Method for specifying suitability of embossing on material web, and combiner or filter chip attachment machine

Abstract

To provide an accurate and highly reliable method for specifying the suitability of embossing on a material web.SOLUTION: The method includes: supplying a material web along a supply path; applying a series of embossing on the material web; creating a series of rod-shaped multi-segment articles from at least a part of the material web so that each article includes at least one embossing; detecting at least one embossed portion of one or more embossing via an inspection module comprising a laser detector; constructing a virtual 3D model of the embossed portion by a processing unit based on the detection; and processing a 3D model to generate a signal for identifying one or more situations such that the quantity of embossing conforms to a reference quantity for the current process, the embossing is correctly arranged, or the type of embossing conforms to the type of embossing required for the current process.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for identifying the suitability of embossing on a material web, particularly on a tipping paper web, for forming a rod-shaped multi-segment article.

[0002] The invention further relates to a combiner or filter tip attachment machine, particularly adapted to carry out the aforementioned method. [Background technology]

[0003] It is known that in the manufacture of rod-like multi-segment articles, it is particularly important that the articles conform to required quality and / or dimensional standards, and therefore in such circumstances the need to inspect the articles to check their conformity is particularly felt.

[0004] In particular, there is a strong need to inspect and evaluate the conformity of the embossings that have been applied to the tipping paper of such articles to date, which must in fact conform to predetermined dimensional, positional and / or quality standards.

[0005] Furthermore, in the manufacture of rod-shaped multi-segment articles, there has up to now been a felt need to produce articles that are particularly aesthetically appealing and easily recognizable, i.e., have an appearance that immediately evokes in the consumer's eye a particular type and / or brand of article.

[0006] Therefore, in such situations, there is a need for the embossing to be precisely applied in terms of size and / or position, as well as to comply with a predetermined and desired embossing type.

[0007] To date, it is known to wrap tipping paper around each rod-shaped multi-segment article to check the embossing, and then pick up one or more of these articles and perform a visual inspection, particularly offline.

[0008] More specifically, one or more rod-shaped multi-segment articles are randomly selected from the stream of articles and inspected to check that the embossing is accurate.

[0009] In particular, it is known to carry out optical inspection of such articles, for example by means of a camera. In such situations, a light source is used to illuminate the article and a camera is used to detect light reflected by the article itself. Based on such detection, data can be derived regarding qualitative characteristics of the embossing, such as type or size.

[0010] Alternatively, the inspection is carried out with the assistance of an operator who picks up an article from the stream and then inspects it with an appropriate manual tool to detect the embossing parameters.

[0011] Unfortunately, random checking of rod-like multi-segment articles does not guarantee conformance of all articles produced, and therefore such checks are unreliable because they do not guarantee detection of all defective articles.

[0012] Furthermore, the fact that the compatibility of the embossing is checked when the embossed tipping paper is already applied to the article means that if defects are found during such a check, all such defective articles must be rejected. Summary of the Invention

[0013] Therefore, the technical problem of the present invention is to provide a method for identifying the compatibility of embossings on a material web and a combiner or filter tip attachment machine that can overcome the drawbacks arising from the prior art.

[0014] In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide an accurate and reliable method for determining the conformance of embossments on a web of material.

[0015] It is therefore a further object of the present invention to provide a method for identifying the suitability of embossments on a material web, which makes it possible to significantly reduce the number of defective molded articles.

[0016] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a combiner or filter tip attachment machine that is reliable and efficient.

[0017] Within this technical scope, the Applicant has discovered that it is possible to use a laser detector, in particular a 3D laser scanner, to carry out a three-dimensional reconstruction of the embossing profile (whether flat, and therefore detected on the paper before wrapping, or curved, and therefore detected on an already shaped article), which generates a virtual 3D model that can be processed to obtain the desired quality information.

[0018] Furthermore, this allows for online non-destructive checking of the articles and allows inspection of the entire production.

[0019] The stated technical problem and object are substantially achieved by a method for determining the compatibility of embossings on a material web and a combiner or filter tip attachment machine, which comprise the technical features set forth in one or more of the appended claims. The dependent claims correspond to possible embodiments of the invention.

[0020] In particular, the specified technical problems and objectives are achieved by a method for identifying the suitability of embossing on a material web, in particular on a tipping paper web, for forming a rod-shaped multi-segment article.

