Method of feeding wrapping material in a product packaging machine, and a relative feed unit

Abstract

Wrapping material is supplied to the folding stations of a packaging machine, such as a cigarette packer, by a method that includes a step of dividing a continuous strip of multilayer material into single leaves, and a step of feeding the leaves to a wrapping unit; the step of dividing the continuous strip into leaves combines a first stage in which a partial cut is made in the strip by means of a laser device, leaving at least one layer of the multilayer strip intact, and a second stage in which a single leaf is detached by means of a tear device, separating along a score line created by the partial cutting step.

Description

[0001]This application claims priority to Italian Patent Application BO2009A000453 filed Jul. 15, 2009, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to a method of feeding wrapping material in a product packaging machine, and to a feed unit for implementing such a method.[0003]Conventional units of the type in question comprise means by which a continuous strip of paper material is decoiled from a roll, a cutter device by which the strip is divided into discrete leaves, and feed means by which the single leaves are supplied to a unit or line for wrapping products, such as groups of cigarettes, by way of example.[0004]In conventional feed units, the cutter device generally comprises a pair of counter-rotating rollers equipped with blades, stationed along the path followed by the continuous strip and placed as close as possible to the wrapping line.[0005]This type of placement is preferable, in order to avoid ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0012]The stated objects are duly realized in a method according to the invention for feeding wrapping material in a product packaging machine, which includes a step of dividing a continuous strip of multilayer material into single leaves, and a step of feeding the leaves to a wrapping unit; the step of dividing the continu

Problems solved by technology

This type of placement is preferable, in order to avoid transferring the leaves along relatively long feed paths, though not always easily accomplished due to the dimensions and general layout of the machine.

Self-evidently, in effect, long transfer distances dictate the use of highly complex and costly guidance and inspection systems, needed in order to ensure that the leaves are handled gently and positioned correctly at the moment of initial contact with a relative product directed onto the wrapping line.

In addition to this drawback, there is the fact that the blades used in cutting devices of the aforementioned type require frequent sharpening and replacement.

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