PACK FOR CIGARETTES AND METHOD AND DEVICE FOR PRODUCING THE SAME

Description

[0001] The invention relates to packs for cigarettes having the features of the preamble of claim 1, a method for producing such packs having the features of the preamble of claim 11 and a manufacturing device having the features of the preamble of claim 17.

[0002] Sealed packs for cigarettes consist of a foil or sealing block as the inner pack and an outer pack, particularly in the hinged box design. The sealing block is equipped with an opening aid, with a reusable closure tab secured with a suitable adhesive that can be pulled into the open position and then back into the closed position. In the open position, a removal opening in the foil block is exposed.

[0003] Also known are packages in which a closure tab is connected to an opening tab provided in the film (EP1770015) or in which the closure tab is fixed to the inside of a lid (front wall of a hinged box) with an actuating tab. When the lid of the outer package is opened, the closure tab is thus (automatically) moved into the open position. When the lid is closed, the closed position is also created (WO 2013 / 120913).

[0004] WO 02 / 079051 A1 shows a dimensionally stable, cup-shaped inner part for cigarettes, produced in a complex deep-drawing process, the removal opening of which is covered by a closure label.

[0005] DE 20 2004 000 278 U1 shows a film pack for sanitary wet wipes, in the top of which a small-format closure element made of hard plastic by casting is embedded, covering a removal opening for the sanitary wet wipes, which comprises an essentially square frame and a lid held on the frame.

[0006] The object of the invention is to further develop and improve the technology with regard to the construction, functionality and production of sealed packs for cigarettes, in particular with regard to the structure of the opening aid.

[0007] To achieve this object, the package according to the invention is designed with the features of claim 1.

[0008] A special feature of this innovation is that the dispensing opening is not created when the package is first opened by removing an opening piece or opening tab from the (sealing) film. Rather, the film block is provided with a prefabricated dispensing opening. This is preferably created in the area of a (continuous) film web for the production of blanks for the film block, by cutting or punching in a position that corresponds to the actual packaging position.

[0009] The opening or dispensing opening is (completely) covered by a closure flap. Overlapping edges are bonded to an edge of the film surrounding the opening using permanent adhesive, preferably pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSA adhesives). The closure flap is preferably also positioned correctly in the area of the film web, either before or after the (dispensing) opening is created. A particularly advantageous method involves first applying the closure flap to the film web in the correct position for the package, and then creating an opening in the area of the closure flap, forming the dispensing opening of the package, by punching or laser cutting.

[0010] According to a further embodiment, the opening aid for the film or sealing block is integrated into the (laminate) film consisting of at least two layers or individual films. Of the layers or films, which are predominantly bonded to one another over their entire surface (by glue), one layer or individual film (on the outside of the film block) forms a closure flap, while the other (inner) layer or individual film forms the removal opening. In particular, an opening flap is formed by appropriate punching in the area of the inner layer or individual film. When the opening aid is activated, this opening flap, due to its connection to the closure flap of the other individual film, is brought into an open position and thus creates or releases the removal opening. A special feature of this design is the selected positioning of glue fields, in particular in a U-shaped surface structure, for the (detachable) connection of elements of the opening aid to one another.

[0011] A further special feature is that during the production of the blanks, in particular during the production of the continuous two- or multi-layer film, preparations are made in the area of each blank to be produced for an opening aid for the film block. In this case, structured glue patterns made of multi-action adhesive, in particular PSA adhesive, are applied to the individual film in the area of a removal opening to releasably fix the closure flap formed by the outer layer or individual film. Preferably, one or the inner individual film of the laminate film is provided with a particularly U-shaped weakening line or continuous punching to define an opening flap, which is provided with the surface adhesive for connecting the layers of the film or is connected to the outer layer and thus to a portion of the closure flap.

[0012] Another special feature of the opening aid is that a gripping or actuating tab at the end or edge, preferably extending across the full width of the closure flap, is adhesive-free and preferably single-layered. The actuating tab is, in particular, fixed to the inside of the front wall of a hinged-lid box via a glued joint, so that the closure flap moves into an open position when the lid is opened.

[0013] The method and device are used to apply opening aids of various designs to a continuous web or to a multi-layer web. The innovative special feature is that during the manufacturing process the (removal) opening is created or exposed in the area of the continuous film web. The web is scanned by suitable (optoelectronic) sensors which are able to check the presence of the opening, its correct formation and positioning. The effect of an (optoelectronic) sensor in the area of the film web following the application of the closure tab and the (removal) opening is particularly important. The sensor is arranged on the inside of the web and detects the presence of the closure tab precisely in the area of the opening by means of color and / or graphic contrasts between the free surface of the closure tab (in the area of the opening) and the surrounding film.

[0014] Furthermore, the closure tabs, preferably coated with glue (PSA glue), are attached to the web in the area of the openings (to be subsequently created). The correct positioning of the closure tabs is also checked by sensors placed at appropriate locations along the web.

[0015] Finally, complete, processable blanks are separated from the web, ensuring that the removal opening and the closure flap are positioned correctly.

