Machine for producing cigarettes presenting first graphic pattern and second graphic pattern

Abstract

A machine (1) for manufacturing cigarettes (P) having a first graphic design (M1) on the tobacco side (P1) and a second graphic design (M2) on the filter side (P2) and aligned with the first graphic design (M1). The machine (1) comprises at least one sensor (600) for detecting the position and / or orientation of the first graphic design (M1) and the second graphic design (M2) on each cigarette (P), and a control unit (U) connected to the sensor (600) and configured to adjust the formation of the cigarette (P) according to a deviation in position and / or orientation between the first graphic design (M1) and the second graphic design (M2).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a machine and a method for manufacturing cigarettes having a first graphic design on the tobacco side and a second graphic design on the filter side and aligned with the first graphic design.

[0002] In the present specification, the expression "graphic design" is understood to mean any graphic representation, such as (but not limited to) an image, a logo, alphanumeric characters, text (a combination of alphanumeric characters), a drawing, and / or a symbol. Background Art

[0003] So far, there has been a need to provide cigarettes having a graphic design on the outer surface of the cigarette, especially on the filter side and the tobacco side. In addition, there is a great need to align such graphic designs with each other to ensure the correct and attractive appearance and form accuracy of the product (in the case of an image, two parts need to be aligned with each other so that the image is recognizable).

[0004] However, so far, due to the complexity of the production process, machines configured to manufacture this type of cigarette do not allow mass production without waste products.

[0005] In fact, since the generation of the two graphic designs is provided in different operating steps (usually one is provided in the "maker" part on the tobacco side of the system and one is provided in the "filter assembly" part of the system) and similarly, it is provided on different components (which will form the cigarette at a later time), the above-mentioned machines cannot ensure sufficient production accuracy in the finished product. Specifically, in the case of highly accurate calibration of different machine parts, slight delays or phase shifts often occur, and these problems persist or even accumulate over time during mass production, resulting in defective products in a whole batch or still products with unsatisfactory quality.

[0006] For example, consider the timing of the cork paper feed line for producing a connecting band provided with a graphic design in a filter assembly machine. Such timing may change over time even if it is finely adjusted together with the previous forming line of the tobacco segment (which externally also shows a graphic design that must be aligned with the graphic design of the connecting band) because the two forming lines may be prone to misalignment, material friction, etc. Such drawbacks are gradual and persist or increase over time, resulting in the entire continuous production being affected by insufficient quality at some point. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In this context, the potential technical task of the present invention is to provide a machine and a method for manufacturing cigarettes having a first graphic design on the tobacco side and a second graphic design on the filter side and aligned with the first graphic design, which overcome the drawbacks of the aforementioned prior art.

[0008] Specifically, the object of the present invention is to provide a machine and a method for manufacturing cigarettes having a first graphic design on the tobacco side and a second graphic design on the filter side and aligned with the first graphic design, which can ensure high-quality precision of the finished product.

[0009] The specified technical tasks and objectives are achieved by a machine and a method for manufacturing cigarettes comprising the technical features presented respectively in claims 1 and 11 and / or in one or more dependent claims. Description of the Drawings

[0010] The present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings, which show non-limiting embodiments of the present invention, in which:

[0011] - Figure 1 A schematic side view of an embodiment of a machine for manufacturing cigarettes according to the present invention is shown;

[0012] - Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 a schematic front view of the machine in

[0013] - Figure 3 Shows the use of Figure 1 and Figure 2 a cigarette manufactured by the machine in

[0014] According to the drawings, the reference numeral "1" generally denotes a machine for manufacturing cigarettes. Such a cigarette is shown by way of example in Figure 3 and is hereinafter denoted by the reference numeral "P". Detailed Description of the Invention

[0015] In detail, the cigarette "P" is formed by juxtaposing a tobacco segment (tobacco side "P1") and a filter segment ("P2"), and has a first graphic design "M1" on the tobacco side "P1" and a second graphic design "M2" on the filter side "P2". Specifically, the first graphic design "M1" is aligned with the second graphic design "M2".

[0016] In the present specification, the expression "graphic design" is understood to mean any graphic representation, such as an image, a logo, alphanumeric characters, text (a combination of alphanumeric characters), a drawing and / or a symbol. Such a graphic design can be made by printing, stamping or other methods (the application method is not restrictive). Furthermore, the first graphic design "M1" and the second graphic design "M2" can be of the same type (e.g., both printed or both stamped) or of different types, e.g., the first graphic design "M1" can be made by printing and the second graphic design "M2" can be made by stamping, and vice versa.

