Method, apparatus and system for producing a rod-shaped article for the tobacco industry

Abstract

Method of producing rod-shaped articles of the tobacco industry, a first cut is performed, the continuous rod (CR) is cut into a succession of double rod-shaped articles (6) by means of a first cutting unit (5), the direction of transport of the double rod-shaped articles is changed from a first direction (T1) along the axis of the rod-shaped articles to a second direction (T2) transverse to the axis, at least two double rod-shaped articles are transferred at a time to the grooves of a drum conveyor, forming at least two input streams (S1, S2). The at least two streams are transformed into one intermediate stream by moving the double rod-shaped articles of one of the streams between the two double rod-shaped articles of the second stream, the geometric centre (M) of the double rod-shaped articles in the intermediate stream is arranged in a plane (k) parallel to the second direction T2. Subsequently, a second cut is performed, the double rod-shaped articles transported in the intermediate stream are cut into two single rod-shaped articles (9) by means of a second cutting unit (26) to form two output streams (S4, S5) of single rod-shaped articles. Also related to an apparatus for manufacturing rod-shaped articles of the tobacco industry from a continuous rod and a system for manufacturing rod-shaped articles.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The object of this invention is a method for producing strip-shaped products for the tobacco industry, an apparatus for manufacturing strip-shaped products, and a system for manufacturing strip-shaped products. Background Technology

[0002] In the tobacco industry, many types of tobacco products exist, appearing as finished and semi-finished products at different stages of production. Some tobacco products are made from a single type of material, such as filter strips or unfiltered cigarettes made from a single type of material; these products can be called single-piece products. However, tobacco products today typically consist of several elements or segments and may contain cut or processed tobacco. Multi-element (multi-segment) products include cigarettes with filters, filter strips containing elements of different types of filter materials, flavoring materials, and elements with other functions, such as airflow guidance. Filters themselves can be manufactured by cutting long strips containing a single type of filter material or multi-element strips containing different types of filter materials. Typically, tobacco products are moved or processed in a multiplicative manner, meaning several products are moved in the form of a long strip, which is eventually cut into individual products.

[0003] A method for manufacturing cigarettes is known from patent US 4,538,629, in which a two-component article (in this case, two cigarettes joined together) is first manufactured and then cut into two single cigarettes without filters.

[0004] A method for manufacturing cigarettes with filters is known from patent EP 0 895 725 B1, wherein an article comprising two tobacco portions, which is a component of the cigarette to be manufactured, is first manufactured, and then, after cutting, a filter portion having a filter tip twice the length of the finished cigarette is placed between them. After being wrapped in packaging material and cut into strips, two cigarettes with filters are formed.

[0005] A method for manufacturing a cigarette with a filter tip is known from patent EP 2 717 726 B1, wherein an article comprising four tobacco parts is first manufactured.

[0006] A method for manufacturing cigarettes is also known from international publication WO 2015 / 140742 A1, wherein the manufactured article comprises four tobacco portions that are cut in further processing.

[0007] In known processing machines, the produced strips are cut into two parts at the beginning of processing, and then they are spaced apart, moved axially and transversely to the axis or rotated to form a single flow of articles to undergo subsequent operations. For example, the processing begins with forming two flows where the strips are cut to form strips of half their original length. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The problem to be solved by this invention is to develop a method for producing strip-shaped products for the tobacco industry that is reliable, rapid, highly accurate, simple, cost-effective, and exhibits low waste and reduced maintenance.

[0009] The problem to be solved by this invention is to develop an apparatus and system for manufacturing strip-shaped products for the tobacco industry, which is reliable, fast, highly accurate, simple, cost-effective, exhibits low waste and reduced maintenance, is compact, exhibits a reduced number of parts and mechanical components, is easy to maintain, and is easy to operate.