[0016] Examples of the packages, packaging materials, and methods and devices are explained below using the drawings. It shows: Fig. 1 a foil block or sealing block with cigarettes in perspective view, Fig. 2 a complete (cigarette) pack in open position, also in perspective, Fig. 3 a front part of the pack according to Fig. 2in vertical section III-III, at an enlarged scale, Fig. 4 a representation analogous Fig. 3 for another embodiment, Fig. 5 shows a spread out blank for a foil block according to Fig. 1 in the execution according to Fig. 4 , Fig. 6a cross section VI-VI of the blank in Fig. 5 , on an enlarged scale, Fig. 7 a cigarette (sealing) block of another embodiment in perspective, Fig. 8 a (cigarette) pack with hinged box in open position in perspective view, Fig. 9 a blank for an inner pack or a foil block in the embodiment according to Fig. 7 , Fig. 10 a cross section XX of the blank according to Fig. 9 , on an enlarged scale, Fig. 11 shows a further embodiment of a (cigarette) pack with the lid of an outer pack open in perspective, Fig. 12 shows a vertical section of a lid-side area of the pack according to Fig. 11in the section plane XII-XII on an enlarged scale, Fig. 13 a blank for an inner pack or a foil block in the design according to Fig. 11, Fig. 12 , Fig. 14 a cross section XIV-XIV through the blank according to Fig. 13 on an enlarged scale, Fig. 15 a section of a device for producing film webs for the production of blanks according to Fig. 5 in perspective view, wherein, unlike the device according to the invention according to claim 17, it is provided that a punching to form a removal opening in the direction of movement of the film web takes place before the opening aid is applied to the film web, Fig. 16 a section analogous Fig. 15with a manufacturing alternative, wherein, unlike the device according to the invention according to claim 17, it is provided that a punching to form a removal opening in the direction of movement of the film web takes place before the opening aid is applied to the film web, Fig. 17 a section of a manufacturing device for blanks with the features of Fig. 4 , wherein, unlike the device according to the invention according to claim 17, it is provided that a punching to form a removal opening in the direction of movement of the film web takes place before the opening aid is applied to the film web, Fig. 18 a further embodiment of a device for preparing film webs in a schematic side view, Fig. 19 a section XIX of the device according to Fig. 18 on an enlarged scale.

[0017] The exemplary embodiments in the drawings relate to the design of packs for cigarettes 10. A formed group of cigarettes, namely one consisting of (several) rows, is the content of an inner pack, namely a foil block 11. This preferably consists of a blank 12 made of foil, in particular of a moisture- and aroma-tight foil. The group of cigarettes 10 is preferably completely enclosed by the blank, i.e. on all sides, and thus forms a sealing block with an inner front wall 13, an inner rear wall 14, inner side walls 15, an inner bottom wall 16 and an inner end wall 17. The blank 12 is designed or folded around the group of cigarettes 10 such that the inner end wall 17 is free of folds, thus forming a continuously closed wall. An opening aid 18 is attached in this area, which enables easy, in particular automatic, access to the pack contents.For this purpose, the film block 11 forms a removal opening 19 in the front area. The removal opening 19 preferably extends in the area of the inner end wall 17 and an adjoining, front-side section of the inner front wall 13. The removal opening 19 is preferably arranged centrally and is (significantly) narrower than the film block 11.

[0018] The dispensing opening 19 is—when the package is closed—covered by a closure means, in particular a closure tab 20. This preferably completely covers the dispensing opening 19 and preferably forms a strip-like projection all around with longitudinal strips 21 and transverse strips 22. An anchoring strip 23 is permanently connected to the film block 11, in particular as a leg of the closure tab 20 in the region of the inner rear wall 14. The aforementioned edge strips 21, 22, 23 are adhesively bonded to the film block 11, each in an edge strip surrounding the dispensing opening 19. At least the longitudinal strips 21 and the transverse strip 22 are fixed with a removable and multi-acting adhesive, in particular PSA adhesive.

[0019] The closure flap 20 is provided with a gripping or actuating flap 24 in one end region, namely in the region of a leg projecting into the inner front wall 13. This flap is free of glue at least on the side facing the inner front wall 13 and can thus be grasped. The actuating flap 24 preferably extends across the full width of the closure flap 20 as an edge strip thereof.

[0020] A special feature is that the actuating tab 24 in the illustrated embodiments is connected to a movable part of an outer package 25. The outer package here is a hinged box with a box part 26 and a lid 27. This lid is pivotally connected to the box part 26 in the area of a box rear wall 28 and a lid rear wall 29 via a linear joint 30.

[0021] The closure flap 20 is connected to the lid 27 in such a way that when the lid is opened, the closure flap 20 also comes into the open position ( Fig. 3, Fig. 4 ). For this purpose, the actuating tab 24 of the closure tab 20 is connected to the lid, namely to a lid front wall 31. In particular by glue or by a glue strip 32 extending in the longitudinal direction of the actuating tab 24. This is attached to the outside of the actuating tab 24. During manufacture of the pack or when inserting the film block 11 into the outer pack 25, the connection to the actuating tab 24 is established via the glue strip 32 in the closed position of the lid 27. Preferably, an inner lid tab 33 is attached to the inside of the lid front wall 31. The actuating tab 24 is (permanently) connected to this. When the lid 27 is closed, the closure tab 20 also returns to the closed position ( Fig. 1 ) back.

