 in this position between the tracks 22 . 23 is effected by one and the same conveying or pushing member, namely by the ram unit 41 , the elongated pestles 89 having. These have one on each cigarette 10 aligned dimensions and, for example, a square cross-section, taking into account the dimensions of a cigarette 13 ( 21 ). One of the number of cigarettes 13 per cigarette group 14 corresponding number of plungers 89 is positioned next to each other, summarized as a ram unit 41 , Their dimension or effective range is chosen so that the plunger 89 through the shafts of the cigarette magazine 40 go through with taking a single cigarette 13 , These are then due to a corresponding reciprocating amplitude of movement of the plunger 89 to the entry position of the filling station 26 promoted ( 20 ). The cigarettes 13 are in this insertion position preferably at full length through the tracks 23 . 24 recorded for onward transport. The pestles 89 then return to the starting position ( 19 ) back.

The cigarettes 13 are - as known in principle - checked for correct training, in this case by (optoelectronic) Prüforgane 90 . 91 on both (open) sides of the cigarette magazine 40 arranged transversely to the shafts, so that both ends of the cigarettes 13 being checked.

The operation of the device following the filling station 26 corresponds here to the embodiment according to 5 , This applies with regard to the arrangement of forming rollers 63 . 64 . 65 . 66 as well as other form rollers 72 . 73 , Furthermore, the connection station 74 with pressure rollers 75 formed in the same way. The completion of the packs 10 also corresponds to the embodiment of 5 , including the production of (transverse) chains 86 ,

21 shows in cross-section (in the plane XXI-XXI of 20 ) an initial region of the forming or connecting unit, namely a cross section in the region of forming rollers. The side guides for the cigarettes 13 or for the respective cigarette group 14 namely, the guide fingers 88 , Are formed with a moving direction, namely decreasing cross section, so that the function of the support with the increasing deformation of the webs 22 . 23 decreases or ends when due to the deformation of the webs 22 . 23 the cigarette group 14 is fixed by this. The guide fingers 88 can in this embodiment on a separate, transversely oriented carrier (not shown) in the filling station 26 be attached or at the bottom of the cigarette magazine 40 (Execution according to 19 . 20 ). Furthermore, between cigarette magazine 40 and the insertion area of the cigarettes a guide piece for the cigarettes 13 be installed, especially a side guide 92 ( 20 . 23 ).

The device according to 22 . 23 differs from that described above in particular in that between the cigarette supply and the cigarette magazine 40 on the one hand and the filling station 26 the bag station 55 an intermediate conveyor for the cigarette magazine 40 ejected cigarette groups 14 is arranged. It is a cigarette revolver 93 , in function comparable to the bag chain 36 in 5 , The cigarette revolver 93 is rotatable in a plane transverse to the conveying direction (cyclically). On the outer circumference are revolver pockets 94 arranged to accommodate one cigarette group each 14 . the present of two adjacent cigarettes 13 consists.

The revolver 93 is formed in a special way, namely with a preferably square support body 95 for the bags 94 , The revolver pockets 94 are at rectilinear, the contour of the supporting body 95 determining bearing or edge surfaces 96 appropriate. In the present case are according to the number of simultaneously manufactured packages 10 four revolver pockets 94 on every edge surface 96 of the supporting body 95 attached, at intervals from each other, the position of the cigarette groups 14 when inserting into the (partially completed) packs 10 in the loading station 26 correspond.

Accordingly, in this embodiment, the (four) cigarette groups become 14 through the ram unit 41 with (four) groups of pestles 89 , in particular in the described embodiment, from the cigarette magazine 40 off and in the ready held in relative position pockets 94 the cigarette revolver 93 inserted. The relative positions are coordinated so that in the region of an upper, transverse, horizontal edge surface 96 of the supporting body 95 the bags 94 for recording. The opposite, lower edge surface 96 of the supporting body 95 is located with the (four) pockets 94 in a plane adjacent to or aligned with the insertion position between the webs 23 . 24 , ie directly in a main conveyor level for cigarettes 13 and packs 10 ,

For the ejection of cigarette groups 14 from the revolver pockets 94 for transfer to the bag station 55 is another ram unit 97 provided, preferably in a design analogous to the ram unit 41 of the cigarette magazine 40 , The (lower) ram unit 97 is with the pestles 89 at the level of the lower revolver pockets 94 positioned and on the slot between the tracks 23 . 24 aligned.

