Method and device for handling packs for products of the cigarette industry

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and a device for handling packs (10) for products of the cigarette industry. The device is designed to transport packs (10) in a conveyor direction along a conveyor section (16) using a conveyor means (15) which is preferably continuously driven, and a device (18) for applying print carriers (75) is arranged along the conveyor section (16) in order to provide the packs (10) with print carriers (75), in particular banderoles, labels, coupons, or the like, on at least one lateral surface, wherein the device is designed to move the packs (10) into a suitable relative position in order to apply a print carrier (75). According to the invention, while being transported on the conveyor means (15), the packs (10) are held by holding means (17) paired with the conveyor means (15), in particular by drivers of the conveyor means (15), on two opposite lateral surfaces, in particular on one lateral surface which is arranged upstream in the conveyor direction and one lateral surface which is arranged downstream in the conveyor direction, preferably on an end face and a base face of the packs (10), and the conveyor section (16) is equipped with at least one guide (70), preferably a stationary guide, on which the packs (10) lie while being transported and on which the packs can be rotated by means of a corresponding course of the guide (70) in the conveyor direction such that the respective pack lateral surface designed for applying the print carrier (75) faces the device (18) for applying print carriers (75).

Description

[0001] Device and method for handling packages for products of the cigarette industry

[0002] Description

[0003] The invention relates to a device for handling packs for products of the cigarette industry, wherein the device is configured to transport packs along a conveyor path by a preferably continuously driven conveyor in a conveying direction, and wherein a device for applying printing media is arranged along the conveyor path in order to provide the packs with printing media, in particular banderoles, labels, coupons or the like, on at least one side surface, and wherein the device is configured to move the packs into a suitable relative position for applying a printing media, according to the preamble of claim 1. Furthermore, the invention relates to a corresponding method according to the preamble of claim 15.

[0004] For the purposes of the application, products of the cigarette industry are understood to include tobacco products such as cigarettes, cigarillos and the like, but also novel tobacco products such as heat-not-burn products or liquid carriers for e-cigarettes.

[0005] EP 2 421 760 B1 and WO 2019 / 042775 A1 disclose a device for applying print media. In this device, the packages are transported along a conveyor and pivoted by means of a holder to align the side surface of the packages intended for the application of the banderol so that the print media can be applied. A pivoting mechanism for the holder is used for this purpose. A disadvantage of these solutions is the complex design of the device. In addition, a lot of space is required for the necessary pivoting mechanism and the corresponding gear, which counteracts a compact design. Furthermore, the solutions are ultimately rather inflexible, since the print media can only ever be applied to the side surface exposed in the holder. If the print media is to be applied to a different side surface, extensive modifications are necessary.

[0006] WO 2016 / 124313 A1 discloses a device for applying print media, in which the packages are transported along a conveyor. Several devices for applying the print media to the packages are positioned along the conveyor so that, depending on the desired placement of the print media, appropriate application to the packages is possible using one of the devices. A disadvantage of this solution is that several devices for applying the print media are required to flexibly apply the print media to different side surfaces of the packages.

[0007] Based on this, the invention is based on the object of further developing devices and methods of the type mentioned at the outset, in particular with regard to the most flexible possible attachment of the printing carriers to different side surfaces of packages while at the same time requiring little construction effort.

[0008] A device according to the invention has the features of claim 1. It is accordingly provided that the packages are held during transport on the conveyor on two opposite side surfaces, in particular on a side surface located upstream in the conveying direction and on a side surface located downstream in the conveying direction, preferably on an end face and a bottom face of the packages, by holding means assigned to the conveyor, in particular by drivers of the conveyor, and that at least one preferably stationary guide is arranged along the conveyor path, against which the packages rest during transport and which, due to a corresponding course of the guide, can be rotated in the conveying direction such that the side surface of the respective package intended for applying the printing media faces the device for applying printing media.