[0017] According to Figure 1 , the machine 1 includes a tobacco segment forming unit 100 which is configured to manufacture a continuous rod "B" provided with a series of first graphic designs "M1" on the outer side and then cut the continuous rod "B" into tobacco segments "ST", each tobacco segment "ST" having at least one graphic design "M1". Thus, such tobacco segments "ST" are fed continuously in sequence one after another.

[0018] Specifically, the tobacco segment forming unit 100 includes a feeder 103 for a continuous flow of filling material "R" (in particular tobacco fibers). According to a known solution, the feeder 103 is of the type including a suction conveyor belt 104 of a known type, which has a closed-loop structure on at least two rollers and a lower branch connected to a suction chamber for holding in suspension a tobacco layer previously received from a rising cylinder, the tobacco layer being continuously released in an unloading section 106. The tobacco segment forming unit 100 also includes a support for at least one reel 101 of paper and a paper feed line 102 configured to feed the paper unwound from the reel 101.

[0019] The forming beam 105 is operatively located downstream of the feeder 103 and the paper feed line 102 for manufacturing the continuous rod "B" by wrapping the filling material "R" with the paper. Thus, according to known techniques, the formation of a series of tobacco segments "ST" is carried out by unwinding the paper from the reel 101, feeding the paper along the paper feed line 102, and successively and gradually winding the paper around the continuous flow of filling material "R" released at the unloading station 106, thereby obtaining a continuous rod "B" provided with a longitudinal joining line, which is usually arranged at the top of the rod or still arranged in the upper region of the rod.

[0020] The tobacco segment forming unit 100 includes cutting means 107 located downstream of the forming beam 105, which are configured to cut the continuous rod "B" into tobacco segments "ST", each tobacco segment having at least one graphic design "M1".

[0021] The tobacco segment forming unit 100 is preferably configured to manufacture double-length tobacco segments "ST", each double-length tobacco segment having a pair of graphic designs "M1" on its outer surface. However, the present invention is equally applicable to a solution in which the tobacco segments "ST" cut by the cutting means 107 already have a single length corresponding to the length measured in a finished cigarette.

[0022] According to one aspect of the present invention, the tobacco segment forming unit 100 includes at least one applying device 110, such as a printing plate or an embossing machine, positioned upstream of the forming beam 105 along the paper feed line 102, which is configured to apply a series of first graphic designs "M1" on the paper web at a position where the graphic design is located on the outer surface of the continuous rod "B" and preferably at a position opposite to the longitudinal joint. Specifically, it will become clearer in the continuation of this specification that the applying device 110 can be adjusted transversely to the paper web to adjust the lateral position of the first graphic design "M1" on the paper web.

[0023] Downstream of the tobacco segment forming unit 100, the machine 1 includes a filter segment feeding unit 200.

[0024] Specifically, the filter segment feeding unit 200 includes a hopper 201 that houses a plurality of filter segments "F0" having a plurality of lengths. The filter segment feeding unit 200 includes a first roller 202 configured to pick up the filter segments "F0" from the hopper 202 and cut the filter segments "F0" together with a cutting tool to obtain filter segments "SF". The filter segment feeding unit 200 further includes one or more additional rollers 203 located downstream of the first roller 202 and configured to (in a substantially known manner) laterally offset and continuously laterally align the filter segments "SF" cut from the same segment "F0", thereby obtaining a series of filter segments "SF" that move laterally one after another.

[0025] Preferably, the filter segment feeding unit 200 is configured to feed filter segments "SF" having a double length to combine each such segment "SF" with a pair of tobacco segments "ST". However, the present invention is equally applicable to a scenario where the filter segments "SF" have a single length corresponding to the length measured in the finished cigarette and they are respectively connected to a single corresponding tobacco segment "ST".

[0026] According to Figure 1 , the machine 1 includes a continuous combining unit 300, which is operably located downstream of the tobacco segment forming unit 100 and downstream of the filter segment feeding unit 200. The combining unit 300 is configured to receive and combine the above series of tobacco segments "ST" and filter segments "SF" to form a series of segment groups "GS", each segment group including at least one tobacco segment "ST" and one filter segment "SF" joined end to end.

[0027] The combining unit 300 is preferably configured to feed a series of double-segment groups "GS", each double-segment group being composed of two tobacco segments "ST" separated by a double-length filter segment "SF". Specifically, the combining unit 300 is configured to perform a transverse cut midway along each of the double-length tobacco segments "ST" so as to obtain a pair of single-length tobacco segments "ST", axially separate the single-length tobacco segments "ST" from each other, and insert a corresponding double-length filter segment "SF" between the two tobacco segments "ST" that have been separated, so as to feed a series of double-segment groups "GS", each double-segment group being composed of two tobacco segments "ST" separated by a double-length filter segment "SF".