[0022] The foil block 11 is preferably designed as a sealing block, according to Fig. 1 with an envelope fold in the area of the inner side walls 15. Overlapping folding flaps, preferably in the form of an envelope fold, are also formed in the area of the bottom wall 16. The folding flaps are tightly connected to one another by thermal sealing. Furthermore, a support element is arranged within the film block 11, in particular a tray 34 of a known design, preferably with a front wall, side flaps, and bottom wall.

[0023] A special feature is that the removal opening 19 is free, i.e. without the opening flap 35 which is located in the area of the removal opening 19 during the preparation of the blank 12. This is part of the film in the area of the removal opening 19. In the embodiment according to Fig. 1 to Fig. 3the opening flap 35 is completely removed. The blank is therefore provided with a recess which forms the removal opening 19 in the finished package - film block 11. For this purpose, a punching precisely aligned to the design of the film block 11 is applied in the area of the unfolded blank, preferably in the area of a continuous film web 36 for producing the blanks 12, and in the embodiment of the Fig. 1 to 3 a punched hole closed around the perimeter, resulting in a substantially rectangular recess corresponding to the removal opening 19, particularly with slightly converging edges toward the actuating tab 24. The opening tab 35 is therefore a cut-out part and is eliminated.

[0024] Alternatively ( Fig. 4 , Fig. 5, Fig. 6), a U-shaped punch is made in the blank 12 or the film web 36 to form an opening. The resulting opening flap 35 remains connected to the blank 12 along an edge 37. The opening flap 35 is folded out of the area of the removal opening 19 and placed against a wall of the film block 11, in the present case ( Fig. 4 , Fig. 5 ) to the inside of the inner rear wall 14. Here, too, a free opening is formed as a removal opening 19. The opening flap 35 is preferably connected to the wall of the film block 11, in particular by gluing and / or by thermal sealing, in the present case with two sealing strips 38.

[0025] A special feature is the formation of the glue areas or the glue pattern for the (removable) connection of the closure flap 20 with the foil block 11. As can be seen in particular from Fig. 5As can be seen, the closure flap 20 is provided with a frame-like glue pattern surrounding the removal opening 19. This can be applied during production to the closure flap 20 (consisting of a separate blank) and / or to the blank 12.

[0026] The adhesive pattern (preferably PSA adhesive), in particular with longitudinal stripes 21, transverse stripes 22, and anchoring stripes 23, is designed with different adhesive strengths, depending on the stress during opening and closing of the film block 11. Preferably, at least the transverse stripe 22 is designed with a lower adhesive strength than the remaining sections of the adhesive pattern. In the present case, the initial legs 39 of the longitudinal stripes 21 are also designed with a lower adhesive strength, so that initiating the opening process for the closure tab 20 is made easier. The other parts of the adhesive pattern, namely the longitudinal stripes 21 and the transverse stripe 22, are designed with a higher holding force, preferably with the same holding force throughout. Alternatively, the anchoring strip 23 can be designed with an even higher holding force to ensure the permanent fixation of the opening tab 20 to the film block 11.

[0027] The different holding or connecting effects of the areas of the glue pattern can be achieved by appropriately selecting different types of glue and / or by different layer thicknesses and / or by different structures of the transverse strip 22 on the one hand and the longitudinal strip 21 on the other hand.

[0028] This design of the glue connection of the closure flap 20 with the film block 11 can also be used for conventional (sealed) packages and for packages corresponding Fig. 11 to Fig. 14 The conventional packages referred to may be those in which the opening flap 35 remains in the initial position and is connected to the closure flap 20.

[0029] For the foil block 11 according to Fig. 1, Fig. 2 and the corresponding cut 12 according to Fig. 5 the inner side walls 15 are formed by trapezoidal folding flaps. Fig. 7 to Fig. 10deals with an alternative design for the opening aid 18, as well as for the design of the foil block 11. This block has connecting seams in the area of the inner side walls 15, designed as a fin seam. Furthermore, the inner bottom wall 16 is free of folds. A transverse seam 40 is located in the area of an inner rear wall 14, particularly in the design as a fin seam.

[0030] In this embodiment, the opening aid 18 is designed so that the blank 12 ( Fig. 9 ) has a completely free removal opening 19 all around. Accordingly, a complete punching is made in the area of the film web 36, creating a (removal) opening 19. The resulting opening flap 35 is disposed of as waste. A free opening remains, in particular with opening edges converging toward the side of the actuating tab 24.

[0031] In the embodiments with a closure flap 20 made from a separate cut, the (PSA) adhesive is preferably applied to the inside of the closure flap 20. Preferably, a glue pattern is created in the form of a closed frame with the legs or strips 21, 22, 23. A central region of the closure flap 20 is glue-free and preferably provided with a print 61. The glue fields or strips are slightly recessed from the (removal) opening 19, so that a narrow, glue-free strip is preferably created all around, approximately 1.5 mm wide.

[0032] In the area of a glue-free part of the closure flap 20, namely in the area of the actuating flap 24, the glue patterns are applied to connect the actuating flap 24 to the inside of the lid front wall 31. Two alternatives are shown: A closed, continuous glue strip 32 can be applied. Alternatively, a number of adjacent glue points 41 can be used.

[0033] A special design with regard to the sealing block or foil block 11 and in particular in the area of the opening aid 18 is shown in Fig. 11 to Fig. 13 The film for the film block 11 is multi-layered, consisting in particular of two layers or individual films 42 and 43 ( Fig. 14 ). These layers or films 42, 43 are - predominantly - bonded together over their entire surface by a layer of glue 44 made of preferably non-removable glue, so that in this area the individual films 42, 43 form an inseparable film unit.

