EP3641572B1 - Manufacture of smoking products - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a method for producing smoking article components from a plurality of article segments, in particular at least three or more than three article segments.

The invention also relates to a device for producing smoking article components from a plurality of article segments, in particular at least three or more than three article segments.

To produce multi-segment filters, in multi-filter machines, filters are assembled from segments made of different materials, grouped and formed into a multi-segment filter rod, which is wrapped in wrapping paper that envelops and holds together the filter segments assembled into a rod. Subsequently, multi-segment filter rods are cut to multiple usable lengths and further processed in a filter attachment machine. Known multi-filter machines are known under the designation MULFI-ME or MERLIN from Hauni Maschinenbau GmbH.

Furthermore is off EP 1 441 604 B1 a multi-segment filter manufacturing device with a device for encasing groups of filter segments with an encasing material for the manufacture of multi-segment filters in the tobacco processing industry. Here, filter segments in a device for assembling groups of filter segments, which are subdivided as modular functional units, correspondingly assembled into groups. Here, for example, soft and hard filter segments are conveyed in a transverse process or in a conveyance of the filter segments or groups of filter segments, which is transverse to their longitudinal extension, and combined accordingly in multi-segment filters. The groups of filter segments assembled in this way are then covered or wrapped with a strip of wrapping material by means of a roll of tape. This also takes place in a conveying direction of the groups of filter segments which is transverse to their longitudinal axis, ie in a transverse process. In the end, there are multi-segment filters of multiple usage lengths, which are transported further and, for example, if they are twice the usage length, can be placed directly between two tobacco rods in a filter tipping machine.

In addition, in WO 2014/064655 A2 discloses a method and machine for manufacturing multi-component cigarettes. The procedure known from this, in which a first wrapping step is proposed with a wide wrapping strip, which extends in width over the entire length of the lined-up components, has procedural disadvantages and quality defects that make the operation of the machine more difficult and result in relatively high rejects to lead.

Out DE 10 2004 006 434 A1 a method and a filter attachment machine for the production of filter cigarettes is known, in which double-length filter plugs are introduced between double-length tobacco rods, these double-length filter plugs are connected to the two double-length tobacco rods by means of a wrapping paper and, through a subsequent separation step, two partial streams of cigarettes are formed by the double-length filter plug double use length arise with a filter plug simple length and the cigarettes of both partial streams are rearranged, below between a filter plug of twice the length is introduced at the free ends of the cigarettes of the partial streams and this filter plug is connected to the cigarettes of the partial streams by means of a wrapping paper.

Furthermore is off GB 2 259 847 A a four-lane filter attachment machine is known in which double-length tobacco rods are connected to one another with a first double filter. A second double filter is then placed on one side next to the tobacco double-stack-double-filter-tobacco double-stack groups formed. After the first double filter has been cut, a double tobacco stick provided with a filter is moved next to the second double filter, so that a longitudinally axially offset sequence of double tobacco sticks is created, which is subsequently wrapped with wrapping paper. The double filters are then severed in the middle so that two sequences of double tobacco sticks are created, each with a filter at the head end.

Beyond that is off DE 1 127 778 B discloses a method of making multi-filter tip cigarettes by arranging single or multiple filters at both ends of cigarettes of a single length, after attaching the filter attachment to the cigarettes, the cigarettes are turned so that the filter attachments face outwards. A second filter attachment is then inserted between the free ends of the cigarettes and connected to the cigarettes.

It is the object of the present invention to produce rod-shaped smoking article products or smoking articles of the tobacco processing industry composed of several segments in a simple and efficient manner, such as products which do not burn themselves but rather are heated to release an aerosol, so-called heat not burn products.

This object is achieved by a method having the features of claim 1. Furthermore, the object is achieved by a device for manufacturing smoking article products according to claim 15.

The invention is based on the idea that rod-shaped smoking article products have several rod-shaped article segments, in particular more than three article segments, with the article segments and the article segment groups as well as the article segment subgroups being conveyed in the transverse axial direction before and after the reorientation process. Here, the article segments as well as the article segment groups and article segment subgroups are conveyed cross-axially on conveyor drums or corresponding conveying devices.

Because the formed, wrapped article segment groups are each cut, preferably in the middle, exact, straight edges and/or contact surfaces are created at the ends of the finished smoking article products - after reorientation - so that the two cleanly cut outer product ends can be removed during further processing of the smoking article products contribute to an improvement in product quality.

By providing a wrapping strip U1, which leaves a section free of the wrapping strip U1 at the respective longitudinal axial end of a rod-shaped intermediate product, it can be ensured that even with length tolerances of the individual segments, which can add up when they are placed together, there is always a flat contact surface for further processing of intermediate and/or further processing products can be guaranteed, which is not influenced by irregular overhangs. Any post-processing of the covering after the first covering step, such as a trimming cut in which an overhang is removed, can be omitted.