[0028] For this purpose, the combining unit 300 includes a collecting drum 301 configured to collect a series of double-length tobacco segments "ST", and a cutting and dispersing drum 302 configured to cut the double-length tobacco segments "ST" together with corresponding cutting tools so as to obtain a pair of single-length tobacco segments "ST" and axially disperse them. The combining unit 300 further includes a combining drum 303, which is adapted to receive the double-length filter segments "SF" and is adapted to receive the above-mentioned single-length tobacco segments "ST", which are adjacently positioned at opposite ends of the double-length filter segments "SF".

[0029] According to Figure 1 , the machine 1 further includes a connecting band forming unit 400, which is configured to feed a series of connecting bands "F" each having at least one second graphic design "M2" on its outer surface, and apply the connecting bands "F" to the outer surface of each segment group "GS" from the combining unit 300.

[0030] The connecting band forming unit 400 includes a feeding device 401, which is configured to feed a continuous paper tape "SC" having a series of second graphic designs "M2" along a feeding path.

[0031] The connecting band forming unit 400 further includes a cutting and applying device 402, which is located downstream of the feeding device 401 and is configured to transversely cut the continuous paper tape "SC" so as to obtain a series of connecting bands "F", and apply each connecting band "F" to the outer surface of a corresponding segment group "GS" from the combining unit 300, each connecting band having at least one corresponding second graphic design "M2" at a predetermined position.

[0032] Specifically, the feeding device 401 of the connecting band forming unit includes an unwinding device 403, which is configured to unwind the continuous paper tape "SC" from a feeding reel 404 in a controlled manner and feed the continuous paper tape "SC" to the cutting and applying device 402.

[0033] The connecting band forming unit 400 is preferably configured to manufacture a double connecting band "F" each having a pair of second graphic designs "M2" arranged mirror-symmetric to each other (with respect to the longitudinal symmetry axis), and to apply the double connecting band "F" onto the outer surface of each double-segment group "GS" from the combining unit 300. Functionally, the continuous paper tape "SC" is made from a paper web with a width twice as large, such that the width of each connecting band "F" separated by the continuous paper tape "SC" is twice as large and suitable for connecting the tobacco segments "ST" and the double filter segments "SF" of each segment group "GS". Thus, it will become clearer in the continuation of the present invention that the length of each reel product "A" is twice as large and has a pair of first graphic designs "M1" and a pair of second graphic designs "M2".

[0034] The connecting band forming unit 400 is preferably configured to process a paper tape "SC" that is pre-printed or pre-embossed and thus already provided with a series of second graphic designs "M2", and which does not have an application unit (printing or embossing) intended to apply a graphic design onto the paper web.

[0035] However, according to a variant not shown, the feeding device 401 may include a printing device that is operatively located upstream of the cutting and applying device 402 and is configured to produce the second graphic design "M2" on the continuous paper tape "SC". Specifically, the printing device is provided with at least one printing plate, the operating position of which is adjustable at least in the longitudinal direction of the movement direction of the continuous paper tape "SC" in order to assume a plurality of operating positions.

[0036] Independently of the presence of the printing device, the feeding device 401 of the connecting band forming unit 400 further includes an eccentric roller 405, which is located upstream of the cutting and applying device 402 and specifically, immediately upstream of the cutting and applying device 402, and is configured to rhythmically alternate the feeding speed of the end of the continuous paper tape "SC" between a minimum value and a maximum value. Such an eccentric roller 405, known for this application, has the function of converting the continuous unfolding movement of the paper tape "SC" upstream of it into a discontinuous movement (basically intermittent or still varying between a maximum speed and a minimum speed) of the end of the paper tape "SC" downstream of it, especially in the cutting and applying device 402. This allows separating the newly cut connecting bands, which is suitable for applying the connecting bands onto the group "GS".

[0037] The eccentric roller 405 is preferably movably mounted on a corresponding fixed support in order to perform a lateral adjustment when approaching / leaving the feeding path of the continuous paper tape "SC", thus assuming a plurality of operating positions.

[0038] The cutting and applying device 402 of the connecting band forming unit 400 includes a traction roller 406 and a cutting roller 407. The traction roller 406 is configured to hold the end of the continuous paper tape "SC" by suction and dragging during advancement. The cutting roller 407 moves together with the traction roller 406 and cooperates with the traction roller 406 to perform a series of cuts on the continuous paper tape "SC", thereby obtaining the above series of connecting bands "F".

[0039] Downstream of the connecting band forming unit 400, the machine 1 includes a winding unit 500 of a known type, which is configured to wind each connecting band "F" around a corresponding segment group "GS" to obtain a reel product "A", which has a first graphic design "M1" on each tobacco side and a second graphic design "M2" on each filter side.