[0021] The method includes the step of feeding a web of material, in particular a tipping paper or "cork" paper web, along a feed path.

[0022] The method further includes providing a series of embossments on the web of material.

[0023] The method includes using at least a portion of a web of material to create a series of rod-shaped, multi-segment articles, each article including at least one embossment.

[0024] Thus, the method includes detecting at least one embossed portion of the one or more embossments by an inspection module comprising a laser detector.

[0025] Preferably, the laser detector is a 3D laser scanner.

[0026] Preferably, the step of detecting at least one embossed portion of the one or more embossments is performed on a web of material.

[0027] Alternatively, the step of detecting at least one embossed portion of one or more embossments is performed on one or more multi-segment articles.

[0028] Preferably, in such a situation, the step of detecting at least one embossed portion of the one or more embossments is performed offline.

[0029] Alternatively, the step of detecting at least one embossed portion of the one or more embossments is performed online.

[0030] According to a possible embodiment, the method includes a first step of detecting at least one embossed portion of one or more embossments on the material web by a first inspection module comprising a laser detector, and a second step of detecting at least one embossed portion of one or more embossments on one or more multi-segment articles by a second inspection module comprising a laser detector.

[0031] Further preferably, the method includes the step of comparing the first detection and the second detection associated with the same embossed portion and identifying a variation in the quality of the embossing between the first detection and the second detection based on the comparison.

[0032] The method includes a step of reconstructing a virtual 3D model of the embossed portion by a processing unit based on the detection (whether single or double).

[0033] The method comprises the following steps: -The quality of the embossing does or does not meet the standard quality of the current process; - the embossing is accurately or inaccurately placed, - processing the 3D model to generate at least one signal identifying one or more conditions that the type of embossing is compatible or incompatible with the type of embossing required by the current process.

[0034] Preferably, the step of processing the 3D model comprises checking the state of deterioration of the embossed portion, in particular the presence of tears and / or holes. In such a situation, if such presence is detected, the method preferably includes the following steps: - generating an alarm signal to an operator; - generating a stop signal to abort the formation process of the multi-segment article; - generating a rejection signal for one or more multi-segment articles corresponding to the deteriorated embossed portion.

[0035] Preferably, the step of processing the 3D model includes the step of identifying at least one dimensional or positional parameter of the embossing.

[0036] According to one embodiment, in such a situation the signal identifies a conforming or non-conforming quality state, the parameter being a dimensional parameter of the embossing, in particular the height of the embossing.

[0037] Preferably, if the generated signal identifies an embossment of non-compliant height, the method comprises the steps of: - generating an alarm signal to an operator; - generating a stop signal to abort the formation process of the multi-segment article; - generating, preferably automatically during the embossing step, a command signal identifying a corrective action to be taken.

[0038] According to another embodiment, the signal identifies whether the embossment is correctly or incorrectly placed. In such a situation, the method includes detecting one or more indicia and / or markings and / or edges of the material web. In doing so, the identification of whether the embossment is correctly or incorrectly placed is performed by determining the position of the embossed portion relative to the one or more indicia and / or markings and / or edges.

[0039] Alternatively to the two previous embodiments, the signal identifies a match or mismatch type, in which case processing the 3D model comprises comparing the 3D model or one or more projections thereof with a reference 3D model or one or more reference images.

[0040] Preferably, when a signal is generated that identifies an embossing of a non-compliant type or an embossing that is incorrectly placed, the method comprises the following steps: - generating an alarm signal to an operator; - generating a stop signal to stop the process of forming the multi-segment article.

[0041] The stated technical problem and objectives are also achieved by a combiner or filter tip attachment machine, particularly adapted to carry out the above-mentioned method.

[0042] The machine includes at least two feed lines for feeding rod segments, at least one of which is a filter segment.

[0043] In the case of a combiner machine, the segments carried by the at least two supply lines are filter segments.

[0044] In the case of a filter tip application machine, one of the segments is a filter segment and the other is a tobacco segment.

[0045] The machine includes a conveyor drum disposed downstream of the supply line and configured to supply a series of groups of rod-shaped segments, each group consisting of at least two segments, the conveyor drum being a combiner drum or being disposed downstream of the combiner drum.

[0046] The machine comprises a feed line for feeding a material web, in particular a tipping paper web, the feed line being configured to feed the material web along a feed path.