The distance AA and/or distance AB of the wrapping strip U1 to the respective front end XA, XB of the group to be wrapped can be less than 0.25 mm and should be at least 0.1 mm. Will he If the distance AA and/or AB is selected to be greater than 3.5 mm, the material consumption is advantageously kept low. If the wrapping strip U1 overlaps the segment or segments to be connected by an overlap length of 2-5 mm, a reliable connection structure can be guaranteed. The distance AA and/or distance AB of the wrapping strip U1 to the respective front end XA, XB of the group to be wrapped can also be greater than 3.0 mm, with an adjacent segment being overlapped by the wrapping strip U1 with an overlap of 2-5 mm .

In order to ensure a secure connection, the wrapping strip U1 is provided with glue over the entire surface or at least a larger, in particular predominant area, preferably more than 30%, particularly preferably more than 50% of the wrapping strip U1 is provided with glue. The wrapping strip U1 can also have glue-free zones and/or perforations.

Within the scope of the invention, the rod-shaped smoking article products are designed, for example, as multi-segment filters or multi-filters. In addition, it is also possible in one embodiment within the scope of the invention that the smoking article products each have several, in particular different, filter segments and, in addition, a segment with a substance that a smoker can consume, such as a flavoring. The smoking article products can be designed as heat not burn products.

In particular, in the production method according to the invention, the first article segment group is provided with at least three article segments, the middle article segment being cut in the middle after the wrapping of the first article group. In addition, it is conceivable within the scope of the invention for the first group of articles to have an even number of article segments, with the article segments being arranged symmetrically before being wrapped. In particular, at least two article segments of the article segment group differ as well the item segment subgroup as well as the second item segment group.

Overall, the manufactured smoking article products have several different article segments.

In addition, one embodiment of the method provides for the second group of article segments to be cut, preferably in the middle, into two or more than two smoking article products.

For this purpose, it is further provided that the article segments of the first article segment group are arranged symmetrically, in particular to the vertical center plane, before cutting, preferably lying against one another or with a predetermined distance between two adjacent article segments. The middle plane is understood to mean the plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the first article segment group formed, with the middle of the length of the article segment group lying in the vertical plane.

Advantageously, the method also provides for the first article segment group to have an even number of article segments, in particular before cutting. The article segments are arranged symmetrically to the center plane, with the section through the first article segment group taking place in the vertical center plane.

In another embodiment, the first article segment group has an odd number of article segments, in particular before cutting. Here, the article segments of the first article segment group are also arranged symmetrically to the vertical center plane, after wrapping the first article segment group, a central cut is made through the article segment of the article segment group arranged in the middle and preferably twice as long.

In addition, one embodiment of the method provides that for the formation or for the provision of the first article segment group, preferably in sequential order, several article segments are conveyed transversely and arranged next to one another, so that after the arrangement of the article segments next to one another the first article segment group is formed. The article segments of a first type are preferably conveyed here, so that article segments of a second type are then delivered to the article segments of the first type, with the article segments of the second type being arranged next to article segments of the first type. In this case, the article segments of the first type and the second type are conveyed and assembled transversely axially on corresponding conveyor drums or conveying devices.

Within the scope of the invention, it is possible for the article segments for the first article segment group to be cut into article segments before being delivered to the first article segment group to be formed by cutting multiple-length article pieces and then to be delivered or conveyed to the first article segment group to be formed.

To this end, one embodiment of the method provides that, for the formation of the first article segment group, several article segments are spaced apart from one another longitudinally and axially and one further or more, in particular two, article segments are subsequently arranged between the article segments spaced apart longitudinally and axially. Here, for example, two or four or an even number of article segments are divided in the middle, so that the formed groups of article segments are spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction, the groups of article segments having the same number.

In a further development of the method, one embodiment provides for one or more article segments to be arranged at the preferably external and/or free ends of an article segment or for one or more article segments to be arranged at the ends of a group of article segments that face away from one another. Here the Article segments to form the first article segment group are subsequently applied to the opposite ends of an article segment or a group of article segments, for example on a conveyor drum, whereby the article segments from which the first article segment group is formed are arranged symmetrically.

Furthermore, the method is characterized in that the article segment subgroups, which are formed from the first article segment groups, are conveyed transversely axially, e.g. on a conveyor drum or other conveying devices, after reorientation, for example in the form of turning.

In particular, it is advantageous that the article segment subgroups are or become spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal axial direction after or during or during the reorientation of the article segment subgroups and subsequently one or more article segments are introduced between the article segment subgroups spaced apart from one another longitudinally. The article segments can then be pushed together in abutting relationship or aligned and positioned at a predetermined distance from one another, if desired with an individual distance between two adjacent article segments.

Within the scope of the invention, it is provided that exclusively one or exclusively two article segments are introduced between the article segment subgroups that are spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction.

Furthermore, the method is characterized in one embodiment in that the smoking article products, which are formed from the second article segment groups, are arranged one behind the other in a row transversely axially in a further method step after the second article segment group has been cut. This will make the smoking article products e.g. for further processing on a filter tipping machine, with the device for producing the smoking article products, on which the method according to the invention is carried out, being connected to the filter tipping machine, for example, so that the smoking article products are further conveyed to the filter tipping machine, preferably transversely. In particular, the orientation of the smoking article products arranged one behind the other in a row is the same.