[0040] The winding unit 500 is preferably configured to manufacture a series of double-reel products "A", and includes or is followed by an auxiliary cutting device 501, which is configured to cut each double-reel product "A" in the middle to obtain a pair of single-length reel products "A", each single-length reel product having a first graphic design "M1" on the tobacco side and a second graphic design "M2" on the filter side.

[0041] According to the present invention, the machine 1 includes at least one sensor 600 located at or downstream of the winding unit 500 (upstream or downstream of the possible auxiliary cutting device 501), for detecting the position and / or orientation of the first graphic design "M1" and the second graphic design "M2" on each reel product "A".

[0042] In particular, the sensor 600 (preferably a camera) arranged facing the transfer roller for transferring the reel product "A" is configured to acquire an image of the reel product "A", which is particularly focused on the graphic designs "M1", "M2".

[0043] The machine 1 further includes a control unit "U", which is connected to at least one sensor 600 and is configured to determine the position and / or orientation deviation between the first graphic design "M1" and the second graphic design "M2" of each reel product "A". Such a deviation is preferably defined by the angular deviation between the position of the first graphic design "M1" and the position of the second graphic design "M2". In other words, the deviation is given by the angle around the axis of the reel product "A" between the radial plane in which the first graphic design "M1" extends and the radial plane in which the second graphic design "M2" extends (the radial plane is considered to be the radial plane passing through the longitudinal axis of the reel product "A").

[0044] Additionally or alternatively, the deviation may be defined by the inclination angle (lack of parallelism) between each graphic design "M1", "M2" and a radial reference plane passing through the longitudinal axis of the web product "A".

[0045] According to the invention, the control unit "U" is also connected to the connecting band forming unit 400 and is configured to adjust the connecting band forming unit 400 based on the detected deviation. According to the invention, the control unit "U" is preferably also connected to the tobacco segment forming unit 100 and is configured to adjust the tobacco segment forming unit 100 based on the detected deviation.

[0046] By analyzing the information acquired by the sensor, the control unit "U" determines the positional deviation between the two graphic designs "M1", "M2" relative to the predetermined reference positioning of the two graphic designs "M1", "M2" and / or the orientation deviation between the graphic designs "M1", "M2" relative to the predetermined reference orientation. Based on this analysis, the control unit "U" can initiate the adjustment of the tobacco segment forming unit 100 and / or the connecting band forming unit 400 to compensate for this deviation.

[0047] According to one aspect of the invention, the control unit "U" is configured to initiate the above adjustment when the detected trend of the positional and orientation deviations exceeds a predetermined threshold and / or in a minimum percentage of the web products "A". Specifically, the trend is determined by the evolution of the deviations of a predetermined number of consecutive web products "A".

[0048] In other words, the "U" control unit records the positional and / or orientation deviations of the above series of web products "A". If a greater than minimum number of consecutive web products "A" have a positional and / or orientation deviation greater than the threshold, the control unit "U" adjusts the tobacco segment forming unit 100 and / or the connecting band forming unit 400.

[0049] However, if only a small number of consecutive web products "A" less than the minimum number exhibit a positional and / or orientation deviation greater than the threshold, the control unit "U" does not adjust the tobacco segment forming unit 100 and / or the connecting band forming unit 400, but it may provide a rejection signal for the web products "A" having such a deviation.

[0050] Preferably, if the machine 1 processes the double-reel product “A”, the position and / or orientation of the first graphic design “M1” and the second graphic design “M2” associated with each double-reel product “A” can be detected by at least one sensor 600 arranged upstream or downstream of the auxiliary cutting device 501. Accordingly, the control unit “U” is configured to adjust the applying device 110 and / or the connecting belt forming unit 400 based on the position and / or orientation deviation between the first graphic design “M1” and the corresponding second graphic design “M2” associated with the same double-reel product “A”.

[0051] However, if the machine 1 processes the single-reel product “A”, the position and / or orientation of the first graphic design “M1” and the second graphic design “M2” associated with each reel product “A” can be detected by at least one sensor 600 arranged downstream of the auxiliary cutting device 501 (if present). Accordingly, the control unit “U” is configured to adjust the applying device 110 and / or the connecting belt forming unit 400 based on the position and / or orientation deviation between the first graphic design “M1” and the second graphic design “M2” associated with the same reel product “A”.

[0052] Hereinafter, different adjustment methods of the machine 1 implemented by the control unit “U” will now be described according to the aforementioned position and / or orientation deviation and according to the present invention.

[0053] According to the first adjustment method, the control unit “U” is configured to adjust the steps of feeding the continuous paper tape “SC” and / or cutting the continuous paper tape “SC” based on the position and / or orientation deviation between the first graphic design “M1” and the second graphic design “M2” detected by the sensor 600. In other words, according to this method, the control unit “U” is configured to adjust the components of the connecting belt forming unit 400.