[0010] The object of the present invention is a method for producing strip-shaped products for the tobacco industry, wherein a first cutting is performed, wherein a continuous strip is cut into a series of double-strip-shaped products by means of a first cutting unit, and the direction of conveying the double-strip-shaped products is changed from a first direction along the axis of the strip-shaped products to a second direction transverse to the axis of the strip-shaped products, wherein at least two double-strip-shaped products are transferred into a groove of a roller conveyor at a time, and at least two input streams of double-strip-shaped products are formed. In the method according to the invention, by moving the double-strip-shaped products from one of the streams between two double-strip-shaped products in the other stream, the at least two streams of double-strip-shaped products are transformed into an intermediate stream of double-strip-shaped products, the geometric center of the double-strip-shaped products in the intermediate stream being arranged in a plane parallel to the second direction. Furthermore, in the method according to the invention, a second cutting is performed, wherein the double-strip-shaped products conveyed in the intermediate stream of double-strip-shaped products are cut into two single-strip-shaped products by means of a second cutting unit to form two output streams of single-strip-shaped products.

[0011] As used in this article, the term "flow" is used to describe a series of strips of articles that are parallel to each other and move in the same direction.

[0012] As used herein, the term "string" is used to describe a series of strips of articles that move in the same direction and are arranged in a straight line with each other and in a straight line with their direction of movement.

[0013] Several important advantages are achieved thanks to this invention.

[0014] The change in the conveying direction of at least two twin strip products and the transfer of the at least two twin strip products into the groove of the roller conveyor allow the processing to be performed at extremely high speed, with high precision and high reliability.

[0015] The change in the conveying direction of at least two twin strips and the transfer of the at least two twin strips into the grooves of the roller conveyor allow the elimination of the cutting unit, and thus eliminates additional steps in the processing, and thus reduces the number of roller conveyors.

[0016] This increases processing speed, accuracy, and reliability, making processing simpler and more cost-effective. Reduced maintenance requirements and ease of operation are also achieved through a decrease in the number of mechanical parts, roller conveyors, and cutting units.

[0017] Reduced waste and lower susceptibility to dirt and dust contamination have also been measured. The equipment is also more compact and lighter.

[0018] Preferably, in the method according to the invention, the transformation of the two streams of the bistrip article includes rotation, during which the bistrip article of one of the streams of the bistrip article is rotated 180 degrees.

[0019] Preferably, in the method according to the invention, the transformation of the two streams of the bistrip articles comprises: moving the bistrip articles from one of the streams laterally to the axis of the bistrip articles; and moving the bistrip articles between the bistrip articles in the second stream.

[0020] Preferably, in the method according to the invention, the double-striped articles are centered after being moved to the intermediate flow.

[0021] Preferably, in the method according to the invention, the single-strip articles are spaced apart after the second cut, while the single-strip articles continue to move in the two output streams of the single-strip articles.

[0022] Preferably, in the method according to the invention, additional strip elements are placed between spaced-apart single strip articles.

[0023] Preferably, in the method according to the invention, the single strip-shaped article and the additional strip-shaped elements are combined with packaging material.

[0024] Preferably, in the method according to the invention, the speed of the input stream is lower than the speed of the output stream.

[0025] Preferably, in the method according to the invention, the continuous strip and strip-shaped article comprise a plurality of elements.

[0026] The present invention also aims to provide an apparatus for manufacturing strip-shaped articles from a continuous strip for the tobacco industry, comprising: a conveying unit for moving the continuous strip in a direction along its axis; and a first cutting unit for cutting the continuous strip into a series of double-strip-shaped articles. The apparatus according to the invention further includes a transfer mechanism for transferring at least two double-strip-shaped articles from the conveying unit at a time, the conveying unit being adapted to move the double-strip-shaped articles in a first direction along their axis and supply them into grooves on a roller conveyor, the roller conveyor being adapted to move them in a second direction transverse to their axis. The apparatus according to the invention further includes: a roller conveyor unit for conveying a first input stream and a second input stream of double-strip-shaped articles; and a shifting unit for forming an intermediate stream of double-strip-shaped articles by shifting a double-strip-shaped article from one of the streams and placing it between the articles of the second stream. The device according to the invention also includes: a centering device for positioning the bistrip articles such that the geometric center of the bistrip articles in the intermediate flow is located in a plane parallel to a second direction; a conveying unit for conveying the intermediate flow formed by combining the first flow and the second flow of the bistrip articles; and a second cutting unit for cutting the bistrip articles into two single-strip articles.

[0027] Several important advantages are achieved thanks to this invention.

[0028] The change in the conveying direction of at least two twin strip products and the transfer of the at least two twin strip products into the groove of the roller conveyor allow the processing to be performed at extremely high speed, with high precision and high reliability.