In addition, an advantageous method step is characterized in that the article segments of the smoking article products are designed as filter segments or that the smoking article products each have at least one or more filter segments as article segments and at least one article segment with a consumable, in particular aromatic and/or tobacco-based product. This can be an article segment that contains a crimped tobacco foil, strips of tobacco foil and/or tobacco fibers.

Overall, the method according to the invention provides a smoking article product with at least three article segments, with the article segment subgroups formed from the first article segment group having at least two article segments.

Within the scope of the invention, it can further be provided that the manufactured smoking article products have four or more than four article segments, with the article segment subgroups formed from the first article segment groups and the smoking articles differing by one article segment.

Reorientation in the form of "turning" A preferred form of the step of reorientation allows a simple apparatus structure with a turning device and is characterized in that the position of the article segment subgroups relative to one another is reoriented by means of a turning device, which preferably rotates the article segment subgroups by 180 degrees applies, preferably two mutually opposite article segment subgroups at the same time or one after the other, in particular while forming a distance between an article segment subgroup and an article segment subgroup opposite the article segment subgroup for inserting the further article segment.

Reorientation in the form of "staggering/shifting" Another preferred form of the step of reorienting allows a simple apparatus structure with a shifting/staggering device and is characterized in that the article segment subgroups are reoriented in their relative position to one another by means of a shifting device, which first two longitudinally axially opposite article segment subgroups offset from one another in the circumferential direction, preferably in the form of a stagger step, preferably on a staggered troughed drum unit with a predetermined pitch of the troughs by a pitch, and one or both longitudinally offset article segment subgroups offset by a path length greater than or equal to the length shifts an article segment subgroup and which preferably then arranges the shifted article segment subgroups opposite one another in the longitudinal direction, in particular by means of a further step for divisional configuration Shifting the shifted article segment subgroups in the circumferential direction.

With this form, a predeterminable insertion gap for the further article segment can be implemented reliably and easily by means of a correspondingly coordinated and adjusted path length of the displacement—exceeding the length of an article segment subgroup.

Reorientation in the form of “removing/shifting” A further, preferred form of the reorientation step allows a simple apparatus structure with a transfer/shifting device and is characterized in that the article segment subgroups be reoriented in their relative position to one another by means of a transfer device, which removes an article segment subgroup from two longitudinally axially opposite article segment subgroups picked up by a first troughed drum by means of a second troughed drum, preferably designed as a pushing drum, on the second troughed drum longitudinally by a path length greater than or equal to twice that length of an article segment subgroup and offset in the circumferential direction to the article segment subgroup originally on the first drum longitudinally and axially opposite, in particular in accordance with the division of the first and/or second troughed drum, is deposited again on the first troughed drum, preferably adjacent to one on the first drum after removal of the to moving article segment subgroup remaining article segment subgroup.

In this form, a predeterminable insertion gap for the further article segment can be implemented reliably and easily by means of a correspondingly coordinated and adjusted path length of the displacement—exceeding twice the length of an article segment subgroup.

The distance AA of the wrapping strip U1 from the end XA of the first group of article segments and the distance AB of the wrapping strip U1 before the end XB of the first group of article segments can be the same or different. The wrapping strip U1 is preferably positioned relative to the first article segment group in such a way that the distances AA and AB are approximately the same, and in particular do not deviate from one another by more than +/-10-20%. For correct positioning, the first article segment group can also be aligned additionally or solely before wrapping with the wrapping strip U1.

Further features of the invention will become apparent from the description of embodiments of the invention together with the claims and shown in the attached drawings. Embodiments according to the invention can fulfill individual features or a combination of several features.

Fig. 1a bis 1d

jeweils schematisch Verfahrensabläufe zur Herstellung von Multisegmentfiltern und

Fig. 2a bis 2d

jeweils schematisch Verfahrensschritte zur Herstellung von Multisegmentfiltern.

Fig. 3

eine Ausführungsform einer Maschine zum Durchführen des Verfahrens

The invention is described below without restricting the general inventive concept using exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings, with express reference being made to the drawings with regard to all details according to the invention that are not explained in more detail in the text. Show it:

Figures 1a to 1d

each schematically process sequences for the production of multi-segment filters and

Figures 2a to 2d

each schematically process steps for the production of multi-segment filters.

3

an embodiment of a machine for carrying out the method

In the drawings, elements and/or parts that are the same or of the same type are provided with the same reference numbers, so that they are not presented again in each case.

while in the Fig. 1a the distance AA of the wrapping strip U1 from the end XA of the first article segment group and the distance AB of the wrapping strip U1 before the end XB of the first article segment group are graphically emphasized and clarified, the aforementioned distances are not shown in the other figures. In the embodiment according to Fig. 1a the distances AA and AB are roughly the same.

In the Figures 1a to 1c process steps for the production of multi-segment filters 100 are shown schematically in each case.