[0054] According to an example, the control unit “U” can be configured to adjust the unwinding device 403 of the connecting belt forming unit 400. Specifically, the control unit “U” can be configured to adjust the unwinding speed and / or the angular step of the unwinding device 403 (unwinding reel 404 or pulling roller) based on the position and / or orientation deviation between the first graphic design “M1” and the second graphic design “M2”.

[0055] According to another example, the control unit “U” is configured to adjust the position and / or rotation of the eccentric roller 405 of the connecting belt forming unit 400. Specifically, the control unit “U” can be configured to adjust the angular velocity and / or the angular step of the eccentric roller 405 based on the position and / or orientation deviation between the first graphic design “M1” and the second graphic design “M2”.

[0056] Alternatively, the control unit "U" is configured to adjust the operating position of the eccentric roller 405 (transverse to the laying plane of the paper web "SC") based on the positional and / or orientation deviation between the first graphic design "M1" and the second graphic design "M2".

[0057] According to another example, the control unit "U" is configured to adjust at least one of the traction roller 406 and the cutting roller 407 of the connecting band forming unit 400. Specifically, the control unit "U" may be configured to adjust the rotational speed and / or angular step of at least one of the traction roller 406 and the cutting roller 407 based on the positional and / or orientation deviation between the first graphic design "M1" and the second graphic design "M2".

[0058] According to another example, when present, the control unit "U" is configured to modify the operating position of the printing plate of the connecting band forming unit 400 based on the positional and / or orientation deviation between the first graphic design "M1" and the second graphic design "M2".

[0059] Generally, the control unit "U" may be configured to adjust only one of the aforementioned components of the connecting band forming unit 400, or it may be configured to adjust a combination of two or more components of the connecting band forming unit 400 based on the positional and / or orientation deviation between the first graphic design "M1" and the second graphic design "M2" in order to optimize the process.

[0060] According to an adjustment method, the control unit "U" is configured to adjust the application step of the first graphic design "M1" by laterally adjusting the application device 110 of the tobacco segment forming unit 100 based on the positional and / or orientation deviation between the first graphic design "M1" and the second graphic design "M2". In other words, according to this method, the control unit "U" is configured to adjust the components of the tobacco segment forming unit 100.

[0061] According to a further adjustment method, the control unit "U" may be configured to simultaneously adjust one or more components of the connecting band forming unit 400 and simultaneously adjust the application device 110 of the tobacco segment forming unit 100.

[0062] A variant of the machine 1 (not shown) will now be described with particular reference to the tobacco segment forming unit 100 and the combination unit 300.

[0063] In such an embodiment, the tobacco segment forming unit 100 is configured as a two-line machine to manufacture two parallel series of tobacco segments "ST".

[0064] Specifically, the paper feed line 102 is configured to feed at least two paper webs unwound from the respective reels 101.

[0065] Alternatively, the paper feed line 102 is configured to feed a single paper web unwound from a respective reel 101, and the tobacco segment forming unit 100 comprises a longitudinal cutting device on the paper feed line 102 for cutting the single paper web into at least two juxtaposed paper webs.

[0066] Downstream of the paper feed line 102, independently of the source of the two paper webs, the tobacco segment forming unit 100 comprises at least two forming beams 105, each configured to wrap a respective continuous flow of filler material with a respective one of the aforementioned paper webs, and having at least two application devices 110 for forming a respective series of first graphic designs "M1" on each paper web.

[0067] The application devices 110 are preferably independently adjustable from one another at least in a direction transverse to the respective paper webs to independently adjust the transverse position of the first graphic design "M1" on the respective paper webs.

[0068] When longitudinal cutting means are present, the application means 110 are preferably located upstream of the longitudinal cutting means.

[0069] Thus, according to this variation, the combination unit 300 is configured to receive two series of tobacco segments "ST" that are moved laterally, and to combine these series of tobacco segments "ST" with a series of filter segments "SF" to form a series of segment groups "GS", each segment group comprising a double-length filter segment "SF" inserted between the two tobacco segments "ST".

[0070] Downstream of the combined unit 300 , the machine 1 (and in particular the control unit “U”) functions according to the above description.

[0071] In particular, again with reference to the two-line machine, in the case where the second graphic design "M2" is printed in-line on the paper web "SC" from which the connecting strip "F" is obtained, the second graphic design "M2" can be printed by respective printing plates, which are preferably independent of each other and independently controllable to individually manage the correct application of feedback for the second graphic design "M2". It is also conceivable that, instead of a single paper web "SC" carrying the two second graphic designs "M2", two separate juxtaposed paper webs can be fed, with a respective printing plate operating on each paper web.

[0072] The invention thus described is susceptible of many variations falling within the same inventive concept.