[0029] The change in the conveying direction of at least two twin strips and the transfer of the at least two twin strips into the grooves of the roller conveyor allow the elimination of the cutting unit, and thus eliminates additional steps in the processing, and thus reduces the number of roller conveyors.

[0030] This increases processing speed, accuracy, and reliability, making processing simpler and more cost-effective. Reduced maintenance requirements and ease of operation are also achieved through a decrease in the number of mechanical parts, roller conveyors, and cutting units.

[0031] Reduced waste and lower susceptibility to dirt and dust contamination have also been measured. The equipment is also more compact and lighter.

[0032] Preferably, the device according to the invention further includes a spacer unit for spacing single strip-shaped articles.

[0033] Preferably, the device according to the invention includes a positioning unit for placing additional strip elements between spaced-apart single strip articles.

[0034] Preferably, the device according to the invention is provided with a unit for combining single strip articles and additional strip elements with packaging material.

[0035] The present invention also aims to provide a system for manufacturing strip-shaped articles, the system comprising a supply unit for supplying strip-shaped elements, wherein the multi-element strip-shaped article is provided with strip-shaped elements or portions thereof. The system further comprises: a transport unit for conveying the strip-shaped elements; a supply unit for supplying packaging material; a transfer device for transferring the strip-shaped elements from the transport unit onto a bundle of packaging material; a forming unit for forming a continuous multi-element strip, the continuous multi-element strip being formed from strip-shaped elements wrapped in packaging material; and equipment for manufacturing strip-shaped articles.

[0036] Preferably, in the system according to the invention, a single strip article comprises at least two different strip elements.

[0037] In the tobacco industry, it is common practice to manufacture strips of double or quadruple length, and the first processing step after manufacturing the strips is cutting them. In the processing according to the invention, the first cut is not necessary. The advantageous technical effect of the invention is the elimination of a cutting unit within the processing machine and a reduction in the number of roller conveyors. Attached Figure Description

[0038] The object of the present invention is shown in more detail with reference to the embodiments given in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0039] Figure 1 A top view shows a production system for manufacturing multi-component strip-shaped products.

[0040] Figure 2 Another production system for manufacturing multi-component strip-shaped products is shown in a top view.

[0041] Figure 3 The manufacturing process of the exemplary strip-shaped article in the first embodiment is illustrated in the diagram.

[0042] Figure 4 Show execution Figure 3 A view of the production machinery used for processing.

[0043] Figure 5 The process of manufacturing the strip-shaped article in the second embodiment is illustrated in the diagram.

[0044] Figure 6 Show execution Figure 5 A view of the production machinery used for processing.

[0045] Figure 7 The process of manufacturing the strip-shaped article in the third embodiment is illustrated in the diagram.

[0046] Figure 8 Show execution Figure 7 A view of the production machinery used for processing.

[0047] Figure 9a An exemplary pair of dual two-element strip articles is shown.

[0048] Figure 9b An example of a two-element strip article is shown.

[0049] Figure 10a An exemplary pair of dual-unit strip articles is shown, and

[0050] Figure 10b An example of a unit strip article is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0051] Figure 1 The production system 1 shown for manufacturing strip-shaped articles includes a production machine 2 for manufacturing strips and a processing machine 3 for processing the strips manufactured on the production machine 2. Specifically, the strips manufactured by the production machine 2 are dual-length multi-element strip-shaped articles 6, and the strips manufactured on the processing machine 3 are single-length multi-element strip-shaped articles 9. During the processing of the dual-length multi-element strip-shaped articles 6 on the processing machine 3, they are transformed into single-length multi-element strip-shaped articles 9, which may undergo further processing. For example, additional elements may be attached to the single-length strip-shaped article 9.