According to the embodiment in Fig. 1a In method step A, two filter segments 1 arranged next to one another are provided and conveyed further transversely and axially. As they are conveyed further, the filter segments 1 are spaced apart from one another longitudinally and axially, so that a gap is created and in method step B two filter segments 2 arranged next to one another are introduced into the gap between the filter segments 1 that are spaced apart longitudinally and axially. The filter segments 1 and the filter segments 2 are each conveyed transversely axially, ie transversely to their central longitudinal axis, on conveying drums or corresponding conveying devices.

Then, before process step C, the symmetrical arrangement of the filter segments 1 and 2 from process step B is divided in the middle and the two halves of filter segments 1, 2 are spaced apart from one another longitudinally and axially, so that two next to each other can then be placed in the gap between the symmetrical groups of filter segments 1 and 2 arranged filter segments 3 are introduced into the gap between the two segments, so that a first article segment group is formed.

The group of filter segments assembled in method step C is arranged mirror-symmetrically to the center plane of the assembled groups of filter segments. The filter segments 1, 2, 3 assembled in method step C are then transferred to another conveyor drum, so that in method step D the assembled filter segment arrangement made up of three filter segments is wrapped as a first article segment group by a wrapping strip U1 10. The wrapping strip U1 10 has a distance AA from the front end XA and a distance AB from the front end XB of the first article segment group.

The first article segment group has an end XA and an end XB opposite the end XA.

Then the wrapped filter segment assemblies from the Transfer method step D to a cutting drum, so that the wrapped filter segment groups are cut in the middle on the cutting drum by means of a cutting knife 20 or a corresponding cutting device. This results in two filter segment groups, which are then each transferred as article segment subgroups to a reorientation device designed as a turning device.

In method step F, the transferred filter segment groups are each rotated by 180° by means of the turning device, as a result of which the filter segments 3 lying on the inside in method step E are on the outside after the turning process in method step F has been carried out. In this case, according to method step F, the filter segment groups formed next to one another are each simultaneously turned through 180° by means of a corresponding turning device.

After turning in method step F, the simultaneously turned filter segment groups are transferred to a conveyor drum as article segment subgroups, so that the filter segment groups are further conveyed in the transverse axial direction. The filter segment groups are spaced apart from one another in a transverse axial direction, with the ends XA and XB of the filter segments initially pointing outwards (cf. method step E) facing one another after turning.

Subsequently, in method step G, two filter segments 4 are inserted into the central gap between the filter segment groups and subsequently wrapped by a second wrapping strip U2 30 in method step H, resulting in a second wrapped article segment group. Here, the strip of material 30 encloses the centrally inserted filter segments 4 and part of the adjacent filter segments 1 of the already encased, outer filter segment groups.

The double-length filter segment groups from process step H are then conveyed transversely to a conveyor drum, so that subsequently the double-length filter segment groups are cut in the middle as the second article segment group by means of a cutting blade 40 or a corresponding cutting device, so that two multi-segment filters 100 arranged symmetrically to one another are produced in method step I.

Subsequently, in a further method step, the multi-segment filters 100 arranged next to one another are formed in method step K by corresponding method steps and devices into a row of multi-segment filters 100 arranged one behind the other transversely and axially.

Within the scope of the invention, it is conceivable that between method steps F and G, the two reoriented, in particular turned and wrapped, filter segment groups are spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal axial direction as article segment subgroups. In addition, it is also possible within the scope of the invention that the individually provided filter segments 1, 2, 3, 4 are cut before the formation of the corresponding groups or subgroups from multi-length filter segment rods or multi-length rods made of tobacco-derived material, with the provision of two Filter segments or tobacco-derived segments of the same type corresponding funding processes (staggering, sliding, etc.) are provided.

At the in Fig. 1b shown embodiment, the method steps A to F correspond to the method steps in Fig. 1a . In contrast to the embodiment in Fig. 1a In method step G, a double-length filter segment rod 400 is inserted between the filter segment groups with the filter segments 1, 2, 3 and then in method step H it is connected to the outer filter segment groups by wrapping with the wrapping strip U2 30, so that a second article segment group is created. Then, in method step E, the double-length filter segment rod 400 is cut into single-length filter segments 4 using the cutting blade 40, with the central cut resulting in two multi-segment filters 100 as smoking article products. At the in 1c shown embodiment is in contrast to the embodiment in Fig. 1a In method step C, a double-length filter segment rod 300 is placed in the gap between the groups of filter segments 1 and 2 that are arranged symmetrically to one another, so that in method step D the double-length segment rod 300 together with the outer filter segments 1 and 2 are removed from the wrapping strip U1 10 a first article segment group and is subsequently cut into filter segments 3 in method step E by means of the cutting blade 20 . The further process steps F to K correspond to those in Fig. 1a shown process steps.

At the in Fig. 1d embodiment shown in comparison to the other embodiments, in particular Fig. 1a , in method steps D and G, double-length segment filters 300 or 400 are inserted between the formed subgroups of filter segments (cf. method step C in 1c and method step G in the exemplary embodiment Fig. 1b ).