[0073] For example, in the case of printing or applying a graphic design (e.g., color printing) in several steps, two or more plates can be provided in series for each graphic design, each plate being used for printing in a corresponding color. In this case, although all printing plates are adjustable, it is preferably to synchronously control these printing plates so as to perform the same position adjustment on the individual prints that are aligned with each other.

[0074] Furthermore, for example, in the case of products other than traditional cigarettes and / or products having a connecting band with more than one wrapper, the present invention provides the application of the alignment and adjustment principle to a final product having three or more graphic designs, such as three graphic designs, one of which is applied to a cigarette segment and two are applied or pre-applied to the corresponding paper tapes from which the connecting band to be wound is obtained. Whether the graphic design is applied online or pre-applied (or some pre-applied and others applied online) is of little importance because the present invention extends to both cases.

[0075] The present invention achieves the set goal and overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art. The machine 1 thus described allows for obtaining cigarettes "P" having a first graphic design "M1" on the tobacco side "P1" and a second graphic design "M2" on the filter side "P2" and aligned with the first graphic design "M1". The machine 1 thus described allows for reducing system process errors so as to limit (if not reduce) the amount of cigarettes "P" discarded due to defects.

[0076] Specifically, such a result is obtained by means of the control unit "U", which, in cooperation with at least one sensor 600, allows for the feedback adjustment of one or more components of the machine 1 and thus allows for the feedback adjustment according to the position and / or orientation deviation between the first graphic design "M1" and the second graphic design "M2" on the web product "A".

[0077] The present invention is equally applicable to different types of rod-shaped products, in which two graphic designs are made on different zones processed at different times and / or in different regions of the same system, and specifically, on a first paper web continuously wound in a tubular shape and on a series of connecting bands continuously and directly applied to a rod-shaped semi-finished product including the first graphic design.

Claims

1. A machine (1) for manufacturing cigarettes (P), said cigarettes (P) having a first graphic design (M1) on the tobacco side (P1) and a second graphic design (M2) on the filter side (P2) aligned with said first graphic design (M1), said machine (M1) comprising: A tobacco segment forming unit (100) configured to manufacture a continuous rod (B) having a series of first graphic designs (M1) on its outer side, cut said continuous rod (B) into tobacco segments (ST) each having at least one graphic design (M1) thereon, and continuously feed said tobacco segments (ST); A feeding unit (200) for feeding a series of filter segments (SF); A combining unit (300) configured to receive and combine said series of tobacco segments (ST) and filter segments (SF) to form a series of segment groups (GS), each segment group including at least one tobacco segment (ST) and one filter segment (SF) joined end-to-end; A connecting strip forming unit (400) including a feeding device (401) and a cutting and applying device (402), said feeding device (401) being configured to feed a continuous paper strip (SC) having a series of second graphic designs (M2) along a feeding path, said cutting and applying device (402) being located downstream of said feeding device (401) and being configured to transversely cut said continuous paper strip (SC) to manufacture a series of connecting strips (F), and apply each connecting strip (F) on the outer surface of a corresponding segment group (GS) from said combining unit (300), each connecting strip having at least one corresponding second graphic design (M2) at a predetermined position; A winding unit (500) configured to wind each connecting strip (F) around a corresponding segment group (GS) to obtain a wound product (A); Said machine (1) further includes at least one sensor (600) and a control unit (U), said at least one sensor (600) being located at or downstream of said winding unit (500) for detecting the position and / or orientation of said first graphic design (M1) and said second graphic design (M2) on each wound product (A), said control unit (U) being connected to said at least one sensor (600) and being configured to adjust said connecting strip forming unit (400) according to the position and / or orientation deviation between said first graphic design (M1) and said second graphic design (M2).

2. The machine (1) according to claim 1, wherein the feeding device (401) of the connecting belt forming unit (400) comprises an unwinding device (403) configured to unwind the continuous paper tape (SC) from a feeding reel (404) in a controlled manner and feed the continuous paper tape (SC) to the cutting and applying device (402); and wherein the control unit (U) is configured to adjust the unwinding device (403) according to the position and / or orientation deviation between the first graphic design (M1) and the second graphic design (M2), specifically adjusting the unwinding speed and / or the angular phase.

3. The machine (1) according to claim 2, wherein the connecting belt forming unit (400) is configured to operate on a pre-printed paper web provided with a series of second graphic designs (M2) and there is no printing unit for printing graphic designs on the paper web.

4. The machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the feeding device (401) of the connecting belt forming unit (400) comprises an eccentric tensioning roller (405) located upstream of the cutting and applying device (402), and more specifically, immediately upstream of the cutting and applying device (402), and configured to alternately and rhythmically change the feeding speed of the end of the continuous paper tape (SC) between a minimum value and a maximum value; and wherein the control unit (U) is configured to adjust the position and / or rotation of the eccentric roller (405) according to the position and / or orientation deviation between the first graphic design (M1) and the second graphic design (M2), specifically adjusting its speed and / or phase.

