Method for forming pairs of cigarette packets

Abstract

A method for forming pairs of cartons, comprising: providing a batch of individual cartons (100); arranging a first carton in a vertical transport device (40); arranging a second carton in the vertical transport device (40) such that the second carton is arranged in the vertical transport device vertically spaced apart from the first carton. The method further comprises vertically transporting the first carton and the second carton in the vertical transport device; then simultaneously pushing the first carton and the second carton out of the vertical transport device and into a receiving device (50) as a pair of cartons, wherein the first carton and the second carton are transferred to the receiving device as a pair of cartons in a vertically spaced apart manner and are arranged in the receiving device in a vertically spaced apart manner.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a method for forming pairs of cigarette boxes. In particular, this disclosure relates to a method for forming pairs of cigarette boxes in the preparation of an arrangement of cigarette boxes for the affixing of revenue stamps. Background Technology

[0002] For standard cigarette packs, the affixing of tax stamps is an automated process. The position of the tax stamp on the pack is defined. Therefore, there are tax stamp affixing machines that can reliably affix the tax stamp in a specific position. Consequently, such machines cannot affix the tax stamp in the correct position on non-standard cigarette packs (e.g., packs of different sizes than standard) without some form of machine adaptation. However, since these machines are typically used remotely closer to the point of sale, it is difficult to adapt all machines to the new format. The latest products in the tobacco industry (e.g., products used in electronic aerosol generation devices) have different sizes than regular cigarettes. Therefore, cigarette packs including these products also have different sizes. Therefore, known machines used for automated tax stamp affixing may not be suitable for affixing tax stamps at high speeds on cigarette packs of different sizes than standard. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Therefore, a method is needed to reduce the manual handling of cigarette boxes of different sizes during the stamp duty affixing process. A method is also needed to make the standard stamp duty affixing process applicable to all cigarette box sizes.

[0004] According to one aspect of the present invention, a method for forming paired cigarette boxes is provided. The method includes:

[0005] Provide a batch of individual cigarette boxes;

[0006] The first cigarette box is placed in the vertical transport device;

[0007] The second cigarette box is arranged in a vertical transport device, thereby arranging the second cigarette box vertically spaced apart from the first cigarette box in the vertical transport device;

[0008] The first and second cigarette boxes are vertically transported in a vertical transport device; then...

[0009] The first cigarette box and the second cigarette box are pushed out of the vertical transport device as a pair of cigarette boxes and into the receiving device at the same time. The first cigarette box and the second cigarette box are transferred to the receiving device in a vertically spaced manner as a pair of cigarette boxes and are arranged in the receiving device in a vertically spaced manner.

[0010] The vertically spaced arrangement of the first and second cigarette boxes in a vertical transport device allows for upward or downward transport and supply of the cigarette boxes. The vertical transport device also allows for the vertical positioning of the two cigarette boxes relative to each other, particularly regardless of the depth of the cigarette boxes. Therefore, the vertical spacing of the cigarette boxes can be adjusted depending on their depth. Specifically, the vertical spacing can be adjusted so that the center of the first cigarette box is equidistant from the center of the second cigarette box, regardless of the depth of the cigarette boxes. For example, cigarette boxes with a larger depth dimension can be vertically spaced from each other by a smaller distance than cigarette boxes with a smaller depth dimension to maintain a constant center-to-center distance between the first and second cigarette boxes. It should be understood that the vertical spacing between the two cigarette boxes can also be adjusted relative to other reference points or lines. For example, the center of the first cigarette box and the upper or lower sides of the second cigarette box can remain constant.

[0011] In this article, the center of a cigarette pack is understood to define the geometric center of the pack. The center of a cigarette pack is generally understood to be the longitudinal central axis of the pack or the intersection of the central axis and the front side of the pack. The front side of the cigarette pack is defined in this article as the side of the pack where the tax stamp is affixed.

[0012] By simultaneously pushing vertically spaced pairs of cigarette boxes and maintaining the vertical spacing between them in the receiving device, paired cigarette boxes can be provided in the arrangement required in conventional cigarette box assemblies. This is particularly useful for cigarette boxes with a smaller depth, as the vertical spacing compensates for the difference in depth compared to conventional cigarette boxes.

[0013] For example, in a cigarette case, ten cigarette cases are typically assembled into five pairs arranged side-by-side. In a standard stamp affixing process, two cigarette cases in a pair are positioned on top of each other, with one of the larger sides of each case touching the other. Each case is provided with a stamp. The position of the stamp on the cigarette case is predetermined, and the position of the cigarette case in the stamp affixing device is standardized so that the stamp is correctly positioned on the cigarette case.

[0014] By simultaneously or in pairs pushing a pair of cigarette boxes with the required vertical distance relative to each other, the positioning requirements for stamp duty stamps during the conventional stamp duty stamp affixing process can be met for various cigarette box sizes, especially various cigarette box depths. More specifically, cigarette boxes with smaller depth dimensions can be positioned to allow stamp duty stamps to be affixed in a conventional stamp duty stamp affixing device.

[0015] Preferably, the method includes vertically transporting the first cigarette box in the vertical transport device before placing the second cigarette box in the vertical transport device. Preferably, the first cigarette box is transported upwards in the vertical transport device, and the second cigarette box is then supplied to the vertical transport device below the first cigarette box. By transporting the supplied cigarette boxes vertically, the supply position of the second or other cigarette boxes can remain unchanged. This simplifies the process of cigarette box supply and the cigarette box supply device.

[0016] Preferably, the first and second cigarette cases are arranged in the vertical transport device with a vertical distance between 2 mm and 10 mm, more preferably between 4 mm and 8 mm, for example, 6 mm. This range of vertical distances compensates for the difference in depth between conventional cigarette cases and cigarette cases with a smaller depth dimension. The cigarette case with the smaller depth dimension may specifically include aerosol-generating articles for use in electronic aerosol-generating devices, such as tobacco-containing aerosol-generating articles.

[0017] Preferably, the method includes periodically (preferably continuously) supplying individual cigarette boxes to the vertical transport device. The continuous supply of cigarette boxes allows for paired arrangement of the boxes within the vertical transport device. This also allows for the periodic ejection of paired cigarette boxes from the vertical transport device to a receiving device. The method may include subsequently arranging other cigarette boxes vertically spaced apart within the vertical transport device. Preferably, the method then includes arranging a first cigarette box, a second cigarette box, and other cigarette boxes vertically spaced apart from each other, and preferably in pairs, within the vertical transport device.

[0018] The cigarette packs can undergo continuous or discontinuous vertical movement within the vertical transport device. Preferably, the cigarette packs undergo discontinuous vertical movement. Preferably, the cigarette packs are transported vertically in a step-by-step manner. During pauses, the next cigarette pack can be supplied to the vertical transport device. Pauses also allow the paired cigarette packs to be ejected from the vertical transport device while they remain stationary within it.

[0019] Preferably, the method includes subsequently, preferably discontinuously, pushing the paired cigarette boxes from the vertical transport device to the receiving device. Subsequent pair pushing allows for a continuous supply of paired cigarette boxes to the receiving device.

[0020] Preferably, the method includes pushing the paired cigarette boxes horizontally from the vertical transport device to the receiving device. The horizontal movement of the paired cigarette boxes minimizes tilting or jamming of the cigarette boxes within the vertical transport device.

[0021] The vertical spacing between the first and second cigarette boxes may be the same or different in the vertical transport device and the receiving device. Preferably, the vertical spacing between the first and second cigarette boxes remains constant throughout the handling of the cigarette boxes, i.e., in the vertical transport device, during transfer to the receiving device, in the receiving device, and in other cigarette box handling steps. The vertical spacing need not be constant during each transfer step or in each device. Preferably, once defined in the vertical transfer device, the vertical spacing remains constant throughout the handling of the cigarette boxes. Preferably, the vertical spacing between the first and second cigarette boxes in the vertical transport device corresponds to the final vertical spacing of the paired cigarette boxes in the stamp duty affixing process or the final vertical spacing in the packaging. Thus, the method preferably includes arranging the first and second cigarette boxes of a pair of cigarette boxes at the same vertical distance in the receiving device as in the vertical transport device. Preferably, the vertical spacing between the first and second cigarette boxes remains at the same value as when the paired cigarette boxes are pushed out of the vertical transport device and into the receiving device. This can be advantageous because the transfer of cigarette boxes can be performed at the same level.

[0022] A vertical transport device may include two parallel stepped belt conveyors. Cigarette boxes transported vertically are held between the two belt conveyors, supported by the steps of each conveyor. Preferably, the height of the steps of the stepped belt conveyor then defines the minimum vertical distance between the first and second cigarette boxes. Belt conveyors, particularly closed-loop conveyors, are well-known for their reliable continuous transport of goods. Stepped belt conveyors allow the minimum distance between individually transported cigarette boxes to be defined by the size or height of the steps. If cigarette boxes of different sizes are transported in the vertical transport device, this can be easily achieved by changing the belt conveyors. It is also possible to provide belt conveyors with steps of different sizes.

[0023] The paired cigarette boxes can be pushed out of the vertical transport device by a pair pusher. The pair pusher can be in the form of a piston that pushes the paired cigarette boxes. Preferably, the pair pusher acts in a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the cigarette boxes in the vertical transport device. If the vertical transport device includes two stepped belt conveyors, the pushing out of the paired cigarette boxes can be achieved by inserting the pair pusher between the two stepped belt conveyors to push the paired cigarette boxes out of the vertical transport device.