In the further exemplary embodiments 2a to 2d, further process diagrams are shown schematically for the production of multi-segment filters 100.

According to the Figure 2a In the method steps shown, two separate filter segments 1 arranged next to one another are provided in method step A and conveyed in the transverse axial direction. In method step B, two longitudinally axially spaced filter segments 2 are then arranged at the outer free ends of the two filter segments 1 and conveyed further, so that in method step C a filter segment 3 is applied to the outer free ends of the filter segments 2. In method step D, the filter segment group put together in method step C is wrapped by a wrapping strip U1 10, so that a first wrapped article segment group is created and subsequently, in method step E, the wrapped filter segment group is formed into two identical and symmetrically arranged article segment subgroups by means of a cutting knife 20 or the like.

The two article segment subgroups are then turned in method step F by means of a reorientation device designed as a turning device, so that the ends XA and XB of the filter segments 3 pointing outwards in method step E point inwards in method step G and are arranged opposite one another. Then, in method step G, two filter segments 4 arranged next to one another are inserted between the rotated article segment subgroups, which are spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction, so that in method step H, the filter segments 4 with the already wrapped article segments are wrapped into a second one by means of a wrapping strip U2 30 Item segment group to be connected.

Then, in method step I, the entire second article segment group is cut in the middle, so that two multi-segment filters 100 with four different segments are created. Subsequently, in method step K, a row of consecutively oriented multi-segment filters 100 is formed, which are provided for further processing, for example on a filter attachment machine.

At the in Figure 2b illustrated embodiment, the illustrated method steps A to F correspond to the method steps A to F in Figure 2a . After the formation of two article segment subgroups, each with three filter segments (cf. method step E), a double-length segment rod 400 is arranged in method step G between longitudinally axially spaced and symmetrically arranged article segment subgroups from the filter segments 1, 2, 3, which is then connected to the two outer ones Article groups in step H by means of the wrapping strip U2 30 is connected to form a second article segment group.

Subsequently, the double-length segment rod 400 is cut into two filter segments 4 in method step I by means of the cutting blade 40, so that two multi-segment filters 100 with four different segments are formed by the cutting process. The multi-segment filters 100 formed are then positioned in method step K to form a row of filter segments arranged one behind the other.

At the in Figure 2c In the method diagram shown for producing the multi-segment filter 100, a double-length filter segment rod 110 is provided in method step A, so that in method step B two filter segments 2 spaced apart longitudinally and axially are placed at the outer ends of the filter segment rod 110. Subsequently, in method step C, a filter segment 3 is arranged at the outer free ends of the filter segments 2 in each case. In method step D, the article group formed in method step C is wrapped with a wrapping strip U1 10, so that a first wrapped article segment group, after wrapping in method step E, has two filter segments 1 and two article segment subgroups each consisting of three different ones by a central cut through the segment rod 110 Filter segments 1, 2, 3 by cutting using the cutting blade 20 arise.

The further method steps F to K correspond to the method steps F to K according to Figure 2a .

In the process scheme according to Fig. 2d the method steps A to F correspond to the method steps in the embodiment in FIG Figure 2c . After forming two article segment subgroups from three different filter segments 1, 2, 3 and turning them in process step F, double-length segment rods 400 are inserted centrally between the turned article segment subgroups, which are then connected to the wrapping strip U2 30 with the article segment subgroups in process step H are joined, creating a second wrapped article segment group.

The double-length segment rod 400 is then divided into two filter segments 4 in method step I, so that two multi-segment filters 100 are created from the second article segment group, which are then arranged one behind the other and in the same orientation in a row (cf. method step K).

In 3 1, one embodiment of an apparatus for performing the method or for manufacturing a plurality of smoking article products 100 is shown schematically.

A device for carrying out the method or for producing a large number of smoking article products 100 comprises a assembling device made up of a plurality of stations, preferably arranged one after the other, preferably of the same or different construction. One or each station is equipped with a magazine for receiving one type of article segments in the form of multiple-length bars, a drum run of drums arranged one behind the other for removal (removal drum) of the bars, for cutting (separate cutting drum, or removal drum with cutting function) of the bars into article segments of multiple or simpler nature useful length, for staggering (staggered drum) and shifting (sliding drum) the article segments of multiple or single useful length and to combine the article segments with a assembling drum. For assembling with other article segments, the assembling drum of a station can be followed by a transfer drum, which is also accommodated in the station of the assembling drum. A collating drum is, in particular with the interposition of a delivery drum, operatively connected to the drum run for receiving a first article segment to be further processed and operatively connected to a transfer drum of an upstream or downstream station.

The collating device is followed by a wrapping station that works in the transverse process and is provided with a wrapping paper apparatus, in particular in the manner of a covering paper apparatus, preferably comprising a wrapping paper feed device, a gluing station, a cutting station for cutting wrapping strips U1 and a rewinding station for connecting a group of article segments. The wrapping station optionally has a cutting station for dividing a wrapped, multi-length, in particular double-length, article segment group of more than three segments into two or more article segment subgroups. The cutting station is preferably arranged at or adjacent to the exit, in particular at a delivery drum of the wrapping station.