[0009] In other words, the packs held between the holding means are rotated on a correspondingly shaped guide during transport in the conveying direction through the system so that the pack faces the device for applying the printing media with the desired side surface. According to a preferred embodiment, the conveying means can be designed as an endless conveyor, and the packs can be fed between two carriers projecting radially relative to the endless conveyor in the region of a deflection, in particular in the region of a deflection roller, and are then held by the two carriers along a straight conveying path following the deflection.

[0010] Furthermore, it can be provided that a first turning wheel is arranged upstream of the conveyor, which is designed to transfer individual packages to the conveyor. The turning wheel enables the packages to be fed to the conveyor in such a way that the printing media can be applied to any side surface of the packages. This also eliminates the need for multiple devices for applying the printing media. The turning wheel also allows the packages to be transported on the conveyor in the longitudinal or transverse direction.

[0011] In particular, it can further be provided that a second turning wheel is arranged following the conveyor line, which is designed to take over the packages provided with a printing carrier from the conveyor means, wherein the turning wheel is arranged in the region of a further deflection, in particular in the region of a deflection roller, of the conveyor means and takes over the packages there.

[0012] A special feature may be that the packages are held in the area of ​​the conveyor line, preferably by clamping two holding means, in particular carriers, whereby the distance between the holding means, in particular carriers, is (slightly) smaller than a corresponding dimension of the respective package in the conveying direction. In this way, the packages can be securely held between the holding means in the conveyor line or during rotation.

[0013] Preferably, the holding means can be provided with a contact surface against the packages, wherein the contact surface of the holding means, in particular the catches, is smaller than the corresponding side surface of the packages against which the holding means, in particular the catches, respectively rest. Preferably, the contact surfaces are relatively small, so that only little friction occurs when the packages are rotated, thus protecting the package material.

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment, it can be provided that the contact surface of the holding means, in particular the driver, has a diameter of 5 mm to 15 mm, in particular of 8 mm to 12 mm, preferably of (approximately) 10 mm.

[0015] According to a preferred embodiment, it can be provided alternatively or additionally that the contact surface of the holding means, in particular the drivers, is smaller than 15% of the size of the corresponding side surface of the packages against which the holding means, in particular drivers, respectively bear, in particular between 1% and 12%, preferably between 4% and 8%, most preferably (approximately) 6%.

[0016] Furthermore, it can be provided that the contact surface of the holding means, in particular the driver, is flat or (slightly) curved.

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment, it can be provided that the packs, which are each held by two holding means, in particular by drivers, preferably in a clamping manner, are rotatable about an axis which is predetermined by the respective contact points of the holding means, in particular the drivers, on the packs and runs along the conveying direction, preferably parallel thereto.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment of the device, it can be provided that the device for attaching printing carriers is arranged adjustable relative to the conveying means or the conveying path, in particular longitudinally and transversely thereto.

[0019] A further special feature may be that a first control device is provided upstream of the device for applying print carriers, which is designed to check whether individual packages are already provided with a print carrier, so that the device for applying print carriers is blocked for that package.

[0020] Another or further special feature may consist in the provision of a second control device downstream of the device for applying printing media, which is designed to check the correct positioning of the printing media on the packages.

[0021] Furthermore, it can be provided that the guide extends (only) into the area of ​​the device for applying print media, or that the guide extends beyond the device for applying print media, or that another guide extends adjacent to the device for applying print media. A device extending beyond the device for applying print media can be used to further rotate the packs, for example, into their original relative position.

[0022] A method according to the invention has the features of claim 15. It is accordingly provided that the packages are held (exclusively) by holding means, in particular drivers, of the conveyor during transport on the conveyor on two opposite side surfaces, in particular on a side surface located upstream in the conveying direction and on a side surface located downstream in the conveying direction, preferably on the front side and the bottom side of the packages, and that the packages each held by the holding means, in particular drivers, are rotated during transport by contact with at least one guide with a corresponding course in the conveying direction in such a way that the side surface of the respective package intended for applying the printing media faces the device for applying printing media.