[0024] Preferably, a gap is provided between pairs of cigarette boxes in the vertical transport device, the gap being larger than the vertical distance between the cigarette boxes in the pair. Preferably, the gap corresponds to the empty cigarette box compartment in the vertical transport device.

[0025] Preferably, the belt conveyor of the vertical transport device moves at two different speeds. The first speed moves the belt a distance between the cigarette box compartments, allowing the next empty cigarette box compartment to be filled with the next cigarette box. In the vertical transport device, a second, faster speed moves the belt a distance between the filled and empty cigarette box compartments after a pair of cigarette boxes. This faster speed creates a gap after two filled subsequent cigarette box compartments.

[0026] The empty cigarette box compartment allows the pusher to retract after pushing the paired cigarette boxes out of the vertical transport device.

[0027] The speed of the pusher can differ when pushing the paired cigarette cases and when retracting them. Preferably, the speed of the pusher is slower when pushing and faster when retracting. Higher retraction speeds are possible because no interaction with the cigarette cases occurs when the pusher retracts.

[0028] Vertical transport devices, particularly two-stage belt conveyors for transporting cigarette boxes, can have a capacity for an even or odd number of cigarette boxes. Preferably, the capacity includes an even number of cigarette boxes, such as 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, or 12. The cigarette box capacity can directly correspond to the number of cigarette box compartments. Preferably, the capacity also includes empty cigarette box compartments (if present) to achieve a preferred capacity of cigarette boxes.

[0029] Preferably, the receiving device is another transport device for further transporting the paired cigarette boxes to, for example, a packaging or stamp duty affixing device. Preferably, the receiving device is a horizontal transport device for horizontally transporting the paired cigarette boxes.

[0030] In the receiving device, the vertically spaced cigarette boxes in a pair are maintained in a vertically spaced manner. Preferably, the method includes vertically spaced apart from each other in the receiving device by a separating element of the receiving device. The separating element can be a simple device positioned between the cigarette boxes in the receiving device. The separating element can be, for example, a spacer plate, a spacer pin, or a partition. The separating element can be a single element that vertically separates a pair of cigarette boxes or several pairs of cigarette boxes. Preferably, the separating element extends above several pairs of cigarette boxes, for example, a group of paired cigarette boxes.

[0031] Preferably, the thickness of the dividing element, combined with the depth of the first or second cigarette box, equals the standard cigarette box depth of 22.5 mm. Preferably, the thickness of the dividing element compensates for the difference between the standard cigarette box depth and the reduced depth of the cigarette box with a smaller depth dimension to be processed in the method of the present invention. The reference position on the cigarette box is the future location of the tax stamp, and therefore the center of the cigarette box. The dividing element arranged between two cigarette boxes typically compensates for only half the difference between the cigarette box depth and the standard cigarette box depth, but compensates for the difference in depth between the two cigarette boxes in which the dividing element is arranged.

[0032] This method may include a cigarette box supply device supplying individual cigarette boxes to a vertical transport device. The cigarette box supply device may include a supply wheel. The method may include supplying a batch of individual cigarette boxes from the supply wheel to the vertical transport device. The supply wheel includes circumferentially arranged recesses, each recess being configured to receive an individual cigarette box. The supply wheel is a preferred supply device because it allows for simple movement. The rotational speed and supply speed can be easily adapted using the supply wheel. Furthermore, the supply wheel allows for loading and unloading at different locations. On the route from the loading to the unloading position, the cigarette boxes on the supply wheel can pass through a control station.

[0033] The method may further include controlling individual cigarette boxes on the supply wheel and preventing them from being supplied to the vertical transport device if the controlled individual cigarette boxes do not conform. Therefore, cigarette boxes that do not conform to reference data can be rejected instead of being supplied to the vertical transport device. This control allows for the detection and removal of defective individual cigarette boxes. Individual cigarette boxes can be removed before pairs or even groups of cigarette boxes containing defective boxes (which need to be rejected) are formed. This reduces material waste. It may also limit or even avoid interruptions to the handling of cigarette boxes at later stages.

[0034] For example, the method may include controlling the barcode or dotted code on individual cigarette packs, and checking the correctness of the controlled barcode or dotted code. The method may further include rejecting the controlled individual cigarette pack if the controlled barcode or dotted code on the individual cigarette pack is defective. Different or additional characteristics may be controlled. Such characteristics are, for example, a broken cigarette pack, a deformed cigarette pack, or misaligned markings on the cigarette pack.

[0035] The method described herein is preferably used to prepare an arrangement of cigarette boxes for the affixing of tax stamps. Preferably, the cigarette boxes are those used in the tobacco industry. Preferably, the cigarette boxes include articles from the tobacco industry. Such articles can be, for example, aerosol-generating articles, preferably aerosol-generating articles containing tobacco. Such articles are used in electronic aerosol-generating apparatuses, wherein the articles can be, for example, heated to generate aerosols.

[0036] The method may further include arranging a first pair of cigarette boxes on a horizontal transport device, transporting the first pair of cigarette boxes horizontally, arranging a second pair of cigarette boxes on the horizontal transport device, wherein for each of the first and second pairs of cigarette boxes, the first cigarette box in the pair and the second cigarette box in the pair are vertically spaced apart from each other, and further, the first and second pairs of cigarette boxes are horizontally spaced apart from each other on the horizontal transport device.

[0037] This allows cigarette boxes to be arranged and transported on a horizontal transport device, such that all cigarette boxes are vertically and horizontally spaced apart from each other. The vertical and horizontal spacing can be determined such that individual cigarette boxes are positioned for handling in a conventional stamp duty affixing device. Preferably, the cigarette boxes are vertically and horizontally spaced in the horizontal transport device such that the center position of the cigarette boxes is predetermined and fixed, regardless of the size of the cigarette boxes. Preferably, the center position of the cigarette boxes is specifically predetermined and fixed in the horizontal transport device, regardless of the depth and width of the cigarette boxes.

[0038] The method may further include pushing a set of paired cigarette boxes from a horizontal transport device into the packaging, thereby removing the separator element between the two cigarette boxes in the paired cigarette boxes in the horizontal transport device when pushing the set of paired cigarette boxes into the packaging.

[0039] Preferably, by pushing the paired cigarette boxes into the packaging from the horizontal transport device, the vertical spacing between the two cigarette boxes in the pair and the horizontal spacing between the paired cigarette boxes are maintained. Preferably, the vertical spacing and the horizontal spacing remain constant.

[0040] The cigarette boxes in a set of paired cigarette boxes are preferably vertically separated by a separator in a horizontal transport device. The separator is removed when transferring the set of paired cigarette boxes. Preferably, the method includes removing the separator located between two cigarette boxes in the paired cigarette box in the horizontal transport device as the set of paired cigarette boxes is pushed into the packaging. Preferably, the separator is removed from each pair of cigarette boxes in the set simultaneously with being pushed into the packaging.

[0041] For example, when pushing a set of paired cigarette boxes into the packaging, the separator between the two cigarette boxes in the pair in the horizontal transport device can be replaced by a cigarette box spacer in the packaging. Preferably, the cigarette box spacer maintains the vertical spacing between the cigarette boxes in the set of paired cigarette boxes in the packaging.

[0042] The method may further include: simultaneously pushing a set of paired cigarette boxes from a horizontal transport device into a package, vertically spacing the two cigarette boxes in each pair of the set of paired cigarette boxes apart from each other in the package, and further horizontally spacing each pair of cigarette boxes apart from each other in the package. The method further includes maintaining the horizontal spacing between each pair of cigarette boxes while supplying the set of paired cigarette boxes into the package by guiding the pairs of cigarette boxes along spacers provided in the horizontal transport device. Preferably, the spacers are arranged between adjacent pairs of cigarette boxes. Preferably, the vertical and horizontal spacings remain constant.

[0043] Packaging can be filled very efficiently by using paired cigarette boxes in groups. Group filling can be automated, eliminating the need for manual handling of cigarette boxes and increasing filling speed. It also eliminates misalignment that occurs when manually inserting cigarette boxes into the packaging. Furthermore, group filling, especially when groups of cigarette boxes are pushed into the packaging from a horizontal transport device, minimizes the risk of misalignment of individual cigarette boxes relative to each other during transfer. Maintaining the position of individual cigarette boxes within the group, particularly maintaining and preserving constant vertical and horizontal spacing between cigarette boxes and between pairs of cigarette boxes within the group, is desirable for subsequent stamp duty affixing. Additionally, the cigarette boxes are guided along the spacers of the transport device during transfer into the packaging. This also prevents misalignment. The spacers also limit the horizontal spacing between pairs of cigarette boxes during transfer. Furthermore, guiding the paired cigarette boxes with spacers simplifies the design of the pushing device used for group pushing.

[0044] For example, the pushing device can be a block-shaped pusher. The block-shaped pusher can be in the form of a simple plate. For example, a plate can be provided for pushing each cigarette box individually, or a plate can be provided for pushing several cigarette boxes in a group together. Preferably, the block-shaped pusher is in the form of two plates: an upper plate can be provided for pushing the upper cigarette box of the group of paired cigarette boxes, and a lower plate can be provided for pushing the lower cigarette box of the group of paired cigarette boxes. The plates, especially the plates for pushing several cigarette boxes, can be provided with longitudinal recesses. When the block-shaped pusher pushes the cigarette boxes out of the horizontal transport device, spacers can extend into the recesses. The vertical distance between the two plates also allows the spacers to extend between the plates without hindering the transfer process of the cigarette box group.