[0034] Preferably, at least one of the individual films 42, 43, in this case the inner individual film 43, is designed to be aroma- and moisture-tight, preferably by means of a (metallic) barrier layer 45 applied by vapor deposition. This layer is located within the multilayer film. The adhesive layer 44 thus connects the individual films 42, 43 in the area of the barrier layer 45.

[0035] The multilayer film constructed in the manner described can be provided with an opening aid 18 corresponding to the previous embodiments. However, the structure of the film allows for a specially designed opening aid 18, which is integrated into the film using the individual films 42, 43.

[0036] The closure flap 20 is formed by the outer individual film 42. The inner individual film 43 is processed such that it forms either an opening created during production as a removal opening 19 or an opening flap or opening tab 35 that can be removed with the help of the closure flap 20 during the opening process. This opening flap is connected, as shown, to the closure flap 20, preferably by full-surface adhesive (on the inside).

[0037] The opening aid 18 is located in the area of the blank 12 ( Fig. 13 ), but preferably during the production of the (multi-layer) film - film web 36 - by targeted application of different types of glue, by formation of glue-free areas between the individual films 42, 43 and by targeted application of dividing lines in the individual layers 42, 43.

[0038] The application of the opening aid 18 is integrated into the manufacturing process of the film or film web 36. Preferably, when joining the layers or individual films 42, 43, areas required for the functionality of the opening aid 18 are left out or simultaneously or staggered. In the present example, a preferably U-shaped area between the individual films 42, 43 is coated with removable adhesive (PSA adhesive), analogous to the described embodiment for forming longitudinal strips 21 and transverse strips 22. Alternatively, a partial or full coating of adhesive can be applied. Furthermore, a strip-shaped, rectangular free zone 46 is created for the application of the adhesive layer 44. There is no adhesive in this area, i.e., neither the adhesive layer 44 nor the (PSA) adhesive of the opening aid 18. This is where the grip or actuation tab 24 is located.

[0039] To form the closure flap 20 and / or opening flap 35, separating cuts or lines are applied in the area of the opening aid 18 to be produced, preferably in the film finished with respect to layers 42, 43, 44, 45. The separating lines applied only in the area of one layer are preferably produced by laser and are thus limited in terms of effectiveness to the respective layer.

[0040] The outer contour of the closure flap 20 consists of a preferably continuous, i.e. uninterrupted, essentially U-shaped cutting line 47 (only) in the area of the outer layer, i.e. the individual film 42. This cutting line extends with preferably approximately parallel legs in the area of the inner end wall 17 (at least partially) and an adjoining, end-side area of the inner front wall 13. In the embodiment of the Fig. 13The cutting line 47 runs with an end piece in the area of the inner rear wall 14. A transverse leg extends in the inner front wall 13 and delimits the actuating tab 24. The cutting line 47 determines the outer contour of the locking tab 20.

[0041] The inner individual film 43 forms the removal opening 19 by removing the opening flap formed by the individual film 43, which in the present example is connected to the closure flap 20, preferably by the correspondingly arranged adhesive layer 44. The contour of the opening flap 35 is determined by a preferably also approximately U-shaped weakening line 48, which is limited to the individual film 43 (including the thin barrier layer 45) by applying appropriate technology (laser). The weakening line 48 can be designed as a perforation - with residual connections - but preferably as a continuous cutting line. In the present case, the arrangement is such that the ends of the cutting line 47 on the one hand and the weakening line 48 on the other hand - in the area of the inner rear wall 14 - end adjacent to one another.

[0042] The glue pattern of the opening aid 18, i.e. the U-shaped glue pattern with longitudinal stripes 21 and transverse stripes 22, is designed with regard to the glue thickness in the manner described ( Fig. 5 ). The glue strips 21, 22 are dimensioned such that the cutting line 47 and the weakening line 48 - the latter completely - lie in the area of the glue pattern 21, 22, of course with the exception of the contour for the actuating tab 24. The glue field, preferably made of PSA adhesive, is, as can be seen from Fig. 13 and Fig. 14 visible, slightly wider than the distance between the cutting lines 47 and weakening lines 48, so that in this area the dividing lines are covered by the removable adhesive.

[0043] The opening aid thus formed can be operated manually (by grasping the actuating tab 24). In the present example, the actuating tab 24 is connected in the manner described to the inside of the lid 27 of an outer package 25 designed as a hinged box, thus ensuring automatic opening and closing. As can be seen in particular from Fig. 12 As can be seen, during the opening process in the area of the removal opening 19 to be produced, the (multi-layer) film is completely separated from the composite.

[0044] The outer packages 25 are preferably designed as rigid packages, in particular as hinge-lid boxes. These can be provided without a collar, but alternatively also with a conventional collar 49 ( Fig. 8). The collar is provided with a front-facing recess 50, which is delimited in the front area by lateral collar webs 51. Preferably, the recess 50—between the collar webs 51—is designed such that it extends to a closing edge 52 of the pack or box part 26. The closure tab 20 and, in particular, the actuating tab 24 are located in this area—between the collar webs 51.