Another special feature is the examination of the correct education of the cigarettes 13 , here in the area of the cigarette turret 93 , Each in the area of an upright edge surface 96 become the (four) stacked pockets 94 or the superimposed cigarettes 13 at both ends by (upright) Prüforgane 90 . 91 checked for correct training. In the execution of the packs 10 with low material expenditure (without internal support of the cigarettes 13 ) can increase the dimensional stability of the packs 10 be achieved by at least one of the tracks 23 . 24 , preferably the sub-railway 24 , made of thicker or more stable material.

Furthermore, a facilitated guidance of the webs 23 . 24 in the area of the filling station 26 be achieved if - according to the number of simultaneously produced packages 10 - individual material webs - analogous to upper web 23 and subway 24 - the filling station 26 be supplied. These separate individual webs are in terms of the filling process and the attachment of the seams 19 . 20 ; 21 . 22 processed in a manner analogous to the examples described and there are thus several adjacent or manufactured pack strips with lateral seams - analogous to the longitudinal seams 19 . 20 - and with transverse seams - analogous to the cross seams 21 . 22 ,

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

pack

11

front wall

12

rear wall

13

Cigarette

14

cigarette group

15

tray

16

bottom wall

17

Side wall

18

unit

19

longitudinal seam

20

longitudinal seam

21

cross seam

22

cross seam

23

top web

24

bottom web

25

supporting suture

26

filling station

27

deflecting

28

deflecting

29

spot of glue

30

perforation

31

tear-off edge

32

Traystation

33

Tray blank

34

web

35

knife unit

36

bag chain

37

bag

38

longitudinal slot

39

cigarette station

40

cigarette magazine

41

plunger unit

42

out station

43

Ausschubförderer

44

takeaway

45

crossbeam

46

belt

47

cigarettes train

48

Transfer stage

49

support plate

50

admission

51

guide rod

52

baffle

53

inserter

54

Unilever

55

bag station

56

top plate

57

lower plate

58

forming roller

59

forming roller

60

recess

61

head Start

62

head Start

63

forming roller

64

forming roller

65

forming roller

66

forming roller

67

head Start

68

head Start

69

reinforcement

70

reinforcement

71

edge strips

72

forming roller

73

forming roller

74

connecting station

75

pressure roller

76

Transverse sealing unit

77

pressure bar

78

pressure bar

79

wave

80

separating knife

81

transmission member

82

separating unit

83

cutting wheel

84

Cross-separation knife

85

discharge conveyor

86

cross chain

87

catenary

88

guide fingers

89

tappet

90

Review body

91

Review body

92

cornering

93

cigarette revolver

94

holster

95

supporting body

96

edge surface

97

plunger unit

98

mouthpiece

Claims (21)