[0045] The vertical and horizontal spacing between individual cigarette packs allows for the positioning of the cigarette packs within the packaging in predetermined and specific locations. The position of the cigarette packs within the packaging can be changed by altering the horizontal or vertical spacing between the packs, or by changing both the horizontal and vertical spacing between the packs. This is particularly advantageous because the position of the cigarette packs within the packaging can be maintained in a predetermined position regardless of the pack size.

[0046] The vertical and horizontal spacing can be defined such that individual cigarette packs are positioned for processing in a conventional stamp duty affixing device. Preferably, the cigarette packs are vertically and horizontally spaced within the packaging such that the center position of the cigarette pack is predetermined and fixed, regardless of the size of the cigarette pack. Preferably, the center position of the cigarette pack is specifically predetermined and fixed within the packaging, regardless of the depth and width of the cigarette pack.

[0047] This method also allows for the arrangement of pairs of cigarette boxes in a horizontally spaced manner on a horizontal transport device. With the cigarette boxes arranged vertically and horizontally on the horizontal transport device, a set of paired cigarette boxes can be provided as required in conventional cigarette box assembly. The vertical and horizontal spacing of the cigarette boxes allows for the positioning of cigarette box tax stamps in the conventional tax stamp affixing process to be met for various cigarette box sizes. These various cigarette box sizes specifically refer to the depth and width of the cigarette boxes. In particular, cigarette boxes with smaller width and depth dimensions can be positioned in the horizontal transport device to achieve precise positioning of tax stamps in the conventional tax stamp affixing device.

[0048] Preferably, the method includes horizontally spacing the first pair of cigarette boxes and the second pair of cigarette boxes between each other in a range of 2 mm to 20 mm on a horizontal transport device, more preferably in a range of 4 mm to 12 mm, for example, between 4 mm and 7 mm.

[0049] The horizontal distances within these size ranges compensate for the difference in width between conventional cigarette packs and smaller cigarette packs. Smaller cigarette packs particularly include those used in electronic aerosol generating devices for aerosol-generating articles (e.g., tobacco-containing aerosol-generating articles).

[0050] The method may include providing spacers in a horizontally separated manner in a horizontal transport device, and arranging a first or second cigarette box of a pair between the spacers. The spacers are simple devices that define the distance between cigarette boxes. By varying the width of the spacers, the distance between adjacent cigarette boxes can be varied and adapted to different sizes of cigarette box widths. If cigarette boxes of different sizes are transported in the horizontal transport device, this can be easily achieved by providing spacers of different sizes in the horizontal transport device.

[0051] In a horizontal transport device, the spacers can be horizontally spaced between 25 mm and 60 mm, more preferably between 30 mm and 55 mm.

[0052] The spacer strip may have a horizontal extension of at least 1.5 mm. Preferably, the horizontal extension of the spacer strip is in the range of 2 mm to 20 mm, more preferably in the range of 4 mm to 12 mm, for example, in the range of 4 mm to 7 mm. Thus, by providing the spacer strip, adjacent cigarette boxes are horizontally separated from each other by at least 1.5 mm in the horizontal transport device. Preferably, the horizontal extension of the spacer strip, combined with the width of the first or second cigarette box in a pair, is equal to the width of a standard cigarette box of 56 mm. Therefore, the width of the spacer strip or the horizontal spacing between adjacent pairs of cigarette boxes can compensate for the smaller width of the cigarette box compared to a conventional cigarette box.

[0053] Preferably, the method includes vertically spacing the first and second cigarette boxes of a pair of cigarette boxes between 2 mm and 10 mm in a horizontal transport device, more preferably between 4 mm and 8 mm, for example 6 mm.

[0054] The vertical and horizontal spacing between cigarette packs and between pairs of cigarette packs can compensate for the smaller size of the cigarette packs compared to regular cigarette packs.

[0055] The vertical spacing between cigarette boxes in a pair of cigarette boxes in a horizontal transport device can be achieved by various means. For example, the method may include individually clamping the first and second cigarette boxes in the pair within the horizontal transport device. This maintains the first and second cigarette boxes in their vertically spaced positions. Alternatively or additionally, the method may include maintaining the first and second cigarette boxes in the pair vertically spaced apart from each other in the horizontal transport device by providing a separating element between the first and second cigarette boxes.

[0056] For example, clamping can be achieved by holding the cigarette box between two adjacent spacers provided in the horizontal transport device. However, clamping can cause deformation of the cigarette box. The spacers can be simple devices positioned between the cigarette boxes in the horizontal transport device.

[0057] Therefore, the method may include providing a separating element between a first cigarette box and a second cigarette box in a plurality of pairs of cigarette boxes. Preferably, the separating element is provided between three to six pairs of cigarette boxes (e.g., five pairs of cigarette boxes). The plurality of pairs of cigarette boxes may form a group.

[0058] Preferably, the separator element allows the cigarette boxes to slide on or along the separator element. Preferably, the separator element allows sliding along the separator element during horizontal transport of the cigarette boxes. The horizontal transport device may include two belt conveyors arranged parallel to each other and above each other. A spacer bar may be arranged between the two belt conveyors and perpendicular to the transport direction of the two belt conveyors. Preferably, the spacer bar is arranged on the facing sides of the belt conveyors on each of the two belt conveyors. Then, a first pair of cigarette boxes and a second pair of cigarette boxes may be arranged between the two belt conveyors and between the spacer bars. Thus, the paired cigarette boxes can be guided from below and above by the two belt conveyors, while the cigarette boxes are arranged and secured by the spacer bar provided between the belt conveyors.

[0059] Pairs of cigarette boxes can be transported continuously or discontinuously in a horizontal transport device. For supplying cigarette boxes in pairs to the device or for further processing of groups of paired cigarette boxes from the horizontal transport device, the paired cigarette boxes are preferably transported horizontally in a discontinuous manner. Interruptions in transport allow, for example, the loading of paired cigarette boxes into the horizontal transport device while it is stationary. Additionally, if the horizontal transport device is stationary, the unloading of paired cigarette boxes from the horizontal transport device can be performed in a well-controlled manner. In particular, using a stationary belt conveyor, paired cigarette boxes can be pushed in and pushed out of the spacers in a controlled manner between the spacers.

[0060] The method may further include providing a number of pairs of cigarette boxes on a horizontal transport device and pushing the sets of pairs of cigarette boxes from the horizontal transport device into the packaging.

[0061] The method may include a block-shaped pusher, which simultaneously pushes a group of paired cigarette boxes into the packaging.

[0062] By pushing the paired cigarette boxes in a group from a horizontal transport device, especially by pushing the entire group, all the cigarette boxes in that group can be transferred simultaneously.

[0063] The set of paired cigarette boxes preferably consists of three to six pairs of cigarette boxes, for example, five pairs.

[0064] Preferably, the pairs of cigarette boxes are transported horizontally on the horizontal transport device in a step-by-step manner. During pauses, the next pair of cigarette boxes can be supplied to the horizontal transport device.

[0065] Preferably, a gap is provided between the groups of paired cigarette boxes in the horizontal transport device, the gap being larger than the spacer strip arranged between the paired cigarette boxes. Preferably, the gap corresponds to an empty paired cigarette box compartment in the horizontal transport device.

[0066] Preferably, the belt conveyor of the horizontal transport device moves at two different speeds. A first speed moves the belt a distance between a pair of cigarette box compartments to a position where the next empty pair of cigarette box compartments can be filled with the next pair of cigarette boxes. In the horizontal transport device, a second, faster speed moves the belt a distance between filled and empty pair of cigarette box compartments after a set of paired cigarette boxes. This faster speed creates gaps after several filled subsequent pair of cigarette box compartments that form a set of paired cigarette boxes.

[0067] The empty paired cigarette box compartments allow the block pusher to retract after pushing the group of paired cigarette boxes from the horizontal transport device into the packaging.

[0068] The speed of the block pusher can differ when pushing the paired cigarette packs together and when retracting them. Preferably, the speed of the block pusher is slower when pushing and faster when retracting. Higher retraction speeds are possible because no interaction with the paired cigarette packs occurs when the block pusher retracts.

[0069] The method may include cigarette box spacers providing vertical spacing between cigarette boxes within the packaging, and pair spacers providing horizontal spacing between pairs of cigarette boxes within the packaging. The cigarette box spacers and pair spacers may be separate components of the packaging. Alternatively, the cigarette box spacers and pair spacers may be integrated with the packaging.

[0070] A cigarette pack spacer can be a single element that vertically separates all pairs of cigarette packs in a group of cigarette packs in a package. A cigarette pack spacer may include several parts, preferably a part of the cigarette pack spacer used to vertically separate each pair of cigarette packs.

[0071] Preferably, the cigarette box spacer extends above the group of paired cigarette boxes.

[0072] Spacers can be placed between every two pairs of adjacent cigarette packs. Spacers can also be placed between a pair of cigarette packs and the end of the packaging.

[0073] Preferably, the method includes providing spacers only between paired packages, and not at the ends of the packages.

[0074] Preferably, the spacers securely and horizontally separate the upper and lower cigarette boxes of a pair of cigarette boxes from the upper and lower cigarette boxes of adjacent cigarette boxes. Therefore, the spacers are preferably arranged between the upper and lower cigarette boxes of adjacent pairs of cigarette boxes.

[0075] Preferably, the spacer is formed by a strip extending into the interior of the packaging.

[0076] One or more (e.g., two) strips may extend from one side or from the opposite side into the interior of the packaging.

[0077] For example, a single strip can extend from one side of the packaging through the packaging and form a spacer for two pairs of adjacent cigarette packs. The strip can extend from two opposite sides of the packaging and into the interior of the packaging. Therefore, a strip on one side can form a partial spacer for only the upper or lower cigarette pack. A strip on one side can also each form a spacer for a pair of cigarette packs.