5. The machine (1) according to claim 4, wherein the eccentric roller (405) is movably mounted on a corresponding fixed support, so that the eccentric roller (405) can be adjusted laterally closer to / away from the moving path of the continuous paper tape (SC) and thus assume a plurality of operating positions; and wherein the control unit (U) is configured to adjust the operating position of the eccentric roller (405) according to the position and / or orientation deviation between the first graphic design (M1) and the second graphic design (M2).

6. The machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cutting and applying device (402) comprises a traction roller (406) and a co-moving cutting roller (407), the traction roller (406) being configured to hold and feed the end of the continuous paper tape (SC) by suction, the cutting roller (407) moving at the same speed as the traction roller (406) and cooperating with the traction roller (406) to perform a series of cuts on the continuous paper tape (SC), thereby obtaining a series of connecting tapes (F); and wherein the control unit (U) is configured to adjust at least one of the traction roller (406) and the cutting roller (407) according to the position and / or orientation deviation between the first graphic design (M1) and the second graphic design (M2), specifically adjusting its rotational speed and / or phase.

7. The machine (1) according to claim 1, wherein the feeding device (401) further comprises a printing device, the printing device being operably located upstream of the cutting and applying device (402) and being configured to produce the second graphic design (M2) on the continuous paper tape (SC), the printing device being provided with a printing plate, the operating position of the printing plate being longitudinally adjustable along the moving direction of the continuous paper tape (SC) so as to be able to take a plurality of operating positions; and wherein the control unit (U) is configured to adjust the operating position of the printing plate according to the position and / or orientation deviation between the first graphic design (M1) and the second graphic design (M2).

8. The machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor (600) is a camera, the camera being specifically arranged to face the conveyor roller for conveying the reel product (A).

9. The machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit (U) is configured to start the adjustment when it is detected that the trend of the position and / or orientation deviation exceeds a predetermined threshold and / or in a minimum percentage of the reel products (A), specifically, such a trend is determined as the deviation of a predetermined number of consecutive reel products (A).

10. The machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: the tobacco segment forming unit (100) is configured to manufacture double-length tobacco segments (ST), each double-length tobacco segment having a pair of first graphic designs (M1) on its outer surface; the filter segment feeding unit (200) is configured to feed double-length filter segments (SF); The combination unit (300) is configured to perform a transverse cut midway along each of the double-length tobacco segments (ST) to obtain a pair of single-length tobacco segments (ST), axially disperse the single-length tobacco segments (ST) from each other, and insert a corresponding double-length filter segment (SF) between the two tobacco segments (ST) that have been dispersed, so as to feed a series of double-segment groups (GS), each double-segment group being constituted by two tobacco segments (ST) separated by a double-length filter segment (SF); The connecting band forming unit (400) is configured to manufacture double connecting bands (F) each having a pair of second graphic designs (M2) arranged mirror-symmetrically with respect to each other, and apply the double connecting bands (F) to the outer surfaces of each double-segment group (GS) from the combination unit (300); The winding unit (500) is configured to manufacture a series of double-reel products (A), and includes or is followed by an auxiliary cutting device (501) configured to perform a cut midway along each double-reel product (A) to obtain a pair of single-length reel products (A), each single-length reel product (A) having a first graphic design (M1) on the tobacco side (P1) and a second graphic design (M2) on the filter side (P2); wherein the position and / or orientation of the first graphic design (M1) and the second graphic design (M2) of each double-reel product (A) are detected by the at least one sensor (600) located upstream or downstream of the auxiliary cutting device (501), and wherein the control unit (U) is configured to adjust the connecting band forming unit (400) based on the position and / or orientation deviation between the first graphic design (M1) and the corresponding second graphic design (M2) of a single double-reel product (A).