A unit for reorienting UEH of article segment subgroups (1, 2, 3) arranged opposite one another longitudinally and axially is arranged downstream of the wrapping station. The unit for reorienting UEH can be provided on the input side with a cutting station which is set up and designed for dividing a wrapped multi-length, in particular double-length, article segment group of more than three segments into two or more article segment subgroups.

The unit for reorienting UEH has a turning device which turns the article segment subgroups (1, 2, 3) by 180 degrees.

The turning device is designed and set up to receive two opposing article segment subgroups (1, 2, 3) and simultaneously or one after the other, in particular while forming a distance between an article segment subgroup (1, 2, 3) and that of the article segment subgroup (1, 2, 3) to turn opposite article segment subgroup (1, 2, 3) for inserting the further article segment (4).

The unit for reorienting UEH is an article segment addition and Downstream connecting station, in particular in the form of a filter tipper, comprising an addition station with a magazine for receiving a type of article segments in the form of bars of several lengths, with a drum run of drums arranged downstream of one another for removal (removal drum) of the bars, for cutting (separate cutting drum, or removal drum with cutting function ) of the rods into article segments of multiple or single use length, for staggering (stacking drum) and shifting (shifting drum) the article segments of multiple or single use length, with a assembling drum for combining the article segments brought from the drum run of the article segment adding and connecting station with the reoriented article segment subgroups (1, 2, 3). The collating drum of the article segment adding and connecting station is designed and set up to receive an article segment brought from the drum run of the article segment adding and connecting station between two spaced, reoriented article segment subgroups. The assembly drum of the article segment adding and connecting station is in particular operatively connected to the turning drum, directly or with the interposition of a transfer drum.

The article segment adding and connecting station comprises a connecting station working in the transverse process, which is provided with a wrapping paper apparatus, in particular in the manner of a covering paper apparatus, preferably comprising a wrapping paper feed device, a gluing station, a cutting station for cutting wrapping strips U2 and a rewinding station for connecting an article segment group . The item segment group comprises two reoriented item segment subgroups and an item segment sandwiched between the reoriented item segment subgroups. The wrapping station of the article segment adding and connecting station optionally has a cutting station for dividing a wrapped multi-length, in particular double-length, article segment group of more than three, preferably four segments into two or more smoking article products. The cutting station is preferably at or adjacent to the exit, arranged in particular on a delivery drum of the article segment adding and connecting station.

In the 3 device shown is a modification of one of the WO 2014/064655 A2 known machine according to the local figure 2 . Details of individual components of such a modified machine or device for carrying out the method or for producing a large number of smoking article products 100 relating to a possible configuration of an assembly device (there "CU"), a first wrapping station downstream of the assembly device (there "WU1"), an article segment -Additional and connection station (there "WU2") is to the there figure 2 made explanations, page five, line 13 to page seven, line 21, page 9, line 12 to page 17, line ten of the description there.

In order to avoid possible confusion of reference numbers in the present invention with reference numbers in FIG 3 prevent, the reference numbers in the 3 of the present invention, to which on the explanation in the WO 2014/064655 A2 referenced is preceded by a "z". For further explanation of details on the reference symbols marked with "z", reference is made to the aforementioned reference document, as well as to information on a configuration of the "CU", "WU1", "WU2" there.

3 is intended to provide the person skilled in the art with a schematic overview in addition to and/or in addition to the above explanations of a possible configuration of a device.

In departure from and in modification of the WO 2014/064655 A2 according to 2 known device, the first wrapping station downstream of the collating device for wrapping is a unit UEH for reorienting article segment subgroups downstream and upstream of an article segment adding and connecting station. In the figure 3 the unit UEH for reorientation is connected between a first sheathing device WU1 and a second sheathing device WU2 and is identified as a block with "UEH".

In order to connect the unit UEH for reorientation to preceding and subsequent organs, the unit UEH for reorientation can be assigned upstream and/or downstream conveying organs, which enable a continuous input and output of article segment subgroups to be reoriented, in particular produce corresponding active connections and are not shown in more detail. This aspect is particularly valuable for retrofitting and conversions.

At the in 3 shown embodiment, a cutting station z33 is arranged in the first wrapping device WU1. The cutting station z33 divides the wrapped first article segment group (1, 2, 3) into two article segment subgroups, each with the same number of article segments (1, 2, 3). The article segment subgroups are then conveyed into the UEH for reorientation and reorientated as explained above. A further article segment 4 is inserted in the second wrapping device WU2. The correspondingly formed article segment group is then connected by means of the wrapping material strip U230.

The further processing can then as in the WO 2014/064655 A2 described.

Moving away from the from the WO 2014/064655 A2 known device and procedure are in accordance with the design of the device 3 Positioning and/or guiding means for the article segment subgroups and/or the wrapping material strips U1 10 are provided, which are set up and configured to realize and ensure the distance AA at the end XA and the distance AB at the end XB of the first article segment group. The positioning means and/or guide means are preferably in the collating device ( 3 , there "CU") downstream first wrapping station ( 3 , "WU1").