[0078] Preferably, the method includes supplying a blank of sheet material, and manufacturing cigarette box spacers and pair spacers from the blank of sheet material.

[0079] Preferably, the method includes continuously supplying a blank of sheet material.

[0080] The blank for sheet materials can be, for example, paper or cardboard, plastic sheet or metal foil.

[0081] Packaging, including cigarette box spacers and their pairs, can be integrally formed from sheet material blanks. This is advantageous because the folding and handling of sheet material blanks can be automated. Therefore, manual handling of the blanks can be eliminated or minimized. For example, cardboard blanks can be made from cost-effective materials that are recycled or recyclable after use.

[0082] For sheet material blanks used in packaging, various methods can be used to form cigarette box spacers and pairs of spacers from the sheet material blanks. For example, spacers can be formed by folding the blank. Spacers can also be folded by displacing portions of the blank from the plane of the blank. For example, the blank can be provided with protrusions or flaps. To form flaps, the blank can be pre-cut. The pre-cut portions can be pushed out of the plane of the blank to form flaps.

[0083] Preferably, the method includes providing a strip forming element and pushing the strip forming element into a package at the location of a pre-cut strip in a sheet material blank to form a pair of spacers.

[0084] Strips are a very simple form that can be easily pre-cut in a billet and can be folded. For example, a single strip can be formed by a U-shaped pre-cut in the billet. Two strips can be formed by an H-shaped pre-cut in the billet. The strip can be pushed out of the billet by simple means. For example, strip forming parts can have simple forms and can perform simple movements, such as purely linear or purely rotational movements.

[0085] The method may include pushing one or more pre-cut strips of sheet material blank into the package from one side. The method may also include pushing one or more pre-cut strips of sheet material blank into the package from the opposite side.

[0086] Preferably, the method includes pushing pre-cut strips of sheet material blanks into the interior of the packaging from opposite sides. For example, the pre-cut strips are pushed into the packaging from above and below relative to a horizontal plane. In these embodiments, the pre-cut strip pushed from above preferably forms part of a spacer for the upper cigarette box in two adjacent pairs of cigarette boxes. The pre-cut strip pushed from below preferably forms part of a spacer for the lower cigarette box in the same two adjacent pairs of cigarette boxes.

[0087] Preferably, the method includes forming several pairs of spacers simultaneously. More preferably, all pairs of spacers in a package are formed simultaneously. Simultaneously forming several or all pairs of spacers in a package provides a very efficient and time-saving method for forming spacers.

[0088] The strip forming element can be, for example, a piston-like element, a rod-like element, or a wheel including a cam surface. These elements can move relative to and enter the folded sheet material blank to form a pair of spacers. One or two such elements are provided to process the package from one side or from the opposite side.

[0089] Preferably, the strip forming element includes two counter-rotating rods. The counter-rotating rods can rotate relative to each other and away from each other. A package can be arranged between the two rods. To form a pair of spacers, the counter-rotating rods rotate relative to each other. After the pair of spacers is formed, the counter-rotating rods rotate away from each other. The package containing the pair of spacers can then be transported away for further processing.

[0090] Preferably, the strip forming member includes a series of pusher heads arranged in parallel and spaced apart from each other. The pusher heads may be located at the ends of piston-like or rod-like elements, preferably at the ends of counter-rotating rods. The pusher heads of the strip forming member are pushed into the blank to form pairs of spacers. The tandem arrangement allows for the simultaneous and reliable positioning and formation of pairs of spacers.

[0091] Preferably, the pusher head is smaller than the width of the pre-cut strip in the blank used to form the spacers to address manufacturing tolerances. With smaller tools used to manufacture the spacers, accidental damage to the outer packaging material of the cigarette boxes can be prevented when the pusher head is inserted between the cigarette boxes. For example, the pusher head can be 2 mm smaller than the width of the spacers, more preferably 1.5 mm, such as 1 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.2 mm, or 0.1 mm.

[0092] After the cigarette box spacers have been placed in the packaging, the sets of paired cigarette boxes can be supplied to the packaging. Specifically, the sets are supplied to the packaging after the cigarette box spacers have been formed (e.g., folded from a sheet of material). Preferably, the cigarette box spacers are formed by horizontally arranged folds of the sheet material, wherein the horizontally arranged folds extend in the receiving direction of the sets of paired cigarette boxes. This ensures vertical spacing between the cigarette boxes during and after the sets of paired cigarette boxes are supplied to and placed into the packaging.

[0093] Sets of paired cigarette boxes can be supplied to the packaging before or after the spacers have been provided, particularly before the spacers are formed from blanks of sheet material.

[0094] Preferably, the method involves simultaneously supplying the set of paired cigarette boxes into the package before forming the spacers. Supplying the set of cigarette boxes into the package before spacers are formed reduces the risk of crushing the cigarette boxes or spacers. After the set of paired cigarette boxes has been supplied into the package, the spacers are formed. Specifically, the spacers are positioned in the horizontal space between adjacent pairs of cigarette boxes. The paired cigarette boxes are then secured in their horizontal position within the package by the spacers. To better secure the cigarette boxes, the horizontal extension of the spacers may be slightly greater than the horizontal space between adjacent pairs of cigarette boxes to achieve a frictional fit with the cigarette boxes.

[0095] Preferably, the packaging includes all spacers and is provided in sets of paired cigarette cases.

[0096] Preferably, the packaging forms an insert for a carton. Preferably, the insert includes spacers in the carton and cigarette box spacers. Preferably, the insert is made from a blank of sheet material. The packaging can then be inserted into the carton as an insert. Thus, the carton can have a size corresponding to the size of a standard cigarette box. The packaging forming the insert compensates for any difference between the size of a single cigarette box and the size of a standard cigarette box, such that the packaging and cigarette box preferably fill the carton.

[0097] Preferably, the thickness of the cigarette box spacer, combined with the depth of one of the cigarette boxes in a pair, equals the depth of a standard cigarette box (22 mm). Preferably, the thickness of the cigarette box spacer compensates for the difference between the depth of the standard cigarette box and the reduced depth of the cigarette box with a smaller depth dimension to be processed in the method of the present invention.

[0098] Preferably, the horizontal spacing is at least 1.5 mm, and more preferably in the range of 2 mm to 20 mm, more preferably in the range of 4 mm to 12 mm, for example in the range of 4 mm to 7 mm. Preferably, the combination of the horizontal extension of the spacer and the width of the cigarette boxes in the paired cigarette boxes is equal to the width of a standard cigarette box of 56 mm.

[0099] These horizontal distances within this range can compensate for the difference in width between a standard cigarette pack and a pack with a smaller depth. In particular, the horizontal extension of the spacers or the horizontal spacing between adjacent pairs of packs can compensate for the smaller width of a cigarette pack compared to a standard cigarette pack.

[0100] The method may include providing spacers in the packaging at a horizontal distance relative to each other within a range of 25 mm to 60 mm, more preferably between 30 mm and 55 mm. This range of spacer distances allows for the supply of various cigarette box sizes within the packaging using standard box-sized cartons.

[0101] Preferably, the spacer has a horizontal extension of at least 1.5 mm, and more preferably in the range of 2 mm to 20 mm, more preferably in the range of 4 mm to 12 mm, for example, in the range of 4 mm to 7 mm. By providing the spacer, adjacent cigarette packs are horizontally separated from each other by at least 1.5 mm in the package. Preferably, the combination of the horizontal extension of the spacer and the width of any cigarette pack in the pair equals the width of a standard cigarette pack of 56 mm. Therefore, the width of the spacer, or the horizontal spacing between adjacent pairs of cigarette packs, can compensate for the smaller cigarette pack width compared to conventional cigarette packs.

[0102] The horizontal extension of the spacer can be slightly larger than the horizontal spacing to form a frictional fit with the cigarette pack and hold it in place. Therefore, the horizontal extension of the spacer can be, for example, 0.5 mm, 0.7 mm, or 1 mm larger than the horizontal spacing between adjacent pairs of cigarette packs.

[0103] The method may include adjusting the horizontal extension of the spacer depending on the size of the cigarette box, and maintaining a distance of 56 mm between the front center of the cigarette box and the front center of the adjacent cigarette box.

[0104] For example, this can be achieved using spacers of different sizes. For instance, the strips forming the spacers can have different horizontal extensions. Wide strips can be provided for smaller cigarette cases, and small strips for larger ones. For example, different pre-cuts can be incorporated into the same sheet material blank. Depending on the required size of the spacers, different pre-cuts can be used to form the spacers.

[0105] The method may further include transporting the packaging to a stamp affixing device and providing stamps to the front of each cigarette box in a set of paired cigarette boxes within the packaging. Generally, the filled cartons are closed, packed into a shipping container along with several other cartons, and then transported to their destination. There, the shipping container is then opened, the cigarette boxes contained within are affixed with stamps, the container is closed again, and returned to the cigarette box manufacturer.

[0106] All cigarette packs in a carton can be the same size or can be different sizes. For example, a pair of cigarette packs can include two cigarette packs of different sizes. Or, for example, adjacent pairs can include cigarette packs of different sizes.

[0107] Preferably, all cigarette boxes in the carton are the same size.

[0108] Preferably, simultaneously supplying sets of paired cigarette boxes in the packaging includes receiving sets of paired cigarette boxes from a horizontal transport device, wherein, while the sets of paired cigarette boxes are supplied from the horizontal transport device to the packaging, the vertical spacing between the two cigarette boxes in each pair and the horizontal spacing between each pair of cigarette boxes in the horizontal transport device remain constant. This can be advantageous because the transfer of cigarette boxes can be performed at the same level.