[0052] Production machine 2 is equipped with supply units 2A, 2B, and 2C for supplying three types of strip elements A, B, and C, respectively. Strip elements A, B, and C are placed on a conveyor belt. Production machine 2 is also equipped with a known forming unit for forming a multi-element continuous strip CR. (For example...) Figure 1As shown, the continuous strip CR moves along the axis of the continuous strip by means of a conveying unit 4 that can be integrated with the forming unit. Exemplary strip elements A, B, and C are placed on a bundle of packaging material in a predetermined order and wrapped in such material to form a continuous multi-element strip CR composed of strip elements, wherein strip elements A, B, and C are arranged coaxially one after another. A rotary cutting head 5 on the production machine 2 constitutes a first cutting unit, which performs a first cut as in the method according to the invention. Due to the first cut, a double multi-element strip article 6 containing A, B, C type elements or fragments thereof is cut from the continuous multi-element strip CR (the cut passes through one of the elements, and the half of the cut element is a part of an adjacent article), while the continuous strip CR moves along its axis at a first conveying speed v1 in a first direction T1. The double strip article 6 has the structure of two single strip articles 9 joined together. The double strip article 6 includes two halves of a type A element, two type B elements, and one type C element ( Figure 2 ).

[0053] Production machine 2 can be a machine for manufacturing double tobacco strips, from which filter cigarettes are produced. Furthermore, in the specification, for simplicity, the term "double-strip article" can refer to multi-element and unit-piece filter articles, smoking or heating articles, tobacco strips, or articles containing tobacco or processed tobacco.

[0054] Between production machine 2 and processing machine 3, there is a transfer device 8, which is used to change the longitudinal movement direction of the double strip product 6 to a movement transverse to the axis of the double strip product 6.

[0055] Within production machine 2, the double-strip product 6 moves in a direction parallel to the first direction T1 along its axis. After transfer, within processing machine 3, the double-strip product 6 moves in a second direction T2 transverse to the axis of the double-multi-element strip product 6, the second direction T2 being transverse to the first direction T1. Figure 1 In the machine arrangement shown, the second direction T2 of the movement of the double-strip product 6 and the single-strip product 9 on the processing machine 3 is described by a second direction T2 perpendicular to the first direction T1. Within the processing machine 3, the double-multi-element strip product 6 and the single-multi-element strip product 9, formed during processing, are conveyed in direction T2 and in the grooves of a continuous roller conveyor. A machine arrangement in which an obtuse angle exists between the second direction T2 and the first direction T1 may be implemented. Figure 2 A production machine 2' for manufacturing tobacco strips is shown, which is connected to a processing machine 3' by means of a transfer device 8', while maintaining an angle of 180° between the second direction T2 and the first direction T1, and the two tobacco strips are rotated additionally during the transfer.