[0047] The machine includes an embossing unit disposed along the feed path and configured to apply a series of embossments onto the material web.

[0048] The machine comprises an applicator unit configured to divide the material web into connecting strips, each connecting strip including at least one embossment, and to apply each connecting strip in a flag-like manner to a corresponding group of segments supported by a conveyor drum.

[0049] The machine comprises a rolling unit in which each connecting strip is wrapped around a corresponding group of segments to obtain a multi-segment article.

[0050] The machine includes at least one inspection module including a laser detector configured to detect at least one embossed portion of the one or more embossments.

[0051] Preferably, at least one inspection module is arranged along the feed path of the material web.

[0052] Alternatively, the at least one inspection module is located downstream of the rolling unit.

[0053] The machine further comprises a processing unit, and based on the detection, the processing unit determines a reconstruction of a virtual 3D model of the embossed portion, and processes the 3D model to determine the following states: -The quality of the embossing does or does not meet the standard quality of the current process; - the embossing is accurately or inaccurately placed, - a processing unit configured to generate at least one signal identifying one or more of the following conditions: the type of embossing is compatible or incompatible with the type of embossing required by the current process;

[0054] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the illustrative, and therefore non-limiting, description of embodiments and combiners or filter tip attachment machines for identifying the suitability of embossings on a material web. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0055] Such description will now be made with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are given for reference purposes and are therefore not limiting. [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a filter tip attachment machine of the present invention operating in accordance with the method of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic diagram of a combiner machine of the present invention operating in accordance with the method of the present invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0056] The following describes a method for identifying the suitability of embossing on a material web "N", particularly on a tipping paper web "N", for forming the rod-shaped multi-segment article of the present invention.

[0057] The method includes the step of feeding a web of material "N" along a feed path.

[0058] The method further includes the step of providing a series of embossments on the web of material "N."

[0059] Preferably, the embossing is performed in an embossing unit 100 comprising at least one pair of intermeshing and appropriately spaced embossing rollers 100a, 100b to define a passage gap for the material web "N." In such a situation, the material web "N" is embossed, i.e., deformed, by the embossing rollers 100a, 100b as it passes through the passage gap.

[0060] The method then includes the step of using at least a portion of the web of material "N" to create a series of rod-shaped, multi-segment articles, each article having at least one embossment.

[0061] Preferably, after the step of producing a series of embossments on the material web "N", the method comprises the step of cutting the material web "N" thus embossed to obtain a plurality of individual embossed portions, for example embossed connecting strips.

[0062] Preferably, after the cutting step, the method includes a wrapping step in which each individual embossed portion is wrapped around a corresponding article such that each article has at least one embossment.

[0063] The method further comprises detecting at least one embossed portion of the one or more embossments by an inspection module 200 comprising a laser detector 201 .

[0064] Preferably, the laser detector 201 is a 3D laser scanner.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the step of detecting at least one embossed portion of the one or more embossments is performed on the web of material "N".

[0066] In other words, the detecting step is carried out along the supply path "P" of the material web "N", i.e., when the material web "N" has a flat configuration and is continuous, i.e., not yet divided into individual portions.

[0067] According to a further embodiment, the step of detecting at least one embossed portion of the one or more embossments is performed on one or more multi-segment articles.

[0068] In other words, the detecting step is performed after the step of creating a series of rod-shaped multi-segment articles. In such a situation, as portions of the material web "N" are wrapped around the corresponding articles, the inspection module 200 detects the embossing of such portions.

[0069] In such a situation, the step of detecting at least one embossed portion of the one or more embossments may be performed offline.

[0070] In doing so, rod-like multi-segment articles are diverted from the feed path or work path "P" being inspected.

[0071] Alternatively, the step of detecting at least one embossed portion of one or more embossments can be performed online, i.e., while the rod-shaped multi-segment article is being fed along the normal feed path or working path "P".

[0072] According to a further embodiment, the method includes a first step of detecting at least one embossed portion of one or more embossments on the material web "N" by a first inspection module comprising a laser detector, and a second step of detecting at least one embossed portion of one or more embossments on one or more multi-segment articles by a second inspection module comprising a laser detector.

[0073] In such a situation, the method further includes a step of comparing the first detection and the second detection associated with the same embossed portion and identifying a variation in the quality of the embossing between the first detection and the second detection based on the comparison.