[0109] The cigarette case of the present invention has a box-like shape, having two opposing large sides, two opposing long small sides, a front side, and a bottom side. The distance between the two large sides defines the depth of the cigarette case. The distance between the two long small sides defines the width of the cigarette case. The distance between the front side and the bottom side defines the height of the cigarette case.

[0110] In this application, the "front" side is the side of the cigarette pack intended for affixing the tax stamp. It is defined as the side of the cigarette pack facing the opening of the carton, where the cigarette pack is arranged for affixing the tax stamp. Specifically, in conventional hinged-top cigarette packs, the "front" side is the side of the cigarette pack perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the cigarettes. Aerosol-generating articles may be much shorter than conventional cigarettes and are therefore often packaged in different cigarette packs, such as in relatively wide hinged-top packs with two rows of 5-5 cigarettes arranged adjacent to each other (or 10-10 if only a single row is provided). Therefore, the "front" side of this cigarette pack including the aerosol-generating article can be represented by one of two relatively long smaller sides. In such a cigarette pack, the aerosol-generating article will be arranged perpendicular to the hinge direction but parallel to the "front" side of the cigarette pack.

[0111] Unless otherwise stated, the cigarette cases in this invention are arranged with one of their large sides facing down and their opposite large sides facing up. When two cigarette cases are arranged above each other, one large side of the first cigarette case faces one large side of the second cigarette case.

[0112] The assembly distances within the packaging include tolerances ranging from 0.3 mm to 1 mm, typically 0.5 mm. Therefore, when referring to the size of the cigarette case and spacers as equal to a certain number, this includes tolerances such that the size of the cigarette case and the size of the spacers can correspond exactly to said number, but generally include tolerances within a given range. For example, the cigarette case and spacers, the cigarette case and packaging walls, and the cigarette case and its spacers generally comprise the gap between the two objects, ranging from 0.3 mm to 1 mm, typically 0.5 mm.

[0113] The following is a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples. Any one or more features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of another example, implementation, or aspect described herein.

[0114] Example Ex1. A method for forming a pair of cigarette boxes, comprising:

[0115] -Provide a batch of individual cigarette cases;

[0116] - Arrange the first cigarette box in the vertical transport device;

[0117] - The second cigarette box is arranged in a vertical transport device, thereby arranging the second cigarette box vertically spaced apart from the first cigarette box in the vertical transport device;

[0118] - The first and second cigarette boxes are vertically transported in a vertical transport device; then

[0119] - The first cigarette box and the second cigarette box are pushed out of the vertical transport device as a pair of cigarette boxes and into the receiving device at the same time. The first cigarette box and the second cigarette box are transferred to the receiving device as a pair of cigarette boxes in a vertically spaced manner and are arranged in the receiving device in a vertically spaced manner.

[0120] Example Ex2. The method described in Example Ex1 further includes vertically transporting the first cigarette box in the vertical transport device before arranging the second cigarette box in the vertical transport device.

[0121] Example Ex3. The method according to any one of the foregoing examples, wherein the first cigarette box and the second cigarette box are arranged in the vertical transport device with a vertical distance between 2 mm and 10 mm, more preferably between 4 mm and 8 mm, for example 6 mm.

[0122] Example Ex4. The method according to any one of the foregoing examples further includes subsequently arranging other cigarette boxes in a vertically spaced manner in a vertical transport device.

[0123] Example Ex5. The method according to Example Ex4, wherein the first cigarette box, the second cigarette box, and other cigarette boxes are arranged vertically spaced apart from each other and in pairs in the vertical transport device.

[0124] Example Ex6. The method according to any one of Examples Ex4 to Ex5, wherein the cigarette box performs discontinuous vertical movement in the vertical transport device.

[0125] Example Ex7. The method according to any one of Examples Ex4 to Ex6, wherein the paired cigarette boxes are subsequently pushed from the vertical transport device to the receiving device in a discontinuous manner.

[0126] Example Ex8. The method according to any one of the foregoing examples, wherein a pair of cigarette boxes is pushed horizontally from a vertical transport device to a receiving device.

[0127] Example Ex9. The method according to any one of the foregoing examples, wherein the first and second cigarette boxes of a pair of cigarette boxes are arranged in the receiving device at the same vertical distance as in the vertical transport device.

[0128] Example Ex10. The method according to any one of the foregoing examples, wherein the vertical transport device comprises two parallel stepped belt conveyors, and wherein the height of the stepped belt conveyors defines the minimum vertical distance between the first cigarette box and the second cigarette box.

[0129] Example Ex11. The method according to Example Ex10 further includes inserting a pusher between two ladder belt conveyors for pushing the pair of cigarette boxes out of the vertical transport device.

[0130] Example Ex12. The method according to any one of the foregoing examples, wherein the receiving device is a horizontal transport device for horizontally transporting pairs of cigarette boxes.

[0131] Example Ex13. The method according to any one of the foregoing examples, wherein the first cigarette box and the second cigarette box are vertically spaced apart in the receiving device by a separating element of the receiving device.

[0132] Example Ex14. The method according to Example Ex13, wherein the thickness of the separator element combined with the depth of the first or second cigarette box equals a standard cigarette box depth of 22.5 mm.

[0133] Example Ex15. The method according to any one of the foregoing examples further includes a supply wheel, and supplies a batch of individual cigarette boxes from the supply wheel, the supply wheel including circumferentially arranged recesses, each recess for receiving an individual cigarette box.

[0134] Example Ex16. The method described in Example Ex15 further includes:

[0135] -Control the individual cigarette boxes on the supply wheel, and

[0136] - In cases where the controlled individual cigarette packs do not match, individual cigarette packs will not be supplied to the vertical transport device.

[0137] Example Ex17. The method described in Example Ex16, wherein the barcode or dot code on an individual cigarette pack is controlled.

[0138] Check the correctness of the controlled barcode or dot code; if the controlled barcode or dot code on an individual cigarette pack is defective,

[0139] They will refuse to accept controlled individual cigarette packs.

[0140] Example Ex18. The method according to any one of Examples Ex12 to Ex17 further includes:

[0141] - Place the first pair of cigarette boxes on the horizontal transport device.

[0142] - Transport the first pair of cigarette boxes horizontally.

[0143] - Arrange the second pair of cigarette boxes on the horizontal transport device;

[0144] For each of the first and second pairs of cigarette boxes, the first and second cigarette boxes are vertically spaced apart from each other, and further, the first and second pairs of cigarette boxes are horizontally spaced apart from each other on the horizontal transport device.

[0145] Example Ex19. The method described in Example Ex18 further includes...

[0146] A set of paired cigarette boxes is pushed into the packaging from the horizontal transport device, thereby removing the separator between the two cigarette boxes in the paired cigarette boxes in the horizontal transport device when the set of paired cigarette boxes is pushed into the packaging.

[0147] Example Ex20. The method described in Example Ex19 further includes:

[0148] - A set of paired cigarette boxes are simultaneously pushed into the packaging from the horizontal transport device.

[0149] - In the packaging, the two cigarette boxes in each pair of cigarette boxes are vertically spaced apart from each other, and

[0150] - In the packaging, each pair of cigarette boxes is spaced horizontally apart from each other.

[0151] as well as

[0152] - While supplying the paired cigarette boxes into the packaging by guiding the paired cigarette boxes along the spacers provided in the horizontal transport device, the horizontal spacing between each pair of cigarette boxes in the paired cigarette box is maintained.

[0153] Example Ex21. The use of the method according to any one of the foregoing examples in preparing the arrangement of cigarette boxes for the affixing of tax stamps. Attached Figure Description

[0154] Several examples will now be described further with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0155] Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of the packaging arranged inside a box-shaped carton is shown;

[0156] Figure 2 A schematic top plan view of a package filled using the method according to the invention is shown;

[0157] Figure 3 This is a schematic top plan view of a group of cigarette packs of a type of smoking article known in the art;

[0158] Figure 4 and Figure 5 It is a top plan view of a design variation of the sheet material blank prepared for forming packaging;

[0159] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of the method used for arranging cigarette boxes;

[0160] Figure 7 and Figure 8 The transfer of paired cigarette boxes from a vertical transport device to a horizontal transport device is shown.

[0161] Figure 9 and Figure 10 The image shows pairs of cigarette boxes inserted into the packaging.

[0162] Figure 11 and Figure 12 It shows Figure 9 and Figure 10 A portion of the insertion process and a sectional side view of the spacer formation process. Detailed Implementation

[0163] Figure 1 A filling insert 10 is shown, configured to be introduced into a carton 23 indicated by a dashed line. The carton has a body 24 configured to receive the filling insert 10, which includes a set of cigarette cases 100. The carton can be closed in a closable manner by a lid 25 consisting of two flaps 250, 251 hinged to the body 24.

[0164] Folds 250 and 251 can be opened to access the interior of the carton 23, for example, to collect cigarette boxes 100 or to perform one or more processes on them, such as affixing tax stamps. Subsequently, the folds can be closed again to close the box-shaped carton 23.

[0165] The filling insert 10 includes an empty insert 11 and a plurality of cigarette boxes 100 for aerosol generation articles.

[0166] Each cigarette pack 100 has a parallelepiped shape and includes two opposing large sidewalls 101, two opposing long small sidewalls 102, a lower wall 103, and a top wall 104. As further described below, the top wall forms the front side during transport and arrangement.