[0023] Preferably, it is provided that the packages are rotated (back) into the original relative position after the printing carriers have been applied, or are rotated into a relative position suitable for further processing, in particular by resting on at least one or the guide during transport on the conveyor means.

[0024] Furthermore, it can be provided that the packs are rotated about an axis which is predetermined by the respective contact points of the holding means, in particular drivers, on the packs and which runs along the conveying direction, preferably parallel thereto. In a preferred embodiment, it can be provided that the conveying means is designed as an endless conveyor, and that the packs are fed in the region of a deflection, in particular in the region of a deflection roller, between two holding means, in particular drivers, which project radially relative to the endless conveyor and are then held along a straight conveying path following the deflection by the two holding means, in particular drivers. It can be provided that the packs are transferred to the endless conveyor via a first turning wheel.

[0025] Furthermore, it can preferably be provided that the packages provided with a printing carrier are transferred to a second turning wheel, which takes over the packages from the holding means, in particular drivers, in the region of a further deflection, in particular in the region of a deflection roller, of the conveying means.

[0026] A further special feature may be that a first control device positioned upstream of the device for applying print carriers checks whether individual packages are already provided with a print carrier, so that the device for applying print carriers is blocked for this package.

[0027] Additionally or alternatively, it may be provided that the correct positioning on the packages is checked using a second control device positioned downstream of the device for applying print carriers.

[0028] A preferred embodiment of the invention is described below with reference to the drawings. It shows:

[0029] Fig. 1 shows a first part of an apparatus for producing packs for products of the cigarette industry in a schematic side view,

[0030] Fig. 2 shows a second part of the device in a further schematic side view, Fig. 3 shows an area III of the device according to Fig. 1 on an enlarged scale,

[0031] Fig. 4 is a horizontal section through the device along section line IV - IV in Fig. 3,

[0032] Fig. 5 is a horizontal section through the device along section line V - V in Fig. 3,

[0033] Fig. 6 shows a detail VI of the device according to Fig. 3 on an enlarged scale,

[0034] Fig. 7 is a horizontal section through the device along section line VII - VII in Fig. 6,

[0035] Fig. 8 an alternative solution according to the representation in Fig. 7,

[0036] Fig. 9 is a horizontal section through the device along section line IX - IX in Fig. 3, and

[0037] Fig. 10 is a vertical section through the device along section line X - X in Fig. 9.

[0038] The invention relates to the handling of packs 10 for products of the cigarette industry. Figures 1 and 2 show parts of a packaging machine for such packs 10. These show individual steps that follow the actual production of the packs 10. These steps are as follows:

[0039] The packages 10 are transferred by means of a feed conveyor to an accumulation belt 11 and in this way to a transfer station 12. The accumulated packages 10 are then transferred from the transfer station 12 to a separation station 13 and are thereby spaced apart from one another and thus separated.

[0040] After being separated, the packs 10 are transferred to a conveyor 15 by means of a turning wheel 14 and transported along a conveyor line 16. During transport along the conveyor line 16, the packs 10 are held between two holding means 17 of the conveyor 15. In the area of ​​the conveyor line 16, a device 18 for applying print carriers is arranged, which serves to apply print carriers to a side surface of the packs 10. In order to align the packs 10 so that a specific side surface faces the device 18, the packs 10 held by the holding means 17 are rotated during transport, namely with the aid of a stationary guide. At the end of the conveyor line 16, a second turning wheel 19 is arranged, which serves to remove the packs 10 from the conveyor 15 and feed them to a removal device 20.

[0041] Sensors 21 are used to detect the presence of the packages 10 between the holding means 17. Sensors 22 are used to detect the edges of the packages 10. The device 18 is controlled via the detected edges. Cameras 23 are used to check whether the packages 10 already contain printed media, whereas cameras 24 are used to check the correct position of the printed media on the package.