The UEH for reorientation can include a turning drum as a turning device, which changes the position of the article segment subgroups relative to one another and has rotating elements, which are each provided so as to be rotatable by 180 degrees. Two opposing article segment subgroups can be turned simultaneously or one after the other, in particular forming a distance between an article segment subgroup and an article segment subgroup opposite the article segment subgroup, for inserting the further article segment.

The UEH for reorientation can include a displacement/stacking device with a staggering drum, to which a shifting drum is assigned, and with a further staggering drum assigned to the shifting drum. In this way, the position of the article segment subgroups relative to one another can be reoriented by means of a staggering/shifting/staggering unit, which initially offsets two longitudinally axially opposite article segment subgroups in the circumferential direction, preferably in the form of a staggered step, preferably on a staggered troughed drum -Unit with a predetermined pitch of the troughs by a pitch, and one or both offset article segment subgroups longitudinally axially by a distance greater than or equal to the length of an article segment subgroup and which preferably then arranges the shifted article segment subgroups longitudinally and axially opposite one another, in particular by means of a further step for offsetting in accordance with the division of the shifted article segment subgroups in the circumferential direction.

In this form, a predetermined insertion gap for the other article segment 4 by a correspondingly coordinated and adjusted path length of the shift - over the length of an article segment subgroup going beyond - can be realized reliably and in a simple manner.

The UEH for reorientation can include a transfer/shifting device with a first troughed drum and a second troughed drum with an axially acting lifting link, which are arranged and designed and interact in such a way that the position of the article segment subgroups relative to one another is reoriented by means of the transfer/shifting device will. An article segment subgroup is removed from two longitudinally axially opposite article segment subgroups picked up by a first troughed drum by means of a second troughed drum, preferably designed as a shifting drum, and is moved on the second troughed drum by means of the lifting link by a distance greater than or equal to twice the length of an article segment subgroup and in the circumferential direction offset to the article segment subgroup originally on the first drum longitudinally opposite, in particular conforming to the division of the first and/or second troughed drum, is deposited again on the first troughed drum, preferably adjacent to an article segment subgroup remaining on the first drum after removal of the article segment subgroup to be shifted.

In this form, a predeterminable insertion gap for the further article segment can be implemented reliably and easily by means of a correspondingly coordinated and adjusted path length of the displacement—exceeding twice the length of an article segment subgroup.

Reference List

1

filter segment

2

filter segment

3

filter segment

4

filter segment

10

Wrapping strip U1

20

cutting knife

30

Wrapping strips U2

40

cutting knife

100

multi-segment filter

110

filter segment rod

300

filter segment rod

400

filter segment rod

A,B,C,D,E,F,G,H,I,K

process step

XA

End

XB

End

aa

Distance (End XA)

AWAY

Distance (End XB)

Claims (15)

1. A method for producing smoking article products (100) from multiple article segments (1, 2, 3, 4) in each case, in particular at least three or more than three article segments (1, 2, 3, 4), wherein a first article segment group having multiple, in particular more than two or more than three, article segments (1, 2, 3) and having an end XA and having an end XB opposite the end XA in an assembly device having multiple stations arranged adjoining one another, in which each station is equipped with

   a hopper for receiving one type of article segments in the form of rods of multiple lengths,

   a drum run of drums downstream of one another, designed and adapted for extracting the rods, for cutting the rods into article segments of multiple or single use length, for grading and displacing the article segments of multiple or single use length and having an assembly drum for combining the article segments,