[0167] Preferably, the size of the cigarette case 100 suitable for support by the insert 11 is equal to 15.5 mm × 48 mm, where these values ​​correspond to the width and height of the top wall 102. The width of the top wall 102 corresponds to the width of the cigarette case 100. The height of the top wall 102 corresponds to the depth of the cigarette case 100.

[0168] According to some embodiments described herein, the insert 11 includes two chambers 12 arranged adjacent to each other. Each chamber 12 defines a housing corresponding to a row of cigarette cases 100.

[0169] Chamber 12 extends in a longitudinal direction, which is indicated by reference numeral 700 in the figure.

[0170] In the preferred embodiment and as Figure 1 As shown, each row includes five cigarette boxes containing aerosol-generating products 100.

[0171] Each chamber 12 includes a bottom wall 14 and a pair of side walls 15 extending from the bottom wall 14. The side walls 15 are adjacent to the bottom wall 14 and connected to the bottom wall 14 by a fold line 16. The fold line 16 extends parallel to the longitudinal direction 70°.

[0172] Each wall of chamber 12, namely the bottom wall 14 and a pair of side walls 15, is configured to contact the corresponding wall of cigarette box 100.

[0173] For example, the side walls 15 of the two chambers 12 are arranged inside the insert 11 for the cigarette box spacer 27 and contact the large side wall 101 of the cigarette box 100. The bottom wall 14 contacts the lower wall 103 of the cigarette box. Figure 1 In the example shown, the cigarette case 100 housed in the insert 11 is oriented such that the maximum extension direction of the cigarette case is orthogonal to the longitudinal direction 700. Furthermore, the cigarette case 100 is oriented such that the top wall 102 is arranged opposite the bottom wall 14 of the insert 11.

[0174] The chamber 12 includes an inlet 17 through which the cigarette box 100 can be introduced, entered, and removed from the insert 11.

[0175] The bottom wall 14 and side walls 15 are arranged relative to each other such that each chamber 12 is U-shaped, with the open end of the U defining an inlet 17. The cigarette case 100 is oriented such that the top wall 102 is arranged near the inlet 17. Specifically, the top wall 102 protrudes beyond the end edge 150 of the side wall 15 arranged on the opposite side relative to the bottom wall 14. Thus, the top wall 102 of the cigarette case 100 remains exposed and easily accessible for performing necessary procedures, such as affixing tax stamps. The top wall 102 of the cigarette case may also be arranged at the same level as the end edge 105 of the insert 11. Thus, the top wall side of the cigarette case is also protected by the insert 11.

[0176] At least one of the sidewalls 15 includes a plurality of spacers 18 projecting inward toward the insert 11. The spacers 18 are configured to define cigarette case compartments 26, wherein each of the cigarette cases 100 is stably arranged and held relative to the insert 11 in a defined manner in the longitudinal direction 700. Movement of the cigarette cases in the longitudinal direction 700 is prevented by the spacers 18. Movement or displacement in the direction 701 is prevented by the sidewalls 15 and the spacers 27.

[0177] The cigarette case 100 can be introduced and removed through the aforementioned inlet 17 relative to the cigarette case compartment 26.

[0178] In a preferred embodiment, the spacer 18 is formed into pre-cut fins 19 integrally into the sidewall 15.

[0179] exist Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, each pair of spacers 18 consists of a pair of fins 19. Each fin 19 is connected to the sidewall 15 by a corresponding connecting line 20. The fins are separated from each other by a cutting line 21 (in... Figure 4 and 5 (As seen in the blank shown). The connecting line 20 and the cutting line 21 are parallel to each other and also parallel to the longitudinal direction 700.

[0180] In an alternative embodiment (not shown), each pair of spacers 18 consists of a single fin 19. In this case, the fin 19 can extend from the connecting line 20 to the end edge 150, which connects the fin to the sidewall 15.

[0181] Each room is expected to accommodate a row of five cigarette packs, 100 in total. Figure 1 Six pairs of spacers 18 are provided. Four pairs of spacers 18 are inserted between two adjacent cigarette packs 100. The remaining two pairs of spacers 18 are arranged at opposite ends of the sidewall 15 to hold the outermost cigarette pack 100 at the end of the row. The gap separating two adjacent cigarette packs 100 is defined by the pairs of spacers 18. This gap may be equal to, slightly greater than, or slightly less than the width of the fin 19 measured parallel to the longitudinal direction 700.

[0182] In a preferred embodiment, the spacers 18 are only provided between the cigarette packs. Therefore, in these embodiments, there are no spacers provided longitudinally at opposite ends of the sidewalls 15.

[0183] The two inner sidewalls 15 forming the cigarette box spacer 27 are not provided with a pair of spacers 18. The pair of spacers 18 are provided on the sidewalls 15 of the chamber 12, which remain visible and accessible from the outside.

[0184] The inner surface of the sidewall 15 facing the inside of the insert 11 is arranged symmetrically with respect to each other according to the central axis 920 of the bottom wall 14, which extends parallel to the longitudinal direction 700.

[0185] In this embodiment, the center distance 910, measured in the transverse direction 701 substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal direction 700, has a predetermined and constant value. The center distance 910 is defined between the centerlines 920 of the bottom walls 14 of the chamber 12. For example, as... Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the center distance 920 can be approximately equal to 22.5mm.

[0186] Figure 2 The method of using the empty insert 11 and the filling insert 10 according to the present invention is shown, which is briefly illustrated with reference to the steps of affixing the tax stamp 110 on the cigarette box 100.

[0187] Figure 3 This illustrates an ordered grouping of traditional smoking products, arranged in two overlapping rows of five cigarette packs per row. Adjacent cigarette packs are in direct contact with each other.

[0188] Figure 2 and Figure 3 Allows the use of insert 11 (whose size is smaller than that of a conventional cigarette box) Figure 3 The situation presented by multiple non-standard cigarette packs 100 of standard size is similar to a recurring situation in the prior art (where tax stamps 110 must be affixed to a set of cigarette packs of traditional smoking products, but not to...). Figure 2 Compare with the insert shown in the figure.

[0189] A comparison between the figures shows that the area defined by the outermost contour of insert 11 is equal to the total area occupied by a set of conventional cigarette boxes. In other words, insert 11 is shaped and sized to compensate for the smaller volume occupied by non-standard cigarette boxes, such that when received in insert 11, non-standard cigarette boxes occupy essentially the same volume as a set of conventional cigarette boxes.

[0190] Furthermore, in both cases, the position of the revenue stamp remains unchanged. Due to the presence of the insert 11, the two-dimensional spatial coordinates of the revenue stamp 110 affixed to the cigarette box 100 in the longitudinal direction 700 and the transverse direction 701 remain consistent with... Figure 3 The corresponding coordinates of the same type of tax stamp affixed to cigarette packs of traditional smoking products are shown.

[0191] The revenue stamps 110 are arranged one after another with a stamp distance 900 measured along the longitudinal direction 700. The stamp distance 900 is equal to a predetermined and constant value and is measured along direction 700 between the centers of two revenue stamps 110 affixed to two adjacent cigarette packs 100. In a preferred embodiment, the stamp distance 900 is at least equal to or greater than the characteristic size of the cigarette pack 100, preferably defined as the width of the large sidewall 101 and the widths of the top wall 101 and the bottom wall 102. Preferably, the stamp distance 900 is equal to the width corresponding to a standard cigarette pack of 48 mm.

[0192] exist Figure 2 In this arrangement, the spacers 18 are also arranged one after another at a tax stamp distance 900. The tax stamp distance 900 is equal to a predetermined and constant value so that the cigarette boxes 100 are arranged and held in their respective cigarette box compartments 26 with a constant spacing relative to each other (as associated with the tax stamp distance 900).

[0193] Obviously, the shapes, dimensions, and thicknesses mentioned in this specification are merely exemplary and can vary depending on the size and shape of the cigarette case containing the aerosol-generating article housed in the insert 11. In particular, the insert 11 has a relevant size and thickness, especially complementary to the size and depth of the cigarette case 100 it must support, in order to maintain the same total volume of a set of conventional cigarette cases and to position the cigarette case in such a way that the stamp duty can be affixed to the same position (or coordinates) relative to the usual case.

[0194] Figure 4 and Figure 5 Two alternative embodiments of the blank of the sheet material 13 forming the insert 11 are shown.

[0195] exist Figure 4 The diagram shows the method for forming Figure 1 The blank material for insert 11. Figure 4 In this example, two chambers 12 are integrated into a single body. The two sidewalls 15 of the two chambers 12 are connected along a fold line 22, which defines a hinge, allowing each chamber 12 to rotate relative to the other chamber 12 about the hinge at a certain angle.

[0196] Chamber 12 is made from sheet material 13, such as paper, cardboard or paperboard of suitable thickness, to ensure the necessary mechanical strength.

[0197] Preferably, the blank 13 is a corrugated cardboard with a uniform thickness of about 3 mm to about 3.5 mm. The blank 13 may also be made of materials other than those described above, such as plastic.

[0198] exist Figure 5The blank 13 is shown, wherein spacers 18 are provided only within the blank so that the spacers are arranged only between cigarette boxes. The same reference numerals are used for the same or similar elements. In the blank, 13 exemplary sizes are represented as follows:

[0199] The thickness or width of the cigarette box spacer is 920.5 mm.

[0200] The billet extends 940 mm along the 70° direction: 274.6 mm.

[0201] The billet extends 925.277 mm along direction 701.

[0202] The height of the cigarette box spacer is 930 mm / the height of the side wall 15 is 931 mm: 74.6 mm.