[0074] Comparing the first and second detections helps to understand whether there have been any moments along the feed path "P" where the embossing has been "damaged" (e.g. crushed, the leading edge of the paper has been torn, etc.), particularly between the point where the first detection is performed and the point where the second detection is performed.

[0075] Thus, in use, by identifying variations in the quality of the embossing between the first and second specifications, it becomes possible to identify whether there are any moments during the production of the rod-shaped multi-segment article in which the embossed material web "N" and / or its individual embossed portions are damaged.

[0076] The method includes a step of reconstructing a virtual 3D model of the embossed portions by a processing unit "U" based on the detection (whether performed on a series of embossments made on the material web "N" and / or on the embossed portions of the material web "N" wrapped around each article).

[0077] In other words, the detection performed by inspection module 200 allows for a digital 3D reconstruction of the "scanned" embossment to be obtained. Such a digital 3D scan therefore reproduces the shape, size, and other characteristics specific to the detected embossment, i.e., a faithful digital reproduction of the embossment.

[0078] After the reconstructing step, the method processes the 3D model to obtain the following states: -The quality of the embossing does or does not meet the standard quality of the current process; - the embossing is accurately or inaccurately placed, - generating at least one signal identifying one or more of the following conditions: the type of embossing is in conformance with or inconformance to the type of embossing required by the current process; According to a possible embodiment, the step of processing the 3D model comprises a step of determining at least one dimensional or positional parameter of the embossing.

[0079] If the dimensional parameters are specified, the signal identifies a conforming or non-conforming quality condition.

[0080] In particular, the specified dimensional parameter may be the embossment height, in which case the embossment height is measured when the 3D model is processed.

[0081] The term "embossment height" refers to the distance between an embossment peak and the corresponding valley.

[0082] If such height is approximately equal to the required desired height (or if the value deviates from the desired value by an acceptable amount, i.e., within the tolerance range), a conforming quality status is obtained. Conversely, if such height deviates unacceptably from the desired height (i.e., the value is outside the tolerance range), a nonconforming quality status is obtained.

[0083] Preferably, when a signal is generated identifying an embossment of non-conforming height, the method comprises at least one of the following steps:

[0084] generating an alarm signal to an operator, who in such a situation can, for example, stop the supply of material web "N" and / or manually adjust the distance between the embossing rollers 100a, 100b so that the embossings made thereafter have a height that matches the desired height.

[0085] - generating a stop signal to halt the process of forming the multi-segment article. In such a situation, the production of the article is stopped to avoid wrapping such article with embossed material web portions where the embossing does not have the desired height, thereby avoiding the production of non-conforming articles (and therefore articles that should be rejected).

[0086] - generating, preferably automatically during the embossing step, a command signal identifying corrective action to be taken. In such a situation, when a signal identifying an embossing of an incompatible height is generated, a command signal identifying corrective action to be taken is generated. In a preferred embodiment, the command identifying corrective action identifies movement of the embossing rollers 100a, 100b towards or away from each other. In such a situation, the embossing height is adjusted by feedback control based on the inaccurate height detected by processing the 3D model.

[0087] In other words, if it is determined that the embossing height does not match the required height, then based on the detected embossing height, the embossing rollers 100a, 100b will move closer or further away from each other to achieve the desired embossing height.

[0088] On the other hand, if the position parameter is specified, the signal will identify whether the embossing is correctly or incorrectly placed.

[0089] In such a situation, the method includes detecting one or more indicia and / or markings and / or edges of the material web, and determining whether the embossment is correctly or incorrectly placed is performed by determining the position of the embossed portion relative to the one or more indicia and / or markings and / or edges.

[0090] As a non-limiting example, the detecting step may detect cut lines along which the material web "N" must be cut after embossing to define individual embossed portions. In such a situation, the location of the embossed portions relative to such cut lines is derived. If the embossments are sufficiently far from such cut lines (i.e., within a predetermined tolerance), then a correctly placed embossment is obtained. Conversely, if the embossments are applied too close to or above the cut lines, then an incorrectly placed embossment is obtained.

[0091] In the latter case, ie when a signal is generated identifying that the embossing is incorrectly placed, the method comprises at least one of the following steps:

[0092] generating a warning signal to an operator, who in such a situation may, for example, stop the step of applying the series of embossments on the material web "N" and / or the step of creating the series of rod-shaped multi-segment articles.