[0045] For packs with the actuating tab 24 of the opening aid 18 fixed to the inside of the lid front wall 31, a contact pressure is preferably exerted on the outside of the lid front wall 31 after the pack has been completed, preferably in the area of a device (in particular a drying revolver). The pressure is transferred by a special pressure piece specifically to the lid front wall 31 in the area of the connection with the actuating tab 24 - with the lid 27 closed. In a pack with a collar 49, in the area between the collar webs 51. This makes it possible to use an inner lid flap 33 as the outer pack 25 for hinge-lid boxes, which preferably extends over the full (transverse) dimension of the lid front wall 31. A certain deformation of the lid front wall 31 is compensated by the restoring forces of the material after the pressure load has ended.

[0046] The opening aid is preferably produced completely in the area of a continuous film web 36. Fig. 15 and Fig. 16 concern different exemplary concepts for an opening aid according to Fig. 4 , Fig. 5 , i.e. with opening flaps 35 hanging on the blank 12. According to Fig. 15A shortened (residual) connection remains between the flap 35 formed by punching 53 and the film web 36, i.e., a shortened edge 37. The opening flap 35 is grasped during the transport of the film web 35, lifted, and folded over until it rests against the film web outside the area of the created removal opening 19. For this purpose, a front edge is lifted in the area of a deflection - deflection roller 54. The opening flap 35 can now be grasped by a lifting device, in this case a (curved) tapered lifting rail 55. As the film web 36 is transported, the flap 35 is lifted and finally folded over. This creates the precisely positioned removal opening 19 in the area of the web.

[0047] Subsequently, in this example, which is not encompassed by the invention, the closure tab 20 is applied to the film web 36 in the region of the removal opening 19 in precise alignment in the region of a vertical transport section of the film web 36. The closure tab 20 is pressed onto the film web 36 as a separate blank by a carrier web 56 in the region of an acute-angled deflection, specifically on the (outer) side of the film web opposite the tab 35. The film web 35 then reaches the area of a separating station 57. Here, the blanks 12 are successively severed from the web 36 by transversely directed separating knives 58.Alternatively, the film web 36 can be folded around a sequence of cigarette groups to form a continuous, tubular wrapper, from which packs - film block 11 - are separated by cross-section (in particular in conjunction with a sealing seam), in particular in the manner disclosed in WO 2014 / 195016.

[0048] A special feature is that the work on the film web 36, and in particular the exact positioning of elements of the opening aid 18, is monitored by monitoring devices. Sensors, in particular optoelectronic sensors 59, are preferably positioned in the vertical transport path of the film web 36 in the area of a control station. These sensors 59 are designed to detect the presence of the (removal) opening 19, both with regard to its correct relative position and its correct design (dimensions, contour). After passing the sensors 59, the correct arrangement of the opening 19 is assured.

[0049] Following the transfer station for the closure flaps 20, another (stationary) inspection station with sensors 60 is installed on both sides of the web 36. These (electro-optical) sensors also detect the presence of the closure flap 20 in the correct relative position. The free side of the closure flap 20 is preferably provided with a print 61, namely on the inside of the closure flap 20, with advertising and / or informative information that can be detected by the sensors 60.

[0050] The separating cut for producing the blanks 12 is preferably controlled by printing marks 62.

[0051] The film web 36 is also assigned a sealing element 63 for applying the sealing strips 38. In this case, it is a rotatable sealing wheel with several (parallel) sealing jaws 64 arranged along the circumference. This element can also be controlled by the sensors 59 if necessary.

[0052] The exemplary design according to Fig. 16 differs from the above

[0053] Example, in that the closure tabs 20 are already attached to the web 36 in a pre-arranged transfer station - in the area of the punching 53, which is particularly applied first. After that, the already described process for lifting the opening tab 35 and folding this tab 35 takes place. The film web is also provided with Fig. 16 Control elements (sensors) are assigned which check in particular the presence and correct formation of the opening 19 and the presence of the closure tab 20.

[0054] The exemplary device according to Fig. 17is designed to remove the opening tab 35, creating a (removal) opening 19 that is free on all sides. For this purpose, a punching unit 65 is preferably provided in the region of a horizontal transport path of the film web 36, which in this case consists of a punching roller 66 with a punching knife 67 and a counter-roller 68. The punching knife 67 is designed as a closed, approximately rectangular knife, which creates a corresponding opening 19 in the web 36 in a precisely positioned manner.

[0055] The web is then deflected. Inspection and control devices of the described design are positioned in the area of a vertical conveyor section, as well as a transfer station for applying the closure flap 20 in the area of the openings 19. The material pieces corresponding to the opening 19 created by the punching unit 65 in the punching station are removed, in this case by a collecting hopper 69, particularly with a suction effect.

[0056] A manufacturing technology according to the invention for the preparation of the film web 36 for producing cut-outs of the film packages is described in Fig. 18 and Fig. 19shown. The (sealing) film web 36 is preferably moved along upright and transverse transport tracks. A first (upright) track section 70 is provided for an upward movement of the web 36. This is deflected via deflection rollers 71, 72 into a preferably horizontal track section 73 and then back into a preferably downward track section 74. The closure tab 20 is preferably fed to the vertical track section 70 and applied to the film web 36 in a package-appropriate manner, preferably on the outer or upper side of the web. Preferably in the region of the horizontal track section 73 there is a special punching unit 65 with a punching roller 66, which preferably acts below the (horizontal) film web 36. A counter roller 68 is mounted above the web 36.