Method for producing cigarette packs, in particular (bag) packs ( 10 ) with a cigarette group ( 14 ) of at least two adjacent cigarettes ( 13 ) between preferably two interconnected walls of the package ( 10 ) - front wall ( 11 ), Back wall ( 12 ), Characterized by the following features: a) the (bag) packs ( 10 ) or the walls ( 11 . 12 ) are preferably made of two especially horizontally conveyed (film) webs - upper web ( 23 ), Subway ( 24 ) - b) several adjacent packages ( 10 ) are produced simultaneously by connecting the webs ( 23 . 24 ) in the region of longitudinal seams ( 19 . 20 ) and transverse seams ( 21 . 22 ), in each case between adjacent cigarette groups ( 14 ), c) at least before applying cross-seams ( 21 ) in the region of a filling side of the juxtaposed packages ( 10 ) are the contents of packs produced together ( 10 ) forming cigarettes ( 13 ) or cigarette groups ( 14 ) simultaneously in a horizontal plane in the area between the tracks ( 23 . 24 ) or in the partially finished packages ( 10 ), (d) the packages ( 10 ) are then by attaching sealing seams - cross seams ( 21 ) - finished and from the railways ( 23 . 24 ) separated. Method according to claim 1, characterized by the following features: a) the cigarettes ( 13 ) of a cigarette group ( 14 ) are arranged in an inner pack of thin cardboard or similar packing material - Tray ( 15 ) - with at least one bottom wall ( 16 ) and (two) side walls ( 17 ), b) the cigarettes ( 13 ) of a cigarette group ( 14 ) are first placed in the at least partially folded inner pack - Tray ( 15 ) - introduced, c) the resulting unit ( 18 ) from inner pack - tray ( 15 ) And cigarette group ( 14 ) is added to the partially finished packages ( 10 ) between the tracks ( 23 . 24 ) introduced. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the one package ( 10 ) or more in the field of railways ( 23 . 24 ) juxtaposed packages ( 10 ) associated cigarette groups ( 14 ) or units ( 18 ) by conveying or pushing elements at the same time in the packwise position between the not yet (completely) interconnected webs ( 23 . 24 ), in particular via a rearward in the conveying direction, by transverse seam ( 21 ) closable filling opening for each pack ( 10 ). Method according to claim 1 or one of the further claims, characterized in that one of the number of simultaneously produced, juxtaposed packs ( 10 ) corresponding number of cigarette groups ( 14 ) from a cigarette supply, in particular a cigarette magazine ( 40 ) by plunger or ram units ( 41 ) and in the area of a filling station ( 26 ) is conveyed under insertion into the packaging position between the tracks ( 23 . 24 ). Method according to claim 4 or one of the further claims, characterized in that the cigarettes ( 13 ) or cigarette groups ( 14 ) through the ram unit ( 41 ) from the cigarette magazine ( 40 ) and while continuing the pushing movement directly into the area of the filling station ( 26 ) or in the position of the partially completed packages ( 10 ) are insertable. Method according to claim 1 or one of the further claims, characterized in that the cigarette groups ( 14 ) after ejection from the cigarette stock - cigarette magazine ( 40 ) - are inserted into an intermediate conveyor, in particular in pockets ( 37 ) a pocket chain ( 36 ) or in bags ( 94 ) of a rotatable cigarette turret ( 93 ), each (several) - corresponding to the number of simultaneously manufactured packages ( 10 ) - cigarette groups ( 14 ) by appropriate conveying movement of the pocket chain ( 36 ) or the cigarette turret ( 93 ) are moved into a Ausschubstellung to transfer the cigarette groups provided ( 14 ) (directly) to a filling station ( 26 ). Method according to Claim 1 or one of the further claims, characterized by the following features: a) the (two) webs ( 23 . 24 ) for the formation of front wall ( 11 ) and back wall ( 12 ) of the packages ( 10 ) are fed above and below a horizontal conveyor and production level and guided by deflecting in the horizontal plane, b) the tracks ( 23 . 24 ) receive investment in management bodies for the deformation of the webs ( 23 . 24 ) according to the contours of the (several) juxtaposed packages ( 10 ) with content, preferably a contoured top plate ( 56 ) and a correspondingly formed lower plate ( 57 ), whereby the executive organs - plates ( 56 . 57 ) At one entry side a horizontal, transverse to the conveying direction, funnel-shaped insertion opening for the same time in the area between the tracks ( 23 . 24 ) ( 14 ) or units ( 18 ) form. Method according to claim 1 or one of the further claims, characterized in that in the region of a filling station ( 26 ) the railways ( 23 . 24 ) first to form longitudinal seams ( 19 . 