[0042] In the next step, the packs 10 are wrapped in a blank for an outer wrap. A corresponding material web 26 for the outer wrap is guided over deflection rollers 27. A tear-open thread 29 is unwound from a reel 28 and attached to the material web 26. The tear-open thread 29 and the material web 26 with the attached tear-open thread 29 are each guided over loop boxes 30, 31 as buffers. An ultrasonic sensor 32 is arranged in the area of ​​the second loop box 31. This sensor serves to monitor the formation of the loop in the loop box 31. Via a print mark sensor 33 and a splice sensor 34, the material web 26 enters a so-called film device 35 with feed rollers 36 for conveying the material web 26, a U-knife 37, and a thread position sensor 38.The U-blade 37 serves to form a U-cut for a gripping tip of the tear-open thread 29, whereas the thread position sensor 38 serves to monitor the position of the tear-open thread 29 on the material web 26. The material web 26 is held in an upright plane in the area of ​​a suction box 40 via suction belts 39 and separated by means of a cutting unit 41. The packs 10, fed via an infeed belt 42, are pushed into a sealing turret 44 by a pusher 43, taking with them the severed blank of the material web 26. There, the blanks are placed around the packs 10 with the assistance of an underfolder 45, sealed in several sealing stations 46 and transferred to another infeed belt 47.

[0043] The illustration of the infeed belt 47 is continued in Fig. 2. Accordingly, the packs 10 are transported by the infeed belt 47 into the area of ​​a vertical conveyor 48, which serves to transport the packs 10 in two lanes to a higher conveyor track. In the area of ​​the vertical conveyor 48, a stitching heater 49 for the top and bottom sides of the packs 10 is provided, as well as heating cassettes 50. Following the infeed belt 47, the packs 10 can be discharged via an ejection chute 51.

[0044] In the higher conveyor track, the packs 10 are transported on a track plate 52, namely first with an upper belt 53 and then with a lower belt 54. With the help of heating elements 55 of a side heater 56, the top and bottom sides of the packs 10 are heated, whereas with shrink heaters 57, 58 the large side surfaces of the packs 10 are heated.

[0045] Following the lower belt 54 or the conveyor plate 52, the packages 10 are transported by a belt conveyor 59. In the area of ​​an ejection station 60, several ejectors 61 are provided to convey any defective packages 10 into an ejection chute 62. The packages 10 not rejected are transferred to a subsequent discharge belt 63, which can lead, for example, to a cartoner.

[0046] Fig. 3 shows a section of the representation according to Fig. 1 , namely in an area which is of importance for the present invention.

[0047] After their production, the packs 10 are moved into a jam at the transfer station 12, i.e., brought into a sealed position. The jam is cleared again in the subsequent singling station 13. For this purpose, the packs 10 are transferred by means of an accelerator roller 64 to a suction box 65 with suction belts 66, and with these, they are conveyed between the adjacent cam belts 67 of the singling station 13. The cam belts 67 move at a constant machine speed. By varying the pitch and / or conveying distance of the cam belts 67 relative to each other per cycle, the packs 10 are centered between the cams of the cam belts 67 and guided to a transfer area of ​​the turning wheel 14. This turning wheel 14 picks up the packs 10 (using vacuum) and subsequently transfers them to the conveying means 15 according to the invention.Such a reversing wheel is known from WO 2019 / 042775 A1, to which reference is made for the purpose of complete disclosure.

[0048] To ensure synchronous transfer between the cam belt 67 and the reversing wheel 14, they are coupled to each other (mechanically, electrically, or otherwise). Both the reversing wheel 14 and the subsequent conveyor 15 are preferably driven by servo motors.

[0049] During the transfer of the packages 10 to the conveyor 15, the packages 10 can be rotated as desired by the turning wheel 14. This allows the packages 10 to be aligned longitudinally or transversely to the further transport direction.