[0093] generating a stop signal to stop the process of forming the multi-segment article, in which case the production of a multi-segment article having an incorrectly embossed portion, i.e. a multi-segment article that should be rejected, is avoided.

[0094] According to a possible embodiment, in addition to or instead of determining at least one dimensional or positional parameter of the embossing, a signal identifying a conformance type or a non-conformance type is generated from the step of processing the 3D model.

[0095] In such a situation, processing the 3D model comprises comparing the 3D model or one or more projections thereof with a reference 3D model or one or more reference images.

[0096] Preferably, at least one qualitative indicator, for example a match percentage level, is derived from such a comparison, indicating how similar or equal the 3D model (or its image) is to the reference 3D model (or its image).

[0097] For example, if an embossment with a sawtooth profile is desired, the reference 3D model is one in which the embossment has such a profile.

[0098] During the comparison, the generated 3D model is compared with the reference 3D model. If such a comparison reveals that the generated 3D model has a profile identical to the sawtooth profile, the indicator will indicate a perfect match between the profiles. If such a comparison reveals that the generated 3D model has a profile similar to the sawtooth profile, the indicator will indicate a match percentage between the profiles. If such a comparison reveals that the generated 3D model has a profile completely different from the sawtooth profile, the indicator will indicate a complete mismatch of the profiles. In such a situation, an embossed identification signal of a mismatch type is generated. If such a condition is obtained, the method includes at least one of the following steps:

[0099] generating a warning signal to an operator, who in such a situation can stop the step of producing the series of embossings on the material web "N" and / or the step of producing the series of rod-shaped multi-segment articles.

[0100] generating a stop signal to stop the process of forming the multi-segment article, in which case the production of a multi-segment article having an incorrectly embossed portion, i.e. a multi-segment article that should be rejected, is avoided.

[0101] According to one aspect of the invention, the step of processing the 3D model further comprises the step of checking the deterioration state of the embossed portion.

[0102] In particular, such a step checks for the presence of tears and / or holes.

[0103] If such a presence is detected, the method preferably comprises the following steps: - generating an alarm signal to an operator; - generating a stop signal to abort the formation process of the multi-segment article; - generating a rejection signal for one or more multi-segment articles corresponding to the deteriorated embossed portion.

[0104] The present invention further relates to a combiner machine "M" (Fig. 2) or filter tip attachment machine (Fig. 1) particularly configured to carry out the above-described method.

[0105] The machine "M" comprises at least two feed lines "L1", "L2" for feeding rod-shaped segments, at least one of which is a filter segment.

[0106] In the embodiment of Figure 1, two supply lines "L1", "L2" supply a double-length filter segment and a double-length aerosol-generation segment, respectively.

[0107] Preferably, double-length aerosol-generating segments are supplied by a manufacturing machine "K" and then conveyed to a cutting and diffusion station "T" where they are cut to provide single-length aerosol-generating segments spaced apart from one another.

[0108] Instead, in the embodiment of FIG. 2, supply lines "L1", "L2" feed the respective filter segments.

[0109] The machine "M" further comprises a conveyor drum 300 disposed downstream of the supply lines "L1", "L2". The conveyor drum 300 is a combiner drum or is disposed downstream of a combiner drum.

[0110] The conveyor drum 300 is configured to deliver a series of groups of bar-shaped segments, each group consisting of at least two segments.

[0111] In the embodiment of Figure 1, the group preferably comprises at least two single-length aerosol-generating segments obtained from the cutting and diffusion station "T" and at least one double-length filter segment positioned between the two aerosol-generating segments.

[0112] In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the group preferably comprises at least two filter segments.

[0113] The machine "M" comprises a feed line for feeding a material web "N", in particular a tipping paper web, which feed line is arranged to feed the material web "N" along a feed path "P".

[0114] Along the feed path "P", the machine "M" comprises an embossing unit 100 configured to subsequently apply a series of embossments onto the material web "N".

[0115] Preferably, the embossing unit 100 comprises at least one pair of intermeshing and appropriately spaced embossing rollers 100a, 100b for performing the above-mentioned embossing.

[0116] Machine "M" further comprises an applicator unit 400 configured to divide material web "N" into connecting strips (i.e., individual portions), each connecting strip including at least one embossment.