20 ) are connected to one another in the conveying direction, such that a plurality, in particular four adjacent, to the insertion side of the filling station ( 26 ) open pockets ( 10 ) and that a corresponding number of cigarette groups ( 14 ) or units ( 18 ) in the area between the longitudinal seams ( 19 . 20 ), the webs ( 23 . 24 ) and then transversely directed transverse seams ( 21 . 22 ), preferably in conjunction with a separating cut and / or a perforation line in the region of the longitudinal seams ( 19 . 20 ) and / or the transverse seams ( 21 . 22 ). A method according to claim 1 or one of the further claims, characterized in that of the continuous package web of juxtaposed and successive in the conveying direction packs ( 10 ) Groups of packs ( 10 ), namely packing chains ( 86 . 87 ), in particular cross-links ( 86 ) of several (four) juxtaposed packages ( 10 ) or longitudinal chains ( 87 ) of a plurality of successive packages in the conveying direction ( 10 ), whereby the cross chains ( 86 ) in the region of longitudinal seams ( 19 . 20 ) and the longitudinal chains ( 87 ) of transverse seams ( 21 . 22 ), in each case preferably with weakening or perforation lines ( 30 ) for separating individual packs ( 10 ). Method according to claim 7 or one of the further claims, characterized in that the webs ( 23 . 24 ) in the area of a bag station ( 55 ) by the guiding and shaping organs according to the contour of the juxtaposed packs ( 10 ), namely (approximately in the middle) between the adjacent cigarette groups ( 14 ) or units ( 18 ), such that the webs ( 23 . 24 ) are brought into contact with each other in this area, preferably at first in a central region of the tracks ( 23 . 24 ) the deformation is initiated and then continued in lateral or in the edge region, such that for attaching the longitudinal seams ( 19 . 20 ) the railways ( 23 . 24 ) are deformed in a wave-like or meandering manner in cross-section under strip-shaped mutual contact of upper web (FIG. 23 ) and subway ( 24 ) to each other. Method according to claim 1 or one of the further claims, characterized in that organs for guiding and forming the webs ( 23 . 24 ) in the area of the bag station ( 55 ) of fixed organs - upper plate ( 56 ), Lower plate ( 57 ) - with contoured surfaces and of movable organs, in particular of castors ( 58 . 59 ; 63 . 64 . 65 . 66 ; 72 . 73 ), wherein the forming rollers compressing the webs ( 23 . 24 ) in the area between the cigarette groups ( 14 ) or units ( 18 ) until they touch each other. Method according to claim 1 or one of the further claims, characterized in that the longitudinally extending longitudinal seams ( 19 . 20 ) in the area of the bag station ( 55 ), preferably in the region of the top plate ( 56 ) and lower plate ( 57 ) by rotating seal or pressure elements - pressure rollers ( 75 ) - during the continuous transport of the trains ( 23 . 24 ) and cross seams ( 21 . 22 ) outside the area of the bag station or plates ( 56 . 57 ) by a transverse sealing unit ( 56 ). Method according to claim 1 or one of the further claims, characterized in that the packages ( 10 ) with support seams ( 25 ), preferably on both sides of the cigarette group ( 14 ) or the unit ( 18 ) with connection of the front wall ( 11 ) and back wall ( 12 ), in particular in relation to the width of the package ( 10 ) narrow package contents, for example of two cigarettes ( 13 ). Method according to claim 1 or one of the further claims, characterized in that at least one of the tracks ( 23 . 24 ) for producing the packages ( 10 ) is provided with a localized, in particular strip-shaped coating of an adhesive or thermally sealable material, in particular the lower web ( 24 ), preferably by applying longitudinal and transverse strip-shaped coatings in the region of the longitudinal seams to be produced ( 19 . 20 ) and cross seams ( 21 . 22 ), preferably in such a way that bonding material not hardened or cured, in particular heated, flowable hotmelt material, is applied to the webs ( 23 . 24 ), in particular only on the lower course ( 24 ), formed to form longitudinal and transverse stripes and immediately thereafter the webs ( 23 . 24 ) - are pressed together in the region of the connecting seams before the curing of the connecting material. Method according to claim 1 or one of the further claims, characterized in that the adjacent cigarette groups ( 14 ) or the adjacent units ( 18 ) in the area between the tracks ( 23 . 