11. A method for manufacturing a cigarette (P) having a first graphic design (M1) on the tobacco side (P1) and a second graphic design (M2) on the filter side (P2) and aligned with the first graphic design (M1), the method being particularly implemented by a machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims; the method comprises the following steps: forming a series of tobacco segments (ST) by manufacturing a continuous rod (B) provided with a series of first graphic designs (M1) on its outer side and cutting the continuous rod (B) into tobacco segments (ST) each having at least one graphic design (M1) thereon; combining the series of tobacco segments (ST) with corresponding filter segments (SF) to form a series of segment groups (GS), each segment group including at least one tobacco segment (ST) and one filter segment (SF) joined end to end; feeding a continuous paper tape (SC) along a feed path via a feeding device (401), the continuous paper tape (SC) having a plurality of second graphic designs (M2) equally spaced longitudinally along the continuous paper tape (SC); The continuous paper tape (SC) is cut by a cutting and applying device (402) to obtain a series of connecting tapes (F), each connecting tape being provided with at least one of the plurality of second graphic designs (M2); Each connecting tape (F) is applied to a corresponding segment group (GS); Each connecting tape (F) is wound around a corresponding segment group (GS) to form a stable connection between the segments of each group, thereby obtaining a series of reel products (A); Via a sensor (600), the positions and / or orientations of the first graphic design (M1) and the second graphic design (M2) on each reel product (A) are detected; The steps of feeding the continuous paper tape (SC) and / or cutting the continuous paper tape (SC) are adjusted according to the position and / or orientation deviation between the first graphic design (M1) and the second graphic design (M2) detected by the sensor (600); the applying step is carried out by feedback control of a control unit (U) connected to the sensor (600) and the feeding device (401) and / or the cutting and applying device (402).

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the step of feeding the continuous paper tape (SC) is achieved by unwinding the tape from a reel (404) via an unwinding device (403), and wherein the step of adjusting the step of feeding the continuous paper tape (SC) is carried out by adjusting the unwinding device (403) according to the position and / or orientation deviation between the first graphic design (M1) and the second graphic design (M2), specifically adjusting the unwinding speed and / or the angular phase.

13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the step of feeding the continuous paper tape (SC) includes the step of changing the feeding speed of the end of the continuous paper tape (SC) in an alternating and rhythmic manner between a minimum value and a maximum value via an eccentric roller (405), the eccentric roller (405) being located upstream of the end of the continuous paper tape (SC), and wherein the step of adjusting the step of feeding the continuous paper tape (SC) is carried out by adjusting the position and / or rotation of the eccentric roller (405) according to the position and / or orientation deviation between the first graphic design (M1) and the second graphic design (M2), specifically adjusting its speed and phase.

14. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the step of adjusting the step of cutting the continuous paper tape (SC) is carried out by adjusting the cutting and applying device (402) according to the position and / or orientation deviation between the first graphic design and the second graphic design, specifically adjusting its speed and phase.

15. The method according to claim 14, comprising the step of monitoring, via the control unit (U), the trend of the position and / or orientation deviation between the first graphic design (M1) and the corresponding second graphic design (M2), specifically, such trend being determined as the deviation of a predetermined number of consecutive products detected, and wherein when the trend exceeds a predetermined threshold and / or is present in a minimum percentage of the web products (A), the step of starting to adjust the feeding and / or cutting steps is carried out.

16. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 15, wherein: The step of forming a series of tobacco segments (ST) is carried out by forming double-length tobacco segments (ST), each double-length tobacco segment having, on its outer surface, a pair of first graphic designs (M1) aligned with each other in the axial direction; The step of combining the tobacco segments (ST) with the filter segments (SF) is carried out as follows: transversely cutting each of the double-length tobacco segments (ST) in the middle to obtain a pair of single-length tobacco segments (ST), axially separating the single-length tobacco segments (ST) from each other, and inserting a corresponding double-length filter segment (SF) between the two separated tobacco segments (ST) to obtain a series of double-segment groups (GS), each double-segment group comprising two tobacco segments (ST) separated by a double filter segment (SF); The step of feeding the continuous paper web (SC) is carried out by feeding a continuous paper web (SC) with a width twice as large, such that each connecting strip (F) separated by the web has a width twice as large as suitable for connecting the tobacco segments (ST) and the double filter segments (SF) of each segment group (GS), each web product (A) thus having twice the length and being provided with a pair of first graphic designs (M1) and a pair of second graphic designs (M2); After the winding step, the following step is carried out: cutting each double-web product (A) in the middle to obtain a pair of single-length web products (A), each single-length web product having a first graphic design (M1) on the tobacco side (P1) and a second graphic design (M2) on the filter side (P2); wherein the position and / or orientation of the first graphic design (M1) and the second graphic design (M2) of each double-web product (A) are detected by the at least one sensor (600) located upstream or downstream of the cut made in the middle of the double-web product (A), and wherein the step of feeding the continuous paper web (SC) and / or the step of cutting the continuous paper web (SC) are carried out according to the position and / or orientation deviation between the first graphic design (M1) and the corresponding second graphic design (M2) of a single double-web product (A).

17. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 16, wherein in the step of feeding a continuous paper tape (SC) having a plurality of second graphic designs (M2) longitudinally equidistantly spaced along the continuous paper tape (SC), the continuous paper tape (SC) is unwound from a reel (404), and the continuous paper tape (SC) is provided with the second graphic designs (M2) pre-applied thereon.

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