[0050] The conveying means 15 has an endless conveyor 68, on which a plurality of paired carriers are mounted as holding means 17. The spacing between the holding means 17 is determined such that a package 10 is held between them in a form-fitting manner (see Fig. 6). The holding means 17 are designed such that they have only a small contact surface on the sides of the package. This combination enables, on the one hand, secure guidance of the package 10 (through form-fitting) throughout the entire transport process. On the other hand, the small contact surface ensures low frictional forces during the turning process (protecting the material).

[0051] As an alternative to the carriers shown, pivotally mounted receivers 69 can be provided. These receivers 69 are freely rotatable about an axis in the transport direction and / or additionally adjustable along this axis (see Fig. 10). This allows the individual distances between the receivers 69 to be adjusted for small changes in the pack dimensions. The transfer point between the turning wheel 14 and the conveyor 15 is located in the deflection area of ​​the endless conveyor 68. The deflection of the endless conveyor 68 increases the distances between the holding means 17, so that the packs 10 do not have to be pushed between them using force. Before the turning wheel 14 completely releases the pack 10, the holding means 17 of the endless conveyor 68 are brought together again following the deflection area. In this way, the packs 10 are then held in the straight conveyor section 16 with a positive fit between the holding means 17 (see Fig. 3 and Fig. 6).

[0052] On their further transport path, the packs 10 pass through a guide 70 (see Fig. 3 and Fig. 6). The guide 70 is shaped such that it aligns the pack 10 according to its desired position (see Fig. 4 and Fig. 5). Due to the design of the guide 70 and in interaction with the endless conveyor 68, the packs 10 can be rotated as desired, which enables flexible alignment. This path makes it possible to place the print carrier 75 on different surfaces of the packs 10. The axis around which the packs 10 are rotated by means of the guide 70 runs through the two holding means or their contact points and thus in the conveying direction.

[0053] In the illustrated embodiment, the guide 70 is formed by two members between which the packs 10 are held. The guide has an opening 76 on the underside through which the holding means 17 can pass. A slot-like opening 76 is also formed on the top side, at least in the area of ​​the device 18, to allow the printing supports 75 to be attached. A lateral opening is also conceivable, allowing the printing supports 75 to be attached laterally in the variant according to Fig. 8.

[0054] In the present embodiment, the guide 70 extends over essentially the entire conveyor section 16 between the two turning wheels 14, 19. In this way, the guide 70 can be used to bring the packs 10 into the correct position relative to the device 18 for attaching the printing carriers 75 and then rotate them back to their original starting position or to another position. If this does not appear necessary in the individual case, the guide 70 can, for example, also end after the device 18. A special feature exists with regard to the contact surface with which the holding means 17 bear against the packs 10. This contact surface should be small in order not to damage the packs 10 during rotation. In the present embodiment, the diameter of the contact surface is approximately 10 mm. It is understood that the size of the contact surface depends not least on the size of the side surface of the packs 10 against which the holding means 17 bear.

[0055] The print media transfer or placement takes place by means of the device 18 for applying print media 75, which is known, for example, from WO 2019 / 042775 A1 and to which reference is made for the purpose of complete disclosure (see Fig. 6 and Fig. 7). The print media 75 are held on a rotating suction roller 71 and provided with adhesive, for example hot melt, by a gluing station 72. Optionally, a pressure roller 73 and a folder 74 for the print media 75 can also be provided (see Fig. 6), which presses the print media 75 after it has been placed against the respective pack 10 or folds it around a pack corner. Both elements can be locked unless they are required for applying the print media 75 (e.g., when applying a print media 75 without folding).

[0056] The entire device 18 and the pressure roller 73 and / or the folder 74 are adjustable vertically and parallel to the endless conveyor 68 (see double arrows in Fig. 7). This allows the position of the device 18 to be adjusted depending on the package orientation and format.

[0057] Furthermore, it is conceivable that one or more further adjustable devices 18 are provided (see Fig. 8) to apply additional printing media 75 to the packages 10. It is also conceivable to apply coupons and labels, etc., using the corresponding devices.