24 ) at least during an initial phase by preferably on both sides of the cigarette group ( 14 ) or the unit ( 18 ) are fixed in the direction of movement, fixed side guides in the pack position according to, preferably by elongated guide fingers ( 88 ) with in the conveying direction changing cross section. Device for producing packages ( 10 ), in particular bag packs of film or the like, for groups of cigarettes ( 14 ), possibly for a cigarette group ( 14 ) and an inner collar of thin cardboard or the like existing unit ( 18 ), characterized by the following features: a) a conveyor or pusher preferably operating in a horizontal plane for transporting preferably a plurality of (four) adjacent cigarette groups ( 14 ) or units ( 18 ) to a filling station ( 26 ), b) management bodies for supplying and diverting a top web ( 23 ) and a sub-railway ( 24 ) of the packaging material for the formation of front wall ( 11 ) and back wall ( 12 ) of the package ( 10 ) to a filling station ( 26 ), c) deflecting elements - deflection rollers ( 27 . 28 ) - for deflecting the tracks ( 23 . 24 ) in the horizontal transport plane to form a funnel-like, transverse insertion opening for the cigarette groups ( 14 ) or for the units ( 18 ), d) insertion members - drivers ( 44 ) and / or pusher or plunger ( 89 ) - for the simultaneous insertion of (four) adjacent cigarette groups ( 14 ) or units ( 18 ) in the area between the upper track ( 23 ) and subway ( 24 ), e) Governing bodies - top plate ( 56 ), Lower plate ( 57 ) - for the deformation of the webs ( 23 . 24 ) during (horizontal) transport with the cigarette groups ( 14 ) or units ( 18 ), such that between adjacent cigarette groups ( 14 ) or units ( 18 ) the railways ( 23 . 24 ) can be brought together until reciprocal contact, f) printing or sealing organs - pressure rollers ( 75 ), Transverse sealing unit ( 76 ) - for attaching longitudinal sealing seams ( 19 . 20 ) and transverse seams ( 21 . 22 ) in the area of contact of the tracks ( 24 . 25 ). Apparatus according to claim 16, characterized by the following features: a) a conveyor-ejection conveyor (preferably acting in a horizontal conveying direction in a main conveying direction) 43 ) - to eject a plurality (four) of units ( 18 ) of juxtaposed pockets ( 37 ) a pocket chain ( 36 ) by means of drivers ( 44 ), b) an intermediate conveyor - transfer platform ( 48 ) - to take over the (four) units ( 18 ) from the discharge conveyor ( 43 ) and to transfer them to a bag station ( 55 ), c) Thrust members - inserters ( 53 ) - for simultaneous insertion of the several (four) side by side funded cigarette groups ( 14 ) or units ( 18 ) in the area between the upper track ( 23 ) and subway ( 24 ) in the horizontal conveying plane. Device according to claim 16 or 17, characterized by the following features: a) the tracks - upper track ( 23 ) and subway ( 24 ) - lie in the area of the bag station ( 55 ) on upper and lower shaping and guiding organs - upper plate ( 56 ), Lower plate ( 57 ) - for the deformation of the webs ( 23 . 24 ) in the area between the adjacent groups of cigarettes ( 14 ) or units ( 18 ), b) the plates ( 56 . 57 ) are form rollers ( 58 . 59 ; 63 . 64 . 65 . 66 ; 72 . 73 ) associated with compressing and pressing the webs together ( 23 . 24 ) during transport in the region of the plates ( 56 . 57 ), c) associated forming rollers are offset in the conveying direction to each other effective, such that first a middle, strip-shaped region of the tracks ( 23 . 24 ) and then further outboard or marginal strip-shaped areas of the webs ( 23 . 24 ) are compressible. Device according to claim 16 or one of the further claims, characterized in that members for attaching connecting seams of the webs ( 23 . 24 ) in the area of the bag station or in the region of the plates ( 56 . 57 ) are arranged, in particular pressure rollers ( 75 ) caused by recesses ( 60 ) of the plates ( 56 . 57 ) and during the transport of the webs ( 23 . 24 ) the longitudinal seams ( 19 . 20 ) produce. Apparatus according to claim 16 or any of the further claims, characterized by perforation means for attaching perforation lines ( 30 ) in the area of double-width longitudinal seams ( 19 . 20 ), wherein the perforation preferably on the pressure rollers ( 75 ) for producing the longitudinal seams ( 19 . 20 ) are mounted. Device according to Claim 16 or one of the further claims, characterized by a transfer member ( 81 ) for applying bonding agents for the webs ( 23 . 24 ) or front wall ( 11 ) and back wall ( 12 ) a package by (thermal) sealing and / or pressure application in the region of grid-shaped arranged strips corresponding to the longitudinal seams ( 19 . 20 ) and transverse seams ( 21 . 22 ), whereby the transmission element ( 81 ) preferably in the region of an (upright) portion of the sub-web ( 24 ), so it is coated accordingly.

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