[0056] The machining process performed on machining machine 3 is simplified. Figure 3 It is shown in the form of strip-shaped products during the continuous stages of processing. Figure 4 In the segment of the exemplary machine 3 shown, a first roller conveyor 11 receives the bi-strip articles 6 from the transfer device 8 and transports them at a second conveying speed v2. On this conveyor and on subsequent conveyors, the bi-strip articles and single-strip articles are held in the groove by means of a vacuum provided by an opening in the bottom of the groove. The bi-multi-element strip articles 6 are conveyed to roller conveyor 12. On roller conveyors 11 and 12, the bi-strip articles 6 are transported at two input flows S1 and S2 (… Figure 3The twin strips 6 are conveyed in the form of a first stream S1 and moved at a second conveying speed v2, while the twin strips 6 remain in a first configuration, i.e., coaxially positioned with each other. The conveyor 12 may be provided with an elongated groove or may include two coaxial roller conveyors. Then, after being conveyed by the roller conveyor 15, the first stream S1 and the second stream S2 of the twin strips 6 are transferred to the roller conveyor 16, which is provided with a support 18 rotatable relative to the roller conveyor 16 and a support 19 non-rotatable relative to the roller conveyor 16. Grooves for conveying the twin strips 6 are provided in the supports 18 and 19. One stream S1 of the twin strips 6 is conveyed in the groove of the rotatable support 18, and the second stream S2 of the twin strips 6 is conveyed in the groove of the non-rotatable support 19. During the rotation of the roller conveyor 16, the configuration of the twin strips is changed, i.e., the twin strips 6 of the second stream S2 rotate 180 degrees and are placed between the twin strips 6 of the first stream S1. Due to the rotation of the twin strip articles 6, the first input flow S1 and the second input flow S2 are interconnected, and the intermediate flow S of the twin strip articles 6 is formed and transferred to another roller conveyor 17. The movement of the twin strip articles is such that, in the second configuration, the geometric center M of the twin strip articles is located in a plane k parallel to the second direction T2 and moves in that plane. In this configuration, the twin strip articles 6 also move on roller conveyor 17 and subsequent roller conveyors. Quality control of these articles is performed during the transport of the intermediate flow S of the twin strip articles 6 on roller conveyor 17 at a second conveying speed v2. A radiation source 20 is located inside the roller conveyor, and radiation passes through the individual twin strip articles 6 and enters a receiver 21. The receiver may be, for example, a camera that records an image formed by the radiation passing through the individual twin strip articles 6. The groove provided in the roller conveyor 17 is wide enough to maximize the inspection of these articles by radiation. Quality control may involve the dimensions of the strip articles or components of the strip articles and the contents of these articles. The twin strip articles 6 are transferred from roller conveyor 17 to roller conveyor 22. Roller conveyor 22 works in conjunction with roller conveyor 23, which can be used to transfer selected twin-strip products 6 as samples for additional or random quality control, while the products 6 to be inspected fall into container 10. When a defect is detected in the twin-strip products 6, the defective products 6 can be rejected for production after being transferred to roller conveyor 23. The twin-strip products 6 are conveyed on roller conveyor 22 at a speed v2 and spaced apart at a distance t2 on the circumference of roller conveyor 22. The twin-strip products 6 are conveyed from roller conveyor 22 (which is the supply roller conveyor) to roller conveyor 24 (which is the receiving roller conveyor). On roller conveyor 24, the twin-strip products 6 are conveyed at a distance t3 greater than the distance t2 on roller conveyor 22, and the conveying speed v3 on the (receiving) roller conveyor 24 is greater than the conveying speed v2 on the (supply) roller conveyor 22.The ratio of spacing t3 to t2 can be 2:1, in which case the ratio of speed v3 to v2 will also be 2:1. Similar to the ratio of speed v3 to v2, the ratio of spacing t3 to t2 can be in the range of 1.5 to 2.5. The above relationship between the conveying speeds allows the conveying speed to be adjusted to the speed required during the second cutting after the rotation step. The double strip products 6 are conveyed onto the roller conveyor 25, on which they are transported at a third conveying speed v3. On the conveyor 25, the double strip products 6 are centered and the third cut is performed, i.e., the double strip products 6 are cut into single strip products 9 by means of the rotating blade 26 belonging to the second cutting unit 42, and this cutting is performed by cutting the C-shaped element. The third cut is performed at the conveying speed v3, and the rotating blade 26 can be cooled by the cooling system 27 by means of a cold air flow pointing towards the cutting edge of the rotating blade 26 when cutting fusible materials. The cooling of the rotating blade 26 can be performed behind the sheath that guides the products to be cut, usually on the side opposite to the cutting point. Due to this cutting, two output streams S4 and S5 are formed, creating single strip-shaped articles 9. Output streams S4 and S5 move at a higher speed than input streams S1 and S2. On conveyor 28, for example according to the solution disclosed in patent US 7,296,579 B1, the basic strip-shaped segments 9 move in output streams S4 and S5 and are axially spaced, and then the fourth stream S4 and fifth stream S5, where the segments are spaced apart, are transferred to roller conveyor 29. D-shaped strip-shaped articles are delivered to roller conveyor 29 by means of roller conveyors 30 and 31, and the D-shaped strip-shaped articles can be made of a material from which it is difficult to cut very short segments (e.g., with a length close to the diameter of the manufactured segment). A group 36 comprising two single strip-shaped articles 9 and strip-shaped elements D is conveyed to roller conveyor 32, where they are pushed together and centered. On subsequent roller conveyors 33, 34 and further, rectangular packaging material is wrapped to connect all the strip-shaped segments constituting the group.