   is formed or provided, wherein the first article segment group (1, 2, 3) will be or is conveyed in a transverse axial manner and is or will be wrapped around by the wrapping material strip U1 (10) in a wrapping station downstream of the assembly device, which works in a crosswise process for wrapping with a wrapping strip U1, which wrapping material strip extends around the multiple, in particular more than two or more than three, article segments (1, 2, 3) of the first article segment group and ends with a distance AA before the end XA and/or with a distance AB before the end XB of the first article segment group, wherein the wrapped first article segment group (1, 2, 3) is cut centrally and into two article segment sub-groups each having the same number of article segments (1, 2, 3) and then the article segment sub-groups (1, 2, 3) conveyed in a transverse axial manner are reoriented in their relative position to one another such that ends (end A, end B) of the wrapped article segment sub-groups (1, 2, 3) previously lying outside before the reorientation face each other after the reorientation, wherein at least one further article segment (4) is inserted between the ends opposite one another (end A, end B) of the article segment sub-groups (1, 2, 3) after the reorientation and the at least one further article segment (4) is connected to the neighboring article segment sub-groups (1, 2, 3) on both sides by wrapping around with a wrapping material strip U2 (30) to form a second article segment group, and wherein at least one smoking article product (100) will be or is formed from the second article segment group.
2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the second article segment group is cut, preferably centrally, into two or more than two smoking article products (100).
3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the article segments of the first article segment group are arranged symmetrically, in particular to the vertical center plane, before the cutting, in particular before the wrapping with the wrapping material strip U1 (10), preferably arranged in each case or partially lying on one another or at a distance from one another.
4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the first article segment group has an even number of article segments, in particular before the cutting, or the first article segment group has an odd number of article segments, in particular before the cutting.
5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that for the formation of the first article segment group, multiple article segments are conveyed in a transverse axial manner and are arranged next to one another, preferably sequentially.
6. The method according to claim5, characterized in that multiple article segments are located at a distance from one another in a longitudinal axial manner and a further or multiple, in particular two, article segment(s) are subsequently arranged between the article segments located at a distance from one another in a longitudinal axial manner.
7. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that one or more article segments are arranged at the ends of an article segment or one or more article segments are arranged at the ends facing away from one another of a group of article segments.
8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the article segment sub-groups are conveyed in a transverse axial manner after turning.
9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that after turning the article segment sub-groups, the article segment sub-groups are or will be located at a distance from one another in a longitudinal direction and one or more article segments are subsequently introduced between the article segment sub-groups located at a distance from one another in a longitudinal axial manner.
10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the smoking article products (100) are arranged behind one another in a row in a transverse axial manner.
11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the article segments of the smoking article products (100) are configured as filter segments, or the smoking article products (100) each have at least one or more filter segments as article segments and at least one article segment having a consumable, in particular aromatic, and/or tobacco-based, product.
12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the article segment sub-groups (1, 2, 3) are reoriented in their relative position to one another by means of a turning device which turns the article segment sub-groups (1, 2, 3), preferably in each case by 180 degrees, preferably two article segment sub-groups (1, 2, 3) opposite one another, simultaneously or one after the other, in particular forming a distance between an article segment sub-group (1, 2, 3) and an article segment sub-group (1, 2, 3) opposite the article segment sub-group (1, 2, 3) for inserting the further article segment (4).
13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the article segment sub-groups (1, 2, 3) are reoriented in their relative position to one another by means of a displacement device which initially offsets two article segment sub-groups (1, 2, 3), which are opposite one another in a longitudinal axial manner, with respect to one another in the circumferential direction, preferably in the form of a grading step, preferably on a grading trough drum unit with a predefined spacing of the troughs by a spacing, and displaces one or both offset article segment sub-group(s) (1, 2, 3) in a longitudinal axial manner by a path length greater than or equal to the length of an article segment sub-group (1, 2, 3) and which preferably then arranges the displaced article segment sub-groups (1, 2, 3) opposite one another in a longitudinal axial manner, in particular by means of a further step in order to offset, in accordance with the spacing, the displaced article segment sub-groups (1, 2, 3) in the circumferential direction.
14. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the article segment sub-groups (1, 2, 3) are reoriented in their relative position to one another by means of a transfer device, which extracts one article segment sub-group (1, 2, 3) from two article segment sub-groups (1, 2, 3) opposite one another in a longitudinal axial manner received by a first trough drum by means of a second trough drum preferably configured as a shifting drum, displaces said article segment sub-group on the second trough drum in a longitudinal axial manner by a path length greater than or equal to double the length of an article segment sub-group (1, 2, 3) and offsets said article segment sub-group in the circumferential direction with respect to the article segment sub-group (1, 2, 3) originally opposite on the first drum in a longitudinal axial manner, in particular in accordance with the spacing of the first and/or second trough drum, deposits said article segment sub-group again onto the first trough drum, preferably adjacent to an article segment sub-group (1, 2, 3) remaining on the first drum after extracting the article segment sub-group (1, 2, 3) to be displaced.
15. A device for producing smoking article products (100) from multiple article segments (1, 2, 3, 4) in each case, in particular at least three or more than three article segments (1, 2, 3, 4), wherein a first article segment group having multiple, in particular more than two or more than three, article segments (1, 2, 3) and having an end XA and having an end XB opposite the end XA is formed or provided, wherein the first article segment group (1, 2, 3) will be or is conveyed in a transverse axial manner and is or will be wrapped around by a wrapping material strip U1 (10) which extends around the multiple, in particular more than two or more than three, article segments (1, 2, 3) of the first article segment group and ends with a distance AA before the end XA and/or with a distance AB before the end XB of the first article segment group, comprising

    an assembly device having multiple stations arranged adjoining one another, in which each station is equipped with

    a hopper for receiving one type of article segments in the form of rods of multiple lengths,

    a drum run of drums downstream of one another, designed and adapted for extracting the rods, for cutting the rods into article segments of multiple or single use length, for grading and displacing the article segments of multiple or single use length and having an assembly drum for combining the article segments,

    further comprising

    a wrapping station downstream of the assembly device, which works in a crosswise process, for wrapping with wrapping strip U1, leaving the distances AA and AB,

    a unit UEH downstream of the wrapping station for reorienting article segment sub-groups (1, 2, 3) arranged opposite one another in a longitudinal axial manner, designed and adapted to reorient the article segment sub-groups (1, 2, 3) in their relative position to one another.

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