[0057] The blanks of the closure tabs 20 are preferably arranged close together on a continuous carrier web 56. This is drawn off from a reel 75. The carrier web 56 is fed to a transfer station 76. In this area, the closure tabs 20 are removed from the carrier web 56 and precisely transferred to the film web 36. For this purpose, the carrier web 56 is guided around an acute-angled deflection element 77, whereby the closure tab 20, which is adhesively adhered to the carrier web 56, is peeled off and transferred to the film web 36, which runs at an acute angle to a leg of the carrier web 56. The closure tab 20 is fixed in the exact position by a pressure roller 78. A counter-element, in this case a support plate 79, is located opposite the pressure roller 78.

[0058] In the subsequent punching or separating station or in the punching unit 65, a closed separating line is applied to the free (lower) side of the film web 36 in the area of the respective closure flap 20, preferably by punching, which cuts out a piece of film corresponding to the opening (removal opening 19) - opening flap 35. The punching unit 65 is precisely controlled such that the opening is created in precise alignment with the closure flap 20 outside the gluing process, namely by a separating cut exclusively in the area of the film web 36.

[0059] The punching roller 66 is provided along its circumference with preferably several, in particular two, punching units, i.e. corresponding groups of punching knives 80. These are preferably designed as a closed knife frame for producing a closed separating line in the film web 36.

[0060] The opening flap 35 is removed by suction. Preferably, the punching roller 66 is provided with suction holes 81 in the area of the punching blades 80. These (multiple) suction holes are located within the surface area of the opening flap 35, so that when negative pressure is applied, the opening flap is fixed to the circumference of the punching roller 66 and carried along as the roller rotates. Venting releases the opening flap 35 and allows it to be disposed of.

[0061] A special measure is provided for this purpose: A suction unit 82 is located on the underside of the punching roller 66 or below it. The suction holes 81 of the punching roller 66 are preferably controlled so that a switch to compressed air occurs in the lower range of the rotational movement. Compressed air is thus transmitted via the suction holes 81, which causes the opening flap 35 to be lifted and transferred to the suction unit 82. This unit receives the film piece 35 in a suction channel 83.

[0062] The film web prepared in this way is fed to a separating station in the manner described for producing the blanks or film packs.

[0063] The carrier web 56, freed from the closure flaps 20, is returned and picked up by a collecting reel 84. In this area, the carrier web 56 is driven without the closure flaps 20 by a drive roller 85. The carrier web 56 is thus pulled over the deflection element 77.

[0064] Monitoring and control elements are important for the correct positioning of the closure tab 20 and / or opening 19 in the preferably continuously driven film web 36. First, the precise positional transfer of the closure tab from the carrier web 56 to the film web 36 is monitored and controlled by sensors (not shown), preferably in conjunction with print marks on the film web 36. Then, during continued (continuous) transport of the film web 36, a first (optoelectronic) sensor 86 becomes active, preferably in the region of the upright web section 17, specifically on the side where the closure tab 20 is arranged. The sensor 86 is arranged and operates such that at least one, preferably transverse, edge of the closure tab 20 is detected. From this, a signal is derived for controlling the punching unit 65, namely with regard to a precise application of the dividing line for producing the opening 19.

[0065] A further sensor 87 is located downstream of the punching unit 65, specifically on the inside of the film web 36—preferably in the area of the downwardly directed web section 74—to detect the punched-out or opening formed. This sensor 87 also detects the presence of the closure tab 20 in an exact position relative to the (removal) opening 19. For this purpose, the free inside of the closure tab 20 is provided with markings and / or colorings that ensure fast, reliable detection by the sensor 87 compared to the differently designed film web 36. List of reference symbols 10 cigarette 50 recess 11 Foil block 51 collar stand 12 Cutting 52 Closing edge 13 Interior front wall 53 Punching 14 Interior rear wall 54 Deflection roller 15 Interior side wall 55 Lifting rail 16 Interior floor wall 56 Carrier web 17 Interior bulkhead 57 Separation station 18 Opening aid 58 Cutting knife 19 Removal opening 59 sensor 20 closure flap 60 sensor 21 longitudinal stripes 61 Oppression 22 horizontal stripes 62 Print mark 23 Anchoring strips 63 Seal organ 24 Actuating tab 64 Sealing jaw 25 Outer packaging 65 Punching unit 26 Box part 66 punching roller 27 Lid 67 Punching knife 28 Box back panel 68 Counter roller 29 Lid back wall 69 collecting funnel 30 Line joint 70 Railway section 31 Lid front wall 71 Deflection roller 32 glue strips 72 Deflection roller 33 Lid inner flap 73 Railway section 34 Tray 74 Railway section 35 Opening flap 75 Bobbin 36 film web 76 transmission station 37 edge 77 deflection device 38 Seal strip 78 pressure roller 39 Initial leg 79 support plate 40 Cross seam 80 Punching knife 41 Glue point 81 Suction bore 42 Single foil 82 Extraction unit 43 Single foil 83 Suction channel 44 glue layer 84 Collecting reel 45 barrier layer 85 drive roller 46 Free zone 86 sensor 47 Cutting line 87 sensor 48 Line of weakness 49 collar