[0057] Figure 5 The process performed on the processing machine in the second embodiment is illustrated in a simplified manner, wherein, as in the first embodiment, two input flows S1, S2 are formed and combined to form an intermediate flow S, and two output flows S4, S5 are formed after cutting the bi-strip products. Similarly, the first roller conveyor 11 receives the bi-strip products 6 from the transfer device 8 and transports them at a second conveying speed v2. The bi-strip products 6 are conveyed onto the roller conveyor 12. On the roller conveyor 12, the bi-strip products 6 are transported by the two input flows S1 and S2 ( Figure 5The twin strips 6 are conveyed and held in a first configuration, i.e., they are positioned coaxially with each other. The twin strips 6 are transferred to roller conveyors 43 and 44, on which displacement of one strip 6 relative to the other is performed in a direction transverse to the product axis. Subsequently, after the twin strips 6 are conveyed to roller conveyor 45, the twin strips 6 of the second input flow S2 are axially displaced between the strips 6 of the first input flow. Therefore, the intermediate flow S is formed by two input flows S1 and S2. In the intermediate flow, the twin strips 6 are in a second configuration, i.e., the geometric center M is set in a plane k parallel to the second direction T2.

[0058] This invention may be implemented in a manner in which more than two bi-strip articles are transferred from production machine 2. Figure 7 In the process shown, three double-strip products 6' are transferred simultaneously. The segment of the processing machine 3 performing this processing is... Figure 8 As shown in the diagram. The double-strip product 6' comprises a half-strip element G, two strip elements J, and a strip element H. The three double-strip products 6' are transferred to a roller conveyor 11, on which they are held in a first configuration, i.e., coaxially positioned. The continuously supplied double-strip products 6' are placed in three streams S1, S2, and S3. The strip products 6' are transferred to roller conveyor 50 and further to roller conveyor 51 in such a manner that they are conveyed transversely to the axis of the strip products 6', and then conveyed along the axis of the strip products 6' on roller conveyor 52. On roller conveyor 52 and further, the strip products 6' are conveyed in a second configuration in a single intermediate stream S, wherein the geometric center of the double-strip product 6 is set in a plane k parallel to a second direction T2. Furthermore, the process is performed as in the previous embodiment, i.e., the strip-shaped articles 6' are cut to form two output streams S4, S5, and after the single strip-shaped articles 9' are spaced apart, additional strip-shaped elements D are placed between the spaced articles. In the case of short strip-shaped articles, four double strip-shaped articles can be conveyed.

[0059] In another possible embodiment of the method according to the invention, more than three types of strip elements or only two types of strip elements are supplied. It is also possible to perform the method according to the invention in which continuous strips made of one type of material are supplied.

[0060] Figure 9a A pair of 46 double-strip articles 47 are shown, the double-strip articles comprising two single-strip articles 48 composed of two types of elements E and F. Figure 9b The single strip product 48 shown includes half E-type elements and half F-type elements.

[0061] Figure 10aA pair of 53 double-strip articles 54 are shown, the double-strip articles comprising two single-strip articles 55 composed of a single type of material, such as Figure 10b As shown in the diagram, a double-length cigarette can be obtained by placing another strip-shaped element made of filter material or several types of material between two articles 55 made of tobacco.

[0062] One embodiment of the present invention also includes a system for manufacturing a strip-shaped article 9, which, for example, comprises at least two different strip-shaped elements A, B, C, E, F, G, H, J. The system includes supply units 2A, 2B, 2C for supplying strip-shaped elements A, B, C, and the multi-element strip-shaped article 9 is provided with strip-shaped elements A, B, C, or portions thereof. In the described embodiment, the system also includes a transport unit for conveying strip-shaped elements A, B, C, and a unit for supplying packaging material (e.g., cigarette paper). The system in this embodiment also includes: a transfer device for transferring strip-shaped elements A, B, C from the transport unit onto a bundle of packaging material; a forming unit for forming a continuous multi-element strip CR, the continuous multi-element strip being formed from strip-shaped elements (A, B, C) wrapped in packaging material; and equipment for manufacturing strip-shaped articles as in one of the above embodiments.

Claims

1. A method for producing strip-shaped products for the tobacco industry, wherein... Perform the first cut, wherein the continuous strip (CR) is cut into a series of double strip articles (6) by means of the first cutting unit. The direction of conveying the double strip articles (6) is changed from a first direction (T1) along the axis of the double strip articles (6) to a second direction (T2) transverse to the axis of the double strip articles (6), at least two double strip articles (6) are transferred into the groove of the roller conveyor (11) at a time, and at least two input streams (S1, S2) of the double strip articles (6) are formed. By moving a double-striped article (6) from one of the at least two input streams (S1, S2) between two double-striped articles (6) from the other input stream (S1, S2), the at least two input streams (S1, S2) of the double-striped article (6) are transformed into an intermediate stream (S) of the double-striped article, wherein the geometric center (M) of the double-striped article (6) in the intermediate stream (S) is located in a plane (k) parallel to the second direction (T2). A second cutting is performed, wherein the double strip article (6) conveyed in the intermediate flow (S) of the double strip article (6) is cut into two single strip articles (9) by means of a second cutting unit (42) to form two output flows (S4, S5) of the single strip article (9).