[0058] Camera systems can be provided within the conveyor line 16. One of these systems 23 can be installed upstream of the device 18 (see Fig. 3). It is used to detect print media 75 already present on packages 10. This can be the case if packages 10 already provided with print media 75 have been introduced into the process beforehand (e.g., inserted by hand). The second camera system 24 (see Fig. 3) is arranged downstream of the device 18 and is used to check the correct position of the print media 75 on the packages 10. Furthermore, sensors 21, 22 are provided in the conveyor line 16 (see Fig. 3, Fig. 5 and Fig. 6). The first sensor 21 (see Fig. 5) is used to check the presence of packages 10 and is arranged in the transfer area between the turning wheel 14 and the conveyor means 15. If a defective package is detected, it can trigger error messages and / or the downstream components (e.g.Device 18) must be blocked (stop of the print carrier support in the mispack area).

[0059] The second sensor 22 (see Fig. 6) is used to detect the edges of the conveyed packs 10. The movements of the device 18 (e.g. correct time and correct rotational speed for printing carrier application) and the folder 74 (precise folding and pressing of the printing carrier 75) are controlled via the detected edge. It should also be mentioned that not only the sensor 22 can be used for positioning. This is because the position of the printing carrier 75 in the device 18 is also determined as a second parameter for controlling the device 18 for positioning the printing carriers 75 on the packs 10. If the printing carrier 75 is incorrectly positioned on the suction roller 71, e.g., is leading or lagging behind, this is also used to control the device 18.

[0060] Following the print media placement, the orientation of the packs 10 can be rotated again using the guide 70 (see Fig. 9). Finally, the downstream turning wheel 19 picks up the packs 10 and transfers them to the removal conveyor 20 (see Fig. 3) for further processing (see Fig. 2).

[0061] This second turning wheel 19 is functionally identical to the first turning wheel 14. In the deflection area of ​​the endless conveyor 68, where the holding means 17 are spaced apart again, the turning wheel 19 sucks in the package 10 released thereby and then holds it alone. The package 10 can also be rotated, as described above. The orientation of the package 10 depends on how the subsequent process requires the package 10.

[0062] For a fundamental change in the orientation of the packages 10 (e.g., a package perpendicular to the transport direction), a change of the endless conveyor 68 is necessary to adjust the spacing of the holding means 17. Furthermore, the guide 70 must be adjusted. Such a change or adjustment is necessary, for example, if the printing carriers 75 are to be placed on the sides of the package 10 that served as clamping surfaces in the configuration described above.