Claims

1. A pack for cigarettes (10) or other smoking articles having an outer pack (25), preferably in the realization as a hinge-lid box / hinge-lid pack with a box part (26) and lid (27), as well as having an inner pack in the realization as a foil block with a blank (12) of foil which surrounds a cigarette group preferably on all sides, wherein the foil block (11) comprises an opening aid (18), preferably in the end-face region of an inner front wall (13) of the foil block (11) and at least in a part region of an inner end wall (17), wherein the opening aid (18) comprises a closure means, namely a closure tab (20), which is preferably arranged on the outside of the foil block and is fastened on the foil block (11) by means of releasable adhesion and for opening the foil block (11) is pulled at least in part away from said foil block and, as a result, exposes a removal opening (19) at least in part, wherein the closure tab (20) covers the removal opening (19) completely and on all sides in the closed position, preferably with an overlapping edge or overlapping strip (21, 22, 23) which extends all around, wherein the closure tab (20) is free of adhesives in the region of the removal opening (19), and wherein the closure tab (20) comprises a glue-free actuating tab (24) preferably in the region of the inner front wall (13), characterized by the following feature: the foil block (11) is provided with a free opening, namely a removal opening, which is produced during the production process, in particular by means of punching or cutting,.

2. The pack as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that to create the removal opening (19) preferably a foil blank (12) or a foil web (36) for producing the blanks (12) is provided with a removal opening (19) which is formed as a result, preferably, of punching, wherein an opening lug (35), which is created where applicable by the punching process, is completely removed or remains part of the blank (12) by means of an in particular edgeside connection and as a result of folding over is moved out of the region of the removal opening (19).

3. The pack as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the opening lug (35), which is connected to the blank (12), is folded against a wall of the foil block (11), in particular against the inside of an inner rear wall (14), wherein the opening lug (35) is fixed in the fold position, preferably as a result of thermal sealing and / or as a result of bonding.

4. The pack as claimed in claim 1 or in one of the further claims, characterized in that the gluing or the glue fields (21, 22, 23) applied in particular on the inside of the closure tab (20) for connection of the closure tab (20) to the foil block (11) comprises regions of varying intensity or strength of adhesion, in particular in such a manner that in a region of the opening start, when the closure tab (20) is actuated, a bonding zone is realized with a comparatively weaker degree of bonding, then a region with a comparatively stronger degree of bonding and a further region also with a higher degree of bonding.

5. The pack as claimed in claim 1 or in one of the further claims, characterized in that the closure tab (20) or the actuating tab thereof (24) is connected, in particular permanently, to the inside of a lid front wall (31) of the outer pack (25), preferably by means of a glue strip (32) and / or glue dots (41) on the free outside of the actuating tab (24).

6. The pack as claimed in claim 1 or in one of the further claims, characterized by the following features: a) the blank (12) for the foil block (11) consists of at least two layers or individual foils (42, 43) which are connected together in a flat and permanent manner, of which preferably at least one layer (42, 43) in particular one-sided metallization, b) the layers or individual foils (42, 43) are provided with part or separation cuts for forming an opening aid (18), in particular in such a manner that an in particular outer individual foil (42) comprises cutting lines (47) defined on the relevant individual foil (42) for defining the outer contour of the closure tab (20) which is formed, in particular exclusively, by the individual foil (42), c) the other, in particular inner, individual foil (43) is provided with cutting or tear lines (48) which are applied offset in relation to the cutting lines (47) of the individual foil (42) for defining an opening lug which is realized as part of the in particular inner individual foil (43).

7. The pack as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that the preferably continuous cutting line (47) for defining the closure tab (20) in the in particular outer individual foil (42) is realized in a U-shaped manner and preferably also defines the glue-free actuating tab (24) as part of the individual foil (42) and in that preferably the cutting or tear line (48) of the individual foil (43), which is arranged inside the U-shaped cutting line (47), is realized in an approximately U-shaped manner for defining the opening lug (35) preferably on three sides.

8. The pack as claimed in claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the flat gluing of the individual foils (42, 43) by means of a continuous glue layer produced from permanent glue is interrupted in the region of the opening aid (18), preferably in such a manner that in the region of the cutting lines (47) and of the tear lines (48), a preferably approximately U-shaped glue pattern is formed with longitudinal strips (21) and transverse strips (22) produced from releaseable glue, in particular PSA glue, for the releasable fixing of the closure tab (20) outside the region of the opening lug (35).

9. The pack as claimed in claim 6, 7 or 8, characterized in that the opening lug (35), which is formed by the inner individual foil (43), is fastened - in particular over the entire surface - by way of the continuous glue layer (44) to the inside of the closure tab (20) which is formed by the individual foil (42).

10. The pack as claimed in claim 1 or in one of the further claims, characterized in that the glue-free region of the closure tab (20) is greater than the region or the surface of the opening (19), in particular forming a glue-free strip with a width of approximately 1.5 mm which runs all around and surrounds the opening (19).