[0203] The thickness of chamber 15 is 915: 15.9 mm.

[0204] The distance between adjacent spacers 18 is 935:49.5 mm.

[0205] The distance 936 (direction 70°) between the spacer 18 and the end of the blank is 50.05 mm.

[0206] The width of spacer 18 is 937 mm: 5.6 / 6.5 mm.

[0207] Cigarette pack dimensions: 74.5 x 48.5 x 15.8 mm

[0208] Forming the insert 11 from the blank 13 basically includes the following steps:

[0209] In the first step, two chambers 12 are formed. In this step, the blank 13 is folded in opposite directions along fold lines 22 and 16. The side walls 15 are folded relative to the bottom wall 14 along fold lines 22 and 16 to obtain the shape of two adjacent chambers in the shape of the letter U. The two inner side walls form the cigarette box spacer 27.

[0210] In the second step, the insert 11 is housed in the carton 23.

[0211] In the third step, the orderly grouped cigarette boxes 100 are accommodated in the insert.

[0212] In the fourth step, a pair of spacers 18 are formed, and the cigarette box 100 is fixed in the insert 11 to resist displacement in the longitudinal direction 700.

[0213] Figure 6A schematic overview of the system is shown, which includes the supply, arrangement, and packaging of individual cigarette cases 100 for stamp duty affixing. The system includes cigarette case supply 3, various cigarette case arrangement preparation stations 4, 5, insert supply 6 and insert formation 7, as well as packaging and transportation between, during, and after cigarette case arrangement and packaging.

[0214] The supply wheel 30 includes a plurality of recesses 31 arranged around its circumference. The cigarette case 100 is fed from the cigarette case feeder 29 into the recesses 31 at the receiving position of the supply wheel 30. After being received in the recesses 31, the cigarette case is transported to the supply position by the counterclockwise rotation of the supply wheel 30. The supply position is arranged opposite the receiving position. In the supply position, the cigarette case 100 is fed from the supply wheel 30 into the vertical transport device 40. Therefore, the cigarette case 100 is pushed out from the recesses 31 of the supply wheel 30 and enters the cigarette case space 42 in the vertical transport device 40.

[0215] A control station 28 is located next to the supply wheel 30 to control the cigarette packs 100 passing through it. For example, it can optically inspect the correct code application on the cigarette packs 100, damaged packaging materials, etc. The control station 28 can detect defective cigarette packs 100 and can be connected to a rejection mechanism on the supply wheel 30. This rejection mechanism prevents defective cigarette packs from being transferred to the vertical transport device 40. Such defective cigarette packs can instead be discharged along a slide 280 arranged below the supply wheel 30.

[0216] The vertical transport device 40 includes two closed-loop conveyor belts 41 arranged vertically and parallel to each other. Each belt 41 includes equidistant steps 410. The steps 410 of the two conveyor belts 41 are arranged perpendicular to the vertical direction of movement of the belts 41. Furthermore, the steps 410 face each other and are arranged at the same vertical level. Each belt 41 with its steps 410 defines a separate cigarette box space 42 for accommodating a cigarette box. A drive wheel 411 moves the belts 41 in opposite directions such that the cigarette box space 42 formed between the two belts and between two adjacent steps of each belt 41 moves vertically upward.

[0217] The belt 41 moves gradually by the distance of one cigarette box space 42, so that the next cigarette box space is in the supply position for supply by the cigarette boxes from the supply wheel 30. Two cigarette boxes 100 supplied to the vertical transport device 40 are vertically separated from each other by at least the height of the steps 410 arranged between the cigarette boxes. When two cigarette boxes 100 have been supplied to the vertical transport device 40, the drive wheel accelerates, causing the belt 41 to move upward by the distance of two cigarette box spaces. Thus, the cigarette box space 42 is empty. Every two cigarette boxes 100 contained in the subsequent cigarette box spaces form a pair of 200 cigarette boxes. The cigarette boxes in the vertical transport device 40 move upward until the pair of 200 cigarette boxes reaches the transfer position 45. The pair of 200 cigarette boxes in the transfer position 45 is transferred to the horizontal transport device 50. The pair of cigarette boxes 200 is pushed horizontally into the space between the two conveyor belts 51 of the horizontal transport device 50 by a pair of pushers 47. Thus, the cigarette box is guided along the steps 410 of the conveyor belt 41 of the vertical transport device 40 and held laterally by the belt 41 in the horizontal direction. Linear movement is performed on the pusher 47. The empty cigarette box space 42 in the vertical transport device 40 is used to retract the pusher 47 without interfering with the belt 41 or the cigarette box 100 or slowing down the processing speed of the vertical transport device 40, allowing the pusher 47 to return to its initial position, such as... Figure 1 As shown.

[0218] Once the paired cigarette boxes 200 are transferred to the horizontal transport device 50, they move horizontally (in... Figure 1 The cigarette boxes 200 are moved from the vertical transport device 40 to the horizontal transport device 50 (from center to left). The cigarette boxes 200 are separated horizontally by spacers 510 provided on the conveyor belt 51 of the horizontal transport device 50.

[0219] refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8 The transfer of the paired cigarette boxes 200 to the horizontal transport device 50 is shown in more detail.

[0220] When the paired cigarette boxes of group 300 have been formed in the horizontal transport device 50, the group is pushed into the insert by the block pusher 57 (in Figure 1 (Not shown in the image). At this stage, the insert has been partially formed from a blank of sheet material 13, which is provided with the fold lines 22 and pre-cuts 18 as described above. Figure 1 In the system, a blank of sheet material 13 is supplied from the right side. The blank is folded along fold lines 22 and 16 to form an empty insert with cigarette box spacers 27. After a pair of cigarette boxes in group 300 are pushed into the insert, a pair of spacers 18 are formed by a strip forming member 70 (arranged behind the horizontal transport device 50). The filled insert 10 is then further transported to a carton station, where the filled insert 10 is received in a carton 23, or where the carton is folded around the filled insert 10.

[0221] All supply, transfer, transportation, and manufacturing steps are synchronized within the system. Preferably, the drive wheels of the vertical transport device 40 define the system's clock.

[0222] exist Figure 7 and Figure 8 The arrangement of cigarette boxes 100 in the vertical transfer device 40, the transfer of paired cigarette boxes 200, and the arrangement of paired cigarette boxes in the horizontal transfer device 50 are shown in more detail.

[0223] In the vertical transport device 40, cigarette boxes 100 are arranged in pairs in cigarette box spaces 42, which are formed between two vertical conveyor belts 41 and steps 410 regularly arranged along the length of the conveyor belts 41. Cigarette boxes 100 are arranged in two successive cigarette box spaces 42, while the subsequent cigarette box space 42 remains empty. The next two cigarette box spaces are then filled with cigarette boxes, followed by empty cigarette box spaces. When the paired cigarette boxes 200 have reached the transfer position 45 at the upper end of the vertical transport device 40, the conveyor belts 41 stop. Figure 8 As shown, the pusher 47 simultaneously pushes two cigarette cases 100 of the pair 200 out of the cigarette case space 42 and into the space between the two belts 51 of the horizontal transport device 50. Once the pair 200 has been transferred, the vertical transport device 40 is reactivated, positioning the next pair of cigarette cases in the transfer position 45. As the empty cigarette case space 42 passes the transfer position 45, the pusher 47 retracts. Preferably, during retraction, the pusher 47 retracts at a higher speed to securely reposition itself in its initial position so that the next pair of cigarette cases 200 is pushed into the horizontal transport device when the pair 200 has reached the transfer position 45.

[0224] The horizontal transport device 50 includes two closed-loop conveyor belts 51 arranged horizontally and parallel to each other, and above each other. Each belt 51 includes spacers 510 arranged at equal intervals. The spacers 510 of the two conveyor belts 51 are arranged perpendicular to the horizontal direction of movement of the belts. Furthermore, the spacers 510 face each other and are arranged at the same horizontal position. Each belt 51 with its spacers 510 defines a separate pair of spaces 52 for accommodating a pair of 200 cigarette boxes. A drive wheel (not shown) moves the belts 52 in opposite directions, such that the pair of spaces 52 formed between the two belts 51... Figure 7 Move horizontally to the left.

[0225] The cigarette boxes 200 supplied to the horizontal conveyor 50 are horizontally spaced apart from each other by the width of the spacer 510 between the cigarette boxes 200. The spacer 510 of the upper conveyor belt 51 horizontally maintains the distance between the upper cigarette boxes 100 in the pair of cigarette boxes 200, while the spacer 510 of the lower conveyor belt 51 horizontally spaces the lower cigarette boxes 100 in the same pair of cigarette boxes 200 by the same distance.

[0226] Separator element 53 (only marked with dashed lines) Figure 8 (Illustrated schematically) A pair of cigarette boxes 100 are provided, which are vertically spaced apart in a horizontal transport device 50. A separating element 53 is a plate arranged horizontally between two belts 51 of the horizontal transport device 50 and between the two cigarette boxes 100 in the pair of cigarette boxes 200. Preferably, the thickness of the separating element 53 is the same as the height of the steps 410 of the vertical transport device 40. Since the pair of cigarette boxes 200 are vertically spaced apart from each other in the vertical transport device by at least the height of steps 410, when transferring the pair of cigarette boxes into the horizontal transport device 50, the upper cigarette box is arranged above the separating element 53, and the lower cigarette box is arranged below the separating element.