[0117] The applicator unit 400 is further configured to apply each connecting strip to a corresponding group of segments supported by the conveyor drum 300 in a flag-like manner.

[0118] The machine "M" further comprises a rolling unit 500 in which each connecting strip is wrapped around a corresponding group of segments to obtain a multi-segment article, in this situation the multi-segment article having an embossed connecting strip wrapped around it.

[0119] In the embodiment of Figure 1, the connecting strip is wrapped around a multi-segment article formed by at least two single-length aerosol-generating segments with a double-length filter segment disposed therebetween.

[0120] In such an embodiment, downstream of the rolling unit 500, the machine "M" comprises a cutting station "C" in which the double-length articles are cut to obtain single-length articles each formed by at least one filter segment and one tobacco-producing segment.

[0121] In the embodiment of Figure 2, the multi-segment article consists of at least two filter segments wrapped with a connecting strip.

[0122] Preferably, also in the embodiment of FIG. 2, downstream of the rolling unit 500 the machine "M" comprises a cutting station "C" for cutting the multi-segment article.

[0123] The machine "M" further comprises at least one inspection module 200 equipped with a laser detector 201 and configured to detect at least one embossed portion of the one or more embossments.

[0124] Preferably, the laser detector 201 is a 3D laser scanner.

[0125] According to a possible embodiment, at least one inspection module 200 is arranged along the feed path "P" of the material web "N".

[0126] Alternatively, the at least one inspection module 200 is located downstream of the rolling unit 500 .

[0127] Alternatively, machine "M" comprises first and second inspection modules 200 each comprising a laser detector 201. The first and second inspection modules are respectively located along the feed path "P" of material web "N" and downstream of rolling unit 500.

[0128] The machine "M" then comprises a processing unit "U" configured to reconstruct a virtual 3D model of the embossed portion based on the detection of the inspection module 200 (or the detection of the first and second inspection modules).

[0129] The processing unit "U" furthermore determines the following states: -The quality of the embossing does or does not meet the quality standards of the current process; - the embossing is accurately or inaccurately placed, - configured to process the 3D model to generate at least one signal identifying one or more conditions that the type of embossing is compatible or incompatible with the type of embossing required by the current process.

[0130] Preferably, the processing unit "U" processes the 3D model to identify at least one dimensional or positional parameter of the embossing.

[0131] In such a situation, if the generated identification signal identifies a conforming or non-conforming quality state, the parameter is a dimensional parameter of the embossing, in particular the height of the embossing.

[0132] Alternatively, in such a situation, the parameter is an embossment position parameter, where the signal identifies whether the embossment is correctly or incorrectly placed.

[0133] In particular, the inspection module 200 detects one or more markers and / or markings and / or edges of the material web "N" and, during processing of the 3D model by the processing unit "U", determines the position of the embossed portion relative to the one or more markers and / or markings and / or edges, thereby determining whether the embossing is correctly or incorrectly positioned.

[0134] According to a possible embodiment, when the processing unit "U" processes the 3D model to generate at least one identification signal, such signal identifies a compatible or non-compatible type. In such a situation, during processing of the 3D model by the processing unit "U", a comparison is made between the 3D model or one or more projections thereof and a reference 3D model or reference image in order to identify whether the type is compatible or non-compatible.

[0135] The present invention overcomes the drawbacks of the prior art and achieves the intended purpose.

[0136] In particular, the method of the invention makes it possible to carry out an accurate, reliable and non-invasive (without contacting the material web or article) check of the compatibility of the embossing.

[0137] The method of the invention makes it possible to simultaneously check the qualitative, dimensional and positional aspects of the embossing.

[0138] The method of the present invention allows for a significant reduction in defective articles.

[0139] The machine of the present invention is efficient and reliable.

Claims

1. 1. A method for identifying the suitability of an embossing on a material web (N), in particular on a tipping paper web, for forming a rod-shaped multi-segment article, comprising: - feeding said material web (N) along a feeding path (P); - producing a series of embossments on said material web (N); - creating a series of rod-shaped multi-segment articles from at least a portion of said material web (N), each article comprising at least one embossment; - detecting at least one embossed portion of one or more of said embossments via an inspection module (200) comprising a laser detector (201); - based on said detecting step, constructing a virtual 3D model of said embossed part via a processing unit (U); - The following conditions: - The quality of the embossing does or does not meet the quality standards of the current process; - the embossings are accurately or incorrectly placed, - processing the 3D model to generate at least one signal identifying one or more conditions where the type of embossing is compatible or incompatible with the type of embossing required by the current process.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of processing the 3D model includes identifying at least one dimensional or positional parameter of the embossing.

3. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the signal identifies a conforming or non-conforming quality state and the parameter is a dimensional parameter of the embossing, in particular the embossing height.

4. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the signal identifies whether the embossing is correctly or incorrectly placed, the method comprising the step of detecting one or more markers and / or markings and / or edges of the material web (N), and wherein the step of identifying whether the embossing is correctly or incorrectly placed is achieved by identifying the position of the embossed portion relative to the one or more markers and / or markings and / or edges.

5. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the signal identifies a match or mismatch type, and wherein processing the 3D model comprises comparing the 3D model or one or more projections thereof with a reference 3D model or one or more reference images.

6. 6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the step of detecting at least one embossed portion of one or more of the embossments is performed on the material web (N).

7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of detecting at least one embossed portion of one or more of the embossments is performed on one or more multi-segment articles.

8. The method of claim 7 , wherein the step of detecting at least one embossed portion of one or more of the embossments is performed offline.

9. The method of claim 7 , wherein the step of detecting at least one embossed portion of one or more of the embossments is performed online.

10. 10. The method according to claim 1, comprising: a first step of detecting at least one embossed portion of one or more of the embossments on the material web (N) via a first inspection module comprising a laser detector; and a second step of detecting at least one embossed portion of one or more of the embossments on one or more multi-segment articles via a second inspection module comprising a laser detector.

11. 11. The method of claim 10, further comprising: comparing the first detection and the second detection associated with the same embossed portion; and identifying a variation in embossing quality between the first detection and the second detection based on the comparison.

12. If the generated signal identifies an embossing of a non-compliant type or an embossing that is incorrectly placed, the method comprises the following steps: - generating an alarm signal to an operator; - generating a stop signal to stop the process of forming the multi-segment article.

13. If the generated signal identifies an embossment of non-conforming height, the method comprises the steps of: - generating an alarm signal to an operator; - generating a stop signal to stop the process of forming said multi-segment article; - generating, preferably automatically, during said embossing step, a command signal identifying a corrective action to be performed.

14. The step of processing the 3D model comprises checking for deterioration of the embossed portion, in particular for the presence of tears and / or holes, and if such presence is detected, the method preferably includes the following steps: - generating an alarm signal to an operator; - generating a stop signal to stop the process of forming said multi-segment article; - generating a rejection signal for one or more multi-segment articles corresponding to said deteriorated embossed portion.

15. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the laser detector (201) is a 3D laser scanner.

16. A combiner or filter tip attachment machine (M) configured to carry out the method according to any one of claims 1 to 15, comprising: at least two feed lines (L1, L2) for feeding rod-shaped segments, at least one of said segments being a filter segment; a conveyor drum (300) located downstream of said supply lines (L1, L2) and adapted to supply a series of groups of rod-shaped segments, each group comprising at least two segments; a feed line for feeding a material web (N), in particular a tipping paper web, which feed line is adapted to feed said material web (N) along a feed path (P); an embossing unit (100) located along said feed path (P) and adapted to produce a series of embossments on said material web (N); an applicator unit (400) configured to divide said material web (N) into connecting strips, each connecting strip comprising at least one embossment, and to apply each connecting strip in a flag-like manner to a corresponding group of segments supported by said conveyor drum (300); a rolling unit (500) in which each connecting strip is wrapped around said corresponding group of segments to obtain a multi-segment article; at least one inspection module (200) comprising a laser detector (201), configured to detect at least one embossed portion of one or more of said embossments; - building a virtual 3D model of said embossed part based on said detecting step, and processing said 3D model to obtain the following states: - The quality of the embossing does or does not meet the quality standards of the current process; - the embossings are accurately or incorrectly placed, a processing unit (U) configured to generate at least one signal identifying one or more of the following conditions: the type of embossing is compatible or incompatible with the type of embossing required by the current process;

17. 17. Machine according to claim 16, wherein at least one inspection module (200) is installed along the feed path (P) of the material web (N).

18. 17. Machine according to claim 16, wherein at least one inspection module (200) is installed downstream of said rolling unit (500).

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