[0063] *****

[0064] List of reference symbols

[0065] 10 pack of 43 inserts

[0066] 11 storage belt 44 sealing revolver

[0067] 12 Transfer station 45 Unterfalter

[0068] 13 Separation station 46 Sealing station

[0069] 14 Turning wheel 47 Infeed belt

[0070] 15 conveyors 48 vertical conveyors

[0071] 16 Conveyor line 49 Staple heating

[0072] 17 holding means 50 heating cassettes

[0073] 18 Equipment 51 Ejection chute

[0074] 19 Turning wheel 52 Track plate

[0075] 20 removal 53 upper belt

[0076] 21 Sensor 54 Lower Belt

[0077] 22 Sensor 55 Heating element

[0078] 23 Camera 56 Side heating

[0079] 24 Camera 57 Shrink heater

[0080] 26 Material web 58 Shrink heating

[0081] 27 Deflection pulley 59 Belt conveyor

[0082] 28 Bobine 60 Ejection station

[0083] 29 Tear-off thread 61 Ejector

[0084] 30 Loop box 62 Ejection chute

[0085] 31 Loop box 63 Push-off belt

[0086] 32 Ultrasonic sensor 64 Accelerator roller

[0087] 33 Print mark sensor 65 Suction box

[0088] 34 Splice sensor 66 Suction belt

[0089] 35 film apparatus 67 cam belt

[0090] 36 Feed roller 68 Endless conveyor

[0091] 37 U-knife 69 transducer

[0092] 38 Thread position sensor 70 Guide

[0093] 39 Suction belt 71 Suction roller

[0094] 40 Suction box 72 Glue station

[0095] 41 Cutting unit 73 Pressure roller

[0096] 42 Infeed belt 74 Folder 75 Printing carrier

[0097] 76 Opening

Claims

Patent claims 1. Device for handling packages (10) for products of the cigarette industry, wherein the device is configured to transport packages (10) along a conveyor path (16) by means of a preferably continuously driven conveying means (15) in a conveying direction, and wherein a device (18) for applying printing carriers (75) is arranged along the conveyor path (16) in order to provide the packages (10) with printing carriers (75), in particular bands, labels, coupons or the like, on at least one side surface, and wherein the device is configured to move the packages (10) into a suitable relative position for the application of a printing carrier (75), characterized in that the packages (10) are printed on two opposite side surfaces during transport on the conveying means (15), in particular on a side surface located upstream in the conveying direction and on a side surface located downstream in the conveying direction,preferably at an end face and a bottom face of the packages (10), are held by holding means (17) associated with the conveying means (15), in particular by carriers of the conveying means (15), and that at least one preferably stationary guide (70) is arranged along the conveying path (16), against which the packages (10) rest during transport and which are rotatable in the conveying direction by a corresponding course of the guide (70) such that the side surface of the respective package intended for the attachment of the pressure carriers (75) faces the device (18) for attaching pressure carriers (75).

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the conveying means (15) is designed as an endless conveyor (68), and that the packs (10) can be fed in the area of ​​a deflection, in particular in the area of ​​a deflection roller, between two carriers projecting radially towards the endless conveyor (68) and then along a straight conveying path adjoining the deflection (16) are held by the two drivers each.

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a first turning wheel (14) is arranged upstream of the conveying means (15), which is designed to transfer individual packages (10) to the conveying means (15).

4. Device according to claim 1 or one of the other preceding claims, characterized in that a second turning wheel (19) is arranged following the conveying section (16), which is designed to take over the packages (10) provided with a pressure carrier (75) from the conveying means (15), wherein the turning wheel (19) is arranged in the area of ​​a further deflection, in particular in the area of ​​a deflection roller, of the conveying means (15) and takes over the packages (10) there.

5. Device according to claim 1 or one of the other preceding claims, characterized in that the packages (10) in the area of ​​the conveying path (16) are preferably held by two retaining means (17), in particular carriers, wherein the distance between the retaining means (17), in particular carriers, is (somewhat) less than a corresponding dimension of the respective package (10) in the conveying direction.

6. Device according to claim 1 or one of the other preceding claims, characterized in that the retaining means (17) bear against the packages (10) with a contact surface, wherein the contact surface of the retaining means (17), in particular the drivers, is smaller than the corresponding side surface of the packages (10) against which the retaining means (17), in particular drivers, bear.

7. Device according to claim 6 or one of the other preceding claims, characterized in that the contact surface of the retaining means (17), in particular the driver, has a diameter of 5 mm to 15 mm, in particular of 8 mm to 12 mm, preferably of (about) 10 mm.

8. Device according to claim 6 or one of the other preceding claims, characterized in that the contact surface of the retaining means (17), in particular the drivers, is less than 15% of the size of the corresponding side surface of the packages (10) on which the retaining means (17), in particular drivers, respectively bear, in particular between 1% and 12%, preferably between 4% and 8%, most preferably (about) 6%.

9. Device according to claim 1 or one of the other preceding claims, characterized in that the contact surface of the retaining means (17), in particular the driver, is flat or (slightly) curved.

10. Device according to claim 1 or one of the other preceding claims, characterized in that the packages (10) held by two holding means (17), in particular by carriers, preferably clamping, are rotatable about an axis which is defined by the respective contact points of the holding means (17), in particular the carriers, on the packages (10) and runs along the conveying direction, preferably parallel thereto.