[0227] The conveyor belt 51 gradually moves a pair of spaces 52 a distance such that the next pair of spaces 52 is located in the transfer position 45 for providing cigarette boxes containing pairs 200 from the vertical transport device 40. This operation is repeated until the group of 300 pairs of cigarette boxes (e.g., five pairs of cigarette boxes) has been transferred to the horizontal transport device 50 into the subsequent pair of spaces 52. Preferably, the separator element 53 is arranged to remain stationary in the horizontal transport device 50. Preferably, the cigarette box 100 slides along the surface of the separator element 53 while being transported horizontally.

[0228] When the pairs of cigarette boxes 100 in group 300 have been transferred to the horizontal transport device 50, the drive wheel accelerates, causing the belt 51 to move horizontally a distance between the two pairs of spaces 52. This creates empty pairs of spaces 52.

[0229] exist Figure 9 and Figure 10 In this assembly, pairs of cigarette cases 300 have been formed in a horizontal transport device 50 and transported to insertion positions 75. A block pusher 57 is also arranged in insertion positions 75. The block pusher 57 comprises two identical plates 570 arranged above each other and extending horizontally over the pairs of cigarette cases 300. Each plate includes five pusher ends 571 separated by longitudinal recesses 572. The five upper cigarette cases in the assembly 300 are each pushed by the five pusher ends 571 of the upper plate 570, and the five lower cigarette cases in the assembly 300 are each pushed by the five pusher ends 571 of the lower plate 570 of the block pusher 57. All ten cigarette cases 100 are simultaneously pushed into empty inserts 11 previously formed and positioned in insertion positions 75 opposite to the block pusher 57.

[0230] The block-shaped pushers are arranged horizontally and vertically such that each pusher end 571 pushes one of the paired cigarette boxes 100 of the group 300. The block-shaped pushers 57 can move horizontally and linearly to perform the pushing action.

[0231] like Figure 10 As shown, the end 571 of the pusher passes beside the spacer 510 of the horizontal conveyor belt 51. However, the recess 572 in the plate 570 of the block pusher 57 ensures that the pushing and retracting actions of the block pusher can be performed without interfering with the spacer.

[0232] The spacer 510 acts as a guide for the cigarette case 100 and fixes the horizontal spacing between the cigarette cases when they are transferred into the empty insert 11.

[0233] The vertical distance between the plates of the block spacer 57 allows the spacer strip 510 and the dividing element 53 to extend between the plates 570 without hindering the transfer process of the paired cigarette boxes of the group 300.

[0234] The vertical spacing between cigarette boxes 100 in a pair of 200 cigarette boxes is maintained by the cigarette box spacer 27 of the insert. This can be achieved in the following... Figure 11 The insertion process can be seen better in the cross-sectional view shown in the diagram.

[0235] The strip forming member 70 is arranged relative to the block-shaped pusher 57 and opposite to the horizontal transport device 50. The strip forming member 70 includes two counter-rotating rods 71. Figure 9 and 10 (Only the upper rod is shown). Each rod includes six pusher heads 710, with four pusher heads 710 in the center of the rod 71 used to form pairs of spacers 18 in the insert. Figure 10 As best seen in the middle, the first and last pusher heads 710 of the strip forming member 70 (i.e., the pusher heads arranged at the upstream and downstream ends when viewed along the transport direction of the insert) are arranged next to the insert. Therefore, the pusher heads 710 arranged at the upstream and downstream ends fix the upstream and downstream pairs 200 of the paired cigarette boxes of the group 300 contained in the insert 11 against horizontal displacement while forming the pair of spacers 18.

[0236] An insert 11 (which has been folded from a sheet of material) with cigarette box spacers 27 but no matching spacers is guided to an insertion position 75 by a conveyor belt 51 parallel to the horizontal transport device 50. The empty insert 11 in insertion position 75 is supplied with a pair of cigarette boxes in groups 300. The matching spacers 18 are then formed using a strip forming member 70, which is referred to below. Figure 11 This is shown in more detail. The filled insert 10 is then further transported to the carton station, where the filled insert 10 is contained in the carton 23.

[0237] exist Figure 11In the middle, the two plates 570 of the block-shaped pusher 57 are positioned to push the paired cigarette boxes 200 out of the conveyor belt 51 of the horizontal transport device 50. The two cigarette boxes in the pair are thus guided by the spacer 510. The cigarette boxes 100 are inserted into the insert 11 and held vertically apart by the cigarette box spacer 27. The cigarette box spacer 27 holds the cigarette boxes 100 vertically spaced at approximately the same distance as the dividing element of the previous horizontal transport device 50.

[0238] exist Figure 11 On the upper left, the strip forming member 70 is shown in a state where the spacers 18 have been formed in the opposite sidewalls 15 of the insert and where the pusher head 710 is still in its formed position. Figure 12 In the middle, the head of the pusher component 710 is shown in its retracted position.

[0239] The pre-cut fins 19 in the sheet material blank have been pushed into the interior of the filled insert 10 from opposite sides of the insert by the pusher head 710. Each pair of fins forms a partial pair of spacers for the upper and lower cigarette boxes 100 in a pair of cigarette boxes.

[0240] The counter-rotating rod 71 can rotate in opposite directions about two axes 712. In the formed position, the rods 71 ​​are arranged parallel to each other, such that the pusher head 710 performs symmetrical action on the pre-cut fins 19 of the spacer portion. The pusher head 710 is a small plate with triangular ends. The plane of the plate is arranged parallel to the longer side 102 of the cigarette case. The shape of the triangular ends defines the final position of the fins 19 forming the spacer 18.

[0241] Preferably, the thickness of the pusher head 710 is less than the width of the pre-cut fin 19, so that it only pushes the pre-cut fin without contacting the cigarette box 100.

[0242] For the purposes of this specification and the appended claims, unless otherwise stated, all figures indicating quantities, quantities, percentages, etc., shall be understood to be modified by the term "about" in all cases. Furthermore, all ranges include the maximum and minimum points disclosed, and include any intermediate ranges that may be specifically listed or may not be listed herein. Therefore, in this context, the number A shall be understood as A plus or minus two percent of A.

Claims

1. Method of forming pairs of cigarette packets, comprising: - providing a batch of individual cigarette packets; - arranging a first cigarette packet in a vertical transport device; - arranging a second cigarette packet in the vertical transport device, so that in the vertical transport device the second cigarette packet is arranged vertically spaced apart from the first cigarette packet, so that a gap is formed in vertical direction between the first cigarette packet and the second cigarette packet; - vertically transporting the first cigarette packet and the second cigarette packet in the vertical transport device; then - simultaneously pushing the first cigarette packet and the second cigarette packet out of the vertical transport device and into a receiving device as a pair of cigarette packets, the receiving device being a horizontal transport device which horizontally transports the pair of cigarette packets, wherein the first cigarette packet and the second cigarette packet are transferred to the receiving device as the pair of cigarette packets with a gap between them in a vertically spaced apart manner and are arranged in the receiving device with a gap between them in a vertically spaced apart manner; the method further comprising: - arranging a first pair of cigarette packets on the horizontal transport device, - transporting the first pair of cigarette packets in horizontal direction, - arranging a second pair of cigarette packets on the horizontal transport device; wherein for each of the first pair of cigarette packets and the second pair of cigarette packets, a first cigarette packet of a pair of cigarette packets and a second cigarette packet of a pair of cigarette packets are vertically spaced apart from each other with a first gap and further the first pair of cigarette packets and the second pair of cigarette packets are horizontally spaced apart from each other on the horizontal transport device with a second gap; the method further comprising: - simultaneously pushing a group of pairs of cigarette packets from the horizontal transport device into a package; - vertically spacing apart the two cigarette packets of each pair of cigarette packets of the group of pairs of cigarette packets from each other with a first gap in the package; - horizontally spacing apart each pair of cigarette packets from each other with a second gap in the package; and maintaining the horizontal spacing and the gap between each pair of cigarette packets of the group of pairs of cigarette packets while supplying the group of pairs of cigarette packets to the package by guiding pairs of cigarette packets of the group of pairs of cigarette packets along spacing bars provided in the horizontal transport device.

2. Method according to claim 1, further comprising vertically transporting the first cigarette packet in the vertical transport device before arranging the second cigarette packet in the vertical transport device.

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein further cigarette packets are vertically spaced apart from each other and arranged in pairs in the vertical transport device.

4. Method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cigarette packets perform a discontinuous vertical movement in the vertical transport device.

5. Method according to claim 3, wherein further pairs of cigarette packets are subsequently pushed from the vertical transport device to the receiving device.

6. Method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the pair of cigarette packets is pushed from the vertical transport device to the receiving device in horizontal direction. ​ 7. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first and second cigarette packets of the pair of cigarette packets are arranged in the receiving device at the same vertical distance from the vertical transport device and with the same gap between each other.

8. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the vertical transport device comprises two step-belt conveyors arranged in parallel, and wherein the height of the steps of the step-belt conveyors defines the minimum vertical spacing and gap between the first and second cigarette packets.

9. The method according to claim 8, further comprising inserting a pusher between the two step-belt conveyors for pushing the pair of cigarette packets out of the vertical transport device.

10. The method according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a supply wheel and providing the batch of individual cigarette packets from the supply wheel, the supply wheel comprising a circumferential arrangement of pockets, each pocket for accommodating an individual cigarette packet.

11. The method according to claim 10, further comprising: - controlling the individual cigarette packets on the supply wheel, and - not supplying the individual cigarette packets to the vertical transport device in case of a controlled individual cigarette packet mismatch.

12. Use of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 11 in preparing an arrangement of cigarette packets for the affixing of a tax stamp.

Images