11. A method for producing packs for cigarettes or for other smoking articles having an outer pack (25), preferably in the realization as a hinge-lid box / hinge-lid pack with a box part (26) and lid (27), as well as having an inner pack in the realization as a foil block with a blank (12) of foil which surrounds a cigarette group preferably on all sides, wherein the foil block (11) comprises an opening aid (18), preferably in the end-face region of an inner front wall (13) of the foil block (11) and at least in a part region of an inner end wall (17), wherein the opening aid (18) comprises a closure means, namely a closure tab (20), which is preferably arranged on the outer side of the foil block and is fastened on the foil block (11) by means of releasable adhesion and for opening the foil block (11) is pulled at least in part away from said foil block and, as a result, exposes a removal opening (19) at least in part, wherein the closure tab (20) covers the removal opening (19) completely and on all sides in the closed position, preferably with an overlapping edge or overlapping strip (21, 22, 23) which extends all around, wherein the closure tab (20) is free of adhesives in the region of the removal opening (19), and wherein the closure tab (20) comprises a glue-free actuating tab (24) preferably in the region of the inner front wall (13), wherein largely finished packs, namely foil blocks (11) are cut from a continuous, hose-like wrapping formed from a foil web (26) or blanks (12) are cut from a foil web (36) and are then folded around the pack contents, characterized by the following features: a) the foil web (36) is provided with recesses or openings, which are formed as a result of separation processes, in particular as a result of cutting or punching, and serve as a removal opening (19) of the foil block (11), b) the recesses or openings are arranged on the continuous foil web (36) at spacings from one another which correspond to the position of the removal opening (19) on the pack for the foil block (11) or for a blank (12) to be separated off.

12. The method as claimed in claim 11, characterized in that the blank, namely the opening lug (35), which is generated for forming the recess or removal opening, is separated out of the foil web (36) and removed as a result of said foil web being correspondingly punched out completely, in particular as a result of suctioning out or as a result of suctioning onto a conveyor and subsequent ejection, preferably by means of compressed air.

13. The method as claimed in claim 11, characterized in that the removal opening (19) is produced in the foil web (36) as a result of part punching, in particular as a result of U-shaped punching, in such a manner that the opening lug (35) remains on the foil web (36) with a part or residual connection, wherein the opening lug (35) is folded over to expose the removal opening (19) against the foil web (36) outside the region of the opening (19) and is preferably connected to the foil web (36), in particular as a result of bonding and / or thermal sealing.

14. The method as claimed in claim 11 or in one of the further claims, characterized in that the closure tab (20), which consists of a separate blank, is placed onto the (subsequent) outside of the blank (12) or of the foil web (36), preferably prior to providing a separation cut or a punching for the removal opening (19), wherein the (separate) closure tab (20) is provided with a U-shaped or with a frame-shaped glue pattern produced from releasable (PSA) glue, in such a manner that the closure tab (20) is connected to the foil web (36) exclusively outside the opening of the foil web (36) which forms the removal opening (19).

15. The method as claimed in claim 11 or in one of the further claims, characterized in that the position and realization of the removal opening (19) and of the closure tab (20) provided in the region of the removal opening (19) is checked by sensors in the region of the continuous foil web (36), in particular by an preferably opto-electronic sensor (87), which is preferably positioned in particular in an immovable manner on the side of the foil web (36) remote from the closure tab (20) and detects the region of the removal opening (19) with closure tab (20), wherein preferably at least the region of the closure tab (20) that can be seen in the region of the removal opening (19), particular on the inside of same, is provided with markings and / or flat colourings which form a contrast to the foil web (36) at least in a region surrounding the removal opening (19) and are thus detected by the sensor (87).

16. The method as claimed in claim 11 or in one of the further claims, characterized by the following features: a) the correct positioning of the closure tab (20) as a result of transfer onto the continuous foil web (36) is checked by sensors, in particular in connection with print marks on the foil web (36), b) the position of the closure tab (20) on the foil web (36) is then checked by preferably opto-electronic sensors (86), preferably by scanning at least one edge of the closure tab (20) abutting against the foil web (36), wherein the scanned data serve for controlling a subsequent punching unit (65).

17. An apparatus for producing packs (11) for cigarettes or other smoking articles from a blank (12) which wraps around the pack contents thereby forming a foil block (11), in particular a sealing block, wherein the foil block (11) comprises an opening aid (18), preferably in the end-face region of an inner front wall (13) of the foil block (11) and at least in a part region of an inner end wall (17), wherein the opening aid (18) comprises a closure means preferably provided on the outside of the foil block, namely a closure tab (20), which is fastened on the foil block (11) by means of releasable adhesion and for opening the foil block (11) is pulled at least in part away from said foil block and, as a result, exposes a removal opening (19) at least in part, wherein largely finished packs, namely foil blocks (11), are separated by means of a transversely directed separation cut from a continuous hose-shaped wrapping formed from a foil web (36) or blanks (12) are separated from a foil web (36) and are then folded around the pack contents, and wherein in a transfer station (76) blanks of the closure tab (20) are transferable in a relative position appropriate for the pack from a carrier belt (56) onto the foil web (36), characterized by the following features: a) a punching unit (65) serves for making punch or separation lines for producing an opening (19) in the foil web (36), said opening forming the removal opening (19) of the foil block, namely by making a closed separation cut thereby forming a free opening lug (35), b) the punching unit (65) is arranged downstream of the transfer station (76) in the movement direction of the foil web (36) in such a manner that, in the region of the punching unit (65), the free opening lug (35) in the region of the closure tab (20) abutting against the foil web (36) is detachable and removable, preferably as a result of suction onto a punch roller (66) of the punching unit (65).