11. Device according to claim 1 or one of the other preceding claims, characterized in that the device (18) for attaching pressure carriers (75) is arranged adjustably relative to the conveying means (15) or to the conveying path (16), in particular longitudinally and transversely thereto.

12. Device according to claim 1 or any of the other preceding claims, characterized in that a first control device is provided upstream of the device (18) for applying pressure carriers (75), which is configured to check whether individual packages (10) are already provided with a pressure carrier (75), so that the device (18) for applying pressure carriers (75) is blocked for this package (10).

13. Device according to claim 1 or any of the other preceding claims, characterized in that a second control device is provided downstream of the device (18) for applying pressure carriers (75), which is configured to check the correct positioning of the pressure carriers (75) on the packages (10).

14. Device according to claim 1 or any of the other preceding claims, characterized in that the guide (70) extends (only) to the area of ​​the device (18) for attaching pressure carriers (75), or that the guide (70) extends beyond the device (18) for attaching pressure carriers (75), or that a further guide (70) extends following the device (18) for attaching pressure carriers (75).

15. Method for handling packages (10) for products of the cigarette industry, wherein the packages (10) are transported along a conveyor (16) by a preferably continuously driven conveying means (15) in a conveying direction, and wherein the packages (10) are provided with printing carriers (75), in particular bands, labels, coupons or the like, on at least one side surface by at least one device (18) arranged along the conveyor (16) for applying printing carriers (75), and wherein the packages (10) are moved into a suitable relative position for applying the printing carrier, characterized in that the packages (10) are printed on two opposite side surfaces during transport on the conveying means (15), in particular on a side surface located upstream in the conveying direction and on a side surface located downstream in the conveying direction, preferably on the front and bottom sides of the packages (10).(exclusively) held by holding means (17), in particular carriers, of the conveying means, and that the packages (10) held by holding means (17), in particular carriers, are rotated during transport by contact with at least one guide (70) with a corresponding course in the conveying direction such that the side surface of the respective package intended for the attachment of the pressure carriers (75) faces the device (18) for attaching pressure carriers (75).

16. Method according to claim 15, characterized in that the packs (10) are rotated back into their original relative position after the pressure carriers (75) have been attached, or are rotated into a relative position suitable for further processing, in particular by contact with at least one of the guides (70) during transport on the conveying means (15).

17. Method according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that the packages (10) are rotated about an axis which is defined by the respective contact points of the holding means (17), in particular carriers, on the packages (10) and which runs along the conveying direction, preferably parallel thereto.

18. Method according to claim 15 or any of the other preceding claims, characterized in that the conveying means (15) is designed as an endless conveyor (68), and that the packages (10) are located in the area of ​​a deflection, especially in the area of ​​a deflection roller, between two holding means (17) projecting radially towards the endless conveyor (68), in particular carriers, and are then held along a straight conveyor section (16) adjoining the deflection by the two holding means (17), in particular carriers.

19. Method according to claim 15 or any of the other preceding claims, characterized in that the packages (10) are transferred to the conveying means (15) via a first turning wheel (14).

20. Method according to claim 15 or one of the other preceding claims, characterized in that the packages (10) provided with a pressure carrier (75) are transferred to a second turning wheel (19), which takes over the packages (10) from the holding means (17), in particular carriers, in the area of ​​a further deflection, in particular in the area of ​​a deflection roller, of the conveying means (15).

21. Method according to claim 15 or any of the other preceding claims, characterized in that a first control device positioned upstream of the device (18) for applying pressure carriers (75) is used to check whether individual packages (10) are already provided with a pressure carrier (75), so that the device (18) for applying pressure carriers (75) is blocked for these packages (10).

22. Method according to claim 15 or any of the other preceding claims, characterized in that the correct positioning on the packages (10) is checked by means of a second control device positioned downstream of the device (18) for applying pressure carriers (75).

23. Method according to claim 15 or any of the other preceding claims, characterized by the use of holding means, in particular of drivers, having the features according to any one of claims 6 to 8.

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