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The transformation of the at least two input streams (S1, S2) of the bistrip article (6) includes rotation, during which the bistrip article (6) of one of the at least two input streams (S1, S2) of the bistrip article is rotated by 180 degrees.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The transformation of the at least two input streams (S1, S2) of the double strip article (6) includes: moving the double strip article (6) from one of the at least two input streams (S1, S2) laterally to the axis of the double strip article (6); and moving the double strip article (6) from one of the at least two input streams (S1, S2) between the double strip articles (6) of the other input stream (S1, S2).

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, After the double strip article (6) is moved to the intermediate flow (S), the double strip article (6) is centered.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The single strip product (9) is spaced apart after the second cut, while the single strip product (9) continues to move in the two output streams (S4, S5) of the single strip product (9).

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The additional strip element (D) is placed between the spaced-apart single strip articles (9).

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The single strip article (9) and the additional strip element (D) are combined with packaging material.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The moving speed (v2) of the at least two input streams (S1, S2) is lower than the moving speed (v3) of the two output streams (S4, S5).

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The continuous strip (CR) and the double strip article (6) include multiple elements.

10. An apparatus for manufacturing strip-shaped articles for the tobacco industry from continuous strips (CR), comprising: A transport unit (4) is used to move the continuous strip (CR) in a direction along the axis of the continuous strip (CR). The first cutting unit is used to cut the continuous strip (CR) into a series of double-strip products (6). A transfer mechanism is provided for transferring at least two bi-strip articles (6) from the transport unit (4) at a time. The transport unit is adapted to move the bi-strip articles (6) in a first direction (T1) along the axis of the bi-strip articles (6) and supply the bi-strip articles (6) into a groove on a roller conveyor (11). The roller conveyor is adapted to move the bi-strip articles (6) in a second direction (T2) transverse to the axis of the bi-strip articles (6). A roller conveyor unit is used to convey the first and second input flows of the double-strip product (6). A shifting unit is used to form an intermediate flow (S) of the double strip article (6) by shifting the double strip article (6) from one of the first input streams and the second input stream and placing the double strip article (6) from one of the first input streams and the second input stream between the double strip articles (6) of the other input stream in the first input stream and the second input stream. A centering device is used to position the double-strip product such that the geometric center (M) of the double-strip product (6) in the intermediate flow (S) is located in a plane (k) parallel to the second direction (T2). A conveying unit for conveying the intermediate flow (S) formed by combining the first input flow and the second input flow of the double strip articles (6), The second cutting unit (42) is used to cut the double strip product (6) into two single strip products (9).

11. The device according to claim 10, characterized in that... It also includes a spacer unit for separating the single strip-shaped article (9).

12. The device according to claim 11, characterized in that... It also includes a positioning unit for placing additional strip elements (D) between spaced-apart single strip articles (9).

13. The device according to claim 12, characterized in that... It is also provided with a unit for combining the single strip article (9) and the other strip element (D) with packaging material.

14. A system for manufacturing strip-shaped articles, comprising: Supply units (2A, 2B, 2C) are used to supply strip-shaped elements (A, B, C), and multi-element single-strip articles (9) are provided with the strip-shaped elements (A, B, C) or several parts of the strip-shaped elements (A, B, C). A transport unit for conveying the strip-shaped elements (A, B, C), Supply unit for supplying packaging materials A transfer device for transferring the strip elements (A, B, C) from the transport unit for conveying the strip elements (A, B, C) onto a bundle of packaging material. A forming unit for forming a multi-element continuous strip (CR), the multi-element continuous strip being formed from the strip-shaped elements (A, B, C) encased in the packaging material, and The apparatus for manufacturing strip-shaped articles according to any one of claims 10 to 13.

15. The system according to claim 14, characterized in that, The single strip article (9) includes at least two different strip elements.

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